Waking up

"Our life is made up of time. Our days are measured in hours, our pay measured by those hours, our knowledge is measured by years. And yet time eventually runs out and you wonder in your heart of hearts if those seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years and decades were being spent the best way they possibly could.” Celica Ahern

Topshop Drape black blouse-similar here

Asos Wrap skirt

Warehouse neon necklace

 

I am getting very bad at this blogging thing.  I know, I am very sorry. Last you heard from me I was leaving on a jet plane to support my boyfriend in a model competition in London for 12 hours.  It literally took me 4 days to recover from it saying that I arrived, partied, had about 3 hours sleep then up on the plane home & straight into work for half 9.  It was a great night & coco did amazing even if he didn't win.  He did so well that I might be blogging from London in the future ;)

 

Not one to exaggerate but I felt like a prostitute that night.  Not that I didn't feel good with what I was wearing or confidence in myself but in the sense of I felt I was very smouldering & sexy compared to everyone.  Don't get me wrong, it's not that everyone else wasn't dressed up but everyone was wearing quirky outfits. Crop tops & baggy leggings, sequin backless dresses & big wedge ankle boot heels, baggy tshirt dresses and one girl was wearing grey dungarees and a black crop top.  While I arrive in a tight, short black leather dress and then left in a tight, short black leather dress from my boyfriend's hotel room at 6am in the morning.  Maybe I am twisting it to sound funnier than it was.  It was a good night overall.

 

Other than that, I feel that I have just woke up.  I can't believe that a week has gone since I blogged.  Nothing has happened since then but it doesn't seem that a week has gone pass.  Time is going so quickly.  7 months in and I haven't bought anything.  I can't believe it is 7 months, I can't get it in my head at all. 

 

Houston, we have a problem though.  The next 3-4 months are usually when I buy all my clothes in the sort of annual year. I don't know why but this is the time I find, I usually have a wee bit more disposable income.  Last year I spent £2000 in 3 months on clothes.  That's a lot, I don't know what I spent it on but I just remember working it out when I started this challenge. Scary biscuits.  I am heavily relying on my birthday presents at the moment.  Today I am wearing my new necklace that was gifted to me from Warehouse and the black wrap skirt that Connor got me for my birthday.  I am reverting back to my old ways, only wearing something new.  I need to go through my wardrobe again and remind myself what I have. 

 

Laurina's top secret successful tip to trying to not to buy clothes

• Go through your wardrobe once a month to remind yourself what you already have.  It is so easy to forget.

You are welcome.

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.

 

Wardrobe diving

"If I ruled the world, every woman would have a Chanel suit in her wardrobe." Bill Nighy

 

 

Zara Khaki Shoulder padded top

Zara Black skirt with leather strip

 

Wardrobe diving: (noun)  Created by Laurina Kennedy on the 27th of June, 2013.  It is a name for the act of trying to find something to wear in a wardrobe that is over flowing and where everything is a mess and not folded or colour coded.

 

 

I like to think I am an organised person. I am such an organised person that I have even got a job where the core essence of it is organising someone else's life.  My wardrobe is pretty organised, hey I even had Ikea in to organise it even more for me! Everything has it's own drawer, box or hanging place. Usually sadly enough, everything is coloured coded or at least grouped together by the type of clothing it is. Please note the key word in that sentence is usually.

 

 

I need to tidy. I am currently on wash number 3 of 5 so I'm slowly getting through that.  My room is at least tidy but the minute that you open a drawer, things start flying out, nothing is folded, standard girls room really.  I think this is one of the big tips I would give to people if they want to try and wear everything in their wardrobe. 

 

I simply forget what I have. It is so easy to do.  All I remember is the latest thing that I have bought so that is all I wear.  Now as I said yesterday, for the next month I would be trying to wear things that I haven't worn yet in the last 6 months.  This skirt was the last thing I bought before I went on my Fashion Fast.  Bought on my romantic trip to Paris over New Year's Eve.  So it got lost in the challenge.  Pushed to the bottom of my skirt drawer as I tried to wear things I hadn't worn in ages.  Now to be honest, if I had tried this skirt on in Paris, I am not sure I would have bought it. I am not sure it fits me right.

 

So now the question is: KEEP or BIN?!?

 

Hmmmm I think KEEP.  I mean I have only worn it once for gods sake!! It is not my nicest skirt but its not too bad.  I love skater skirts, nip me in at the waist but flows out to create some shape on my figure.  This style of skirt I would say is more tulip. In at the waist but flows straight down.  I love the leather trim on it though.  So I think it is a keeper!!! Will be great for Winter with tights and boots.

 

 

Can I please have?

"This is not a wish list as such but a needs list" Bill Plasko

 

 

Zara Navy blue blazer-similar here

Primark Striped tshirt-similar here

Topshop Leigh Jeans

 

 

I have had this post written for the last couple of days but just haven't had the focus to post it before I go away on holidays due to my hyperness and inability to settle myself for 5 mins.  I joined my mum and little sister on a shopping trip to Ballymena. (hardly little as Carla is nearly 16 and towers over me already & looks older than me.  For instance, I got ID for buying cigarettes for my Dad the other day. I am nearly 25!!! You have to be over 16 to buy them!!!!! Facepalm) Anyway, I thought I would do a post on what I would have bought if I was allowed to buy anything for my holidays.  Thankfully Ballymena hasn't got a Zara or this post would have been a bit longer.

 

 

 

 

 

Not really sure if I would have worn these in Florida but I love the colour! If I buying clothes, I would definately invest in a electric blue pair of shoes for this summer! Fab colour

River Island £50

 

 



 

Loved this tie dye dress! It would have been lovely paired with a cropped denim jacket and flip flops to be worn at night time.

River Island £30

 

 

Gorgeous Boho chic playsuit! This was a size 6 and it looked a bit big so not sure if I had tried it on, it would have fitted nice but I love this style.  Def a festival idea though white would easily get dirty!

River Island £40

 

 

Orange is another colour for this season.  I am not sure if it really suits me, I love the colour on my step mum who is a brunette.  A colour I would like to try for the future but I though this shirt would be could with shorts and white converse.

Topshop £38

 

 

I have seen these bags everywhere and I love them! They just remind me of being back at school! I would love one but then again they could easily give you a sweaty back if you were wearing them in a hot country! Thankfully my boyfriend loves them and carries them all the time.  Will be slipping my purse into his bag to carry around! Sneaky

Topshop £34

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blazing Blazer

"Maybe some women aren't meant to be tamed, maybe they need to run free until they find some one just as wild to run with them." Anna Wintour

Stills Purple Fine knit top

Zara Basic beige trousers

Zara Horseriding Blazer

Pia Rossini Picardi scarf

 

 

I love blazers. I probably have one in every single colour in my wardrobe so for me they are definitely a stable basic.  They instantly make an outfit chic, I wear them to work, out at night, day to day casual wear.  You name it, I am probably wearing a blazer too.  Zara do the best blazers in my opinion, it is the first thing I am drawn to when I walk into their shop.  The quality and shaping of them mean they last for years.  The one I am wearing was bought 3 years ago on a shopping trip to Barcelona with my mum and I still love it. 

So when I do this basic posts every Wednesday, I am of course talking about my shape and style.  I am petite but in my head I like to think I have good size boobs and a good size bum for my boyish shape.  But last night, I was lying in bed researching about different shapes and sizes for women.  I mean whats the point of writing a blog post on great basics for a wardrobe when they don't apply to you.  I always try to think of pieces that suit all shapes and sizes but then again that's my opinion.  I think that any shape or sized woman could pull of a blazer of any colour but it is about what you feel comfortable wearing.  So I came across this flowchart & I wanted to share it with you cause I found it quite an interesting read. (Click it & it will make it bigger)

http://www.triactol.com/blog/

 

 

 

Tonight I am away to do a photo shoot with the lovely ladies from The Fashion Souk which I will be helping to promote for their next event which is on the 4th of May.  So tune in tomorrow for all the details and behind the scenes photos. I am away to make my mad dash across town after work! I drive a white polo, please wave if you see me. 



 

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?!?!?

 

 

 

 

Double Denim

"Double Denim: A way to dress that mixes trash and class: Denim on the top and bottom." Urban Dictionary

Denim Shirt H&M

True Religion Bootcut Jeans

Asos Grey Jumper

 

 

Back to work today but at least it is wednesday! And thus it is back to basic day.  It is only since starting this challenge that I realise how much I have come to rely on my denim shirts.  Granted I do have a few, all different styles and colours though!! But you can create so many different looks with a simple denim shirt so I wanted to include it in my basic checklist.  Dress it up, dress it down, wear it with skater skirt, pencil skirt, jeans or with shorts as I plan to do when it is nicer weather. It works and it is so easy to wear. This is me today, back to work & wearing bootcut jeans! Ooooohhhh I know! Can't remember the last time I wore bootcut but I thought this morning it was that I would channel my inner cowgirl. Yeh ah!


Here is just an selection of outfit ideas to wear with a denim shirt. Have I missed any other way to wear it???

 

At it like Bunnies

"Hedwig didn't return until the end of the Easter holidays. Percy's letter was enclosed in a package of Easter eggs that Mrs. Weasley had sent. Both Harry's and Ron's were the size of dragon eggs, and full of home-made toffee." J.K Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

 

 

I hope everyone had a great Easter!!  I don't know about you but I vegetated over Easter.  I was meant it be heading to Galway over the Easter weekend and I was looking forward to go (sorry cocopops if you read this) but I was really glad when it got cancelled last minute cause I was able to catch up on life! House is spotless, washing up to date, sheets on the bed changed, over cleaned, you name it, I did it. So this means the main looks for Easter was tracksuits, hoodies, dressing gown, pjs, rubber gloves, etc etc Not much to post about so I took a little holiday from le blogging.

 

 

Lets see, last time I blogged was after the Ikea Fashion Swap which went great! Friday I went up home as my cousin & her Fiance were visiting from Dublin. It was basically a family day so chic comfort was what I wanted. Though I was completely out done in the fashion stakes by my 78 year old granny! Went to the grandparents house for a good old 3 course Italian meal where you eat so much you have to be rolled out the door & I find my granny cooking at the stove wearing a neon coral jumper, white shirt and boot cut jeans. Perfectly on trend and she had no idea what I was talking about when I told her! Go Nonna!

 

 

Saturday I was working as one of the models at the Fashion Fun Day in Portadown and Lurgan! It was a great event to promote more shopping in the local towns as it showcased local fashion that was available in the shops at the minute. Great event but by god was it cold!! We had to model the clothing for 10mins at a time and most of it was Summer looks, which meant no sleeves, summer dresses, t-shirts. Bbbbbbrrrrrrrrrrrr! You see modelling isn't glamorous at all!!!! I was fine but my wimp of a boyfriend who was working too, got a cold afterwards. Women are completely the superior sex.

 

 

Connor wearing Jack and Jones from S.D Kells in Lurgan

Carys wearing Coast from Houstons in Lurgan

 

 

The next time I wore clothes was on Monday when I went to visit my sick boyfriend at his house. Pussy. Maybe this look was a wee bit too summery for the 1st of April with temperatures as low as 3 degrees but I wanted to embrace Spring!

 

Berska Tan Leather Jacket

Primark Light Denim Shirt-similar here

Topshop White Baxter Jeans

Office Nude Fashion trainers

 

Success! I also got dressed on Tuesday! Connor and I had a lovely lunch on my final day off at Love and Death in the centre of town.  I have been to Love and Death on a few nights out but never eaten in it so I was excited to get some grub in my belly! Bring Baby wipes, they are def needed for the baby back ribs!

Black Topshop Shirt

Topshop Leigh Jeans

Black Snood River Island

Black Leather Jacket Zara 

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!!!

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 :)

Self building

"It takes half your life before you discover that life is a do-it-yourself project"  Napoleon Hill

 

Zara Leather Jumper 

Topshop Black cord Necklace 

River Island Black Skinnies 

Passion, that's what Ikea calls my relationship with clothes.  I call it an addiction to spend money and the need to always have something new but whatever trevor.  We have a slight difference of opinion.  We do however have the same opinion that my room is a mess.  Granted, I have my room and wardrobe as organised as physically possible for the amount of stuff I have.  My bras hang in my little walk in wardrobe, I have a scarf box, drawers for different items of clothing.  And yet I still find stuff with tags on it and find myself going "I don't remember buying this!"  My clothes are also spread over 5 rooms of my flat,  there's 3 coat racks at the front door with coats that I haven't worn, a shoe box in the living room and up in my store room, I have my formal dresses just in case I magically have to go to a formal anytime soon. (Still have my formal dress I wore at my AS level formal which was 7 years ago.....)

My 26 Bras, I think I wear about 5

 

You can actually spot a pair of jeans with tags still on them. Bought in summer 2012, still not worn.

So it was ironic when Ikea contacted me and said "Hey Laurina, would you like to make room for your life?!?" Why yes, Ikea I really really would.  More on this little development later.

Ikea and I are great friends, apart from when I am building their furniture and I smack my thumb with a hammer.  Then I call them a lot of not nice names but most of the time we are very good friends as my house is kitted out in their lovely furniture.  So it is with my pleasure that I am getting to host a Swap for Your Life event as part of the West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK on Saturday the 23rd of March in a stylishly designated area of their Belfast's customer restaurant.  

Ikea, Belfast Fashionweek and I are encouraging fashion followers to make room for their lives at home by organising their wardrobe before the lovely spring weather and gorgeous spring styles start to appear on the shop floors.  (Lucky for you guys, you can actually buy them :( I just have to lust after them... I am having a hard week this week.  I did nearly break, but I stayed strong!! It was my first trip to Zara since I started this so please forgive me).  Once you have organised your wardrobe, bring your previously loved garments to this event and you can swap them for a whole new array of findings!!!  Fashion swaps are a great idea as they fill your wardrobe full with new clothes without spending any money!!!  It was one of my first ideas when I started this blog for my challenges but I never expected it to be this big and in conjunction with Belfast Fashionweek or Ikea!!! I expected a couple of rails in my living room & a few of my friends but this is going to be amazing!!

So quick fire information on this magical event:

• Saturday 23rd of March during Belfast Fashionweek (More info on Fashionweek, www.belfastfashionweek.com)
• 11am to 2pm in the lovely Ikea restaurant
• Can drop off clothes before hand at FASHIONWEEK HQ, 3rd floor, Talbot Street, Belfast or at Ikea Belfast or bring them on the Saturday
• Clothes will be sorted into a traffic light system to ensure a fair trade and you are swapping like for like garments
• No garments then sorry you can not swap :(
• Oh! There will be a fabulous auction in aid of Diabetes UK, Ikea's designated charity for 2013 of a secret coveted item of clothing

So please do come!  It will be great fun!  I attended Ikea on Saturday past for the photo call so keep your ear to the ground and your eyes peeled for more information or just contact me! I am happy to answer any questions! 

It's like this was written just for me!