Thrift Find of the Month – October

Posted in Daily Outfits, Second Hand Shopping.

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Vintage faux fur coat via charity shop, Topshop high waisted jeans, H&M striped tee, Primark brogues and brooch, Me & Zena necklace 

When I enter my favourite charity shop I scan the room like a magpie, searching for pretty things. With so many rails to rifle through, I often rely on touch to tell me if an item is worth a look. If something is particularly strokeable, I’ll haul it out for closer inspection.

When my fingers brushed over this chestnut pelt, I held on tight and refused to let go until it was mine. Faux furs are something I always look out for on my thrifty adventures and this fabulous find didn’t disappoint. At £7.99 it was a little more than I usually pay when I’m second hand shopping, but how could I leave it behind?

However, dear followers, I have a problem. A habit, if you will. You see, I have rather too many coats and jackets. From leather to wool to military to classic, I have outerwear for every occasion. My coat rack is groaning under the strain. Do I really need another?

After spending a chilly, frosty morning swathed in my new prize, I can say with much conviction – yes, yes I do. This one’s not going anywhere.

Have you scored any secondhand swag this month?

PS – Have you entered my Rare giveaway yet?

The Tribe

Posted in Blogging, Daily Outfits.

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Zara dress, Primark cardigan, tights and ring, very.co.uk boots, Wallpaper Rose Heli necklace

I bought this fierce frock from Zara at the weekend – I adore Zara basics. I can’t wait to dress this beastie up with heels and a dramatic coat for a classic evening look. The adorable harmonica necklace comes courtesy of Wallpaper Rose. And yes, it plays a tune!

Tonight I’m trotting off to Leeds Fashion Show with fabulous Lucy from Miss Lucy Loves. I had a plus one for the show and really wanted to invite a fellow blogger along, rather than one of my ‘real life’ friends.

Developing this blog has made me realise I have very few friends I can share my fashion fanatics with. Many of my buddies are straight males with little to no interest in fashion further than jeans and shirts. My female friends like clothes and shoes and bags, but that all-consuming passion is only present in me. I’m the enabler, the one who drags them shopping and pushes that highly frivolous but oh-so fabulous jumpsuit into their arms.

So, my real life friends may not be dedicated followers of fashion, but I know my blog massive are right there with me. So tell me folks – do you and your RL friends share a sartorial sisterhood or do you turn to fellow bloggers for your fix?

Amongst the Leaves

Posted in Daily Outfits.

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very.co.uk dress, MNG blazer via car boot sale, Topshop faux fur stole, Primark tights, belt, ring and brogues

I won’t blather on about how much I love this season, but seriously. Look at those colours! Stunning.

Collecting conkers is an age-old autumnal tradition that I refuse to give up, even at 24. There’s something quintessentially British about gathering up those chestnut spheres, sometimes popping them from their spiky shells. Although I’m sure people the world over are nodding in agreement!

At this time of year, I’m happy to embrace the twee. Tea from china cups, craft fairs, homemade jam, nature programmes and reading The Sunday Times by a crackling fire – all things I’m willing to forgo my fashion cool to enjoy.

How are you celebrating the season?

(Okay, so maybe I did blather on a bit.)

Sunday Smile #24 – Rare Fashion giveaway

Posted in Daily Outfits.

Sunday Smile has been on hiatus for a few weeks, but I’m feeling particularly chirpy today so thought it high time to get you grinning again.

A few weeks ago the lovely ladies from Rare got in touch and offered me an item from their new collection. I’ve had the occasional rifle through their rails in Topshop, but have never bought anything from Rare so I was keen to try a piece for myself.

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One Shouldered Embellished Dress

I love, love, love the colour of this dress – it reminds me of the clear Mediterranean in the height of summer. There’s something very 40s about the loose, floaty shape with the delicate knotted embellishment, so I styled the dress accordingly…

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One Shouldered Embellished Dress, vintage leopard print faux fur cropped jacket via car boot sale, Accessorize peacock feather hair clip, vintage leopard print peep toes via eBay, Links of London Sweetie bracelet

I felt super glamorous in this get up… possibly a little too glamorous, considering my jeans-and-flats tendencies! The colour worked perfectly with leopard print accessories, and a red lip finished it off with a 40s flourish. For a more seasonally-appropriate version, I think I’d slip on some thick black opaques and carry a feathered clutch.

As is often the case, the dress is just a little too short for me. But my loss is your gain, because I’m giving this pretty piece away!

To win the One Shouldered Embellished Dress from Rare in a size 12, just tell me how you’d style it in the comments below. Make sure you leave your email address too! The giveaway is open to anyone, anywhere and will last one week. The winner will be announced on Sunday 24th October.

Please note – the dress is a 12 but is quite loose fitting, so would fit sizes 12-16 easily. If you’d like exact measurements please let me know. Good luck!

Leeds Fashion Show 2010 – Dress Me Beautiful

Posted in Fashion.

London is one of the fashion capitals of the world, but that doesn’t mean us northern folk can’t throw on a breton stripe tee and rock it with the fashion elite.

On Tuesday, Leeds Fashion Show 2010 comes to the City Museum. The Dress Me Beautiful event will showcase established and emerging designers like Kelly Ann Couture and Samantha Davy, along with Leeds-based boutiques, Accent and Chimp. There’ll be an auction and performances by vocal artist Evel Gottshalk and violinist Caroviolina. London? Who needs London?!

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Gorgeous looks from a few of this year’s designers

I’ll be slipping on my heels and trotting over to the City Museum for 8pm on Tuesday (and I’ll be fashionably on time, too). Tickets are sold out on the website but it’s still worth giving it a go on the door.

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Leeds City Museum

I hope to see some familiar, fashionable faces at the show – let me know if you’ll be there!