That Zara Dress

Or should I say playsuit? It looks like a dress, but it is so short that I feel the need to let people know that there are some shorts underneath to protect my dignity! You must know the dress I'm talking about...the Zara one that everyone owns. And if you don't have a version of it yourself (be it sleeveless, striped, plain etc), then I guarantee that at least 5 people you know do!

Usually I find there is nothing worse that wearing something that everyone else owns. I'm definietly not a trend setter, but I do prefer to wear things that people can't just look at and sigh "Zara, I have it too!". Plus the more people that buy something the more saturated the market becomes, and suddenly that it thing is officially out.

My gosh, this dress has saturated the industry! I've seen it on about 8 friends scrolling through my Facebook, about 15 bloggers that I follow on Instagram, and it is still popping up on my Pinterest. Usually I'd roll my eyes and run a mile but when I saw the blue bell sleeved version on sale I thought I would give it a quick try on. And unfortunately I completely see what all the fuss is about!

The seam across the chest looks like it shouldn't work, it's something that you'd dress a 4 year old in. But it simultaneously manages to flatter those who have been blessed with boobs, and create the illusion of something for the rest of us. The fact that the dress is so incredibly short means it makes even the most petite look as though we have legs for days. Yet the shorts mean you don't have to panic on tube escalators or dance without lifting your arms up and flashing your underwear. The low back is flattering, but you can totally still get away with wearing a regular bra. The fabric is cool and airy, but for something from Zara feels weighty and not at all sheer. The shape of the dress means you can go out and order a starter, main with chips on the side, a cocktail and still have more than enough room for dessert. It's like leaving the house in pyjamas but looking put together. And you can rock the dress with Birkenstocks, trainers or heeled sandals. And as if all that wasn't enough...it has pockets. Sold.

So now I completely understand why everyone has this dress. Because Zara totally nailed it! I'm not sure they need to bring out any new colours or versions. They've already saturated the market themselves! But it does go to show that where good design, style and functionality meet, something amazing can be created (and sales will be off the chart!).

Would love to hear in the comments if you have this dress (or similar) and how you like to style it.

Speak soon xx

Jacket of Dreams

Jacket of Dreams

More frequently, probably due to the tremendous amount of fashion magazines and blogs that I read, I have an item that I am wishing for stuck in my head. It's probably based on a designer item I have seen that I am trying to find a dupe of for a fraction of the price. But either way having an image of the "perfect" item stuck in my head makes be incredibly fussy. I've probably already decided the colour, fabric and length, basically exactly how the piece should be, and how it should look on me! And usually it can take years to find! Does anyone else have this problem of is it just me!?

Going into each new season I usually have a little mental list of items that I want to buy into. Right now for example I'm on the hunt for a pair of grey wool shorts, some brown leather ankle boots and a printed silk square scarf. But a piece that have been on my list for years (no exaggeration) was a beige aviator jacket. Basically the ACNE STUDIOS one, but without the £2000 price tag! And every year when coat season came around I would search in every store for my dream jacket.

That was until Zara! Beside from being my favourite shop just for all clothing (although particularly Winter I find), Zara are amazing at creating dupes for designer pieces, something in just a couple of weeks after they have been on the Catwalk.

After the most amazing trip to London Fashion Weekend with my mum we decided to pop into the beautiful Zara in Sloane Square just to have a little browse around. And it really is such a beautiful store that I really recommend! When I first walked in I started spotting a couple of aviator jackets. The first was in a lovely light grey however it was longer that I was looking for. The second was small and thin and in an orangey beige...and the third was perfect.

And they had one left in my size! So I tried it on straight away and it fit like a shearling lined, super cosy glove. The price tag was a little high (although nothing compared to the £2000 ACNE one!), so obviously I completely forgot the fact that I DO NOT need another Winter coat/jacket and bought it! Zara also have this amazing way of changing their stock almost completely every couple of weeks so that if you see something you buy it straight away as you don't know if it will even be on sale in a weeks time!

I've managed to find the exact jacket on the Zara website incase you also want to treat yourself to something snuggly for Winter as well!

Suede Effect and Fleecy Jacket 

So here I am, with the jacket of my dreams. Just hoping the weather gets very cold, very soon. Recently I've actually been hanging it on the back of my cupboard so that I can admire it just before I go to bed! Sad, I know! But in a way I feel proud and like it is a huge accomplishment that I have finally found something that I have been dreaming up for years!

Maybe I need to get out more...or just go back to Zara and see if they have anymore dreamy items in store that I need for Winter!

Speak soon

 

The Summer Mini

The Summer Mini

It is really sad how long ago my holiday to Marrakech feels after 5 solid weeks of work. But I am back again with another Marrakech post which is sort of helping me to relive the amazing memories.

I really wanted to share my favourite Summer skirt which I have been wearing so much this Summer. As much as I love a great pair of jeans or shorts there is something about wearing a little skirt or dress that just makes me feel pretty. This one I picked up from Zara a few months ago is gorgeous. It's got a beautiful textured stripe print and is in a fairly weighty fabric that feels expensive and means that I don't have to worry about wearing this on days that are a little more windy! And I find the A-line shape really flattering and not to short so this could be dressed up for smarter occasions.

I wore this outfit on our last full day in Marrakech, when we decided to leave the old town and go and explore the beautiful Gardens of Majorelle. The botanical gardens are amazing with all the cacti, amazing fountains and the gorgeous mix of cobalt blue and yellow. It is such a peaceful and magical place to walk around and we caught some lovely footage for our video which you can watch here.

Hope you enjoyed this short little post. I have a final Marrakech post and my favourite outfit from the holiday coming up soon. And then a few more posts planned for you too. Speak soon xx

Hats and Pouts

Hats and Pouts

I really wanted to share some photos of an outfit that I wore to uni last week, but then the weather went really hot and suddenly it didn't seem appropriate to post about wearing felt hats and blanket scarves. However typical British weather means we are back to chilly winds and heavy rain again and I am spending my Sunday snuggled up in bed with my laptop. But I thought I would make the most of it and finally post this outfit.

As you can probably tell, I am still really feeling the monochromatic minimal style. I can't stop wearing my Zara trench coat at the moment, it feels classic but stylish and is the perfect Spring transition piece when the weather is still all over the place! In this outfit I have kept everything really simple, trench coat, white jumper and denim jeans, but I've played around a bit with accessories.

This black hat is actually from Primark, but I think the simple design and colour make it feel so much more expensive. It is also the perfect compliment to this beautiful blanket scarf from Joules, which is so soft and looks great draped around the neck showing off the subtle print.

What I am wearing:

Trench coat - Zara
Scarf - Joules
Jumper - H&M
Hat - Primark
Necklace - Accessorize
Watch - Nixon
Rings - Accessorize

I do actually have another little outfit post that I can't wait to share which was from when the weather was really lovely. So now I feel like I am going to have to wait until it has warmed up again before posting those photos! Blogger problems!

Hope everyone has had a lovely weekend. Speak soon xx

Zara Perfumes

Zara Perfumes 

 

I finally got around to purchasing some Zara perfumes after so many of my friends went on about how good they were. I'm a huge fan of Zara anyway, I love there clothes, their accessories and their homewear, but for some reason I had never tried their perfumes. 

 

After spraying and sniffing scents to the point that I could hardly smell anything at all I came away with these two. Although there are so many that I now want! I chose a light floral scent and a more musky scent. 

 

I actually think floral Bouquet is my favourite at the moment. It's very sweet and floral but light and feminine and I think this will be perfect for Spring and Summer. 

 

So if you haven't yet tried any Zara perfumes I would definitely recommend them, especially for how reasonably priced they are. And I love these beautiful minimal style bottles, that look perfect in my room. 

 

Speak soon xx

 

Zara Perfumes

Zara Perfumes 

I finally got around to purchasing some Zara perfumes after so many of my friends went on about how good they were. I'm a huge fan of Zara anyway, I love there clothes, their accessories and their homewear, but for some reason I had never tried their perfumes. 

After spraying and sniffing scents to the point that I could hardly smell anything at all I came away with these two. Although there are so many that I now want! I chose a light floral scent and a more musky scent. 

I actually think floral Bouquet is my favourite at the moment. It's very sweet and floral but light and feminine and I think this will be perfect for Spring and Summer. 

So if you haven't yet tried any Zara perfumes I would definitely recommend them, especially for how reasonably priced they are. And I love these beautiful minimal style bottles, that look perfect in my room. 

Speak soon xx

Mini Haul

Mini Haul

On Thursday I had the day off work so I went out for the day with my boyfriend Jack to do some shopping and go to the cinema. We saw the Disney Pixar film Inside Out which I have wanted to see for ages. It was such a great film, made me laugh and even cry at one point! And I just think it is so cute the idea that we have little emotion people in our heads!

Anyway, it wasn't a very long shopping trip but one where I saw so many things I wanted! I didn't go too crazy, although I have spent most of the money I have made so far this week, but I did pick up a few pieces that I wanted to share with you. 

The first place that I went was H&M which is a store that I really like although recently I feel some of their clothes are starting to look a little cheap. However I did spot this beautiful grey jumper that in my opinion is perfect. And I was almost tempted to buy like five of the same jumper as it is so cheap and I know I am just going to live in this! The fabric is soft but it feels quite weighty and isn't see-though. And it is just slouchy and comfy but I think with some delicate jewellery it still looks really pretty. Which leads me on to the necklace here which I also picked up from H&M. It's just this really simple layered gold necklace that will go with so many outfits and just looks really beautiful. Someone even asked me if it was real gold yesterday, so for £4 it was a total bargain! 

I just love this jumper! Wish they did it in other colours as I would probably buy them all! But I think this is probably how I will wear it, with the sleeves rolled up as it looks even more flattering. 

The next place I went to was Zara, my favourite shop ever. They had a few bits left in the sale so I had a little look and spotted this coat. I have always wanted a khaki parka with a big fur hood. So when I spotted this one, on its own, in my size I knew it was meant to be! 

This is actually the second winter coat that I have bought in the past couple of weeks! My other one is from ASOS and it is very different, and slightly out of my comfort zone. I can't wait to take some nice photos of it and share that one with you though. 

Might not be able to post for the next couple of days, tomorrow and I working all day again and then it is my birthday on Monday! So I'm off work and I think I am going up to London to Sea Life which is very exciting. Either way, I will be taking lots of photos for you so I can post them afterwards. Speak soon xx

Mini Haul

Mini Haul

On Thursday I had the day off work so I went out for the day with my boyfriend Jack to do some shopping and go to the cinema. We saw the Disney Pixar film Inside Out which I have wanted to see for ages. It was such a great film, made me laugh and even cry at one point! And I just think it is so cute the idea that we have little emotion people in our heads!

Anyway, it wasn't a very long shopping trip but one where I saw so many things I wanted! I didn't go too crazy, although I have spent most of the money I have made so far this week, but I did pick up a few pieces that I wanted to share with you. 

The first place that I went was H&M which is a store that I really like although recently I feel some of their clothes are starting to look a little cheap. However I did spot this beautiful grey jumper that in my opinion is perfect. And I was almost tempted to buy like five of the same jumper as it is so cheap and I know I am just going to live in this! The fabric is soft but it feels quite weighty and isn't see-though. And it is just slouchy and comfy but I think with some delicate jewellery it still looks really pretty. Which leads me on to the necklace here which I also picked up from H&M. It's just this really simple layered gold necklace that will go with so many outfits and just looks really beautiful. Someone even asked me if it was real gold yesterday, so for £4 it was a total bargain! 

I just love this jumper! Wish they did it in other colours as I would probably buy them all! But I think this is probably how I will wear it, with the sleeves rolled up as it looks even more flattering. 

The next place I went to was Zara, my favourite shop ever. They had a few bits left in the sale so I had a little look and spotted this coat. I have always wanted a khaki parka with a big fur hood. So when I spotted this one, on its own, in my size I knew it was meant to be! 

This is actually the second winter coat that I have bought in the past couple of weeks! My other one is from ASOS and it is very different, and slightly out of my comfort zone. I can't wait to take some nice photos of it and share that one with you though. 

Might not be able to post for the next couple of days, tomorrow and I working all day again and then it is my birthday on Monday! So I'm off work and I think I am going up to London to Sea Life which is very exciting. Either way, I will be taking lots of photos for you so I can post them afterwards. Speak soon xx

Late Summer Haul

Late Summer Haul 

I was actually meant to write this post before I went away to Spain, but I wasn't happy with a few of the photos that were taken and didn't have time to retake them before I went away. I decided that I would rather post less frequent high quality posts that I have spent time on and am really proud of than something that is rushed and I don't feel totally happy about. 

On the Friday before I went away to Spain I went to Bluewater with my mum with the intention of buying some jeans as I was desperate. And I did manage to get some jeans but I also got a few other bits and pieces, as is always the way! SO hope you enjoy this little haul! 

The first thing that I wanted to share with you was this little white top that wasn't from Bluewater but was actually bought by my mum from Sainsbury's. She bought it for herself, but the sizes come up very small so when I asked to try it on I didn't want to give it back! But it was such a bargain that she didn't mind!

Simple white tops are so useful and I love the beautiful crochet detail. The will look beautiful in summer with some shorts or under a little jacket, but I also thought when it starts to get colder you could wear this under a little jumper with just the lace showing at the bottom. 

The purchase was actually something else that I desperately needed. While starting to pack for Spain I realised that my favourite white shorts, after an obvious suncream leak were no longer wearable! What I loved about my old white shorts is that they were a little scuffed up and had some lovely cut out detail around the bottom.. So when I saw these lovely ones in Zara with a frayed hem and crochet detail on the sides I knew they were perfect. Unlike my old ones these are also high waisted which I love even more and think they are very flattering with a little top tucked in. 

Not really a summer collection, but the magazies are already taking about A/W 2015 fashion so I guess it's okay. I picked this lovely jumper up in the Topshop sale. It's striped, nothing new there, but it is so slouchy, comfy and warm. And I think this will be perfect for when I am back at University and need some comfy clothes to work in. 

I actually ordered these pyjamas online, but they came the same day as this shopping trip so I thought that I would throw them in this haul anyway. I ordered these when I realised that I had no Summer pyjamas to take to Spain that I wanted to be seen by anyone in. Most of my pyjamas are from Primark who do have a great selection which are very reasonable. But mine were also very old, a little to small, buttons were falling off, holes were appearing so I felt new pyjamas were necessary. 

I found this set online from H&M and loved how cute they were. They were around £15 plus postage which for me was expensive for pyjamas but I absolutely love them. And I actually ended up wearing them most evenings in Spain!

And finally these are the jeans that I went to Bluewater for! I probably tried on about 15 pairs of jeans that day. But good fitting jeans are so hard to find. I finally found this pair in Zara in exactly the same style as my black jeans just in denim. What I love about these jeans is the stretch in them which makes them so flattering to wear.

Hope you liked this little Summer haul. I have actually done a bit more online shopping since so I can't wait to show you what I picked up from the Mango sale and some other places. Speak soon lovelies xx

Late Summer Haul

Late Summer Haul 

I was actually meant to write this post before I went away to Spain, but I wasn't happy with a few of the photos that were taken and didn't have time to retake them before I went away. I decided that I would rather post less frequent high quality posts that I have spent time on and am really proud of than something that is rushed and I don't feel totally happy about. 

On the Friday before I went away to Spain I went to Bluewater with my mum with the intention of buying some jeans as I was desperate. And I did manage to get some jeans but I also got a few other bits and pieces, as is always the way! SO hope you enjoy this little haul! 

The first thing that I wanted to share with you was this little white top that wasn't from Bluewater but was actually bought by my mum from Sainsbury's. She bought it for herself, but the sizes come up very small so when I asked to try it on I didn't want to give it back! But it was such a bargain that she didn't mind!

Simple white tops are so useful and I love the beautiful crochet detail. The will look beautiful in summer with some shorts or under a little jacket, but I also thought when it starts to get colder you could wear this under a little jumper with just the lace showing at the bottom. 

The purchase was actually something else that I desperately needed. While starting to pack for Spain I realised that my favourite white shorts, after an obvious suncream leak were no longer wearable! What I loved about my old white shorts is that they were a little scuffed up and had some lovely cut out detail around the bottom.. So when I saw these lovely ones in Zara with a frayed hem and crochet detail on the sides I knew they were perfect. Unlike my old ones these are also high waisted which I love even more and think they are very flattering with a little top tucked in. 

Not really a summer collection, but the magazies are already taking about A/W 2015 fashion so I guess it's okay. I picked this lovely jumper up in the Topshop sale. It's striped, nothing new there, but it is so slouchy, comfy and warm. And I think this will be perfect for when I am back at University and need some comfy clothes to work in. 

I actually ordered these pyjamas online, but they came the same day as this shopping trip so I thought that I would throw them in this haul anyway. I ordered these when I realised that I had no Summer pyjamas to take to Spain that I wanted to be seen by anyone in. Most of my pyjamas are from Primark who do have a great selection which are very reasonable. But mine were also very old, a little to small, buttons were falling off, holes were appearing so I felt new pyjamas were necessary. 

I found this set online from H&M and loved how cute they were. They were around £15 plus postage which for me was expensive for pyjamas but I absolutely love them. And I actually ended up wearing them most evenings in Spain!

And finally these are the jeans that I went to Bluewater for! I probably tried on about 15 pairs of jeans that day. But good fitting jeans are so hard to find. I finally found this pair in Zara in exactly the same style as my black jeans just in denim. What I love about these jeans is the stretch in them which makes them so flattering to wear.

Hope you liked this little Summer haul. I have actually done a bit more online shopping since so I can't wait to show you what I picked up from the Mango sale and some other places. Speak soon lovelies xx

Marble

Marble

I wanted to share with you a smarter everyday look for something like a date or a nice day out. I actually wore this to my interview for Joules a couple of weeks ago!

I chose to wear my new top from ASOS sale that I ordered a couple of weeks. It's this beautiful pinky beige and black marble print in a boxyT-shirt style. I also love the fabric of this top, it is slightly textured and feels really lovely but it is also still breathable for Summer. And for right now when the weather can be slightly temperamental I wore my Zara mac as I think it keeps the look nice and smart.  

I love pairing boxy style tops like this one with a really well fitting pair of skinny jeans like these lovely ones from Zara. And I chose to go for black jeans as they are smart, classic and pick up the colour in the top. These jeans are very stretchy and comfortable and I love wearing then. 

To accessorise I kept it simple with my delicate gold necklace, my gold watch and some classic sunglasses. 

Top - ASOS
Jeans - Zara
Trench Coat - Zara

Shoes - Office

Sunglasses - Forever 21

Necklace - Accessorize

Watch - Nixon

While I was trying to shoot all these outfit photos my dog Kiara wouldn't leave me alone! But she is a big cutie and I love this picture of us!

Hope you liked this outfit post. I'd love to hear in the comments below what you thought of this smarter look. Speak soon xx

Marble

Marble

I wanted to share with you a smarter everyday look for something like a date or a nice day out. I actually wore this to my interview for Joules a couple of weeks ago!

I chose to wear my new top from ASOS sale that I ordered a couple of weeks. It's this beautiful pinky beige and black marble print in a boxyT-shirt style. I also love the fabric of this top, it is slightly textured and feels really lovely but it is also still breathable for Summer. And for right now when the weather can be slightly temperamental I wore my Zara mac as I think it keeps the look nice and smart.  

I love pairing boxy style tops like this one with a really well fitting pair of skinny jeans like these lovely ones from Zara. And I chose to go for black jeans as they are smart, classic and pick up the colour in the top. These jeans are very stretchy and comfortable and I love wearing then. 

To accessorise I kept it simple with my delicate gold necklace, my gold watch and some classic sunglasses. 

Top - ASOS
Jeans - Zara
Trench Coat - Zara

Shoes - Office

Sunglasses - Forever 21

Necklace - Accessorize

Watch - Nixon

While I was trying to shoot all these outfit photos my dog Kiara wouldn't leave me alone! But she is a big cutie and I love this picture of us!

Hope you liked this outfit post. I'd love to hear in the comments below what you thought of this smarter look. Speak soon xx