Why Autumn is the best season?

It’s an objective fact (not just my opinion) that Autumn is the best season of all. Its only a matter weeks until the clocks ‘fall back’, which means we enter into longer evenings, seasonal movie marathons, the start of the Christmas festivities and the burning of even more cosy candles that release all kinds of Autumnal scents. Is there anything better than that seriously?

Now, snuggle up with a blanket and venture into why Autumn is the best season with me…

• Cinnamon spiced EVERYTHING. Coffee, baked-goods, candles. Enough said!
• Cosy Knitwear. A jumper put together with a pair of jeans and boots; Autumn is definitely the easiest season to dress for. No fuss and you always look great.
• Bubble Baths. I know that you can have a bath anytime of the year, but when it’s cold outside, why not relax in tub filled with bubbles and coloured bath bombs. Autumn is where bubble baths are at.
• Blanket Scarves. Because why not be all snuggled in a huge scarf when it’s cold outside.
• Boots. Boots. And more boots. Because you can’t have an autumnal outfit without boots; knee high, ankle, heeled, black, brown or grey – boots are the must-have in Autumn and you can never have enough pairs.
• The colour palette. Is there anything better than deep burgundy’s, mustard yellows, burnt oranges and forest greens? No I didn’t think so - it’s the ultimate colour combo in fashion, beauty, in everything Autumnal.
• Bundling up with layers. Layering up is the way to go in Autumn - all warm and cosy during your walk to work.
• Candles. I burn candles all year round but there is something about Autumn and Winter scents that are just incredible.
• An Instagrammer’s paradise. Because everyone’s Instagram feeds are full of takeaway coffees, golden autumnal colours, beautiful scenery and pumpkin/cinnamon baked goods.
• Conkers. From the age of six, seeing conkers just meant that it was officially the season of Autumn.
• Fresh Autumnal morning. Those crisp autumnal morning where you can see your breathe and the early morning sun is just amazing.
• Wellies. Where there are country walks, there are wellies. I may be twenty-three but I still enjoy jumping in puddles.
• The start of the festivities. You can buy anything for yourself and claim it is ‘an early Christmas present’. Ultimate justification. Also, Christmas homeware is just to die for – you can never have too many decorations.
• Snuggling up with a blanket. I think that there is nothing better than snuggling under a blanket, whilst it is raining, windy and cold outside. Instant cosy feeling.
• The season of reading. I’m all for curling up on the sofa or in bed with a good book.
• An ‘easy’ excuse for staying in. Because when you leave work at 5:30pm and it’s dark, this excuse counts 100%.
• Crunchy leaves falling from the trees. Strolling through crunchy leaves instantly makes me feel like a kid again!
• Homemade Soups. Hot homemade soup on a rainy, cold day – is there actually anything better?
• Seasonal movie marathons. Staying in your pj’s and watching back-to-back films, just because ‘It’s Autumn’.
• Apples. Apples. Apples. I don’t know what it is but apples are just the best this time of year; you can make pies or crumbles with them, dip them in caramel sauce or just have them plain. When I think Autumn, I think apple crumble and custard. Yumm.
• Fireworks and Sparklers. There is nothing better than waving around sparkling sticks of light trying to write your name and standing in a field with a crowd of people saying ‘woo’ and ‘ahh’ as we watch brightly coloured sparks explode in the night sky. Get your wooly hats and blanket scarves at the ready.
• Country Walks. Going for an Autumnal walk is just perfect. Crispy leaves, changing colours. Beautiful.
• Lush’s Autumn and Winter collection. Sparkly bubble bars for all – it’s the best time of the year seriously! 
• Coffee. Hot Chocolate. All the hot beverages. Caramel mochas, Pumpkin spiced lattes, White hot chocolate melts, Toffee nut lattes and plenty more; I mean it is really Autumn if there aren’t 101 different coffee flavours for you to enjoy on a daily basis? Nope, I didn’t think so either.

Autumn is officially the season of the year! What’s not to love?

Workwear Wardrobe Wishlist

1. River Island - Black Frill Blouse | 2. Mango - Coat | 3. Miss Selfridge - Tie Cropped Trousers | 4. New Look - Grey Suede Loafers | 5. Oliver Bonas - Black and White Skirt  | 6. River Island - Grey Striped Bardot Shirt  | 7. Oliver Bonas - Shirt | 8. River Island - Light Blue Cami Top | 9. New Look - Waterfall Duster Jacket | 10. Zara - Faux Leather Skirt | 11. Topshop - Pinafore Dress | 12. River Island - Striped Cami Top | 13. New Look - White Spot Shirt | 14. New Look - Black Cropped Trousers | 15. New Look - Burgundy Shirt | 16. Topshop - Tie Sleeve Bardot Blouse

Why is it, when you’ve got money to spend, I can never seem to find any clothes that I want but when my funds are lacking, I seem to be able to create an entire wishlist as long as my arm.

However after creating said wishlist, my excuse legit and very plausible reason for shopping spending my money on said clothes on that wishlist is that I have a ‘new’ job. Well I’ve actually had said new job for about six months now but I never actually managed to replenish my wardrobe after having a massive clear out and de-clutter before moving. So I need some workwear.

My usual daytime attire consists of both jeans and a baggy t-shirt/top – depends on my mood - so I needed to step up my game a little in the office wear world.  My office is quite ‘relaxed’ in terms of wardrobe, however I tend to go for the ‘smart/casual’ look on a day-to-day basis unless I have a client meeting when I tend to dress it up and make a bit more of an effort.

Luckily, I have found some great additions to hopefully add to my workwear wardrobe; New Look and River Island have some lovely items in at the moment as well as Oliver Bonas – however this is likely to stay on the wishlist, a little longer.

If there is anything else out there you think my wardrobe needs then let me know!

Falling for Autumn Essentials

One of my favourite things about Autumn is the beautiful seasonal colours that come in around this time of year; especially in beauty and fashion collections. Autumn is pretty damn awesome in my eyes - I even wrote another post about it! - and when I think of Autumn, there are numerous things that spring to mind, most of which I have included in this post. With the nights getting colder and darker, it means more cosy nights in under a blanket watching a classic film or catching up on the latest series on Netflix - I am currently loving Once Upon a Time! It also means more hot beverages with tasty syrups, berry lips, golden-toned eyes and warm, chunky scarves - I mean, who doesn't love a warm, chunky scarf in Autumn!

With the days and evenings starting to get longer and colder, I have started looking after my skin a little bit more than I usually would; I mean, I look after my skin anyway but during these colder times, my skin starts to feel really dry, dehydrated and look lifeless to be honest and I tend to use a few more hydrating products than I would normally.  From face masks to hand creams, you can't be to careful when this cold weather sets in; its better to be safe than sorry. I always keep hand cream and lip balm in my handbag, just in case. 

Also when the seasonal colours are changing, it is always a great time to change up your makeup bag and nail polish collection; by getting creative with darker, Autumnal tones and berry lips but it is definitely all about those golden and amber tones – especially on the eyes. Although, I don’t use this makeup look on an everyday basis, it is a fairly simple and straightforward look that gives your makeup look a warm, Autumnal feel to it. I mean, I am not normally a lover of a dark berry lip but this year, I am starting to wear them more and more. 

Autumnal accessorizes are a must! I can't actually tell you exactly how many scarves, hats and pairs of boots I own, there are just too many - believe me when I say it makes life really difficult when choosing an outfit because I just want to wear it all. But with the end of British Summer Time upon us (I don't even think we saw Summer, did we?) knitted socks and boots are perfect for keeping your feet warm on chilly, Autumnal days. 

What are your favourite Autumn essentials? 

Autumnal Essentials Include:
Miss Selfridge - Black Faux Fur Luxe Parka - £95.00 £76.00 (with discount)

River Island - Burgundy Check Tasselled Blanket Scarf | £22.00 £17.00 (with discount)

Schuh - 6-Inch Timberland Boots  | Shhh! It's just too much.  

Superdrug - Maybelline Colour Drama Lip Crayon – Keep it Classy | £4.99

Boots - Essie "Cocktail Bling" | £7.99

Superdrug - Tanya Burr Hollywood Eye Palette | £5.99

The Body Shop - Almond Nails and Hand Cream  | £5.00

The Body Shop - Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask | £24.00 

Superdrug - Nivea Lip Butter Tin | £2.25

Primark - Knitted Socks | £2.50 

Until the next seasonal change that happens to need essentials, Au Revoir! 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

The Simple Things | Autumn

The evenings are starting to get longer, the weather is getting colder day by day and the winds and colours are changing; this all means one thing… it's officially Autumn and I am super excited. The satisfaction of jumping into colourful, crisp leaves like a big kid and wearing wellies with practically any outfit become socially acceptable; not to mention the brisk early morning walks (or sprint, if I happen to be walking the dog) and the beautiful Autumnal colours, not only on the trees but in beauty and fashion items as well, which complete almost every Autumnal outfit is something to favour in this season. 

Anyway, with Autumn well and truly under way, I thought that I would list ten things that I  just love about this delightful and colourful season and pretty much some up, why Autumn is just damn awesome: 

1. Jumping into crisp, colourful Autumn leaves. 

Yes, I know this sounds like something that you would only do if you were twelve years old but guess what… It's still fun to do - I'm like a big kid at heart. 

2. Golden Eyes and Berry Colours.  

I love wearing warm, golden tones for my make up look this time of year; I mean, I don't where this as my everyday look but sometimes on the weekend I like to make an effort. Also, I love warm berry colours; especially in nail polishes and on the lips but unfortantely I don't feel confident enough yet to wear the dark berry colours on my lips - maybe one day? 

3. Cinnamon. Cinnamon. Cinnamon. 

This is a truly simple things that I just love during this season. I have cinnamon in or on everything; from cereal to porridge, from candles to cakes {Cinnamon Swirl from Starbucks… Try one, I dare you; you'll never look back}. 

4. Chunky Scarves.

Having a chunky, warm scarf is a must and something every girl should have; I mean, don't you just love wrapping yourself up in a warm scarf and coat on a Autumn, frostbite morning. 

5. Flushed Rosy Cheeks. 

Most of the time when the cold, refreshing Autumn weather sets in, rosy cheeks are people's pet hate but I love having flushed, rosy cheeks; I have no idea why, I think it just looks so nature. 

6. Evenings In {with Hot Chocolate and a movie}. 
When the cold evenings set in, there is nothing more satisfying than wrapping yourself up in a blanket with a hot drink, a movie and a scented candle burning - perfection! I mean, I am all for going out but sometimes those evenings in are the best. 

7. Wellies. 

Those long, chilly, Autumnal walks wouldn't be complete without those brightly-coloured and Khaki green wellington boots. 

8. Red Cups.

Any Starbucks lover will know that Autumn isn't just a time for pumpkin-spiced lattes; it is also the official countdown to the Starbucks Christmas red cups launch. 

9. Fireworks. Sparklers. Bonfires. 
In all social calendars there is one night a year, where everybody dresses up in the winter woolies, put on their warmest shoes and heads out to celebrate Guy Fowke's night otherwise known as Bonfire night. On this night the temptation to grab a sparkler and write your name as many times as you can before it burns out is something that everyone loves to do - even if you're an adult! 

10. That Christmasy Feeling… 
Autumn means one thing, Winter is on its way and that means Christmas is too. Although, it annoys me that radio stations start playing Christmas songs in November and card shops get there Christmas cards out as early as September, sometimes August; it is one of my favourite times of the year and with the cold weather setting in, you just get that ultimate Christmasy feeling, especially when Halloween and bonfire night are over. 

Until next time when another seasonal change occurs, Au Revoir! 

Love, 

Lauren xo