Ted's burgundy top

I may have mentioned that I have a bit of a thing for burgundy (maroon, aubergine, whatever) at the moment. It was last seen in the form of my burgundy velvet jacket. I was keen to get my hands on this top with a bow from Ted Baker.

Mr Mutton's immediate question was "does the bow come off?" (yes), but it would be a very plain top without it!

February Beauty Hits and Misses

Here's my round-up of beauty products from Feb that I loved, and some that I didn't like. First the winners, above.

February's best products

• Decléor Aroma Cleanse 3 in 1 hydra-radiance, smoothing and cleansing mousse. I wasn't expecting to find something to rival Emma Hardie's Moringa Cleansing Balm, which I love, but I liked a sample of the Decléor product and was persuaded to buy the full size product. You simply add a little water to a pearl of the white cream and it immediately turns into a thick foam, and is very easy to rinse or wipe off. It leaves the skin nicely moisturized and healthy looking.
• I'd never been tempted to try the Rosie for Autograph beauty range at M&S until I read a positive review  in the Sunday Times which encouraged me to try the Cream Blusher and Lip Shine.  How would the cream blusher fare against Hourglass Ambient blusher, which has been my go-to blusher for months? Quite well, although the Hourglass blusher stays true longer. I chose the cream blusher in romantic flush. I thought it would probably be very sheer but it's highly pigmented so I had to remove some. A nice flush but it doesn't last as long as the Hourglass.

Boho Florals

"Boho florals" - brightly colored florals, often in the form of embroidery, and on a black background, are everywhere. I got this dress from Marks and Spencer a few weeks ago with a view to wearing it on Mother's Day when we always go put for lunch.  M&S also have a slightly different version in separates: half-sleeve top and A line skirt.

I first tried it on with sheer black tights, thinking this would look lighter for spring, but I think the dress needs solids otherwise it looks fuddy duddy, so I added leggings, ankle boots and a cropped cashmere cardi plus a chunky necklace from Topshop. The picture at the bottom shows me wearing it "straight" with a belt, the sheer tights and Mary Janes, and I think it looks just awful. I have been mugged by flowers!

I don't feel that the boho florals look is great on me so reader, I actually sent the dress back. Now you're all going to tell me it's fantastic :-)

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Aquamarine - birth stone for March

It's March! And those of you with a birthday this month probably already know that your birthstone is the beautiful aquamarine. This is a blue to green-blue variety of precious beryl, the group of minerals that includes emeralds. Let's find out more about this fresh, cool stone.