Playing at adulthood...

Dress: Dress Mad// Shoes: Next// Handbag: Gucci// Jacket: Next// Necklace: vintage

It's my third week in the big smoke (Manchester) and I have to say I'm loving it. I've been leading a pretty sedentary life during my time off, (which accounts for the huge belly I'm currently sporting, ew) due to the 6am starts and 8pm finishes, although soon I'll be flat hunting, so my commute will be a little less wearing - thank goodness!. Being at home has given me the opportunity to see some lovely people I've not had the chance to catch up with, but I've been trying to take it easy and focus on work.

The lovely ladies at Dress Mad definitely brightened my day by sending me this gorgeous Amanda Holden-style dress. The quality is fantastic and it's a really nice alternative to shorter body-con numbers which I tend to live in. It's so easy to dress up with these dalmatian-print wedges and a vintage necklace, or brilliant for the office with a blazer and flats.

I'm not normally a fan of neutral pieces, but I'm surprised that that this gorgeous dress suits my yellow skin tone! Paired with some simple accessories it's the perfect, versatile piece. 

Dress Mad is a pretty new clothing site so I'd definitely check it out for some up-and-coming bargains before they hit the high street!

Ripped knees and Jungle themed

Top: New Look// Jeans: ASOS// Shoes: New Look// Necklace: Next (Photos c/o Mae Reddaway)

It was pretty dull outside the day these photos were taken, so I decided to try and brighten things up by wearing a couple of new purchases from New Look. I've always shopped in the store, but it's definitely become a firm favourite of late as New Look's collections become increasingly wearable and hit all the trends head on. As I've explained previously, I'm attempting to inject a little more colour into my wardrobe and this parrot print top has been a god send. The print, reminiscent of Moncler Gamme Rouge's SS14 collection brings a little joy to any wardrobe and the button down front makes this such an easy to wear piece. On my recent holiday I unbuttoned it and used it as a cami style cover up, on top of a plain navy blue vest top.

Whilst shopping, I couldn't resist these amazing shoes, I've always longed for a pair of white heels which I could actually walk in. Don't get me wrong, I'm a dab hand with heels, but being 5'8 I try not to tower over everyone in four inch monsters. These practical shoes are perfect for everyday and look sweet with dresses or jeans - I even tackled Lancaster cobbles in them (and won!)

The jeans are one of my favourite purchases of the moment. EVERYONE is wearing ripped knee jeans. Formerly the choice of stylists or the Olsen twins, since they landed in Toppers, ripped knees have become this season's trouser. I love the skintight look of the ripped knees on the high street, however they weren't the most versatile trew I've worn, so I was delighted to find these ASOS beauts on ebay for a cheeky ten quid.

Having not exercised for a while (Any Nantwich Netball teams around?) I really appreciate the high waisted style of these jeans and the mottled blue dye goes with pretty much everything. Although I'm a bit of a cheap skate when it comes to clothes, I'd have definitely purchased these at any price, I've worn and worn them already, making these beauts a bit of a bargain.

Back in Lancaster for graduation this week - more photos to follow!

R.I.P to the girl you used to see...

As a massive Downton fan, I was devastated by Lady Sib's death. As well as being an amazing character, she also boasted a fabulous wardrobe and I'll miss eyeing up her outfits every Sunday.

So in Sybil's honour, I've put together an outfit post so that, although she may be forgotten as the face of one of the BBC's most successful dramas, her gorgeous outfits live on!

Images courtesy of the Daily Telegraph

L-R. Dress/ Hair Piece/ Shoes/ Collar/ Skirt/ Bracelet/ Jacket

Throughout the last and now the current series of Downton, Sybil's wardrobe has been very traditional. The character has been seen in pastel shades and delicate lace, emphasizing her status as a married woman and mother-to-be. Her jewellery is simple and shoes remain chic, a style that epitomises the look of the period.

Due to the public's love of all things vintage and the excitement surrounding the soon to be released Great Gatsby film (can't wait for Leo!) it's not surprising that the high street has been flooded with gorgeous period pieces. My fave piece from above has to be the gorgeous lace Topshop skirt, which also ticks the baroque trend, using a muted beige skirt and delicate black lace to create a beautiful and versatile piece for your wardrobe. 

The jacket, which is from Boohoo's new exclusive collection, is a fabulous alternative to Autumn's love of the humble leather jacket, do a Coco and love your LBJ!

So even though Lady Sybil has left our screens forever, her fashion sense lives on!   

Baby you're a Wild One

Top: Asos (charity)//Skirt: New Look//Boots: Urban Outfitters// Jacket: Jovonnista (competition win)// Bag: vintage//Jewellery: Dixi*

 I've been such a lucky girl recently! I've won two competitions, one that landed me this gorgeous studded jacket from Jovonnista and the other was hosted by Dixi, an online jewellery company, which sent me this gorgeous bracelet and above knuckle ring for my blog.

I've been wearing the bracelet and ring combo everyday, along with some other bits and bobs, they're just so easy to wear and pretty unusual - I've had some many comments off friends about them, especially the ring, which I've not seen anywhere bar Dixi!

The jacket is one of my new favourites and I've honestly not had it off my back since I won it! Although it's not real leather, the fit and feel make it look pretty dam close and it's bang on trend for A/W12, a real investment piece (which doesn't cost the earth!)

I'm really pleased with this outfit, it's a pretty simple look which features peplums, print and the classic 'pony.' Yes, I know, animal print is fading into obscurity, but I'm honestly not ready to part with it, especially after finding this little gem in a local charity shop for £4!

I've been feeling a little stressed recently, what with packing, features to write, blogging to do etc. and to top it all off, the rain hasn't stopped for two days up North. If Noah turns up in his Ark I don't think I'd blink.

Anyhoo, been working on an exciting project with some fellow bloggers recently, will be on my blog Thursday so you lucky lot will be able to have a read then! Also, keep a look out for my next giveaway - once I reach 100 followers I'll announce!

Have a good week!

Teddy Picker...

Top: Vintage Levi's//Skirt: River Island//Shoes: Vans/(from Schuh)/Necklace: Macouti//Armlet: Chelsea Doll//Snakeskin bag: vintage/thrifted.

Thought I'd show you all a few new items from my ever-expanding wardrobe. As a regular reader of Company Magazine I jumped for joy when I came across a 20% off voucher for River Island in the latest issue. I wasted no time in snapping up this gorgeous dipped hem leather skirt  for £28 (instead of £35!). Even at full price this skirt would've been a must for my wardrobe as it ticks three of A/W 2012's key trends - leather-look, dipped-hem designs and schoolgirl pleats. 

I've teamed this gorgeous skirt with my trusty new Vans, which cost £39 from Schuh thanks to my student discount and free delivery! Everyone's been wearing Vans and I honestly tried to resist the trend but eventually gave in after friends told me how comfortable and versatile their Vans were. So far I can't complain!

Accessories come from cute boutiques Chelsea Doll and Moutique (you'll find links in my photo caption!) and the handbag is a lovely little vintage find which I paid around two pounds for. This little beauty forms part of my collection of handbags - one day they will fall on me and I'll die from handbag suffocation! As, animal skin is 'hot right now' (Rita Ora-ing it!) I thought I'd add some interest with a smidgen of snake print courtesy of this bag. 

Talking of bags, have you checked out my givaway? If not, it's running til the 16th September and I'm giving away a beautiful vintage Suzy Smith bag! Have a gander - if you're a follower, you can enter! 

 http://www.hemlinesandholdups.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/50-follower-giveaway.html

Hope you're having a lovely week, I'm going back to uni in the next week or so and it's so stressful trying to get organised! I've got so much to do, but I'm still putting you lovely readers first so posts shalt continue!

 



D.I.Y Dip Dye shirt

So, dip-dye is all the rage and can be seen in so many high street stores at the mo, it's basically a term for clothes which have been dyed gradually, creating different shades of the same colour, from dark to light, or light to dark.

I popped into my local Topshop the other day and saw so many dip-dyed items that I wanted! Unfortunately, as a student I can't afford everything I want even with my 10% discount so, using Rosie Glow's awesome Dip-Dye DIY, for Boohoo.com, as inspiration, I thought I'd try my own. 

Here are my five steps for dip-dye virgins:

                                                                       

Find a top that you want to dye, this dipped hem beauty which I dug out of my wardrobe a few weeks ago, recently got a horrendous pen mark on it, so I thought a dip-dype would be a great way to cover the stain. I popped my top onto a metal-topped hanger and pegged it, so it kept secure. 

                                                           

To dye the top I needed salt, a pack of dye (I used black), a bucket, some rubber gloves and something to stir the mix! 

Once I'd followed the instructions on the back of the dye, I submerged my top to the level which I wanted my dip-dye to start from.

Then, as the dye began to stain the fabric, I gently dripped water down the front of the top to create a rippled effect, so that the dip-dye looked more professional. Then after 10 minutes I lifted a small portion of the top out of the dye so that I could create a gradient effect with the colour. I then added two minutes to each period of time e.g. 12,14,16 to help the colour stain intensify and create my dip-dye. The pegs came in handy here and helped me to hold the top out of the dye. 

After the allocated time my top was finished! I lifted it out of the dye, rinsed it thoroughly in cold water and then left it to dry for a couple of hours. I then popped my top into the wash on it's own so that any excess dye would be washed away. (After this you need to clean your washing machine through by setting it to wash when empty, so that dye doesn't sit in the drum and stain your washing!)

Here's the finished top!

The colour took really well and I'm planning to try another dip-dye very soon! 

What do you think? Do you like the new dip-dye trend?

Cross my heart...

Top: Next (Charity Shop)//Jeans: Charity Shop// Belt: Topahop// Shoes: River Island// Necklace: Asos// Bag: Mulberry

So just a quick post today because I've been so busy! I've just bought my first car and been working non-stop, so it's busy busy busy for me at the mo! So here's something I wore on sunday while the sun momentarily shined.

The top was an absolute bargain from a charity shop and I've had so many lovely comments from friends when wearing it. It's got an aztec-style print on it and although it's brown (not my fave colour) it looks quite sophisticated when on. For simplicity, I teamed it with my old fave's; my black skinnies, which I always roll up so they sit just above the ankle.

The shoes and necklace are the newest additions to my ever-expanding wardrobe/jewellery collection. The shoes I've posted about before, but I really haven't had them off my feet and, for £28, I'm sure they've paid for themselves by now! The little cross was £6 from ASOS and it goes with everything. The style is so simple and so delicate that it's an everyday piece that could be dressed up or down.

Oh and don't get me started on the bag...it's my baby. End of.

So there it is, a little snapshot of my look from my bank holiday weekend wardrobe. Enjoy the rest of your week, although I must admit, today seriously felt like Monday all over again!


Muchos besos!

101 Dalmatians

Top: Mango//Trousers: H&M//Bag: Vintage//Shoes: River Island

Hello lovelies! Hope you're all well and smiling! I've had a very busy, but productive few days - getting ready to return to uni for my second year is so exciting but also so much prep! Anyway, at the weekend I thought I'd reward myself with a few little treats - think I'm overexcited about my up-and-coming birthday (FYI 4th September, I'll be 20. *gasp*)

So I popped into H&M and snapped up these little beauties. I mentioned these gorgeous trousers in a previous post (click here to see!) and it got to the point where I was dreaming about them; in short I HAD to have them. Afterwards I thought I'd have a browse in River Island, giving me another opportunity to oggle their leather-sleeved coat which I'm lusting after, but instead I fell head-over-heels with these little beauties, black spiked loafers. 

One of my guy friends said they looked like "Lady GaGa shoes," but I was on such a new shoe high it didn't even dampen my spirits. They are officially my shoe of the season and River Island has not disappointed on the quality. The shoes are luxe inside, keeping my little peepers nice and cosy, however the spikes are sharp...I guess this could be both positive and negative, there's a slight chance they could accidentally spike you, or your friends, or anyone around you...but arguably, if you were being chased by a crazy psychopath, at least you'd have a weapon. 

Ah well, I love them and if you pop into River Island and try a pair, I'm sure you'll be as obsessed as me. 

Have a good week - I'm a busy bee once again, what with working and socialising, but I promise to get AT LEAST one other post in this week. Hopefully I'll have time to attempt a D.I.Y dip-dye at some point, so watch out for that.

Lotsa' love

Welcome to the jungle

Top: Vero Moda// Necklace: Accessorize//Baxter Jeans: Topshop, Bag: Mulberry// Stacked pumps: Charity shop//Bracelets and Rings: Vintage

 So today's weather was lovely - beautiful sunshine, but blustery enough that I opted for jeans instead of my too-short shorts. I bought this top yesterday, it was hidden away in a little boutique right at the back of the sale rail. I snapped it up for £7.00. I'd previously seen the top in a number of magazines, including Look (my fave) but hadn't got round to buying it. Guess that it was a purchase that was meant to be!

I teamed it with my Baxter jeans that I dug out of my overflowing wardrobe the other week, during my  "clear out." You know the situation, the "ohmygodIdidn'tknowIownedthese!" Yeah, unfortunately, my love of clothes means that, as my mum says "you forget what you own!" Ah well, at least we've been reunited and at a great time too; having just had to throw my other Baxter babies for getting too 'holey.'

The shoes are growing on me. I LOVED them in the shop, got them home and was, after showing my boyfriend, a little bit more reserved about them. However, the stacked heel and floral print has finally won me round and it's safe to say, they wont be coming off my feet for a while (ew.)

My Mulberry is my baby and it comes everywhere with me, so I'm surprised I've not featured it sooner. Ah well, all I have to say is that it's gorgeous and I've used it everyday, without fail, since my 18th birthday. Definitely an investment. Definitely not an excuse to not buy more handbags.

On the bright side, it's payday next week!

Lots'a love

Sports Luxe

Top: Papaya, Disco Pants: Glamorous, Rucksack: Charity shop, Shoes: Matalan, Jewellery: vintage & thrifted

So I was stuck for what to wear for lunch with my friend, so ummed and ahhed for a good hour. Finally, I decided I'd style something around this leather rucksack I picked up in a charity shop for £5. I threw on this papaya dipped hem top which was actually a top my aunty decided she didn't want! 

I popped my disco pants from GlamorousUK and rolled up the bottoms to make them look a little more elegant with flats and teamed them with my good ole' black flats (I really need some new black shoes - any ideas?) 

In short, pretty simple outfit which probably cost me less than 40 quid, not bad eh?

But shock horror! Last night while I was gawping at the Olympic closing ceremony (Kate Moss and the supers looked AMAZING) I accidently drew on myself with permanent marker pen...

Yeah you're probably asking why at 19 (nearly 20) I still have problems holding a pen. I'm sorry but I've got no excuse, I'm just that clumsy. So unfortunately the top is now RUINED (sad face), so I'm gonna probably do a D.I.Y next week sometime. I was thinking dipped hem style, so any tips or ideas from you guys would be really appreciated! 

Hope you all have a great week!