Sunday Smile #2

Posted in Daily Outfits, Second Hand Shopping.

Dear followers – I’ve been a bad blogger of late. Sporadic posts, no comments, absent from all your lovely blogs… I can only apologise. Sometimes, life gets in the way!

The Bank Holiday weekend gave me time to clear my schedule, so hopefully normal service will resume this week. And I’m starting with a belated Sunday Smile bumper edition – enjoy!

New threads…
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Thrifted jumper, Primark striped long sleeve tee, Topshop jeans, Fat Face socks, thrifted necklace

I picked this delightful cropped jumper up at my favourite charity shop yesterday. It’s vintage Gap, in an oh-so soft wool/silk mix. It’s the perfect shade of tawny grey and is just right for a lazy day spent in my favourite armchair. The patchwork blanket was actually from Primark (and for £15!) and the ever-present guitar is my boyfriend’s.
New hair…
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A new hairstyle makes every outfit seem fresh and new. My cute barn owl fringe and cropped bob were snipped into shape by Lara, my fab hairdresser who was recommended to me by the lovely Victoria of Lily Loves Lola.

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I made these too-cute-to-eat (although we did manage it eventually!) cupcakes for my family and friends. I used the vanilla cupcakes recipe from the Hummingbird Bakery cookbook, with cream cheese frosting tinted pastel yellow. I bought the fluffy chicks from the Pound Shop and used Cadbury’s Mini Eggs to finish. Yum!

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A trip to see my mum ended up with a two hour rooting session in my old childhood bedroom. Along with an antique mirror, a Gustav Klimt print and bags of old clothes, I found my Beatrix Potter books. They’re a little battered and most have the dust covers missing and my name written in shaky writing on the first page, but I have the whole set. I wouldn’t sell them for the world, although they’re worth quite a bit now.

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The lovely people at Clothing at Tesco sent me this fashionable fancy to celebrate the F+F Couture range. An edible dress? Now you’re spoiling me! It’s almost too pretty to eat (I said almost!).


What are you smiling about today? A shiny bag full of new purchases? Something delicious baked by your very own hand? Or a set of nails painted just perfectly? I’d love to know!

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What’s in my wardrobe? Spring 2010 edition

Posted in Fashion.

Although it’s officially British Summer Time here, the weather is just getting warm enough to start wearing the spring trends sitting in my wardrobe. 
When the season changes, I try really hard not to go mad and buy everything in sight. I look for those key pieces that mix with everything else and keep my fashion habit satisfied and my bank balance healthy. Here’s what I’ll be wearing for spring 2010…
Classic cream trench, Primark £22
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I bought this last year and have worn it so many times – it’s perfect for in between weather that requires a lightweight jacket. Wear with a cotton scarf in a pastel shade.

Pretty dresses – grey polka dot, Primark £13 and cream lace, Republic £30
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These dresses are so easy to slip on and go. Wear with a pair of light tights (I love dusky pink, faded grey and lavender at the moment), a leather belt and simple pumps.

Skirts and shorts- floral skirt, Primark £9. High waisted shorts, Topshop £25.
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I love the muted floral print on this tulip skirt, and the denim shorts are super flattering in a very 70s way! Wear with tights, a simple tee and a long necklace.

Mix and match – chambray shirt, H&M £15. Polka dot crop top, Topshop £10
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The crop is a key shape for this season, and a chambray shirt is great for achieving that double denim look. I’ll wear these together with my favourite jeans and chunky wedges.

Easy details – straw bag, charity shop £2.99. Leather plaited belt, H&M £5
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This plaited belt is a real favourite of mine – the light tan leather makes it perfect over pastel dresses to give shape. The straw bag is big enough for all my essentials and much lighter than my usual leather tote.

In the bag – floral oilcloth shopper, charity shop 99p. Grey suede mini bag, charity shop £2
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The Cath Kidston style print on this shopper is so adorable, and it’s just the right size for a trip to the farmers’ market. The grey suede bag is my go-to for a night out.

Top to toe – leather pumps, Primark £11. Printed silk scarf, vintage fair £1
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I just adore the blush pink of these leather pumps – they make even huge feet like my own look pretty and dainty. The floral silk scarf is the accessory that earns its keep, as a headscarf, necktie, bag accessory and belt!

Stacked – leather wedge heels, New Look £15
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These leather wedges are so wonderfully comfortable and go with absolutely anything. I like to wear them with cute little socks and swishy skirts. 

And the finishing touches – flower necklace, Eclectic Eccentricity £15.75
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Pearl necklace, vintage fair £2
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Rings, Primark £2. Daisy clip, Primark £1.50 (for two)
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Cream earrings, Primark £2. Green flower earrings, Accessorize £4
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I adore vintage-style jewels in cool, creamy colours. A string of pearls is so easy to throw over a simple dress, and this beautiful pink flower necklace is an easy way to pick up colour in an outfit. 

So there you have it – my spring wardrobe, all ready and waiting for the rain to subside and the sun to shine through! What will you be wearing this spring? Do you love nudes, florals and lace like me, or does a different trend take your fancy? I’d love to know!

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On the dot

Posted in Daily Outfits.

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Primark top, Primark long sleeve tee, H&M skirt, Topshop tights, thrifted heels, Eclectic Eccentricity necklace, H&M belt

There’s something so liberating about dressing in true 50s fashion. It’s ultra girly and unashamedly glamorous. It makes no excuses – yep, I’m accentuating my waist, boobs and legs – what of it? And it makes boys stare. 😉

Today I’m channelling my favourite EVER TV character – the delectably delicious Joan Holloway from Mad Men. Of course, I’ve given her a 2010 update with nude shades, polka dots and a little bit of denim, but the basic silhouette is true to form.

Do you take inspiration from fiction? Is there a character, on screen or paper, whose style you just adore? I’d love to know!

PS – today’s nails are courtesy of Bourjois So Laque Ultra Shine in Beige Glamour.

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Something old, something new…

Posted in Daily Outfits.

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Thrifted pussybow blouse, thrifted waistcoat, Primark long sleeve tee, H&M jeans, Polished Sense shoes, car boot sale bag, Eclectic Eccentricity bracelet


Thank you for all your lovely feedback on my spring style shoot with Eclectic Eccentricity. If you haven’t already, go have a nosy and enter the competition.

Today’s outfit is a fabulous representation of how my shopping habits have changed since I started this blog. I’m so inspired by the wonderfully thrifty finds I come across on other blogs – so much so, that charity shopping and car booting have become hobbies. I love the thrill of finding something fabulous, the satisfaction of paying such small prices and the delight of donating to a worthy cause. I’m sure my fellow thrifters would agree – it’s addictive!

This weekend I visited my usual haunts and came away with a bagful of prizes – some I’ll keep, some are on eBay because they didn’t quite fit or go with anything in my wardrobe (impulse buying is just as prevalent when second hand shopping, it would seem!). However, there’s no way I was letting go of this beautifully plummy pussybow blouse, the tweedy waistcoat or that utterly perfect patent leather bag. They’ve taken their rightful places amongst the rails and are here to stay. 

Have you changed your style or how you shop since starting your blog? Are you inspired by others or will you always stay true to your fashion roots? I’d love to know!

PS – Lots of you email me asking about my various nail colours and where they’re from. I’m going to start including them in my outfit line up, but for now… today’s is Barry M in Yellow. 

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Spring’s style stories with Eclectic Eccentricity

Posted in Fashion.

**GIVEAWAY CLOSED**

Yesterday, I received the most delicious package from the lovely ladies at Eclectic Eccentricity. Look at those adorable pink boxes…

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I think you’ll understand, dear followers, when I tell you I could barely contain my excitement. Eclectic Eccentricity create beautiful vintage and contemporary pieces – jewellery with a story to tell. And with that in mind, I created my own spring style stories, working the wonderful trinkets Eclectic Eccentricity sent me into four key looks for this season.

Romantic Florals

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You’ll Make Me Blush Rose Necklace, £15.75

Double Denim
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Set My Anchor At Bay Brooch, £12

Polka Dot Blush
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Turn A New Leaf Bracelet, £15.50

Candy Colours
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Winging My Way Back To You – Special Edition, £18.50

I’m so utterly impressed by the craftsmanship of each and every one of these delightful pieces. They’re beautifully handmade, with such delicate details and glorious colours. Eclectic Eccentricity’s S/S 2010 Collection captures the key trends, from pretty pastels to flouncy florals and nifty nauticals. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone at Eclectic Eccentricity for being so utterly generous and totally sweet. 

Want some EE jewellery for yourself? Well, you’re in luck! Little Bird readers have the chance to win these two oh-so pretty pieces for their very own…

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Bye Bye Mumbai Earrings and Set My Anchor At Bay Brooch

All you have to do to enter is visit the Eclectic Eccentricity website and tell me which piece is your favourite in a comment below. Don’t forget to leave your email address too! The competition is open to everyone, everywhere, and will run for one whole week.

And if you can’t possibly wait another second to get your grubby mitts on such pretty things, Little Bird readers get 10% off at Eclectic Eccentricity with the code LITTLEBIRD. Lovely stuff!

So tell me – which look is your favourite? And how would you wear the two pieces up for grabs? I’d love to know!

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