Frills 'n' Spills

It's strange how your wardrobe changes over the years, I used to live in cute floral dresses but have barely worn them recently. This Oasis dress has been hanging in my wardrobe for a while although I have been waiting for the colder weather to wear it as it is too short to wear without some opaques! I really like the colours and the ditsy print is super cute. I have been having a bit of a crisis of confidence recently and do worry that certain clothes can end up looking a bit 'young' on me. I tried toning down the cutesy factor with some grey tights and a swipe of red lipstick so hopefully this dress doesn't look too ridiculous!

Recently you may have seen people sharing their first Facebook profile pictures and whilst mine isn't too horrific, (this one on the other hand...) it took me on a lengthy trip down memory lane. I have never been particularly cool (shock horror!) but this dress really reminds me of something I would love to have worn when I was 19 or so but didn't have the confidence. Warehouse is one of my favourite brands at the moment and I am powerless to resist their sales! This dress cost a mere £12 and is one of my favourites as it is just so darned comfy (and fun with it!) I last wore this for my Nanny's birthday meal back in December and it is the perfect dress for wearing to the pub or out for a couple of drinks, it looks pulled together but is still ridiculously comfy thanks to the soft cotton it is made of. I think it may be a bit short to wear to work, but I am sure to get plenty of wear from it at the weekend. All I need now is someone to invite me out for drinks! ;) 

I have been trying to experiment with my make-up more recently and I thought this turquoise Max Factor eyeshadow was the perfect match for the dress. Unfortunately it didn't photograph very well and has made me look a bit washed out in these photographs- better luck next time I guess! I really like the t-shirt collar on this dress, it just adds to cool factor for me and helps to break up the pattern too...

I love the contrasting hems and waistband on this dress, they help to add a bit of definition to something that could be overwhelming. It was a little short for my usual nude tights so these John Lewis velvet touch tights were the perfect accompaniment. I picked them up in their sale a few years ago along with a few coloured pairs and they have lasted really well, quality hosiery is well worth the money!

Last week I went with Mark to a work 'do' with him and his colleagues at a local pub. I always hate going to the pub, I never know what constitutes dressing too fancy and the pressure is certainly on when you are meeting people for the first time! You know how much I love a little red dress and this New Look number is the perfect mix between comfy and fancy. I think it's the fact that it is crochet rather than lace that makes it so easy to wear and paired with black tights, it was perfect. Unfortunately it never seems to photograph very well but you will have to take my word for how nice it is ;) 

I have been wearing a lot of dark nail varnishes recently, T K Maxx had some Essie polishes for really cheap when I went in the other weekend and the 'Sole Mate' shade is my new favourite (Fair Game isn't far behind!) Dark nails add just enough edge and I have been super impressed with the quality of Essie polishes so far- I just need to decide what shades to try next! 

 These tights are a gorgeous 100 denier cashmere blend by Aristoc and are the luxe grown up version of the tights I used to wear at primary school - perfect for keeping you cosy in all of the horrible weather. I am a complete convert to cashmere tights, they are a touch of everyday luxe that might not be overly exciting but sure are practical!