More Proof That I Spend Too Much Money On Awesome Things.

What I bought yesterday:


New gig bag from River Island


Proper GaGa glasses ♥


David & Goliath t-shirt from TK Maxx..I can't resist an awesome t-shirt


Dress from TK Maxx


Top from Zara


Shirt from Zara


The sequinned epaulettes pretty much made it for me


New soft plaid shirt from Primark


Skirt suspiciously similar to the ones in American Apparel but for a tiny fraction of the price


Boosh tour DVD to go with my Vince Noir-esque 80%20 boots!


Still haven't got round to playing it, but I can't wait! Saving it for an extra-boring day.

New Purchases. ♥

Apologies for the lack in regular posts lately, I haven't been feeling too great. However I feel better today so entries are back!

I went out to Bristol yesterday, intending to take photos for my Photography exam, but it's very difficult to resist when there are so many lovely shops with so few people in on a Monday morning. Plus the weather's quickly getting warmer and I need more lovely clothes for summer!

Onto the new buys...


Long tee from New Look.
Awesome for layering, especially with my fabulously big belt around the middle. Plus since all the newest styles are oversized, I can happily buy a size 8 or 10 and still have it fit. :) good times!


Silence & Noise Dress.
I needed a dress to wear with everything since I have school most days of the week up until May (scary that I'm finishing so soon!), so ensuring everything is super-versatile is essential. It's also really light & would look great with some ridiculously colourful patterned tights.


Hollister hoodie (again!)
My excuse is their luscious softness and great quality, as well as the fact that I got this one for £15 on clearance! They're perfect for staying late at the beach or in town in the summer, as they're warm but don't look out of place at all with a summery outfit.


H&M Skirt
I didn't think this skirt looked too exciting on the hanger, but it really does look better on! Normally black clothing is pretty insufferable in the hot weather, but the material's light enough to get away with wearing it in the summer.


Cute underwear!
My friend and I are having a minor competition as to who has the cutest underwear: so far I face competition from Pac-Man man pants. Then I saw these rainbow ruffly things and knew that whatever he gets, I have him beaten.

Have you started planning your summer wardrobe yet?

Recent Buys ♥

Lately has been spent indulging in some completely necessary gorgeous items..seems like I can't resist cute and pretty things! And you can't exactly say no when they're cheap.



Topshop heart necklace in support of Radical Self Love month! Bought second-hand on Ebay for £1.76 plus P&P. Cuteness indeed.


Also Topshop and also bought on Ebay second-hand, think I paid around £6 for it. It's a super-on-trend matte black - I've seen so many gold and silver ones, but not black!


If you like to have massive shops to yourself in order to try on funky accessories and trendy clothing, I highly recommend visiting Hereford on a weekday morning - the place was deserted! And considering the generous '20% off one item' promotion which H&M have been running lately, it's a great excuse to invest in some unashamedly ostentacious accessories like this netted bow headband I managed to get on Friday. Unfortunately the pink faux-suede lining of my handbag has rubbed off on it so it's covered in tiny pink fluffy bits!


THE Panda Hat! Ok, I admit it, I caved. But it's so cute and warm! I've been wearing it pretty much non-stop since I bought it.


Velvet leggings from H&M, again bought at reduced price with the promotional discount. I don't know what I'm going to wear with these, but they're fantastic.


Two scarves from A-Wear which I plan to wear together: one is lacy and the other has tiny hippie-ish bobbles along the edges. Not what I'd usually pick, but I have plans for them. :)

Among the more mundane purchases, I also bought some M&S socks with a leftover gift card, plus a free bamboo flannel from the Body Shop with a promotional Telegraph voucher! I have to admit that it was an excellent deal.

What've you bought this week?

New Blazer ♥

FINALLY got the blazer I'd been lusting after for months! ♥



It's an Aeropostale blazer, funnily enough! I managed to get it for a great price on Ebay US, despite excessive customs charges, and it fits wonderfully - Ebay is such a gamble but once in a while you can get some truly fantastic pieces.

River Island Order..♥

One thing which has delighted me recently amidst the gloom and despair of recent happenings is the fact that some of the most recent collections from River Island have been absolutely jaw-droppingly excellent. As in rush-around-in-a-mad-frenzy-for-your-credit-card excellent before ordering amazing pieces you probably shouldn't buy but can't resist anyway. I had originally planned to enforce my nan's cunning plan in shopping - buy everything you love and take back everything you can't realistically afford - but I really can't see myself taking any of these back.


Amazing hooded cardigan that was almost sold out; unfortunately there were only sizes 6-10 left. I went for a size 10 and it's a little on the small side, but you can't exactly turn something you fall in love with down, can you?


THE jacket, with the fabulous fringed scarf. Such a lovely scarf.


Front detail!

I also kind of want some of the incredible shoes they have, though I should probably wait until I get a job or something so I can afford them.

Boxing Day Bargains, Oh How I Love Thee...

It's true, sales have been starting so much earlier now than ever! You've all heard the crazy stories of the chaos resulting from this year's post-Christmas reductions...

- Panel falls on Selfridges shoppers in Manchester

- Riots in Gucci..what?!

- And even more craziness!

Luckily Bristol wasn't quite this bad, though there was still a fair amount of shoving and crazy queues!

Here is my comparitively small Topshop haul:


Grey jersey blazer, reduced from £45 to £25, a great plain alternative to my other blazers which are all patterned


Black wool biker jacket, reduced from £65 to £30. I was rather distraught when these had all sold out on the website, though they had plenty in the store.

Topshop is definitely the place to go for sale bargains, as most of their items are a bit too expensive at full price and the discounts are always generous. Plus they seem to reduce all their winter and party season stock, not just the stuff that isn't selling.

Post your sale bargains!

New All Saints Buys!

I haven't been feeling too great the last week or so, though I'll be back posting regularly very soon!

Last week I received two gorgeous items from All Saints purchased during their 20% off days..what's better than a discount on your current favourite website?



All Saints Pious L/S Top
Although now sold out on the website, this top is perfect for layering and the material is luxuriously fine - much more touchable than other plain layering tees! The only problem is the sizing: I bought a size 14 after just about being able to fit into a size 14 dress of theirs; unfortunately the top fits more like an 18 as it just drowns me! It doesn't seem to have shrunk after being washed, but I think I can just about pull it off with a jacket over the top to hide the bagginess. If all else fails, I could always wear it as a minidress!


All Saints Ditzy Ezra Skirt
In love with this skirt! The price is a bit over-the-top, though it doesn't detract too much from its beauty. The print is slightly bolder than in the photos, being a brownish-beige and vermilion red. The shape is particularly unusual even when compared to their other hitch hem skirts, as it is shortest at the sides and longest at the front, as well as ultra-pretty worn at the waist. I have a size 8 in another of their skirts, though I (thankfully) chose a 10 in this one just to be on the safe side.


Although the sizing seems to be a bit sporadical between pieces, the finer materials and cuts are of almost designer quality, especially evident when compared with other high street offerings. The styles are wonderfully unique yet blend in with just about any style..so perfect! I can't wait to get more.

Miss Selfridge Buys

Lately I have been addicted to some of the rather fabulous Miss Selfridge pieces - their general appeal really has stepped up in the last couple of seasons thanks to some rather lovely irresistable pieces.


Yesterday I bought this:

I managed to run into an old primary school friend of mine who was working in the fitting rooms due to getting a rather fun job; turns out we're both applying for the same uni courses! Scary but rad, no? Anyway, I spied this beauty and had to try it on despite having aversions to the following aspects: jersey bodycon-style fits (not great for jelly bellies in denial like me!), low neckline, very short hemline and low back.
Turns out it's not a bodycon fit at all despite its appearance on the rack: it has a kind of hidden pleat coming from the waist skimming over the stomach which nicely hides any excess chub and looks good with both darker tights and worn as a long top with shorts underneath. Great for school worn with tights and boots, as it's a dress (no shorts allowed!). The neckline doesn't come up quite so low when worn; however the back is lower..I can easily hide this with a blazer or jacket. Additionally, I got away with buying a size 12 to fit better to my waist rather than a 14..how's that for a self-esteem boost?!


This week I got what I thought was a beret from the Miss Selfridge website using my free shipping code..how wrong I was! It's one of those long droopy hats that looks great on some people, but makes me look like an estranged member of the Seven Dwarfs..shame really, as the soft knit texture is wonderful. Needless to say, I'm returning it as it is absolutely huuge.
I also picked up a copy of Teen Vogue which I'd spotted in WHSmith, since it gave me an instant happy flashback to days of holidaying in the US with a copy of the magazine in my backpack. Good times indeed! Is 18 too old for teen magazines?

Since I hadn't bought anything for a while previously, I was delighted to finally be able to spend some of my long-saved cash on awesome stuff.

Bristolian Goodies.

I had the pleasure of travelling to the charming city of Bristol yesterday and spent a good few hours enjoying the fantastic shops, delicious food and delightful townsfolk. Most of the shops there are some of the biggest high street stores (hello brand new 4-storey Primark!), as well as a few exciting boutiques and vintage shops scattered around the place, making it a wonderfully enchanting place to pass the time. I can easily spend an entire day there by myself without being bored.

I didn't spend a whole lot of money strangely enough, but here's what I bought:

1.
Dorothy Perkins biker bangles! I seldom buy bracelet sets, but since I included these beauties in my previous list of lustworthy items, I decided I had to have them. I couldn't exactly say no when I saw them in the store reduced to £7 either. They are actually five separate bracelets and do indeed make a fabulously jangly sound when I walk, especially when accompanied by my wings necklace.

2.
Urban Outfitters cross-body heart bag. Like most, I cannot resist a good bargain. Reduced from £28 to £9.99, I thought this was a rather excellent bargain. I plan to use it as my gig bag, as the previous bag broke when I was jumping/moshing/headbanging too hard. Ahem. It's similar to many versions currently at Topshop, except half the price.

I did happen to go past the Banksy exhibit a few times, though the line was unimaginably long so it would have been impossible to get in. I think it circled around the building several times before snaking between metal fences outside the entrance. Next time then?

Oh, London ♥

photo taken by me!

London is a city which never ceases to amaze me. Regarded as the undisputed epitome of culture, class and style in the UK, it's no wonder millions of people swarm there every day for events, sightseeing and shopping, shopping, shopping. The most inspiring aspect of the place is the culture - London is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, so it's not surprising that in one neighborhood you'll find people in floor-length burkhas inhaling the spicy aroma of exotic curries whilst in the one adjacent you'll encounter tall, beautiful tattooed girls running incredible high-end vintage boutiques. Mere moments after arrival it's easy to see how many London-based artists and designers manage to gain inspiration for their incredible work, as their senses are constantly being bombarded by the intriguing, terrifying and often absurd experiences that this hub of constant buzzing activity has to offer.

Similarly, the retail capabilities are limitless. When your shop has a place on the grey tourist-infested pavements of Oxford Street, you know you've made it. London is just as famous for its vast shopping centers and gigantic high street flagship locations as it is for its museums, art and culture. Every international fashion retailer's debut store in the UK has to be in central London for optimum traffic as well as the most effective marketing campaigns. No other city in the UK or Europe has nearly as many famous fashion stores from across the globe as London does, it's a truly phenomenal place to be.

After hunting down some cute vintage stores in Brick Lane and getting lost in the chilling zone of horrors known as Bethnal Green, I found solace in the ridiculously enchanting high-street paradise known as Oxford Street. I think I should probably set up camp in the back of Topshop and try and live there or something.

My beloved purchases:

1.
This lusciously soft leather jacket from Selfridges is most likely going to become my new child/most frequently worn item. I originally wanted a vintage one, but they were all much too masculine for my liking, so this beauty from Selfridges should make up for its frightfully expensive price tag by staying with me forever.

2.
I went hunting at the fairly new Bershka shop in Oxford street and marvelled at how cheap yet gorgeous some of their items actually are. This drape cardigan cost only £6.99 somehow and looks very similar to the current offerings at All Saints. Hmm.

3.
Another impulse Bershka purchase. I'm concerned by the 'Do Not Wash' label; however it was £2 and matches my hair, so why the heck not?

4.
An incredible scarf from japanese usefulness boutique Muji, featuring a map of New York. I was impressed by this as I'm hoping to go to NY in a couple of months, so I can memorise the street maps before heading off over there whilst wearing one myself. Plus it came in this adorable tube - how amazing is that? Accompanied by an amusing festival flyer from a vintage shop just off Carnaby Street.

What's your favourite aspect of London?
Any incredibly jaw-dropping purchases/occurances while you were there?
If you've never been, what would inspire you to want to go there the most?

First Ever River Island Purchases?!

Yesterday I found myself in town alone due to people cancelling plans, etc - a perfect opportunity for an all-day shopping trip! Shopping in the early morning is absolutely wonderful - less crowds, a cooler temperature (any other UK people melting in this heatwave?!) and the sales staff are much more attentive a half hour after opening than in the early afternoon. Truly wonderful!

This gave me a great opportunity to have a quick dash around the shops that I never usually go into. I'd heard wonderful things about River Island from friends in London but have never been able to find anything in their local stores but, well, tacky trash to put it nicely. Neon vests and sequinned hot pants, for example - how foul! I had a great chance to look at some of their newer things yesterday and they truly do have some pretty items! I almost bought more, but £51 in one go is enough for one day, don't you think?

Though one of the department stores in town have just opened a new All Saints section, and they are having a sale...why do they tempt me?!

On to the photos!:



Purchase #1: Grey Animal Print Top: Adore this! Loved the cut, tried it on on a whim and it looks excellent for wearing to gigs in the summer with dark tailored shorts. The heat has been so intense here in the South for the last few weeks that I really needed some pretty yet practical summer clothes other than t-shirts.

Purchase #2: Grey & Blue Striped Jersey Dress: Is it ridiculous how I own literally no dresses? Now I have one which I love - I saw a similar one on Modcloth, shame it sold out! I wore this today and it's wonderful. I like how it subtly accentuates the waistline without drawing too much attention to the hips and stomach.

Lesson for today - always try things on! I think when the stores are quieter you feel much more prepared for trying things on than when it's hot and crowded. I'm delighted with my new finds. :)

Charity shop finds - what do you think?

I've been feeling slightly better the last few days, I hope I can continue to improve - being ill is NOT something I'd advise to anyone!

I went looking through the charity shops yesterday and found these sweet-looking jackets. I know I wouldn't be able to wear them until winter and that I'd be wearing something else completely different underneath them - what's your opinion? Keep and love them, or sell them?

Picture too large for layout - click here!

#1 - Laura Ashley black velvet blazer, £5. Someone cut the inside tag out but I can tell from the care instructions label that it's from Laura Ashley.

#2 - Karen Millen jacket, bought for just over £6. Crazy print, no? It reminded me of a pimp jacket when I tried it on. I decided that if I didn't get it, I'd regret it and so went ahead and got it.

What would they look best styled up with? The most ridiculous, crazy suggestions are welcome. I can't wait to wear the second one, haha.

What I Wore Yesterday [& Mini Shopping Haul]

Yesterday I went round good old Brizzle in search of amazing and wonderful things to buy. And yes, I did manage to squeeze in 2 hours of revision while I was there!

What I wore:


Before my hair went puffy and generally awful due to the rain.
POF: shoppin'!
Jacket: Kate Moss @ Topshop
Scarf: Camden (I wear it too much...I need new ones!)
Tee: Heartcore @ Hot Topic
Necklace: Miss Selfridge
Belt: Lowlife
Jeans: Topshop
Boots: [not pictured] Purple Doc Martens

My mini haul:


1. NO7 Makeup Base
I went to MAC at Debenhams to try out some of their foundations, since mine's been acting up, going a very odd texture on my slightly dry skin. The extremely lovely sales assistant told me to get a good makeup base, which I did! MAC's was a bit more than I was hoping to spend, so the Boots pick worked out much better.


2. Famous Tee
I seem to wear my Famous tees more than any others, so it made sense to buy another in Blue Banana's sale. Instead of £25 they were reduced to a much more sensible £10.


3. All Saints Cardigan
It looks great just hanging in my room.
I spent hours in the All Saints dressing room trying on various wraps, cardigans and shrugs in a variety of shades - this was the style which I fell in love with. How beautiful is the cut? The store where I tried so many on only had a size 6(!) so I had to cross to the other side of the city to discover a delightfully fitting size 12. All Saints stuff is slightly more expensive than it deserves to be, but some of their items are so damn beautiful that you can't say no to them.

All I need now is these two beauties to go with it:

All Saints 7 Sins t-shirt, £60


Urban Outfitters Wings Necklace, £24

Well it is my birthday in four days...but I've asked for this instead!


Love at first sight. ♥

Double update!

The last few days have been intense! Saturday I shopped and met up with family, Sunday I sat in a gorgeous vintage-style car (the Figaro) and yesterday I went to see The Blackout, Silverstein & Hollywood Undead! Fun was indeed had by all.

The fruits of my mini Saturday shopping spree:


Miss Selfridge scarf ♥ I love this! Purple, shimmery and ruffled - what more would anyone want? I wore it yesterday & it's super-stretchy, as well as looking wonderfully glamourous on. My new favourite thing.


My dead hair needs love. I tried this last week and it made my hair amazingly soft, as it's dry and brittle from excessive straightening. I had to have more of it. :D

Today's outfit:

POF: Turning up to school 3 hours late & still on an adrenaline high from last night.
Jacket: Urban Outfitters
T-shirt: From Silverstein's merch table last night (bought for boyfriend, but I'm sure he won't mind)
Bag: From The Blackout's merch table the aforementioned night
Necklace: Miss Selfridge
Jeans: H&M
Belt: Lowlife
Boots: Purple Docs [not pictured]

Excuse the lack of updates over the next few weeks - exams are relentlessly wearing me down. I haven't disappeared, promise! ♥