Spring Monochrome

In a bid to cheer myself up, a few weeks ago I raided my piggy bank and took myself to Primark in search of some new Spring pieces for my wardobe. I had visions of flowing Seventies style dresses with a smattering of prints and colours, but what actually happened was I came away with a bag full of monochrome (and some pretty snazzy PJs).
Top, Culottes & Shoes all Primark
I mentioned before my current obsession with culottes and I was after a plain black pair to wear to work. These cost £8 and are so light and comfortable to wear. Add a smart top and some heeled sandals and you have my ideal Spring office look.

Tops were also a priority item having realised I own plenty of skirts but have very little to pair them with that isn’t either super long or super baggy. These high necked cream top was again £8 I think and a really lovely fit. It also comes in black which I’ll be heading in to get when I’ve been paid again.

The shoes were 100% not something I needed but at £6 I couldn’t leave them be. Actually, I did kind of need some flat shoes that aren’t trainers for out of work and these are super comfy and very out of my comfort zone. I’m always a bit wary of this style of shoe on me due to my feet being more flipper like than human but I think I’ll stick with these- I might even go wild and pick them up in another colour.

So as much as I love my new buys I’m still stuck with a lack of Spring type pieces in my wardobe, I’m going to have to stick more of my life on e-Bay (hello twenty pairs of shoes I’m yet to list) and have another traipse round the shops. I’ve also got a birthday coming up in two weeks and I’m going shopping then, this time I’ll divert myself from the black and white and head towards all things colour!

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Flamingo Gifts (round two!)

Back before Christmas (which feels like forever ago now) I was spoilt rotten by a selection of gifts from the team at Flamingo Gifts. They recently got in touch again to see if I’d like the chance to review another selection of goodies and I didn’t hesitate in saying yes! I stand by what I said in my last post, Flamingo Gifts really is a one stop shop for a fun and funky present for someone special- or for yourself. I love browsing the site to check out the latest arrivals, it’s one of those little treasure troves where you never know what you might find.
As you can see, I was sent quite an epic selection which couldn’t be more me! The second I saw this biscuit makeup bag I was smitten. I’m a complete biscuit addict and this makes the perfect home for the various lipsticks and balms I carry around on a daily basis.

I was delighted to receive the Daisy Flamingo Candle as it’s been on my radar since it launched. I was a little unsure as to what it would smell like as I don’t think I’ve ever smelt a Daisy before but it makes for a lovely, subtle and Spring-like addition to my bedroom. I do love Flamingo candles, probably more than Yankee candles as they have such a fun and unique range of scents.

Also on the unique candle front came the Pyro Pet which is so macabre and yet so fun! Essentially the candle, when burnt down reveals a metal skeleton which very much makes it worth the £24.99 price tag…however, it’s so awesome to look at and I’m not sure I can bring myself to light it! One of these has been on my wish list for ages and I’m so stupidly happy to finally own one!

Another item that has been on my wish list for a long time were these Siamese Cat salt & pepper shakers which I have out on display in my room because they are too adorable to hide away until I move. I have always had a soft spot for novelty condiment holders and this pair just make me very happy.

Last but my no means least comes this Ted Baker mini notebook and pen which I have given to my Mum as she just loves Ted Baker and all things pink and girly. I adore Ted Baker’s stationary range for something chic and yet affordable. Mum is delighted with this and it was nice to be able to give her an extra Mother’s Day present!

I’ve been loving seeing what other bloggers picked up from Flamingo Gifts- it’s always interesting to get inspiration on what to buy for people and to discover items you’d perhaps previously ignore. Thank you to Flamingo Gifts for the amazing box of goodies- and for being all round awesome when it comes to providing a great shopping experience!

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It’s a Seventies Thing!

As we step towards Spring it seems the fashion world has gone back for the Seventies trend and I’m going to stick my hands right up and say I’ve fallen head over flares for it too. I’m not doing much in the way of shopping right now but I have put together a wish list of pieces I’m loving on the high street right now for when I do have some pennies to spare.

Free People Dungarees | M&S Jeans | M&S Wide Leg Trousers | M&S Wide Tunic Dress | New Look Midi Dress | New Look Midi Jacket | New Look Midi Top | New Look Midi Skirt | Topshop Clogs | Zara Fringed Jacket

Which trend are you most looking forward to for the new season?

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Mustard Florals

It might be March now but things are still feeling distinctly chilly, I honestly can’t wait to be able to ditch the long sleeves and winter coats but as I have added some seriously lovely Winter dresses to my collection over the last six months I don’t mind too much that they are still required- cost per wear and all that…

Dress: Louche at Joy | Tights: Betsey Johnson | Boots: Betty London | Necklace: Wolf & Moon

After a spate of popping in to Joy and making a cheeky purchase every time I was in Bristol I haven’t actually made a purchase now since before Christmas. I’m trying to get together a few extra funds in order to update my wardrobe for Spring/Summer and judging by the new in section on the Joy website it looks like a few of those pennies will be heading their way.
How long has it been since I last sported a pair of snazzy tights? It’s been quite some time for sure. I still have my vast collection, of course, but I seem to have little cause to wear them these days- between wearing uniform for most of my shifts, and having to wear smart office type clothes for the rest of the time I just reach for something plain, or jeans when I am wearing casual clothes. I think I’ll make it a mission for the upcoming weeks to incorporate something jazzy a bit more often, I’d forgotten how much of an impact some patterned tights can add to an otherwise plain outfit.
What’s on your shopping list for the new season? Top of mine is a pair of flared jeans and then perhaps some other Seventies inspired pieces (that’s a whole other post). I have a lot of clothes from previous years that are still going strong, and I need to watch my money so I won’t be doing a lot of shopping but I’m not going to deny myself completely.

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Monochrome Midi

I do love a good midi skirt and the second I saw the perfect one appear in the new arrivals at New Look I wasted no time in making it mine (shopping ban, what shopping ban?). I’ve been wearing it non-stop for work as I do find the midi length better for the office- no knicker flashing for me thanks very much! It’s not as structured as some of the midi skirts on the market which makes it perfect for twirling in…I do hope New Look release more colours in this style!

Skirt: New Look (here) | Ribbed Top: New Look (here) | Shoes: Stylist Pick

Just as I thought it had been a while since Mae invaded my outfit photos along she trotted, 100% unwilling as ever to pose with me preferring to do entirely her own thing.

My wardrobe has been lacking in staples and basics for quite some time so when I spied this ribbed top for a mere £8.99 it was another no-brainer purchase (again, what spending ban?) and I hope that as budget allows I can pick up some more in other colours as they are the perfect length and fit for wearing to work.

This year I’m definitely determined to embrace a more minimal approach to clothes shopping, attempts at saving aside I really could do with less fancy patterned pieces and more of the staples that can be worn with a variety of separates. Where do you shop when it comes to getting basics? It’s been so long since I properly browsed for them I have no idea where to begin. I’ve had a mass wardrobe cull and I’m listing bits and pieces on it’d be good to spend some of the proceeds on stocking up on the essentials.

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