The Sunday Natter: the royal baby - it's a girl!

As the lovely Kate and Wills welcomed a new baby gil into the world yesterday morning, I thought it was only necessary to base today's token gossip on this subject. After all, a celebratory birth is what gets us Brits talking. There are a few issues I'd like to address but first of all, can I just preach about how beautiful their little family is. Ignoring the fact they are royalty and how they exceed the higher end of the scale, they are just a normal and extremely humble loving couple with two adorable children. Their parenting is nothing but natural, you can see it's far from staged and truly from the heart and what I love about it is they're not afraid to show it. Witnessing the special moment of William taking Prince George to visit his new sister whilst he was completely oblivious to the fuss and began waving to the cameras seriously tugged at my heart strings. Him and his sister (who are practically twins within only 24 hours of visible life) must be the most cherished children on earth and there's no questioning just how cute and well polished they are.

Without a doubt, Prince George and Princess *to be named* are set up for their future. They belong to the most privileged family, are destined to be superior, to be blessed with a monarchy and live a happy, content life with access to anything they'll ever need but sometimes I can't help wondering whether it's quite sad to know they'll miss out on experiencing the usual 'normality'. Nowhere near the pitiful mark but with working with children myself, I've seen first hand how important it is to just explore the stereotypical development of childhood to adulthood and being a member of the royal family must give added pressure. It's the small things like attending your local toddler group, nipping down the street, knocking on friends' doors and staying out till your mum shouts you in at the top of her voice, or for the older activities like stressing yourself silly about a job interview or waiting in the pouring rain for public transport that doesn't turn up BUT what they do have is security, stability, support and love, and the allowance to still be independent with freedom and I guess that's all that matters.

I'm still questioning how Kate could have looked so amazing after an overdue labour, sweating, panting, lots of uncomfortableness, loss of dignity and finally, after popping a baby out. A few hours later and she's out walking, elegantly dressed, looking as radiant as ever; hair immaculate, fresh faced, gleam bouncing off her. Of course, it's most likely down to the team of professionals all ready to make her acceptable for the cameras (although I'm sure she looks just as beautiful without the work) but I have to hold my hands up and admire her. After (if I ever) give birth, I doubt I'd come anywhere close to that. I'd probably be ugly crying, hair shoved up in a bun, bags under my eyes, sweat pants on, and craving nothing but sleep and a juicy meal whilst juggling precious bonding time with my newborn. I don't even look as good as Kate did on a day I feel my hair and makeup is to my satisfaction and I certainly wouldn't be up for socialising with anyone, let alone the whole world. I know it's her role as Duchess and his role as Prince but knowing all those people, (in fact, everyone) knows your business, are waiting for you outside, ready to pounce and overwhelm you at the right moment and still managing to enter with a greeting smile; I can't help but respect the pair. It's no secret that there are the dedicated royalists who are disappointed there was no speech but I feel even letting both the general public and the media into that precious memory is enough? People, especially the media sources, can be very forceful and you sometimes do have to remember they are only human.

Talking of the media; dear god, why oh why was the topic of what colour scheme Kate was wearing brought up and how even is that relevant to the joyous occasion? When the news stated they were unsure why she wasn't wearing pink, I had to cringe. I'm 100% sure that didn't even cross the Duchess's mind? She has no entitlement to a choice of whether she is going to be circulated rapidly and just so happened to pick a designer dress and heels she felt suited the moment. The fact it was yellow makes no difference and is actually quite laughable that people have this in depth theory and story behind it. I happened to think she looked remarkable, all pretty and spring like and hope more than anything that after the strutting was finished, she slumped on to the sofa, kicked off her shoes and changed into her Jammies once she arrived home (with the cameras still following may I add).

An even worse comment from an ITV News correspondent was pointing out Kate was 'still supporting a bit of a belly'. What do they think she has done differently from the rest? Was this some kind of magic birth we weren't informed of? Does the fluid, blood and swelling completely vanish after a mere 10 hours? It's just one of those wow moments where it puzzles you how the appearance of someone's body is still being brought into the picture after childbirth.

I'm not a royalty worshiper, I appreciate a pleasant event and also admit these sort of things can be over dramatised but yesterday really did make me feel patriotic. I think Kate and William are a favourite for a reason. I always commend their attitude and involvement with the public. I'm still briefing through the planned names I've created but for me, I really do hope Diana is placed in there somewhere. I'm sure the special lady herself will be watching down and be so proud of the men (and father) both William and Harry have grown up to be.

What do you think she'll be called? Did you enjoy consistently watching those double doors just as much as I did yesterday?

Bridie x

Style: Representing Leeds in DP Dresses The Nation

*Skater Dress - C/O Dorothy Perkins | *Shoes - C/O Dorothy Perkins | Hat - Primark | Bag - Primark

Dorothy Perkins' latest campaign 'DP Dresses The Nation' started off as a quest to discover the nation's favourite dresses, finding out city by city which styles the fashionistas are wearing the most. With some commissioned research they discovered the diversity of individual must-wear dresses and gathered up 12 fashion bloggers to represent each chosen city. To be given the opportunity to take part and be one of those 12 is frankly bizarre (and amazing). When I received the email asking if I'd like to be the ambassador for my hometown to showcase the skater dress, I was unsurprisingly rather thrilled and couldn't wait to get planning a set of photos different from the usual, in one of my favourite locations!

Leeds is well known for its urban, typical busy city vibe but as much as I love the shopping and food life, I also appreciate those gems away from the city. When you've lived in the same city all your life you often get bored of the usual hyped places and struggle to see what the fuss is about. As I wanted to reach for the best to do a brand like Dorothy Perkins much justice, I chose a setting I've always loved to visit and after some brutal persuading to drag my brother down to the not particularly local area, I admired the monumental ruins and the history behind this eery but beautiful building. Not only is there plenty of architecture to view, there is also a chance to relax as around the abbey lays some wonderful parkland along the banks of the River Aire. I'm a sucker for some greenery as I think getting out there and valuing nature is the key to happiness (I promise I'm not 90). It was the perfect place to spend a sunny, spring day, even if the sun did leave me a little too over exposed (I admit I'm pale but that kind of white is inexpiable).

Matching the peaceful tone of the open air, I chose this laid back, basic with a hint of class, black (surprise surprise) high neck skater dress whilst browsing the DP dress collection. I felt like the all monochrome outfit added to the darkened atmosphere of knowing the Abbey has been standing since the 12th century and was the home to many Cistercians. In my eyes, skater dresses are always the most comfortable and simple choice. They are the sort of the dress that would keep you intact all day long, especially in a rushed city. What I love the most is how easy they are to style but how ideal they are for any occasion; no matter what colour or cut you choose, all you need is to change it up a little and accessorize. This is what caught my eye about this elegant black number. As it has the potential to be dressed up or down, it just screams out the staple purchase we all need in our wardrobes. Paired with some pointed flats, a jacket and a satchel or even some dramatic jewellery, a clutch and stilettos; you can make it your own. The way the dress defines your waist and enhances your silhouette whilst it makes it an all round winner that can be worn anytime. Keeping it simple and taking away the unwanted exaggerated attention, I styled the dress with some plain, stunning peep toe heels, my signature fedora and a dogtooth satchel to bring some pattern into this carefully colour blocked ensemble. 

I absolutely loved getting this piece together; just the thought alone of heading to a completely different environment was exciting so when I actually got down to photographing I felt so sophisticated and important. The only problem is, I feel like my bruised legs ruined the chance of appearing anything like how I felt. Oh, to be the non clumsy person in society. 

What's your favourite kind of go-to dress? You can see the rest of the surveyed cities and the lovely fashion bloggers' picks on the DP website and on the light box feature.

Bridie x

P.S. Happy May! (how is it May when Christmas seemed like last week?!). There's now 24 days left of my NARS giveaway.

Wednesday Wishlist: the sunglasses edit

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15

The sun may have disappeared and the bitter cold days may be back in force but that doesn't stop me from admiring and lusting over various pairs of sunglasses on both the high street and stretching towards the designer world. I've said to myself that this year will be the year I find some sunnies that A) aren't too oversized for my oddly shaped head, B) don't make me look like an alien and C) will be a staple pair that can be worn with pretty much every outfit come summer, winter and every other season between that (which is a hella' lot in Yorkshire!).

I don't think I have a certain style of sunglasses that I'm drawn to. I love minimal, simple designs and colours but then again I like the ones which are a little off key and more 'out there', like the Zara striped ones I featured up at number one. I'm currently digging the cat eye trend but I think I'd have to try a pair on to decide whether or not they'd suit me. I'd probably end up hating the way they fit and immediately start wishing I could be that girl that could wear novelty Primark sunglasses and still look hot. I suppose it's worth a go, I'll update you on my verdict once I get sunglasses shopping!

Are any sunglasses tickling your fancy this season?

Bridie x

Beauty: The Body Shop goody bag

As I mentioned in my previous The Body Shop post, we were leaving the luxurious event with a heightened sense of smell, experimented hands, a wishlist as big as the knowledge gained and most importantly, a kind gesture of a small goody bag for us to take home and try out some of the newbies (and the oldies). That I have done, and I'm now well and truly blessed with refreshing goodness. In the silver striped sealed packet I was given a sample pot of the Honey & Oat 3 in 1 Scrub Mask, Fuji Green Tea Body Scrub and Body Butter, Virgin Mojito Body Butter, a smaller sample of the Drops Of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask and Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser, Coconut Body Milk, Shower Cream, and even a Twinings tea bag thrown in to fit the theme of the night. Aside from my beloved Coconut Body Milk and Shower Cream (thank you TBS for ultimately feeding, reminding me and encouraging my love for coconut and providing me with two of my favourites!), luckily everything handed over was completely new to me. I hadn't tried either sample product which made me eager to give the teeny snippets a go and truthfully, there wasn't anything I was unimpressed by.

As I'd focused on both the Fuji Green Tea and Virgin Mojito range in store, I was desperate to pamper myself after a long, stressful week and all three body samples did the job of unwinding perfectly. Despite the size of the containers and the fact there weren't a ton of product in there, I still managed to identify the positives and the distinctive qualities from just a small portion and the fact you didn't need a huge amount is what I loved the most. The Fuji Green Tea is amazing, it has such a unique, subtle scent which has that cooling, zesty effect on both your skin and your whole relaxation mode. I found the body butter to be much creamier than other body butters I've owned in the past which was one thing that stood out for me. It doesn't have that heavy feeling, it feels much lighter, less greasy and nicer to rub in and it absorbs quickly leaving skin feeling super soft. It also works hard at hydrating that pesky dryness the harsh weather and lack of moisturising can bring (which I'm certainly guilty of, whoops!). The body scrub also has the same effect and when combined together, produce nothing but silky results, making your whole body feel invigorated and as though you've had a healthy detox. It's such a gentle scrub in a gel like formula so isn't harsh on the skin and still feels lovely and mellow when exfoliated in. Used before the body butter and followed up by a thorough moisturise gives you the full skin recovery and I've found them both to be long lasting both smooth and fragrance wise.

I've already raved about the Virgin Mojito range but I seriously can't get over how gorgeous it is. I used a smidgen of the Body Butter sample and smelt so dreamy. I could have sniffed at myself like a curious animal all day. I didn't, but I could have done without fear of looking strange. Like the Green Tea, it has a lighter, fluffier feel and keeps your skin nourished and moisturised. Although in terms of aroma, I definitely prefer this; It's a winner all round in my eyes. I was already persuaded to buy the full sized collection when it becomes available but now I'm pining for the release date so I can go on a mad spree.

With the lathering coconut bath products and the choice of body butters and scrubs, my skin thinks it's in heaven so I had to let my face join in and have its fair share of indulgence. The first product I used was the Honey & Oat 3 In 1 Scrub Mask, a three in one face mask which cleanses, polishes and moisturises. It's said to be directed for normal to dry skin which is why I was a little conscious of piling it onto my über troublesome oily skin but after trialing it I can confirm it works just as well, if not better and more helpful than other aimed oil balancing cosmetics. I used the mask on the night of a bad skin day, my face was in need of a boost and I wanted rid of the gross greasy, cloggy feeling. As I applied the mask I couldn't help but admire the divine scent, it smelt like fresh baked on the day ingredients and certainly reminded me of an oaty porridge with the thick, fluffy consistency and pieces of oatmeal which gently exfoliate the skin cells. The mask does dry into the pores giving you a deep cleanse but doesn't leave you with the hard, clay like aftermath texture. After washing off with a warm cloth my skin was noticeably softer, my face felt soothed, smooth and relaxed. It didn't exacerbate my oils or irritate my skin and it did seem to calm the harshness down. It's a definite pick me up product for when you lack lustre to leave you with a brighter complexion and a radiant, revitalised face satisfaction.

The Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser really reminded me of the Origins Ginzing but just with a stronger, more intense and fruitier fragrance. It had the same effects and a similar ambience when applied. It maintains moisture lightly without that over produce of heaviness and tightness and the texture has a cooling, gel like feel which glides easily onto the skin. It left me with the same energised, zingy feeling and gave me that pop of renewal leaving my skin feeling well rested and saved from dullness. It definitely brightens the completion, so much so that it evens out the skin tone and can bring out all the redness for it to relieve (I still don't know whether that's a good thing or a bad thing). Obviously, with me only using it a couple of times I've only become familiar with the short term influence but it certainly left me with a glow and I can see it becoming a popular product! 

Finally, we have the Drops Of Youth Bouncy Sleeing Mask and it works exactly as it says on the tin, giving you a bouncy spring in your step as you're replenished overnight. I have only used this once but I was so pleased with the results. Now, I'm not ancient, I'm still in my youth but this is the sort of product which enhances the natural flush and keeps the young-looking, beaming glow intact. The scent is gorgeous, such a rich pleasant smell which is also gentle and not too overpowering on the skin. It is a little sticky at first but once it soaks into the skin it makes you feel alive and you really can see the difference; my pores and scarring appeared reduced and my face more healthy and highlighted. It even made makeup application the next morning a smoother job as my skin looked plumper and firmer, like that natural freshness you gain in the summer.

Have you tried any of these products or are you (like me) waiting for the day you can purchase and really make the most of the perks?

Don't forget, you can enter my 500 follower giveaway to win a NARS Audacious Lipstick of your choice. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm now going to make a cup of green tea!

Bridie x

500 follower giveaway: win a NARS Audacious Lipstick of your choice!

As I've been suffering with severe writer's block this weekend, today's Sunday post isn't one we can natter about; as you can most probably tell with the lack of debatable contents (a Nars lippy just doesn't open for discussion) but what it does do is treat your lips to some luxury. I recently delved into the world of Space NK and made my very first purchase after I was tempted by their £10 off £40 spend. I'd heard so much about the Audacious lipstick's and thought it was about time I tried one for myself. After some profound um'ing and ahh'ing as to what shade I should pick, I went for Anita, an antique rose with warm undertones and a satin finish, and I haven't looked back since. Not only is the packaging super slick and the NARS engravement so pretty, it's also an extremely wearable lipstick with a beautiful long lasting formula, it's the perfect staple colour and really does look the part.

Aside from pretending I'm a successful millionaire strutting around the classy shops, another milestone I reached this week is my 500 bloglovin' followers goal (with some regular losses along the way). It may seem only small to some but we've all started somewhere and I'm beyond happy that I've gained a steady audience whom provide interaction which keeps me on my toes. To celebrate and thank you all for taking the time out to take an interest in my blog and to entwine one of my new favourite beauty products, I decided I'd love to give away one Audacious lipstick of your choice to the lucky winner. Every comment, like, retweet, favourite, and follower really do mean a lot to me, no matter how big or small, which is why I do my best to bring in some opportunities for everyone.

The giveaway will be held through Rafflecopter and all you need to do is enter the mandatory options (and any more add ons of your choice) to ensure your entry. The giveaway is already live and ends in a months time, on the 26th May. Unfortunately, the giveaway is only open to UK and European international destinations due to ridiculous postage prices outside of the EU. The winner will be picked entirely from random and contacted straight away. Good luck! Bridie x

a Rafflecopter giveaway