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Ph - Annal Sandul

Christmas has flown by, New Years Eve is tomorrow.. To put it simply, where has 2016 gone? 

It is bitterly cold now that we're venturing into 2017-A new year. The weather has plunged into the minus meaning fleeced dressing gowns, thermal socks and mismatched pyjamas have been my uniform for the past week or so. My uniform outdoors? (Whatever will keep me from catching frost bite!) 

Cable knit, give me all the cable knit! It's warm yet fashionable and if you purchase neutral colours you'll be able to slot them straight into next Winter's wardrobe too. This chunky cable knit crew neck sweater is 1. In the sale £64 down to £44.80. and 2. So incredibly warm It's been keeping me cosy since I purchased. I'm seriously considering bagging the navy colour way and folding it away for next Winter.

Abercrombie have seriously upped It's game over the past year. Back then you would have never guessed that this plaid wool blend jacket (£180 down to £108 in the sale!) would be hanging up in their stores. Now I'm frequently checking the "New In" page for amazing yet secret finds.

Shop my look

I'm Wearing

Abercrombie Knit / Abercrombie Coat / Zara Trousers

Topshop Boots / Celine Bag / Celine Sunglasses / ASOS Earrings

Shop my favourite Abercrombie & Fitch pieces

This post was created in collaboration with Abercrombie & Fitch

WINDING DOWN THIS CHRISTMAS

It is the 23rd December formally known as Christmas Eve, Eve. Christmas is just TWO days away. I'm sat with a large mug of hot chocolate (marshmallows, cream.. the lot. on the sofa, my Christmas shopping is complete, the wrapping is in full flow and I've got Michael Buble on repeat. The Christmas tree has been decked out in a gorgeous gold and silver colour palette, fairy lights adorn each and every room and it's time to get festive.

Now I know how hard it is for us to shut off this time of year, stike that. Any time of the year! If we're self employed, our business simply doesn't run without us. I'm a one man band and If I don't put the work in then no one else will. With that said, Christmas is the one year of the year that everyone should wind down, spend some quality time with our families and turn our out of office on! So I've scheduled my blog posts, edited my Instagram images and I'm ready for a phone-less, work-less Christmas day.

If you're struggling to get in the Christmas spirit and snap out of work mode then here are some tips to getting festive with Urban Outfitters.

Lighting sets the mood. Switch the lights off, light your favourite candle (my current fave is the teakwood and tobacco soy candle) or simply just turn the Christmas tree lights on. It's crazy how alittle bit of light really does set the mood. This gorgeous gold table lamp looks beautiful on my wire basket side table. I've swapped a traditional bulb with a squirrel cage light bulb and it makes the word of difference! The room instantly feels warm and cosy.

Get Cosy. Whether you adorn your bed with faux fur throws and cushions, throw on your fleecy pyjamas, or stick on a Christmas jumper, being cosy is the perfect way to getting festive. I like to snuggle on the sofa, with a large glass of baileys and stick on a classic Christmas film in the biggest knit I can find. This Silence and Noise roll neck and CK socks are my favourite combo.

Wrap Up. My favourite part of Christmas is watching the faces of my family member opening their presents. The thought that goes into each gift is massive and some times time consuming, and to be rewarded with a large smile and a thank you is priceless. Spend your Christmas Eve wrapping, tying bows and popping presents under the tree.

Relax. This is one of the most important things over Christmas. As well as spending quality time with your family it is also important to relax and have some you time. Pick up your favourite book (I'm currently reading "It's not how good you are, It's how good you want to be' - packed with wisdom and motivation!) Run a bath, pop in a bath bomb and soak in a luxurious bath cream. It is important to relax and enjoy unwinding this Christmas.

Featured in this post

Cage Table / Gold Lamp / Squirrel Cage Bulb / Fairy Lights / Soy Candle

Eye Cushion / Wink Cushion / Faux Fur Cushion / Faux Fur Throw

Decision Book / How Good You Want To Be Book / Photograph Book

CK Socks / Vintage Levi's / Calvin Klein Tee / Grey Knit / Planter

This post was sponsored by Urban Outfitters

EVENINGWEAR WITH STYLEBOP

 Evening wear, it can be challenging. Gone are the days of skimpy bodycon, instant tan mishaps and blister bearing sky scraper heels. My nights (If they're not filled with shit TV and Thai takeaways in silky pyjamas) have turned more sophisticated which I put down to age. I'm turning the dreaded 26 this week! I much prefer to slip into something simple and tailored-less is absolutely alot more.

I've partnered with Stylebop (The world's premier destination for luxury online fashion, duh.) to give you three evening wear looks you've got to try this party season.

So, if you're like me and you're looking to nail sophisticated evening wear then follow suit. No pun intended. But seriously, a tailored blazer and matching black suit pants is the easiest way to nail that classy look. Don't be worried to invest, a black blazer is timeless and it will take you from business to bar! I'm smitten with this black wool blazer-the lapel has a hint of silk which instantly adds a touch of elegance to an all black look. Button up, lose the bra and finish off with a statement piece of jewellery and a slick of red lippy.

 

Looking for clean, unfussy evening attire? Galvan's your brand. I couldn't wish for anything more in a silk gown; ultra thin straps, a streamlined silhouette and a deep V neckline. Let this silver-toned gown do all the talking by keeping everything else delicate; minimal jewellery, "barely there" make-up and strappy heeled sandals. Dreamy.

Investing in a two piece takes the fuss out of getting dressed. There's no need to worry about pairing your top with a bottom or your bottom with a top-The hard work has been done for you. A two piece is your fuss free answer! This statement satin top has a beautiful fluid asyemmtric hemline making it a super flattering cut on the leg when worn with the matching tailored pants.

Featured

Outfit One
Wool Blazer / Wool Trousers / Tassel Choker / Bow Clutch / Pointed Flats

Outfit Two
Silver Silk Gown / Heeled Sandals / Chanel

Outfit Three
Asymmetric Satin Top / Satin Trousers / Embroidered Clutch / Nude Heels

This is a paid collaboration with StyleBop.com