Working Full Time, Blogging Part Time: #WorkingWomenCAN

I’m not a full time blogger, and, as controversial as it might sound, I have no desire to ever become one. That might sounds shocking when it seems to be the dream career of so many young (and not so young!) gals and guys these days – and many bloggers now start photography and writing and video with that goal in mind. Don’t get me wrong, I totally admire the work ethic of full time bloggers and youtubers who work for themselves and have built up their own businesses from scratch, it must take such a skill for them to manage their own time, finances and bookings. But for me, who started my blog over 5 years ago now, LilyKitten.com was created for a hobby. A creative outlet and somewhere to share my passions, advice and inspirations; not as a route to a different career.

In fact, I love my career. As many of you will already know, I work full time in as an International Beauty Marketing Manager – and trust me, it is very full time. I leave the house at 7.15am every morning and don’t get back home until at least 12 hours later. Most days I eat my lunch at my desk, am dashing around to different apartments or meetings, have a million (well, nearly) different tasks to juggle and often visit our studio for photography or video campaigns. But do you know what? I absolutely love it, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Add blogging, vlogging, photography, renovating a home, caring for my beautiful pug puppy Sonny and trying to maintain a social life with my friends and family, and it’s no surprise I have little time to myself. That’s why I love holidays so much; I work hard and I like to go away and enjoy myself with the money I’ve earnt. I’m pretty sensible but I like to invest in good quality items now that I can afford to treat myself, and so this, in combination with my work ethic, I discovered Smith and Canova and their #workingwomenCAN campaign.

Throughout this month, luxury heritage accessories brand Smith and Canova are celebrating career ladies through their Working Women CAN campaign. In celebration of the modern working woman, Smith and Canova have been sharing with me their ‘Hard Working Accessories’ for the ‘Hard Working Woman’. And that’s something I’m all about.

Since they asked me to help launch the campaign, I have been viewing Smith and Canova’s brand new and EXCLUSIVE pieces taken from the AW17 collection – so never before seen by the mass consumer market. I was immediately drawn to the Althorp Shoulder Bag. This beautiful and classic bottle green slouch leather tote bag; it has beautiful zip detail and is the perfect size to take me from a day at the office to a night at a blogger event. In such a timeless colour, I’m confident this is going to take me from Summer to Autumn without a hitch at all…

Outfit Details

I wore this outfit for one of the hottest days of the year – can you tell? For once it’s not raining in Manchester! I took this entire outfit on holiday with me the other week as this dress is just beautifully cooling; it’s a Sainsbury’s TU number (of all places) and I picked it up on my last visit to the supermarket, I’m super impressed!

Accessories wise, we’ve covered the handbag, but my stunning 60’s style sunglasses and wide brim quote summer hat are both from Joanie. This local based retro fashion brand have answered all my vintage summer dreams and the sunglasses and hat came with me on my holidays too (although I must admit I didn’t quite look as glamourous in 42 degree Grecian heat).

The Carnaby Two-Tone Sunglasses (were £10 now £6) are a wonderful statement piece to draw attention to your face when wearing almost any outfit; they remind me of a glamorous pin-up model bathing in the sun, or a 60’s siren getting ready for a summer night on the town. Similarly, the beautiful Sonny Embroidered Slogan Sun Hat (£17)– I promise I didn’t just choose this because it’s named after my pug – is just as glamorous whilst still being practical. I love how it is embroidered with ‘Catch Some Rays’; the perfect summer mantra.

You may also notice that I’m wearing some pretty impressive bling on my finger. This beautiful stacking ring set is from premium jewellery store Jeulia.  These three rings can be worn together to stack them into one big statement piece, or worn separately across both heads; meaning you get two looks in one! With their gold and silver metallic it will go with just about everything. It’s so glamorous!

Shop Smith & Cavona here