Happy 5th Birthday to Avenue 57

I just got some 'wow can't believe it's been 5 years' messages on Linkedin. And so I looked back and it is 5 yrs ago to the month that Avenue 57 (in its original form) was born! It started out as a desire to know where others bought their clothes and to learn from other women how to wear clothes in certain ways. So I invested a lot of money in creating a website. This was on the cusp of apps and Instagram popularity. I was just at wrong time (should have gone straight for an app) and so it never really quite worked out in terms of recouping the investment. It was fun, there were lots of women who gained so much from it but that didn’t pay the bills.

So I closed it down with a heavy heart around 18 months ago and started on Facebook. What we have today is the end result of Avenue 57. It doesn’t make a single penny in money but that doesn’t matter. The value it gives to those that need it (whether it's inspiration to get up and get dressed in the morning or to just look and admire those online around us or to ask for help and advice) is all I need as I’m now working full time/part time (every day but only 6hrs per day). I guess what has come out of it too is the popupshop which is fun to run after 3pm!

After all that rambling what I wanted to say is thank you to everyone who looks/lurks/likes/loves (trolls excluded!). Keep it up!

Fiona

xoxo

PS I feel I've broken the blogging drought .. maybe I'll pick this up again?!

Not sure what to do

UPDATE: I have decided to focus on the shop now. Come on over to see all new stock:
https://www.facebook.com/avenue57popupshop

I haven't blogged in a while and I don't think I miss it ... why? For me, there are a number of reasons.

I think I am easily satisfied by style/what others wear on Instagram.
Avenue 57 on Facebook (contact me if you want an invite) is popular
I have no spending budget
I'm working now

Instagram has, in my opinion, killed off some blogging traffic. It hasn't killed it off completely though. I haven't blogged (or read any - sorry!) for a long time and I still get traffic. Should I carry on? I have a feeling that I can't add anything more that other established 40+ mummy bloggers do. I have no real style, I just cobble a bunch of outfits together and I don't buy anything really.

Avenue 57 on Facebook is going really well. Such a shame I can't do that full time and make a living out of it but it's a great hobby and I love it. I get from there all that I need. I get to see stylish women dressing every day and I get to ask questions about fashion or style.

I have very little disposable income. Last year was a really tough one financially for me. I was working very part time, the shop was doing ok but not great and I loafed a lot. In November I was 'let go' from my very part time job and I cried, even though I hated it beyond hatred I cried! Then a week later I got another job and I stopped crying. I was very lucky, I know that. I am now working every day 9-3 and I suddenly don't have that much time to loaf, read, post, think. I'm enjoying work and "work" is now in a work box (before "work" was 24x7 for me). I'm still doing the shop too so I'm kind of busy and the family and house have to fit in somehow too! Oh and the husband!!

I'm waffling I know. I don't know what to do with the blog. Let it go naturally and not make a song and dance of it? Post daily outfit video's like the one below?

I've seen a few other bloggers successfully diversify their blog and it's worked for them but I'm not that great at cooking (I cook from scratch most nights but it's just boring stuff), I bloody hate exercise and I'm not doing my house up.

I wouldn't be overly sad if I never blogged again and I do know when something comes to a natural end. I started blogging in October 2011, I can't believe it that was long ago if I'm honest.

What do you think? Give up? Carry on? Do something different? Is there anything more I can add other than what I show off on Instagram and Facebook?

Here's that daily outfit video I was on about. I OBVIOUSLY need to work on quality!

Fiona
xoxo

Farewell to 2015

This is my last post of the year, I've had some fun blogging in 2015 and suspect that 2016 might be a bit thin on the ground as I have a new job that means I'm working every day now. It's hard to be out of the house Monday through Friday but the regular income is nice!

I'd like to thank everyone who stops by to read and comment and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Before I leave I wanted to share with you my top picks from Esprit because they are one of my favourite brands of the year. I always stock up when in London (they have an amazing store on Oxford Street) and I love their website for visuals, great 'what's new' feature that tells you how many new items have been added to the site and generally fabulous clothes with great style and price.

Here's what I put on my Christmas list (husband reads the blog too and has done well in the past by ordering what I've said I love here!!)

Don't forget they have a FAB sale and things sell out quickly (talking to you husband who is reading and is thinking 'aaarrrggghhh I need to buy Fiona some Christmas presents)!

Enjoy your Esprit shopping if you're a fan (I am).

Once again, Happy Christmas to you all!

Fiona
xoxo

WOW Face Mask Review

£60 for a face mask* is a little on the high side I was so skeptical due to the price tag. I could be some way to having botox for that price. *There are 5 face masks in the packet.

The official website says “

An Anti-Aging Luxury Facial Mask Treatment filled with pure scientific goodness. Visibly reduce wrinkles, smaller pores, revitalized skin and a WOW EFFECT that makes you feel 5 inches taller.

How do you use it?

1. Wash and dry your face.
2. Once the mask is out of the silver sleeve, remove both of the plastic sheets.
3. Place it on your face – it’s a little slippery to start with so give it 5 minutes to settle.
4. Leave it on for 20-40 mins (the longer, the better).
5. Remove the mask gently.

I was keen to give it a try so I opened the box and took out the first packet (it comes with 5 treatments in it). Each treatment has two parts to it. A top part for your forehead/upper face and a lower part over your mouth and jaw. It was a bit fiddly to put on/get right and it ended up slipping off my face (nearly!). WAIT THE 5 MINS and it kind ‘sets’ so it won’t slip off.

I lay on the bed for 40 mins (I never do this) reading trying not to let the mask fall off.

I haven’t taken any photographs with me wearing the mask, it wasn’t attractive in any way nor would it be helpful to you as a reader. It’s a clear second skin type of thing that looks like I’m wearing a 2 part surgical mask for facial burns. But no-one will see you and a mud pack looks just as ‘attractive’!

WHAT MAKES WOW DIFFERENT?

They say: It is a natural alternative to injectables. All the active ingredients have been finely balanced to deliver the treatment quickly. WOW makes skin look as perfect as can be for 24 hours but the effects can be felt for up to 7 days. It’s perfect for busy women. Once the mask has settled, the wearer can get on with whatever it is they need to do.

THE RESULTS

I have to say my face DID feel cleaner, fresher and *I* felt better because I’d done it. I am really bad at skincare maintenance (I don’t even take my make up off night). No-one else in my family could see any difference but I felt different. I felt like I’d just been really really nice to my face and that in itself made me radiate a little ‘wow’ (see what I did there?!).

I guess if you are used to facials at a salon then this isn’t a bad price at all for a DIY deep cleanse. I will use the other 4 treatments because I have them but I’m going to save them for days when I’ve had a heavy night before or I have an event to go to because I felt good/better than before the treatment.

Have you ever tried a WOW mask? Let me know what you think? Again, if you go to salons regularly this could be a fantastic alternative for a home treatment. You can buy a 5 pack treatment box from the official site.

Fiona

Xoxo

PS I was given this treatment pack for free. I was under no obligation to write about it if I didn’t want to. I have enjoyed the product hence why I’ve reviewed it.

Gorgeous wrap bracelets

Christmas is coming up and I have the perfect gift for you, your friends/family members.

I sell these fabulous wrap bracelets. They have a press stud fastening and are easy to put on, comfortable to wear and look amazing on ANY wrist I've seen them on.

They are only £10, they come with a free gift pouch and I'm offering free UK delivery as standard on all my orders.

Seriously, you won't regret purchasing one as a gift for you or for someone else!

CLICK HERE to buy now!

It's a wrap folks! Perfect gifts and stocking fillers.

Fiona

xoxo

A brand we're loving right now - Fat Face

Avenue 57 grows strong on Facebook and we are all very much in love with a high street staple - Fat Face.

(Contact me if you want 'in'. It's a secret group so you won't find us by searching. This is because this summer we were plagued by some trolls. Can you believe that they were all females, mostly mothers too! It's unbelievable what makes these people tick. Anyway, we are 900+ women posting daily looks, getting inspiration and asking questions about health/beauty/clothes etc. My email is fiona@avenue57.com) 

My husband and children wear a lot of Fat Face stuff. I've never really looked if I'm honest. We go in, we go to the back where the mens section is, we pick up, we buy, we walk out. That's the entire experience of a man shopping.

I was thrilled to be sent these amazing jeans and hoody by Fat Face so I can now join in with the family favourite brand! I'm not alone either .. check out myself and other woman who love Fat Face

A few of my favourite things

New to my online shop are some gorgeous pieces.  I've taken one of the asymmetrical tops for myself and one of the aztec cardigans #perksofthejob.

I love how boutiques are popping up all the time and I know that Avril  my blogger buddy from School Gate Style does a great line in scarves and jewellery too.

These items need no further introduction, the pictures speak for themselves.

Most stock is added to Facebook first and then into the shop. If you want to be first to see what's new then hop on over and give the page a like or send me an email if you want to be added to the newsletter.

FREE UK delivery. I do also ship internationally - see store for details

Navy asymmetrical top - £18
Click here to buy

Aztec cardigan - £35
Click here to buy

Studded top (wool blend) - £35
Click here to buy

Handbag Organiser - £12
Click here to buy

Do you buy from Independent boutiques or do you favour the high street? I like to mix it up and buy from both.

Fiona
xoxo

Discount code Seven Boot Lane

I've been after a pair of navy ankle boots for a very long time! So when I was asked by Seven Boot Lane last week to review a pair of boots - yes please and thank you very much!

I was very torn between what I needed and what I loved;

NEED - Navy ankle boots

LOVE - Suede beige ankle boots