I decided to take a little blogging break over the Christmas period and decided to just take the time to relax, in between all the mad rush of Christmas shopping, and do one of the things I enjoy most... baking.  There is just something I find so therapeutic and relaxing about baking, so I decided this Christmas to tackle the one thing I've always wanted to bake at Christmas time... a gingerbread house.

Now I'm no professional when it comes to baking, it is just something I like to do on the side for a bit of fun.  So to me this gingerbread house was a success based on the sheer fact that when it came to putting the roof on the walls didn't collapse into a mound of gingerbread crumbs as I had envisioned. It might not be quite as perfect as I had hoped, but I'm still a little disheartened to demolish it as I'm quite proud of it for a first attempt.

Hope you all had a great Christmas and got everything you asked Santa for!  I was well and truly spoilt this Christmas and have lots to share with you in the next few posts.  My favourite present of all though was the Macbook Air I got, which I'm using right now to type this post, from my wonderful boyfriend.  I never even dreamt that would be waiting under my tree this Christmas.

Cardigan - Primark

Dress - New Look

Boots - Office

I'd like to apologise for the lack of outfit posts on here recently but I think that it is safe to say the winter is not a blogger's best friend.  I've been on a bit of a downer recently when it comes to my blog, I've taken so many outfit photos recently that I've just had to scrap because of poor lighting, odd shadows and blurriness.  The lighting in my house isn't the best and the weather hasn't really been on my side recently, with gale force winds and pouring rain.  I did manage to catch a bit of winter sun though to get a few photos of this outfit I quickly threw on to go for a last minute lunch.  That is why this boucle style cardigan caught my eye in Primark a few weeks ago.  The metallic thread running through it and the gold chain detail make it perfect for dressing up a pair of jeans or a simple cotton dress without looking too over the top.  I also love deep burgundy colours like this in the winter.

Havren is a fairly new London based design studio, founded in 2012, whose collection is inspired by a love of strong silhouettes and colours, whilst ensuring their pieces are wearable and feminine.  Their Autumn/Winter collection is fashion forward with feminine silhouettes of bold shift dresses and floaty tea dresses.  The collection also features a lovely selection of soft cashmere knitwear.  Here are just a few of my favourites from their online store...



I've always wanted to visit Chatsworth House when it's all decorated for the festive season, so when I was looking for something to do to get me in the Christmas spirit I saw that Chatsworth House were holding their annual Christmas market.  Even better though, I saw that this year they had decorated the house for Christmas to the theme of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.  Of course it was a no brainer, I just had to go.  Unfortunately I got a little bit caught up in all the excitement and forgot to take any pictures into the entrance of the house.  The entrance was all set up with evacuee signs and suitcases, portraying the beginning of the story where the children are evacuated to the house in the country.  This then lead to a small hallway lined with fur coats, just like the wardrobe, which paved way to this winter wonderland...



From subtle cut out waist triangles to plunged neckline swirls and leg flashing slashes - the cut out dress is in and celebrities everywhere are enjoying the benefit of being revealing with elegance.  Having recently come across my new favourite celebrity fashion shop, Goddiva, I wanted to reveal some affordable and more flattering bodycon alternatives to the top celebrity cut out dress looks at the moment.

Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez Bodycon Cut Out Dress

Selena Gomez is in the lead for showing cleavage in her long white cut out cocktail dress.  Shown below alongside some affordable bodycon alternatives.  The great thing about these bodycon cocktail dresses is that you get the cut out look without the risk of your bits flying out!  We can't all work the tit tape for a whole evening, especially dancing at our Christmas or New Year's Eve party.

Halle Berry and Kelly Rowland Cut Out Maxi Dress

These mermaid look mesh insert maxi evening dresses are an excellent way to accentuate your curves and the thin cut out curves help to reveal your best bits.  My alternatives from designer Luxe (top right) are a great style for anyone that is a little shy of any scars or marks on their tummy area.  You get to exude confidence without exposing your wobbly bits.  They also come in a range of colours so I thought I would add a touch of gold for anyone planning their Christmas party dress.

More Celebrities Embracing The Cut Out Dress

These ladies have worked this look to the max by opting for the waist triangle cut out dress.  Celebrities are popping up everywhere with this look whether it be on reality shows like Made In Chelsea and Towie or glamorous lovely's like Cheryl Cole and Keisha (pictured).

What Are You Waiting For?
Time to get your own cut out dress.  Here are a selection of cut out evening dresses and Christmas party dresses that could get you one step closer to matching your favourite celebrity look.  The best bit is that they come in a variety of colours, which means you can be a lady in red or saucy vixen in black.  The choice really is yours...

There are so many celebrity inspired party dresses out there, I hope you find the one you are looking for.

 

Double Breasted Women's Short Woollen Coat - £30.31

Lilac Geometric Cross Jumper - £26.59

Red Reindeer Jumper - £21.27

Long Navy Boat Neck Cardigan - £24.46

 

Abstract Black Cloak Cardigan - £25.53
Nude Pink Sequin Jumper - £24.46
Fluffy Batwing Sleeve Cardigan - £16.49
Green Double Breasted Woollen Coat - £36.70

I was recently introduced to the online retail store Aupie, based in China Aupie prides itself on offering the lastest street fashion worldwide.  They have a vast range of clothing including dresses, jeans, skirts, jumpers and coats along with footwear, accessories and jewellery.  Seeing as it is winter now here in England and the days seem to be getting colder and colder, I found myself automatically drawn to their great selection of knitwear and coats.  They have such a lovely selection at very affordable prices, I especially love the fluffy batwing cardigan, and with free delivery worldwide there are no hidden costs.  Aupie is definitely worth checking out if you're looking for affordable on-trend fashion.