Wearing: Primark blouse, Topshop jeans, Mango blazer via car boot sale, Zara leather sandals, Matalan bag, Mango ring
On: Friday 7th January
For: More snow. Yes, I wore open toes in the snow. So sue me.

Zara’s January sale was the only one I was really bothered about. I adore Zara clothing – the designs are a perfect mix of Urban Outfitters cool and Gap casual. My wardrobe is steadily becoming a shrine to their sweet tea dresses and chunky knit cardigans.

When I nipped in I had the Mr in tow, so was very single minded. I picked up a black leather belt, the spotty dress seen here (the cardigan is also Zara, but sadly belongs to my sister) and made my way to the till, looking dead ahead and ignoring the rails either side of me. The queue was long and winding so as I waited patiently I allowed my eyes to roam, just a little, to the table of shoes next to me. And there they were, sitting in all their leather glory, my size, and only £14.99. A sign, I think you’ll agree? I snatched them up straightaway.

Mornings have been grim up north since work started again. Exceptionally dark, wet and dreary, they don’t allow for outdoor photography so I’ve resorted to my living room and some fairy lights. Hurry up spring!

Our sixth challenge was a little different to the ones that have been previously. Clothing at Tesco asked us to pick from their couture range… for each other!

Each Take Ten girl was assigned a buddy, who then picked an item from the F+F Couture range for her. The lovely and oh-so stylish MJ chose my piece – this stunning lace top. Take a look at how I wore it…

The F+F Couture range is very different to the normal Clothing at Tesco line – the pieces are classic wardrobe staples with high fashion features. The beautiful blouse I’m wearing here is simply stunning, with delicate lace, a high neck, creamy buttons and those fabulous shoulders. I teamed it with a flicky thrifted skirt, chunky leather belt and French Connection black platform courts. I just adore it. Great choosing, MJ!

Take a look at the other girls – all rocking pieces chosen by their fellow Take Tenners!

Jazmine, me, Adele (who used a beautiful Italian stand-in!), MJ, Sabine, Vicki, Nic, Sherin, Sarah, Ellie
I picked for Vicki and think she looks stunning (as do all the girls) in her couture dress. What a beautiful bunch!

Wearing: American Apparel tee, H&M skirt via charity shop, Topshop pumps, Miss Selfridge rings, Zara belt
On: Tuesday 4th January
For: Going back to black, I mean… work.


The title of this post does not, IN ANY WAY, refer to my wardrobe. That’s one area of my life where I’m happy to hang on to the old… well, until payday anyway.

I’ve always been a creature of habit. I like routine, familiarity and that feeling of authority you get when you know exactly what you’re doing. But… it’s a bit boring, isn’t it? Routine is ordinary. Familiarity can lead to complacency. Every day is so everyday.

So. 2011. A year of change. I want to see new things, achieve new goals, meet new people (and read more books). Uprooting your life has always been a negative thing… but what if you re-plant somewhere new? Sounds good to me.

What are your dreams for 2011? Do you have big changes on the horizon, or are you happy just the way you are?

Wearing: Zara dress, belt and cardigan, Accessorize tights, Primark brogues, Matalan bag, Mango ring
On: Thursday 30th December
For: My birthday!

Thursday was my birthday, also known as the most awkward day to be born, ever. The fug of Christmas is still hanging around and most people are resting in preparation for New Year’s Eve, so celebrating a birthday can be tricky, but my friends and family always make an effort. This year we went to OK Karaoke and sang ’til we were hoarse!

I got some lovely, lovely presents and some fantastic sale bargains – here are a few quick photos of my favourites. Happy New Year!

Joules wellies from my Mum and Stuart. They’re a gorgeous plummy colour that doesn’t quite come across in the photo – I adore them! My brother and sister unwrapped shiny Hunter wellies on Christmas Day and I was so jealous. My Mum obviously spotted my green eyes and bought me my own bow-tied beauties! Now, where’s that snow?

Amazon Kindle from my fiancé Rob. My New Year’s Resolution is to read more, so this is the perfect gift. I’ve already finished my first book and have a long list of Twitter-recommended tomes to plough through – got another for me?

I bought this ring in the Mango sale for £9.95, reduced from £25. I have a slight obsession with huge cocktail rings (I actually bought 5 in the sales!) and love the chunky green stone in this one. I’m so disappointed one of the side set stones has fallen out already, though! Still, it’s bound to become a wardrobe favourite. 

Have you been utterly spoilt this Christmas too?

Christmas is a time for tradition – whether it’s under (or over) cooked sprouts, opening presents in your pyjamas or watching in horror as the dog vomits the brie wheel she stole earlier all over the dining room carpet (yes, that did happen this year. And last year).

Here are a few photos (taken with my new Canon G11, which I ADORE) of Christmas 2010, done my way. Normal blogging shall resume shortly!

Red cabbage awaiting the hob

One of many dogs – Harry, the Miniature Schnauzer 

A Wedgewood ornament on the tree

Veg basket

A little bit of Florida sunshine in our frosty conservatory

My Christmas Day outfit – the dress is Ted Baker via charity shop and the pumps are Topshop

Our starter – cream cheese stuffed salmon parcels with prawn salad and tomato salsa

The obligatory cracker joke, which must be read aloud to the table who must laugh politely and/or shout obscenities

Paper hat on and ready for turkey

Roast turkey, carrots, pigs in blankets, roast potatoes and cranberry sauce

A holly sprig as a centre piece

Christmas Pudding all ablaze 

A snowy Boxing Day walk – I’m wearing an ASOS cape, Topshop gloves and stole, H&M jumper dress and my favourite Very boots.

Cat escaping the Christmas chaos by hiding out under the dining room table 

Aaaaand relax!