2012

Oh hi there... long time no see! First of all - Merry Christmas! I hope you all had a brilliant one. I know I've been a bit sporadic in my blogging lately, but thanks to a change in my working situation, I will now have bucket-loads of time to blog so I have no excuse! My Christmas was particularly lovely this year, I spent time with my family during the day and enjoyed an evening of champaign and nibbles with my other half. I'm thoroughly enjoying the break in routine and feel rested, rejuvenated and ready to take on the new year!

The picture above is just a quick look at some of my outfits this year from instagram, it's funny, I always thought my style was quite simple and minimalist but looking back - I do seem to have a soft spot for prints!

Apart from wearing pretty clothes, 2012 was the year that.....

I was treated like a queen for my birthday in London

drank rum from a hip-flask and bowled with friends like we were 16

celebrated my good friends wedding in Godalming

went on boat rides in Windsor

enjoyed many, many pub lunches

danced my butt off in Poland at my boyfriend's brother's wedding

finally went to film four summer screen in London to see 'Apocalypse Now'

holidayed in Spain and enjoyed a week of sun, sea and sangria

celebrated a whole year with my love

got myself a new job where I write everyday

It's been a good one :)

How was your year?

outfit: leopard print shift

Animal print is the one print above all others that I tend to gravitate towards. And it's not just the print I go nuts for, it's any piece where big cats feature. To date I have one tiger print dress, one leopard print dress and about three or four T-shirts with various big cats baring their fangs. The reason? Pretty simple, I love big cats. I have had the pleasure of stroking a Cheetah in South Africa and many Tigers in Thailand, and would love to add a Panther, Lion and Leopard to the list. They are smart, agile and simply beautiful. Here's one I photographed getting a kiss from a monk in Thailand....

(for more Thailand pics, take a look at my latest 'from the archives' post)

As Winter clings on to Britain I find myself layering these various prints under simple jumpers and leggings for an easy every-day look. Here's one I made earlier...

Are there any prints you favour above others?

Outfit: Sport Luxe

Let me start by admitting something- I don't do sport. I've had my phases growing up- netball, horse riding, even a brief football stage..... But these days the closest I get to actual sport is embracing fashion's interpretation. This outfit was worn back at the beginning of Autumn when it was still sunny enough to go without a coat, (ahhh, those were the days), and when wearing sunglasses didn't cause sniggering glares.

My terracotta bat-wing top was worn over a black maxi dress, with skirt knotted to one side, and finished off with a pair of high-top converse and layered necklaces. Looking back a clean and simple topknot and one statement necklace would have made this outfit even better.... still, it was good enough for a Sunday walk in Windsor :)

Do you keep your sporty side firmly in the wardrobe?

Outfit: Armed and Dangerous

In the depths of Winter fashion can take somewhat of a backseat in my life. Some days I simply think- WHAT WILL KEEP ME WARM? And since Christmas that means just one thing- my new cosy chunky knit cardigan. My mum, sick of hearing me complain about the cold, got me this brown oversized knit for Christmas and it has been my go-to item for colder days ever since.

Today I paired it with my other Winter staple- berry coloured jeans..... and a mildly unflattering band tee. In an attempt to 'fashion' my look up a little I threw on a gold stud cuff (found for £4.50 in the Topshop  sale!) and some sunnies (thank you winter sunshine).

T-Shirt: Peggy Sue Band Tee
Cardigan: Gift
Jeans: Miss Selfridge
Boots: Primark
Cuff: Topshop

Do you ever  pick practicality over style? Any go-to items for freezing temperatures?

Hopes for 2012....

So here we are..... 2012. Another year successfully shelved and popped into the back of our minds; with another bigger, brighter year ahead, waiting to be unravelled. 

I don't think I'm alone when I say I take these first few, (usually miserable), days of January as a chance to reflect and plan. Every year I compile a list of things to accomplish in the coming year and feel invigorated, excited and unstoppable! For about two weeks. Then I lull back into normality and look back the following year with a shrug and 'must do better' attitude.

Last year was one of my most transitional to date, without going into too much detail, aspects of my life were thrown on their heads and I somehow came through the other end fighting. So this year is going to be different. I've learnt that life doesn't give a damn about your plans or resolutions, so instead, I'm going to stick to one or two of hopes for 2012. 

So, here are my hopes for 2012.....

1) Get closer to moving out. 

Always on my list, however I have come to the realisation that my current work/financial situation does not lend itself easily to this hope. But hey, that's why it's a hope this year, not a 'to-do'.

2) Lay off the booze, chocolate, cheese, etc. 

Cliche? Yes. Gonna happen? Who knows. I go through phases with this one, as someone who has recovered from an ED I often think 'screw it, life's too short, hand me the Toblerone', but equally my body, skin and general well being is screaming for a break from all the decadent living. So damn it, I'm gonna try.

3) Stay Happy.

I'm a glass half full chick- always have been, always will be. It's served me well so far.

Right enough of that emotional, heart-felt mumbo jumbo! How about some pretty clothes?! For New Years Eve I went to a 40's themed party and wore a rather fabulous beaded dress from Clothing at Tesco and teamed it with vintage accessories, Oasis boots, a Gin Fizz cocktail and a rather dashing boyfriend....

What did you get up to New Years Eve? Any hopes or resolutions for 2012?

Outfit : Daisy Dreamin'

The maxi skirt. Simple, chic and an item that has well and truly made it into my 'signature look' pile over the years. Back when it was slightly warmer (ahh, remember those 2 weeks of Summer, that was nice wasn't it?) I wore my daisy print skirt to death. For work I wore it with a plain white tee, a long necklace and tan ankle boots. Now its getting colder I'll be pairing it with Chunky knits and layered chains. Here's how it looked then- as soon as I get my camera fixed I'll show you how it looks now ;) Not bad for a fiver from Primark eh?

Top: Topshop
Necklace: Topshop
Skirt: Primark
Awkward Pose: Models own

Have any of your Summer favourites made it through to Winter?

Outfit : Weekend Kicks

During the working week I love making an effort with my wardrobe- tailored trousers, skirts and dresses.... so when the weekend comes around I usually have one thing on my mind: denim. Over the years I've acquired a few pairs of jeans and, lets face it, they are a staple in everyone's wardrobe. A couple of weeks ago I indulged myself in a casual look, teaming a ripped skinny pair with white converse and a bobble top. I threw my hair in a top-knot and added some sunnies for a laid back Saturday look.

Top: Warehouse
Necklace: Topshop
Jeans: River Island
Trainers: Converse

Do you have a go-to weekend look?

Outfit : Day One

The first day of a new fashion job calls for some serious panic..... WHAT TO WEAR?! So a couple of months ago when I had my first day, I did some damage control with a bit (ok, a lot) of shopping. I ended up wearing this blue 'Mint Velvet' dress I picked up in the sales with a grey cardigan and black heels. A silver globe necklace from Rock 'n' Rose and a panic stricken facial expression completed my first day look. 

Dress: Mint Velvet
Cardi: New Look
Necklace: Rock 'n' Rose
Shoes: New Look

What did you wear on the first day of your latest job?

Outfit : Midi Dress + Turban

When you make those steps towards your wardrobe before facing the world, do you look at your clothes first or your accessories?

When I get dressed I usually pick out the clothes first and then accessorise, I think that's the norm with most of us, right? But every now and then I get an urge to wear a certain accessory and end up creating an outfit based on that. It's almost more fun that way- more of a challenge.

In this case my accessory of choice was a grey turban headband from Rock 'n' Rose. I paired it with a grey midi-dress, a black cardi, tan ankle boots and a Najavo-inspired necklace for dinner with friends.

Turban: Rock 'n' Rose
Dress: Primark
Cardigan: New Look
Necklace: Gift
Boots: Primark

Which do you put more emphasis on, the clothes themselves or the accessories?

Outfit : Burnt Orange Dress

The Interview

Dressing for a job interview is always full of potential minefields- especially if you're interviewing for a fashion orientated job. You want to look like you know what you're talking about, have an original style, smart, but not a slave to trends. A few weeks ago I had an interview for the position of office/web assistant at a fashion website and I wore this....

Dress: Warehouse
Cardigan: Primark
Watch: Next
Tights: Tabio
Wedges: New Look
Bag: Charity Shop

I think the dress showed off my personal style while the black add-ons kept the look smart. Polka dot tights were to add a little fun and to keep warm, (this was back when summer was more winter!!), and I thought the raffia style bag was a chic finishing touch.

Those of you that follow me on Twitter will already know that I got the job!! I have been working towards a job in ecommerce for a while now and am so happy to finally have gained myself a position in the industry. To top it off the staff at the office are absolutely lovely and have really made me feel welcome :) The job is in London so I'm going to start looking for places soon- if anyone knows of any rooms going in North London, (I'm thinking Finsbury Park or somewhere on the Piccadilly line), do let me know!

I have dreamt of this career and moving to London for years and cannot quite believe it's happening now! So incredibly happy. Thank you to everyone who tweeted me congratulations and those who have supported me- means so much. On that note- I am officially up to 100 followers! Which means I will be planning another giveaway soon!

What do you wear to interviews??

Outfit : Tie Dye Dress

So apparently the 90's called....and, uh, they want their look back.

I wasn't consciously aiming for that look, but I guess that's what happens when you wear tie dye and shirts. I wore this for an evening at the pub a few weeks ago when it was actually still summer! I Paired a tie dye maxi dress with a floral shirt, (which I tied at the waist and tucked in to make it cropped), and popped on some wooden beads over the top. 

This evening was also the evening I realised my hair was just about long enough to actually play with! So after lots of pulling and prodding I managed to tease it into a relaxed side plait. 

Dress: Charity Shop
Shirt: River Island
Beads: River Island
Satchel: Vintage

Are you a fan of the tie dye look?

Outfit : Orange Shirt

I remember when I first became attracted to the sheer shirt look, it was right about the time they started popping up on every fashion blog I read. What can I say, occasionally I fall in line behind every other fashion sheep! So I was pleased when I spotted a few styles in my local Primark in various colours a couple of weeks later. I ended up going for the orange version as it's become one of my favourite colours to filter in between my otherwise neutral based wardrobe.

A couple of weeks ago I had a meeting planned with a local fashion photography studio and decided to don my orange shirt. I wore it over a black vest and teamed it with khaki trousers, black brogues and a long necklace....

Shirt: Primark
Vest: Topshop
Trousers: New Look
Brogues: Charity Shop
Necklace: Topshop

With rolled up sleeves and hair in a top-knot I was hoping to give a professional yet relaxed look.

What are your feelings towards the sheer shirt? Is it dying of over-exposure in blog land?

Outfit : Vintage Skirt

Another outfit post for you guys! I've been pretty good at getting my mum or dad to take pictures of my outfits, and I already have another waiting to be edited, but I must admit.... it's quite scary posting them! You completely put yourself out there and let everyone and anyone comment on how you dress. Luckily everyone's been kind so far, but I'm kinda dreading the first 'that looks stupid' anon comment. Oh well, just have to suck it up, I'm pretty confident with how I dress, and there are always going to be people that hate.

Anyway- onto the outfit! I wore this a couple of weeks ago when I went for a night out in London. Paired a black vest with a high-waisted vintage skirt and added black wedges and gold jewellery....

Top: Primark
Necklace: Charity Shop
Skirt: Vintage
Wedges: New Look

Watch: Next
Bracelet: Topshop

This has become quite a typical night out look for me- love maxi skirts with a passion and think wearing them high waisted with wedges is such a cool look. 

What evening looks are you loving right now?

(P.S Any tips for less blurry pics on blogger when you enlarge them? I use a good digital SLR, no clue why they're coming out so blury on my blog!)

Outfit : Dusky Rose Blazer

Happy Friday everyone! I thought it was about time I started doing more outfit posts on here, so I got my mum to take a few snaps of me yesterday before I headed to Guildford for a day of retail therapy with my sister. I've had a pretty rubbish week to be completely honest, mostly work related, (or lack there of), but shopping with my sis and then dinner with a friend really cheered me up- it's crazy how little things can pick you back up! 

This is what I wore...

Blazer: New Look

Top: American Retro (layered over grey vest)

Jeans: River Island

Boots: Primark

Silver Acorn Necklace: Rock 'n' Rose

Gold Claw Necklace: Topshop (1/2 price in the sale!)

The Blazer is new and pretty much the only pink item I own! My wardrobe is basically a combination of blues, greens and neutrals....colour scares me. Although I'm trying to break my habit and buy more colourful items, all in the name of fashion. I will try and do more outfit posts on here as I know how much I like seeing how other people style outfits, so expect lots more awkwardly posed shots of me in the future! 

What have you all got planned for the weekend? I'm working Saturday and then hopefully heading to London for a night out in the evening! Can't wait, in need of a LARGE glass of wine :)

What it looks like to turn 25....

I turned 25 last week, (yeah- woah)

 Quite a milestone really. You're moving out of your happy, safe, familiar early twenties and into rather unnerving grown-up territory. It's both terrifying and incredibly exciting at the same time.

Anyway- this isn't a blog post for me to ramble on about ageing, it's to show you how I spent my Birthday week off work.

Monday:

 This evening I rallied up my boy, my sister and her boy to come with me to watch 'Sea of Bees' play an intimate gig at the Gallery Cafe in London. Such a great band and such a fantastic gig. The highlight of which saw me accost 'Peggy Sue' (my favourite band, who just happened to be in the audience) in the girls loo to tell them how much I loved them and something about me wearing their T-shirt....

Wednesday: 

My Birthday :D Today I spent time with my lovely Antony. We went for a yummy lunch in Guildford and hit the Cinema. In the evening we headed home and inhaled lots of Chinese and wine with my parents. Here's what I wore...

Saturday: 

This evening I went out with some friends for dinner and drinks- ate too much, drank too much and laughed just enough ;) 

Sunday: 

LONDON FASHION WEEKEND Yeah, I was excited about this one. Me, my muma, my sis and her other half made our way to Somerset House and rifled through designer clothes, ooh'd and ahh'd over pretty things and took in the atmosphere at the catwalk show.

 I'm not going to lie- I wanted to stay forever. 

What I wore:
(skirt and shoes- Primark, tee- River Island, cardi- New Look, )

My sister trying on some headbands :)

I also purchased a couple of bits Saturday- but I'll leave that for another time ;)

Something for the Weekend....

Had a day FULL of guilty pleasures today involving: 2 hot chocolates, 1 muffin, 1 Happy Meal from McDonald's and A LOT of shopping....

Met up with my sister in Guildford and had such a nice day. I hardly ever get to see her for a whole day due to conflicting days off work, so was great to have a girly day together. We're terrible influences on each other though, always convincing each other to buy more things...

I'll do a separate post on what I bought as the light's gone now so can't photograph my goodies!

 Instead here is our day in pictures....



My outfit, (top: River Island, skirt: Vintage, tightsand shoes: Primark)



Hot Chocolate no. 1

My gorgeous sis :)

One of my purchases!

Playing dress up...

Pretty changing room!

My sis rocking her soon to be new hooded gilet

A very cool band playing in the street



Guildford's Xmas lights :)

What did you all get up to today?