As we get towards Valentines Day there seems to be a constant barrage everywhere you look telling you how you could or should show your love for someone else!  I’m not a grump but I’m not a fan of Valentines Day or the endless marketing that seems to go on around it so you are probably wondering why this blog is above love!!

As I was driving back from school getting frustrated with the amount of Valentine adverts on the car radio, I was thinking about those safety cards and safety briefings that you get on aeroplanes -  specifically, the bit in the briefings about oxygen masks dropping down from the ceiling in the event of a drop in cabin pressure which took my thoughts back to yesterday…

(If you have read a few of my blogs you will know by now that my mind works in creative ways and often goes off on complete tangents but bear with me on this!).

Yesterday, I should have done lots of things, work things rather than house things.  I got some things done that I wasn’t expecting to do but everything I needed to get done (on all fronts) still hadn’t been done by the time I went on school pickup.  I really felt that I needed to go for a swim and get a bit of exercise in, but with so much to do it was a real pull in numerous directions about what to do.  

Should I prioritise me, leave my “to do” list and go for that swim or should I abandon the swim and start tackling all the things I should have done earlier in the day?  I went for a spur of the moment decision and headed off for the swim.  I prioritised “me” for once instead of everyone else and headed off but was it a good decision?

When I got to the pool I remembered that the date rang a bell for some reason.  There was a free pamper evening happening with limited spaces that I had seen an email about at the weekend, but in the usual chaos of family life, I had forgotten to sign up for the event and it was fully booked.  Luckily for me though, someone had cancelled who had booked later evening appointments so I got to take their place!  I managed to get a quick half hour swim, before indulging in a lovely buffet, some non alcoholic cocktails, a mini facial, hand exfoliation and massage and a seaweed wrap on my legs!!!!  Wasn’t that a result??????   By choosing to “love myself” and go for that swim I got so much more (and my kids got to stick a pizza in the oven rather than have my cooking for dinner)! 

The next day, I was firing on all cylinders, full of energy smashing those tasks on my “To Do” list! 

Sometimes you need to “fit your own oxygen mask first before you help anyone else with theirs!” and choose some self love.  You could say it put me in “good mood” just like our new T Shirt!

For the ultimate mood pleasing feel good factor, you can’t go wrong with this Printed T Shirt in Rose – its certainly eye catching in a beautiful bright pink colour with red graphics.

Created from 100% cotton jersey material, the round neckline and short sleeves at the shoulder are in a relaxed fit, with little folding details.   This T-shirt is one that you really have to see to appreciate the colours and popping graphics!

In lieu of Valentines Day, here are some pink and red pieces from our collection that our Tortue Team (and customers) are loving.

When you want to make a statement or even just fancy a pop of mood uplifting red then this Straight Blazer in Red may set your heart aflutter!  It’s the perfect companion for a smart-casual look and works fab with everything from jeans to over a dress for a smarter look too!  

Its fully lined in a contrasting pinstripe with a straight cut.  The long sleeves have 3 small buttons at the bottom of the cuff and there is a single button fastening to the front with faux pockets. 

For a subtle blend of feminity and character then this Zipped Dress in Poppy is a fantastic option that you can dress down for holidays or dress up with a darker shade of jacket for a work based environment too.

Featuring short sleeves, a round neckline and zip front fastening, the distinctive pleats and openwork details to the front of the dress are an eye catching touch – perfect for drawing the eye up and away from any areas you may want to disguise.   This dress has Italian style pockets a small slit to the front and a detachable double sized belt too!

If you want a less bold colour pop of red then this Floral Print Shirt in Coral can help you brighten up your look and is great worn with the buttons undone “jacket style” over a plain T shirt beneath.  It comes with a reverse colourway tie that can be worn as a belt, as a tie round the neck, in your hair or even wrapped around a handbag to pull together the overall look of your outfit.

Its light and floaty 100% cotton voile material features small gathers along the yoke to the front and back.  The long sleeves are elasticated at the bottom so that when you push them up – they stay there!!!   Available in sizes 6 to 24 this shirt is also part of our Planet Tortue sustainable fashion range too!

If you don’t feel bold enough to go “full on” red opt for red in your accessories to bring a colour pop to your outfit. 

Our Team are loving this faux leather red camera style bag!  We had a similar shape bag last season in blue but this one is even better as it’s a bit bigger, featuring 2 zipped sections in the main part of the bag and an added outer zipped pocket too.   So many places to stash so many useful things!!!  The chain style strap has a faux leather element where it sits on your shoulder for the comfort factor.

This V Neck Jumper in Sorbet is the perfect layering piece to see you right through Spring into those early summer evenings for a little warmth and style too!  It looks great with trousers, our midi denim skirt or even just over a pair of jeans or denim shorts.

Part of our Planet Tortue eco range, it is cleverly crafted in a jersey knitting style in ‘Heather Yarn’ made from 60.6% recycled Polyester, 8.4% wool, 2.4% Alpaca fluff and a little extras for the comfort factor and stretch.

The V neckline and dropped shoulders suit most body shapes and the side opening to the jumper in red will tone well with the other red pieces in our collection.  It has buttons that can be undone or left fastened depending on how you like to wear it and is available in sizes 6 to 24.  Our Team suggest you take your normal size unless you like a more oversized slouchy look in which case size up.

For cargo jeans with a stylish twist, these NEW Alicia Patch Pocket Jeans in Rosewood offer a French twist on an urban and modern style.   These wide leg jeans feature large front pockets and decorative buttons at the waistline.

These jeans are a 29” inside leg crafted from 98% cotton with a little elastane for stretch and comfort, they are also part of our Planet Tortue sustainable fashion range and we think you are going to love them!

Time to head off to find some heart shaped chocolates to share some “Amour” with the family for Valentines Day –  maybe I’m not so much of a grump after all!

Angela

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