FASHION: My Current Wishlist

Seeing as the weather has been rubbish where I live at the moment, I haven't fancied venturing outside for half an hour to try and get some shots of an outfit this week. But instead of missing my fashion post this week I thought I'd share with you some bits that I've been lusting after in the shops lately. Whilst I've been eyeing up a lot of gym clothes lately I'm going to keep this strictly to what I would wear everyday and maybe put up the gym wish list next week. So here goes.

 

 


Anybody who knows me, will also know I am a shoe person. I don't mind bags and I have got a fair few but I love shoes. Whether they hurt me or not I can't help picking up a pair of shoes. Sometimes I stick them in the wardrobe and never wear them because they're uncomfortable but that doesn't bother me because I just adore them. I've been after some brogues or loafers in a pale blue almost grey shade for awhile now and saw these on ASOS. I really like the look of them from the pictures and I've been so tempted to purchase them for a while now. I just think they're so pretty and are great for dressing up an outfit but still looking really casual at the same time.

I've been looking at this playsuit from Topshop for a couple of weeks now. I was hunting for an outfit for a night out and I became obsessed with this playsuit but at the time they only had it in Petite which would've been way too short. But now that it's in the regular length I am incredibly tempted to pick it up. I love the pattern on the playsuit and the cut out detailing, however I am unsure whether the colours would suit me.

I saw a girl in a pair of trousers similar to these from River Island the other day and they looked so nice on. She looked effortlessly put together. I thought they looked incredibly smart on but like you weren't in a power suit either because of the tie around the waist. I've got a pair similar in Navy and wore them so much for work last summer so I'm thinking these may need to be bought.

The final thing that I'm lusting after is this black floral dress from Urban Outfitters. I love the racer back with a lattice lace up detailing, and the wrap around skirt. I think it's just perfect for summer and going on holiday. I'm all about black floral dresses in the summer if I'm going to wear dresses. I also found v-necks are really flattering on me lately too and it looks like a light material to keep you nice and cool in summer.

What have you been lusting after lately?

♥

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FASHION: Summer Walks

I picked up this stripe swing top from Dorothy Perkins yesterday and just think its the sweetest cami to exist. I had  a few similar to this in style when I was younger and I would live in them all summer so thought that this top would be a nice staple for my summer wardrobe. It's lightweight and the peplum style of the shirt makes it really cool to wear on hot days. I paired it with some Topshop Jeans and perhaps the comfiest shoes I've ever walked in (also from Dorothy Perkins). They have what feels like a cushion under the inner sole which makes them really comfortable to walk in for flat shoes. So here's what I wore today.

 Top - Dorothy Perkins / Jeans - Topshop Leigh / Shoes - Dorothy Perkins / Hat - Primark / Bag - ASOS 

What are your summer staples? 

♥

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FASHION: 'Bra-blems'

I was recently introduced to the company Third Love and wanted to participate in a project they're running called 'bra-blems'. Bra-blems addresses bra problems many women face along with solutions that are quick, easy fixes. There is nothing worse than an uncomfortable bra whether its the band pinching you, the straps slipping down your shoulders, the 'quad-boob', Third Love have got you covered with some easy tips and tricks that may help. They also have an app that you can download which helps you find your perfect size fitting bra without having to be measured up by someone in the shop, which can be a little awkward. So today I thought I'd share with you some of the problems I struggle with my bras and how you can fix them.

For me, there is nothing worse than the band of  your bra feeling like it's pinching you. Especially when you've got a full day at work or you're out and about and there's literally nothing you can do about it. It's probably an obvious solution but try going up a band size, remember if you go up a band size you need to go down a cup size (and vice versa). Remember that you want to be able to fasten your bra on the loosest fastener and then this way you can then make the bra tighter as you stretch the bra out.

There is literally nothing worse than your bra straps slipping down your shoulders. Sometimes I've gotten that used to it that someone else has had to point this out to me. It's not a good look for anyone and it's incredibly annoying. To avoid this try tightening your bra straps every month or so. As you wear your bra, you stretch it out this includes the straps, so tightening them every so often may help. If that doesn't help, try a different style of bra such as coverage and convertible bras, these have thinner straps that sit on your shoulders, where as balconete bras and plunge bras have wider straps that can slip off your shoulders more easily if you have narrow or sloping shoulders.

Another issue I can face with bras is cup gapping, this particularly happens when I try out a different brand of lingerie as I find brands can vary in there sizing a little. It's not attractive and if you're wearing a low cut top I always end up feeling like everything is on show especially when I'm at work bending over to do deliveries. Firstly, try tightening your straps, this can help the bra to fit a little better. If this doesn't work you may need to go down a cup size. Third Love also offers a half cup so if you don't feel like you're an entire cup size smaller you could try out their half cup options and see if these fit better.

I would seriously recommend checking out Third Love they do some incredibly pretty bras along with your normal everyday t-shirt styles. You can also receive 15% off with with the promo code 'BRABLEMS' at the moment too. Third Love also offer amazing advice and tips on their website too so click here, if you're facing any other problems that I haven't mentioned on here.

What are 'bra-blems' do you face? Let me know below.

♥

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FASHION: Sharing My Hideaway

This week, myself and Scott went on a little break to Blackpool for a couple of days. It was my 21st and we both fancied just getting away. We've never been on holiday together and even though it was just a couple of days we had an amazing time. Firstly, the weather was awesome which is always incredibly rare. Plus, we were just able to do what we wanted whenever we wanted.

On Wednesday we walked over 13 miles around Blackpool and to say we were knackered is an understatement. After walking the 2 miles up to the Pleasure Beach and South Pier we decided to go to the Zoo (checkout next Tuesday's post). But my favourite part was that I could take Scott to my favourite place - Stanley Park. I don't know what it is about Stanley Park but I just feel incredibly relaxed there. It's incredibly pretty with a boating lake - and you can rent out a boat for a while. We also made a friend and played with someone else's dog for about half an hour, I wish we could've kept it. Anyway, we took a few pictures on the beach but we also had a little impromptu photo shoot in the bandstand. I did have to change my shoes half way through the day because all of that walking did cause some blisters.

Jacket - Miss Selfridge / Dress - Dorothy Perkins (old) / Leggings - F&F / Shoes - H&M / Belt - Missguided / Bag - ASOS Brown Shoes - Head Over Heels by Dune

♥

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FASHION: Cold Shoulders at the Reservoir

The other day myself and Scott decided to take a walk around our local reservoir to feed the ducks. We'd just been to the gym (hence why I look a little dishevelled - cardio killed me) and it was still nice out so made use of the opportunity buy taking a wander. I love going for walks with Scott just because I relax a lot more, especially if I've been having a bit of a rough time. It also gives us some time to just chat enjoy each others company instead of being cooped up watching lots and lots of TV al the time. There were loads of baby ducks about this time when we went and I couldn't help but find them all so cute especially the geese - so adorable.

As per usual, I took this opportunity to get Scott to take some outfit shots for me too. So here goes. 

♥

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FASHION: A Splurge Purchase

Last Sunday I made a special as a treat for my 21st birthday. We were in Birmingham and so went to the Bullring shopping centre which is always a disaster for my bank account. It was when I was in Selfridges that I came out with a rather large bag containing an All Saints goodie in there. Whilst I've been lusting after their leather jackets for a couple of years now, I didn't leave with one. I just couldn't justify it on the day. I did, however, pick up an All Saints Suede Cross Body Bag. I fell in love with it immediately. It's the perfect summer bag but you could also use it in winter too. It's a beige/sand colouring so will go with most outfits too. The leather on the bag is gorgeous too, it's incredibly soft which means I can't stop stroking it. The bag isn't too big, but its bigger than the bag I have been using too. It's just the perfect size for me. I'd definitely check out the range of bags in store if you have an All Saints near you.

Jacket - Dorothy Perkins / T-Shirt - Urban Outfitters / Jeans - Topshop / Shoes - Dorothy Perkins / Bag - All Saints 

I'm also obsessed with this printed bomber jacket from Dorothy Perkins. It's lightweight so it's perfect for the weather we've been having lately where it's been quite warm but in the evenings you've still wanted a little bit of something on. I also wear a lot when I've just come out of the gym where I'm still really warm but if I don't wear anything I get freezing cold too. They're really good for making it look like you've made an effort with your outfit too.

♥

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FASHION: A Weekend In Birmingham

At the weekend, myself and Scott went to a ball for his work and it's quite possibly the biggest thing I've been too. I found the entire process leading up to the event really stressful and it definitely tested my anxiety. Firstly, it's a ball and I was told that it wasn't the kind of occasion where you wear a long dress so opted for something in between where it was longer on one leg than the other. Whilst many did wear long dresses other wore shorter ones too. I initially felt a little out of place but in reality I felt really comfortable and confident in what I was wearing that I didn't actually care in the end.

Dress - River Island (similar) / Shoes - New Look (similar) / Bag - Whistles 

Before we left to go to Birmingham (about an hours drive for us) I was so anxious and there was a moment when I wasn't sure on whether or not to go. But I decided that I didn't want to miss out on this opportunity and ruin the day for myself and the event for Scott. So I swallowed the nerves down and got in the car and got myself ready.

The event was really lovely. The people were nice, and the entertainment was brilliant. I also felt myself relax a lot throughout the evening and the nerves and anxiety quickly went and I was soon back to my normal self.

We stayed at The Hyatt in Birmingham and it's the nicest hotel I've ever stayed at. I asked Scott several times if we were in the right place. It was also lovely because it was connected to the ICC where the event was so we only had to cross a closed bridge when everyone else got wet through walking over from different hotels. The breakfast was amazing and there was a wide selection to choose from and the staff were really friendly. I was gutted when we had to leave Sunday morning. However, we did go shopping and I may have treated myself to a 21st birthday present, you'll see it on Friday.

Anyway, whilst you can see what I wore, I also wanted to write this post just to remind you that anxiety is a daily battle and it's not something that you can ever be cured with. But you just need to keep pushing yourself. Whilst this was a big deal for me in terms of anxiety (because I had to travel, stayed in a hotel without my parents, met lots of people I didn't know, stayed in a place I didn't know) I managed to get through the day without it ruining my plans. Even the little victories are still victories.

♥

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FASHION: Daisy Walks

Yesterday, myself and Scott went for a walk around a reservoir near to where we live. It was a nice evening and so took advantage of the weather to get a few shots. I love going to the reservoir just because I find it incredibly relaxing and there's lots of different animals around, it's often full of people walking the dogs which is always cute too, and it's perfect for running around if you're training.

I've recently been wearing my daisy printed jeans a lot lately, especially since the weather has picked up and it's okay to have your ankles out. I've just been teaming them up with a white cami or t-shirt and slipping on my converse or sandals and I'm good to go. It looks like you've put a bit more effort into your outfit when all your really wearing is jeans and a t-shirt.

T-shirt - Primark / Jeans - Dorothy Perkins / Shoes - Converse / Cardigan - Dorothy Perkins (Similar) / Bag Topshop 

(A cheeky little outtake of what it's really like for Scott trying to get nice pictures) 

♥

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FASHION: H&M and Whistles Bags

Last Saturday, myself and Scott decided to take a trip to Meadowhall in the search of an outfit for an event we've got coming up for Scott's work. I was in panic mode desperately trying to find a dress and not stick out like a sore thumb, and my nerves were going through the ceiling. However, now that I've got my outfit sorted I'm feeling a little calmer. Whilst I didn't pick up my dress on the day I did decide - mostly because the one I wanted was damaged in store - I did pick up a two other items that have me swooning.

Both items were inspired (copied a little) by Vivianna Does Makeup as I'd been watching her style video from Coachella before I went and fell in love with the H&M skirt she was wearing. I genuinely thought it was going to be some designer brand or from Topshop at the very least but it was actually only £24.99 from H&M. I tried it on and it fits me perfectly, I got my usually size 8. It's slightly high waisted and would look gorgeous with a loose t-shirt or cami tucked into it. I love the detail of the beading and the colours so it's perfect for summer. I love the green and gold shades in the skirt too, they're not something that I usually go for but think it looks really beautiful and summery. The skirt itself feels almost like a denim so I'm not conscious of it being see through or riding up at all. And with a tan (fake tan for me obviously) it looks amazing. I thought it was such a bargain at this price and know I will get so much wear out of it as soon as it brightens up.

I also picked up a Whistles clutch bag. Well, Scott bought it for me. We went  into House of Fraser and I never knew they stocked Whistles so when I saw the clutches I spent ages ogling them. I picked up a nude pink with a croc effect in the small clutch size to it as I thought it would go perfectly with some pink corts and some pink sandals that I already own and would brighten up the black dress from River Island that I'm wearing for this event. It looks really chic and stylish and I know I'm going to protect it like it's my child. I've been lusting after the Whistles clutch bags for a while now but the price tag has always put me off. Whilst I know they aren't the most expensive bags on the market they still aren't cheap, so for Scott to buy me it as a present it meant the world. I don't think I stopped saying 'thank you' all afternoon. I'm also really looking forward to going out now so I can use it.

♥

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GYM: Adidas Gym Leggings

I've found it difficult to find a pair of gym leggings I really like. Some are see through which means you always have to wear a longer top - which I don't mind but some days I want to wear something a little tighter that isn't swishing around me. Some just go rubbish when you wash them. The struggle has been real for me. That's until I spotted these Adidas Response Tights.

I saw a girl wearing them at my gym and I thought they looked really cool. I've been after some plain black gym leggings for a while and I liked the Adidas stripes going horizontally across the knee and thought it looked different. I was then on the hunt for these leggings, I wanted to try them on see how they fit and ultimately see if they were see through. I found them about 2-3 weeks after my search at my gym on promotion for £29.99 instead of £40. After trying them on I knew I had to have them.

I bought a size small, and they fit perfectly. They have a drawstring tie inside to make them tighter around the waist if need be too. They're super stretchy so great for squatting and stretching in. They're also really lightweight in feel too, so you don't get too hot in them. My bum also looks amazing in them which is always a bonus. Though they're slightly more pricey that I would've intially thought about paying for some gym leggings I love them to bits and already have had my money's worth out of them. Definitely check them out if you're in the market for some new gym leggings.

♥

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FASHION: The Khaki Shirt Dress

I've been after a shirt dress for a little while now but I hadn't found one that really took my attention, however, I was at work the other day when this khaki shirt dress came in and I just had to have it. I've been really loving a lot that's come in at Dorothy Perkins lately and couldn't wait to share this dress with you.

Though it was nice a sunny when Scott took these pictures for me, it was still quite cold so I paired it with tights and kept it quite smart and grungy in style. However, I can't wait for it to warm up so I can go bare legged with some brown sandals. I like the gold detailing on the dress such as the buttons and on the end of the belts there is a gold hardware cuff to it. The dress is really flattering and comfortable (hides a food baby wonderfully). It's easy to dress it up or down depending on the occasion too.

Jacket - Miss Selfridge / Dress - Dorothy Perkins / Shoes - New Look / Bag - Topshop 

♥

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LIFE: The Topshop Crop/Sports Bra

Since starting the gym back in January I've been trying to build up my sports gear collection. As vain as it may sound I still want to look fashionable as well as being comfortable at the gym. I've been using the same sports bras I got about a year ago from Missguided since I started, however, as I've got more into going I didn't find these the comfiest thing to wear. Plus mine were very plain and not very flattering/well fitting and had quickly gone dingy.

My main issue however was the material. It felt more like a thermal/scuba material and when I was doing cardio, so on the bike or the cross-trainer. I simply got too hot. My chest would feel incredibly sticky with sweat and I didn't feel comfortable so I was in the market to find something else. I've had my eye on the Calvin Klein classic Bralet for a while but I think they're so expensive especially if you end up not liking them so when I went into Topshop and found they had some similar in style I had to pick one up and give it a try.

Oh my god, they are so comfy. They are quite thin so don't give you much support however I only have small boobs anyway so its not something that bothers me too much. Plus I tend to wear my sports bra with lower cut tops to try and hide some cleavage. They don't make me too hot like the previous ones were plus they're super soft and looks a lot more stylish. If you do want some support I've found wearing a strapless bra underneath is perfect, so you've got that support but you're covered from any boob mishaps at the gym. I have found they aren't very big and I haven't got the biggest boobs in the world, so maybe size up, I find that Topshop can be small in fittings anyway.

I've now got them in the grey and navy with the matching underwear because I loved the first one so much and tempted to buy them in the white and red too, I think they also do it in an animal print too. I would seriously recommend them, not only for the gym but at home too. I love putting mine on if I don't want to wear my normal bra, so if I'm just hanging out at  home all day as it's so much comfier than a normal everyday bra. At £10 I also think they're such a bargain.

♥

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FASHION: Oh So Smart

I love the smart casual look. Mostly it's because it's a style that can easily be transitioned from day to night. I love wearing a nice fitting blouse or shirt with a pair of jeans, when I'm working this is what I always reach for. Again, it's comfortable but it looks like you've put in a bit  more effort. At the moment it's still that little bit chilly so I've kept reaching for my Topshop Denim Jacket to keep me warm with its fur lining. I literally fell in love with this blouse from River Island when I saw it and know that I will get lots of wear out of it all year long, but especially spring/summer. Along withe the heeled shoes that are everywhere at the moment, the block heel makes it easy for me to walk in and are surprisingly really comfy and in the sale. Shot at Rufford Abbey by the lake, Scott definitely had a lot of patience with me on that day trying to get some shots of me smiling whilst I was catching a cold.

Jacket - Topshop / Top - River Island / Jeans - Topshop / Shoes - Dorothy Perkins / Bag - Topshop 

♥

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