Giveaway // Ladybug Creations

Christmas is coming and the high street's getting packed!

Do I have a giveaway for you? Hell yeah! Cut out the crowds and win the perfect gift for your bestie here... or you could always just keep it for yourself! I'm giving away this necklace and earring set, perfect for the festive period.

This antique gold set comes from UK jewellery brand Ladybug Creations worth £18. The set is part of the 'Jingle all the Way' collection, tailored for the festive period, so if your looking for that perfect bit of bling to jazz up your outfits this Christmas head on over to the website.

All their jewellery is completely handmade and unique so you won't find it on the high street. 

If you want to be in with a chance of getting your mitts on this beautiful set all you have to do is drop a comment in the box, letting me know why you deserve to win the goodies. You've got until Sunday the 15th to make your statement so don't hesitate! 

You can also enter via twitter, just make sure your following @lb_chronicles and tweet me explaining what makes you my perfect winner!

Wishlist // On the Tenth Day of Christmas...

Radley rose gold bracelet watch featuring large round chronograph dial with Radley signature dog logo and slimline bracelet.

At the start of the month I began working at H Samuel in a Christmas temp position and whilst their I've been spending my spare time scoping out the goodies stood shining in display cabinets. The recent influx of rose gold into the fashion industry was kick started by Michael Kors, and it seems that every other brand has followed suite...

Not that I'm complaining. This Radley watch is my absolute favourite in store. Okay, so I don't have a clue what half of the faces are even for and setting it would be a completely alien concept but I can get someone to do that for me, right? 

Teddy Boy

 

Black Cardigan - Primark // Acid Wash Tee -H&M // Plaid Trousers - H&M // Grey Socks - H&M // Black Leather Lace-up Boots - ARK // Eagle Necklace - Divided by H&M // Gold Watch - Vintage

I've had these trousers a little while now and have only ever styled them up with shirts and glitzy blouses, I never considered dressing it down like this but I love the effect! The trousers are such a gorgeous fit on me - I usually struggle getting trousers that fit perfectly on both the waist and the legs, especially from H&M, but these are just dreamy. So slimming too!

I've usually quite a feminine style but I love to mix it up a bit and this outfit is the perfect example. It's got me considering the whole sports lux trend in a different light, I might just give it a go! This outfit gives off 50's vibes, I feel like a teddy boy! To carry on the theme I raked up this giant quiff, (Nick was dead jealous... way better than his!), and tied my hair back. 

It's very different to my usual look but I think in a good way. Do you agree?

Ria xo

Beaded Beauties // Wishlist

Over the past couple of years Miss Selfridge has firmly cemented itself in my mind as the perfect high street chain to supply the nation with glitsy and gorgeous, flapper esque dresses and beaded jackets. My rebel phase had me steering clear of the fairy-like fabrics and neutral tones, and as a result the store was wiped from my memory, never to bedazzle again.

Since moving to Manchester however, my peepers are drawn toward the stores whimsical window displays each time I walk down the high street. I've created this cutesy image, of elfin frames in fairy dresses in my mind, so you can imagine just how shocked (and hugely impressed), I was to find a bazaar of quirky brights and trendy patterns too!

I've got to get my hands on these treasures...

Zig-zag Print Sweater - £29 // Red Statement Necklace - £14 // Geo Printed Mini Skirt - £25 // Roll Neck Tapestry Top - £25 // Red Section Hoop Earrings - £7.50 // Byzantine Ring Pack - £8.50 // Check Smock Dress - £38 // Floral Print Sweat - £29 // Pink Jumpsuit - £49 // Coral Crop Shirt - £27 // Animal Print Playsuit - £39 // High Neck Beaded Top - £49 // Cocktail Midi Ring - £6.50 // Pink Lurex Tee - £32 // Necklace Trim Floral Tee - £49 // Floral Jacquard Trousers - £49

 I love, love, love the floral twin set! It's just beautiful and so sparkly, perfect for the Christmas season. This metallic pink crop tee goes great too if you aren't brave enough to go head to toe, or even if you just want to mix it up a little. 

The black and white zig-zag sweater is just awesome for winter. I've ordered my picks in colour gradation and unintentionally managed to make the perfect outfit! How gorgeous are the red skirt, the beaded necklace and the sweater together?! 

Sports lux is one trend which isn't going anywhere and although it's a trend I haven't embraced just yet, Miss Selfridge's blue and pink floral sweater might just change that... watch this space!

Ria xo

Leather Love // Haul

LOOK HOW BEAUTIFUL MY NEW BOOTS ARE!

My, oh my... I think I'm in love. Technically I'm not allowed to wear them yet, them being a Christmas prezzie from my Mother dearest, but that doesn't mean I haven't done a few cheeky outfit posts featuring the babies!

I initially had my sights set on this similar pair from Urban Outfitters, but at £100 they're a little steep in my eyes. When I found this pair though, from ARK at £39.99, I fell in love. I even prefer them to the Urban Outfitters pair!

So now I'm just waiting on Christmas day so I can grace the streets with these beautiful soles. 

They're sold out online and this was the last pair in the Manchester store. I feel like one hell of a lucky lady! But you can find similar styles here and here.

Ria xo

"You Look Like a Sexy Dinner Lady..."

 Navy and White Shirt - H&M // Blue and White Tennis Skirt - Vintage Elle - Thrifted // Blue Woollen Socks - H&M // White Cut-out Oxfords - New Look // Silver Rings (Selection) - H&M, New Look & Topshop

The first time I wore this skirt I asked Nick what he though of it, to which he so kindly replied, "You look like a sexy dinner lady." Well, dinner lady patterned or not, I adore this skirt. I picked it up in a charity store toward the end of summer and used to team it with a plain white tee and my JuJu Jellies, but as its gotten colder and my need for tights has become absolute, I've been struggling to style it to perfection. 

This Sweater/Shirt/Hybrid monochrome masterpiece, I think, is gorgeous! I've only worn it a handful of times but its one of those pieces that makes me feel so damn classy! I don't know why I didn't realise it before but the two go so well together. I love how the white acts as an accent throughout the outfit. 

What's your favourite thrift? 

Ria xo

A Purple Haze

Fluffy Black Sweater - Primark // Dip-hem Digital Print T-shirt Dress - River Island // Gold Socks - Primark // Mock Crock Cut-out Boots - Missguided // Gold Chain - Divided by H&M // Flower Link Bracelet - H&M // Gold Watch - Vintage // Rings (Selection) - New Look, H&M & River Island // Lipstick - Maybelline Super Stay 24hr in 'Always Plum'

I've been lusting after gold socks since the start of summer and I have FINALLY got my mitts on some! They're darker than I'd envisioned but since I've been searching over six months, and they only cost £2.50, it wasn't exactly the moment to be picky! 

Anyway, they look gorge with this dress, which is the perfect winter floral! I think the gold brings out the tiny flecks of yellowy green throughout the dress, which usually just get lost in the pattern. The photo's don't really do it justice, I'm struggling to get the right light consistently. The way my windows are positioned in relativity to the rest of the building means I get about two hours max of natural light, around 11am...

1) It's rare that I'm dressed by 11am.

2) If I do happen to have clothes on by this time, it probably means I'm on my way to Uni.

You can see how this is causing me problems!

I'll keep at it... maybe I can convince Nick to allow me to get those huge photography spotlights! Not likely.

Ria xo

When the Sun Goes Down

Pink Speckled Sweater - Primark // Black Skater Skirt - H&M // Grey Knee Highs - H&M // Black Brogues - Topshop // Aztec Style Eagle Chain (Part of Set) - Primark // Silver Rings (Assorted) - New Look, H&M, Primark

My first winter look showcasing wooly jumpers! I made a distinct decision to go out and by SWEATERS. I came home with this skirt, a load of jewellery and a load of sheer shirts... Oh.

On the plus side I picked up a gorgeous pink, boyfriend fit, winter coat and a couple of snazzy scarves which are perfect for those days where you don't quite need to layer right up, (though I have a sinking feeling those days are coming to pass!)

Ria xo

Sunday Summary // Week 5

What I'm watching

Christmas fever has taken over my life. My eyes have been fully glued to the TV screen, drinking in all the lovely, sparkly Christmas adverts! 

I love, love, LOVE the brand spanking Magic & Sparkle advert! (... some may say M&S). Helen Bohnam Carters appearance 100% steals the show for me, especially embedded in the Disney themed Christmas-sy magic!

What I'm listening to 

Cliff Richard.

He has magic hips and rock 'n roll vocals. Need I elaborate?

What I'm reading

I'm still on Walking Through Hollywood for this week. I've been a busy old bee getting the website up and running, (there's a hefty discount for my beautiful followers, I spoil you!). 

What I'm craving

A good ol' brew with some soggy Rich Tea's! I made the grand mistake of watching The Alan Tichmarch Show when they were debating to dunk or not to dunk... daytime TV numbs the mind.

What I'm lusting after 

Boots, boots and more boots! This winter chill is getting my tootsies all chill. I have my eye on a couple of styles, lets hope Santa provides this year. ;)

What I'm buying 

Winter sweaters! I had a great trawl through Primark on Wednesday and picked up a great many wooly products! I've also done a little Christmas shopping which consists of goodies from Urban Outfitters and All Saints for my man. And of course, the classic Christmas jammies for my Mummy! 

It's a brilliant family tradition!

What I'm wishing 

I have a job interview on Monday, I really hope I get the job! // That the launch of my shop will be an amazing success! Share and share alike folks, help me reach my targets! // Uni could slow down a little - I'm feeling all bogged down with my final years work, anyone else feeling my pain? // For a perfect first Christmas for me and Nick - It's our first year together and we have the new flat to transform into our own winter heaven! I just hope it's as amazing as I plan for it to be!

So sorry it's late again!

Love you all

Ria xo

Boohoo // Wishlist

The leaves are bare and the beginnings of icy fingers can be seen creeping up the window panes in the early morning mist. Until now I've managed to adapt my fave summer outfit's for the chill with tee's underneath, tights and fluffy socks. But alas, no more. It's about time I do some seasonal shopping! 

Here's my top picks from boohoo.com.

Kia Oversized Fleece Lined Waterfall Jacket // Shelley Tartan PU Check Peplum // Lily Rose Printed Skater Skirt // Kelly Metallic Strappy Maxi Dress // Lulu Monochrome Turn Back Sleeve Dress // Sarah Velvet High Waist Disco Pants // Fiona Spot Oversized Blouse // Hannah Chelsea Ankle Boot // Serena Metallic Long Sleeved Swing Dress // Katie Crop Fluffy Jumper // Elizabeth Rose Print Midi Dress // Anya Suede Insert Lace Up Ankle Boot // Clarissa Double Collar Shirt // Rose Magenta Tartan Mini Skirt

Okay, okay... So it's not the cosiest collection I've seen, but most of the dresses have long sleeves, and the mini skirts can be layered up with thick tights and wooly sweaters! The velvet disco pants are adorable, and the silver dress is just divine, and perfect for Nick's graduation ceremony coming up in December! Plus it will look gorgeous under a fluffy black sweater with leather boots. 

Ria xo