Boux Avenue Leeds Opening #1 - Press Event

Last week Mr BB and I ventured down to Leeds for the grand opening of Boux Avenue's 18th store in the White Rose shopping centre.  We were invited to the exclusive press event to meet owner Theo Paphitis and check out the glossy new store.  I was really excited to be one of the first to set foot through the doors.

On arrival we were welcomed by two very glam looking Boux Belles wearing gorgeous black basques and pencil skirts who were handing out leaflets and goodies to passers by.  The shop front was cordoned off ready for the opening but we were whisked in, offered drinks (apple & mango juice!) and I was soon snapping away at the pretty sights.

Theo and the Boux Belles (or the promo girls!)

There actually weren't many people present which was good because it meant I had the space to peruse and take pictures at my leisure.  There were a few photographers including Sean, quite a few Boux Avenue store staff, managerial bods, PR peeps and probably just a couple other bloggers.  Theo arrived a little later into the event and had a look around the store himself.  I leapt in and introduced myself to him, asking for pic for the blog.  When I said I'd come from Richmond he thought I'd come all the way up from Surrey.  Yeah... I'm a stalker like that.  lol  By the way I'm not.  And I come from North Yorks.  :-)

Theo Paphitis and Me

Image by Sean J Connolly Photography

The staff were all super friendly and accommodating.  I was offered a fitting and accepted - why not be the first to be fitted in Leeds store?  My fitting assistant was so lovely and easy going.  I'll be reviewing my fitting in another post so if you want to see what I tried on and what my experience was like, stay tuned... 

There were lots of gorgeous pieces that caught my eye.  Some bras I'm so gutted don't come in larger cups so if you wear a smaller cup than me be sure to snap them up!

'Fleur' longline bra

'Vixie' Lace Petticoat

'Georgia' mesh bra

'Jenny' gingham bra

This is what I wore on the day: 'Hello Darling' top from H&M, black skirt from Primark, floral skinny belt, my Morgan De Toi jacket (which I haven't worn for a few years and bought even longer ago), bow and spot tights and my floral ankle boots.

Eagle eyes may also spot the Cath Kidston lanyard around my neck, which is the new Strawberry Fields design.  Cute!

This is 'Mr BB' dude baby himself, Sean!

When the press event was over we popped off for a quick bite to eat before heading back to the store for the proper opening.  By this time loads of people had gathered around the tape and I could barely get through, but thankfully security recognised us and helped us through to the front press section.  A little too late I decided to record Theo's little speech so it's cut off a tad at the beginning, but here it is anyway...

And here's the christening...

Theo Paphitis launches Boux Avenue, Leeds

Image by Sean J Connolly Photography

I'll shortly be posting a few more pieces from the Boux Avenue press day including a store review and fitting review.

Chow for now!

Becky x

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Thrifty Living - 30 Ways To Save £1

It's the great British £1 coin's 30th birthday and to commemorate Money Supermarket asked for '30 Ways to Save £1'.  As much as I love spending, I live for saving.   My bargain obsessed brain had a free work out thinking of this little lot to hopefully save you pounds!  

From beauty buying to keeping up with the trends, here's a range of thrifty tips and all the savvy techniques you'll ever need to save you loads of cash:

1.  Before buying anything online first look for discount codes.  They can save you huge amounts including 10% off, 20% off and even free delivery.

2.  Make sure you're the first to know about exclusive offers from your favourite shops and brands by subscribing to newsletters and following social media accounts.

3.  Sign up for loyalty cards - and remember to use them each time you shop - not only are they free, you quickly accumulate points worth real money to spend.

4.  Don't be store loyal.  Always price-check rival shops so you don't miss deals and pay the best price.  You'd be surprised by the difference in prices.

5.  Most shops have sale or clearance sections; make a point of checking these areas first to snap up a bargain.

6.  If you're looking to buy a specific item it's worth browsing online auction sites where savings on used, reconditioned or brand new items can be huge.

7.  When sending post don't assume the Post Office is the only and cheapest way.  Compare against couriers online and send with the best value.

8.  Keep up to date with current trends and celebrity stories by reading your favourite magazine's website and save pounds on buying the magazine!

9.  Shop with friends.  If a product you both want is on a multi-buy offer or buy 1 get 1 free, split the cost by paying together.

10.  Make up products have a quick turn around and last season's must have can be found in discount shops at slashed RRP prices.

11.  Keep an eye out for competitions and enter those that you really want.  If you win them, you save on the cost having to buy them!

12.  Going to see a movie?  The day and time you go to the cinema can cost you pounds or save you as much.  Look for discounted days and go earlier in the day for off peak tariffs.

13.  There's no need to purchase expensive eyebrow taming gels.  Instead, buy a low price clear mascara, they're cheap, conditioning and do the job.

14.  When going on holiday don't buy expensive mini bottles of shampoo and body wash.  Keep sample sachets and free trial size products aside to take with you instead.

15.  Like a designer garment but not the price tag?  Check out the high street for quality, catwalk inspired trends.

16.  A few drops of fragrant essential oil into a bottle of distilled water makes excellent - and cheap - laundry water.

17.  Pick wild fruit and forage natural edible plants and flowers to make gorgeous, free infusion drinks and puddings.

18.  Always write a list when shopping and stick to it, it keeps you focussed on what you really need which can (help) avoid temptation.

19.  If you still love your dress but hate the colour, dye it.  It's cheaper than buying another.

20.  Don't waste your money on costly gym membership, instead find something you enjoy doing that you can do in your own home or garden.

21.  Ditch the razor and invest in an epilator, it'll last you years and quickly pays for itself.

22.  When trying on bras, make sure it's firmest on the first hook; as it wears move along the hooks until the last one.  It'll last much longer.

23.  If you resist the launch of a new product and purchase it a few months later you can often save half the price.

24.  Buy products from an independent over a chain store, they are often the cheapest prices while some are happy to do deals and price match.

25.  When trying out products at the premium beauty counters ask about samples to try at home to be sure a product is right for you before buying.

26.  Before spending on pricey furniture check out free recycling websites to see if someone is getting rid of what you could make use of.

27. Keep wallpaper and paint samples - they come in handy for crafty projects such as card making.

28.  Provide your small animals with cheap and fun toys using empty toilet rolls, cardboard boxes and paper shopping bags.

29.  Keep an eye on magazine cover gifts; free tubes of hand cream and pots of nail polish save you buying new ones.

30.  Don't throw away your loose pennies - they soon turn into pounds!

I'd love to know if you live by any money saving mantras.  Know some good tips I've not mentioned?

Becky x

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Boudoir Lingerie - 'Danielle' by Parfait

Lingerie falls into two categories, broadly speaking, in my opinion: there's your everyday bras and knickers that are comfy and practical (your uncomplicated 'underwear') and then there's the more superior pieces that earn being called lingerie.  The latter is the desired; the fabrics that make you feel great as much as they look fabulous.  They make us feel that bit more special and they cheer us up just knowing what we've got hidden underneath.  We may wear it everyday 'just because' or we just covet from afar.  Real lingerie is the stuff of gods.

A collection I would totally classify as proper lingerie is the 'Danielle' line from large cup brand, Parfait by Affinitas.  Boudoir deliciousness is always top of my agenda as this is the kind of lingerie modelling I most enjoy, so when I spot a garment I'd love to wear on a shoot it's guaranteed to be the most delicate and prettiest of things.  Danielle represents everything I love about the true boudoir look.

Having never tried Parfait before I was keen to explore the brand further when I was offered the chance to sample a set.  I didn't want to be typical and select something I'd necessarily wear everyday, which was why I went for Danielle, being a more sophisticated style.  It also gave me a good opportunity to try completely different shapes to the usual bra and knicker so I was sent the Danielle Bralette in a 30G and the High Waist Brief in a medium.

The Look

Danielle is fashioned in a luxuriously soft, dusky pink satin; the bralette's cups overlaid with deep lace trim and pin tuck lines sewn down the centre of the cups, while the generously cut briefs feature the same lace, this time edging the hem line exposing the skin; both pieces finished off with little fabric buttons.  

The Detail

The bralette's extension panel at 2 1/2cm isn't too long but is sufficient depth, with sections of plastic boning maintaining the bralette's shape.  It fastens with a 6 hooks wide closure so is a good, supportive band.  The straps are semi adjustable with the front allowing ever so slight give in the double decorative straps.  The balconette cups are lightly padded which ensures the smooth lines.

The Fit

Whilst a 28GG-H cup is my preferred size, I found the 30G to be a good fit.  The cups were deep and kept my boobs firmly in place.  Having not worn a long line bra before it did feel strange to feel the band further down my body but I'm sure it's something I'd get used to.  I loved the deep band, which felt snug and comfortably firm.

Me wearing Parfait 'Danielle'

The Conclusion

Parfait 'Danielle' is an aesthetically pleasing collection and is one of the most luxurious sets I own.  The design is delicate and feminine and is actually pretty functional too, especially if you're looking for an attractive lingerie set that doesn't mean wearing something skimpy.  The vintage look with retro styling such as the deep knickers is especially on trend too.  To find something so sumptuous available in a G cup is pretty awesome and I'll most definitely be giving this the photoshoot treatment.

How would you define 'lingerie'?  Do you wear different styles on specific occasions?

Becky x

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Satchels Were Made For Me

I love bags and always carry one with me. I feel naked without one.  Having a bag was a natural progression from having my school bag growing up so when I was finished with school I moved onto an 'essentials' bag.  There's always so much I need with me such as my purse, phone, diary and not least a choice of lipbalms.

In a multitude of colours and varying styles I've always had at least one bag on the go.  I would go as far as saying my bag is a part of me, what it looks like reflects everything about me; my personality, my needs, and if my bag is shabby I too feel shabby.  Bags are a hugely important extension of me, not just an accessory, so when I tire of my bag and feel the need for a new one I take my time to make sure I get from it all I want and expect.

A typical shoulder bag has generally been my go to style for it's ease of transportation.  Grab bags, although often pretty and chic quickly become a nuisance, especially when two hands are not enough.  A style that has increasingly made an appearance in my bag wardrobe is the across body bag and, of late, the revival of the satchel.  And I have to say, the satchel is king of all bags.

Mulberry 'Alexa' - the connoisseur's choice of satchel

Satchels were once seen as the industrial behemoth used only for school books but in the last few years they've enjoyed a resurgence that's increased their popularity status as arm candy of choice on the shoulder of many a style icon.  As a thriver of colour, like a moth to a flame, my interest in satchels grew as beautiful shades and vintage patterns emerged onto the scene.  A staple shape + colour meant the satchel was redefined.

Nica Play satchel - a fresh take on old

So why do I like a satchel?  They're uncomplicated, solid, functional and comfy.  Oh yes, comfort plays a hugely important role in the bag.  If I'm going to carry half my life around with me I don't want it to be a drag, and I equally want it to be accessible.  I've realised a regular bag requires taking off and plonking on a counter or chair which isn't always convenient.  A bag at the end of a long strap and/or across your front makes life so easy and easy works for me every time.

Seeing as we're talking bags an' all I may as well introduce you to my newbie; my spring pastel trend embracing pale blue ASOS satchel.  Isn't she a pretty?!

ASOS light blue satchel - mine!

Yes, this is my new favourite bag. Until the next itch, of course...

Becky x

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Faith Extreme Platform Boots & Discount Code

Like many women I'm a sucker for a good shoe.  Admittedly, my shoe of choice these days resides around a flat sole; I love a good pair of ankle boots and when the warmer weather lands it's time for open ballerinas or lace pumps.  The heels I tend to buy are either for nights out, smart occasions and my modelling work because as much as I like the look of them, my fibromyalgia aches and pains prevent me from enjoying them as much.  So when I won an awesome pair of Faith heeled boots from Debenhams I was really quite excited.

I had no idea what my prize shoes were going to be until the parcel arrived and when I opened the box I just thought, 'wow!'  I've always considered platforms to be my thing (I am guilty of wearing the platform trainers of Spice Girls 90s era); not only do they tend to look chunky and quite urban you can look like you're wearing a much bigger heel than it is and due to the thick sole base they're generally easier to walk in.  Hmm, that's not necessarily the case with these ones...

Cue the Faith 'Cameo': this is one baby of a boot.  In a natural colour synthetic suede with laced eyelets and inner side zips, these extreme platform ankle boots boast a stonking 5" of chunky faux wooden heel.  The sole is 1" so with a true height of 4", it's a fair bit to me and my little feet.  I say little feet because although at a size 6 my toes are teeny weeny (think baby feet) which is another reason why I think I struggle with heels.

Faith 'Cameo' Boots

I could lock these boots up in a glass closet and admire them all day long but, alas, I can not wear them.  I attended an event over the weekend, taking my pumps with me as emergency footwear, and I caved possibly a third of the way in, which is pretty disappointing and mortifying.  My feet hurt that much I didn't much care for what I looked like changing my shoes right there and then.

Me wearing Faith 'Cameo' Boots

If you live in heels as much as I live in my flats, you've mastered the tippy-toe walk or you've got asbestos feet, you'll adore these.  The Cameo is a truly fab shoe.  I love them and yet I hate them.  How... gutting.  :-(

DISCOUNT!
You can get 10% off these boots - and other fashion - at Debenhams.com with the following discount code - CP37 - until 24th April 2013.

Do you have a love/hate relationship with shoes?  Can you put up with the pain of heels?  I'd love to hear your experiences of gorgeous footwear.

Becky x

*This post is not paid for by Debenhams, I simply won the shoes in a competition.  :-)

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Love Yours Lingerie By Caprice

For a woman as widely known as supermodel Caprice it shouldn't come as a surprise that her name would one day front a lingerie brand.  Interestingly, and unlike models before, Caprice Bourret created her own lingerie business – By Caprice – putting to work her knowledge of the fashion industry and it's trends and utilising her strong business sense to successfully build the only lingerie brand marketed, designed and modelled by the supermodel herself.  Now that's an endorsement!

Caprice wearing By Caprice 'Precious Bacio' collection

I was immensely ecstatic to find I'd won Caprice's Twitter competition on National Cleavage Day, not least because Caprice has tweeted me but because I'd never tried the By Caprice lingerie brand before now as I hadn't realised larger cups were catered for.  My prize was a lingerie set of my choice so when I checked out the By Caprice website I discovered many lines for most women; A-DD ranges and then some specially created E-G collections.

The set I chose was the 'Love Yours' plunge bra in a 30G with matching thong in a large.

By Caprice 'Love Yours' set

'Love Yours' is a gorgeous vibrant collection in hot pink and multi camouflage effect satin fabric trimmed with sassy black bows.

This is the perfect bra to wear for a glamorous evening function or party where you want to look and feel your best.  The plunging cups are substantially padded in the lower sectionwhich creates a fabulous boosted cleavage.

Me wearing my By Caprice 'Love Yours' lingerie

The Love Yours collection really caught my eye not only because plunge bras are my go-to style but I adore strong colours and this set is definitely a fun and girly addition to my lingerie drawer.  All too often lingerie for the larger busted is made to minimise your curves or just look pretty, rarely sexy.  This set breaks all those rules, looks amazing and for once feels more age appropriate for me in my thirties when I still want to dress hot, not look frumpy.

Have you tried lingerie from the By Caprice range before?

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Swimwear for Spa Days

So, it's decided (I decided) that Mr BB and myself are overdue a spa day.  I haven't been to a spa for three years now and I've never been with the other half before, so to say we're overdue it is an understatement.  I'm looking forward to swimming in the pool, chilling out in a jacuzzi and sweating it out in a sauna, and some treatments would be rather nice too, such as a massage and a facial.  All that needs to be done is book up with the right spa package and, oh, sort out the issue that is wardrobe!

Champney's Springs in Leicestershire - ooh yes please!

With spas, it doesn't matter whether you're a swimsuit wearer or prefer a bikini, what's more important is making sure you choose the right one for you that makes you feel confident about yourself and importantly, comfortable.  After all, what's the point in worrying about ties coming loose when you're meant to be relaxing?

Not all swimwear is the same so it's wise to thoroughly fit and check out your suit before the big day.  These pointers might help you out:

• Check your suit's not see through when wet (no nipples or pubic hair on show)


• Ensure the bottom doesn't ride up between your cheeks.  No one likes a wedgie.


• Can you can fasten fiddly ties or clasps yourself?


• Boob slips can happen - prevent it!  Bounce and move around, do your boobs stay in place?


• You don't want shoulder or neck pain from too tight straps - adjust to a comfortable tension now before you go.

Here are my top favourites of swimwear perfect for a spa day.  Hmm, which to choose?...

Freya 'Fever' Bikini Top

Leia Lingerie, £30

Kelly Brook 'Pink Rose' Bikini Top

New Look, £16.99

Curvy Kate Moonlight Bikini Top

Figleaves, £34

Lepel Capri Swimsuit
Figleaves, £38

And which did I choose?  The Freya Fever bikini!  I bought the gorgeous blue colourway from Leia Lingerie in a 28GG in the plunge style with medium brief bottoms.  It fits perfectly; the plunging cups are perfectly positioned and super flattering.  I was wise to order the 28GG as opposed to the H too as the cups are just the right size.  All I need now is my spa!

Becky x

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