minimal

The writing’s on the wall.

I think a space doesn’t feel yours or feel homely until you have stuff on the walls. This could be anything from photos to a painting or a piece of art it can really bring a room together. If you don’t own much furniture hanging a piece on the wall can help fill a space which would other wise be bare and impersonal. Adding something with colour can bring a theme together or lift a space will lots of dark furniture.  In my eyes a space isn’t mine until I’ve hung something on the wall. But if like me your renting and banging nails into a pristine wall isn’t an option don’t you worry I will show you some great ideas.

4185caWkOWL._SX522_ (2)Command Brand Damage-free Hanging are an amazing damage free hanging system perfect for renters or anyone. Its an inexpensive sticky back velcro system. You stick them to the frame of a picture and stick them to the wall. You can then remove the picture easy and as many times as you like and put it back in exactly the same place by lining up the velcro and then to remove the strip completely from the wall you simply pull the sticky tab downwards and it comes straight off. It leaves no mark or residue on the wall and it’s the ideal system for hanging anything.

Another alternative is to rest frames against the wall either on the floor or on furniture or shelves. This creates a really minimal modern finish and it’s non damaging and a great way to display art.

display idea 1.jpg

Framed Quotes At the moment I am really loving framed quotes. I think they look super minimal, super classy and they are a great way to fill you mind with positivity and really make a space yours. I am in love with this piece I saw on Pintrest. It’s such a gorgeous print that would look so lovely in a hallway near the front door. 15250e2d6669d2d115c20f5a58182fcd

A framed quote is also a super easy DIY project you can do yourself. In word simply type out a quote, phase or anything you like. Chose a font and increase the font size until you are happy with the composition. Print and put in a frame. Homebase, B&Q, Matalan, Asda and more all sell cheap minimal frames that look great.

word x 36d2734eeafa9a02f162a07324b00142.jpg

Minimal Abstract Art When it comes to Art abstract is where I am drawn to. It’s the style I like to paint in myself and the types of pieces I like to have around me. Something that plays with texture and shape in a limited often muted palette. At the moment I absolutely adore dusty muted pinks and neutrals mixed in with blacks and whites.

abstract art.jpg

For more inspiration check out my Pintrest board.

Heels in the Perfect Colour

asos black heels

I got these shoes back in December and they are my all time favourite. They are the classic barely there, strappy heels in black -they go with everything and they are surprisingly comfortable. They are from Newlook and the reason I like these so much is most Barely There Heels have the single ankle strap which on me doesn’t give my foot enough support and my feet are always sliding around making it impossible to walk. These on the other hand are strappy and elegant but with the sling back design it holds my foot comfortably in place. Also as a side note -because the strap in just below the ankle it elongates the leg giving the appearance of longer legs which is a must for me. h10-(2)

So I love these heels and have been looking for something similar in a muted nude but I couldn’t find what I was after. Then when I was looking through the Newlook sale I found the same shoe in silver. I tried them on and they were just as comfortable as my black ones but I really wasn’t a fan of the metallic silver finish but they were reduced down to £8 for I brought them.

I decided to get all creative and paint over the silver with a nude nail polish. This technique would be great to up cycle an old pair of shoes you don’t like the colour of or to revamp some faded or scuffed shoes.  I know it sounds bananas to paint a pair of shoes with nail polish but it worked for me. I used Rimmel London Salon pro in shade 128 Mistify Me.

close up assortiment
Using the brush applicator I applied to a thin layer over all of the silver of the shoe. I let it dry and then applied another layer. I then went back in to any areas where the colour wasn’t even. It used up the whole of the bottle but I am so pleased with the end result. They have a gloss finish and the snake skin texture shows through which I really like and for £8 plus the cost of the polish which I already had I can’t complain.

IMG_5023

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I’m not saying this is the best thing to do to a new pair of shoes but these were reduced down so I didn’t mind and they have turned out exactly how I wanted.
This technique won’t work on suede or other matte fabrics and it is always a good idea to test to see if the polish holds in a hidden part of the shoe before to go in and possibly destroy them, also I would suggest only applying a light colour on to a light shoe, if you paint a black pair of shoes with a cream nail polish the colour may come out looking different to how it does in the bottle.

This can be a great way to breathe some new life into some old heels or help you match a pair of shoes with your favourite bag or outfit but like I said it is always a good idea to test it out first.
Has anyone ever painted a pair of shoes you didn’t like the colour of? Leave me a comment bellow 🙂

 

 

Marble details.

Take a look at my gorgeous new marble phone case. It’s so simple and minimal it works so well. I love marble accents -they work so well to break up a natural decor in the house and now my phone adds that perfect accent to my outfits too.

 It’s monochrome simplicity will go with anything so for me it makes the perfect case for my phone.

This case is by Gmyle and was a reasonable price at £5.99. I like how it looks against my iPhone 6 gold, it doesn’t cover the entire border of the phone so the gold shows through along the top, bottom and buttons on the sides. Really pretty and cute.  I love this so much I think I might need to add a few more marble pieces to my collection.

Outfit bargains.

I can always find a bargain in Outfit. Outfit is a department store that stocks Topshop, Miss Selfridges, Dorothy Perkins, Wallis, Topman and Burton and conveniently there is one just round the corner from me. I often find that the piece pieces that are often out of stock from the independent websites are still in stock in Outfit stores. Topshop in particular -I find dresses that are out of stock on their website but there in my size in Outfit. 

This makes sales even better, there are always loads of hidden gems that would be out of stock long before they make it to the sale. The other day I popped in for a browse and I came across this gorgeous ace bralet. it was the only one on the shelf in a mix match of random things -it was marked down to £10 from £20 and being the only one and in my size I thought it must have been fate and I couldn’t help but buy it. 

When it came to paying for it, it rang through the till at £3!! That’s £3 marked down from £20. It was my lucky day, I couldn’t believe it, a gorgeous Topshop black eyelash lace, soft, underwire bra just £3. I felt so pleased with myself. 

Outfit is the best store for the most amazing sale stuff. And if a piece from Topshop, Miss Selfridges or Dorothy Perkins is out of stock on their websites, Outfit might just save your day and still have it in your size.

Unpadded bras might not be for everyone but they are so on trend right now, they work perfectly peering through a baggy tshirt or vest and are so cute and super feminine.

Check out my Pintrest board of my favourites.

Intimates.

Lingerie is integral for every women. It’s the first secret to feeling confident and sexy. Lingerie is so intimate and therefore needs to be right for you. There are so many different styles for every occasion and body shape and it can take a life time before you find the perfect piece for you. I don’t have the largest bust at 34b and for me I am loving these soft triangle bras, I find them so comfortable and easy to wear.

IMG_1664

IMG_1651

This bra is now a couple of years old but is still one of my absolute favourites, I wear it all the time and am looking for a new piece. This one was from Topshop, unfortunately its no longer available but I have just discovered this absolutely gorgeous little company that sell stunning lace bralettes and intimates, all handmade in England.

http://ohsolovelyhandmade.bigcartel.com/category/main-collection

I really like this company their pieces are so sophisticated and elegant I particularly like this delicate black lace piece, it is defiantly on my wish list for the near future. Oh So Lovely Intimates are such a great brand go check it out 🙂

If you want some inspiration go check out my Pinterest board of my favourites

Crisp White Sheets.

White sheets always remind me of hotels- an enormous comfy bed with freshly laundered crisp white sheets. I have always been a bit hesitant about putting white sheets on my bed at home -what if I spill my morning coffee on the sheets or what if my mascara smudges on to the pillow case. Well I have finally decided now is as good a time as any for those fresh white sheets to make an appearance. They make the room look so much brighter, bigger and more inviting.

White bedding can be expensive but I nabbed these up in the sale for only £7 for a king size set in B&Q -not the first place I would have thought to find bedding but these ones feels like good quality and are nice and soft.

White bedding goes with any decor and is modern and chic. I feel it looks best when it’s creased and a bit scrumpled on the bed, it’s very minimal and gives it a more living in cozy look. You can dress the bed with some soft accents to go with the colour scheme of the room, maybe a knitted grey throw, or a fluffy blush pillow, or anything that brings a touch of the colour to the plain canvas that ties in with the rest of the room.

Using different textures in a room can really add depth particularly when using a minimal colour palette. Contrast your cushions and throws against your plain white bedding for added coziness. From left to right we have George Home Purple chenille throw £7, George Home Hippo oxford edge cushion £4, Matalan Mongolian Cushion £8, George Home Smoked cushion in silver £5.

  Mongolian Cushion (48cm x 48cm)

Chartwell Easy Care White Plain Kingsize Bed cover Set from B&Q reduced to £7

In Your Clutches.

To take you through into night, everyone needs a clutch for those few key essentials. You can’t go wrong with black. These are my favorites.

clutches

religion clutchOn the left we have a stunning angular clutch by Religion- this is from their Angular Range it is RRP £40 but it is currently £28 on ASOS. This bag is large and its striking shape makes it modern but the black keeps it minimal. I adore this bag, it looks stunning here paired with a wet look pencil skirt but equally it would amazing with a pair of suit trousers and stilettos.

The middle bag is a Matt & Nat Grab Clutch Bag with Zip Compartments, this eco friendly company has mastered ethically bag making. No animals are hurt or
mat and natharmed in the making of these products and their collection of bags make from up cycling and sustainable sources are at the forefront of the currents trends while echoing the hues and textures of nature. I love the grab design, it looks so clean cut. This bag is priced at £65 a little pricey but you are paying for piece of mind and modern design.

asos clutchThe final clutch on the right is so minimal and stunning- a simple fold over, all soft leather bag made by ASOS is priced at £28. I am a real fan of the simplicity of this bag, its more relaxed feel makes it perfect for a lunch date or drinks after work, dress it up or down.
Black leather is every girls staple. All these bags are available from ASOS. Happy shopping!

http://www.asos.com/women/bags-purses/cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=8730&via=top