The Spring Revamp*

After a particularly long day at work I love nothing more than curling up in bed, lighting a few candles & catching up on Netflix. However - with the stresses of day-to-day life - I'll admit that sometimes (most of the time) I can let my room get pretty cluttered. So with Spring finally making an appearance here in the U.K. I decided there was no better time to finally have a big "spring clean" & reorganise. 

Source

As someone who owns many, many items, I found it a little daunting knowing where to begin with my "spring clean". So (to help anyone who many be in a similar position) I've put together some tips that I found really helped revamp my space & part with items I no longer need. 

Clothes & Shoes: 

If they haven't been worn in the last year, you probably never will again. Instead of leaving them to gain dust in your wardrobe, donate them to charity. Someone somewhere will love them. 

Make-up & Skincare products: 

Again if you haven't used it for the last six-twelve months, it's probably time to throw it away. They're probably way past their "use-by" date now!

Bedding:

Did you know it's recommended to flip your mattress every three months? I certainly didn't. Whilst this probably isn't something many of us will remember to do, it is worth noting that once in a while we should make the effort to flip/buy a new mattress (I currently have my eye on this one from Leesa*). I also love to change up my bed-covers & find something that really fits with the current season (think pastel colours & floral prints for Spring!). 

Flowers: 

I find that flowers & plants are the perfect way of injecting a little colour to a room. Although fresh flowers are my personal favourite, this can get a little expensive over time. However artificial flowers can look just a pretty & last a life-time. 

Whilst not always the most exciting way to spend a weekend, I was surprised by how therapeutic I found the whole take of Spring Cleaning. Not only did I finally part with (far too many) items that I really didn't need, I now love nothing more than walking into an organised & tidy room! 

Do you have any tips for Spring Cleaning or
revamping a room for a new season?

I'd love to know in the comments. 

xxx

New Look Sale Wishlist

I'm sure it doesn't come as a shock to anyone what I say that I love shopping.. Treating yourself to a new pair of shoes after a busy week or to a new lipstick when you've hit your gym goal for the week is one of the best rewards. But in my opinion there's one thing that beats shopping... sale shopping!

Now I'm not talking about spending hours sifting through sale racks or pushing and shoving my way through the crowds to get that half price top - which at my height is definitely a health hazard - I'm talking about the kind of sale shopping you can from the sofa, in your pyjamas whilst binge watching Netflix..

So when I noticed that New Look - one of my favourite high-street stores - was having a sale, I couldn't resist having a little snoop to see what bargains were available.

Here are a few of the items that caught my eye..

1. High Waisted Shorts - £7.00 reduced from £14.99 [x]

2. Floral Print Crop Top - £7.00 reduced from £14.99 [x]

3. Gold Necklace - £2.00 reduces from £4.99 [x]

4. Black Peplum Dress - £7.00 reduced from £12.99 [x]

5. Mini Satchel - £8.00 reduced from £19.99 [x]

6. Aztec Print Joggers - £12.00 reduced from £17.99 [x]

7. Mint Chunky Heels - £12.00 reduced from £24.99 [x]

8. Ripped Knee Jeggings - £8.00 reduced from £19.00 [x]

9. Cut Out Denim Shorts - £10.00 reduced from £22.99 [x] 

Another thing I love about sale shopping is the bargains that can be picked up.. Who could feel guilty about a new pair of heels for £12.00 reduced from £24.99 or a new bag for £8.00 instead of £19.99?!

Which are your favourite shops for sale shopping? 

xxx

OOTD - Drinks With The Girls

One thing that I love about pay-day weekend is the excuse to treat yourself.. the feeling of "hey, I've worked hard this month.. I deserve this!".

With this in mind, when a girlie night happened to fall on pay-day weekend.. I couldn't resist treating myself to a new outfit *plus - because like most girls  - I simply had nothing to wear.. obviously*. So after work on Friday I plodded of to New Look to see what I could put together.. (It's safe to say that after the 3rd time wandering around the store, my boyfriend regretted his offer to come with me).

S'cuse the background.. this was taken at my friend's
house before venturing off.. 

Top -  £7.99 [x]

Trousers  - £14.99 [x]
Necklace  -  £7.99 [x]
Shoes  - £27.99 [x]

A few of the linked items do slightly vary from the ones I'm wearing as New Look's website doesn't currently have the exact items available online.

I love this outfit as it's perfect to wear out if a dress isn't feeling all that appealing - who doesn't have those days where having legs on show is the last thing on your mind?! - plus it can be easily dressed up for a night out or dressed down for a casual day-time event *think sandals and an oversized hand-bag*. 

What are your current evening ware staples? 

I'm always on the look out for an excuse to go shopping! 

xxx

Disney Wishlist

If you read my recent May Favourites post, you'll know that I have been loving Disney even more so than usual recently.

There's just something about either wearing an item of Disney themed clothing or accessory that always seems to make me feel so happy.. I think this is due to a mixture of all the happy childhood memories associated with Disney films/songs/trips to Disneyland (plus I'm a huge child at heart). So I couldn't resist putting together a Disney themed wishlist for this Sunday's post.

1. Disney Princess Lipsmakers - Claire's Accessories - £5.00 [x]

2. Sketched Mickey Top - Asos - £37.00 [x]

3. Minnie Mouse Travel Mug - Disney Store - £6.00 [x]

4. Mickey Mouse Cabin Case - Disney Store - £80.00 [x]

5. Minnie Charm - Pandora - $45.00 [x]

(only currently available in the US but fingers crossed this collection 

will come out in UK Pandora stores soon)

6. Disney Princess Tshirt - Vans - £25.00 [x]

7. Bambi Pyjama Set - Topshop - £22.00 [x]

8. Little Mermaid Shoes - Vans - £52.00 [x]

9. Disney Chalkboard Quotes - Etsy - £11.00 [x]

I could easily see my pay cheque vanishing if I was to treat myself to each of these items.. but they're all so adorable! 

Which is your favourite Disney themed item?

xxx

Gym wear - Wish List

If you read my recent post on my attempt to get into shape (click here if you fancy a read) you'll know that I'm trying to get fitter as well as shift a few pounds following some recent weight gain. 

Due to this, I've found myself browsing online at gym clothes a lot over the last few weeks. The majority of the time my gym outfits consist of some old leggings and an over-sized t-shirt so recently I've been dreaming of a number of new potential gym/workout outfits. 

Now don't get me wrong, I know the gym isn't a place for looking our best - believe me I always resemble a red sweaty troll - but I can't help but wonder if maybe I had a few more "nice" gym outfits.. I'd be more motivated to go? In the same sense that when I buy a new dress or pair of heels, I can't wait to go on a night out to show them off. 

There's a huge market for "more attractive" gym wear & retailers are completely aware of this so even brands that you wouldn't usually associate with sports (think H&M, New Look & Boohoo to name just a few)  have "active wear" sections now.  I doubt I'll ever make a huge effort with my appearance for the gym, but I can't see anything wrong with having some clothes that are both well designed for exercise and look good?

Here are a few of my current favourite finds: 

1. "No More Excuses" sports vest - New Look - £8.99 [x]

2. Three quarter length sports leggings - H&M - £14.99 [x]

3. "See You At The Finish Line" vest - Forever 21 - £10.00 [x]

4. Floral slogan t-shit - Nike - £25.00 [x]

5. Peach Contrast leggings - Missguided - £20.00 [x]

6. Logo Sweater - Adidas - £35.00 [x]

7. Mickey Mouse graphic t-shirt - Adidas - £19.00 [x]

8. Sports Bra - Nike - £20.49 (reduced from £26.00) - [x]

9. Floral Stripe sports leggings - Next - £18.00 [x]

I love these items, and would probably even wear most of them outside of the gym.. Floral panel leggings teamed with a Mickey Mouse top?! Yes please! Plus I love the classic Adidas sweatshirt - even though we're heading into the summer months now, I imagine it would be perfect to throw on during a chillier evening... perhaps even after a trip to the gym. 

What are your favourite items to wear to the gym?

xxx

Easter Bank Holiday - OOTD

As the weather seems to finally be brightening up I thought it was time to ditch my winter coats in favour of some more spring appropriate clothing. 

Don't get me wrong - I love snuggling in my winters coats & wrapping up warm (plus I'm very grateful for them when battling  my way to work in the rain/wind) but I love when it starts to finally get warm enough to go out in a simple jacket & eventually *dare I say it?!* no jacket at all!

I do find the weather around this time of year a little tricky though.. It's definitely the "do I/don't I need a jacket" or "will I be too warm in jeans?" weather.. but it's much much better then bitter cold and what seems like constant rain. 

With the beautifully long Easter weekend just gone - I thought it would be a waster not to pop out & make the most of the sunshine as I usually spend my day at a desk staring at my computer... So what better excuse to put together a little Outfit Of The Day Post?!

Jumper - New Look - £12.99 [x]

(This is still available in-store but for some reason it's not online - so

I've found something similar)

Faux Leather Jacket - New Look - £39.99 [x]

Leggings - Boohoo - £10.00 [x]

Scarf - New Look - £5.00 (reduced from £14.00) [x]

Shoes always deserve a close up.. 

Boots - New Look - £10.00 

(These were purchased some time last year so I can't find them any more - however click here 

to see New Looks' current boot range)

Even thought the sun has started shining *yay* I still decided to play it safe by taking out my scarf. Simply because it's that time of the year where the mornings/evenings are chilly, so you need a little extra layer or two. But I loved wandering around again in leggings and a jackets & not having to worry about feeling freezing.

I now cannot wait to update my wardrobe ready for summer & find excuses to wander around in summer dresses/shorts/skirts again!

What's your favourite fashion item in spring?

xxx

Outfit of the day - work

I'm one of those people who never knows what to wear to work. I wish I could be the type of person who selects their outfits the night before and then all that's left to do in the morning is simply get dressed.

However for some reason, even if I do chose an outfit & hang it up ready, when the morning comes I can never just put it on & be happy. There will always be some reason why I need to switch tops, change leggings or go for trousers instead of a skirt. This always results in a pile of clothes being left on the bed as I charge out the door in the morning due to being late (and as my boyfriend is usually still dozing whilst I get ready for work, I wouldn't say he's usually to impressed with being buried under my clothes). 

The reasons for disregarding an outfit can vary from it's too cold to wear this today, to I reaalllly feel like wearing those shoes  - but they just don't go with this skirt! or even Ugh no.. this top does NO favours for me right now!

The outfit in this post was one of these and I actually had out for roughly a week  until finally I decided to put the clothes on & leave them there (although this was probably more due to forgetting to do a clothes wash and being very limited my work appropriate clothing - oops). 

S'cuse the scruffy hair - this was taken after work. Oops. 

Shoes always deserve a close up...

Top - New Look - £5.99 [x]

Skater Skirt - New Look  - £9.99 [x]

Tights - Primark
Chelsea Boots - Treds - £9.99 [x]
(These were reduced from £24.99 - bargain!).

I love this outfit. I think skater skirts are so flattering, as they nicely cover any lumps and bumps around the stomach area, whilst being so comfy to wear. I also love this top. When I first brought this I was a bit unsure.. I don't own anything in this highnecked style, but as I've been seeing so many items in this style around, I decided to bite the bullet and give it a go.. & I'm so glad I did. It's only slightly high around the neck (not at all "turtle neck" don't worry) and is the perfect way to add something a bit different to your look. 

Finally, these boots (Which I spotted from a post on the lovely Rachel Coco's blog - click here to take a look) are one of my favourite pairs of shoes. They're so comfy and go with everything.. Plus, they were an absolute bargain at only £9.99 - Amazing! 

Overall I think this is a great outfit to wear to work, but it would be equally as great to wear for a day of shopping or to a meal with friends... and in the summer, just whip off those tights & switch the boots for some cute sandals and you're all set for the warmer weather!

What are your work-wear staple items?

I'd love some inspiration so maybe getting ready in the morning can become a little easier!

xxx

Autumn/Winter wishlist - New Look

As the darker nights and chillier days have began, I can't help but start looking at the Autumn-winter clothes and accessories that have come out in the shops.

Since my online shopping baskets have started to grow quite a lot *oops* I decided put together some wishlist blog posts.

To start is New Look.

Source

If you like any of these items, each is linked below.

Blanket wrap cardigan - £19.99
Reindeer Jumper - £22.99
Faux Fur Head Warmer - £7.99
Skinny Acid Wash Jeans - £22.99
Chelsea Boots - £24.99
Coat - £49.99 (A little on the pricey side but I think this is worth for an item that you can keep)
Navy Check Skort - £17,99
Faux Fur Collar - £9.99
Monochrome Trousers - £14.99


New Look has some lovely items available at the moment which I think will be perfect for Autumn and Winter.

xxx

Pay-day Treats

As those of you in the UK may know, yesterday was the glorious day that is known as pay-day. After starting my new job around 5 weeks ago, and spending the last 3 years as a penniless student, it would be a huge understatement to say I was a tad excited to finally get to this day. 

For working hard this month, I decided it was only fair to treat myself to a few new bits and pieces (along with one or two drinks Friday evening... Would be rude to turn down 2 for 1 cocktails surely?!). 

So this relaxed, and maybe slightly hungover, Saturday was spent browsing various shop's websites and finally being able to make a few of the purchases that have been sat in my online baskets for some time now. 

A little sneak peak at a few of the purchases

After being a student for such a long time I'll admit I found it a little hard to treat myself to these things. Three years of counting every penny has clearly had an effect (I wonder if I'm the only student/graduate to feel this way?) but I told myself to click the "check-out" button as I know I'll be super excited when the packages arrive next week. 

I definitely didn't go crazy - just a few items and maybe a small gift for a certain boyfriend, sssh -  but it felt amazing to spend a few pennies that I worked hard to earn, and it made all those long hours in the office worth wile. 

When the items are all delivered I've decided to possibly put together my first haul post. I personally love hauls as it gives new ideas on clothing, accessories and products. However, even from just writing this post, I can see why so many bloggers state that they're in no way showing off when talking about their purchases... It's hard not to feel like you're showing off slightly... But I can promise showing off is definitely not something I would do, and I'm excited by the thought of putting together a haul post. 

If you have any tips about writing a haul I'd love to know - this newbie is still finding her feet in the blogging world! 

xxx

New Job - OOTD

As Monday came around, so did the day of starting my new job. After being a student for the last 3 years - and never working full time before, I really didn't know what to expect. Starting a new job can obviously be a stressful and anxious time - wondering what your colleagues will be like? Will you be good at the job? etc etc - but one of the main things I found myself wondering about was "What am I going to wear?". 

Now this really isn't THAT important, but I found myself wondering which of my clothes would make a good "full-time working person" outfit. Will my clothes be suitable? What would other people be wearing? Heels or flats?

Plus -  just to add to all of this - we've been having some glorious weather here in the UK. Now I'm 100% not complaining about this but it certainly does make finding an appropriate outfit, that won't cause your body to reach a level close to melting. 

After a little while rummaging around in my wardrobe, I eventually settled on the outfit below. Even though it was warm out, I decided on tights as I felt they made the outfit a little smarter yet still appropriate for summer and comfortable to wear all day. 

Top - Topshop

(I was given this for Christmas so unfortunately can't find a link for this - but they may have 

it in shops)

My trusty Skater Skirt - New Look

Sunglasses - Free with a Cosmopolitan Magazine

Overall I feel this is smart/casual outfit that is suitable for a day in the office - when did I suddenly grow up?  

xxx