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Friday 29 May 2015

The Hotter Shoe Event #stylewithasmile


A few weeks back I attended a blogging event courtesy of Hotter shoes. The event was held in their Peterborough store which was perfect for me; being local and easy to get to straight from work! 

Now I must admit I was slightly dubious beforehand as I've always associated Hotter shoes with old ladies and imagined their styles all to be frumpy, however I was pleasantly surprised by their selection of colours and styles! Yes there were still styles for the older generation but not all the designs were aimed at that age range.

These cute plimsoles have a real Cath Kidston-esque style going on with the gorgeous polka dot and floral patterns.



 And these pumps have a really classic Chanel feel to them. What do you think?


Believe it or not Hotter started off by making slippers! They now make shoes which are just as comfortable as slippers which really caught my attention. They have a "secret comfort concept" which features in all of their shoes, making every pair cushioned, flexible and with plenty of room to wiggle your toes. They also have half sizes which is great for any in-between feet out there. Oh and they're all British made- what's not to love?  


I learnt from the event that Hotter use colour forecasting to ensure that all their new shoes will be in this seasons colours, making them perfect to match with other pieces on the high street. Some of their key trends this spring summer are 70s bohemian, nautical and rainbow brights- all trends I adore! I loved these pumps below and the matching purses- perfect for spring summer.



Even the mens' shoes are lovely, being hard wearing and also comfortable. I was so tempted to pick Chris up a pair of these as I could envisage him sporting a pair with chino shorts but ended up buying myself a Hotter handbag- whoops! (Sorry not sorry.) Speaking of handbags- look at these beauties below. Aren't they gorgeous? As you can see they put just as much thought and design into their accessories as they do their footwear.






Whilst at the event myself and my +1 were invited to try on all the shoes we desired whilst being treated to drinks and nibbles. Surely this is any girls dream!? We oohed and arred at all the styles that took our fancy. Even the heels were comfy, something I never thought would be possible. We were suitably impressed! The Hotter team were incredibly knowledgeable about shoes and what they don't know isn't worth knowing quite frankly. You can instantly tell they are passionate about their shoes and know their stuff, ensuring the shoes you were trying were the perfect fit. Once we found our perfect pair we got to take them home, compliments of Hotter. Squee!



Shoes make me VERY happy as you can probably tell!
I fell in love with these gorgeous red Sorbet loafers after seeing them on the store manager Danielle. I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable they were as usually I've found loafers to be a stiff structured shoe but these are like butter with their crazily soft and velvety nubuck. They fit like a dream whilst having a firm and supportive heel and hand stitched detail. I also stepped out of my comfort zone (but only when it comes to colour!) and chose a red pair over a navy or a black, making them a perfect statement shoe. I can see me pairing them with a nautical outfit or adding them to a tailored outfit for a bold bright pop of colour. 


Sorbet Loafers*

Whilst at the event I did a bit of vlogging so if you want to see me getting giddy over shoes and bags, click the video below:


I also donned a microphone and talked to a camera other than my own! That was bizarre as I'm used to filming on my own but it was a fun experience and will soon be on the Hotter Youtube Channel so stay tuned for that!

All in all I had a fantastic time at the Hotter shoe event and came away buzzing from the experience. Since then I haven't stopped raving to friends and family on how impressed I am with Hotter and I've had lots of compliments on my new shoes and handbag. My whole perception of the brand has changed and never again will I think of them as an old lady brand. They may not be the cheapest shoes on the high street however they are made to last and its clear to see the amount of care and attention they put into making stylish yet comfortable footwear.

Hotter have also given a discount code to all you lovely readers! Use the code: PMATEN which entitles you to 10% off and free p&p on your first order with Hotter. 

Terms and conditions: 10% off plus FREE delivery is for first orders only. You are entitled to 10% off the total order value of any full priced items in the Hotter range (excluding shoe care products) plus FREE delivery.  This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer or on Sale or Factory Clearance items and gift vouchers.

The discount code can be used on our website from Friday 22nd May and ends on 31st July 2015.
Will you be trying Hotter shoes?



Tuesday 26 May 2015

Fuck it if they talk





Jacket- All Saints (old)
Sunglasses- Primark

Photos by Clashing Time

Okay first of all can we all just take a moment to appreciate the quality of Pippa's camera? I have serious camera envy people! She's also a beaut for taking some outfit snaps for me too.

You may recognise this swing dress from my Cali Beach Vibes post back in January. I told you it was versatile! I basically threw this outfit on in a blind panic for an event and it proved to be a good choice what with the weather being hot and cold during spring. The All Saints Jacket and aviators add to the grungey girl look me thinks. God I love that jacket- total investment that has definitely paid off. If you want a beautiful leather jacket, look no further than All Saints. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Absofuckinglutely. 

I know this isn't a particularly colourful spring look but to be honest I don't even care.

Peace out.




Friday 22 May 2015

The Camb Tag



If you've been watching my YouTube channel for a while or even followed my blog you may know that I love a good tag video! With this in mind and with my new found blogging friends from the #CambMeetup I felt inspired to create my own tag- The Camb Tag.

Questions

Favourite independent shop?
What would be your perfect day in Cambridge?
How do you like to get around the city?
Favourite restaurant?
Favourite days out/ events held in Cambridge?
What's your go-to clothing or beauty store?
Favourite gallery or museum?
Favourite place for a night out?
Favourite park?


Click the video below to see my answers and if you'd like to give this tag a go, let me know- I'd love to see your answers!



I tag:

Pippa from Clashing Time

Robyn from Simple Little Pieces

Claire from Claireabellemakes

Olivia from Crave More Beauty

Emma from 100 Days No Tv

Cara from Polly Pocket Beauty

I love Cambridge so much! What's your favourite city?


Tuesday 19 May 2015

Spring Clean gift swap Challenge with #craftblogclub

Back at the beginning of April, I signed up to the spring clean gift swap challenge over on Katie Get Crafty's Blog as part of the #craftblogclub. So you're wondering what this #craftblogclub is all about... Well it's a community of craft bloggers who get together on Twitter each Tuesday from 7 pm- 8:30 pm and talk all things crafty, using the hashtag #craftblogclub.

Anyway onto the challenge. I signed up to make a gift for a fellow craft blogger using only materials I already have at home. You email your details over and then you're given the details of the blogger you're crafting for. It's all kept secret and is basically a spring secret Santa for awesome home made crafts and spring cleans your old craft supplies. What's not to love?

I was super excited to get crafting, especially when I found out I was making a gift for Robyn of Simple Little Pieces! She's a new blogging buddy of mine and has quickly become a really great friend too :-).

I was pleasantly surprised/ slightly horrified at the amount of craft materials I've somehow hoarded but knew they would make great gifts, so much so that I may have gone slightly overboard with crafting and made:
  • Banner
  • Sundae Candle
  • Jewellery
spring clean gift swap

Banner

I had lots of material left over from my DIY It's OK banner tutorial  (link here if you want to make your own) and thought it'd be nice to make one of Robyn's blog name Simple Little Pieces to go perhaps in her craft room, plus her blog name is so cute!

spring clean gift swap

spring clean gift swap

diy banner


Sundae Candle

I haven't made candles for a good two and a half years yet I insisted (at my husbands despair) to cart all the materials through two house moves- one being abroad and back...oops... However I'm glad I did because I forgot how fun these are to make! I made one for myself which was originally my back-up candle in case I fudged up the first one and have now used up all of my wax- perfect! I won't be getting supplies now until my next candle making phase and have freed up some much needed space for new projects.

spring clean gift swap

sundae candle

spring clean gift swap

spring clean gift swap


Jewellery

I have lots and lots and lots of pretty beads just begging to be strung and paraded around on wrists or dangling from ears so this was again a perfect opportunity to send some to a new home. They're so simple to make and really quite therapeutic to do too!

spring clean gift swap

spring clean gift swap

spring clean gift swap


I had SO much fun making these gifts, knowing they'd surprise someone in the post. I really enjoyed putting the box together too, with a little envelope inside revealing who I am. I even went to town on the packaging... I know, I'm sad but humour me. I'm a simple soul! Regardless I hope it made the unboxing fun too. The feeling of gift giving is truly lovely, especially when it's something you've made too- something that one crafter to another will really appreciate.

spring clean gift swap
Robyn has a gorgeous little pug called Meg, hence the pug next to her address (which I covered over for obvious reasons!)


spring clean gift swap

spring clean gift swap


I then of course received my own surprise package in the post and it was from Robyn! Haha! It came at the right time too as after a day of crappiness it perked me right up and truly made my day.

spring clean gift swap

spring clean gift swap
How cute is this card!?

spring clean gift swap

spring clean gift swap


Inside my package I received a gorgeous necklace with glass pendant made by Robyn herself. How clever is she!? I was really touched by the cross stitched blog name- the perfect accessory to any craft room! The handmade cards are incredibly dreamy and I love how the colours match in with all the other pieces. I already know when I will be using those :-).  The bunting is just perfection. I'd been wanting to make some for a while but now I don't need to and already have the perfect home for it along with my cross stitched blog name :-).

spring clean gift swap

spring clean gift swap

spring clean gift swap


The bunting and the cross stitch have already found the perfect home on my craft shelf, as if they were always destined for it! They're displayed as a wonderful memory of the craft blog club gift swap and make me oh so happy.


I absolutely loved taking part in this challenge It's such a great idea and I'd highly recommend trying it if you're a crafter too. Roll on the next one!


Friday 15 May 2015

2015 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition


2015 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition

2015 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition

2015 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition

2015 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition

2015 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition

2015 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition

2015 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition

2015 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition

2015 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition

2015 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition

2015 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition


A few weeks back the little sis and I decided to be cultural and embrace our love of photography by visiting the 2015 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition, held at the beautiful Somerset House.

The Sony photography awards are highly prestigious in the photography world and one of the leading competitions worldwide, with over 173,444 images submitted from 171 countries this year!!

There were several categories this year but I particular enjoyed the #FutureofCities category, "an ongoing global social documentary photography campaign examining the mass urban shift of the global population in our major cities."   It was interesting to see the harmony of urban meets nature, particularly in Japan where there is little space on the ground to build so they build up and incorporate plant life into the buildings, almost like an urban jungle. I think it's rather beautiful.

I really enjoyed the exhibition and found it inspiring, moving and beautiful. Have you been?

Check out the vlog below for more of an insight into the exhibition:





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