Mediamarmalade

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  • PASTEL ON PASTEL

    PASTEL ON PASTEL

    . WAREHOUSE MINI & ASOS DUSTER .

    As I mentioned in a couple of posts (including my Duster Coat post on Monday) and teased numerous times on my instagram account, I had a bit of an online shopping spree a week or so ago, and just in time for the bank holiday weekend my delivery arrived setting me up for a weekend of outfit debuts and a few outfit snaps too.

     

     

    I went a little bit brave in my shopping spree and splurged on a couple of bold new items which my wardrobe could no longer live without … a pair of pumps (I can’t believe I didn’t have a pair like this already in my obscene collection of about 150+ shoes), my new duster coat (swoon, Kylie Jenner sold it for me) & a gorgeous pastel blue leather mini (who could say no to such a cute colour).
    I am thoroughly enjoying the pastel trend right now and couldn’t help indulge in it a bit more with this Warehouse skirt and ASOS duster coat.  The colours are so beautiful and actually look like they were made for eachother. The shoes were a total find from Zara, I instantly fell in love with the slightly edgy twist on the typical pump. After seriously debating these Jimmy Choo pumps, I decided i’d embark on a slightly more trendy design with these Navy chunky heeled pumps. I don’t regret it one bit, I love them.
    The final touch is my new Daniel Wellington Sheffield watch in black. I’ve been in love with this brand and watch for probably nearing 2 years, after Jase bought me the St Andrews watch for Christmas (which I couldn’t have been more chuffed about) I was uber excited to add the black Sheffield to my collection. The black strap gives it a slightly more dressy twist & will be my go to accessory for smarter work looks too.
     
    What do you think of all my new purchases? Which is your favourite?
  • NUMBER 22

    NUMBER 22

    . SOHO HOUSE .

    . WACKERHAUS QUEBEC SHORTS . WACKERHAUS MONTREAL JACKET . CHOO PUMPS . PHILLIP LIM PASHLI . TOPSHOP SHOES .

    In the last few months I’ve started to develop a real flavour for a couple of things … firstly high end designer pieces (driven from my new life mantra of buying less and investing more) and secondly for entrepreneurism. I seem to be spending more and more time admiring those who’ve taken the leap of leaving stable employment to live their dream and run their own business, whether that’s bloggers taking a risk and going full time or friends and ex colleagues making a change and taking the brave decision to actually live their dreams. It’s something I think about frequently but something I don’t think i’m quite ballsy enough to do. Both of these fascinations & aspirations have come together in Number 22 Boutique, a new online fashion boutique launched this month by an ex client of mine. Not only am I totally inspired by the entrepreneurism, the risk taking and the balls it takes to make that kind of decision, i’m also in complete adoration for the boutique itself and have found myself spending hours browsing the collections, discovering new designers and wracking up a wish list of beautiful, unique, designer pieces.

    photo mediamarmalade-22.jpg

    . COACHELLA .

    . WHIT PALM PLAYSUIT .  SABRINA ZENG CLUTCH . MINNA PARRIKA PUMPS . ASOS FEDORA . TOPSHOP GLADIATOR SANDALS .

    Number 22 is an online boutique set up to bring new and innovative international designers over to the UK, making otherwise unaccessible collections and labels only a click away. All the designers and labels featured in the boutique are carefully sourced, highly exclusive & very much otherwise ‘hard to find’, they’re the type of brands that I spend days hunting down when i’m in NYC, the sort of Bleeker St store that feels like a genuine treasure to come across. All the items are limited in quantity making them even more exclusive … clearly this makes me want everything 10 times more. There’s nothing like a bit of ‘limited stock’ to push all my rationale thoughts out the window. MUST BUY IT ALL, NOW.

    photo mediamarmalade-1.jpg

    . BLUEBIRDS .

    A lot of the brands featured are brands that most of us here in the UK won’t have heard about, but will probably recognise once you do a little digging. For example Paper Crown (one of the brands stocked) is actually Lauren Conrads label (I’m swooning over her Carousal sequin top & gorgeous summer dresses), and WHiT is the niece of my NY favourite Kate Spade. The gorgeous palm jumpsuit above is one of my fave items from the WHiT collection.

    A personal favourite, which I only discovered through Number 22, is Wackerhaus, a Danish Label (go figure, I love Scandinavian everything) with the most unbelievably effortless and chic collection. The textured two piece sets featured above are all Wackerhaus designs and absolute favourites of mine … I seriously need me those shorts this summer. They’d go perfectly with the new Jimmi Choo ‘ARI’ key lime pumps which I’m getting worringly close to buying (with my fantasy Lottery winnings). Another new discovery and firm favourite of mine is shoe designer Minna Parrika, her pumps are just stunning … Charlotte Olympia & Mr Choo have got stiff competition with her bold, bright & unique designs. The cobalt blue pumps above are a real favourite along with these incredible print pumps.

    As a wannabe New Yorker Number 22 is a bit of a saviour, it’s always such a relief when international gems finally reach the UK (all hail the new Phillip Lim boutique) but to have a variety of designers and ranges edited into a seasonal collection available to us here in the UK is the cherry on top of the cake.

    If you fancy splurging on some gorgeous pieces from Number 22, be sure to use this code to get 20% off O4CSEDC5LWXJ your order!

  • THE DUSTER COAT

    THE DUSTER COAT

    . ASOS DUSTER COAT .

     

     

    If you’ve read my blog for a while you’ll remember that I often become obsessed with new items which I just can’t stop thinking about. Whether it be a shoe, a bag or a garment, i’ll spend days, even weeks obsessing over said item until I finally hunt it down and buy it. This is clearly more tricky when things sell out or aren’t stocked in the UK, but that seemingly just makes the hunt down even more critical for me.

    This ASOS duster coat was something I first spotted a few months back on Danielles blog WeworeWhat (in a duck egg blue) and absolutely fell in love with it, I then spied it a few weeks back on the infamous Kylie Jenner at Coachella. Ever since Kylie got snapped in the duster coat it seemingly sold out forever,  but a couple of weeks ago the coat came in stock in this cute pastel pink colour. I spent about a week debating, every other hour checking out stock and finally last weekend decided to just give in and buy it. I wasn’t totally sure I’d be able to pull it off, but I couldn’t handle the constant thinking about it any longer so I just gave in.
    I have to say I’m so glad I finally did, I’ve worn it a ton this weekend (with my new Zara pumps … swoon) and can’t wait to share a few outfit pics with you all from outfit’s i’ve worn it with. A purchase well worth making. Stay tuned for outfit’s this week.
    Enjoy the last day of the bank holiday, do you have much planned?
  • OH CRUMBS

    OH CRUMBS


    . BESPOKE BIRTHDAY CAKE .
    I know i’m really dragging out my birthday celebrations now, afterall my birthday was the 18th April, but this weekend Jase and I have headed back to Bristol to see his family and it’s the first time i’ve seen them since my birthday. When walking into the house I was greeted with a chorus of happy birthday and a beautiful handmade cake designed by Jase’s sister Sophie. The cake is beyond stunning so I just had to share it with you.

    Sophie’s always been a pro cook, always knocking up an absolute feast when we’re visiting, and she’s extremely talented in the creative departments (like my mum and sister too) and is incredible at art, crafts and all things makeup (which comes in super handy). She’s put these talents all into one with her new creative venture ‘Oh Crumbs’ making beautiful hand made, self designed and hand decorated cakes. She’s been doing loads of designs for friends and family and surprised me with this stunning cake for my birthday. I’m super lucky and the cake is just absolutely beautiful. I have no idea how she manages to make all the intricate details and create such beautiful decorations from icing and colouring. Her cakes are absolute masterpieces and I really hope this new passion becomes a successful business venture for her.

    If you’re interested in having a bespoke cake designs for any special occasions, just let me know and I will put you in touch with the superstar herself.

  • MEDIAMARMALADE HQ

    MEDIAMARMALADE HQ

    . MY LITTLE OFFICE SPACE .
    My blog is by no means my job (I’m a full time communications planning director by day), but given I blog daily and spend half my free time blogging in some shape or form I felt it was about time I upgraded my ‘work space’ from the sofa to a little desk in my house.
    My mum and sisters renovated an old desk which was actually a piece of furniture passed down from my dads family, painting it a gorgeous shade of ‘Paris Grey’ (Annie Sloane) which was the perfect colour for my lounge. When I moved into the house they also renovated me a gorgeous dining table and chairs which I’ve stolen a chair from for my new desk space. The cushion is another hand made beauty which my sister knitted me (talented aren’t they) when we moved in to our house last year, the pastel colours worked perfectly with my new desk and so this little cushion has become the perfect chair cushion.
    We’re lucky in that we have a very spacious lounge so my little desk space fits perfectly in the bay window without disrupting the rest of the lounge space and furniture, it also means I have glorious sunshine beaming through the window which is always a bonus.
    I’ve decorated my desk with a couple of ‘bits and bobs’ most of which were birthday gifts from my family and friends, a couple of style books which I’m currently reading as well as my foodie books which naturally take pride of place. I was fortunate enough to get given a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my boss at work for some work I did recently (it was a rather stressful time) which naturally adds a beautiful touch to my new work space.
    It wouldn’t be mediamarmalade HQ without my Marmalade candle & a jar of white chocolate jazzies. my favourite.
    What do you think of my new little HQ? Where do you blog, do you have a little work space?
  • A HEALTHY WORKING LUNCH

    A HEALTHY WORKING LUNCH

    . CRUSHED AVOCADO & TUNA RYVITA W/ COCO WATER .

    It’s not my usual Friday post but I thought today i’d share a healthy lunch idea, something I love and make myself when I can but also something that’s easy to take into work and eat in the office if you have a little prep time the night before.
    I always try and have a healthy lunch during the week, as no matter what my intentions my dinners are always a bit of a feast. I love cooking to unwind from work and so I always end up making something special of my evening meal. It’s also the time Jase and I get to spend together during the week so it’s nice to have dinner together.
    Lunch times used to be pretty easy when my office was based in Covent Garden, i’d have a million healthy options on my doorstep and I always had a super tasty but healthy lunch (usually sushi, freshly tossed salad or some kind of thai dish). Since i’ve moved jobs and offices to the other side of the river, doubled with a mental work load the last few months, taking time out to go to find a healthy lunch stop is more difficult, and I end up eating on the go or grabbing something from wherever is most convenient, which inevitably ends up being a sarnie or something less healthy.
    One of my favourite healthy lunches which I often make myself if I am working from home (which I did this week for a couple of days) is ryvita topped with tuna and crushed avocado. Super tasty and equally as healthy. It’s a favourite workday lunch of mine and so quick to prepare. After getting a taster for this sort of lunch again this week, i’ve decided it’s about time I prepared a packed lunch and took these into work. My plan is to prep some tuna and sweetcorn, as well as some crushed avocado (my favourite) the night before, stock up on Ryvita’s at work, and every day no matter how busy I am, have a tasty and healthy lunch available for me.
    The finishing touch is a good cuppa tea and a glass of coco vita (thankfully we have these at work) … this is my go to drink for quick hydration. I often forget to drink water when I get busy (naughty I know) so coconut water is a quick way to ensure i’m not getting too dehydrated.
     
    What’s your go to lunch? Have you got any tips and recommendations for healthy packed lunches?
  • PRINT JUMPSUIT

    PRINT JUMPSUIT


    . MOTEL JUMPSUIT .

    Woah there, shield your eyes. Today I am rocking a seriously standout all in one jumpsuit. Bold I know. It’s not an item of clothing i’ve ever sported before, in fact I wasn’t ever sure it was something I could pull off (i’m still not) but when I saw this bad boy on the Motel website I had an uncontrollable inner urge to wear it.

    . Motel Rocks Jumpsuit c/o Bank . H&M Marni Heels .

     

    The styling of a jumpsuit like this was pretty simple, after all the garment itself does all the speaking without the need for any layering or accessorizing. Simple is best. I teamed my jumpsuit with my Marni (for H&M) heels which i’ve actually not worn in ages. The look was something you’d probably wear on your hollibobs, but I think styled with some simple loafers & a leather jacket, the jumpsuit could be styled down for a more laid back day look.
     
    Have you ever tried out a jumpsuit? How would you style a garment like this?
  • ON WEDNESDAYS WE WEAR PINK

    ON WEDNESDAYS WE WEAR PINK

    . THE PINK MINI .

    I’ve been ranting and raving a lot about my new pink Zara Jacket, but if you read my ‘Two Piece’ post or even spied this pic on my Instagram, then you’ll know that the jacket was no lone ranger, it’s partner in crime is this pink mini. A fabulous duo which not only do I love paired together (stay tuned for that look) but also I love styled apart.
    . Zara Pink Mini . Zara Pastel Boots . Topshop Reptile Sweater . Mulberry Satchel .

    When the Spring sunshine popped out a week or so ago I jumped on the opportunity to sport my new mini … hold it … without tights. I took the bold move of ditching the tights & embracing the mini to it’s fullest. The weather held out for me that day, but it was still to chilly to lose my jumper, my white reptile sweater from Tosphop went perfectly with my skirt (and kept me from freezing). I couldn’t resist finishing the look off with my suede Zara booties which sounds a little OTT teamed with the electric pink skirt, but I actually think it worked quite well.
    My accessories were quite naturally my Daniel Wellington watch & my Mulberry satchel. I love how a tan accessory automatically gives a look a more casual styling (opposed to patent leather say) and these two are my go to for most day looks.
    What do you think of the double pink in this look? Are you a fan of the pink trend this season?
  • THE PANTALOON AFFAIR

    THE PANTALOON AFFAIR


    . STYLING CIGARETTE TROUSERS .

    Well there’s no denying the observation, I am officially obsessed with cigarette trousers. If i’m not wearing them i’m browsing online for more pairs to add to my collection. After purchasing my satin Topshop trousers a month ago and then finding these on ASOS a week or two ago, i’ve become slightly addicted to the look.
    . ASOS Cigarette Trousers . Pure Collection Cashmere Jumper . Zara Moccasins . Accessorize Fedora .

     

    I’m been wearing my new ASOS trousers rather regularly, I love how they fit and how comfortable they are to wear, I also particularly like how easily they can be styled up or down. I’ve work them in a pretty dressy style for my birthday (which I featured here) and i’ve styled them down for a casual weekend look with my breton tee & summer coat (which I featured here). They’re super versatile and look great styled either way.
    Given the weather has taken a little turn for the worse this week (winter coats are back out) I’ve been styling my trousers for slightly warmer leather with my cashmere burgundy sweater! I love the contrasting colours and my Accessorize fedora matches perfectly.
    Have you embraced the return of the cigarette trousers? Where have you found your perfect pair? How are you styling them?