D-Day

Well hello!

So, today is 28th February and I am officially 40 weeks pregnant and today is my due date.

I cannot believe this day has come around at last. It was mine and Darren's 2 year wedding anniversary yesterday, and I was thoroughly spoilt by Darren. I received a beautiful bunch of Jane Packer flowers (colour co-ordinated with the flowers we had for our wedding), a Kindle Fire and was taken to one of my favourite restaurants in Crouch End.

my beautiful anniversary flowers

So, although it is the due date, there is no sign of Titch just yet. Realistically it could be another 2 weeks, but I don't think we'll be waiting that long. I can't believe 40 weeks are now complete and any day, we are going to become parents! Eek! I definitely don't feel old enough or mature enough to be a mama, but I am so excited to finally meet Titch and Darren and I can start our little family.

Sorry this is a bit of a random post and nothing to do with my usual content, but I just wanted to mark the D-Day occasion!

To make it a little more fashiony, here is what I wore for our special anniversary dinner last night. I've managed to go 40 weeks without buying maternity clothes (apart from one dress) and last night I wore a gorgeous one sleeve dress from COS, which I bought a couple of years ago, and actually looks really nice with my big bump. I teamed it with my new Claire Belle necklace (see post below) and my River Island ankle boots.

What do you think of my 40 week preggo look? x

My Name Necklace

I just wanted to share with you my gorgeous Valentine's Day present.

I wrote a blog post at the beginning of the year (you can read it here) about a few bits I have had my eye on. Well, the hubby obviously read and took note of this particular post, because I received one of the gorgeous goodies for my Valentine's Day present.

Even though it arrived a week late (something to do with the length of my name and the thickness of the gold?!) it was so worth the wait.

I have wanted a "Claire Belle" necklace for ages - yes maybe since Carrie Bradshaw came into my life with her Carrie necklace - and I am so excited that I now have one of my very own.

Darren chose a rose gold style (extra brownie points there) and a fine chain, which makes it perfect for wearing alone or layered with other necklaces. I have been wearing it non-stop since I got it and I absolutely love it.

He got it from Mynamenecklace.co.uk so go have a look and let me know what you think. Do you like this style of necklace? Would you wear one? Enjoy

Oscars 2013 - All The Dresses

Last night was the most highly anticipated nights for film and fashion - the 85th Annual Oscars and in case you weren't aware, I am as big a fan of film as I am of fashion...my love affair with film started from when I was pretty much a baby and I look forward to the Oscars every year - this year being one of the best Oscars for years, as there were so many fabulous films and performances over the last 12 months.

With the red carpet starting at 11:30pm UK time and the actual ceremony not starting until 1am, I was very proud of myself for being able to stay up until about 3:30am. I woke myself up early this morning to watch the last hour before I could see who won the awards for best actor/actress, director and of course best film. I was so happy that Christoph Waltz won best supporting actress for Django and Anne Hathaway bagged best supporting actress for her portrayal of Fantaine in Les Miserables.

Highlights definitely included the fabulous cast of Les Mis performing One Day More live, Jennifer Hudson singing her iconic song from Dreamgirls and Adele belting out Skyfall. Not to mention the hilarious Seth Mcfarlene as host and Daniel Radcliffe doing a very snazzy song and dance number.

But anyway, let's get to what you're probably most interested in...the dresses!

With so many beautiful ladies (and gents) in attendance, this had to be one of the most glam Oscar red carpet ever! We definitely saw a return to old school Hollywood glamour and trends emerged such as sparkling metallics, sequins, fishtail cuts, nude shades, side swept hair and bold jewellery and lips. With Darren sitting with me on the couch trying to stay awake, he helped me dissect the dresses and choose my favourites...definitely one of my highlights of the night.

So, onto my favourites...

My best dressed of the night has to go to the following leading ladies: The divine Jennifer Lawrence (such a worthy Best Actress winner). Looking utterly stunning in a Dior Couture gown and a backwards necklace, Jennifer absolutely sizzled on the red carpet. Elegant, classic, chic and basically looking like a dream in tulle, she carried the dress off so perfectly and she definitely scored a 10 out of 10 for me.

Jennifer Lawrence

I loved Jennifer Garner's sumptuous purple Gucci gown, with the stunning ruffle detail going all the way down the back. Her statement jewels (seriously, how much must that necklace have cost?!) her smoky eyes and her simple up-do set the dress off beautifully.

Jennifer Garner

Charlize Theron looked every inch a Greek goddess in a simple yet ravishing white gown, with a stylish cut-out detail at the bust and a peplum waist. I loved her pixie crop and to be honest, she is so beautiful, she could wear a sack and look fierce!

Charlize Theron

Amanda Seyfried looked incredible with her swept up hair, flawless make-up and stunning shimmering metallic gown. The classic shape, the fishtail cut, the corseted waist, the fact that it is Alexander McQueen...love it!

Amanda Seyfried

Jessica Chastain was a 1920's Hollywood starlet reborn. A deep red lip, side-swept wavy hair and a captivating light bronze, skin tight gown by Armani.

Jessica Chastain

Anne Hathaway...please keep your hair short! You look so stunning with that cropped do and your Prada dress looked perfect with it. A high-neck, simple front in a gentle oyster shade and a lot of drama on the back. A beautiful and eye-catching necklace from Tiffany and all in all a stunning look worthy of a Best Supporting Actress Oscar.

Anne Hathaway

Finally, Kerry Washington...loved you in Django Unchained, love you even more in that fabulous Miu Miu frock...amazing!

Kerry Washington

Those that got the thumbs down from me (and fellow critic Darren!) were Catherine Zeta Jones...I really didn't get her sparkly gold number...Beyonce could work this out but on Catherine, it seemed to age her and was just too busy. Also in this category for me was Zoe Saldana - so utterly beautiful but her Alexis Mabille Couture dress was so boring and plain - a pretty shade of grey but I didn't get the belt and black border detail at the bottom...just a bit yawn really. I was also disappointed with Jennifer Aniston's red Valentino number...a pretty dress but just a bit boring really - more like an elaborate prom dress than anything and there were no details or statement jewellery to set it off. Halle Berry I'm on the fence with - her sparkling, monochrome Versace number was certainly eye-catching and looked fabulous on her, but I'm not sure if it was just a bit too '80's and perhaps not 100% Oscar red carpet appropriate...but she did look beautiful...so I don't know! Finally, Reece Witherspoon - yes it was a Louis Vuitton pretty dress in a pleasing shade of blue...but it was just so boring and with a silly train...I've seen her looking so stunning so many times before, but this year...blah!

Catherine Zeta Jones

Zoe Saldana

Halle Berry

Jennifer Aniston

Reece Witherspoon

There are so many more dresses to discuss, but I could really go on all day and I've just realised how long this post is!

What did you think of the Oscars and all the dresses? Who was your stand-out? Enjoy x

Beatrix Potter Collection For Baby Gap

This is kind of a weird post for me to do, as I have never done a post on baby related products. I kind of thought that when I became pregnant that I would not post about maternity fashion or baby clothes, as Belle of the Ball is an outlet for me to talk about my love of fashion and beauty, and I didn't want to make it a pregnancy related blog.

HOWEVER, occasionally, I have thought it would be appropriate to discuss preggo fashion and maternity collections, so I have done the odd one or two. Thus far I haven't done a baby fashion post, but I have just become obsessed with a collection and I had to tell you guys about it, as it is so cute.

I am a huge fan of Beatrix Potter - I've been in love with her books and characters ever since I was a baby girl myself - particular favourites being Mrs. Tiggwinkle (that cute hedgehog in an apron and cap), Jemima Puddleduck and of course Peter Rabbit. I've spotted lots of adorable Beatrix Potter goodies to put in Titch's room, so when I was informed that Baby Gap were doing a Beatrix Potter limited edition collection, I started jumping around in excitement.

My lovely friend Jo quickly got me this adorable grey knitted baby-grow, complete with a little Peter Rabbit face on the front, before I had even seen the full collection.

Thank you Jo

Yesterday, Darren and I went to meet some friends in Hampstead and I was determined to go to the Baby Gap on the high street and see the full collection...and maybe buy one or two bits (with two weeks to go, I think I'm entitled to finally start buying some clothes for Titch!).

Me (and Titch) at 38 weeks

We went into the shop and spotted the collection immediately. Laid out with gorgeous cut outs of Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin, Jemima Puddleduck and more, the collection was split into baby girl's, baby boy's and unisex newborn pieces. Darren was so taken aback by the baby boy stuff, that he wished they did it in grown up sizes. From sweet baby-grows with character faces, to rabbit motifs on dresses and adorable pieces of knitwear to packs of bodysuits and knitted Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddleduck hats.

I really love this collection, and whether we have a girl or boy, I will definitely be investing in a few more pieces (or a lot more!). In the meantime, we picked up this cute sleepsuit and the Peter Rabbit knitted hat, as we thought it would work for a girl or boy.

Titch's new bits :)

Here are a few pics of the collection and the layout - what do you think? Enjoy x

A Gelish Nail Experience

The amazing selection of Gelish nail colours

When I was contacted by the gorgeous Katie - a fabulous beauty therapist - to see if I wanted to try out a new manicure experience called Gelish, I jumped at the chance. Firstly because at 38 weeks pregnant, I am in no position to turn down a spot of pampering and secondly, because it is a manicure I haven't heard of before and I was very curious.

The lovely Katie

I had my appointment yesterday and considering I am very particular about my nails, and I love to change the colour almost weekly, I actually fell in love with this treatment.

Katie presented me with the huge selection of Gelish nail polish colours and asked me to choose my shade. This was actually really hard, as there were so many stunning colours that I fell in love with. I almost opted for one called "Bella's Vampire" (no prizes for guessing the inspiration behind this one) but in the end, I wanted something, which would make me believe that spring will soon be here, so I went for a stunning bright coral called Tiger Blossom.

For those of you who aren't familiar with what Gelish nail polish is, here is a little lowdown...

Gelish gel polish is the world's first hybrid gel hybrid gel product. It applies like a polish but has the strength of a gel. Like a gel polish, Gelish lasts between 2 - 3 weeks, so is perfect if you're going on holiday or if you want a low maintenance manicure, which will last. It is also chip free, so added bonus there! Another great benefit is that there is no drying time - once your nails are painted, you pop them under an LED light and your nails are dry in seconds! I haven't tried it yet, but to take the Gelish polish off, you need to use acetone remover, which you soak onto cotton wool, you then wrap each finger with the cotton wool and pop some tin foil over the top to seal it. Leave your nails for 10 - 15 minutes and the polish should then be able to be buffed off easily.

So there is the background behind the polish. Katie was great - she cleaned up my nails, buffed them and tidied up my cuticles, before applying the Gelish base coat and then 2 - 3 coats of the gorgeous Tiger Blossom polish. Once dry, Katie applied a top coat and I was left with stunning, super glossy coral nails. After popping them under the LED light for 10 seconds, my nails were completely dry, and I was able to rummage around in my bag, with no fear of smudging or chipping. I am officially in love with Gelish!

As an incentive to get you to try this fabulous manicure, Katie is offering £5 off your first Gelish treatment (usual price £25). Simply quote: "Belle of the Ball" when booking. To make an appointment and to check out the other treatments Katie has on offer (everything from massage, facials, spray tans and more) visit her website by clicking here.

Here are her contact details:

Email: info@katiebeauty.co.uk
Twitter: @Katie_Beauty
Facebook: www.facebook.com/katiebeauty

Have you ever tried the Gelish manicure? What did you think of it? Enjoy x

Katie prepping my nails

Tiger Blossom (middle swatch)

Katie applying the Tiger Blossom Gelish polish

The polish (excuse swollen preggo fingers)

Loving my new Gelish nails! Thanks Katie

Sister Style Off!

What a star studded 24 hours! With the Grammys and the BAFTAs taking place last night, the red carpets were alight with fabulous gowns, beautiful stars and gorgeous tuxedos.

I'm going to do a full fashion round-up of both events, but I wanted to do a quickie post now about my favourite diva and her sister, who both rocked it out on the red carpet.

I am talking, of course, about Beyonce (really...is there any other diva worth talking about?!) and her big haired sister Solange. Both sisters looked amazing last night and so different from each other. They each have such a cool, fresh style but manage to put individual twists on their looks.

Let's look at my queen, Beyonce first. After winning a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance,  Beyonce looked fierce in a complementing outfit to her hubby Jay-Z. A stunning monochrome, geometric jumpsuit by b&w Osman, sparkling Swarovski clutch and Lorraine Schwartz jewellery. Her hair was sleek and elegant and with a slash of red lipstick, this woman looked every inch the superstar she is. Obsessed!

Next, her sister Solange. While Bey went for a toned down look, Solange opted for pure glitz and sparkle. This girl's style has become more and more spectacular over the years, and she didn't disappoint last night. A huge, fabulous afro teamed with natural make up and a sparkling, emerald green down by Ralph & Russo, complete with a thigh high split...well, if I had legs like that, I'd rock a thigh high split too!

So there you go...who gets your vote for best dressed? I love both looks, but I love in particular the way Beyonce is able to rock a fabulous, outrageous gown in one look, and a classic Hollywood monochrome look the next day. So...I guess my vote is obvious. What do you think? Enjoy x

Marc Jacobs Takes A Diet Coke Break

What happens when one of your favourite designers collaborates with one of your favourite drinks? Well, that would be the amazing Marc Jacobs being made the Creative Director of Diet Coke. A match made in heaven me thinks!

The appointment of the ab-tastic Marc Jacobs as Creative Director to the iconic drink, coincides with Diet Coke's 30th birthday - OMG, I'm almost as old as Diet Coke! Crazy. It may seem a bit strange to appoint a fashion designer as creative director to a soft drink brand, so what can we come to expect from this awesome collaboration?

To begin with, the design of the bottle - Mr. Jacobs is going to give it a whole new look! And with the likes of Karl Lagerfeld and Jean Paul Gaultier already having designed Diet Coke cans and bottles in the past, I think we can expect an amazing new look from Marc Jacobs. The new design will be launched later this month - perfect for coinciding with Fashion Week. There's also the new campaigns - and if these drool-worthy images and commercial are anything to go by, I cannot wait to see what else Marc Jacobs has up his sleeve.

What do you think about MJ as Creative Director to Diet Coke? Enjoy x

Mmmmmmmm!!!!!!

Project Take 10 - Wildfox Couture

Two posts in one day...I did say I was back :)

This post is something a little different and special.

I was contacted by Wildfox Couture to take part in an exclusive project called Project Take 10 - a social styling project. Basically, fashion brands, in this case, Wildfox Couture, choose 10 fashion bloggers and send them a piece from their range to style as they see fit. The bloggers then take photos of themselves in their outfit and the general public can vote for their favourite. Fun right?

Of course I was a little shy, being almost 9 months pregnant presented the slight problem of posing in a piece that non-preggy gorgeous girls would be wearing, and trying to make it look good, and not an advert for maternity fashion. But, I do like a challenge.

The piece we were sent was this gorgeous sequin heart jumper - pretty perfect, considering the voting closes on Valentine's Day....ahhhhhhh. I immediately fell in love with this jumper. So perfect for snuggling up in with this freezing weather, and the pretty sequin heart is adorable for Valentine's Day.

I decided to go for a cute geek chic look, as I love pairing a slouchy (well, it would be slouchy if it weren't for my big bump) with a cute skirt and geeky accessories. The skirt is from H&M last year, and is made up of about 5 layers, the faux pearl collar necklace is also from H&M, the frilly socks are from American Apparel, my glasses are from my uncle's optician in Camden and my shoes are c/o Steve Madden. Considering the price point for the jumper is £185, it makes sense to keep the rest of the look high street chic ;-) My lipstick is MAC Up the Amp and my nails are Essie Cute As A Button.

So here is my styled jumper. If you like it and would like to vote for me (take pity on the preggo) then visit this link: http://selfserviceuk.wordpress.com/2013/02/06/wildfox-take-10/ and vote away. As I said before, voting closes on Valentine's Day, so there is plenty of time.

Make sure you check out the rest of the gorgeous bloggers taking part in the challenge too by clicking the link.

Thanks for checking it out and enjoy! x