God bless you my child

"When I was in sixth grade, I wanted to be a priest." Mike Krzyzewski, Monsters inc

 

Zara white shirt

Zara black jumper with elbow patches

River Island black skinny jeans

 

It was only after I took this photo and put on my coat to walk to work that I thought to myself that I kinda looked a bit like a priest. With my white collar and all black outfit, I am happy to take all your fashion confessions. About how you have sinned against the God that is fashion and we can say our Hail Anna Wintours' together & pray for your sins to be forgiven. Amen.

 

One thing I need to be forgiven for is Saturday night.  Oh no, don't worry I wasn't drunk or anything, just slightly tipsy.  But it was such a good girly night.  I haven't been out in ages, didn't even go out for my birthday in July.  Starting to show my age but I was really excited for Saturday night to blow off some steam after a stressful week.  So excitedly I tried to decide what to wear.  As I said, I don't get out much anymore so all the lovely slutty dresses and short short skirts don't get worn that much.  I wanted to wear everything I owned.  And I practically did as I changed 5 times before the taxi came.  Don't get me wrong, I loved every look I had on me and now I am completely organised for the next few events that I have coming up over the next few weeks but I just couldn't decide what I was feeling.

 

H&M white cropped jacket - similar here

La Senza black corset top-similar here

Topshop skater skirt

 

So this is the look I ended up going with.  Mainly because I was being shouted out the door due to the the taxi waiting on us downstairs.  Remember La Senza???? Aw I loved that place, I have a thing for underwear.  I have I think 19 bras, 20 as Connor bought me a Victoria Secret one for my birthday. So as tacky as wearing a black corset out sounds, it actually worked quite well. It wasn't very visible that it was a corset, more like a structured top.  They are in Topshop at the minute as cropped versions so this is the only way I can channel this style due to a stupid challenge I set myself at the start of this year.

 

Jayne wears: Asos sequin corset top-similar here

Jayne wears: Zara white pencil skirt-similar here

 

 Rebecca wears: River Island cut out dress

 

And here we are!! Typical toilet photo that most girls take on a night out. My gorgeous housemate Jayne and the beautiful & fabulous Rebecca McKinney, Personal stylist at Victoria Square. We didn't mean to colour corindate but we did. We are unintentionally that good.  We literally just danced all night, by the end of it my feet were on fire.  The music in Ollies, Belfast was amazing, such good tunes! Here are my beautiful feet after Saturday night. 

 

Question.....hat.....yes or no??? This was my hungover look for Sunday when I went for a massive munch in Maggie Mays in Botantic to settle my growling stomach. I loved it, I've so many hats but I'm too scared to wear them due to the thought of looking like an twat. Girls all said yes, boyfriend said I looked like inspector gadget. Well actually he said a 1950's detective & I said or inspector gadget. So I ignored what he said & went with it? What do you think? Yes or no?

Working it

"Some women choose to follow men, and some women choose to follow their dreams. If you're wondering which way to go, remember that your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn't love you anymore." Lady Gaga

 

Benetton green trench coat-similar here

Stills green striped top

Zara black leather trousers

 

It really makes me wonder what went on in my younger self's brain.  Most of my jackets reside in my wardrobe in my bedroom while my bigger coats hang in the hallway.  The 1s that hang at the back of the rack get completely forgotten about while the ones at the front get lifted as I fly out the door to work in the morning. I found this trench coat the other day.  I had no idea I had it.  I can't even remember when I bought it, probably about 5/6years ago.  How bad is that??? I wonder what went on in my younger brain because a) I didn't think this would have been my style at all when I was starting Uni and b) did I have a vision of the future trench coat that Burberry would produce & basically bought a copy of it?? Who knows, all I know is I have found a new coat of winter! That I had for 5 years in my house that I haven't worn.  Not something to be proud of.

 

 

Something to be proud of was the sneak peak of the West Coast Cooler Belfast Fashionweek trends shoot that I got to see today.  OMG! I love the red! Looks amazing through the camera, completely pops! I missed the Launch of the Fashionweek at the fab Fitzwilliam Hotel due to work so this was like my own private show.  The models rocked at smokey eye and nude lip by the ever fab Paddy McGourgan and the amazing hair was styled by the team at Andrew Mulvenna hair.  With head honcho Cathy Martin styling, I just know the images are going to turn out amazing.

 

My wee Jayney stuffing her face as usual. Best packet of crisps ever! £1 for a massive packet of bacon fries. It's our go to when we need a dirty snack.

 

The full show schedule and design competition details are all available online at www.belfastfashionweek.com along with details of this season’s trends plus links to all participant retailers and sponsors.  Catwalk tickets, which cost £20 (or £25 for a limited number of exclusive front row seats), are available from the Belfast Welcome Centre on 028 9024 6609 or via the website. Ticket price includes a fabulous goodie bag and a refreshing West Coast Cooler.  



 

PS!!!!

 

I just wanted to share with you that I have been picked as the first finalist in the RSVP magazine and Oasis Ireland Style blogger 2013 competition! They are showcasing blogging talent from the 6th of September to the 6th of October. And I am the first one they have showcased!!! They loved my post on Monday on the Autumn/Winter 2013 trend of the all black outfit! Keep an eye out on my other social media for updates on this! The final is in October, loads of time to freak out about an outfit.

 

Skin Deep

“Be patient. Your skin took a while to deteriorate. Give it some time to reflect a calmer inner state. As one of my friends states on his Facebook profile: "The true Losers in Life, are not those who Try and Fail, but those who Fail to Try.”   Jess C. Scott

Sandwich white blouse

Zara beige skinny trousers

 

I ain' a beauty blogger.  I can't remember the last time I bought any sort of make up apart from cover for my skin.  All my eyeshadows, lip glosses, nail polish have either been gifts or been stolen from the other females in my family.  Only recently after holidays have I got into a routine of putting on a body moisturiser.  But when I posted a facebook status at the end of June seeking help about my skin, I had an overwhelming response.  It seemed that everyone had problems with their skin.  People who I hadn't spoken to in years were giving me advice on what they used or tips on what to do.

I had gotten really down about my skin to be honest.  I have the attitude hey! they are only spots, you could have a lot worse but after coming back from holidays and seeing that my skin hadn't cleared up in the sun, it had simply gotten worse I was determined to get my ass in gear and do something about it.  I knew it wasn't my hormones, or my pill or my diet.  I had great skin all of my life, even as a teenager but just something set it off when I hit 24. Maybe it was the fact I started to date a guy with the mental attitude of a teenager or maybe I had finally hit puberty (no sign of my boobs yet) or maybe it was karma, I have been so happy with the rest of my life & situation that something bad had to happen to make sure there was a balance.

This is not something any girl wants to do, show the world her face without any slap on.  Really up close photos of her face.  Where you can see every crevices, blackhead, pore, puffy eyes. But here you go. This was my skin on the 23rd of June 2013.

 

This was the day that I had had enough.  I put up my FB status asking for opinions on products, dermatologists in Northern Ireland, 70 people replied to that status though private messages, comments, texts messages.  You can see how inflamed my face is, how spotty I am on my forehead, across my cheeks, my chin.  How discoloured my face is.  Half red, half white. Go on, zoom in. Actually I don't know if the photo does it justice. I am standing facing the natural light so it was more red.

 

Then I had a text from an angel.  Mr Paddy McGourgan. I had been booked to model at his make up academy on the Sunday the 30th of June and I thought he had seen me walking around town and was texting to be like oh God, there is only so much photoshop can do! But no, he had text to say that he had seen my FB status & he had got this new brand into his make up shop on Royal Avenue & he wanted me to try it.

 

Now I was a bit apprehensive. I had tried every product over the last year.  Dermalogica, sent me in a rash and completely dried my skin out.  Eve lom didn't get rid of the big whiteheads I was getting.  I tried natural products, toners, oils, good old plain soaps and water, facials.  You name it, I had tried it. But I thought why not.  Give myself to the end of the summer and if that didn't work or improve my skin, I would then go to see a dermatologists.

 

Now enters Mario Badescu.  What a legend.

 

When I went to Paddy's to model at his Make up academy, he gave me samples of the Mario Badescu range.  The Acne Facial cleanser and the Gylcolic Foaming Cleanser, I was to alternate each night. And then he gave me the oil free moisturiser as I have oily skin to begin with.  This is the progress over 2 months,  I took a photo every 2 weeks to just show how my skin has calmed down.  I am so happy.  The change in my skin is unbelievable.  I am less red across my cheeks and forehead.  My spots have nearly all gone.  Granted I have a few stubborn blackheads but I am thinking of getting microdermabrasion to get rid of those.  Before that I would have been too scared incase it made my skin worse. My skin doesn't look as tired or as inflamed or dull.  I am back to hardly wearing any make up.  All I am using at the moment is the Loreal CC cream.

 

 

 

This is me today.  Same light, same time as the first photo was taken.  Except that it is 2 months later and I have lovely skin. The one above is fresh faced, no make up & the one below is with my CC cream on.  I took that photo cause I want to show you that I am not that scary! Ignore my sleepy puffy eyes, they usually go by afternoon! I can't recommend the Mario Badescu range enough, I love it.  It isn't that expensive either and there are hundreds of products to suit your skin needs.

 

If you would like to try the range, check out the website Mario Badescu to read reviews or pop into Paddy McGurgan's Make up Pro Store & the lovely peeps in there will help you get the right products to suit your skin.

 

Paddy McGurgan Make up Pro Store



My Precious

"Sometimes Pattern trousers come in handy when trying to match the carpet in your office" bourbonbasted, Styleforum

Topshop Black Peplum top

Warehouse Tile print trouser

My shoes are really starting to smell.  Granted I have quite smelly feet already but the fact is I haven't bought new shoes in 7 months or probably more.  If you think about it, I haven't bought summer shoes since last summer so technically I have been wearing these for over a year now & they are starting to get a whiff about them.  My black studded pumps that I wear religiously to work, if they get too close to my face I can definitely smell a pong coming from them.  What am I meant to do??? They are the only black shoes I own other than high heels, trainer wedges or boots.  I am not going to be saving any money from this year due to the fact I will have to bin most of my wardrobe at the end of this year.

One thing I won't be binning are these trousers.  Confession.  They are new.  BUT I didn't buy them.  This amazing thing called blogging has opened doors for me & given me stuff.  Free stuff!!! When I met with the PR girls from Warehouse to hear about them opening their fab new store in Victoria Square in September, they gifted me the gorgeous neon necklace you may have spotted me wearing (If not, check it out here) 

They also gave me a £50 gift voucher!!!! 

I went to the Warehouse in Forestside, think Gollum from The Lord of the Rings with my giftcard. My precious.  It was so surreal, walking around actually looking at the clothes but actually looking at the clothes in a sense of hey, I may buy you.  I wanted something that I had desired for a while.  You have to understand I could have bought everything in the shop because I could have just went crazy and relapsed.  It's like setting alcohol down in front of an alcoholic & saying you are allowed a sip.  Ok, maybe thats a bit more serious than my shopping addiction.

I walked around the shop for 35 mins, touching everything, smelling everything, rubbing my face with wallets, handbags over my arms.  The shop assistants were looking at me thinking who is this crazy person.  I wanted boyfriend jean, really baggy, lots of ribs.  I love the look at the moment of the boyfriend jeans and high heels.  Love to wear them out to dinner with a blazer.  So I tried on Warehouse's boyfriend style jeans and boy were they gorgeous!! Best fitting jeans I have had on me in ages. However, they weren't quite what I was looking for, not baggy enough.  So then I tried these on pattern trousers & we have a winner!!!

 

They just go with anything, you can wear them 101 ways.  I have kept it quite plain so far when I have worn them. Sticking to a plain black or white top & black pumps but I would love to wear them with a clashing top or even a colourful cami.  They are great for work too and I think they would be lovely even with heel highs for heading out to cocktails.  I almost cried as I saw the blue version of the trousers featured in the Look magazine 2 weeks ago.  It is so nice to be wearing something that you know is in style.  Can't remember the last time I saw something in a magazine were I was like ooohhh I have those, totes on trend or they are beaut, I am going to get them.  And the best thing is I still haven't spent all of my gift voucher!!! Oooohhhhh my precious, I am keeping you. Coveting you for a later date. Yes, my precious.

Skirts Rule, Boys drool

"I think a lot of women have too many mini skirts in their closet" Michael Kors

Pull and Bear Tartan Shirt

Topshop Black Skater skirt

 

It has come to my attention that this summer I have hardly worn any trousers. I have basically survived in skirts.  I am actually not looking forward to getting back to trousers soon. Though on the days where there has been alot of wind, it hasn't been that fun to wear a skirt.

 

So back to the main reason for the blog, to catalogued my outfits each day, styling new outfits & trends out of my old wardrobe.  Today I put on this tartan shirt as I had seen the new Mango Fall lookbook and it included a leather skirt and a tartan shirt which I loved.  Though for work my short leather skirt wouldn't really work so wearing a slightly longer skater skirt.  Of course, my daily ritual of having a nosey at Asos relived that tartan shirts are totally in again. I'm with it and I didn't even though. Too cool for school.

 

Even though I haven't been writing that much lately, I am still posting to instagram every day! Check it out and follow peeps!

Instagram

 

Also, if you want easy access to all of my outfits, follow the link on the homepage entitled "My Outfits"

That will bring you to my pinterest page dedicated to all the outfits I have worn over the last 7 months.  Easy for ideas & trends that I have worn & you have liked :)





 

 

 

I promise I'm not dead..

“We become what we repeatedly do.” Sean Convey

Topshop Crossstitch skater skirt

Urban Outfitters White beaded vest-similar here

Black Waywafer Raybans

 

 

I promise I am not dead.  I am just being lazy.  I am not going to lie and say that I have been run off my feet and had no time to blog blah blah blah. I haven't it.  I haven't been doing anything, simply enjoying the weather, enjoying the quiet time in work, enjoying my birthday with the family, enjoying time with Connor without being on our phones all the time.

 

 

I am awful, if I don't have routine then I won't do anything. If I get out of the habit of doing something then I won't do it at all. Lazy Laurina. Such a pretty name.  But Samples are back in work so busy again there, my diary is filling up over summer so no more can't be arsed attitude. Back to letting you all know my every movement apart from when I go to the bathroom.  (That's a whole different blog that I have planned).

  

First never have I walked to work without a coat or cardigan or something over me.  It is beautiful at the minute, so nice to actually have a summer in Northern Ireland.  The lift light was kind to me this morning, (probably cause I had my new sunnies on), it usually makes me look like I've just done a Buffy and crawled out of my own coffin so a special new lift selfie! ooooohhhh

 

I still haven't bought anything. No clothes, no sales, no nothing.  Though with my birthday last week, I have had a lot bought for me to probably last me the next 6 months till this challenge is over.  

 

 

This was my bed, the day after my birthday.  Literally exploded with clothes. My mum got me clothes, my housemate got me clothes, Connor got my Asos password repeatedly shoved in his face and my best friends got me specially made personalised clothes.  So now begins the showing off of all my new threads.  The skirt and sunglasses I am wearing today were a birthday present from my darling mother.  

 

This was me out for dinner on my birthday.  White shirt you have seen before, actually you have seen it loads of times, standard Topshop. White Shorts, standard Hollister short shorts. Gold glitter bag, Monsoon, it was my formal bag in Upper sixth but look, look at the shoes. Oh god, look at the shoes!!!! I am not a shoes girl. Never have been.  I have some pairs of pumps since I was 16 & that's not good cause I have smelly feet but these shoes are my new God. Zara, Spring season, I have them in black as well bought to me by my mummy.  And the angel herself bought me the blue pair for my birthday. Amen, you sexy lady. I am privileged to have popped out of your lady garden. Mum of the year goes to Piera Morelli Armstrong!  

 

 

 

The woman does it again! I had lusting after this blue shirt for 2 months in Topshop.  My mum had bought it and it is so soft.  Yes, I know I do not need another blue shirt (total is now sitting at 7) BUT its so different! Its a different shade of blue, it has pockets on the front and its so soft and easy with rolled up sleeves.  I rest my cause.

 

Topshop Casual Blue Shirt

Now this is an outfit is all new.  Top and maxi skirt picked out by me but bought by my little sister and necklace bought by my mum.  That woman is really a legend. Though I think Carla, my little sister helped her pick this necklace, kinda fuzzy in this photo but I am sure you will see it over the next 6 months.

 

Topshop black & white cord necklace

Asos white swing cami

Asos black maxi skirt

 

Now on to the boyfriend who had my Asos password repeatedly shoved down his throat.  It took him a while to realise but he got there in the end. Actually the black cami is another present from mum. Jesus mum!!! You need to curbed your presents!!! The black skirt is from Connor though.  It is one of the black wrap skirts that all the bloggers are wearing.  Can I just say it is dangerous!!!! Gorgeous skirt but the slit is right over my va jay jay & I don't know how someone hasn't figured this out yet & why it is selling so well!  That's actually probably the reason why it has been selling well.

Last & not least, what I have wanted for months.  Black trainer wedges. Praise the Lord. Praise the Cocopops. He done well, oh he done good. 

Topshop black Cami
Asos black wrap skirt
Topshop Black hidden heel wedges

Oh trust me there is more to come.  I was a very spoilt girl from everyone. I think they just felt sorry for me as I have stupidly taken on this challenge or maybe it is a reward for doing amazingly so far.  Yeah that's it. Rewards.....Not spoilt...rewards. Wish it was my Birthday ever month.

 

Work hard, play hard

 "Sunday evenings often feel like the weekend is over before it has even begun"  Catherine McCormack          

                                         

Sandwich Jumper

Topshop Leigh Jeans

Office nude fashion trainer

 

 

Playing catch up, so many blog posts, so little time.  Even when I am off from my 9-5 job I am working!  Over the bank holiday weekend, I took part in a Catwalk for Abbeycentre Summer Essentials.  Great catwalk to take part in but you know when you have one of those days when nothing is going well. Your make up is just sitting on the top of your skin, your hair can't be tamed and people are trying to take pictures of you in these fab clothes and they are getting your worse angle every time??? No? Well I was having one of these days. Facepalm. At this point I just want to get to the sun on Saturday and pray that it magically makes everything better again.  Abbey centre is a maze of a shopping centre! We had to do a parade before each catwalk which let us have a nosey walking past all the shops. Primark, Topshop, River Island, Burton, Next, Monsoon. You name it, it has it.  It really is a one stop shop for all your summer esentials.  Head Honcho of the FABB for Northern Ireland and founder of Sugahfix, Katrina Doran was helping to explain summer styles/outfits for all shapes and sizes of lushious ladies inbetween shows.  Fab idea by the team at the Abbey Centre in Newtownabbey, hopefully they will have a winter catwalk as well and I will be on form!

 

Topshop Daisy top

Topshop cream laser cut skirt

 

 



I spent my lovely bank holiday weekend up home in the magically place that is Coleraine rubbing it in my family's face that I was going to Florida for 2 weeks soon. My 9 year old little brother and 11 year little sister were not impressed. Aw well, not my fault I am going!!! Just simply informing them of my day to day life. So obviously I am going away for my summer holidays and yet I can't buy anything but I can borrow things.  I am very organised and as usual, I am already packed so my mum couldn't understand why I didn't want to raid her wardrobe and take all her summer stuff as I must be bored with my wardrobe.  But I am taking away pieces that I haven't been wearing as the weather has been so bad.  Shorts, skirts, string tops, vest, maxi dresses, maxi skirts, you name it if I haven't worn it I am bringing it to America.  Granted I did steal a maxi dress from my mum and black shorts from my other little sister that she hasn't even taken the label off!

 

This could be Rotterdam or anywhere

"Women can't live with them, can't live without them" Desiderius Erasmus

Oasis striped dress (worn as top here)-similar here

H&M tan leather skirt-similar here

One feels very cultured at the moment. Art and Design tours in the morning, exploring the wonderful city that is Rotterdam in the afternoon then a smart/casual networking event hosted by Rotterdam tourist board in the evening. Oh yes darling! Quite high class, one might say. 

Or one might tell you the truth and say that she enjoyed everything in Rotterdam but the highlight of her day was when she found a shop that sold salt & vinegar crisps as one had a wild crazing for them.

After stuffing ourselves with breakfast this morning, we were treated to a tour around Rotterdam focusing on mainly the Arts and Culture side of it and boy is there a lot! I love Belfast but it simply couldn't have random pieces of art that Rotterdam has everywhere as it would be trashed or destroyed. People had even left some bikes completely unlocked, if that was Belfast they would be gone in two seconds flat. My inner hood was even coming out when I saw the bikes, just a simple wondering would anyone notice if I stole it. 

The only damper on the tour was that it was wet. Kinda refreshing to know that it's not just in Northern Ireland where we have been having miserable weather. Quick march back to the hotel and into the sauna! Have I mentioned that our hotel room has a sauna???? Maybe a few hundred times on my twitter. The gorgeous newly opened Mainport Hotel where the conference is being held has truly been christened by Connor and I. Jesus!!! Not in that sense, you dirty minded people! ;) But in the sense of we have used every inch of our hotel room already. The fancy coffee machine, sure why not! Don't even like coffee but it's free! The whirlpool pool bath, rainfall shower, mirror with a tv in it and of course, did I mention the sauna?!? All been used 50 times & we only been here a day. 

Quick change and over to the Maritime Museum where the Head of Rotterdam tourism was hosting a mixer for all speakers & delegates. It was nice to finally meet some fellow speakers & some of the organisers of the event. Nice to put faces to email addresses and twitter names. I am crap in these situations, I'll be the first one to admit it. Thankfully Connor knows this and is usually the first one to strike up a conversation and then include me in the conversation. I appreciate that he knows my weakness and works with me to help me out! Thanks cocopops! Without him, I would still be standing in a corner staring at the same picture all night. Or pretending to look at something on my phone.

Black boyfriend blazer Benetton

H&M white basic tshirt

Zara black leather jeggings

Zara court high heels

Tomorrow is D-Day! Getting up on stage to give an hour and 45mins discussion on my blog, knowing my audience, mistakes that I have made, etc etc. It's very technical, things that I had never really thought off till I got the email from Travel blogger unite letting me know the guidelines for the talk. Hopefully my answers will give advice to the other bloggers!!! I will let you know!!!

The many uses of a watering can

"Some hats can only be worn if you are willing to be jaunty, to set them at an angle and to walk beneath them with a spring in their stride as if you're only a step away from dancing.  They demand a lot from you." Neil Gaiman

 

Zara Blazer with leather sleeves-similar here

Zara Khaki Oversized blouse-similar here

Asos Cycling knee length leggings- similar here

zara high heels black & gold

 

 

Everyone knows I love Ikea.  When I was a student, I got excited for my loan coming in not to go spend it on clothes but to go spend it at Ikea.  So last night I was invited to the launch of Ikea's new Outdoor Living Collection on the rooftop of the Merchant.  I was meant to go to yoga at 7pm but I got distracted by the gorgeous BBQ that the merchant put on for us. I did actually try to dress for yoga too, you may be like how can you do yoga in high heels? Well the knee leggings are actually my yoga pants & I had a black string vest underneath! Girl on go, dressing for all occasion.  My handbag even had pumps & face wipes in it! Hope you like my watering can hat too!!

 

IKEA PS Chairs

 

 

I have said it before but my house is like an Ikea showroom. Ikea had completely decked the merchant rooftop out in fab Ikea Summer furniture and upon walking in, I was like oh I have that, and that and that.......wait I haven't got this! Oh my God, I want!!!! Ikea has helped with my internal struggle for this challenge, if I have a feeling of wanting to buy clothes, I have just went to Ikea instead!

 

 

FALSTER Series

 

I always love going into Ikea and seeing how they have everything set out. And last night was great to help to inspire everyone on how to revitalise and transform their outdoor living space in time for summer.  But if you are like me and wouldn't really have random lemons sitting in a bowl in your garden as lovely an idea as that is, I have included some pictures of my own outdoor space kitted out in all Ikea furniture.  I have had this Ikea furniture for a couple of years now so just goes to show you it has lasted.  My balcony was basically a concrete slab that I never used.  It stayed like that for a couple of years then I decided I wanted to do something with it.  I think it shows you perfectly that with Ikea furniture you can easily transform a outdoor space in a simple, achievable and affordable way. Can't wait till the summer days start (when will that be?!?) so I can start using it again.

         

Ikea PS VAGO easy chair

 

 

The IKEA outdoor living range is available in-store and online at Ikea Online

 

Pathetic Fallacy

 

"I believe that if we were to keep looking up to the skies, one would end up with wings." Gustave Flaubert

 

Zara Basic Beige trench

Zara Grey Jopper style trousers

Asos basic grey jumper

Gold Spike Necklace-similar here

Pia Rossini Scarf

Office Nude Fashion trainer

 

 

Wow, that one day of summer was lovely! It is back to freezing and wet. I am channelling my inner pathetic fallacy, it is wet and grey skies so I dress in all grey. I got absolutely drench walking into work this morning, no umbrella for me cause I thought it would be too windy. Not the smartest decision, it sometimes astounds me that I have an university degree.  This is our last week of selling till July so I am rushed off my feet in work.  I prefer to be rushed off my feet though, makes everything go quicker. But the reason I am telling you this is once we are finished with the samples, I get to go through them and pick bits and pieces to keep to wear as a uniform.  Now to be honest I don't get that much as they are 3 sizes to big for me but this time, I am going to try and customise a few things to try and get them to fit. I am that desperate for some new clothes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sun has got this hat on

"“Even after all this time, the Sun never says to the Earth, "You owe me."" Hafiz

Asos Striped top-similar here

Topshop Brown Hook belt-similar here

Benetton Navy Midi Skirt-similar here

 

 

Aw what a lovely day it is on this Tuesday afternoon!  It looks fantastic as I look out the windows of my office! *sigh* The joys of being an adult and having a full time job.  I really love my outfit today! I never would have thought to put this outfit together before this challenge.  No word of a lie but I have had this skirt 7 years.  I bought it for a christening when I was 18, wore it with a white sleeveless poloneck.  It looked awful.  You know when you were younger but going to a mature event and you try to dress older but you dress like a 50 year librarian.  Yes, that is what I looked like.  I threw out the white sleeveless poloneck but for some reason all these years I kept this skirt.  I haven't worn it till I wore it with my denim shirt. (which was featured on MSN homepage on an article for WIWT). 

  

 

Should have tidied my bed.

 

 

So happy to be wearing this skirt again! So happy to have kept it for this long.  The dates on my diary have to be lying to me.  It can't be the 7th of May today.  Apparently it isn't, which is why I am so surprised that I go to Rotterdam next week! Next week I have asked to take back in the TBU conference.  This is an traveller blogs conference were bloggers are giving the opportunity to interact with each other and help brainstorm ideas for their blogs.  It also allows people to meet face to face rather than all through a computer screen.  You may ask well why are you going Laurina, you are hardly a traveller blogger.  Well I know that but they also have other niche blogs including fashion! So I have been asked to attend next week to discuss my blog and why I think it has been successful so far.  No pressure! Keep an eye out on what I will be wearing, packing and also the beautiful city of Rotterdam! 

 

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.