Me and my (Zaggora) Hotpants...

I never thought that there would be more than one post of me dressed in exercise gear on this blog but strangely enough I have been enjoying exercising (when I can motivate my sorry self to go for a run or head into the gym!) Since this first post I have expanded my collection of exercise gear and this purple and orange top is a suitably jazzy addition to my wardrobe. It is a pretty weird shape but is really comfortable and most importantly it doesn't ride up when I'm exercising - there's nothing worse than constantly having to hoick stuff up or down!

Top: Adidas,  Hotpants: c/o Zaggora, socks: Adidas, trainers: c/o Sports Shoes
I really love the colours but the best part of this top has to be the pocket. I always struggle with where to put my insulin pump when I am exercising (I could take it off but I don't like to be without it completely as it makes me a bit nervous; yet so little exercise gear has pockets.) Nike, Adidas, Reebok, whoever, if you are listening, please make more clothes with pockets, diabetics everywhere would be thrilled!



When the lovely ladies at Zaggora offered to send me some of their iconic Hotpants (no, not like these!) I was super excited. I have wanted a pair since Sarah posted about them on Where Are My Knees back in 2011 but until now I have never been exercising regularly so it wasn't worth spending the money. I was pretty dubious about their claims and as someone who is always warm (I am known to friends and family as a human radiator!) I wasn't sure whether their "signature Celu-Lite heating fabric technology" was for me. Don't read on if you are about to eat or drink or are particularly squeamish as (TMI) these bad boys are seriously sweat inducing. The first time I wore these, I had to literally peel them off me afterwards. Weirdly when I was wearing them I didn't feel sweaty at all but afterwards was a whole different story! After wearing them a few times, I can confirm that despite the weird noise they make when I move (wetsuit-like material sure makes a funny old sound!) they are really comfortable and high enough in the waist for me not to feel self-conscious about my stomach - definitely my problem area!



What do you look for in exercise gear? Have you got any ideas on how I could tone my tummy?


P.S. This post was done in collaboration with Zaggora.

Minty pastels...

I have been searching for a new pair of jeans for quite a while now, I found some way back in May but they not completely perfect (I would have preferred them to be more high waisted) and so when I saw these ASOS jeans in the sale (they are now a measly £12!) I thought they were worth a shot. The colour takes some getting used to, mint green is definitely less forgiving of lumps and bumps than dark blue but I really like it and hopefully it will force me out of my comfort zone a little! It's typical that I have bought these as the summer is coming to an end but I imagine I can prolong their life with some cosy knits (this one would be perfect!) 

Top:Warehouse, jeans: ASOS, shoes:George at ASDA
Other than my wardrobe full of stripes, I never normally go for patterned tops but I love how garish OTT this satin patterned tee is. It almost feels like it should be jewel encrusted, that's how jazzy it is! Although I wore it to work here, I can definitely see myself dressing this up with heels and some black jeans for a nice meal...


It even has lace all along the hem, maximalist is definitely the way to go this Autumn! However much I would like to be a sleek Jil Sander's kinda gal, I definitely fall into the Dolce and Gabbana camp, give me crowns over cocoon coats any day!


Do you prefer a minimalist or a jazzy look?




The Real Housewife of... Tewkesbury?

I don't exactly what it is about this outfit but it just feels a bit 'Real Housewives'- perhaps it's the combination of the low cut top and the high cut of the skirt?!  Luckily a black slip dress helped to make it a bit more work appropriate and it was actually super comfy too. I picked this wrap dress up from a charity shop but I will definitely be looking out for more to add to my wardrobe as the weather cools back down. Until I can afford a Diane von Fustenberg one, any ideas for where I can find some nice ones?

Dress: F&F from Tesco via charity shop, slip: Lipsy dress, tights: Tesco, shoes: Office, necklace: Accessorize
My atrocious attempt at bouncy Kate Middleton locks paired with peachy make-up helped to lift an otherwise dark outfit.  When Autumn starts to kick in though, I imagine a brown smoky eye would look nice (if only I could actually do anything with my make-up!)

Just look how low cut it is!

I have raved about Tesco tights before on the blog but I think it is well worth mentioning again, they are absolutely amazing and really opaque... I probably should have worn heels with this outfit but my feet just can't hack it recently so it's flats all the way!


Where can I buy more wrap dresses?

Sunshine denim...

Another day, another way to wear my favourite denim pinafore dress! Whether it is warm or cold, this dress is just so easy to wear and perfect for toughening up floaty layers like this sheer floral blouse which I have had for nearly 3 years (!) It was relatively expensive but I wear it so often and despite repeated washing, it still keeps its shape, something that my cheaper clothes just cannot compete with! Mark and I also tried a new backdrop for these photos, I love the dappled sun light and it looks much more interesting than my usual photo spot...

Dress: NW3 by Hobbs, top: Miss Selfridge, Fiorelli bag: c/o Spartoo, shoes: ASDA 
You know how much I love this bright yellow bag and the bright colour paired with the basket weave makes it feel like a picnic basket too (in the best possible way) 


Anyone who has read this blog for more than five minutes knows that I have never been particularly adventurous with my hair but recently I have been pairing plaits with loose waves for a beachier look. Can you tell that I am super jealous of anyone who has been on holiday recently?! I just really wish I was sunning myself on a beach somewhere, I haven't been on holiday for ages...


Do you own a dress that you keep coming back to?
P.S. This post was done in collaboration with Spartoo

Blackout...

Despite its popularity amongst women of all shapes and sizes, I have never been one for wearing all black, I find bright colours much more flattering and way more fun to wear. With my dark hair and pale skin, an all black outfit just feels a bit costume-y. Don't get me wrong, I love it on other people (Steph at Faiiint always looks amazing in black) but until now, I have remained unconvinced. As you can see though, this all changed  last week when my Monki order arrived containing this rather lovely black jumper. I loved the mix of textures when I paired it with my (p)leather trousers and I felt super cool in this outfit, I definitely got my strut on!

Jumper: Monki, top: Primark, pleather trousers/waxed jeans: River Island, shoes: Dorothy Perkins
I love the cut out shoulders on this jumper, it certainly makes a plain black jumper more interesting! I was quite pleased with how my hair and make up looks here too, not bad for one of my first outfits back in the real world after being poorly! 


See what I mean about a mix of textures?! I'm pretty sure I have shrunk since I last wore these trousers, heels are most definitely necessary. I don't wear these shoes as often as I would like as me and heels are a bit of a lethal combination (comfort is most definitely a priority!) but they definitely help to make any outfit look much more elegant.


How would you style this jumper?

My relaxation staples...

As you know, I have been pretty poorly recently and spent a lot of time curled up on the sofa feeling sorry for myself. It can be pretty difficult to feel good about yourself when you are under the weather but I have a few staples that have been making my life a little more relaxing recently. For me, there's nothing more relaxing than a bath and this Radox bubble bath is lovely. I love the fact that it doesn't smell too sickly sweet either, the masculine, almost woody, scent compliments my new scented candle perfectly and acts as a subtle base for my deliciously peachy moisturiser. I have just found out that the peach range is limited edition so I will have to stock up, this smell is seriously addictive!


Trashy TV and films are part of any good relaxation routine and in between watching one of the many Friends repeats on Comedy Central, I rewatched some of my favourite films. Sometimes a good cry can help to make you feel better (cue Moulin Rouge) but I tend to stick to cheesy and feel good to cheer me up. High School Musical 3 can cure all manner of evils! ;)


Soft cosy lighting definitely helps me to unwind and I love having scented candles dotted around the flat. I have been burning this one in the evening and so far it has barely made a dent in the wax- I predict this will be burning for a while yet!

Verbena  and Clary Sage candle c/o Melt Candles
So there you have a few of my favourite ways to kick back but what about yours, how do you relax?

P.S. Melt Candles sent me this candle to review and, as ever, all opinions are my own...

Be right back...

As you may have seen from my Twitter, I have been off work this week with a virus (and a suspected underactive thyroid) so I won't be blogging for a while until I recover....


Till then, you will find me curled up on the sofa watching re-runs of Friends, there's nothing that Rachel and the gang can't fix! Hope to be back soon...

Orange and polka dots...

I don't know about you, but I can't get my head around this weather (how very British of me to complain about it...) It goes from being freezing cold when I leave the house at 6 am, to being a balmy 25 degrees by the time I get home. My answer to the weather dilemma? Layers. I really loved this combination when I last wore it back in June and it has made a reappearance here because it is perfect for these inbetweeny days. I picked up this orange jumper in a local charity shop and it is so warm, especially considering how thin it is! I love the bright orange colour and I can see this getting a lot more wear in the winter. I just wish that I had played with the proportions with this outfit a bit more, it would just make it a lot more interesting if I had worn a flowier top or something ...

Jumper: Marks & Spencer via charity shop, blouse: Marks & Spencer, top: Primark, cord trousers: ASOS, shoes: ASDA
I have always loved the buttoned up look and although I'm never convinced that I can pull it off, I can't resist a polka dot blouse paired with a high neckline, especially if it is brightly coloured! I liked this pairing with the glasses too - the oversized frames and it feels quite androgynous too, a rare occurrence for me. This polka dot top has been in my wardrobe for a couple of years now and it is so versatile although I am more likely to wear it like this than how I last wore it on the blog. I'm not sure I can pull off  little cropped tees any more!


I bought these cords back in April as an alternative to jeans to wear to work. I don;t know why but even though they are as comfy as jeans (maybe even comfier) they look much smarter, goodness only knows why! These dalmatian print shoes seem to get pulled out every time I wear polka dots, I guess they're as close as I am going to get to polka dot shoes...


How would you make my outfit more interesting?

What's in my bag: the sunshine edition...

Now I know some of you will be rolling your eyes at a bit of a cliche post but as it has been over 3 years since I have last done a 'what's in my bag' post, I think I am entitled to show off my new Fiorelli handbag without too much grumbling right?! ;) Usually you would find all of the stuff seen below... and a layer of receipts and debris filling up my bag but as this is a new handbag, it hasn't had chance to get completely full yet. Just give me a week...  ;) The colour of this was what first drew me to it, and the basket weave makes it feel very summery too. The fact that it is HUGE, is a massive bonus. I can fit everything but the kitchen sink in here...

Sunshine yellow handbag from Fiorelli c/o Spartoo
Like many other people, I carry round a lot of stuff. After the usual purse, phone, keys I have whichever book I am reading at the moment (P.S. I just finished The Cuckoo's Calling and it is really good!), my diabetes stuff with my beloved Frodo key ring, Sudoku book for doing on my daily commute and toiletries. I love the fact that the compressed deodorants are teeny but with the same amount of product, deodorant/bodyspray is a necessity in this hot weather!


My purse is a lovely red leather Radley with a really cute dog in a boat, the perfect summer activity,  The latest Radley dog to win my affections is this "Catch of the Day" as it has the Radley dog and a puffin, two of my favourite things... There was a really nice blue purse with them on but it has now disappeared from Radley's website - if anyone comes across it, get in touch! The brown pouch holds all of my diabetes stuff, after nearly 16 years I have managed to really pare down the amount of medical stuff I cart round with me (not that you would know if from the size of my bag!)

What's in your handbag?


P.S. This post was done in collaboration with Spartoo