2012: The Best Bits

I say this every year, but 2012 really has gone so quickly, and I think I can safely say it has been one of my best years yet.

Firstly, this blog was born (see my first post here) and I am so glad I started it. I can fully indulge in my love for fashion, and I have been introduced to such a lovely and supportive blogging community that I never knew existed. I may not have thousands of followers but I love my blog and really appreciate all those who do read and follow my blog (thanks guys!).

Secondly, this was the year my travelling dream became a reality. I had graduated from university, and after working and saving like mad, the boyfriend and I upped sticks and spent four months living out of backpacks in the Americas (see my travels page). I can honestly say I had the best time of my life, and I have definitely been bitten by the travelling bug!

Returning from our travels was pretty depressing, but it wasn't long before we embarked on our next adventure - moving down to London to start our new jobs and new lives. Bit of a hectic year but I have loved every minute of it. Here's to 2013!

What have been your best bits of 2012?

Rope swinging in Brazil

Cape Town

Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Rio

Chocolate tasting in Costa Rica

Hiking in Yosemite

Coffee shop hopping in San Francisco

Exploring LA

Venice Beach

Paraty, Brazil

Family holiday in Sardinia

Music Television

Jumper: Topman

Skirt: ASOS

Boots: Carvela

Ring: Gift

Merry Christmas! Bit late I know but I have been too busy gorging on food and prosecco for the last few days and have been unable to waddle over to my laptop and do a post...

I hope you all had a great holiday, I spent mine back in the family home and it has been so lovely to kick back and relax (and of course there was the usual family Christmas craziness...at one point somebody turned the oven off meaning we didn't eat until 8.30 at night, but the less said about that the better!)

Paisley

Jacket: H&M

Top: J.W. Anderson x Topshop

Skirt: ASOS

Boots: Kurt Geiger

Bag: River Island

With only four days left until Christmas, Adam and I took the day off work to do some last minute shopping. Luckily, most of it had been done and there were only a couple of odd bits to get, meaning we weren't too frantic and could enjoy our day in Covent Garden. It hasn't felt too cold in London this winter (but maybe that's just my northern roots talking) but this J.W Anderson x Topshop quilted top is just the right amount of padded to keep my body warm. After fighting our way through the crowds we went to Honest Burgers in Soho for one of the best burgers I've had in a long time (and none of the crazy queues like Meat Liquor!)

Breaking news: I bought a cushion

As anyone who follows me on Pinterest will know, I've become sliiightly obsessed with interior design. I've always taken an interest in it, but this has definitely grown since moving into my flat in London. Only problem is, our place, like a lot in this great city, is tiny (approximately ten steps will get you from one end to the other) so there's not a lot I can do with it.

My new-found love will not be suppressed, however, so I'm taking pleasure in the small things, like this new cushion from H&M (left):

I know, I know, it's only a cushion...hardly something to write home about (in fact I feel a bit daft writing this at all, hence the name of this post!). But I just love it, and think it goes perfectly with this pink Cath Kidston cushion (which brings out my inner five year old) and the dark grey of our Ikea sofa.

Leopard

Jacket: Topshop

Jumper: Brandy Melville

Scarf: Hermes

Jeans: Topshop

Belt: Topshop

Shoes: Dorothy Perkins

Clutch: eBay

Laid-back Luxe

Jumper: Zara

Trousers: Zara

Trainers: River Island

I love getting dressed up, but sometimes there's nothing better than relaxing in a chunky knit and sweatpants. The whole sports luxe trend wasn't one I got into straight away (mainly because I didn't think I could pull it off without looking like a chav) but I fell in love with these pants when I saw them in Zara, and my wedge trainers are a very comfortable alternative to my usual footwear!

Cinderela B blogger competition

British jewellery brand Cinderela B have launched a Christmas blogger competition, with first prize being £100 to spend on any items on their site. Their jewellery is gorgeous, so I couldn't say no! The competition is to create your ultimate party outfit, complete with your favourite piece from Cinderela B.

Necklace: Cinderela B

Dungarees: Topshop Boutique

Lipstick: Laura Mercier

Clutch: River Island

Boots: Kurt Geiger

I love the glitz and glamour around this festive season but after a few Christmas parties I tend to get a bit sick of sequins, which is why I chose these velvet dungarees from Topshop. They're unexpected, and the velvet adds that bit of luxe. Teamed with this stunning vintage necklace from Cinderela B and bright red lipstick, and it makes my perfect Christmas party outfit.

Winter Wonderland

Coat: Zara

Jumper: Brandy Melville

Skirt: Zara

Boots: Kurt Geiger

Bag: River Island

We spent this evening at Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland. Definitely feeling the chill in London at the moment (as you can tell by my red nose!) so we pretty much dodged the various stalls and rides and headed straight for the beers and bratwurst in the heated indoors...perfect way to spend a Thursday evening and get in the Christmas spirit!

Camden Town

Leather jacket: Topshop

Scarf: Parisian stall

Jumper: Whistles

Jeans: Topshop

Bag: Topshop

Boots: Kurt Geiger

Camden Lock: perfect place to blow away a hangover on a Sunday afternoon!

Dear Father Christmas...

It's the first of December which officially means the countdown to Christmas has begun (is it me or has it come round reeeally quickly this year - or am I just getting old?!)

The shops are packed full of Christmas goodies, but as much as I love shopping, trekking around the shops at this time of year can be a bit of a nightmare. That's why somewhere like House of Fraser is my go-to for Christmas shopping - great brands and everything you need under one roof.

Since it's 2012 and we've gone all techy, I thought I'd leave my wishlist for Father Christmas on here (I hear he's a big fan of the blogging scene)

All items at House of Fraser

What's on your Christmas wishlist?