Outfit Post - Vivienne of Holloway Dress

Here is an outfit post from my girly night out last week. I finally got to wear my Christmas/completing my year of no shopping dress. It is a beautiful Black and Red Polka Dot Dress from Vivienne of Holloway - and the first thing I bought after my year shopping ban was a crinoline skirt to wear underneath this dress.

I paired it with my Apple Bag from Ollie and Nic and my red shoes from Faith - both of which I got for Christmas.

Dress: Vivienne of Holloway

Shoes: Faith

Tights/over knee stockings: Baci

Crinoline: Queen of Holloway

Bag: Ollie and Nic

Necklace: Vintage

Lashes: Baci

I bought myself a set of lashes for New Years Eve in the pub so thought this would be a good occasion to wear them again. They are a actually purple with a slight glitter to them, although these photos don't show that. I think I have finally gotten the knack of putting them on properly too!

Look how long they are!

And here are all the girlies!

Anna, Alex (Miss A Style), Emma, Me, Tove and Biz

So do you like my 50's style dress? Does anyone else have a Vivienne of Holloway dress? I think they are all so amazing and my crinoline just made it perfect, will be buying another when they have a sale I think.

Daisymay X

M&S SS12 Collection Preview

Just thought you might all like a SS12 Collection Preview from M&S

I think they have come a long way fashion wise in the past few years and they have really started hitting some major trends in recent years. This season I am loving all their wide leg pants and the bright and bold prints they are using. I think they are trying desperately to bring in a younger clientele to help keep them at the forefront of the high street. No longer are they a store simply for the 50+ ladies (and to get school uniform) they are now targeting our generation by bringing in some great exciting stylish pieces.

So here is some of the new collection

I want these trousers badly!

Oh and these ones!

The 50's wiggle dress looks stunning in this bright splatter fabric

Loving the bold retro 60's print and style

Great bold trousers

So what do you think?

Would you think of wearing any of it? Is there anything that you may be purchasing?

What do you think of M&S? Are they becoming more stylish? Are they starting to target a younger audience? And do you think they are succeeding?

Daisymay X

Crabtree and Evelyn - Avocado, Olive and Basil Collection Launch

This week saw the launch of a new line by Crabtree and Evelyn, and apart from a select few members of the press in London, I was amongst a group of specially invited bloggers to be introduced, test out and purchase the new line. I believe I was technically the first customer in the UK to buy the new line!! And boy am I glad I did.

The new scent is Avocado, Olive and Basil (a re-invention/re-launch of the original scent a number of years ago) and it smells amazing. Plus as with all their lines the products are of the highest quality and really do work wonders on your skin. Especially their hand therapy creams which I got to try out at the launch and purchase for myself!

Originally I was a little sceptical about the combination of ingredients, it sounded more like a salad than a beauty product, but I was proven very wrong as they work so well together and give a clean fresh smell. And no doubt the individual ingredients help bring special properties that help with nourishing, hydrating and conditioning the skin.

I was lucky enough to be treated to a hand treatment demonstration by the amazing store manger Rob. Where he exfoliated my hands with the Gardeners Hand Scrub, then treated them with the Gardeners Hand Remedy and finally moisturised with the new Avocado, Olive and Basil Hand Therapy, and I must say my hands felt so silky smooth after and have kept that for the last 2 days!

The line (at present) contains Hand Therapy Cream, Shower Gel, Body Lotion and Body Butter - but they expect other items to be added over time.

Plus we got to indulge in some amazing treats made by Fresh and all based around the ingredients of Avocado, Olive and Basil (clever people!) They were all so yummy. Those little canapé things at the top were toasted/crispy bread topped with tomato, mozzarella, avocado, basil leaf, olive oil drizzle and a sliver of some sort of smoked ham! So blinking good I want out straight after for all the ingredients to make it for lunch the next day, lol!

Find the new range and more info about the products here

Do you fancy using this product? Would you buy it?

Have you come across any other unusual beauty products?

Daisymay X

Outfit Post - A vintage blouse!

Well after all those giveaways I thought it was about time I gave you all a new outfit post! So me and Jon went for a wander around the local area to see what fun backdrops we could find, and to try out my new little digi camera.

But first a quick update that some of you had been asking about. You may have noticed that my 'Year long shopping ban' clock has started counting the other way?! Well that's because I finished my ban! Successfully!! A whole year without buying anything fashion related! I am amazed I managed it, but so happy with myself for doing it. So a few of you were wondering what I might have bought since my ban was lifted...well this awesome ring was my very first purchase (along with a moustache ring!) I got them from the very friendly Dita who runs Yellow Pony Online

You like? I also went thrifting last week and got a few other items, including half todays outfit, but I'll show you the rest another time.

Trousers: Hennes (via Pre-Fab Clothing - NEW)

T-shirt: Rodart for Target (via swap)

Blouse: Vintage (via Ty Hafan Charity shop - NEW)

Boots: Firetrap (off Jon for Xmas, via TKMaxx)

Necklace: It's a Lovely Cake

Ring: Yellow Pony Online

Jacket: Designers at Debenhams

Hair clip: Vintage from my aunt

Bangles: Vintage from Blind Lemon Vintage Fair

Satchel: Primark

Check out how long my hair has gotten!!

And my mega awesome, mega comfy shoes!!

Ok so the trousers and blouse are also new, bought last week in charity shops so I have yet to go out on the high street shopping and in all honesty not sure I will bother at the moment.

What do think? I am loving blouses at the mo (bought 2 others with this one!), this vintage one is very elegant and classy but how would you dress it?

Daisymay X

New Year New You Giveaway - SBC and Pevonia

Hello again! Today I have 2 giveaways for you. First up for grabs is a gift set from Simply Beautiful Collection and secondly is a spa-at-home Essentials set from Pevonia Botanica

I was lucky enough to test out these products so here is what I thought of them.

The SBC set has such a strong fruity aroma it smells good enough to eat! The scrub has nice small granules so it was easier to work it in to the skin, and didn't leave my skin raw or sore which I find some do.The body butter is soft and luxurious and left my skin silky smooth after exfoliating. It is very thick though so I found it didn't rub in to the skin very quickly but it did go a long way!

The Spa-at-Home Pevonia kit is great. It contains a body scrub, anti-stree shower gel and moisturiser.

The Anti Stress shower gel is made with aromatherapy oils and has a great lavender scent to help relax you - great after a long day at work!The Body Scrub is made with Natural Jojoba granules, Rose Essential Oil, Chamomile and Soapwort. The granules are so tiny that I'm not that sure they actually did much to exfoliate my skin and I didn't really love the scent sadly as it reminded me a lot of my grandmothers soaps. this goes for the moisturiser too! The scent is very similar, a bit too soapy for me. But it was very creamy and smooth, rubbed into my skin quickly and left me instantly soft and silky.

Onto the giveaway bit!

Two winner will be chosen at random and one will receive a Simple Beautiful Super Fruits Body Scrub and Body Butter and another will win a Spa-at-Home Essentials Set from Pevonia Botanica

This is open internationally, just remember to leave you email address in one of the entries so I can contact you.

Mandatory entry:

You must be a follower of my blog via google friend connect and leave a comment here telling me what is your favourite beauty treatment.

Extra entries may be gained by:

Following Pevonia on Facebook (1 entry)

Follow Daisy Dayz on Facebook (1 entry)

Blogging/Twittering/Facebooking this giveaway (1 entry each)

Following Daisy Dayz on Twitter (1 entry)

Following Pevonia on Twitter (1 entry)

Following SBC on Twitter (1 entry)

Please leave a separate comment for each include your twitter tag, Facebook name where relevant, or they will not be counted.

This competition will end at midnight GBT on the 4th February.

Good luck!

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of my blog or sponsoring a giveaway please feel free to drop me an email at daisydayz25 at googlemail.com

Daisymay X

New Year New You Giveaway - Help: Revitalise my Skin

Hello, today I am bringing you something a little bit different. Help: Revitalise my Skin beauty supplement. This is a new product to launch in the UK which is meant to help revitalise and rehydrate your skin by simply taking a gel supplement daily.

Here's what they have to say.

Eat your way to radiant, younger looking skin with new

CoQ10 and Aloe Vera beauty gel supplement

help: revitalise my skin is available exclusively at Boots and Waitrose

Innovative UK brand Works with Water Nutraceuticals has launched a new yummy ready-to-eat gel supplement that looks and tastes like an indulgent treat, but is specifically formulated to help you achieve a glowing, healthy complexion from the inside out.

Aptly named help: revitalise my skin (RRP £9.99), the product is now available across Boots and Waitrose stores nationwide.

You can pick up a box of help: revitalise my skin from the supplements aisle, as well as from the toiletries section in selected Boots stores, which is the first time ever a beauty supplement has been positioned next to traditional skincare products in the UK’s most popular chemist.

The delicious apple flavoured help: revitalise my skin gel supplement keeps skin in tip top condition with skin boosting ingredients CoEnzymeQ10, a proven anti-ageing agent[1], and Aloe Vera, which aids skin regeneration. The handy gel sticks will fit in any size handbag and can be eaten on the go – perfect for those who are looking for a guilt free snack!

The key ingredient CoEnzymeQ10 can be found in many topical anti-ageing creams as it has both energising and anti-oxidative properties[2]. Scientific research has proven this ingredient is also very effective when taken as an oral supplement[3].

Aloe Vera has been used for years to calm, nourish and regenerate the skin. Its detoxifying properties help to strengthen skin cells, which results in a younger looking, healthy complexion.[4]

help: revitalise my skin is free from artificial colours and flavours, suitable for vegetarians, diabetics, coeliacs and anyone on a calorie controlled diet.

For optimal results, take just one help: revitalise my skin gel stick per day. One box contains seven gel sticks.

Here is what I have to say

Well I can't really tell you how well this stuff works yet as I have only been taking the supplement for a week (but I will update you all after my month trial is up) what I can say is that in response to the flavour etc it has a subtle apple taste. Although I can't exactly say it is a nice taste, it's not a bad taste either. A bit like a weak apple jelly, that also goes for the texture as well. A slightly watery jelly. But it is very easy to eat (or swallow) which is great in my books as I hate medical stuff that tastes bad, I physically can't take bad tasting medicine but this is quite easy to take. And as they come in easy single plastic tubes, you can shove them in your bag to take with your lunch at work or just on the go, and you know you are always taking the right amount.

Onto the giveaway bit!

The winner will be chosen at random and will receive a 3x4 week supply of the Help: Revitalise my Skin supplement

This is open internationally, just remember to leave you email address in one of the entries so I can contact you.

Mandatory entry:

You must be a follower of my blog via google friend connect and leave a comment here telling me what's your best beauty secret.

Extra entries may be gained by:

Following Works with Water on Facebook (1 entry)

Follow Daisy Dayz on Facebook (1 entry)

Blogging/Twittering/Facebooking this giveaway (1 entry each)

Following Daisy Dayz on Twitter (1 entry)

Following Works with Water on Twitter (1 entry)

Please leave a separate comment for each include your twitter tag, Facebook name where relevant, or they will not be counted.

This competition will end at midnight GBT on the 2nd February.

Good luck!

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of my blog or sponsoring a giveaway please feel free to drop me an email at daisydayz25 at googlemail.com

Daisymay X

New Year New You Giveaway - Huiyi Tan

So ladies I bring you another amazing giveaway from another amazing Etsy seller. Todays sponsor is Huiyi Tan a jewellery designer originally from China but now residing in Cornwall!

An up for grabs a cute pair of pencil earrings in your choice of colour

So here is a quick interview with Huiyi so we can get to know her a little better.

Whats your name and where do you come from?

My name is Huiyi Tan. I grew up in Guangzhou, China. I was was first trained to be an interior designer for my bachelor degree in Guangzhou Universiy, China, and gained my MA in Jewelry Design at School of Jewellery, Birmingham Institute of Art & Design (UK). After graduation, I lived in Fairfax, and Alexandira, Virginia State, America for about 4 years. Since June 2010, I have been active in Etsy as an independent jewelry designer and maker. I live in Cornwall, UK now.

Tell us a bit about the real you?

I'm a very lazy person, haha! I love sleeping, eating (not cooking though, because I'm lazy!). I love plants, traveling, and trying different food.

Is there a story behind the name of your store?

It's just my full name. I'm not very good at naming things

How long have you been making your designs?

Since 2003 when I first studied jewelry making in Birmingham Jewellery Quarter.

Do you have any formal qualifications for your craft or is it just a hobby?

I have my Master of Art degree in Jewellery, Silversmithing and Related Products from School of Jewellery in Birmingham Institute of Art & Design (UK) and Accredited Jewelry Professional Diploma from GIA in California, USA.

What is your favourite material to work with?

Sterling silver, 18ct gold and colourful gemstones. I love them! Their colours are so stunning! I also like wood and glass enamel!

Of your items, which is your favourite and best seller

My favourite: Bunny Rabbit Ring

Best Seller: Snowflake Studs

Where do you get your inspiration?

Everyday objects, books I read, places I travelled and people I met.

Do you have any favourite etsy stores?

I love so many Etsy stores, more than 200. There are so many talented people in etsy!

What are your plans for 2012? Any New Years resolutions?

I have lots of ideas that I want to develop and make them to be actual items. So, I plan for 2012 is to make as many new jewellery as possible and list them online. Also, I am planning to have more jewellery in 18ct yellow gold

What’s your favourite flower?

White rose.

Onto the giveaway bit!

The winner will be chosen at random and will receive one pair of pencil earrings in the colour of their choice

This is open internationally, just remember to leave you email address in one of the entries so I can contact you.

Mandatory entry:

You must be a follower of my blog via google friend connect and leave a comment here telling me your favourite item from Huiyi Tan

Extra entries may be gained by:

Follow Daisy Dayz on Facebook (1 entry)

Follow Behind the Showcase on Facebook (1 entry)

Blogging/Twittering/Facebooking this giveaway (1 entry each)

Following Daisy Dayz on Twitter (1 entry)

Following Huiyi Tan on Twitter (1 entry)

Heart Huiyi Tan on Etsy (1 entry)

Please leave a separate comment for each include your twitter tag, Facebook name where relevant, or they will not be counted.

This competition will end at midnight GBT on the 27th January.

Good luck!

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of my blog or sponsoring a giveaway please feel free to drop me an email at daisydayz25 at googlemail.com

Don't forget my other giveaways

Boux Avenue Pink Taffeta Gift Set - Ends 14th January

Jar of Handmade Hearts Customised Make-up Bag - Ends 18th January

Burt's Bees Giftset - Ends 21st January

Delicate Pink Carved Shell Ring from Pure Dichotomy - Ends 23rd January

Vintage Lace hair bow from Fox'n Lily - Ends 24th January

Daisymay X