40 plus but I'll wear what I like including off the shoulder

As an older woman we are often 'told' what we should and shouldn't be wearing, with the "ooh aren't you a bit too old to be wearing that" and the "I wouldn't wear it" comments. Why am I too old? Who said so? Why should I wear 'age appropriate' fashion? Age appropriate???? I'm not ready for twin-sets and pearls just yet even though I am rapidly approaching the BIG 5.0!!! Fashion has no age limit and I will wear what the hell I like. That feeling has been reinforced by the fabulous Catherine from Not Dressed as Lamb who is a total inspiration and encourages woman to wear what they like and shout about it. At the age of 47 I have given up worrying about what other people think and to be honest I've become more fashion conscious as I've gotten older funnily enough. And I love it. The lovely Catherine set up an Instagram campaign and weekly link up, #iwillwearwhatilike encouraging us to link up our fabulous style photos and posts and I was literally typing this very post up when her latest link up email came through and guess what it's for this week? The cold shoulder and off the shoulder trend, I'm featuring both in this post so it couldn't be more appropriate!

Floral and Lace bomber jacket || Fashion

Here we go with another fashion post. Sorry they've been a bit few and far between. I really want to do more but I just don't feel very comfortable in front of the camera you see, and as Mr C often tells me, I'm just not that photogenic, and that's not cruel, it's true, he has to take at least 200 shots to get two or three decent ones! But, as I've picked up a few new items recently I thought I'd get back in Britain's Next Top model mode and strut my stuff down the country lane.

LUSH Ultrabland facial cleanser

I have to tell you about my love for this cleanser. Back in May when we were going on holiday to Spain I realised I had run out of my regular cleanser that I use for my first cleanse. We were only taking hand luggage and knew I could only take a small pot or tube anyway so when passing my local LUSH store I popped in. I'm going to hold my hands up here and tell you I was being real sneaky because all I wanted was for them to give me a tester pot with a cleanser in it as I knew that would get me by the week I was away and I'd sort a new cleanser when I got back. I had no intention of buying a cleanser from LUSH that day. Bad I know, but look, you know I pride myself on honesty on this blog! However LUSH came good in the end and I redeemed myself because I fell in love with it and after I got back from my holiday I went and got the small size and I have just in fact repurchased for a second time with the larger size. That's the thing with LUSH, they're always more than happy to give out samples which is just the best, it's great to find out what works for you without wasting your hard earned cash.

Bodega Cantina review || St Martins Square Leicester

Last week I was invited to another restaurant preview/press launch in Leicester. Bodega Cantina is the newest addition to the Bodega family, with one already in Birmingham and Worcester. It's located in St Martins Square which is fast becoming a foodies delight. Not only is it home to a growing collection of independent eateries, there are also plenty of bars and individual boutique stores too. 

Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Collection and Cheek to Chic || Beauty

Whilst in London last weekend I made it my mission to head to the Charlotte Tilbury store in Covent Garden. I didn't own a single item and wanted to get myself a lipstick. Don't ask me why a lipstick, I've seen so much of her make up on social media and in blog reviews, there's so much I'd love but thought a lipstick was a good place to start.

The White Party London 2016 || Safety in Beauty Awards

This time last week Mr C and I were on our way to London for the weekend and beyond excited to be attending The White Party at The Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden. We bought tickets to the prestigious event organised by Antonia Mariconda, featuring the Safety in Beauty Diamond Awards. This was our first year attending the party (I bought tickets last year but had to pull out at the last minute sadly) and wasn't sure what to expect. I knew it would be a glamourous affair, this is Antonia we're talking about after all, and we weren't disappointed. It was a room full of truly beautiful people.

Jo Malone Marthe Armitage Limited Edition Candle || Green Tomato Leaf

I'm fast becoming a Jo Malone fan after getting my first fragrances in Gibraltar. Mr C spoilt me rotten by getting me two and then only went and topped it off recently by getting me a Jo Malone candle for my birthday. BUT, not just a regular Jo Malone candle, not that there is anything regular about any Jo Malone candle of course, but the limited edition green tomato leaf candle and oh my God it is sensational!

New Summer menu for The Kitchen at The Cookie Leicester

Last week a group of us Leicester bloggers were invited down to The Cookie to sample the new summer menu at The Kitchen. The Cookie is a well known music and comedy venue in the heart of the city with The Attic situated upstairs (serving up the most fabulous cocktails) and The Kitchen, the restaurant side of things obviously, on the ground floor. It was celebrations all round as it was The Attics first birthday and The Kitchen were celebrating being open six months. We actually went along  to the launch of The Kitchen earlier in the year and you can catch that post here if you'd like.