What I've been wearing recently…

It’s been a while since I've done one of these posts, so first up is the outfit i wore for food and film night to celebrate my mum’s birthday. FYI: Bridesmaids was brilliant!

1. Maxi Dress

Maxi dress – Warehouse (s/s ‘10), Belt – Dorothy Perkins, Jacket – H&M, Bag – Warehouse (just seen), Sandals – Primark

2. Colour blocking and florals

Trying to find something work appropriate when it’s 31 degrees…

 

Skirt – Zara, Top – Peacocks, Cardigan – Dorothy Perkins, Belt – Primark, Necklace – Topshop, Watch – Michael Kors

Jacket – Warehouse, all other items as before

3. Printed trousers

Harems – H&M, Shirt – Primark, Belt – Accessorize, Shoes – Office

Leopard Print trousers as seen in May’s Company Magazine…

The midi dress

I never thought i would succumb to the midi trend but after seeing this dress from Primark's S/S'11 collection i was a convert.

Unfortunately that dress wasn't to be (unless i wanted to pay double on ebay) so i turned to the old faithful Asos courtesy of Groupon.

Apologies yet again for the grainy photos

I was a bit unsure when it first arrived and thought the colour washed me out and nearly sent it back, now I'm so glad i didn't as it's the perfect dress for the season which can easily be dressed up or down and the blush colour is also on trend.

Proving what a versatile piece it is i dressed it up for work with a black waterfall jacket from Warehouse...

And then for a casual twist swap the black jacket for a brown leather jacket from Topshop...

The dress costs £30 and is available in Mustard and Camel. Click on the ASOS image below to buy now...

Before i go, i just wanted to say a huge thank you to all my new followers, it makes my day when i see a new subscriber  and i love reading your comments. I'm thinking of doing a giveaway when i reach 50 followers as I've got far too many unused beauty products that could do with going to a good home so keep an eye out in the future.

Happy Easter guys xx

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!

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!!!

I (also) heart French Connection

I am FCUK girl through and through, ever since the tongue-in-cheek ad campaigns and a peek into my already rammed wardrobe - wait who am I kidding it's just an Argos rail that's already bending under the weight - collection of dresses is predominately French Connection. I have to say my nearest store (Leicester) has closed a while ago so it's either a trip to Notts or online shopping. A boutique in town does stock them but usually the more casual items and hardly ever dresses and dresses are what I am all over! Anyway as it was my birthday, one of my fav pressies was free P+P and news of their sale reductions. I have to say though I should had waited one day as I already brought a striped dress (v.Chanel) of ASOS because it was £7 cheaper and if you can wait up to 6 days for delivery you don't pay any extra charges - bonus.

I had been after this for ages but couldn't really afford the full price tag so at £38 in the sale on ASOS it was a no-brainer. When it arrives I'm sure it will be beautiful enough for me to wear it work with tights and heels or maybe shoeboots (shoots - are we still using that term? Must check Grazia) in winter or for a fancy meal if anyone cares to take me out.

Anyway back to the French Connection website, a lot of their items are less than half-price including these gorgeous shoes, my sister has ordered for me as a pressie. Stupid me though told the sis that I had free postage and now she wants them as well. I have three options: 1) lie and say my code doesn't work, 2) Wait until the size 8's get sold out, hint hint or 3) Buy them for her (unhappy face - not a fan of emoticons btw)

 

Currently I am awaiting delivery of the black pair and I was going to wait and see how nice there are to decide if I'll be getting the nude, but everyone has beat me to it and they are now sold out in my size - boo! I do have a sneaky plan though, ASOS has them in the sale too but at much higher price so I'm going to wait until they come down and buy, buy, buy! I am a bit reluctant to reveal the price as they are a complete bargain, but as I am a true professional and these are my confessions not to mention that probably no-one is reading this yet, they were originally £130 down to.....wait for it.....£30 (why someone hasn't snapped me up yet as press officer is beyond me).

Other favourites of mine are the Paradise dress, avail in Peacock, Black, Eclipse, Antique Lace and Pink Lady £45 down from £140.

I think I'll be getting the Eclipse which is a midnight-blue and more wearable for day with flats or heels. Some of the dresses are only available now in the shorter 31" so remember to body brush and fake tan before daring to bare. For those who are a bit self-conscious of the dreaded bingo-wings grab the sheer long sleeve version which has been reworked for this season, perfect for teaming with an up-do for a evening wedding.  Please, please, please don't team with the matching bag - that is so Gok Wan.

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!