I'll Paint You Mornings Of Gold, I'll Spin You Valentine Evenings

A few weeks ago I met with the lovely Sandra who owns Lulu and Belle Jewellery, an online jewellery brand based in north county Dublin. We had been following each other on social media for a while and I was delighted when she asked if I'd be interested in meeting up and chatting about styling some of her jewellery. She selected some of her gold pieces that she thought would suit my style and she was spot on, I loved everything.

Last weekend I wore two of the pieces, the open hoop earrings and initial necklace and we took some photos in the freezing cold Merrion Square, somewhere we've never used as a location before. I wanted the jewellery to be the main focus so I tried to keep the outfit, hair and makeup quite minimal.   I feel like the outfit was subconsciously inspired by my love of Marisa Tomei (especially in Only You). 

Coat- ASOS
Shirt- New Look
Trousers- New Look
Scarf- Zara
Bandana- ASOS (similar here)
Bag- Penneys/Primark (similar here and here)
Shoes- Marks and Spencer (similar here and here)
Socks- Penneys/Primark
Lipstick- Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk
Nails- Essie Eternal Optimist
Jewellery c/o Lulu and Belle

I've mentioned recently how my preference over the past few years has been for more minimalistic jewellery. As you can see, the earrings and necklace are so pretty and delicate and could be incorporated into so many different looks. I'm so impressed that Sandra picked pieces that I was drawn to myself. I've been wearing at least one of them every day since I got them and I've gotten so many compliments. The jewellery is 14K gold filled meaning that the quality is excellent. The pieces are handmade to order and Sandra is more than happy to customise each piece however you like whether it be length, size or personalised with names or initials. She also has sterling silver options which is great for anyone who isn't a fan of gold.

Lulu and Belle Jewellery is available to buy on Etsy and Not On The High Street and a new website will be coming in the next couple of months too. You can also follow on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

What kind of jewellery do you like to wear, silver, gold or both? Do you like statement jewellery or a more minimal style?

Emma x

*This post was not sponsored, the items were kindly gifted to me by Lulu and Belle. All opinions expressed are my own.

'Cause When You're Standing Oh So Near, I Kinda Lose My Mind

I was in France at the end of May staying just outside the lovely little town of Écommoy in the Loire Valley. We stayed in a Gite on the grounds of a Chateau for 11 days and then in the Chateau itself on our last night. It was the longest I've been off work since I started working there seven years ago and it was exactly what I needed after the rollercoaster that's been the past six months or so. 

Here is the first of four sets of outfit photos we took while we were there. 

Photos by Simon and I

Kimono, Skirt and T-Shirt- H&M

Bag- Next

Sandals- Clarks

Sunglasses- Primark

Nails- KIKO Sun Show Nail Lacquer in 471 Juicy Pitaya

Lips- KIKO Velvet Mat Lipstick in 605 Orange Red

I got this kimono in H&M a few months ago and I've worn it so much since, it's so light and comfortable and perfect for those Summer days when there's a bit of a chill in the air. I got this bag at a Next press day and I absolutely love it, the longer strap is detachable and there is a smaller wrist strap so it can be used two ways. It's the perfect bag for when you only need your phone and wallet (and a lipstick). 

I've also been wearing these Clarks sandals a lot as they're so comfortable when I'm on my feet all day in work. I bought the lipstick in KIKO while we were in Le Mans as well as some other things that I will be reviewing soon. I loved it after wearing it only once, such a beautiful vibrant shade and so inexpensive. I really hope KIKO come to Ireland soon.

A big thank you to Simon for taking the photos for me, I think he did an amazing job for his first time!

Emma x