Time Off, Saturday to Wednesday.

I'm back!!!

I have had a lovely few days off, I feel very refreshed and very positive about all of the up-coming projects. I have thought a lot about what I would like to achieve from the shop in the next 12 months!

Anyway, I have said that I was off from Saturday through to today (Thursday) this was the case, but I did have to put in a very quick 2 hour shift on Monday morning. So, here is my recap of my little break.

Saturday - Wedding.

Our very good friends were getting married in their home town (Fort William- 3hrs 30mins away) and we were very lucky to be invited to join them on their special day. Our original plan was to leave from work on the Friday night and travel through and stay an extra night. However, there was a rather large Hill Walking Challenge taking place and we could not get a room anywhere.

So, on Saturday morning at 8am we set off, we planned to stop in the West end of Glasgow to get our button holes (to try and keep them as fresh as possible - silk flowers are a no-no with me) and to get a bit of breakfast. After the quick stop we headed onwards and upwards. It was a beautiful day for the drive, not too bright but nice and dry. It is a very, very winding road up the West Coast of Scotland to Fort William, but a very beautiful drive. We were both enjoying the views of Loch Lomond, Glen Coe etc when we realised that we were losing time.

In a panic, I scrambled into the back of the car to fetch my make-up, one less job to do when we reached the hotel. Eventually we arrived at the hotel........ 15 minutes before the ceremony started. We ran to our room and had the quickest change of our lives. We then asked for directions to the church. More panic when we were informed the church was 12 miles away!!

Picture of me in my dress (pale green chiffon) and heels (pewter Christian Louboutin), and my lovely boyfriend in his kilt!

We hot footed it to the car and took off at great speed. We were making really good progress when the brakes were slammed on..........
Up ahead were the wedding cars!!!!! We were following the bride!
At the church the car was abandoned, the bride was exiting on the right of her car, so we ran down the left had side and made it to the church just on time (we were not even the last guests to arrive!!).

The ceremony was beautiful, the church was beautiful, the views from the church and the location were outstanding, but the bride was stunning!
The rest of the day and night was fantastic, lots of good food, wine, company and dancing.

Beautiful view from inside the Church!
View once we got outside the church.

Sunday.

After a late night we forced ourselves to get up early have breakfast and get on the road home. We were home by lunch-time, so we went to meet my boyfriend's mum and her husband for some lunch. I then headed to see my dad and my boyfriend to see his (get the Fathers Day duties out of the way).

It was a beautiful day, so when visiting was done my boyfriend came to get me at my parents house and we stayed and ate dinner out on the patio.

Monday.
Outfit: linen crop trousers, striped vest, white cotton cardigan.

My birthday!!
As I said I went into work briefly, then I walked home in time for the lunch plans that had been made for me. I was not told what they were in advance, but I was very pleased to find out that we were going on a picnic!!

We stopped in at Tesco to get our lunch (Sushi for me, pasta salad for my boyfriend) and headed to a local park. The weather was fantastic and we spent nearly 3 hours lying in the sun chatting, eating and enjoying an extra together.
My yummy sushi.

My birthday cake!

In the evening we went to dinner at a local restaurant, where I gorged on amazing local Seafood!! Yum, yum! We had some wine with dinner and then walked home where a bottle of champagne had been chilling while we were out. We enjoyed this while watching a bit of T.V.
No outfit picture, but this is the top and necklace I wore, I got them for my birthday from my sister.

Tuesday.

The weather was awful, so we had a lazy breakfast while we decided what to do. In the end we settled with doing some errands that we had been putting of for ages. It was a great feeling when they were all done!

In the evening we had some friends round for a casual dinner (Chilli) and we then all headed out to the pub quiz. My parents came and met us for a few hours and helped us to win the quiz!!

Wednesday.

Last day off, but it was a good one. I had an appointment in the morning with one of my suppliers. So, we decided to structure our day around this. The appointment was in Glasgow, so we got an early train, had the meeting and then started our day out.

After the work stuff was out of the way we headed back to the city centre grabbing lunch to eat in the sun. After lunch we had a wander around the shops (not clothes shopping though) I bought some thank you cards to send for my gifts.

We then headed to the cinema to catch Indiana Jones. It was not starting for about an hour, so we went round the corner to a nice little bar got a drink and I wrote my thank you notes and got them mailed off.

The movie was great (I had never seen any of the other Indiana Jones movies) and it was so nice to do something a bit different in the afternoon.
Afterwards, we again, wandered about the shops and then headed for some dinner. We ended up in lovely pizza place and shared a bottle of nice wine.

We caught an early train home and on the walk home we stopped and bought some Cheesecake to have for dessert!

No outfit picture again, but I wore another new top (birthday gift from my parents) with my black skinny jeans and my red ballet flats.

A Quick Note!

Today is my birthday (I am another year older) I am in the shop getting some bits and bobs done before I have a few days off. I badly need a break I am very tired and very much looking forward to a few days of nothing!

I have no picture so far of today, but I will post from the weekend through to Thursday when I return.

Friday.

It has been one of those slow days here, but I have still managed to avoid all of the things that I need to get done before 5pm!

I have tomorrow off, my boyfriend and I are going to our friends wedding in the Scottish Highlands. I have never been to this area of Scotland (terrible I know) and I can not wait. They are a fabulous couple, that we spend a lot of time with socially. Our original plan was to drive through this evening, but we could not get anywhere to stay, so it is an early start for us in the morning.

So, my sister is very kindly working for me and I have to leave the shop all ready for Saturday trading before I leave today. I was going to get everything done this morning, but I could not motivate myself! As well as this I have to pack our bag for our night away, I was planning to get this task out of the way last night, but my other sister managed to fit me in for a spray tan, so I opted for that instead!!! I personally find that there is always something else I would rather do! Last night it was a spray tan and this morning it was read the July issue of Marie Claire!!

However, I did make sure that my boyfriends things were all in order. So we checked his kilt (thankfully it did not need to be pressed or steamed) and that all of the bits and bobs that he needs for his outfit were where they should be. And they were.

Today's outfit consists of (this is what I had planned for yesterday):

Brown Leggings - Oasis
Beige "Chloe style" baby doll dress - George
Tan wedges - Dune
I will post a picture as soon as Blogger allows.

Thursday.

This is not what I was planning on wearing today, but I could not, for the life of me, find my brown leggings! If I an locate them this evening I will be wearing the outfit that I had planned for today - tomorrow.

Today's outfit consists of:

Black skinny jeans - Primark
Cream corsage detail top - Blendshe
Cream and black ballet flats - New Look

I Loved It!!

.....Sex and the City, it was, in my opinion, fabulous! It was better than I thought it was going to be. I had been trying very hard not to read reviews, look at spoilers or look at too many outfit photos in magazines. I feel that this paid off for me. I honestly had little idea of what to expect. I mean, I know all of the characters and where they were when the show ended and what they were each like etc, etc. Thankfully, that was it and it was a great night. There were points where I was crying and then laughing so hard that I was crying again.

The outfits - wow!! Even the outrageous were amazing!
The shoes - Oh my goodness!! I was in heaven, they were out of this world. I have decided that I am going to try and make do with the shoes that I have now and concentrate on saving for more Christian Louboutins! A girl can dream!

Before I get back to work (I must keep those Christian Louboutin shoes in the forefront of my mind) this was my favourite outfit of the movie. I love it all, especially the bag!!!

I Can Not Wait!!

I have just spoken to my lovely boyfriend on the phone and...........
He is taking me to see "Sex and the City" tonight. I can not wait, I put off going to see it as I did not want to get there and be turned away due to tickets selling out (if this happens this evening I may just die).

I know by now most die hard fans have seen the movie and either loved it or hated it. I have managed to stay away from spoilers and all other information on the plot twists and turns etc. I just know that I will all but run home from work now!

Wednesday.

What a busy morning I have had!! I was updating the window display (this for me always involves making very much of a mess). The town gala is this week and the shops are all entered into a window display competition - the theme is "Summer". So, I was in the midst of this when I got a delivery of new styles. Now, I am never one to moan about getting new styles in to sell, but why do they always come on days where I have a list of things to do?


To top this off I have had 3 different friends pop in to see me this morning - again lovely and not something to complain about, but, one a day would be a better spread, and I feel, would keep me far more entertained!

Today's outfit consists of:

Black ribbed leggings - Vila
Cream tunic top - Vila
Cream cami - Primark
Black and Silver beads - H&M
Black and cream bangle - H&M
Cream and black ballet flats - New Look

Tuesday.

I have a few new pieces from the delivery that I got on Friday, the top that I have on today is one and I have another top that I can not wait to wear. So far I have sold 2 of the blouse that I am wearing today - so I can head home today without any guilt!

My boyfriend and I have decided to get our heads down for a few months and economise. We have a very nice standard of living and we would like to keep this up (to an extent) but we have no savings to speak of, and our cost of living is creeping up and up. We also discovered that we are unaware of where a chunk of our money goes every month.......

So, we have moved some money on credit cards to better options, we have a new home phone and broadband provider, we have changed every light-bulb to an energy saver, we have applied for a free water butt, we have down graded to supermarket own brand products where possible the list goes on and so far we set to save ourselves a nice bit of cash every month.

Last night as my boyfriend was neck deep in spread sheets detailing our finances, I took a trip to our box room (aka general dumping ground for all kinds of crap). I filled a bag of things that we have not used in the last year and I am going to stick them on Ebay. While I was in there I found a handbag that I had forgotten about (shame on me, I know). I did not want to have to Ebay it, so it is my bag of choice today! I do feel an entire wardrobe clear out coming on though....


Today's outfit consists of:

Straight leg dark denim jeans - Vila
Cheese cloth with floral detail blouse - Vila
White cami - Primark
Blue patent ballet flats - Primark
Chunky silver necklace - Tiffany

Monday.

It is not so bright and sunny today, but it is still warm and humid (not at all typical Scottish weather) I do not think the rain is too far away (fingers crossed I may not have to lug the watering can around the garden this evening - hang on I take that back, I do not want the rain to come!!).

I decided that today was the day to be brave and get my pale legs out, no more hiding in jeans etc.

Today's outfit consists of:

Cotton tie-dye dress - Vila
Silver sandals - Vila
Chunky silver necklace - Tiffany

The Weekend.

My weekend officially got hectic as of 2pm on Friday, a courier arrived with 4 boxes of new styles for me. This was fantastic as it meant I had loads of new stock for the weekend shoppers, but the timing of the delivery was just the worst. Friday lunch time is busy time for me, Friday is payday for a lot of people so with money in their pockets they tend to pop out to the shops on their lunch hour. There are also those that finish early or half day, who again, use the time to head to the shops before the push and pull of a Saturday afternoon.

Basically the shop well and truly looked like a bomb had gone off, I had things everywhere!!

It must have been a good omen though, as the weather, for the remainder of the weekend, was fabulous, the shop was busy and I had a lovely afternoon in the garden on Sunday.

Saturday was a great trading day and topped off by being taken out for dinner by my boyfriend. We went to a cafe bar across from my shop and met his sister and her one year old son.
On Sunday I was up and about early to get the most of the good weather, I got the food shopping out of the way and then headed into town as I had to get a pashmina to wear over my dress for the wedding that we are going to on Saturday. Thankfully I got it and my outfit is now complete.
The remainder of the afternoon was spent pottering about in the garden. I finally got all of my pots and hanging baskets finished.

We then had a nice summer dinner and ate outside on the deck before going a nice long stroll along the beach to walk it all off.

Work Outfit - Friday & Saturday.

Things got a bit mad yesterday afternoon and I did not manage to post.
Today has brought I beautiful warm and sunny day (my walking to and from work everyday, honestly is a joy - well in dry weather it is) which will, hopefully, lead to the perfect evening to sit in a terrace restaurant!
With our plans for this evening in mind I decided on a fine knit jumper instead of a strappy style.

Today's outfit consists of:

Skinny Jeans - Vila
Beige over-sized jumper - Vila
Tan Wedge sling-backs - Dune
Turquoise beads - H&M
Charm Bracelet - Thomas Sabo

Friday's outfit was:

Printed cotton dress - Vila
Black patterned tights - Tesco
Black wedge shoes - Faith


I had to use an old pic for Friday - silly me deleted yesterday's actual pic.

On a final note, I do truly love my Tan Wedge Sling back shoes, but I must remember that they are just not good shoes to walk to work in! I have two blisters!!!

For The Love Of Fashion......

9 months now I have been a very proud boutique owner. I have settled into my routine nicely, I work 6 days a week and everything else now slots as well as possible in around this. I love the buzz of a sale, I love to meet new people and there is no feeling like knowing I have helped a customer get just what they were looking for.

I work very, very hard I take great pride in what I do - this means that on quiet days or before or after work I do get out and wash the windows and wash down all of the shop front (there are draw backs to being so close to the beach).
I have a slight obsession with my window display (it is my main source of advertising after all) I like to change it at least once a week. I also love to theme it to the season that we are in. At the moment it has a cute (almost tacky I have to say) summer theme. I bought a bunch of brightly coloured props including bunting that would be used at a village fete, kites, and parasols. The look is very eye-catching, just what I wanted it to be!

So, lately I have not been feeling so well, nothing major just very tired and run down. I took a cold a few weeks ago which led to a cough and I can not shift it. My body is telling me to slow down a little and take more care of myself. I like to tell my boyfriend that my body is telling me that I need a week in the sun somewhere!!!
I am slowly coming to terms with the fact that this is not going to happen - not until we head out to Florida in November. It is a long way off still, but I am very, very excited.

Until then, I am hopeful that the weather is summer like, I have a busy summer trading and I can make up for not getting away on holiday with spending lots of time in my garden. We moved into our house last year and we have the most fantastic garden, and this year I plan to make it even more so. I find being outside potting, pruning and generally pottering about very therapeutic.

I had better get back to it - I have to call my old friends at Business Post and pester them to find out where exactly my stock is?! But that one is a story for me to fill you in on another time.

Work Outfit - Thursday.

This picture is a little blurry, I am sorry! I have been looking forward to wearing this dress, but now that I see it in the pictures I am not very happy with it. It definitely will look better without the tights and with a pair of black flip flops for a nice summery look. Unfortunately this was not possible due to the fact that my legs have still not been waxed and they are also very, very pale at the moment!

Today's outfit consists of:

Black & white stripe dress - S'nob
Black footless tights - H&M
Black and cream ballet flats - New Look

Work Outfit - Wednesday.

I am not all that sure if I really like Wednesday's?! I do not feel that they mark half way through the week, as some do. I also know now for a fact that Wednesday is always the day that I record lowest sales amounts.
At first I put that down to just one of those little things. However, I have looked into this further and this is what I have come up with.......

1. For the lucky people of the world who get paid weekly (yes they do still exist) Wednesday is too far from and not close enough to pay-day.
2. In the past banks and post offices closed at lunch-time on a Wednesday.
3. The sleepy little town that my shop is situated in has a very large elderly population (not exactly my target market) who still think that work grinds to a halt on a Wednesday afternoon.

So, I have spent this afternoon taking pictures of some styles to list on Ebay, cleaning mirrors and having a look through stock and updating records (I feel good about getting these little tasks done, and finally scored off the "to do list").

Today's outfit consists of:

Skinny Jeans - Vila

Brown linen top - Skunkfunk

Brown gladiator sandals - Vila

Brown wooden bead jewellery - Plume

Work Outfit - Tuesday.

The walking to and from work continues due to the lack of a car, because of this today my shoe of choice is the......... Birkenstock!!!
So far I have to say that walking to work is absolutely not a problem, I live less than a mile from the shop, and the last few days the weather has been dry. I could actually go as far as to say that I am enjoying it. I am even making more of an effort with my healthy eating and healthy snacking.

Today's outfit consists of:

Wide leg jeans - American Eagle
Pale blue and white smock style top - Vila
White cami (not seen) - H&M
Silver flip flops - Birkenstock

MAC Blushcreme.

I have been using the MAC Blushcreme for about one year now, but I have only been using the product daily for 9 months. I originally started using the shade named "Cherry", this was, and still is, great for giving a lovely pink colour to the cheek for when the skin is paler.
However, we have been having better weather lately (and I have been making the most of it when I can) and my skin tone has changed and I feel that the pink colour of "Cherry" is no longer right for me.

I took myself along to my nearest MAC counter and had a look at the other shades available. After trying one or two on my cheek I decided that "Pleasureful" is the best shade for me during the summer months.

"Cherry" is a deep pink, heading towards pale red, whereas "Pleasureful" is a peach tone.
The product being a creme blush, I feel, is the easiest to use and get the desired effect. I always feel that powder products just add to my dry skin.

I apply Blushcreme after my foundation using my finger. I massage it into the cheekbone area in an upwards circular motion. The product blends so well that I always feel that I am able to wear bronze powder or highlighter over the top.

Blushcreme is available online and from MAC outlets (usually found in the bigger department stores). The product is on sale for £14.00 for 6g and is available in 12 shades.

The MAC website says:

Luxuriously soft and creamy, this new cream blush tenderly flushes the cheeks or brings them into full-blown rosy bloom. Blends well; layers exquisitely. Gives a vibrant, dewy fresh, slightly shiny look to the cheeks. Apply with a brush or fingers.

Work Outfit - Monday (Half day).

I am dressed for comfort today for various reasons.

1. I have no car this month. Therefore, I am going to have to be very organised and walk to work everyday (flat shoes may feature a lot).
2. I have my half day today and I have a few errands to do (not unusual, but no hopping in and out of the car).
3. I had a busy weekend, with two late nights and just a bit too much wine, so this was an easy choice this morning.

Today's outfit consists of:

Khaki knitted tunic - Blendshe
Khaki cami (not seen) - Topshop
Brown Leggings - Primark
Leopard print Ballet flats - Primark

Work Outfit - Saturday.

The look is smarter and more polished today. I am starting to feel somewhat human again so I thought I would put a dress and heels on.
It has turned into a beautiful day here today and my tights are a little heavy for such a nice day. But, until next Thursday (waxing appointment) they shall not see the light of day!

Today's outfit consists of:

Printed Dress - Vila
Patterned tights - Tesco
Belt - Next
Black patent shoes - Christian Louboutin

Work Outfit - Friday.

Friday again......... where are the weeks going? It is very nearly June!!

Today's outfit consists of:

Grey checked shorts - H&M
Black puff sleeve t-shirt - American Eagle
Black Pattern tights - Tesco
Black wedges - Faith

Work Outfit - Thursday

I am coughing like I smoke 40 cigarettes a day, it is taking a lot of effort from me to be here, but I am the boss (oh and the one and only employee!!) so I have to be here - in sickness and in health.

I thought I would put some heels on today and make a bit more effort to feel better, and it is working. I am not feeling so sorry for myself today.

Today's outfit consists of:

Skinny jeans - Vila
White cami - Primark
White full sleeve blouse - Vila
Brown glass bead necklace - Plume
Brown knee high boots - Aldo

Work Outfit - Wednesday.

It is a cold, an early night did not help me get over it!!! I thought that I felt bad yesterday, but boy oh boy is today worse. I am now coughing, sniffing, blowing my nose, wiping my nose and generally feeling rather sorry for myself.
I can not believe I had a day off to do nothing last week and now that I am unwell I have to drag myself into work (and its not even busy).

So, I decided to wear my new shoes to cheer me up. They were carefully brought all the way from Dubai for me. They are a stunning pair of Tod's flats - I feel that I have to add in the reason that my boyfriend picked them. They are "Tod's for Ferrari" and they are Ferrari Red. He did not even have to enter a shoe shop to purchase them, he spotted them as he day dreamed about buying a Ferrari!!!!




I am heading out to a birthday meal for my sisters this evening straight from work, so I had to make a slight effort to look at least half alive! Thankfully we are just going for a casual curry, so what I have on is just fine!

Today's outfit consists of:

Black skinny jeans - Primark
Black long sleeved t-shirt - Primark
Red and cream striped cardigan - Vila
Red flats - Tod's
Cream belt - H&M

Work Outfit - Tuesday.

My weekend has caught up with me.....
I have such a sore throat and generally just do not feel well. I am hoping that I am just tired and that I will be better after a good nights sleep, I do not want a summer cold!!

Today's outfit consists of:

Green Jeans - Next
White long sleeved t-shirt - Tesco
Green cardigan - Primark
Blue patent ballet flats - Primark

Work Outfit - Monday (Bank Holiday)

It is a bank holiday today and I am hoping that the nice sunny day is going to bring some day trippers to our little seaside town!!

No post on Saturday as I was away on a Hen Weekend!!! It was great fun - we went pottery painting during the day and then at night we all got glammed up and went for a meal, some drinks and then clubbing!! I am now very excited about the wedding in 2 weeks time!!!

Today's outfit consists of:

Khaki cropped trousers - Diesel
White t-shirt - Diesel
Khaki cardigan - Topshop
Leopard print ballet flats - Primark

Work Outfit - Friday

Tired + un-inspired = a black outfit!!!!
Today's outfit consists of:

Black wide leg trousers - Vila
Black blouse - H&M
Black patent t-bar wedges - Barratts
Silk Scarf - Tie Rack
Charm Bracelet - Thomas Sabo


My scarf can not really be seen in the first picture so this is it! Injecting (or trying to) some colour into an otherwise dull as dish water outfit!!

Work Outfit - Thursday.

I was not at work yesterday (hence the lack of post). My sister very kindly offered to give me a day off to prepare for my hectic weekend ahead - I jumped at the chance.
I had big plans..... first of all I planned a nice lie in, this however did not happen. I was awake at 7.30am 15 minutes later than any other morning!! For the rest of my day I had planned to do a lot of house cleaning, which I did do and I felt great for it.

I do not have a picture of my outfit as I left the camera in the shop and I did not get out of my pj's until 10.50am when I changed to go to the gym. The afternoon I wore yoga pants and a long sleeved white t-shirt.

I came across today's outfit while I was clearing up. I was putting washing and ironing away and I was looking for some more coat hangers when I came across a bag from the dry-cleaners. I very excitedly opened it to find this dress, some linen trousers and two of my boyfriends summer shirts. You can imagine my shame when I realised these were the things that I had put in to be ironed after our summer holiday to Cuba last JULY!!!!!!! (Do not tell anyone but I think I have too many clothes).

Today's outfit consists of:

Black cotton sleeveless dress - Topshop
Black glossy footless tights - H&M
Leopard print cardigan - Forever 21
Leopard print ballet flats - Primark
Cream belt - Primark

I think it is time for a clear out?!

I had some free time the other evening and decided to read my own blog from the beginning!! Straight away I noticed how much my styles have changed in the past 3 months. I know that we have moved from the depths of winter to a nice mild spring (not quite summer here yet), but that aside I am so much more aware of what pieces I am putting together in the morning!

Looking back at the post pictures some of the things that I have worn to work just do not work on my body shape/colouring/just me in general.
In my mind, this makes my blogging a very worth while exercise indeed!

I am over the next few weeks going to rid my wardrobe of the items that, I have now noticed, highlight my less positive areas and attributes!!!!
Wish me luck this could turn out to be a huge and very time consuming task!!!!

Work Outfit - Tuesday.

Second full day of my temporary living alone.........
So far so good, no-one is getting in my way in the kitchen in the morning, the shower is not left soaking wet (anal I know but I like it to be dried after we have both used it), there are not wet towels and dirty underwear lying on the bedroom floor.

This morning I had a bit of time on my hands, which was just as well as I had not outfit planned for today. So, I had a rummage in the wardrobe and came up with this outfit. It is a bit wintry as the dress is Merino wool, but I love it and had forgotten about it (shame on me). I bought it for our trip to Paris last year! I think it has shrunk a little though.

Today's outfit consists of:

Grey merino wool Dress - H&M
Black Leggings - Topshop
Black patent jewelled ballet flats - Nine West
Star necklace - Plume



This dress has the cutest little bow on the back in between the shoulder blades. This is the best of a very bad bunch of pictures!!! Had fun trying to take this picture......

Customer Service!

As I mentioned before I had yesterday afternoon off, so I decided to have a wander around a few shops. Since I opened my shop, I have noticed a few other little one off shops that I had not managed to visit.

I had to go to a neighbouring town to run some errands and it just so happened that this town had two new shops that I was desperate to visit. So, I headed off a very excited person! The first shop was a fashion boutique, from the outside it looked lovely so I went on in. I noticed a stunning little top straight away and made my way over to it. I could not see a price so I asked the assistant for some help. She huffed, threw her magazine down on the counter and came over. I explained the size that I needed and asked to try it on. After trying the beautiful (but much more of a casual style on than I had imagined) top I asked what the price was. Again the assistant huffed and told me that it was £80. I thanked her and left - not actually knowing what I was thanking her for!!

Next stop was a cute little home ware and gift store. I love, love, love nice greeting cards and wrapping paper as well as cute little bits for the home. I entered to a very warm welcome and being asked if I needed any help. I explained that I was just looking at the moment. It was then that I spied Emma Bridgewater pieces - I made my way over and started looking. The next thing I know the assistant was behind me, not to help me with anything but to watch me!!!
Again I left without buying anything.

I came home very deflated, I was looking forward to my afternoon in the local boutiques. For me in my shop, greeting the customers and making them feel welcome and not pressured into making a sale, is so important. I want people to recommend my shop, obviously because of the beautiful pieces, but also because of the service that they received.

It would appear to me that customer service is just not as important to some people as it used to be.

Work Outfit - Monday.

I had this outfit on yesterday, but as I was in a robe for more than 4 hours and then in bed very early I thought that I could recycle it! I think it looks quite cute!

Today's outfit consists of:

Black Skinny Jeans - Primark
Cream t-shirt with black satin bib and collar - Urban Outfitters
Cream and black ballet flats - New Look

My Weekend.

For a girl that only gets one day off a week, this weekend I managed to cram a lot in!
After finishing work at 5pm on Saturday night my boyfriend came in and collected me, we went across the street to a fabulous bar restaurant and had an early supper. We then had to head home to get his bags packed for his trip to Dubai. This did not take too long (he is not an organised person and usually getting him ready is a mammoth task) so we had a few glasses of wine and then an early night!

Sunday morning we had an early start as the boyfriend had a fight to catch, but we did manage to eat breakfast together before he headed off!
I then had an excellent day - my sisters and I had booked a Spa afternoon for our mum for her birthday and we had all decided to go along with her.
We used the sauna, steam-room and Jacuzzi for an hour to relax before being taken into lovely treatment rooms where we all had a full body "Hot Stone" massage and a facial!!!
It was the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon!!!


Afterwards (in a very relaxed state) we went for some dinner and then all headed home for an early night! I do not know about the others but i was in bed reading by 9pm last night!

Today my mum is giving me a half day in the shop so I plan to head into town and have a look around the shops for an hour!! What a treat!
I would like some gold accessories for an outfit that I have decided on for this coming weekend - I am going on a Hen Weekend to Edinburgh!!!!!!!

Work Outfit - Saturday.

Been rather a quiet day so far, after posting today I am going to touch up my lippy and brush my hair, as my lovely boyfriend is taking me out for a bite to eat before he goes off the Dubai to work for a week!!!! Jealous me never (42 degrees is a tad too hot!).

Today's outfit consists of:

White silk tunic - S'nob
Black ribbed leggings - Vila
Black shrug cardigan - Primark
Cream knee high boots - River Island

Just To Stress Me Out.

I am sure that is the sole purpose of my local council!!! As I mentioned in
Things A Boutique Owner Sees: Slow Saturday.
we are getting new street lights, that is all very well. I am glad that my shop is in an area that is well looked after, but imagine my surprise when I came to work to find this on my door step (literally).






How are my customers to get into my lovely shop?? Also just to add to my frustrations and stress, the workmen do not speak any english!!!!!

Work Outfit - Friday.

Today is dull and rather windy, so I have dug out my tights (that is what I get for packing them away before the end of May). I also had to rummage about in the wardrobe for a jacket this morning.....

Today's outfit consists of:

Green patterned dress - Soo-Lee
Black patterned tights - Tesco
Black wedges - Faith
Black jacket - Forever 21

Work Outfit - Thursday.

I love, love, love what I am wearing today and it is so plain and simple. I am going out for dinner straight from work so I wanted to be smart. I have not had these shoes on for about a year and they are pinching a little!

Today's outfit consists of:

Boot cut jeans - Diesel
White shirt - Vila
Tan belt - Next
Tan Sling back shoes - River Island

St Ives Whipped Silk Body Lotion

I am by no means a product reviewer of any sort, but I really had to share my thoughts and views on a product that I have been using for a month now - St Ives Whipped Silk Body Lotion.

I have suffered from dry skin and eczema most of my life, I would switch between thick, heavy moisturisers and prescribed steroid creams. I continually had dry and flaky skin, I had to avoid anything that was perfumed as it just proved to be an irritant......

A little over a month ago I was having a pre work wander around the shops when I spied the above mentioned product. It was on special offer so I thought I would give it a try.
The next morning after showering I applied the lotion to my arms (I have learned to try a product out on just the one area first) it felt fantastic to rub in, so light and not at all greasy the light fragrance was also amazing, so clean and fresh.

No irritation occurred so the next morning I repeated after my shower, but this time applied all over. All day I kept getting hints of the lovely scent and my skin felt moisturised all day. I have continued with the product everyday since and I can honestly say my skin had never been in such great shape, which is fantastic for all of the strappy tops and cropped trousers that this season brings. I know that this lotion is no the only factor that has help with my skins turn around, my skin does always improve in the better weather when the heating is not on.

At £3.99 retail price I think this product is great value for money. It is a 200ml tube and the one that I bought over a month ago is still going strong.

St Ives website says:

Whipped Silk Intense Body Moisturizer An indulgent moisture formulated with Hydrolyzed Silk proteins that leave skin silky soft, not greasy. Treat your skin to a whole new level of luxury and softness.
Specially formulated with Hydrolyzed Silk Protein to provide intense moisture without a heavy, greasy feel
Specially formulated with Moistureguard™, a patented blend that continuously binds moisture to the skin by forming an invisible barrier to prevent moisture loss.
Dermatologist Tested
Hypo-allergenic
St. Ives lotions are tested in Switzerland and provide 200% more moisture immediately.

How to use:
Smooth onto skin as often as needed for all over skin therapy. Daily use will prevent dry skin from recurring, leaving skin silky soft.