Top Tips for getting glammed up for party season!

I’ve said it before and I dare say I’ll say it again but the festive party season is nearly upon us! Whether it’s a work-do or a night out with friends, getting glammed up can be a real treat! Here’s a few ideas to get you started.

Pauls Hair WorldHair

Trying to get your hair to behave in Winter can be challenging at best, impossible at worst. Instead of single handedly making a hole in the ozone layer with hair spray, consider getting some good quality hair extensions. You can shop for fabulous Universal Hair Extensions online at Pauls Hair World, they even come in some really funky colours if you’re feeling daring.

groovykind-aloveMakeup

Treat yourself to some gorgeous new makeup, I particularly like this >Groovy Kind-a Love set from Benefit cosmetics, everything you need in a funky little tin! You could even take it to work with you if you’re going straight out to a party afterwards.

takeapictureIf your skin is feeling (or looking) a little worse for wear thanks to the drab weather then grab yourself some moisturising body balm >‘Take a picture…It lasts longer…’ again from Benefit Cosmetics even has a little shimmering sparkle!

mischaFootwear

Heels may be obligatory for the party itself, but save your tootsies from unnecessary pain by purchasing some folding shoes like these >Mischa Black Pumps from RedFoot to wear to and from the party. They’re a life saver for tired aching feet.

diagonalzipclutchBag

A sparkly clutch is a standard party favourite, but if you’re dancing the night away consider buying one that comes with a strap to wear across your body. This >Diagonal Zip Across Body Bag from Accessorize is perfect for keeping your change safe, secure and stylish!

champagnedropAccessories

Keep your accessories sparkly and fun! I love this Champagne Drop Necklace from Tatty Devine, they even make matching earrings!

 

Our Christmas guide to gifts for the feet!

It’s time to start compiling your Christmas shopping lists but what if you can’t think of the right present, are you doomed to cliché socks and boring slippers? Of course not! With a little searching you can turn that seemingly boring gift into the perfect present with our Christmas guide to gifts for the feet!

First things first though you mustn’t forget how important it is to look after your feet during the colder weather. The temperature drop can worsen skin conditions, cause blood flow restriction and chilblains to name just a few problems. Thankfully most issues are easily dealt with as you can now shop footcare products online at many sites like Simply Feet.

 

Casey Slipper

Casey Slipper

The Casey Slipper from Canterbury Sheepskin RRP £81.72

The wonderful Casey slipper is made from genuine sheepskin and looks like luxury and comfort itself. Even better you can be in with a chance to win a pair in our current competition!

Blizzard Socks

Blizzard Socks

Blizzard Bamboo socks from Braintree Clothing £4.00

Bamboo socks are made from an eco fibre fabric which is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and incredibly soft. Plus they come in really lovely designs.

Fluffies Socks

Fluffies Socks

Fluffies Socks from Seasalt £8.00

Don’t fancy slippers but still want ridiculously cosy toes, then these socks are the perfect present.

Skull and Cutlass Slippers

Skull and Cutlass Slippers

Red Skull and Cutlass on Velvet Slippers from MySlippers.co.uk £295.00

Looking for something traditional and yet quirky for the man in your life? Then these pirate style toe warmers can’t fail to fit the bill *yarrrrr!*

Pansy Olive Socks

Pansy Olive Socks

Pansy Olive Socks from Avoca E16.95

These wonderful feminine knee socks complete with lacy trim and bows can’t fail to impress.

 

Hedgehog Slippers

Hedgehog Slippers

Wool Hedgehog Slippers from Lilac Coast £24.95

Not forgetting the little ones, keep wiggly toes all wrapped up with these gorgeous non-spikey hedgehogs for the feet.

Hetty Rose Workshop

Hetty Rose Workshop

Shoemaking Workshop at Hetty Rose £195.00

Don’t gift a shoe, gift an experience! Your recipient can make their very own pair of shoes hand crafted from vintage Japanese Kimono fabrics!

Pop Up Kings Road with Skribbies shoes!

Skribbies Pop Up Shop

Skribbies are footwear that can be drawn on, wiped clean and then drawn on again. I was intrigued by the idea but wondered how they would work in reality.

For the first two weeks of August, 387 Kings Road, London has opened it’s doors as part of Pop Up Britain. For a limited time you can purchase products from some of the most exciting online brands in a physical store. I popped along to the launch event to meet the Skribbies team. A few recognisable faces were also in attendance such as CBeebies’ Sid Sloane, much to the kids delight!

The store itself is situated quite a long way down the Kings Road, but it’s definitely worth a visit. There are eight temporary residents selling a range of goods suitable for kids, mums-to-be and the home. There are also craft activities and face painting to keep little ones occupied while you browse. My son insisted on having his face painted as Batman before posing with Sid at the front of the store.Sid Sloane and Batman

It was great to see the shoes in real life and have a chance to test them out.

Will kids actually enjoy drawing on their shoes?

The kids ran straight past the craft and face painting tables to sit on the floor and start doodling. They drew several designs while we were there and have continued to enjoy changing their shoes daily. Even Sid got in on the colouring action, unfortunately as Skribbies are only available in Junior sizes 10 – Adult size 3 so they were never going to fit him!Sid Sloane shoe

I can definitely understand the appeal of these trainers as they remind me of my own childhood, filled with customisable headbands with names written across them in embossed script. Skribbies creator Jennifer Duthie laughed when I mentioned this, as such memories were apparently part of her inspiration when creating the range! I also wonder if I can squirrel the shoes away of an evening and write little reminders on them like ‘tidy your room’ or ‘put your washing in the basket’ it could be a whole new brand of parenting 😛

I can confidently say that kids (and adults!) really enjoying drawing on their shoes.

Will the designs last when walking about or in the rain?

All three children wore their shoes from the pop up store over to the Natural History Museum, then on several tubes and walking around London. As long as the design has dried they seem to last. I haven’t tested them out in the rain yet, but I am told they will survive as long as they have been given time to dry before venturing out.

Are they durable?

We haven’t had them long but considering all my children are very hard on their shoes and we had several trips and stubs in London I’m amazed they are still in one piece already. Only time will tell, but so far it’s a thumbs up!

Will parents like them?Abi Day

I do. They hold a magical appeal that keeps my children quiet and occupied for long stretches at a time! My youngest is also notoriously fussy when it comes to his footwear and he loves these shoes. Plus the fact that they have Neon accents makes the kids easier to spot should they wander a bit further away from you than you would like.

Skribbies

We all had a fabulous time meeting the Skribbies team and trying out the new shoes. I can honestly see these becoming a must have accessory for cool kids and parents will enjoy the peace they seem to bring. I would definitely recommend visiting the store to see the shoes in person and meet the team if you can.Skribbies

Pop Up Store Details

Situated at: 387 Kings Road, London, SW10 0LR

Open: 1st – 14th August

Opening hours: 10am – 6.30pm

Skribbies Details

Skribbies are available in three colour variations; pink/red, neon yellow/black and blue/navy.

Size Range: Junior size 10 – Adult size 3

Each pair of Skribbies comes with a pack of magic pens, a wristband to wipe the designs off and stickers to further customise.

Further colours and designs and planned for the future including low-top trainers.

They are priced at £35.95 and available to purchase online from www.skribbies.com or in person from the Kings Road Pop Up Store.

Skribbies on Facebook www.facebook.com/skribbies

Skribbies on Twitter www.twitter.com/skribbies