Oh January, a month where inevitably my spirits drop just a little and I basically just want to hibernate until the month passes. I’m getting better at finding ways to counteract this though- seeking out a good book, wearing clothes that make me feel good and making plans for the months ahead. This outfit was what I wore on one of the days where I was feeling slightly blue- it might even have been Boxing Day…my solution? A vintage kilt and a good old dose of Frozen, curled up on the sofa with Mum!

I never seem to get very lucky on ebay, I think I lack the patience to find the real bargains and always forget to bid on watched items at the last minute. I did manage to strike gold with this skirt a couple of years ago though, having gone through an intense craving for a proper kilt I stalked and stalked one evening until I secured this one at £11.99 including postage. It’s a dream, proper thick, quality wool and the perfect fit- I don’t wear it nearly often enough.

Tell me your secrets to staying cheerful in what must be the most depressing month of the year- as someone who is prone to bouts of low mood it can be a struggle from time to time, but making plans and taking time out for myself always helps.

Also share your ebay secrets, I’m sure I’m missing out on so many good things!

The decorations are down, the chocolates have long ago been eaten and today is the day where most of us will return to normal after the crazy, hazy couple of weeks that Christmas brings. I’m a little sad to see it all go to be honest, despite an up and down love of the season…there’s something so magical about the anticipation building throughout December, and the New Year is a bit of an anti-climax. Still, there’s plenty to look forward to in 2015 and I do have a final set of Christmas jumper photos to share so it’s not all bad!

I remember feeling a huge amount of guilt over spending £42 on this jumper from Topshop a few winters ago. That guilt has long since diminished as out of my Christmas jumper collection this is hands down the most worn and most loved and it’s the kind of jumper that actually gets better with age. Plus it’s a penguin, in a santa hat…I needed it! I wore this outfit for work on Christmas Eve which now feels like a lifetime ago. The skirt was £3 in Primark last January and it’s been hanging up waiting to be worn ever since I bought it home. I was clearly swayed by the sequins and bargain price tag- it was originally £14…now I’ve taken the plunge and worn it I fully intend to wear it as often as possible, it’s never the wrong time of day/month/year for sequins!

I hope everyone had a truly wonderful Festive season. Mine really was lovely, spent with family and friends, with my trust buddy Mae to keep me entertained- there’s never a dull moment when she’s around even if it does sometimes involve live mice being chucked in to the house!

I’m still finalising my goals for the year ago- goals, not resolutions. I have a head swimming with thoughts but have yet been able to translate them on to a written page. Watch this space- and do share yours below, inspiration welcome!