What I Wore Wednesday: Hotter Shoes

I love shoes. I can remember playing shoe shop with my younger sister in my Grandma's closet as a little girl and I'm pretty sure my love of shoes is genetic. My great great grandfather supposedly owned a shoe factory in Riga so the love of shoes goes back many generations. The only thing I love more than gorgeous shoes is comfortable shoes.

For me comfortable shoes should still be stylish and when you find that perfect combo of comfort and style I'm a happy girl. Luckily Hotter Shoes does just that--comfortable shoes that come with a 100% happy guarantee. All their shoes have hidden ‘Comfort Concept’ elements inside- such as soles that bend, hidden cushioning and hidden elastic behind buckles but are still trend lead.  Comfortable, trendy shoes that are guaranteed? When #CollectiveBias asked if I'd like to visit my local Hotter store I had to check it out!

Hotter is a UK based company who champion British manufacturing and design. They produce a pair of shoes every 20 seconds and as well as 65 stores throughout the UK you can also shop online worldwide.

It was a beautiful sunny day in Glasgow so I was immediately drawn in by this summer picnic window display of super cute slip-ons, loafers and floral print canvas lace-ups.

Every year when the sun starts coming out I start dreaming of my perfect wedges. I love Hotter's Hannah Heels super soft suede pom pom detail and cushioning underfoot gives you extra comfort, whilst a hidden elasticated panel behind the adjustable buckle offers added stretch room. Wedges that are cute and comfy? Score!

Loafers and slip-ons are really in this season. I call them boat shoes because they make me think of tanned, glamourous people sailing around in the sunshine in crisp white outfits. Just me? I don't have any shoes similar to this style in my wardrobe so I decided to try on two different styles of slip-ons or boat shoes.

These super soft nubuck and leather Laura Shoes are gently cushioned and naturally breathable. I loved the bright blue contrasting with the lighter, softer tan and they were super comfortable!

How sweet are these pink Kate Shoes with leather lace bow and on-trend contrast stitching? I loved the rose shade of this leather boat shoe and a padded insole means your feet are cosseted, whilst a lightweight flexible sole will stand the test of the toughest days. 

I had a good think about my wardrobe and which shoes I'd probably get the most wear out of this summer. It will probably come as no surprise to anyone that I went with one of my most favourite colours--pink!

It probably didn't hurt I wore pink into the store!  I'm already picturing wearing my new boat shoes with everything from floaty sundresses to khaki capris.  How would you style these boat shoes?
 

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What I Wore Wednesday: Debenhams Bra Fitting Event

Finding a bra that fits right is SO important. The right style, size and fit of bra can completely change your silhouette. Luckily Debenhams is helping y'all discover your perfect bra fit with the help of its expert fit service. From now until Saturday 26 April if you have a free bra fit in store you receive £5 off when you spend £30 or more on lingerie! 

Debenhams trained bra fit specialist will help you find the right sized bra for you. Whether you are looking for occasion wear, lingerie or everyday bras. There is a huge range of brands in store including Ultimo, Fantasie, Freya, Triumph and Debenhams own brands Ultimate, Gorgeous and Spirit.

I went in myself and had a fitting with the lovely Shaniece who fit me into the perfect bra for me with the first style she showed me.  I'm notoriously picky about bras. I'm a busty girl and I hate when bras that give the support I need, squish or flatten my shape. I've good big boobs and I want them to look big--is that so wrong?  Shaniece found a bra that flattered my shape and gave me the support and comfort I need; it turned out I've gone up to a 34G but your size can vary bra to bra.

Debenhams Gorgeous Back Smoothing T-Shirt Bra gave me the round shape I love, but with added support from underwire and the wider back straps. The back straps also totally smooth out and lumps and bumps that can appear with skinnier straps. It is super comfy and if I'm honest I was totally surprised how much I loved it. The Debenhams Gorgeous ranges is designed specifically for those of us in sizes D and up and totally combine support and style. 

Shaniece suggests you get fitted every six months and always get fitted if you are trying a different style. You can get more wear out of your bra by moving in to the inner hooks as your bra stretches, too. Who knew?

The Debenhams event ends this Saturday so be sure to get in before to get £5 off a £30 spend! You can't beat that now can you?

Are you loyal to one brand of bra or do you have lots of different styles and brands?

When was the last time you had your size checked?

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What I Wore Wednesday: The Watch Hut

Watches today are more about style and fashion than practicality since just about everyone has a cell phone that can tell them what time it is but I think I've been seeing more people wearing watches lately than less. What watch you wear definitely makes a fashion statement and The Watch Hut have something for everyone.

The Watch Hut is the UK's largest online retailer of watches, offering a bigger and better selection of timepieces than any other UK website. Their watches provide an option for everyone, whether it’s time to work or time to play. Since launching in 2005, The Watch Hut has sought to offer only the best in prestigious and designer watches to our customers in the UK and beyond. 

These are a few of my favourite watches new in at The Watch Hut:

I love this Kate Spade pink and gold Skyline watch. The pop of neon makes it perfect for spring!

One of my friends got a rose gold watch for Christmas and I've been eyeing it ever since. This Marc by Marc Jacobs Bakers Watch is delicate but not too dainty.

I'm such a huge Vivienne Westwood fan and the added orb charm on this Red Leather Strap Watch just totally makes it!

Do you wear a watch regularly? Do you like daintier or chunkier watches?

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What I Wore Wednesday: Spring into Skin with Lush

I'll be honest I fell off the beauty product wagon. I've always been a total make-up snob so I don't know why I thought buying skin care at the grocery store was okay. Luckily for me the lovely ladies of Lush Sauchiehall Street in Glagow reminded me of how their products are not only amazing but all natural, too.

Lush's products are 100% vegetarian (and over 97% of products are vegan) and never tested on animals.  If you've never been to a Lush store before their products are fun, fresh and smell amazing! Spring is a great time to rethink your skin care routine so we got to learn what products would work for us.

We started off the night by making up our very own fresh Cupcake face mask. Some of Lush's products are so fresh you need to refrigerate them (they are kept on ice in store) and this is one of them. It was literally just like mixing up an actual batch of cupcakes except these were good for you! When they say all natural ingredients are used they aren't kidding and obviously in the fresh products no preservatives either.

As well as their amazing skin care Lush is probably most well known for their fantastic bath products like their ballistics.

I always get ballistics at Christmas and then hoard them because I love them so much which I know doesn't make any sense! There are loads of new bath products this season like the Sakura ballistics and Ice Blue soap both of which smell amazing!

The also have tons of super cute Easter themed goodies if you are looking for an Easter basket alternative to chocolate or if you just love cute stuff! I had such a lovely time falling back in love with Lush and when I went to try the mask at home I wound up having some mother and son bonding time too!  

Blondie Boy had to get in on the fun too! He was disappointed he wasn't allowed to lick the mask off though! Blondie Boy has very sensitive skin and eczema and his skin did not flare at all; it just shows how natural and gentle Lush products are!

Lush have also just launched the Lush Kitchen cooking up small batches of exclusive products that they will then ship overnight to you! It will include retired products, limited one-offs and you can even tweet them with your own suggestions! How cool is that?

Are you a Lush fan? What is your favourite Lush product?

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Also the BritMums Brilliance in Blogging Awards are open for nominations. If you like What I Wore Wednesday would you please consider nominating me? This is the last week I'll bug you!

http://www.britmums.com/nominate2014/

You have to enter:

Blog Name: Transatlantic Blonde
Blog URL: http://transatlanticblonde.blogspot.co.uk
Blog Twitter ID: @Melaina25
Blogger Email: Melaina25 @ gmail.com

If you have a second to nominate me I'd really appreciate it. They will ask for your email address but you can opt out of all communications. Nominations close this April 12th, Midnight GMT (7pm EST). 

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What I Wore Wednesday: Debenhams SS 2014

I always look forward to attending Debenhams Press Shows and the SS14 Fashion and Beauty Show did not disappoint. Spring weather, let alone summer, hasn't arrived in Glasgow yet but SS fashion trends definitely have. I was lucky enough to have the fabulous Steph join me so I actually have decent photos for once, too!

The show was once again at the gorgeous Blytheswood Square Spa Hotel one of my favourite places in Glasgow. After grabbing some yummy cocktails we got to check out some of the upcoming season's finest on display before we headed upstairs for the main event.

How gorgeous is this Reger by Janet Reger lingerie?

I'm always a sucker for H! by Henry Holland's fresh take on fashion. 

How cute is that heart print playsuit and I have got to add that dark pink striped skater dress to my collection.

Steph totally fell in love with this pastel yellow cut out satchel by Red Herring and the matching Principles by Ben de Lisi yellow patent bow slingback pumps. I'm pretty sure where Steph is headed on pay day! 

After I pried Steph away from those shoes we headed upstairs to check out beauty.

All of your favourite brand from Debenhams beauty hall were there including Benefit, Bare Minerals, Fake Bake, Essie and more. I managed to get a manicure from the fab Tammy of DIY Nails in Essie's new Naughty Nautical, a turquoise polish with just the tiniest bit of glitter.

One of my favourite things I found out about on the night is Crystal Clear Lift Away The Years a clinically proven innovative anti-ageing applicator that is designed to create a skin that appears firmer and more toned. The wand uses sonic technology to instantly lift the skin while dispensing a serum to diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles and enhance elasticity. I honestly was very sceptical before I tried it out but I had a cheek bone magically appear in less than 5 minutes and I'm a believer! 

After we were spoiled by the best in beauty we headed over for the finale of the evening, and my favourite part, the fashion show of Spring/Summer 2014 trends.

Biker chic is still in this season but it pastel pinks and corals like this this Preen/Edition pink biker jacket and black tapered trousers. I love the side zip and the bright colour makes it perfect for Spring.

Y'all know I'm a sucker for sequins so it should come as no surprise I loved this Butterfly by Matthew Williamson navy chino trousers, neon sequin vest and print kimono jacket combo. Kimonos are so on trend this season and I'm determined to dig my unworn one out of the closet for Spring (if I type it, it will be done!). 

I think you can tell what Steph's favourite colour for spring is based on her favourite outfit! She fell in love with this Butterfly by Matthew Williamson lime embellished crepe jacket that was paired with a kaftan top and blue shorts. I could 100% see her rocking this outfit!

Finally we both loved this Star by Julien Macdonald monochrome bodycon dress. The angled stripes made it so flattering on the model and again I could totally see Steph rocking this dress.

It was a great evening and I'm so excited for better weather to come so I can start to wear some of SS14's must have trends. Brights, florals, pastels, retro, tribal, new nudes---what trend are you most excited about?

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Also the BritMums Brillance in Blogging Awards are open for nominations. If you like What I Wore Wednesday would you please consider nominating me?

http://www.britmums.com/nominate2014/

You have to enter:

Blog Name: Transatlantic Blonde
Blog URL: http://transatlanticblonde.blogspot.co.uk
Blog Twitter ID: @Melaina25
Blogger Email: Melaina25 @ gmail.com

If you have a second to nominate me I'd really appreciate it. They will ask for your email address but you can opt out of all communications. Nominations close April 12th, Midnight GMT (7pm EST). 

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