Pentlebay Life

As the temperatures drop and winter approaches, staying warm and cosy becomes a top priority for many. However, keeping the chill at bay doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your sense of style. Winter fashion can be both functional and chic. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and tricks to help you stay stylish and warm in the winter months.

Layer up with style

Layering is the key to staying warm in the winter while maintaining a stylish look. Start with a basic, lightweight, long-sleeved top and add on from there. Consider layering a chunky sweater, cardigan, or a turtleneck for extra warmth. Pair it with a well-fitted winter coat to keep the cold out while still looking fabulous.

If you fancy something a bit lighter than the traditional fruit cake at Christmas, then read on… I am always looking for some different recipes as myself and my son are the only lovers of the traditional christmas cake so while we are happy to eat this all to ourselves, I have been trying to find some alternative festive cakes that we all might enjoy!

Let’s face it, if you are not already feeding a well baked xmas cake with booze this year, it might be a little late to start now with only a couple of weeks to go! These recipes are for cakes that are simple and quicker to bake and can be eaten now - no further preparation required! Christmas is synonymous with joy, warmth, and indulgence and while the classic Christmas cake has long held its place as a festive centrepiece, don't be afraid to break away from tradition and explore alternative cakes that can bring new flavours and excitement.

We recently had another photoshoot for our latest range so I thought it would be fun to give you a little glimpse behind the scenes!

All in the planning

Planning is key! We have done this a number of times now as we generally photograph clothing twice a year. Obviously, the planning does become easier with experience. The first time we did this we were learning as we went along!

First point of call, a few months out, is booking our photographer, Mark. This is shortly followed by a venue for the shoot. We tend to book a venue for the morning to get all our product detail shots for the website done. This time we transformed the village hall in Trumpington near Cambridge into a photography studio for the day!

The location shoots are done in the afternoon, these are needed for lifestyle pictures for the website and social media. We plan where we are going in advance - this time Cambridge - and we always walk the route ahead of the shoot to familiarise ourselves with spots for a great shot. We also contact the local council, and any other property owners, to get permission to take commercial pictures in the location.

I love summer dressing. Everything is so easy in the warmer weather - a simple dress with sandals and we’re good to go! Plenty of fresh bright colours to love too such as our beautiful cobalt blue & red tiered dress or our sleeveless dress in a mix of ocean blue shades, perfect for being beside the sea.