OOTD 20/09/12 - Pearl Peter Pan Collar ♥

I haven't done an OOTD post for a while (because I'm usually way too late for work for photos!). But this is what I wore for work last week. It's definitely time to start wrapping up warm, so I wore this lovely chunky knit jumper with a tube mini skirt and opaque tights. 

I also wore my lovely Chelsea boots for the first time, and accessorised with the pearl Peter Pan collar necklace that I bought. I wasn't sure how to wear it, but maybe of you mentioned wearing it with a knitted jumper to give it a glam edge. I think it looks pretty cute! It has little sparkly diamantes on it too. My whole outfit is practically from H&M.. I'm obsessed! And please excuse my not-so-smiley face in these photos, and my horrific hair colour!

What do you think of my outfit?

 

 

 

 

Jumper: H&M | Necklace: H&M | Skirt: H&M | Tights: New Look | Boots: Primark

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Car Boot Sale Buys - American Apparel + Vintage China ♥

So even though the weather has been shocking, I got up early on Sunday morning to go to what will probably be my last car boot sale of the year. I went with my Dad, so he insisted on going earlier than I would normally go, and when we got there it was so quiet. But we stayed and waited until more sellers turned up, and then left when it started to rain. The weather had obviously put a lot of people off, as there was hardly any sellers! But I still bought a few nice bits and pieces, which is good because I hate going and then coming home with nothing! I'm going to miss the carboot sales in the winter though, they start back up in April!

Do you enjoy reading my carboot sale posts?

So here's my buys from this weeks car boot sale:

Vintage china trio set. You may notice that the saucer doesn't actually match, but it's still gorgeous! These were 60p each.

I bought this pretty floral sugar bowl for 50p, and it came with a cute tea pot spoon! 

I then happened to spot another spoon exactly the same from a different seller! So now I have two little teapot spoons.. so cute!

I also got this cute little pink trinket pot for 60p. It has such a pretty pattern on and I love the colours!

I also got this brand new cake decorating book, Cakes to Inspire and Desire for only 50p! RRP £14.99.

I bought this grey River Island jumper for only 50p, it was sold for £35 in RI. It has cute little knitted bows on it.

I bought this pretty chiffon floral dress for only 20p! It's brand new, but is a little short for me so its on eBay.

My buy of the day was this American Apparel crushed velvet wine red mini skirt. It's sooo gorgeous, I wish it fit me! Alas, it is too small :( Its sold for £32 though, and I bought it for £1, so it's also on eBay. It would be so perfect for winter and Christmas time!

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My Amsterdam Vintage Style Lookbook ♥

This is my entry for the My Amsterdam look for the easyJet holidays competition. The prize is a 4-star mini break in Amsterdam for 2 (accommodation + flights), a shopping fund of £150 to spend, and a cocktail experience at the House of Bols cocktail bar! I went to Amsterdam once when I was at college on a day trip. We flew out really early in the morning, then returned later the same day, so as much as I enjoyed visiting the city, I did't quite get to finish exploring. The hotels in Amsterdam look amazing, the architecture is beautiful. I love the look of the stunning historical Hotel Arena Amsterdam, built in 1890 and was home to an orphanage. You just have to create your interpretation of Amsterdam fashion in a blog post.

My look has been inspired by vintage pieces, but it has been given a contemporary edge. I chose these pieces after getting inspiration and doing research on fashion in Amsterdam. 

Amsterdam has a passion for vintage clothing, and pre-loved stores can be found tucked into hidden streets in the heart of the city, and the local De Looier antique market is full of vintage wares. Chairs and Carpet blog has also commented on the amount of vintage worn by the visitors of the Amsterdam International Fashion Week. And Mod Art has written a piece on the vast amount of 'vintage secret' stores in Amsterdam. Also, Vogue Netherlands (April 2012) shoots classical photos of models in vintage style garments, posing with bicycles and tulips. Vintage style is clearly popular in 'Dam, with everyone wanting to own and wear a piece of history.

Lipstick. Satchel. Dress. Collar. Gloves. Tights. Belt. Boots. Coat.

I created this classical look, inspired by vintage style fashions made for the modern woman. I thought that it would be most relevant to have the lookbook in an Autumn/Winter theme, and Amsterdam gets cold in winter, hence the coat! I think that the whole outfit would work for a city break - sightseeing in the day, to seeing the nightlife in the evening. The outfit is centred around the dress, which is a tulip shaped (of course tulip!) American Vintage frock. The berry colour is perfect for Autumn and upcoming Christmas, and it has a wonderful feminine shape, given a bit of an edge with a black and gold chain belt. 

I wanted the colours to represent something about Amsterdam, and I thought that the tulip gardens look so gorgeous in spring, so why not use that influence in autumn/winter fashion. The bright red and green fields of tulip flowers inspired this colour palette, and I decided that emerald green went with the dress perfectly, so the tights, satchel, and gloves are all coordinated, but not over the top. I chose the suede gloves as I was inspired by the vintage bicycle glove, and of course cycling is popular in the city.

Tights would be a requirement for the bitter winter cold, and a satchel is the perfect handbag for any travelling fashionista. A good pair of shoes is essential for walking around cities and discovering new places, that's why I picked a comfortable wedge heel, that is high enough to be sophisticated in the evening, but wearable during the day. The pearl collar necklace is a really gorgeous vintage style piece, which would look so glamorous with this dress for a night-time look. And finally, a classical black riding coat; double breasted with a flared hem, perfect with any outfit, similar to one featured in Netherlands Vogue. I think the whole look would be perfectly finished with a lashing of firey red lipstick, such as Russian Red by MAC.

I just love this look, I think it's very Kate Middleton. My inspirations came from some of these photos, including Netherlands Vogue, focusing on the cycling, vintage, and native tulips.

I hope you like my Amsterdam vintage style look! You can enter your own entry too, by midnight on Friday 28th September.

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My eBay listings.. Red Velvet American Apparel Skirt!

You might recognise some of these from my previous eBay listings, however 2 buyers just fancied not paying me or contacting me and one person at least told me that they couldn't afford what they won. What a pain in the bum! Also, Paypal has just refunded one buyers payment back to them, after I've sent them the item!! They claimed someone unauthorised made the payment, even though quite clearly they made the payment as all they ever buy is girly dresses! So I'm very annoyed but I hope that this time things go smoothly. Don't you just hate eBay sometimes?

Anyway, click here to see my eBay.

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My More Magazine Pro Photoshoot Pics ♥

I've received copies of all of the photos from my More magazine photoshoot, so here are a few of them! :) It's such a shame I didn't have Merlin at the time! And that my hair is so terrible!

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My Beauty and the Beach Entry - Holiday Make Up, Nails, + Hair ♥

This blog post is my entry for the Beauty and the Beach photo blogging competition! It's a competition run by Travel Supermarket especially for beauty bloggers, for them to show their best holiday hair, make up, and nails! I know it's almost the end of September, but keep your fingers crossed for a warm Autumn!

 This is my favourite holiday make up look. I took this photo in June this year, when I was on holiday in Malaga, Spain with my parents. I wore this look in the evening when we went out for dinner. I'm not one of these people that says that women shouldn't wear make up on holiday or to the pool or beach. However, I do like to tone my make up down a little, and make it waterproof. No one likes panda eyes!

In this look, I'm wearing Rimmel Wake Me Up liquid foundation which is quite a sheer foundation, so it looks very natural, and it has a slight shimmer to it. I then dusted some powder over the top and added a little blusher. For my eyes, I used Soap and Glory Supercat eyeliner pen on my top lid to give a glam evening look, and then used Miss Sportys Waterproof mascara, which is the best waterproof mascara I have found and it's only around £3! The lipstick I wore is MAC in Lustre Cockney, which I think looks great for a summers evening.

The look is very Katy Perry, with the 50's style eyeliner, and I just love her (hense the cherry print dress)! I like this holiday make up look because it looks good without being over the top. By using only a small amount of foundation, it allows the natural sunshine glow to show, and not using too much dark eye make up makes eyes appear bigger and more natural.

These are my favourite holiday nails! Pink is my favourite colour, and always my go-to shade for holidays, as I can feel a little silly with girlie pink nails at home, or at work! When I'm on holiday I feel that I can experiment a little more with make up and nail looks, and even fashion. You wouldn't see me walking around London in a bralet and short shorts, but Majorca.. no problem!

It's always fun to try out new looks on holiday, so I like to take a few different nail varnishes with me so I can create a different nail look everyday if I wanted! The nails in the photo above are done using Ciate Strawberry Milkshake and Pepperminty. The pink is a little bit of fun, and the deep turquoise colour always makes me think of holidays and the sea, so I think it's a great combination for going away! It's a bit difficult to do the nail tips carefully and make them straight though, but no one minds.. you're on holiday!

 This year, nail experts Essie brought out a great summer nail polish range for 2012! I love the blue and green shades! Perfect for holidays!

 I don't like this photo of me, but I do like how my hair used to be! I used to be able to do nothing to it, and it would just go into these beachy waves and look textured and volumised. Now my hair is just flat and boring.. boo. This was a few years ago, in 2009 on my holiday to Corfu with my boyfriend. Although my hair was a horrid shade of yellow (and too much eyeliner!) I am very envious of how my hair used to be very easy to style. I think years of hair dye has left my hair a little bit limp and lifeless!

I remember to create this look, I would simply wash and condition my hair as usual, then scrunch up the waves using a towel, and leave it to dry naturally. Sometimes I would add a little bit of mousse to make the waves hold. But it was so simple! A completely effortless look, perfect for the beach!

I love Blake Livelys hair in the photo above, and also her make up! It looks so beachy and perfect for a summer holiday. Jealous!

What are your summer beauty tips? Do you wear make up on holiday?

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From Blonde to Brunette ♥

Some of you have already noticed my new hair colour in a couple of posts, but I posted last week asking for some advice on how to get my blonde hair brown without it fading. Most of you said to first add a red hair dye and then go over it with a brown after. Well.. I ignored all of your advice that night because I didn't have any red dye at home! But I did have a dark brown colour from Superdrug which I tried.

The dye was called Intense Medium Golden Brown, and it has a hint of red in it so hopefully it will last! But this is the result. It was a bit of a shock after rinsing it out, Dad said I look like a goth! It's a bit scary changing your hair colour after being used to it for so many years. It's a bit darker than I really want it, but I'm guessing it will fade just like the other times I've tried dying over my bleach! But I do like it, it's a nice change! 

I'm not actually sure of my natural hair colour. Mum said I didn't actually have hair until I was about 3 years old (attractive baby) and then it was quite fair, but I'm pretty sure it's actually now a very dull brown. Even from when I was 8 years old I used to use Sun In in my hair to lighten it, then when I was 11 I used to dye it a reddy colour, then it was increasingly blonde from 13 until now! But I was fed up of blonde hair and the maintenance, and mostly how dry and unhealthy it made my hair. Look at it now, after a trim it's all nice and shiney!! So I'm determined to look after my hair now, using hair boosting supplements!

What do you think of my new hair?

 

Check out these super hot brunette celebs! I just have to perfect this effortless-look wave.

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Winter is Coming.. My Prepared Wardrobe + WIN LOUBOUTINS ♥

The nights are quickly drawing in, so I thought I should get prepared for the coming winter. I previously posted my Autumn style file, which was basically a wishlist of items that I wanted to buy for this season. However, I'm skint, so can't afford to buy everything on that post, even if they were under £30 each :( So here is what my current wardrobe consists of.

Some of it is new, some of it is from last year. It's pretty boring really, but I will probably buy more things that centre around these staples. Chunky knits and tube skirts are always my outfit of choice on cold days, with thick tights and ankle boots. As you can see, most of my wardrobe is from H&M! My favourite store. Thank you for all of the suggestions on how to wear the pearl collar necklace, I think it will look good with blouses, or to glam up snug jumpers!

What are your winter essentials?

1. H&M Jumper | 2. H&M Jumper | 3 + 4. H&M tube skirt | 5. H&M Ballet pumps | 6. Old Season H&M Satchel | 7. New Look Quilted Jacket | 8. Old Season Oasis dress (from eBay) | 9. H&M Ballet pumps  | 10. H&M Suede Wedges | 11. H&M Bird Print Dress  | 12. H&M Pearl Collar Necklace (instore)  | 13. Chelsea Boots | 14. Old Season H&M Satchel

Also, I wanted to share this fabulous competition with you! You could win a pair of Louboutin shoes with e-tail webstores. Just click here to enter. Perfect for Autumn!

 

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Afternoon Tea Tour with Royal Albert ♥

As I mentioned to you last week, Royal Albert china is hosting a vintage themed afternoon tea tour in different places around London. I popped over to the one on Saturday on Kew Green with my Mum before we headed to the Cake and Bake Show. These are the coming dates and venues: 

27th September: Soho Square
28th September: Fitzroy Square
5th October: Spitalfields

The event is aimed at women who enjoy afternoon tea, quintessential English themes and vintage style. A decorated van will be popping up at various London locations serving free afternoon tea, macaroons and cakes to all those who attend.

This is a totally free event, and Mum and I weren't sure what to expect, but as we both love afternoon tea and Royal Albert china we thought that we should pop along as it was such a glorious day! The sun was shining, and we got the tube to Kew Gardens, then took the short walk down to the green. Kew is a gorgeous part of London, the houses were stunning! We saw the gorgeous van as we we're walking up to the Green, it was decorated in a gorgeous blue with a pretty pink floral print and polka dots. The prettiest van in the world I would expect! They had set out a gazebo, lined with gorgeous floral bunting and rose garlands, and put out pretty white garden tables and chairs. The chairs had on some of the Royal Albert seat pads which were so pretty!  

We were offered a seat at a table, and then we were brought a 3 tier cake stand filled with tiny cupcakes and macaroons. The table was set out with stunning china pieces, all slightly mismatched which gave such a lovely effect. We were then offered a drink, Mum had a cup of tea, and I got an orange juice.. in a tea cup! I love tea cups, but I rarely drink out of them as I hate tea. However I think I might have to start pouring my Cola into a tea cup at meal times! The hosting ladies were dressed in pretty matching dresses, and the men were very smartly dressed in suits. We were also given a free pretty travel card case, and some leaflets. We had such a nice time sitting in the sunshine eating our treats from gorgeous china. They were also offering vintage style hairstyling too!

I was a little bit sad we had to leave, but we couldn't hog the table all afternoon. Royal Albert are relaunching this year, and they are promoting their new wonderful range of china, including New Country Roses. Established in 1896, Royal Albert is inspired by everything English- the country garden and England's national flower, the rose. One of the most famous Royal Albert patterns is Old Country Roses which launched in 1962, and has sold more than 150 million pieces since its introduction. This has now been relaunched as New Country Roses, which is a more youthful and contemporary design, which has a beautiful vintage charm.

If you're in London on those above dates, you should pop along too! I took lots of pretty photos at the event, and we were so lucky with the weather:

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