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! 

Birthday Wishlist

Coat: Zara £79.99//Framed image: Ebay £7.50// Cuff: ASOS  £15 for set// King Krule 6ft beneath the moon vinyl: Ebay £21.99// Geo Paisley Dress: Urban Outfitters £55.00//Moomin Meadow PJ Set: Topshop £26

It's my birthday tomorrow. I'm 21 and I'm not excited. Cue the gasps and quizzical glances, but yeah at this very moment I couldn't give two ticks about becoming an adult; not the whole 'yay I'm 18, I can do practically anything, yet I still live with my parents' adult, but the 'yes I'm 21 and I understand mortgages' adult. Big grown up stuff.

2013 has been pretty crappy. Imagine being submerged head first into a vat of raw sewage and you'll just about grasp how fucked off I am with this year. Although I've never been fussed about birthdays, everyone always parrots on about the importance of the big 2-1. Why? What is so important about a number? Why is it assumed that when you reach 21 your presents have to be bigger and there has to be more of a fuss made? I don't think I'll ever understand it.

Anyhow, to numb the annoyance, I decided to compile a very late birthday wishlist including some gems from various high street stores and online shopping sites. The most important item on this list has to be the King Krule vinyl, which really goes against the fashion grain, but I honestly could not resist it. This band have such a deep sound that I could listen to all day and hey, music is important to the fashion-conscious too.

Paisley is back with a vengeance this A/W and who could resist such a fabulous dress? The print and cut make it so versatile and therefore necessary for anyone's wardrobe. This sensible necessity appropriately contrasts with the Moomin PJs. I honestly have no excuse for these. Jim jams, adorned with hippopotamus-like creatures really aren't the biggest turn on. My only advice, don't wear them when your fit mate pops round for a cuppa.

The framed gin sign is not because I'm an alcoholic, although I agree with the sentiment, liquid lunches really aren't too appealing. However, this little frame is pretty kitsch and a little bit of dry humour (with a squeeze of lime) never hurt anyone.

My love of masculine jewellery doesn't seem to ebb and unfortunately, another load of plain gold stacked cuffs is just what I'd want for my birthday. Classic? yes, boring? maybe, but that doesn't stop them being incredibly useful. Learn from the masters of adornment, the Romans, and wear lots of polished 'gold' pieces. After all, you can't argue with the empire.

The Zara trench coat is a beauty. Burberry in essence, but ultimately more baker boy than Chelsea set. Rather that air kisses with Bond street, this little mac would suit a smoky 60's bar, black eyeliner and attitude. Everything you want in a coat, yet everything you fear. Be brave, spend the £80 quid and release your inner Edie Sedgewick.

TTFN

Wish...

So as many of you have probably seen on twitter, due to the total love-in between my best friend and I, next week we're popping to Edinburgh for the weekend. There's been lots of stuff going on in my life recently and although everything's hunky dory now, any excuse to buy more clothes is fine with me; therefore, a whole new wardrobe is needed for said trip and I thought I'd take the opportunity to share my 'most-wanted' (clothes, not serial killers) with you. 

Yep, although it's -2 outside and snowing, I want a bikini. Don't ask me why this toppers beauty caught my eye, probably to do with some deep longing for the sun and its general all-round fabulousness. Although it's £32.00, it would be a gorgeous addition to anyone's wardrobe and, if I keep telling myself that I'll definitely learn to surf on my next hot holiday, it's a totally sensible purchase...

I really want some hold-ups, not just because they'd be a corny link with my blog (yes I'm admitting that is one of the reasons) but also because they daymmmm sexy, meaning you can keep your little calves warm without looking like a granny. These fishnet beauts from American Apparel are not cheap but look pretty good quality and paired with flats for the day or boots for night, they will definitely attract interest. 

These white doc-style shoes from Fashion Union, seem to be a pretty sensible buy. The style is pretty androgynous, but fits well with the sports lux and basics trend and I'm sure Fashion Union's well-priced stock won't hang around! 

Denim, sheer material and A line cuts make this little beauty from Motel Rocks a strong contender for best day dress EVER EVER. Although nearing the £40 price mark, one must remember that you get  20% off 

with my code (listed on the right-hand navigation on the bar.) Motel's tomato-coloured pencil skirt is another little lovely that I'd like in my wardrobe and at £20, it's something I'm going to probably end up buying. I'd team it with the gorgeous corset-style bra above, add an oversized shirt and some chain jewellery and my outfit would be complete. I'm really into the new underwear as outerwear trend and although this piece is lacy, it's conservative enough to wear without heads turning for the wrong reasons!

Finally, the Zara collar is pretty reasonably priced but simple enough to wear with so many things. I've got a collar necklace which I don't seem to take off, so this would be great to add to the collection!

What are you pining for this season? 

Monochrome

Coat: Mango// Jumper Dress: Zara// Thermal Leggings: M&S// Scarf: Vintage// Boots: Topshop

I've not posted for a while since getting back to uni, lots of different stuff has been occupying me, some good, some bad, so my blog has had to take a back seat. This weekend I'm home for some family time and last night my little town was transformed into Narnia as the snow began to fall. 

Being based in Lancaster for most of the year, I do miss out on the snow at home and have been moaning non-stop about the absence of the white stuff due to Lanc's proximity to the sea. Typical! So I finally got to play in the snow this morning and boy it was worth the wait! 

Winter's festive offering was great inspiration for today's outfit, leading me to opt for a monochrome look (very hot for 2013). My jumper dress from Zara (my favourite shop) was £9.99 in the sale, a total bargain and such good quality, teamed with my thermal leggings from M&S (granny chic at its best) and my gorgeous Mango suit coat I was toasty warm but still pretty stylish! 

How have you adapted your look for the snow?

Heart & Sole: Classic Heels, the final installment!

Well this is it guys, the last shoe review with Dayner, Jo & Lisette ! If you've not read these posts before, this has been our little attempt to show you that you can buy mid-height heels (which FYI have been spotted on many catwalks) from the high street (a mean feat I know!)

These are the final moodboards the gals and I have put together - hope you like them!

This look features shoes from amazing online boutique Kate Kanzier and is by me!

Jo created the Zara look above!

I love the berry shoes in Lisette's moodboard!

Dayner's gorgeous wedges are so versatile! 

So that is it my darlings! We've come to the end of this fabulous blogger collaboration. I have to say I've really enjoyed working with such lovely girls and if any other bloggers out in cyberspace are interested in any blogging collaborations, send me an email!

I'm got some exciting stuff coming up in the next few weeks, so keep reading!

Love