Jackie sparkles

Dress: Andy Warhol Pepe Jeans (Oxfam)// necklace: Zara//
Tights: Pretty Polly c/o Divine Hoisery// Boots: Urban Outfitters

I've been a busy bee in Manchester, working in the week and flat hunting in the evenings and at weekends. I've been scouring Didsbury for an affordable pad and still had no luck. All I want is a nice room in a friendly house near a tram stop, but even that appears to be too much to ask.

Although I didn't find a flat, I did find this amazing dress in the depths of Didsbury's Oxfam. A hard to find Andy Warhol print Pepe Jeans release, the gathered front hides my belly whilst the print and gorgeous fabric give this piece the wow factor. 

I've teamed the dress with these incredible tights the lovely Scarlett gifted me from Divine Hoisery. Stockists of the finest tights, hold ups and leggings, I'll be showcasing a whole range of their pieces, which are so stylish and fantastic for the coming winter months. These amazing Pretty Cosmic tights are decorated with gorgeous gems, which help to lift even the darkest outfit. Although I'm not normally one for sparkles, I thought I'd try something new with these beauties. The workday has definitely brightened up with these on my legs. I'll be wearing them all winter through. 

Although it's wild, I love this look and will definitely be testing the waters with it, once I've moved into Manchester! 

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!

All things thrifted!

   

Top: thrifted// jeans: topshop//bag: thrifted//necklace: thrifted// shoes: menorcan sling back espadrilles  

So after my first week of work I took a well earned break in Wales with my folks. I love coming here all year through as it was my weekend home growing up. The autumn is my season here as the crowds have died down and the little seaside towns are peaceful once more. I'm definitely a tourist snob now, having spent my childhood here I dislike holidaymakers as much as the locals! However, you can't beat a bit of sunshine  in Wales, the landscape comes alive and you just feel so much happier with blue sky above your head.

Today I really want to write a post about thrifting. As some of you will know, I'm a staunch thrifter and spend a lot of my time rummaging in charity shops and hunting for bargains on ebay. I was recently introduced to a fantastic new app called Shpock by a friend who knows how much I love a good bargain. About a week after I started using the app, the lovely people at Shpock contacted me and asked me about my bargain hunting habits, so I thought I'd pop my answers in a post for you all to see. 

But first, a little bit about Shpock. I'm a sucker for car boots, but hate the faff of paying loads to pitch up on a rainy Sunday to search for bargains or try to sell your unwanted stuff. Don't get me wrong, they're great fun on a sunny day, but British weather normally let's us down and you get soggy. So ladies and gents, welcome Shpock to your phones. Already popular across Europe, Sphock is like a virtual car boot, you can buy items, make a lower offer on items and list stuff you want to get rid of. The best thing is that Shpock will only show you products which are a certain distance away from you, ie 10km. The postcode of the seller is listed which, considering you pick the items up, is handy. It's a great way of clearing out unwanted bits and bobs without paying postage! 

I've just started using Sphock and have already made a few pounds on some stuff I've sold. Just one piece of advice, remember that if you change your location, the goods listed will change with it! So make sure you know where a seller is based if you want to keep your eye on a product. 

Now, I thought I'd share this outfit with you because of the many thrifted items I've styled it with. It showcases how easy it is to get hold of bits and bobs from charity shops and online. 

My friends always ask me how I find such  gems in these places, so here are my top five tips for happy thrifting. 

1. Make a list - It's very difficult to browse in a place that resembles Aladdin's cave (same goes for ebay) so to make it easy, out together a list of items you're looking for. It could be a vintage necklace or even a crop top, this will help you limit what you search for online and in store. 

2. Set a price - I know it sounds tight, but thrifting can be an expensive hobby. It's great if you're getting a top for £3 instead of £10, but not so great if you then buy four tops at this price. Don't go overboard and you won't be out of pocket. 

3. Think outside the box - Okay, so everyone wants to hit the jackpot and find designer gems and believe me, you do. However some bits you're just not going to unearth for a reasonable price. For example, take a Burberry Mac in a size 12. You're looking at paying about 150 quid for a used one and ain't no sistah got time for that. So, buy a bigger size and get it tailored. My Burberry Mac plus tailor's costs was about 70 quid, it fits just right and it's practically new. 

4. Don't be a shop snob - You've got to be prepared to rummage or take a gamble on an unknown ebay seller. If you get fleeced, you'll know for next time who to avoid. 

5. Don't be a box filler - Take a risk, for a few quid you could look great in that 80s jacket. If it doesn't work out, so what? At least you're not another high street clone!

Find out a little more about Shpock here:  

https://shpock.com/en/ 

Check mate

Top: New Look// Skirt: New Look// Shoes: Nike// Clutch: Fashion Union// Necklace: vintage
Photos c/o Mae Reddaway

I started my new job as an Account Executive for a Marketing Agency this week. Barr the 6am starts, I've been loving the new Manchester life, the work and the working week. Now I'm officially an adult, I've been drinking fresh juices on the morning commute, doing smart/casual office wear and trying to grow up. It's going well so far, I'm trying to model myself of Carrie from SATC although I guess that means I'm building myself up to fail. 

My only problem is the cost of travelling in each day, so if any of you know anyone living in Manchester who needs a flatmate, let me know. After a few months I'll be starting the 'flat hunt', but I'll have to find somewhere with a big enough wardrobe for all my clothes! (just kidding)

This is an outfit the lovely Mae snapped for me before I left uni (sob) and although it's pretty basic, I think it's spot on for evening wear with all this hot weather we've been having. The skirt has been a staple for me since May, but I think it can work from day to night, just make sure you contrast its close style with a long shirt or tunic style top. I've been wearing it with a drop vest style top in the day and sling back espadrilles (which I'll feature in my next outfit post).

I love the trainer trend which has stubbornly stayed on trend since last year, I've been wearing my beloved Nikes when I can, they go brilliantly with dresses, cut offs and ankle grazer jeans. I'll keep you updated on my work wear diary, I'm looking for a photographer in Manchester to snap me once a week, so if any of you out there know any lovely DSLR-using photographers, please let me know! 

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!

Sportswear chic for Spring

Tshirt: Adidas// Jeans: Topshop

Trainers: Nike//Leather Rucksack: vintage

For a suitably casual Saturday I opted for a simple take on the sportswear trend which has stubbornly refused to budge since SS 12. Even if you're a fan of the more traditional, feminine look, I'm afraid to tell you that simple shapes, masculine accessories and trainers *gasp* are here to stay. I've not donned a pair of trainers for casual wear (excluding Converse of course) since my neon trainers, which doubled as football boots for a day at the park. Those days, thankfully, are long gone, however I could not resist these trainers, initially bought for netball, but not the permanent home for my feet. Supportive, stylish and light as a feather, they have changed my whole perception of footwear. I promise I've not turned into an OAP overnight but hey, who says we have to wear uncomfortable shoes day in day out?! I am a big believer in stuffing my size seven soles into a variety of shoes in the hope that one day they'll appear dainty and when shoe shopping, "they'll stretch" is always on the tip of my tongue. Now I'm a trainer convert. No, this doesn't mean I'll be ditching my array of more feminine footwear anytime soon, in fact I've just bought some army green stilettos with heels to kill, but think about it, no bloke would buy a pair of uncomfortable shoes, so why should women ALWAYS opt for the most impractical in the shop? My Adidas v-neck is another more masculine purchase, I promise I'm gradually introducing a little more colour to my otherwise grey day-to-day wardrobe, but I couldn't resist this top which reminds me of the old England kits of the '80s. Paired with my good old ankle grazers from Topshop, I think my look is casual enough to wear during the week, without looking like I'm off to the gym! Accessorized with my denim jacket and leather rucksack, I'm also ticking off the double denim trend, another stubborn style, and the penchant for travelling chic this season.

I've been buying a few little feminine pieces this week, so the next outfit I share with you will be more colourful I promise!

I bought some bits...

Dress: H&M// Shoes: Nike//Shirt: Adidas

It's been five months since I updated this blog and I have to admit that time has truly flown. The dissertation I was researching in November has now been written, and all that's left is a month of exams before my University days are over. I was always incredibly cynical about Uni, with older friends and adults always promising me, with a nostalgic twinkle in their eye, that it would be 'the best years of my life.' So it's over. My three years of gluttonous self-discovery and selfish academic study are at an end. So that's it? That's as good as life gets? Don't get me wrong, Uni has been incredible and definitely the best years of my life SO FAR. Does this mean that any happy encounter that happens after I leave the bubble of student life behind just won't compare? I'm sure a lazy Sunday by the river with a cold lager and close friends is as good at 31 as it is at 21.

I'm hoping that this big change will bring new experiences and opportunities, the first of these being my new job which I start mid-July. I'm going into advertising dahling. Yep, suited and booted, I shall be part of the mad, Mad Men style Marketing, PR and Advertising realm. 'You've sold your soul to the corporate giants!' one of my particularly eccentric friends proclaimed. No, these days the industry is young, vibrant and friendly. Jeans and silk shirts have replaced power suits, 'fun' is a buzzword and 'creatives' are actually allowed to be creative. I'll be working in Manchester, which is exciting and although initially I'll be commuting from Cheshire, I keep telling myself that eventually I'll fly the nest and settle in a flat near the Northern Quarter, so I can pop into North Tea Power for a Masala Chai on my way into work.

So that's me and what's changed in the last few months. Again, I'm sorry for leaving you so long, but sometimes work really has to come first. I also can't promise that I'll be around for long this term, with exams on the horizon it's difficult to find the time to blog. However, I do promise that once Uni is finished, I'll be back with regular posts and better quality pictures (I hope) so do tag along for the ride.

Fashion-wise, there's been a lot of changes and, after a friend of mine suggested that my wardrobe was a mix of black, black and more black, I'm making a conscious effort to wear more colour.

Starting tomorrow. Unfortunately, ignoring that nagging voice in the back of my mind, I invested in some more navy/monochrome pieces to add to the racks, rails and shelves housing the rest of my navy/monochrome wardrobe. Let's start with the shoes. I needed new trainers for netball and these beauties from Nike were versatile enough to wear on and off the pitch. They're the 2.0 running shoes and they are so light that one day I'm sure they'll float away. Having flat feet means that it's hard to find comfy shoes, but since buying my Nike's in early March, I've not had them off my feet. Teamed with jeans for a denim on denim look, or with leggings and a graphic tee, they are definitely my wardrobe's new best friend.

The gorgeous cut-out dress was a £5 bargain from H&M in their glorious sale. The material is non-crease which makes it easy to wear and wash and the skater-style skirt and low cut top is flattering on any figure. Maybe a little too short for even the hottest summer day, but paired with an over-sized shirt and some trainers, I'm sure it'll be just fine for July.

Although it's brand new, the shirt is a charity shop bargain costing me a measly £3. I am a sucker for vintage styles and Adidas' re-launch of their Stan Smiths has put the brand back on the fashion map. The v-neck and flattering cut of this t-shirt means I'll be wearing it on campus all season through.

Trust your gut, it'll never lie like the others...

Coat: Warehouse//Dress (worn as top) c/o Bank Fashion*//Skirt: H&M//Shoes: New Look

Coat: vintage//Dress: c/o Bank Fashion*// Shoes: Topshop// Necklace: Next 

photos by Mae Reddaway

November has crept up on me this year. 2013 has flown by and honestly, I can't wait for 2014. A year of sadness and bad memories has to make way for bigger, better and brighter things. All I can do is apologize for my absence and blame third year studies on  my lack of blogging. I'm already working late into the night, hence my post right now, but unfortunately the pile of essays, readings and analyses is never ending. 

Anyhow, the lovely people at Bank fashion decided to surprise me with a couple of pieces from their new ranges to give my little blog a bit of a boost and to lift my mood - believe me it worked! These gorgeous new shift dresses have been a hit with all my friends and I've not had them off since I received them. The cut flatters every shape, the patterns are bang on trend and the quality is good. Easy to dress up or down (or even transform into a top as my first pictures show), these dresses have become a bit of a wardrobe staple for me. 

Prints are still a big tick on the trend[ometer this Autumn/Winter. To add a little interest to your outfits, move away from the typical burgundies, navies and reds we see at this time of year and add some punchy print to your look. I promise it'll brighten up your outfit and your mood! I'm always guilty of sticking to greys and blacks, but this season I've promised myself that I'll brighten up. A bolder, better, more confident version of myself, to go with my new outfit choices. It's my last year of uni and I'm determined to enjoy it, regardless of what's going on in my little world.

Yep so that's me, a paragraph of clothing reviews and cryptic messages after a month of silence, but if you've been a long time reader, what did you expect? 

All my love and the promise that more blog posts will appear very soon.

The Straw that Broke the Camel's Back

Shirt|: Brag Vintage//Jeans: Topshop//Shoes: New Look//Necklace: Vintage

Hello stranger. I've been away for so long, it's despicable really. My blog's been having a little trouble, so I've not been able to update it for ages. However, I'm back with a bang in this beautiful shirt. 

Yes, before you ask, it hasn't got camels on it, they're alpacas/llamas, but I still think it's worth a post. I've been very hesitant about vintage online shopping since I ordered something from a site and the item arrived looking like it'd been fished out of someone's bin. Online shopping is a risky business as anyone will know, ordering clothing which arrives in the wrong size/colour is the most disappointing thing. However, I thought I'd try the whole 'virtual thrift shop' thing again, man up and purchase something from one of the many sites out there. 

A friend recommended I take a look at Brag Vintage , one of the big boys in the online vintage business. Skeptical, but willing to give anything a go, I had a peep at their site and boy was I impressed. Most of the stock was under £20 (it's a real bugbear of mine when 'vintage' i.e. old clothes, are ridiculously priced. If it's designer then fair doos, but otherwise keep prices low and customers happy) and this shirt immediately caught my eye. Although it's C&A, the quality is pretty darn good, the pattern is very current (aztec chic I think!) and it looks pretty bloody cool with loafers and jeans. 

I took this beaut to Festival Number 6 and it was a really versatile piece for the weekend! 

Jeans-wise, these topshop lovelies have not been off my legs since I bought them. I'm a sucker for soft denim and these indigo high-waist beauties are perfect for A/W. 

The burgundy loafers are from New Look and, as well as being ridiculously comfy, they're pretty darn stylish. A steal at under £30, you should really bag yourselves a pair - they're dead ringers for some of the current Russel & Bromley offerings!

That's all for now, I promise I won't abandon you all for so long again! 

xxx  

Lennon, Rafferty & Allen...

Tshirt: the weekend trender via Next Mens (customized)//Jeans: Next//Shoes: Next//Necklace: Next//Bag: vintage

Hello! It's been a while. My summer 2012 posts are putting this year's efforts to shame, however I have to admit that I've been a very busy bee. After my work experience at Next HQ, I was straight back to work, as well as starting to produce the fashion section of freshers' week edition of the student newspaper. It's no excuse for my lack of blogging, but I'm hoping that I this post concerning such a great t-shirt will make up for my absence. 

This post is incredibly 'Next' heavy, but only due to the fact I've picked up some amazing bargains in the last few weeks, including this t-shirt. After a rummage in the Men's section I came across this fab top, adorned with the eyes of Lennon, Rafferty and Allen. I can't resist a man in specs, never mind three of the most influential boys that we've seen. Plus, it's funny, I may bump into a fella wearing the same piece, but heck who cares?! I've teamed said shirt with these amazing treated trousers, they're a leathery feel but not ott on the PU front. They also wash really well, giving the trews a very weathered look. Cough cough 'fake vintage style cough cough. Yes, I know it's a sin to dabble in the dark arts, but for £24 I couldn't resist. 

The necklace and shoes are my new favourite accessories. I've not had the collar off as it's the perfect size and style to jazz up any outfit and wedge-wise, who can resist a little bit of dalmatian print?!

I'll be wearing this out for drinks or dinner, but for an evening on the town I'll swap these lovely jeans for a little suede skirt. I've been so impressed with Next's new collections for A/W 13, here's hoping they keep up the good work! 

And we'll remain connected as you're reading out loud

Dress: H&M (S/S12)//Shoes: Urban Outfitters//Necklace & Bangles: vintage/Belt: vintage

I'm not a fan of maxi dresses. There I said it. I know this confession is some sort of blasphemy in our maxi-mad world, but being quite tall, not being a lithe CK model and not being the owner of a fabulous 'rack' I have to admit that they don't look great on me. This one has been sat in my wardrobe for many a moon, becoming a sort of dust sheet or protective cover for my other clothes. I've been avoiding it for so long, but unfortunately this ridiculously hot weather means that my normal summer staples have been worn and worn, so in desperation I've turned to this. 

I know the look isn't something you'd throw on for the shops, but for drinks or dinner in the evening I have to say it's not as horrible as I envisaged. I couldn't cope with the fabric hanging loose, I'm quite curvy so the belt helps to accentuate my best bit and hide my tummy (the lack of exercise I've had this summer is frankly disgusting; slobbing out in the sun with a beer so much more appealing than a jog!) and these gorgeous heels (Urban Outfitters sale £30 quid - bargain!) help posture-wise, leaving me laughing in the face of the humble control pants (celebratory chocs and wine time).

My accessories are all vintage finds and the belt has been stolen from mum (got to the love free vintage goodies from the parents!) 

I'm currently up in Leicester for the start of my two week work placement with Next HQ - wish me luck!

Pearl & Butler Festival Number 6 Competition

Shirt: Vintage//Leggings: Black Milk//Bag: thrifted// Shoes: vans//Jewellery: all vintage//sunglasses: Lacoste

So I was recently contacted by the lovely people at Pearl & Butler jewellery asking me to put together my perfect festival outfit, accessories n'all. 

To me a festival is the perfect opportunity to dig out an old favourite 'clothing-wise' to wear again, regardless of whether it's still in fashion. My galaxy leggings were a big part of my 2012 wardrobe and I think they really fit the festival theme; comfy yet cool. For fest number 6, I'd team them with this over-sized shirt I picked up in a local charity shop (yes I know there's a lot of purple, it wasn't intentional, but after all if I want to look like a giant parma violet then a festival is the place to do it.)

Vans are a must if the weather continues to be sunny, they're comfy, practical and I won't cry too much if they get ruined - they've survived a lot over the last year or so, their demise at a festival would be a fitting way to go. The leather rucksack wouldn't leave my side for the three days, but it's a very practical bag for a festival. I like to call it my 'Mary Poppins bag'; for Festival Number 6 it could probably fit my tent, all my necessities and James Blake in easily.  

Jewellery is obviously important - with few clothes it's nice to have some accessories which can be worn with various outfits. The necklaces I'm wearing are really versatile - the chain one is actually a longer piece which I've wrapped round my neck twice and the smaller turquoise piece can also be worn as a brooch, which means I could change how my accessories were worn each day without having to bring many with me!

If you fancy entering this competition too, take a look at the Pearl & Butler site here

What would you wear to Festival Number 6? 

Summer days

Dress: GetTheLabel*// Shoes: Charity shop// Necklace: Car boot// Bag: Primark// Sunglasses: Lacoste

So hello again, it's been two, long, stressful weeks where, among other things, I've been working non-stop and my computer decided that, after all the long hours it put in over revision, that it didn't want to play ball. Thinking all was lost, I was ready to pop it into my local PC World, but after a couple of days' rest, it started up as normal. 

Finally, I'm back to blogging and yes, I STILL have some GetTheLabel goodies to share with you, including this gorgeous pastel-coloured dress by Glamorous. I love the backless sections of this dress, giving a more modern twist to a pretty classic piece. The light chiffony material is perfect for lunch in this hot weather and it's so easy to dress up and down - I have to confess, I've worn it a couple of times before this post was published, once on a night out with some UO heels and an envelope clutch. 

Here, I've styled the dress up with these raised-sole shoes which I got from the charity shop for £2 (bargain!) they're really comfy and are a similar style to SuperGa pumps (my favourite shoes!).  The bag was a bargain from Primark, although it looks like I picked it up from a vintage store. Wicker is great for summer and I never miss an opportunity to whap out one of my many wicker bags the minute there's any sun! 

With my yellowish complexion, a tan would make this look a whole lot better, so I'll be saving it until I'm on my hols/ have time to pop some fake tan on! 

Hope you've all been enjoying the beautiful weather!