Yearly Archives: 2013

zig zagging

07th February 2013

Dress: c/o Laura Ashley
Cream lace tee: New Look
Tights: Primark
Shoes: New Look (old)
Headband: Gift
When Laura Ashley tweeted this Zig Zag print dress I fell in love. Being the friendly bunch they are (I can vouch for this having met them) they offered to send me one to style up. Before it arrived I had high hopes I’d get some decent pictures outside on a sunny day but when it came down to it I realised that a) the weather was not on my side and b) I don’t have a photographer, so kitchen it was. Sometimes I really wonder what category of blogger I fall in to, I mean, I love fashion but don’t seem to have the style that others do; it still baffles me as to why so many people seem to like what I do!
This dress is a great trans-seasonal piece. Perfect now teamed with tights and a tee- this lace front one was a mere £9.99 in New Look but it will do equally as well in the height of Summer with bare arms and legs and some chunky sandals. This alone somewhat justifys the £80 price tag; that and the fact Laura Ashley pieces are an investment that will never date and you have yourselves a bargain. You’ll find me trawling ebay for more pieces to add to my one piece collection and trying to hold out for the next sale.
Are you a Laura Ashley fan? I feel like I’ve let the team down with such dire styling and photographical skills but I can guarantee you’ll be seeing a lot of this dress on the blog so I shan’t dwell too much just yet. Maybe by the time the sun does shine I’ll have found myself a personal photographer and have moved away from the kitchen…

For more inspiration and news from Laura Ashley check out their fabulous blog.

xxx

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Time to Spare

06th February 2013

Everytime my Mum catches me browsing watches she exclaims “don’t you have enough already?” She may have a point, I have a drawer full of watches that I rarely, if ever wear and yet there is something so attractive about them and the knowledge that they are a useful thing to own makes them feel less like an indulgence and more of a necessity. Having a recent browse online (the hazard of working part time) I’m having a little love-fest for this bunch of stylish watches, none of which cost the earth.


The first two on my wish list aren’t usually my style but there is something I am drawn two in these. I think out of the pair of them I would be more likely to choose the striped one, it’s almost nautical which I’m a massive lover of which goes someway to explain the attraction- I’m still contemplating why I adore the other quite so much, perhaps my inner 5 year old with a love of all things pink and sparkly is trying to break free again.

With Summer on it’s way (as I keep mentioning) my mind is wandering to long, lazy days chilling out in the sunshine with friends and adorning our arms with frienship bracelets. This watch instantly transport me back to those days, gotta love a trip down memory lane. Do you have any accessories which instantly take you back?

The last two watches are my favourites of the bunch. Both fit in with the new season trend for all things monochrome whilst remaining fun and quirky. The horse strap watch is one I can see a lot of you blogger loves falling for given the prevalance of “wardrobe zoo” outfit posts. The polka dot style comes with interchangable straps, with a choice of three to suit your mood making it a bit of a bargain as you get three watches for the price of one. Instant justification right there.
 
Is there an accessory you are inexplicably drawn to? Which watch is your pick of the bunch?

xxx

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soulblueprinted

06th February 2013

I am head over heels in love with these bottle pendants made by soulblueprintdesign on Etsy. The shop is owned by my friend Becki and for years I have marvelled her talent and creativity. Ever since she opened her shop I’ve been wanting to feature it on the blog and when she added her latest designs I knew the time had come.

I think my favourite item in the shop is the Alice in Wonderland bottle pendant (£7) but it’s closely followed by the array of feathers (£6 each), white stars bottle (£6.25) and the birdcage vintage style bottle. As soon as I’ve made my mind up on which to buy first I’ll be treating myself, that’s if you lot haven’t cleared her out first!

Go take a look and let me know which one is your favourite. I’m looking forward to seeing what Becki comes up with next, although with her first baby on the way it might be a while…I think her creative energy is being used elsewhere right now!

xxx

Posted in etsy, jewellery

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cheeky

05th February 2013

Dress: Dorothy Perkins
Boots: Sarenza
Tights: I have no idea, as ever.
Excuse the terrible light in these photos, they were taken really early (like, pre-7am) Saturday morning as I was down to work the Saturday surgery at work for the first time…that also explains the tired look on my face, Saturday is the one day where I am not likely to be awake at 5am.
Still, it went smoothly and this dress makes me happy. I’d lusted after it for ages so when it went in to the sale for the exact amount I had on a giftcard it was a no brainer. It wasn’t until I had made my way in to work that I realised how much it rides up when I walk. I spent the rest of  the day shopping in Bristol trying desperately to cling on to my dignity…I managed it as well, until I got on the train home and flashed a carriage full of 13 year old boys. Oh well, they were happy at least?
Thank you for the well wishes for my talk yesterday, it went really well and I came away really quite proud of myself. I hope to do more of the same in the future, starting to give back a little of what I have been given over the years.
My summer holiday was booked yesterday too, oh man August cannot come fast enough. 12 days back in Spain where Ellie and I stayed last year…bring.it.on.
Are you jetting off this summer?
Console me and tell me of times you’ve lost your dignity in public, please!
xxx

Posted in life stuff, outfits

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Mae’s cameo + a little giveaway

04th February 2013

Next jumper dress
Wedge trainers c/o spylovebuy
Cat- totally one of a kind.
It’s odd, I was just thinking the other day that it had been a while since Mae got in on the photo action; at least the photos don’t show the amount of white fur she left on my tights; she only wants to come near me when I’m wearing dark colours.
This jumper dress is one of my wardrobe “comforts”. I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of it…you’ll find me still clinging on to it’s remaining threads when I’m 80. I’m not sure why I put shoes on as I wasn’t actually going anywhere but now I can wear something other than flats I’m fully embracing it.
I hope everyone had a good weekend? My shopping trip didn’t yield many goods but the gorgeous weather made up for it. Sunday saw me have a mad shoe and wardrobe clear out so clearly another trip in to town is on the cards soon.
It’s the start of another week and a somewhat nerve wracking one for me as I’m off to see some medical students to talk to them about my experience with treatment for eating disorders. It’s a bit surreal actually, even six months ago I never saw myself being in a position to be asked to do such a thing and yet here I am. There is room for improvement on my recovery road but I can hand on heart say I have never been so happy or confident about myself in the ten years illness has blighted my life and it’s amazing how much more life has to offer when every waking thought isn’t taken up by food and calories.
Eh, I got a bit deep there, sorry, how about I make up for it with a little giveaway?
I was sent these cult tattoo design instant nail designs to give away to one of my readers; knowing a lot of you are nail obsessed I thought it might appeal! The nail polishes are limited edition created for this launch and are available from skinartuk.com at £3.00 each.
The tattoos are available from Boots, Boots.com, Urban Outfitters and skinartuk.com at £5.99 rrp.
Entering is quick and easy, you just need to leave a comment on this post with your e-mail address (and please be a follower of the blog in some form or another…google, facebook, twitter, hello cotton)
The competition will run for one week, closing at 7pm on Monday 11th Feb.
Open to UK residents only due to postage rules.
xxx

Posted in giveaway, life, Mae, outfits

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