Blue Skies Over Granville, France

As I mentioned earlier this month in my Mont Saint-Michel travel diary, I'd also made the most of my time in Normandy by checking out some other areas.  Keeping in mind I was only in France for a few nights, most of the time was spent exploring local cafés on foot.  Although, I did take along my camera to Granville, a seaside resort of Mont Saint-Michel Bay at the end of the Côte de Havres and with a population of under 15,000.  The weather was on its absolute best behaviour, meaning clear blue skies and a beautiful warm, springtime temperature...

Mii Cosmetics Spring Collection & Other Faves

Each and every time Mii Cosmetics bring out a new collection, I spend the next month or so raving about how much I love their products.  So many of their releases over the past year have become staple pieces in my day-to-day makeup routines!  This month, the brand has revealed their Spring collection, Cherish Mii.  The collection consists of Beautifying Brow Wands, two new Passionate Lip Lover shades and a gorgeous new Couture Eye Colour Compact.

Meeting Styling: Feminine & Powerful

Regardless of how you spend your time and the role(s) you fill, at some point or another meetings will crop up.  And nine times out of ten, they're the kind that leave you wondering how smart is too smart, and how casual is too casual.  Cue the concept of a casual yet powerful outfit, and one that still enables you to express your femininity.

Mont Saint-Michel, France

There are some places I've liked visiting , and some I've loved visiting - the difference being whether or not the location leaves a lasting impression.  Sure, while in Normandy last week I'd travelled to Mont Saint-Michel expecting to enjoy my time there, though I absolutely wasn't expecting to still be thinking about the island one week later.  It's safe to say it's now one of my favourite French destinations!  So, what makes Mont Saint-Michel so special?  And how does it manage to make such an impact on an overcast day during mid-season?

The Art Of A Slow Weekend

For the past few days, I've been exploring Mont St Michel and its surrounding areas; pretty much walking and eating my way through France.  It's been beyond incredible and I'm still adjusting to the fact I'm not currently surrounded by five different languages while eating a crêpe au sirop d'érable!  Anyway, I let out a massive sigh this morning when I remembered I'd cancelled this weekend's plans - assuming I'd be too tired.  Honestly?  I'm not at all tired, but I'm still not re-making those plans.  Instead, I'm learning to appreciate the occasional 'slow weekend'.  You know, the relaxing kind that involves a ton of candles, and 100% prepares you for the week ahead.  But the question is, what separates a slow weekend from a dull one?

From Day To Night x Kurt Geiger

I can't remember when I first wore a peplum, but whenever it was, it was a great decision.  And now, my love for the style has reached a new high, resulting in double-peplum styling.  Is that enough?  Probably not.  But before I consider options to bring in a third peplum (oops), I've been looking at ways of styling one of my old favourites.  This white shirt was skating on thin ice, close to being throw out of my wardrobe - until a faux leather peplum crop caught my eye.  Combine the double-peplum with a love for athleisure, and a rather gorgeous new tote by Kurt Geiger, and you've got a look that moves comfortably from day to night...

Shirt - Ralph Lauren  |  Top - Zara Faux Leather Strappy Top  |  Leggings - Kyodan

Bag -  Violet Horizontal Tote c/o Kurt Geiger

Pin - Astley Clarke Four Leaf Clover  |  Scarf - Jaeger

I love combining the ordinary with the slightly unexpected.  In this case, a plain white shirt with a peplum and layered with another faux leather peplum, sports leggings featuring mesh lattice detailing, and a nude manicure broken up with black dots.  But the true 'hero piece' of this look has to be the Violet Horizontal Tote by Kurt Geiger.  The soft leather comprises light pebbling and oversized design, and the relaxed style is so appealing - I can't be the only one who feels as though they have one million and one things to carry?!  I can see the tote becoming a favourite of mine when travelling thanks to its generous size, though for now I'm marvelling at how easily it can be taken from day-to-night on a more regular basis.  Along with carrying everything ready for the evening - from a change of shoes and mongolian fur scarf to extra jewellery and perfume -  it looks ridiculously stylish.  Seriously, can we talk about this perfect raw-cut leather?!

Hold up your hand if you love pins!  Funnily enough, I wasn't a huge fan of pins until this year.  Recently, I did a massive 180 and fell in love with the beauties after discovering the Biography Pin range at Astley Clarke.  At first glance, a teeny-tiny Four Leaf Clover stole my heart, although after seeing the brand's images of entire pockets covered with pins, I doubt my obsession will end here. Anyway, to avoid being the only tiny-gold-pin-fanatic I know, I've listed a few other gorgeous Astley Clarke designs below for you to check out!

This tote has actually solved a dilemma for me, as I planned to get through a (huge) backlog of magazines while travelling to France next week, and had no idea how I was going to transport them - problem solved!  Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this outfit - do you prefer the look by day, or the subtle changes that take it to night?

With love,

Gabrielle x

6 Ways To Prepare For Spring

Today, it was warm enough to go outside without a jacket.  I know, finally!  Let's just ignore for a moment that I was uh, still needing to wear boots and a cashmere cardigan.  Anyway, now seems like a pretty good time to start thinking about ways to welcome the new season, and to prepare for all it brings.  There are thousands of ways to prepare for Spring, six of which I've listed below as a sort of mini-brainstorm ready for the brighter months ahead.  Read on, and let me know your ways/ideas for gearing up for Spring - here's to brighter mornings!

The Magic Of Cardigan Coats

Snow?!  Yeah, I shot this look a few weeks ago and realised I should probably share it now, considering how quickly the seasons are changing over!  It seemed to start shifting almost immediately as the month of March kicked in, and I'm hugely grateful because I think the constant dreary weather wasn't doing my mood any favours.  Anyway, while in a kind of 'go big or go home' mood, instead of dressing down an outfit to allow one statement piece to stand out, I tried mixing them together - a celebration of loud pieces, I guess!  Speaking of which, I've developed a whole new love for cardigan coats (totally the unsung hero of our wardrobes), and never more so than when they contribute to a bold look without taking any of the 'magic' away.

Worldwide Giveaway: Hotel Chocolat Easter Egg

One of the first (and best) signs of Easter being just around the corner, is undoubtedly the appearance of Hotel Chocolat's Easter range, right?!  I may or may not have already worked my way through two of their Caramel Egg Sandwiches and an Egg On My Face slab.  Anyway, if you answered 'yes!' to my last question, then you'll be pleased to hear I've teamed up with Hotel Chocolat to give one lucky reader the chance to win their very own lip-smackingly delicious Rocky Road to Caramel egg!  The Extra Thick egg comprises half caramel chocolate and half 40% milk chocolate with cookies and puffed rice, and filled with seven delicious Hotel Chocolat recipes (inc. Caramel Cheesecake and Billionaire's Shortbread).  Weighing 500g, it's the perfect Easter indulgence.  Good luck!