Pleats and Stripes

Posted in Daily Outfits.

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Topshop skirt, H&M tee, vintage bag, Zara belt, Matalan heels, Mango ring

I feel like I’ve had an epiphany. Taking outfit photos inside is so.much.easier. There’s no one around to give me the ‘you’re-a-crazy-person’ eyes as I pose with my tripod. No wind to cause accidental flashing, rain to ruin my hair or sun to give me serious squint-eye. My heels don’t sink into gravel and I can check myself (before I wreck myself) in the mirror. A revelation.

In today’s bedroom photoshoot (which sounds entirely more adult than the reality) I’m wearing this pleated midi skirt from Topshop. I’d been struggling to style it successfully until I saw the beautiful Kristabel wearing the very same skirt yesterday. I love how she paired it with a simple tee and a leather belt, so I totally copied her. And that’s what I love about blogging – there’s inspiration everywhere.

Is there a piece in your wardrobe that you adore but find hard to wear?

Thrift Find of The Month – Bumper Edition

Posted in Daily Outfits, Second Hand Shopping.

I think second hand shoppers should go into hibernation for the winter months – the car boot sales are closed, charity shops are full of Christmas cast-offs and there’s never any heating on at the community centre jumble sales.

But March, as well as bringing marginally warmer weather and 38 minutes of sunshine a day, brings thrifty finds by the armful…

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Topshop cardigan, Reiss blouse via charity shop, Topshop jeans, Primark pumps, vintage leather tooled belt, vintage leather handbag

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This chiffon blouse was originally from Reiss, but I picked it up for £4.99. I love the delicate fabric and spring-like print.

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The tooled leather belt was £2.99. It’s a vintage piece – the leather is butter-soft.

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My suede pumps were £12 from Primark. The mini chair was an Ikea find.

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This leather box bag was my favourite find, even if it was a little expensive at £6.99.

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And here’s what’s keeping me happy (and warm) every night – the wood burning stove in our new house.

Have you found any amazing bargains this month?

30 for 30 – The Results

Posted in Daily Outfits.

When I heard about the 30 for 30 challenge on Kendi’s blog, I knew I had to give it a go. I’m a serial impulse buyer and my affliction means my wardrobe is groaning under the weight of many an ill-advised purchase. 30 for 30 seemed like the perfect way to weed out the lesser-worn items. See my 30 for 30 wardrobe here.

And it worked! There were some pieces I wore regularly, and some I didn’t wear at all. After 30 days and 30 outfits, I have a much better idea of my wardrobe must-haves (the brown cardigan and black blazer are absolute essentials) and I know which pieces I need to rethink (the leather skirt caused much ‘discussion’ in the comments – maybe I’ll shorten it a few inches?).

It’s lovely to have unrestricted access to my (admittedly massive) clothing collection again. I’m celebrating by getting changed at lunchtime. I might even do an Anne-Hathaway-at-the-Oscars and wear seven outfits in one night. So while I slip into my glittery Lanvin tuxedo, have a look at all the 30 for 30 outfits and don’t forget to tell me your favourite!

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1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19/20/21/22/23/24/25/26/27/28/29/30

(I got a little mixed up around outfit 18 so they’re a bit out of sync there. Sorry – I’ve got pancakes on the brain!)

The Collar(s)

Posted in Daily Outfits.

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Max C tee, F+F trousers, Primark trench, Topshop socks, Zara shoes, Zara belt, Mango ring

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Topshop blouse via charity shop, leather skirt via eBay, Zara belt, Primark pumps, cocktail ring via car boot sale

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Zara dress, Dorothy Perkins shirt, Primark brogues, Stolen Thunder necklace, Mango ring

The final three! It feels fantastic to post these last three outfits, bringing my count up to a solid 30. I did it! Sure, there were a few stumbles along the way, but I managed to go a whole 30 days wearing only 30 items from my wardrobe. I’ll be doing a round-up of all 30 outfits and asking you to vote for your favourite tomorrow.

Cute collars are definitely my ‘thing’ for spring – they have an uncanny knack of making all outfits look sweet and slightly whimsical. Even leather trousers, I bet.

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My Max C striped tee has a bib-style collar in white lace.

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The Topshop blouse I picked up at the charity shop has a Peter Pan collar…

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… and so does this Zara tea dress.

See? Totally cute. Are you rocking the collar for spring? And aren’t you so glad 30 for 30 is O-V-A-H?!

The Black Blazer

Posted in Daily Outfits.

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Topshop blazer via charity shop, F+F jumper, Topshop jeans, gifted scarf, Topshop ring, Zara belt, Primark brogues

I’m weary. So very weary. I really wasn’t feeling this outfit when I put it on and I’m still not convinced now, but I guess that’s the point of 30 for 30 – you discover the pieces that look great together and the outfits that should probably be retired. Forever.

I’m glad I had this cute scarf and my trusty black blazer to throw over today’s rather questionable combination. A basic black blazer (especially one with a little somethin’ somethin’ at the shoulders) will never let you down, unlike an impulse-purchase hole-y jumper, which is almost guaranteed to disappoint you somewhere down the line.

Three outfits to go… hallelujah!