What I wore today: BBQ in the evening on the beach with MethAng

Outfit: Rolled up bootcut jeans from Next. Black Tescos tee. Pink v-neck sweater from Red Herring.

Accessories: Silver cuff, print scarf and silver earrings. Mary janes.

Clinique make-up makes all the difference!

What I wore today: Sunny day of studying!

Another warm day....

Outfit: Denim mini from Topshop, black tee from Tescos.

Accessories: Silver Mackintosh earrings, green silk print scarf from Accessorize, bronze ballet pumps.

Hair: Blow dryed with body building tonic. No make-up!

Vintage Shopping

I've been rustling through quirky shops along the devon coastline and here is what I found!

BEST BUY: Brown leather Prada sachel/handbag, £20!!!! This was an awesome find, obviously an old model that some fashionista got bored of. This looks brand new and is beautifully soft, stiched and a bag for life! I will be carrying this almost everyday, I can fit so much more in it than my everyday handbag and it could be used as an overnight or bookbag! So, practical AND stylish!

LUXURY BUY/gift from love: French silk dressing gown with black lace cuffs, £10! This is gorgeous and incredibly sexy. Won't be wearing it around the house though, haha! Even looks fab hanging in my room I feel like Marilyn Monroe! Not practical but it has it's uses and is radiantly stylish!

THE ODD BALL: Black and gold leopard head bangle, £16. Abit of a gamble this. I love it because it's so unusual but others may find it hideous! It's a replica of the one Mrs.Spencer recieved from Prince Edward and was given to a lady on the day of her wedding. It's hallmarked 1997 and could possibly be designer but I need to do some research to find out more. There is a possiblity I might sell this if I find it just doesn't get worn or fit into my wardrobe but I'd love to wear it with a LBD or the like. By the way its retail price in 1997 was apparently £200!!! GASP!

THE TRINKET: Cute heart pendant on chain, £4. Love this and will wear it regularly. No hallmark is only gold plated.

TRUE VINTAGE: A 1920s/30s flower brooch with faux pearl, £10. Lovely, will look stylish on jacket/blazer, black dress/top and on clutch.

Very pleased with self. I love Prada and I love jewellery and now I love silk!!! Accessories transform any outfit.

What I wore today: Trip to the beach and more bargian hunting!

Another boiling hot day in April!

Off white and turqouise patterned sundress from Fat face. Pink cardi from Monsoon.

Gold flip flops from Glamour magazine designed by Kert Gieger, gold heart trinket bracelet.

Another fun packed day will l tell you what I bought soon!

what I wore today: Weekend of shopping and fun!

Here's what I wore for a shopping trip in Exeter and what a successful one it was too. I'll post about what I bought soon!

It's been hot so I wore my wrap dress, red shrug and comfy (serious shopping) shoes.

Sunglasses essential in this weather, dangly necklace, silver bangle, amber ring, black hoop earrings and brown bag.

Sorry such short post, busy weekend!!!

What I wore today: Boyfriend visiting for weekend and house viewing

Fab outfit today! I'm really getting the hang of this 'wear everything in your wardrobe' philosophy. I own alot of lovely clothes but they were not getting worn because I wasn't brave enough to be creative and kept wearing the same old hoodie with the trusty jeans when I was stuck. Now, I tell myself not to wear the same outfit more than once a fortnight and to try to get through a week not repeating the same garment. I'm allowed to repeat shoes as I don't have many of these and accessories must be used to pull together any outfit. My aim is to find as many different and stylish combinations in my wardrobe! I'm really enjoying the challenge so far. Today was a toughy as my boyfriend is coming down to visit for the weekend and I haven't seen him for two weeks so wanted to look my best! Have I managed it???

Outfit: Denim mini from Topshop, white sunset print tank underneath from Animal and lack kimono style sweater from Dorothy Perkins.

Accessories: Green and gold strip scalf from Per Una (Xmas pressie from friend), bronze ballet pumps, bronze bean earrings, silve cuff and amber ring.

Hair: Washed in Dove shampoo and herbal Essenses conditioner. Styled with Tigi Control Freak and Catwalk sexed up body building tonic. My hair is looking really bouncy and shiny today as I really worked hard on it with the round bristle brush when drying.

Make up and perfume: Prada perfume, Clinique face powder, lipgloss, blush and mascara.

I've got an appointment to view a tenancy room for my PGCE next year so I might change accordingly....

What I wore today: Handing in the Dissertation, lunch with Dad and dinner at a friends!

Gosh I'm tired! I didn't get a chance to post this morning as I was desperately trying to get my work finished for the 4pm deadline. I managed it and Dad took me out for lunch to celebrate. Due to having an organised wardrobe I was able to save crucial time in getting ready this morning!

Outfit: Organic white cotton tee from People Tree, green mohair shrug from TopShop and black trousers from Next.

Accessories: Brown Mary janes, silver cuff, and turquoise earrings from Accessorize.

Hair and Make-up: Gave hair a quick brush and it looked good. Superpowder Clinique and blush.

Minimal outfit today due to pressure of deadline, but I still look polished and together!

A Stylish Word on Shoes

The Holy Grail of Shoes

I am the proud owner of a beautiful pair of 4 inch black satin Manolos. I found them on eBay and fell head over heels (excuse the pun) in love with them. They are not just shoes for me, they are works of art, or even a work of heart. Each pair is hand made and lovingly put together and the craft/design is never short of perfection with a pair of these beauties. They are an investment for my wardrobe and I intend to whip them out for every birthday I desire to look a knock out at! Indeed jaws dropped when I wore them at my 21st birthday party last December. No woman needs a pair of Manolos, but they certainly help in the style ranks in my opinion. Their not practical shoes, their certainly not cheap but they are heavenly in every other way ;-)!

Shoes are the key to an outfit

Bare in mind that whatever you put on your totsies will determine the class of your whole look. Just take the example of cute jeans with ballet pumps vs. cute jeans with sexy heels! Your shoes should reflect more than anything else you're wearing the occassion and situation you find yourself in on a day to day basis. Don't expect to be able to walk round campus/town in your loveliest heels and definately DON'T try to wear 'comfy' shoes to a formal event. I don't mean your party shoes can't be comfy, I just mean don't fall into the trap of thinking "I'll be on my feet all night, better wear loafers". There are plenty of stylish/chic shoes that ARE comfy and beautiful, for example a wedge??? Of course you do at times have to throw comfort out the window and dig out the rediculous 'toe screamers'.

Quality and Organise

When it comes to buying shoes don't buy cheap. I have a housemate who gets through shoes like I get through chocolate buys. Think about what you need on the end of your feet then buy one good quality of each style. Leather always preferable unless of course you're vegan/vegetarian. They don't have to be expensive just well made, I buy shoes from Clarks beacause their comfy, well put together and affordable BUT NOT CHEAP. They cost around £40 and last an age. You should get tired of your shoes, they shouldn't get tired of you! And if you do buy good quality, please for goodness sake keeo them polished and well looked after, don't stuff them at the bottom of the wardrobe, this will also mean they get less wear. The key to getting the best out of anything you purchase is quality and organisation; so make sure your shoes are visible, perhaps on a rack?

Really NOT HOT!!!

1. Platforms - even if they are in fashion they are pretty chunky and ugly.

2. Wearing trainers - avoid like the plague, strictly only for excercise!

What I wore today: Working at home

I woke up this morning with tooth ache, it's in my root filing so maybe it will pass as it has hurt before :-(. Lots of work to do today, i've got to finish my dissertation!

Outfit: Dark blue low rise straight leg jeans from Moto at Topshop (these have been too tight for a while but I think I've lost weight. Turquoise vest top from a friend underneath mulitcoloured stripy cardi from Per Una at Marks and Spencers.

Acceossories: Bronze ballerina pumps with ribbons from Miss Selfridge, Mackintosh silver earrings and silver cuff from Next. I kept the accessories to a minimal today because of my brightly coloured top.

Hair: Wash with Dove shampoo and herbal Essenses conditioner. Styled with Tigi Catwalk Body Building Tonic. I only used one product today as I didn't want to weigh my locks down as they haven't looked too hot the last two days.

Make-up: Winter Weather Rescue tinted face moisturiser from Next, Clinique face superpowder, Body Shop blush in Golden Pink 04 and black super volume mascara. This gave me a flawless look and I think I might save my Clinique palette for special occasions and travel.

I loved my look today. It was really creative and comfy, and it's great that I'm now slim enough not to muffin top over these tight jeans!

What I wore today: Slogging away in the library, again!

I am looking forward to friday emencely. Not only will this damn dissertation be handed in but my boyfriend is coming down to visit and as all the housemates will be away on a retreat we will have the house to ourselves! Yey!


Outfit: Black short sleeve jersey dress (tres Audrey) from Monsoon, black cardi from Monsoon.


Accessories: Cream string of hearts necklace from Accessorize, silver cuff from Next, amber ring, diamond studs and brown Mary Janes from Clarks.


Hair: On second day, sprintz on Control freak and gave it a quite blow dry followed by body building tonic.



Verdict: This is a very stylish outfit as I recieved lots of compliments today. I love the all black idea, I was considoring wearing my green shrug but then decided to dress it down for the day. I highly recommend buying a black jersey dress because they are so easy to wear, comfy and can be dressed up or down.

Make-up: Clinique as usual and Prada perfume! ;-)

Why is style no longer in fashion?

Style and fashion posed hand in hand throughout the 1920s, 30s and 40s. It was the 1960 when things started to change, and certainly for the better in liberating women and being much more imaginative with 'trends' like the mini skirt and erm flower power! Then it all went down hill in the 1970s the decade that style forgot, perhaps people were employing blind puppies to help them pick out their attire but everything from punk to glam rock looked like a high and paranoid clown had thrown up all over it. I guess the 80s could be described as a little chic, but New Romantics and power suits were lets face it scary. The 90s well I think things just went off the boil abit it just went off the fashions radar with all those tracksuits and bumbags! My point is that if an ordinary Joe Bloggs or Joanna Bloggs follows these decade trends that swing in and out (and the pace for trends has quickened to weekly these days) they are done for. And another thing, go vintage shopping with caution and chant 'style, style, style' NOT 'retro, retro, retro'!


So, why is style no longer in fashion??? Everything is so haphazard these days when you flick through magazines? When are we going to see achieveable style in magazines? Probably never this would make them no fun at all and make personal style far too common and YOU less unique, YOU who has style is a cut above the rest! Lol!

What I wore today: Studying in the library 9-6!!!

Wow, I'm up and dressed by 8am and this is a novelty for me! Check out the unmade bed behind me, hehe! Sorry about layout I will get the hang of this one day! :-) Off to the library again today as the Thursday deadline grows ever nearer, eek. I love this outfit.

Outfit: Soft blue v-neck sweater with buttons along neckline from White Stuff (quite an expensive one but very flettering on the waist). White wrap shirt from Next underneath. Grey bootcut distressed jeans from Oasis.

Accessorise: Great accessories today. Metallic coral low wedges from Vagabond, dangly charm necklace and dark green bead hoop earrings both from Accessorize, amber ring.

Hair: Washed with DOve shampoo and Herbal Essences conditioner. Styled with Tigi Bed Head Control Freak and Health Goddess and Catwalk Body Tonic, these left my hair shiny, volume and sleek!

Make up: Clinique powder, blush and mascara.

Best Bits: Gorgeous colour, very flattering outfit, the heels are great, the jeans are comfy and cool, the white shirt crisp (and it doesn't need ironing) and the accesorise are wonderfully chic.

Worst Bits: None! Maybe the shirt could be a better bit.

What's your beauty routine?

It's important to keep on top of your daily/weekly/monthly maintenance. I recommend making a note in your diary of when your due for your next salon appointment or home beauty session. As I'm on a budget the only thing I get done professionally is my haircut, recently I've even been converted to colour at home (with much success). What follows is my routine, it's not gospel...


Daily: Morning - Wash face with gentle facescrub to remove dead and dull skin, moisturise to hydrate, in summer time or if you want a glow follow with a holiday skin moisturiser, if you can stretch to it use an eyecream to combat those dark circles under eyes, this skin is very sensitive. Brush teeth. Pluck any stray hairs under brow. Apply make-up and perfume. Style hair. Apply body lotion (could be a tanning one) if you've just had a shower. Apply hand lotion whenever needed.
Evening: Remove make-up with cleansing cloth, facescrub and moisturise. Brush teeth.
Every other day or after sport: Shower, wash and scrub, shave and beautify hair!


Weekly: Spend some time in the bath getting rid of dead skin on heels with pumice stone and trimming toenails. Tidy up fingernails just so they look neat I don't go in for polish unless I'm going out. Deep pore cleasing strip for nose and hydrating face mask. Body scrub in shower.


Monthly/six weeks: Get hair cut and coloured. Remove any offending hair that you've missed (upper lip?). Sort through beauty products and throw what is smelly/icky, store what you're not using and look after what you do.

What I wore today: typing my dissertation!!!

Another day of study, not long until the torment is over now but full marks to me for looking lovely even though I'm being such a hermit today.

Outfit: Denim mini from Topshop (this is about five years old and was such a good buy it doesn't look a day old!). Pretty pink button down cardi from Monsoon, underneath Peppermint green long sleeve tee with cute buttons at front from Tescos!

Accessorise: Tan pumps with tassells from Accessorize, Makintosh silver drop earrings, silver cuff from Next. Minimal today as no necklace goes with these colours and I feel it's already quite a busy look.

Hair: Washed previous day. Blow dryed for shape and volume with Tigi Catwalk Body building Tonic.

Make-up: Clinique palette of course; powder, blush and mascara. I put some extra powder under my eyes to combat dark circles and it seems to have done the trick.

Best bits: Skirts that show off my legs are a must, layering tops is cool, pretty pink is cute colour on me.

Not so good bits: perhaps looking a bit frumpy round the middle as the cardi doesn't have much shape. But now I'm just being picky! ;-)

P.S. The Dove body lotion has develpoed into a really nice natural colour but I do have to be careful about rubbing it in because I do have to odd offending tan line!

Praise for Tigi haircare range

Tigi Bed Head Range

Far left: Health Goddess, A vitamin booster that rehydrates and detangles.

The great thing about this product is that you can just spray it on dry hair and tada! instant commercial shiny hair! As long as you give it a good blow dry out otherwise it will just sit on your hair limp and damp as the nozzle squirts directly in a straight line and doesn't fan out the product. I love Health Goddess as I craze lusciously shiny locks, I recommend using it on dry hair as I didn't experience it's benefits when I used it on damp hair before styling. As it works so well on dry hair it's a great product to give your locks a boost on a non-wash day.

Middle: Control Freak, Extra Extra Straight Hair Straightener.

I would describe my hair as straight. So, what am I doing with this product? Well, it was a Christmas gift and I've never really known how to use it on my hair until my stylist used it instead of straighters. At the hairdressers they are obsessed with GHDs, even though I have super fine straightish hair they still use them and I often ask them to skip this part of the styling process to avoid lank hair. My stulist used this product on my damp hair before blow drying it with lots of volume to sleek out any of those frizzy kinky bits that I get, even though it's predominantly straight my hair isn't always sleek when first washed. This product used on dry or damp hair gets rid of any fluffiness and leaves my hair soft, I love it now I understand how to apply it! It's nice to know I can avoid the straighteners and keep my hair in great sleeky condition too! As with Health Goddess it also has a direct nozzle so be careful to blow dry out the product throughout your hair to get it's full benefit.

Tigi Catwalk Range

Far right: Sexed-Up Body Building Tonic

With a good blow dry this product is great applied to damp hair for gorgeous sexy volume and it has a lovely easy to apply spray action unlike the two previous nozzles. BUT it is not until you use this wicked spray on dry hair that you can really "sex-up" your tressles. Applied to dry hair and scrunch up and twisted you get really sexy/grungy look, a great look for any laid back day on the beach or at home! It is the ultimate in come and get me looks ;-). I have super fine hair and this body builder really does work wonders on my limp locks without weighing it down.

When styling with most products they need a little heat encouragement to really kick in and take affect. Be sure to invest in a good quality round bristle brush for blow drying even when your hair is dry, you will get much better results this way. Check out my brush in the previous post, it's a great buy with it's ceramic core as it spreads the heat evenly.

Check out Tigi products on my fave websites hit list!

The Ultimate One and Only Hair Accessory!

If you don't own one of these already, buy one! Blow drying your hair suddenly becomes so much more easier and you get a professional finish. Invest in a brush that won't damage your hair, I highly recommend this one from Vidal Sassoon Moisture Protection brush.

* It's an 80mm radial brush so gives your hair lots of volume.

* The iconic bristles reduce static and don't snap your tresses leaving it in good shiny and soft condition.

* A twisting collar allows easier curling action so you don't get cramp in your wrist mid drying.

This is a fantastic buy for £8.50 and transformed my hair from fluffy and fine to sleek and full even when used on dry hair.

If you buy one hair product this month buy this one, it will make the effects of any styling product work twice as well and you'll have salon looking hair 24/7!

What I wore today: Studying in the library

It has taken me ages to get these pics uploaded and they're still not in line! Grr! I kept deleting them when I was positioning them and having to do it all again.

Right on with the outfit. I wanted to look quite layed back today as I'm just going to the library and need to be cool. I'm wearing a blue Quiksilver tee with a really flattering cut, this cost me £20 a bit steep for a tee but good quality fabric and a lovely colour on me. It has faded a little in the sun last summer but you only know that if you turn it inside out! Hehe! Those are my £20 Next jeans which I'm still loving and on my feet are gold flip flops that I got free in Glamour magazine last summer! Gasp, I know flip flops aren't very stylish but they work for me for a laid back student look in good weather and I wanted to be cool today, I don't have any other open toed sandals in my wardrobe.

I felt I needed a necklace for the top and chose this red and blue beaded one from Accessorize. To match the necklace and tee colour I have turqouise earrings also from Accessorize and my silver Next cuff. I'm not wearing my amber ring as the colours don't go with the blue in my outfit. The earrings are a lovely colour, it's a shame their not larger so they make more of an impact.

Hair was washed with Dove Respect and Balance Shampoo for Normal hair and Herbal Essences Rainforest flowers shimmering colour for coloured/highlighted hair conditioner. I don't really give much thought to what shampoo I'm using, I just use up whatever's on the shelf, I promise that once I've used these up I will think deep and hard about what to put on my hair. For styling I blow dryed with my slim paddle brush (which doesn't do half as good a job as a round bristle brush, I NEED to buy one of these for super sleek volume hair), I sprayed on some Tigi Control Freak which helped with the kinks. I'm quite pleased with my attempt to style what the hairdresser gave me the other day. I need to get some styling products to give my fringe a bit of texture perhaps. My hair didn't look very sleek or shiny and I'm loathed to use straightening irons as their bad for your hair, tomorrow I'll use my shiny hair sray and see what happens. This week I am trialing all my products individually to see what affect they have on my wig and then try different combinations. This will help me to know what my hair needs.

For make up I used my Clinique travel set; Matte beige superpowder, mocha pink blush, colour surge eyeshadow, high impact mascara black and silver pink moisture sheer lipstick. I love this palette I don't have to think about what goes with what and it gives me an effortless polished look.

I also used some Dove Summer Glow body lotion to build a gradual tan and Johnson's holiday skin daily facial moisturiser, this year it's all above looking after the condition of my skin. So, NO sunbathing, getting burnt/natural tan AND lots of high factor suncream and tinted moisturiser. I've used these products before and they've worked well, no streaks if I build it gradually and it looks natural. I've got this great facial scrub Biore pore perfect that I use daily as it's not too harsh, it leaves my skin fresh and radiant, since using it I've noticed less break outs. My daily moistriser is Botanics Day Shift Moisture lotion which is incredibly hydrating on my face as the rice exrract and honey work throughout the day.

All in all I look and feel fab today. I just need to work on getting my hair right.

What I wore today: Back to Uni

Today I packed up the car and headed back to university. It's 20C recently so I wanted to be cool and comfortable. I wore my butterfly wrap dress from French Connection, musky pink v-neck sweater from Red Herring, light tan wicker pumps from Accessorize and my sliver cuff (Next), diamond studs and amber ring.

I left my hair as it was when I woke up and gave it a brush as it had kept it's style well since yesterday at the hairdressers. I wore Clinique powder, blush and mascara from my travel compact.

I love this outfit for warm weather. It's fun and flirty, pretty and neat.

What I wore today: Town and hairdressers

Mum and I were off to the hairdressers today and I always think it is important to dress well so that they get an idea of what kind of haircut you want. If you portray your style in the clothes you wear to the appointment then your stylist will have a good idea of what hair will go with it. I once made the mistake of going to get my hair cut in board shorts and flip flops and I came out looking like a surfer dude, note not a beach babe!

It's a warm spring day and probably about 20C so I couldn't face wearing jeans. So, butterfly wrap dress it was but I have been desperate to wear my new jacket. I slipped this on over the top of the wrap and to my surprise it looked really cute. So, my jacket looks great with jeans, black trousers and my wrap yey! I wore my tan preppy pumps, sunglasses, diamond studs, silver cuff and amber ring. What with this highly stylish and polished look AND a new haircut I looked the business.

Comments: "Very Audrey Hepburn" - Mum

The New Hair Philosophy

Sigh, hair perfection! I love this new cut. I went to my fave hairdressers Golds who always give a good cut and asked for exactly what I'd blogged about earlier and here are the results! She did exactly what I wanted. This will be a great style to grow my hair to shoulder length and I think the side swept fringe softens my face. It doesn't look so blocky at the sides anymore. I love it!

Top Style Rule: Get a flattering haircut by a professional, think about what you want before you go in and maintain with trims every six weeks.

Compare this pic to the one below of me in my new jacket, vast improvement me thinks! Now I'm going to grow my hair with regular trims until it's at least shoulder length and see which suits me best.

I need to invest in a few hair products and accesories to keep my tresses looking beautiful.

1. Large bristle brush for volume blow drying.

2. The product she used is called Control Freak for fizzy hair, I already have tis in my cupboard so will be fishing it out on the next wash. :-)

6 weeks and time for a trim!

The essense of style lies on top of everey womans head. Your hair is your crowning glory so look after it with regular 6 weekly trims. I'm going today and this is what I'm asking for...

1. A low side parting - this will give a bit of width to my narrow long face shape.

2. A few long layers - to give a bit of interest, my hair is fine so this always thickens it up.

3. Keeping the length - I'm trying to grow it just below my shoulders so I don't want too much off the length, just the split ends and enough to give it a nice shape.

4. A fringe - an angled one that sweeps to the side and blends in with the rest of my hair. This will balance my high forehead and draw attention to my eyes.

5. Blow dry - no straightening irons for me as my hair is very straight but a good blow dry will combat any kinks/fizz and give my limp locks lots of voloume.

I'm not getting any colour done today as I can't afford it. Usually in the spring I get blonde highlights but in recent years I've been doing this too much so I am giving my hair a chance to grow them out and recover. To cover up the roots I get a semi-permanent put in which is a little darker than my natural colour. This gives it a good shine and condition. I can't afford to have the semi done at the hairdressers either so I had a go at home colouring.

I have to say I was really pleased with the results. I used Clairol Nice n Easy semi-permanent in a dark rich reddish brown. This was the shade darker than my natural colour so it would show up well and last longer. It was easy to use and gave my hair a glossy finish and the colour has only just faded six weeks later. I will probably buy some more today.

Things To Remember When Shopping.

1. Make a list. Before you set foot outside your door have a look in your wardrobe. How many pairs of jeans do you really need? Why would you buy another posh skirt? When was the last time you needed a silk shirt? These are all things we fall in love with whilst out shopping only to get them home and realise we would never wear them or already have five in our wardrobe. I've made a list of essentials and from this decide on about three things that I'll keep an eye out for when shopping as I can't cope with anymore than this at once.

2. One thing at a time. I like to take it to an exstreme and shop for one thing at a time instead of ploughing into a changing room with nine different garments in mix matching colours and fabrics and sizes. If I focus on the one thing that I need the most I can buy something of quality that I love and fits instead of four tops that don't. This is how I bought my jeans and jacket, my mum kept trying to distract me with current fashion trends (eek) but I stood my ground and said "no I NEED some jeans!"

3. Don't get distracted by fashion. If something doesn't suit you don't for heavens sake buy it! I'm on a quest to develpo my own style not someone elses and this would not happen if I bought the latest leggings and volume dress from TopShop. My boyfriend says he likes my sense of style because I'm not a fashion victim but don't dress boringly and play it safe, I have certain rules and know what I want.

4. Quality! I love my new jacket because it's individual and isn't poorly made like so many of the similar cut jackets I've seen in TopShop and other such places. On TV this morning I saw a chatshow host making lots of admiring noises in the direction of their fashion gurus high street choices. Models were strutting up and down the studio in what I can only discribe as white pillow cases! These girls were beauties and they didn't even look good in the cheap catwalk rip offs! Apparently white bellowing mini dresses are in as Madonna and Mischa Barton have been seen wearing them, but I'm pretty sure these ladies can afford the really thing and a bit of quality. Please don't buy these cheap imitations it shows no flare or hint of personality and the chances are everyone will see your underwear.

5. Individual style. This is important and ties in with points 3 and 4. If you know your style you won't get distracted by fashion OR what the celebs are doning. Don't be a follower of fashion be the one who sets the scene for yourself. Mischa Barton doesn't have her own style, she gets told what to wear by a personal stylist! This is sad and a grown woman should know better. It is an art to be able to dress yourself attractively, smartly, stylishly and how you love to do it. Don't let someone else do it for you!

I've found a jacket!

I've been shopping again with my limited funds and found a great buy. I've wanted a spring jacket to wear with jeans or dress up with black trousers and I found one at Atlantic Villiage of all places. This is a shopping mall which is full of terribly down market shops and low high street stores. SO, why did I go here??? Well Mum and I fancied a day out and saw shoppinng at Atlantic Villiage as a challenge. Our challenge was to find something we needed and loved and was a bargin.

When I shop in places like this I keep in mind what's on my current wish list. At the moment it's a trendy jacket and skirt, a black or gray merino sweater and some dangly earring. Whilst I walk around any store I keep this in mind so I can stay focused in the most desperate of shopping trips.

I searched the store for a nice sweater but they were cheap and nasty material or granny wooly jumpers. There were no nice skirts, these are very hard to find and the only jewellers was quite expensive. Then just as I was wanting to go home I spotted a ladies occasion wear store. From the outside it looked like it was full of those mother of the bride type suits that women wear, and it was! But all the clothes were very well made and where there are suits there are jackets, so I thought it was worth a look.

I had to stay focused. I wanted a jacket. Good quality fabric in a fun colour and well cut so it doesn't bunch up anywhere. I found one which look nice on the hanger and was a nazy and white wool mix cropped jacket for around £50 but when I put it on it was a bad fit at the back. I was about to give up when I spotted a rail at the back in the sale which had to be worth a look at (you never know!) Most of the jackets were frumpy or dull colours, then I found a classic. A size 10, pretty spring green, really cute cropped cut and £139!!! But wait it's in the sale so it was for some strange reason reduced to £19!!!!!!! I bought it.

It was a perfect fit. The shop assistant tryed to get me to buy a matching skirt (eek) but I was not falling for this. I wanted a smart jacket that would look sassy with jeans NOT a green grannie suit I could wear to my daughters wedding with matching assessories!!! This jacket was in a lovely fabric and will look uber cool and sophisticated with dark jeans or black trousers. Also I could wear it with light trousers to my friends wedding this summer. I hope this jacket will become my staple trendy jacket/blazer at least for spring/summer. I may not be able to wear it in bad weather as it's dry clean only and I wouldn't want it to get wet. The lining is lovely too which is probably why it was originally £139.

I thought to myself I probably wouldn't have bought it at the original prise as I don't have that sought of money but I would have gone for it at half prise. £19 for the cutest jacket ever made, what a find!

The Jeans Success Story

Today my mum took me jeans shopping! I found the perfect pair for the great prise of £19.99 in Next. Now I'm prancing around my bedroom admiring my posterior at every opportunity. They are a bootcut of course with slightly higher rise than I usually wear but they are so comfy and the higher rise means no builders bum, muffin tops or belly top!!! This also means my legs look longer, they're great! With slight fading on the thighs this makes my legs look uber trim. All the pairs with whiskering were too expensive so I went with this classic colour and fading. The length is regular but they look good with heels. The pockets are cool too with embroidered waves. I love my new jeans and they have swiftly become staples as they're comfortable and flattering and won't be going out of fashion in a rush!

What I wore today: Lunch with parents

Today I headed to a country pub for lunch with my mum and dad.

I wore a dark grey v-neck tee, a french blue v-neck sweater, dark blue straight-leg jeans, pink pash and metallic coral wedges. The colours in this outfit worked really well together, the basics were quite neutral and the pink was subtle whilst the coral gave a splash of colour but was far away enough not to clash.

Having said that the fot of the sweater and jeans is not great. Because the jeans are low slung i get really bad bad builders bum if I crouch and don't get me started on the muffin tops. The sweater fits but with the jeans being so tight I look bulky on top! I've worn this sweater with my flattering slim black trousers and it looks great becasue their are no offending muffin tops to cling to. So, the proof is in the pudding, I NEED a great pair of jeans that FIT!!!

Wardrobe Essentials

Trinny and Susannah are the battle axes of British style, when they get their cruel fingers on a poor unsuspecting housewife and start prodding her I feel like only good can come of the situation with their wealth of knowledge. All their tips on what top will make your boobs look big/small and which trousers cut off your leg are great and have helped me alot with my quest for style. However, I was forever left confused about what exactly I should buy for my wardrobe until I came across the enlightening blog of Dilly. Here is a woman who has it sussed and I advice you spend some time studying this link below http://womanwardrobeneeds.blogspot.com/2005/06/staples-for-every-womans-wardrobe.html


Dilly's blog got me thinking about what I use my clothes for and how I live my life. It's important that your clothes reflect your lifestyle and that you don't have what I call the reverse cinderella symdrome with eight beautiful ballgowns in your closet but no ball to go to! I would challenge you to make your own list of essentials and taylor them to your lifestyle. I don't have an office job, infact I'm a poor lowly student, so never ever have the need for a suit and would not include it in my list until perhaps I start my career. Even for an interview I wouldn't wear a suit; black trousers, a crisp shirt and a v-neck sweater are appropriate for my age and the jobs I go for.


It's true that whatever your size and budget you CAN look great. The trick is to learn what suits your shape and know what to invest in with your hard earned cash. So, once you've got your essential list (curtesy of Dilly's blog) think how to adapt it to your shape and lifestyle. Here's how I adapted my list....

1. I have no need for a suit so I scrapped this from the list BUT black trousers ARE indispensible. I bought a pair from Next for £22, their a wide leg cut because I find this helps lengthen my legs and skims over my saddle bags they have a wide waistband that help protect against muffin tops. I wear these for ever occassion under the sun including less casual ones such as chilling with the boyfriend or a trip into town. I also wear them under my wrap dress for a very trendy look.

2. Jeans. These are the best invention known to man/woman as they are SO versitile. You can take one pair of dark blue denim jeans and dress them up or down. As you know my search for the perfect pair is in the hanging at the moment as I've found THEM but am still saving my pennies. I aim to have two pairs eventually; one for casual and one for special. Bootcut is without a doubt the way forward for me as they balance my tummy out and for the specials I might considor a funky pocket. I feel at the tender age of 21 I can probably get away with a bit of glitz on my posterior for at least another five years.

3. Boots. I love beautifully crafted boots, long boots, that make your legs look sexy and trim. Definately go for black if you like it but I am incredibly fond of brown leather. I have a pair of long brown leather boots but they are a little narrow, next autumn I think I'll get a black pair as long as their not tarty looking or too shiny. I don't like pointy toes as they cramp my totsies so the mission for the perfect boot may be long and hard. I feel they really to HAVE to be long otherwise you can't wear them with skirts and where's the fun in that!?

4. Smart black court shoes. I probably would have left these off as well but an interview last year deemed them suddenly essential. Since purchasing a pair I've discovered they'll be called for at my graduation ceremony (yey) and of course the dreaded school placements for my future teacher training course (eek)! Again pointy shoes I always think look a little witchy and harsh so I opted for a cool long boxed toe with a silver bar. I also went for quite a high heel as i don't want those Year 11 boys towering over me too much in class when I'm dishing out detentions! Hehe! ;-)

5. The black dress. A black jersey dress is indispensible to me. Mine is a scoop neck with t-shirt sleeves and a sophiticated slit at the back. Think Audrey Hepburn. Knee length is of course the way to do it. The fabric doesn't cling and the cut accentuates my waist and curves. Good luck in your search, I found mine in Monsoon of all places for a snip at £50. I wear it to dressy events with my cute red shrug and even to lectures dressed down with boots. This isn't my LBD, it's my day to night black dress, my little black dress is of a completely seperate function. My LBD has a heart shaped bodice and tight slinky skirt, think more Marilyn than Audrey, sexy not innocent. The LBD isn't as neccessary for all women as the sophisticated one but mine went down a trest at my 21st and I'll probably be doning it for New Years Eve.

6. Earrings. I don't like silver hoop earrings I think they make me look common and cold as I have a long face and Roman nose. With my Eastern European complexion hooped earrings always seem to make me look like I should be gazing into a crystal ball. I opt for silver earrings but my old favourites are simple dangly bars in a Mackintosh design, simple yet stylish. The rest of the time I wear diamond studs, this way my look is always detailed and classy. If I wear an eyecatching necklace I don't wear dangly earring unless they really complement, less is more, I stick to the studs.

7. A black cardigan. My version of the black sweater. I saw this round necked cardi in Monsoon and fell in love with it once I'd tryed it on. It has a lovely silk lining so hangs beautifully and the large buttons give a bit more interest than a pull over. That said a v-neck sweater is better as it goes with more tops. I need to buy one.

8. A trendy wrap dress. I never manage to find a print skirt I like but my lovely butterfly print wrap dress is a staple now. I think most skirts make me look dumpier than I am and generally dresses have a better line on my apple shaped body. My quest for a flattering skirt is trying. Out of the two skirts I do own one gets more wear than the other, this is because it's a denim mini and the other is a heavy but flattering pale blue flared cord skirt. The latter although shows of my butt to to it's best is a bit bulky around the middle but the mini is fab, I've had it since I was about 16 and it still fits and looks great with boots and tights in the winter. A wrap dress and denim mini definately replace a print skirt in my essentials list. Remember an a-line skirt can make petite women look dumpy this is why I have no success, go with something clingy on the bum and flared at the hem.

9. A trendy jacket/blazer. I'm not sure about this one for me??? I used to borrow my roommates all the time and it was lovely as it nipped in my waist and my great for finer weather and nights out. I just need to find one in a colour I'll use often as black seems too well black for a trendy blazer. Any suggestions???

10. My pink signature sweater. The colour of choice for Lizzie Lou and a great alternative to the black cardi.

11. The silver bangle and amber ring = my trademark accessory.

12. That elusive evening top. I've never found one I love, they always make me feel like a tart and I'm lost on this one too. BUT I am absolutely sure I need at least one as I never have anything to dress jeans or my black trousers up with for an evening out!

13. Many t-shirts in all colours thta suit. Black, white, pink, blue etc being the best for me.

14. A winter coat. I've got a funny dark turqouise blue one with huge lapels. It's cool but unfortunately a lot of girls on campus thought the same thing when they spotted it in TopShop. Because it is such an unusual colour I'm thinking of getting a black coat this winter with a nice lining and cut (e.g. spend some money) so my coat doesn't become too memorable.

15. One skin coloured and one black bra. Make sure you've got them and they fit and don't show through tees. I also love a pretty and simple white one.

16. Of course you need underwear and lots of it. Remember, no holes, no stains and no VPL! Get yourself to M&S pronto and buy black and white only. I love cute knickers but own far too many and sometimes I struggle to find a pair without a bow or lace that ARE practical.

17. All hail the candy pink pashmina. Whatever your colour you need one of these, great for warmth at a posh do or as a scarf when casual. Garanteed to enhance any outfit and the wearer to a higher social class lol!

18. Evening clutch. Big enough for mobile, keys, a pouch of money/card and your lippie. I love Radley bags and have a dark brown leather one which won't go out of fashion cos it's such a classic.

19. Daily handbag. Whatever your style or colour preference. Mine is cheap but smart from Next. I like to change my handbag yearly so don't buy expensive ones as I'd get bored of carrying the same one for too long. It is after all something you carry daily.

20. Going out shoes. Mine are round toed low wedges but the most brilliant thing about them is that their orange! Crazy I know but fun! I think if your shoes can make or break any outfit. These shoes serve the function of personality portrayor, their a really pretty colour and a fab fit. The low wedge means I can wear them for hours.

21. Sunglasses. Mine are brown because I have a fair complexion but if you you can take it on your face go black tres chic!

22. Bikini - I like halter necks with support and tie string bottoms to make my legs appear longer. For my holiday this summer I'd like to get a 'lounging' and 'active' bikini' so that means one total glam and one practical yet attractive.
AND other things such as shorts and trainers for sport.

23. Cropped trousers if you've got the leg length for them are a great style essential for spring/summer. I however am not leggy SO I try to find a reasonable alternative in cute khaki shorts for summer days and stick to light weight trousers for when I need to cover up.

A word on Clinique make-up

Today I went to the beach, it was windy and we dug a dam and there was sand EVERYWHERE! Not surprising really, hehe ;-). I wore some Clinique eyeshadow, mascara and blush and it stayed in place ALL day. I am so impressed with Clinique that I've been drawn away from my usual Body Shop addiction. The Body Shop make-up is quite reasonably priced but the eyeshadow always folds into my creases. I bought this travel kit from Clinique on the way to Barcelona in duty free and I highly recommend it, as even the shadow stayed in place. I have a fair to middling complexion and every single colour in the palette suits me. And I can mix and match them up and the whole look (eyes, cheeks, lips) is very polished and subtle. I love this make-up I've never found anything that stays so well and although the compact cost £25 it was sooo worth it. It contains some powder (which gives a flawly finish), a lovely blush (not too pink), four shadows (in complimenting browns and beige) and five lip colours (in two different finishes, matte and gloss). This is fab for travel or to just pop in your bag for a night out as it comes with applicators too and the whole lid is a mirror. Next time your at duty-free buy one! And whilst I'm on the topic of duty-free, Prada perfume has got to be the loveliest smell in the world. It's my signature scent and I've been wearing it for a year now and still haven't gotten tired of it. It's very feminine and unique without being too flowery or sweet, try it!

http://www.clinique.co.uk/

To get your mits on the travel kit you would have to buy it from British Airways, try this link to order one online http://www.bagiftshop.com/cgi-bin/stw.storefront/462a996d001c8ad2273fc361fd0c06aa/Catalog/1031

The start of a new style era

Wow, what a difference a shiny new hair colour and a pink pash can make! That's my black kimono sleeved sweater underneath. A little more slick me thinks!

A Style Journey in Pictures

Oh dear, where do I start, this is Christmas 06 before my style quest had officially started and I had obviously let myself go. The shoes are CLOGS! Not exactly the best footwear for a country walk. The jeans are too short even for flats and too small for me in every other proportion. The jacket too is too tight around my belly and is a terrible colour on me and the hat??? Well it's actually quite cool with the right outfit but like I said earlier I don't think green is really my colour. Now the picture with the dog is very cute but you know that thing I was saying about yellow! A yellow hoodie should perhaps not be in my wardrobe, it's not flattering and I certainly don't feel hot, sexy or stylish in it. But I can't quite bring myself to part with it just yet as it's uber comfy. Can I just swear not to wear it out the house and store it alongside my gymwear??? SO, you see what I mean about my lack of black in my wardrobe? I don't even own a black coat yet!

Black and......

Pink
I am aware that pink is not to every womans taste but I have become rather fond of it at late. Pink does not just lift my complexion but also lifts my mood and goes fab with black! A word of caution though. There are certain pinks that are yucky and wearing more one pink item can be disasterous. However, having said that I wear a deep pink sweater with a candy pink pash and it looks tres chic, this is because they are toning shades. Pink also looks good with grey, which means my grey jeans that I had written off as yuck have a new lease of life thanks to pink! DO be careful with pink dear readers, it can be crafty, if you have a rosey complexion lucky you but steer clear of pink. Keep pink subtle and it will look after you, a bright pink floor length ball gown is not becoming and if you try and argue Barbie just think how much better you looked in your little black dress!!!

Yellow
There is a reason that in the animal kingdom black and yellow are the sign for danger. So, is it true for style? YES! Never wear this combination unless you want to be mistaken for a bubble bee. In fact never wear yellow. I've never seen anyone look good in it and the current trend for retro mustard is no exception.

White
This combination has to be treated with care as it can sometimes look a it harsh or preppy. If you wear black bottoms and a white shirt it's best to break it up with another colour or someone will ask you for the menu in a restaurant!

Red
I love red. It's fun, passionate and flirty. If you can wear it prepared to be noticed. I only own one red item, the shrug in the picture, and with my black jersey dress I look the business. Not every shade of red suits me and I find it quite a differcult colour to wear without clashing with my hair. I'm not a redhead (sigh) but have a dark redish brown tint to my colour at the moment and during the summer I often have blonde highlights. Wearing red can make my blonde hair look quite brassy so I approach this colour with caution.

What's your colour/shade?
Alot of people suit blue, some green and others red. Whatever your fave colour shade and tone can have a huge affect. Light colours can make you look washed out whilst stronger shades clash.

My fave colours: Black, white, grey, pink, red, blue

My Urgh colours: Purple, yellow, orange, most greens

The joys of black

Black is the backbone of style. I learnt this the hard way. I used to think black was boring and made me look boring as it was the central colour scheme of my school uniform. As a result of this during my teens I would never wear black as it felt too much like school. This trend continued into my college 6th form wardobe and first year at university until my room mate introduced me to the virtues of black. She was amazed to discover I did not own one item of black in my entire wardrobe including bags and shoes. Everthing was of the brightest of colours and each individual garment was very pretty and bright. BUT and this is a big but. I was always moaning I had nothing to wear and this was due to the fact that not alot in my wardrobe matched. I had every colour and shade under the sun but black. The basic black.

Now times have changed and I have learnt the wonders of black. Not only is it slimming but there are few occasions where black is not approriate. I would say you need one black pair of trousers, a dress, a sweater, shoes and bag to make any wardobe ten times more useful and stylish. if black really doesn't suit you keep it away from your face and perhaps opt for very dark brown accesories like sunglasses and bags. I have a dark brown leather bag and you couldn't really tell it wasn't black but it has a bit more warmth to it. Also I have quite a pale complexion so dark brown sunglasses are an essential for me.

Of course, dressing head to toe in black is not something I'd call for, especially as blacks DO vary in shade and often don't match. So, it is also a good idea to love your colours as long as at least 25% of your wardrobe is black. I still love colour, perhaps more than black at times and everyone has their favourites but black is more than a colour (infact offciall it's not a colour but a shade), black is a way of wardobe!

How to decide what to wear to an event?

Here are a few tips on how to decide what to wear for a night out, special occasion or event. These steps are not concrete, they are merely how I decided what to wear and how I go about doing it.

Step 1
Think about the venue. Where are you going? Will you be outside? What will the temperature be like? What about what's underfoot and how far you will be walking? Is it formal or the dreaded smart-casual dress code? All the questions will help you determine the level of smartness, if you'll need a cover up and what footwear is best. Keep the venue in mind as you dress.

Example: Last night we were going for a pub crawl in a seaside town, it would be breezy and we'd be walking up some hills between bars. Therefore, I decided to take my pashmina and wear my flat gold ballet pumps. This way both are practical but still fun enough for a night out.

Step 2
Pick one item of clothing and think about how to adapt it to the occasion. I wanted to wear my new wrap dress but on it's own I would be too cold and too dressy. So, I paired it with my black trousers to look more trendy for the bars.

Step 3
I then thought about what jewelry would pull the look I am going for into reality. A necklace to accentuate the dresses neckline and pick out the print colour. I wore quite a chunky necklace so big earrings would have been a mistake. Balance is important with accessorise.

Step 4
If you need a bag take the smallest one you can fit all your essentials in and if your outfits already too fussy keep it black or a neutral colour. The same with a cover up, take a simple pashmina in a neutral shade black, cream, or a light pink possibly so as not to clash with anything else. Shoes need to reflect the occasion more than any other part of your outfit, you can dress an outfit up or down depending on your choice of footwear. For example, the more swanky the venue the higher you can afford to go with your shoe.

Tip
It is probably best to start with the clothing and work outwards. Think main piece (dress/top/new purchase to show off), then seperates that match, then jewelry to bring outfit together and finally which shoes, bag and cover up?

Tip
Think about how short your skirt is and how low your neckline goes. If you are going to a wedding or funeral you want to look respectable. If you're worried about looking OTT wear a vest top under a low cut top or cool tights and boots with a mini skirt. Balance any revealing top with a more conservative bottom and vice versa, otherwise you'll look like a tart whatever your age!

Evidence of a successful wardrobe

My new stylish lifestyle has reeped it's first reward and started earning it's keep!


Yesterday I was complimented by a friend on my choice of wrap dress whilst out for some birthday celebration drinks. She noted that I and another friend were looking stylish and suitably dressed for the venue but she had failed to deliver by turning up in a stripy t-shirt, mini skirt and flip-flops combo. I think her outfit was tres cute for the beach but perhaps not for an evening at pubs and bars. Thus proving that appropriate dress for the occasion counts towards style. This also goes without saying when applying make-up. A very pretty girl was at the bar and although seeming to have applied immaculate make-up it did appear to have been done so with a trowl! Less is definately more with make-up for most social events. It is a great skill to be able to gage the level of event and dress appropriately. I always go by the rule of dressing by the venue and your own high standards rather than doing the age old teenage angst thing of phoning girlfriends to check if their wearing a skirt or trousers! I believe that someone who owns style does not need to judge their dressing ability against their friends or co-workers.


Later that night I had a change of plans. I was going to be dropped off at home by my boyfriend but, due to a little extra white wine and not wanting to go home to my parents tipsy, we phoned ahead and let them know I was staying round his. A quick five minute sneak in and out the door was all I required to locate my toiletries, make-up, overnight bag and clothes for the following morning. As I was incredibly organised I could now just pick out a hanger from the wardrobe and know that the tee and sweater hanging from it were not only clean but matched!


A new style lesson has been learnt here. Know your venue, if you can dress appropriately for an event you will be instantly more stylish!

My favourite pieces

I think it's nice to have a few favourite pieces that when you wear them you feel your best. Here are a few of mine........enjoy!


Left: Here's a pic of me wearing my fave bangle and ring. The bangle has a lovely curve to it that fits my wrist and the stones in the ring are a really unusual cut. I love statement jewellery with chumky shapes! The cuffs from Next and only cost a few pounds!
Left: Ahh the fruits of my labour! See all my fave accessories hanging on these pretty little hooks, I've some handy shoe polish up there too. On the door are my dresses as their too long for my tall boy where I keep everything else and the cupboard behind them is a bit damp to keeo clothes in.

Left: Here's that preety butterfliy wrap dress in close up. This was my fave outfit on holiday in Barcelona. It was perfect for wandering the bustling streets and sitting in cafes. The pretty pash kept me warm and the dress looked really cool over my black trousers. I took this small shoulder bag of my mums to keep things safe in and wore it round my front, I didn't want to be pick pocketed and my usual bag is hand held. The necklace is a new fave, it has hearts round it and I thought the shapes picked out the butterflies in the dress nicely.

Left: This is my airport and travel outfit. Comfy mary-janes which I wore all holiday, black trousers and kimono and a pash of course. The bag is my book bag and was perfect for hand luggage, although maybe I need one with a zip?

News, shoes and blues

The News

The wardrobe reorganisation was a success. I tryed out my new system and it worked perfectly on clothes, accessories and toiletries. I am now a happy bunny and feel like I finally have something to wear!

I started with the clothes. I got ALL of them out on my bed and went through deciding if they went in pile A) winter wardrobe, formal, ill-fitting or urgh/charity shop OR pile B) spring wardrobe, LOVE IT, looks fab or staple. The latter pile was surprisingly similar in size to the former. So, I folded up pile A and put them away in drawers. Then I spread out pileB to have a look at what I had. And this is what I found:

a few vest tops, about 14 tees, a white shirt, two paris of jeans (one dark, one grey), black trousers, black cropped trousers, a denim mini skirt, four v-neck sweaters, a black kimono sleeved sweater, a hoodie!, a cute red shrug, a black posh cardie, a black jersey dress and a black and white print wrap dress.

I don't think this is alot. Do you? Definately the bare minimum for most women? And then I know I've got a few other pieces to include at uni and then some others that are going straight to the reserve pile!

I then picked out seven fave tops to wear this week, four sweaters and four bottoms to mix and match this week. Hung those in the wardrobe and put everything else in a drawer for next week. To be honest once I'd picked this weeks clothes there wasn't much left just the dresses, hoodie, kimono and a few sad looking tees. But at least I know what I've got! The dresses are acting as my going out outfits.

I then set to work on my accessories, which I think save my wardrobe from being completely boring! I have three bags; an evening clutch, a day bag and one for overnight that I also use for lectures and carrying books. Four lovely costume necklaces, a candy pink pashmina and some sunglasses. All this hangs on a set of hook neck to my wardrobe so I can pick and choose in the morning. On my dresser are all my earring in a jewellery box and my fave cuff bangle and amber ring for daily wear (I wear these two items with everything, their like my signature pieces). Then I set about hidding my most precious jewells in a top secret location! All organised now!

What I learnt from this is exactly what I have. And that what I have isn't enough but until I'm earning money I'm going to have to cope and live off hand outs from my mother! I've discovered many more combinations of my clothes and am actually looking forward to getting dressed tomorrow!

The Shoes

Now dear reader, you have probably been sitting there screaming "but you haven't thought about your FEET!" Well maybe your not but it would be a good observation. Of course no wardrobe is complete without shoes and many are better than a few I hear peole say. I however, have a problem with shoes, I have one foot a size bigger than the other so buying half sizes in Clarks is always my best bet to avoid blisters and I also have limited funds being a student. Therefore, I am picky when it comes to shoes, they have to be comfy and I have to love them. I'm not a big heel wearer although after saying that I do own a 4inch pair of black satin Manolos!!! I am aware these ARE high, expensive and impractical shoes but I found them on eBay and thought there more of an investment in shoe history than anything else, there will after all never be another Manolo Blaknik!

So, apart from that little hiccup I have only a few pairs of shoes and not the usual habit of most women. But I decided to treat my collection (because if it exceeds one pair I deem it a collection) of shoes with the three prng attack again. I got them all out the closet and pretty much shoved them all back in again save a pair of boots, my mary-janes, two ballet pumps, my funky wedges and some flip flops. I did't feel the need to have any of the others out as I didn't intend to use them. I've lined these six up against my wardrobe so tha I get some wear out of them this week. I've been living in my mary-janes this past fortnight as I went to Barcelona sight seeing in them and they are SOOOO comfy. I think in order to achieve any sort of style I need to get a bit of variation in my footwear so starting tomorrow I'm going to wear a different pari almost every day of the week.

The Blues

No I'm not depressed. Well maybe a little due to lack of funds for new style venture but when I refer to the blues I mean jeans, dark blue denim jeans. Of which I own one pair and apart from that one saving grace, their colour, they don't have much going for them. Their straight leg and very low therefore very good at exposong my posterior and making my legs look even shorter. My other jeans are a grim grey but have more going for them in terms of cut as their a bootleg and a little higher in the back.

The long and short of it is, if I am going to succeed in my quest for style I NEED a new pair of jeans and these will have to be supplied by my mother who seems to think you can pick up "a perfectly good pair" for £17!!! I have a challenge on my hands I need to convince her otherwise.

The pair I want are £70 but I could possibly find something cheaper and of the same specification.

The Specification: dark blue denim, bootcut, slim fit, low rise but back hugging, whiskering on the hip, faded thighs. Is this too much to ask, I've found what I think could be the PERFECT JEANS at Diesel so wish me luck!

Thus far my advice to any budding style icon wouls be:

1. Get organised.

2. Get the perfect jeans for your figure ( check out www.ilovejeans.com, for a jeans finder guide)

Jeans Tip: If you buy one pair of jeans go for dark blue bootcuts that don't show your bum crack. These are the most versitile from day to night and the most flattering shape for most. Also a wide waistband will help stop that muffin top affect. ;-)

Check out my dream pair from Diesel at the top of the page.

Happy styling!

Lizzie Lou xxx

To be stylish is to be organised!

I woke up this morning at nine o'clock bleary eyed but determined to start my new quest for style. Looking down at my red and tartan doggy pyjamas I realised if I'm going to this I should probably rethink my nightwear too. I know not many people see your pj's but that is not the point, I'm not doing this to look good for everyone else, I'm doing this for me and I'm treating it like a hobbie not a chore. I haven't even told anyone I'm writing this blog, I'm just going to see what reactions I get that way I'll know if I'm heading in the right direction.


So after stumbling out of bed I headed for the bathroom. When it comes to toiletries and cosmetics I'm incredibly organised. I like to keep it simply. I have a wash bag of everything I need in the bathroom such as, toothbrush/paste, facescrub, deodrant, cleansing wipes, moisturiser etc. On my table top dresser is my make up bag, a bottle of Prada and some thickening hair spray. In a wicker basket drawer is every other bottle and potion that I don't use regularly or have more than one of such as, body lotion, spare shower gel and cosmetics. I find if I keep everything in the place I use it I don't have to think so much in the mornings. Keep your make up by a naturally well lit mirror and any product that needs water in the bathroom. Common sense really! But you'd be surprised how many lovely new products you buy don't get used because their a facemask that require you to moisten your face before application and you keep them in the bottom drawer of your bedroom dresser.


So, the lesson to learn here is, to achieve style you need to first be organised in your beauty routine. Know where your favourite lipstick is, have your eau de parfum to hand as you dress and don't leave that scrummy face mask at the bottom of a drawer.


Remember there are three places for cosmetics in your home:

1. The Bathroom. Have a shelf or washbag with everthing you use daily in it and keep shampoos and body washes in the shower.

2. The Bedroom dresser. For hair styling, perfume and cosmetics.

3. The Drawer. This can be anywhere in your house, mine is in a four drawer wicker basket, where I keep anything I don't use regularly or have more than one of. It's a good idea to go through this drawer everytime you think you've run out of something, I don't use body lotion alot but for some reason have about eight bottles of the stuff!


Back to my day then. I've decided not to put make up, perfume or hair spray on as I'm spending the day in my office and the only person I'll see until this evening is my mother. I've also just thrown on a pair of frayed grey bootcut jeans and a cheap pink t-shirt. Hang on a minute this is not right! This is not making any effort to reach my style target. But if I'm completely honest I don't think there's much in my wardrobe worthy to be put on a body. Perhaps I need to treat my wardrobe as I do my toiletries. Yes that is the answer! I shall organise them as such.

Three places for clothes in your home:

1. The Weekly Wardrobe
The obvious stop would be the wardrobe where it would be great if we could open the door and discover an outfir waiting for us. Well perhaps this isn't impossible with a little planning. Treat each new week as a holiday, I don't mean pack all your clothes into a suicase and wear a kaftan, what I mean is I always dress far better when on holiday beacause I take what I need and can see all the clothes I have with me in front of me. On holiday there aren't dozens of drawers full of ill fitting clothes. Make sure your wardrobe only has clothes in it that fit and that you love to wear. Plan several outfits for the week like you would on holiday, think about the activities your up to for the next seven days and on Sunday night hang everthing you'll need in your wardrobe or if your blessed with many clothes a section at the front/side. My week consists of the following activities: working at home, beach walk with boyfriend, ermm lounging in front of the t.v. and a night out with friends. Other weeks I'm on campus for lectures, in the library or perhaps out for dinner. So, in your weekly wardrobe you should have hung seven outfits, perhaps mix and matching some garments to cut down on laundry (as if on holiday) and any extra outfits for special evenings or events. Don't forget what the weathers probably going to be like considoring where you are in the world and what the forecast is for the region.

2. The Circulation Wardrobe
Then of course there are all those clothes you love and that DO fit but you don't plan to be wearing this week such as, the formal black dress or your eleventh pair of jeans. These if their going to be worn perhaps next week or month (as long as it's seasonly) can be kept in you main wardrobe and drawers so when Sunday night comes around again they are in easy reach and you know where they are.

3. The Seasonal Wardrobe
Then there is the equivilent to the toiletries drawer the difference here is if you have more than one t-shirt you are allowed to keep it in circulation! Pack away any clothes that are out of season, so if it's summertime don't have a wooly jumper lurking in your closet and if it's Autumn make sure your scarf is hanging on a hook near by! Then along with seasonal changing I know this goes hand in hand with weight changes too. I'm trying to shed a few pounds like every other woman on this planet and especialy after a holiday I'm a little larger. So, it stands to reason that there are clothes in your wardrobe that sometimes fit and sometimes don't, keep these in your seasonal wardrobe too so perhaps when you lose a few pounds you can pull them out again and give them a whirl! I'd recommend having a sought through of this wardrobe at the beginning of each season to see which clothes haven't been worn for a year or sadly will never fit again in the near future and send them to a charity shop.


Of course you could also apply this three-prong attack to your accesories and jewellery.

1. The accessories you plan to wear with your weekly wardorbe. Bags that are suitable for the job, scarves that pull an outfit together and your torqouise earrings to bring out the colour in your fave top. I keep my handbag and pashmina that I wear almost daily on hooks next to my wardorbe and have a little tray of the jewellery I regularly wear on my dresser.

2. The accessories you love but don't match up with what your wearing this week.
Keep these in your jewellery box and a drawer of your dresser, so you can wear something different every week and not get tired of the same earrings or scarf day in day out.

3. The accessories you love and treasure. You know the ones, the bits and pieces you once wore and are keeping for sentimental value (perhaps your mothers wedding ring or a tatty friendship band you can't bring yourself to part with) OR that awfully expensive necklace from your other half that you'd only wear to formal events and weddings. All these go in a secure place; a locked drawer, the vault, a hidden shoebox marked TOP SECRET, I don't care just make sure you know where they are and nobody else does!

So, after all that I should probably go and get a little bit more organised. I can't begin to be stylish whilst knowing some of my most precious garments are jammed in the back of my fathers closet! And the rest is lying in a tangled heap on a chair!

Reaction from others on stylishness: None, this is perhaps becasue I'm wearing a bright pink t-shirt from Tescos, no make up and scruffy jeans. Oh and I've only seen my mother today!

Please leave any useful comments (if there are any readers out there??) and constructive criticisms.

Much love.

Lizzie Lou xxx

P.S. Just found this blog http://www.collegefashion.net/how-to/how-to-manage-your-wardrobe/ and I thought the post summed up nicely what benefits organisation will have on your style.