Category Archives: outfits

The Slip Dress

23rd September 2016
I’m not usually one to jump on celebrity fashion collaborations but when Alexa Chung teamed up with Marks and Spencer to launch Archive by Alexa earlier in the year I couldn’t help but fall in love. Generally I don’t find style inspiration by way of famous faces but there is something about Ms Chung that I make exception for. At the time I wasn’t in a position to afford any of the collection (story of my life) but when my favourite dress went down to just £6.50 in the sale a couple of months ago I was finally able to indulge my inner Alexa.

Dress: Archive by Alexa at M&S | Boots c/o Long Tall Sally

This is probably the closest I’ll ever get to trying the underwear as outerwear vibe and whenever I put this dress on I can’t help but feel I’m wearing my nightie in public but I love it regardless. I decided to put a more casual stamp on the look by pairing it with ankle boots rather than a more delicate shoe and that works for me. Just add leather jacket as a cover-up and I’d call myself good to go for any occasion.

As per usual for me I struggled massively with the lighting in the garden so you can’t especially see the little details but the dress has a delicate floral print and hangs beautifully.

Word on the grapevine is that there’s another Archive by Alexa collection coming out soon (November) and I can’t wait to see it. At least with that kind of timing I can justifiably pop a dress or two on my Christmas list…

Which celebrities style do you admire the most?

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Posted in outfits, shopping

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Dressing Up with House of Fraser

16th September 2016
Firstly, how is it Friday again? I honestly cannot cope with how fast time is flying right now, the only upside being it means I’ll be back at work before I know it. With back to work in mind I was really excited to be given the opportunity to add to my wardrobe recently thanks to House of Fraser and their fabulous array of dress covering everything from work wear to party perfect pieces. As I’ve mentioned time and time again, shopping is not on the cards right now so the chance to pick out something new was a real little boost and I’m very much in love with my new frock.

Dress: Oasis at House of Fraser | Boots: Irregular Choice | Bangle: Banana Republic

I love that House of Fraser stock so many brands under one roof, it does make shopping a breeze. Oasis are one of my favourite high street dress retailers- they always have at least a dozen dresses I’m coveting at any one time and this one with it’s pretty collar and amazing flared sleeves won me over in an instant. What I failed to capture was the little bow popper fastening on the back too, it’s these little details that make all the difference to me. It’s one of those pieces that will keep on giving for years to come, it’s on trend enough to be cool but not so much as to instantly date.

I’m not sure what else I can add to this post, I certainly have no interesting anecdotes from life this week as it’s been same old, same old so I’ll spare you my inane ramble and let you appreciate the beauty of this dress instead.

Anyone else having a constant battle with the odd lighting at this time of year? I need to find a new photo spot as my parent’s garden gets no shade during the day and come evening it starts getting dark that much earlier it makes getting photos a nightmare! It’s high time I learnt how to use my camera properly to be honest, there’s a little mission for me.

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The Statement Ankle Boots

12th September 2016
I’m not usually one to jump straight on a trend. Usually I’ll let it pass me by for a while (read, wait for key pieces to go in the sale) then tread cautiously in to it. I do make exceptions sometimes though and when statement ankle boots started hitting the stores I knew that sooner rather than later I would need to own a pair.

Pinafore: New Look (black version) | Top: New Look | Boots: ASOS (keep a close eye out for more stock!)

Most high street retailers have a version of the statement ankle boot (or six) available but it was the ASOS Emilia that won my heart in the end, although there are several other pairs that I wouldn’t say no to should I come in to some money. I did wonder at first how on earth do you style such a piece but since their arrival I have found them surprisingly versatile, they go with denim and block colours perfectly- I’ve not braved clashing patterns yet but it’s only a matter of time.

These days I tend to go for flat shoes and boots over heels and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to walk in these but they are really comfortable. I’m quite literally head over heels for these beauties and have absolutely no guilt about owning yet another pair of boots.

This New Look pinafore dress is another relatively new arrival in my wardobe, before the news that I wouldn’t be back to work quite as soon as I thought. It was a steal at £14.99 though and can easily be smartened up for work or dressed down for a causal look so I anticipate a lot of wear from it and it has plenty of layering potential.

Have you braved the statement ankle boot yet? Which trends have caught your attention?

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Posted in life, life stuff, outfits, shoes, shopping

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Branching Out

07th September 2016
Look at me on a roll with the outfit posts at the moment, I suppose I’m starting to feel a bit more like myself again & feeling like actually getting dressed rather than sticking on the same denim pinafore or skirt every day. Getting signed off from work dented my confidence somewhat, but with a new resolve to get well and some good news in that I’m finally starting to turn a corner I hope it’s not too long before I’m back now. In the mean time I’m enjoying spending time with my nearest and dearest who have all rallied around to support me over the last few months. The perfect example of this was when Mum and I packed up a little picnic last week and went to visit a favourite park of ours near to where my flat was to make the most of some late summer sun.

Dress c/o George at Asda | Sandals: Primark (last year)

We decided to take my camera along on our picnic as the park is really pretty and I was having one of those days where I felt like moving away from my bog-standard denim. Actually, I really pushed the boat out here and put sandals on instead of trainers which has been almost unheard of for me this year.

I don’t know how much of my personal life/eating disorder recovery people are actually interested in reading about here. I’ve always been open about it as it’s taken up half of my life so far so if anyone would like to know a bit more about how I’m doing and follow the journey to health then let me know. Alternatively, if you’d rather not…then let me know that, too!

Do you have a favourite picnic spot?

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Posted in life, life stuff, outfits, shoes

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Last Days of Summer

02nd September 2016
I’m still in firm denial that it’s September and that the next bank holiday we get will be Christmas. I’m not ready to give up on the summer months, I feel like it’s been yet another “blink and you’ll miss it” season especially as mine has been somewhat chaotic and out of the ordinary with me not being in work among other things. Thankfully the last few days have been glorious weather-wise and I’ve had a chance to get some wear out of my strappy dresses at long last. This is an outfit I popped on for a day trip to Bath with family- the print certainly attracted a lot of attention (and by some miracle I managed not to spill any food or drink down myself whilst wearing it).

Dress c/o Lavish Alice (a couple of summers ago) | Converse: Schuh exclusive (similar)

I first featured this dress just over two years ago and I’d give anything to be back at that point in my life again. I remember being so happy and confident with what lay ahead of me, I’d got to a healthy point where I was proud of my body and I kick myself multiple times a day that I ever let that slip. But with a new season comes a new start. I’m back on the recovery wagon, receiving excellent care and support and whilst sometimes I look at myself and wonder what all of the fuss is about, that I’m still the same girl physically as I was two years ago it’s these moments of reflection through the blog archive that shows me that I do still have a way to go and my focus now has to be myself and my health. I’m hoping to make September my last month signed off work. To truly embrace life again and learn to love food not just as fuel but as something that needn’t be feared or linked to any feelings of guilt. Anorexia has stolen 15 years of my life and I have a lot of catching up to do. Why delay it any further?

I’m sorry to get so personal in this post, it wasn’t actually my intention but having looked back and having a rare moment of clarity I thought it worth writing down as a reminder to myself above anything else. I’ve always been up front and honest about my battle on the blog and if any one has any questions or could do with a listening ear themselves then do feel free to get in touch, my inbox is always open to anyone.

Here’s to fresh starts and good health. For everyone.

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Posted in fashion, life, life stuff, outfits

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