Sweet Hearts

Belated Happy Valentine's Day!  

I know not everyone is a fan of Valentine's Day but I faced so much cynicism and critique for just being in a relationship yesterday and having Valentine's plans that today, I am not apologising for this post or the fact that it will nauseate some people because I just want to share the love!

Valentine's Day does not have to be romantic love celebrated but all types.  I always loved it when I was little.  Making cards in primary school and getting Valentine's cards from my Dad signed 'Guess Who' and being baffled by the concept of secret admirers aged 6!
I baked these cupcakes for a gift and thought they looked pretty enough to warrant a few blog pictures.  My baking days have been made so much easier by the purchase of my first ever mixer - it's a revelation not having to cream butter and sugar!  I also had a domestic geek-out in Lakeland, the first time I visited their relativley new Belfast shop.  The baking accesories were adorable and I just couldn't resist heart printed everything, especially the heart shape silicone moulds on sale.

The doilies were bought to make my Valentine's card but I really love them now for serving things on, frilly and kitsch! My card wasn't quite what I hoped so I'll show it some othertime maybe!

I love the deep red of this Wedgewood side plate, wish I owned more!

We went for a lovely Italian meal last night in the Chubby Cherub.  I mentioned them on the blog last year and hadn't been back.  The decor was very apt for a Valentine's date and the food was nice and simple - bruschettas and goat's cheese pizzas!

I couldn't get a great outfit picture because of the light but at least you can see my festive red top. The printed pencil skirt though was the highlight, I absolutley love it at the minute so will have to show you it close up in daylight soon. A fun little attempt at nail art with my beautiful Valentine's bouquet.

Then on for a Blushing Lady cocktail...amazing concotion of vodka and rosewater and grapefruit juice

Have a wonderful rest of week everyone and thank you so much for all your comments and feedback on the fur post - it always makes for an interesting topic!

xox

Faux or Fox? Henry Holland & A Family Heirloom

Sorry for my absence - I have to be honest and tell you I was having a bit of a blogging crisis.  Do you ever feel that way?  Sometimes you forget why you blog and need to take a little break to make you feel enthusiastic again.  I've been busier than normal and not feeling the greatest, and was worried about sharing these outfit pictures because I look awful :(   Normally, I wouldn't say this because it sounds like a plea for compliments but we all know what it's like when you have your down days (or weeks and months) about how you look.  You know it sounds shallow, but it can really effect you.  Anyway,  I've decided that even though I may be feeling a little blue I didn't want it to stand in the way of my blog which I normally enjoy so much.  I don't blog to look like a model so onwards...!

These photos were taken on a freezing cold day a few weeks ago, hence the legwarmers! I thought it would be a fitting day to show this Henry Holland jumper that I have worn so much this Winter.  I knew I had to have it as soon as I saw it because it reminded me of my Granny's fox fur.  I don't remember my Granny as she died when I was a baby soeverything of hers always holds a fascination for me!  I believed I was vehemently anti-fur but there have been many debates abound about second hand and 'vintage' fur being OK because, well, it's years old and isn't supporting the current fur industry.  However, with 'vintage' being so fashionable currently, I can see how lots of us wearing vintage fur may spill over into a promotion of the current fur industry.  Then again, it seems to have inspired more of us to simply indulge in some faux fur stoles and collars this year! 

Love the little jet matte crystal eyes it has - washes like a dream too!

My Aunt lent me the fox fur and I love being able to show you our little family heirloom!  It fascinated us all as children, being equally in awe and terror of the little fox paws!  I know I am not wearing it to it's full glamorous, ladylike potential - but it's a fun comparison to show what the jumper's print was most likely inspired from.  It also kept me toasty for the last few minutes!

I'm not sure what type of fox fur it is..from vintage ad's I was singing over Christmas I know you can have 'blue fox, silver fox, cross fox...I think it's cross fox!

Paw! Claw!  And in this one, I kind of remind myself of an Atilla the Hun type hunter gatherer...

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  See you for Valentine's Day :)

xox