Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Christmas Party Sparkle from F&F

The party season has officially started, and with that comes the search for the perfect outfit to sparkle in amongst the tinsel. High street heroes F&F have once again come out with the perfect partywear range, and I was delighted when an early Christmas parcel arrived filled with lots of Christmas cheer.

I'd been eyeing up the stunning F&F Metallic Foil V Back Dress for a while, but kept removing it from my basket as I wasn't sure the light gold shade would suit my pale, cool tinted skin. But I loved the shape and shimmer, which is why I squeaked with happiness upon receiving it's rock and roll sister in the form of the F&F Black Sparkle V Back Dress.

F&F Sparkle V Back Dress (£28).

The  dress itself is the stuff of dreams. Available up to a UK 22, it's the perfect LBD with a bit of festive sparkle. It shimmers under the light, has a cute V-back detail and pulls in with an elasticated waist meaning you can eat those extra mince pies comfortably!

The dress was teamed with a F&F Foil Gem Collar (£10) which is currently not available on the website. The F&F Faux Fur Panel Cross-Body Bag (£14) completed the look. The bag is the perfect size for all you night out essentials, and offers a luxe but fun finish to your outfit.

Click here to see the Christmas look book from F&F, and here to go to the website to find your perfect party outfit!

Until next time,

Diana xx

*The dress, bag and necklace have all be kindly sent for review. All opinions are my own.

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

It's Beginning To Feel A Lot Like... Partywear from F&F

Now that it's November, I think we're finally allowed to talk about Christmas. I've had look books piling up in my email for weeks, filled to bursting with sparkly party wear ready for festive fun. But like my Netflix watch list which is currently filled with Christmas movies, I've made myself wait so as to not experience Christmas fatigue. But now that the party countdown is officially on, I'm so excited to share them with you, with the first set being from one of my favourite high street retailers, F&F.

The look book itself is filled with a dreamy elegance. It has has a touch of 20s decadence with 70s detailing, mixing  sequins, faux fur and indulgent fabrics. The colour palette is made up rich golds, striking whites and midnight blacks, designed to work as strong individual pieces, but also easily mix with existing items. 

High Neck Wrap Dress (£28) - available here.

High Neck Lace Blouse (£18) - available here. Faux Leather Pencil Skirt (£16) - available here.

Pussybow Velvet Jumpsuit (£30) - available here. 

Lace Dress (£40) and Shaggy Faux Fur Jacket (£39) - not yet available.

Sequin Embellished Double Layer Dress (£30) - available here.

Sequin Embellished Double Layer Dress (£30) - available here.

Metallic Foil V-Back Dress (£28) - available here.

The whole collection is stunning, but it was the gold foil and art deco patterns which really spoke to me. I love how pretty the sequin pattern is on the double layered dress, and the shimmer on the foil is festive perfection.

I'd challenge you to wear either and not feel stunning, like a proper Christmas cracker!

In addition to the clothing, F&F have also launched a wonderful set of accessories. The Velvet Box Clutch Bag (£18) is perfect for any special occasion, as is the sparkling Glitter Clutch Bag (£12). However I almost wept with joy at the sheer cuteness of the Cassette Clutch Bag (£12) and the Penguin Cross Body Bag (£12). As someone who loves DJing and is obsessed with penguins, I need both of these in my life immediately!

Until next time,

Diana xx

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(All photos (c) F&F.)

We're Gonna Party Like It's Your Birthday - F&F True Disco Ball Plus Size Dress

When I first set eyes on this sparkle laden dress from F&F True, it was love at first sight. The shape, the fabric and the shimmer produced cartoon like heart eyes and I could barely wait to squeeze myself into it!

As a lovely surprise from the F&F team, the dress arrived just before my birthday and knew in a heart beat that it was the perfect dress to wear out for a day of fun. Even though the weather in London yesterday was nothing but rain, I brought a little shimmer to the streets whilst doing my best happy disco ball impression!

F&F True Disco Ball Plus Size Dress (£28)

Dress: F&F True Disco Ball Plus Size Dress *

Tights: Marks and Spencer

Flowers: Pearls & Swine

Necklace: Tatty Devine

Shoes: Thrifted

The dress is an absolute dream to wear. It's cut with a scoop neck and a v-neck back whilst the elasticated waistband creates a lovely silhouette. Available up to a UK size 28, it's designed to sit about the knee and is lined ensuring no static cling.

F&F True Animal Print Faux Fur Plus Size Coat (£39)

To complete the party look, I teamed it with their fantastic animal print faux fur coat which is the softest, warmest faux fur I've ever come across. If I could, I think I'd pretty much sleep in it as it's like being wrapped up in a snugly, giant blanket. Even at the incredibly low price point, the coat is fully lined and cut in a classic shape with concealed press stud fastenings and pockets to stuff cold hands into.

This is the perfect pairing for all the impending Christmas and New Year festivities, and with some cute shoes and a flick of red lipstick, you're good to go!

Until next time,

Diana xx

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

Down By The Water - The Aquarium Collection from Barry M.

(l-r) Pacific and Caspian from the Barry M Aquarium collection.

As part of their SS14 collection, Barry M have released their much anticipated Aquarium collection - a shimmering sea worthy series which appeals to sirens everywhere.

Pacific and Caspian from the Barry M Aquarium collection.

(l-r) Pacific and Caspian from the Barry M Aquarium collection.

The collection is made up of four two-tone nail paints which dazzle and change from every angle. It also has two glitter options with large particles ensuring a shimmering top coat. I took advantage of Superdrug's two for £6 offer and picked up the Pacific and Caspian colourways.

Pacific and Caspian from the Barry M Aquarium collection.

Depending on which angle you wave your hand, Pacific is a beautiful petrol blue-green whilst Caspian shimmers back and forth between a pearly pink and gold. Each of the shades compliment each other, and I'm quite keen to get my fingers dolled up in the other colours - especially the gorgeous glitter top coats!

Until next time,

Diana xx

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

Harmless Sparks - My Favourite Sparkling Nail Varnish from Barry M.

As someone who is utterly useless with any sort of DIY nail art, I cannot get enough of glitter nail varnishes. Although I am happy to wear them all year round, I love the additional tinsel coloured ranges which always appear in the lead up to Christmas, with the Barry M range being my firm favourites this season. With both Boots and Superdrug offering three for two across their cosmetic ranges, I couldn't resist on giving my nails a festive make-over and picked up my three favourite shades to get me through the party season.

1. Royal Textured Glitter Collection in TNP 9 / Purple Countess (£3.99).

Royal Textured Glitter Collection in TNP 9 / Purple Countess (£3.99).

The Royal Textured Glitter Collection has five shades in their range, but Purple Countess really spoke to my inner drama queen. The purple base is more pigmented than what you would normally expect from a glitter varnish, with a firework display of purples, oranges and gold glitter competing to bring the most bling to your finger tips. This is one of those rare varnishes where you can throw two coats over a base coat and have some serious talon action going on, but I tend to wear it over a coat of black, aubergine or bordeaux reds. The glitter is fine but dense, offering a solid coverage of sparkle with a matte finish - perfect for all those Christmas parties on the horizon.

2. Royal Textured Glitter Collection in TNP 8 / Lady White Pearl (£3.99).

Royal Textured Glitter Collection in TNP 8 / Lady White Pearl (£3.99).

Lady White Pearl is another varnish from the The Royal Textured Glitter Collection and although I'm normally all about the vampy nails, it was love at first sight. Two coats of Lady by itself gives a shimmering white base with a fine but solid pearly glitter. When worn by itself, nails look like they're covered in a fine dusting of snow. However when put over a soft grey or white base, the varnish offers up a proper disco ball sparkle. Like the rest of the varnishes in the Royal Textured Glitter Collection, it dries matte and works great by itself or as an accompaniment to a coloured base coat.

3. Jewel Glitter Nail Paint in 355 / Gold Mine (£2.99).

Jewel Glitter Nail Paint in 355 / Gold Mine (£2.99).

Being a bit of a 90s grunger at heart, I do love a good black nail varnish, and the black jelly base to Gold Mine if the perfect mesh of rock and roll with glamour. It has a fine golden glitter running throughout which is easy to layer up with two coats or one over a coloured base. The jelly's high shine and super sparkly finish make this the perfect polish for those who want to feel festive whilst retaining some rock and roll chic.

All three of these nail polishes are available directly from Barry M as well as most large Boots and Superdrug stores.

(Note: This is an honest, impartial review after purchasing an item, and not one which I have been paid for.)

Until next time,
Diana xx

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