We are never what we intend, or invent.

Top: Urban Outfitters

Shorts: H&M

Cardigan: H&M

Tights: Primark

Shoes: Below 7

Sunglasses: Topshop

Yesterday, I went to Slam Dunk Festival at my university union. It was a day of pop punk bands on various stages. Although I'm not really into that scene anymore I went along to keep my boyfriend company and because there were a few bands I wouldn't have minded seeing. Unfortunately the timings were arranged so badly that nearly everyone good clashed and we only ended up seeing three bands. We left before the headliners because my flu was getting worse. I may look smiley in this photograph but I had to lay down on the deck afterwards because I felt so dizzy. The highlights of the day were The Wonder Years and Four Year Strong, a band I'd never heard before and a band I'm not that keen on on CD. Ah well, you live and you learn.

All the main components of my outfit were purchased in Manchester. The shorts are boyfriend fit and they are so comfortable. They are headed towards summer staple status for sure. The top was on sale in Urban Outfitters, which I have to tell myself is all I can afford now but I think I figured out why it was on sale when it kept going static-y and clinging to me. I love the colour of this cardigan as it brightens up everything. I was looking for some of this shape sunglasses for a while and then when my dad came to visit we saw these in Topshop so he treated me. I actually swapped my shoes for Vans once we got back to Leeds because they are so much more comfortable than any other shoes I own.

I fear I may be in a posing rut already. I tend to like the photos where I've got my hands on my hips most because I like the shape it brings to my outfits but I wish I could be a bit more dynamic. Anyone got any posing tips? My hair looks really light in these photos so I'm definitely dying it this week. I'm trying to put together a telephone outfit for Thursday. Does anyone know somewhere I could pick up an old telephone? I only really need the receiver but I am having trouble getting my hands on one.

Inspiration for the Week

I know I said I'd update every Sunday but it's a bank holiday so today is practically still Sunday and yesterday was so hectic I didn't get a chance. Delays aside, I hope you're looking forward to this week's inspiration. I have so much fun reading other people's blogs and getting inspiration for outfits or styling.

Found here

Kendi's blog is definitely one of my favourites. This look is so perfect for spring days and I'm still experiencing some serious straw hat cravings but I just can't find one to fit my head.

Found here

Another simple spring/summer outfit that I love. I'm drooling over those gladiator wedges and the flutter sleeves are perfect. Sigh!

Found here

Street style blogs always leave me in awe for all the well dressed girls there are out there. I love her Bonjour necklace, reminds me of my pin, and her romper is too cute for words. She looks like she just threw it on and still looks fabulous.

Found here

This nautical dress is amazing and we're all aware of my love of navy with grey. I'm hunting for a satchel at the moment too but ultimately this photograph just makes me want to go to the seaside

Found here

Just so chic and pulled together, just completely comfortable looking. I love high waisted skirts especially paired with blouses so this is great and hurauche sandals have been on my want list for so long now!

Found here

The colours of this outfit are beyond amazing. I love the pastel tones of the floral dress and the yellow cardigan. Her blog is lovely and filled with great style.

So there's a definite theme of summer dresses/rompers/skirts in this post. I rarely wear jeans anymore personally because after becoming addicted to dresses, jeans feel restricting. I would wear all of these looks. 

Also, a big thank you to Jazz at Transient Withdrawal for featuring me in her style inspiration. Such a huge compliment and it's been such a pleasant surprise how welcoming the blogging community really is. 

Outfit post later on today from Sunday.

Wolves At Night

Photo credit: Willis

Dress: H&M

Leggings: H&M

Belt: Urban Outfitters

Cardigan: Topshop

Shoes: Still odd.

I decided to just rock the odd shoes look tonight for my friends birthday because I didn't really have any other option, hoping no one would notice. Willis decided to inform my friend of it though, thanks for that! I only managed to stay for the first bar as I was too flu-ey and icky but I feel awful for being a weak friend. I rarely get to see my friend, who I actually know from uni in Leeds, but it's always good when we get together.

I actually tried this dress on thinking it was a top but it can work both ways which is great for seven pounds. Bargain! I don't normally wear dresses this short or fitted, as I'm sure you know from my blog but I fancied a change and I made it mine with the belt, cardigan and oxfords instead of heels. I also wanted an excuse to wear my red lipstick and my hair big. I love it this big but it takes some backcombing to get it into this mane.

I want to just say how flattered I was when my outfits have been going into the style gallery recently on chictopia. I know that's how a lot of you found my blog and I'd like to say thank you to anyone who follows me, comments on here or on chictopia. It's such a confidence boost and I started this as a way to utilise my wardrobe better but you guys have helped make a fun experience. Obviously I've only just started out but wanted to say thank you!

Young Adult Friction

Photo credit: Willis

Skirt: Vintage

Cardigan: H&M

Vest: Primark

Belt: Urban outfitters

Tights: Primark

Shoes: Primark/Below7

Notice anything strange about this outfit? I was so disorientated and ill feeling this morning while getting ready that I grabbed two different shoes and didn't even notice until I met Willis at the train station in Sheffield. They look quite similar which is why I didn't notice but I'm in a bit of a dilemma for whether to wear them out tonight for a friend's birthday party. 

I got this skirt on my trip to Manchester this week. I found two high waisted skirts while I was there which have been on my shopping list for a while now. This print is quite in your face and I even got a comment at the train station but the minute I start taking style advice from people who will shout at strangers in the street is the day I give up on fashion. The cardigan was also a Manchester find cause I've been craving one in this colour for ages. It's on the large side but that makes it mega slouchy and comfortable. 

It was raining all day so this outfit was designed to counteract the bad weather. We took these photos out on Willis's porch which is really cute and perfect for the summer. Today we were celebrating our second anniversary, for the second time. First time around we were both stressed and it ended up in us watching house in bed all day so today we decided to try again. 

Willis wanted to get in on the action again so I got some snaps of his outfit too.

T-shirt: Nike SB via Flatspot

Shorts: H&M

Deck shoes: Topman

Stubble: Custom

Safe to say he's digging the nautical trend this year. He didn't actually wear this outfit today but wanted to bust out his new deck shoes.

Peach, Plum, Pear

Photo credit: Mel

Dress: Primark

Shirt: Primark

Leggings: H&M

Sandals: Topshop

Tote bag: Free via Nation Of Shopkeepers

As I said in the previous post, I've been feeling awfully under the weather today. I've got a bad throat, blocked nose and headache but I knew I should go outside and get some fresh air while it was so lovely out. I love the colour of this dress, I've been looking for mint additions to my wardrobe for a while now and for a fiver, how could I resist? I've been craving a denim shirt for so long too and eventually found this one last week. What summer trends are you looking forward to? 

To make myself feel better I normally laze around and watch some of my favourite shows on my laptop but disaster struck recently when I finished nearly all of them! There's been so many season finales in the past couple of weeks that I'm lost for things to watch. I started watching this programme called 'Community', it's a nice light hearted comedy and it's been keeping me sane. Any recommendations for new shoes are welcome!

I'm still struggling with posing in public but I'm working on it. I'm putting together a post about my photographer, Mel, who I won't have in under two weeks as that is when I am leaving university for the summer. Scary times!

It's Not Going To Stop Til You Wise Up

Photo credit: Mel

Dress: Dorothy Perkins

Cardigan: H&M

Tights: Primark

Oxfords: Below 7

Yesterday I went to Manchester for a day of shopping. We got so caught up in the shopping that we didn't find any time to take a photo while we there and then on the way home when we went to take them, my camera battery ran out after a few detail shots. So I apologise for offering this photo which is deeply unflattery and not fully representative of my outfit. I don't normally coordinate my tights to my living room's carpet either. 

I adore this dress. I love the floral pattern and it has a great v back that I rarely get to show off. I managed to pick up quite a few summer bits in Manchester which I'm happy with. It was a lovely city, lots of cool places, reminded me of home though which made me homesick. It was a hectic day and when I rushed home I had to cook and get ready to go to a Washed Out and Small Black gig. It was amazing!! One of the best music experiences I have had. This is going to be a short one as I feel like I'm coming down with flu but I've got a few more things coming later on today hopefully.

You told me you wanted to eat up my sadness

Photo credit: Mel

Shirt: Vintage

Shorts: American Apparel via rummage sale

Leggings: H&M

Boat Shoes: Vintage

Belt: Vintage

I woke up this morning (read: afternoon) feeling pretty rough after last night but I knew I had to get out of bed and run some errands so I decided to throw on this shirt that I got a few weeks ago from one of my favourite shops in Sheffield, Cow vintage. It was a mens medium but I loved the colour so much that I had to get in and I figured I could wear it as a dress. Then when I put it on with a tunic vneck today it was just that tiny bit too shirt so I grabbed my corduroy shorts that I got for cheap at the rummage sale. I barely get a chance to wear them as they are very short shorts. I belted it and grabbed my boat shoes as I had a million blisters from dancing the night away.

Basically, until like two years ago I used to dress like a boy. I was constantly in jeans, tshirts and hoodies. I would buy dresses but never wear them, could never pull off skirts, ignored leggings and didn't even own a waist belt, let alone know how to use it to make the most of my body. Then one day I said to my boyfriend 'I'm going to start dressing like a girl' and voila, I changed up my wardrobe and started dressing the way I had wanted to but had been afraid to because I wasn't fond of my body shape. I feel so much better about myself now and I am more feminine in my wardrobe than my personality is, but plaid shirts are still a go to item for me. I adore plaid and they are always so comfy. This one is no exception.

I also got my wish and the weather cooled so I was able to wear my fringe out again. I realised the reason I don't like wearing it is that it only looks good with a middle parting, which I was sporting today, but middle partings remind me of being an awkward child and although I'm still an awkward teenager I am yet to embrace the middle part that everyone seems to love at the moment.

If It Can Be Broke Then It Can Be Fixed

Photo credit: Mel

Dress: Ark

Leggings: Ebay

Cardigan: H&M

Belt: Vintage

Bag: Vintage

Sandals: Topshop

Sparrow Badge: Etsy

I have now officially finished my first year of university! It's such a surreal feeling. It's been an amazing year, I've met so many people who I can't imagine not knowing now and had so many fun times. From freshers week, blowing student loans on clothes, nights out, all the afternoons in old bar, finding the best people on my course, signing for a house, stupid amounts of drinking games, one canadian flatmate, one war with another flatmate, dancing til I couldn't walk the next day, climbing the hill to uni everyday, many wagamamas, endless rides on the free bus, gaining a Glee addiction and so many ridiculous stories to tell, this year has been amazing. I love university and I love living in Leeds. I'm definitely going to miss it over summer when I'm back home in Hertfordshire.

As everyone knows, we've been having some freak hot weather these past few days and this outfit was necessary to survive in the heat. Everyone was coming out of the exam in shorts and sandals and sunglasses. This dress was such a good find and it translates so well between seasons. In winter, I wear it with a long sleeve top underneath it and now it's warmer I can wear it strapless but I paired it with a plain black vest yesterday so I didn't have to worry about a strapless bra. These shorter leggings are a life saver in the heat too because it's coverage without smothering your legs.

I've been wanting to try the belted cardigan for a while and I really like the result here. These are also the sandals I had to buy when I got so hot on Sunday but I really like them. They're so versatile, I even wore them out last night too. We ended up at a gay bar and much hilarity ensued as normal. Now that I'm finished with university I feel so much freer and I've got so much time to do things with. This will all end when I start back at work on July 5th but til then I'm going to take advantage of it.

Inspiration for the Week

I've decided to start a feature on my blog that I will try and update every Sunday of the looks that I loved that past week. It might be from blogs I read, chictopia, street style websites or even flickr. I just want a place to put all the things I love and that inspire me when it comes to my wardrobe. So, welcome to the first installment of Inspiration for the Week.

Some of this week's photos may be older than this week because this is a stockpile of images but I knew at least a few of them are recent.

found here

my perfect palette. I adore grey and this skirt is to die for with all the differing tones of grey complimenting it. The shoes are the finishing touch for me.

found here

Tieka's blog is one of the reasons I started blogging myself. This photo is no exception to her wonderful catalogue of outfit photos that she has. I love the simplicity of the white dress just belted then the textured scarf over the top. Definite bit of location envy here too.

      

found here

This is one of my favourited photos on chictopia. I love the pastel colours of the dress with the matching pink tights. It's always disheartening when you read an item is vintage because you know you'll never own it yourself but I can admire this dress from the interwebs instead.

foundhere

I've been wanting to try this androgynous trouser look for a while but I haven't been able to find the right pair of trousers. She pulls it off perfectly.

found here

This photo set just screams summer to me. It reminds me of the countryside near where I live and I am desperate for a straw hat for summer.

found here

I adore this girl's blog. Her outfits are always pulled off with such ease and it really makes me wish I lived in America for the great thrift finds she gets. I love this romper and her shoes.

That concludes week one of that new feature. On a personal note, I finish my exams tomorrow and I cannot wait for it to finally be summer. I'm in Leeds for two weeks after my exams without a care in the world. 

I plan to

• catch up on all the magazine reading that I haven't been able to do. And start reading for pleasure again.
• watch all the films that I've been meaning to watch
• spend lots of time out in the sun with my friends enjoying some beverages
• go to slam dunk with the boyf
• go to manchester for a day shopping
• work on my blog!

Tomorrow signals freedom!

When the Lights Go Out.

Camisole: Monsoon

Skirt: American Apparel

Belt: Urban Outfitters

Tights: Primark

Cardigan: H&M

Yesterday was my boyfriend's 20th birthday so first of all, happy birthday again to him! It was a ridiculously hot weekend which I had not expected at all when packing my weekend bag. I had my cardigan off most of the day and my oxfords off but this was taken before heading to the pub in the evening. I didn't have my proper camera so apologies for the drop in quality.

Locket: Gift via etsy

Ring: market in Rome

Nail varnish: Barry M

So I guess this is my slight inclusion of the underwear at outerwear trend that has been big recently. I've had the camisole for ages and I had completely forgotten I had it to be honest. I wanted to mix things up with this skirt cause normally I just wear t-shirts and it ended up being a saving grace when it came to the sun. I love this skirt as well, so much so that I'm going to go back for another colour and I'm on the hunt for some vintage floral high waisted skirts. 

Today was so hot that I had to buy some sandals in town and strip off my tights at the train station on my way back to Leeds. I've been wearing my fringe swept to the side recently because of the heat but I'm hoping if it cools down this week I can pull it back to its former glory. Sweaty hair is never attractive!

My boyfriend lives in Sheffield so it's not a long journey to see each other, fortunately. Thank you to him for a lovely weekend in the sun with a bbq, a couple of drinks and some banter. I even got him to pose for me for his outfit since he so graciously took my photos for me. He doesn't normally look so unhappy.

Shirt: Vintage gift from me

'Tea'-shirt: Howies

Jeans: Cheap Monday

Trainers: Lakai

Holiday From Real

Dress: TKMaxx

Tights: Primark

Cardigan: H&M

Bag: Vintage

Oxfords: Below 7

Daisy Chain lace headband: DIY

Photo credit: Mel Hunt

I have successfully completed my first exam of my second semester. Rejoice! Liquid celebrations were had all afternoon which is why these photos had to be rushed on the way home before I skedaddled over to The Antlers gig. It was such a hot day, I felt like I was melting all day and a dress without an elastic waistband probably would have been better. I changed for the gig into a fresh dress but didn't get any photographs.

I properly stepped out of my comfort zone with these photos on quite a busy bridge near where I live, spurred on by dutch courage but it ended badly with a lady shouting style tips at me and Mel about swapping tights. The joys of Leeds, eh?

The dress was a find at TKMaxx out of the nine dresses I tried on I walked away with two. It was an awkward length so I pulled up the waist band and wore it like this instead. I paired it with grey tights as there was a grey in the floral and everyone is fully aware of my love for coloured tights by now. I think this is a solid summer time outfit, maybe without tights as it was a bit hot. The lace head band was inspired by Erin of Calivintage's lace headband but it got infested by daisies by my friend Grace while we were at the pub. 

photo: calivintage

Also, just a quick note that I'm also on chictopia here.

We're Bigger Than Memphis

Dress: some random shop in Rome

Cardigan: H&M

Tights: Ebay

Shoes: New Look

Belt: Primark

Sunglasses: Topshop

Bag: Vintage

Badge: Etsy

Ring: market in Rome

I went from baby steps of a photograph on the street to full on photographs in a crowded park on one of the sunniest days of the year. Needless to say, I was a bit nervous! My friend, Mel, took these photos of me again as we were both in need of a break from revision and the day was too nice outside to resist. 

I bought this dress when I was on holiday in Rome but I'm disappointed in it's quality as both straps have broken off it already. I got the bag from a vintage shop in Brick Lane but it says Roma on it so everyone always asks if I got in on holiday. The tights were from when I first got into gossip girl and coloured tights were huge. I love the badge that I'm wearing. I found it on etsy and knew that I had to have it.

Sorry if this post is photo heavy compared to previous but since Mel did such a good job on the photos I just couldn't pick which ones to choose. My exam on Communications Theory is tomorrow so I've been cramming my brain for the past week but I'm kind of confident enough now. Fingers crossed!

Foxes Mate For Life

Photo credit: Mel Hunt

Dress: Joy

Denim Jacket: H&M

Belt: Primark

Wedges: Peacocks

Locket: Present from boyfriend via etsy

This was my first shoot outside and being on what is actually a residential street with the bin men coming towards you can be a daunting experience but hopefully this will be the first of many. I wore this for a day in the library. I felt a tad overdressed but I was desperate to wear my new wedges as I had been searching for them forever! All my favourite bloggers have been wearing them for months and I had some serious footwear envy. I love what they do to my legs and although they ached after a while they stood up pretty well for a first wear.

I am also prouding sporting my Canterbury badge which once again, can't be seen. They are a great band who are finally getting some of the exposure they deserve. You should definitely give them a listen! 

I told you to be patient.

Dress - Urban Outfitters

Belt - Vintage from Etsy

Shoes- New Look

Tights - Primark

This was my outfit for a day of running errands and revising. I just threw my green jacket over the top when I popped off to post some ebay items and it was all fine and dandy. The sun was out sporadically today which was pleasant. I love that word, 'sporadically', because it always reminds me of Clueless.

I'm currently using this post as a form of procrastination from revision though. I've already watched two season finales today, Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill. Both involved shootings but I personally preferred Gossip Girl. Guilty Pleasures all the way, I say!  But I have an exam on Friday and panic is setting in as I am a tad unconfident on the subject matter. So off to the library tomorrow for me.

I bought this dress at Christmas to wear for a friend's birthday night out and I just love the print on it. That night I actually saw another girl wearing it which is the problem with a urban outfitters obsession. I don't get to wear these shoes often as my friend actually has the same pair and bought them first so I only get second pickings. Does anyone else do that? She wasn't there today though so I whacked them out.