OOTD: The Tary Backpack

Nica Handbags Tary Backpack with Dungarees

Following on from my last post with Nica Handbags, these images are set in the stunning Notting Hill. I just had to take advantage of the beautiful weather and picturesque houses - just look at the colours!! And, I have to admit, as a Northerner, it's a bit of a "blogger goal" to get some outfit pics next to some authentic, London railings!! :-)

So you may recognise that this is my Tary Backpack* from Nica Handbags. I have literally not stopped using this since I picked it up at the event. It's my new fave. Perfect for fitting in all my essentials including -  DSLR, Planner, Make Up bag, purse and more... This is super spacious. 

Tip: My only concern with backpacks is the safety of them once you're wearing it. So, I was pleased to see that this had buttons on the inside, as well as the traditional, drawstring fastening.

I hadn't realised that the weather was going to be SO unbelievably hot and sunny, so I actually had to borrow some clothes from my friend! Yup, these dungaree shorts are her bargain buys from Primark! (From one dungaree lover to another, this is why we're friends!!)

Luckily I had packed my bandeau top from Monki graffiti co-ord and to complete my look, these cool Copenhagen trainers* from Topshop. Seriously... Expect to see these a lot more on the blog! I hadn't worn them before I went to London, so I was a bit worried about having to "break them in", however, they were perfectly comfy and a bargain at £22!!

Nica Handbags Tary Backpack with Dungarees

AccessoriesSunglasses - River Island (similar), Ring -  Swarovski, Navy Originals Watch - Timex*
Nica Handbags Tary Backpack with Dungarees
Nica Handbags Tary Backpack with Dungarees
Nica Handbags Tary Backpack with Dungarees
Nica Handbags Tary Backpack with Dungarees
Nica Handbags Tary Backpack with Dungarees
Nica Handbags Tary Backpack with Dungarees
Nica Handbags Tary Backpack with Dungarees

I have to say a big thanks to the lovely Chloe Plumstead for taking these pics for me :-)

What are your thoughts on using a backpack? Would you?!


In The Diary: Notting Hill With Nica

Notting Hill With Nica Handbags

#NicaInspires

So I never really got the whole London thing? That sweaty underground, the tourists, the busy streets... Public Transport? Yeesh! Not my bag. However, one of my Uni friends moved into Landan Town a few months ago and since then, I've been heading to the "Big Smoke" a bit more regularly. And, crazy to admit it but... I think I'm falling in love with it?

Last weekend I headed down to London for my friends Pink Themed House party - which was INSANE. And whilst I was down there, I enjoyed the most beautiful, bloggers day out with Beth Norton, Chloe Plumstead and Tiger Lily in Notting Hill, all thanks to Nica Handbags.

The team at Nica organised the most beautiful brunch for us at the Farm Girl Cafe - you only have to head over to their homepage to get a glimpse of the yumminess.. No wonder this place is popular with socialites like the Made in Chelsea crew and also owner of Nica Handbags, Nica!


There's nothing more inspiring than meeting someone who is passionate about what they do and are doing it well. Nica is such a great example of this! As I turned up on the hottes day of the year feeling like a horrible, sweaty mess (I actually had to borrow clothes off Uni-Friend-Sophie it was so darned hot!) Nica made me feel very relaxed and welcomed. Despite her success, Nica wasdown to earth, open and friendly, took a real interest in each of us.

Once we'd had some food (which I've instagrammed of course!) Nica took us on a tour of Notting Hill and showed us some of her favourite spots. It was a great opportunity to get some pictures in a beautiful setting with our very own Nica Handbag. The team picked for me the Tary Backpack in monochrome which will be a part of their new A/W collection. (Coming soon)


Blogger Beth Norton at Farm Girls with Nica
Farm Girls in Notting Hill
Market in Notting Hill
Wild at Heart Flower Market in Notting Hill

Can you spot the Nica Handbags amongst the flowers?!

Tiger Lily Blog Photographer

Say hey to blogger Chloe from the Tiger Lily blog - her photos are just GORGE! I love seeing Bloggers in action, you can learn so much! I've only had my DSLR for about 9 months now, so I'm always keen to get some pic-practise in :-)

Nica Handbags in Notting Hill
Notting Hill
Nica Handbags in Notting Hill
Nica Handbags in Notting Hill

Introducing Nica!

From one #GirlBoss to another, I was totally inspired by this lady!! She had some amazing stories to tell and was so passionate about what she does. The bags that she creates are so details and luxurious, so it was interesting to hear that she gets inspiration from all round the world and regularly goes on "inspiration trips" to places like Copenhagen (can I introduce this to Rock On Ruby, I wonder?!)


Portobello Market Sign
Rock On Holly with Nica Handbags
Tary Backpack from Nica Handbags
Vintage car in Notting Hill


Sorry if this post is a bit photo heavy! There were just so many cool things to snap away at!! I'll be doing an outfit post soon featuring my new Nica backpack as I can't wait to show this off :-)

If you want to see even more snaps from the day, do check out the #NicaInspires on instagram and twitter and follow our journey on the Nica Handbags instagram account :-)

Have you been to Notting Hill before? 

OOTD: Winter Florals

New Look Floral Maxi Dress on Rock On Holly Blog

As promised, I wanted to style up this New Look maxi dress to show how it could also work for a casual day time look... I'm still in shock that this is only £23 - so even if I only wear it twice, that's like £11.50 each time you wear it! (Does anyone else work out "price per wear" for stuff?!) Point is, it's a bargain.

I don't know why, but flowy maxi dresses in Autumn always remind me of that Victoria Beckham music video, A Mind of Its Own.... (random but embarrassingly true) I actually just had to look back at what I had just written there. But yes, it's there in black and white. I AM A VB FAN!! Ha!
I wanted to team this with some chunky boots and an oversized knit for a really relaxed, boho vibe. The Zara cardigan I got in a size M so I could really wrap it round like a cardigan-blanket-wrap. Yes, thats a thing now.

This Tan Hat from Dorothy Perkins is also a steal at £14! I've been SRSLY impressed with DPs this year. They are really on trend, but in a really wearable kind of way. If you know what I mean? I think if you're looking for some affordable ways to wear the upcoming trends then definitely head over to their site as they seem to have a lot of good offers on too.


Tip: This print has been getting a LOT of love online, if you head over to the Bloomsbury range on New Look, you'll also see that they have a waistcoat in this style!


Outfit: Floral Maxi Dress - New Look via Fashionchick, Tan Boots - Next (Similar) Chunky Cardigan - Zara (similar), Moschino Mini Bag - Vintage
Floppy Tan Hat - Dorothy Perkins via Fashionchick


New Look Floral Maxi Dress on Rock On Holly Blog
New Look Floral Maxi Dress on Rock On Holly Blog
New Look Floral Maxi Dress on Rock On Holly Blog

Cross Body bags are everywhere at the mo! They're really practical and look super cute.

Tip: Raid your local vintage store and you never know what on trend bargains you might find!


New Look Floral Maxi Dress on Rock On Holly Blog
Rock On Holly Fashion Blogger
New Look Floral Maxi Dress and Chunky Knit
Winter Florals From New Look
Rock On Holly

Hope you like the look and that it has inspired you to dress your maxi's from day to night!

You can see my previous look here: Bloomsbury Floral Dress Post



OOTD: Bloomsbury Floral Dress

New Look Floral Maxi Dress

So... Let's talk New Look. 

Seriously!! I was browsing through their A/W Trends online the other day and I want EVERYTHING. From 70s Woodstock to minimalist, Graphic Essentials, you'll see one trend you LOVE and then completely go the other way and want the exact opposite - just because they're all so damn, cool!!
Right, I'm going to have to post a New Look wishlist to show you all the things I'm drooling over...

From the "Bloomsbury" trend, this navy, floral maxi dress immediately caught my eye as I loved the boho, maxi style. However, I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised when I tried it on as it even more glorious in real life! The high neck front and slim fit is super flattering and is a look that could easily be dressed up or down.

The look I have put together would work really well for a September / October wedding. I'm 5ft 3, so the dress was a good height for me in heels - not much drag across the floor! As a cover up, I included the gorge, pink jacket from Rock and Rags at USC - as seen in my Rose Gold Outfit of The Day blog post.

Tip: FYI, the straps are adjustable so you can wear them as shown or cross them over :-)

New Look Floral Maxi Dress
New Look Floral Maxi Dress
Rock On Holly Blue Hair
New Look Floral Maxi Dress
Originals Timex Watch and Nude Clutch

Simple accessories complete my look so that they don't distract from the floral print. This clutch bag was a bargain I picked up from ASOS a while ago and I have been wearing my Originals Timex watch with everything!! Isn't it strange how one accessory can dictate your whole wardrobe? 

New Look Floral Maxi Dress and Nude Accessories
New Look Floral Maxi Dress - Back
New Look Floral Maxi Dress and Nude Accessories

Would you wear head to toe florals?! What trends are you excited about?

Make sure you check out my next post on Tuesday as I'll be showing you how to style up this dress for Autumn / Winter...



What To Wear: At The Races

Ok, at the risk of this looking like "an ode to ASOS" post, how GORGE are these ASOS Salon dresses?? I've been drooling over them since the start of Summer... But I have had a distinct lack of weddings and posh events to attend this year (only 1!!) so I haven't really had the opportunity to wear such finery. Welcome to my Pity Party.
However!! All this changed very recently, when I kindly got invited to Ladies Day at Doncaster races with Ladbrokes. YES!! So, what else is a girl to do but start planning a fabulous outfit?

I am spoilt for choice by the ASOS salon range. It's not every day you get to wear a full length ball gown or sticky out Prom Dress, but if you are going to go for a show stopping dress, I think the races is a suitable occasion! I love, love, love the sequin bodied dress (centre, bottom row!). The quirky detailing is perfect for making a style statement on ladies day.


White ASOS Salon Dress


I think... (but I may change my mind in 5 mins...) that this white ASOS Salon dress is my fave! Because, really, when you get to wear a lovely, white dress unless you're a Bride? There's something a bit Marilyn Monroe about this and it would allow you to go all out with statement accessories! There are so many gorge heels that caught my eye, but I think I'd complete my look with these blue ASOS heeled sandals (below) - the chunky heel is perfect for not sinking into the grass! 

Then all that's left to do is find the perfect hat...



Which dress is your fave from the range?  Keep an eye on our race day fun on 10th September with #LadbrokesLadiesDay on Twitter!

How To: A Summer Drink Detox

Summer Detox with More Drinks and Skinny Coffee

Summer is a great time to detox... If you're feeling like you've overindulged at a wedding or pigged out on holiday, it's definitely time to try inject some goodness into your diet!! 

I decided to detox with help from the Skinny Coffee Club... The guys at SCC have created their own detox drink based on coffee rather than tea, and alongside it runs their healthy eating plan. In my opinion, it's a lot easier to detox in Summer as you tend to need to drink a lot more anyway and salads just seem a lot more appealing on a hot day, right?!

The main aim of my detox was generally to drink a lot more, but rather than do the daily water challenge which can get  bit boring(!) I included Lemon Water, Skinny Coffee, More Vitamin Drinks and Green Tea!

My detox lasted for two weeks and each day I started with a hot mug of water with sliced lemon in - this is a great way to start your day as apparently it gets all the toxins out of your system (just ask Gwynnie). If you drink your lemon water around 15 minutes before you eat your breakfast, it can help aid digestion, cleanse your system and give your immune system a boost.

Summer Detox with More Drinks and Skinny Coffee

Skinny Coffee Detox

Next up, for my morning break at around 10.30am, I would have my Coffee Detox. This consisted of putting a teaspoon of the special Skinny Coffee Club mix into my little strainer, and allowing it to brew for around 3-5 mins. You can add almond / coconut milk or a sweetener to your drink, but I decided to have it straight up! Warning: This is STRONG!

So yeah, the flavour is quite strong and similar to that of a teatox drink, but definitely with more of a coffee edge, which kind of makes it more familiar - if that makes sense?! The difference between a Coffee Detox and a Teatox is that the coffee blend is 10x stronger and only contains natural ingredients.

I decided to give the detox a go as I was impressed with the amount of information on their website. There's has been a lot of speculation about certain Teatoxes recently after it was discovered that the contained laxatives - not good. However, SCC have faced the issue head on on their blog and have been very transparent about their ingredients. I approve!

Pros:

- Definitely one for coffee lovers!
- Organic and gluten free!
- The health aspect of the detox encourages you to be healthy in other areas of your life to really get the most out it
- The 14 day time period is really do-able and gives you a goal to work towards! 

Cons:

- I suppose that this is a tiny bit more fiddly than a Tea bag, but that may have been down to the strainer that I used (probably more suited to loose tea). If you have a French Press or coffee filter paper, that may work better.

Skinny Coffee Club Detox Review

More Drinks

These colourful bottles were SO handy as part of my drink detox! If you follow me on Twitter, you may have seen these popping up on my feed as I travelled around. There are a range of favoured vitamin drinks, each of which includes a different vitamin, so you can make sure that you are getting the essential vits for you!

My favourite is the Vitamin A drink as it's great for your skin, hair etc - oh hey, beauty blogger essential! Well, they do say beauty comes from within :-)

None of their drinks contain sugar either which is a bonus.

More Vitamin Drinks

Lunching:

When you place an order with the Skinny Coffee Club, you receive a healthy eating plan - very handy! Their main advice is to avoid carbs, sugars and alcohol, and instead stock up on veggies galore, keep hydrated and include a few healthy fats like avocado where you can.

My typical lunches included lots of soups, mackerel and salads. I tried to stay off the bread, but if I did want some kind of a sandwich I used pitta or flat bread and again, added a lot of salad. The trickiest thing was not eating potato in the evenings :-( But a switch to sweet potato made this a lot easier!

Green Tea with Lemon - Summer Detox

Green Tea

I (and the Skinny Coffee guys) recommend drinking Green Tea as part of your detox. I can't  believe that I never used to to drink green tea? It's something that I literally only discovered in the past couple of years and now it's ALL I drink? Our office at work is jammed with a gazillion different types of green tea - Jasmin, Lemon, Original... I am currently addicted to obsessing over Green Tea as it seems to take the edge off that strong taste and is really refreshing!

The benefits of green tea are numerous! As well as keeping you hydrated, green tea contains a lot of anti-oxidants which can help reduce cellulite and have anti-agin benefits.

Green Tea with Lemon - Summer Detox

I decided to do a detox with Skinny Coffee as it promised to de-bloat and leave me feeling more refreshed / energetic. Just the thing a busy girl like me needs! At the end of the two weeks I hadn't lost weight particularly but that wasn't my goal behind the detox. I was still having the odd treat and I wasn't following a strict exercise plan. My aim was literally to cleanse my system and generally just eat better. I definitely "beat the bloat" and my skin was a lot more hydrated & plump. 

If you're interested in doing a detox, you can get 20% off The Skinny Coffee Club range with my code Holly20

Have you tried to detox before? Leave your tips below!