Short shorts

“No man needs a vacation so much as the man who has just had one.” Elbert Hubbard

Zara checked blazer

Hollister white long sleeved top

Zara Cargo pants

 

 

Imagine if you lived in a country where your stable wardrobe piece was shorts.  Instead of scarves, blankets, double, even triple layers of clothes just to stop your teeth chattering in May! I have put together a couple of colleges of my  holiday fashion.  I think you can guess the order of days by how white I am.

 

 

I was so excited to wear pieces from my wardrobe that I hadn't been able to wear this year yet. So my suitcase really consisted of things that I don't usually wear at home.  Florida isn't really a drinking holiday or a overly dressed holiday unless you hitting Miami or something.  We of course stayed within Orlando so mainly focused on the theme parks.  Some days I even felt dressed up wearing what I was wearing!

 

 

I had no real fashion faux pas apart from the first day (that's the whitest of white photo of me, with the coloured pattern top from topshop and beige shorts from Hollister). I tried not to wear a bra as much as possible a) to reduce tan lines as much as possible and b) bras make you feel so restricted and sweaty in such a muggy climate c) Connor has trouble with them.  So underneath the top I wore a black bandeau top; could I understand why it kept slipping down?!?! I simply put it down to my small breasticles so I spent the first day walking round the Magic Kingdom pulling up the bandeau every 5 steps. Then we went on Splash Mountain which you have to go on with your arms up (during freefall I did put my arms down as I am a wuss).  Of course, minute I put my arms up, my bandeau top came down. Trying not to scare any children, I quickly pulled it up but twisted it upside down to the way I had been wearing it.  This happened to be the correct way to wear it as it had an elastic bit I hadn't realised. Facepalm.

 

Black shorts, the one thing I didn't have so I made like a thief ninja and borrowed some from my little sister.  Never worn, tags still on them from Topshop, these black shorts caused quite a stir. Basically my arse hung out of them. You could see most of my peachy globes.  Probably the reason behind why my little sister hasn't worn them.  Got a few beeps and looks at Universal. I'm always causing a stir wherever I got! HA

My holiday style is pretty basic.  Hollister shorts, H&M tops with a couple of dresses from Victoria secret and Primark thrown in.  When I am on holidays I just like to relax.  No dressing up, no effort, just go with the flow.  The heat just drains me as well so I can't be bothered doing anything.  Everything was baggy as Florida has such a humid heat.  I brought with me a denim shirt and my leather skirt, both are tight & once you are there in that heat, there was no way I could of even got a tight leather skirt on over my arse.

Such a great holiday & now I am home and can't even show off my tan.  Trousers and long sleeved tops. *sigh*

Thunderbirds are go!!

"A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

Black Primark Flower print playsuit-similar here

Therapy Waterfall Cardigan-similar here

Oasis Waist Belt-similar here

 

 



Today is FABB. Last night I was asked to be included in the Northern Ireland FABB group (that's fashion and beauty bloggers group).  I was so excited to be asked by the head honcho Katrina Doran because to me, it's an acknowledge meaning that the blog is being taken serious (even though I still don't make my bed for photos!) and it's a step in the right direction! Plus, it is also great to have that support system behind you when you have no idea what you are doing!!!!

 

If you want to have a nosey at other Beauty and Fashion Blogs from Northern Ireland, Check out all of below! They are all FABB!

 

 http://acertainvintage.blogspot.com

http://www.aoifemalone.com/

http://www.belfastbeautylove.blogspot.com

www.beccasbeautyspot.blogspot.com

http://bexberry.com

www.bexsfashiontips.blogspot.com

http://bobsbeautifulblog.blogspot.co.uk/

http://catherine-lou.blogspot.co.uk

http://www.edgefashionblog.tumblr.com

http://editorinchicblog.wordpress.com/

www.frenchforcupcake.com

http://thefmlblog.wordpress.com/

http://gottaloveatrier.blogspot.com

http://www.ifellintoyesterday.com/

http://www.inanityandthegirl.com/

http://katelivingston.blogspot.co.uk/

http://laughingassassin.blogspot.com

http://lelliemoi.blogspot.co.uk/

http://melissaknowsbest.blogspot.co.uk/

www.niamhkelly.wordpress.com

http://reddutchess.blogspot.co.uk/

http://www.saloule.com/

www.schoolgatestyle.com

http://www.strawberryblondebeauty.com/

http://www.sugahfix.com

www.thatbelfastgirl.blogspot.com

www.theagoraphobicfashionista.com

http://the-real-elle-woods.blogspot.co.uk

http://www.themagpiegirl.com

http://thestylecave.info/

http://www.theyellowestdiamonds.com/

http://thinkboutthings.com/

www.twobulletsfivezombies.co.uk

http://victoriaisla.blogspot.co.uk/

 

 

One of the 7 dwarves

"I can be a bit grumpy.  I am full of horomones and angst." Nicholas Hoult

White Vest top Benetton-similar here

Urban Outfitters Painter Shirt-similar here

Urban Outfitters navy leggings

Topshop belt-similar here 

 

Nice and easy basic day today. String tops.  I have about 40 of them in every single colour, in colours that you probably haven't even seen before but I have them.  My mum used to always buy me a couple as stocking fillers at Christmas, just to have.  They are great, I wear them all year round, under tops, by themselves. You don't need every colour like me but maybe black, white and then a coloured one that you would wear often. All mine are from Benetton and last for years.

 

I'm grumpy. I've noticed that in the last two weeks that I am more stressed, more worrisome, easily irrigated. I don't know why, it's not like life is hard at the minute. Gorgeous boyfriend, great friends, fab job and my blog is going from strength to strength. But still it's that annoying voice inside your head messing with your happiness. I am so focused on everyone else around me that I am getting left behind. So how would I normally fix this??? I would go shopping.

Am I grumpy because I am not shopping? The feeling of spoiling yourself, the feeling of how good a new top or dress makes you feel, I miss that. I haven't spoilt myself in over 3 months. It's not that I think everyone needs to shop to feel good but I haven't treated myself in ages. I booked a holiday for Connor & I for June & the 1 thing I want to do is go buy a bikini but I can't. That one thing isn't hard but everything on top of that is tough.

 Hoody lovingly made by Zoe J Watson

Topshop Basic Vest

Asos Cycling Shorts-similar here

 

So when Jayne suggested to me that we go try Bikram yoga, I thought why not. If anyone knows me personally they know that gyms & Laurina don't mix. I have never been into a gym, don't exercise & I even get out of breath walking up the stairs. So for me to be like Hey, that actually sounds like fun is a biggy. But I thought why not, something different & fun to do on a Tuesday night. So off we went Hill street (just near the merchant) & upstairs to Flow Studio yoga. (Here's there website if you interested Flow Studio We were greeted by funky candles, fluffy pillows & a sign saying please take your shoes off. (I have really smelly feet so was a bit apparasive.)

The teacher, I don't even know her name (found out it is Elizabeth now!) but she was one of these people that you wonder if they get periods. She was so happy & care free, usually I am not a massive fan of these type of people as to me it all seems false & over the top & makes me feel awful cause I'm
a grumpy b**tch. How my opinion changed. The yoga went on for an hour & a half in 32 degree heat & at one point, she can up behind me, massages my shoulders & whispered in my ear "I'm just behind you sweetie." Well I think I fell in love with her at that minute. I loved it, it was £8 but you can buy package deals so I def will be going back! I feel more relaxed (could be the Thai that Jayne & Zara had afterwards)  I am not too sore today, more stiff than anything especially between my shoulders.

Indecisive

"I used to be indecisive but now I am not quite sure." Tommy Cooper

Primark Cardigan-similar here

Topshop Peplum top

Replay Jeans

Alex and Ani bracelets

 

 

Spring has truely sprung! Thank god! It is nice to see people smiling because the sun is peeking out from behind the clouds.  Don't get me wrong, it is still baltic but at least there is no more snow!!! I got dressed in the dark today, not my best outfit but Connor was still fast asleep as I was getting ready and I was trying to be extra quiet to let him sleep & I didn't want to turn on the light so I just grabbed, pulled on and off to work.  I don't know about you guys but I bought 3 colours in these tops when they came out in Topshop last year. So simple but great if you don't know what to wear & want to look smart!

 

I am making a video with Pia Rossini (check them out, Pia Rossini ) tonight on 10 different ways to wear scarves for the launch off their new public website so looking forward to getting a sneak peek of what they have coming up for Summer 2013 and Autumn/Winter 2013.  Don't worry I will keep you fully informed ;)

 

So I was up home at the weekend, aka I was up in Portstewart. It was a gorgeous weekend, just for all of you who have never visited Portstewart or even Northern Ireland. Here is a little photo just to show you how gorgeous it was on Sunday morning at 11am & even though I was grumpy as f**k (woke up but my boyfriend licking my face, hitting me with a pillow & miaowing like a cat. Too hyper for 9am on a sunday.)

 

 

B-e-a-utiful! One of the great things about being up home is I can ask my mum her thoughts.  All girls are the same, we need the reasurrance that we look ok or if we are doing it right. (For example, the famous question that all men fear "Does my bum look big in this?") So, this is what I wore on saturday, couldn't decide what trainer went best- red or white? Mum and my little sister got asked, mum went with red & carla went with white so both of their opinions was useless. But it is funny the way that everyone needs reassurance that they look ok.  Even boys! That was just my phisophical obversation for this weekend.  It has taken Connor and I over a week to truly decide where we want to go on holiday, don't know how many times we have swapped and changed our minds.  My new goal is to be more decisive, the pharse "I want that one" comes to mind.

Asos Army Jumper

Zara faux leather trousers

White converse

River Island Red high tops

 

 

I went for the red if you are interested.  Thought they added a bit of colour to the outfit though both need a good clean. Standard. When I was up home, my mum did a massive clear out of her wardrobe so I have new clothes!!! I went through her scraps and was able to pick out bits and piece of things she didn't want.  It's not cheating! I still haven't handed my debit card over to physical buy any clothes.  Quite proud of this fact as it is April now. Wow, it's april! How did that happen?!?!?

 

 

 

 

Tight one

"I wear women's leggings underneath my clothing with no underwear" Dennis Rodman

Asos Parka Jacket

Abercrombie & Fitch Scarf - Similar here

Primark Nude Knit - similar here

Zara White Shirt

Zara Navy Leggings

 

 

I have transported you back in time with my magic wand I got from the Harry Potter Studios.  This was what I wore yesterday.  Actually really loved this look when I put it together.  So as I have been doing for the last two weeks, Wednesday is now knowing as back to basics day not hump day.  Well I had a slightly hump day as in I was exhausted. Couldn't even lift my arm off the sofa to type so let's pretend today is still Wednesday. The basic I am going to blog ablout today on this fine Wednesday day is Leggings.

 

Let's get a debate going, do you think leggings are slowly going out of fashion? With the increasing number of crops tops and shorter tops in the shops this season does this mean that leggings shouldn't be worn?  Meh, I don't think so.  The rule of wearing leggings only with long tops I think really depends on the wearer.  The trend of disco pants and high waisted tight tight tight legging/trousers with a crop top (worn by a lot of the little kids that hang around Belfast city centre) is completely on trend as it screams 90's fashion.  I think for me at least leggings will always be basics because they are so simple and easy to wear.

 

My advice, get a good pair of thick leggings.  Not any of these bend over to pick something up and the leggings become see through so we can see your lovely bum bum leggings.  But 1 pair of thick high quality leggings will do you across your whole wardrobe.  These leggings that I am wearing are from Zara and available in all colours.  I have them in black as well.  I love them so much that I am wearing them today again. Boom, I have now transported you into the future/present day/ Thursday.

 

Benetton Vnecked top-Similar here

Brown High heeled boots River Island-Similar here

Alex and Ani Jewellery

 

 

It has got to be bad when you are blogging about your outfit and you can't remember where you actually got this top and then realise that you stole it from your mum years ago and still haven't given it back.  I think it is now classified as mine as I think I have had it for 7 years now, sorry mum!

 

Yesterday I had a lunchtime meeting with the lovely people from Alex and Ani, an American Jewellery company that have only launched over here in late 2012.  Each bracelet has it's own different meaning so that people can pick bracelets to suit their own personality and beliefs.  I love the indivuality of the bracelets and they even brought me some of my own to have! Wearing them today and I am jingle jangling everywhere. I can't wait to work with this company more in the future! They are great present ideas and are sold in all 12 argento stores across Northern Ireland so definately keep your eye out for them. That's something else that I love about doing this blog, being introduced to new brands!  Before I started this challenge I was stuck in a habit of going to the same shops over and over again as you can prob tell from my outfits, Zara, Asos, Topshop and that is it.  While now my eyes have been opened to different makes and brands that I never would have known about and I definately would buy! Bring on 2014!!! 

 

 

 

 

 

Backstage secrets

"I've been known to throw watermelons, backstage, at people who are giving me news I don't want to hear. But I never aim for the head." Tori Amos

Kigu Dragon

 

 

This was me on Saturday morning. What an outfit of the day, I think it is my favourite so far.  Sadly, my Fashion Swap in association with Ikea and Belfast Fashionweek got postponed due to the weather.  (It is now on Thursday the 28th of March but more on that later). So I curled up in my dragon for a while, caught up on blog posts and then meet my mum and little sister in town.  I think my mum feels sorry for me cause I can't buy anything.  I just follow her around as she tries stuff on and comment on things like a good little daughter should.  Though I must be honest, she bought me a shirt.  It was more to keep her happy than anything, every two seconds was can I buy you this? can i buy you this? How about this? NO MUM! I accepted the shirt gracefully though, just to keep her happy of course.  So that's a total of 3 items of clothing bought for me in 2013, 3 items of clothing in 3 months, 1 for each month.  I can't believe I have gone from buying nearly 3 pieces a week to getting given 3 items of clothing as presents in 3 months. Here is the shirt my mum got me, I know another one shirt but this ones has buttons!!

 

 

Zara White Shirt

 

 

After a lovely afternoon with my mum, it was off to the final night of BFW which I was starring in!  Backstage really felt like Belfast Fashionweek, everyone was buzzing and the atmosphere was hectic. Eleven female models, two male models, 9 children models and 9 hair models.  That's a lot of foundation, hair spray, pouting, posing and catwalking. Of course as I was backstage during the show I was unable to take photos of the gorgeous High street looks but here is a collection of backstage photos just for you lucky readers.

 

After the main catwalk show was the Andrew Mulvenna hair show.  Andrew wanted to take the audience on a journey through hair styles of the past, present and future.  There was 9 girls in total, 3 for past, 3 for present and 3 for future.  I was one of the future girls, channelling my inner super hero! My hair was backcombed, sprayed gold and extensions added.  I have never had extensions in my hair, my head felt so heavy!!!  I then had a mask painted on my face to complete the look.  As the hair show was more relaxed, we were able to have more fun with our poses on the catwalk.  I think there is a photo of me going around where I have arm in the air like supergirl about to fly off and save someone in need!

 

So that is it, Belfast Fashionweek over for another season! This has been a season to remember! Well done to all the BFW team, Andrew Mulvenna & his creative team, Paddy McGurgan and his make up team and the CMPR team for another great year!

That was a long tea break

"Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company." Author Unknown

 

 

Well that was a lovely tea break! Pretty long to be honest! Sorry about that, I haven't stopped and it hasn't helped that since the city wide power cut on Friday night, my phone has been messing me around! Ggggrrrr! Who is sick of the snow??? I am currently looking at holidays on my other tab bars, curled up in bed with the electric blanket on listening to the wind howling.  (It's Sunday night as I write this.)

 

So a thank you to Stephen Potter for letting me use his images to finish off my review of Friday's Designer and Boutique at Belfast Fashionweek.  I didn't want to forget the last two shops because there clothing is always gorgeous and tops off Friday night with a bang!

 

 

First shop is the gorgeous Blush! When I was reading the running order for Friday night, I just knew that I couldn't wait for this shop to show their Jenny Packham dresses.  Aw thus begins the fantasy wedding that I have going on in my head while wearing a Jenny Packham dress on a beach with no shoes on.

 

 

 

 

The last shop of the night was that of Jourdan on the Lisburn Road.  A favourite of my Agency boss, Mrs Alison Clarke, the dresses from this shop are perfect for all events and occasions. A day at the races, formals, to casual wear, the shop always supplies a shop stopper!

 

 

Again a well done to all who braved the snow on Friday night to come and see the show! It was one not to be missed! 



Drum Roll..

"Everyday is a fashion show and the world is your runaway."

Oasis Striped dress- similar here

 

 

It's here! Oh yes peeps, it's Belfast Fashionweek this week! Not a great start to the next few days but I slept in this morning.  Damn you Kevin Bacon and your amazing twisted TV show! (The Following, is anyone else watching it?!? It's amazing!) Hence why my hair is up as I meant to wash it but didn't have time. Just something else to do when I make my mad dash home then wash, change, decide on what to wear and then off to Fashionweek!

 

To me, Fashionweek will always have a big part of my heart. As a model starting out in Northern Ireland many years ago (who is definately not catwalk skyscaper tall), it was always the unattainable wishful thinking that one day I wanted to grace the sparkly fashionweek catwalk and in my opinion if you did then, you had definately made it! Well in Northern Ireland at least! Now I am on my fourth season of gracing the catwalk, this time last year it was my bake on billboards across Belfast as the Face of Fashionweek and just to add a romantic element, I meet my now boyfriend Connor for the first time backstage last year at the High Street night as he was modelling as well.  (Granted I thought who is this twat with a cap on backwards and this white stringy top were you could practically see his nipples and it is always freezing backstage & I was wrapped up in a blanket/slash cardigan but it all worked out in the end!)

 

 

Me and my campaign for Belfast Fashionweek S/S12

 

So tonight is George at Asda! I was surprised when I first heard the line up that George at Asda were taking the catwalk for a full night but I am really looking forward to it! I always see things in magazines from George and think wow I love that so I will be interested to see how the BFW team style it.  George at Asda have shown before at Fashionweek as part of the High Street night. I wore a dress from their collection,  I think it was Circa A/W 2011 but it was one of the images that was used in all the Press.  It looked completely chic and designer! I remember everyone asking me where it was from and they were shocked by my reply. Just goes to show you!

The chic dress from George at Asda A/W 2011.

 

 

So what is to expect from tonight? Well all the models have had gorgeous Vita Liberata tans done, (my lovely housemate Jayne is strutting her stuff on the catwalk every night and she was glowing last night), my gorgeous boyfriend Connor is on the catwalk tonight as well, probably half naked (I will be posting a lot of photos. He's mine ladies but I am happy to share images for a perve.) I called into the venue there on my lunch to leave in a few bits & pieces for the goodies bags and the clothes look amazing! Really bright colours, fitting in with the neon trend perfectly! So all that needs to be done is to decide what the heck to wear to it????

Dead Space

 

"Storage is important, you need storage for like, to store things." Anthea Turner

 

The House Rules in my hall. Break them and you have to leave.

 

 

I learnt this phase last night. Apparently, according to the gods that are Ikea, I have a lot of dead space in my bedroom! *gasp* horror* Really? Me? Surely not!! I would say I am a organised person, detailed to do lists are a great friend of me. So of course, my bedroom is pretty tidy too. Well maybe not tidy (you have seen it in the background of my photos. Not a massive fan of making my bed) but everything has a place even if that place is the floor.

So when Ikea said they would come and "make room for my life" i.e Ikea think I've too much clothes and want to help tidy my wardrobe so I know where everything is, I was intrigued. I come across things in my wardrobe that I haven't worn in ages and don't even remember I have so the idea of everything having a place easily excited me. My house is like an Ikea showroom, felt kinda embarrassed that everything from my front door mat, picture frames, fake flowers and all kitchen utilitises are from Ikea.  You could even call me an Ikea stalker, I was there the day it first opened (they gave me free chips) and my relationship with them began.  It was the lovely Jane who organises all Ikea Belfast's PR who read my blog and contacted me.  Thank you lovely Jane.  So again, mad dash after work home.  (I seem to be mad dashing everywhere at the minute) to welcome Ikea with open arms into The Princess Palace. I hoovered mum, don't worry!

 

So here are the before photos of my wardrobe.  My wardrobe is mainly all built in, as my flat is only for hobbits due to the slanted ceilings. My 6ft 2in boyfriend does not appreciate having to walk around my room with his head bent at a 45 degree angle so he doesn't bang his head.  My advice is to wear a helmet. He bangs his head all the time off stuff, it's quite amusing.  So I wondered what Ikea could really help me with? I love all their furniture, especially their Pax wardrobes and I am currently saving for a armchair for my bedroom.  My intrigued levels rose when they came in with bags and bags of boxes.

It is called secondary storage.  Everything has a place, every box has a name.  There's my knicker box, knitted scarf box, cotton scarf box, shoe boxes, bracelet box.  The boxes sooth my OCD for everything to have a place.  My words to Connor after Ikea were, "Can I go play?"  Now it took me a while, perfectionist here but my wardrobe is now sorted.  Everything is spread out, I know where everything is; no more half folding stuff and trying to push close the drawer because there is actually space for my clothes to lay nicely in my drawers!  Here are some photos as a sneak peek of what Ikea did.  (They did video the transformation, my skills are with writing not speaking it would seem.)

So lovely and tidy. *sigh* Can't wait to go home and finish playing with the boxes.  They brought me some to organise all my beauty/make up with. So excited.  Thank you Ikea, let's be friends forever.

1 skirt, endless possibilities

"I will be a president that wears a skirt, but I will wear the pants" Josefina Vazquez Mota

H&M Denim Shirt

Asos Jumper

Black Skater Skirt Topshop

 

 

It is Wednesday, no longer known as hump day but rather back to basics day.  To me this whole outfit is a great foundation to have in your wardrobe.  Oh the possibilites with a denim shirt and a grey jumper.  I wear this denim shirt all the time and the grey jumper is great especially when there is no heat in work (gas leak, oh the joys.)  But today, I am going to focuse on the skirt.  Black skater skirt from topshop, £16, what a buy.  I love it, it's so simple but goes with so many things.  I am so glad I bought it (Before Christmas!!!!).  I know the skater style suits me, I actually think it suits everyone.  I have never seen it look bad on anyone from tall, petite, curvy to skinny.  I have this skirt in grey too! Though I am finding it harder to piece the grey skirt with other items from my wardrobe so I would say, start with black and go from there.

 

 

 

Here is the skirt in a completely different style. I wore the skirt going out one tonight (ignore the state of my room, It is always like this before I go out!) This just shows you that this skirt is great to have for casual to fancy, work to a party, it works.  And for such a staple piece of clothing that you can wear so many times for £16 that isn't bad at all!  The only problem now is what colour you want?!?!

Respite

"Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for.” Maya Angelou

Zara coated trousers

Zara Denim shirt

Black Wedge Mary Janes - similar here

 

 

Aw rest, I am well rested after my weekend. I am sure your ears are well rested from my mad ramblings too! I took a few days off cause I know how mad this week will be! It's Belfast Fashionweek! Aw I'm excited! Excited for the amount of hairspray that will be used, excited for the new location and to be involved in every way possible - watching, hosting and even taking part on the catwalk!

 

As quiet as my weekend was meant to be, I still was able to have a little blip were I went "buck wild" as my boyfriends likes to call it.  Not what you think.  It is simply a group of girls going wild for a mutual friends birthday.  Miss Jenny Anne Curran, one of my best friends had her birthday on Saturday night (a bit nearly 2 weeks too early but aw well).  My handbag was filled to the brim with sweets as we gallivanted across Belfast from Cafe Vaudeville (special thanks to Miss Rachel Whittley, u sexy beast) and then on to Ollies.  Finally got to wear my yellow dress again and I didn't even wear a bra with it! Oh I'm so wild! No, I never would have gone out without the most padded bra in the world attached to me but lately my confidence has taken a little lift so I thought why not.

 

 

Asos Yellow pencil dress -similar here

 

 

I think I got anyway with it! What I lacked in boobs, I made up with my big hair.  My gorgeous friend Zara had a stunning dress on from local designer Una Rodden. Una designs fabulous off the peg dresses designed and tailored specially for you and your wants.  Her dresses are stunning! The dress that Zara wore looked amazing on her,  I took a photo but I really don't think it does it justice! It was a really deep purple but it has come out blue in the photo and Zara wouldn't stop dancing all night so she wouldn't stand still for a photo!

 

 

 

 

 

I had a quiet St. Paddy's day! I had to work a half day on Monday morning so I didn't want to have a mad one especially after Saturday night.  I just went home yesterday and tidied only after I finally was able to pull my head out of Fifty Shades.  I decided that I want to read it again after reading it in June last year and I haven't been able to put it down at all.  Last Thursday I said Ikea were coming but unfortunately one of the decorating team was sick so they are now coming tonight!  Yeah,  I didn't really know what to do.  I lay in bed staring at my room thinking should I tidy when they are just going to wreck the place then re tidy.  I sorta just straighted everything in my wardrobe and I came across these Mary Jane's that I completely forgot I had! They are the perfect work heel and I have never worn them to work! I can't wait to Ikea come and organise my wardrobe so I can finally see what I have!!!

Just one of those days

“Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.”  Mark Twain

New look Maxi Striped dress Similar here

Asos Parka

 

 

Just one of those days,  one of those days where I had no idea what to wear. I still have them, don't worry, you are not alone.  I had an idea in my head, denim shirt and grey maxi skirt.  It didn't work.  Now that I am doing the blog, I don't want to claim to be all knowing in the fashion, I still have those moments when I am standing staring at my wardrobe, going what the f*** am I meant to wear today.  If anything I feel more pressure to try and always be on the ball to impress you but today it wasn't happening.  I saw this maxi dress & thought oh you will do.  Just wanted something easy to pull on.  Now that I am in work with my freezing arms (took off my coat for 5 mins and put it back on) I think I should have prob put a slouchy jumper over it of at least a cardigan.  You would think that I thought it was warm!!

 

Just one of those days when I can't be bothered.  We all have them so do please forgive me.  The parka probably doesn't fit in very well with the striped maxi dress.  A nice cropped denim jacket would have been better with this look but it was too cold not to wear anything but a fur lined big coat that I can snuggle in to to hide from the wind.  So this was me when I arrived into work.  I actually got a text from a friend saying that he had never seen a grumpier Eskimo in this life. Just one of those days.

 

Oh a good note, Ikea are coming to my house after work to organise and "make room for my life" I haven't even hoovered!!! Tune in tomorrow to see how they organise my wardrobe for me! :)

 

Back to basics

"This shirt is dry clean only, which means...it is dirty." Mitch Hedburg

Topshop White Blouse

Topshop Navy Leigh Skinny jeans

 

 

God bless the white shirt!  I was asked by the lovely rachel if I could do a post on the main basics in my wardrobe.  So from now on for the next few weeks, Wednesday will no longer be called hump day but instead, Back to basics day.  So the first basic that everyone should have in their wardrobe is a white shirt.  Now I am going to write about my style and shape but I would recommend to everyone to find one that suits your style and shape.  I am skinny and petite, always have been and fingers crossed always will be. (Much to my friends disgust as I stuff my face with the biggest load of crap. For example, Friday night I had a chippy, Saturday night I had a chinese and Sunday night I went out for dinner and had chicken goujons and chips. Yum) I have always been called skinny, prob the only person to get excited about putting weight on so I have a little voice in my head that has an insecurity about this.  I like balance, I don't like to look too skinny.  That sounds completely gay when I write it but we all have our own wee hang ups.  So I like to go for one loose thing and one tight clothing. Balance. Hence why I bought a loose shirt, that and I thought I looked cool in it.

 

 

This shirt goes with anything.  Wear it with jeans, skirts, wear it under a jumper, wear a top underneath it like I am today. Casual, smart, going out, a white shirt always looks great.  It screams classic and ladylike while being cool and with it whatever the season or trend.  It has so many possibilites, you can see from my pictures that I have worn this shirt to death and it looks different everytime. Now I wish I had a button up white shirt too as I would love to have the collar & jumper look that is in at the minute. But unfortately I can not buy anything :( Just to remind you all so I can have some sympathy.

 

I have selected some of my favourite white shirts out there at the minute.

 

Asos white shirt £32

 

Urban Outfitters £38

Miss Selfridge £32

Blinding lights

“I think it pisses God off if you walk by the colour purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it.” Alice Walker, The Colour Purple

Guees Yellow casual Jacket- similar here 

Primark Striped top - similar here 

Hollister Skinnies ripped 

Navy Converse 

Zara Tie Fur Ankle Boots - similar here 

Links of London Sweetie Bracelet 

Chloe Bo Bracelets 

Over the last few weeks, I have done a few interviews for local magazines and newspaper and one question I was asked repeatedly was "which spring/summer trend am I looking forward to wearing?" All of them! I love the monochrome, the flower prints, leather, 90's, all white and finally neon.

Now all of these I can easily say that I have bits and pieces in my wardrobe that I can attempt to replicate each of these trends. The only one that I thought that I wouldn't have anything of was of course neon. So diving into my wardrobe and I am surprised. I am a very plain Jane dresser, not too many over the top whacky prints, some colour but mostly black, white, red and that's it. Or so I thought. I found neon colours!! Tops, play suits, jackets, skirts. Boom! Sometimes I even surprise myself. The above photo is my take on the spring/summer trend of neon!  I had seen this look on Pinterest and loved it. However after taking these photos, I did think I was a bit too casual for work.  Granted we aren't selling at the minute and I am repricing the samples and tidying but still, I thought it was too laid back.  It's the difference between a yellow blazer and a yellow hoodie/jacket that I have.  Hence why I am wearing two different pairs of shoes.  I changed from converse to lace boots with a heel to make it more work friendly.

But say if I could buy neon things, what would my key pieces be for this season???

I love this sundress from Asos. Link here : Asos Cut out Sundress Perfect for throwing on after lounging on a beach all day. *sigh*

I love these, I want this. They would be perfect with jeans or a grey skirt. Zara Vamp electric blue heel

Orange you say?!? I saw this and was like hmmmm I don't know if I would wear this but teamed with a white shirt to cool it down or a denim shirt I def think it could work.  That's the great thing about this challenge, I am definately trying more looks that I would have been have been scared to do before. Topshop Orange Skater Skirt

You know what I just realised?!? I can buy nail polishes!!! Neon nail polishes! Haha I feel like I have cheated my own system!

The day of mother's

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new. ~Rajneesh

White H&M tshirt

Black Zara Skinnies

Stills Long Cardigan

Office Nude wedge trainers

Zara Necklace - Similar here

 

 

Aw monday, why do you come around so fast?!?!  I hope everyone spoilt their mum at the weekend!  I travelled up to the north coast and spent the weekend with my family.  Well my two families.  My parents divorced when I was four and both remarried and had kids with their partners so my family is kinda extended.  Feel sorry for Connor as there is so many family members! But it is great cause at Birthday's and Christmas's I get double the presents but then of course I have to buy twice the amount of presents! Ah the joys of a modern family!

 

So I bought my Step mum, a gorgeous funky candle that had feathers & everything on it!  My little sister and I then bought my mum a gorgeous basic dress from topshop, perfect for the summer but then she is also able to wear it now by putting a jumper over it. Boom! Brownie Points galore.

 

 

 

Mum's lovely Mother's Day present - link here

 

 

So I had to go into topshop to obviously buy the dress and I really didn't see anything I wanted to buy.  If I was buying of course!  So that made me feel good cause if I had went in and seen loads, I prob would have burst into tears.  My mum has always influenced my clothing style.  I think the more we grow up, the more we turn into our mothers.  Thank god, mine is a MILF (haha extra brownie points!)  I remember my mum telling me not to mix brown and black when I was younger which I do all the time so her advice isn't always right but I still follow the rule that she told me "If you are showing a lot of skin up top, don't show skin down below. It's about balance". 

 

Black Zara Skinnies

White Blouse Topshop

Black Benetton Boyfriend Blazer

White converse

Black & gold cord necklace

 

 

This was my outfit for mother's day lunch.  We went out to the Winebar (duh, I don't even need to tell you where we go to eat anymore.  It is always there) But I really loved this look and it is all pieces that I have worn before and posted about but I never would have pieced it together like this before.  Especially not with the converse!  This week I am going to do a post of basics and how to wear them 50 different ways!  One good thing about my wardrobe is the fact that I have a good foundation of basics like I said on Friday or else I don't think I would be able to do this challenge at all!! So keep a eye out for that post!

 

Here's me & my ma yesterday :)