Style: Shopping Splurge Friday ❤︎

I decided to pop to the shops on the way home from work today. I wasn't really looking for anything in particular, maybe a new top for my Cousin's Birthday Party tomorrow but I came across a few gems which I'm super-happy with!

First-up I checked out TK Maxx - I took ten items to the fitting room and fell in love with these two.

The one on the left is a lovely Midnight Blue colour and is by a Danish designer called "Philosophy Blues Original", the panel at the front is the gorgeous mesh and it looks really pretty on. You can dress it up or down. Here's the link, £20.

The other one is by an LA Designer, Dolan Left Coast (which is stocked by Anthropologie and Revolve Clothing). It's a blush pink colour and is perfect for Spring when you want lighter colours but still need the warmth of a longer sleeve. It sits really nicely on my frame and will look cute with skinny jeans and pumps. It's here, £24.99.

Last, but by no means least I spotted some perfect Black Leather Ankle Boots in Office.

I know what you're thinking - it's going to be Summer in a minute....but when you find the perfect pair of boots you just have to get them, you never know when you might stumble across them again. And I think these ones will still look lovely in the summer with a pretty dress - they're edgy so will help tone down the girly-factor. They were £75, and are made of leather. You can find them here.

So that's £120 of my £165 a month budget spent in a day. But I love all of them - it's soooo worth it.

I can't wait to wear them in Liverpool this weekend! ❤︎

Style | Debenhams New Season Sale ❤︎

You guys know I love a bargain, it's not often I buy something online without a quick google search to check I'm not missing out on some discount code or voucher.

Style | Currently Crushing ❤︎

Why is it that whenever you have the cash to splash you never see anything you love but the minute you try and be good and budget said cash for other more important life-enhancing things (aka Garden Renovation, being a grown up is so boring), you see stuff you absolutely need and love everywhere you look..... euuuuggghh.

Anyway, I'd though I would share what I'm currently crushing on, I'm living vicariously through you guys....

I went to Banana Republic in Bath yesterday and literally could have bought the shop. No kidding. They have some really lovely pieces in at the moment. I left with a pair of Jeans - I've been looking for the perfect dark blue wash for ages and spotted them, the fit was great too. So, out of the arms full of clothes and accessories I took to the fitting room, I picked my favourite and that was that.

Here's what I would be buying at the moment if I wasn't exercising some serious self-control.

1. Leather Statement Necklace
2. Oversized Pale-Pink Scarf
3. Racer-back Dress
4. Printed Day Dress
5. Jumpsuit
6. Bow Hair Tie
7. Sweater
8. Printed Evening Dress
9. Circle Necklace
10. Floppy Hat
11. Oversized Grey Scarf
12. Sunglasses
13. Huge Pale-Pink Leather Tote

What are you guys currently stalking on the fashion front? x

Style | Spring Lust List

Everywhere I look at the moment the shops are filled with their Spring wares (or should that be "wears"?)

It inspired me to put together this Lust List, needless to say, I want everything! 

A girl can dream, eh?

Style | Crop Top Conundrum

So the weather is FINALLY looking like it could turn into Spring and my eye keeps getting caught by a certain Spring/Summer Trend.

The Crop Top.

Seriously?! Not something I have worn or purchased since, ooooh I don't know circa. 1997 (Zara S can vouch for my teenage love of a crop top).

Let's just say the Spice Girls have a LOT to answer for.

Image Source: www.rollingstone.com

Now my question is this, as a 31 Year Old (ouch) Woman, can I still wear one?!

Ok, now you've stopped laughing I'll attempt to talk you through my thought process on this one.

I think the answer is in the "How".

Clearly anything with a lot of tummy showing (and belly button) is a big No, No. But there are a lots of looks around at the moment where you rock high-waisted shorts or a skirt, and just a slither of tummy showing.

I hit up Pinterest for some Pinspiration.

Maxi Skirt + Statement Necklace

Stripes + Tulle Skirt

Boho Chic (+ Champagne)

High Ponytail + Blazer

Laid Back Chic + Statement Bag

So, what do you think?

I'm going on the hunt! And I want one exactly like this......

The Crazy Cat Lady lives on! x

Beauty | High (Hair) Maintenance

I try to keep my "girl-stuff" contained to one space, and this tray pretty much holds everything I need to get ready.

It hurts my brain because although my make-up is in a cute bowl and cups, the whole thing is pretty cluttered.

The other day I thought I would have a clear out = FAIL. I actually really do need everything! Including my five hair products.

Here are the culprits..... And when I say five, I mean not even including my shampoo, conditioner and hair mask. This is stuff I put on AFTER all that jazz.

I like to think I'm fairly low maintenance (Dan laughs like a maniac....), when it comes to being a girl. Give me 45 minutes and I can get showered, dressed, hair-styled and make-up done but I can't bear to give up any of these products. What the....? Here's the down-low:

Product One - When my hair is towel dried I take a pea-sized amount of Aveda's Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair and run it through the ends of my hair.

Product Two - I then flip my hair upside down and spritz the Phyto Volumizing Spray into my roots, then I blow-dry.

Product Three - I switch the curlers/straighteners on and spritz a heat defence product through the mid-lengths to ends. At the moment I'm using the Lee Stafford Argan Oil Miracle Heat Defence Spray.

Product Four - Once I've styled it I usually finish with a quick blast of light-weight hairspray just to smooth any fly-aways and hold my do.

Product Five - I usually wash and style my hair every-other day. The days I don't wash I like to pep my hair up with a dry shampoo. The John Frieda Volume Refresh one is my absolute favourite. I used to use Batiste but always felt a bit weird and scratchy afterwards, not anymore!

So there we have it. Does this seem excessive to you? How many products  do you use on a regular basis and how many have you got stashed away as a just-in-case?

Help a girl out here, am I really that high (hair) maintenance?!

Life | Five Friday Favourites

I haven't done one of these for a while! Despite a busy and frustrating week, there was definitely a few things that made me smile...

1. This little man melts my heart, bath-time and a good old catch-up with his Mum & Dad = perfect chill.

2. The start of a month means new foodie magazines! I literally tore the Waitrose Kitchen one to pieces this month, so many good ideas and recipes in there, and scrap-booked them all for future food related fun. There's something about the cutting-out and sticking process that is entirely therapeutic.

3. I completed level 97 on Candy Crush, don't judge, but it did feel like a pretty major achievement at the time!

4. On Wednesday the weather felt cool enough to wear my J.Pumilia inspired work outfit, there's just something so American about a shirt with a vest jumper over the top. I loved it, but then it got way too warm!

5. This weekend I'm meeting up with my amazing friend Anna (Mrs. S to those in the know). We're heading to Ardencote Manor Spa and I can't wait. I think I'm more excited about seeing her than the Spa though, it's been too long!!

Happy Friday, and have a fabulous weekend x

Style | Summer Polka

It is hot, hot, hot in the UK at the moment. Whilst I couldn't be happier to wake up every day to sunny skies, looking professional whilst working in the heat can be tricky. 

Anything polka or striped is always a firm favourite with me. The polka dot skirt keeps the look fresh and young, whilst the sleeveless shirt helps with ventilation! 

Skirt: Tommy (Outlet)

Shirt: Miss Selfridge

Belt: ALDO

Shoes: Marks & Spencer

Watch: Michael Kors (gift)

How do you guys like to wear Polka?

The Shopping Edit | June 2013

Here's what snuck it's way into my wardrobe this month.....

1. Pretty Lemon Dress from Coast £21 (I had an £89 Store Credit from last year)

2. Pink Silk Ted Baker Dress £90 (Outlet)

3. Bow Detail Ted Baker Skirt £20 (Outlet)

4. Pastel Minty Green Ted Baker Top £25 (Outlet)

5. New Look Pretty Peplum Top £14.99

6. Navy Racer Back Midi Dress, Karma Clothing £7.94

7 and 8. Cream & Black Scalloped Edge Vest Tops, H&M £6.99 each

9. H&M Lace Vest Top, £14.99

10.  BooHoo Monochrome Heels, £22.74

Grand Total: £230.64

1. Late last year I bought a black-tie dress from Coast and then changed my mind, unfortunately I was outside of their returns policy so they gave me a store credit. I don't tend to just "pop-in" to Coast on a regular shopping trip. It's normally always for an "event". I went in with the full intention of picking up something in the sale and then saw this pretty dress....I tried it on not wanting to love it, but I did! And I can see myself wearing it for quite a few different occasions. 

2. My Ascot Dress! Pretty, pink and made of silk. I don't know when I'll wear it again but Ascot was such a big event for me I felt it was worthy of it's own dress!

3.This cute skirt from Ted Baker was an absolute bargain, I really like the pattern with a slight hint of fluro and the bow detail just sealed the deal the minute I saw it. Love a bow!

4. Another Ted Baker Outlet bargain was this top. The photo doesn't really do the colour justice but it's just a really easy top to wear. Looks smart with jeans or you can wear it tucked in to a skirt.

5. I've been wearing this peplum top with black cigarette pants and heels for less formal days at work. The peplum shape works really well for my figure and the summery print is great for this time of year.

6. I bought this navy midi-dress as a beach cover-up. It will be really easy to throw on over a bikini and the quality is actually really good for the price-point.

7. & 8. These H&M tops were also bought for holiday. They're a loose fit but with the pretty scalloped edges they don't look frumpy. Again great for during the day over bikini's.

9. I still have a thing for lace....I don't think my crush is going away anytime soon. This vest is cute layered over other vests. A great summer staple.

10. When I first got these heels I wasn't convinced. The quality isn't great at all (they arrived looking like they had already been worn) but I was super busy at the time and forgot to return them within the allowed 14 days....I like the style and they are comfortable so I'm going to try and get some use out of them.

And that's it! Phew. Have you been picking up some bargains in the sales?

Style | Can you keep a secret?

I have a confession to make. I have a problem...... with handbags. For some girls it's shoes, clothes or make-up. For this one, it's bags. And in particular, Mulberry ones.

My Dad very kindly gave me some money for my birthday. Initially I thought I would put it towards a new camera so I could learn to take pretty pictures for this blog. And then the Mulberry Sale happened. I saw this Daria Clutch, and that was it, love at first sight.

She's made of this beautiful, creamy leather and is the perfect colour to match with all summer outfits. 

I try to convince myself that my bag addiction is just an investment really..... who am I kidding?! 

I had to share the love for my new Mulbaby, she's an absolute beauty.

The Shopping Edit | May 2013

Here's a round-up of what I bought in May, I've been a busy little bee. If you want to know why I set a Clothes Budget, read this post here!

1. White Skinny Jeans - Dorothy Perkins £17 (Sale)

 Clockwise from the top: 2. Paul Costello Bag - TK Maxx £69.99, 3. Leopard Print Flats - George@ASDA £10, 4. Turquoise Bracelet - H&M £4.99, 5. Nude Leather Belt - TK Maxx £7.99, 6.Printed Silk Clutch Bag - Dorothy Perkins £16 (Sale)

Top to Bottom: 7.  Black Vest Top - H&M £3.99, 8. White Vest Top - M&S £9.50, 9. Mint Long-Sleeved Top - H&M £7.99

10. Top with Neon Lace Detail - Warehouse £12 (Sale)

11. White Shirt - Zara £25.99

12. Black Blazer - Zara £49.99

13. Scarf - Pomegranate (Boutique Shop) £15

1. The White Jeans were a total bargain, and whilst they're not the highest quality (you definitely need to wear "nude" knickers underneath!) they're great for summer styling. 

2. My favourite May purchase! My Paul Costelloe bag.....he's a beauty. Made from the most beautiful leather and it's a really gorgeous coral colour, I'm in love! 

3. These Leopard Print Flats were a complete bargain from ASDA, I've had lots of compliments on them already and they're actually really comfy!

4. I loved the look of this bracelet, it's colourful and the stones give it a laid-back summer vibe. However, on getting it home I can't actually do it up myself as it's really small! 

5. This belt is real leather and made in the UK. It goes with absolutely everything too.

6. I really like the fun print of this classic clutch bag, and all the different colours means it goes with a lot of my summer outfits.

7 & 8. I always need decent quality vest tops to layer with. When my old ones get tatty I use them for pyjamas! I spent more on the white one because I really liked the quality of the fabric.

9. Long sleeved tee - minty green, soft and comfy. What's not to like?

10. This top has photographed really weirdly! The neon-lace detail is actually more pink than orange. It makes a simple top a bit more interesting and it was a bargain in the Warehouse sale.

11. This white shirt looks so lovely on, it fits in all the right places, and because it's sheer is perfect for summer days.

12. I already have a black blazer (who doesn't?), but mine is more structured and feels too formal for summer. This ones fits really nicely and can be dressed up or down.

13. I bought this scarf on a whim from a lovely little boutique shop in Clifton Village. It's always good to keep a pretty scarf in your bag in the UK - you never when the weather might take a turn for the worst!

This month's total is £250.42. Pretty much bang on budget, and I'm really pleased with all of my goodies!

The Shopping Edit | April 2013

As most of you know I have a clothes budget of £250 that I aim to stick to every month (I'm allowed to carry over between months), and here's this month's round-up:

 

 

 

1. White Lace Top, Oasis £30 (Online Here). I love this simple top because it goes with everything but is also a little bit interesting with the lace detailing and the zips on the shoulders. It looks really smart with a blazer and skinny jeans. And it's now 20% off online (use code 20MAYTREAT), so you can pick it up for £6 less than I did, jealous!

2. Black Shirt, H&M £19.99 (Online Here). I wanted a smarter black shirt and this one fits the bill perfectly. It's a really nice shape and I'll be able to pair it with loads of stuff. Love a good wardrobe staple!

3. Blue Leopard Print Top, TK Maxx £12.99 (Not available online). I've already blogged about my love for this little number here.

4. White/Cream Peplum Blazer, H&M £10 (Sold out online). I literally couldn't believe my luck when I stumbled across this gem in the H&M sale. It fits like a dream and I was on the look out for a light blazer for summer. It looks great with skinny jeans or a dress (for a wedding look). I couldn't find it online but they may still have some left in-store.

5. Blue Patterned Trousers, Warehouse £27 (Online Here). These are normally £36, but I got 25% off using a code from vouchercodes.co.uk. I love the patterned trouser trend but I have to be careful as my legs are short and toned, as opposed to long and lean! The fit of these is perfect, I want to get some bright heels to wear with them, along with a simple white tee or shirt.

6. Coral Jeans, Oasis £38 (Online Here). I'm still obsessed with anything Coral so when I saw these they had to be mine! The fit is lovely, they are really soft and stretchy and will be great for Spring/Summer.

7. Fringe Ankle Boots, Miss Selfridge £39.99 (Online Here). I bought these because the weather in the UK wasn't really warm enough for pumps and sandals but I was completely bored of my winter boots. I love them! They look great with skinny jeans now, and when the weather warms up they may work with skirts....we'll see.

8. Green Dress, TK Maxx £14.99 (Not available online). These was a "for holiday" purchase. The dress itself is pretty sheer and has a cute cut-out back so I probably wouldn't wear it "around town" but it's perfect for chucking on over bikini's on holiday. I really like the vibrant fun, colour and was feeling optimistic for sunny days when I bought it!

9. Neon Pink Bracelet, Miss Selfridge £5 (Sold Out Online). I've already blogged about my love of "Arm Candy" here. This is super-fun, and I'm sure it won't last very long but for a fiver who cares?! I couldn't find this one online but I know that Miss Selfridge have some Diva Jewellery on sale so you might still be able to pick it up in-store.

Total: £197.96

Yes!! Over £50 under-budget, and I have nine new items that I love.

What goodies did you pick up this month?