Win a pair of L.K.Bennett sandals & win shoes for a year!

L.K.Bennett definitely know how to start 2013 off with a BANG!
To celebrate their Win Shoes For A Year app, I’ve paired up with them and I am super excited to announce that I am giving you the chance to WIN a pair of their gorgeous snake print Sandy sandals.

To be in to win these sandals (worth £225) - all you need to is the following:

Enter below via Rafflecopter and leave a comment on this blog post to enter!
To even further increase your chances of winning you can get some EXTRA points if you:
- Like the DutchessRoz Facebook FanPage (link) +1 point
- Follow me on Twitter (link) +1 point
- Plus get an additional +2 points if you tweet about my giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Oh and don’t forget to also enter their fantastic Facebook app competition. You and a friend could each win 6 pairs of beautiful L.K.Bennett shoes. Now that's what I call the perfect New Year treat!
Enter here before the 7th January: http://bit.ly/LKBshoes

My giveaway is open internationally and closes Thursday 10 January!

So what are you waiting for? Enter NOW :) Good luck!

UGG Australia '12 Fall Collection: Style & Comfort!

Some of you might only know UGG for their (amazing) warm sheepskin Ugg boots but over the last few years the brand has proved that they can do more than just cozy fluffy boots. These days UGG Australia  actually has a full clothing, shoe and accessories line. During London Fashion week I got a sneak peak at their 2012 Fall women and men shoe collection and was very lucky to pick an amazing pair of ankle booties to take home with me! Check out my new wedges...

UGG Australia Carmine ankle boot (link)

The best bit about these new shoes that make them perfect for winter???

The soft sheepskin insoles!  These babies will definitely keep my feet nice and toasty during winter whilst looking chic at the same time, love it :)

The 2012 Fall collection includes many bold and edgy pieces. 

Their newly created line combines rugged styling and features luxurious materials so it holds up against the harsh winter elements giving fashionistas the best of both worlds; fashion and comfort.

My favourites of the collection were the black leather pebbled Cosima boots (link), the Georgette sheepskin cuffed city ankle boots (link) and those bright blue Alloway slippers (link) look so comfy and loved the burst of colour! 

The UGG Australia collection is available now at www.uggaustralia.co.uk plus at selected department stores, retailers and your local UGG store.  So what do you think of my new ankle boots and the 2012 UGG Australia Fall collection, spot anything you like? x 

New flats: print or studs?

Both studs and animal prints are a big trend for autumn/winter fashion this year so I had been thinking about getting either a pair of studded or leopard print for a while. However, in the end I couldn't chose...so I decided why not just get both?

I got the leopard suede printed flats in New York from Aldo (link - £50) and the black canvas studded slippers from Topshop (link - £28). Both are pretty good value for money and super comfortable!



I think I will get loads of wear out of them this autumn, and probably even in winter paired with some black tights. The only hard decision nowwill be most days; which look to rock...studs or print! Which ones are your faves? X

Tory Burch splurge purchase!

For a long long time now I have lusted after a pair of designer Tory Burch flats. I tried to be good and not give in but it didn't help that I kept seeing them pop up on my regular blog reads like here and here. So when I was in New York City I decided to treat myself and finally satisfy my cravings. In London a pair costs £170 and in the USA they were $195 which converts to about £120 so that's quite a saving...well that's how I justified this splurge purchase to myself ;)

 

Anyhoo here they are....aren't they just beautiful?!

I chose the Classic Reva Ballet flats in black. These iconic shoes are known for its timeless design and comfortable fit. I love the big gold logo which gives them a very chic feel that effortlessly compliments any outfit.

I got mine from Bloomingdales (link) but have since found out for you UK ladies that you can actually score yourself these lovely flats for about £125 from ShopBop online with free world wide delivery here!

 

This is me wearing my new flats out and about the other day....

The dress in this photo is one of my favourite wardrobe items at the moment. It's the Louche Rocia Digital Print Floral dress that I got from JOY a few months ago. I walked past the shop on my lunch break, spotted it on the mannequin and it was love at first sight! For only £55 (link) it had to be mine and I think it's is the perfect dress for a wedding, a garden party or even just for work to let the fun floral print brighten up my day!

 

I am definitely loving my new Tory Burch flats; classy and comfortable; now what more can a girl want....?

......maybe one in every colour? ;) xoxo

 

New snakeskin pumps from ZAPA Paris

When I was in Paris, my friend introduced me to one of her favourite stores there....ZAPA!

ZAPA Paris is a french fashion house that has been around since 1972. Their designs and accessories are elegant, modern and sophisticated. It's not quite high street but also not quite designer, prices are more comparable to say Reiss and Whistles or other french stores like Maje and Sandro.

When I walked into the shop I could understand why she loved it so much. The store was filled with a collection full of quality beautiful items but one pair of shoes in particular enchanted me.....

I mean how could I not take these beauties home?!These are not real snakeskin but leather with a snakeskin print.

The main thing I loved about these shoes however was how amazingly comfortable they felt on....

I almost wanted to walk out of the store in them (paying first of course) & keep wearing them all day :)

They don't seem to sell these heels on their website but here is a link for the same style but in a gorgeous nude suede version. Priced at €165 (link)

I wore them out for dinner that same night with simple skinny black trousers, a white top and black blazer for a fun but classic look! I think these snake skin pumps will be able to spice up many outfits!

I loved ZAPA Paris and will definitely check them out again next time I am in Paris because unfortunately I think they are only located in France and Belgium at the moment.  

Had you heard of ZAPA Paris before? xoxo 

How to wear neon this summer #

One of the trends for spring/summer 2012 is neon! Now this trend is definitely not for wall-flowers because you are bound to stand out in such bold colours. Neon can be tricky to pull off and I can understand you might be a little nervous about looking too teenybopper or feeling like an '80s train wreck! However I think by adding some sophisticated neon numbers to your spring/summer wardrobe, it can give just the right kind of 'shock value' to your look. 

I recently got this neon jumper from ZARA and every time I wear it I just feel so happy :)

ZARA Jumper with front cable ribbon in neon green/yellow (link)

White t-shirt by H&M

Blue skinny jeans by ZARA basics

Michael Kors watch

RayBan aviator sunglasses (as seen here)

I'm also loving my new Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars in white with double navy tongue (link)

They are super comfortable and white trainers are the perfect accessory with jeans for summer time.

Here are some neon/brights items I am loving that I think would add the right amount of POP to any look!

La Mer Neon wrap watch (link)

ZARA Denim shorts with neon detailing (link)

Cooperative Neon Open Weave Scarf (link)

ASOS skinny belt (link)

Christian Louboutin Pigalle Neon Pump

ZARA Neon shorts (link)

Cambridge Satchel Company Neon Coral Satchel (link)

ZARA Neon shorts (link)

ESSIE Neon nail polishes 

ZARA Yellow Blazer (link)

ZARA Lace dress with crossover back (link)

I recommend only wearing one or two neon items at a time. Neons pair well with neutrals like white, tan or black. Neons are not for the faint hearted, but by trying one or two pieces, you can wear the neon trend with confidence! Do you think you will give the neon trend a go this summer? xoxo

Ginatricot shopping purchases from Oslo

Even though Oslo is a pretty expensive country (food and drink especially!) I did manage to squeeze in a wee bit of shopping. Yes.....I just couldn't help myself. Last time I was in Oslo I loved the shop Ginatricot, where I bought my lovely 'picnic blanket' tartan poncho. So in Oslo, visiting the Ginatricot store was definitely on my list of things to do :)
My main purchase was this black bag!  I just love it....

More on the bag later but first here my outfit of the day last weekend with my new Ginatricot purchases:

♥ Ginatricot Jumper in Beige NOR 199 (approx £19)
This jumper/top was all over the posters in the store and they had it in white, cobalt blue, lilac, pastel pink, white and black and it did take me a while to decide which colour to get! I was umming and ahhing between beige and lilac! My mum actually bought it in the cobalt blue colour which is also stunning!
It's featured on their website here but seems like it's sold out online.
♥ ZARA white linen t-shirt
♥ Jeans: Roxanne by 7 For All Man Kind (as seen here)

♥ Ginatricot Black handbag with silver zips and detailing NOR 399 (approx £39)

♥ ZARA black suede wedge boots.

♥ Watch by Michael Kors

I picked up these wedge boots at ZARA while I was in Berlin over New Years and I absolutely LOVE them!
I have worn these a lot the last few months. They are suede, high knee and the wedges means they are heels but super comfortable. 

I knew I had to have these boots when I saw them on this blog here and here.

BTW definitely check out Caroline's awesome fashion blog 'Fash n Chips' - I just adore her style!!

And here some more pictures of the bag from Ginatricot. I wasn't really looking for a new bag but something about this bag just caught my eye. It's the perfect in between size; aka not-too-small-not-too-big! I love the silver zip detailing and lots of handy pockets. Also its detachable long strap means you can swing it around your shoulders when it gets heavy or you have to walk a long distance.

For me it is the perfect every day bag and for that price tag you are not too worried about it getting dirty or damaged which means you can take it with you every where you go stress-free :)

Had you heard of Ginatricot before? I really wish they would allow online shopping and worldwide shipping because it's a bit like a better primark, cheap as chips but full of great fashion finds! xoxo

LK Bennett shoe love >

I'm definitely a sucker for pretty shoes so when I spotted these in the LK Bennett sale last weekend I couldn't resist adding them to my (ever growing) shoe collection...

What beauties right??

"Redefine glamour with the high-heeled Selina court. 

Jewel-like patent leather dazzles, offering a gorgeous sheen. 

The totally modern silhouette is enhanced by the fresh interpretation of the classic bow design."

These LK Bennett Selina Court Bow heels are from their 2011 collection and I'd admired them many of times before but the price tag had restrained me from buying them....Until now that that is because last weekend whilst browsing the LK Bennett sale, there they were staring at me from the sales rack discounted from £175.00 to now £125.00. I mean how could I not?

And in my perfect size!! The slightly high price tag of these shoes is definitely justified by the quality of the LK Bennett shoes. The beautiful leather sole alone already is just so lovely!

Think these bows are just so adorable and glamorous. Can't wait to wear these to work or out with jeans as they are the perfect accessory to glam up many outfits! These shoes also came in navy, rose, sage and lipstick which are all nice but but think the black is more versatile.

Confession...these are now the second pair of LK Bennett shoes I own..

These are my nude original Shilo Courts which are part of the LK Bennett Signature Collection. I love these nude shoes and they are very similar to Kate Middleton's favourite shoes so hey, if it's good enough for Kate Middleton...then it's good enough for me ;)

I also bought this lovely gold/beige scarf at the LK Bennett sale for £35!

What do you think of my LK Bennett purchases? xoxo

Some recent retail therapy...

Being the little shopping addict that I am check out some great little purchases I picked up recently:

Stone/Beige coloured wedge heels from New Look - £22.99

I had been looking for some natural coloured wedges for a while and think these will look great with jeans or a simple dress. Plus major bonus points because they are comfy!

Everyone raves about Primark and yes as much as Primark is such good value and you can find some great items there, the Oxford Street shop truly terrifies me. I can never be bothered trying things on or actually standing in the queue for an hour to pay for things I want. It's always SO messy and SO busy plus my heart rate increases and I get stressed out the minute I walk in haha! However, a few weeks ago I risked my life and had a wee shopping spree at Primark. These are some of the items I picked up: 

Black & Gold Waist Belt - £5

Set of gold rings - £1.50

Genuine Leather Bejewelled Sandals £12

Have you had some great retail therapy recently? Tell me about your new purchases :) xoxo

Ticking off the Shopping Wish List...

Hi lovelies,
It's Sunday night and I'm just chilling at home after a lovely weekend! I hope you all had a great weekend? 
So a while back I did a guest post for Andi's blog 'Saltwater Dreams' on my Holiday Wish List. See the original post here. Since then I have been slowly ticking items off the list....
First it was the iPhone4 - check ✓ then the Hunter Regent Savoy Wellington's - check ✓ and yesterday I faced the Oxford Street crowds to get to Selfridges to full-fill another dream and get wish list item number 3! What I got?? The Alexander McQueen Silk Skull Scarf!!! Initially I couldn't decide on which scarf to get i.e. the black scarf with white skulls or the ivory scarf with black skulls.  But after a little help from my lovely twitter friends I made up my mind and got the ivory/white one! Check ✓ :)
It was SUCH a happy moment and I just love love love it!!

This is me today whilst shopping with a friend on Kings Road wearing my new scarf! 

A happy Rozy for sure :)

Speaking of today - I had a perfect day out with a friend. We met up for brunch at Le Pain Quotidien, which is now one of my favourite places to go in London for brunch. There we pretty much ate our weight in bread topped with their amazing chocolate, hazelnut and praline spreads, sooooo delish! After brunch we went to see the movie 'No Strings Attached', with Ashton Kutcher & Natalie Portman, which was actually really cute and romantic! And then we did some shopping on Kings Road - a great area to shop in London because it has a mix of high street brands plus also gorgeous boutique/luxury/designer shops. I ended up getting the following:

Some MAC Cosmetic items I have been wanting a while:

♥ Paintpot in Groundwork

♥ Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer in NC20

♥ Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Light Medium

♥ Plus a stunning pair of patent leather red heels on sale at Shuz! Down from £119 to £35 - BARGAIN!

To finish off this post I thought I'd quickly share an item that's currently on my shopping lust list!

Erdem's Margot Lace Dress! So beautiful right..... Sigh, however at almost £2,000 I fear this dress will have to remain a dream forever and will never quite make it off my lust list! :) xoxo

Recent shopping purchases

Hey lovelies,
Thought I'd quickly share some of my recent shopping purchases! Because my boxes full of clothes, shoes and personal belongings from New Zealand STILL haven't arrived in London (sob sob) I decided I was in dire 'need' of some new office dresses. I find ASOS has a brilliant selection of dresses that are suitable for work with a jacket but can also be worn out! So onto my new goodies:

♥ ASOS Bengaline Cut-Away Tailored Pencil Dress, in Red, on sale here now from £38.00 to £24.00

Tailored pencil dress featuring a fitted shape through the body, a centre-back zip fastening, a v-neck & a cutaway silhouette at the upper front and back. I'd been looking for a red dress for ages & loved this one!
♥ Oliver Bonus silver bow earrings with diamonds in the middle for a touch of class!
On sale here now for only £13.50! With REAL diamonds, at that price = what a steal!!
♥ Limited Collection Patent Platform Court Shoes from Marks & Spencer at only £19.50. Was shopping for underwear at M&S when I spotted these shoes. I'd been looking for some black patent shoes and these are suprisingly comfertable. So great bargain at that price! Buy them online here

♥ ASOS Nude Black Seam Tights. I always wear tights to work and love the backseam! Available here for £6.00
♥ ASOS Tailored Seam Detail Ponti Pencil Dress, in Black.
Tailored pencil dress. Featuring a structured design, a V-neckline, pleated detail to the sleeves and slit detail to the hem. Really nice thick fabric and a gorgeous fit! Buy here now for £40.00

♥ ASOS Tailored Cowl Neck Pencil Dress, in lipstick pink. Tailored pencil dress, featuring a draped cowl neckline, panelled stitching and pleating to the hips.
Available in 8 colours here, starting from £18.00 (pink one is £30)

♥ I also got this amazing push up bra at M&S. It's basically a boob job for £22 - uh-mazing haha!
Check them out here :)

Have you done any shopping recently? Please share any nice/bargain/good purchases :) xoxo

ChapStick - What's your flavour?

As mentioned earlier, the last week it has been pretty darn freezing here in London with lots of snow piling up on the streets. Snow is super pretty but also, brrrr, cold! After living in New Zealand for almost 8 years I am finding it's taking a little while to acclimatise to all this wintery weather. My skin and lips are feeling the cold....Therefore I was pretty happy when a little gift popped through my letterbox a little while ago! A Chapstick! How perfect to keep my lips healthy and soft during these minus zero temperatures.

What Chapstick says:

"Keeping your lips looking & feeling healthy is quick and easy with ChapStick Flavours. With a choice of Strawberry, Cherry or Apple, ChapStick Flavours offer a fruity way to protect your lips. Why? ChapStick Flavours have been uniquely formulated to soothe, soften and nourish lips while preventing moisture evaporation. ChapStick Strawberry includes SPF 15 sunscreen to protect your lips against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. The formulas include:

Strawberry: Vitamin E, Camphor, Carnauba Wax and SPF 15 Sunscreen

Cherry: Carnauba Wax, Beeswax and Camphor

Apple: Carnauba Wax and Beeswax

When? Apply frequently throughout the day, especially before exposure to the sun, wind or cold weather." 

Me & my Strawberry flavoured ChapStick in snowy London!

My thoughts: 
It's been fabulous wearing the lip balm in the cold weather. It's really soothing and healing for my dry and slightly chapped lips. It's not glossy or sticky, which is nice when your lips are chapped and maybe a little sensitive. However I have to admit, I am not a huge fan of the strawberry flavour. Strawberry flavoured things just aren't my cup of tea. Even things like strawberry flavoured yoghurt, milkshakes or icecream - nope I don't like it haha. So think might have to check out the other flavours or the original version to help heal and prevent dry, chapped lips this winter :)

When I checked out the Chapstick website they had this funny little test you could do to see 'What does your ChapStick say about you?" I did the test and I got:
"You're a Genuine Original!

We reckon you’re the honest, straightforward and dependable type. There’s no hidden agenda – you’re simply a really good mate. Your ideal partner is the caring and sensitive type (and no – we don’t mean "dull"). Favourite food? Something tasty and natural – like a simple salad or tomato and basil soup. In other words, nothing that hides the real flavours. Your wardrobe is the same – full of classy items which mix and match beautifully, rather than anything “high fashion” or loud."

Not far off reality I think, well done ChapStick ;) Take the 'What's your Flavour' test here now for a laugh! 

Plus a quick photo of me in the snow!  

I've been keeping my feet nice & warm with my black Topshop buckle fur booties! Loving them :)

The small print: PR Sample.

A sneaker kind of girl?

Well, no...I have never been much of a sneaker kind of girl. In the colder seasons I tend to wear a lot of boots (heeled or flat).  But for for a while now I have been craving and browsing the shops for some super comfortable shoes that would keep my feet warm plus that I could easily walk around in all day & carry off more of a "casual" look with jeans. Which meant something like a  "sneaker" but one that didn't look too sporty. Not an easy task to find, I tell you ;) But my mission was accomplished last weekend when I found my perfect winter sneakers!! So here they are my latest shoe purchase; the Converse All Stars (Chuck Taylor) Leather sneakers from their winter 2010 collection. 

I love the fact that they are black & leather, which makes them both stylish and warm! ;) plus they are oh so comfortable to walk in! Have been wearing them heaps with skinny jeans or even with a denim skirt and black tights! They came with black laces and white laces and cost €89.90 - not bad, not bad at all :) Think I will get plenty of wear out of these babies!

What are your favourite comfortable sneaker style shoes?

LOVE....and Shoes >

A recent purchase has made me think about the subject of LOVE...

♥ "There is only one happiness in life, to love & to be loved." George Sand

♥ "When you are in Love you can't fall asleep because reality is better than your dreams." Dr Seuss

♥"Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile." Franklin P. Jone

♥ "Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within the reach of every hand." Mother Teresa

♥ "Love is patient, Love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails" 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

♥ "Some people care too much. I think it's called love." Winnie The Pooh

♥ " You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection." Buddha

Aren't these beautiful quotes? For well over a year now I have not had much (or well any) love in my life. Of course I have had love & support from friends and family (bless them!) but none in the romantic sense if you get my drift. About 18 month's ago I came out of a 7 year relationship and since then I have needed time by myself to learn to love ME again. Though..deep down I am more of a relationship kind of gal then a party single gal so I miss being in a relationship. And I miss love....BUT I am still a believer & dreamer and really hope one day (in the not too distant future hopefully haha) I will meet someone special. 

Mr Lover, I am ready, come find me where ever you are :)

Gold LOVE ring: Topshop

Been wearing this almost non stop since buying it in London. ♥ it :)

I also thought I'd quickly share my shoe purchases from London!

Tan Leather/Fabric Heels: ALDO (got them on sale @60% off, bargain!)

Red Ballet Flats: New Look (only £8!)

Beige & black flats with gold studs: Primark (again only £8!)

Found London was a great place for cheap shoes.

Anyways, I am off to bed now. Hope your lives are all filled with love & affection! Because "you're worth it" :) xoxo

OOTD - London

Woke up this morning to a lovely sunny day in London! I met up with my friend Louise and we went shopping in Oxford Street where I got some great little purchases (I'll share my purchases when I get back to NL)! We then went for lunch in South Bank, chilled out at her place in the afternoon and in the evening we went for some delicious Spanish tapas and red wine in Clapham, yummmm! I am getting a great vibe from London, love love love it here! Anyways I thought I'd quickly share my OOTD:

Skirt: Silk "animal print" skirt from Zara

Top: Basic black singlet from Decjuba

Cardigan: Black woolen cardi from Country Road
Necklace: Dutch old coin on chain from Decjuba

Black Tights & new Cinderella leather boots I got in The Hague last week.

I'm super happy with these boots! Shoes for me are always so difficult..I kind of have really bad feet (thanks family genetics, grr) so it's always tricky to find shoes that are actually comfortable to wear. I walked on these little boots all day today and soo comfy - score! :) Tomorrow off to Covent Garden for lunch and probably checking out Notting Hill Carnival. Am off to sleep now, bye bye xoxo

Blue & Bronze

Hi ladies
My look of the day was a recently purchased CUE dress. Am into my bright colours at the moment. I can't believe that shoulder pads are actually back in fashion again - but am really loving it!

Make up wise I thought, let's not go blue with blue so I decided on bronze and cranberry eye. Find those colours make my blue eyes "pop".

♥ Eyes:

Urban Decay Primer Potion (UDPP)

NYX Jumpo pencil in Milk (Inner eye corner)

MAC Dazzlelight (Inner eye & under brow highlighter)
Barry M Dazzle Dust #44 Bronze, applied with mixing medium (all over lid & lower lashline)
Coastal Scents 26 Palette - Cranberry Colour (crease)
MAC Mineralise Eyeshadow - Play on Plums (outer crease)

Coastal Scents True Black Gel Liner (top)
MAC smolder eyeliner (waterline)
MAC Zoom lash mascara
Bobbi Brown natural brow shaper

  
♥ Lips:

NYX Smokey Look Mega Shine Lipgloss

Also quickly wanted to show you the shoes I wore today, they are one of my all time favourite heels! I always get so many compliments on them.

Hope you all had had a lovely day! It's Friday tomorrow, woop woop!