Wedding Day Blues

On June 2nd 2012, it was the day of one of my best friend's wedding.  To say I was emotional would be a grand understatement, because as I sat there watching the ceremony, and saw her stunning lacy, 50s style dress as she walked down the isle, all I cold think was, 'Wow! How did we grow up so fast?  Surely it was only yesterday that we were a couple of punk rocker school girls listening to Blink 182, wearing chains on our jeans and dying our hair black.  And here we are - 10 years later and the story has changed so drastically.

When I got the invitation, I knew my dress had to be simple but colourful.  So I decided to go for this Karen Millen number

This dress caught my attention with its multitude of blue tones.  Floaty and summery, for me, it made the perfect dress for a wedding.

Dress: Karen Millen
Clutch: Fiorelli
Shall: Osprey
Shoes: Karen Millen
Necklace: Topshop

I completely forgot to pack a lipstick, so had to rush to Sainbury's before heading to the wedding to purchase something.


I got this stunning pink shade in Pink Blush from Rimmel.  The colour is gorgeous and the texture is so soft.

Who likes short shorts?

Shorts are a funny thing.  As versatile as skirts, they can be worn for casual events, nights out, or even the office.  And yet we're scared of them more so than skirts.  Why is that?

For many of us, it can be a love-hate relationship.  We'd love to wear them but there's no occasion, no matching clothes, or sometimes even no confidence. 

From this day onwards, I have sworn to wear more shorts.  Because, let's face it, they are indeed very fabulous.  Take this lovely pair from Miss Selfridge.  High-waisted, they're perfect for a dressed up look. 

Green vest: H&M

Light green shirt: H&M

Shorts with belt: Miss Selfridge

Tights: Topshop

Shoes: Rebel @ Bentalls

Ring: Topshop

Necklace: Accessorize



Blitz Party

When I agreed to go to a 1940s themed party, it was said half hearted.  April is ages away, I thought.  I have plenty of time to figure out an outfit.  If all fails, I can always turn up as a time traveller from today gone to experince life during the Second World War.

But with one week to go I started to panic.  Finding clothes from the 1940s is fine.  But how do you find clothes that are befitting to this theme that you can wear again?

Six hours before the party I started my search.  I was anticipating a morning of frantic shopping filled with panic attacks, as well as the occasional anger issue with other equally frantic London shoppers.  However, my first attempt turned out to be the winner. 

It was lucky that my first stop was Topshop, Oxford Street.  It had some amazing clothes, but one look at this white polka dot dress and I knew I was on to something.  Perfect for the Summer, this dress isn't a one trick pony.

Dress: Topshop

Jacket: Topshop

Necklace: Topshop

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

Lipstick: Frenched by Benefit

Good Friday Eve

I have to say that I actually love shopping under pressure.  The main reason for this is that I know I NEED the clothes and therefore have no reason to feel guilty for the purchases.  Occasions like these happen far too often in my life, mainly because I seem to love to make life harder for myself. 

Yesterday afternoon I decided very abruptly that I'd be staying at my boyfriend's house and go there straight after work.  Great, right?  In my head I envisaged a night in watching a movie with some take-away, then waking up early and strolling into central London. 

But there's a slight problem, and that's lack of clothes for the next day. 

Right, so here's the plan - leave work at five thirty on the dot and park in Guildford town centre.  Luckily it's Thursday so it's late night shopping.  Go to Debenhams and pick out anything.  Seriously, anything!  Oh, and don't forget the underwear.

And that's exactly what I do, expect instead of picking out anything I like no matter what the price tag (because I NEED the clothes, don't I?), I decide to hit the sales and see what I can find. I manage this:

Red mix cardigan: Warehouse

Silk Shirt: Warehouse

Leggings: Topshop

Boots: Clarks

It does however take an hour to park, have to walk to get some change for the ticket machine, then almost get smacked in the face by a woman running, but other than that the whole opertion went smoothly.

Warehouse had some amazing things on sale, and to be honest, it was a really tough choice to make.  But I absolutely love this silk shirt as it's also perfect for work wear, and the cardigan is simply divine.  I must spontaneously decide to stay over at other peoples' house more often!



A Farmer's Daughter?

It's not the most fashionable of times when you walk down the stairs and your boyfriend tells you that you look like a farmer's daughter, but I took it as a compliment nonetheless. 

Under the sweltering London sun, I chose to wear this denim dress from Miss Selfridge.  It might not be to everyone's taste, but for me it's amazing.  Casual and comfortable, this dress made my London day rather enjoyable.  What's great is that it works perfectly over a t-shirt or on it's own, but if the weather hasn't evolved into Summer yet, just wear with a long-sleeved top and leggings, and you're ready to go.

Topshop

I wore it with this gorgeous bow detail bag from Topshop.  Available in both pink and blue, this is the ultimate handbag for the Summer. 

T-Shirt: River Island

Dress: Miss Selfridge

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

Bag: Topshop



Pretty Pastels in Winter

One of the biggest trends you'll see this season are Summery pastels.  The catwalk was absolutely filled with floaty lights, and now, so is the High Street.  The only thing is that it can be difficult to wear these perfectly pretty shades in the Winter. Here's how I've done it.

Jacket: Uniqlo 

Pastel Pink Sparkly Top: Topshop

Light Grey Skinny Trousers: Uniqlo

Boots: Miss Selfridge

Necklace: Topshop

Cardigan: Karen Millen

I absolutely adore this Topshop necklace!

Urban Stars

We all have a fixation with stars.  Whether they're in the sky or walking on the red carpet, we cannot keep away from them, because from an early age we've been taught the stars are the highest thing to aspire too.

And at the moment, stars have managed to find themselves all over the catwalks.  If you're not brave enough to have them embellished all over your clothes, then pick star accessories.

Large Star gold plated necklace: Miss Selfridge

Small stars long chain necklace: H&M

Belt: Topshop

And now on to the opposite...

When I was a teenager, my style could only be described as Rock Chick.  Thankfully, I grew out of it, but sometimes having an eye for all things dark isn't so bad.

I was browsing in Urban Outfitters and saw this skirt.  My mind started darting through my wardrobe to see what it would go with.  Despite my rails and rails of pretty shirts and floaty tops, it seemed that I could only concentrate on band T-shirts.  So I spotted this Guns n Roses t-shirt on my way to the till and immediately bought it.  I must admit, it's not for everyone, but for me it's certainly a blast from the past.

Spellbinding Violet

My mum has always told me that there's a time and a place for a bold lipstick.  A bit like strong opinions, you often need to hold back and only share with the right audience.

But I've never listened to this because to me a lipstick isn't just another stick for the make-up bag.  It's the ultimate fashion accessory, and the right colour can often have more impact on the outfit than the jewellery you choose to wear.  So why shy away from bold colours because you don't know if you'll ever have the right occasion?  Just go for it, and make any occasion the perfect time.

Yves Saint Laurent - Rouge Volupte Perle - Spellbinding Violet

I don't think the above lipstick would be every one's first choice, but to me it definitely was.  When you have as many lipsticks as I do, it's often difficult to find a shade you don't already own.  But in the instance of this YSL lipstick, it wasn't because I didn't have this colour gracing my lipstick draw (yes, that's right! A whole draw!)- it was pure as simply because I fell in love with it.

And you can't help who you fall for (as I've always been told).  Pouting aside, you can see that once worn, this lipstick isn't as scary as your first assumption.  It's soft texture counteracts the deep colour, and all you're left with are statement lips perfect for a night out in Autumn.

Dress: Miss Selfridge

Cardigan: Topshop

Bag: Blanco

Shoes: Stolen from my mother

Ring: StylistPick

New Fashion Crush: StylistPick.com

Sometimes it's difficult to re-invent your style or to keep things fresh when all you do is go to the same stores, persuse through the same styles, and shop in the same sales.  Just like a dwindling and passionateless relationship, getting out of a style rut is difficult, but essential.

The only problem is that cutting back on your fail-safe shopping is hard to do, especially when there's nothing to move on to.

Which is why new shopping websites are the first place your should try.  Let's face it, the High Street isn't miraculously going to be filled with brand new chains that hold shiny, beautiful new clothes that break your routine of going into the same shops.  But the online world does this.  Every single day.

And StylistPick is my recommendation.  Loaded with a wonderful selection of different accessories, you'll never be stuck in a style rut again.  Just log on, take the fashion quiz, and be presented with your very own showroom.  It even contains some pretty impressive stylists too.

Ophelia bag - StylistPick

Once I got that email telling me my very own showroom was finished, I was straight on there.  And my goodness were they right in what they chose! 

Seconds later I find I'm at the checkout, incredibly excited because I'm buying this patent red Ophelia bag.  

When it arrives, StylistPick have even added a gorgeous charm bracelet as a thank you.  

Unlike other online shopping arrivals, when my Ophelia bag arrived, I was not left disappointed.  What you see on the website is what you get on your doorstep.

Louise Roe Collection - Miami - StylistPick

A mere week after my first purchase, I find myself back on the website.  This time it's to see the new Louise Roe collection.  I instantly fall in love with Miami; a jewellery set of 2 statement rings and a cuff.

And packaged like a perfect parcel.  Just the thing you want to see when you get back from work.

Monochrome knitted top: H&M

Leather leggings: Topshop

Shoe Boots: Next

Cuff and Ring: StylistPick

Nice Day for a White Wedding

Take one Ted Baker Dress...

Add a pair of Topshop purple suede shoes...

A gold beaded Dune clutch...

Replace the belt with a purple suede waist belt from French Connection...

And you get...

One happy girl who has caught the bouquet!

Result!

Warm for Winter

Coat: New look

Tunic: Topshop

Belt: Bentalls in Kingston

Boots: Zara

Bag: River Island

Ladylike?

I was out for brunch with my best friend, and he had a real issue with this outfit.  Because underneath my Topshop see-through mesh top, I'm not wearing another top.  Just a cropped, lace boob tube.  I need your opinion on this because I think this outfit is completely acceptable.  But what do you think?

Jacket: Stolen from my mother

Top: Topshop

Pearl bracelet: H&M

White belt: Uniqlo

High waisted trousers: Warehouse

Shoes: KG by Kurt Geiger

Satchel: H&M

Fire and Snow

Black long sleeved top: Dorothy Perkins

Charcoal cardigan: Topshop

Skirt: River Island

Necklace: Oriental Pearl

Hampton Courting

It's my 21st birthday.  Now, unline most people turning this age, I do not want to go out drinking.  I want to start my proper adulthood in utter sophisticationg.  I wanted to wear something colourful that stood out.  And this outfit certainly did.

The sunglasses are my favourites - very annoyed I broke them that day, despite the fact that my mum had kept them safe from harm since the 80s.

So...I've spent it at Hampton Court Palace with my boyfriend.

Dress: Bank £29.99

Bright yellow vest top: Uniqlo £7.99

Belt: Portobello Market

Sandals: Topshop £20 on sale

Bag: Blanco £14.99

Sunglasses: stolen from my mother

Necklace: birthday gift from my mum

Before a Lecture

Cardigan: Topshop £24

Top with bow detail: Topshop £29.99

Red long sleeved top: Uniqlo £12.00

Black mini skirt: Bershka £19.99

Shoes: KG by Kurt Geiger £89

It's Even Colder in Cardiff

Top: Karen Millen £89

Pippa Jeans: Topshop £29.99

Biker Boots: Topshop £19.99 on sale

End of Term Christmas Night

Dress: Topshop £19.99

Belt: www.asos.com £5 on sale

Collection of bracelets: Topshop £pricing varies

Wet look leggings: Urban Outfitters £29.99

Shoes: New Look £19.99

I'm so Rock n' Roll

I'm about to join my boyfriend at the university radio station for some DJing.  He's currently VP Societies at the Student's Union so he gets to do this practically every day.  For me though, it's brand new.

Pearl headband: Accessorize £7.99

Necklace: Topshop (set of 3) £12.99

Top: Whistles £89

Jeans: Gap £24.99

It's Cold in Cardiff

Day of arrival - Cardiff Castle:

Pearl Necklace: Topshop from set of 3 £12.99

Jacket: M Butterfly £20

Purple and pink top: Sparkle & Fade at Urban Outfitters £15 on sale

High waisted skirt with suspendors: H&M £14.99

Shoes: KG by Kurt Geiger £89.99

Day 2 - Cardiff Bay:

 

 

Yellow t-shirt: Zara £9.99

Necklace: Topshop £10.00

White Jacket: Zara £39.99

Black skirt: Zara £14.99

Shoes: as above

Day 3 - home time:

Pearl Necklace: Topshop from set of 3 £12.99

Blue dress: Urban Outfitters £45

Shoes: KG by Kurt Geiger £50 on sale