Adding character and excitement to your summer wardrobe, I find is a challenge when transitioning from one season to another. Colour palettes get brighter, more of the flesh is exposed and clothing gets lighter and a hell of a lot more comfortable. One thing I guarantee that will never change between seasons are accessories - pearls remain in my ears,  people remain obsessed with delicate rose gold items and the watch will always stand as that timeless piece in everyones collection. Being an admirer of watches I was beyond excited when I was approached by luxury watch company JORD Wood Watches asking to collaborate - this was to be the dream collaboration.

JORD create magnificent hand-crafted wood timepieces from a multitude of the most beautiful woods and materials. I choose the Maple finish from the Fieldcrest Series. The wood itself is a lovely light colour, being the perfect compliment against tanned skin throughout the summer months and the colour of course makes it easy to wear the piece with any outfit in your wardrobe. The watch itself is extremely lightweight and the watch itself is scratch resistant meaning it is perfect for everyday wear. I have been wearing the piece almost everyday since I received it and have had so many comments on the watch!

The watch came packaged in this stunning wooden box (see pictures) with the watch sitting upon a JORD cushion. Such a sweet way to present such a stunning item, right?  You can really tell that every single last detail has been carefully thought of when designing both the watch and its packaging. I have always found this super important with watches as many tend to come poorly packaged, leaving the watch unprotected and vulnerable to damage.

JORD are also giving one of my readers the chance of wining a $75 e-voucher to spend on the site  - Everyone who enters will also get a $20 e-gift card (excluding the winner). To enter yourself in the contest simply follow this link - https://www.woodwatches.com/g/broganrose. The $75 voucher will expire 30/09/2016 and the $20 expire 31/12/2016. GOOD LUCK!!!!

My watch -  https://www.woodwatches.com/series/fieldcrest/maple/broganrose

Women shop - https://www.woodwatches.com/shop/women/broganrose

As always thank you for reading 

BroganRose. x

Mens Wooden Watches

Independence & Embracing Change

Being independent is one of those life skills that is either easy to grasp or at times difficult. To me personally it isn't about taking control over your life, seeing as you could do that at any given moment. Its allowing yourself to take those small steps towards accomplishing your goals and ensuring you are happy. Simple? Not exactly.

Independence comes with acceptance. Ignore your inner critic, learn to accept your surroundings and celebrate your strengths. I appreciate this probably isn't the most straightforward of things to do and will take time but it will have its results and they will show. Acceptance is something I struggle with myself, especially when you feel there are others around you who are leading more successful and exciting lives than you are. It doesn't matter how many times someone will tell me they are proud of what I am doing, I wont ever accept what they are trying to tell me. Quite unfair on myself and my mood really but acceptance and everything else along with that are things I can change. If I want to be successful like others I need to work hard and be motivated into achieving my goals, knowing that I am doing just fine.

Risk taking. For me risk taking meant doing something out of the ordinary or something which I was scared to do. Silly decisions like deciding to go out with friends will always be categorised as risk taking. You can tell just how seriously I take life when these are hardly life changing decisions, but I admittedly have always been too scared to push the boat out and socialise with people other than my brother and partner. I guess thats being independent as I tend to allow people to make decisions on my behalf, not because I'm lazy but purely because its a lot easier for me.

Embracing change is another one of the many things I struggle with, whether it be at work, home or university I've never really liked it. It damage emotions and put you in an uncomfortable position.
Reflecting on that change I have found helps a lot - think of the benefits it brings to your life and deal with it. You cannot change change. Ive found it so much easier to motivate myself when going through periods of change - so I guess sometimes theres nothing better than just to sit and do nothing, like I said, take the time to reflect. Change can have a positive impact upon your life - it may not be instant but its one of those crucial survival skills which you will look back on later in life and be thankful for. You know how to move forward and won't ever be so exposed and unsettled with change again. Well you will be prepared for it at least.

Another series of what  I would call 'Brogans Words of Wisdom'.

Thank you for reading 

BroganRose. x

Another Step Forward For May

The news of Theresa May becoming the next female Prime Minister has swept the nation, the public and the Conservative party share mixed views whilst many others believe May is the one needed to reunite the nation and her party. Now putting aside politics and other contentious issues (Brexit of course) Theresa May has a lot more to offer than just her bold personality and thick skin - the woman has an one impressive shoe collection, once being named as the 'feminist in kitten heels' by magazine Total Politics. May has always had a good jolly when it comes to her choice in clothing and footwear keeping things fun yet a little out whilst being seen wearing an identical Vivienne Westwood trouser suit as model Cara Delevingne.

May is frequently known for wearing the most outrageous print kitten heels, paired with either a simple trouser suit or bold designed dress to match her personality. But we cannot dismiss her personal favourite - leopard print. Theresa was seen wearing a pair of leopard kitten heels at the Conservative party conference in Manchester and today when heading to Cameron's last cabinet meeting as PM. We have to give her credit, she really knows how to make a statement with her footwear. Many of you probably think this post is mad but I join Theresa in the quest for wearing ugly footwear (friends and family would probably agree). Besides, her taste in gimmicky footwear only makes her human.

It will be interesting to see if Theresa can match up to Thatchers taste in fashion whilst in Number 10 - One thing I can guarantee is that we won't be seeing her in a string of pearls with a little bag hanging from her arm anytime soon. Personally I believe May will follow in the footsteps of other iconic women in politics, not being afraid of fashion proving that a woman can dress and still be taken seriously by those around her.

May in Vivienne Westwood

Theresa May named a lifetime Vogue subscription as the luxury item she would take on a desert island with her - proves she really is a woman after my on heart.

Thanks for reading 

BroganRose.x 

Valentino Fall 2016-17 Couture

Couture fashion week and Valentino took us to a different time period with an Elizabethan themed show/collection. Models sashayed the runway in sheer lace collars, floor length gowns, bodices and high neck ruffs - All very Elizabethan and heavily influenced by the surroundings of creative directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, both situated in Rome where a lot of inspiration for this collection was found amongst architecture and culture.

There was something so captivating and distinctive about this collection that it just stood out amongst Chanel and Dior shows and although other designers such as McQueen have also gone for the clerical sort of look, Valentino went basic but when looking at the clothing and accessories alongside the narrative of the collection it all just makes so much sense to me? Pieces were dark and sultry, displaying only hues of black, neutrals and the odd pop of red. The ruff shirts soon became embellished baroque esque jackets and gowns and full body capes.

This was the last show for Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri at Valentino, who will now be replacing Raf Simons at Dior. I adored Raf at Dior, however Maria has a lot to give to the fashion house with her experience at Valentino knowing exactly how couture houses work.

As always, thank you for reading. There are so many couture collections from Chanel and Dolce and Gabbana which I am also in awe of at the moment so expect a post sharing my favourite looks from the shows.

BroganRose. x

On The Streets With Bill Cunningham

New York Times photographer William J. Cunningham (Bill Cunningham) began his career in fashion through his love and interest of hats and headpieces - his clients included the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Truman Capote. Following events in the war Cunningham began freelancing for Women's Wear Daily before quitting after an ongoing feud with the publisher, moving on to taking assignments for other publications before joining the New York Times in the 1970's. From then on Bill would frequently been seen on the streets of New York riding his bike wearing his infamous blue jacket taking photographs for his  weekly spread On The Streets With Bill Cunningham.

Admittedly I hadn't heard of Bill until the 2010 release of the documentary, Bill Cunningham in New York and it was then when I came to appreciate his work and his approach to life, including his move from his Carnegie Hall apartment where other famous faces including Mark Twain and Marlon Brando lived and entertained. Now I am a huge fan of Bill's photography, especially those taken of people going ahead their daily lives and of course the early days of Anna Wintour, I thought it would appropriate to share some of my favourite pictures taken by Bill following his death.

- The documentary Bill Cunningham New York can be found on Netflix - 

Thank you for reading

BroganRose. x 

The Fashion Tag

I have chosen to The Fashion Tag on my own accord rather than having someone tag me. I feel its about time I shared some of my fashion favourites with my readers from where I shop to my ultimate fashion icons. I won't be tagging anyone else to do this but feel free to comment some of your answers to the questions featured in this post. Enjoy.

How would you describe your style?
Classic, girly and sophisticated. I guess it varies depending on how I am feeling and the weather? I did once live in bodycon dresses and nothing other than black and white. My style is always developing.

What are your wardrobe staples?
A pair of black trousers will always be a must have item. I wear them to work and on a day-to-day basis.

Most expensive item in your wardrobe?
My Christian Louboutin 100mm Pigalles - I worked my bum off for these babies to only wear them twice since buying them. I honestly think I need to write a post on them...

Most wanted item?
Hermès Kelly bag in rouge casaque (red). You know you've made it in the world once you own a Hermès handbag.

Favourite designer?
Chanel - Classic. Vintage Chanel will always be my favourite, especially in the 1920's where the little black dress was at its peak and Chanel No5 was born.

How much do you spend on clothes?
I won't spend a lot on items, I like to ensure I am buying things I actually need and will of course go with what I already own. In a month I will probably spend around £200 on clothes but always end up taking half of it back. I've got really into buying more daring not so me pieces like ripped boyfriend jeans and trainers which thankfully haven't made their way back to the shop yet.

What are your favourite places to shop?
Zara, ASOS, Topshop, Bershka and Victoria's Secret if that counts? To be honest, if I was to going shopping somewhere like Southampton and there was a VS a majority of my money would be spent there than anywhere else.

Favourite fragrance?
I have always been a huge lover of Chanel Coco Mademoiselle but as I have matured Dior J'adore is my winner. I stock up on this perfume whenever there is Debenhams sale.

What is your go to outfit when you have nothing to wear?
Black cigarette trousers, white cami, blazer, Chanel/Tiffany pearls and either a statement pair of flats or a bold lip.


One fashion trend you wish would come back or stay?

Tulle skirts weren't ever a trend as such but I would wear them all the time if it was acceptable. I also really love flares, they made their comeback last year but I still don't feel ready to rush out and buy a pair...

Who are your fashion icons dead and alive?
EASY. Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Amal Clooney and Olivia Palermo.

There we have it, The Fashion Tag. Hope you all enjoyed reading! 

BroganRose.x

20 Life Lessons I Learnt From My Parents

This month was my parents 20th wedding anniversary, so I thought now would be the perfect time to introduce them to my blog. The 20 best life lessons I learnt from them in my 20 years of being a human. 

1. Its never too late to change - No matter your circumstance, there is always on opportunity to make change in order to further yourself.
2. Be content with what you have - You may not be the wealthiest or a Kardashian but you should always make the most of what you have even if it is...
3. There is nothing wrong with drinking a bottle of wine in one sitting - Mum. 
4. Be on time - Growing up my Mum would never ever ever be late for anything. She would always be prepared for weather changed or even the silliest things like who's the slowest walker and all the what if's, of course I have learnt to do the same. 
5. Have an opinion - If you have something to say, say it. Could be telling a cashier to quite talking and do their job or telling someone their a crap driver, go for it.
6. Work hard - Want something? Work for it.
7. To have a good old laugh - One thing my parents were blessed with was a decent sense of humour and are 100% laid back.
8. There's nothing wrong with a bit of drama - We love a good bit of drama or gossip, gets us going.
9. I am loved - Mum may have given Jay an extra Yorkshire for dinner but she loves us all equally.
10. Be independent - Have tough skin and grab every opportunity you are given no matter how frightened and nervous you may be.
11. Don't forget where you came from - The Quad. That is all. 
12. Mum is always right - I don't care what anyone tells me Mum is ALWAYS right.
13. Its okay to eat salad sandwiches for breakfast - Mum would work weekend mornings and Dad would always allow us kids to make whatever we wanted for breakfast, for me it was a salad sandwich with salad cream. 
14. Not to give a s*** - Don't worry about what others think of you.
15. Make good memories from the worst - No matter how rubbish a period of your life was, you can always find a way of shrugging it off and laughing about it.
16. The oldest child is the best child - Hmmm....
17. How to do the housework (if being paid) - Again, a weekend Mum would be working so I was the lovely daughter that would do the house work only if I was given some pocket money. 
18. Eat plenty - We basically like food. 
19. Have as many cats as you want
20. If you lie you will get caught

Thanks for reading 

BroganRose.x