Oversized denim and super stripes...

After you have been blogging for a long time, it is inevitable that you will start repeating outfits or keep styling them in the same way. I absolutely love stripes and I usually end up pairing them with a swipe of red lipstick. This outfit is no different but I guess if it ain't broke...! This Warehouse denim dress is a fairly recent addition to my wardrobe and I absolutely love it. It is a completely different shape to my Hobbs denim dress (and I did size up as my usual size was sold out) but the oversized fit makes it perfect for layering up with chunky jumpers and boots. 

Top: H&M, dress:Warehouse, tights:Accessorize, shoes:Marks & Spencer
MAC make the best lipsticks and Lady Bug is a great everyday red, especially if you are as pale as me! The lustre finish is great and means it wears evenly which I like. I can't be dealing with topping up my lipstick every time I eat or drink something...


Mark got me this delicate silver necklace for my birthday and it is beautiful, I love anything with my initials on! 


Mary Jane heels will always be my favourite heel shape and they are ideal if you are as clumsy as me in heels. I love the chunky block heel and the colour is super fun. Nude fishnets are great for adding texture to an outfit and they are way more interesting than plain nude tights. I've always preferred them when I am wearing heels too, I think it's because I can grip the soles of my shoes more easily?! 


What shapes and styles can't you stay away from?

Fun florals...

I have always been a fan of florals and when I spotted this skirt in my local store last summer, it took me less than ten minutes to make a beeline for the till. I mean, it was the last one left, and in my size, that has to be fate, right?! I was going to pair it with a cream blouse but I actually love the black top with it, it makes the whole outfit look much cooler (and let's face it, I need all the help I can get on that front!). I never thought I would regularly be wearing crop tops but I have definitely been more confident clothing-wise recently. I'm not sure why I look so unsure in these pictures but I absolutely loved this outfit and I will definitely be recreating it this year...

Top: Topshop, skirt: Oasis, shoes: Whistles
My lipstick here was actually a lot brighter in real life but it didn't photography very well which is very annoying! I have been growing my hair recently and although I'll probably never go back to my 2013 length, I do like being able to do more with it now it's a tad longer.


I have a few Radley bags in my collection but this is definitely the most fun one I own. I absolutely love the heart shape and the colour is just divine. 😍

Bag: Radley (gift from Mark)
I have to say, Oasis is one of those shops that is a bit hit and miss for me, this skirt was part of their collaboration with the Chelsea Physic Garden and is fab (when they get it right, they get it really right!) but they can edge too far into twee territory for my liking - there's only so many butterfly prints that anyone needs, amirite?!


Are you a fan of florals? How do you make them less twee?

Out of my comfort zone...

Blogging is a funny old game, and one I didn't do much of in 2016. It was a very strange year for me and mine, we had some lovely highs (including celebrating a decade with Mark, being bridesmaid for my little sister, spending V-day with some of the best people I know, being made permanent at workvisiting Barcelona and even managing to feel more at ease with myself and my body thanks to semi-regular exercise) but I also had some really tough times, especially with my dad's accident. Luckily he is much much better now and will continue to improve but there's nothing like a big shock to push you out of your comfort zone! I'm not very good at asking for help but so many people stepped up to the plate this year so thank you, you don't realise how much it helped! Slightly maudlin but I'm hoping that 2017 will be calmer, there's plenty to look forward to but slightly less drama excitement would be nice! I have always been a great believer in the transformative power of clothes and this top was both a fun purchase and another step out of my shell. I tend to avoid drop waisted clothes but I loved the fun print and shape and couldn't bear to leave it on the shelf.

Top: Warehouse, jeans: River Island, shoes: Clarks
It was the perfect choice for a lunch date with Mark as it looks fancy but is actually mega comfy and easy to wear. It makes enough of a statement that I didn't have to hunt down any extra accessories which is always a win in my book!


I have worn much less foundation this year,  it's amazing how distracting a swipe of bright lipstick can be! This is my failsafe summery shade: Max Factor  in Bewitching Coral, it is one of those colours that looks good on everyone...


You can't beat a swooshy hem! 😍

Bag: vintage
I have had this bag for donkey's years but apparently I have never posted about it on the blog which is a surprise! I think I picked up on one of my charity shop trips at uni but can't be 100% sure without my handy wardrobe referencer (a.k.a my archive of outfit posts). I love the super soft suede and snazzy tassel and it is surprisingly roomy for such a small bag, I managed to fit my purse, massive keyring and all of my diabetes stuff in, not bad going at all!


A better look at that hemline and a repeat of the bottom half of this outfit... oops! I have missed sharing my outfit pictures over on the blog and whilst I'd love to promise that this is all going to change with the dawn of a new year,  realistically, I don't think I will ever get back to my old schedule of posting every other day like in the good old days! I'm hoping to spend more time reading (and commenting) on my favourite blogs this year so please do hit me up with your favourites!