Simple Stripes

When we recently had a mini heatwave and I finally broke in to my Summer wardobe. Heavens knows why I look so miserable in every single one of these photos, I recall having a bad day at the time but really, is there any need to put it on to the blog? Sorry about that!

Dress: H&M (last year) | Sandals: New Look (here) | Bag: New Look (which I can’t find online)

This dress was one of H&M’s £7.99 wonders last year and is such a staple. When the weather is warm there is nothing better than chucking on a simple striped dress to get in the Summer spirit! I mentioned these sandals in a recent wish list post and whilst I have so far resisted going back for more pairs it’s only a matter of time as they are seriously so comfortable. I just had to get the glittery pair, perfect for adding some subtle sparkle to an otherwise entirely dull look and I suspect I’ll be living in these when I eventually get on holiday!
Another New Look gem was this “The Little Purrmaid” tote bag which cost all of £1.99. I can’t resist a kitty pun and judging by the reaction on my instagram neither can you guys!
What do you live in when it comes to warmer days? Also, because it’s really annoying me now- how can I get clearer photos when the sun is shining? Clearly I am a blogger failure as I just can’t work it out!

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Connected Generation

Ever hear about an idea and just know you need to be a part of it? That’s exactly how I feel when Connected Generation got in touch with me. For those who aren’t yet familiar, Connected Generation is a t-shirt company who produce ethical, custom printed tees. You can either use one of the designs submitted by artists on the site, or create your own for something truly unique. For each t-shirt purchased they donate £5 to a children’s charity, of which there are several and you can choose for yourself which one benefits.

Tee c/o Connected Generation | Skirt: ASOS (only £22, here!) | Trainers: Adidas Gazelle (available here)

I had originally hoped to use an image created for me for my tee, but after some a temporary delay on that I made it my mission to seek out something feline on the Connected Generation site. I was pointed in the direction of the ever so talented Brittany and her “pudshna” design featuring her cute kitty Pudding. I just loved how quirky this is and once it arrived I realised it made the perfect pairing for my newest skirt addition from ASOS- I saw it on the I am Into This blog and just had to have it!

The tee is the most amazing quality, I am really impressed. You can select what type of fit you want and I opted for the fitted female style in my usual size. I’ve had so many compliments on this and once my original planned image comes through I am 100% ordering myself another top!

The tees cost £25, but as mentioned a fiver of this goes straight to charity and for the quality alone they are well worth it. Let me know if you decide to go ahead and create one, or if you submit any art to the site yourself- I would love to see it!

What would feature on your custom t-shirt?

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Feeling Fruity

Fruit prints are always a winner for the Summer months, what says “sunshine and blue skies” more than adorning yourself with your favourite tropical treat? Actually, this is the first time I have succumbed to the trend (I think) but I can firmly say I’m a fan, even if the item in question isn’t the brightest of the bunch.

Dress: H&M (here) | Shoes: Primark (current stock)

Summertime should be all about easy dressing and what could be simpler than sticking on a printed dress and a pair of sandals then calling yourself good to go? I love H&M for their basic jersey dresses, at £7.99 it’s hard not to add another one to my collection every time I call in to a store. This is the first I’ve bought this year, but with some equally fabulous prints and block colours available I’m fairly certain it isn’t the last.
These sandals have exceeded my expectations in the comfort stakes. For a less than a tenner I didn’t have great hopes but I can wear these for the entire day without getting even a hint of a blister. I’ve seen so many similar styles on the high street at the moment, and on other bloggers. I’m not usually one to buy in to the hype of a shoe trend but this time I’m glad I jumped on board! I want to collect all of the colours but really don’t have the space (or need) for them.

Where do you shop for your Summer staples? H&M, Primark and New Look never seem to fail me.

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Boho with Bahimi

Being a blogger as Summer rolls around inevitably means an influx of swimwear based press releases arriving in your inbox. I try to read and respond to each and every one, but as much as I appreciate a good bikini I can’t find myself getting truly excited about them when I’m not a fan of wearing them myself. Recently an e-mail popped up that featured Bahimi. I clicked through to the website and had a browse and whilst the bikinis are rather lovely it was the collection of jewellery that really grabbed my attention.

Dress: Topshop (here) | Shoes: Primark (current stock) | Necklace c/o Bahimi

I purchased both the dress and the shoes when I went over to Cardiff on my birthday and had some pennies to spend however I wished. The dress was £25 in the Topshop sale and I fell head over heels for the paisley print and the high-low hem line. I was on the lookout for more summery pieces but I couldn’t leave this behind, the relaxed fit and longer sleeves make it perfect for this in-between weather we’ve been having lately.

I had seen the shoes featured on a few blogs lately so when I saw these at £10 I just couldn’t resist- so much for streamlining my shoe collection! I also picked up another pair of sandals in Primark so the five pairs I sold on ebay how now entirely been replaced, oops!

The necklace from Bahimi seemed to work perfectly with this slightly boho outfit. At £9 it’s excellent value for such a detailed and heavy piece and I have had fun amusing the cat with the jangling noise when I walk! I have my eye on a few pieces on the website, enough for a seperate wish list post I think as well as a couple of the bikinis should I get brave enough to wear one when I hopefully get away later in the year!

What have you been buying lots of lately?

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Boho Florals

I know, florals in Spring, what a cliche? It doesn’t matter what other trends and prints are about, as soon as the weather turns it’s florals I’m drawn to most. This was a weekend outfit from a couple of weeks ago, the sun was shining but there was still a distinct chill in the air- I’m longing to get sandals on my feet but sometimes boots are very much required.
Dress and Boots both from Zara
I picked this dress up about three years ago in the Zara sale. I can’t remember how much I paid for it but it was under a tenner and I love it as much now as I did then- I don’t think I’ll ever part with it. The floral print and floaty style fit perfectly with the seventies trend for this Spring, and despite being casual and comfortable I always feel quite feminine and girly when I wear it.

The boots are a pair I bought thinking I’d live in them over the winter. Alas, I for some reason ignored them for most of the season, sticking to my old faithful flat black boots instead. Now the weather is (mostly) drier I feel I can get the best out of the suede finish and neutral colour- these were really reasonable at £29.99 and I am pretty certain I’ll get a couple of years from them at least.

I try to keep away from Zara as much as possible because it’s impossible not to fall in love with at least a dozen pieces at any one time. Even breaking my foot in a store in Holland hasn’t been enough to dampen my desire to own everything they stock- I do envy bloggers who can afford to shop in there more than once in a blue moon!

P.S. I have NO idea why my eyes are shut in one of the photos, clearly the sunshine is making me feel quite zen.

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