Pastel shades meets OOTD's

Inspired by the Parma Violet nails the other day I've decided to keep with the pastel theme and show some love to my favourite polishes for spring.



Revlon - Minted

I really want to love this shade as much as i do in the bottle, but the consistency is very watery so the application goes streaky and you need at least 3 coats to achieve opaque coverage and then you lose the paleness. I think next time i will paint one coat of white underneath first.

Nails Inc - In Style Candy

Now this is my Barbie polish, a true bright but baby pink that's opaque after just one coat - yes only one coat application so great for on-the-go, i might even have to do the toes as well just in case it gets warm enough to show them off.

I seem to be in love with shorts at the moment as they're so versatile, work or play, day or night, cold or warm, they do the job. I've been meaning to do an OOTD wearing the Topshop blush shorts but not had chance to wear them out anywhere yet so played a little dress-up for you guys yesterday!

Again apologies for the iphone pic's but i keep forgetting to charge the camera!

Jacket - Topshop (image 1)
Fur gilet - Dorothy Perkins (image 2)
Shirt - Asos
Shorts - Topshop
Leggings - Primark
Boots - Office
Clutch - Warehouse

I was undecided whether the outfit look best with the aviator or fur gilet, what do you think?

Vintage Chanel alert!......Vintage Chanel alert.....!

As you can tell from the quote on my page, Coco Chanel is one of my greatest fashion hero's and there isn't much i wouldn't do to get my hands on a piece of Chanel not to mention vintage Chanel. Well helloooo! Checking my emails this morning i discover today's (or possibly yesterdays) ASOS newsletter featuring none other than vintage C-H-A-N-E-L!!! Now i thought i know ASOS are good but surely they can't be this good? Thinking it was someone selling Chanel on their new marketplace site (it's a bit like ebay but with better pics!) i thought I'd take a look but hell no ASOS are really selling vintage Chanel. Now I'm surprised they've got anything left to sell because if i was working for then i would've snapped it up pronto. My dream items from Chanel are the 2.25 handbag and the logo studded earrings - of which they are selling but they're still waaaaaaaaayyy outta my price league unless i put it on the credit card.....hmmmm.


I want...I need....

Vintage Chanel Classic Bag £2160.00!

I can smell the leather from here!

Vintage Chanel 80's Quilted Interlocking 'CC' Logo Clip On Earrings £460

Now isn't this what credit cards were invented for - fashion emergencies - right?

Well inspired by this morning's news i decided to dig out my Chanel-esque bag courtesy of Warehouse and plan this evening's attire for pub grub with a side order of gossip.

Jumper - Next
Jeans - Primark
Belt - Dorothy Perkins
Bag - Warehouse
Shoes - Office
Hair - In need of some work!!

I'm loving my Next jumper at the mo - perfect for the cold weather - only problem is that it comes a bit short in the front not good if my muffin top decides to appear after I've eaten!

Here's a close-up of the fur detailing on the shoulder....

Furry nice  - couldn't resist a cheap gag!

This outfit is very similar to my shopping outfit the other weekend but the jean, shoes and bag are all different!!

Obsession: Asda Chosen By You Yoghurt's - Coconut is my fav
Listening To: Ellie Goulding
Reading: Marian Keys Anybody Out There
Nail Polish: Was Nails Inc Saville Row now back to Nails Inc Caramel as going to attempt a leopard print look later.

If Carlsberg did clothes....

Regular readers will already know about my love for the great high-street store Warehouse. If Carlsberg did clothes made especially for me.....then it would be Warehouse.  I just want to point out that I am no way affiliated with the brand and this is just me gushing uncontrollably about their brilliance in creating perfect clothes (and accessories) i L-O-V-E!! Too much?

Unfortunately for me but great news for my bank account, I can't seem to access their website from home - damn you Three mobile broadband!!! So I've been missing out on all the great sale bargains they have to offer and I know they're loads thanks to their iphone app. At least I have avoided seeing my full-priced purchased items reduced - that's enough to make a grown woman reduced to tears. FYI: I know my purple floaty sheer top with built in vest is on there - arrrgh!

Anyway a trip to the city at the weekend is never complete without a peek inside Warehouse. Luckily I was only sporting one item purchased from Warehouse so I didn't look too much like a SA. Don't you hate going into a shop when you're wearing their clothes or is that just me? Once i went to Topshop wearing their pleather shorts with the price tag still on, didn't even realise until I went to changing rooms in another shop. So there's me trying on jackets mid-store lucking like I had just robbed a pair of shorts. Good job a security guard or SA didn't question me otherwise I would've got into an argument about checking CCTV and store card statements! Lesson learnt: always remove price tags before leaving the house.

Back to Warehouse, they still had loads of stuff in the sale including some great dresses originally priced at £50 down to £10. The SA said they were shipped over from Germany, she thinks they were closing the stores. So Germany's loss is my gain - yay!

I picked up two of the Ruffle Sleeved dresses - one did have the fastening button loop broken but nothing a quick stitch couldn't rectify. I did think about asking for a discount because of this but thought it was a little cheeky as they were only £10.

The dress on the left is actually a lilac colour, think parma violets but looks quite blue here. The peachy/nude dress I tried on in the summer and looked great worn casually with jeggings. I bought the exact same dress in black in June for £50 - check out the profile pic! My mum also picked up the same dress in teal.

Cheaper than Primark!

My mum and I both had a wardrobe malfunction with the doily (as i call them) dresses (sorry can't find image), could get them on easy enough but getting off should have been an Olympic sport. We were both determined not to have to ask for help so instead broke into a sweat and eventually we were free - without having to ruin or breaking the zip i hasten to add. Once in M&S trying on their all-in-one control slip things I got that stuck over my head - imagine me in my knickers, boobs out, sweating, trying to remove an item that is designed to suck you in and stick like glue. Never had I been so close to asking for a SA's help but I would never have lived the shame down. Have M&S never heard of zips or hook and eye?


Other weekend purchases included a faux fur scarf from H+M. I fell in love with it after seeing this pic from Phoebe Does.

http://phoebedoes.blogspot.com/2010/10/fake.html

She's got a great sense of style and takes editorial style photos so check her blog out.

I wanted the scarf to update my Topshop Aviator Jacket.

Before....

 After...


H+M Faux Fur scarf £9.99

Hopefully it'll mean I'll get more wear out of the jacket and it won't just become a one season wonder.

Finally check out my great shoes I got in Next's Boxing Day Sale:

Yes they are on the windowsill, please ignore the framed photo it's my mum's - not my taste promise!

I admired these gladiator heels when they were full price but £45 was a bit much for Next so when I found them at £15 in the sale I was a little shocked they hadn't been snapped up by some other fashionista, especially as I went about 3pm and the sale opened at 6am. I can't wait to wear them in the summer.

And as promised a close-up shot of the Mango skirt from Sunday's post.

Do you like?

What are your great sale buys from January so far?

P.S. I'm after this Warehouse Leopard Print Shift dress that Alexandra Burke is wearing.

So if anyone can help me out it would be much appreciated. It's a/w10 stock and I'd need a size 10 or 12. I'm off to scour eBay for now though...

...Or maybe I could tweet Alexandra and see if she wants to sell - I reckon we could be similar size?

OOTD

Hi guys,

Just a quick OOTD's from the weekend, again apologies for the quality until i invest in a new camera, the photos are going to look a bit shabby. But i hear Topshop have the best lighting in their changing rooms so that is an option for the future.

• Jacket - Topshop £58
• Cable knit jumper - Warehouse £30 (reduced)
• Trousers - Dorothy Perkins £25approx
• Shoes - Grey suede(ette) Primark £5 (sale)
• Bag - Warehouse (old)
• Belt - Accessorize £3 (sale - old)

I also nipped into Dotty P's to look at their sale jewellery, they've got a great selection of vintage looking rings at the moment which I'm loving. I bought 2 but only got a photo of one to show you.

It's hard to see here but the stone is a deep purple colour, looks similar to those mood rings we had years ago! I was torn between the purple and the blue stone but purple is my fav colour but kinda wish i went with the blue as it shines perfectly in the light - oh well I'll just have to get it as well. Price £4 reduced from £10.

I'm quite picky when it comes to costume jewellery, a lot of stuff looks cheap and tacky but you can find a few hidden gems if you stay away from the silver plated and go for gold ornate looking jewellery. It's got to look like it's a family heirloom or something you picked up from a thrift fair!


The second OOTD features my new fur gilet - a perfect winter warmer!

This faux fur gilet is also from Dorothy Perkins £35. It's a short style gilet so wasn't too sure at first if it would go with jeans, but teamed with high waisted trousers or this maxi dress looks ok. It doesn't have a fastening detail but it keeps you sooooo warm i love it!

• Gilet - Dorothy Perkins £35
• Knitted Maxi Dress - Warehouse £50
• Belt - Dorothy Perkins £5
• Bag - As before (Warehouse)
• Boots - (just seen) New Look £24.99 (i think)

You'll notice i was struggling to find the right footwear to go with this dress before but my New Look shearling hiking boots seem to work nicely. There's not much give in this dress so walking takes me twice as long as usual - must remember small steps, small steps!

I've bought quite a few items recently that i can't wait to share with you, including my second Michael Kors watch - couldn't resist!!

An early Christmas present for you....

With the high street vying for your pennies this Christmas I've scoured the net and my inbox to bring you the best deals and discounts - don't go office party dress shopping without reading this!

http://www.office.co.uk/

- 10% off online purchases for 3 days only, ends midnight 25/11/10
Code - "EARLYGIFT"





http://www.tedbaker.com/

 - Free UK standard delivery on all orders placed between 22nd November and 22 December. No code needed. On my wish list: Anitah, Caza or Roverz purse please!

http://www.asos.com/

- 20% off ASOS brand items - not sure how long this is running for so be quick.
Code: ASOS20






http://www.frenchconnection.com/

 - Sample Sale 26th, 27th and 28th November.
Location: Centro One, 39 Camden Street, London, NW1 0DX
Opening Hours: Friday 26th: 9.30am - 7.00pm
Saturday 27th: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Sunday 28th: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Entrance Fee: £1 - donated to charity
Expect coats and jackets from £40 and knitwear and dresses from £20. If only i lived in London :(

- UK Glamour Magazine - the December issue comes with a free Nails Inc polish worth £11. You can choose from: Jermyn Street, Saville Row, Hampstead Heath or Warwick Avenue.
Magazine costs only £2 and includes a 25% discount for Kurt Geiger - double whammy.
I picked up Saville Row - a deep plum, v.wintry.

http://www.boots.com/

- 3 for 2 mix & match across make-up, nails and eyelashes. Doesn't apply to premium ranges, but includes L'Oreal, Urban Decay, Barry M, Bourjois etc. I picked up 3 Revlon products, a matte pale pink lipstick, a deep plum/purple lipstick and a compact blusher - swatches and reviews to come in a new post.





http://www.warehouse.co.uk/

 - Spend £50 at Warehouse online or in-store and receive £10 off - great for party dress season.
My eye is on the one-shoulder column maxi - hands off!
Online code: GRAZ12106 - valid until 30 November
In-store: Voucher in week ending 22 November UK Grazia magazine (Victoria Beckham on cover). Valid until 15 December (not concessions).






I'll update this with any new offers but feel free to post any of your own and let me know what you got with your discounts.

These boots are made for walkin'...

I know, i know  not very original!

I finally found a pair of boots that will go with my maxi knitted dress from Warehouse. These hiking boot beauties are very on-trend with the sheepskin lining and lace-up detailing.

I did decide to brave the cold weather whilst out shopping working the maxi knitted dress and flip-flop combo, i must admit i looked a right idiot especially when it started to rain. Perfect outfit choice for a sales assistant spending all day parading around the shop floor, not so good for sharpening the elbows at Topshop's sale! Standing still i looked alright as you couldn't see my (nearly) frost-bitten toes. Whilst every other girl was kicked in either Uggs, worker/biker boots - you know the one's X Factor's One Direction wear with the trousers tucked in, or fashionable hiking boots.

I didn't want to spend too much on a pair as i reckon i won't be wearing these come next winter but for a one-season only purchase £29.99 was very reasonable courtesy of New Look. I must admit i not really a fan of New Look shoes, they did get me through my uni days but now I'm earning a little more cash, i want to try and avoid that cheap plastic shoe look. However these don't look too dissimilar from Topshop and River Island's offerings and at a fraction of the price. I am more of a high heels and knee-high boots kinda girl and don't often work the casual look but these would look great teamed with leggings or skinny jeans and woolly socks or with a dress and tights.

Fingers cross i get the wear out of them because i have far too many unworn ankle boots collecting dust in my wardrobe.

I did manage to get two items in the Topshop sale, the sale itself was a bit mis-match, loads of maxi dresses and lace underwear but hardly anything decent apart from the shoes.

These jeggings I'd already bought last summer but returned them because i wasn't too sure - it was when the whole jegging thing had just come in fashion and the mags were saying they were more suited to the skinny leggy parade - think Whitney Port.  I think i must have tried them on before about three times in Toppers but was never convinced this pair suited me. These jeggings are better quality than my Dorothy Perkins pairs as they are designed and fit like jeans, so you don't get that whole pregnancy jean look if your top rides up - bonus!

To complete my purchases is a simple cut shift dress with exposed zip.

Some of you eagle-eyed readers will notice i have this dress in a pink/blush colour which i teamed with black and gold accessories for a evening look. I really like the shape of these dresses and they fit really well - not too tight, not too loose - the print is a bit girly for me with the occasional red hearts but i can just about deal with it! I was surprised this was still left on the rail actually would've definitely thought it would had been snapped up but their lost is my gain. For a smart look i would combine it with a blazer, tights and heels or for a casual daytime look with the jeggings above? Either way it's gorge and very me!

I only went to return a jumper!

I've just had a very eventful afternoon of shopping today. I only went to return my Warehouse camel sweater and ended up with bags of shopping - eek! V.naughty!

The purpose of this visit was to try and exchange my camel jumper for another colour. I did buy mine online and the colour just seems to wash me out so i was hoping i could sneakily do an exchange in my Outfit - simple eh? Oh no, unless you don't mind a little bit of embarrassment don't try to con/lie to a sales assistant they always seem to catch you out - damn! Tried to say i had lost my receipt and do a quick exchange for the purple colour, even though it still had the labels attached the sales assistant was having none of it. "You can't return items to concession stores blah, blah, blah. Looks like a trip to the post office is in order.

The camel jumper is question... ...you see looks very nice online, but in the flesh the colour has more of a gold tone to it - definitely not great for my complexion, but love the gold buttons - thumbs up for detail. The fabric is ever-so soft as well - cashmere it is not, a viscose blend.



 
I couldn't do the exchange but still bought the dark purple jumper as an ideal winter piece.
 

I am a little disappointed this colour didn't have the gold buttons, as i do love gold accessorising, but the grey/black still work. The belt was a sale bargain from Miss Selfridge only £12, i had my eye on this before but £25 was a bit steep for belt. This will probably become my LBD's best friend.
 
Now i have a thing for black trousers, i love them, whether its jean, jeggings, leggings, harems, chinos - i don't care but i do live in them. Warehouse and Dorothy Perkins both have some great sort of soft suede trousers in at the moment which i am loving. Ever since harem became en vogue for summer, i have been embracing my inner MC Hammer and working them to death. I was torn between two pairs, i went with Dorothy Perkins because they were a little cheaper and look a bit smarter so i can just add heels for work.
 

You can't really see the detailing clearly in the picture, but they come with a tie belt and have low slung pockets and a tight ankle.
 
I reckon that's tomorrow's work outfit sorted.
 
I've been after a new make-up bag for ages but I've been looking for some pretty ones that will add some glamour to my office desk. I've been using the free Topshop one up until now but as it's cream I'm struggling to keep it clean not to mention the pen marks that seem to keep appearing!
 
Ted Baker is usually my fail-safe and i headed to Boots to pick this one up.
 

I'm not usually one for florals but purple is my favourite colour and i love the bow - v. pretty. Best of all i used my Boots points so if didn't cost me anything!

I've been determined to turn into a gym bunny especially before the onslaught of Christmas with all the parties and meals going on, not to mention the amount of chocolates and biscuits appearing daily in the office, so i was in need of some stylish gymwear that will distract from the day's make-up sweating down my face. A quick nip into Sports Soccer and I'm £65 lighter but two sports bras, two sports tops and a pair of tight fit trousers/leggings heavier - all set for Wed, Thurs and Fri gym sesh. Pre-gym OOTD's to follow soon.

My final splurge was a cheap one courtesy of Barry M and Saskia The Style Fairy - saw it their first. I have to rave about their new nail paint, Instant Nail Effects £3.95 which is a top coat that creates a nail art effect on top of your already painted nails. Hard to explain but have a look - this is definitely the future of nails.

I've only painted the little finger nail as you can see - it was hard to pick up on camera but i tried, see below.
 

I love it - so I'm off now to paint the rest - what do you think?

Style advice needed please?

Right I've just received my online order from Warehouse and got the Maxi Knitted Dress, it fits well, if a little see-through so tights or leggings are needed to avoid getting arrested for indecent exposure, but i don't know what shoes to wear with it. The image on their website shows the length is to the floor on the model, maybe she's shorter than me but it's around low ankle on me and I've been through my wardrobe and can't see anything that looks OK apart from flip-flops or flat sandals. Help!! I'm planning on cinching the waist and combining with a fur gilet (faux of course) or a leopard print scarf or jewel-toned knit snood, so flip-flops are not really a good look in winter! Can you see my dilemma? The only ones i think may work are my multi-buckled strap grey wedges from Oasis, or i am planning on buying some Burberry rip-off shearling boots from New Look. Any ideas????

Warehouse Maxi Knitted Dress

This picture is from the Asos site and i don't think the boots look right, i have got open toe ankle boots but the length of the dress just rests on the top of the boots and looks silly - ankle bashers anyone?!

These are the Oasis wedges I'm thinking - yay or nay?

Oasis Multi Buckled Strap Wedges

Or what about the Burberry-esque boots from New Look?

New Look Buckle Boot £34.99

Any advice or recommendations greatly appreciated!!!

Warehouse Utility shirt update

  

I wore the pink Warehouse shirt, styled in a previous post for a meal the other day with some grey jeggings, the grey Next shoes I got in the sale, brown waist belt and a Chanel-esque taupe bag. As the shirt is 100% silk, it pulls easily and i still had room in my size10 but the seams on the back are already ripping so you need to be extra careful, but nothing a quick sewing job can't sort out.

I heart Warehouse!

As this is my first post, i would like to introduce my love affair with Warehouse. I could quite literally only wear Warehouse forever and die a very happy girl (which is quite a mean feat as i would do anything to own a piece of Herve Leger!). Many a Saturday or in fact a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday... has been spent racking the rails or scouring the "New In" page online, hunting down my next purchase. I should really own shares in this company as so much of my cash is spent there (- note to self, check FTSE if this possible?). Anyway, as you will come to learn i am a dress whore and just like buses you wait around for one and then three come along, i can go one better and say four B-E-A-Utiful dresses now take pride of place in my wardrobe. Who says money can't buy you happiness?!! 

Dress No 1. Black Maxi £25 - I have seen these maxis everywhere recently, Topshop and New Look have great versions but i always thought they were a bit shapeless until i took the plunge to try one on and now i am in love!. They may be a little unforgiving on the tummy area but the length is fantastic for wearing flip flops and wedges alike. I will be accessorising mine with a brown waist belt (vintage if possible), gold bangles and a tribal necklace. Currently also available in mink, brown and pink, just remember to have the correct underwear as it is very see-through!

Dress No 2. Stripe Shift £60 - This actually featured in Grazia as one to watch for the new season a couple months ago but the image didn't really do it justice and it wasn't until i discovered it in my local Outfit that it caught my eye. Normally vertical stripes are a no-no unless you're a size 8, especially on the bottom half as i don't know anyone who wants to enhance their derriere but the diagonal stripes across the bust and waist nip you in creating a hourglass figure.The shape of this dress is not my usual style, but the nautical look, sweetheart neckline and exposed zip make this shift a winner for spring or summer - very transeasonal. I have worn mine to the office with flats to keep the look demure, but for lunch with the girls or a shopping trip team with nude heels to lengthen legs and tan accessories.

Dress No 3. Black Ruffle Shift £50 - As you can see this is the dress i am wearing in my profile pic, a classic LBD - a wardrobe essential. This was bought for a friend's birthday night out and when all else fails i always return to black and have many LBD's in different shapes for any occasion. The ruffle detail is great for disguising bingo wings, whilst the sheer panel adds a sexy twist. Staying true to the classic fashion rule - high hemline, high neckline means you can get away with the highest of heels, mine were 4-inch leopard print from Office - think D&G rather than Bet Lynch. Also available in Light Pink, Teal and Lilac. I think the Teal would compliment Blondes best and would look great for a summer wedding, but my favourite was the Light Pink if only i could have found one which didn't have make-up stains on!

Dress No 4. Nude Grecian Maxi £65 - I spied this on the rail amongst the floral maxis and it was a immediate must-have. Although i was not alone and a 30-something also picked it up, i wouldn't have minded if it was Kate Moss or Eva Mendes, but when she looked more at home in TK Maxx it was hard to disguise my look of annoyance to say the least. The colour i didn't think would work for my skin tone but looked amazing and the beaded detail makes the dress look so much more expensive than it is. For the amount of work and material involved the price is a complete bargain, i was expecting it to be closer to £100. The length is a little long for me so i will be taking it to a tailors to take it up when i eventually wear it, which is the problem. This dress as gorgeous as it is, is not worthy of a cheap night in a market town, where my local club has sticky carpets (and i'm not just talking chewing gum) and plays "Oops Upside Your Head". Instead i would wear it to a beach wedding or an evening summer ball, however with no such events lined up in the next few months, mine will be resigned to the wardrobe door. But when that beach wedding invite does fall on the door mat, at least i won't have to stress over what to wear - (hint hint sis - i am available in August!). Just before i go i forgot to mention the dress was also featured in VOGUE! Oh yes i am on-trend and i didn't find this out until after i'd bought it - result!