Mint Velvet Leopard Print

It feels like Autumn is still just beginning as the sun is still shining and people are still walking around in t-shirts. But Autumn clothing has been trickling into stores since August which means that some brands are already having sales. When I was in town last week I spotted that Mint Velvet were already having a mid-season sale so I though that I would have a little browse. I spotted this leopard print jumper and thought it was a bit bold, but that I would try it on while my mum and auntie were also trying some clothes one. Long story short, I love it! It's cool and fun, but think the monochromatic colourway softens the look. I chose to size up by two sizes as I wanted the jumper to be a bit slouchy and oversized, so I can roll the sleeves up and do a "half-tuck" into jeans.

STYLING
As this is a fairly bold jumper I would keep the rest of my outfit really simple. I think blue or black denim jeans and black boots and some very delicate jewellery would work perfectly. But I would also like to try and style this with a white shirt underneath for a modern street style look. Or with a black midi skirt and some white trainers.

Mint Velvet Navy Leopard Jacquard Knit

Having a little browse in Mint Velvet inspired me to have a look online and see what else had gone into sale. There are some lovely pieces, including the khaki shacket that I am still obsessed with which you can read all about here. So I thought I would also share with you some of my other favourite sale picks.

Oatmeal Luxe Faux Fur Jacket

Black Fringe High Sandal

Dove Belted Tapered Trouser

Khaki Star Pocket Jacket

Ivory Stripe Shirt

Shae Print Maxi Skirt

I Bought Another Jacket...

I will be the first person to hold my hands up and say that I have an issue, I cannot stop buying jackets. It is approximately 100 degrees outside and Winter fashion, specifically coats and jackets, is on my mind. Don't get me wrong, I love bohemian Summer dressing, lace and lots of pastels, but nothing beats a good quality jacket that you can shove on over jeans and a white t-shirt and be done. Plus here in the UK it is usually an item that you'll get your money's worth from! Although as I am typing this with my hair in a topknot and fan on full-blast the only thing I really want to be wearing is a bikini (preferably sitting by a pool).

The bomber jacket is from a brand called Part Two which I saw in a local boutique shop and then found on House of Fraser. Part Two is a brand that I haven't come across before, but if this jacket is anything to go by I think I should probably check out some of their other pieces. It's a beautiful bottle green shade in an intricate quilted design, with a slight sheen to the fabric. It has gold hardware and a lovely floral lining that reminds me a bit of  Ted Baker. The jacket also feels heavy which I like to think indicates good quality. And on top of all that I got it for about a third of the original price in the House of Fraser sale!

I can't see myself wearing this anytime soon with the weather at the moment. Although knowing UK weather it will probably feel like Winter as soon as we get to August! But I can't wait to style this up with jeans and boots, or cropped trousers and trainers for Autumn. So watch this space!

Speak soon, xx

Walk This Way...To Primark

As I've got a little older I am naturally shopping at Primark less, trying to move away from cheap fast-fashion and investing more in pieces that will last longer. Yet there are two categories that Primark just do so well at, pyjamas and fashion shoes. Last year I wrote a post about another pair of Primark shoes that I feel in love with, which you can find here. Some shoes, like boots or classic heels I do think are worth investing in, but for trend pieces that are only really going to be in for a season it really isn't worth investing. And this is where Primark come in.

The first pair of shoes are actually the reason I came to Primark in the first place. My best friend and I going out in London tomorrow night and I realised that I left all of my heels back at uni in Manchester. I picked these ones up as they are classic and elegant, but have a heel that isn't too high and an ankle strap, which I am hoping means I am going to be able to dance in them!

The second pair of shoes that I picked up are a bit of a wild card! Mum loved them so much she copied me and got a matching pair! My boyfriend on the other hand can't stand them. I just think that these are so cool for Summer. Perfect with jeans and a white t-shirt, but also with a little dress. They may only last the Summer, and by next year I may have a "what the hell was I thinking" moment. But for now, they are fun, cute and only £6!

 

I also need to apologise for it being a little quiet around here recently. I think it's fair to say that final year at university really took it out of me! I had some big coursework deadlines last week and I still feel as though I am recovering (catching up on sleep). But I have one exam in a couple of weeks, and then I'm done, forever! It's a crazy thought but I am definitely ready to be out of the education system! I've got some very exciting things planned for Summer and I can't wait to finally get back into blogging. So watch this space! xx

What I Bought From the ASOS Sale

It's that time of year again. No, not just Summer, it's Summer sales! Which really makes no sense to me as it feels as though Summer is only just beginning. But it's a sale, so you won't hear me complaining. You can probably expect a few sale hauls coming up on my blog soon so I thought I would kick things off with my favourite; an ASOS sale. And if you haven't already spent hours scrolling through it like I have, you should probably check it out. NOW.

I had this dress in my saved items for a while, so when it finally went down in the sale I bought it straight away. It's beautiful and classic and a tiered silhouette which I currently don't own. I've worn it so many times already as it is such an easy one to throw on and just feel really put together.

ASOS Tiered Spot Pleated Mini Dress

In September I am going back to uni (which I am really excited about), but I realised the other day that literally all of my going out clothes are the same. I have some cute bodies, some lacey top, some nice crop tops, but they are all black! So this was my attempt to try and inject a bit of colour into my wardrobe! I loved the shape of the top, but I really fell in love with the colour and of course the sequins. And it kind of reminds me of a mermaid, which is never a bad thing!

ASOS Crop Swing Cami in Sequin

This was another attempt to make my going out clothes a bit more adventurous, and I ended up with monochrome. This is the most cropped crop top I think I own, but the shape of it is so flattering and I love the one shoulder detail. I was planning on wearing this with a pair of high waisted jeans, but I also think that this would look amazing just of Summer with a pair of white denim shorts. Plus, it's a great way to inject a little bit of gingham in your wardrobe, which is totally having a moment.

Gingham Cropped Cotton One Shoulder Bralet

So unfortunately this hat is not in the sale, and in fact this exact hat has sold out. But I have found one really similar and I did want to mention this as I love it. I've seen more and more people wear this baker boy style hat now, and I just think it is such a cool trend. I also think this is something that is going to take me right into Winter and early next year. I want to wear this with striped and slogan t-shirt now while it's still warm and then military style jackets and big wool coats for Winter.

ASOS Wool Mix Baker Boy Hat

So that's all I've bought so far, although by the time that I write this post I am sure I will have already made another order! ASOS just make it so easy! And look out for some more hauls coming your way!

Speak soon xx

The Perfect Pair of Jeans

I HATE jean shopping, there I've said it. And considering how much I love pretty much every other type of shopping, that's saying something! Clothes shopping, shoe shopping, book shopping, shopping for other people's present and yes even food shopping, I'm there. But the idea of shopping for jeans makes me want to curl up in a ball and hide. To the point where I have recently found myself wearing a pair of Topshop jeans that are quite literally about to go see-through on my bum!

Don't get me wrong, I love jeans...they are pretty much all I wear all year round! I've got some incredible striped jeans, spotty jeans, glittery leather jeans, jeans covered in little velvet stars and loads of funky pairs. But when it comes to your standard pair of denim skinny jeans I struggle. If they fit on my bum they're too big on my waist and if I want them to fit on my waist I probably won't be able to get them over my thighs. Not to mention the issues that come with having a high in-step and trying to pull skinny jeans over my feet!

So I think the reason that I hate jean shopping so much is that I have never had any real success. I've bought a lot of jeans in my life but none of them have ever made me feel amazing like I thought a good pair of jeans should. I've just been settling for jeans that fit well in one place and not quite so well in another! I like Zara jeans, but the last three I've had have all puckered and gathered around the seams after only a few months. And I've had a couple of pairs of Topshop jeans, which fit well because they are so stretchy, but also because they are fairly thin and eventually I end up feeling overly exposed when I wear them out as they are so see-through! Primark and H&M jeans are baggy around my crotch area, which is not an attractive look! And Uniglo jeans fit amazingly up top, but then are just baggy and gather around my lower leg and ankle. And so the whole idea behind The Sisterhood Of The Travelling Pants is just impossible! I can't find a pair of jeans that fit me, let alone me and three of my totally different shaped bestfriends!

My other issue has been no one ever told me that you need to size down in a pair of jeans. I know that you're supposed to wash jeans inside out, and you're not supposed to watch them very often but I've always just bought my size in jeans because...it's my size. And then wondered a few month later my jeans felt a lot more roomy, and probably not because I was just dropping a jean size!

So last week I finally decided that enough was enough and I really needed to just find a pair of jeans. I took the slightly less painful route of internet shopping and added multiple different but very similar denim jeans into my ASOS basket, remembering to size down. And I am over the moon to say that I may just have found the one! The super skinny jeans that fit on my waist, my bum, my thighs and my legs. They are easy enough to get on and sizing down has meant that they pull me in at all the right places without just pushing everything up to hang over the waistband! They are the perfect length for boots and flats and are a beautiful wash of denim. And for the first time ever a pair of jeans actually make me feel incredible!

The jeans that I love are the River Island Amelie jeans. And if you think that you have a similar body shape to mind then definietly check them out. I think the issue with jeans is that they need to fit well in so many different places to work. Yet at the same time body shapes vary so much which is why it is so difficult to find your perfect pair. So my only advise would be to get out there and try them all on, hundreds of them if you must, until you find a brand that works for you. This will be a brand whose fit model is closest to your own body shape and height. And once you do you will finally understand the basis of The Sisterhood Of The Travelling Pants. Because a great pair of jeans really can make you feel amazing, and could if you're lucky help you find your own Greek Kostos!

Speak soon xx

Accessorize Sale Picks

If I'm honest I haven't really done very much sale shopping, particularly for someone who loves shopping as much as I do! December sort of bled me dry and I've got a few holidays planned for next year which I am trying to save for. But last weekend I just couldn't walk past the huge sale signs in the window of Accessorize. So I popped in and emerged about 20 minutes laters with some lovely picks that I thought I would share.

The first, and my favourite is this beautiful double chain necklace from the Z by Accessorize collection. I absolutely love how delicate and expensive this looks, especially as with 70% off it really wasn't.

I think this would look beautiful just with an undone white shirt for an effortless but expensive look.

The next thing that I got was a bit of a boring purchase but I always need these! I really like to style my hair half clipped up so these grips work perfectly for that as they can hold more hair than bobby pins. And for only £1 I couldn't really go wrong!

I also couldn't resist this delicate rose gold heart necklace as in the sale in came to £1.50. And this would perfectly complement the rose gold and pink Cluse watch that I bought for Christmas.

And finally...I bought chocker! I know what you are thinking, they're probably old news now. But I never really felt like they suited me or my style, particularly the thicker velvet ones. But this one is so simple and delicate that you can barely tell its there. I really like to layer it up with a few other gold necklaces for a slightly bohemian look.

So there you have it, a few little picks from the Accessorize sale. There are probably going to be a few more little hauls coming up here and there as I have got some lovely things recently that I really want to share with you!

Speak soon xx

The Cutest Summer Bag

The Cutest Summer Bag

I like to think of this purchase as an upgrade to a very similar handbag that I used almost everyday last Summer. The previous one was from Primark in an almost identical shade but more of a satchel style. For £6 it was a total bargain, but sadly by the end of the Summer the thread was unravelling and there were some black scuff marks that weren't going to come off.

I think I spotted this one on the Mango website (my favourite store right now) quite a while ago. And this colour that I wanted must have been out of stock at the time because I clicked remind me when back in stock and then forgot about it. So when I got a surprise email from Mango to let me know the bag was available it was love at first sight all over again! And this time I did manage to get it!

I think this has to be the smallest bag that I own, hence the cutest. But despite it being so tiny I can still fit everything I need in here. And it is actually quite refreshing knowing I am only carrying around the bare essentials and not half my bedroom like I usually do! I love the silver hardware and the lovely chain strap but it is honestly the colour of the bag that had me sold. The bag is described as pastel blue, but it looks a little grey as well. The colour is really unique yet will still go with nearly everything in my wardrobe. I also feel like it adds a little bit of colour rather than a black or white handbag, but that is just because I only really wear neutrals!

The lock mechanism has to be opened at the bottom and then the flap pops outs. Its a little more complicated than a regular popper and sometimes a bit of a struggle if you only have one hand, but it feels sturdy and looks pretty.

I am so in love with this beautiful bag right now and can't wait to start using it even more as the weather gets warmer. It's so chic and simple and I feel the design, details and colour make it look much more luxurious.

Cross-Body Small Bag - Mango 

Speak soon xx

New Things

New Things

 

 

I haven't actually done a lot of shopping recently (for me!). But over the last few weeks I have picked up a few things here and there that I thought I would share with you. 

 

As I am still loving the whole minimal trend, one thing that I have wanted for ages is a slogan sweatshirt. I think with a pair of skinny jeans and slips-on they looks so effortless and cool. 

 

I saw this really simple one on Pinterest and then found it on eBay in loads of different colours. I was so tempted by the grey (obviously!) but last minute decide to switch things up and went for this lovely ice blue, which I really love. The sweatshirt says BIEN FAIT on the left which I know know means Well Done. Embarrassingly I didn't when I ordered it! It doesn't make a lot of sense but I still think this looks so cute and have been living in this recently. 

 

While I was in Leeds a few weekends ago staying with my bestfriend we did a bit of shopping and I spotted these in the Topshop Sale. I love slip-ons, and already have a beige pair and a leopard print pair, but I couldn't resist these. I love the snake skin and monochrome and can see these working in so many different outfits. The only issue is the first time I wore them they really ripped up my feet! But now the blisters have finally healed and I am determined to wear these in. 

This off the shoulder top was another sale find, but this time from Zara. I have really been loving this style of top ever since stealing my sisters and taking it back to uni with me! I love the lace overlay and lace sleeves of this one and think it looks really luxurious. I think off the shoulder tops are going to become a favourite of mine this Summer so I am keeping an eye out for some more pretty lace ones. 

 

I did actually pick up another sale bargain in Zara but I am saving that for a whole outfit post I think. It's very Blair Waldorf inspired so I'm super excited to share it with you! 

 

Speak soon xx

 

New Things

New Things

I haven't actually done a lot of shopping recently (for me!). But over the last few weeks I have picked up a few things here and there that I thought I would share with you. 

As I am still loving the whole minimal trend, one thing that I have wanted for ages is a slogan sweatshirt. I think with a pair of skinny jeans and slips-on they looks so effortless and cool. 

I saw this really simple one on Pinterest and then found it on eBay in loads of different colours. I was so tempted by the grey (obviously!) but last minute decide to switch things up and went for this lovely ice blue, which I really love. The sweatshirt says BIEN FAIT on the left which I know know means Well Done. Embarrassingly I didn't when I ordered it! It doesn't make a lot of sense but I still think this looks so cute and have been living in this recently. 

While I was in Leeds a few weekends ago staying with my bestfriend we did a bit of shopping and I spotted these in the Topshop Sale. I love slip-ons, and already have a beige pair and a leopard print pair, but I couldn't resist these. I love the snake skin and monochrome and can see these working in so many different outfits. The only issue is the first time I wore them they really ripped up my feet! But now the blisters have finally healed and I am determined to wear these in. 

This off the shoulder top was another sale find, but this time from Zara. I have really been loving this style of top ever since stealing my sisters and taking it back to uni with me! I love the lace overlay and lace sleeves of this one and think it looks really luxurious. I think off the shoulder tops are going to become a favourite of mine this Summer so I am keeping an eye out for some more pretty lace ones. 

I did actually pick up another sale bargain in Zara but I am saving that for a whole outfit post I think. It's very Blair Waldorf inspired so I'm super excited to share it with you! 

Speak soon xx

Navy Haul

Navy Haul

   

 

Earlier this week, when I was back at home I had such a lovely day out with my mum. We did some shopping and had a lovely healthy lunch out at Bills. I picked up a few pieces, under a strict colour scheme apparently so I though I would share them with you. 

 

The first place I went was Topshop, of course! It wasn't the biggest Topshop but they still had plenty of things to try on. I was actually looking for a pair of jeans after an unfortunate rip in my favourite pair of Zara jeans. And please don't ask where! 

 

The pair that I ended up getting were the Topshop Joni jeans. They are high waisted which I have never got before (I know!) and in a lovely dark denim. They are very skinny, but that is how I like my jeans, but still allow a lot of movement as they are so stretchy. I am looking forward to wearing these with some pretty cropped tops without having to show much of my stomach! 

 

Then in Topshop I also got this beautiful chambray shirt. I do not need another shirt at all. But I made the mistake of trying this one on and falling in love with it. The fit and the fabric are just lovely and I think this will be a really versatile piece on it's own or for layering. 

 

We also had a quick look in Jack Wills before we headed home. I had been told by so many people that Jack Wills were having a really amazing sale but I never actually got around to having a look. I wish I had a bit earlier really, but I have probably saved myself a lot of money! 

 

 I did pick up this stunning top that was about £60 down to £19! Once again it is navy and has beautiful lace detailing. It's a slightly cropped peplum top and I love that it has the cami build in underneath. 

 

Links to everything I bought: 

 

Topshop Joni Jeans Indigo

Topshop Chambray Shirt

Jack Wills Lace Frill Hem Top

 

The peplum detailing in just beautiful, and even thrown on with a pair of jeans (like my new high waisted ones) this looks really but together. 

 

It is great to be back in Manchester now that everyone else has finished their exams. Tonight we are all getting dressed up and going out for cocktails in Spinningfields. I'm going to wear my new Mango lace dress. No prizes for guessing the colour! And I'm just painting my nails in a new polish I got for Christmas, Essie Take it Outside. It's a beautiful grey/beige that I might try and take some photos and do a quick post on tomorrow. 

 

I'm really looking forward to dressing up and having a very classy evening. But right now I am in my PINK hoodie and we are going to order loads of pizza for dinner! It's all about balance. 

 

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend xx

Navy Haul

Navy Haul

Earlier this week, when I was back at home I had such a lovely day out with my mum. We did some shopping and had a lovely healthy lunch out at Bills. I picked up a few pieces, under a strict colour scheme apparently so I though I would share them with you. 

The first place I went was Topshop, of course! It wasn't the biggest Topshop but they still had plenty of things to try on. I was actually looking for a pair of jeans after an unfortunate rip in my favourite pair of Zara jeans. And please don't ask where! 

The pair that I ended up getting were the Topshop Joni jeans. They are high waisted which I have never got before (I know!) and in a lovely dark denim. They are very skinny, but that is how I like my jeans, but still allow a lot of movement as they are so stretchy. I am looking forward to wearing these with some pretty cropped tops without having to show much of my stomach! 

Then in Topshop I also got this beautiful chambray shirt. I do not need another shirt at all. But I made the mistake of trying this one on and falling in love with it. The fit and the fabric are just lovely and I think this will be a really versatile piece on it's own or for layering. 

We also had a quick look in Jack Wills before we headed home. I had been told by so many people that Jack Wills were having a really amazing sale but I never actually got around to having a look. I wish I had a bit earlier really, but I have probably saved myself a lot of money! 

 I did pick up this stunning top that was about £60 down to £19! Once again it is navy and has beautiful lace detailing. It's a slightly cropped peplum top and I love that it has the cami build in underneath. 

Links to everything I bought: 

Topshop Joni Jeans Indigo

Topshop Chambray Shirt

Jack Wills Lace Frill Hem Top

The peplum detailing in just beautiful, and even thrown on with a pair of jeans (like my new high waisted ones) this looks really but together. 

It is great to be back in Manchester now that everyone else has finished their exams. Tonight we are all getting dressed up and going out for cocktails in Spinningfields. I'm going to wear my new Mango lace dress. No prizes for guessing the colour! And I'm just painting my nails in a new polish I got for Christmas, Essie Take it Outside. It's a beautiful grey/beige that I might try and take some photos and do a quick post on tomorrow. 

I'm really looking forward to dressing up and having a very classy evening. But right now I am in my PINK hoodie and we are going to order loads of pizza for dinner! It's all about balance. 

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend xx

Pretty Little Things

Pretty Little Things 

In basically a week now I am heading back to University in Manchester, which means for the last few days I have been trying to sort out everything that I need to take up with me. A lot of things I already had from last year and most of the new things I needed were cheap kitchen bits as this year I will be cooking for myself. Insert worried face here...

But I did managed to pick up a few really pretty bits and pieces that I thought I would share with you. 

The first thing is this beautiful vintage looking alarm clock in white. I have one very similar in my bedroom at home which I love from Sainsbury's so I went back there do see if they still did anything similar. And I found this, the last one and knew it would look perfect by my bed at uni to help get me to my lectures on time! Also it was a total bargain for only £6!

I picked up these adorable glasses about a week ago when I went IKEA shopping with my boyfriend for kitchen things. Most of what I bought was really boring like saucepans and wooden spoons but I saw these and they were just too cute to leave behind. They are really summery which I realise is silly as we are now heading into Autumn and Winter, but I know just drinking anything out of a flamingo glass will bring me such joy. It's the little things in life!

I like to think that I am quite an organised person. I'm very tidy and everything has a place and an order. Something I do need to improve on is how I organise my events. I write some things on my phone, some things as notes, and some things are just scribbled on little bits of paper and sticky notes around my room! So I bought this little silver diary so I can finally have everything all in one place. This one is a pretty silver finish and is small and light enough so that I can throw it in my handbag when I need too. I dream of having one of those beautiful Filofax or a Kate Spade organiser one day, but for now this little one will have to do. 

And finally I picked up a couple more of these lace design white pots from IKEA to take up to university with me. They are so pretty and really practical. One of them will definitely be used for all my makeup brushes and the other one probably for pens or something on my desk. 

I'm sad that Summer is pretty much over, but I am also so excited to move into a house in Manchester with all my friends. I also cannot wait to decorate my bedroom. As you can probably guess there is going to be a lot of white, but also some blue and I have the beautiful throw from Urban Outfitters that I got for my birthday. So keep an eye out for a post in the next few weeks showing you my new bedroom! xx