Christmas holiday wear £150+ giveaway

Well we are into November now, so I believe it is perfectly fine to mention the Xmas word. Perhaps you are thinking about ordering personalised Christmas photo cards. We did some cards of the boys a couple of years ago which everyone loved. But how about taking it a step further with the whole family wearing matching Christmas outfits in the picture. No I’m not just talking about Christmas jumpers. I actually mean the entire ensemble from top to toe.

So what’s your opinion on this fashion statement – cute or cheesy? You would certainly make a grand entrance at the Christmas party.

And here is one just of the kids. The above are just two of the designs sold by https://www.shinesty.com/

Shinesty can kit the whole family out in matching Christmas dresses or suits plus a onesie for the baby. There’s even an outfit for your four-legged friend.

But watch out if you plan to browse their website with your children, as they do sell more risqué items too. Plus there are a few rude words on their website. Shinesty are based in the US, but they ship worldwide.

And I’m hosting a giveaway courtesy of Shinesty to win a set of matching Christmas outfits for all the family – parents and children. This giveaway is open worldwide.

The winning family can choose between three matching sets – Millenial Snowflake, Navy Nordic or Lincoln Log, selecting their preferred style and sizing requirements.

Prize value will vary depending on sizes and styles chosen by the winner, but I estimate it to start from upwards of £150 for a 3-person family. And obviously more for a larger family.

a Rafflecopter giveaway – Please click on the link to enter.

And you may see my other giveaways here.

I’d love to hear what you like to wear best for Christmas.

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Disclosure.  Although I am hosting this giveaway, I have not received any products.  All opinions are my own.

Ethical fashion style choice for Autumn

Disclosure.  This post is a review of a product I was sent for free.  All opinions are my own.

I was really pleased to be offered the chance to select a free item of my choice from the Autumn / Winter season of Nomads Clothing to review. Spoilt for choice, I spent quite some time browsing the lovely collection on their website. Nomads are a fair trade ethical womenswear fashion brand including some organic items, so I decided to narrow my selection down to the organic categories.

In the end I selected a plain teal t-shirt from the range of organic tops https://www.nomadsclothing.com/organic as I thought it would go very nicely with my recently purchased new pair of blue jeans from Marks and Spencer.

The t-shirt is organic cotton and retails at £30. It also comes in 4 other colours – grey, plum, smoke and rust. And you can vary the style, since it has roll-up sleeves.

Dispatch was quick and the t-shirt was well packed. I was delighted to feel how soft the organic cotton felt to touch. And I was correct. It does go well with my jeans. I am very pleased and highly recommend you take a look at Nomads. Also it washed and ironed well.

And I’m hosting a rafflecopter competition courtesy of Nomads to giveaway a £75 voucher to one lucky winner. The prize also includes free postage and packing worldwide.

a Rafflecopter giveaway – Please click on the link to enter.

And you may see my other giveaways here.

Plus I have a special offer to share with my readers of 20% discount off your order. Please quote the code BLOG20 when you place your order.

I’d love to hear what is your favourite product from Nomads Clothing range? You may sign up to their mailing list here.

You can find Nomads on social media as follows:-
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

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Mallzee – the personal stylist in your pocket

Like fashion shopping online and have an iPhone? Then you’ll love Mallzee. It is an app which is available free on iTunes and has over 2 million products from 100 big name fashion brands like ASOS, Topshop, River Island and Miss Selfridge. A fashion mall in your pocket! No need to spend ages going from website to website searching for that perfect item or best bargain. Fantastic for a busy lifestyle, as you can browse whenever you have a spare few minutes. Also works on iPad or iPod touch.

Swipe left to never see again

Swipe right to save

And Mallzee has just launched a new version. It now has functionality to share your fashion finds with friends. Also there is more menswear and some brand new fashion brands.

Super new features include:
– A totally interactive homepage full of cutting edge style inspiration from top fashion bloggers and stylists.
– Unique Style Feeds allowing users to create specific product searches. Simply set your requirements and watch the options roll in- even when you’re not using the app.
– Price drop alerts ensuring you never miss a bargain again. Simply save a product to be instantly notified if it drops in price.
– In-app clothes sharing via What’s App, Twitter, Facebook and e-mail allowing you to get a valuable second opinion from the friends who really matter.
– Speedier swiping to remove or save fashion finds.

So give it a whirl. It’s free to download. And don’t forget to tell me about your great fashion finds.

Disclosure.  This post is my entry to the Mallzee Blogger Competition in association with ebuyer.com and London College of Fashion.

Autumn/Winter 14 Blogger Style Challenge

Debenhams are running a competition for bloggers to showcase two outfits based on any of their six AW14 trends. One outfit for the blogger. And the second outfit is to be for another blogger who should be nominated to take the style challenge too. There are £500 voucher prizes for both bloggers.

So for my first outfit, I’ve chosen the Pinks & Berries AW14 trend for myself.

And I’ve chosen the Winter Greens AW14 trend for the second outfit for Super Lucky Di whom I’m nominating to take the style challenge too. I hope Di likes green!

Pinks & Berries by x2mum 

Principles by Ben de Lisi Designer wine PU piped mac jacket
£75 – debenhams.com

Principles by Ben de Lisi Designer pale pink zip pocket shirt
£35 – debenhams.com

Principles by Ben de Lisi Designer wine PU trim tapered trousers
£39.50 – debenhams.com

Faith Plum ribbed effect low pumps
£20 – debenhams.com

J by Jasper Conran Designer plum double pocket cross body bag
£36 – debenhams.com

Floozie by Frost French Gold chunky heart charm bracelet
£12 – debenhams.com

Floozie by Frost French Gold chunky charm necklace
£9.60 – debenhams.com

Winter Greens by x2mum 

Principles by Ben de Lisi Designer black pebble burnout shift dress
£40 – debenhams.com

Principles by Ben de Lisi Designer green military coat
£99 – debenhams.com

Principles by Ben de Lisi Designer pearl and green teardrop earring
£10 – debenhams.com

Call It Spring Black ‘Teora’ PU handle clutch bag
£20 – debenhams.com

Floozie by Frost French Gold plated cutout cuff bracelet
£9.60 – debenhams.com

Faith Black mock croc high court shoes
£36 – debenhams.com

Outfit of the Day

The Watch Hut are one of the sponsors for the 2014 MAD Blog Awards. And they are running a competition for bloggers to write an ‘Outfit of the Day’ post including a watch from The Watch Hut website.

The Watch Hut is the UK’s largest online retailer of watches, offering a wide selection of timepieces. I have had a look around it previously for a couple of other blog posts, namely a Valentine’s Day Blogging Assignment and Win with The Watch Hut.

So here’s my outfit of the day. When I’m not in work clothes, I wear jeans most of the time, so I need to feel comfortable in them. My favourite style are high waisted ones, as they are more flattering to my figure. I’ve teamed these with a striped Breton knitted top. To finish off my look, I’ve chosen a pair of trainers, as I’m not happy if my feet are uncomfortable, since they blister very easily. And I don’t go anywhere without a bag, so I’ve chosen this black flap over shoulder bag for all my clutter.

Then I decided to choose the Marc by Marc Jacobs Ladies Pelly Black Rubber Strap Watch. The black leather strap will compliment my outfit of the day. This watch is currently retailing at £131.

This post is my entry into the The Watch Hut competition.

Shopping at Vertbaudet for a kids Mother’s Day Outfit

Becky of Baby Budgeting is hosting a competition for bloggers to create a blog post showing the perfect outfit for your little one to wear on Mother’s Day using Vertbaudet clothes.

I decided to go window shopping for an outfit for my elder son. He is quite fussy about what he will and won’t wear. In particular he hates jeans and any fastenings except zips on his clothing. Fortunately he has given up complaining about buttons on school shirts and I did manage to source elasticated waist school trousers.

So I’ve chosen him a pair of tracksuit trousers, which can be rolled up to shorts length. Plus a reversible top and a reversible hoodie. It makes me feel like I’ve got 6 items for the prize of 3. And finally I’ve selected a pair of trainers. I think I’ve got this outfit spot on, so I expect a happy smiling boy when we go out to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Vertbaudet – Kids Mother’s Day Outfit by x2mum

Boy’s Poplin Tracksuit Trousers
£12 – vertbaudet.co.uk

GEOX Boy’s Trainers
£55 – vertbaudet.co.uk

Boy’s 100% Expert Reversible Cardigan
£29 – vertbaudet.co.uk

Boy’s Reversible Top
£12 – vertbaudet.co.uk

My Little Mistress Wishlist

Little Mistress is running a competition for bloggers to create a wishlist featuring an outfit from Little Mistress.

There are some lovely dresses for special occasions on Little Mistress, but I haven’t really got the opportunity to go somewhere special, as we have to administer my son’s chemotherapy every evening. I have therefore chosen a nice outfit for work on my wishlist. I have selected a pair of black trousers and a cream and black top with a snakeskin design. I have accessorised these with a matching rose gold crystal rhinestone bracelet and ring. Little Mistress don’t sell shoes or bags, but this handbag from John Lewis and shoes from Debenhams will coordinate nicely with my outfit.

Little Mistress Wishlist by x2mum

Cream & Black Collar Detail Snakeskin Peplum Top
£40 – little-mistress.co.uk

Black Textured Button Detail Tapered Trousers
£40 – little-mistress.co.uk

Rose Gold Crystal Rhinestone Multi Ring
£18 – little-mistress.co.uk

Rose Gold Crystal Rhinestone Bracelet
£15 – little-mistress.co.uk

Gabor Black Whitaker Womens Court Shoes
£49.99 – debenhams.com

Black Patent Tote Handbag
£39 – johnlewis.com

My Perfect Valentine’s Day Outfit

House of Fraser are running a competition for bloggers to create their Perfect Valentine’s Day Outfit. So I’ve chosen this gorgeous embroidered shift dress with a scallop lace design. And since it is chilly at this time of year, I’ve coordinated it with a 3/4 length sleeve black bolero jacket. A pair of black and white high heel stilettos compliments the outfit. Accessorised with minimalist matching crystal necklace and bracelet. And finally a black clutch bag for the items I don’t go anywhere without like my phone, cash and keys. Now I’m ready for a romantic night out.

My Valentine’s Day Outfit by x2mum

Adrianna Papell Scallop Lace Dress
£140 – houseoffraser.co.uk

Alexon Black Sateen Bolero
£89 – houseoffraser.co.uk

L.K. Bennett Jennie Leather Stiletto Point Court Shoes
£185 – houseoffraser.co.uk

Juno Black Clutch Bag
£16.80 – houseoffraser.co.uk

Lola & Grace Modular Necklace & Bracelet Set
£99.90 – houseoffraser.co.uk

Winter Style Challenge

Debenhams are running a competition for bloggers to showcase two stylish outfits for less than £250 each. The first outfit is a daytime look, which will keep you warm and cosy but looking good through the colder months; and the second outfit should be your ultimate party look. This is being judged by Natasha from girlinthelens.com and Victoria from vipxo.co.uk.

So starting with my daytime look, I’ve chosen to make sure I’m warm and cosy, but stylish when out and about in cold weather. I could have chosen some lovely indoor items like knitted slipper boots too, but I’m happy to turn the heating up or snuggle under the duvet on the settee.

I’ve selected a pair of high waist jeggings by Quiz – great in winter on two counts.  Firstly no chilly bare midriff and secondly they will fit snuggly inside the boots.  I hate it if my boot cut jeans are damp from rain when worn over boots or alternatively the baggy look around the knee definitely doesn’t look stylish if I try to push them inside boots. So the wider fit ‘Good for the Sole’ boots have been specially chosen to comfortably accomodate the jeggings and they are flat, ideal for walking in winter weather conditions.

Then I’m teaming the jeggings with a cosy textured jumper, by Red Herring.  Machine washable of course, unlike some knits, as it’s a nightmare trying to dry dripping hand-washed garments in the winter.  Unfortunately others won’t see the lovely jumper as it will be hidden under the performance fleece jacket by Tog 24.  This will keep me really warm in cold weather and it is quick drying if the rain dares to sneak under my umbrella.

The jacket doesn’t have a hood, so I’ve chosen a matching hat and snood by Mantaray in a vibrant dark pink to give a splash of colour on a dreary winter’s day.  I always wear hats in the winter, as the slightest wind or chill gives me bad earache.

And finally a large tote bag by Betty Jackson to carry all the bits and pieces I don’t go anywhere without.  I think the woven tweed design looks very stylish for winter, and it makes me think of warm tweed winter coats.

Total spend is £201.79

My Debenhams winter daytime look by x2mum

Red Herring light pink textured knit jumper, £28 / Tog 24 storm marl oakridge tcz 300 fleece jacket, £39.95 / Quiz black high waist jeggings, £29.99 / Good for the Sole black wider fit mixed leather low knee length boots, £49.95 / Betty Jackson purple tweed tote bag, £38.50 / Mantaray dark pink fleece hat, £7 / Mantaray dark pink fleece snood, £8.40



And now for my ultimate party look. I don’t see any reason to dress for winter when going to a party.  It is usually very hot indoors, especially once you start dancing. Hopefully a taxi to the door and check your coat into the cloakroom.  If really necessary, a pair of folding shoes in your clutch.

So I’ve opted for a glamorous white and black look, which makes me think of a crisp winter day. I’ve chosen a sleeveless lace detail shift dress by Jacques Vert.  This is complimented by the matching classic contrast bolero jacket.

Then I’ve chosen an elegant pair of mid heel court shoes in black ruched satin with diamante trim by Début. They have a round toe and cushioned insole and I’ve selected them based on the customer reviews posted, as my feet blister very easily. The reviews for this shoe in all 3 colours indicate it to be comfortable, even when worn at a wedding all day and evening.

I don’t go anywhere without a bag, so I’ve chosen one which coordinates with the shoes, also having diamante trim.  Again it is by Début and it has a concealable chain strap.

And finally some jewellery to accessorize.  I’ve chosen the triple grey tone pearl and diamante crystal bracelet and matching pearl and crystal ball necklace by Jon Richard.

Total spend is £215.60

My ultimate Debenhams party look by x2mum

Jacques Vert sleeveless lace detail shift dress, £79 / Jacques Vert classic contrast bolero, £79 / Début black ruched satin mid heel court shoes with diamante trim, £28 / Début black satin clutch bag, £20 / Jon Richard triple grey tone pearl and diamante crystal bracelet, £3.60 / Jon Richard triple grey tone pearl and crystal ball long necklace, £6

Style a Christmas Party Dress

M&Co are running a Blogger Challenge to style a Christmas Party Dress using items from the M&Co website for your party outfit.

I’ve a chosen a purple skater dress as it is suitable for day workwear too.  I don’t get many party invites, so something multi-functional is ideal.  Then I’ve teamed it with the black studded blazer, as it can be pretty chilly in December.  A couple of sparkly pieces of jewellery to add some glamour.  A smart bag for all the bits and pieces I always carry with me.  And finally these elegant shoe boots, which will also double up for work.

So here is my outfit from M&Co ready to go to the work Christmas party.

Style a Christmas Party Dress by x2mum

Short sleeve skater dress, Studded blazer, Patent toe shoe boots, Baroque clutch bag, Diamante cuff bracelet, Diamante petal necklace