January Journey

First of all, I finally reached 100 followers yesterday and it has really made me smile. I didn't start a blog just to get as many readers as possible but it is a nice feeling to know that people enjoy reading so thank you so much for all the comments and being my blog friends, it really means a lot to me! I want to do a giveaway soon but I first of all need to arrange a prize so please bear with me =)

So it's the last day of the month so I thought I'd share a few things I've been up to this January.

I was going to compile a list of all the books I've read this month but it's only been 1.5 when it should have been at least 4 so instead I'll share the books I read whilst I was travelling.

These are the books I bought back home with me but I did read some other which I sold to buy other books whilst I was out there. The list includes:

The Beach by Alex Garland
Eleven Minute by Paulo Coelho
Dexter by Design by Jeff Lindsay
Dexter: An Omnibus by Jeff Lindsay

and the ones I don't have any more...

The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo
Veronica Decides to Die by Paulo Coehlo
Life of Pi by Yann Martel

I also started White Tiger by Aravind Adiga but I haven't got round to finishing it yet!! All these books were fantastic reads and I'm actually annoyed I sold a lot of them. The Dexter Omnibus is the first 3 novels of the series and Dexter by design in number 4 (I'm waiting for number 5 - Dexter in the Dark to come out on paperback). I bought these with my because I was having Dexter (the TV show) withdrawal and even though they aren't nearly as good as the series the stories are completely different so it's nice to to get a different perspective. They were a pain to carry around but fortunately my friends read them out there so I had a good month of not not packing them into my bag! The Paulo Coelho books were fascinating, his writing is quite spiritual and all 3 books I read are wildly different but still full of 'lessons'. The Alchemist is about our personal journey in life and how our dreams are possible if we work hard towards them. Veronica Decides to Die is about re-evaluating your decisions in life and Eleven Minutes is about sex and learning to let go and live a little! I've always loved The Beach film so I definitely wanted to read it whilst I was in Thailand and it was so much more than I expected. The story line is similar to the film but there are several changes, especially at the end. If you like the film I definitely encourage you to read the book, it's one of my favourites now! Life of Pi seems to be a favourite in terms of philosophy novels, the story will make you cry yet give you hope. It's about religion and survival but in no way preaches at you, definitely a book you will never forget!

Enough of reading now. This month I've been listening non stop to Conditions by the Temper Trap. I love this CD, the music is beautiful, edgy and really makes me smile. Sweet Disposition is one of my favourite songs.

You probably want to see something clothes related too. Well I bought this jumper in December and it's called my Christmas Jumper due to the ridiculous pattern on it. I though it was best to post it today as February is really far too late to be talking about Christmas clothes.

Jumper from Primark

Denim skirt from Topshop

I also want to do a shout out for my middle sister S who started a blog of her own this month. It's called Luxe Living and is about all the things she loves. She is much more creative than me and actually knows an awful lot about Photoshop and photography. She's doing an interior design course at the minute so will probably be sharing lots of ideas with you.

Outfit from this post

I also have a bow lust of the month and I know this Marc by Marc Jacobs watch (via ASOS) is kind of horrendous but I also kind of love it. There is also something about these Irregular Choice shoes as well, the heel is crazy but amazing! Gosh, you all must think I have terrible taste!

I also started watching Cougar Town which is pretty hilarious and now that I'm up to date with all the shows I missed whilst I was away I don't know what to watch next? Maybe True Blood, Mad Men or Boardwalk Empire.

Things that are driving me mad this month include photobucket because it is taking AGES for it to upload my pictures. Not sure what the deal is but if anyone knows how to fix this please let me know!

It's spring soon x

Crimewave

At the minute I'm working in my Dad's shop Snappy Snaps whilst I look for a 'science job'. The uniform at work is black and includes a promotional tshirt but me being me I like to bend the rules normally. For once I felt like actually wearing black so I wore my new jumper.

Jumper and shirt from Topshop

Velvet skirt from a random shop in Derby

I saw this jumper when I was in Ireland but when I saw the price tag I decided not too buy it. The other day I finally checked my bank balance after weeks of ignorance and to my surprise I actually had some funds so decided to buy it after all. It's actually huge, I got a size 12 and it's massive!! I love the little crystals but I'm scared their going to fall off. The skirt is velvet and I think I got it in a closing down sale for a couple of quid. I like the different texture together and think they just add a little interest to a 90% black outfit, the knit is chunky and the velvet is shiny. I have a sheer cape like shirt on underneath and adore it's little Peter Pan collar. I have my eye on loads of ASOS shirts with this favourite accessory, I just can't get enough of them!

I've been working all weekend which is a drag but money is money so I can't complain. There are so many things I want but I have to be good. Contemplating trying to save up for a Mulberry Alexa after seeing them up close and personal in Liberty of London for the millionth time on Friday but I know I'll try and fail!!

Hope your weekend was more fun than mine x

Big day out

On Wednesday I spent the day in London (wearing this outfit) and exploring places I had never been before. The first stop was The Strand (OK I have been there before) to visit friend S for lunch. We enjoyed sushi and dumplings in Itsu and I enjoyed a quick shop and drop (the cash) in the nearby Topshop. I bought a shirt and jumper that I'll share with you soon =)

My first 'new' stop of the day was to visit Primrose Hill and all the lovely surrounding shops. My main mission was to visit the Museum of Everything and Mary's Living and Giving Shop.

I found Mary's shop first on the main high street and spent a good while rummaging around the racks of colourful clothes. You really wouldn't believe this place is a charity shop, it's more like a boutique. There are wonderful designer clothes and plenty of vintage dresses too. One of my favourite items was a large pink dolls house which is kept in the shop to occupy bored children whilst their mothers shop!! I found a porcelain bowl filled with bow clasps by the till and of course treated myself to one; black satin with a large jewel in the middle =)

After Mary's I headed over to the museum and it can only be describe as wonderful! At the minute it is displaying the private collections of Sir Peter Blake, the pop artist who drew the cover for The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album (one of my favourites). The collection features impressive artefacts from the circus including old posters, props and scenery. There is a Punch & Judy room , crazy mirrors and a self made collection of fair ground rides that light up and play delightful fair ground music. Everything is colourful and fun but those clown images do have that haunting effect to them. I've never been afraid of clowns but I do appreciate how they might terrify many children with those big creepy grins. The nice thing about the Museum of Everything is that it isn't too big so there's no need to spend an entire day there hanging out. I was there for about an hour which was more than enough time. The museum closes it's doors for good on February 11th so I advise you all to go check it out if you already hadn't.

(I got told off for taking this photo)

Once I was content with my stay at the museum I headed towards Primrose Hill checking out all the cute little shops on my way. It was a pretty bleak day in all honesty so I didn't hang around too long.

Before heading home I popped into Drink, Shop & Do in Kings Cross on the recommendation of the lovely Eleanor. This tea shop is a lovely little place, filled with board games a plenty, kitsch jewellery and jars of old school sweets. I treated myself to a peppermint tea and a slice of orange & lemon cake. The cake was probably the most delicious thing ever, so moist yet airy and even though I'm not really a tea drinker I did enjoy the peppermint flavour.

Overall I had a really lovely day, especially because I discovered new places and for me that's always fun. I generally do these day trips around London on my own because I enjoy the time to think and do what I want to do!! I don't feel weird about going into a place and sitting by myself to have a drink, I use that time to do a little reading and edit the photos on my camera. I almost went to Camden because it's just down the road from Primrose hill but it was too cold for a walk. I haven't been there for ages because I enjoy the shops around Shoreditch more these days so I definitely need to visit soon.

Hopefully going to see King's Speech soon too x

Shake a leg

Yesterday I had a fantastic day out in London strolling around Primrose Hill! Despite the wet and cold weather I had a lot of fun, especially since I got to wear my new cape, tights and skirt.

Cape, socks and Pocahontas shoes from Topshop

Tee from Asish x Topshop
Skirt from Dunnes Stores
Tights from Bebaroque (via ASOS)

I have been lusting after this camel cape for what seems like months now but I refused to pay the £95 Topshop were asking for. Instead I managed to find it on eBay for a lot cheaper and it's just perfect. The colour is so now, as is the cape shape and military style plus it makes me feel like pulling crazy shapes. Cape are awesome, there are no 2 ways about it!

I love Bebaroque tights but they're rather expensive so I was pretty thrilled to discover that this pair were in the sale (still available)! I have a habit of laddering expensive tights so I'm doing my best to be extra careful with these beauties. They are really comfortable and so far none of the little jewels have fallen off. I think I'm going to wear them with EVERYTHING because the colourful jewels really do brighten up an outfit.

Recently I've been having a bit of a style crisis and have had the feeling I've lost my own personal touch. I think this outfit is very me and one of my favourites I've worn recently. The quirky tights, fun coat and mismatching top and bottoms are very me so I think I must becoming myself again. This probably has something to do with losing a little weight which is making me very happy at the moment. I lost 2 pounds this week which is a total of 8 since the new year =)

Can't wait till pay day x

Dunnes Stores

Whenever I visit Ireland I always make sure that an obligatory visit to Dunnes Stores is made because we don't have this shop on the mainland. I like to think that Dunnes is a cross between Marks and Spencer and Primark because all the clothes are somewhat cheap but of good(ish) quality and sensible with a splash of contemporary fashion when it comes to style. It's a great place to pick up decent essentials like leggings, tshirts, shoes, pretty dresses and nightwear. When we visited last week the sales were coming to an end so he stock was pretty dire but I did manage to grab a couple of bargains.

This dress is so pretty and covered in bows can you believe it (you probably can)! The sleeves are sheer and it has my favourite accessory, a Peter Pan collar. It came with a red skinny belt too which adds a nice pop of colour. I can't wait to wear this with frilly socks and clogs this summer.

This is a simple jersey dress with a rara skirt. It's extremely easy to wear and also looks great when worn with skirts. The material is extremely comfortable and the floral pattern is perfect for the warmer months. Right now I'm wearing it with opaque tights and brogues but once the warmer weather hits, it'll be big sunglasses and gold sandals all the way.

This skirt is probably my favourite item and was in the sale for only £2, what a bargain! I tried a similar skirt in Topshop about a year ago but didn't buy it so I was thrilled to find this. It's high waisted and the green tartan print is right up my street. I've worn it with the floral dress but I can't wait to style it with my camel tee, a grey vest or a crisp white shirt. It really is so easy to wear and I just adore those gold buttons.

I don't normally like to take pictures of clothes hanging up but I didn't really have much choice so please excuse the photos. Next time it'll be me actually wearing them =)

I also bought a pair of black leggings (you can never have too many) and am planning a little DIY job with them which I'll share with you at a later date. I'm quite looking forward to this because I don't really do any DIY but I've been looking for a particular item of clothing that I can't find any where so I'm just going to make it myself.

Did anyone watch the new Gok Wan show last night? I kinda love to hate what he styles, I think all the DIY is fantastic but in reality I don't think that many people can do or be bothered to go to such great lengths. I do love the show for Brix though, I think she is so funny and always styles up lush outfit and of course her pugs are the most adorable thing ever!!

Dentist yesterday wasn't to horrid x

7 secrets...

A few days ago I received a lovely and somewhat unexpected email from Carol over at My Stylisms. The lovely lady has awarded me the Stylish Blogger Award and boy what a shock that was considering I don't really see myself as stylish but rather a unique blend of clothes thrown together. I discovered Carol's blog a couple of weeks ago and was immediately drawn to her vibrant coloured hair and quirky dress sense. This is the first time I've ever received a reward for my blog so it's nice to know someone enjoys reading =)

So the first thing I have to do is share 7 things about myself:

1. When I was younger I used to collect rubber ducks of all shapes and sizes Who knows how this obsession began but I have a rather impressive amount now stored away in a cupboard!

2. At school I tried to learn the violin, flute and piano but I was rubbish at everything. This probably had something to do with the fact I never practised so I tried to teach myself the guitar (no homework or lessons etc) but I still failed!!

3. I have a problem with my eyes called nystagmus which means I'll never be able to drive. I can see all right but not good enough to read a number plate from 20 yards. This makes mad because I want to be able to drive so badly!

4. When I was in sixth form I saved up a load of baby sitting money and bought myself a denim Burberry kilt. It doesn't have the Burberry pattern on it or anything and looks really classic. I was so chuffed when I bought it because it was the first ever designer item I owned. I wore it all the time but it hasn't seen the light of day for a few years now so I really must give it a spin sometime soon.

5. Last year Dom adopted a panda in China for me. I love panda's and as a scientist I also know how idiotic they are i.e. being carnivores but only eatting bamboo and not wanting to mate. Nevertheless I still can't resist their big panda eyes and cute little faces plus I do adore a bit of monochrome =)

6. I love to dance when I go out and by dance I mean jump around like a mad woman. When I lived in Derby we always went out to indie/rock nights and had such a good time banging about all over the place. It's such a good way to relax and have fun.

7. My childhood crush was Joshua Jackson i.e. Pacey from Dawson's Creek and you know what, he is still HOT!!!

So there you go, seven ridiculous things you probably didn't know about me, unless you know me in real life that is! I now have to pass the award on to seven fellow bloggers and this is who I've choosen:

Sarah from City Girl's Fashion Box
Ella from BelleVintage
Milly from Fashion Laundrette
Dee from The Merry Traveller
Roise from A Pocket Full of Roise
Hattie from Inside the Mind of a Discoball
Filipa from Feathers of Inspiration

These are a mix of old favourites and new loves. All the girls are stylish in their own individual way and their blogs are a delight to read. Hope you ladies have fun passing this award on!

Gossip Girl is back x

Ireland

As promised, here are pictures from my recent trip to Northern Ireland. For the benefit of those who didn't read my other Ireland post, my family have a house in Bushmills (round the corner from the Giants Causeway) and we go there at least once a year. My Dad's parents live in Portrush which is a 10minute drive away and my other Granny lives in Derry. My Dad is from Dungannon and my Mum is from Donemana, I was born in Belfast but moved to London when I was 2 and haven't been there for years. Next time I'm in Ireland for longer than a few days I think I'll definitely try and visit Belfast, I'm pretty sure there is loads of stuff to do there and I remember that last time I went (to visit Queens University) we found an excellent vintage shop where I picked up a retro Adidas slogan tee, that I've gone a bloody lost now!!

Drinking champagne in Gatwick

Fire in our house










The beach by our house


Sunset


Vera Wang champagne glasses with a little bow, plus a mini chocolate brownie (Christmas present from Granny)


The buildings are divided into several apartments, one of which is ours


When the frost hit






You can actually see the steam coming off the sea


Deserted


The view from our house before we left

So this is where our house is and isn't it lovely! So peaceful but not empty of life. The sea and it's waves is like an ever changing neighbour and the sunset is so dramatic. When everywhere was covered in frost the atmosphere changed into something hauntingly beautiful! I adore it here so much, the walks along the beach give me time to think and the lawn is perfect for summer parties. As a child we had so much fun running around with our Irish neighbours and as an adult I've really begun to appreciate the scenery and tranquillity of the area. Hopefully we can visit again soon =)

Really want a pair of the H&M x Swedish Hasbeens slip on clogs x