Spring Into Summer With The Perfect Trench - F&F Long Unstructured Trench Coat

The second I saw this coat in the F&F SS15 campaign, I knew that it had to be mine. I loved the utilitarian traveller feel to their collection, and the Long Unstructured Trench Coat stood out as the perfect item to straddle that difficult (and often drizzly) line between Spring and Summer.

There are a million reasons why I love this coat. Firstly the fabric is light and flowing and perfect as cool days drift into cooler nights. I felt like a film noir superhero when walking with it open, as it billows out behind you like a cape in the wind. The khaki colour is classic and gives the relaxed fit a smart finish and looks great thrown over jeans or a dress. The belt (literally!) pulls everything together, creating a structured shape and the design is completed with lots of details such as buckled cuffs, lapels and front pockets.

It's currently on sale for just £30 (originally £38) so now is the perfect time to grab yourself a bargain. Whether you're travelling across sandy plains or the Underground network, this is the perfect trench to get you there.

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Bloglovin and Facebook.
www.fashionlovesphotos.com

(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

Spring Into Summer With The Perfect Trench - F&F Long Unstructured Trench Coat

The second I saw this coat in the F&F SS15 campaign, I knew that it had to be mine. I loved the utilitarian traveller feel to their collection, and the Long Unstructured Trench Coat stood out as the perfect item to straddle that difficult (and often drizzly) line between Spring and Summer.

There are a million reasons why I love this coat. Firstly the fabric is light and flowing and perfect as cool days drift into cooler nights. I felt like a film noir superhero when walking with it open, as it billows out behind you like a cape in the wind. The khaki colour is classic and gives the relaxed fit a smart finish and looks great thrown over jeans or a dress. The belt (literally!) pulls everything together, creating a structured shape and the design is completed with lots of details such as buckled cuffs, lapels and front pockets.

It's currently on sale for just £30 (originally £38) so now is the perfect time to grab yourself a bargain. Whether you're travelling across sandy plains or the Underground network, this is the perfect trench to get you there.

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Bloglovin and Facebook.
www.fashionlovesphotos.com

(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

Keep On Running - Colour Fun With Run Or Dye

After running my first 5k last year, I've been looking out for something to kick start my training again. And what could be more fun than a colourful, music filled 5k event designed for everyone to enjoy whether walked, ran or skipped.

Run Or Dye is just that. It's a race which celebrates friendship and fitness whilst showering participants with safe, eco-friendly plant based dye powder for a colourful experience. Drawing inspiration from the Hindu festival of Holi, (also known as the Festival of Colours), the run is raising money for Help For Heroes as well as working within nominated communities to bring a bit of colour.

There are a whole load of races to choose from all over the UK, with Exeter, Liverpool and Cheshire up next. I'll be running the South London event on the 3rd October 2015, and if you want to join me, you can get £3 off your entry fee for all locations by using the code KISDISCOUNT.

I am so excited to be doing this, and having a goal to work towards has already managed to focus my workouts. You don't have to be a marathon runner to get involved, Run or Dye is very much about working at your own pace and having fun with your friends. Once you've crossed the finish line, you'll find yourself in a multi-coloured party with DJs ready for a well deserved rave whilst those post-race endorphins rush around

The price for registration is just £22 when you use the KISDISCOUNT code, and includes your t-shirt and number bib as well as entry to the event.

I absolutely cannot wait to get started, and if you're going to be attending the South London one, please be sure to let me know and you can check out the Run or Dye website here.

Until next time,

Diana xx

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www.fashionlovesphotos.com

London Calling - Snow White and Skylines from Snapdragon Designs

I like my jewellery bright and bold, so completely fell in love with Snapdragon Designs the second I stumbled across them. Based in Kent, this husband and wife tag team create an incredible range of laser cut delights from both paper and perspex. With a whole selection of jewellery and greeting cards on show via their Folksy store, they combine intricate designs with a super kitsch cuteness.

With both city living and fairy tales at the core of their products, each item is filled with both whimsy and charm. They very kindly offered to send me a few pieces from their range to review, and what turned up certainly didn't disappoint - I audibly gasped with delight upon opening it.

London Cityscape Necklace - £20.

As someone who is very much a Londoner, there was no way I wasn't going to fall in love with this iconic skyline necklace. The London Cityscape captures a mixture of old and the new in black acrylic, and comes fastened on a silver plated, lead and nickel free chain. Every time I've worn this, someone has commented on it so it has proved to be a really excellent conversation starter! The London scene measures approximately 12.2cm across, and is the perfect size sitting across your chest.

Acrylic Snow White Ring Set - £12.

Who doesn't love a good fairy tale? This stunning Acrylic Snow White Ring Set will absolutely enchant you, with the set of three featuring a red apple, a black pick axe with lamp and of course, a golden crown. Designed so you can wear all together or individually, these stacking rings are laser cut and come in a choice of three sizes.

Both the necklace and rings have matching items within their collection, and Snapdragon Designs also feature other fairy tales including Alice In Wonderland, Cinderella and more. You can see it all in their Folksy shop here.

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Bloglovin and Facebook.
www.fashionlovesphotos.com

(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

Handbags & Glad Rags - Bags and Scarves from El Dragonfly, Barcelona

A girl can never have too many handbags, so I was over the moon when Barcelona based company El Dragonfly were kind enough to send me one of their beautiful samples. Established in 2013 with a designer boutique in the heart of the city, they specialise in pretty bags made from quality materials with much of what they sell made by their own  team of designers.

I chose their beautiful Señora Toledo Bolso in a pretty salmon pink colour. I loved that the style was rooted in vintage sensibilities, and wouldn't look out of place amongst my collection of vintage handbags and camera cases. Made from leather and designed with a traditional knitting pattern in mind, the versatile style can be worn with one strap pulled taught, or two shorter chains to wear on the arm. The colour is lovely as we step into the warmer months, and is the perfect arm candy for sunshine filled fun.

(Dimensions: Height - 6.7". Length: 10.6". Width: 2.17".)

In addition to the bag, I also found a pretty scarf to go with it. Whilst the one I received isn't currently on the website, it has made me excited to see what else they will be offering soon.

At 5'6" the scarf was both taller and wider than me, and is so versatile. Whether you want to wear it as a wrap, headscarf or neckerchief, a few simple folds ensured a speedy outfit update!

If you want to find out more about El Dragonfly, you can visit their website here.

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Bloglovin and Facebook.
www.fashionlovesphotos.com

(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

Let's Get Physical - SS15 Sportswear from Primark

Since the start of Winter, my work out regime has mostly been indoors. I managed to pick up a second hand exercise bike for next to nothing, and I'd drag myself from duvet to bike seat whilst still in pre-tea-zombie mode. Whilst this was great for the cooler months, I live near a massive heath and have been keen to get back to running again with fresh air and pretty views. However as I've got so used to working out in my pyjamas, I really needed to re-evaluate my sportswear collection.

I've never been one to spend lots of money on sportswear, as I'd much rather invest in the more fun side of fashion. However Primark have hit the nail on the head with their SS15 sportswear range, with combines affordability, style and designs made to be pushed to the limit. And the best thing? The price ranges between just £3.50 to £14!

Crop tops between £3.50 - £5. Images (c) Primark.

Bottoms £4 - £7. Images (c) Primark.

Jackets and hoodies £7 - £12. Images (c) Primark.

T-shirts £5. Images (c) Primark.

Strappy Vests £4 - £6. Images (c) Primark.

Whilst the active wear doesn't come in a specific plus size range, it does go up to a very stretchy size 20 so would fit larger, especially in the tops. (On a side note, if you're very busty it can be worth having a peek in the men's active wear department. I managed to pick up an incredibly lightweight, waterproof wind breaker for £7 a few seasons ago which has served me well whilst running in the rain.)

The current collection features a really pretty Spring colour palette, with pastel pinks and ice-blues providing the perfect antidote for grey skies. The fabric is designed to be quick drying, with some items having reflective panels and mesh detailing in addition to hidden pockets for phones, ipods and keys.

It's such a pretty collection, and perfect whether you want to hit the gym, practice yoga or go for a run. The range will also be updated every few weeks, and coordinates with bags, trainers and socks for a full collection.

It's pretty enough to have convinced me to shed my pjs and get my running back on track and I can't wait to rock it as I start my 5k training again.

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Bloglovin and Facebook.
www.fashionlovesphotos.com

(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)