From drab to glam in minutes ...

This outfit was from last weekend ... I had been on a driving lesson where I simply dress for comfort.  Leggings, long top, cardi and flat boots.

I was going out straight after and not much time to change but I wasn't too keen on the drab get up I was wearing.  That's when it's time to hit the accessories.  I went with my absolute wardrobe glam staple my H&M fur stole and a new purchase from last week - a floppy hat.

Leggings: Stradivarius; Boots: New Look; Long top and cardi with belt: H&M; Fur Stole: H&M; Bag: Vintage Gucci; 

Hat: Tk Maxx

 The floppy hat was a complete bargain from TK Maxx in their sale.  For a grand total of £5 I walked away with this beautiful dove grey seventies style hat with leather bow detailing.

I wear the bow at the back

Of course, I don't ALWAYS feel the need to glam it up but it this was such an easy way to lift the glum appearance of what I was wearing ... and it always helps on a bad hair day to be able to cover it up stylishly.  I'm looking forward to Spring when I can whip out the headscarves again but in the meantime I'm keeping my noggin nice and cosy.

What do you do to dress up a plain outfit?  Do you have fail safe accessories to brighten up your look?

x

Making a spectacle of myself

This outfit post is actually from the weekend.  My husband and I were going for a dander round the shops (which led to some fabulous bargains being purchased) and going to my sisters house for a delicious dinner.

Remember I said that when I like something I wear it to death?  Well, heres the proof, this is the third OOTD post where I have donned my leather Miss Selfridge skirt.  It's just so comfortable, casual and versatile.

I decided to wear my geek glasses too which I have been wearing quite a lot recently.  So much so I think I will invest in a more expensive pair that look a little more chic than these plastic offerings.  Someone told me I look like an annoying T4 presenter when I wear them ... this did make me chuckle as so often we are afraid to wear what we want in case someone takes the mickey or doesn't understand our sense of style.  I took it on the chin and it's actually made me want to wear them more!

We express ourselves in how we dress, the music we listen to, our interests and hobbies and sometimes when it doesn't blend in with the rest of society, others aren't sure how to take it.  Sometimes you just have to be confident even if it's a little intimidating at first and be proud of the choices you make.  You make those choices because they express how you feel and who you are, so enjoy them.  Obviously if I looked absolutely ridiculous I would want someone to tell me but for now I am happy with my £1 plastic glasses :)

I started taking photos before I had finished all my make up and I kept changing accessories (not sure why).  I hadn't decided to wear my glasses until last minute so decided to take the photos all over again once I was done.  Make up wise I used my Michael Kors Estee Lauder eyeshadow palette which hadn't been shown much love in a while and also a new Dior lipgloss that I got for Christmas.  It's such a lovely springtime peachy colour, I will do another post about it soon.

Denim Shirt: ASOS; Faux Leather skirt: Miss Selfridge; Wedge boots: Dune; Geek Glasses: Primark(!); Navy Trenchcoat: Commes des Garcons for H&M: Bag: Vintage Gucci

In other news, I also got my hair did ... it's been re-ombred so not much change at all so nothing to show really except the ends of my hair are slightly blonder than before.  I am also waiting on a new camera arriving in the post this week, it's another digital compact ... but I still have my sights set on something a little more super duper ;)

x

What about Lunch?

Wooaah I am on a roll here!

This is what I wore on a rather hungover day to go for lunch with some old friends. Bad quality photos but I am hoping to have a new camera soon ... then I can up the ante.

I tweeted about this particular tee-shirt, if you can call it that and had a few of my twitter pals show some interest in what it looked like.

It's faux leather from H&M and a sale bargain at £7! It's a great twist on a casual look. I wore it with a grey H&M vest underneath, dark wash Primark jeans (yes, primark - i really do love their jeans), Warehouse leopard print scarf and Black suedette boots from Matalan - another bargain buy!

I teamed with my gorgeously cosy Gharani Strok fur jacket that I picked up in TK Maxx a couple of months ago. Anyone else remember Gharani Strok? I also wore my wonderful vintage Gucci bag that my husband picked up in LA ... which I blogged about here. I still haven't had the zip fixed yet so will need to do that soon.
Accessories wise I went for my gorgeous Mulberry bracelet that unfortunately scratched to bits after I had a bit of a fall while wearing it :( my gold Swatch watch which always gets a compliment and no one can ever believe it's swatch ... and my pink Mango ring which I really should wear more often.A fabulous lunch was had by all but seriously this time of year really takes it out you. 2011 has seen me bedridden with flu which seems to have morphed into tonsilitis :( - must get better and back on track with a decent healthy diet and a strict exercise regime.

x

My Vintage Wardrobe ...

It's been a while since I delved into the realms of my wardrobe and pulled out some of my most treasured items.

The most treasured items I own are mostly those that are designer - I have worked damn hard to afford them, or vintage finds that stand the test of time and add a bit of retro magic to any outfit.

Today's show and tell is a bit of both but it is also a fairly new addition to my closet.

I didn't even buy it myself, my gem of a Husband stumbled across it while on business in LA (where he was also smart enough to pick up some Mulberry for Target bags).

When I got this bag I was initially a little bit excited despite it being quite a tired looking bad. In a good way, of course, it looks like it has a story to tell and it certainly lights up any outfit being of a classic Gucci monogram design and shape. However, I then started to worry that it might be fake.

After all, my other half doesn't know the signs and markings to look for in a bag. He spotted it, he liked it, he bought it ... assuming it was genuine. So I decided to have it authenticated and through the knowledgeable ladies on twitter, I was directed to the purse blog forum.

I posted pics of the bag along with all its marking and branding and much to my joy, the experts of the forum came back to confirm it was indeed an authentic Gucci bag. I also found out it was more than likely to be from the 70's (love!) with someone advising it could even be from as far back as the 60's. A true vintage.

To be honest, this bag does have such a chic and stylish presence I probably would have been happy enough to wear it even if it was fake but now I can walk confidently with my vintage Gucci on my arm :)

x