Riverside

It actually feels like a lifetime ago since Ben and I took these photos, we’d gone over to a nearby town to sort out some bits before Ben moved there and decided to make the most of the glorious weather at the time and explore the path down by the river that runs along the back of his street. Clevedon is brilliant like that- there’s the town centre with a smattering of shops, then there is the Victorian sea front and eclectic shops of Hill Road. On the other side of town is the river and the whole place is just somewhere I feel instantly peaceful.

Top: Topshop (sale) | Skirt: Urban Outfitters (alternative) | Sandals c/o Shoe Zone

I seem to have all but given up on wearing anything but mini skirts these days! The one in this post cost me £12 in the Urban Outfitters sale back at the end of April. It’s long sold out now but I’ve linked an alternative above (and to be honest, it’s likely I’ll add it to my collection before long!)

The top was part of my Topshop haul and was an impulse buy to make up the amount on a voucher. I was suckered in by the £7 price tag and wasn’t really expecting to love it quite as much as I do. It is more fitted than a lot of my tops which makes it perfect for pairing with skirts and has a touch of the seventies about it.

I remember it being hot enough to go bare legged in this outfit- this is a fairly momentous occasion as it takes a lot to get me away from my sheer tights! Thankfully my Shoe Zone sandals are comfy enough not to need that little bit of protection, I could walk for miles in these, not bad for £14.99!

Do you have any where near you that makes you instantly relaxed? You can expect to see a lot more of Clevedon on the blog now Ben is living there, there’s so many places I want to show on the blog!

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The Culotte Jumpsuit

The other object of my affections this season has been culottes (the first being denim, obviously). Having not added to my collection for ooh, at least four weeks I set eyes on the perfect pair in the New Look sale whilst browsing with my Grandad- and lucky me got to bring them home…at £12 I did worry they’d be one of those “one wear wonders” as these culottes happen to be attached to a jumpsuit but I needn’t have worried as by now their cost-per-wear is somewhere under £1.

Jumpsuit: New Look (plain black version) | Shoes: House of Fraser | Fedora: Florence and Fred

I have mentioned several times that I am basically incompetent when it comes to accessories and either a) never remember to photograph them or b) don’t remember to wear them in the first place so it’s a rare occurrence that I thought to pop on a hat on the day I wore this and rarer still that I thought to include it in the pictures. I do love a good hat though, and this floppy fedora sets the outfit off perfectly (in my humble opinion).
Life seems to be returning to a steady pace, I’ve had a week off and a few days away with friends. I’m back at work full time and it’s a case of moving onwards and onwards in all areas of my life. I have so many hopes and goals for the next few months and I refuse to be the only thing standing in my way of achieving them…remind me of this when I’m having a whine on Twitter, yes? Sometimes I wonder about going a bit more in depth to what is happening in my personal life but I’m not sure anyone actually wants to read that.
Have you picked up any unexpected bargains in the Summer sales? Also, as part of my resolve to move onwards and upwards, what can I do to improve the blog? Answers on a postcard please…

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The Open Road

So apparently I’ve had these photos on my laptop for at least a month and had some how forgotten about them, oops! Back near the start of July Ben and I took a little trip up to his parent’s near Melton Mowbray and made the most of the beautiful country side surroundings to take some outfit snaps- honestly, I do worry about my memory some times as I had clean forgotten we’d done it!

Dress: New Look (available on asos) | Shoes: Primark (this season)

I fell in love with this dress the second I saw it in the Tall section of the New Look website. Since I bought it in June it’s disappeared from their site but is still available from ASOS. I have such a soft spot for frayed denim (I also quite fancy this Missguided number) and it makes for a great casual alternative for jeans at the weekend. Believe it or not this is the tall version of the dress! I dread to think what a regular length would be like, or perhaps I am becoming too modest in my old age?
Primark have come up trumps for comfy footwear this Summer, every pair I’ve bought from there I’ve expected to give me at least a small blister or bit of discomfort but nope, I’ve been living in them! The pair I’m wearing here are from the wide fit range- bravo Primark for recognising that people with flipper feet like shoes too!
My denim collection has grown a lot this year, from the mini skirts to the various dresses I’ve accumulated as the months have progressed…still, it’s a trend that’s never going to die so I can console myself with at least I’ve blown my shopping ban on investments. What can’t you stop buying lately?

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White Jeans two ways with George at Asda

Up until a couple of weeks ago I had never once worn white jeans. The only reason for this is that I simply don’t trust myself- I am a human dirt magnet with a tendency to spill coffee on a regular basis and every time I have been tempted to invest I’ve been reminded of this (thanks Mum!). Still, when George at Asda sent a pair of their white skinny jeggings in my direction along with a few other pieces I thought it was about time I gave them a whirl.

All clothing c/o George at Asda | Brown Sandals: Primark | Silver Shoes: Topshop

Given that I’m new to the whole white jeans thing I thought I’d give them ago by styling them in a couple of ways, one for a casual day time look and one for the evening. Now, neither top are pieces I’d have thought to pick out for myself but both I’m a big fan of. The navy and orange is a winning colour combination for me and this is perfect for chillier days (of which we’ve had plenty!). The evening top is just beautiful, I just don’t tend to buy this kind of thing for whatever reason. I’ve failed to capture in the photos but it has the most beautiful embellished collar detail (see similar on the website) and I like how the super pale colour blends with the white.
I’m open to any styling tips you might have for white jeans as I am determined to get some wear out of these. I’ve not owned jeggings for a few years and I had forgotten how damn comfortable they are with their elasticated waist…perfect for an evening of over-indulgence!

How would you have worn these?

Any guesses how long they remained bright white for?

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Palm Trees and Ocean Breeze

I’m a sucker for a good co-ord set, I’ve said before I think they are a bargain really as you essentially get three outfits for the price of one. I was recently sent a fabulous little set from Blue Vanilla (thanks to e-tail PR) and couldn’t wait to feature it in an outfit post. Come to think of it my last post that featured Blue Vanilla had a palm tree theme to it as well!

Co-ord c/o Blue Vanilla & e-tail PR | Shoes: Topshop (get the look)

Isn’t the skirt on this set incredible? I love a flared mini skirt and this one keeps it’s shape really well. It’s also a decent length which is something given I’m pretty tall and it means that with a smart black top and some flat shoes I could totally wear it for work! I didn’t realise the top part of the set was cropped until I tried it on, I’m not one for showing off my midriff, but actually there is only the slightest flash of flesh on show with this so I feel pretty confident wearing it out and about. The top would also look pretty great with my wide leg black trousers, a combination I’ll have to try soon!
Blue Vanilla is a fairly recent brand discovery for me and one I really, really rate for affordable, well fitting and high quality fashion. I’ve seen a concession for the brand inside New Look and their website is also a treat for the eyes.
Who are your favourite recent high street discoveries? How would you wear this set?

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