What's In My Bag | Great North Run Edition

I know I’m not alone in my love for What’s in my bag? blog posts and videos, so thought I’d do my spin on it this weekend.

Today, I’m running the Great North Run, the world’s biggest half marathon so thought I’d share all the kit I’ll be taking with me to help me conquer 13.1 miles. 

September Goals

Srsly - where did August go. It feels like I started my new job seconds ago and now I'm into my fifth week already. Total madness.

September is a big month, so with that comes some big ol' goals. Here's what's on the agenda this month.

Complete the Great North Run
Usually I'd be saying "Complete the GNR in X time" but I've got to say, I've been a bit injured so that PB is looking a bit unlikely. Instead I'm just going to go and run. Enjoy the day, the crowds and the route and not beat myself up if I don't get a certain time. Sometimes you've got to take a step back and just do your best.

Get wedding shit done
It's now only 10 months until me and J get hitched, and I have a to-do list as long as my arm. Fellow brides; you hear me? It's big business organising a wedding, especially when you're handpicking your suppliers for the best day ever. Although I have had some moments in the past few weeks, I know it's all going to be worth it. Save the Dates are in the post, the dress has been bought and now it's a matter of getting super organised. Check out my Pinterest board for a flavour of what's been racing through my head for our big day. And I've already got my eye on this bad lad from Alphabet Bags - #brandbride

Book a spa day
I love a good spa day. Mum and I usually head to the beautiful Headlam Hall for our spa days and I'm adamant to get the next one booked in. I have a knotty back, goddamn it. I always see these days as a good recharge session, and as me and J aren't going away for a long stint this year (apart from camping in the Lakes this weekend, hurrah!), a spa day will be the perfect little get away to ease though no-holiday blues.

Take some me time
With training, changing jobs and planning a wedding, I haven't had much time for myself to do things I love. I know that saying goes "if you truly love something, you'll make time" but I literally do not have anymore time I can spare at the moment. Work is busy, I'm out most nights at the gym or with my pals, and weekends are spent running, doing housework an catching up on sleep. September will be about getting to grips with my nutrition course and doing some serious blog TLC.

Get my Autumn wardrobe sorted
I have more items in my ASOS Save for Later list than I care to mention (I'm sorry, it's an addiction). September equals pretty-much-the-end-of-the-year in my book and I've already been rocking one of my winter coats and we're only 3 days into September. To kick off the autumn/winter wardrobe, I've got my eye on some Russell and Bromley boots which may well be making an appearance on this blog very soon. They're just so damn beautiful.

What are your goals for September? What's on your Autumn wardrobe wishlist?

Get Shorty | Style

Now, we may just be seeing the start of Spring. Hallelujah!
And about time, right? This weekend, the clocks go forward meaning we get that extra hour of daylight and I can't wait to get out and make the most of it.

For me, with the light nights, comes the unbridled desire to be outdoors, running, cycling, beach boot-camping, all balanced out with the occasional beer garden excursion.

For those week night outdoor workouts, I'm after some new gear to see me through Spring and Summer, particularly in the shorts arena. I used to hate flashing my stems when the sun came out, but now I fully embrace it. And what's more, the range a beautiful sports shorts you can get your mitts on at the moment is ace. So, when the sun's out, it'll definitely be guns pins out.

Here are my top picks, just in time for payday.

Top 5 New Workout Picks | Wellbeing

I workout up to four times a week, and have been going through gym gear at a bit of an alarming rate.

I've been saving for a few more pricier items to add to my work out wardrobe recently, as not only are they generally more well made, but I reckon they do last longer than your high-street gym garb.
[Side note: I may also wear these IRL. That kale t-shirt though].

I've got a bit of wish-list going at the minute of some new bits and pieces to keep me looking funky fresh whilst back squatting. Here's the deets.

Yard Life | Home Style

Our back yard is one of the areas of our flat that we've just never got round to doing much with. Sure we have a (man) shed, a few potted plants and a functional little table and chairs, but it's definitely a work in progress.

This summer, we finally decided to get the yard looking spick and span but we've been struggling in the inspiration department. Enter your old friend and mine, Pinterest.

I've cobbled together a few shots of what we're trying to achieve - hugely looking forward to arranging and building our own suspended lighting canopy (thankfully J is very skilled in the woodwork side of things, how handy?)

Also, I love me some neon accenting, so adoring the idea of the painted breeze block planters below - such a simple and effective idea.

For some other things I'm finding inspiring, head on over to pinning heaven to take a peek at my other boards.

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Top 5 Holiday Heroes

It's that time of year again pals. The clocks have sprung forward signalling the start of summer. Thank the LORD.

Well it definitely ain't feeling like summertime here, so a couple of weeks ago, me and Joe escaped the freezing cold climes of the North and headed off to catch some rays in the Canary Islands.

Firstly, going on holiday in March threw me completely; the idea of having a holiday so early on in the year just felt damn wrong, but it was actually just the ticket. We spent the week chillin' out max, eating great food and suppin' on cocktails poolside. Also, I drank my weight in Watermelon Margaritas (best drink EVER, definitely one to try and recreate).

Hot and sunny weather means a whole different kind of beauty routine to the norm, so here are my top five holiday hero products to help keep you looking cool in the heat.

Sun Protection: Institut Esthederm Sun Intolerent High Protection Body Spray
My skin and the sun really aren't the best of friends. I love the sun but the sun don't love me. I suffered terribly with infected prickly heat when I was younger, thanks to my very weird skin (I had bad eczema as a child, and my skin became really un-absorbent and I get blocked pores very easily). I still suffered badly with prickly heat through my late teens and early twenties, trying every product I could get my hands on to help sun intolerant skin like mine survive in the heat. A few products have eased my troubles short-term, but none quite like the Sun Intolerant Protection Body Spray by the French brand Institut Estherderm. This has literally changed my life. I know that sounds dramatic but it really has. Even up to a couple of years ago, I would get prickly heat as soon as it got 20 degrees+, coming out in an awful rash despite slathering on what I thought would help prevent it. I used to feel terribly self conscious about this and had covered it up wearing long-sleeved tops. Just plain awful. I discovered this bad lad whilst checking out Lisa Eldridge's (girl crush) favourite sunscreens video, where she mentions IE. She explained their sun care range was great for people with problem skin, so I hopped on down to my local Space NK where a sales advisor pointed me in the direction of Sun Intolerant Protection Body Spray. I used this first in California in September and then again in the Canaries, and boy does that stuff work. No sign of the nasty prickly heat rash, so I actually managed to enjoy these holidays properly. Pricey yes, but totally, totally worth it.

Hair Care: Lush Shampoo Bar
No one wants to be lugging around a big old bottle of shampoo on holiday. Even miniature shampoos don't quite tick the box for me. Enter Lush Shampoo Bar in Godiva. This jasmine and nut-oil packed gem of a product is easy to sling in your washbag for your holiday, and very long-lasting. I washed my hair everyday and the bar didn't even seem to lose it's size and shape at all. How incredible? It lathers up well and leaves your hair feeling clean and light. And as with all Lush products, you can imagine this smells pretty great. My advice? Pair your bar with the great little tin that Lush stocks to keep it dry and last even longer.

The tropical blush: Benefit Coralista
Sunshine for me equals sun-kissed skin and a bit of shimmer for the ultimate holiday make-up look. Now as I don't tan at ALL, Coralista is the perfect flush of colour to help me cheat that healthy holiday glow. The warm coral tone lifts the whole look of your face instantly. This will be my go-to summer blush.

The perfect lightweight base: Bourjois 123 Perfect Colour CC Cream
Full coverage foundation in the sun is a massive no no. You want to keep your look fresh and simple, so when Lily mentioned Bourjois' CC Cream I knew this could be just the thing to keep my skin looking shipshape in the sun without having to pile on a heavier base. Available in four shades, the lightweight formula blends easily into the skin with fingers, and as you'd expect a CC cream to, it corrects any pigmentation/redness issues in the skin for a light and fairly long-lasting make-up base. A winner all round in my book.

Post-Holiday Hero: John Frieda Frizz Ease Nourishing Hair Elixir*
The hot sun and all that swimming can leave your hair feeling a little dry, and when I got home, I lathered on John Frieda's Nourishing Hair Elixir. I've used a few hair oils before, but this is lovely and lightweight, and where other oils have made my hair feel greasy, this didn't at all. The Frizz Ease range caters more for curly and frizz-prone hair, but this was perfect for me to return my hair to it's smooth and glossy state.

What are your holiday hero products?

Fashion: Vintage Vogue Covers

A few years ago, a good friend of my mother's was clearing out her house, preparing for a big move to the wilds of Cumbria. She called one evening, having discovered boxes of vintage Vogue, L'Officiel and Brides magazines in her attic and asked if I'd like them - she knew I'd give them a good home and treasure them dearly, so I jumped at the chance. Most of the issues date from the 1970s and are in impeccable condition, so I thoughr I'd share a few of my favourites covers with you - my particular favourite is the Silver Jubilee issue of British Vogue from 1976; I hope they do something equally as special for the Diamond Jubilee in June.

A holly, jolly Christmas.

This Christmas has been truly great; I've spent alot of time with mine and Joe's families, eaten way too much and had some much needed rest. I was spoilt rotten this Christmas - I finally received a beautiful milk glass cake stand from RE, which I been coveting forever, Balenciaga perfume, which came so beautifully packaged I didn't want to open it and a new 50mm lens for my Canon 450D (SO impressed with it).

To see in 2012, I will be playing hostess - having some friends round to my parents house to eat Nigella's Chocolate Guinness Cake amongst other things, drink hand-crafted cocktails and play board games. The last few New Year's Eves have either been spent abroad or in Newcastle, so it'll be a welcome change staying in. I'm more than ready to begin a new year - 2011 has been filled with a lot more lows than highs, so 2012 had better bring more good news than bad! What have you got planned for this New Year's Eve?

Christmas Time in the North

I am having the busiest few weeks at work in the run-up to Christmas, preparing for some big projects post-Christmas, so my blog is taking a back seat, which I am not too thrilled about! However, I have some exciting treats lined up over the next few weeks which I'll be sharing with you soon, including seeing The Puppini Sisters' live at The Sage, visiting the brand new Urban Outfitters store in Newcastle, shopping in Corbridge, Christmas festivities with friends, a trip to Yorkshire and finally, Champagne Christmas Afternoon tea with Katie and Paula.

Hope you're all having a lovely Advent period so far - I've been stuffing my face with sweet mince pies, red wine and mulled cider!

Image source: Pinterest

Fashion: GraphiChanel

Chanel's Spring/Summer 2012 set design was a marvel in itself; an underwater playground where Chanel's ethereal, pearl encrusted girls swam in the deep to the sounds of Florence and the Machine. Lagerfeld, like others this season, presented a collection inspired by the sea for Spring/Summer but my favourite part of this collection just so happens to be the subtle, graphic accents on classic Chanel boucle jackets, dresses and knitwear; as a lover of all things minimally brilliant in graphic design, my heart skipped a beat when these looks were presented on the catwalk. Now, time to save the pennies to add these wonders to my wardrobe.

© Vogue.com 

Fashion: The Man

I've become increasingly intrigued by super slick menswear and stylish gentleman ever since I first stumbled upon The Sartorialist (many moons ago now...), depicting beautiful men in beautiful clothes out on the street; since the inception of London Fashion Week's day dedicated to 'The Man' and the launch of Net-a-Porter's brother site Mr Porter. My penchant is for classic mens' tailoring made contemporary, so here I give you a smorgasbord of inspiring looks, impeccable style and the subtly eccentric.

1 + 2/ The Sartorialist 3/ Style Salvage 4/ Fashionbeans 5/ The Great Divide 6 + 7/ The Sartorialist 8/ Style Salvage  9/ The Great Divide 10 + 11/ William Yan 12, 13 + 14/ Backyard Bill  15 + 16/ William Yan 

Fashion: Objects of Affection, September 2011

1. Hexagon Gold Ring by Mociun . Found this beauty thanks to illustrator extraordinaire Niki Pilkington. A classic piece for your jewellery box (hope the boyf is reading this!)

2. Necklace from The Diamond Collection by Myia Bonner. I discovered this talented jeweller at New Designers this year and this necklace is on my must have list.

3. Never has going back to school looked so chic. It's September, so time to parade your new Autumn/Winter wardrobe including Christopher Kane's Aqua fel-filled PVC clutch which reminds me of my obsession with gel-filled pencil cases and watches (which had a tendency to burst...) when I was 11.

4. I'm planning a whole blog post around about how, in the words of Carrie Bradshaw, "I've been cheating on fashion with furniture," in my quest to find beautiful pieces of furniture and home accessories for mine and my boyfriend's first flat. I plan on having a whole wall filled with beautiful limited edition prints, and this print by Kate Moross is high on my wish list.

5. I don't know one girl who isn't obsessed with Miu Miu's glittery peep toe booties for Autumn/Winter - I know Briony over at A Girl, A Style is obsessing over them as much as I am! They're the perfect footwear choice for the festive season (and every other season for that matter!) - everyone deserves a bit of glamour at Christmas.

6. Finally, 'tis the season of the jumper. I'd like mine navy, warm and cable knit please. Topshop's navy blue offering will go perfectly with tailored trousers and brogues for a laid-back Autumnal look.

Inspiration: Glastonbury Festival 2011

So, I returned from Glastonbury over a week ago today....and it has literally taken me that long to recover! I had the most amazing time; well, I did whinge a bit about the mud at first but then accepted it and had the most amazing time. Here's a few photos of my time there (fashion, I had to say when slightly out of the window....mud and maxidresses don't work.)

Fashion: Joan Smalls for V Magazine #70

I've been obsessed with upcoming model Joan Smalls ever since I worked with her in London just over a year ago; so beautiful and down to earth. So naturally, I'm absolutely in love with this editorial for V Magazine #70, shot by Alasdair McLellan.

Images: fashiongonerogue.com

Fashion: Bunnygirls

Well, it is Easter after all. I'm a bunny-obsessive and what better time to share the bunny love other than Easter?

Current bunny obsession: everything Katie Hillier creates! She's a bunny obsessive too & makes the most beautiful bunny jewellery! Her new Bunny Love collection is at the top of my Easter wishlist; who needs an egg?!

Hillier's Bunny Collection is available at Dover Street Market

Happy Easter!

Hiller jewellery images via Milk

All other images - Pinterest

Fashion: British Designers' Collective at Bicester Village

This weekend I was down in Oxfordshire to visit my sister, and the designer outlet, Bicester Village, just so happens to be half an hour away, so of course I had to pay a visit. More importantly, I wanted to see the British Designers Collective pop-up shop which is running for six weeks, featuring a whole host of great new British design talent including Richard Nicoll, Felicity Brown and Lara Bohinc.

First impressions of the pop-up shop were fantastic. Loved the very on-trend neon colours used in the store design, including the amazing neon-pink telephone box outside.

I wasn't allowed to take any pictures of the clothes, but the sales assistants were extremely friendly and let me take photos of the store inside (how fantastic are the big jars of gamma orange and pink jellybeans!) 

So did I buy? Well, even for an outlet some of the clothes were a bit out of my price range (I wish I could've afforded a Felicity Brown dress!). I did purchase two Jonathan Saunders t-shirt dresses though - am a massive fan of his printwork so in was great to add these to my collection!

I also made another few purchases at Bicester but that's for another blogpost...

All images © Alice Mary Barnes, 2011