OOTD: Leap Year

29 February, 2012

Red Velvet Shirt: Charity Shop, £3. Embellished Crucifix Skirt: Topshop, £36. Ankle Socks & Tights: Primark, £1.50 & £2.00. Double Sole Creepers: Underground, £92. Necklace: Topshop Sale, £1.50.


Happy Leap Year! So, today is the only day a woman can step outside of tradition by romantically pursuing a man and ask for his hand in marriage. Go get him, girls! I am completely aware I posted a really similar look here a couple of weeks ago, but hey-ho! This skirt just goes so well with velvet blouses and I have many a velvet blouse! Wearing these double sole creepers are becoming a daily workout for my calves, I tell you! They're so heavy that I'll soon actually have calves of steel! It's also a rather difficult and calculated task to just walk up the stairs in them as you have to account for an extra 2 inches. Many a time have I kicked my foot on the stair whilst wearing them. Thankfully, there have been no accidents involving me actually tripping up as of yet.

I have the busiest two weeks ever ahead of me. I have a critique tomorrow morning for illustration work that's being put into a show we're putting on at our university next week. Also, at Urban Outfitters we're hosting a student lock-in on Tuesday night where I'm going to be photographing street style for them, followed by my boyfriend's birthday on the Thursday and then a 3000 word essay to accompany a journal due in the week after! Oh, and I also have a meeting tomorrow for a potentially exciting project that could be in the works for this blog. Cue nervous breakdown.

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Charity Shop Haul

27 February, 2012


Top (L-R): Sparkle Black Top: £2.99. Leopard Denim Mini (from Miss Selfridge): £13.50. Tartan Mini Skirt: £2.99. Rose-tinted Sunglasses (Camden Market): £5. Aztec Blouse: £3.49. Patterned Blouse: £2.99. Bottom (L-R): Pink Chiffon Blouse: £1.50. Orange, Patterned Blouse: £2.25. Turquoise, Patterned Midi Dress: £5. Lace Cream, Crop Top: £3.


I've strangely had a lot of luck with the local charity shops this week. I've been avoiding them the past few months because they have been cheeky enough push their prices up so much that's it put me off of buying from them. However, last week the Cancer Research shop (who is usually the worst culprit for over-priced secondhand) had slashed the prices of their "Vintage & Retro" section to half price, which brought them down to usual charity shop prices in the good ol' days. The trouble is when I see somewhere is selling everything at half price, I automatically think it's acceptable to buy twice as much as I usually would.

The leopard mini and sunglasses aren't technically from charity shops, but I've bought them both this week. They were both so cheap though I thought I would throw them in there! The charity shops have been tempting me with some beautifully, grungey prints that I could not say 'no' too. I am so weak-minded! I've been looking on eBay for ages for aztec print shirts, but they go for ridiculous prices so I was ever so lucky to chance across these two for less than £3 each! Also, the tartan mini is amazing! It's actually a neon green! It's actually so bright that neither my iPhone, nor my camera can pick up the colour or brightness of it. But trust me, it's amazing! The turquoise midi dress is also wonderful and unique. I'm hoping the sun shows it's face again this week so I can wear it.

I actually have forgotten to photograph a blue velvet, vintage maxi with cut-out mesh panels, because it's hanging out to dry. You know when you try something on out and you know you look completely and utterly shit hot in it? That was the case with this maxi dress and I'm very rarely happy when I look in the mirror! Now, I just need someone to get married or hold some sort of formal dinner, so I can actually wear it. Any takers?

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Dog & Pony Illustrations



The lovely Chloe at Dog & Pony recently contacted me asking for me for a commission to design her blog header. I thought I would share these cute little chaps I produced that went into the final header. I never usually tend to show my illustration work on this blog, but I'm planning to integrate my illustration a little more with my blogging. If you would also like a commission for your blog or website, do not hesitate to email me. Prices vary depending on exactly what you are asking for as all of my work tends to be handmade, rather than digital. You can click the tab at the top of the page to see some more of my illustration & artwork. I hope you enjoy these little fellas as much as I did drawing them!

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OOTD: Queen of the Gas Station

26 February, 2012

Crotchet Top: Topshop Sale, £12. Tie Dye, Velvet Leggings: Urban Outfitters Sale, £11. Gold Doc Marten's: An old friend, £30. Sunglasses: Primarni, 50 pence!


There's something about sunglasses that just make you instantly look about 100 x better, which could possibly down to the fact they cover about 30% of my face. Thankfully the weather is making it acceptable for me to wear them again! I bought these glasses at some point last year and because they were so cheap I picked them up in pink too! They may not exactly be the best pair of sunglasses in the world, but for Primark's standards they are pretty acceptable! Plus, my knock-off Ray Ban's are on their death bed. I really want to invest in a real pair, but I can never bring myself to part with that much money for one pair of sunglasses.

I've had these Doc Marten's about 5 years now and I only paid £30 for them at the time from an old friend. I think these beauties triggered the start of my love for gold clothing & shoes. I'm in love with my new bright lipstick too, it's Topshop's "All About Me" and is the perfect shade of pink. I'm no make-up expert, but I will admit though after around 3 hours of wearing it my lips were completely dried out. I'll suffer it thought because the colour is beautiful.

I'm so happy the sun is shining! This time of year usually sees my transformation from a dirty grunger to hippie child. Expect lots of crotchet, feather braids, tie dye, crop tops, headbands, maxis and patterned trousers!

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OOTD: A Splash of Colour

25 February, 2012


Sheer, leather panel shirt: New Look, £18. Customised Levi's Shorts: The Ragged Priest @ Topshop, £40, Velvet Doc Marten's: eBay, £112.


If I'm entirely honest, I'm not the biggest fan of this outfit - I don't even know why I'm posting it. These shorts make me look quite the chubster, but I'm keeping myself in some sort of denial because they're so wonderful (unfortunately not so much on me). I really don't have the legs or bum to pull off short shorts. Damn those child-bearing hips of mine! The rainbow belt and peacock feathers are actually stitched onto the shorts themselves, which fooled a lot of people today. I'm not entirely sure how the peacock feathers are still hanging on, as I wore them throughout Glastonbury Festival last year. However, saying that the feathers are looking a little worse for wear to say the least!

I had a bit of luck today when I saw this beautiful bag in our accessories stock room. It was priced up at £138, but I decided to price check it anyway just in case. My heart nearly stopped when it rang up at only £20, so with my staff discount it only worked out to £15! It's real leather and a perfect size to shove all of my daily crap in.

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Week In Instagram #4

24 February, 2012



1. Going to miss living here next year, 2. Sharing the view with pigeon, 3. A wonderful tea Toni introduced me to, 4. Raspberry & Strawberry tea in a tea cup, 5. My mermaid shoes & socks combo, 6. Mermaid shoes again, 7. Elliot & me at Lennons, 8. Toni & Elliot at Lennons, 9. Empty Buddha-shaped beer bottles, 10. Make-up for a night out, 11. Sweet cherry pie, 12. Outfit details, 13. Make-up for London, 14. Stables Market in Camden, 15. Tea cup land, 16. Memories of being 15 year old, 17. Alabama Shakes gig @ the Boston Arms, 18. Sabrina the Teenage Witch Season One


I think the photos pretty much do all of the talking in these kinds of posts. Not much has happened other than me drinking too much, not sleeping enough, going to London and watching Sabrina back-to-back. Although, I would like to point out I have been weeping tears of joy at the choice of fashion in the first season of Sabrina. Velvet is pretty much everywhere you look! Wishing I was a teenage witch with a talking cat right now.

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OOTD: Toxic Waste

23 February, 2012

HAT: VINTAGE, BEATNIK EMPORIUM, £23. DIP-DYE, STUDDED JACKET: D.I.Y. DRESS: PRIMARK, £5. ALLEGRA BOOTS: TOPSHOP, £75.


These photos are a bit insane and mind-boggling. How often do you come across an outfit post with an acid pink jacket cluttered with an inflatable Stewie head and hockey mask in the background?! I briefly visited London yesterday evening with my boyfriend for an Alabama Shakes gig. We had a few hours to kill before the gig, so we visited Camden and mooched around the Stable's Market, which is where the photo was taken. The Stable's Market is full of weird and wonderful things, as well as being a vintage & antique haven! Unfortunately, my spending ban and sore looking bank balance didn't allow me to make full potential of being in London.

Alabama Shakes were absolutely brilliant and had the whole venue dancing! If you haven't heard of them, I suggest you give them a little YouTube as apparently they're tipped for great things! They're absolutely get to dance and get merry too! Unfortunately, as our trip to London was so brief we had to take the last coach back to Southampton and did not get into bed until 2am and I had to be up at 7am for university, so I am completely and utterly shattered today. I'm in a desperate need of a nap, but I have far too much work to do.

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My Favourite Magazines: Oh Comely

21 February, 2012


TAKEN FROM "OH COMELY" ISSUE #8 AVAILABLE HERE

If ever there was a magazine made specifically with me in mind it would definitely be 'Oh Comely'.

It is a magazine that makes people smile, full of quiet moments and stories. Read it with a cup of tea or a toddy. It inspires people to be creative, talk to their neighbours and explore new things. There are adventures that capture the feeling of being free, stories from people with tales to tell, recipes to warm your heart, and crafty things to make. All these things, wrapped up in beautiful words, illustration and photography.

This is how 'Oh Comely' describes itself on it's website and I could not agree more with every single word of it after reading it's current issue #8. I had seen it appear on the shelves of WHSmiths some time ago, however I always overlooked it for some unknown reason. I only discovered this little treasure a few weeks ago though whilst in Winchester when I saw it again and took a chance on it wanting something to read on the train ride home.


I'm ever so glad I took that chance as 'Oh Comely' is a wonderful creative feast with all the trimmings. It is full of dainty illustrations, beautiful poetry, hand-written recipes and striking fashion editorials to satisfy any young, creative female's needs. It is full of charming articles, poetry and short stories. One in particular that stood out to me in Issue #8 was the simple tale of a man walking his family dog with beautiful illustrations to accompany it (above). Also, if you are anything like myself being a person who stores absolutely useless yet interesting facts in their mind forever you may be interested in the history of the biscuit. For example, did you know the Digestive biscuit was named because it was believed to have medicinal purposes that settled the stomach? You do now.




I adore this magazine so much that I'm actually going to subscribe to it. Note, I haven't subscribed to a magazine since the "Sabrina The Teenage Witch" magazine was launched back in the 90's, which came with a free piece of make-up every issue. I have commitment issues when it comes to magazines, so this is a pretty big deal for me! If you've also fallen for Oh Comely's whimsical ways then you can subscribe, purchase current & back-dated issues here. I believe Issue #9 is out in shops later next week.

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OOTD: Velvet & Studs

19 February, 2012

STUDDED DENIM JACKET: VINTAGE VIA EBAY, £45. VELVET DRESS: VINTAGE VIA CHARITY SHOP, £12. ALLEGRA CHELSEA BOOTS: TOPSHOP, £75.

The dress I'm wearing it is actually a deep blood red velvet, but it just doesn't ever seem to photograph well. For some reason the camera seems to think it's black, but I can promise you it's not. I've had this studded jacket a good few years now and it has certainly served me well. It's a perfect little summer jacket, but alas it's not summertime just yet so I almost froze to death today. You can always count on me to not dress for the weather!

I've been wearing maxi's and midi's a lot recently, whereas before I avoided them like the plague for the fear of looking like a middle-aged woman. However, I've embraced the world of adulthood when turning 21 and I have welcomed the maxi into my life! I've surprisingly taken a liking towards them too. I don't look like the 45 year old, haggard woman I once feared. Luckily, being on the tall side at 5"9 means I can actually pull off longer length skirts with some success.

A few weeks ago, I spoke about re-branding the blog, so I could purchase a domain. However, I chickened out because I love "Fox Tales" so much. I just need to bite the bullet and accept change! I've got a new header ready and everything...

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OOTD: Glitter Platforms

18 February, 2012


JEWELLERY: TOPSHOP & VATICAN CITY, ROME. DRESS: ZARA, £9.99. FISHNETS: PRIMARK, £2. ANKLE SOCKS: PRIMARK, £1.50. GLITTER PLATFORMS: URBAN OUTFITTERS, £30.

First of all, apologies for the poor lighting situation as these photos were taken late last night. Sadly I had to resort to using the flash, which always ruins everything. I loved my outfit far too much to not photograph it though! I spent the evening dancing with friends and drinking far too much. Waking up for work this morning really was one of the hardest things I've had to do in a long while. I honestly thought I was going to spew everywhere, which wouldn't have been a pretty sight. Luckily, I avoided this potential disaster, manned up and got myself through work (just about!). When will I learn?!

I reached over 100 followers this week, which is astounding! I find it insane that over 100 people are actually interested in reading about my rather average life. B I know that I'm a mess with my long hair and suntan, short dress, bare feet,ut here's a big, soppy thank you to all of you that do take the time out to read my ridiculous ramblings! I intend to rambling for a long time yet, so never fear! Needless to say I will be taking it easy tonight, cozying up & watching some Saturday night TV. See, I told you it was a pretty average life.

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A Week (and a bit) In Instagram #3

16 February, 2012







TREATED MYSELF TO THE FIRST SEASON OF SABRINA ON DVD - BEST TV SERIES EVER, GETTING INSPIRED BY SOME OF MY FAVOURITE MAGAZINES, MUA EYESHADOWS, WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS (MY WORK SPACE), A HEALTHY BREAKFAST FOR ONCE, GETTING MT GOTH ON, ADORABLE TEA POT I PICKED UP FOR £2, THE GIFT WRAP I HANDMADE FOR ELLIOT ON VALENTINE'S DAY, GOT A LATE BIRTHDAY PRESENT IN THE POST FROM BROTHERS CIDER, LOTS OF SEQUINS, SEQUINS IN CONTEXT, HEART-SHAPED CHOCOLATE PIZZA, GOLD GLITTERY EYES & EVEN MY BOYFRIEND KNOWS TO SUPPLY ME WITH RYAN GOSLING.


I haven't posted in a while because I've actually been keeping myself preoccupied with my university work, so much so that I'm becoming a model student (I wish!). I haven't even started watching "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" yet sadly, but I'm already planning either tonight or tomorrow a hot date for me, my duvet & Sabrina so I can rekindle my childhood love for Harvey.

This week also saw my fourth Valentine's Day with Elliot! It was rather nice actually considering we didn't actually wake up until around noon and half of the day was already over before we had even opened our eyes. We had some afternoon cocktails and he cooked for me in the evening, which included one of my favourites for starters - parma ham & buffalo mozzarella. He also bought me some lovely things including 'Crazy, Stupid, Love' on DVD (I'm slowly but surely building up my Ryan Gosling DVD collection), my usual Paco Rabbane Black XS and a ring by Butler & Wilson, which sadly didn't fit. However, I've exchanged it for a beautiful bracelet, which I cannot wait to arrive! However, the champagne got to me rather quickly and I was in bed by 11 because of a throbbing headache. Champagne is not the one.

Also, my dreams came true this week when I spotted discarded in the reduced section of Asda a post-Valentine's heart-shaped, chocolate and marshmallow pizza! I've dreamed forever about creating a chocolate pizza with marshmallow topping, so I grabbed it and I can officially confirm I have now tasted heaven. What does it taste like, you ask? Chocolate. Hot, melted chocolate with sticky, gooey marshmallows.

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OOTD: Studded Jeffrey Campbell Litas

11 February, 2012



VELVET BLOUSE: CAHRITY SHOP, £6. CRUCIFIX SKIRT & NECKLACE: TOPSHOP, £36 & £1.50. JEFFREY CAMPBELL STUDDED LITAS, OFFICE, £145.


My face just doesn't go well with cameras these days. In the first photograph I look somewhat suicidal, yet if I try to smile I look like some sort of creep (second photo)! I can't win either way! However, as this is a outfit post it's the clothes that matter not my hideous mug. I decided to get my goth on today by blending a bit of velvet with a few crucifixes. I have an uncountable amount of velvet shirts, but I still haven't got a royal blue one which I'm desperately on the hunt for. If anyone knows where I might be able to pick one up, please let me know. I've been scouring charity shops and eBay high and low for the perfect one!

I spent the morning wearing my new JC Lita's around the flat to wear them in. I'm too scared to wear them outside in case I scuff them, I'm starting to get a little overprotective of my precious shoe collection. I did swap them for my double sole creepers for my afternoon shift at work, because however beautiful they are they're just a tad inappropriate for tottering around the store. Damn!

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OOTD: Dressed for the Upper East Side

10 February, 2012

BLAZER: RIVER ISLAND SALE, £20. STRIPE TEE & SKIRT: BOTH ZARA, £9.99 & £4.99. ALLEGRA BOOTS: TOPSHOP, £75.

I've been sporting a Blake Lively inspired high ponytail the past couple of days. I never, ever wear my hair in a ponytail, but my hair was such a mess yesterday that I just decided to tie it up quickly as I was in a rush to get to uni. Strangely, I found I quite liked my hair up in a ponytail! Please excuse my derp face in the second photo, I gave up trying to take a nice photo when I realised my face just isn't made for cameras. I'm feeling a bit girly today, so I dressed to suit my mood (even if it isn't appropriate for the current freezing weather). I bought this blazer on a whim last year and I contemplated taking it back or selling it on for ages because it's a little too bright for me, but it does you good to be adventurous with your wardrobe now and again. After all, you could find out a particular look or colour suits you perfectly and you may have never considered trying it before.

Part of me wanted to dress a little preppier for the Upper East Side, so I would have no trouble fitting in amongst Blair's "minions". WHEN WILL I LEARN GOSSIP GIRL IS FICTION?! Answer: Never. I must admit though I've abandoned the blazer in favour of a big, chunky-knit jumper simply because it's too cold in my flat to be prancing around in what it essentially a summer jacket. Now, for an evening of drawing, watching Sabrina the Teenage Witch & burritos!



P.S. This was my 100th post (pointless fact!).
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