Torturing myself

"Shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist" Unknown

 

Zara Red Blouse-similar here

Zara Skinny grey trousers-similar here

Topshop Cord necklace

 

It must be really bad that into my 9th month of not shopping & I am still finding clothes in my wardrobe that I haven't worn this year. These trousers for example.  Completely forgot I had them and they are so perfect for work.  They are a nice smart trouser but still quite funky.  They are a jodphur style & would look so nice with a flat black knee high leather boot for Winter.  If only I had a pair.

 

Life is non stop at the minute.  I love when I am busy but this is taking the biscuit. I just seem to have something on every single night.  Last Thursday night I was invited to Mexx Party night in their flagship store in Belfast.  They had models showcasing the latest autumn hair and make-up looks from YSL and Hedonist Hair. The lovely Mexx team which included the fab Alison Paul chatted to us about the must-have pieces for the season with prosecco being served throughout the night.  I was a bore though as I had a sprite.

 

It is always torture going to these events for me.  Because they are showing you absolutely gorgeous pieces of new season stock.  I completely fell in love with a dress that one of the staff was wearing. It just looks like such a nice party dress especially coming up to Xmas, it would be lovely just to have for those dinner dates or nights out.

 

 

I am currently holding viewings for a room in my flat and one of the girls who came over last night asked what I did & I explained my job & then went on to explain about the blog.  She actually gasped & put her hands over her mouth when I said I wasn't shopping for a year.  Yes, would you like to move into a house with a crazy person who will prob go through your wardrobe and steal things the minute you move in.  The great thing about the blog is that it has introduced me to brands such as Mexx.  In a year my style has changed dramatically and it going to be fun to explore it when I am able to shop again.  I love the playful prints & the cute mini skirts that Mexx have in store at the minute.  With everything laid out in easy to find sections of the store; one side casual, one side metro style, I will definitely be standing on the doors of Mexx Belfast on the 1st of January.

Channelling my inner Morticia Addams

"I'm like Johnny Cash. I only wear black." Adele

 

H&M black vest

Topshop black double tube skirt

Warehouse neon yellow necklace

 

I am going to say the same thing that everyone is saying at the minute.  When did it get to September?? It's basically autumn, summer is over, it's 114 days to Christmas, tights will start to be worn, girls will stop shaving their legs and my electric blanket will be on full blast every night.

 

It also means I've only 4 more months left of this challenge.  It is killing me, the actual thought of having to go back into trousers again and my winter clothes.  The summer allowed me to explore a different half of my wardrobe.  I felt like I had bought new clothes when really I hadn't.  It was all an amazing magical experience that was basically a lie.  How am I meant to completely re-style a wardrobe that I wore for the 1st 6 months of the year and not get sick of wearing the same thing, over and over again? *sigh* Thank god for the changing trends with each season.



And thus with life, there is balance in fashion.  The first half of the year saw the all white outfit being a big hit.  This was one of my favourite looks I was able to create from my wardrobe.  I did find it hard to keep recreating/revamping the look as I didn't have that many white bottoms in my wardrobe.  But as I said thank god for balance.  Ying Yang. Black and white.  The all black outfit is in this autumn. Amazing news for me as I have enough black in my wardrobe for Morticia Addams not to have to do any washing for a month.

 

 

 

I love this look.  Every girl does.  It is effortless, chic and best of all it suits all shapes, all sizes, all skin tones, dressed up, dressed down, you just know that you will look great no matter what.  It is one of those looks that if you are having one of those days were you think nothing is working, just pull on black trousers and a black top & bam!!! Life is back on track.  Add a statement piece necklace, a pop of colour.  Accessorise it any way that you want, it will work no matter what.

 

And on the 7th day, God created black so every girl could pretend that the pavement was a catwalk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Falling apart

"Broken! Busted! Everybody has something to repair.  Before buying new, let mightly putty fix it for you!" Billy Mays

Stills silk navy tshirt

Topshop fine striped pencil skirt-similar here

When I started this challenge I didn't really take into the account the wear and tear my clothes would be going through.  I am washing the same things repeatedly, wearing the same things over and over again though I do try to wear new things on days that I know I will be writing a blog post as I just think it would get boring otherwise.  But not only are my shoes feeling the wear and tear of my smelly feet but today I have realised I have a hole in this lovely skirt. Right over the seam on my bum.  Thankfully I am wearing a long cardigan with this look but it is so nice with out the cardigan that I am raging I have to wear the cardigan all day. My boss is properly wondering who did she hire??? Too short skirts, holes in skirts, a pongy smell coming off her shoes.

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I had organised a girly family photoshoot with my mum and little sister as a Christmas gift/birthday present to my mum. (I know, a little late organising it but I was purposely waiting for the good weather!) I just wanted to share some of the photos and give a little shout out to Miss Kelly McAllister, amazing photographer! She did exactly what I asked for and more! I wanted the photos to be fun and reflect our personalities but keeping them as natural as possible. I love them!  There actually isn't a bad photo of any of us in the album she sent me which says a lot for her skills!!! Check out her website: Kelly McAllister

Ps: check out my new badge!! I'm nominated for best newcomer in the Irish Blog Awards! Woop!! Promise if I get to come to the award ceremony that I won't wear any smelly shoes or holely skirts.