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! ❤︎

Life | Boy Bedroom Makeover

In fairness to Dan the title of this post is slightly mis-leading; his flat is so lovely, I have absolutely nothing to complain about. But when I moved in over the summer I couldn't help but make a few tweaks to the space to make it feel like home.

Fear not, this isn't about to be a re-hash of the very scary scene in "How to lose a guy in 10 days", (watch the trailer at about 40 seconds in), if you can't because you're at work just imagine frills and tampax EVERYWHERE.

Anyway, I already had a great neutral canvas to work with. I actually chose the wallpaper because when we first got together there had been a leak in the roof which had ruined what was already there. After a little trip to the end-of-line bin in John Lewis we were all sorted.

Before I got my little mitts on it, this is what the roomed could look like on any given day. Pretty messy and blah, huh?

Seriously, how much aftershave does one boy need?

After a little tidy up and some accessories it now looks like this! And I love it. Still neutral but more cosy and interesting.

I added some pillows and a throw, that's it. The throw (£14.99) and stripy pillows (£6.99 each) are from TK Maxx, and little miss "ooh la la"(£7) is from Asda.

Total makeover cost: £35.97.

A (free) tidy-up of the bedside tables keeps them looking pretty.

Oh, and then I added this heart to the wardrobe door.....I don't think he's even noticed, yet!

What do you think? When is it too soon to "make-your-mark" on your boy's pad? Never?! I can't wait to decorate our room in the new house. It will be still be neutral, as much as I love vintage and shabby chic I can't handle anything too patterned and floral (Dan breathes a sigh of relief).

Speaking of the new house. It's all starting to come together, finally! Phew. A little update on that coming soon.

On a side note - why do I have such a good memory for cheesy music and films circa 2000?

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!