Tuesday 31 January 2012

Ladylike Laws: Restaurant Dining

Reblogged here, post originally by Lauren Conrad.


Imagine you’ve just sat down to an insanely romantic dinner with prince charming. (Let’s be honest, you totally won him over with your impeccable manners during the first date.) He’s taken you to the nicest joint in town. Just as you get settled in and catch one another’s eye, a loud screech interrupts your gaze: A woman at a nearby table drags her teeth along her fork. The sound is piercing. Next thing you know, the electronic tune to “Mama Do the Hump” fills the room as a cellphone buzzes against white china. WHAT IS GOING ON? No manners, that’s what. 

There are certain do’s and don’ts when dining out. Things that many of us forget to consider. Below are Lauren Conrad's ladylike laws to dining:

Arriving. Greet the host kindly. If there is a wait, don’t make a huge fuss. It’s up to you to decide whether or not it’s worth it. Restaurants get busy and it’s not the host’s fault. 

Napkins. Once you are seated, place your napkin onto your lap with the crease facing you. If the napkin is particularly large, you may fold it in half again. Never take your drink or begin eating without placing your napkin on your lap. When you leave the table or get up for the restroom, fold your napkin (try to hide any food stains you may have left) and place the napkin to the left side of your place setting. (You can thank the 18th Edition of Emily Post’s Etiquette for these tips.)

Menu signals. When you’re settled in, it’s time to look over the menu. Once you have decided what you want to order, close your menu and place it in front of you—this will signal to the wait staff that you are ready to order. 

The wait staff. I think a lot of people forget their manners when it comes to the wait staff at a restaurant. It’s important to be appreciative of their service. After all, isn’t it nice to be attended to? Look your waiter in the eye when ordering or asking for something and always say your please and thank yous!

Table tools. When selecting which utensil to use for each course, start with the outermost utensil and work your way in. 

The bread basket. If a breadbasket graces your tabletop, tear off one piece and place it onto your bread plate. If you want to butter your bread, take a pat of butter and put it onto your bread plate so you have your own personal butter stash. Never butter your bread directly from the shared butter dish. It’s rude. Finally, tear your bread into bite size pieces and butter as you go.

Turn it down. Please turn your phone to silent or vibrate when you arrive. And try your very best not to text or talk on your phone throughout the meal. If a call or text is particularly urgent, kindly excuse yourself from the table and take care of matters in the restroom. Furthermore, it’s especially important not to try and draw attention to yourself in a dining setting. Translation: Turn down your volume and speak in a soft, pleasant voice. No yelling, loud gawking or anything other audible missteps that might turn heads. 

Mind the purse. Believe it or not, you’re not supposed to hang your purse over the back of your chair. I was pretty surprised to learn this. Apparently, you should either leave it on your lap or place it at your feet. And never, ever put your purse on the table. As for our male counterparts, wallets, keys and phones should not be piled onto the table either. 

Um, you have something in your teeth. According to Lizzie Post, make eye contact with the individual and signal by lightly tapping your teeth or mouth. If all else fails, just let them know. I would definitely rather someone tell me, wouldn’t you?

Fin! When you are finished with your meal, rest your utensils diagonally across the plate. This is another key restaurant signal that will alert the wait staff that you are done.

What’s the worst dining offense you’ve witnessed? Please share!

Thanks to Lauren Conrad for letting me reblog this!

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Tuesday Ten: Valentine's Day Dresses To Try...


You always want to look good on that date and a dress is the perfect garment to wear. A dress represents femininity and whatever style or colour dress you choose - it looks good! If I were to go on a V-day date I would wear either the green dress above (isn't that picture lovely?!) or a red dress. I don't know why, I just would. For whilst your on the date, I'll write a post on table manners for us all. Meanwhile, enjoy gazing at these dresses or maybe even buy one...



What are you going to wear? Please share! Remember: Always dress in something that's you.

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Saturday 28 January 2012

My Favourite Looks from the Couture Runway...

(Click pictures to view larger)

Christian Dior:

Chanel:

Elie Saab:

Valentino:


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Stylish Rain Boots...


No wellies allowed! Unless you have extremely stylish wellies. Its easy to look frumpy in the Winter when your hidden behind layer upon layers of clothing. Boots are a stylish way to keep your feet warm, dry and they look stylish! Boots are a major investment so don't be scared to splash the cash. Check out the rain boots I think are perfect for not only rainy days but everyday...


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Friday 27 January 2012

Style Staples: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's 5 Go-To Pieces

Finding a flattering look isn't hard when you're built like Rosie. Just the same, this supermodel goes the extra mile to look as sensational on the streets as she does on the Victoria's Secret runway with sizzling '70s-inspired outfits. Transform the sidewalk into your own catwalk with style cues from the beautiful Brit. 

Lots of Leather:

Ankle-Length Jeans:

Midis & Maxis:

Floppy Hats & Structured Bags:


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Wednesday 25 January 2012

Spring with Jack Wills




Finally received the Jack Wills Spring term handbook! Plus, I watched the video - love it! This Spring, for Jack Wills, is all about Seaside prints and colours. Lots of Navy, camel, white and red. Tailored separates with slouch tees or jumpers. Totally my style. What do you think of the collection?
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Tuesday 24 January 2012

Wednesday Space


Love it...I like the rusty metal planters on either side, the stone stairs, the black front door, the lighting and white washed brick exterior is my dream...I like it all. This house is a home on the outside; makes you intrigued to go inside! If It was my house, I would add a personal touch so people get a sense of who you are are/lives in the house. So often people just make the interior about them, but what about the outside? I would hang a wooden heart on the door or add maybe a quirky doormat. I also wouldn't have a black door, it would be either green or red. I want this house so badly though!

What do you think of the house? Leave comments! Speak soon girls!


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Tuesday Ten: My Guilty Pleasures


Mmmmmm, just looking at that picture makes me hungry! I could just do with a hot choc right now! Well anyway...I have quite the few guilty pleasures in terms of food (vegetables! No, obviously not.) but doesn't everybody? Here are my sugary food cravings...
  1. Oreo
  2. Sticky Toffee Pudding
  3. Skittles
  4. Ferroro Rocher
  5. Vienetta
  6. After Eight
  7. Mars Bar
  8. Nutella
  9. Chocolate Muffins
  10. Tiramisu
What are your guilty pleasures? Hope you enjoyed Tuesday Ten, don't forget Wednesday Space tommorow!

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Sunday 22 January 2012

How-To: Tie Your Knits...


Hello my lovelies, weekend over but hope it was a good one.

This trend is such a keeper. Its not only been seen on hot celebs like Nicola Roberts and Olivia Palermo but on the SS catwalks too, from Chloe to Burberry. And guess what? I love it! Its a great way to whip in a slim waist on a chunky knit. Especially if its oversized. And better yet, if you haven't got the slimmest of waists, no problem! Cheat a skinny waist with a thin waist belt in black (like above but black). I'm in love with thin, black or tan weaved belts with pastel oversized knit dresses.

Here are some belts and knits I think work great together:



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Outfit of the Week: Double Denim


Outfit:
Top: Topshop
Jacket: Topshop
Jeans: Topshop
Shoes: River Island
Scarf: New Look
Bag: Topshop

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Thursday 19 January 2012

Spring Trend #3: 90's Grunge!

 Following on from Spring Trend #1 and #2 and onto three! Completely different from pretty pastels and surf luxe, 90's Grunge is taking the spotlight back! 

Necklace - Topshop, bag - New Look, dress and boots - both Free People


Shoes and jacket - both Topshop, skirt - Free People, shirt - ASOS

Bag and jeans - both Topshop, top and shoes - both River Island


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Wednesday 18 January 2012

Style Staples: Rachel Bilson's 5 Go-To Pieces

Whether she's running errands or lighting up the red carpet, Rachel Bilson makes every outfit count. With a creative streak and the ability to spot trends ahead of the pack, she makes it impossible not to be completely smitten with her unique fashion sense. Check out how she gets her effortlessly cool look. 

Shorts:

Modern Blazers:

Ankle Boots:

Pastel Dresses:

Feminine Blouses:

One of the countless reasons I can't get enough of Rachel's style is her knack for balancing the masculine with the feminine and the on-trend with the classic. Hope you liked the post, leave comments my lovelies!
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Wednesday Space


Hi girlees, Wednesday today, and as uaual a bit of interior design. This room is perfect...a white living room gets an extra boost of light from wrap around floor to ceiling sliding doors. Love the colour palette; soft smoke shades, blues, beiges and cremes. I also love how this house has bought the outside in with the large windows and the plants in the vases (right).



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Tuesday 17 January 2012

Tuesday Ten: My Favourite Songs


Nothings better than a dosage of music, it can cure anything. Music makes you feel what you want to feel. Music is used things from workouts to clubs and...blog posts?! Here are my top ten songs currently...
  1. Domino - Jessie J
  2. Titanium - David Guetta feat. Sia
  3. Levels - Avicii
  4. One That Got Away - Katy Perry
  5. Paradise - Coldplay
  6. Mama Do the Hump - Rizzle Kicks
  7. Good Feeling - Flo Rida
  8. What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger) - Kelly Clarkson
  9. Love On Top - Beyonce
  10. Dance With Me Tonight - Olly Murs
What are your favourite songs? Hope you enjoyed the post, speak soon!


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My Spring Wishlist...





1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Hello everyone! Hope everyone's week has started off well and carries on good too. Today I'd thought it would be nice to share some of my favourite key Spring pieces. What do you think? I so want every little item right now!

What's on your Spring wishlist? Share in the comments box below.


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Monday 16 January 2012

Fashion Forecast: Golden Globe Trends!

Click on pictures to view larger.

Pumped Plum:
Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Julianna Margulies, Tina Fey
Blue Bird:
Michelle Williams, Helen Mirren, Sofia Vergara, Jodie Foster
Nude Lace:
Jessica Alba, Sarah Hyland, Jessica Biel, Katharine McPhee
Citrus Notes:
Maria Menounos, Zooey Deshcnael, Mireille Enos, Natalie Portman
Hello everyone! Happy Monday, just want to briefly go over these trends that immediately caught my eye and were cropping up and awful lot! Plum, I was actually rather grateful towards the celebrities that wore such a daring shade of purple. It tends to make people appear bigger and/or wash skin tones away but how do celebrities shove that all away?! Blue is always a huge colour on the red carpet, it is such a classic colour.  To add a touch of Golden Globe glamour the celebs opted for intricate detailing, feathering and diamond accessories. From blue birds to lacey brides - nude lace was a big 'fashion yes' on the red carpet. Black adds a touch of romance to the outfit like from Sarah Hyland whereas pink clutches made the outfit more vintage but glam, as seen on Jessica Alba. Scallop detailing was also a big fashion yes on this trend. Last but not least, Citrus Notes, practically every mag you read will either be about surf luxe or citrus hues. I congratulate these daring celebs for choosing such daring shades. Citrus shades make skin look gleaming and luminous, plus its such a hot trend for Spring! Hope everyone has a good week! Bye.

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