It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Lately...

We can count how far away Christmas Day is on one hand, it's finally here! I love Christmas, I cannot wait for the big, special day. I've been back home for just over a week now too and am trying my best to just forget about University, work and deadlines up until Christmas and making sure I feel as festive as possible! As you can probably tell from my pictures and Instagram, that definitely means making far too much hot chocolate with cream, and lots of cream. Hope you're all enjoying the festive season! I LOVE CHRISTMAS. 

1 & 2. During my last couple of days in Falmouth I decided to spruce up my bedroom a little bit (always happens when deadlines are more important!), hanging things on the wall, putting a few more pictures up, and trawling through the Christmas issue of Homes & Antiques magazine.

3 & 5. Watching Falmouth lighten up with Christmas lights. It's always a pretty small affair but I think that's what makes it extra special. We were pretty prepared for the freezing cold with hot chocolates and candy canes!

4. My little fox slippers! 

6. Me and Alessio traipsed around Truro before coming back home for Christmas, and we ventured into the Cathedral to see it's adorned Christmas tree (which was beautiful and so tall!) and nativity. It's where my graduation ceremony is going to be taking place next year as well, pretty scary!

7. First hot chocolate back at home.

8 & 9. Last week we had afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason, lots of yummy sandwiches, scones, jam & cream and little posh pastries. I loved looking around their Christmas gift section too, but the price of crackers?! Wow. 

10 & 11. Christmas tree shopping and a day of decorating in polka dots and a collar.

12. My mum bought these handle-less cups when we visited Bicester Village, perfect for Christmas hot chocolates!

13 & 15. I love being at home and going out for lunch with my family. It's something that, when I'm at University, I really miss and makes me long for being back in Kent. If you ever visit Tunbridge Wells, be sure to try Juliet's, I recommend the soup, delish!

14. Our mini Christmas twig tree in the window adorned with gold and red baubles!

Apologies for the lack of posting lately, but I have to say that relaxing at home and spending time with my family has taken over just a little bit, but i'll be back before Christmas! Hope you're all feeling extra festive and have a very Merry Christmas!

Love, Charlestown xoxo.

P.S. I wonder if anyone will see this post before the end of the world, haha!

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'Make the World Better with a Sweater'

Christmas Jumper (or Cardi) Day!
Yesterday, people all over the UK donned their most festive, over the top and tacky Christmas knits for Christmas Jumper Day to help 'make the world better with a sweater'. You can still get involved today by tweeting or instagramming a picture of you in your most Christmassy wooly with the hashtag #xmasjumperday or if you wish to donate to Save the Children, you can do so on their website!

I hadn't really heard about the day until Olivia posted on twitter a couple of weeks ago asking people to get involved, and I couldn't wait to show my favourite Christmassy Cardi. Everyone has one of those tacky, OTT Christmas jumpers (if you don't, get down to your local charity shop!), probably adorned with a massive Father Christmas or Reindeer, and most likely more creepy than cute, that you just can't help but love, and spend all year waiting to wear on Christmas day, so why not share how much you love (or love to hate) it with a simple picture for a good cause?! I've got a couple of Christmas jumpers that I can't help but love, even if a part of me knows that I probably look about 5 when I wear them, but how can I resist, especially when Primark have fair isle and rabbit print ones?!

Don't forget to take a look at Olivia in her amazing Christmas jumper (which i'm very jealous of!) on her latest post to find out a bit more about the charity and how you can get involved!

Hope you all had a very festive Christmas Jumper Day!
Love, Charlestown xoxo.

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Braving the Bitter Cold with a Bowler

Peplum Blouse: c/o Darling   Skirt: H&M   Sherlock Holmes Coat: H&M   Bowler Hat: ASOS   Bag: Accessorize   T-Bar Shoes: Topshop

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! I can't quite believe that it is now December, I've spent the majority of my time lately counting down the days till I can drive home (5 now!), wrapping up with my new knitted snoods, craving hot chocolates with lots of whippy cream (don't forget the marshmallows!), and looking forward to snuggling up in front of the fire at home. Winter, I love you and please don't ever leave. 

Maybe you have noticed (or not!), but i've been pretty absent the last couple of weeks. No, unfortunately there really isn't any amazingly exciting excuse other than the fact that i've been pretty swamped with third year deadlines, not so fun. But after my marked presentation yesterday about Thatcher, which left me probably looking very flustered, feeling extremely nervous,  and very, very hot. But anyway here I am! And as my Christmas holidays starts next Friday i'm looking forward to blogging about all of the things that my family have got planned for me over the break (as well as the 3 essays my lecturers have so lovingly set). 

Today me and Emily wandered to a little park in Falmouth, which is a nice little haven in the middle of the town, with meandering paths, pretty benches and a lily-pad covered pond.   I've had my eyes on these hats after seeing them on lots of other bloggers, adding a nice little touch to a winter outfit, but never thought I would be able to pull it off. But after ASOS' rather special sale a couple of weeks back, which was funnily enough the day after one of my essay deadlines (definitely due a treat, right?), I quickly pressed the 'add to basket' button and I haven't looked back. I love wearing it, even if I've yet to brave it around University, I like how it makes any old outfit that little bit different, and clinging onto it for dear life during the Cornish wind is always lots of fun! Any ideas on how else I could style this hat, help much appreciated! What are you favourite things about Christmas and this bitter cold weather? 

Love, Charlestown xoxo.

Thank you for the photo's Emily!

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We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when..

Tea Dress: Topshop (old)

Jacket: Vintage via eBay

Platform Loafers: Primark (old)

Made in Britain Seamed Tights: Gift 
Photo's by Sarah Holliday

Blitz Night at Dolly's! 

A couple of weeks ago I marched back to the 1940's and became a Wartime troop entertainer for Blitz Night at Dolly's Tearoom in town. I put on my tea dress, 1940's power shoulder woollen jacket & seamed tights, and made my best attempt at victory rolls. It took a lot of panicking, sweat and tears, but I just about managed to get my hair to stay up and somewhat resemble the epitome of forties hair fashion (only with the help of about half a bottle of hairspray though..). If I had a bit more patience, and wasn't so useless with a curling tong, I would have victory rolls all the time, but then the forties are one of my favourite eras for fashion and if I had it my way, we would all dress like that today. But anyway, it was really nice to just dress up for the night, being able to just forget about the pile of books and articles waiting for me at home. The decorations in Dolly's itself just made the night even better, with blackout windows, dimmed lights and candles, sandbags outside, and even Hebe (the tearoom's resident dog with a penchant for a pearl necklace) was dressed up as an evacuee! We were welcomed with cocktails and wartime entertainment, think a chipper piano player/crooner and a singer with a voice to rival Vera Lynn! Being close to Remembrance Day, and with the night ending with sing-alongs, including 'We'll meet again' and 'Land of Hope and Glory', it was a really lovely and different way to honour those who fought for us and lost their lives during the Wars. Thank you Dolly's Tearoom for a lovely, and really memorable, night out!!

As i'm writing this I am in my usual work get-up; leggings, fox socks (which I can't stop staring at) and a messy bun, and I'm onto my third cup of tea (oops). But this work will be overcome today, especially as i'm going out dressed as a Bond Girl for a Martini/Bond Night tonight! I'm going to attempt to emulate Miss Moneypenny, with a beehive, flicked eyeliner and a matching two-piece suit. What do you think, if all else fails there's always Goldfinger's all-gold girl, that would be a sight for sore eyes ha! What's your favourite era for fancy dress? Hope you all have a lovely Friday evening! 

Love, Charlestown xoxo.

Thank you to Sarah Holliday for the beautiful photographs! 

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I like it in the city when two worlds collide

Polka-dot Midi Dress: Miss Selfridge

Jacket: H&M

Scarf: Edinburgh Woollen Mill

Hat: New Look

Boots: Office

Socks: Madewell

Polka Dots & Red Tartan;

Eek, I don't think that I am quite 100% sure about this outfit! Looking back at the images now, I really don't think the jacket, or the boots, look quite right. But oh well, I love the dress, and that's all that matters! I bought this dress at the end of Second Year from the a sale at Miss Selfridge, and as much as I love it, the length has put me off just a little, and as I tend to wear belts with everything it causes the skirt to hitch up and just look a bit silly. But it has really lovely lace detail (you can't really see it here), and of course, I love the polka dots. But I think next time i'll definitely wear it with a longer coat, one that doesn't make me look quite manly on the top half of my body, ha!

  

I've had a pretty good start to the weekend this morning, with a bacon sarnie and cup of tea for breakfast followed by a couple of hours lazing about in my room, to make up for a couple of stressful days that I've had this week. Thank you for the good lucks for my presentation, it went really well and a lot better than I thought, even if I did stumble over my words a few too many times. What are you all up to this weekend? Have any of you seen Twilight yet, me and my fellow 'twi-hard' (lame!) housemates are seeing it tomorrow, and I hear we are in for a treat!

P.S. Does anyone know if Cornwall feels the effects of the changing seasons a little later than the rest of the UK? I keep seeing blog posts filled with beautiful fallen leaves and autumnal hues, and I haven't seen a hint of it here! I want to be able to walk through a sea of leaves and throw them into the air, and be able to see all the pretty golden colours when I look out of my window at my desk. It's making me miss being at home even more, the village looks so beautiful during the Autumn. Please Cornwall, sort it out. 

Love, Charlestown xoxo.

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A little chat with Lydia Rose Bright

I'm not sure if you know by now, but I am an avid fan of The Only Way is Essex. I'm not usually one for reality television programmes, but I can't help but watch TOWIE without enjoying a giggle or two, I have also learnt quite a few words to add to my vocabulary! Whatever? No really! I also find myself wishing that I could walk around in heels or wedges down the high street, or even at the beach (how do they do it?!), without keeling over after an hour. With most of the girls showcasing their glamourous, sparkly, bodycon outfits, and let's not lie, stereotypical Essex look, Lydia Rose Bright stands out with her classic and vintage style. I always look forward to seeing how she styles her latest high-street pieces in a classic/vintage way, never failing with a pair of killer heels, and she always seems to be ahead of the rest of us with pieces from upcoming brands, like Virgo's Lounge. 

With her first ever Autumn/Winter collection being released this month, featuring limited edition vintage-style dresses, (think lace, glitter and timeless glamour!), I couldn't wait to feast my eyes on the pieces. So when I was able to have a little chat with her about the collection, I was eager to find out about what inspired her designs!

What was the inspiration behind your new A/W collection?

As this is my first collection, I wanted it to reflect the eras of style that I love, and my own signature style. I wanted it to have the glamour of the 1950s, and there’s also a bit of Gatsby-esque 1920s referencing in there . I’ve also taken a lot of time to research trends, to bring everything up to date, and make sure the shapes are contemporary and wearable. Actual vintage can often come in weird shapes and sizes.

What's your favourite piece in the collection?

It’s difficult to choose one, but I do love the Elizabeth dress – a burgundy lace piece with tulip shaped skirt and off-the-shoulder detail. I love the colour for winter and it’s so sophisticated and feminine.

When did you first become interested in fashion?

There isn’t really a certain time that stands out. Fashion’s in my family so it’s pretty much in the genes! My Mum was in fashion, my Nan, and my Aunt – in buying and design – so we’ve always talked about and loved fashion.

Describe the perfect girl for your collection?

Olivia Palermo. Someone who likes to look glam at all times, but keeps it sophisticated with subtle trend references.

What is your favourite decade for fashion?

Easy, 1950s!

Who is your style icon?

Marilyn Monroe! Love everything about her; I’ve been copying her style since I was 13!

How would you describe your style in three words?

Feminine, elegant and erm, vintage!

What's your favourite go-to outfit?

Probably a Little Black Dress and heels. Looks good by day or night. Whatever I’m doing, I always like to dress up!

Can you recommend the best places to find vintage?

East London is amazing – Brick Lane. Beyond Retro’s warehouse on Cheshire Street is a must!

What's your favourite high street store to visit for the best pieces?

I love Miss Selfridge as they do good vintage interpretations. New Look for basics, Lipsy for some of their newer pieces

and finally, are there any upcoming brands that you've got your eyes on?

There’s a cool brand called Virgo’s Lounge that I like!

I'm so in love with this collection, and I think i'm definitely going to have to get my hands on the white flapper style dress, perfect for Christmas! Thank you Lydia! The Lydia Rose Bright Limited Edition launches today and you can find her pieces at Lipstick Boutique, New Look, Lipsy, Very and Bella Sorella Boutique. 

I hoped you enjoyed the first ever interview on my little blog, I'd love to do some more in the future! 

Love, Charlestown xoxo.

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Images c/o of BPublic Relations

A Leopard cannot change his spots!

Leopard Print Coat: River Island

Black Body: New Look

High-waist Jeans: Topshop

'Bad Bardot' Leopard Print Pumps: c/o Redfoot

How have three weeks flown by so quickly?! I also can't quite believe that I have neglected my blog for such an amount of time, well, I suppose I sort of can. Since my last post life has been pretty hectic, what with Halloween parties, spending some much needed time at home for a couple of days, panicking about Uni work, dressing up as a wartime troop entertainer and avoiding photo's due to sporting a rather large (and colourful) bruise/lump on my arm after my first time giving blood. After a very relaxing weekend, with some pretty amazing food (including my first Roast in 3 months!) and seeing my first ever Bond film, i've decided to pull my socks up and get back into blogging. 

I really, really love leopard print, particularly when it's featured in a sixties styled outfit, with lots of black, red lips and a beehive. So when Redfoot contacted me regarding their new a/w collection, I couldn't resist wearing their 'Bad Bardot' Leopard print pumps without harking back to the likes of Twiggy and Bardot (of course!) with a beehive and lots of black. As the print isn't too OTT, they make a plain outfit a little special, and i'm going to be brave and pair them with clashing prints as well. Eek!
Redfoot are holding a competition at the moment for bloggers, with a chance to win £200 worth of vouchers and a chance to style your own photo-shoot, so take a peek! I know i'll definitely be entering! 
P.S. I have a very exciting interview coming up on my blog, from a very stylish lady who is on television quite a lot!
Right, better get back to my evening of reading for a presentation I have coming up this week, cue a panicky Charlie. 

Love, Charlestown xoxo.

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Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup

Jacket: H&M

Tweed, Velvet Collar Dress: Primark

Chelsea Boots: River Island

Tartan Scarf: Edinburgh Woollen Mill

Socks: Madewell

Autumn is well and truly here, and i'm much happier because of it. Today was one of those sunny, but crisp autumn days that are rare, but that makes them extra special when they do occur. I've had a pretty laid back couple of days, with a deadline on the Thursday just gone I let myself have the weekend away from work. On Saturday we held a 'Meet & Greet' event for the members of the Tea Society in our local, lovely tearoom, (that I tend to mention a lot!) Dolly's. We really didn't expect to see the number of people that turned up, not only was it a surprise, it was really lovely to know that there were lots of people genuinely interested in the society. But then, everyone loves tea and cake, right? I know I certainly do. 

This dress is another find from Primark, (they're doing it right this season!). I really need to stop wearing skater dresses so much, I raided my wardrobe the other day, pining for a more androgynous outfit but failed. I feel like I look like a child a lot of the time, and sometimes (just sometimes) I don't want to! But then again, I'm really not so good at mismatching pieces of an outfit with others, I need Olivia's help! 

Ooh la la, I have just noticed that I've got 700 lovely blog readers out there! Wow, thank you so much to all of you that take the time to read, comment and even follow my ramblings on this little blog. I still find it strange that people other than me and my family read it, so thank you! 

How was your weekend, have you been doing any autumnal things? I really want to find a local farmers market to source a pumpkin, or a really good hot chocolate and toffee apple. If you know of anywhere that sound's similar in Cornwall, please let me know! 

P.S have you entered my giveaway with Olive and Frank below?

Love, Charlestown xoxo.

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Olive and Frank Giveaway!

Good luck!

Hello everyone!

I've been a fan of Olive and Frank for a while now, they really have some lovely, vintage-style jewellery, and I have my eyes on too many of their bags! The lovely Chloe has sent me some of my favourite pieces of theirs for a giveaway; the double vintage key necklace, turtle and rabbit double finger ring, and the gold heart bangle! Can I enter please?!

I've hosted the giveaway with rafflecopter, with different options through which to enter, and will end on the 6th of November! Good luck, and don't forget to take a peek at Olive and Frank's website. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Love, Charlestown xoxo.

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Lately...

Lately...
    

~ I had a little bit of a shock when I found my first ever article in the latest Homes & Antiques magazine. I wrote about the newly opened Blackbird's Tearoom in Brighton after interviewing the owner, who was very nice and offered to treat me to a cream tea! It sounds like such an amazing spot filled with little antique gems, I'm really upset that I live on the other side of the country. 

~  I've been settling into my new room, and am slowly decorating it how I want. I just need some pretty fairy lights above my bed for the upcoming winter days and evenings to make my room extra cosy. 

~  I've been revisiting some of my favourite places in Cornwall with my favourite person. It's been lovely spending some time together, just us, before we get closer to deadlines. I also just love being really cold with a cup of tea, it reminds me of family walks back home when we used to stop off for tea and bacon sandwiches! 

~  I've been spending a lot of time sat here at my desk. Most of the time daydreaming and staring at the pretty view instead of my laptop and books. Oh, and eating a lot of my favourite soup. Autumn is definitely here!

~ When I haven't been working, I have been spending probably a little bit too much time sitting in bed with a cup of tea whilst catching up on The Paradise.

Love, Charlestown xoxo.

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