What’s hot on my radar right now…
Beyond the surface - jewellery with meaning
Sponsored by Vintajewels
The boutique jewellery company Vintajewels recently offered me a piece from their collection. After browsing their products, I chose the pineapple necklace. Now, those who know me well know that the pineapple is a quirky, mini trademark - a symbol of who I am. The fruit stands tall, is spiky and perhaps a little intimidating on the outside. But cut through the thick skin and underneath is a sweetness beyond what meets the eye. Without getting too deep (!) the icon represents something personal to my identity and who I am.
Having a piece of jewellery that goes beyond the visual aesthetic is empowering. I know of one friend who has an ankle bracelet purchased on an unforgettable holiday, another who wears a necklace that was passed down from her grandmother. The story behind these pieces of jewellery is magnetic – almost as magnetic as the jewellery itself. And then you have the pieces of jewellery that symbolises something about the individual’s own character or story. For example, a Chinese yin/yan symbol to signify balance for someone who was once not very balanced at all. Or a peace sign for someone who cares strongly about the environment. Or in my case, a pineapple (something that would have very little meaning to anyone else!).
In fact, jewellery was invented for the very purpose of revealing something personal to the individual. According to those at the Victoria and Albert Museum, jewellery dates back to prehistoric times where it was worn as a mark of status, rank or family. It went beyond the visual aesthetic that first met the eye – to reveal something more than a pretty design.
So the next time you buy a piece of jewellery, consider this. Does it signify something about who you are or carry with it a story that only you know? For if you purchase jewellery with sentiment or meaning, I can guarantee it will be treasured that whole bit more. The ones at Vintajewels are so unique they give ample opportunity for that – go have a look and enjoy 50% off with the code NILUKA on any Vintajewels product. Limited time only.
Leggings for life
Sponsored by YouGrind
If you’ve read my post on gym kit, or follow me on Instagram, you’ll know I love to work-out. But what makes one more motivated than a set of new leggings? And if the recent trend in gym sales is anything to go by, the traditional plain black design no longer cuts it.
Instead, think: bright, acid coloured leggings; leggings with a thick stripe down the side; floral and sugary-sweet leggings; abstract and asymmetric leggings. Long leggings, short leggings, mesh leggings. Indeed, there is no shortage of styles out there.
Always opt for high-waisted styles if possible. These will be your best-friend because you can wear them with a crop-top and not worry about showing too much torso. Moreover, they are incredibly flattering because of the tight, elasticated material that will hug your body beautifully.
To ensure your leggings are kept in tip-top condition, I would recommend wearing them indoors more than outdoors (for running, there are runners specific leggings out there, which are designed to brave the elements in ways that indoor leggings aren’t). Washing them after every use, or every other use, is not only important in keeping them clean and fresh, but also in maintaining their colour and ensuring that bold design doesn’t fade. After all, leggings are now as much a statement piece as handbags once were.
To get leggings inspired, browse a range of styles for both men and women, over at YouGrind and enjoy 30% off with the code NILUKA30. Trust me, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Limited time only.
Pendant perfection
Sponsored by Gem&Co
There's something delightful about a simple, elegant pendant necklace. It can say a lot about your personality, your mood, your taste. Be it gold or silver, every woman should have at least one of these in her jewellery box. Here's the low-down on some of the most popular shapes out there.
The horseshoe As the old adage goes, horseshoes are meant to be lucky. Wear this charm to your interview, your first date or when you want fate to work in your favour. Choose a plain pendant shape or one with added embellishment.
The four leaf clover Ah! The luck of the Irish. Another 'lucky' charm that you can wear around your neck. A change from a standard flower, this is a force to be reckoned with. If - like me - you have yet to find a four leaf clover in real life, then at least you can wear its shining substitute.
The half moon One of my personal favourites, there's something timeless about this shape. Not only does it remind us of the universe/galaxy (somewhat grounding) it has a sleek shape that goes with most items in your wardrobe.
The heart A classic, and one of the most popular pendant shapes. Forget wearing your heart on your sleeve, wear it on your neck for a dash of love. Perfect for moments with your loved ones - be it friends, family or partners.
The diamond Shine bright like a diamond, so sings Rhianna. A diamond shaped pendant has a angular shape that works best with sharp cuts (think shoulder padded blazer). For the full effect, choose one that uses diamonds as part of its design.
The stud The most simple out of all, this round shape can almost go unnoticed if small in size. But when the light falls on this circle of silver/gold, it has a wonderfully understated effect. If you're not really a jewellery person, then this one is for you.
Feeling inspired? For more shapes and designs, head to Gem & Company and enjoy 20% off all purchases with the code NILUKA20. Limited time only.
You can leave your hat on
Sponsored by PalmandPeak
Hats have many practical purposes - from keeping you warm (thanks, beanie) to keeping you cool (thanks, wide-brim). They act as the perfect solution for covering up yet another bad hair day, as well as protecting you from the rain.
And they also have the power to act as a major fashion statement. You only have to look at something like The Royal Ascot, a British event where women are encouraged to 'wear smart attire with a hat or fascinator'. Yes, you heard that right, a fascinator - a light, decorative headpiece that's a combination of hat and those fancy headbands you wore in year 9 dance class.
Other fashion statements? Well, everyone links the iconic Audrey Hepburn with the black, chic, oversized hat she wore inBreakfast at Tiffany's. And the catwalk - from high end designers like Chanel, to the more affordable Topshop, will also use hats as a standout piece on the runway.
So what does this mean for us? Well, whereas once hats were something more 'practical', the last five years or so have seen a real shift in incorporating hats into fashion and general aesthetic 'fun' - regardless of any practicality they may serve. Indeed, fashion is cyclical and this is a perfect example of that. Go back to the Edwardian or Victorian era and huge hats were all the rage - a sign of status and, crucially, a major fashion statement.
Fast forward a decade and I’m a big fan of the hats that have come out of Palm and Peak. Perfect for your next city break or beach holiday. Grab yours now and get 15% off everything with the code NILUKA15. Limited time only.