Mens formal fashion

Let's be honest , there is little more attractive then a man in a good suit. Whether he is off to work or strolling down a red carpet , men scrubbed up in formal attire are instantly ones to watch. In the lead up to the ultimate red carpet showdown, tonight's BAFTA's, I have collaborated with House of Fraser to talk about some of my favourite red carpet looks from across the years and even throw in a little look book of my own at the end.

First up is the always dapper Bradley Cooper. Now, let's face it this man never looks bad, however, this look at the Critics Choice awards, shows how a simple suit can instantly bring a man to life. I'm not a fan of lots of 'add ons' to suits so I think this is simple, well fitted and effortless.

(Bradley Cooper, Critics Choice Awards) 

My second choice is some home grown talent in the form of Tom Hardy. We all know the man is amazing, but I think this picture shows how you don't necessarily need a suit to look scrubbed up and pulled together.

(Tom Hardy)

As I mentioned in the beginning this post would not be complete with a little style post from yours truly. Now, I have not decided to pull off the Angelina 'tuxed' look just yet, so cue my glamourous assistant (and boyfriend) Dan. 

(Shirt- Tommy Hilfiger *, Suit River Island last year.)

I think this look  again shows how a simple well fitting shirt can instantly make an outfit more formal and ready for a bigger occasion. This particular shirt is from Tommy Hilfiger and I think fits him perfectly.  What Dan also loved about this shirt is that although here he is wearing it with a suit and in a formal look, it could also work just as well with jeans, for a more dressed down day time look.

So what's your favourite men's favourite tips and tricks? Do you go mad for bow ties or crazy for chinos? I can't wait to see what some of our favourite men will be wearing down the red carpet tonight. 

Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum

Having recently discovered my love of skincare, and my need to search for the next best thing for my face. I was more than excited when Pestle & Mortar got in contact to ask if I wanted to test out their new Pure Hyaluronic Serum. From years of being blog obsessed, I knew that hyaluronic acid was great for retaining and plumping skin as it retains water, so I thought this would be perfect for my dehydrated, lackluster face.
I am such a packaging snob and when I received my serum I could not have been more impressed. I think the pictures explain it all- I mean how beaut will that look in your bathroom?

I have to admit I am still in the testing stage with this product, but from what I have used, I love it. The texture is a little oily and so for me this is not suitable for daytime use. However, for the night time you need between 1 and 2 drops to penetrate into your skin and plump it up. 

As you can see from the pictures, you get 30ml of the serum and I really think it will last you a long time as you need so little, especially if you only use it once a day like me. Bearing that in mind, I think the price, £33, is not too extravagant and paired with a great moisturizer,will be the perfect addition to your skincare routine. 

Like I said, I am still testing it out, but at the moment, I'm more than happy with the results, but I'll keep you posted. 

Family & Friends Valentines gift ideas

So thought I would round up the week with some of my favorite gift ideas for family and friends over the Valentines period. All of these are more sentimental, thoughtful gifts so perfect for a family member or your bestest friend.

(Cutlery Commission, Initial Necklace, Boomf)

1. Cutlery Commission
This is too cute for words, beautiful silver cutlery engraved with a cute little message of your choice. To top that off they make hidden message spoons which make a great hot chocolate and then reveal your lovely message to your loved one.

2. Initial Necklace
I think these are perfect for mums, especially if you have siblings you can get all your initials on these beautiful pendants and hang them on the one chain.

3. Boomf
I think I saw these ages ago on Instagram but yesterday I saw the advert on TV and was intrigued as boomf,  turn your photos into marshmallows! Although pricey at £15 for 9 its a really cute novelty for this time of year.

Girls Valentines gift guide

So after I did a men's guide I couldn't not leave a few hints out there with my women's gift guide for Valentines.

(Jacket, Notebook, Chocolate, Candles, Ring)

1. Joules Coat 
As I put a coat in my mens guide I thought, may as well throw one in here too. This beautiful Joules quilted jacket is perfect and will keep you really warm this winter.

2. Chroma Stationery 
I discovered this brand on Twitter last week and it's so perfect. You can get beautiful notebooks embossed with anything you want , quotes, names, anything- and we all know girls love a quote.

3. Hotel Chocolat
This is a no brainer at Valentines day you buy chocolate. I am not a chocolate snob, I'll eat anything, but I love Hotel Chocolat and it'a a nice treat instead of your regular Dairy Milk.

4. Stvdio5 
I know what your thinking- chocolate twice really! Sadly not ! Although this looks good enough to eat these little babies are actually wax tartlets, but this site has everything from soap to bath bombs and it all looks amazing!!

5. Tiffany & co ring 
Again another 'typical' Valentines day gift but every girl loves a little blue box. Tiffany is iconic and beautiful and this ring is a classic piece that will last for years.

Valentines gifts for men

First things first, before I launch into the first of my Valentines day gift guides, I have to mention this guide is based around what I would buy my boyfriend- rather than generic 'men' gifts. I really hope some of you find this useful and let me know if you would get any of these for the man in your life this year.

( Coat , Oil, Car print, Bag, Slippers)

1. Barbour Waxed jacket 
This is my very splurgey gift and to be honest, not sure I would ever spend this much on a Valentines day gift, but this would be my boyfriends ultimate gift. He adores Barbour and although pricey these coats will last you a life time. Plus I managed to find this coat on sale at the moment, pretty sure half price! So if you do splash the cash- why not save a little bit too.

2.Beard Oil
This is an odd one, as I wouldn't actually buy this for my boyfriend as sadly for him he does't have a beard- I know it breaks his heart. However, I know how big beards are for men at the moment so why not treat them, I mean it's stuck on your face all day!

3.Car Print 
I don't know a boy who doesn't have some kind of interest in cars, and this just happens to be a print of my boyfriends new baby. However, I don't think it needs to be a car, I think a nice print of something or someone they like is a great and thoughtful idea.

4. Ted Baker bag
I adore Ted Baker and it's fast becoming one of my favorite designer brands. I was just having a nosy on the site over lunch last week, and spotted this bad boy. I think it's the perfect combination of smart and casual and a perfect every day bag - plus I'm pretty sure it will fit most laptops, win, win!

5. Slippers
Granted this maybe a little bit old for the man in your life - I actually bought these for my dad at Christmas. However, he raves about how warm they keep his feet and at this time of year why not invest and keep your loved ones tootsies warm in these beautiful leather slippers.

Lush Feeling Younger Skin Tint

So after my last weeks post saying I had my first Lush experience , I've now dived in head first and bought more products, but probably not what you would expect as they are from the make up line. 

This absolute beauty caught my eye as soon as I walked in the store and I could not leave it behind. The Feeling Younger Skin Tint is described on the Lush site as, "  A light-reflecting skin tint made with oats, fragrant essential oils and cocoa butter for a gorgeous glow wherever you want it. Soothing oatmeal is combined with nourishing jojoba and almond oils as well as cocoa butter, and we blend in a pigment that reflects light. Use it on its own or under our Colour Supplements to give your face a dewy radiance."

 However, I saw it and only one word sprung to my mind- HIGHLIGHT! 
The light mousey consistency makes it perfect for applying on top of your favorite liquid foundation to give you the perfect, 'lit from within' look. 

At £12 it isn't the cheapest highlight in the world, but you do get 20g of product and considering the amount you need I'd be very surprised if I ever get through the whole pot. 

I am looking forward to mixing it in with my foundation, to see if it gives me an all over glowy look , I feel with this the possibilities are endless.

Ebay picks #5

I'm back absolutely loving ebay  again, so I thought I'd share my top picks for the moment. With everything from, coats to travel card holders it's a massive hotch potch of what's in my online shopping basket at the moment.

(Coat, Bag, T-shirt, Travel card holder, Dress)