Christmas Nails - I'm back!

Left to right: Hampstead Court; Old Street; Regents Park; Westminster Bridge Road; Kings Road

The colour I tried: Westminster Bridge Road

Sorry for the months of no posts - uni this year has been a crazy blur of coursework, the university newspaper and attempting to cram in some social life too. I'm back home for the Christmas holidays so I finally have a bit of blogging time! 

For Christmas I got the Nails Inc 'Best Dressed Nails' box of mini nail varnishes - they are all super sparkly and Christmassy and I love them! I tried out the 'Westminster Bridge Road' deep violet galaxy colour. I really like the amount of glitter in it - although I did have to apply 3 coats to get this amount on my nails, and even then I'd like a bit more of an even coverage. It feels very textured on my nails, as if there is no actual varnish - just glitter. I've only had it on a day so far, so we'll see how long the glitter stays on my nails for! I might need some tips for removing it when the time comes, the few times I've tried out my friend's glitter varnishes before it's been a nightmare to remove.

Pattern Shorts

Jumper: Ark, T-shirt: Topshop, Shorts: River Island

Those of you who know me know my obsession with patterned shorts. I have about a thousand pairs and wear them to death. This pair is relatively new and I love them. I would usually wear them in the evening but I have so little clothes at the moment I'm trying to dress things like this down. 

I wore this outfit to uni the other day - I much prefer the look with the jumper (it has super cute elbow patches which you can't see in the photo) but it was too hot. I really struggled with what top to wear - a plain black one seemed too dressy. Looking back I'm not a huge fan of the outfit but that's comes with experimenting. 

I'm aware you can't see my shoes in the pictures - I wore my now very battered and holey converse. I want to nab a new pair soon but they've changed the label to a really gross one so I'm a bit unsure about what to do! I love the old 'All Star' logo. I'm tempted to buy a pair of black vans with a white stripe but I hate the trainer look. I'm in a right shoe pickle at the moment! 

Summer in September

Jacket: Dorothy Perkins, Top: Urban Outftters, Shorts: Miss Selfridge, Tights: River Island, Shoes: Converse

I've not done an outfit post in a while - sorry! I've taken about a million photos but the lighting in my bedroom is so bad it's almost impossible to get a nice one. My university term started today, although I don't have any seminars until tomorrow. It's pretty exciting to have everyone back, but it's very bitter sweet as everyone is super aware it's our last year. 

I'm making the most of the it though. This week is Fresher's Week so I've been heading to the Student Union a lot which is my favourite place ever. I'll try and do some 'night out' outfit posts soon!

It was pretty muggy today, hence the crop top. The thick tights and leather jacket was a mistake. I popped onto campus really quickly and it was super busy with all the new freshers. I'm helping out Societies Fair tomorrow on the student newspaper stall which is something I'm really looking forward too. I'm excited to represent something I'm really proud to be a part of. 

LFW: Street Style

I usally hate hate hate 'midi' length things. To me, they aren't midi unless they stop half way down your calves. But this girl styled her outfit so well, from the adorable hat to the high tops. Plus she's wearing all black and you can't go wrong with all black.

LOVE these pattern trousers. Yes, they were trousers although they look like a giant billowy skirt. Trousers like these scream effortless style. The whole outfit is colorful and fun, yet looks put together with ease. 

Little red riding hood much? I've always wanted a cape but I can't help wondering how practical they are - aren't your arms just always cold?

Again, usually hate monochrome stuff like this striped shirt. But, once again, the styling saves it. 

Loved this girls understated styling. She epitomes effortless chic. 

London Fashion Week!

Leather Jacket: Dorothy Perkins, Playsuit: Urban Outfitters, Tights: River Island, Belt: H&M, Shoes: Topshop

I WENT TO LONDON FASHION WEEK! Amazing. I had the BEST time. I had such a struggle about what to wear - playsuit or floral topshop dress? I went for the more A/W dark playsuit, which worked well as it rained all day. Typical British weather. We arrived within plenty of time for our show so hung around Somerset House and gawked at all the incredible outfits. I'll do a proper street style blog soon of everything we saw!

I managed to wrangle some press tickets to the Kilian Kerner show through my university newspaper. It was in the Waldorf Hilton and wasn't a runway show, more like a show case. We were able to walk through the mannequins and models and take photos. It was a little unsettling sometimes as the models posed for us and we were able to go right up to the dresses and study the detail. The effect of having real models along side mannequins made the presence of the girls quite something. 

One of my favorite outfits in the collection was this incredible golden creation.

These dresses were my favorite part of the show, definitely Oscars outfits!

Kilian Kener is a German designer and this was his LFW debut. It was such an amazing collection and I was in complete awe that I was allowed to go! They were handing out free champagne but I did not trust myself with a drink near these immaculate dresses. I loved the whole experience of Fashion Week and it's given so much inspiration for my own outfits -here's to many more Fashion Weeks for me.

Lazy Days

Jacket: Dorothy Perkins, Shirt: River Island, Shorts: Levi's at Urban Outfitters

So I'm pretty much adjusted to my new house by now. My days have consisted of unpacking, tidying and unearthing giant spiders that seemed to have taken hold of the house whilst it was empty over the summer. Other than that there's not much to do as term hasn't started yet. I've started on my course reading, which is something! 

I promised I'd show off my leather jacket once I was comfortable in it, and I love it now. I don't know how I survived without it - no wonder I used to look scruffy all the time. It's been pretty warm over the last few days but it's been really useful to just throw over whatever I'm wearing when the sun goes in. 

I should have some pretty exciting news coming up concerning a little event called London Fashion Week so keep your eyes peeled for that. Leave a comment and let me know your ideal LFW look, I think I might need a little inspiration...

New house!

Top and skirt: Urban Outfitters, Tights: Marks and Spencer, Shoes: Converse

So I've just moved into my student house for my third and final year of university *sob*. It's surprisingly hard to take pictures of myself in my room as it's quite small, but I'll try and make it work! Term doesn't start for another few weeks and my other housemates don't move in until then, so it's just me and another girl for the time being. 

I had to run a few errands today as, silly girl I am, I forgot to bring pillows. I got to use my bicycle though for the first time in three months which was just lovely. My bike is one of the things I miss most when I'm at home - I live at the top of a big hill so cycling is impossible when I'm in Oxford. It was super hot today so I changed from black tights to nude before I left the house, though I shouldn't have worn any it was so hot. Hopefully it will stay like this for a while, it would be nice to have a second summer whilst I'm at uni!

Wishlist

Left: Top: Topshop, Skirt: Miss Selfridge, Dress: Topshop, Skirt: New Look, Necklace: Miss Selfridge

I saw the dress (centre) when I was shopping in Bristol, but they only had it in petite, sadly. I'm not sure if its trying too hard to be pretty, but I think it's really cute. It's a bit more dressy than my usual outfits, I couldn't exactly wear converse with it! But it would be nice to own something a bit more smart for going out in. Usually I sport shorts and converse on nights out, I'm going to try and class it up a bit more come September, maybe even bring out my long forgotten heels.

I like shiny things; hence the embellished crop top and skirt. I'm always hankering after sequin skirts, this one is gorgeous. I really want a plain black crop top, but I like this more dressy alternative. I really don't need another tartan skirt, but its basically autumn now and tartan is a staple! This necklace is just so adorable, very different from my usual jewelry (either very long necklaces, or nothing) and it would add a touch of spring loveliness come winter. 

Bristol: What I bought

From left: 'Paris' Crop Top: Urban Outfitters, Pattern Shorts: River Island, Jumper: RePhysco, Dress: Urban Outfitters

Dress: Urban Outfitters, Tights: Marks and Spencer

I've been visiting my family in Bristol the last few days, hence the lack of blog posts, sorry! Bristol is so much better for shopping than Oxford so we always make an effort to go to Cabot Circus with my aunt and cousin which is always fun. Bristol is the only place (other than London) that I visit regularly with an Urban Outfitters so I picked up this adorable vintage dress. I probably have way too many dresses and now summer's over the weathers not exactly dress appropriate, but that's why tights were invented, right?

I got my hair cut yesterday and its wonky. For my first haircut in three years it's not a good start.

One thing we've not done in Bristol before is go down the Gloucester Road. It's a brilliant strip of vintage clothes and furniture stores, cute cafes and charity shops. The Disneyland red sweater was a great purchase to replace old and battered jumpers, plus it's red! Which I love. I don't wear enough red even though it suits me. I'm really looking forward to wearing it.

Leather jacket: Dorothy Perkins

I've never owned a leather jacket before and I'm not totally sure how much I like it. I can't help feeling really biker in it and I don't know if I like it or not. I think I might just have to bite the bullet and wear it and I'll soon feel comfortable. It's not quite cold enough to start wearing my coat, so I bought this as an in between. I'll take some photos of me in it when I wear it, and let you know how I get on!

To Paris and beyond...

Paris: Dress: Topshop, Shoes: Topshop

Monaco: Dress: Topshop, Bag: Vintage, Sunglasses: Topshop

                                 

Marseille: Playsuit: Miss Selfridge, Sunglasses: Topshop

The best place in Paris - just a stones throw from the Notre Dame is this absolute gem of a bookstore. 

Obligatory Eiffel Tower photo

I'd love to show you more photos but don't really want to bombard you! The whole trip was amazing - we started in Paris, then trained to Nice, then Marseille then back to Paris. We used an InterRail ticket and stayed in hostels to keep the price low which was pretty much a success - apart from a few snorers. I thought I would have over packed as usual, but I think I under packed, living in pretty much the same few outfits the whole time! 

Tartan Skirt

Shirt: Topshop, Skirt: Urban Outfitters, Tights: Marks and Spencer's, Boots: Topshop

I bought this skirt ages ago and hardly wear it. Since my shorts phase began I've been shunning my old uniform of skirts and dresses, but I'm trying to get more versatility into my wardrobe so out came the old tartan number. I never got to wear cute skirts like this for my school uniform and I really wanted to, so I sort of indulge my younger self's desire by owning 3 tartan skirts; I rarely wear them but perhaps with my new resolution to wear more skirts they might make a come back.

The shirt is from Topshop, of course. It's a really great staple on those days where I've got zero inspiration. It's gone a bit funny and bobbly as I've had it for a while now, I might invest in a slightly more expensive one when I have a bit of spare cash; investing in wardrobe staples is always a good idea. I wore my black boots (see my last post) and nude tights. I thought black tights might be a bit dressy, but as soon as I left the house it started to rain - so much for dressing optimistically!

Excuse my awful flat hair. I haven't had a proper cut in about three years. They cut it so short last time I vowed to never go back. I'm thinking I might have to though as it's in such bad condition. Expect my holiday snaps from France in the next few days.

Smart casual

Dress: H&M, Belt: unknown, Tights: River Island, Shoes: Topshop

This evening I attending my mum's work leaving do. Having only got back from my three week France trip yesterday I was completely exhausted and all my clothes were dirty. Luckily I had this cute H&M shirt dress at the back of my wardrobe, and although it's way too short for this kind of event I chucked on a pair of thick black tights and went with it. In my move from uni to home I seem to have lost all my belts so I had to root around in my mum's stuff for any black belt, this woven number was the only one she owned. I would have loved to have worn a cute brown one as I was wearing my brown leather bag but alas. 

I've been dressing for mid 30 degree weather so coming back to England was a complete shock to the system. I wanted to show off my (now very faded) tan and ditch the tights but it was far too cold and the dress is far too short, sadly. I have missed wearing my big clompy black boots however, I love how 90's grunge they feel and the heel makes an awesomely satisfying sound on hard wood floors.

I'll be posting some France pictures soon. It was so hot (like 40 degrees some days) that I didn't look all that great most of the time, but hopefully some of my outfit photos came out not looking too bad. It feels lovely to be back on British soil though - I didn't realise how much I loved the quirky British sensibilities like queuing until I was away for so long!

How to... Over Pack

I always, always over pack when ever I go away. I'll take a week's worth of outfits, even if I'm going away for a weekend. It's a problem. On Monday I'm going to France for three weeks so there's no way to over pack, right?

From left: Urban Outfitters, Miss Selfridge, Primark, Topshop, Zara

Shorts are an absolute staple for my suitcase. The styles I'm taking are versatile, so perfect for day or night and even for the beach. I picked up the elephant pattern (far right) from Zara a little while ago. The drawstring waist and light fabric make them perfect for summer. I always go for waisted shorts as they suit my figure most. I bought the Primark pair for a costume ages ago, never thinking I'd wear them again, but as they're the only hipster pair I have I thought I'd bring them along so I don't end up with dodgy tan lines after wearing waist shorts for the whole trip.

 From left: Urban Outfitters, Topshop, Topshop, Accessorize; Centre: Topshop

I love a summer dress. It's going to be really hot as we're spending the majority of our trip in southern France, so a lose cotton summer dress will be my saving grace. The Accessorize number (far right) is more of a beach cover up. I bought it years ago and never had much of a chance to wear it, so this summer it shall make its debut! The blue Topshop dress (centre) is my favourite; I can imagine myself wearing it to death this summer. I think it's lovely enough to wear into winter too, styled with tights and boots or brogues.  

Top row: Topshop, American Apparel; Middle row: Zara, Urban Outfitters;  Bottom row: Zara, Topshop

I'm taking a big variety of tops (these are just a selection) as these will dress up or down the shorts; whether that be for a casual day look, or throwing them over a bikini. Recently I've bought loads of crop tops and depending on your definition of 'cropped' I'm taking about five with me. With waisted shorts they're super cute and versatile, I just hope the trend hangs around as I've really invested in it!

Denim Shorts

Sunglasses: Topshop, £16, Necklace: Miss Selfridge, £7, Crop top: Topshop, £10, Shorts: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Converse

I felt sort of 80's throwback in this outfit, with the denim shorts and converse. I really liked it thought and felt great in it. I used to never, ever wear shorts, but about a year ago I bought my first pair of up cycled Levi's from Urban Outfitters and have never looked back. These were the second pair I bought as the first pair stretched and are far too big for me but I'm starting to think these will end up with the same fate. They fit me perfectly after a wash, but once I've worn them for a day they're really lose around my waist. It's such a shame as I'm completely besotted with them and hardly wear anything else!

The crop top is another summer purchase. Super cheap from Topshop and will go with everything. The fabric is a bit thicker than I anticipated (that's what you get for online shopping) but it hangs really well and I love it. I need to get a new pair of Converse, these have been to hell and back (they probably won't last another trip to my Student Union) so I'll probably buy another pair before I go back to university in September. 

Red Dress

                                         

Dress: Topshop, £38. Shoes: Topshop

This is one of my new Topshop dresses . As it's a bit longer than my usual style I felt a bit silly and over dressed, but its so light and lovely to wear I soon got used to it. 

I  rarely go out bare-legged (ok, never) but it's just so hot at the moment wearing tights would be so silly. I'm also mentally preparing myself for my holiday (on Monday!) so I'm trying to rock bare legs as much as possible. Hopefully by Monday my legs won't be so pasty white - although I have to admit I'm cheating by using Garnier's Summer Body moisturiser. I absolutely love it. It's really gradual and it has just enough fake tan in it to give a touch of colour, without looking like you've got a spray tan. And it doesn't smell- hoorah!

Yes, I'm wearing those Topshop sandals again. I think they're going to become my staple summer shoe. So comfortable and easy to style. I'm packing other shoes for my holiday but I think I'll just be rocking these everyday, dodgy feet tan lines and all. 

Short Shorts

Camisole: Zara, £13. Shorts: Miss Selfridge, £22. Shoes: Topshop

I had to run a few errands today and as the temperature is hovering around the high 20's where I am I thought it was the perfect excuse to try one of my summer holiday looks. I saw the shorts months ago out shopping with friends, but they didn't have my size. I'm never really one for online shopping but I couldn't forget about them so I bit the bullet and they're perfect so I'm really pleased. I bought the adorable little camisole in the Zara sale yesterday, £25 reduced to £13, its a little too big but for the summer months loose fitting clothes are ideal. The peplum feature is usually something I completely avoid, but as it's very subtle I didn't really mind.

Excuse the terrible photo, it's the first time I've attempted taking full-body shots of myself. Turns out it's a lot harder than I anticipated. Hopefully with a little more practice they'll turn out better...!

Summer Dresses

I've always been a huge lover of the cute summer dress. Although in recent months I've been drawn towards shorts, my love affair with the floaty dress is always a constant. I've just bought two, very different, summer dress from Topshop; they'd both look cute walking around little french towns, or with a glass of wine in hand. The perfect way to spend a summer.

Dress: Topshop, £34

I absolutely adore this dress. It fits perfectly and is just the right length. It's one of those Topshop staples that they make in countless patterns - I have it in a purple and black print too, but it's more for evening. This style looks denim, but the fabric is light and airy, with a slight stretch that ensures its comfy and summer suitable. 

Dress: Topshop, £38 

This is the other recent Topshop purchase. The fabric is slightly rougher and a bit see-through in certain lights, but, for me, this only adds to the summer appeal. It's a bit longer than my usual style, but as it's slightly see-through, the longer the better. I'm just hoping the floral cut-out detail won't leave me with dodgy tan lines! 

Dress: Urban Outfitters

This dress I've had for years - an Urban Outfitters number that's, again, slighty longer than my usual. I love 'grandma's curtain' patterns and it has hidden pockets in the side that are uber cute. I used to wear it all the time, often with jumpers and heavy boots in the winter, but I'm thinking this year it can make it's grand return as the summer dress it is. 

Summer holiday accessories

I'm off on holiday to France for 3 weeks pretty soon, and due to the unrelenting boredom of my university summer break I've bought almost everything I'm going to need.

I'm really into brown leather handbags and I'd been searching high and low to replace my battered and bruised Urban Outfitters one yet to no avail. However, whilst having a clear out of my wardrobe I found this perfect, soft leather bag. It's a brilliant size too. Once belonging to my grandmother I have no idea where it's from or even how old it is - lets just call it vintage!

I find summer shoes so difficult to buy, my feet are pretty much a half size so everything is either too big or too small. Rocking boots in the winter works out fine if they're slightly too big, but summer shoes have a tendency to fall off my heels. I found these pretty black Topshop sandals, again hidden in my wardrobe. I wore them to my Year 13 ball and never since. 

Sandals: Topshop

I'm not normally one to wear (even the tiniest of) heels during the day but they're so comfortable and go with pretty much everything. 

Sunglasses: Topshop, £16

I'm usually an aviator girl, but these were just too adorable. The diamante! The circle shape! They're so over the top for my style that I had to have them. I'm trying to wriggle out of my comfort zone and these disco ball sunglasses were the perfect place to start.