January Sales

I'm currently rewarding myself for actually doing revision over the holidays (!) by showing you guys the purchases I made in the sales.

Shoes - £24 £12 - Next

Bra - £10 £4 - Next

Shirt - £30 £21 - Debenhams

Cardigan - £15 £10 - Debenhams

Me and my mum couldn't face going into town or to a big shopping centre, but there's a nice out-of-town retail park with a big Next and Debenhams which was more than enough for us two. We couldn't go on Boxing Day because we both work in retail and had to work those sales ourselves. 

As sale shopping goes I think this was pretty restrained, I only bought things that I had genuinely wanted before the sales, but a combination of payday and sales meant that it was certainly worth the wait. I love the cute car print on the shirt (because obviously I don't have enough printed shirts with collars) and the cardigan was for work which is a pretty boring purchase actually!

I've also ordered a sweatshirt from Jack Wills in their sale, it's been dispatched today so with any luck it will be here before I go back to school and makes me feel a bit better about the fact that I'm back at school on Monday. 

Beechway Crew £49.50 £34

The jumper is rather plain but I think it will look good over printed shirts with a skirt to make it look more girly, or worn casually with jeans on those days when I practically crawl out of bed and cannot create a more imaginative outfit. 

Have you guys found any bargains?

I wish I'd never met you

Dress - Topshop

Cardigan - George at Asda

Necklace - Primark

Belt - Primark

This is what I wore for school today, I really like the shape of this dress and you've probably seen a lot of girls walking around in similar ones, it was a very popular style at Topshop. I got mine in the sale and accidentally picked up one from the petite range so it is a little short, but luckily I'm not the tallest person anyway so I don't think it is too obscene, especially when I wear it with thick tights and a cardigan like today.

I went to Leicester University at the weekend for an open day, it was nice and the English BA there sounds like a really good course, and it put my mind to rest about having only done Language and not Literature at A Level. The accommodation looked nice and everyone I spoke to was really friendly and helpful, I am still considering it for next year - now my biggest problem is trying to scrape a B in Chemistry. 

Up until now I was really looking forward to university, but going to the open day made it feel very real, and a lot of concerns have risen. I don't want to be one of those people who stay in their room all the time and don't socialise - one of the biggest things I want to gain from university is a bunch of new friends, but I know how much I struggle with talking to new people and I'm terrified that I will get there and hate it like I hated sixth form. But I still feel rather like I should go to university (what else would I do?) and I want to go away - I think commuting would only make me stay in my shell, leaving home might force me out. It's just a big gamble and it's very scary. 

How did any of you deal with meeting lots of new people, either at work or at university?

Back to school shopping

August is quickly running out and before I know it I will be back at school again for the final time ever.

It's funny, even though I left school last year to start sixth form, I never really felt as though I left school because I'm still very much in a school environment: although I am no longer forced to wear a blazer, I am still surrounded by the lower school that do have to suffer such burdens, I still call all my teachers "Miss" and "Sir" and my day still begins at 9am and finishes at 3:30pm (however these days there is often a skive to the local shop slotted somewhere inbetween)

So the thought of going "back to school" for the final time is rather a daunting one, because this time next year I will be looking at all the "back to uni" ranges in shops, and in addition to folders and pens and new clothes, I will be looking at bedding, irons and kettles. It's all a very exciting prospect, and seeing at the Year 13's go off to university this year has only made me want it more, there is just the small matter of my A2 exams before I get there.

One of the best things about going to a sixth form that doesn't require a uniform is that I no longer have to suffer the traditional "back to school shop" which used to entail me and my mum walking around Bhs trying to find some trousers that fit and five matching white shirts with a top button fastening. Instead, we get to walk around the clothes shops that I actually like, and buy a few basics so that I have a few new things to go back in.

The jeans are from H! by Henry Holland at Debenhams, the jumpers are from Red Herring at Debenhams and the T-shirt is from Next. 

I only realised the distinct star-theme after I'd bought the clothes, I assure you that it was completely accidental. I love the subtle print on the jeans, and the jumpers are unbelievably soft and cuddly and so they should make the grim walks up to the bus stop on dark mornings bearable. The striped t-shirt isn't something I would usually go for but I really like the colour and think it will be a great layering piece in the autumn months coming up.

It's still August and I've already got the back to school blues, can't I have another month of summer?

They're here

Mum picked me up from work yesterday, and in the car home I asked in hopeful-yet-pessimistic tone "I don't suppose my shoes came today did they?" yet to my surprise and delight, Mum said "Yes, they did actually"

The shoes in question (pictured above) are my payday treat, a little "well done me" for getting my first job and now being able to buy silly things like five inch heels (but because the platforms are almost one a half inches high, the heel is actually only 3 and a half inches, making them almost possible to walk in) I haven't quite figured out what to wear them with, but I am sure that they will feature in an outfit post at some point. 

From Boohoo.com, the shoes are called the Holly Suedette Block Heel Boot and you can look up the details here (as I write this they are currently out of stock, but Boohoo does update their stock regularly) they were quite a bargain at only £35 for such a striking purchase, but in an all-purpose black I hope that I will get my moneys worth... and even if I don't, they still feel rather fabulous for walking around the house in!

One of the things I cannot get over is how small my feet look when I look down at them in these shoes. As a size 6 (UK) my feet are average-verging-on-big but they look positively petite in these heels, especially with the minimal point on the toe, meaning my feet aren't extended at all.

Luckily my boyfriend is 5'11" meaning I can go out with him in these shoes, I can't decide if that's good or if it's just depressing that I'm still not taller than him, even in five inch heels. I realise that it makes me a poor excuse for a feminist when I still feel a girl should be shorter than her boyfriend, but I am just a sucker for tradition. 

First drafts of my Summer Wishlist

Lazy Oaf Bones Bodycon Dress £20.00 
Topshop Fox Stone Midi Ring £4.00 
Miss Selfridge Check Crop T-Shirt Top £32.00


Now, I know that so far these are probably the most un-summery things I could have chosen. But - apart from my birthday - me and Summer don't get on that well anyway (hot, humid, headache weather, bees, sunburn and pale skin), so I guess this is my little stab at Summer, my anti-Summer.
However, as much as it may not sound like it, I'm so happy Summer is finally here, it really is happy weather, and I love the way it makes everything so golden and glowing - except me of course! I happen to be Moonkissed remember.

T for Topshop

Here are a few things I would like from Topshop (the prices link to the pages)

£48

£42

£38

£5

£26

N for Next

I feel that Next is sometimes overlooked when searching for a fashion-forward piece, but personally I really like their clothes. They are stylish, well-made and reasonably priced. 

Here are my Next picks:

£22

£32

£28

Spring Wishlist

As spring approaches (even though it was hardly springy today, brr!) so do lots of new trends and items in the shops, so here I have pulled together the items I want to acquire over the next couple of months to complete my summer wardrobe, although where I'm going to put these purchases is beyond me, the rail in my wardrobe is already crippling under the weight of my clothes, I need to have a serious sort out!

First of all I would really like to have my tragus pierced, however my mum won't fund any piercings so I have to pay for this myself, the horror! I only want a simple silver stud like the one pictured, I darn't stretch my ears so this is my way of still feeling a little rebellious with a more reversible outcome.

Multi flower print corset - £30 - Topshop 

I know that this purchase is a little daring, and £30 is a lot of money for so little material, but I really like the contrast between the girly pattern and the structured shape. Me and Hannah are planning to start Zumba tomorrow but I think I'll need a little more than that before I dare to wear a bralet, although I would only wear one with high-waisted jeans, ofcourse.

Spot Frame Handbag - £55 - Cath Kidston

I know that I already have one Cath Kidston bag and that should be enough, but look at it! I love the unusual shape but it can be used as a shoulder bag which is perfect for me as I don't like to carry a bag around in my hand, that and the pattern is really nice.

Light wash bleached denim shirt - £32 £20 - River Island

I really want a denim shirt to wear over dresses and shorts in place of a cardigan over the summer (I may even rock the double denim if I'm feeling particularly daring) and this one from River Island is perfect; the bleached colouring means that the shirt looks light and summery while the studding on the shoulders keeps the shirt looking up to date.

Stone tipped swing mac - £35 - BHS

Okay, so I know that BHS doesn't exactly spring to mind when you think of fashion, but this coat is just what I need for the coming months when it's too hot for my winter coat and too cold to go without one. Also, the neutral colours mean that I won't look silly pairing it with my coloured jeans and bright yellow school bag and it is smart enough to be worn wherever I go, so when you think about it, £35 is something of a bargain.

Spot Canvas Rucksack - £35 - Fat FaceBackpacks are everywhere at the minute, but my favourite is this spotty one from Fat Face. A backpack would be the perfect size for me to take essentials when I go to university open days over the summer, and any trips I go on with school. I don't really like the idea of using them as a handbag because it's all too easy for someone to reach in and grab my purse without me realising, but if they want to nick a university leaflet they can feel free!That's everything I can think of for now, I'm sure I'll pick up some more bits and bobs along the way, if any parties or gigs come up I will ofcourse need a new dress, but we'll cross that bridge if we get to it!

Wanted: high-waist aztec print bikini bottoms

Whilst searching Lookbook, I came across an AMAZING bikini, but unfortunately when I came to look for it online it wasn't there, so I've had to look elsewhere for a pair of high-waisted, aztec print bikini bottoms. I'm aware that it is completely the wrong time of year to be looking for bikinis but it is never too early to start planning my summer wardrobe, especially if it's going to cost me a lot of money and I therefore need to save myself some pennies.

And so my search began:


Urban Outfitters - £57 (Online Exclusive)
I found this almost-identical two-piece from Insight the Hux at Urban Outfitters. It's REALLY pricey and I'd probably want to change the top for something more, ahem, supportive. But the bottoms are high-waisted and have a great aztec print to them.


£39.50 - ASOS
THEN I found the exact same one is ASOS for much less! Still not enough to be able to justify buying another bikini top, but still significantly less - it's a good job that I was shopping around!


ASOS - £38.50
A also found these bottoms in ASOS, there is a matching top available, however I really want printed bottoms and a plain black top, emulating the style I saw on Lookbook. The print isn't as crazy as I'd like, but the idea is certainly there.


Two Seasons - £35
I have to say that I have never heard of this shop, but it came up on Google Shopping so here it is. Once again, I'd be buying the entire (rather pricey) bikini when all I want is the bottoms because black bikini tops are easily and cheaply available from somewhere like Tesco or Primark and since they look no different to any others why bother spending more to look the same?


Currently bidding - eBay 
DON'T WORRY, it's new with tags so there's no worry about the bikini being pre-worn, it's just if you're lucky enough to drop on something your size.

So, in conclusion, aztec bikinis are easy to find, as are high-waist bikinis, but throw the two together and there aren't many about. I think I'll just wait until summer.

We were building telescopes

Coat - £13 - Primark

Dress - £39 - Uttam London at Dorothy Perkins

Bag - £93 - The Cambridge Satchel Company

Scarf - Present

Tights - £1 - Primark

Boots - £85 - Office

Peach Melba Nail Varnish - £2.99 - Barry M

Yesterday, me and Hannah had to catch the train to Sheffield to visit an art gallery. The gallery we intended to visit turned out to be closed (when we eventually found it) so we decided to go to the Millennium Gallery at the other side of the city centre. On the way we got a Greggs pizza and shopped, as you may have expected.

It was a really nice day, in my opinion. It was quite chilly, but I was perfectly comfortable in the clothes that I was wearing. The frantic sale shoppers had all found their bargains so it wasn't too busy, but the sales were still running and all the best bargains were left, even if we had to hunt a little to find them. I got This Modern Glitch by The Wombats today, after asking a man in HMV if they had any in stock because I could not find it anywhere - how difficult would it be to arrange the CDs alphabetically by artist in that shop?

Thankyou for reading,

MY American Flag shorts

Today was a good day, as I got three items that I have been lusting over for quite a while.

The first was Barry M nail paint in Peach Melba. I have to admit that I'm not usually a pink girl, but the colour is very cute and is quite subtle on the nails, so it isn't too in-your-face. Even though I'm a nail-biter, I still love to paint my nails in pretty colours, especially when the colours have cool names, one of my favourites is a Rimmel one called "Double Decker Red"

The second was Babel by Mumford & Sons, which I've wanted to listen to since it came out. I'm glad that they haven't really changed their style since Sigh No More, because too many bands change after the first album for some unknown reason, they were clearly successful before!

And finally... I got my american flag shorts.

Photo via Instagram

They were £18 - reduced from £28 - in the Topshop sale, and I absolutely love them. As I'm an average size (10-12) there isn't usually much left for me in the sale, and my local Topshop is frankly a poor effort, there isn't often much there that I've eyed up online. So when I spotted these, I grabbed them from the rail and darted to the changing rooms (Alex said that he'd never seen me move so fast)

American flag shorts

They've been something of a staple in the world of Lookbook for over a year now, but the American flag denim hotpant is as cool as ever. They can be worn with tights and a cardi during these chilly winter months, or a plain white vest and a pair of Converse in the summer for cool California chic.
After a quick search on the internet, I found quite a few different styles, all of them varying slightly in their pattern, but with the same basic idea. I'm hoping to get a pair of my own if I get any Christmas money - here's hoping!















£30 - Soul Cal @ Republic

£28 - Topshop

£10 - Topshop (was £28)

£49 - Rockstar @ ASOS

£12.49 - Missguided

£10 - Missguided

As you can see, there is a massive range of prices but I'm sure that if you look around enough, you will find a style that suits you, just like finding the perfect leather jacket or pair of skinny jeans - you just have to do a bit of looking, but I hope that I got you on your way.

Christmas party dresses

Since my Christmas tree is up and the halls have been decked, I've been buying and wrapping Christmas presents and now I'm feeling all Christmassy and looking forward to the sixth form Christmas party and ofcourse the big day itself.

I love Christmas Eve too, me and my family have my aunty and uncle round and we all eat pork and stuffing cobs with mince pies and festive cupcakes or biscuits (depending on what I want to bake) then we watch a something like A Christmas Carol and track Santa on the computer. Family traditions are what makes Christmas, don't you think? I love how every family has their own routine, and how strange everyone else's patterns seem to your own.

Tonight I'm looking for a Christmas party dress, and showing you guys my favourite choices from the high street this winter.

 

First up is this super-cute off-white dress from Topshop for a pricey £50
I love the collar (ofcourse) but also the lacy detail on the nipped in waist is really beautiful. The crystal stud detailing on the collar give a subtle nod to the studding trend associated with the grunge look which is in this season, but the dress still gives off a butter-wouldn't-melt vibe which I really like.
Silver or nude heels would look great with this dress, or you could throw in a completely new colour palette, such as electric blue.

Next up is this quirky printed dress from H! by Henry Holland at Debenhams. This dress is £40 but is so Christmassy, with the velvet collar, button placket and cuffs on the 3/4 sleeves. Unfortunately it is out of stock in some sizes at the moment online, but there may be some available in store. Although the dress is short, it is balanced out by the high collar and long sleeves, so you don't look like a slut. Wear with black tights and simple black heels.

And now for something completely different...
Okay, so this dress (New Look £14.99) may be a little more Halloween party than Christmas party, and I can't decide if it's awesome or awful, but it would certainly make a statement at a party (especially a family one!) You wouldn't need any jewellery, the dress makes it's own statement, so keep it simple with classic black tights and shoes.



This cosmic print dress is an absolute bargain! At just £20 from Republic, look at the amount of fabric you get for your money, not to mention the absolutely beautiful print. The chiffon fabric is absolutely perfect for this print, giving the dress plenty of movement and the mullet skirt just tops it off wonderfully.

And finally, if you like simple, then it doesn't get much simpler than this gorgeous blue velvet dress from Miss Selfridge (£35) unfortunately this dress is labelled as "Exclusive" meaning that it can only be bought from/returned to the Oxford Circus store or online. It does seem a bit of a chore but at least it lowers the chances of anyone turning up in the same dress as you!