November Niceness

This month I've been:

1. Listening to Tourist History by Two Door Cinema Club

2. Reading Dexter is Delicious by Jeff Lindsay
3. Wearing lots of winter warmers
4. Going mad over Lucky Charms from Harvey Nicks
5. Obsessing over this cute spotty shirt with bow tie from ASOS
6. Enjoying Post Modernism at the V&A
7. Loving MJ's cool thrifty style

How was your November x

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Glossybox: Novermber

I was kindly sent the November Glossybox after attending the Motel Rocks and Glossybox bloggers evening a few weeks ago which was very exciting as I've never had one of these luxury sample boxes before. My box seemed to arrive a few days later than most so by this stage I knew what the products were going to be. I was excited to open the beautifully packaged box, it really felt like something special but on first views I was a little disappointed with what was inside. However, over the past couple of days I've examined the contents more carefully and had second thoughts.

1. Arbonne FC5 Ultra Hydrating Hand Creme - I love hand cream, I suffer from very dry skin so I can never get enough of it and this product is lovely. It smells fresh, rubs in fast and doesn't leave a greasy residue. I like it a lot!

2. Dead Sea Spa Magik Dead Sea Bath Salts - I am a little disappointed with this product as I have tried sea salts in the past and they have aggravated my dry sensitive skin so much that I've been left in nasty red rashes. To be this does not scream luxuray product no matter what the price label my suggest however I am prepared to give them a bash next time I have a bath.

3. Illamasqua Freak Eau De Parfum - I think it's very cheeky putting perfume samples in these luxury boxes as many can be found for free at a perfume counter. Saying that, I love the scent of this and will definitely be throwing it into my handbag on my next night out

4. Monu Revitalising Moisturiser - I really like this product, it has a lovely sent and makes my skin feel soft. Plus I was impressed by the size of the tube, it seems quite large for a sample size.

5. Nail Rock Designer Nail Wraps - Probably my least favourite product. I don't think these are luxury items at all but I'm glad I got the black and white stripes as I'm more likes to test these out then some of the other styles.

I never would except to love all the items in these boxes but I suppose I'd be happy with an over 50% approval rate. I loved the moisturiser and hand cream, thought the perfume was cheeky but do enjoy the smell and was unimpressed with the bath salts and nail wraps which is 50% on the dot I'd say. I'm glad I didn't pay for this box but I am tempted to sign up for the Christmas part 2 box, we shall see...

Big thank you glossybox, did you get one this month too x

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Aztec coat

Coat from Forever 21
Dress from Dunnes Stores
Creeper brogues from ASOS

I love Aztec print so much! All the colours, patterns and different styles are just a feast on my eyes and there is some really cool stuff out there on the high street. I've spotted a few really fun coats and jackets but since I've already spent far too much money on winter overalls this years I can't really justify forking out on another coat. However, a few weekends ago I spotted this lovely woolly jacket for around £30 and knew it was the perfect Aztec price concious fix. It's warm like a dressing gown, has big pockets and a massive hood i.e. the 3 most important qualities of any jacket. It's on the short side so even though it's warm I wouldn't wear it on a freezing cold day but apart from that I will be wearing it all the time.

I've had a really nice weekend. On Friday I went the Griswalds in Camden, I've seen them a few times now and they're a really fun pop punk band. Yesterday I spent the day in Chelsea with my Mum. We visited the Christmas Shop in Harrods, had lunch at Yo Sushi in Harvey Nicks and wandered down the Kings Road. I finally bought myself Double Wear and a gorgeous Chanel lipstick. Today I saw Breaking Dawn which I must admit was much better than I expected. I have a love-hate relationship with Twilight, I very much enjoyed the books as they're the perfect example of light reading but at the same time I can't stand how pathetic Bella is. Anyway, all-in-all and lovely weekend.

Do you like Atec prints x

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KRISP Giveaway

***Now Closed***

Christmas and New Years is fast approaching and we all know what that means... PARTY DRESS season! I for one can't believe it's December next week and I definitely don't have my party frock sorted, do you? If not I am here with a helping hand. The fantastic folk at KRISP are offering all of you lovely readers the chance to win a dress of your choice from their website and all you have to do is enter this here giveaway.

The rules:
1. You must be a follower of Bow Dream Nation via GFC and like KRISP on facebook
2. For a second entry you can tweet 'I just entered the @hansyhobs giveaway to win a @krispclothing dress http://tinyurl.com/6rxj732'
3. Please leave a comment letting me know what you have done to enter
4. If you don't have a blog please leave your email address
5. There is only one winner who will be chosen via random.org
6. The winner is entitled to one dress of their choice from the KRISP website
7. The giveaway ends on December 14th at midnight

KRISP are also running a foursquare competition where the mayor each KRISP boutique will win £50 to spend at said store. If you don't know what foursquare is and you have a smart phone I recommend you have a look. You use the app to 'check in' to venues where you get the chance to win points and become mayor. Sounds nerdy but it's fun to play with friends.

Good luck everyone x

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***Now Closed***

Granny Chic

Dress and socks from Topshop
Necklace from Lazy Oaf
Belt and creeper brogues from ASOS

Midi isn't one of my favourite lengths to be honest, I like my skirts short, jeans ankle grazing and nothing in between but when I saw this dress I instantly fell for it. I'm not sure if it was the grey marl jersey material or the casual winter simplicity but I love it. Granted I find it difficult to wear because I never know what jacket to wear. If it was the summer I'd wear a my cropped denim or leather jacket but now it's colder and only winter coats will suffice I'm a bit lost. My Burberry trench works well as it's the same length so not all is lost. I have used my tights and belt to brighten up the look. As much as I love grey I do like to inject a bit of colour when I can.

On a unrelated noted bowdreamnation.blogspot.com has now become bowdreamnation.com which is very exciting. I've been meaning to transition for ages and I this weekend I finally took the plunge. Even though my blog is small in the grand scheme of all things interwebz I do feel proud of what I've created here at Bow Dream Nation and this domain name change thing is a little step further down the line to world domination.. I jest!

Do you do midi x

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Back to Black

Fred Perry polo shirt via ASOS
Skater skirt from H&M
Boots from Topshop

I don't often wear all black because I like stupid combinations of colours and pattens but there's no denying that on occasion a head-to-toe black ensemble is a pretty slick look. I bought this Fred Perry polo shirt a while ago and it's become one of my favourite pieces. I've always been a fan of Fred Perry, there's something about the English heritage name of the brand that really appeals to me. I went to school with a lot of people who were really into the Ralph Lauren polo shirts but not me, I've always preferred The Fred.

Do you like an all black outfit x

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Tesco F&F SS12

On Tuesday night I headed over to OXO2 on the South Bank with a bunch of my favourite bloggers to check out the F&F SS12 collections. The gorgeous venue was filled with bright, patterned and fun clothes. I really liked all the bold colours, the use of stripes and spots and all the 60s inspired shift dresses. One of the collection that really stood out for me was Great Gatsby where there were pretty lace dresses and pastel colours. No press day is complete without a cupcake or two and we also feasted on posh fish n chips and pink lemonade. I had a really fun evening chatting with everyone whilst cooing over the clothes. I was really shocked that everything was from Tesco, the quality and design were really impressive and prices appear to be staying low which is the most important. All in all a great evening with great people and plenty of great summer clothing to get those creative juices flowing over winter.

Lots of bold colours

I love monochrome

Bows and Peter Pan collars = perfection

Loving the selection of colour popping skinny jeans

This swim hat is amazing

Sophie

Sarah and Sarah

Me and Kat

Photobooth fun

Sarah, Sarah, Me and Emma

Lily

Christmas cracker rings

Pink lemonade - love the straws

Sarah and Amy

Views on the way home

There was a Christmas tree with crackers underneath and we all won matching blue rings which was a lot of fun. I've been munching away on the delicious QUADRUPLE chocolate chips cookies we got in our goodie bags, definitely what Christmas is all about! I wore my favourite Fred Perry polo shirt and black H&M skirt, I love this top so much I've been wearing it so much recently!

Thank you Josh at We Are Social for the invite x

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Motel

Picture from Rachel

Head to toe ASOS
Deathly Hallows necklace from Victoria

Jazmine, Emma, Sarah, Sarah, Amy, Lily, Dina, Sarah

Last Thursday night I had a terrific time at the Motel Rocks and Glossy Box bloggers evening. I ate yummy Lola's cupcakes, drank delicious cocktails, hung out with my favourite bloggers and cooed over gorgeous clothes. Of course I didn't take half as many pictures as I would have liked to but that's always the way it is when you're having a good time. My favourite part of the evening was hanging out with some familiar faces and meeting lots of new ones. I also managed to attack half of London on my way home thanks to my helium balloon which is still just about floating in my room 4 days on.

Thank you Selina and the wonderful folk at Motel for the fantastic evening x

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Jumper Joys

Jumper from Weekday
Trousers from River Island
Shoes from Topshop

Burgundy and blue are one of my favourite colour combinations at the minute, they're autumnal tones are just delicious together. I bought this jumper on my recent birthday trip to Berlin and I love the Aztec / Christmas vibe of it. I'm finding myself throwing it over so many things recently like dresses and skirts.

What's your favourite colour combination x

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