Life update and being a busy bee - Amy Rowley Lifestyle

Over the last couple of weeks, life has just managed to get in the way every time I have wanted to pick up the laptop. It's been full of a whirlwind of events and I feel like my head is only just coming round to all these changes as we speak. So of course, this has meant a lack of posts, inspiration and just generally time to get together good or 'worth posting' content, for my blog and all social networking channels. 

With this is in mind, I thought I would write a little life update blog post, to catch every one up to speed but also to take certain things off my mind and maybe use it as a bit of a release. 

First things first I turned 23 at the beginning of the weekend, which is crazy as I only look around the age of 17 but also crazy because where are the years going!?! I swear it only seemed yesterday that I turned 21 or even 18. 

For those that wished me happy birthday, thank you! I had a beautiful weekend with my boyfriend in Cambridge, exploring, shopping and even going on a punt which was great fun! I was then spoiled to a cream tea on the Monday by my beautiful best friend and a week later I was treated to a day out in London with my mum. We went to see Dreamgirls at the west end and it was incredible! I definitely recommend. It's safe to say I was spoilt rotten and truly am a very lucky girl!! 

* The beautiful city of Cambridge *

* One of the best musical I have ever seen...Dream girls *

Just Before my birthday I managed to conker one of my biggest fears and I passed my driving test. A huge milestone for me and something I am still very much terrified of, haha. For those that know me, learning to drive was not an easy task for me due to my anxiety. For those that think this may seem silly, for me it is one of the biggest achievements of my lifetime so far. 

This week I bought my first car, a little Renault Clio which I have name Ruby *laughs* it is such a cute little ride, it's now just getting used to using it. I am working myself up in small little routes and outings, but it's safe to say i'm not going to be doing a road-trip anytime soon haha. 

As well as all the madness, I managed to receive a promotion at my current workplace. I haven't been there long and without a doubt it came as the biggest shock, but i'm so happy and I finally feel like I am on the road to doing what i'm meant to be doing. If you asked me a couple of months ago I was still so confused and lost but I am now very happy and looking forward to the next leap. Even though I won't lie its still a little scary and I have a long way to go. 

So, as you can imagine life has just managed to go a bit crazy and of course i'm now run down and suffering from a cold that just means I am living my days with constantly trapped sneezes!! *rolls eyes* I hope you all stick around, as I am trying to get back into the swing of things. Hopefully give me a week or two and the content will be back to the normal standard and consistent too.

I hope you're having a lovely weekend, im trying to conquer this cold and work on my driving skills....fun fun fun! 

Thanks for reading my lovelies x 

Lets party, Christmas Edition - Part 2

So today i'm back with another party style post, whether you need a last minute idea for inspiration to a Christmas party, or your already thinking forward to new years eve, i'm here to help. In my last post i showed you a classic 'Amy' look. For this however i wanted to show you something a little bit different. A bit fairy tale, or self portrait inspired, with bundles of lace and a bit of a flare to the skirt. This little lace dress is from Missguided, which i was shocked to find, as the dress itself is really good quality. The zip was a little stiff to begin with but with a helping hand i soon got myself all zipped up. This dress made me feel a little bit like a Christmas fairy with a sparkly wand, but i kinda liked it. Hence why the backdrop for this shoot had to involve my current love in my life, my Christmas tree.

When it comes to accessories i wanted to keep it subtle and keep with the neutral tones of the dress. That is why i chose an old favourite for my heels. My topshop nude patent heels, i have worn these to death but my oh my have they served me well. Surprisingly comfy too. This dress would also look lovely with a pair of over the knee boots, for a slightly more dressed down look. I am still on the hunt for a pair that fit my little short legs without looking silly. We need somewhere to create petite boots for us little people. 

Little life Update

So the last week or two have been a crazy whirlwind of crazy basically. I had all these plans at the beginning of the month to blog every other day of the month, but life as usual has just got in the way. Its Christmas time and for people like me that work in retail it means basically living at work. I love it and how busy it gets but it leaves little time to much else over the festive period. I have also been under the weather with the horrible cold that has been going around, so that wasn't much fun either. However every cloud has a silver lining and this week has ended on a real high after getting some great news on Tuesday. I will delve into that more another time, but for now just know i will be back posting as much as possible and i'm finally on the mend. I hope this month is as good for you as its turning out to be for me. 

Thanks for reading my lovelies x 

Drop Hem Gorgeous

Now this is what i can a chilled weekend outfit. Heading out for Sunday brunch and a walk with the dog, or running into town for errands. These kind of outfits have to be really comfortable, effortlessly cool and the more layers to the outfit the better, especially for winter. I saw this top, the other day when i was buying work uniform, yep that's right i go in for black trousers and tops i come out of the shop with a pink tee. Sounds about right. I love this dusty rose pink colour, that seems to be all the rage still this season. Spring time it was everywhere and i have a gorgeous pink coat this colour so i'm glad to see its still going strong for autumn/winter. I think this top could be worn with heeled boots and a leather jacket to make it look a little more sophisticated if that is what your all about. I just wanted to show you how an understated outfit can still look cool. 

This top is from Vila i bought it in Fenwick Colchester, however i can't seem too find it anywhere online. There is a very similar longer sleeved top on the Vila website though so take a look at that one if you like this. Link Here. 

 

* Converse - Kurt Geiger *

For this very casual spin on things i decided to keep it simple and throw on a plain pair of black wash denim, skinny of course and some black converse. I have always had white converse till quite recently when i picked these up from Kurt Geiger. I literally love them, i forgot how comfortable Converse can be and i find these black are actually more stylish and versatile then the white ones at times. If you don't own a pair of Converse then get yourself some, you won't regret it!

I definitely can't get the hang of this posing malarkey clearly *sighs*

* Khaki parka Jacket - H&M * 

* Badges - Zara *

For those colder and blustery days, a throw on jacket is just what you need to take this outfit to the next level. I bought this khaki parka Jacket type thing from H&M a little while ago and i literally love it. I bought it in a size 10 so it was slightly over sized and i just throw it over anything, especially as i am always cold without a doubt. There are loads of these floating about on the market, with badges and all sorts on them but i like this more simple version. I did however attach some cute little pin badges from Zara to give it a little bit of texture and added interest. 

I hope you like this slightly more casual outfit post from me today, i know i definitely like wearing these outfits they may be more simplistic but also realistic so great for every day. 

Thanks for reading my lovelies x

5 Work Wear Staples and keeping your work wardrobe interesting

Do you ever feel like your work wardrobe is lacking and it bores you to think of something to put on in the morning? Do you feel like buying work wear items is a bore and so uninteresting? Well join the club. I say to myself every month, right lets invest a little and buy a couple of nice bits for my work wardrobe, but it just never happens and it honestly frustrates me so much. I get so fed up of putting on the same items every week and thinking oh that will do. I want to still feel stylish and trendy in my work wear clothes and know that if last minute drinks after work is offered i wont be afraid to say no because i look and feel like i'm wearing a sack. So today i'm gonna share with you 5 work wear staples that we all need in our wardrobe and a couple of tips on how to keep your work outfits interesting and trendy. 

1. The first Staple in your work wear wardrobe life is a simple white shirt. They don't have to cost loads and you can find them anywhere so its an easy one to start off with. White shirts are most possibly one of the most versatile pieces any person could have in their wardrobe. You can wear them under things, throw things over them and layer to your hearts content. They also look great with any kind of bottoms. Whats even better is you don't have to keep this to work wear only...No. A nice white shirt will look so cute and stylish with some ripped jeans and heels, or pair of trainers. 

* White shirt - H&M *

2. The second staple you should have is a great pair of black trousers. Each individual will prefer a different fit to suit there body shape so that my friends is up to you, but a good fitting pair of black trousers is something everybody needs. Don't be afraid to invest in them either, because when you find that perfect pair you wont want to take them off for days. For me i'm quite short and have a small waist and small legs, so i always tend to suit petite skinny trousers, as the straight leg can sometimes make me look a little silly. 

* Trousers - Warehouse *

3. A little black dress is the third staple in your work wardrobe. Following on from my last post (link here,) i think that this is something every girl needs and not just for work but casual too. I think it is important to pick something that fits nicely and is comfortable to work in all day. With work wear, the fit of the pieces is probably one of the most important things. To keep things interesting, any detailing on the dress is welcome, you don't need to keep it plain and simple, mess around with things like lace, embroidery and embellishment. 

* LBD - Zara *

4. The next staple is a Blazer. A great blazer can make anything look professional, so if your down to your last t shirt and trousers combination, you can chuck on this blazer and automatically you look ready for business. Again i'm gonna bang on about the fit of the products but it really does make all the difference. I like quite a fitted style that cinches me in at the waist to create some curves that really aren't there, however if your prefer a more relaxed look, the boyfriend fit blazer can look really nice too, a little bit more effortlessly cool. 

* Blazer - Topshop *

5. A pair of comfortable shoes is the last and final work wear staple. Whether they are flat black loafers or a pair of comfortable pair of heels it is so important to make sure you are comfortable. Especially if like me you are on your feet all day. Personally i'm more a flats girl however in the winter i prefer to wear ankle boots with a slight heel just to mix things up a little. 

* Heeled loafers - Asos *

Texture - Now on to those tips to keep things interesting.and the first is to play with textures and different fabrics. For instance a chiffon blouse or a top with pleats or embroidery will give that extra boost to your wardrobe. Plisse pleat culottes are all the rage at the moment so pair those with your white shirt and it will look a lot more interesting then a simple black skirt. Ruffles are also really on trend at the moment so try and incorporate fashion trends in subtle ways. 

Accessories - If all else fails jazz up your work wardrobe with some fancy accessories. Use jewellery, or a cute belt or scarf to add texture pattern and trends to your work wardrobe. By adding a simple choker to a white shirt, or a silk scarf you can make an outfit 10 times more interesting. The same goes for shoes, a funky pair of boots with detail to the heel or a pair of pointy patent heels can take an outfit from boring to wow. 

I hope you liked my tips and picks for your work wardrobe, and its inspired you to have a little more fun with it. Your work wardrobe doesn't have to feel like a chore. 

Thanks for reading my lovelies x 

A summer to autumn little black dress

So i decided i wanted to make a Missguided order. I very rarely shop on Missguided, for several reasons. The first i am never sure on the quality of the products as it can be very unreliable, and also i find that things tend to look lovely on the models on the website but when it comes to little old me, they just never suit me. I see so many people on Instagram rocking this and that so i thought i'd just have a little browse. This resulted in me making a little order. I did my usual click and collect and it arrived super quickly. As i thought most items ended up going back, however i did keep a couple of things and one of those, being this little black dress.

Every girl should have that little black dress in her wardrobe, and i think its great to have one that you know you can wear whatever the season. When i saw this online i knew it was right up my street. It is so simple but with the ruffle details its just keeps it interesting and on trend. Whats even better about this is it could be styled in so many different ways. You could pop a pair of pointed stilettos on, rock a red lip and a sequin bag and your ready for any evening event, Christmas party included, with that pop of red on your lips. You could grunge it down with a pair of converse and a leather jacket. For your work wardrobe you could pair it with a pair of loafers, (see last post here.) And with the colder months ahead pop a long sleeve tee underneath, maybe a burgundy red for a little bit of colour, some thicker tights and pair of boots and your ready to face that English winter.

* Little black dress - Missguided *

I have kept this look really simple, perfect for a day out with the girls, a meal and drinks out with friends or a date night. I have pulled the dress in at the waist to give myself a little bit of shape with my old favourite, western belt from Topshop. This little beauty just works with everything and it keeps the trendy vibe of the outfit going. 

For shoes i have paired mine with a simple pair of black boots. These are just an old pair i got from Asos last year, but i will link a couple of ideas below. Just like the little black dress, every girl needs a a pair of little black boots for all year round. The heel to the boot is just enough to keep it dressy but comfortable and they look great with everything, jeans, skirts dresses you name it.

*Boots - Asos Option 1 - Asos Option 2 *

For accessories, i have bought out another old goodie, my little Celine box bag dupe from mango and my Rayban clubmaster sunglasses. Mine are a prescription pair from boots as i am blind as a bat but you can get these anywhere these days. I love them.

* Rayban Clubmasters - Zalando *

So there you have my little spin on a little black dress, i'm sure when December hits another little black dress will be on the scene but for now this beauty is just perfect. 

Thanks for reading my lovelies. x 

My top Jewellery brand picks

Anyone that knows me will know my love for anything sparkly or pretty, and will also know how much i love jewellery in general. I think jewellery is great for many things. It can be the perfect gift for someone, personal or pretty. But they are also a great way of jazzing up an outfit, creating a statement or taking something and turning it into something beautiful and much more on trend then it was before. Take a choker for instance. Pop a plain white tee on, with a pair of ripped denim jeans, plain and simple but add a simple black choker and boots and bobs your uncle, your a fashionista in the making. I happen to work with jewellery every day, and i know lots of the insides and outs, so i thought why not share with you some of my favourite brands, and a couple of picks from each one.

Monica Vinader - Initial Necklace

Accessorize - Pearl Choker

Monica Vinader - for any of you reading this that know me well,  you will know this is my number one all time favourite jewellery brand. I can happily say i like every piece they do and would be a very happy bunny if someone treated me to something, just like i have been in the past. My fascination for the brand started way back when i started watching the makeup goddess that is Lisa Eldridge on YouTube. She used to wear two beautiful rings with semi precious stones in and from then on i was obsessed. I own two pieces of there jewellery, both gifts from special people in my life and i love them. You will have probably seen one of them a lot on my Instagram account (@amyrowleyy) and that is my rose gold initial necklace. I am forever getting compliments on it and it goes with everything. Currently on my wish list are the new Linear stone bracelet and rings, as well as the gorgeous signature bangle in rose gold (hint hint). With most Monica Vinader jewellery you can get it personalised which is a lovely touch i think, perfect for the Christmas months that are looming. 

Pandora - Moments Charm Bracelet,  Monica Vinader - Bangle 

Chlobo - My next jewellery favourite is a brand called Chlobo. It is a brand I work with on a day to day basis and its a firm favourite all round.  The idea behind the brand is all about the stack, and the meanings behind each charm. They are all sterling silver or gold plated, and the bracelets are on a stretchy silicone cord, so they are super easy to get on and off. There main focus are the stacking bracelets,  but they do a lovely range of necklaces and earrings also. The tassel charm is my favourite, manly because it is so pretty but also because it is supposed to distract evil and negativity, which i think everyone needs a bit of in there life. I was kindly given a  bracelet in a work competition but i'm eager to add to my stack. There new collection comes out the end of September and it has some beautiful pieces in it so be sure to check it out.

(Close up of Pandora bracelet, Chlobo bracelet and Pandora essence bangle)

Pandora - Next up is the very popular and most known brand for sure, and that is Pandora. You really can't go wrong with Pandora. It in my eyes for the quality is very affordable, and it is for all ages. The charm bracelets are of course the main star, however i think that the rings, and some of there more sophisticated collections are hidden gems. I'm very lucky to own a fair amount of their jewellery that i have been gifted and collected over the years. They are very clever and i always think that their marketing is fantastic. As a brand they continue to bring out different collections, as often as possible for all the different seasons, which is what makes it so addictive and interesting. 

Accessorize 'Z' Range - Last but not least, is definitely a more affordable and budget friendly jewellery brand, but still of good quality and beautiful designs. The Accessorize 'Z' range, is sterling silver or gold plated jewellery, in very intricate and delicate designs. Some of the pieces include semi precious stones or cubic zirconia for some added sparkle, and its safe to say i struggle with choosing what pieces i like the most every time i go to have a look at the collection in my nearest store. I have a small collection of some of the pieces and each piece is as adorable as the next. For anyone on a budget but like me you love jewellery and expensive looking delicate pieces, that look good layered head over to accessorize. Pieces are all around the £12 to £25 mark. Oh and heads up if you get yourself a Accessorize reward card, you could get 20% off this Thursday and Friday (8th,9th September,) so go and treat yourself to something pretty. 

( A few pieces from last season 'Z' Collection, new collection linked above )

So there you have it, jewellery 101 with Amy Rowley *chuckles*. But seriously if your a jewellery lover like me, or in need of purchasing a gift for a special friend, check these brands out, you wont be disappointed. Or if you like come visit me at Fenwick Colchester Where we have a super selection of brands suitable for everyone, all in sparkly new counters ready for our launch on the 14th September. 

Thanks for reading my lovelies x