Saturday Night Fun

This weekend has been fairly chilled for me, although I did head out for a bit of food and few drinks last night. Which I soon regretted when my alarm went off at 8.30am for work this morning. Nevertheless, it's always worth risking a slight hangover I say. I've managed to struggle through the day so far without causing harm to anyone/myself/inanimate objects (always an achievement when you're as clumsy and uncoordinated as myself).

I'll take any opportunity to dress up and wear heels. Mainly due to the fact that I stand at a pint-sized 5ft nothing, I can't see over the bar if I don't wear heels! Never a good luck. Unfortunately, I still haven't fathomed how to walk in heels without looking like I'm in pain, so I tend to stick to wedges or wear flats and risk looking like a child.

Last night however, I bravely opted to wear my trusty black strappy Primark heels that I've magically mastered the art of walking in (absolute miracle) and attempted to team an understated outfit around them. As the rain was rather torrential I didn't fancy getting the ole legs out so I gave this pair of River Island leather leggings a whirl. They're a slight step up from the 'safe' option of jeans and definitely a little out of my comfort zone, I have a real complex about the shortness and stumpyness of legs and worry that textured materials make them look bigger than they are. But I think I've finally found the leather leggings for me and at £25, you can't go wrong!

To finish off the look I wore this monochrome check shirt from Primark, I spotted it in Look a few weeks ago and HAD to have it (what Bron wants, Bron gets) and added a H&M blazer for a pop of colour. What do you think?

Blazer - H&M (in store)

Shirt - Primark (in store)

Leggings - River Island

Shoes - Primark

Necklace - New Look

Leather Loving

Hello! I know, I know.. it has been a good 3 months since I gave this blog any sort of love and attention. I assure you I haven't been sat on my bum though, I've been very busy interning and trying to get my first steps on the career ladder following the end of uni (boo, definitely still mourning that loss). I've been meaning to get back to blogging for ages now and after being on a few too many shopping trips lately, I definitely have motivation and inspiration for A LOT of new blog posts!

I've got a few weeks off at the moment before starting a new job and I'm taking the opportunity to get out and about as much as I can. Today, I've been shopping (no surprises there) in Cardiff and met up with my sister for lunch at ASK (best risotto ever) before heading back home for a chilled evening in front of the telly, bliss!

Although winter is undeniably on the way, the typical British weather couldn't seem to make it's mind up today. One minute it was sunny, the next I peek out the window and it's bloody raining - always a tricky one when trying to plan an appropriate outfit. In the end, I went for this roll neck heart print top I bagged in the Topshop sale a few days ago. I've been admiring it for a while and was so so glad I waited to part with my hard earned cash, because at less the half the original price I couldn't have asked for more! Teamed with my trusty leather skirt, opaque tights and pointed loafers I was ready for all conditions.

Top - Topshop (sale)

Skirt - Primark (last year)

Shoes - River Island

Necklace - New Look

Promise I'll be posting again very soon guys! xox

Polka Dotty

Dress - Urban Outfitters £20 (sale)

Boots - eBay £19.99

Necklace - Primark £2

Belt - Primark (old)

Bag - New Look

So I've been spending a few days in Southampton with my sister, showing her the delights of uni life before the dream is all over for me (just over a week left, boo!). After having a bit of a lazy day yesterday, we finally managed to pull ourselves together and wander into town for an ice cream break - I'm never one to turn down a sweet treat! Although it took us about an hour to decide what flavours we wanted it was certainly worth it, so so yummy!

After hitting the shops and the mid-season sales hard the day before I thought it was only necessary to break out some of my new buys. This polka dot shift dress was one of the many items I purchased in the Urban Outfitters sale for a bargain £20. I'm not usually one for dresses but I love the casual feel to this one and the light weight material is great for summer. I also love the paisley print around the bottom of the dress, giving it a bit more of an edge and mixing up those prints nicely. Because the weather seemed really unsure of itself yesterday I teamed it with opaque tights and ankle boots as I didn't want to get caught out if it rained. I definitely think it would look great with bare legs and gladiators on a warmer day though! What do you think?

Cobalt Blue and Floral

Top - Topshop (old)

Trousers - Miss Selfridge £12 (sale)

Jacket - eBay 99p

Necklace - Primark £2

Shoes - Primarl £6

So this outfit is actually what I wore yesterday, but unfortunately I didn't get a chance to post it up. Yesterday was a very busy day, starting off with a trip to the gym at 7am (yes, I am a changed person), followed by a train journey to Cardiff for the Management Recruitment Event at River Island and obviously I took advantage of a spot of shopping afterwards. Wanting to make an impression and also be nice and cool in the very warm weather yesterday, I opted for these cobalt blue floral printed trousers picked up in the Miss Selfridge sale about a month ago. And, because I love cobalt blue so much, I just had to team it with this cobalt blue cropped shirt, picked up in Topshop last year and absolutely worn to death - but still, I refuse to part from it.

I love this combo and, teamed with the denim jacket, it made a great summer shopping outfit because there really is nothing I hate more than being a big sweaty mess, laden with carrier bags and huffing and puffing down the street. I feel I avoided this nicely. What do you think?

Rimmel Salon Pro

Rimmel Salon Pro in Ultra Violet

I have every nail varnish colour under the sun, I think it's a girl thing. But it never stops us buying more, does it? I literally find them everywhere; in the bottom of my handbag, in my underwear drawer, down the back of the sofa. You name it, there's most probably a stray nail varnish lurking there. However, there is nothing I love more than a high shine finish to my nails and when I spotted the new Rimmel Salon Pro polishes, I just had to get myself one (or five) to try out.

I'm not sure if these photo's quite do it justice, but the gel finish to polish is amazing. So shiny, and no need for a top coat. I've tried out other similar formula's before, like the Barry M Gelly colours, but I find them very gloopy and stodgy looking on the nails. I have to say I was very impressed to find the Rimmel version was nothing like that at all. Now just to invest in the rest of the collection...

Anyone else tried it out? Let me know what you thought!

Pink Lippy

Today post is a little bit different from the norm, in that I'm actually trying out a beauty post. Now I'm no expert in beauty and I rarely experiment with my make-up routine however I do have a make-up bag overflowing with colourful lipsticks that I rarely (if ever) wear. You see I know what looks good and I've become stuck in my nude lipstick wearing ways.

Spotting a 'buy one get one half price' offer on in Boots this weekend, I decided it was time to stock up on colour for the summer and get myself out of my make-up rut. I won't actually tell you what I spent as I can't quite believe it myself, but nevertheless here's a peek at the first shade I've tried out - Boots 17 range in Pink Posey:

When I picked this lipstick up I was slightly shocked at its electrifying pink shade, but actually its not too bright at all, which is just perfect for dipping your toes in the water. I quite like it teamed with a flick of liquid eye liner and my rather pale complexion (boo you British summer).

What do you think? Any other suggestions for shades to try out?

Geometric Print Shirt

Geometric Print Shirt - Daisy Street

Jeans - Topshop Petite

Shoes - Daisy Street

Today is such a dreary day and although it may be Fathers Day I don't have any family plans as my parents are lucky enough to be sunning themselves in Greece at the moment (and I'm not jealous at all). To cheer myself up as much as possible I've chucked on my new geometric print shirt from Daisy Street - because who can be miserable when they're wearing a funky shirt?!

I have a rather large collection of shirts, some would say too many but I don't listen to them. I literally wear them with anything and they look great all year round, so why not stock up? After all, you can never have too much of a good thing. This shirt was an absolute bargain at £19.99 and is perfect for chucking on with a pair of jeans on a day like today. I love it so much right now that I'm even contemplating buying it in white. 

I would definitely recommend taking a look at Daisy Street for some affordable on-trend pieces. I also picked up a denim pinafore dress for £24.99 last week, but I'm saving that post for another day so keep your eyes peeled! 

Hope you're all spoiling your dad's today, mine certainly deserves it! x

Printed Trousers

Shirt - Topshop (old)

Collar Pin - Kukee

Trousers - New Look

Shoes - New Look (sale)

Printed trousers are a big thing this summer, anyone who hasn't been living under a rock knows that. My current collection of printed trousers seems to be growing by the day at the moment, they are a great alternative to jeans or leggings and they're just so versatile. Needless to say, I just could not resist picking up these beauties in New Look this afternoon. At £16.99 they are an absolute bargain and a must for my new working wardrobe (I've just bagged myself an internship and I'm using it as an excuse to expand my wardrobe). Today I've teamed them with a black sheer shirt, my wardrobe staple, and colour pop midi heels, but for a more casual look I will be wearing them with gladiator sandals and a floaty tee.

Denim and Stripes

It seems I haven't blogged in a long long time, definitely too long! Apologies guys, there really no is excuse. Unfortunately uni work was taking up far too much of my time and, although this was my initial reason for taking a break from blogging, I handed in almost a month ago now. My time of late is taken up by a (near enough) full time job and little else - boring I know, but I need to start saving the pennies now uni is over (sob).

Seeing as the weather has been so glorious these past few days, I thought I would finally grab the perfect opportunity to show off some of the new things I've been filling my summer wardrobe with. Everyone's going dungaree mad at the moment, but rather than go the whole hog and embrace my five-year-old self I thought I'd try out a more subtle take on the trend with a denim playsuit:

Playsuit - Topshop

Crop top - Topshop

Shoes - Primark

Necklace - Miss Selfridge

Sunglasses - My Sister (via River Island)

I spotted this playsuit in Topshop a  couple of weeks ago and instantly knew I wasn't leaving the shop until it was mine. It's just perfect for the summer months; it can be dressed up with a sheer shirt worn underneath, paired down with a crop top like I've done today or even just worn on its own. What's not to like?! The crop top (worn underneath) was a little bargain I picked up today and couldn't resist putting on straight away, I love a bit of nautical in my life so the blue and white stripes were an instant hit with me and they work well against the acid wash denim.

Hope you're all enjoying the weather and I promise I am back for good! Bron x

Nailspiration

I'm just going to start by saying I am soo sorry my blogging has been a little non-existent lately. I have to admit that it's been a mixture of uni work piling up (3 weeks left until the real world people!), not having a camera and breaking my one and only memory card earlier in the week. So today I have purchased a new memory card and managed to get hold of a camera, blogging will definitely be resuming as of now - I have so many new purchases that I'm so excited to share with whoever happens to be reading!

Today I've decided to do a slightly different post to the norm, focusing on my nails. I seem to have misplaced my entire nail varnish collection in the last few months, they are literally disappearing on a daily basis. It's probably something to do with my inability to put things back where I found them. Anyway, due to this little mishap I have started to look for a host of new colours to mix and match with my spring wardrobe and I couldn't resist the 3 for 2 offer on Barry M nail varnish's in Superdrug last weekend. This is what I managed to pick up (along with a basket full of other goodies):

This is the first shade I've decided to try out. It's called 'Berry' and I personally think it is just the best shade for this time of year, pastels and ice cream colours are definitely wardrobe staples of mine come the spring/summer months - every year without fail, in fact. I was so happy to find this shade in the offer as I had just ran out of my trusty Boots 17 one.

The other two colours I've picked up are next to be used on my talons. What girl doesn't love a good red nail varnish, and this slightly darker take on the classic shade is a great way to toughen up a red nail. And of course, I couldn't resist the glitter - perfect for putting on top of a beige varnish (Barry M 'lychee' is what I use as a base).

What colours will you be rocking this spring/summer?

Stripes on a Sunny Day

As you may be able to tell from looking out of your window this afternoon, these pictures were definitely not taken today! In fact, I took complete advantage of the glorious sunshine-y weather that graced most of us on the weekend to take a few different outfit shots, unfortunately I just haven't had the time to post them until now.

Shirt - Primark

Skirt - Primark

Belt - H&M

Shoes - Primark

Necklace - New Look

This complete outfit is compiled of bits and pieces I've been picking up in Primark recently and I've been waiting to blog about it for ages, but seeing as the weather hasn't wanted to cooperate I just haven't had the chance. I think this the perfect outfit for early spring time, combining light-weight, sheer materials with long sleeves and an added pair of tights to keep you a little bit warmer in the oh-so deceiving British weather.

I've wanted a white shirt for a while now, a sheer one to be exact. They're just so versatile and definitely an item that every girl should have hanging in her wardrobe due to their ability to dress up a drab outfit or create a blank canvas for a whole host of statement jewelry. In addition to this, I'm also loving the vertical stripes on the skirt (they're supposed to be slimming, right?!) and teamed with my brand new crisp white shirt and a few simple accessories I think it creates a great understated look, not to mention the bargain price tags.

What do you all think?!

The Shoreditch Fashion Show 2013

This is one event you will not want to miss out on this month. Taking place in the heart of the beautiful city that is London, Shoreditch Fashion Show 2013 is sure to be a cracker of a day and, quite frankly, the only place to be on 27th April. This event, however, is more than just your ordinary fashion show. With an eclectic mix of music, art and of course fashion, you will be safe in the knowledge that there is something to get everyone's creative juices flowing and what more can you ask for of an enjoyable day out?!

Expect the venue to be decked out with everything from fashion photography, illustrations, projections and designs, allowing new talent to flourish and creating a frenzy of captivating expression and innovative ideas. Attendee's will be spoilt for choice and perhaps a little bit star struck when they catch a glimpse of the judging panel, made up of none other than Made in Chelsea's Oliver Proudlock, Eliza Doolittle and Mischa Barton. They really is no reason not to attend!

The event is taking place at the Hoxton Docks, so for all you budding journalists, photographers, designers, illustrators and beyond, be sure to head over to http://billetto.co.uk/offbeatlive now to grab your ticket!

For more information, head to the wesbite: www.madeinshoreditch.co.uk

Check-ing it out

For those of you who don't know, I love a check shirt. I've lost count of how many I actually own, yet I still can't stop myself buying more and more. Last week was no exception, after popping into town for a bit of retail therapy with my mum I ended up raiding the sale rails, which appeared to be gracing every single shop I went in to.

I picked this check shirt up in Miss Selfridge for a mere £10, a fraction of its original price tag of £28. The cool colours are perfect for the dull weather at the moment and, when it does finally get warmer, I can wear it buttoned up with cut-off shorts or even as a cover-up for the beach - for those who are lucky enough to be going on holiday this summer. Today I've styled it with ankle grazer jeans from Topshop, which are the perfect fit for my stumpy pins - part of the reason I never shop anywhere else for jeans. I've also worn my long sleeved turtle neck underneath for extra warmth and my gorgeous navy boucle style jacket from Primark, another babe of a bargain at £7, reduced from £25 (can you believe it?!).

 I am also struggling through life in these shoes today. Yes, they're flats but I accidently picked up a size too small and consequently have to covered my battered tootsies in plasters to wear these lovelies. Just too pretty not to wear though. No pain no gain, right?!

Shirt - Miss Selfridge

Tutle Neck - Boohoo

Jacket - Primark

Jeans - Topshop

Shoes - River Island

Necklace - H&M

Monooooo-Chrome

Yes, we're all loving monochrome at the moment. What's not to love about a bit of classic black and white, eh? Look's great on every shape, body size and skin tone and oh so versatile. I'm not just speaking for myself when I say these are some of the most lusted after combinations of late. My monochrome pickings seem to have expanded a great deal in previous weeks in my great anticipation for spring to finally arrive.

The sun has been shining this week, but it's still FREEZING people so please don't get out those tights-free legs just yet - purple skin is not a desired look. The bright weather has, however, inspired me to start breaking out some of my spring/summer pieces - the majority of them picked up in Primark on my recent visits. Everyone seems to be taking notice of this bargain retailer at the moment and it seems that they have finally earned themselves some serious fashion credentials with their S/S '13 items.

I am absolutely these trousers I picked up last weekend. I'm not usually someone who would go for anything other than skinny jeans or leggings when it comes to this sort of item, but at just £12 I thought I'd give these trews a whirl. I loooove the pattern on them, along with the high waist and the light-weight material clings to my legs in all the right places. They give a sort of sporty feel, which again is not something I've ever tried out seeing as I'm somewhat allergic to exercise, but there's a first for everything! The sleeveless turtle neck top is also Primark, again a super light-weight material which will be great when the weather gets a bit warmer. I've also been looking for a turtle neck top that isn't cropped for a while, so this was a great find at just £8!

Top - Primark

Trousers - Primark 

Shoes - Primark

Necklace - Kukee

Jacket - Topshop

Acid Florals

So far, this week has been an incredibly lazy one. I've come down to Plymouth for a few days to visit my boyfriend and seeing as we can't really get out and about much due to the ridiculously cold weather we have resulted to spending a lot of time sleeping, eating and being general slobs - which is actually a welcome break from all the uni work I've had to be doing lately. I also took advantage of his roof terrace for some cheeky outfit photo's, as you can see...

Shirt - Topshop

Skirt - Topshop

Jacket -Topshop

Necklace - New Look

Boots - Boohoo

I picked this skirt up on a recent trip to Topshop. I spotted it as soon as I walked in the door and instantly fell in love, I knew I just had to have it. I've always been a big fan of florals when it comes to patterned garments and the pops of neon colour on this skirt are perfect for brightening up your outfit and lifting your mood during these dull days.

I seem to be gravitating toward skirts as of late, I'm not sure why as they're not something I've ever been a big fan of in the past. I love the a-line cut of this skirt, a little different from the skater skirts and body-con midi skirts that are everywhere you turn at the moment. Teamed with opaque tights and ankle boots it makes a great day time look, perfect for popping to the shops or meeting friends for coffee. For an evening on the town wear with chunky block heels and a sheer shirt. I will definitely be stocking up on more a-line cuts and neon pop clothing in preparation for summertiiiiiime.

Let me know what you think!

Polka Dots

So yesterday I headed to the shops for a bit of retail therapy and for a much needed hair dye. I have been on the hunt for some monochrome bits and pieces to add to my wardrobe ready for the spring/summer (whenever it decides to grace us with its presence). I wanted pieces that were affordable and also adaptable, something that I could mix and match with a range of things in order to really get the most for my money. Basically, I wanted bargains.

Now I'm not usually one to shop in New Look, I rarely find anything in there that I like so I tend to avoid it. But I'd spotted these polka dot print trousers on Gem Fatale's blog and knew that I needed to get them in my life, so off to New Look I went. I hadn't actually expected to find them in the shop to be honest, so I was pleasantly surprised when I managed to find them and in my size - yay! After trying them on I did indeed fall in love, perfect fit and just the right length for stumpy pins.

I gave them a whirl today teamed with a white shirt (Primark bargain), statement necklace also from New Look and black ankle boots. This is a great way to wear the look during these dark and dreary days, but when the sun finally pokes its head out I will be wearing them with an oversized tee/vest and sandals - can't wait!

Shirt - Primark

Trousers - New Look

Necklace - New Look

Boots - Boohoo

End of Week Haul

Excuse the lack of posts this week guys. I spent most of the week sat at my computer writing up work for the two deadlines I had looming on Friday and instead of being able to spend the weekend celebrating, I have in fact been ill since Friday night. It wasn't even self-inflicted, I am genuinely ill and therefore I can (and will) feel sorry for myself. Bleugh.

 

Anyway, before I came down with my mysterious illness I did manage to fit in a bit of shopping time (small victories). I popped into town on Friday afternoon with the intention of browsing and buying a long overdue hair dye, which I actually failed to pick up - damn it.

 

I found myself nipping into Primark to pick up a few pairs of tights but was instantly side tracked, and really rather shocked, by all the new season clothes they had in. Some of it was so nice, just basic items that could be styled in so many different ways, and of course for that price tag it would be rude to walk away. After filling my basket to the brim, I did have to be a bit harsh on myself and put some of it back on the shelves. In the end this is what I settled for (with a few added internet bargains also):

 

 



 

Black and White Slogan Tee - £4 Primark

White Shirt - £10 Primark

Striped Skirt - £6 Primark

Animal Print Maxi Skirt - £10 Primark

Block Heel Shoes - £25 Chocker

Navy Boucle Blazer with Studs - £7 (sale) Primark

Earrings - £1.50 Primark

Hamsa Palm Necklace - £2 Kukee

Diamond Geometric Necklace - £2.50 Kukee

Love Heart Ring - £2 Kukee

Gemstone Ring - £2.50 Kukee

I have to say, it was definitely a successful week with regard to purchases, all soo cheap and all so nice! What a great start to my summer wardrobe! The striped skirt and white blouse from Primark look great together (very fresh, clean and crisp) and will make a great day time look when the weather finally decides to brighten up. The blazer was SUCH a bargain at £7, reduced from £25, it's sort of oversized and can be chucked over a pair of jean and shirt come spring time for a slightly more casual feel to it.

All the accessories featured in the post are also just ah-mazing and again, such bargains! I seem to have stacks and stacks of rings/necklaces/earrings, yet still wear the same few day in day out, so I will be making a conscious effort to be less of a creature of habit and get round to wearing those things that are lurking at the bottom of my jewellery box. And I will definitely be visiting Kukee again in the near future to stock up on more bits and pieces.

What have you all been buying this week?