Definitely a post of my youth... '90s Mum' and 15-year-old Hippy Aspirations.

first outfit- H&M tee shirt, M&S chinos, Converse trainers, belt from Octopus many moons ago

second outfit- Monsoon Fusion dress, shrug from Polly, Aberystwyth, Carvela sandals

jewellery- M&S watch, beetle ring by Bohm, all other rings from Stars, Aberystwyth, bracelets all Accessorize apart from the star one by Estella Bartlett

I don't think I've actually done one of these 'two outfits, one day' type posts in a long time... ok, have I done one ever? I think there may have been one occasion way back when. Nowadays however it is my lack of social life that prevents me attempting such things. Anyhoo, two outfits from Saturday. One to go food shopping with my Mum (I know how to live life on the edge) and then to go to a barbecue, with my parents (ditto).

So.... turns out those trousers do make me look as humungous as I imagined. There is no getting away from the fact that me in trousers like this has a distinct air of '90s mum' about it. And not in a good way. Oh well, I like them, they're comfy and they go with lots of things. I swear I can be less and less arsed as time goes on. Probably this job/adult-life malarky.

Oh, and I wouldn't have tucked my top in other than the fact I wanted to show off my amazing belt, which never sees the light of day. I meant to photograph it, but the basic gist is- it has Audrey Hepburn on it, and I am sad I don't show her off more.

Ok, and onto the exciting bit of the post. I have been meaning to show you this dress for a very, very long time. I bought it last summer, but haven't had a good opportunity to photograph it yet, and this fairly mediocre snap does not show its full potential. Really, I want Kathy to photograph me frolicking in a field somewhere pretending I'm a faerie. The print and the colours are just absolutely fricking DIVINE, and its all floaty and lovely and has tassels on the drawstrings... I can't explain how much I love it. You may not think its my usual style, but its actually very me at 15, when I was a bit of a hippie. It makes me feel young and pretty and like its OK that its summer and I'm actually sweating out of every bit of my face.

My trusty trio of rings... plus a new beauty fresh from Aberystwyth. I have this thing where I only like wearing rings on my right hand, but I admit, to fit this one on, I did spread across. I think I don't like it because my watch always seems to dominate my left wrist a lot, and plus I also feel that your left hand is for wedding and engagement rings, so you shouldn't clutter up your fingers too much. But yeah, before that boring explanation, like I said, I made an exception to fit all of these on.


Oh, and I do also have some news to tell you. Its a very long and convoluted story, so I'm not going to go into all of it, but, I'm moving in with my boyfriend in a couple of weeks. I'm transferring from my job in Plymouth to a rubbishy 29 hour food contract in Oxford, which I am not really looking forward to. I'm doing it to get my foot in the door of that store and hopefully I shall be able to get something better soon. In the meantime, while I'm only working 29 hours, we are going to stay at his parents (rent would only just be affordable, and I don't want to put us under undue financial pressure, I'll be stressed enough as it is). Its going to be a difficult period, especially since I'm doing irritating 2-8 shifts, but I hope it will all be worth it in the long run. I actually applied for a Visual Merchandising job in the Plymouth store, and passed my assessment, so hopefully as soon as a VM job comes up in Oxford I should be in with a good chance. I'm absolutely cacking it right now, and I hope you'll understand if posting is a little erratic in the next month or so while I get settled. This shouldn't effect blogging much at all in the long term, but you'll have to patient with me as I try and sort out my life!

Ah, the windswept look is back.

 Limited Collection at M&S dress, M&S tights and vest, Accessorize shoes, Stolen Thunder earrings

I will admit now that these are the only photos I managed to take in Aberystwyth- I intended to perhaps take more, but in the end, this was the only really interesting thing to show you. It was a little chilly so I had packed mostly rather boring combos of tee-shirts, cardis and stretchy skirts. This dress however was the exception.

I really wasn't sure about the colour of this dress when I bought it but I was too sold by the black lace trim and the lilac. I also like that its a tea dress, but with more modern details like the exposed zip. I know it looks really unflattering in these pictures but that's probably because I slouch quite badly, I don't think its that bad in real life! The shoes are some new ones I bought to replace my absolutely battered M&S ones. I've been looking for leopard print flats for such a long time but it was proving really difficult to find what I wanted. These aren't perfect but they'll do! I like the grey tone of them and they make my feet look quite small and pretty. They're not terribly comfy (it seems to be completely impossible to find well made, comfortable flat shoes that don't look like they're for my Nan) and will probably die rather quickly, but they didn't cost me very much, so I'm not too bothered.

To go along with the vintage style dress, I chose to do my usual pin-up make up but with a modern matte purple lip, my new MAC lipstick in Heroine. I like the unexpected element that it adds to the outfit, although I admit it looks a little gothy perhaps! I apologise for looking so squinty, but as you can see from token comedy outtake photo number 3, it was very windy on the seafront! Its funny, I've only just realised that I took photos on the seafront with Kathy on exactly the same day last year.... It is so bizarre to think how quickly its gone. My life still feels like it is in such a limbo state. I don't like to whinge too much on here about things, (I know I do anyway- I try not to!) but oh my, graduate life is not fantastic. Things may be looking up soon though, but I don't want to say too much and jinx it, since a lot of stuff is still very wibbley-wobbley, and some things may not be sorted out for quite a considerable time. Anyway, I can tell you about that in a few days when I've gone back to work. I'll take some photos again tomorrow which I'll try and post later in the week.

Ooh, and on a less serious note, I think I found my perfect haircut- I didn't take a picture when I went for my initial chop, but shall endeavour to get as close to this as possible when I need a trim. I don't have Daisy's cheekbones and will probably end up looking like Lucy Pevensie (the BBC version- the original and best), but you know, a girl can dream.

Studs and skulls.

jewellery from Urban Outfitters

I had a day off on Tuesday but I completely missed the opportunity for photos, since it started pissing it down with rain by the time I went to take them! I could have taken some today, but I'm not wearing anything massively exciting. I have been very busy at work the last few weeks what with sale on and tons of offers, which means life on the returns desk is just a constant cycle of people returning crap... Urgh. I cannot wait until that beautiful wondrous day when the 'All sale is non-returnable' sign goes up.

However, luckily I have a little break scheduled in the form of a trip to Aberystwyth next weekend. To say I'm excited would be an understatement. It will be the last chance I get to go before everyone leaves, and I am just hoping that I manage to make the most of it and not be too sad like I was last time! For so much of my last year, I was just worrying so much about leaving that I didn't enjoy the time I had left. I am planning on getting Kathy to take lots of outfit photos for me so hopefully I shall have things to post! I have bought so many lovely things for the summer recently but its difficult to find time to take pictures, especially when the weather is so damn changeable. Like I said in my last post, I do still need to get rid of a load of stuff because I have bought so much since working full time. I don't have a crazy amount of stuff, but enough that I don't get to wear it all. My style has changed quite a lot over the last year or so and I think there are a lot of things that I used to love but just don't wear anymore. Blog sale will be coming soon!

Anyways, pictures are just of a few things I bought yesterday when I went to Exeter with my boyfriend, since I made him come to visit me this weekend because I worked all of the Bank Holiday weekend which he had off. I needed to go to Exeter since I had a problem with my Russell and Bromley loafers. They had split all down the side on the right shoe which, when you've paid £150 and only had them for 6 months is not on. I hate taking stuff back, I think perhaps even more now I work on a returns desk, and was prepared for a bit of a fight, but the manager was fantastic and just straight out gave me a replacement pair. I didn't even have my receipt or any proof of purchase. She did recommend that next time I needed them resoled I got them done at Russell and Bromley instead of going to a local shoe-repairers, since sometimes the glue they use to stick the sole down can shrink the leather, which may have been what caused them to split. I am so chuffed that they gave me a replacement pair, the customer service really was fantastic. I had this horrible vision of me having to argue it out with them (I've seen it happen often enough at work) and it was so nice to just be believed without loads of questioning.

Er, so yes, the jewellery... I should get round to this now, this post is freaking long enough already! I saw this necklace and immediately knew I had to have it. I seem to have developed a slight skull obsession as of late, but the thing I really love is pieces that mix that edginess with girliness- this necklace looks sweet and delicate from a distance, but in fact is tiny little skulls. The earrings are more just for my second piercing, I find it really difficult to find ones that are small enough for my tiny mouse ears!

I'm going to stop writing now, this post is too long and I have been staring at my laptop for so long my eyes hurt. I'll try and get a good photo on Wednesday and then hopefully lots of good posts next week! Something rather exciting may be happening at work as well, but I don't want to talk about it in case I jinx it.

Sleepy times for now.

Ooh, and my latest post for Oxfam just went up- go have a nosey if you fancy.

Holiday Haul

outfit- Fat Face dress, ancient ASOS cardigan, Volcom jacket from a secondhand shop, M&S moccasins, Little Nell necklace, earrings and bird brooch from Space

purchases- M&S Per Una spotted trousers, Ichi skirt, coral headscarf from secondhand shop, lilac headscarf from Seasalt, Botanica by Disaster Designs satchel

Oh, and there was also a stupidly expensive Lancome lipstick I bought, but there are far too many photos here already!


So, here is all my holiday purchases at once, rather than showing them to you one by one in outfit posts. I don't really like the phrase 'haul', but, seeing as I did buy all this in the space of one week, I can't really deny that is what it is. Especially since I don't post that frequently anymore due to the thrilling commitments of full-time (uniformed) work, I thought it would be best just to show it all to you now.

I had seen this Fat Face dress in their catalogue a few months back but hadn't actually managed to see it in person or try it on until we went on a little jaunt to St Ives. I knew as soon as I saw it that it would be one of those perfect summer dresses; comfortable jersey fabric with elasticated waist (yes, I know I sound like an old woman but I get kind of like an old woman in the summer), good length sleeves, not too short and most excitingly POCKETS! I do love it when you find a dress with pockets. Combined with the coral colour and stripes it was a no-brainer.

I have been trying to find an army style jacket ever since I saw Like Crazy and got a little obsessed with the one Felicity Jones wears in it. (Tip- DO NOT watch that film if you are in a long-distance relationship. It is absolutely beautiful, but just so, so sad. I couldn't shake the feeling off for about 2 days afterwards.) I annoyingly had one when I was about 15, but it was one of those things that got charity-shopped. I refused to pay £50+ for one from Topshop or Urban Outfitters and then luckily stumbled across this one in a great vintage shop in Truro, where I also found the coral scarf. It is a little too small for me, but I don't really do my jackets up anyway and at £10, it was too good to pass up!

I worry a little that these Per Una black wide leg trousers might make me look a bit dumpy and mumsy, but they are so comfy. They will be fantastic in the summer because they are so light and airy. I like the kind of 40s vibe to them- I'm planning on wearing them I think with a simple tee-shirt or shirt, with my beloved silver brogues.

The skirt is just a nice simple high waisted one, which I knew I would find really useful, especially since I do seem to be quite lazy nowadays and just throw on a tee-shirt and comfy skirt most days!

The scarfs are for tying in my hair- square neckerchief ones are actually the best for this, and I loved the colours and spots on these two. I have wanted this bag for ages, first seeing it in a shop in Aberystwyth about a year ago, but the £50 price tag and my already extensive satchel collection stopped me from buying it. I then found it in a St Ives shop for £35 and that was enough justification for me! I do already have far too many bags, but I couldn't resist the insects and the polkadots. I bought the bird brooch and flower earrings from a shop in Penzance that I have blogged about before- they were only £3 each which is much better than paying £8+ in Topshop!

Right, that is more than enough wittering for now. I hope everyone has a lovely weekend, although I must admit I am not looking forward to it too much myself since I am working Thursday-Tuesday and I know it is going to be heaving at work! Ah, the joys of retail.

Oh, one other thing- I was thinking of doing a blog shop since I have a few things I want to sell and I don't seem to have much luck on Ebay- would you be interested in buying my old stuff?

Slight Topshop overload.

Er... everything is from Topshop bar the ring and tights, which are of course trusty M&S.

I hate it when you have those outfits where you are dressed nearly top-to-toe in one shop, but since there aren't actually many items in this one I suppose its not too bad. I had wanted to get this dress after seeing it on Meg. However, I am so stingy now when it comes to Topshop... I refuse to buy things full price! This dress was originally £46, which I am sorry, is just ridiculous for a simple oversized tunic. I got it on sale for £25, which I think is about right. I'm not going to start shopping in Primark any time soon but I just think Topshop is so overpriced for the quality of the pieces. The bangles and earrings are also sale purchases. I'm presuming these bangles were on sale since the dip in them meant they don't fit over a lot of people's hands, but since I have tiny hands and wrists they suit me fine!

And er yes, the hair. I had just got so completely bored with it and it was not in good condition. The blonde bit kept snapping and I kept getting absolutely dreadful tangles in it that were almost impossible to get out, even with a Tangle Teezer. I always grow my hair with this intention of styling it and doing lots of exciting things with it, but the reality is that my hair is quite fine and doesn't hold curls at all well. I wasn't making it awesome like the Nash and so just thought, 'Bugger it. Let's chop it off.' I was a bit worried about having what is essentially my 5 year old haircut again, and thought it might make my face look tubby, but I am pretty pleased with it overall. Its taking a bit of getting used to but it is generally so much easier.

I am trying to take better quality pictures for the blog, with more detail shots and outside with better lighting! Do you think these are better? Hopefully one day I will be able to upgrade to a DSLR, but for the moment I just have to try and catch the best light I can and fiddle around with my tripod!

I've got one other outfit to post from my holiday as well but just wanted to share the hair with you first! But don't be confused if I suddenly seem to acquire several inches of hair in my next post, haha.

Yes. I am a hideous outfit repeater.

M&S Limited Collection top and cardigan, M&S skirt, M&S shoes and watch.... (yeah, a slightly M&S heavy outfit!), ring and bracelet from Stolen Thunder, Topshop unicorn earrings

Perhaps I like this tee-shirt a little too much. The next few outfits I have to post will not be terribly exciting, since they are my holiday outfits, hence a limited wardrobe. I did however just want to show you the tee-shirt with the orange cardigan.

I also wanted to show you my new Stolen Thunder items. I must admit I haven't taken this ring off since I got it! It is so nice to finally have a gold ring that doesn't give me green finger and its just a really lovely everyday ring, not too flashy and fairly comfortable to wear. It does occasionally however get caught on things- I have to be careful when hanging knitted things up at work, but several of my other rings have that problem anyways.

I saw the leather wrap bracelet when placing my original order but at the rather hefty price of £30 I thought I would wait and consider the purchase. I then however received a £10 off new customer code so I went ahead and bought it. I don't wear bracelets very often because I usually have rather big rings on, but although this is quite chunky the simplicity of the design means it doesn't conflict too much with other jewellery. Its also useful for slightly roughing up more girly outfits, and I think it will be very useful in the summer with vintage-style fitted dresses. The detailing on the button fastening is one of my favourite features, and is exactly the reason why you should pay that little bit more for pieces by independent designers.

Unfortunately, not long after I got these pieces, Stolen Thunder closed down! I'm not entirely sure why, (there's not a huge amount of information on their website or Facebook page) but I am gutted since there were so many other things I wanted to eventually purchase. They had a final sale to clear their stock and I am also annoyed to have missed out on the bargains! Oh well. I am at least happy I got these bits before they closed.

And finally... unicorn earrings like my beloved cats. Love.

Oh, and I feel like because I'm useless and haven't posted for so long I need to update you on things... ok, not update you, just tell you where I've been! As I said, I was on holiday last week with my family, which was lovely. I'm back at work now and there is rather a lot going on at the moment that I can't be bothered to explain, but if I manage to actually get my life sorted out I will let you all know!

And I also may have chopped a lot of my hair off today- I'll show you all after I've washed it myself because its always a bit too neat for my liking straight from the hairdressers but I'm pretty pleased with it!

Giraffes rather than cats for once.

M&S Limited Collection tee shirt, H&M skirt, M&S Footglove Fashion loafers, jewellery as in this post, goofy smile- model's own

Don't ask me why my cheeks look all weird and blurry, I don't know. The top photo looks like I have bad acne scarring or something... I think my camera focus may have not worked very well. Not the most exciting outfit, but anyone in the UK will know we are having a little bit of a mini heatwave right now! This is the first revealing of the legs sans tights this year. I was actually wolf-whistled in this outfit this morning by workmen painting the lines on the road. I have no idea why- just because I have a teeny bit of thigh on show not covered by tights?! It was 9 o' clock in the morning for God's sake! I shuffled off with a red face and then went round a back way to avoid walking past them again- not exactly embracing feminism there, but I just feel embarrassed when that sort of thing happens, and am useless at confrontation.

Anyway, rambling aside... er, I don't have much to say really. Am ridiculously excited about the return of Mad Men but haven't watched it yet- my parents have only seen the first series, and we only have one telly in the house that has Sky. I was considering waiting until they had gone to bed to watch it, but I just can't be arsed. It requires my full attention and I'd probably just be far too excited if I watched it just before sleep! I shall save it for another day when I am feeling more energised.

And on that note, sleepy times for me.