Roman Holiday ... what's in my suitcase?

At last I am on holiday ...!

After the busiest few weeks ever in work, it's now time to unwind.  Of course, my holidays had to start with me getting a stinking cold, oh joy!  However, I still have time to try and recover in time for my trip to Rome tomorrow.

The only downside to this Roman holiday is that we point blank refused to pay the budget airline any extra for checking in luggage.  I mean, come on ... £50 to check in 15kg? You are having a laugh.

My scrooge-like wisdom has left me with the problem of squeezing in all I need for 4 days and nights into a neat and compact 10kg bag.

Rome at this time of year is still fairly warm with the nights a little cooler.  The plan was to pack a few pairs of shorts and tops for daytime but again, me and my silly ideas .... after a ruthless wardrobe detox, I have managed to throw out all my 'city appropriate' shorts! TUT!  Aah I could kick myself.  That's what happens when summer decides to not show up in Scotland!

I have tried to create a capsule wardrobe, sticking with a colour scheme of mainly blue and black that can be mixed and matched as I see fit.  Some grainy pics below will give you an idea of what I am going for ...

L-R: Blue H&M blouse; H&M vest; cream Primark blouse; Black Zara shoulder pad top

L-R: Warehouse floral trousers; H&M graphic trousers; Warehouse Maxi skirt; Reiss pleated dress

L-R: Marc by Marc Jacobs flip flops; Reiss wedge boots;Topshop wedge sneakers

Accessories:  Raybans, pashmina, sunhat, mango clutch, necklace, cuffs, glasses

L-R: Mango blazer; Esprit leather jacket

All this and I am still under 10kg ... JUST.  It is do-able after all!  Even my make up bag is severely pared down with some foundation samples, eyeliner, bronzer, blush and red lippie. 

All that is left now is to do a little reading on what is sure to be a wonderful city and make sure to pack my camera.  

Next time you hear from me, I will have eaten my weight in pizza and will be cultured out of my nut with any luck ;) 

Primary Leopard

Autumn is probably one of my favourite seasons.  I find it hard to dress for other seasons but autumn brings me berry shades, trench coats and fabulous footwear.

The leopard print coat has been doing the rounds forever but I have always kept it at a distance but this year I am buying into it.  It's loud, camp and oh so Pat Butcher.  In my mind it's a pretty versatile item, smart, casual, it's there.

So what am I going to style it with?  Well, I just can't see past teaming it with bold and bright colours.  In my case, red and kelly green.

Leopard Print Jacket: ASOS

Smart Leopard - Trousers:H&M; Clutch bag:ASOS; Top:H&M; Studded boots: Topshop

Casual Leopard - Stripe dress/top: French Connection; Cambridge Satchel: ASOS; Wellington boots: Hunter

What would you style it with?

New Things!

It's really hard keeping up with blogging these days despite having lots to blog about so thought I would start off what I hope with be a roll of posts by sharing some new bits and bobs .... kind of like a haul post.  A little bit of old school blogging if you will.

Let's start off with some fabulous buys from H&M and New Look.  I spotted this gorgeous neon coral & tan clutch as soon as I walked through the doors of H&M this week and didn't think twice about picking it up and securing the purchase almost instantly.  It reminds me of all those gorgeous clutches that are snapped in the hands of the most stylish of fashion editors at LFW.  It was a real steal though at just £12.99.  The 2 metal collars are just loooove!  I have seen lots of similar ones on other blogs and had been dying to get my hands on some myself, I think they will look brilliant worn with shirts or to add a collar to t-shirts. I think they were around £6 or £7 each.  Finally the shoes are from New Look and have a gorgeous ikat pattern across the shoe and heel.  With a pretty big platform these should probably come with a healthy warning but I can't wait to wear them :)

 It was my birthday last week and lucky old me (old being the appropriate term these days) was spoiled rotten.  An odd request of mine was a Dymo label maker.  Since moving house and creating new spaces in our home like a utility room, I have been desperate to make sure we stay organised ...  so labelling is the way forward! Seriously, who knew label making could be so much fun ... this dymo is really bringing out the geek in me!

I also received lots of beautiful perfumes with the most popular in terms of compliments being Stella McCartney Lily.  This was a gift from my mother in law ... I didn't even realise Stella had a new scent out as she is usually a firm favourite of mine.  Lily is a lovely scent, stronger than the usually McCartney offerings and it really reminds me of something I used to wear years ago but I can't quite place it.  One thing is for sure everyone else seems to love it, I even got a compliment on it in Morrison's car park! :)

Obviously I couldn't exclude new things for the home since it has been my main focus of attention for so long.  I had been eyeing up this print online for a long time, debating whether to buy or not but when I found it already framed and in the bargain section of TK Maxx, I knew it was a sign ;) I have still to decide where it should live in the house though. 

I have been obsessing over Laura Olivia designs recently and I am dying to make some purchases for my new bedroom which we have now started to decorate.  Laura Olivia is quite pricey though so it might be a while before I can invest in her gorgeous, bright, feminine designs so in the meantime, my husband and I set about creating our own piece of art for the new room.  We picked up these mirrored frames for mucho cheapness at B&M bargains .... we then took a trip to B&Q where we took quite lengthy samples of wallpaper to use in the frames .... and voila, a unique and personal piece of art for the home. 

Safe to say I am now positively skint .... a spending ban may be on the cards! eek!

What have you been spending on lately?
x

The H&M Blazer and a new kind of Ombre

I have always felt a little too chunky to carry off the boyfriend blazer trend but a shopping trip to H&M a few weeks ago had me changing my mind.

I guess it's not a boyfriend blazer in the traditional sense but it is far less structured and fitted than my normal choice of blazer.  It hangs quite lose over the body with relaxed rolled up sleeves and loose roomy pockets.  For £19.99 (*i think*) it was too much of a snip to miss out on.  

Because it's a creamy off-white, I do feel I need to be tanned up to carry it off well but it's such a versatile jacket that can be worn with anything - proof of this is the fact I haven't had it off my back since I bought it.  

Case in point ... 

Super casual, t-shirt (Marc Jacobs), Scarf (Warehouse), jeans (unseen), trainers (unseen)

Smart Casual for a spot of shopping.  Vest (H&M), Necklace (Topshop), Wax look trousers (H&M), Snake Print bag (Mango), Studded pumps (unseen) 

Dressed up with a sequin cape for a quick makeover to take me into the evening.  Cape (Topshop), Vest (H&M), dark blue jeans (Primark), stilettos (unseen)

I also decided to bring back the ombre this week but a much more subtle version courtesy of the wonderful Stacie, whose blog you can read here.  It gives a much more sunkissed appearance than my first foray into Ombre but I will probably take it a few shades lighter on my next visit to see Stacie.  

A more natural red/auburn dye with bleached ombre weaved into the ends 

I am absolutely loving the new hair and have been wearing it in a middle parting more often just for a change.  My hair has also grown so long, at last there is so much I can do with it! :) 

What item of clothing are you obsessing over at the moment? 

x

Leather and Lace

It's nearly the end of my holiday so I didn't want to waste my last few precious days off work lazing around ... as I have done for nearly 2 weeks now!!  It was time to leave the couch and the dvd's behind and meet some friends for lunch and drinks.

Sweater Top with lace detail: Topshop
Faux leather skirt: H&M
Footless tights: Boots
Platform Boots: New Look

An action shot ... !

Everyone and their mother now owns this skirt but that's because it's such a brilliant find.  It has an exposed zipper detail at the back and is so easy to dress up or down.  If you are thinking about buying I would size up in it.  H&M are always hit and miss with their clothing and this is one of those rubbish items you need to go a size bigger in :( 

I actually bought the top because I loved the lace shoulder detail.  I love any detailing on shoulders ... I seem to be drawn to anything like this.  I picked it up in the Topshop sale and was paying for it before I realised it was from their Maternity range! Yikes, that's not an announcement by the way!! It actually makes the sweater really comfy as there is a bit more give in it without it looking baggy and mis-shaped.

As you can see I am still really struggling with posing! Try as hard as I can to lark about in front of the camera, I still look like a bit of a dork and can't really pull off the 'fashionista' look but hey, I'm only here to share my ideas and inspiration.  I now have another issue besides posing and that's how to re-size my photos and present them better.  One step at a time though.  

Gold & silver link chain: Topshop
Silver diamante link chain: Primark
Watch: Vintage seiko
friendship bracelets: Topshop

I also stole my husbands vintage Seiko watch for the day.  I have decided it suits me better ... wonder if he will let me keep it ;)

I go back to work tomorrow and the thought literally fills me with dread.  Back to the grind so they say ... it's going to be a long 3 days until Friday!!

Who else is struggling with being back at work?

x

Mixing Metal

Following on from my last post I said I would post what I was wearing since I had taken some photos.  As always, nothing groundbreaking but was a cosy outfit for a day of doing not a lot.

My biggest problem with posting outfit photos is I just do not know how to pose and can't get over that whole stiff as cardboard look.  I am literally scared to smile, move or breathe when someone is taking my photo.  Of course, ply me with drink or get me among a group of friends and tensions ease but when it's just me and the Mr ... I just look a bit ... speshul!

Denim Shirt - H&M
Navy sweater - COS
Faux Leather/pvc jeans - New Look
Platform Boots - New Look
Chain Necklace - Topshop

Now, I know what you're thinking ... why is she wearing THOSE trousers?? Well, ya know, I just wanted to give them a go.

I have concluded my legs are definitely not skinny enough to pull them off stylishly but they have some 'give' which avoids me looking like an obese dominatrix/heavy metal enthusiast ... just!  They work better with longer tops but I like wearing them juxtaposed with a casual sweater.

I have got into the habit of wearing gold and silver jewellery together.  Something I have always done but I would usually mix them on a night out.  Faux pas!  ... many of you might say but they work together wonderfully and gets over the stress of having to go matchy matchy.  That's why I loved this necklace, it's a ready made excuse to mix your metals.  With a silver linked links adjoining two gold bars that fasten at the back.

What do you think about mixing your metals?  Would you dare?

x

Fone Jacker

There's something I am not quite comfortable with seeing fashion bloggers pose for photos in next to nothing in front of a backdrop of snow covered fields, mountains, park, delete as applicable.

Of course, they always look gorgeous and there are always style tips to be inspired by but realistically, it's not possible to spend a day out in the blistering cold and ice rinked pavements in a pair of hotpants, stilettos, vest top etc etc, you get what i'm saying, right?

I sometimes think it puts too much pressure on others to live up to this 'stylish' ideal which I would normally reserve for magazine editorials.  In my mind, blogs represent reality and what 'normal/real' people with average incomes  (i.e, not celebrity) showcase their own style, ideas and inspiration.  Recently, I've noticed the crossover to 'blog editorial' with unrealistic images of girls prancing around in the snow with bare arms/legs.  Wouldn't it be of more value to readers to present how to stay stylish and stay warm in winter?

Despite my thoughts on this,  I must stress, it still captures my attention and most of the time looks pretty cute even if I do pray the subject doesn't come down with a bout of pneumonia.

With this in mind, I thought I would show you what I wore today, on a lazy cold Sunday, to go out for the day.  Unless I am on a night out, or have the car with me, I tend to be sure I keep cosy and have a wardrobe choc full of coats, jackets and lashings of fur (faux) for all occasions.

Hat: H&M
Parka: Primark
Sweater: Warehouse
Aviators: Berlin

Two things I should mention about this outfit.  The £5 wooly hat from H&M, it's so cosy and has that perfect slouch fit and of course a furry bobble on top.  Next is the Primark Parka ... what a find.  I had been looking for a parka for winter and every one I found was expensive and 'not all that' ... I had almost decided on a fairly expensive one when I stumbled upon this in Primark (after being nudged along by a work colleague).  The quality, colour, shape and sizing was so similar to it's more expensive competition that I decided to save my pennies and opt for the Primark version - it literally was a steal at around £20-30.  Down below I wore skinny jeans and my brown bear paw boots - cosy at it's best. Obviously I stuck the aviators on last minute in attempt to look a little bit cool ... it resulted in me looking like a female Fone Jacker but i kinda like that ;)

Face: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser
Cheeks:  NARS Laguna and Orgasm
Eyes: 17 Wild Metallic Eyes in Wild Nude, MAC Blacktrack liner
Lips:  MAC Vegas Volt mixed with Angel, Clinique fireberry gloss

As for make up I stuck with an easy Sunday routine of tinted moisturiser which does give a much softer look for daytime.  Another product I love for ease of use and a natural effect is the 17 Wild Metallic creme shadow in Wild Nude.  This was recommended to me by Amanda and I have to say they are a lovely consistency and create a nice natural sheen to the eyes.  They also work great as a base but beware they do crease.

17 Wild Metallic Eyes in Wild Nude

So, in essence what I am trying to say is staying warm in winter IS stylish! How do you keep warm and stylish in winter?

x

Happy Halloween!

It's the spooking season again and unfortunately this year there will be no dress up for me :(

A busy schedule has called for a well needed/earned rest this weekend - can't say i'm not extremely jealous of everyone getting to dress up though ... love indulging in a bit of creative alter ego madness!

This is what I wore for the ITCOW event on Wednesday night.  There was a tedious link to Horror B Movies in there with the cat mask (Catpeople, Eye of the Cat) but it was mostly  just because I liked it!

I tried to make my lips look blood drenched by wearing MAC Russian Red with Nars Amazon lip pencil roughly penciled on the middle of my lips.  I went for full graphic eyeliner to add to the horror chic! Lace dress is the one that everyone and their mother is wearing at the moment, from trusty H&M.

Whatever you are dressing up as tonight, have fun and stay safe! Looking forward to seeing lots of blog updates of halloween outfits so hope you have all been creative :)

x

On my way to Geordie Shore

With my holiday still a long way off, I am breaking up a bit of summer with a trip to Newcastle to visit some special girls in my life.

Well, Gateshead to be exact then a trip to Leeds for a big birthday bash!  Today I have made mental notes, sketches and lists of what to wear, what make up will be required and what needs to be done in prep.  This is how I stay organised.

As well as the DIY mani, pedi, hair zshoosh and fake tanning sesh this evening, I need to pack my pre-styled outfits into one measly hand carrier.

Instead of preaching to you on packing light ... (I am still in the process of mastering this but will hopefully have some tips by my next big holiday) I thought I would show you some of the outfits I will be taking for day and evening.

I have been assured by Mr Weatherman that the weather will hold out and we will indeed be in for a sunny weekend so I think it's probably a good time to get the legs out again.

White denim shirt dress: Motel at ASOS
Studded belt: purchased in Philadelphia
Crossover stone bag: Topshop
Multi colour beaded bracelet: Mango.
Trainers: Nike at Urban Outfitters

During the day I expect we will be doing a bit of shopping, lunching and the odd cocktail.  Comfort is always the key when you are up to a bit of shenanigans so I have gone for a simple summer dress that is reminiscent of Wimbledon season.

Fringed Top: ASOS
Denim studded shorts: Miss Selfridge
Fringed sandals: Warehouse
Bag: Topshop
Bangle: Miss Selfridge
Ring: Ydeltuyt
Necklace: H&M

Another daytime outfit tailored for comfort again.  I love wearing this for afternoons in a beer garden and the odd boat rave when they come around.  It is such a comfy combo that it will serve me well for farewell drinks and my train home.  The top was a bargain purchase a few years ago from ASOS and it has to be my most worn item of clothing - it can be worn in many different ways, casual and glam.  I adore fringing reflected on the top and sandals - gah, I am so 80's sometimes!

I love this bag, it was a gift from my friend Stacie. It's so versatile and seems to go with everything.  It has a real festival feel about it and I think the blue stone in the centre is just gorgeous.

Brazilian print dress: Warehouse
Blue platform shoes:  Carvela
Blue clutch bag:  Zara
Bangles and cuff: Mango and Warehouse
Earrings:  Miss Selfridge
Selection of rings from H&M, Primark, Ydeltuyt and Accessories Online

It wouldn't be a big fat Geordie weekend without a party outfit in tow.  This dress is a recent purchase from Warehouse, I love the clashing pattern and colours throughout so I have tried to clash some of the accessories too without becoming too much of a muddle.  There is a slight twist in the front of the dress and so too in the bag which complements it nicely.

So all there is for it now is to get the vino chilled, the falsies at the ready and an endless supply of instant fake tan for these pasty ol' legs of mine!!

OOTD: Direct your feet to the sunny side of the street

After about a fortnight of grey clouds and constant rain, Friday finally gave us some sun :)

It was a scorcher in Glaswegian terms but since I was working then spray tanning on Friday, I only managed to catch mid afternoon/evening but even then it was still lovely & warm and to top it off, it stayed light late into the night.  Just how summer should feel.

I go for easy clothing on summer days and tend to make use of accessories.  Because I also had just had a spray tan I needed to wear something that wouldn't rub the tan or leave any lines behind so I opted for a navy strapless maxi dress from ASOS.  The dress is described as navy but it has a definite purple tinge about it... it's quite bright.

catalogue posing into the distance!

A pair of gladiator sandals for comfort, again from ASOS.  They are a peachy, tan shade but they only thing that let's them down is their velcro fastening instead of a buckle.

excuse the hideous tootsies!

 

I accessorised with a multi layered bead necklace from H&M.  The browns and turquoise really set off the navy in the dress.  I also wore my Mango rayban-esque sunnies which I love.  They add a bit of cool to any outfit.

My hair is being quite awkward at the moment and I am waiting to get it re-done again so I tend to just scrape it up in a top knot these days.  Estee Lauder Orange Crush gloss is becoming a bit of a permanent feature in my make up this week and again wore it on this sunny Friday as it seemed a perfect choice to celebrate the mini heatwave (which only lasted a day by the way!).

Has everyone else been enjoying good weather?

x

Not just for pirates ...

I promised I would get back on track with outfit posts and when I make a promise, I always deliver.

So here is today's outfit ... it was a quick throw together for an early start at work (casual Friday) but it had to be pub/shopping appropriate as I originally planned to head into town when I was done.

I searched high and low in H&M's across the city for these faux leather patch leggings.  It became frustrating that whenever I did find them they were all in tiny or huge sizes ... eventually my search paid off and I found them hidden in a rail of regular leggings.   I can't tell you enough how comfy they are to wear and just look great with so many things.  They work a casual smart look terrifically.

On top I went for an H&M semi sheer blouse which dips down at the back hiding my big booty that will no doubt be struggling with gravity in my leggings.  Jewellery was at a minimum today as I was rushing out the house at 7.30am there wasn't much I could find or even be bothered to look for.

I wore my Mango trench style spring jacket even though it's still pretty chilly.  I love this jacket but the belt has broken and the shoulder buttons have fallen off ... to disguise this I threw on my trusty H&M fur stole over it which transforms it into something a little Burberry-esque.  Wow, nearly a full outfit from H&M!

I don't normally lie on the wooden floor, just for you guys ;)

Shoes were my trusty Dune wedge shoe boots.  Honestly, these shoes have hardly been off my feet since I got them, they are so comfortable and give me an added bit of height that I need.  And to think I considered returning them!

You might also notice my new hair colour.  As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, I got rid of my ombre hair and have gone for an all over shade of chestnut which over my natural auburn locks turns out quite a nice reddy shade.  I kept the length in my hair even though my ends make go lighter quicker but this will hopefully just give a sunkissed look.  Now my hair is bridesmaid ready! :)

x

My jewellery stash

I was a bit dubious when I was requested to post about my jewellery collection.  Most of what I own is costume jewellery with only a few stand out pieces that I wear on a day to day basis.  I tend not to buy a lot of great quality items as I tire so easily of it.

I will keep this post as short as I can but will take you through the layers of my collection.  You will notice that my bling is stored in no particular order, I have no dressing table so I literally throw everything into shoe boxes (as carefully as possible, 'course!)

I have heavily reduced the amount of jewellery I own in recent times as so much of it was hoarded and never worn.   The bulk of my stash is made up of rings.  All mostly the type that turn your fingers green!

Lots of floral rings, gems and pearls

Some more bling, precious stones and even plastic

Floral rings seem to be popular in my collection although I very rarely wear them.  I usually go for large statement rings or anything that looks slightly unusual.   Many of these were purchased in markets, on holiday, a couple have been inherited and there are a few expensive and some designer ones in there too, that I treasure.  Some are tacky and others more ethnic or rustic looking ... it's a real mish mash of styles but there is always something I can find to suit any outfit.

earrings, bangles, necklace 

I de-cluttered most of my bangles and earrings a couple of months ago.  I used to always wear big statement earrings but I find the older I get, they suit me less so I save them for big nights out and sometimes then they don't see the light of day.  I have kept the bare bones of my earring stash and in honesty they haven't been touched since I last re-organised them, not even my studs.

I hardly wear bangles these day but some of them are too cute to get rid of so I save them in the hope I fall back in with the bangle trend.  I figure bangles are more of a summer accessory so maybe they will be of more use then.  I mostly stick to chain bracelets, beads or friendship bracelets these days.

Necklaces - I have quite a dire selection and seem to stick to the same ethnic style H&M pendant with every outfit I wear.  I keep a hold of what I do have, beads, chains with pendants, medallions ... I just never seem to find long length necklaces that I like or look good to really add to the collection.  Any recommendations girls?

The best of my collection is saved for my wedding jewellery and some vintage or more expensive pieces.  I have pearls, swarovski crystal earrings and a stunning mantilla comb from my wedding day.  My vintage Chanel earrings that were a gift from a friend and some vintage necklaces have sentimental meaning to me and I hope to not part with them.

I also make a point of owning LOTS of pearls in the form of necklaces, earrings and bracelets, cheap or expensive.  I use them for decorating around the house (even used them to decorate my wedding venue), for fancy dress or simply to dress up a plain outfit.

My absolute love however are my wedding rings which are the single most precious items I own.  They are absolutely to my own taste with an art deco vintage feel.

So there's a nosey in my jewellery stash, not much to rave about really but lots of blingy, colourful things to see nonetheless.

x

The extravagance of fur and red lipstick

My Saturday was spent recovering and reminiscing from the night before when my husband and I went to see one of favourite ever DJ's Laurent Garnier.  Fortunately for us we were still feeling relatively fresh the next day and made it out to lunch with friends.  We went to a Brazilian restaurant in town called Tropeiro for a real meat feast and left stuffed and practically rolling home. 

For some reason I keep insisting on dressing for spring.  When I look outside, it looks fairly mild and I see no frost, snow or rain ... so surely it can't be that cold?  WRONG! It's blimmin' freezing out there and I never know until it's too late and there's no going back to change into something warmer.  Thankfully we had the car today but I really need to keep in mind that winter is still well and truly with us.

Trousers:H&M; Striped top: H&M; Leather jacket: Zara; Faux fur stole: H&M; Wedge shoe boots: Dune; Belt: Massimo Dutti

In my last post I wore my fur stole and hat to glam up an otherwise drab outfit.  This time the outfit was fine but I wanted to change up the look of my leather jacket as it has studded shoulder detail.  I decided to wear my stole over it to hide the studs and went for a bright red lip just to make things a bit more interesting.

I played up on my rings today with my Vivienne Westwood skull ring, Ydeltuyt armour ring and my Thailand silver filigree style ring.

 The red lippie of choice was Estee Lauder's Extravagant Ruby.  A true red lipstick that emulates the glamour of a 50's pin up girl.  I have a drawer full of red lipstick, all slightly different from the other and all equally as loved as the next.

 

This is definitely my favourite for retro appeal ... it came out with Lauder's Christmas Collection and has a gorgeous gold glitter coating around the lipstick but doesn't transfer to the lip (kinda wish it did!).

In other news I bought a fantastic new lipstick this week that I just HAVE to share with you all so there will be a blogpost coming soon! 

x