Wardrobe Wardrobe on the wall

Oh my I have been remiss. Well, I hope Christmas and New York were spectacular for you! Last year I used this blog to seek out cool brands which I believe it and shop from. This year I heartily swear to post some outfits for you to see, tips on how I style myself and how I arrange my own wardrobe. I am also going to seek out and chat to reet cool ladies in business and talk to them about their wardrobes as well.

Happy New Blog Year!!

Zoe Greenwood: Organic Alchemist

So we are into the last few sleeps before Christmas! Stuck for gift ideas? Forget the Sanctuary gift set from Boots and read on...

An avid red lipstick wearer, this time of year always poses a problem as no matter how much water I consume, my lips get really chapped. So when I received a small pot of Greenwood Organics Rosehip and Calendula Balm in my goodie bag at an Xmas do recently, I absent-mindedly popped some of the balm on and lo and behold! The dry skin disappeared, zapped by the healing organics. So one snowy December day (it was only last week but I’m trying to create a story here, people) I drove out of Halifax and up into the hills of Cragg Vale to meet Zoe Greenwood, founder of Greenwood Organics.

Local products whipped up by a local girl (turns out Zoe is from The Fax too), Zoe has over 10 years’ experience working with oils and natural, organic ingredients. Just reading the testimonials on her website pin point why her brand has become an instant hit: the products are not over complicated. Some skin products make it seem impossible to get out of the house in the morning: exfoliate, pre-cleanse, cleanse, tone, serum, moisturise, but Greenwood Organics products are simple, effective and do exactly what they say they will. Rich beyond belief in anti-oxidants and all natural, organic ingredients they smell divine and will look great on your dressing table: dark violet glass bottles which take their cue from the brown apothecary bottles of yore. Not only does the glass act to protect the product inside from ultra violet light in sunshine, Zoe explains,

“The glass feels good in your hand, it has a great weight to it and it keeps the product feeling great on your face and body.”

Aside from products for your face, she does a mean line in bath salts and body oils with ingredients designed to relax (Neroli and Rosehip) and energise (Rosemary and Sunflower). As her organic Ylang Ylang and Cocoa Butter hand cream soothed an eczema patch on my right hand (I literally sound like I am falling apart – damn you winter weather!) she told me about being asked to make and supply a bespoke après Ski balm for a skiing company: just a year old and Greenwood Organics is already taking off.

Prices start from £9 for a stocking filler gift and there are numerous expertly designed gift sets available to order through the Greenwood Organics website

Lucas Frank (clothing not the drug dealer)

So shopping for kids when they aren't your own can always cause a bit of a quandary. I am the proud auntie (that’s Cool Auntie Steph) to 2 fabulous nephews and I love choosing gifts for them. Let’s be honest, kids clothing is beyond cute, so they have had the joy of hand-picked baby grows, hoodies and t-shirts since they were born. However, my sister’s taste in clothing is very different to mine - classically cool - and she dresses her boys accordingly so I'm always on the lookout for things that she will love to dress the boys in.

This year I shall be treating my lucky nephews to Lucas Frank, an award winning brand of designer wear minus the hefty price tag. All the clobber is beautifully designed and carefully stitched garments for little gentlemen aged 18 months – 10 years old. And what’s this award?  Only a GOLD AWARD WINNER by top mother & baby website, Bizziebaby: Mums loved the quality, durability and price of the garments. Can’t say fairer than that! Choose from polos, tees and hoodies and get your little guy(s) kitted out in style. Plus the fresh collection comprising of navy and white will look super fresh once Spring rocks around. And where clothing is concerned a celeb endorsement goes a long way – Sophie Ellis Bexter anyone?

And if you order online they even do gift wrapping on some items. Awesome!