Showing posts with label jumble sale. Show all posts

Floral cords...

Shorts: Topshop, sheer top [worn underneath]: H&M, jumper: Boss by Hugo Boss via jumble sale, necklace: Topshop, shoes: Carvela.
There are some clothes that you see in the shops and you just can't get them out of your head. These shorts are that item. I saw them when I was at home and online and I finally caved yesterday when I popped into town after my test. I figured that it wasn't a complete impulse purchase as I had wanted them before but what do you guys think?!


I like to mix textures with my outfits and so I paired these shorts with my favourite sheer top from H&M and this wrap jumper from Hugo Boss. The jumper was such a steal at 10p and it has proved surprisingly versatile despite being almost impossible to put on. I can't be the only one who struggles with wrap styles, surely?!


I swear though, these shorts are probably the comfiest thing in my wardrobe at the moment. There's something about cords that reminds me of being younger, maybe it's the fact that they are just so hard-wearing? The print is fab and reminds me of this bag which I cannot wait to pair with this t-shirt :) With the summer looming though I think it will also look fab with bright coral and purple t-shirts.


Another purchase from yesterday, the most gorgeous necklace, again from Topshop. It is a lovely crystal/stone with some added bling, which I can't wait to layer up this summer. It's not something I would normally go for but I love the fact that it's completely unique, not something you normally associate with the high street! 

How do you reward yourself after you have finished a test? Are there certain clothes that you can't get out of your head? 
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In the pink...

Whilst I own a few pairs of trousers, I had never really put them at the top of my 'to-wear' list until I bought this pair from  Miss Selfridge. I'm still not sure what made me click 'Add to basket' (maybe it was the fact that they were £7.20?!)  but boy am I glad I did! The flared shape has meant that I have worn them with heels but also with flats and my legs look long and lean, a rare occurrence at 5' 4"! I would never usually choose trousers with so much material but I think it works with these bad boys! 


Trousers: Miss Selfridge, top: H&M, cardigan: gift from Mark's mum, belt: Miss Selfridge, shoes: M&S via charity shop, necklace: gift from Mark, bag: Peacocks
I have realised that these photos look like I don't know what an iron is but these trousers have the annoying habit of becoming very creased whenever you sit down. Apart from that though, I have no complaints about these trousers. They are not at ALL what I would usually pick but somehow they fit right into my wardrobe. They did get me a few glances when I wore them but I think that makes you stand that little bit taller and get your strut on! 




I love these trousers so much that I wore them solidly for about a week, for such a bright colour (they are described as rose gold but I think they are more of a pinky coral colour) they are surprisingly versatile and I have a few patterned t-shirts that will be getting an outing with these trousers. I don't know what it was but I literally couldn't wait to wear these again, I had my outfit laid out before I went to bed and I knew that they would (literally) brighten up my day :) Seriously, I was like a kid at Christmas! 


Trousers: Miss Selfridge, top: Zara, jumper: Hugo Boss via jumble sale, jacket: Principles at Debenhams belt: Zara, shoeboots: Office , necklace: gift from Mark, bag: Fiorelli (18th birthday present) 
I prefer the second outfit merely because it's a lot less casual and I really like the brown with the coral. Looking at these pictures is quite odd as I look pulled together and [gasp!] like an adult... the opposite of how I actually feel at the moment, I can't wait to get home and see my family in the holidays :D 




I have so much love for these outfits! This is one of the reasons why I blog, I like documenting my sartorial experiments and trying new things out. The Maria of a year ago would never have tried these trousers but I think they are a subtle (?!) nod to the 1970s trend without going too trendtastic...


What do you guys think, have I managed to pull off coloured flares? What clothes are you wary of? 
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Self sufficiency



This week, at the jumble sale I picked up a little trinket  and then promptly forgot about it. It's a little beach hut with a hook that was (once) attached, perfect for hanging up my dressing gown (oh the glamourous lives of fashion bloggers!)  I was determined to fix it and so I  pulled out probably the most functional thing I own; a pink flowery hammer whose handle unscrews to reveal a wealth of screwdrivers. This bad boy was bought for me a long time ago by my friend Mike. Whilst it may look 'girly' and even ineffectual, this little baby has proven its worth many times over. A little bit of ribbon and a few drawing pins later et voila! one hook ready to use :)



Whilst I'm sure that you are enjoying my exceedingly dull exciting D.I.Y adventure, this little project  got me thinking. How often do I pass over things that I could do because it would be easier to not add another little project to my growing workload? I am able to do these things and yet I let someone else do them or let them pass me by all together. I may not be able to wrestle a bear (yet) but I am more than capable of taking care of myself and I think I forget this sometimes. It's easy to hide behind my gender or my relationships with others but I am defined by more than just my chromosomes or who my partner or friends are. 

Yes, I'm THAT cool...
Whilst this is very rambly, I guess I am trying to say that the past few years have helped shape me and to find out exactly who Maria is. I don't know everything yet but I know she likes bright colours, nice clothes, good food and a cheeky cocktail (or two!) with friends. Blogging has inevitably been a part of this; the blogosphere has always been full of support and love [cue violins] and I have made some amazing friends. I think I have realised though that I CAN do things which I never thought possible and that it's even OK to worry, but that at the end of the day it's better to try surely? I could trot out even more clichés at this point (if you at first don't succeed... etc. etc.) but you aren't stupid and nor am I. I can survive anything that is thrown at me and what doesn't kill me, makes me stronger, right? (Sorry, I couldn't resist! :P) 


I have always thought that I was worried about being alone but I think it was actually worry about being left behind. I am fiercely competitive and whilst this can be a problem, I maintain that having a 'killer instinct' is a useful life tool (it's definitely NOT  just about "taking part"when playing board games!) As I get older though, I realise that it's better to be happy, whether alone or with other people.  I love my friends and family but I am able to be self-sufficient too which gives me a LOT more confidence as I prepare to enter the big bad world post university. 

Do you feel more confident as you get older? What's your biggest fear? 
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This week has been... little luxuries

This week, I have been baking lots of yummy food including some rather scrummy Malteaser cupcakes and my old favourites; sultana, cherry, almond and Amaretto cupcakes! I swear there is nothing better than the smell of cake when you're hungry! :)
Lisa's card!
Mark made some cards for Lisa and Danni's birthdays, I wish I was half as artistic!
Danni's card! 
I finally received my post which our local depot seems to have been hoarding! There were so many parcels which they had there which they hadn't delivered or even left a slip for, needless to say, I was excited to receive my giveaway winnings from the gorgeous Laura! :D 


Unfortunately, this week has also been full of dissertation work....





....some more interesting than others! For the final chapter of my dissertation, I am looking at films that parody the ancient world and the 'epic tradition' meaning that 'Carry on Cleo' and 'The Life of Brian' are compulsory viewing... 




I finally  saw the latest Harry Potter film, normally I go with my brother but this time the release just seemed to have passed me by, luckily Warwick Student Cinema has really good film schedules, I am already excited about next terms!  




I went to a jumble sale this weekend and picked myself up a few bargains, I think this little lot (along with another couple of books and mugs) came to under £2! 




Mysterious object of the week 
When we bought this  the other day (from H&M nonetheless!) I thought it was a dinosaur because of his little arms but other people think it's a squirrel because of the tail, what do you guys think? It actually has a reusable shopper bag inside but we bought it for it's cute factor :)


A little reminder of why I love Mark, who could refuse dark chocolate digestives after a long day of lectures? :D 


What have you done this week? Do you have deadlines looming?

P.S. Thank you for all of your thoughts on my last post! I think I am going to have it shortened slightly and then I will definitely wear it more :)

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Defining your personal style: what an afternoon in my wardrobe taught me...

My wardrobe is somewhat of a talking point within my friendship group; it is quite very expansive and yet I still have days where I don't know what to wear. The other day, after reading through Elle, I was inspired to finally sort through my wardrobe and get rid of stuff that I never wore. Anyone who has met me will testify to my love of colour and prints, I can't think of anything worse than wearing black from top to toe! After sorting through all of my clothes it was clear to see what is important for me in my wardrobe.




♥ CLASSIC SHAPES: As I like to experiment with colour and print, a fairly classic shape is essential, for example; a pencil skirt in a dark purple is more versatile than black (in my opinion!) whilst adding an element of interest to your outfit. This is probably the least risky way to buy clothes that are flattering but not ageing; I figure that I will have to 'tone down' my look slightly as I get older so I might as well have fun with it whilst I have the excuse of 
naivete and youthful exuberance, right? 


♥ COLOUR: Whilst I am a fan of bright colours like coral or red, I also love dusky pinks and purples and gorgeous jewel tones of amethyst and emerald.... basically any colour but black! I find that having such pale skin and then such dark hair, if I wear black, I look like one of the undead and not in a cool dishevelled kinda way! Colour, however subtle helps to lift your 
spirits and there's nothing more attractive than a smile right?! 


♥ PRINT: I would say that at least 60% of my wardrobe is composed of prints, mainly floral but spots and stripes put in a decent showing too. My go-to-outfit is a printed dress and cosy cardigan and a tea dress can be dressed up and down with a few choice accessories. 


♥ QUIRKY DETAILS: Whether this is a ruffle on the sleeves of a blouse or a heart shaped cut-out in homage to Luella, the importance is in the details... Some suspender tights can add an edge to even the most demure outfit and bows make everything better. 





What are the key elements of your wardrobe? Are you a fan of black or colours? 

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Problem solved?

Waaaay back in November, I first wore my eighties Liz Clairborne blouse and asked you lovely lot how to style it. Since then I have worn it a couple of times but not managed to get any decent pictures but Mark stepped in and managed to snap a few for me :) Now the final product is somewhere between what Eleanor and Kristabel suggested as I paired it with my super comfy Zara shorts, some rather Valentine's appropriate tights which were a gift from my parents, and my Peacocks ankle boots... 
Blouse: Liz Clairborne from a jumble sale, shorts; Zara, tights: gift from Accessorize, boots: Peacocks.
If you had asked me even 6 months ago whether I would be wearing ankle boots, I would have probably laughed uncontrollably in your face, how times have changed! This little blog has made me much more experimental with what I wear and I am constantly amazed at how stylish you all are, [yes it's late and I'm getting soppy again :P]


I think I'm  trying to show you the sleeves but I just look like I am trying to be macho...oh dear!  
I took the shoulder pads out which I think made a HUGE difference..there is still some structure in the shoulders which I like but it doesn't look like I am stuck in the decade that taste forgot ;) Since I have done this, I have found myself reaching for the blouse more often as it's not so much of a statement piece but rather slots more easily into my wardrobe. You can see what my hair looked like after my rollers tutorial too. I can only apologise for just how awkward I sounded on that, I'm definitely not a natural on camera although in my defence that was all one take! 




I don't know if the blazer makes it too work like but hopefully the tights balance it out? I mainly wore the blazer for it's bright pink lining which matched my nails...yes I have taken 'matchy matchy' to a new low high ;)




Although they raised a few eyebrows in Sainsbury's, I love these tights so much! I went through a real phase of tights wearing after I first watched Gossip Girl at uni (cool I know!) but recently I have been a lot more boring with my leg wear.. My parents bought me these to cheer me up after a rubbish couple of weeks and I must say, they have done the job nicely :D


 What items of clothing cheer you up? Has your style changed since you started blogging? 
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Best of Frills 'n' Spills 2010

Whoosh.

What was that you say? Oh, just a whole 365 days passing me by in a flash.


That's it. 2010 over. And what a fabulous year it's been. That's not even a let's-pretend-we-had-a-good-time-to-round-off-the-year lie either.


I ate lots of lovely food...

and cooked my fair share too.





I've been on planes...




Trains...



and even a bicycle!



I've been an angel...





and a devil...





and I've even fallen in love with the postman.




More than once.



But the best thing this year? The moment that made it all? Catching this beauty from my favourite King...
 
KOL gig


I thought it would be a nice idea to do a round-up of our highlights from 2010 but I didn't anticipate just how difficult it would be to choose them! We have got to do some brilliant things and meet some amazing people but here is my choice of the best bits from this year... 


In January, I discussed an issue that is very close to my heart; depression. Luckily I have amazing friends and family to help me through mine but not everyone has that. I tried to share what works for me in the hope that it might help someone else. Not the cheeriest topic to start the year with, I know but it is important. 



Luckily I had some yummy pineapple upside down cake to cheer me up in February and the chance to go home to the gorgeous village where I live and see my amazing family and very talented friends... You should see me in my musical role VERY soon ;) 




Here are ten commandments every woman should live by, with the gorgeous Karen Elson as inspiration... 

Danni and I had to take cover from flying falafel in June... 


...but I managed to smarten up for my AMAZING internship in July! 




Going to Vintage at Goodwood with some gorgeous Aussie Angels to search for Yummy Hair was definitely a highlight...


Yes, I am that pale! 


... as was my pensioners trip to Weston- Super-Mare with Mark ;) 




In October I turned 21 and had to start behaving like an adult.... 




sort of... 



I needed your help with styling this gorgeous 80s blouse and boy did you come up trumps! (I will be using your amazing suggestions in the new year :D) 





And to get you in the Christmas spirit? Gorgeous male models AND George Lamb? Oh go on then! 

Don't say we don't spoil you! ;) 
What. a. year. I think you will agree that 2010 has been quite a roller-coaster ride for Danni and me and I am definitely looking forward to 2011! I will be spending New Year's Eve with my friends eating a lot of food and drinking wine and generally having a good time. I hope you have a brilliant time whatever you do and HAPPY NEW YEAR from both of us! Blogging has been such an amazing thing for us both, especially meeting all of you lovely people and being able to call you friends, (yes I'm getting soppy!) Long may it continue! :D

What have been the highlights of 2010 for you? What are you looking forward to next year? 

&  

P.S. If you think we missed anything off our best bits or have any suggestions of what you would like to see in 2011, then let us know :D
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