Inside the Mind of a Discoball

'Lets go to Candy Mountain Charlie...'

2012-02-14T18:43:00.001Z

The Kooks tee shirt from a concert about 5 years ago!, Moto at Topshop jeans, M&S cardi, Office brogues

make up- MAC Satin Taupe eyeshadow, Lancome Artliner, Lancome Doll Eyes mascara, MAC Blush Ombre in Vintage Grape, MAC Rebel lipstick and Magenta lip pencil

Er.... yep, those are UNICORN JEANS. I saw them in Grazia on the Tuesday, and rushed into Topshop at the first opportunity to get my grubby little mitts on them. I wasn't actually expecting them to fit me, since I have never had much luck with Topshop jeans (the age old gappy waist dilemma and they always come about half way down my feet) but these were actually fine, due to them being quite high waisted. However, I must admit they've got the tiniest holes for your feet! I know I have probably got fatter legs than Topshop cater for, but I refuse to believe I have fat heels! I don't think for printed jeans they make me legs look too chunky, so I am quite happy with them on that front. I'm still not entirely convinced about them but I've worn them now so oh well! I just worry that I look like a 15 year old emo, but I probably didn't help myself by teaming them with ridiculously shiny shoes and my blue leather jacket. Which basically meant I looked like Noel Fielding. It seems to happen rather a lot. Hm, what do you think?

(A girl walked past me earlier, probably only about 7, and stared at my legs in absolute WONDER. She even turned around after I'd walked past! It was very funny.)

I thought I'd include some photos of my make up since I actually had time to do something decent today. I know it may not look like I have blush on, but I did, I am just terrified of applying too much so always go subtle! I even did contouring and highlighting, but I'm not sure if you can see that either! Oh well. I had forgotten how much I love this lipstick- I lost it for about 6 months down the back of my bedside table, repurchased it, and then found it again when tidying my room. Fail. Anyway, I donated the spare one to my friend, so it wasn't a complete waste.

I have done absolutely bugger all today other than get my hair cut and have a little wander around my local town, since I worked all last week, with my only day off on Saturday being taken up with going to London for an Oxfam Bloggers Meeting. I had a fantastic time and met some lovely people, and also got to find out about lots of exciting changes and projects in the pipeline. Keep your eyes peeled for some interesting developments!

I'm still feeling rather 'bleurgh' about my hair... I really have to start making more effort with it. I want to do something with it but this blond streak is rather limiting. It just looks really manky with lots of layers in it. I suppose I just need to be patient and let it grow which will hopefully give me some more options. Or ideas.

I don't really have anything more exciting to tell you at the moment... sorry, I'm quite a boring fart really.

My first trip to Illamasqua!

2012-02-06T21:45:00.000Z

Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Hollow, Medium Pencil in Bait and MAC Pink Nouveau lipstick

So, I have returned from my travels around the North- I meant to blog as I went, but to be honest, I was having too much fun! I haven't got a huge amount of outfit photos since I was basically rotating around two pairs of jeans (it was so cold in Sheffield) but I do have one lot to show you, but I will do that post another day.

Firstly, a quick little post to show my main purchase from the trip. I was very excited to go to the Illamasqua stand in Manchester's Selfridges, since we have none anywhere vaguely near me and I have been after a few of their products for several months. I don't usually buy make up online and do like to check it in person, especially when it is this expensive! I first heard about the Cream Pigment in Hollow from Cami on Youtube, who swears by it as the best contour product for pale skin, due to its matt texture and non-orange colour! Caroline from Sparkly Vodka then praised it as the best she had ever tried, so I thought if I had the chance I would go to have a look at it. I've always thought contouring was a bit of a waste of time which wouldn't really make that much difference to my rather fat face, but I must admit, I had become rather curious. I had attempted it with a Soap and Glory bronzer but that just made me look like I had an orange beard. Not good. Now I've started wearing more blush and attempting highlighting and the suchlike, I thought I would give it a go, although I decided that if this was no good I would just give up and stop wasting my money! However, this really is great and pretty much impossible to muck up since it blends out to such a subtle shadow. I just whack it on with my fingers because I am too lazy/cheap to buy a brush! I also prefer the look of face products when applied with my fingers, since if I use a brush it tends to sit on top of my dry skin and look really patchy. Anyway, this is just what I hoped it would be and I am really chuffed with it.

I bought MAC's Pink Nouveau lipstick probably around a year ago now, and despite loving the colour, have absolutely failed to wear it. The problem with it is, I have naturally very pigmented lips, and without any kind of base this colour goes really streaky and horrible on me. I have been searching for a lipliner for it ever since, but it has proved a somewhat impossible task! Even MAC themselves did not have anything even vaguely similar. Most lipliners are quite neutral or dark, and nothing was the right blue pink tone that the lipstick needed. I had looked pretty much everywhere and even gave the lipstick to Kathy for a while to see if she could provide with the love it deserves! The Illamasqua website however seemed to have a couple that might do the job, and after Kathy returned it to me, I took it along to have a look and lo and behold I finally found this pencil! I haven't had a chance to wear these two together yet since the weather has completely wreaked my lips but I am looking forward to it once the chance arrives.

Right, thats more than enough talking about make up for today! I do have several posts lined up to do but I have a pretty busy week (otherwise known as- working every day) until Saturday when I am heading up to London for an Oxfam blogger meet up, which I am very excited about. I feel so guilty at the minute that my blog isn't up to scratch, because I hate it being crap, but the demands of full time work and maintaining a long distance relationship (i.e. having to go visit my boyfriend on my free weekends) means that the blog just simply doesn't get as much time as it did in my student days. I hope that at some point soon I will be doing something slightly more interesting with my life that will allow me to make this blog how I want it, but at the moment it is suffering somewhat. As always, please provide me with feedback- my comments seem to have died somewhat recently, which I suppose is a natural result of me posting less frequently and perhaps commenting less on other blogs, but I really appreciate you telling me whether you like my posts or not. Else I feel like I am failing somewhat and have no one to tell me otherwise! Anyway, I'll stop whinging now. Better enjoy my last evening of freedom before returning to Customer Services... you can tell I'm excited can't you?!

Brogues... but trainers.

2012-01-27T22:40:00.000Z

I spied these in the window of Schuh several months ago and cannot get them out of my head. Unfortunately, I cannot seem to get hold of them now. Whilst I prefer the mens leather version (purely for the extra durability) I know the ladies would be much more flattering. Since I got the blond chunk put in my hair, I have had an urge to dress like a rockabilly emo, which I am trying to resist. And also trying to resist the re-emerging desire to get my nose pierced (I considered it when I was about 17, but my friend told me I'd look like a dyke. Not to sound offensive, but I don't really want to look butch.)

I'm not even sure why I'm posting this to be honest. Probably because I won't be able to post any outfits until Sunday at least, so I thought I should provide with something to read. But perhaps this is just boring filler... I don't know. Are these sorts of wish list-esque posts interesting?

FOTD: Figs and Stilettos.

2012-01-25T22:34:00.000Z

If I'm going to try and do this Face of the Day malarky I am going to have to get better at taking photos. Preferably ones where I don't look like a ghost from the flash washout and SPF glow! Using the flash though was the only way to show up the colours properly and get the shimmer in the eyeshadow. Anyway, I was attempting to use my Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Stiletto, since its one of those products I always forget about. I used it as a base under Fig. 1 by MAC all over the lid, and Satin Taupe in the crease. I did have blush on but you can't really see in these photos! I teamed it with my version of a nude lipstick (my lips are very pigmented) MAC's Craving, worn with No7 Perfect Lips Liner in Plum. I haven't managed to capture how the Benefit cream shadow added a whole new dimension to Fig. 1, but I did feel rather impressed with my eyeshadow skills today, since I am really just an eyeliner and lipstick kind of girl. Also, my fringe clearly really needs a cut!

I don't know how many of you will be interested really in this sort of thing, so please give me some feedback. However, if you are interested in make-up, feel free to occasionally watch me witter on YouTube. (Although I admit I don't film as often as I would like, due to work and crappy light and the like.)

Bambi.

2012-01-22T23:38:00.001Z

ceramic deer ornament- £1 from Topshop!

So, I did my usual fortnightly visit up to my boyfriends this weekend with one little change from the usual... I met up with the lovely Maria, who I first met at the Birmingham Blogger Meet way back in July. We had some lunch in a lovely cafe in Cheltenham, and then did a little bit of sales browsing. We both got some bargains from Topshop, and although I am a numpty and forgot to take any pictures of the jumper which I wore yesterday, I can show you this little guy. I had no real reason for buying him other than he was rather adorable and was reduced to £3 from £12- imagine my delight when I got to the till and he had in fact been reduced down to £1! Clearly, meant to be. I know I am meant to be restricting my spending at the moment but I had to make an exception for this one afternoon- how can two bloggers together not do some shopping?!

I also completely forgot to ask Maria to take some photos of my outfit on the day, so I apologise, I completely failed on the outfit front this weekend, which is a shame since I wore some really nice new sale things. I shall endeavour to get some on my day off on Wednesday. I will also be having a holiday the week after next, visiting my oldest friend and my sister both at their prospective unis, and shall try and take daily pictures for you- I must make the most of a week of no uniform! Despite having this holiday planned, I have twenty billion things to organise at the minute, and am somewhat stressed at how up in the air everything is, but hopefully it shall be sorted soon. Lots of exciting things in the next few months, but a lot of sorting out to do first!

Saying that, I must go to bed.... work tomorrow *yawns*

Sale Goodness!

2012-01-17T20:49:00.001Z

Er... this is all from M&S. All of it! Well, apart from the jewellery.

You know I mentioned how I needed to stop spending? Well, I definitely do now, since sales+my first real salary package+buying a new passport= very poor Hattie. Not very poor yet, but I am terrified that I won't have enough at the end of the month. I am very, very bad at budgeting. I think I may need to start dividing my monthly pay into weekly installments!

But anyway, I thought I would show you a few of the bits and pieces I have been spending said money on. I saw this top when it was full price but wasn't sure how the high neck and loose shift shape would look with my fairly hefty boobazookas ( I mean they're not massive, but I'm no Kate Moss!) However, the Peter Pan collar and squirrel print (yes, you read that right, squirrel print!!) meant that I could not resist it when I got it for £12. It is a little tight on the bottom, which means it balloons slightly oddly in the middle, but oh well. Squirrels!

But wait for it, there are better bargains to come... once again, I had my eyes on these heeled loafers when they were full price, but I simply couldn't justify adding to my rather extensive shoe collection when I wear the same shoes nearly all week! I stumbled across these by complete chance and had to buy them at the massively reduced price of £6. Yes, that's right, £6 from £45. There are moments when I love my job.

However, the bag was, if you can believe it, an even more impressive find. I served the lady who returned this bag when it was still £45 after being reduced from £85, and I was quite taken with it then. I had never seen it in our store though and presumed it had been snapped up by some intrepid shopper. That was until I was helping a colleague rearrange and tidy our footwear and handbag section; imagine my delight when he wheeled out some old leftover sale stock and the bag was sat right on top of the pile! Even more delight when I saw it had been reduced to £15. Seeing as it was completely dead that Thursday evening (hence why I was helping out in the first place rather than being chained to the order desk) no customers bought it, and I raced in first thing Friday morning to snap it up! I am so, so happy with it. It is the most divine soft leather, which I'm sure you can tell from how slouchy it is in the photos. I don't like short handled bags usually but this one is fine since it has the adjustable shoulder strap, and actually when the two are combined I find it useful to have something easy to grab onto when picking your bag up. Whilst it has no internal pockets, it does have this very handy little detachable pouch in which I store my smaller bits and pieces.

Basic point.... SO. FREAKING. NICE.

There are more sale things to show you but those shall have to wait for another post! The bag however is definitely the high point for me of all my purchases. I will hopefully post again at the weekend.

Make up rambling plus possible blog schedule?

2012-01-12T00:24:00.000Z

Click here if you would like to see me rambling about make-up again. There may or may not be amusing interludes from my sister including soup and dancing.

I had a thought for possible new schedule (lol- I have never had any kind of schedule on this blog as I'm sure you all know!) but perhaps one make up post a week, one outfit post and one inspiration post? How does that sound?

PLEASE GIVE ME FEEDBACK PEOPLE.

Basically the same outfit twice.

2012-01-08T17:43:00.000Z

first outfit- Collection at Debenhams tee shirt, M&S skirt, Topshop boots, Accessorize necklace, MAC Impassioned lipstick

second outfit- M&S Limited Collection kimono, old M&S tee shirt, skirt, necklace and boots as before, MAC Media lipstick

Er, so this is basically the same outfit with a different top... I am feeling quite lazy at the moment! Work is absolutely mental currently- working on a return desk at this time of year is just horrible. Hopefully within the next few weeks everything will calm down and I can feel vaguely human again! I have however found out that I have over TWO WEEKS HOLIDAY to take before the end of March! Which is somewhat fantastic even if it is proving a little difficult to fit it in before then.

Both of these tops are sale purchases- the star tee shirt was found in Debenhams when I was loitering waiting for a bus one day, and was £7.50 down from £25, and I am so, so pleased I picked it up. It is absolutely perfect in terms of shape- just the right amount of slouch which doesn't make me look completely shapeless, not too short sleeves and the neckline is just right. I had seen this kimono in work several months ago but just couldn't justify spending £30 on it because I wasn't sure whether I would wear it or not; however, reduced to £17 I thought it would be worth a try! I wore it to go to Bath last week to meet up with Kathy. We had a lovely day shopping and coffee drinking and I bought some rather pricey bits of make up which I will show in a haul video at some point next week... suffice to say I am a little poor now! I also purchased a new laptop yesterday since my Sony Vaio is about three years old and is literally falling to pieces... the battery is leaking and is no longer recognised by the computer, the @ key has fallen off and the mouse pad requires a certain knack to get it to work! I had a rather mahussive tax rebate about a month ago and decided to use the money to purchase something decent. However, on a trip to PC World yesterday I fell in love with a Toshiba Satellite R830 which was kind of £200 more than what I was planning to spend... but it was perfect, and was everything I needed. I wanted something small and light and this was the best I could get with a CD drive which wasn't a MacBook. Anyway, so, to cut the story short, I bought it.

I had been thinking recently that I should stop buying so many clothes since I don't actually have the opportunity to wear them anymore; I have so many lovely things languishing in my wardrobe that it just seems silly to keep buying things to just have them sit there unworn. My make up consumption has also increased rapidly since getting addicted to YouTube (thanks Kathy!) and so I thought I will try and cut down for the next few months while I try to save and use the things I already have. However, there are a few things coming out in the next couple of months which I shall be making an exception for, such as the Naked 2 palette and the Iris Apfel for MAC collection. But if I have not bought anything else I will not have to feel guilty about those purchases!

God, how long has this post got? Sorry, I am rambling dreadfully. As I said, I am a little all over the place at the minute! I am going to shut up now. See you next week sometime.

There is thunder in our hearts.

2011-12-28T00:08:00.001Z

Ah shit. How did I miss my blogging birthday AGAIN?!

I always seem to think its Christmas Eve and its not, its a few days earlier than that. I would just like to say to everyone who ever bothers to read my ramblings, that every comment and page view is very much appreciated. This blog has brought me many great opportunities and, especially at the moment, helps to keep me positive about hopefully doing something vaguely creative with my life, rather than being in M&S forever. Although, saying that, please do give me some ideas about different types of post you would like to see- the blog in its old format just doesn't work anymore now I have to wear a uniform. I must expand and develop!

Anyway, so this is what I wore on Christmas Eve. Apologies for all the cars, I got my sister to take this in rather a rush before we went to the Nativity in our neighbouring village, complete with a real live pony/donkey! The top is a new one I purchased the other day whilst in Cornwall last week. Its from a range called Bonbi Forest, which are items printed with work by Lee May Foster Wilson. I bought it from a shop in Penzance which I absolutely adore, called Space. Its a little big for me since I bought it in a large (the actual sweatshirt is an American Apparel one, and I thought their sizes were tiny, but apparently a large is a 14-16) but it is great nonetheless. I really love the thunder and lightening print and the slouchy fit. I wasn't quite sure what to pair it with since this is probably the first pale blue item of clothing I have ever owned, but I quite liked it with the orange, and the mini-ness of the skirt stopped me morphing into a shapeless mess.

Bonbi Forest sweatshirt, H! by Henry Holland at Debenhams hoodie, M&S Limited Collection skirt, H&M trainers, River Island snood

I was going to post some pictures from last week too but to be honest, I've just looked at them again, and they're not terribly interesting. I took many a macro shot of the amazing imported goods they had in this food hall we stopped at (ok, I know that sounds weird but some of the packaging was pretty cool, and I have a slight obsession with macro) and not very great pictures of Mousehole's Christmas lights, since my little point and shot just could not do them justice.

I have a very interesting life.

Tomorrow I'm going sales shopping with my mum and sister, although I must admit I don't have a huge amount of energy for it. We shall do our usual and select specific shops to go into before making a swift exit. Hopefully I might have something exciting to show you though!

Cleopatra.

2011-12-20T23:49:00.000Z

really ancient Emily the Strange tee shirt, vintage Laura Ashley shirt, M&S Limited Collection cardi, M&S skirt and tights, Topshop boots and earrings

Just a very quick outfit post before I head off to bed (work in the morning- yawn.) Went on a little family day trip today, of which I will put up some more photos soon. I wore my fantastic new charity shop find Laura Ashley shirt, which is absolutely divine with its velvet Peter Pan collar and buttons. Although I must admit, it is a little small for me across the bust, which is why I am having to wear it over this very well loved old tee shirt. I'm not entirely sure whether it worked but oh well. It is also impossible to get me out of these boots or cardi at the moment- they are both so, so comfy and warm. Also, apologies the photos are a bit crap- my Mum took them outside for me on a busy street just as the light was starting to go.

As you can also see, I got my hair hacked off again last week- to be honest, I was fed up of this manky shorter top layer I had left to grow out and just thought it would be easier to hack it all to the same length and grow it from there. The blond section looks so much better now its all healthy hair. I'm still not entirely sure whether I like the haircut overall (it is almost exactly the same as my 5 year old hair) but I will see if it grows on me. It will do for now.

(Oh, and I also realise I have now completely copied Kate Nash's hair. I can't help it. I love her.)

And lastly, my awesome new cat earrings from Topshop. Apologies for the somewhat gratuitous gross ear macro shot, but that was the best way to show them to you. My little camera isn't the best for taking macro but I feel this shot isn't too bad. I love the 3D element of these and I think they look a lot more expensive than the £8.50 I paid for them. Saying that, they aren't terribly comfortable, but I think that is just due to the amount of metal that is attached to the back.

Sorry this post is a little brief, but I really must go to sleep. I will post more at the weekend. I hope you are all having a lovely run up to Christmas and aren't too stressed!

Writing Adventures.

2011-12-14T22:14:00.000Z

So. My country bumpkin internet was down for well over a week so apologies for my absence. I have been off today and so have been wearing my own clothes; however, I have not taken any outfit photos since I am completely full of cold and the light has been atrocious all day. I've also had my hair cut but it looks a little bit weird- I always find it looks a bit flat and makes my face look fat until I've washed it myself.

Instead, I have a few exciting bits of news to tell you. Firstly, I had an article published in PLANT magazine, which I must admit, is probably one of the most exciting things to happen to me, probably ever. Isabel was either the first or second blog that I ever read, and she is so articulate, intelligent and pulls Dr Martens off with the kind of aplomb I have never myself mastered. Anyway, not to gush and girl-crush too much, but it is such an honour to have been included in her feminist fashion zine. You should all go and order a copy so Isabel can continue to make such an awesome zine.

(Isabel, I will include an excitable photo at a later date, but could not wait any longer to share the pride.)

I also mentioned a few months back about being rejected for the Oxfam blog. Whilst I was very disappointed at the time, I was delighted to be contacted by them a few weeks later offering me the post! Turns out somebody else had dropped out and so I was picked instead. Funny that I have got both my job and this post after somebody else dropping out- oh well, I'm not complaining. I got them in the end! My first post was published earlier this week and you can read it here. I am very excited to be a part of the blogging team and am so pleased to be able to volunteer for Oxfam in this way. I'll only be posting monthly so it shouldn't detract too much from here (although I admit the posts of recent have been shamefully few and far between anyway...)

So, you are all now updated on my various writing adventures. I am currently somewhat exhausted from work (full time retail work at this time of year is literally hellish) but am going to get a little break at Christmas and New Year. It will be the blog's second birthday soon, after which I may attempt to make a few changes. As I have already said, my old format of outfit posts does simply not work anymore now I wear uniform for the majority of the week. I am trying to come up with ideas for some kind of blogging schedule, with maybe one or two outfit posts a week with some other bits popped in, but I must admit I am struggling somewhat. I don't want to resort to cliched posts such as wishlists (not to sound snobby, I just want to make sure I don't get lazy and monotonous) but I know I need to introduce some kind of structure to keep me on track. I am more than welcome for suggestions of things you would like to see- more make up posts, reviews, inspiration, wishlists, videos? Please give me some ideas!

A quick notice.

2011-12-12T23:11:00.000Z

My internet has been down for about a week and a half. I promise to get back to you soon now I am connected to the World Wide Web again. Sorry.

Yum... new boots.

2011-11-24T18:00:00.017Z

H&M tee shirt, H! by Henry Holland for Debenhams hoodie, M&S skirt, Topshop boots, scarf c/o Misguided (from the Birmingham Blogger Meet)

Ooh, look, my first gif attempt! I feel like quite the technological genius. I wanted to show off my new boots, which to be honest were something of an impulse buy- I saw them in Topshop and immediately wanted them, but I did go away and think about them for a bit beforehand. I suppose I call them an impulse buy more in the sense that I didn't actually need them. (Ooh, that was a bit of a #whitegirlproblems moment. ) Anyway, recently I have been feeling quite gothy and dressing in black quite a lot of the time- perhaps its the time of year, or just laziness, (since this way of dressing is SO much comfier), or just the fact my boyfriend likes me looking a bit less 'polished' shall we say, but I have just been throwing on tee shirts and denim skirts, or my black jeans. Quite boring but just what I feel like wearing at the moment. So, these boots seemed like the perfect ones to just jazz up these outfits a little, and I must admit, I love them. They are comfy (well, I haven't worn them out yet for a proper walking sesh yet but good so far) and they just make me feel cool. I like the zips and the slight cowboy vibe they have. Apparently they're a dead ringer for some Acne boots but I found this out after I bought them! Anyway, I am very happy with them, and cannot see them leaving my feet for the foreseeable future.

Outfit in itself is quite boring, although I have been meaning to show you this tee shirt for an absolute age- once again, one of those things that I seem to wear so often it just doesn't get photographed. Its the perfect stripey tee shirt, and only cost me £8, so I did buy two!

Also, I feel the need to tell you that this is in fact a scheduled post- look at me being all organised and writing two posts on my day off!

'Love Bites'- A Mini Me & Zena Review

2011-11-22T17:08:00.000Z

'Love Bites' necklace, from Me & Zena

I just wanted to do a little quick review of this necklace. I was so impressed with Me & Zena's service that I felt it had to be praised on my little corner of the internet! I have been wanting to buy this necklace for absolutely ages but it was one of those things that I just kept forgetting about, but when Gem posted about their 50% off code for Halloween I knew the opportunity had finally arrived! Since it was a Halloween themed item, I also received an additional 20% off, and so got it, including postage, for £7.50.

The parcel was dispatched the very next morning (after me ordering online at around midnight!) and arrived within a few days. Not only was the posting efficient, the packaging was also divine. It arrived in this gorgeous fluorescent pink jiffy bag complete with a small pink velvet pouch, which I have since been using to store my jewellery in my handbag. (I tend to carry various ring and earrings options around with me.) The necklace itself is really good quality and I love the engraved detailing on the back which just makes it feel that little bit more expensive. Overall, a fantastic purchase! I have been wearing it daily to liven up my boring M&S uniform.

I am definitely planning on purchasing the gold option as well at some point, to allow me maximum wearing potential.I was just really impressed with their service which made me feel rather excited, like a little kid opening their Christmas presents. Having a lovingly packaged parcel arrive is one of the best little pick me ups, and Me & Zena completely fulfilled and surpassed my expectations.

Fit-and-Flare. (I cannot think of a better title to be honest)

2011-11-16T23:05:00.000Z

Dorothy Perkins dress, Topshop belt, M&S tights, Russell and Bromley loafers

Er... really old photos from about a month ago. I meant to post these but sort of forgot, and wanted to wait until I had outfit pics of the red version of the dress which I also own. Basically- best dress ever. Ok, maybe not ever, but one of the best for my figure I have ever had. I originally bought this in the red (which I will show you at some point!) and knew immediately I had to go and buy it in another colour. It has the perfect scoop neck, three quarter length sleeves and fit-and-flare style which just translates into complete and utter comfort. Its also made of this lovely thick jersey material which skims over your lumps and bumps, and is quite warm for the colder months. I just styled it really simply with some lacy tights and leopard print belt to break up the black, and slipped on my loafers.

I apologise (yet AGAIN) for my erratic posting of late. I think I will finally have to install some kind of blogging discipline on myself and try and devise some kind of weekly posting schedule, which doesn't consist entirely of outfit posts, since working full time doesn't really allow for a lot of those! I also have quite a few exciting things to tell you about, but I won't bore you with them now, and let them have their own glory in separate posts.

(Ooh, and I just did a new video if any of you are interested in me blabbering on about makeup.)

I may be developing a problem with cat themed clothing.

2011-11-04T01:14:00.002Z

River Island tee shirt from ASOS, H&M cardi, Phase Eight jeans, Russell and Bromley loafers, Accessorize earrings, Max Factor Color Elixir lipstick in Ruby Tuesday

Apologies for the flash. As you can see from the freaky lilac colour of the sky, its been a dinghy bastard of a day. That, coupled with my sisters appalling lack of ability to ever take a non blurry photo sans flash, meant it had to be used. It also shows up my camel toe beautifully, although its never like I try to look particularly attractive in these photos. I do my best, but I know that I don't photograph very well, and if I have a bit of a camel toe then there's not much to be done about it!

I am aware I appear to be developing a bit of thing for cat related items of clothing. (There's another cat jumper I haven't gotten around to showing you yet as well.) Don't worry, I can see the little pattern developing, and am noting it in case it goes the way of breton stripes and becomes something so embedded in my style subconscious that I am powerless to control my need to amass more. I would usually have not looked at this tee shirt due to the colour (brown is never great on me) but I was sold somewhat by its heavily discounted price tag. I think its ok though due to the flashes of colour in the print. This is also a new lipstick that is perhaps slightly more on the orange side than I usually wear, but I think I just about get away with it. Just. I hope it looks alright since the texture and pigmentation is amazing- when they say this lipstick helps care for your lips, it really does feel very light and pleasant to wear. It was nice to wear a red lip that didn't require too much worrying about licking your lips and the like.

Sleep now since I have a hair appointment in the morning which entails an entire maintenance job on my panel, dye and cut, so rather a long appointment! Will post tomorrow, since I have another rather cute tee shirt to show you.

Beyond the Sea

2011-10-31T00:37:00.000Z

Topshop sweater, Boden skirt, M&S shoes, earrings a gift and ring from Stars, Abersytwyth

Sorry for not posting in so long. Once again, life has been very hectic recently, and I didn't have the best week last week and didn't really feel like posting to be honest. I was rejected for a full time permanent job at work because I simply hadn't worked there long enough to have the same experience as the other applicant, got rejected for the Oxfam blog and was looking at having to work only 16 hours a week up until Christmas on a temporary contract. I was starting to think that I should just jack in everything and move up to live with my boyfriend as soon as possible since I wasn't really achieving much being here. However, after a delightful weekend in Aberystwyth, (shoutouts to all the lovely people there who may be reading this who provided me with an amazing time, especially my darling Kathleen as always) I returned to work to find the situation somewhat altered.

The girl who had got the job has now got a new job at a bank and so I was offered the position! Clearly, its a little sucky to know I wasn't the first choice, but I think it was purely due to the experience, and I did a few extra hours on the customer returns desk (where I am now based) before I was offered it so I must have been ok. I am feeling so much more positive about everything now; the hours fit in so much better with my trains, (despite having to get up at 6.30 again!) and I'll actually be earning enough to put a decent amount aside AND buy myself some lipstick occasionally. And its permanent so I have no need to worry about finding something new in January. I am so grateful to finally have something full time and permanent! I also don't start officially until next weekend so get to have a few days off with my sister whilst she is home for her reading week.

I also asked for some feedback on my Oxfam application and it turns out I got down to the final 6, which isn't too bad. Also there were apparently some rather well established bloggers amongst my competition, so I don't feel too bad about it now. It was more the combined effect of that with everything else that upset me, but things are looking much better now. Just have to keep working at this little baby I suppose!

Er, so I should probably tell you about the outfit now rather than just wittering on about my life! I absolutely adore this Topshop jumper- its so comfy (yes, I am aware it is quite unflattering, but I love it nonetheless!) and also has plenty of Railway Children-esqueness. I thought I should give you a close up so you could see the collar a little better, especially since it is sticking up a bit in the main outfit shot.

The ring is my latest addition to my ring collection. Whilst in Aberystwyth Kathy and I went to one of our favourite shops to peruse their fantastic ring collection, but nothing had really caught my eye until I saw this beauty. I knew I had to have her straight away. Shes a teeny bit big but I always prefer my rings a little large anyway, since I tend to fiddle with them and it really freaks me out when your fingers swell and they seem to get stuck! The detail on her is amazing and it makes me happy in my silly sappy Marianne-from-Sense-and-Sensibility sort of a way that I brought a mermaid back from the sea. She hasn't left my hand all week.

I must go to bed now- clocks going back last night resulted in extra sleep yesterday but means I am extra tired right now! I recorded two make up videos today so shall hopefully have those up tomorrow. Ooh, and mentioning videos, I have been considering making a ring collection one for a while now- is that something people would be interested in?

Mystique (although I do not possess it at all).

2011-10-17T00:07:00.000+01:00

M&S Limited Collection tee shirt, Dorothy Perkins skirt from charity shop, Russell and Bromley loafers, Topshop earrings, Pilgrim ring

This outfit is actually from last Saturday so I should have posted it already- I'm sorry, I just sort of forgot. Have been working my arse off somewhat and am currently in the middle of 5 days on the trot- however, it is all so I can go and spend 4 glorious days with my boyfriend revisiting Aberystwyth, so it shall all be worth it. And then you can finally get some half decent pictures again from Kathy! Hooray. Saying that, sorry about these photos- as you can see from the tiny blotches, it had just started to rain as I took these and the light was fading fast! Hence the need for flash which illuminates my head in the second picture.

Right. So, I wore this last weekend whilst my sister was home and we did a bit of shopping and went to the theatre. We saw One Man, Two Guvnors which was absolutely hilarious and if any of you have a chance to go I would highly recommend it. We bought tickets at the very last minute and had appalling seats right at the very back but the show was so good it didn't matter. Speaking of the theatre, annoyingly my rather last minute trip to Aber has completely scuppered my chance to go see Tom Chambers (of Strictly fame) in Top Hat next Thursday, something my mum and I have had booked for months. I have loved him ever since his Holby days and to see him tap dance (one of the sexiest things ever in my opinion- too much Singin' in the Rain as a child!) would have been so, so good. However, I suppose its probably better to get to see my actual boyfriend rather than lusting after some man on a stage, so oh well!

Er, so that tangent over with... I had been looking forward to wearing this top all week. As soon as I saw the stripes and the colours at work I knew I had to have it. I also love the chiffon detail on the shoulders. I also knew I needed to get a teal eyeshadow to wear with it, and after much searching of both Boots and MAC, I found this Too Faced one. I'll talk about it in more detail in a video at a later date, but it really is amazing. The perfect balance between blue and green. Also, it totally made me feel like I had Mystique eyes.

Is two X-Men beauty references too much on one head?!!

Right, that's more than enough wittering on for now. Must go to bed, for I am at work again tomorrow. Although I promise I shall endeavour to be a better blogger and do more posts soon, since I do have several nice outfits backlogged.

Cats in bow ties... how could I resist?

2011-10-05T20:09:00.000+01:00

H&M jumper, M&S skirt, Russell and Bromley loafers

Apologies for appalling photos, both in pose and lighting. I was intending to take the photos outside in natural light, but its been such a dingy day and then it was raining when I went to take them! There is also not really a way to photograph this jumper that makes it look flattering, because to be honest, its really not. It makes my boobs look huge and is way too short and so sits on my belly, but I really liked it and so bought it anyway. It is just too damn cute with the cats, especially with their little bow ties! My boyfriend also really liked it which is not something that happens often with my clothing! Please also excuse if my face looks a bit orange- I went and bought my first bottle of Estee Lauder Doublewear Foundation yesterday and the woman has matched to a shade which is way too dark. She said she thought I'd be inbetween this one and the paler one, but on my jaw line this one looked much better whereas the lightest shade just looked too pale. But now I have this one on all over it looks too orange. Le sigh. I'm going to go back and get a sample of the lighter one to try mixing it before I invest another bloody £26.50! If that one is ok on my skin I might see whether she'll do an exchange, but I don't hold out much hope. Damn annoying!

Also, I am unfortunately going to be stuck in uniform for a while longer- M&S have extended my contract for yet another fortnight. Whilst it is good to still have a job, I was really hoping to know by now whether they're taking me on for Christmas or not. The whole thing is a little bit ridiculous really, but hopefully it will be sorted soon. I have got tomorrow and the weekend off though so should be able to take a few pictures for you all then.

Queen Kong.

2011-09-30T23:22:00.000+01:00

M&S faux fur coat from Oxfam, H&M tee shirt, M&S skirt and tights, Russell and Bromley loafers, Pilgrim ring

Please excuse my dishevelled state. Whilst I was really excited about taking outfit photos today and yesterday, the heat has completely baffled me. For those outside the UK, we've had a really unexpected heatwave which has thrown my lovely autumn outfit plans into disarray. So instead I just went for a very easy tee shirt and stretchy denim skirt combo.

But anyway, that wasn't what I wanted to show you. Look at my fur coat! I've been looking for one for ages but I wanted one in leopard print. However, its really hard to wear one of them without looking like Pat Butcher. Its fine if you're Alexa Chung but when you're a bit short and chunky its not a great look! Especially since so many of the ones on the high street have big 70s style collars. Anyway, I saw this one in Oxfam earlier and thought it looked really big for a child's one, so risked the embarrassment of trying it on and it not fitting. It turned out to fit. Its an age 11-12. What on earth??!! I mean clearly, I'm only 5"3 so its not like the sleeves would be too short, and my shoulders aren't that broad. Its obviously more snug across my chest and tummy than it would be on my 11 year old self but it does the job nicely! I might change the buttons for something a bit smarter but overall I am very pleased with it. Not bad for £5! I'm still not entirely sure how it looks on me- I feel a little bit like a gorilla but I know they make everyone's head look too small for their body! Might need to make sure my hair is a bit bouffant to balance it out!

This ring is one I also bought today thanks to my friend Chloe giving me a voucher for my favourite local shop for my 21st. I have been wanting to buy this ring for ages but it was on the pricey side, but as soon as I got the voucher I knew I wanted to buy it! I really love the marcasite finish which makes it look quite Victorian. I also like how it looks very much like a feather but also the shape reminds me of lungs. Which I know sounds odd but I like that it looks elegant but also a little gothic. It should also be good for work because its flat against my finger so it won't catch on anything.

I've also bought some other really lovely things recently but with this damn weather I can't show them to you right now! I wore a lovely new dress to the cinema last night to see Jane Eyre but forgot to put my memory card in my camera and it was too dark by the time I got home. Apologies. I only have one more week of my contract left though so hopefully I can fit in some outfits after that for you. I better not ramble on any more since I have a 7 hour shift tomorrow *yawns* Anyone else found a charity shop bargain recently?

Mustard and Tangerine.

2011-09-22T11:24:00.000+01:00

jumper dress- M&S Limited Collection, Russell and Bromley loafers, earrings from Oxfam, No7 Stay Perfect Tangerine Touch lipstick

So, I finally have a half decent outfit to show you in some half decent photos! I must admit, whilst I basically lounged around the house doing nothing yesterday, it was so nice to be able to do it in my own clothes and make a bit of an effort. You may also notice I have lost some of my hair! I had it cut a few days ago since the growing out wasn’t working very well. I had one horrible short top layer left which was doing my head in and to be honest, whilst the hair was quite long on the bottom, I had nothing really resembling a proper hairstyle. I decided that the sacrifice of a few inches off the bottom was worth it for a decent hairstyle whilst continuing to grow it out. I want to get it all the same length anyway even if it is longer, so this is just how I want it in a shorter version. There is still a bit of the top layer left on the blonde side due to the side parting, but the back and the other side are now all the same length. I am so much happier with it now. I had also forgotten how much my hair loves being in a bob; whilst I had to straighten the blonde side due to the condition of the bleached hair, the other side had no styling done to it other than some very shabby blow-drying. I think my entire childhood of bob has trained my hair somewhat!

Anyway, I’ll stop wittering on about that now. I’ve been waiting to wear this jumper dress for ages now but needed to wait for it to be a little bit chillier. This outfit perfectly sums up how I want my winter wardrobe to look; I am really happy with the 60s vibe with the matching lipstick and earrings. I think I may actually end up wearing these loafers all winter as well! Which would indicate a good investment purchase I suppose. They are so ridiculously comfy.

Also, I apologise for my hand on my neck pose; it appears to be one of my only good ones! I wanted to include the head shots so you could see my hair a little better and my earrings. I must go now since I have a lot to do before going into work this evening; you won't hear from me until next week sometime since I am going to my boyfriends this weekend. Hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Right.

2011-09-17T23:47:00.000+01:00

I am writing this now since I am finally in some kind of positive action mode. With being back at home at the minute and living the graduate dream of working in the M&S Food Hall, I haven't exactly been feeling fantastic lately. In fact, I am probably the most stressed/anxious I have ever been in my entire life. I keep yoyo-ing between slightly depressed and absolutely miserable. I am trying to stay positive but it is proving extremely difficult. All through my teenage years, I had this overwhelming urge to get the hell out of my tiny village and go and do something exciting with my life- university felt like me finally doing this, but obviously, now its over and I feel like I'm right back where I started. But I know that I just need to try and focus on things to keep me going and then I'll get through everything a lot better. Blogging is one of the good things in my life that actually helps me feel creative and productive, so I am going to try and keep posting regularly even if my uniform means there will be less outfit posts. I have been meaning to take the blog in a slightly different direction for a while now and in a way I am almost pleased that this will provide the impetus to do it. I don't know exactly what its going to turn out like but please bear with me. I hope you all like how it develops.

Um.... sorry.

2011-09-16T22:38:00.000+01:00

Er.... so I've been gone for nearly a month. Soz. Basically, Marks and Spencer took over my life. I've been wroking pretty much 6 days out of 7, until 8 in the evening and then due to my crappy rural transport I do not get home until 10. My fortnightly weekend off has been spent visiting my boyfriend so hasn't involved the most exciting outfits. However, a few exciting purchases have been made so I thought I should show them to you.

Ooh, firstly, a little update on my work prospects (lol- or complete lack of!) I went on my Fashion Marketing course, and, whilst I loved it, I just don't think doing a Masters would be the right thing to do. Whilst I learnt a lot, (and not to sound at all rude or arrogant) but I just feel the general gist of things was fairly obvious. I think I could gain enough experience and knowledge from an internship as I could from spending over £10,000 on a Masters. I have found a particularly promising Oxfam one that would start early next year, so, my plan for the moment is (fingers crossed M&S extend my temporary contract until Christmas) I will continue to work there for a few more months to save up the money and then I will hopefully do this internship next year. Which will then hopefully secure me a fabulous fashion job!

Although, saying that, I am appalling bad at saving money. Since I have about an hour to waste every morning between arriving into Plymouth and work starting, I do keep shopping. Several items in the photos below are new purchases, although two of them are somewhat special!

H&M cardi, M&S tee shirt and skirt, Russell and Bromley loafers, pearl earrings a gift, Gok Wan at Specsavers glasses

As you all know I have developed somewhat of a leopard print obsession and this cardi helped fill a void, although I must admit it isn't the nicest of prints. But, for £15 I couldn't really complain. The denim skirt is a lovely stretchy pull on one that is hideously comfy, and I am always up for more of those! I have worn my black stretchy Urban Outfitters one to death so knew this would be a good buy.

My general plan of dressing this autumn is some kind of retro 50s/60s type thing, with a good dose of librarian and heritage thrown in. An integral part of this plan was to get myself some cat eye glasses. I have wanted some for an absolute age but they are actually quite difficult to get hold of on the high street, especially in deepest darkest Devon! As soon as I saw that Gok Wan had done a range for Specsavers that included a cat eye pair I knew I had to have them. They took a while to get hold of due to rubbish deliveries but I am pleased as punch with them now I have them. I've never had glasses which I've been happy wearing (I think its something to do with feeling about 15 and therefore not terribly attractive) but I like these because of the vintage-ness of them. Anything to make me feel more like Joan Holloway is always good!

And, drum roll.... my birthday purchase, a pair of Russell and Bromley patent loafers! I decided that I wouldn't wear the Barbour jacket enough to justify the purchase, and whilst I really do love the Alexa, I just couldn't spend all the money my lovely great aunt had given me on a handbag. It would have just felt like a really frivolous way of spending the money when right now I really need it for driving lessons. My need to drive is much more urgent than my desire for an Alexa! Maybe one day when I've saved up the money myself. Anyway, so I asked my parents for some Russell and Bromley loafers instead, since I have wanted some for ages but have just never really had enough cash to buy them. I am really hard on shoes and these seem like they will last for a long time and be really comfy. Although I am sad I have to wear a damn uniform and can't wear these for so long! I could wear them to work but they would get dreadfully scuffed since I have to get on the floor all the time to do stock tidying and other such thrilling jobs. The ones I am wearing currently are peeling away from the soles horribly after only a month.

I am going to stop talking now since this is ridiculously long already. Also, apologies for the crappiness of the photos- I have not yet adjusted to it getting dark so much earlier! I will endeavour to take some better ones next week. I filmed a make up favourites video last week but my Internet connection failed whilst it uploaded for like 5 hours so I will have to try that again soon. I'm sorry its been so long and I am such a bad blogger. This working malarky (especially the uniform!) is stealing my fashion mojo somewhat! I'll try and make more of an effort from now on.

Slapdash.

2011-08-25T00:06:00.001+01:00

Topshop dress, Converse trainers, Babyliss hairclip, Next watch

I should write a lot for this post really but I am going to keep it short because I am very, very tired. I apologise for my absence but I had my first proper week at work last week and with getting home at 10 most nights and my sisters and grandmas birthdays on my two free days, before hotfooting it up to London for my course, I just really haven't had the time. By the way, the course is going really well and I am really enjoying it but I still feel very confused about what I am doing with my life. But I shall divulge more information on that after the week is over.

Oh yeah, and I turned 21 on Monday. But didn't really do anything, since I was at the course, but my friend Maddy who I am staying with very kindly baked me a cake and gave me some Maltesers, so that was lovely.
Am doing more thorough celebrations this weekend on my return home.

Speaking of that, I also have a bit of a dilemma with my birthday money... I want to go and buy a Mulberry Alexa from the factory shop in Somerset but am aware that I could spend it on much more useful things like a new laptop or driving lessons. I know you are all going to tell me to get one but I went and had a look at one in Westfield today and whilst I loved it I just don't know whether I can justify that much on a bag.

Right, outfit quickly. Finally got my blond sorted! After another 5 hours in the hairdressers (10 in total) the streak is finally the correct colour! Its still a teeny weeny bit darker in places but that can't be helped really and its not that noticeable. I bought some heated rollers so am hoping to be able to make it more vintage looking soon. In this outfit, I went for a 90s grunge sort of look instead, prompted by this lovely dress I found in the Topshop sale. I am aware it makes my boobs look really weird, but to be honest I don't care. Its comfy and floral and treads the difficult line of twee/edgy. I would have worn it with my Doc Martens but had put them away for summer storage, so had to do with tweed Converses instead! Accessorised with my new favourite lipstick, MAC's Viva Glam I, which I am so grateful I bought. Its the easiest to wear red lipstick I own and I adore it.

Must go to bed. All this commuting malarky is taking it out of me! Apologies this sounds so rushed and more like a note to myself than a proper post!

A tired bird keeper.

2011-08-16T00:58:00.000+01:00

M&S shirt and shoes, Urban Outfitters skirt, Topshop earrings, Bohm beetle ring and purple ring from local shop

Just a very quick post for you all since I had my first shift at work today and am absolutely cream-crackered. This outfit from Sunday contains my new favourite item- this gorgeous bird cage print skirt, which I knew I had to buy straight away the moment I saw Sara wearing it in posts from the Birmingham Blogger Meet Up night out. I am really looking forward to pairing it with my grey boots but didn't want to risk the foot ache when I knew I'd be on my feet for 6 hours the next day! Shoes are also some new ones bought for work, which I will wear outside as well; yet more ugly man shoes for the collection! The nails are the first false nails I have ever worn, which I bought on a whim when I saw them in Boots. Whilst we are allowed to wear nail varnish at M&S, it can't be chipped, so I thought I would try this out as an alternative, because the thought of having to repaint over the chips every day was a little terrifying! I really loved the matt texture and colour so thought I'd give them a go. Unfortunately, despite how great they look, they just do not stay on. Perhaps I didn't apply them very well, but over the course of 3 days every single nail bar the pinkies has come off at least twice and had to be reapplied, which is just not good in my opinion. It was a nice idea, but I shall just have to go back to my varnish! Although I did buy the Models Own Wah nail art pen today with my Boots points so hopefully there may be some exciting nails coming soon.

Right, that's enough chatter, must go to bed! That 6 hour shift is probably the most 'manual' labour I have ever done, and I am so fucking tired. But must be bright and breezy tomorrow for another one!

More compost (this time in moving form).

2011-08-11T12:46:00.000+01:00

As promised, here is a video that Kathy made of our little trip to the Centre for Alternative Technology. I think an outfit of the day video may be in the making but I shall have to let you know about that when it appears!

I apologise for my lack of posting over the last week, but my boyfriend was down over the weekend and then I have been at Marks and Spencers all this week doing my training, but I have a few days off now so hopefully shall be able to do some posts for you. I'm wanting to try and write some posts that are not so fashion related, perhaps a little more book/film related, what do you guys think? Whilst I really love outfit posts, I would like to make this blog a little more personal to me and a more rounded record of my interests. I shall try to put a few non-fashiony posts up soon, maybe later today. But don't hold me to that, you know how disorganised I am!

July MakeUp Favourites plus some good news!

2011-08-02T19:27:00.000+01:00

Just wanted to do another video for you all, because I haven't done one for a while and I bought quite a lot of make up recently. All the details of the makeup mentioned are in the info box on the YouTube page if you would like to know. This is also the first video I have put up publicly on YouTube (previously I have done them all as listed from this page) which is a little nerve wracking but I shall see what happens!Although do not worry, I am not going to migrate to YouTube- traditional written blogging shall always be my home!

Also... I have news! I have a job! I had a call from Marks and Spencer yesterday to offer me a job in my local store (I had gone for an interview in a store which is about an hour away and unfortunately I couldn't take the job because my trains didn't line up). I now have a temporary job until September for 22 hours a week in the food section, which of course isn't the most glamorous of things, but it is money and something to keep me occupied, which I desperately need at the minute. They said it should be fine for me to take a week off for my course so everything has worked out rather well really; whilst its only a temporary job, its actually quite handy, since if I don't like the course and want to move away, I don't have to work there for much longer before I'd be free for another job. Likewise, if I do need to stay at home there is always a possibility that it might lead to a permanent position which would provide me with the money for a Masters. I also have every other weekend off so should still be able to see Grant, and have a few days off in the week to do my own thing. I am so happy to finally have a job, especially after I got a rejection letter from Superdrug of all places earlier in the week! Not that there is anything wrong with working in Superdrug, but the store manager who wrote my address on the letter didn't capitalise my forename or surname. Being rejected by someone who cannot capitalise is rather embarrassing! But everything is getting much better now so I will just try to forget that humiliating episode!

Obviously this may effect my posting somewhat, since I'll be having to wear a sexy uniform, including a fleece of all things *shudders* But I shall endeavour to make an effort on the days I have off so I have something to post! Having this job will also help me put a bit of routine back into my week, so I should be much more together on the outfit front unlike the moment when I am just schlepping around the house. See you soon!

Birmingham, Barbour, and brassy blonde (otherwise known as ginger)

2011-07-30T00:14:00.001+01:00

vintage dress, Cache Cache jacket, charity shop belt, M&S tights, Office brogues, Accessorize bag, Tatty Devine necklace

Hhhmmmm.... I don't know where to start this post really. So much to write. I suppose I best deal with the outfit first. This is what I wore to the Birmingham Blogger Meet Up on Saturday, organised by the lovely Claire and Fritha. I would do a whole post on it, but so many people have done much better ones and I forgot to take any photos on the day! But a few pinched photos from the lovely Florrie (who also took the above pictures) and Claire-

This may be one of my favourite photos of myself ever.

Luella dresses! But unfortunately as you can see, the fit was pretty awful, and they still cost £200! Also, please excuse my podgy arms, you can now see why I don't wear sleeveless things!

And in the excitement of an actual vintage shop (Cow in this case)... I did buy something but I shall include it in an outfit post in a later date, cannot be bothered to go through all the goodies I got in one post! Although if you would like to have a look at all the lovely freebies we received on the day, Florrie did a rather excellent post.

Overall, I had the most fantastic day shopping with people and meal later in the evening. Everyone there was so, so lovely and my only regret is that I didn't get to spend more time chatting to everyone! I did buy two things but to be honest, it was quite a warm day and I felt slightly awkward holding everyone up with my slow browsing habits... so I didn't get too much really! As I said, I'm sure I shall show you in posts later.

Something else that has happened as a result of the meet up is that I have booked myself on a week long intensive Fashion Marketing course in a few weeks at the London College of Fashion! As you all know, I am a little unsure at the minute as to what direction my life is taking, but when I heard from Fritha that the LCF did short courses during the summer I knew I needed to do one. Its costing me just under £600, which is obviously a crap ton of money, but I had a bit saved and if this helps me decide what I am doing, I don't really mind. £600 now to save me starting a £6000 Masters course which I find I don't actually like is well worth it in my eyes. I wanted to talk to Fritha about it when I saw her at the meet up, and she highly recommended it, so with her advice I booked it on Sunday. I am so ridiculously excited and am hoping this will help me sort out everything. If I go on the course and love it, I am willing to stay at home for a year doing a crappy job to save the money to do a Masters, but if I don't, I can go and get a job somewhere and move in with Grant, knowing that I tried the fashion and it just didn't work for me. Unfortunately the course does start on my 21st birthday, but if I didn't do it then I wouldn't be able to until December and that is just too long to wait!

Oh, and I have had a little fiddle with the blog layout... I still need to make myself a proper title header but am somewhat bereft of computing image skills! Will perhaps draw something and scan it in. Let me know what you think about it- I was just trying to make it look a little less amateurish and also change the background colour so I didn't have horrible white blocks with website photos! Also, if I could just be a pain in the arse and remind you all about the competition I am currently in... if you could spend two secs voting for me that would be fantastic. Also, 104 followers, where the bloody hell did you all come from??! Although it is terribly exciting to be into triple figures. I may perhaps do a giveaway but I'm not sure right now. Few too many other things to sort out. And as much as giveaways are great, I get kind of annoyed when they are on blogs all the time and are just being used to get followers. But I'd like to say thank you to all you lovely people, so who know.

I apologise for this post being so freakishly long, too much to tell you all.... oh yes, I suppose I should mention the outfit, right? I don't understand how I haven't shown you all this dress until now, because I would probably say it is actually my favourite one. I bought it for about £10/£15 from Mademoiselle Robot in a blog sale, probably about a year ago, and it is just divine. I love the little faux hanker chief pocket detail and it fastens just by doing two buttons up across the middle, which is so comfy. Unfortunately the wrap function does mean I have to safety pin it together to prevent any Marilyn moments (that's what the funny lump at the bottom is- also, so sorry Rebecca, I still have your safety pin!) but I don't really mind. I also wore my beloved brogues since I knew I was going to be walking a lot.

And um.... the hair. You know that blond streak I was talking about? Er, so this is it in progress. Let's just say after 4 hours of bleach and about 3 separate washes and an entire section of foils, my hairdresser thought it was best to leave it for a while. I have another appointment in a few weeks, (because my word I am not going to London looking like this) where hopefully they will be able to lighten it more. If it still looks hideously ginger I'm going to dye it purple or something. I was completely horrified at first, but am slowly getting used to it, although I must admit I do feel a little like a tiger. Or a chav home dye job gone wrong. The stupid thing is is that I don't really mind the colour itself; I just don't like it in with my black. Oh well. Hopefully sorted out soon.

Also, speaking of 21st birthday, should I ask for this divine Barbour jacket? I know it would be useful for rain, and would last me for twenty billion years, but at the same time I am worried I won't wear it that much...

Apologies for this being so hideously long. Congratulations if you made it to the end!

Ray-Ban Wayfarers... drool

2011-07-25T14:04:00.002+01:00

I have wanted a pair of Ray-ban Wayfarers for as long as I can remember (OK, in my sunglasses wearing history). Despite the fact I am one of those people who looks after their sunglasses diligently, and so could justify spending that much on a pair, I have never exactly had the spare £120 lurking around to get myself some. I just adore the retro vibe they have to them, and they are such a versatile item, working with edgier more modern looks or working equally well with girly 50s style dresses. This pair are particularly lovely due to their lighter brown and blue colouring, with turquoise trim; a nice detail that makes them just that little bit extra special.

Imagine my excitement then when Style-Passport got in touch with me offering me the chance to win a selected accessory off their site! I had a nosey and my eyes instantly landed on these. My entry shall be going up on their blog in a few days and I would be so grateful if you could vote for me. This is the first time I have ever been contacted by a company, and I wasn't entirely sure how to approach it; however, when I found out the work would be a competition, with no outward 'freebies', I felt fine in taking part. If you wouldn't mind taking the time to pop over to their blog to vote for me, that would be great; but feel no obligation whatsoever, as I don't want this blog to become some kind of place for me to nag you in order for me to get freebies.

But saying that, I would be very grateful if you could vote for me!

Wow, An actual trend-led outfit, with some actual current high street items.

2011-07-17T00:32:00.002+01:00

Topshop blouse, H&M waistcoat, Boden jeans, charity shop shoes (I think they were originally Matalan), River Island bag, MAC Rebel lipstick

Colour blocking trend win methinks.

Also, please excuse my camel toe. I am rather fat at the moment, but the less about that the better really.

I would apologise for not blogging but I'm not sure there's any point now. You all know my life is quite boring at the minute and to be honest I'm just mooching around the house doing ironing with unstraightened hair and no make up. Not exactly sartorial elegance.

Although to be fair, actually quite a lot has happened in the last few weeks. Mainly being that I went up to visit my boyfriend and I finally got to see the Cult of Beauty exhibition at the V&A. Which in turn meant I got to see some more Rossettis in reality, which was very exciting. There was this section where they had a little mock up of his room, and there was a chair in there that had belonged to Hunt, Millais and Rossetti, and I actually got a little emotional. I know that sounds silly. I suppose it was a little like my getting slightly overwhelmed in Sante Croce in Florence at Michelangelo's tomb after having seen the David earlier in the day, which, I must say now, I think is still probably the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I did an entire art project on it for A Level because I adore it that much.

Er, so after that art tangent... Oh, and I also graduated on Tuesday, which was a very weird experience. I was in Aberystwyth for less than 24 hours, and had a dreadful nights sleep due to a very stuffy hotel room, and the whole thing really was just a bit awful. I was just so sad and seeing people didn't really help. Add incredibly annoying hats and magic pants for several hours and you have a rather miserable Hattie.

Right, I'll actually talk about my outfit now, seeing as that's what you all come here for. I bought this blouse from Topshop on sale a few weeks ago, and I love it. For some reason I have this real hankering for yellow at the minute, but I suppose its not really a problem since its meant to be very popular in autumn as well. I dug out the yellow shoes I got last summer for some extra mustard. I also thought I should probably wear these jeans that I also bought last summer, since I haven't really up to this point for worrying that they made me look podgy. But I'm pretty podgy at the minute anyway really, so oh well. Thankfully the blouse is loose and is hiding my muffin top! Added to the colour blocking with my new River Island bag and faithful purple H&M waistcoat.

I'm going to end this post here because my contact lens just had a massive spaz out and I don't think looking at the computer screen any longer is probably a good idea. I best go and let this weird red eye go to sleep.

Green with.... gutted.

2011-07-05T18:39:00.001+01:00

bag- River Island

So, yesterday was a pretty shit day. I was rejected from the job I really wanted, after getting down to the final 3. Since I didn't actually tell you what it was for, due to trying not to jinx it (fat load of good that did me) it was actually a full time paid shop assistant job in a local charity shop, for who I had volunteered in another shop last summer. I haven't had the feedback yet, so don't know why I didn't get it, but I am just so gutted. I wouldn't mind if it was a job that I perhaps didn't have enough qualifications or experience for, but I seemed perfect for this. They wanted someone with ideas who wanted to help move the shop forward, and I thought I was just the sort of person they were wanting. I'm not sure why I didn't get it, but I am hoping it is not something stupid with me, but just that one of the other candidates was amazing.

The one good thing that came out of yesterday was that my River Island parcel finally arrived. I wanted this bag after seeing it in Grazia about a month ago, but was trying to find it in a shop so I could see how big it was, because the website description is just shockingly bare. But I tried about 3 different stores and none of them stocked it, so in the end I just ordered online. Its taken an age to arrive (just under a week- I have no patience with parcels!) but since it arrived yesterday along with the bad news, I'm not as excited about it as I should be. I do like it, but it is a little on the small side- the difficulty is that it is not definitely too small, but would challenge my bag-hoarding habit somewhat! I think it would do me good to have such a small bag, so I think I will keep it, but I'd like to know your thoughts. It did cost £30 which is a lot for a small non leather bag.

Let me know what you think. I'll try and stop being a whingy miserable cow soon, I promise.

Er... what am I doing now?

2011-06-30T21:46:00.002+01:00

Topshop tee shirt and belt, H&M skirt, Office shoes, Tatty Devine necklace, MAC Impassioned lipstick

I know I'm crap and haven't posted in over a week. Everything is very odd and up in the air at the moment. I was hoping to post again once I had heard back about this job, but I probably won't know until tomorrow and thought the blogging could not wait any longer. I'm a little miserable too at the moment; I went to go and see my boyfriend this weekend, which whilst being lovely, only helped to emphasise how hard living apart for over a year would be.

To explain, I just finished my degree in English and Politics (I actually got my final degree mark today, which was a 2:1 as I expected) and am now at somewhat of a loose end. I do want to go into some sort of area in fashion, but not traditional fashion journalism as I once thought. I spoke to a rather intimidating but effective careers advisor before I left uni and she managed to wrangle out of me that the reason I've always been a little unsure about the fashion journalism is because I have ethical issues with fashion as a whole. It's not fashion per se that I like, (could I sound anymore cliched?) but style. I don't want to work and contribute to this endless cycle of consumerism which convinces people they need things that they really could do without, and which damages the environment and often another person involved in the production process. I feel very strongly that there is definitely a way forward from our fast fashion culture, and I want to help participate in that.

So, at the minute, I'm wanting to go into some area of ethical fashion, perhaps on the advertising or marketing side, or helping charities promote and develop their retail outlets as an alternative to the high street. However, I'm not really sure how I'm going to actually get into this kind of work! I'm thinking that the best option would be to live at home for a year and save some money before going on to do some kind of fashion Masters in September 2012. But at the same time as wanting to do this, I also really want to live with my boyfriend, who happens to be 3 hours away now we are back at home. My sister is also leaving for uni in September, and lots of my friends aren't actually here at the moment. I'm also slightly stranded in my village and so my social life whilst at home is pretty much null and void. It's difficult because at the same time as wanting to do this Masters I also really want to feel like I am getting on with my life and moving forward. Living at home (whilst my parents are amazing) is quite depressing. If I do get a job, I know that will help, but right now I am so unsure about everything. It all seems like a big fat mess if I am honest!

Right. Sorry for that massive winge. I just felt it was kind of important to let you all know what I am actually doing with my life right now. Onto the outfit... you've seen the tee shirt and skirt before, but here is a better picture for you of my Tatty Devine necklace and a look at my new MAC lipstick, which I adore. I've got this dreadful problem of now I am back at home, with decent shops and time to spare loitering in town inbetween job interviews, I keep buying stuff that I cannot afford. Although Grant did tell me off with the ultimate put-down earlier- I often tell him off for always smoking when he goes out with his friends, and he did compare my inability to be in town and not purchase stuff as the same as his smoking! Properly got me there I must admit. This belt is one such purchase; although I did get it in the sale and I know it will be so, so useful. For someone like me who never goes out the house without at least one pattern on leopard print is almost a neutral of some sort.

I'm just going to shush now. Sorry for unburdening the crap of my life onto you all. Any wisdom would be appreciated.

Rings and things.

2011-06-18T01:12:00.000+01:00

M&S blouse via charity shop, M&S cardi, Silence and Noise skirt from Urban Outfitters, M&S tights, Office shoes, Tatty Devine necklace, Bohm beetle ring, purple ring from local jewellery shop

Apologies for the shoddy photo. But that is what happens if I am rubbish and forget to take photos earlier in the day and instead take them at 11 at night. Flash + SPF in foundation = red eye and weird shiny moon face. Anyway. Just a quick outfit post, including a blouse which I bought probably about 6 months ago now but just never got around to showing you. I really love the peter pan collar (which unfortunately you cannot see here) and the dotty pattern. It makes a nice change for me to have black polkadots on white unlike my usual reverse! Ooh, and I don't think you've actually seen the necklace before, despite me owning it since March and wearing it to death and meaning to show you about 20 million times. It was just one of those things where every time I took an outfit photo of it I looked completely dreadful and couldn't show you for the sake of preserving my vanity. Obviously gave up on that today then! It's just a larger version of my wee teeny one (the one I was originally intending to get actually but the lady made me the wrong one by mistake!) and cost an absolute arm and a leg, but it's totally worth it because I've probably worn it more than several necklaces I have lurking around combined. For some strange reason, I don't find myself reaching for necklaces very often; it's a bad habit, and one I must try and snap out of since I have amassed a crapload of jewellery over my 10 years or so.

Speaking of jewellery, here is my latest addition to my ring collection. Even if I don't wear necklaces very often, I never leave the house without some ring on my finger. It's strange, because I never wore them until a few years ago, but now my fingers feel naked and bare without one. I've got quite a wide collection already but not many actual proper rings that don't turn my fingers green, and so am trying to get more that are comfortable. This one was actually purchased in Aberystwyth on my very last day as a memento. I originally went into the shop hunting for a dichromatic glass one, since Kathy has had one for several years that I have been lusting over, but unfortunately they didn't have many of those left and none of them really took my fancy, which was quite annoying since they were reduced! Ah well. Instead I got this beauty. I've been wearing these two as a pair now for about a fortnight and I adore them. Wearing the two together isn't terribly comfy, but I am willing to sacrifice this for the joy I get every time I look down at my hand.

Thank you for all your encouraging comments on my last post. I am really excited now! I actually also found another hair inspiration in the form of Caitlin Moran. I was always a little unsure as to whether maybe go down the silvery grey streak route and finding her has only made me consider this more... what do we think people? Blonde or grey? I don't think white is an option since I'll look about 15. Let me know if you can be arsed to consider this again!

I'm sorry my blogging is a little shoddy at the minute; everything at home is still a little disorganised and I'm still mostly spending my time sorting stuff out so am not leaving the house or wearing particularly exciting outfits. I've got a couple of job interviews next week so shall try and get pictures of the outfits for you. I'm not going to say too much because I don't want to jinx it, but one of them I would just love. I'll explain all if I get it! Wish me luck!

'What?! You're dying your hair like a skunk?!'

2011-06-14T01:12:00.001+01:00

So, I popped off to the hairdresser the other day for a cut since it's been about 2 months since I've had a proper trim! I will show you soon, but it's basically the same but a little shorter since I wanted to just tidy and sharpen the edges up. My hairdresser has just been tipping the very ends of my hair for about a year whilst I grew it and it had got very wispy and quite straggly looking. It's much nicer and blunter now. My fringe has also been cut back in.

Anyway, point of this post was to tell you I have an appointment booked in 3 weeks for finally getting a blond chunk in my hair! I've been wanting to do this for ages but wasn't sure how well it would work on my dyed black hair, which is very dark brown naturally anyway. I'm not going for the full streaky Daphne/Narcissa look but am hoping to just get a thickish panel underneath my top layer on the left side. I would like to have it right in the roots, a la Kate (I'm sorry I go on about her all the time, especially her hair, but I can't help it, I just adore her!) but it's just too impractical, and according to my hairdresser, would also require different types of dye near the scalp or something, since I will also be getting my black redone at the same time. I was originally wanting it quite white but have decided blonder would be better since I'm already worried about looking quite emo with it, and the whiter it is the more emo I will look! Ideally I would like it to look retro and not emo at all! I may just have to reconsider how I style my hair slightly I suppose. Overall I'm really excited and just hope it looks as awesome as the ladies above. It's probably the most drastic thing I've ever had done to my hair and whilst I am nervous I am also really looking forward to it.

I'm going to stop rambling now, because you can sense my excitement from my many exclamation marks. Has anyone done anything similar to their hair, and are you fans of the skunk look?!

Paisley, flowers and compost

2011-06-07T12:12:00.000+01:00

Phase Eight tee shirt, customised Laura Ashley skirt from charity shop, Cache Cache jacket, really ancient H&M cardi (just seen poking out from jacket sleeves), M&S tights, Boden trainers, Disaster Designs handbag, Accessorize ring, Liberty for Comic Relief scarf in hair from TK Maxx

Wow, that was a loooooong outfit description! Apologies for not posting last week but it was rather manic, what with it being my last week at uni. Packing, doing little day trips, going out to meals with friends... all very busy. I am safely back at home now, albeit with a hell of a lot of tidyng and sorting out to do before the unpacking can commence (my room is not the tidiest of places shall we say, and there is only so much crap you can fit in one room.) Anyway, one of these little day trips included Kathy and I visiting the Centre for Alternative Technology in nearby Machynlleth, a place I visited whilst a kid in Wales for a family wedding. Some of you may know of my fascination with taking as many macro shots of flowers as humanly possible, and I must admit that is what most of my photos of the day consist of. The place is tucked away in the Welsh countryside, and to reach it you have to travel up a steep hill in the little hydropowered train pictured above. The centre is full of various stands and exhibits about alternative energy, composting, growing your own.... whilst some of the stuff is clearly out of date and needs redoing, it is still a really nice day out, wandering around outside and stumbling across various things. Their cafe also does a mean jacket potato!

So, the outfit. The skirt is one I mentioned in a video a while back, but haven't shown you until now. I desperately need to hem it though before it frays all the way up to my bum! I'm thinking about doing some embroidery on it but am not sure yet. To be honest, I based the whole outfit around the headscarf; I'd bought it the previous day when Grant and I had gone on a day trip to Shrewsbury. I wanted one of these scarves around the time of Comic Relief, but wasn't in close proximity to a TK Maxx, and I presumed you couldn't get hold of them anymore. Imagine my glee when I found it in Shrewsbury! It's such a gorgeous print and the perfect size for tying in my hair. The colours are really gorgeous and I know it will go with lots of things. When I eventually get around to making my dress out of some amazing paisley Liberty fabric, I shall pair the two together with much excitement.

Kathy did do a little video of the day and I shall let you know when she has posted that so you can go have a look-see. Also, hello to all my new followers; there's been quite a few of you in the last couple of weeks and I'm not sure why! I realise some of you were probably pushed in my direction from Kathy, but as to the others I am clueless... Also, thank you to everyone who left such lovely comments about my Alexa sketch; I was quite nervous about posting it, and it was so nice to have such lovely feedback. Would you like to see more artwork in the future?

Viva Glam Cyndi

2011-05-29T15:53:00.001+01:00

Voodoo tee shirt, Silence and Noise skirt from Urban Outfitters, H&M cardi via charity shop, M&S tights and shoes, Eccentric Accessories hairband, Claires Accessories earrings

Yeah I know I'm crap and haven't posted for a week and this is a fairly standard boring outfit. But I don't know, I've been busy. I'm leaving university at the end of this week and have been seeing lots of people, filling in job applications and attempting to start my packing. And sleeping far too much. So, I apologise.

Anyway, I thought I would attempt to placate you all with pictures of my new lipstick. Yes, I know I wasn't meant to be buying any more make-up, but after watching this video, I discovered that Selfridges still had stock of MAC's Viva Glam Cyndi, which came out way before I was properly aware of MAC make up and I thought wasn't on sale anymore. I was a little hesitant about buying it, especially considering I didn't have a chance to see it in person; but then I thought, if I don't like it I just donated £13.50 to helping people with HIV, so it's not exactly the end of the world. I'm not going to go off about how much I love the MAC Viva Glam campaign, because I think that's a little redundant really, because obviously everyone is going to like it.

So, I bit the bullet and ordered it a few days ago. When it arrived yesterday, I just sat and stared at it for a while, a little terrified that once I tried it I wouldn't like it despite quite liking the colour in the tube. Now, I am not a fan of MAC Lustres, mostly because I like my lipsticks on the matt-er side and I like a lot of pigmentation. Surprisingly though, I really like this lipstick. Whilst it is a little too glossy for me, once I've blotted it, it leaves more of a healthy shine as opposed to a gloss, and it is really nice to be able to wear a lipstick that I don't have to worry about touching up, because it's as simple as just applying it straight from the bullet (with most of my other lipsticks I am extra cautious and apply with a lip brush). Because my lips are naturally pretty damn pink anyway, the colour doesn't make a huge difference to my lips, but it does add a nice pinky sheen and it just helps me look more pulled together. Overall, I am really pleased with this lipstick; it's completely different from any others that I own (because it's so subtle!) but I think it will be a really nice easy daytime option.

So, that was a rather ridiculously in depth review. Sorry if you're not interested in lipstick! Kathy and I shall be heading off on a little day trip on Wednesday, so I shall try and wear something exciting for you then and provide you with pictures. Hope you are all having lovely Bank Holiday weekends.

A random day of kites and Alexa.

2011-05-22T01:25:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I completed my last exam EVER. Well, hopefully my last. I now have a few blissful weeks in which to really enjoy the last of the time I have in Aberystwyth, doing all those things I have meant to do whilst being here for three years. So, today Grant and I went to see the kites at Nant yr Arian (yeah, I have no idea how to pronounce that either). Unfortunately, today it started raining just as they began the feeding, but thankfully it was still rather spectacular, even if I did get a little soggy and the pictures are a little grey! I didn't take many, mainly because there were all these very serious looking middle aged men with whopping massive SLRs that made me feel rather inadequate with my little point and shoot! Oh well, one day I shall own a proper fancy camera, and then I can take pictures to my heart's content.

The sketch is one I did this evening of Alexa Chung's latest Vogue cover, which I'm sure you've all seen plastered all over the blogosphere. I've been meaning to post some of my artwork for ages on the blog, but have just been too busy to do any really! It was really nice to get stuck into it this evening whilst I helped Grant play LA Noire. I'm aware I've made her eyes far too big (it's something I am constantly guilty of) which has also thrown out the balance of her face somewhat, making her chin look too narrow, but oh well. I'm pretty chuffed with it considering it's the first proper drawing I've done in about 6 months.

I am actually wearing a rather exciting new find from a charity shop today but unfortunately my darling Kathy is away this weekend having exciting times meeting other Youtubers, and I didn't want to fob you all off with crappy pictures. Hopefully there shall be lots of good ones in the next couple of weeks before I have to leave Aberystwyth and Kathy's photography skills forever : (

Anyway, I am going to pop off to bed now. I am still rather tired from the exams of the last few days, and I'd also forgotten how much concentration drawing requires!

Heidi, or Rebecca, or.... Princess Leia.

2011-05-18T00:25:00.001+01:00

M&S dress, Topshop cardi (although it's one of the first things I ever bought from Topshop, and is therefore about 5 years old!), Office shoes, Rob Ryan for Wild and Wolf tote, Bohm ring, No7 nail varnish in Sunshine (sorry, it was a limited edition) and No7 Stay Perfect lipstick in Cherry

So, I have returned! I am totally not done with exams yet, but I did quite well on my Conservatism revision earlier and so am treating myself to a little blogging break. I did actually venture out today to the wonders of the local Varsity to sit with Kathy to revise. She very kindly took these photos for me on our walk home, by Aberystywth's (grotty, yet beautiful in its dishevelled state) pier.

It's quite funny how much these photos remind me of the Clothes Horse- from my milkmaid braids to the quirky ring and outside setting, I feel very Rebecca-esque! Definitely a good thing I feel. This whole outfit was inspired by the fact that I discovered yesterday, after perusing Wish Wish Wish and noting Carrie's recent penchant for milkmaid braids, that my hair was in fact long enough to do the same style myself! ( I wasn't procrastinating from revision at all at this point.) Anyway, I have been wanting to do my hair like this for an absolute age after seeing it on Rebecca and many other bloggers; it's such a blogger cliche but I love it nonetheless. My hair isn't quite long enough really, hence the sticky up bits at the top, but it was long enough for me! Rather amusingly, I thought my boyfriend would absolutely hate this hairstyle and think it made me look about 6; however, due to his geekiness, he rather liked it, because he thought I looked like Princess Leia. Lols. Despite his judgment however, I still thought myself that it was a little schoolgirlish, and so I popped on some red lipstick to attempt to counterbalance it with some sophistication.

Other things to mention; THE RING. LOOK AT THE RING! I mentioned this in my recent video and I am no less enamoured than I was yesterday. I love this little guy. I have christened him Bob and he has been adorning my finger for well over a week now.

I am also aware that the last photo makes my arse look humongous, but I thought you might all like to see my new Rob Ryan shopper in action. Ah, the things I do for you all.

Right, must go. More than enough rambling for you all to be getting on with! And more than enough revision for me to be getting on with tomorrow *sighs*

PS. Oh yes. And I may have popped into the Boots opposite Varsity at one point to test out eyeliners on my hand. But I was good and didn't buy one!

I bought too much make up this month.

2011-05-16T15:44:00.000+01:00

Blah blah blah.... *scuttles back to try and revise*

I will be back soon, I promise.

Eccentric Accessories

2011-05-11T00:45:00.001+01:00

Firstly, I apologise to Ruth for this post being so hideously overdue.

I wanted to tell you guys about my friend's jewellery business, Eccentric Accessories.

Ruth has been making jewellery for as long as I've known her these three years at university. She makes a wide range of things, from earrings, to brooches and hair slides. Her jewellery always has some nice quirk to it; whether it be recycled games pieces, or buttons adorning hair slides and brooches. She also makes a great range of party food jewellery- I myself have a party ring and donut necklace! Here are some of my favourites and pieces that I already own (I tried to take pictures of the pieces I have, but as I'm sure you all know, my camera doesn't capture jewellery very well, and the shots on the Etsy page were much, much better);

I have the purple donut, the pacman earrings and a Monopoly necklace but not the wheelbarrow pictured here, I have the little boot instead.

She has an Etsy page, a Facebook page and a blog which is kind of related to her jewellery. If you'd like to buy some reasonably priced, quirky jewellery please check her out!

Yay, Rob Ryan!

2011-05-06T01:25:00.000+01:00

Apologies for not having posted in so long, yet again. However, I have now handed my dissertation in! So, now I am free from Rossetti and his various muses, I shall be able to post a little more regularly again, despite still having some revision to do. This isn't a proper post, but I just wanted to share a few nice things I have bought recently from the Rob Ryan Wild and Wolf range;

I have wanted this notebook for absolutely ages after seeing it in a local gift shop, and my Mum very kindly bought it for me the other week whilst we were on holiday. I have always adored Rob Ryan's work, but always presumed I would be too poor to get my hands on it! Hence I am very pleased about this collaboration with Wild and Wolf. Saying that, I am yet to write anything in it- I am such a sucker for pretty notebooks, but don't wish to spoil their loveliness with my ugly scribblings! Perhaps tomorrow, now I have no academic writing to do, I may venture a doodle.

I happened to see the bag being sported by a girl in front of me in a queue in the Post Office earlier, and then saw it in said gift shop later today, and bought it for myself as a little treat for handing in my diss. It's actually a really decent bag, with really sturdy straps and a good roomy inside zip pocket, so I am hoping to get lots of use out of it this summer whilst lugging all my stuff around.

Right, must go to bed, since I am getting a 9.30 train to travel home tomorrow for my Mum's birthday. I shall post again next week with something that I hope is vaguely exciting!

Coral Kate.

2011-04-30T14:51:00.000+01:00

New Look silk top via charity shop, Silence and Noise skirt from Urban Outfitters, Peacocks cardigan, M&S tights and shoes, pearls a gift from local jewellery shop, bracelet from my grandma

So, this post isn't about our future queen Kate at all, but instead about my favourite Kate (well, actually Bush is pretty awesome too), Kate Nash. Any of my older readers should remember that I am somewhat obsessed with her- her music, her clothes, her hair.... Anyway, so I bought this new coral lipstick earlier in the week (827 Bewitching Coral by Max Factor if anyone wants to know) and was inspired to wear it with black eyeliner a la Kate in the video for Do-Wah-Doo. I'd quite like to try it with the glittery silver eyeliner as well at some point but shall have to go purchase myself some. The outfit itself isn't very interesting really, apart from the jewellery. I love these pearls, but I hardly ever wear them, and I'm not really sure why. I'm making more of an effort to try and wear all my jewellery, because I tend to wear the same pieces over and over again, and when you have a collection as big as I do, that's a shame. I may do a separate jewellery post at some point, just to show it to you all. Likewise with this bracelet. It's one that my grandma gave to me several years ago, and was actually given to her by her best friend. I don't think it's actually worth anything, but I feel it's valuable because it meant a lot to my grandma. Anyway, I don't wear it that often, partly because it's so gaudy, but I kind of love it anyway. I just decided to throw it on at the last minute.

I apologise for not posting in so long but to be honest, my dissertation has taken over my life and my outfits have therefore not been terribly interesting. I'm wearing something now as I type that I shall post later though. Hopefully shall be more productive in a week or so when the bastard is finished and handed in! I hope you're all having lovely Bank Holiday weekends. I did have a little watch of the wedding yesterday and it was rather lovely. I wasn't wowed by the dress myself, but that's probably because it's far too elegant for me! I thought for the occasion it was perfect and she looked so beautiful. The lace detailing was exquisite. Anyway, back to Rossetti. Speak to you all again soon.

Unintentionally Seventies.

2011-04-22T22:39:00.000+01:00

Monsoon Fusion dress, H&M waistcoat, Clarks clogs, scarf in hair from charity shop, Topshop earrings

This is a dress I bought back last year from one of my favourite bloggers, Mademoiselle Robot. It's a really lovely dress for the hot weather- good sleeves, nice length, and a lovely light cotton. It's also interesting enough that you don't need much more to make an outfit. This outfit came out looking quite Seventies, completely unintentionally. Of all the fashion decades, I would have to say the 70s is my least favourite. 40s, 50s, 60s, 80s, 90s... all great. 70s... not so much. I know I should try and get some flares, because they would do magic things to my figure, but I'm just not keen on the idea. I'd worry they'd make me look short unless I wore massive heels, and in the summer I really can't be arsed with them.

I have included a close up of my face just so you could see my new turquoise No7 eyeliner, and my new Topshop earrings. They're tiny little pink apples! Ah, I'm such a sucker for anything vaguely food shaped.

I could write more but to be honest, I'm really tired. Managed to finally get to the half way point in my dissertation today, and am quite chuffed. However, the hot weather is just totally sapping my energy. I am going to go back to my boyfriend's now and collapse for a bit and watch some telly. Hope you're all having lovely Easter weekends. I wish I didn't have to be doing work and could enjoy the holiday a bit more! Oh well, 2 more weeks and it will be done. I cannot wait people, I cannot WAIT.

I don't like pasties much.

2011-04-18T00:39:00.000+01:00

first outfit- New Look tunic, Silence and Noise skirt hiding underneath, Peacocks cardi, M&S tights and shoes, Dorothy Perkins ring, Topshop earrings, Accessorize bangles

second outfit- Phase Eight tee shirt, Monsoon cardi, Firetrap jeans, Converse trainers, Topshop scarf in hair

Just a few outfits from my holiday. Both the tunic and striped tee shirt were sale items; I was particularly chuffed to get the tee shirt since I had seen it previously a few months back and really liked it. It's also just the most perfect tee shirt for the summer; it keeps my decolletage covered (I don't want a crepey cleavage in my old age!) and has three-quarter length sleeves. It's also very comfy and the combination of florals and stripes is just perfect! It's also got several of my favourite colours in it, such as the purple and navy.

Although talking of crepey skin, look at my hands! The cruelness of macro I suppose! I better slap some Hand Food on...

I don't have much to tell you about the holiday really; we mostly just spent it sitting around, watching the telly, walking by the beach occasionally and eating nice food. I am now nice and rested and looking forward to getting stuck into the dissertation when I return to Aberystwyth tomorrow.

I did just think of something else to mention in relation to the holiday, but I think I may write a special post... *makes note to self* Must trot off to bed, I have a long train journey tomorrow. Hope everyone has good Mondays; even though you may be back at work/school, feel grateful you won't be stuck on a train for 7 and a half hours!

The 5 year old fringe returns.

2011-04-16T21:09:00.000+01:00

I may have done something naughty. My boyfriend is not going to be happy with me.

My crime? I got a Shetland pony fringe.

Dorothy Perkins top, old Topshop waistcoat of my sister's, Firetrap jeans, Clarks clogs, Pilgrim necklace

Sorry for the slightly dodginess of these photos. First one is a little blurry I think because I cropped it. Second one was taken with a different camera to normal, and I just couldn't stop it being a bit out of focus. But I'd been faffing around outside with it for ages and to be honest I can't be arsed to go take anymore. It's getting chilly out.

Anyway, so, the fringe. I've been wanting to get one for absolutely ages but my boyfriend has this completely irrational hatred of them. I was also a little apprehensive since I had one when I was younger until about the age of 13, and I was worried it would make me look about 5 years old and chubby. I think it's alright. It's growing on me, I think it will just take a little getting used to. And anyway, it's long enough to be swept to the side, so if the boy really can't get over the hate I'll just go back to a side fringe.

I know the outfit isn't terribly exciting but I wanted to show you my new sandals! I'm sure some of you will remember my sandal dilemma of last summer; but unfortunately, those sandals aren't terribly comfy, despite being fabulous. So, this year I thought I'd try and get my hands on some clogs yet again, and wasn't having much luck until I happened to spot this pair in the Clarks window. The problem is so many of the clogs just have no padding in them and have wooden soles; I really wanted something with some cushioning, and a decent heel to help with my funny calves. These thankfully tick all the boxes, and whilst being a teensy weensy bit mumsy, I think they are fashionable enough to counterbalance it. I'm hoping that come wintertime they might also look alright with a thick pair of woolly tights, although the beige colour isn't ideal, but it was the best summery colour so I got them anyway. If they work just as a summer shoe I'll be happy!

Right, I should go, my sister has got her friends round for food (hence the tables outside). I should go show my face again and help with the washing up!

Ooh, and I do have a couple of outfits to show you from my holiday in Cornwall- I'll hopefully post them tomorrow.

(Oh yes, and I forgot to mention, I had my hair dyed black again as well.)

Hipster Hattie.

2011-04-07T20:47:00.000+01:00

Next men's tee shirt, vintage Jaeger skirt from charity shop, Laura Ashley cardi, Cache Cache denim jacket, M&S tights, Office shoes, vintage Jacques Vert belt from charity shop

Sorry if I look a little deranged in these photos, the red eye fixer was not being kind to me today. So, here is my midi skirt that I first posted quite a long time ago. I thought I would attempt to style it again today and look hideously trendy. I am aware that this way of styling midi skirts is so horrifically hipster-ish, but it seems to be the best way to remove them from the granny associations, so I did it anyway.

In other news, handed in my Politics essay today and am well chuffed. I have a month to do my dissertation, which is 6000 words, (well, 6000 left) but I'm just pleased I can focus on that solely now, without Politics getting in the way. I'm heading down to Cornwall on Saturday morning to go on holiday with my family for a week, and will probably not have an internet connection, so I apologise in advance for my absence. I think I will have one post to schedule in before then, so hopefully it won't be too long.

Right now, I'm going to go and get a celebratory Domino's pizza (they recently opened in Aberystwyth, and my god, you have never seen a town so excited about Domino's. Then again, not a huge amount happens out here in the back of beyond.) And I think I will also watch the Crimson Petal and the White- Victorian murky underground with prostitutes? I'm sold. (Hope that doesn't sound too creepy, I just find Victorians fascinating. Hence why I'm writing my dissertation on a Victorian poet and painter and his various representations of women.)

Just a glimpse was all I needed.

2011-04-05T12:43:00.001+01:00

Topshop dress, Laura Ashley tee shirt, M&S tights, Office shoes, charity shop scarf, Tatty Devine necklace

So, I finally have an outfit for you all! I apologise, currently still writing that damn essay. Urgh. Anyway, I rediscovered this beloved Topshop dress the other day, as it had been sat in my washing basket waiting to be ironed. I really do love it, but it is the hugest pain in the arse to iron! As you can tell, the brogues are still very much firmly attached to my legs, as is Rebel lipstick to my lips. Found this really great scarf in Oxfam the other day, it's a little silk square, which turns out to be the perfect size for headscarves.

I don't really have much more to say, and do need to go and finish this essay... I shall be posting another video soon, but hopefully you will all enjoy it, as it will be on something a little more frivolous than foundation and skincare, which I appeciate isn't the most thrilling of topics! Toodles.

Make Up: Back to Basics

2011-03-30T23:26:00.001+01:00

Yeah, did another video. Wanted to rant to you all about my current confusion about my foundation and skincare. I put a list of the products I mentioned in the info bar.

Also, how uneven do my eyes look in this video?!! One looks half asleep, and I am so cross eyed! Oh dear. Apologies for the swearing as well, but as you know, I am so tired and stressed at the minute, so I am swearing a lot just in general life to be honest.

Absence explained plus a few bits.

2011-03-29T23:20:00.000+01:00

Right, so I re-filmed the video this evening and it's now only 10 minutes and I managed to do it all in one take.... yay. You can tell how tired I am from how much I'm slouching in this video- my waist has completely disappeared! Sorry for sounding so tired and not terribly articulate.

And... yeah. I'm sleepy. I'm going to watch some Peep Show.

I talk too much.

2011-03-29T01:03:00.000+01:00

I did a video earlier. It ended up insanely long, 23 minutes, and I spent forever uploading it to Youtube and then found out Youtube only lets you have videos that are 15 minutes maximum. DAMMIT. I shall endeavour tomorrow to edit the crap out of it so you can actually watch it. Apologies.

Boom.

2011-03-24T10:15:00.000Z

Dorothy Perkins striped tee shirt, M&S cardigan thingy, Topshop skirt via Ebay, M&S jacket, tights and shoes, really old ASOS necklace

This skirt arrived in the post last week. I really like it apart from the very obvious problem; it's way too short. I should have known from previous experiences with Topshop skirts that they are nearly always obscenely short, but I got carried away by the bow love. It was so short that when I sat down it rode up and went all horribly and wrinkly, and I had to have my jacket draped over my legs all night. But seeing as it is a lovely skirt, and only cost me £6 on Ebay, I think I shall try and lengthen it, probably by stitching some red velvet ribbon around the bottom. I'm not sure how well it will work but it's worth a try, because at this length I'm really not going to wear it. I feel like one of those chubby girls wearing something they really can't get away with. It wasn't helped by the fact that I didn't have any plain black tights left at the time and so had to wear these sheer spotty ones. I'd also pulled a massive hole in the crotch whilst putting them on and was worried the skirt was going to rid up to reveal it! Ah, I'm so glamorous. I'm sure you all love hearing about my holey crotches.

Also, I really like this new spotty blazer I got in M&S at the weekend for £25. I haven't got many smart jackets and I thought it would go really well with my pencil skirt, for all those scary job interviews and things I may have to be going to soon *aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh* Bit more interesting than just a plain black blazer.

And apologies for the photos being so awful, I took these at about 2 in the morning after coming back home after an English social.

I shall attempt to get photos of an outfit soon where I'm not flashing my thunder thighs.

Incoherent babbling, caused by damn poets.

2011-03-23T00:58:00.001Z

H&M dress, M&S tights, Office shoes, Topshop earrings

GGGGAAAAAHHHHH NEW SHOES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Plus one of my favourite dresses in the whole world (it's the comfiest thing ever plus it has STARS on it) and the lipstick I think may have been made for me.

Also, *cough cough* please excuse my Nora Batty ankles.

That's all I can be arsed to say right now. It's a good thing I have these little pleasures to keep me going, since right now all I can think is 'Damn you Dante Gabriel Rossetti, why didn't you date any of your damn poems properly??!!!!!'

.... And breathe.

In which I admit my love of cobblers.

2011-03-19T00:03:00.001Z

black tee shirt bought from French Vila shop several years ago, old Mango tee shirt I acquired from my sister (also bought abroad...), Silence and Noise skirt from Urban Outfitters, unknown ancient (they're probably M&S) tights that I really need to replace, M&S shoes, ancient Topshop earrings

So, for the second Friday in a row, guess who completely forgot to prepare something for Feminist Friday?! Apologies, I'm just so busy with work at the minute I completely forgot, and to be honest I really wanted to show you this outfit. I shall attempt to write it in advance for next week so I have something to share with you all.

Do you find that sometimes the best outfits happen when you really need to do washing and have got no black tights left? I just happened to find this tee shirt at the bottom of a draw and fancied putting it on, since it would work with my new lipstick. Which, on a side note, I AM COMPLETELY OBSESSED WITH. IT'S SO RIDICULOUSLY BLOODY AMAZING. I even painted my nails to match.... Anyway, I just really liked how this outfit turned out. I wore it with my blue biker jacket and felt very cool. It made my day good. And I have nothing more articulate to say on that matter really *English degree fail*

In other news, MY OFFICE BROGUES FINALLY ARRIVED TODAY!!! Although I am going to have to take them straight to the cobblers tomorrow to get the sole done, since they have a stitched sole, which means the stitching goes all the way through. My mum and I found out the other day when we took my sister's boots to get resoled that in fact these are pretty difficult to resole after you've worn them down; because of the stitching, you can't sand them down to stick the new sole on without the shoe falling apart. Did that make any sense?? I don't know, it's late, I've had a headache today, I'm not exactly on top form. Anyway, basically, I just need to go and get them soled now before I wear them so I can get a decent amount of use out of them. I'm really hard on shoes so have to get them resoled and re-heeled pretty often; it works out cheaper in the long run then having to buy new shoes. I need to take several other pairs actually. I've worn the leopard print ones so much they are going a bit. Sorry, I'll stop using the blog to make a mental note to myself and stop all this thrilling chat about cobblers.

Although, saying that, does anybody else really love the smell in the shoe repairers? There's this really nice sanded leathery smell, a little like the smell after you've filed your nails. Then again this might just be me with my super sensitive wolf nose. I really will stop typing now before you all think I'm completely weird and obsessed with cobblers. I think it leads back to my love of the Hans Christian Andersen film when I was a kid.....

Right, enough. Have lovely weekends everyone. Watch some Hans Christian Andersen, it will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And I admit it, I do love cobblers.

Turn my swagger on (lols!)

2011-03-15T19:11:00.000Z

ancient Oasis dress, bought from an outlet for a fiver, Chilli Pepper zip up, New Look scarf in hair, M&S tights, Converse trainers, earrings a gift

Whilst at home this weekend, I discovered this zip up jumper thing languishing in a drawer. I must admit, this is probably one of the most under worn items of clothing I own. I bought it about 5 years ago when I was working in a shop that sold Chilli Pepper clothing. At the time of buying, I wore jeans a lot more and was more casual generally; however, even then, I couldn't seem to get over the slight chavviness of this jumper. Despite absolutely adoring the print, the white colour plus the zip up collar just looks a little.... let's just say a little Kelly from Misfits, because I can't think of a better example. My boyfriend told me today that I looked a little pikey, which was a lovely bit of encouragement. But since I paid about £40 or £50 for it, and adore the print, I have never been able to get rid of it. I saw it yesterday and decided to shove it in my bag to bring back in an attempt to reclaim it.

I tried to style it in a sort of 80s way, a bit trendy Cher Lloyd chav, if any of you know what I mean?? (I don't like all of her clothes, but I do like the headscarf thing she has going on) I was planning on doing this tutorial, that I saw on Fritha's blog, but couldn't really be bothered in the end. It might have looked a bit better with that, but oh well.

I also really wanted to wear my new MAC Rebel lipstick I bought (well, my mum did, thank you!) at the weekend. I'd been considering it for a while, but couldn't figure out whether it was more of a plum or a pink; I thought I'd best wait until I could get to a MAC counter and have a nose for myself. It turned out to be a fantastic fuchsia colour that I absolutely adore,and goes perfectly with the magenta lipliner I already have. You may see a lot of this lipstick in future posts, I love it!
(Oh yes, and apologies for the ridiculous over-exposure on the picture of my face, but that was the one that best captured the lip colour, the others I took were far too pink)

Also, apologies for no Feminist Friday last week. Silly me forgot I wouldn't be able to do the post at home without my laptop. I had a lovely weekend at home, although I am still rather sad to be back. I've just got to get on with my work the next month or so, before I get to go home at Easter. Ah, the joys of 3rd year!

A confession.

2011-03-09T23:02:00.000Z

I just did something very naughty. You know those silver brogues I've been wanting to buy for months but wouldn't pay £65 for?? I may have just stumbled across them reduced to £30 and bought them.... my boyfriend is going to kill me.

What a mess.

2011-03-09T22:25:00.000Z

H&M dress, vintage cardi via charity shop, M&S tights, Topshop belt, Dr Martens boots

I would apologise for what my friend Sinead has dubbed the 'Romanian Orphan staring at the ground' pose but to be honest, today my hair and face have been such a mess I don't really care. I was thinking about wearing this with glasses last night, but then was forced into it this morning by the fact that my eyes were really red and uncooperative. I'm not sure whether I like this outfit; on the one hand I think I may have finally something to wear this cardigan with (it's been sat in my room for several months), but on the other I worry I may look like a lesbian. And not in a good way. I really do hate wearing my glasses; they just make me feel so ugly! I know that's really stupid, but they just make me feel such a mess. That plus the fact they look awful with my hair up.

I'm going to go now and shut up whinging, because I bet it sounds like I'm fishing for compliments. Actually, I write a blog, of course I am! Urgh. Let's go answer some questions on Mary Wollstonecraft you ridiculous woman.

Bit of a fashion post fail.

2011-03-09T00:28:00.000Z

I warn you, this may be the most boring post ever. Especially considering the fact it's International Women's Day, I'm sure I should be posting on something else than the thrilling domestic things that are to follow. Oh well. I haven't got any particularly exciting outfits from the last few days, and I thought I should let you know I haven't dropped off the face of the blogosphere (like I am prone to do occasionally). So, here's the terribly exciting things that have happened to me in the last few days...

I bought a new lunchbox! Does the fact it's red and spotty make up for the fact that I sound like a crazy deranged Lakeland-obsessed housewife right now? I'm trying to stop spending so much cash buying my lunch at this amazing cafe up at uni, and bought this in an attempt to do so. Tomorow I may go buy couscous and vegetables to put in it, and later into my belly.

I knew it was bad, but I didn't know it was this bad. Yep people, that's an entire washing basket full of cardigans and tights. My washing had got somewhat behind due to the fact I can only dry about 4 cardis at a time, but tomorrow I must go buy a bigger air dryer! This is simply ridiculous!

Soemthing slightly more exciting.... train tickets to pop home this weekend. I didn't think I would be going home until Easter, what with the joys of third year and dissertations, but I've been so stressed and miserable the last few weeks I've decided that fuck it, I can go home for 2 days. I think it will do me a lot of good and I'm terribly excited about seeing my parents and sister. And cats! And I'm finally having a haircut after last having one in December. It's a bit of a shaggy mane at the minute. But this shall be remedied soon!

Anyway, that's my thrillling update. I shall have an outfit post tomorrow, since whilst tidying up my room I spied a hopeful looking combination of unworn cardigan and old much beloved dress. I'm going to shut up now and let you all get on with your lives, which I'm sure are much more exciting than my granny existence.

Saturday Night at the Movies

2011-03-06T00:46:00.000Z

Next Men's tee shirt, H&M skirt, M&S denim shirt and shoes, Tatty Devine earrings, Swatch watch

Just a quick post before I head off to bed. I just wanted to show you all these amazing Tatty Devine earrings I managed to find on Ebay for £8! They're also a bit rare now, since they're discontinued. I've always been rather partial to the accompanying necklace, but hadn't purchased it due to the rather high prices of their pieces. When I stumbled across these on Ebay I was well chuffed. There was a bit of a kerfuffle with the posting due to my stupid hall's postboxes, but I got them earlier in the week. I am planning on pairing them with the lollipop necklace at some point, but, to be honest, I just wanted to wear them and didn't have many clothes at my disposal, so just put this rather random ensemble together. I like to think the 'Back to the Future' tee shirt accompanies the earrings rather nicely. I really love Next men's tee shirts; whenever I get a gift voucher for there, I had straight to the men's section! I got a rather cool Mickey Mouse sweatshirt in a sale from there, and also my beloved Sesame Street tee shirt that may unfortunately be dying (it's doing that horrible bobbley thing under the arms and where you sit on it).

I am also wearing the new Barry M lipstick I bought after trying to find a dupe for the one Marina Diamandis was wearing on the front of this month's Company. I'm quite pleased with it, although I'm not entirely sure my skin is good enough to carry the colour off completely. Oh well. I shall continue to attempt it.

Off to bed now. And not to all bore you with it again, but my dissertation calls me again tomorrow. Night.

P.S. Ooh, and I actually did go the movies tonight! Just remembered that whilst thinking of a title! Finally got to see the King's Speech, and it was fantastic. I really am going to bed now.

Feminist Friday- Is Fast Fashion a Feminist Issue?

2011-03-04T21:14:00.001Z

So, here is my first attempt at 'Feminist Friday'. I shall have to give the credit for this idea to my friend Sinead, who asked to see something a little more 'serious' on the blog, and suggested I had a look at this article. Apologies if this is not terribly articulate, I am actually feeling a little peaky this evening, but after saying I would do this today I thought it was important to stick to some kind of deadline.

Rosselson in this article (and Naomi Wolf, in this one) is attempting to draw attention to the fact that despite the rise in awareness and production of ethical clothing within the last few years, 'fast fashion' still continues to be the predominant mode of shopping within Western culture. The fact we can now buy a dress for £5 and keep our wardrobe up to date with the latest trends without breaking the bank, is not without its consequences. Women are the primary consumers of this type of clothing, and likewise have a responsibility to the thousands of women who produce these clothes in extremely poor conditions in the sweatshops of the East, such as Bangladesh. This idea of spending is so tied into our Western construction of what makes us 'women' that it can be difficult to see a way forward. But, as Western women with the money in our pockets, it is our responsibility to attempt to withdraw ourselves from this constant cycle of consumerism.

For me personally, this has been an issue that's been bugging me for a while. I do try and buy most of my clothes from charity shops, or from retailers whose prices would indicate a more responsible ethical method of production. However, this has become so ingrained in our high street that even retailers such as Marks and Spencer, who market themselves as a wholesome British brand, are sourcing their clothing from Bangladesh (and as all of you who know my love of M&S, this makes me very sad). I am personally debating whether to give up high street shopping, after also reading this post over at Silence Sweetheart. It also makes me question whether I really want to go into the fashion industry- do I really want to spend my time supporting an industry that perpetuates this constant 'need' for clothing that is being produced by poor women who can't even afford to feed their families? This isn't to even mention the environmental impact that fast fashion has. In a world in which we are so aware of the damage we are doing to the planet, the fact we pump out so many garments, (whose production is often harmful to the environment, such as cotton) that often end up on landfill sites, is frightly shameful. And all of this in the name of looking on trend.

Of course I understand that for many people, myself included, fashion is a way of expressing yourself and can do wonders for self-esteem. But really, in the face of all the problems it creates and people it exploits, how is this in any way important? I am also aware that for many women in Western society it is the fashion industry that provides their jobs, whether that be in publishing, marketing or retail. However, surely there must be a way to provide these women with jobs whilst also providing garment workers with fair levels of pay and labour rights. Whether that be through campaigning, buying from ethical brands or from donating some of those many shoes to your local Oxfam, we have a responsibilty to adress this problem. Only then will we be able to have a 'guilt-free' shopping spree.

Let me know what you thought about today's piece, and whether you like seeing this sort of thing on the blog. I am also open to any suggestions for future columns, although I have got a few ideas floating around in my head to do soon. Hope this has been thought provoking... I'll be back with my staring at my feet shots soon!

The inner 6 year old returns.

2011-03-02T22:34:00.000Z

first outfit- Topshop dress, M&S tee shirt and tights, Fat Face cardigan-shrug-thing, vintage belt via charity shop, New Look scarf in hair, Converse trainers, Bohm ring

second outfit- New Look dress, Dorothy Perkins tee shirt, Laura Ashley cardi, charity shop belt, M&S tights, shoes as before

The last few days have been a classic example of me dressing like the lovely girl in my header. Basically, a 6 year old with too much glitter. For some reason, the sunshine came out and so did my inner little girl, and along with her a lot of pastels and sparkle. I wore my OPI Absolutely Alice glitter nail polish after seeing this tip on Gem's blog on how to remove it without getting through an entire pack of cotton wool. However, I'd forgotten that the other reason I don't wear it is because it chips something awful. I'd taken it off within 2 days because it just looked so skanky. I think it's because you end up applying it in quite a thick layer to get the opacity and then that flakes off quite easily. I also wore this Tinkerbell ring I have been meaning to show you for an absolute age. Sorry the photo is no closer, but this was as close as I could get without that dreaded macro over exposure. The scarf is another one I have discovered is best in my hair- I really love the tattoo doodles, hence why I wore my DIY Mermaid earrings.

Saturday also consisted of me making ridiculously sweet glittery cupcakes and getting very excited in Matalan over their socks- I got all of these for £6! Oh dear. I think I need to get out more.

Other outfit is one from my video the other day, once again looking quite ridiculously twee. I do wonder if this is why people mistake me for 15. But I don't know any other way to dress when it's warmer! I just get excited by stripes and florals and denim. It wasn't even that warm this week, I was just being deceived by the sunshine. Anyone have tips on looking 'sophisticated' (bah, as if I'd ever look that) in the summer?

Have taken pictures of today's outfit for post tomorrow. Shall try and get it done then, and not leave it until Monday!

February's Make Up

2011-02-28T21:58:00.000Z

So, here is another video post, once again about make up... I do have some outfit posts lined up, but I bought new make up today and was excited so wanted to rabbit on at a camera. Shall post those soon.

Also, please do tell me what you think about video posts. If you don't like them I really will stop doing them.

As I said in the video, now I must go watch Being Human *yay*

Stars and staples

2011-02-25T18:37:00.000Z

H&M dress, tee shirt and earrings, M&S tights, Office shoes, Dorothy Perkins ring

So here are yet more old gems from the wardrobe. This H&M dress is about 5 years old; I really adore it but don't wear it that often because the colours in the 'flowers' are actually really difficult to match, and I always just end up wearing it with black, which I feel doesn't do it justice really. Oh well. Here it is anyway. I also adore these shoes, but they are hideously uncomfortable; also, whilst wearing them out yesterday, the heel cap on the left one caught on a paving slab and ricocheted off! I am going to have to take them to the cobblers and hope he can fix them. The earrings are also really old H&M ones which I love because they look a little like massive staples, but they're pretty heavy so I don't wear them that often. I've only really been able to wear them again recently now my hair's that bit longer.

Also, another gem that is back is my camera! I'm so happy to have her back, and you'll all be pleased to know the first thing I did once I got her back was to order a tripod! No more falling off shelves for me! Right now Kathy's been kind enough to lend me her old one until mine arrives in the post.

I'm not going to show you today's outfit since I am in the sloppiest outfit ever due to the fact I really need to do washing and I went out last night and got to bed at about 3! My union had a night on called Ginesis; the basis being that they sell all types of gin and have a Phil Collins tribute act. It was a really great night, but I am just so knackered now! I also have very sore feet from a LOT of dancing in heels. And one other thing; blackcurrant gin is the nicest thing ever. It's like alcoholic Ribena!

I'm planning on having a lazy weekend after my rather busy last couple of weeks thanks to book reviews and dissertation research. I just had a lovely shower and used some Aussie Heat 3 Minute Miracle since I've been doing a lot of straightening and backcombing recently. I'm really looking forward to just being able to get some stuff done that I've been wanting to do for a while now. I'm going to make some fairy cakes, since I have tons of eggs and butter at the minute, and am also hoping to finally get started on one of my dresses. I also need to do a mountain of washing!

On a slightly rubbish note, the winner of the Elle internship was announced yesterday. I knew there was very little chance of me getting it; I'm just a bit bummed out because it turns out the winner has a degree in Fashion Journalism, and I thought the whole point of the competition was to find some raw un-nurtured talent. Oh well. I'm still really proud of my entry and thanks to everyone who voted for me.

Sorry, one more thing to ramble about- I was thinking about perhaps starting a feature called 'Feminist Friday' where I'll write a short piece on something that's perhaps come up on the news, or general feminist issues. Much as I love fashion, I do actually think about more serious issues, and I thought it might be good to have some representation of that on the blog. Let me know what you think; would you like to read me rambling about women's rights as opposed to shoes for once?

Sorry for this rather text heavy post; I'll shut up now! There are fairy cakes that are waiting to be made! Have lovely weekends everyone.

Lollipop lollipop

2011-02-22T23:48:00.002Z

M&S tee shirt, tights and shoes, H&M skirt, Dahlia jersey cardi, Cache Cache denim jacket (bought in France), Topshop scarf in hair, Tatty Devine necklace, Disaster Designs handbag, rings from local jewellery shop and earrings from Claire's Accessories goodie bag

Guess who got the best news ever today??!!! MY CAMERA IS FIXED! A wonderful person from church offered to take it into their workplace (he does something with computers that I don't quite understand) for ones of his colleagues to have a look at, and now I've heard back that it's all functioning and lovely again! I won't get her back until Sunday, but I am pleased as punch with the news. Hence probably why I actually bothered to wear a decent outfit today!

I also had what I felt was somewhat of a great blogging idea last night... I have decided that I am going to embark on a project where I have to wear all of the items in my wardrobe. Not in a certain amount of time, but I am going to dig up all those long forgotten items in an effort to rediscover their beauty or to decide that this is really the point at which to part with them. I shall also be on a shopping ban until I have succeeded in utilising all of my items. Hence today's outfit, which consists of a few forgotten pieces. I am rather ashamed to say I have never actually worn this Dahlia cardigan after buying it at the Clothes Show in Birmingham for a bargain price of £10. Shame on me I know. I also received this bag as a birthday present last year and have not given it the attention it deserves, which I'm sure is partly because I used it almost straight away when I did my work experience at Westminster; but after lugging my laptop around in it, I was a little terrified to see that the stitching was coming away from the fabric on the handles slightly. However, if I don't use it at all that would be more of a waste than it needing repairs in the future! I also bought this Tatty Devine necklace last summer at the Clothes Show in London, but haven't really worn it at all because there was a slight problem with it falling into my cleavage. However, the kind ladies at Tatty Devine gave me an extension chain which I have now attached and the necklace can be worn without me looking like some deranged Lolita. The headscarf is also a really old one from Topshop that I never really wore as a scarf because it was a bit too thin. I have now discovered however that it's true vocation is a headscarf!

(Ooh, and one other thing- I haven't rediscovered these rings as such, but I'm pleased they are finally appearing on the blog- they're the first proper rings I ever bought about 4 years ago and I absolutely adore them.)

Right, I'm going to shut up now, because this post is somewhat horribly rambley and gushy anyway. And there is a small matter that I should be writing a Politics book review right now. Although it's not due in until Thursday, and it's only 1000 words. So, apologies for this post still being quite incoherent, but there's a decent outfit at least. Finally, how could I feature this necklace and not post this??

Cue me singing this for the next few hours whilst I write about the depiction of the Holocaust in 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas'. That will be a weird combination.

Ooh, and just to say, thank you to everyone for your kind comments on my last somewhat whingey post.

I didn't think fruit could make me so cheery.

2011-02-19T22:54:00.000Z

Dorothy Perkins dress, M&S Limited Collection cardi, Laura Ashley vintage belt via charity shop, M&S tights and shoes, Pilgrim earrings

I apologise for this not being the experimental outfit I was talking about posting the other day. This is just a dress you've seen before with a few different bits. Note the obsession of the moment leopard print shoes and the beehive (although it doesn't look very beehivey in these pictures!) which I can now finally do thanks to this amazing tutorial. Also, I bought MAC's Fluidline the other weekend whilst in London after struggling with Benefit's Babecake for so long and it's dreadful smudgyiness. The Fluidline is absolutely amazing and doesn't budge, AT ALL. I went dancing with it on and got quite warm and sweaty and still it didn't move. The colour's not quite as pigmented as I'd like but I'm willing to forget about that for the fact I can actually wear eyeliner every day without it annoying the heck out of me.

Shall try and post something more interesting soon. I am just having one of those slight bleurghy wardrobe stages at the minute. Am feeling the need to do a massive clear out because there's so much stuff I don't get around to wearing. Its not that it's stuff I don't like, but with the appalling clothes storage I have at uni there's a lot of stuff which ends up being sat in boxes and forgotten about. I'm also really busy with uni work at the minute. I'm trying to really crack on with my dissertation now, although it's not due until the 9th May, so I can go home for my mum's 50th at Easter and won't kill myself with stress come then. I'm also feeling quite homesick, and actually trying to figure out what I'm doing after I graduate! I'm assessing the practicalities of doing a Masters in Fashion Journalism at LCF, but am so unsure about everything right now. The joys of being a grown up I guess.

Sorry, I'll stop whinging. Much worse things going on in the world than my silly Western self obsessed guff. I'm also currently debating giving up high street shopping, but I'm not going to get into that now... shall try and write a vaguely more coherent post on that at some point soon. Sorry this is so rambley, hopefully soon I shall get a camera sorted (much as I am ridiculously grateful to Kathy for lending me hers I'm sure you all know how difficult it can be to operate a camera you're not very familiar with!) and will be a bit less snowed under with work, and have some more interesting outfits to show you. I'm so sorry about the blog at the minute; it's such a mess, the camera incident appears to have thrown me completely off course! Right, I'm going to shut up now and post this lovely Kate Bush video to end on a cheerier note:

I'm going through a major Kate phase at the moment. She is beyond amazing. (And I recommend watching the rest of this short film on Youtube, it's incredible).

Go buy my stuff so I can afford a new camera. And perhaps lipstick.

2011-02-16T15:53:00.000Z

Hi everyone. Just a quick cheeky post really to tell you I have put some stuff up on Ebay. It's only a couple of things at the minute, but I'm going to have a bit of a wardrobe clear out and possibly put some more up soon. If any of you want to have a look and buy my old clothes, you can find them here! Quite a few of the things are things that I really love, but bought on a bit of a whim, and I've just never really worn them because they don't quite fit. So in the interests of getting a camera again I thought it was time to give up on the 'Oh well if I lose some weight' rubbish and just to sell them. I especially love the houndstooth dress but my boobs really just won't fit into it. Sad times.

Anyway, in other news, I bought Company yesterday and absolutely fell in love with the make up and outfit Marina Diamandis was sporting on the cover-

I have got to get hold of some of that pink lipstick. It's fantastic. I read somewhere that apparently she wears Illamasqua's Filth but unfortunately it's sold out on their website at the minute. I should also really get to grips with my MAC pink lipstick first as well. I keep meaning to show it to you, but I can't seem to apply it right- because it's a Satin finish, it just seems to go really streaky and horrible. Anyone have any tips?

I shall try and take some outfit photos later using my friend's camera. However I am understandably a little nervous about balancing it on anything after my own disaster. But I would like to show you today's outfit, as it's a little experimental and I'm not sure how well it's working. I need feedback!

Right, I must go do some diss work before I die of panic about the seemingly tiny amount of time I have left.

I ate so much.

2011-02-11T16:00:00.045Z

So, finally, here are a few shots from my friend Katie's birthday trip to London. I'm sorry it's taken so long to upload these, this week's been a bit hectic.

Painting my nails on the train there (you can tell we left early because I'm wearing my glasses!)

Trying on orange cowboy boots in Pop Boutique in Covent Garden. Unfortunately, I decided the orange colour was just not quite what I was looking for. If they'd have been blue or purple however... oh well. Hopefully I may soon get some coloured cowboy boots. It was probably good for me not to spend any more money!

Trying on Pop's sunglasses with Katie. Kicking myself now for not buying some of these, they were awesome! And it's been quite sunny here for the past few days dammit.

A small shot of Saturday's outfit. I am really into headscarves at the minute. It's funny, I've just been wearing them because my hair's finally long enough so that it looks ok, but I read on Elle about how they're a micro trend, but I hadn't seen any out and about. Then, I get to London, and BAM!!! They're everywhere! Quite pleased to be back in Aber where I'm one of the only ones rocking them. I didn't like feeling like a sheep!

Snood in action! Doesn't really work with this outfit, but dammit, it was cold!

A really cool bakery just along from the Tatty Devine shop in Covent Garden (I shall reveal why I was near the Tatty Devine shop in a later post!)

Cocktails in Planet Hollywood...

This brownie nearly killed me. After having eaten an appetiser platter and nachos, and then a chicken burger and chips, I thought I had a little room left for something of the chocolate dessert variety. However, they then brought this beast over to the table... can you even SEE the brownie under all that cream??!!

(Also, note to self: Stop pulling funny faces in pictures)

I did battle through and conquered it, although I did sustain injuries. My belly hurt from too much food for several hours afterwards. Also, note the new leopard print cardi I got in Peacocks for £8 and am somewhat obsessed with.

A lovely bit of cranberry and nut cake from Drink, Shop and Do, where we went on Sunday, after reading reviews of it on Pretty Much Penniless and Bow Dream Nation. It was really lovely to sit and have a nice cup of tea and a relaxing game of Scrabble after the hectic day of shopping that was Saturday.

Right, so that's a little overview of my London weekend..... thanks to Katie and Jenna for the pictures. As far as camera news goes, I took mine along to Jessops yesterday and they told me somewhat bad news. I can get it sent off for repair, but probably the cost of getting it repaired is the same as buying a new one. To sound like my dad for a second, it does annoy me that this always seems to be the case nowadays. I don't want to buy a new one but I think I have no choice. Am currently borrowing my friend Kathy's dear camera Sheila to take some photos of stuff to put on Ebay, which I have been meaning to do for a while. Current need for a camera fund though has meant I am finally doing it.

Shall try and post soon with something vaguely exciting soon. Hope you all have lovely weekends.

(Also, apologies for this being completely incoherent. Not at my writing best today.)

I should watch some Wallace and Gromit again.

2011-02-02T22:23:00.001Z

This is just a very quick post; I have only just got back from Birmingham, and am absolutely cream crackered knackered. I bought this snood today, after wanting it for a couple of months now, but refusing to pay £27 for it;

I had been looking at it on ASOS this very morning and calculating the price if I used my student discount on it; imagine my delight when I went into River Island today to look at something else entirely and there was a little label attached to it declaring it had £10 off! It was fate! It's sitting round my neck happily as I type. Hopefully I'll have some pictures for you soon.

And this was what I had in fact gone in to examine;

Oh, look at it! It is BEAUTIFUL. I saw it when I went home the other weekend, and as much as I love it, I just can't justify spending £40 on it. It's not leather, and although I adore the clasp purse feature at the top, it doesn't look very sturdy. I could only put stuff through that very small opening or into the side elasticated pockets. I don't know how to explain it, but the large part is elasticated at the top, and the clasp bit is attached and sort of slots into it. The basic point is that it doesn't look like it could withstand a lot of wear. And so, I left River Island with the snood instead of the bag. If another discount comes along like the one with the snood, I may buy it, but right now £40 is just too much. We'll see. Hopefully fate will intervene in a positive way again.

I'm really busy at the moment with the start of term kicking off, and am away in London this weekend for a friend's 21st birthday. You can imagine how gutted I am that I have no camera for said occasion. I still don't know what I'm going to do about it. I may have to brave the embarrassment of telling Jessops staff that I dropped it in the vain hope they may be able to save her.

Also, 48 followers??!!! Where the hell did you all come from?! I feel quite, quite proud of myself :)

Shall hopefully post next week with pictures I may have filched from my friends. Hope everyone has a good remainder of week and a good weekend.

I'm slobbering onto my keyboard right now.

2011-01-28T21:28:00.000Z

I did yet another very silly thing earlier. I went onto ASOS to find something for a friend only to stumble across this-

ARGH ITS BEAUTIFUL I NEED IT I WANT IT I NEED IT SO BADLY.....

I am completely aware that it probably wouldn't do me any favours, what with the tightness and the moulded cups (last time I tried a dress on with those my boobs wouldn't fit in) and the bare back which would make a bra and the required magic knickers something of a non-option. But it's just the most damn sexy dress. It would make me feel like a film star. The detailing is just exquisite, I can't stop staring at the screen in wonder! I am in need of a properly smart dress, because at the minute I usually just put on a day dress in the evening and hope it looks alright with some heels. I don't have any event I particularly need this for, I just want it so badly. I'm pretty sure it would look awful but I need to order it to just check.

Urgh. I hate being a student and having no money.

Now to go and attempt to distract myself from dress drooling by drooling over Rufus Sewell in Zen instead.

I told you I was cack-handed.

2011-01-28T14:31:00.000Z

I'm such a clumsy twat. So, guess who's broken their camera?? ARGH. I was balancing it on a shelf to take a photo, and then BAM, down it falls, I pick it up, the lens is stuck out and at a funny angle. I'm so bloody annoyed at myself. The thing is, the day before I was looking at tripods on Amazon, and actually ordered one, but then didn't end up actually paying for it because my voucher wouldn't work. So now I have a broken camera. I've found a page on the interwebs which tells me how to fix it, but I may end up permanently damaging it. So seeing as it's still under warranty, I'm going to contact Panasonic to see if they'll fix it, but seeing as it was accidental damage, I doubt it. In the meantime, here's what I've been doing this week;

Drooling over Aidan Turner and being ridiculously excited for the second episode on Sunday of Being Human.

Dreaming of this man whilst I read Jane Eyre *yet more drooling* (There has been rather a lot of drooling this week, but my boyfriend's away, and a girl's got to have something to look at.)

Obsessing over the leopard print flats I inherited from my mum at the weekend. It was in fact trying to get a picture of these that caused the camera break. Ah well, I can't blame it on the shoes, they're too damn lovely.

Listening to this song incessantly.

Also, checking the Elle Internship page like an obsessed deranged woman. Thank you to those who have voted for me. I'm trying not to get my hopes up about it, because so many people have entered, and some of their entries are so good, but I'm finding it hard not to get excited/nervous. Oh well, I've done my best, I'll just have to see what happens.

I'm looking forward to a weekend of dress making, TV catch up and possible pea soup making. Have a lovely weekend everyone!

Please read this post (you have to get to the bottom before you'll realise why)

2011-01-26T11:59:00.000Z

I have been awarded the Stylish Blogger Award thanks to the lovely Hannah at Bow Dream Nation. It's really nice to have some recognition of my little corner of the blogging world. Now I have to reveal 7 things about myself, urm....

1. I have recently become addicted to Radio 4 thanks to my boyfriend. It's so fantastic because you just have it playing it in the background but you learn so much.

2.I have Konnie Hug's autograph from my 12th or 13th birthday. The CBBC roadshow came to Plymouth and I managed to ambush her on her way to the Lighthouse... I'm still very proud of that!

3. I am a complete and utter sucker for any type of accent. Whether it be Scottish, Irish, French, (although thinking about it not so much the Welsh accent!) I will probably fancy said person.

4. I have only seen one Star Wars film, and I was forced into watching that by my boyfriend and male housemates. And to be honest, I thought it was pretty crap!

5. I have a rather large collection of rings- I just counted and the one's which are on my ring stand total 21. Although I know there are a fair few lurking around because I have a tendency to leave them in pockets and handbags.

6. Right now I have purple painted toenails.

7. I have a real aversion to squidgy food, like custard, mash potato or jelly.... absolutely hate it! Trifle is my worst nightmare!

Well, I hope those weren't terribly boring and at least a little entertaining. Now I have to pass the award onto 7 other bloggers...

1. Lauren from Someone Like You
2. Anna from Wonderlander
3. The Comtesse de ferveur
4. Stella Rose at Confessions of a Female Drag Queen
5. Becky-May from The Flower Girl
6. Fritha from The Fish Tank
7. Marlena at Self Constructed Freak

Quite a few of these are fairly new discoveries, but my old favourites of Wonderlander and Self Constructed Freak are in there too. There's quite a wide range of different styles within the 7, so go ahead and have a nosey, see if there's anyone you like.

One last thing. The Elle Internship competition is probably being mentioned by every single blogger out there. Whilst I know I haven't said this previously, I hope one day to have a career in fashion journalism. I haven't said anything before because to be honest, so does pretty much every fashion blogger, and I just thought it was somewhat irrelevant and rather boringly generic. However, I have entered this competition and would be really grateful for your votes. I'm not going to nag you about for days, because I hope the competition is judged on talent rather than how many people you coerce into voting for you. But if you wouldn't all mind it would be great to have a bit more visibility. This would be the most fantastic opportunity for me, what with finishing uni in a few months and not having much of an idea how I'm going to begin as a fashion journalist. I may slip it in again in one more post, but for now that's all I'm going to say as to not bore you senseless. And thank you all in advance.

Video attempt no 2 with some help from Fearne

2011-01-24T18:06:00.000Z

Er so I tried to do another video post. I actually tried to upload this on Friday, but Blogger was just being completely uncooperative and I tried for several hours but to no avail. So instead, today, after returning from home, I got myself a YouTube channel and uploaded it on there. I didn't really want to go on YouTube but have since found out I can make my channel unlisted anyway so shouldn't get trolled too bad. And since this was meant to be posted on Friday, please ignore the last bit where I talk about the weekend, because it's obviously happened now. (And I also didn't end up going to the Museum for dissertation research today, because I've found out there's an relevant exhibition starting on Saturday, so I'm going next Wednesday instead) But after all the kerfuffle I couldn't be bothered to do another ending and re-edit, so here it is in it's original format.

I hope it's not too awful. Please tell me what you think, I always like to know what people think of my blog, suggestions are always welcome. Sorry it's a little long, my editing skills are not up to much. And for those of you wanting lip gloss, leave me your email and I'll email you regarding sending it to you.

One thing I forgot to mention in the video is how happy I am with how many subscribers and comments I've been getting recently. I'm now up to 39 followers which is fantastic, and I had 15 comments on my last post. *proud beamy smile* Hello to everybody new, hope you don't mind my rambling, whether it be on camera or via text! So just thanks to everyone for their kind comments, I hope I can continue to improve the blog and keep you all entertained.

Mushy chests and make up

2011-01-16T11:50:00.009Z

Topshop blouse via charity shop, ancient H&M jumper, H&M skirt, M&S tights and shoes, Amelie Blaise ring, DIY headband

Firstly I apologise for my slightly weird stance in the first photo. Don't know what was up with me there. Despite having Kathy and her amazing DSLR to take pictures with, I still cannot pose properly. Oh dear.

I bought this Topshop blouse because it reminded me so much of Luella's Spring 2009 collection, but it just doesn't look good on me. It makes my boobs look all weird and mushy! So I layered it under a v-neck jumper hoping this would improve the situation. I don't think it does really. I still look lumpy! Perhaps this blouse shall have to find it's way to a more deserving suitor.

I've been experimenting with tying bits of fabric in my hair recently, partly inspired by this tutorial. I may try and do the top curls thing at some point but I think my layers are just too short. I'm still trying to learn how to style my hair properly; at the minute all I can seem to do are my 15 year old defaults of messy buns or ponytails!

Also, since I am currently not buying any clothes, I've been playing around with make up a bit more. The lipstick is a Rimmel one (Colour Show Off in 220 Shocking Pink) and is really good. The colour isn't quite right in the photos of me,even with some editing, but in the single one of the lipstick I think the colour is pretty close.

I've also included a photo of this new foundation I've been using. Up until this point, I had been using N07 Intelligent Colour foundation, which was quite sheer. I don't really need a lot of foundation since my skin is pretty good, but I have got these really red cheeks that I don't like. I think they just look too overpowering if I'm wearing lipstick and tend to perpetuate this whole 'I look like a 15 year old' dilemma. I bought this foundation in the hope that it might give me better coverage and it does, without making it look like I'm caked in foundation, which was a look I wanted to avoid at all costs. I'm really pleased with it and how it evens out my skin tone. I'm almost Dita Von Teese porcelain! (OK, so the freckles might be a slight obstacle)

That's enough blabbering for now. I should be revising, what with exams being 2 days away. That's probably why this post sounds so rushed. Just thought I'd slip in this post before they start. Probably won't post again until Thursday. Hope you all have good weeks.

Dame Edna

2011-01-10T23:34:00.007Z

Laura Ashley 'twinset', Boden skirt, M&S tights and shoes, Accessorize bangles, Tatty Devine necklace, glasses a gift

Ok, so today was 'ironic librarian' day. Anyone able to spot the subtle ironies in my outfit? No.... well obviously it's just me being pretentious again. Oh well, these little things make me feel happy.
1) It's a twinset- but not a proper twinset- a tee shirt instead of a knitted tank;
2) The glasses are around my neck and not on my face.

Except... oh, I see they are!

You see Kathy today gave me my birthday present which she had unfortunately misplaced for quite some time. But look, now I have Dame Edna glasses! And I think they may be the coolest thing ever. I do want some proper cat eye ones with prescription lenses, but currently a lack of funds prevents me from doing so. I'm sure this dress up pair will do in the meantime.
(And I do realise I have a double chin in the 3rd picture, but I thought it was funny, so I'd include it anyway).

I got this really nice wool mini skirt before Christmas and have been meaning to show you for ages but kept forgetting.... anyway, it's perfect for the days when I wish to dress like a librarian. I'm sure there are other things I could do with it, but that's how I like it right now.

Other item of interest is the lip colour. I recently went to MAC with the intention of getting myself a pink lipstick, something quite bright and almost on the raspberry side. Unfortunately, when I got there I discovered they didn't have anything in that kind of colour that wasn't in a hideously shiny formulation. I really really don't like shiny lipstick, and I absolutely hate lip gloss. No disrespect to shiny lipped ladies out there, but I just find it looks over the top and far too Cheryl Cole for the likes of me. Anyway, to get back off that tangent, the very nice lady suggested I try the Pink Nouveau colour which is a Satin finish, only one above my Matt Ruby Woo. It was a little lighter than I was hoping for, but I was quite pleased with the bubblegum colour. Now, to be confusing, what I'm wearing in the post is in fact not the lipstick but the accompanying lip liner, in Magenta. This was more of the colour I was originally hoping for and so far I have yet to use the lipstick but have been enjoying the lipliner. It works fantastically just over the top of a bit of lip primer to give it a bit of moisture. I shall shortly get around to wearing the lipstick to show you all, but thought the magenta really clashed nicely with the gold and mulberry colours in the outfit.

Ok, I really must go to bed now. I was just far too excited at the glasses to not post this today! (And apologies if this is somewhat garbled with too many ellipses, that would be the excitement)

A few old friends got back in touch.

2011-01-08T23:47:00.006Z

Topshop cardigan, Miss Selfridge dress via charity shop, Dorothy Perkins tee shirt (just seen), M&S tights and shoes, Accessorize bangle, charity shop necklace

I think I may apologise now. I think I may well not take these brogues off for quite some time. So, get used to them! This outfit consists of a few new bits plus some old rediscovered treasures. I am really pleased with these new M&S tights; my mum had previously bought my sister some floral knitted ones from Topshop, but unfortunately the embroidery on those meant both of us could only pull them up as far as our knees before they wouldn't stretch any further. Damn Topshop and their skinny legged customers! Anyway, these M&S ones do not have the same problem. Sure, they're not as stretchy as tights usually are, but I can actually get them on.

The dress is one I found in a charity shop, but don't wear too often due to the fact it's not exactly suitable for Aberystwyth's wind- there were more than a few near misses yesterday! It's also got these really annoying ties around the waist which I don't like doing up around the back since I'm usually wearing it with a cardigan on top and I'd end up with a big lump under my cardi. So, I'm usually forced to sort of wrap them round and tuck them in, but they often come untucked and dangle down my legs! I think I'll have to have a fiddle and unpick them.

The cardigan is one of the very first things I ever bought from Topshop, and I was really pleased when I found it had fallen down the back of a drawer! It's especially good at the moment since it's wool and keeps me nice and toasty.

Kathy is back today and so hopefully I may have some decent photos for you tomorrow :)