Heat Rash

Dress: Vintage

Cardigan: H&M

Belt: Zara

Shoes: UO

Bag: Vintage

Wore this for a day trip to Otley recently when the weather couldn't decide what it wanted. I wanted to go one last time before disappearing for summer but it seemed someone else had gotten there first and nabbed all the good stuff. It was followed by a night of watching 'The Craft' and 'Matilda' with friends which is the perfect way to spend an evening in my books. 

I'm currently packing up my room to move home and I'm going to take a break from the blog for the week so I can deal with all the stuff I have to do. Plus I'm lacking a photographer since Mel is leaving Leeds today too. It's back to self-portraits once I'm home for summer. 

I'm looking forward to going home for the home comforts, the free food, packed charity shops and freedom of riding my bike around but I'm going to miss Leeds and everyone in it. I can't even handle thinking about graduating next summer without a slightly nauseous feeling in my stomach. Growing up sucks!

Try To Change

Top: H&M

Skirt: H&M

Cardigan: Topshop

Shoes: UO

I kind of disappeared for a while there. Since finishing university for the year, I've had no structure in my life at all and everything has gotten a little bit crazy. We've got the rough cut of the film finished, just waiting on credits and soundtrack now which is exciting. A lot of people have asked about being able to see it but I'm still considering whether I'll be making it available for viewing online. It kind of cuts down your options for what you can do with the film but we'll see. 

This outfit was an easy option for a day of watching X-Men First Class, going for one last dinner out with Mel and then a party in the evening. People have been having parties left, right and center since finishing so it's been a tiring couple of weeks. Dressing for comfort has become my only option really. 

I'll try and get back into the swing of posting regularly but I'm going to have to take next week off because I'm moving home from uni etc. Might try and get some guest posts, let me know if you'd be interested in helping a girl out!

This Is Our Lot

Dress: F21

Cardigan: H&M

Shoes: UO

Had a little break from the blogging world to go outside and enjoy the sunshine this week. It's a lot of my friends last week in Leeds as well so I had lots of quality time scheduled in with them. I'm on a four nights out in a row schedule at the moment, tonight being the third and I'm just not sure how I'm gonna survive. All the days tend to blur into one in summertime and coming home in the morning when it's alright light outside is really disorientating. 

The ease of summer dressing is something I'm totally renewing my love for though. Sundress and shoes, ready to go. Anything more complicated is just too much for a sunfrazzled brain to comprehend. 

I went to a friend's birthday party the other night and the theme was crossing dressing so of course I obliged and went as my alter ego Claude. A moustache and a bow tie was added after the photo below but all of the other photos are pretty horrific. At the party I went to last night someone said 'You're looking nice in your girls clothes' so clearly Claude made an impression. 

We've Got Amnesia From the Smallest Problems

Shirt: Primark

Skirt: New Look

Shoes: New Look

I tried something a bit different last week and I didn't hate it. I love both of these items separately but I always was struggling to style them until the look kept popping up all over my blogosphere so I decided to just give it a go. I really like how the brown shoes work with the pastel-y colours of the top half and I think it gives me a nice shape.

I have to be honest with you though. After the photos I changed out of the skirt because the heat was just too claustrophobic and all I could think of wearing was shorts. I do like the look though and I would wear it again under different weather conditions.

Today (as I'm typing but I plan to schedule this so Monday) was my first day back at work. I worked in a recruitment office during my gap year and I'm back there for a month to earn some cash. It was tiring and boring and exactly how it used to be and I yearn to be out in the sunshine or flicking through blogs but hey, money makes the world go round.

My smile looks really dodgy there but I thought I should mix it up a bit with the photo style. Fingers crossed I can schedule this post as I've never done it before and I'm handing my macbook over to get a new topcase tomorrrow from the lovely mac people as mine is cracked. I won't be able to post until I get my precious Jake back but you can still find me on twitter. I've installed the twitter widget which I think is great and you should all follow me. shameless plug!

I have declared my love of lace before but I never quite feel confident about wearing it. Is there anything you love but hesitate about wearing?

Sit Back And Wave Through The Daylight

Dress: Dorothy Perkins

Sandals: New Look

Bracelet: Accessorize

Ring: Market in Rome

Pocketwatch worn as necklace: Spitalfields Market

It was another scorcher to start this week off and I couldn't cope with wearing more than a dress and sandals. I had plans to go to town in the day then to a gig in the evening for my friend's band. My brain was completely frazzled within like ten minutes of being outside, it was so ridiculously hot but there was a slight breeze, which you can see blowing at my dress, which helped a little bit.

You've all seen this dress before but I styled it differently and I'm afraid when I moved home from uni I came on the train so could only bring one suitcase so most of my wardrobe is still in Leeds. Do not panic though! I am going up there on Friday to move into my new house and I'll be bringing home a lot of clothes with me too. I'm hoping I'll have a chance to hit the charity shops of Leeds while I'm there because despite being on a kind of shopping ban, charity shopping and sale shopping is allowed. I start work on Monday but I'm trying to save all my money so that I can have an amazing summer. Plus by forcing myself to only buy in charity shops I'm hoping to find some cool stuff.

I love the back of this dress and the slight wedge of the sandals. I only wore them to Summer Ball before this. I hesitated in wearing them before Summer Ball because I didn't want to ruin them but they turned out to be so comfortable. They're a bit different to my normal style but I love them nonetheless. This outfit did help me keep cool, I took a cardigan out with me but it was definitely not needed. In the evening we were inside for the gig and I still didn't need a cardigan. The band my friend plays in had a problem with their drummer being sick so my friend ended up playing an impromptu accoustic set, it was lovely to see him pick up his guitar again as I really love his solo stuff. Oh yeah, I have curled my hair here. I've been wearing it curly the past few days because I never used to like it curly but it seems to be at the right length at the moment so I'm loving it.

This necklace is actually a pocketwatch and it's one of my most treasured possessions despite only costing me £10. I just love the idea of it and it's ornate carving is lovely! Everyone always asks about it when I wear it too.

I kept it girly with my accessories too but simple because of the heat.

How are you surviving in the heat wave?

Give Me The Fevers That Just Won't Break

Dress: Peacocks

Cardigan: Topshop

Sandals: Topshop

This was last week, the heat is still persisting now though. Tights are a thing of the past now! This outfit was good for lazing in the heat which is what I did all day. I'm going out today but last week it was just too hot to do anything at all. I've decided I need to power through since it's my last week of freedom for a while.

I feel my love for florals hasn't been fully explored on this blog because I've been trying to wear new things that I wouldn't normally but when in doubt I always resort to florals. This dress is good for that as it has some small details but I'm not too keen on the large elasticated middle bit. Gives me a weird shape. I love this cardigan but I'd only worn it once before and inspired by my summer layering I think it might have just found a new lease of life.

I've entered the ASOS Battle of The Bloggers Competition. You had to write 900 words on your favourite fashion discovery and the prize is so awesome so fingers crossed. You can check it out at ASOS then go on the Life section. I'm in a rush so I can't find a direct link right now. I'm going to schedule this post to see if it works.

I finally ordered a remote for my camera too after admitting to myself I'm never going to find my old one again. I wish that meant I would go outside of my garden with my tripod but I'm afraid I'm not confident enough to take photos of myself in public yet, my garden is bad enough cause I feel like people are watching me from their windows which they probably are knowing my neighbourhood. Creepy!

I'm off to the seaside of Whitstable tomorrow I'm very excited. Have you been to the seaside yet this year?

When You Told Me You Were Leaving

Top: New Look

Shorts: Vintage

Cardigan: H&M

Tote: Nation of Shopkeepers

Brogues: Below 7

Badge: Present

Firstly, I'm really unsatisfied with these photographs and this outfit. It makes me look a lot bigger than I really am and just isn't flattering at all. I didn't realise that until I looked over the photos the next day and I kind of regret wearing it but never mind, I did enjoy wearing it despite it being really humid. I was panicking all morning what to wear because it looked so hot then when I went to get ready it turned grey so I figured I was ok to wear tights. Wrong!

This top was a birthday present. I love the pattern and the ruffles but it gives me no shape whatsoever. If I wear it again, I'm going to belt it I reckon to give it more definition. My favourite part of the outfit is my badge which I got for my birthday too. I wore this when I went to my brothers birthday and we bounced on the trampoline. It was quite a fun day overall.

I'm looking forward to this week as it's my last week before I start full time work. I'm going to try and get as many outfit photos as possible so that I can post while I'm working and not leave you all hanging. I've got a few things lined up for when I am working though so you won't be left with nothing to read. I've recently joined Weardrobe too, I've only uploaded one look so far but this week I'm going to get down to some html research to sort out my layout and put up my chictopia and other stuff on the side as links.

This weekend I've just thrown on shorts and vests as it's been sweltering. I'd happily welcome some rain just to break the heat for a while. I'm off to the seaside on Tuesday and if it's ridiculously hot I'm scared it will ruin the day. What are your plans for this week?

Inspiration For The Week

Since I missed my update last week from too many outfit posts and a busy birthday weekend, I've decided to give you a double installment of my inspiration. My style file on my desktop was starting to overflow.

thisstylishheart

I adore this girl's style. She manages to look like every piece she's wearing is vintage despite a lot of it being high street. I'm definitely craving some green shorts now!

calivintage

I should probably just go ahead and invest in a proper straw hat since they just keep popping up in my inspiration files. I love the polka dots of the lilac dress and the sailor chic of the pink one. Need more dresses in my life.

facehunter

Both these looks are stunning despite being opposite ends of the spectrum. Going to take a leaf out of Carrie's book and try and make a floral headband of my own and keep my hunt for the perfect trousers on.

strawberrykoi

I am in love with this bag! I've been hunting for the perfect bag for what seems like forever and this one would definitely fit into that category. Adore the navy dress too and we all know I have a soft spot for cameos but am trying to introduce more into my world.

liebemarlene

Floral dresses are my weakness but I also love these wedges, especially with the socks! I'm also sensing a theme with hair here and I might have to start wearing my fringe again.

lateafternoon

Such a darling feminine look. I have a weakness for lace but just don't know how to wear it.

haggardlibrary

I'm definitely into the socks with shoes thing at the moment. I love the colour of her skirt too and the cute touch of the beret.

chictopia

Love the aqua dress and the navy with it. Gotta experiment with socks!!

keikolynn

This purse is amazing! I love tapestry purses and this one is beyond amazing. Love the shoes as well.

I'm excited to announce a new feature I'm going to be starting soon called Take Note, which is going to be once a month an interview with one of my favourite bloggers that I want to share with you. The first one won't be for around two weeks but I couldn't wait to tell you all.

This week I've been reading a lot and I just finished Blackbox by Nick Walker and I'm now reading Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathon Safran Foer. What are you reading at the moment?

I Was In Love With The Place In My Mind.

Dress: Urban Outfitters

Shirt: Vintage

Belt: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Topshop

It was just too hot to accessorise when I wore this outfit. It has been this past few days really. Oh the woes of summer weather. I would have normally worn this dress without the shirt in this weather but I have sunburnt shoulders and I'm kind of glad because I love the shape this outfit gave me. I wore this when I just lazed around all day because it was too hot to do anything else.

My blogger poses do still revert back to the good old hands on the hips manouever but I can't really complain. My tripod is cooperating and I've taken outfit photos everyday this week so I can have a nice rest this weekend while still having stuff to post. I went to my little brothers birthday party yesterday and I got to see my Dad's next door neighbour who is a great friend of mine. She'd been travelling in India so I hadn't seen her since Christmas. We're planning a more thorough catch up for soon.

I love the detailing on this shirt, it really makes the shirt special for me. I rarely wear it because it's a bit too see through to wear without a vest but I like how it's working for me here. The dress is one of my favourites, a sale bargain and you've been seeing a lot of bare legs recently. I apologise for that. I'm not sure if it's the heat but I've been getting awful headaches everyday this week. It's horrible, I just can't shake them.

I have a slight dilemma that I'd like you to help me with. I've recently discovered that Urban Outfitters USA is shipping to the UK. Bad news for my bank balance! Theres a lot of stuff in their sale that I love that you just can't get hold of over here. I only allowed myself to browse the sale section and not full price. So, I stumbled across these scalloped shorts:

I'm in love with the shape but they don't look like they sit very well, the nicer alternatives are $48 while these are $15 and the UK store doesn't have anything near either of the two.

What should I do?

What Will Be Your Story Now?

Dress: New Look

Cardigan: Peacocks

Bag: Primark

Shoes: Primark

Necklace: Etsy

See how much better my tripod and I are getting along recently? These were quickly snapped in the garden as I have some weird neighbours who like to look into my cardigan and I didn't want any awkward spectators to ruin my photos. I'm quite happy with the outcome though. I wore this outfit a few days ago for a day of lazing around and then the pub in the evening to say goodbye to a friend who was going travelling to East Asia.

It actually was a massively warm day and I was melting in this so the tights stayed on for about ten minutes while I realised sitting inside doesn't give you an accurate portrayal of the weather outside. For the night I actually wear it tightless with my wedges but I didn't snap any photographs so you'll have to use your imaginations on that front. I felt very Americana in this outfit though, I've not thought to pair this dress with red before but it just fit together for me on that day.

I was at first skeptical about buying this dress but I love the chambray and the bow and it has an exposed zip at the back which I adore. It's a bit busty but I let that go for it's other positive attributes. I was needing a red cardigan in my life and then when I picked this one up it took me ages to actually wear it. It has short sleeves and when it got a bit cold later on, that was frustrating.

I am also in love with this bag. Another purchase from a while ago but I waited until the Primark curse had died down of everybody else having it before cracking it out. I want a bigger vintage version but I cannot find one anywhere for the life of me. I'm thinking about going charity shop hunting this afternoon in London before a family meal but I don't want to go alone and everyone seems busy. Big sad face to that!

I got my necklace from the wonderful etsy store louloudo. The owner also has a blog that I can't find at the moment but its in my follow list. I was on the hunt for a cameo necklace and then this one popped out at me on etsy and it was love at first click. I used to want an owl with antlers tattoo but then this big hype burst up about stags and owls so I'm waiting for that to die down first. My boyfriend teases me for liking nature so much, but I love this necklace. I changed the chain to a silver one but it still looks amazing on. I love shopping on etsy but normally shipping prices are my downfall. This wasn't the case here though because it's UK based. What are your feelings on etsy?

Tell Me Everything You Saw

Jeans: Lux @ Urban Outfitters

Shirt: Charity Shop

Shoes: Primark

Straw bag: Charity Shop

I originally wasn't going to blog this outfit because it's kind of boring but I haven't worn jeans yet on the blog, mainly because I wear them rarely, and I wanted to show off my charity shop finds so this is how we ended up with this outfit being here. I wore this on Monday which ended up being an afternoon spent with one of my best friends from university before he moved on to visit his brother. It was a bit chilly so I pulled on jeans for the first time in a long time. I find jeans so constricting after wearing dresses most days.

This pair are my favourite pair though but they are falling apart and a hole in them is inevitable so I try and only wear them on special occasions. I found the blouse in a charity shop hunt I did of my hometown. It has the cutest pattern on it and it's slightly too big for me so it's breezy and versatile. The straw bag is another charity shop find. I've been hunting for one for a while and while searching for my telephone costume ingredients I stumbled across this little beauty.

I've been on the hunt for a bike. I want a cute little vintage one like the ones I see scattered across the blogosphere. I've found a few possibilities and I'm hoping to go and view one tomorrow. I wanted a blue one originally but the ones I've found at the moment are maroon so we shall see. I may just spraypaint. Does anyone know how hard that is? Why is it that bikes and fashion go so well together? I want one for day trips to the lovely countryside that I live in. There's a little area called Ayots that we love to go riding too but I haven't had my own bike for years so it'll be good to have one back.

Check out the cute buttons too! I've been taking my photos outside the past couple of days so I'm looking forward to the photos I have to post tomorrow. I know Inspiration for the Week is missing but do not despair. My style file is bursting at the seams and I am going to post it. I'm just trying to fit in as many outfit posts before I start work as possible because once that begins on July 5th, outfit posts will be lowered for the month.

That's The Difference Between The Sprout And The Bean

 

Dress: Zara

Cardigan: H&M

Wedges: TKMaxx

Saturday, it was my birthday. I turned 20 and had an amazing and surreal celebration with some of my best friends from all over the country. This was the outfit I had planned but weather dictated it not a good idea so I wore tights and a black cardigan and wore a different outfit in the evening. These photos are quite dark but my tripod is finally cooperating with me so that's a good sign for future shoots.

My birthday celebration consisted of picking up my friend from the train station, a BBQ with a few more friends and then off to London to meet everyone else. We were staying in a friend of a friend's flat with a disused pub underneath so we had predrinks in the pub then ventured into the night to go to my favourite bar in Brick Lane, Big Chill. Unfortunately by the time we got there it was packed and impossible to move so we stayed for one drink and then decided to forgo the next plans we had and return to the pub because it was fun just all being together in one place. It was a nice fusion of my best friends from home and my best friends from university and everyone got on famously.

I got these wedges as a birthday present. I've been looking for some for the longest time and these ones and perfection for me. I can't wait to wear them out properly. The dress is difficult because it's strapless but hopefully when the weather is nicer I'll be able to crack it out. It would even look nice with a tshirt underneath to cover some of the skin.

I love the little details on the dress and it made a nice birthday dress even if I only got to wear it for a few hours at the BBQ. My last birthday I spent in New York with the boyfriend. We spent the day in Central Park with a picnic and then in the evening we went to a film screening on a rooftop in Chinatown, after a dinner at Dumpling House. It was amazing but this year was a great one as well.

This is last year on my birthday. Apparently I have a thing for orange floral dresses on my birthdays. Here is the outfit that I wore out in the evening on my birthday. I wore it on the friday night for a family meal and then on my birthday night with oxfords instead of wedges.

Dress: New Look

Cardigan: H&M

Tights: Primark

Wedges: Peacocks.

Apologies for such a photo heavy post.