Give a little bit of love - Father's Day gift guide

Father’s Day is fast approaching here in England, and if you’re on the hunt for a good present for the old man, other than the usual flowers, chocolate or scratch cards, just read on for some tips…

Yep, this is me and my lovely dad, a few years ago when he and my mum came over for a visit from Sweden, and we spent the day in York.

The first thing that springs to mind when buying a present for Father’s Day is clothes. My dad really isn’t into fashion, and he probably only treats himself to new clothes a couple of times a year, so sometimes I feel like I need to help him stock up his wardrobe a bit, and a shirt is just a safe choice ;) (the one in this example is from Next)

If you want to go for something more personal that will make him chuckle, have a browse at the offerings over at Not On the High Street – I absolutely adore this shop! There is so much choice, and you can personalise pretty much everything.

What about a pair of silver cufflinks? Sure, he probably won't wear them ever day, but for every special occasion he attends he will think of you.

Or perhaps you and your dad has experienced something together that is worth remembering? I spotted this personalised ‘Remember When’ print, and now I can’t help but trying to think of something funny I’ve made my dad do or help me with.

Or something small to state the obvious? ;)

I tend to just give my dad something symbolic for Father's Day - or just a card. If you order online at shops such as Dom and Geri you can get personalised cards, which is very much likely to be appreciated. Choose between a wide range of personalised cards, and you can be 100% certain that your card will be unique and not look like anyone else's.

 If your dad is not the type that likes presents, or if he's one of those who already has everything - just do something simple and maybe take him out for coffee or dinner. After all - I'm sure what your dad really wants is to spend time with his children :)

Hopes, dreams and inspiration

An old colleague of mine recently quit her office job and opened up her very own fashion boutique in her local town. Extremely brave!

The boutique is called Retrogue and is located in Huddersfield here in Yorkshire, and they offer unique looking and quite alternative fashion pieces for both women and men. Each style is only available in a small quantity to ensure exclusivity.

I mean… I am so jealous! Having your own business must be so amazing, yet extremely scary! People who have started up their own business say it all starts with a great idea, and that they hadn’t even thought of if becoming a business at first. It’s not like you sit down one day and think to yourself “I’m going to start up a business! What shall it be?”, but that would be the backwards way to go about it.

I’ve always been artistic and crafty, and a couple of years ago when I took a silver smithing course at Leeds College of Art to create my own jewellery, I was dreaming about becoming a talented silver smith and one day opening up my own unique jewellery shop. But it stopped at just that – dreaming about it.

However, when I blogged about the silver rings I had created I started getting emails from people asking if they could buy them off me, and the same has happened before when it comes to my art. I have taken special orders from people before wanting a certain piece of art – a portrait of their child, or something to hang in their bedroom, but I always thought of it as just a hobby.

I am working with online marketing and therefore sit in an office all day. I would absolutely love to have my own business one day, even if it’s together with someone else. Myself and my sister always joke about starting up a salon for hair dressing and other treatments, but who knows… one day this might actually happen.

I wouldn’t personally know where to begin when it comes to starting up your own business, but there are plenty of companies out there that can help. One of them is Virgin StartUp, who will help you get a government backed loan, free business advice, and a mentor to guide you through the different stages of your business start-up. And don’t be afraid that they’re going to think your business idea is too creative – two of their latest backed up businesses involve chocolate and lingerie. (Not together, although, that would have been a sight…)

My #NightOut outfit + gift card giveaway

What would you wear on a night out?

I mean, it obviously depends what you would be doing on your night out – whether it’s a quiet dinner and cinema, a few cocktails and going to see a show, or a full on swing-your-hips-on-the-dancefloor party.

This week I'm taking part in a #NightOut campaign, and as part of it I wanted to show you what I would wear on a night out. Well, I love musicals so I’ve decided to go to the theatre shortly, and this is the outfit I've chosen for the occasion! 

When going out to the theatre I would usually wear something classy and elegant. You want to feel like a lady and be all sophisticated and drink cocktails from one of those fancy glasses on foot. So the outfit I chose is a flowy maxi skirt in a lovely and summery dusky pink hue, with a simple cream top from New Look. 

To match this outfit I’ve chosen a clutch bag in a taupe colour with pretty stud details from ASOS. It’s essential that you opt for a bag that goes with the rest of the outfit, as the rule for your handbag is just like for the shoes – it can make or break an outfit!

When dressing up, accessories are very important as well, but you have to choose them carefully. Since I’m going for the elegant look for my theatre night out, I’ve opted for simple silver jewellery. The silver ring necklace with a mother of pearl pendant has been in my possession for several years, and was once a present from my auntie. 

The floral inspired handmade silver ring was a souvenir from Africa that my grandma bought for herself over 30 years ago. I love vintage jewellery! I'm also matching my outfit with the nail polish Berry Ice Cream by Barry M.

Now to the best part…  I'm doing a giveaway where one of Fashion Infatuation’s lucky readers will be the winner of a Ticketmaster voucher worth £40, as well as a highstreet shopping voucher so that you’ll look dashing on your night out – worth £50.

That’s £90 towards a night out of your choice!

The giveaway is open to UK residents only, and to be in it to win it all you have to do is enter via the Rafflecopter widget below.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway