OOTD: Peplum

Those of you who have seen a few of my OOTD posts will know my love for Closet at Dorothy Perkins (and at this rate they should be paying me lol)!

I first noticed this dress on the DP website and fell in love with the bright turquoise colour and soft ruffles. The shape of this dress is gorgeous, I just wish it was a little longer, or had a lining, as the material is on the thin side and it does ride up a lot when you walk...

 Dress: Closet at Dorothy Perking (v. similar style here, £45), Wedges: Primark.

Are you a fan of the peplum? Have you checked out Closet at Dorothy Perkins? xxx

OOTD: Legally Blonde

This weekend the bf surprised me with a trip to see Legally Blonde at the Savoy theatre. I always think it's a shame that people don't dress up to go to the theatre anymore, so wanted to make a little special effort to show my appreciation of his thoughtfulness.

 Dress: Brunello Cucinelli, Pearl Coin Necklace: Banana Republic, Shoes: Zanotti, Clutch Bag: Boohoo (£20 here).

This dress was a kind gift from a family friend and is very different from my usual style. I do find the draping can be a little unflattering as it creates a lot of extra volume on my (already wide) hips, but it falls so beautifully that I love it all the same. It's also very comfortable and with its soft taupey shade extremely easy to wear. It's always nice to try something out of your comfort zone and play with your style!

Getting ready in a hurry (when am I ever not? lol) I kept makeup pretty simple. I used the Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint (shade beige 02) set with MAC MSF natural as a base, and followed with NARS orgasm illuminator to add some colour to the cheeks. For eyeshadow I created a winged out cat eye with Shiseido's shimmering colour in BR 306. This is a fantastic cream shadow - it is intense, blends like a dream and lasts exceptionally (even without a base). I finished off the look with a nude lip using YSL's Rouge Volupte in no. 1.

Are you playing with your style this season? xxx

Work It Out: Jade

Pencil dresses are definitely my weakness. Whenever I see one in an original style or fun colour I inevitably end up trying it on. The shape is really flattering for us hourglass ladies as it accentuates curves in the right places - creating balance in the silhouette while streamlining any bumps (fingers crossed). I first noticed this dress online as its bright green colour is very different to anything I currently own (the pictures look more blue toned than irl). I also liked the v-neck and the original tiered detailing around the shoulders.

 Dress - Dorothy Perkins (£30 here), Patterned Tights - M&S, Tuxedo Blazer - Zara.

Since this dress has no lining it fits pretty snugly in terms of shape, but doesn't perhaps have as much support as one would like, so I would recommend wearing it with tights. Cheaper materials like this tend to be quite thin, so it's always best to add another layer!

Are you braving bright colours this season? What are your favourite dress shapes? Do you sometimes favour style over quality? xxx

OOTD: LFW

On a slightly rainy Sunday morning I got ready to make my way to LFW, but not before taking a few pics to share with you my little OOTD.

 Sheer tie top: Courtesy of Boohoo (£15), Pleated magenta maxi skirt: Courtesy of Boohoo (£20).

Sheer ruffled socks (a do, or a don't?) Wolford,  Biela Espadrille: All Saint's (On sale £72.50)

Are you wearing pleated maxi skirts this season? What risks have you taken lately with your style? xxx

Work It Out: Classic Colour Block

Not a particularly adventurous outfit for the workplace, but I rarely feel inspired on a Monday morning! I picked up this cute little colour block, pussy bow blouse from New Look about a week ago. This is definitely a staple piece as it goes with just about anything - skirts, trousers, and even under sleeveless dresses when it gets chilly. What I particularly like about this blouse, apart from its purse friendly price of £22.99, is that it isn't see-through like so many other overly 'sheer' blouses currently in the shops, so great to wear in the office without a cami underneath.

 Blouse: New Look, Skirt: Zara

Another point to note is that this blouse offers quite a generous amount of space in the decolletage area. I often struggle to close the top button in shirts (I wear size 10), but due to the slight ruching detail at the shoulders it creates a little extra volume where you need it most ;).

What staples are you investing in this Autumn? Are you still wearing colour-block pieces?

Work It Out: Fit and Flare

Taking advantage of the 20% off offer at Dottie P's on VFNO I popped in to pick up a couple of dresses from one of my recently discovered brands - Closet. I absolutely adore the deep, crisp purple shade of this dress and the cute fit and flare style. A more wearable (in the length) and ladylike version of the skater dresses that have been replicated by a number of brands in a rainbow of colours.

 Dress: Dorothy Perkins (£42), Patent Belt: Ted Baker, Patterned Tights: M&S, Boots: DP

As much as I like the colour and cut of this dress the fit wasn't as I had hoped. The waist sits much higher than I would like, which makes the little pocket flaps stick out, rather than fall flat on the hips. This does look a little unflattering as it makes you appear wider rather than creating a 'cola bottle' silhouette.. you win some, you lose some. So to create a better shape (and make it more work friendly) I paired this dress with a fitted, single button black jacket from Zara to cinch in the waist.

During the day I paired this outfit with patent and suede heels from DP. These are high, but comfy due to the t-bar strap, and at only £35 (here) they make a great bargain ;).

This is a fun outfit to take you from day to night - happy Friday my lovelies!!

Are you wearing flared dresses this season? What colours are you adding to your winter wardrobe? Have you tried Dorothy Perkins' Closet range? Any pieces you would recommend? xxx

Work It Out: Heritage

Now I am no country bumpkin, but a few days ago I decided to switch it up and try the new heritage check trend on for size. This blazer has been in my wardrobe for a few years and rarely makes an appearance, as it's not my usual style. However, coupled with a fishtail skirt, I tried to give the essentially 'school mistress' look a girlie twist ;).

 Jacket: Mango, Forest green sweater: Mango, Skirt: M&S.

The black faux leather elbow patches can be a retro step too far for some, but I feel that the fitted shape and feminine cut of the blazer make it more modern and wearable.

Will you be dipping a toe into the heritage/ country side trend this autumn? Barbour jackets, leather riding boots and cable knits at the ready!

OOTD: Tangerine

I'm not sure if it's just me, but from my brief jaunt 'up north' I have discovered 3 things.. The tans are deeper, the hair is bigger and the shoes are definitely higher! Saturday nights in Liverpool are a very glam affair so when in Rome...

 Dress: H&M, Shoes: Dorothy Perkins, Watch: Michael Kors, Clutch: Mulberry.

I need to invest in some bigger platforms for my next trip.. giraffe style ;)!

I hope everyone had a good bank holiday weekend! xxx

Work It Out: Raspberry Ribbon

If you caught my previous post about my recent ASOS purchases (here) you may already recognise this little number. I loved the retro shape of this dressed coupled with the light material and deep raspberry shade.

 ASOS Midi Dress with Pussybow - £40

I am absolutely loving burgundy for the autumn. What colours will you be keeping an eye out for this season? xx

OOTD: Happy Birthday Mama!

This weekend my beautiful Mama turned 50! To celebrate we took a trip to the glorious Berkshire countryside for an amazing Sunday lunch.

I chose to wear this aqua dress from Reiss (that some of you may have previously noticed in my video for Babyliss here). I love Grecian inspired dresses! The vibrant colour coupled with the elegant pleating details makes this dress modern, yet classic and a great investment piece! I paired it with some chunky aqua and tan wedges from Dorothy Perkins - currently on sale for £30 here. Though I love these shoes (high yet incredibly comfy) these were not my first choice to go with this dress, but the ones I would normally wear are notoriously difficult to hop about in, not at all countryside friendly.

To style my hair I used the KMS California FreeShape Hot Flex Spray (£15.95) that not only maintains your style and protects against heat damage, but also helps you restyle your hair without adding any extra product. I heat styled with the Babyliss Waving Wand - curling from the root to create movement all the way through the hair.

I hope you all had a good weekend my lovelies! xxx

Coral OOTD

For a relaxed Sunday outing I channeled my inner Liz Hurley in a pair of crisp, white trousers. White jeans have always been a summer staple for me - not only do they flatter and draw attention to your legs (one part of my body I am actually a fan of lol), but they also make your tan pop like nothing else can! Today I decided to roll mine up for a more casual feel.

 Shirt: Zara (on Sale £15.99), Jeans: Zara, Bracelets: Oasis, Ring: H&M, Watch: Michael Kors, Sandals: New Look

I love these Oasis gold wire and stone bangles. They come in a set of two, but I'm very tempted to pick up more!

What are your summer wardrobe staples? xxx

OOTD: Jump into a jumpsuit

For a fun lunch date this weekend I decided to go all 70s in a jumpsuit and super chunky heels.

 Jumpsuit: H&M, Square Ring: Oasis, Wedges: New Look

Makeup wise I kept the eyes and cheeks neutral and chose a statement red lippie (mix of Beaute Fever stain, Bourjois and MAC Russian Red lipsticks) to accent the green of the jumpsuit. The stain lasted so well throughout the day that I only needed to reapply once.

 Maxie was trying to get in on the photo action... but mummy was having none of it ;).

Are you embracing the 70s look? I can't say I am a huge fan, but it's fun to have a little play(suit)! xxx

OOTD: Colour blocking pleats

I'm sure you've all seen the glossies quoting 'colour blocking',  'pleats' and 'clashing colours' as the must have trends this season, so I shall keep it short and sweet. I spotted this cute pink and peachy pink two tone skirt in H&M a few months ago and immediately snapped it up. It's so easy to wear and quickly ticks all the style boxes in one.

 Vest: Zara, Scarf: Miss Selfridge, Skirt: H&M, Ballet pumps: HK market, Bag: Aspinal of London.

I found this photo on the web that shows the colour more accurately than my over enthusiasically colour saturated iphone...

Pleats are not the easiest thing to pull off as the extra inches of material can add, well just that... So keep it high waisted and streamlined - I like to wear the size up to make sure all the pleats fall flat and the skirt retains its original shape.

What trends are you wearing this summer? xxx

OOTD: Well the weather outside is frightful...

The weather outside may be frightful, but sale shopping is delightful!

Returning from the glorious Turkish sunshine to be faced with the typical English summer rain I was feeling a little down - not least because I wasn't able to show off my hard earned tan ;). Between the drizzle, wind and cold I have resigned myself to the fact that summer may be over in England, without ever having really begun.

I always find this type of changeable weather difficult to dress for - you can't afford to go all easy breezy in summer dresses for fear of a downpour, but can't wrap up too warm as you never know when those few elusive rays of sunshine will fight their way through the clouds. So I was very excited when I spotted this little waterproof number in the Warehouse sale. I love the light colour, the short sleeves and the pretty laser cut detailing. It's light enough to keep you cool in the heat and show a little skin, while keeping you dry in the drizzle. Never has such a practical purchase looked so cute!

 Coat: Warehouse (now £25!!), Purple Dress: LK Bennett, Shoes: Kurt Geiger.

Have you made any exciting purchases in this summer's sales? xxx

Marmaris, Turkey

The bf and I have just spent a perfect week in the stunning Turkish sunshine. We chose a slightly more remote location between Icmeler and Marmaris (near where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet) so we could get the perfect balance of relaxing and exploring!

Since we booked a little last minute we decided to keep things simple with an all inclusive package, which ended up being the perfect choice. The food was amazing (lots of fresh vegetables, local fish and all the watermelon and cherries a girl could dream of) and the drinks flowed freely ;).

Dress: Motel, Bag: Primark, Sandals: New Look (now on sale for £7!!), Sunglasses: Fiorelli (now £30).

Our hotel was in a park/forest right by the sea, which not only made for a romantic stroll in the evening, but also ensured we made lots of new friends.. mosquito friends that feasted on me every night :(. Though I did make one more friend.. (just don't tell Maxie)!

Bikini: La Senza, Hat: Sisley, Sarong: Market, Flip-flops: Havaianas.

 

Dress and belt: Zara, Clutch: French Connection, Necklace: Banana Republic, Sandals: New Look (as before).

On our first day trip we went to the mud baths in Dalyan where we bathed in the sulphur pool (which smells just as tasty as you imagine) and then covered ourselves in mud safe in the knowledge that once it dried we would look 20 years younger ;). 

Goodbye bikini... you have served me well! Although I have outgrown you, you shall be fondly remembered :(.

We then sailed down the river to see the most amazing ruins - crypts carved into the limestone cliffs over 4000 years ago! Incredible!

On our second trip we went on a snorkeling cruise stopping at 7 different islands. The SPF 50 was in full force!

I couldn't leave you all without the ubiquitous jumping shot. Even if it is a super embarrassing one of me holding my nose lol... watch out Tom Daley ;).

With so many gorgeous swimsuits out this season I promised myself that I would wear one without feeling 'mumsy' in it. This one from Per Una definitely came in handy after all those generous buffets hehe!

For a night out dancing I chose this dress from Zara, which was an impulse purchase inspired by JLo's latest video. If you can't get away with a thigh high slit on holiday then where else? (Actually please don't answer that)!

Dress: ASOS, Shoes: Mango, Bag: Primark (as before).

 Yum!

 Dress: Paprika, Clutch: Mulberry (ahem.. Turkish market).

We had such a lovely time in Turkey and were very hesitatnt to return home. Beautiful sunshine (45oC every day), clear waters, amazing history - we can't wait to go back!

I hope you are all having a good Summer, despite this most depressing weather of late. xxx