Gatecrashed

Whereas Mae was only ever interested in the camera when it suited her I only need to take off the lens cap for Tobias to come plodding over. He’s a beautiful cat (can you call a male cat beautiful?) and he knows it and will sit patiently for ages whilst you catch him at his best angle. On the other hand my little diva Mae will often take an hour of coaxing and pleading to get a handful of half decent shots.

Anyway, this isn’t a post about cats. Not really! It’s an outfit post which dates back a couple of weeks now and features a dress I picked up from Quiz Clothing almost six months ago now and had yet to wear.

Dress: Quiz Clothing | Lace top: Picked up in Holland | Boots: Miista

So much for getting outside to take more photos as Spring creeps in. It feels colder than ever lately and standing outside battling the elements doesn’t seem like my idea of fun even if it is all in the name of better quality blogging.

I really love this dress- the burgundy, black and grey print made the florals perfect for the darker months of the year. I bought it with the intention of wearing it for my Dad’s retirement party but ended up picking something else instead but couldn’t bring myself to return this. Finally it’s been layered up and given and airing and I think it’ll be featuring a lot more in the future.

I can’t post this look without giving yet another mention to my beloved Miista boots. Hands down my most favourite boots that I own, I still can’t believe that a) I snagged these for £6.50 and b) they are super comfortable to wear and easy to walk in!

Do you have a pet that loves to pose? Or does it have to be on their terms only?

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Medusa from Ted & Muffy

Ankle boots are without my shoe weakness, I just cannot resist them so when Ted & Muffy (formerly Duo Boots) asking if I’d like to pick something from their new arrivals it was a given that I’d head that way first. To be fair, I did give everything a thorough checking out and there really are some very stunning shoes on the site- from over the knee boots to new look loafers but as is so often the case ankle boots won over them all and Medusa came to live with me shortly after.

Jumper: Boden | Trousers: H&M | Boots c/o Ted & Muffy (get them here)

These are so unlike anything I already own and at first I was at a complete loss of how to wear them as they don’t really go with any of my typical winter wearing. Give me a few more weeks when the weather hopefully starts to turn and I’m back in my element with little dresses etc, but for now it’s on with the sloppy jumper and “treggings” with only Medusa to give the look any sense of style. I have to say I’m not 100% sure about them with the leggings tucked in, I think it’s not the most flattering look on me- I’d far prefer some flared, cropped jeans or a denim mini skirt with bare legs but you can’t win them all…not when it’s bloomin’ freezing!
Oh yeah, and there’s a new furry addition to our flat too. Those of you with good memories will remember his cat Tobias…well, Tobias took an extended holiday up in Melton Mowbray but has now come to live by the sea with us. Hands down he’s the biggest, soppiest ball of fluff I’ve ever met, all he wants is cuddles and fuss- pretty much the exact opposite to my delinquent Mae who I miss dreadfully, she’ll always be my number one!
What would you wear with these boots?

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All the Rage

After the recent arrival of true Winter weather it felt both fantastic and alien to receive my first addition to my Summer wardrobe and break out of the long sleeves and ankle boots. I love seeing the new season stock arrive in the shops, a sign that change is on the horizon and a perfect opportunity to try something new (you know, as in try on something new because you can’t afford it…)

Dress c/o Madam Rage | Brogues: Hobbs via McArthur Glen in Swindon

After spending most of the winter in fairly muted tones with not much print it was refreshing to see this tropical beauty arrive at my door. I’ve really embraced the high necks lately, I think they add quite a chic twist to any look. I’m not overly familiar with Madam Rage but based on this dress and an extensive browse on their website and I can safely say I’m a big fan, everything is really affordable and if this dress is anything to go by, excellent quality too.

I decided to continue on the colourful theme by putting on this coral suede brogues from Hobbs- the perfect between season shoe. I don’t wear brogues or anything other than boots anywhere near enough so it felt a bit strange to be wearing these, I’d forgotten how much I loved them.

I think until the weather warms up a bit I’m going to try layering this dress with a fine knit and some dark tights, part of my feels I should save it for Spring but the print lifts my spirits so much I don’t think I can hang on…

Are there any brands you’ve recently discovered? How would you style up this dress?

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Crystallized round two

Fresh off the back of my post last week about how else I was styling the skirt half of my beloved Yumi co-ord I thought I’d share one of the ways I’ve been wearing the sweater part independent of it’s partner. It’s the kind of statement piece that lends itself beautifully to a casual look, perfect for a dressed down denim and sneakers kind of day- the kind of day I seem to be falling in to the habit of having lately.

Sweater c/o Yumi | Dress: Primark New Look | Trainers: Adidas

This outfit isn’t exactly groundbreaking and yet there is something about it I just love. I kind of miss the days where I made a bit more effort with my out of work style and felt like I had something a little more…on point to post, but at the same time I’m not shopping like I used to, instead finding new ways to re-wear old favourites and one of these days I WILL make an effort and surprise everyone.
I feel a bit like a fraud that my blog might be associated with fashion at all these days to be honest. When I first started blogging there wasn’t such a pressure (put on myself) to be super polished with professional standard photos all of the time, but these days that seems the norm. I’m quite comfortable with my style and still enjoy following the trends but feel I just don’t have the time, money or confidence to take things further which saddens me a bit because I truly love blogging but feel like I’m too old and falling behind to really make the best of it. Truth is I’m not overly sociable, I massively lack in confidence and half of the time would rather stay in and drink tea whilst playing bingo online with harrysbingo than put myself out there for all to see (which does seem somewhat odd for a blogger who puts her life online I admit).

I’m not giving up though. 2016 is going to be a big year for me in terms of getting my life on track. A challenge, yes as I once again tackle putting on weight and getting healthy. Learning to drive, progressing at work and settling in to a new and independent home with Ben…but you know what? I finally feel I’m ready. I’ve said it so many times before but this time it just feels different. I’ve had an eating disorder for almost half of my life. I turn 29 this year and refuse to take it in to my thirties with me.

What that has to do with blogging I don’t know, but I’ve been looking for a way to slip it in for a while. Saying it makes me commit further, and takes away some of the disordered feelings of guilt and shame over future photos of myself with a fuller (healthier) figure. Maybe once I get there I’ll get myself on a bit of a shopping spree too, and set aside some time and patience for some “pro blogger” standard posts too.

Congratulations if you read that. Further congratulations if you still intend to follow this blog in the future.

Back on to the fashion side of things now- how brilliant is this jumpsuit from Yumi? They are SO on it this season and I want in on it!

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Sushi Date with Vendula London

My love for Vendula London unique bags is no secret and I was over the moon when they got in touch about their latest collections asking if I’d like to pick myself a piece. For the new season there are some really gorgeous pieces arriving on the site but it was the Sushi Shop featuring adorable cats (of course) that won me over the most.

Bag c/o Vendula London | Dress: The WhitePepper | Shoes c/o Clarks (last Spring)

This is the perfect bag to brighten up these gloomy and grey days, it just makes me smile every time I see it. I haven’t pictured it but there is also a cross body strap tucked inside for those who prefer a hands free approach and although the bag isn’t especially wide the interior compartments mean you can still get all of your daily essentials inside.

With it’s cute cats and hand sewn Japanese inspired embellishments this is one attention grabbing bag so be prepared for plenty of head turning. Every Vendula bag I own attracts this kind of attention, they really are the masters of unique and creative design without compromising in quality.

I think such a bright bag needs quite a simple outfit so I popped on my old faithful dress from The WhitePepper and some simple shoes from Clarks, a perfect monochrome look with a twist.

What do you think of my new bag? Take a look at the other new collections from Vendula and let me know which one tickles your pickle…

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