OUTFIT POST // MONOPRINT

Hi everyone! Today has been an exciting day, because I've started packing for my holiday! Apart from sun cream and a couple of other bits (Triangl bikini I'm looking at you) I have just about everything I need, which means I'm now officially in the Holiday mood. This has meant plenty of planning outfits, and I just HAD to include this amazing playsuit, that's from the Lauren Pope Collection by In the Style. 

Playsuit//InThestyle     Necklace//New Look     Clutch//Primark     Shoes//Primark

Please excuse my VERY pasty arms and legs- they are in desperate need of a tan, but that aside, how gorgeous is this playsuit?! I honestly can't tell you how flattering it is, it's got 2 layers, making it look almost like the every popular co-ord when it;s on, and the baggy fit top is slimming but yet still manages to hide my food-baby belly- a miracle if you ask me! The print makes such a statement, and monochrome is something I'll never get bored of, it's classic and so easy to carry off, whether you're going for a casual or smart look. I'm so upset to say that this playsuit is no longer being sold on In the Style, but if you head over to their website here you'll be able to see the latest Lauren Pope collection, with some equally gorgeous pieces (I'm especially loving this stunning midi-skirt).

You probably can't actually see, but if you look really closely you might spot the monochrome statement necklace that I added to this outfit, which blends in to the print, and actually looks quite cool in person- the photos definitely don't do it justice. Rather than clashing any colours, I kept the monochrome theme throughout by wearing my gorgeous Primark heels, and Primark clutch bag, two of my wardrobe staples. 

And of course, what monochrome look would be complete without a red lip... not this one anyway!

How are you rocking monochrome this season? Have you checked out the 'By Lauren Pope' In the Style collection yet...?x  

HOLIDAY HOTLIST

Summer is well and truly here!! With the exception of a few days of rain and thunder we've had some amazingly hot weather in the last few weeks, and while I'm loving being able to wear summer dresses to work, it hasn't stopped me dreaming of the much much hotter weather waiting for me in Tenerife in just over 2 weeks time! I've put together a wishlist of the key essential items I want to be packing in my suitcase and taking on my jollies!

1. Sunnies///River Island     2. Maxi Dress//ASDA     3. Swimsuit//Bon Prix     4. Bag//La Moda     5. Kimono//FD Avenue     6. Sandals//ASOS

Whether you're heading abroad or staying in-land, a pair of sunnies are everyone's summer essential. The 70's hippy-style round frames have been a huge hit this season, and I have to say I'm a massive fan, mainly because they seem to be the only style that suit my rather odd-shaped face. I've had my eye on this Brown Tortoiseshell pair from River Island- who by the way have an AMAZING selection of sunnies this season- for ages now. I do have a couple of pairs from Primark, but they are so flimsy that I'm thinking it's about time I invested in a more expensive pair.

Not much needs saying about this maxi dress from George at ASDA, apart from the fact that it's simple. chic, and perfect for wearing whichever way I want! I could add a statement pair of earrings or necklace to glam it up, but I think it would look equally as lovely with a brown belt and sandals for a casual look, perfect for day to night style! 

I'd never heard of Bon Prix until I saw this swimsuit in one of the magazines last week, and fell completely in love! It screams poolside glam, with the embellishment and colour making it look WAY more expensive than what it actually is (a complete bargain at just £14.99!). Bon Prix also have 20% off for new customers, so I've added this beauty to my basket and managed to get it for just £11.99! I've always been a bikini kind of girl, but this has definitely turned me into a costume convert!

A bag to fit my bits and bobs in whilst doing touristy activities during the day, but stylish enough to take out on a night, has to be one of my biggest holiday essentials. I tend to take 2 bags- one over the shoulder and one clutch- on holiday with me, and this is top of my wishlist to take me from day to night. La Moda are bang on with their shoes and bags right now, so this tasselled beauty is top of my 'next to buy' list.

Kimonos have well and truly taken over the high street this season, and the maxi style is one I've been completely obsessed with! After scouring my favourite blogs to see how the different styles are being worn, I've finally settled on this gorgeous White Lace one from FD Avenue. It is perfect for wearing both poolside and on evenings out, and I know I'd get plenty of wear out of it, as it's just so gorgeous! This will definitely be added to my shopping basket very soon!

Finally, I ALWAYS take a pair of comfy brown sandals with me in my suitcase. They go with absolutely anything, and seem to add a touch of summer to any outfit. Being nearly 6 foot, I can't really wear heels, plus they only add extra weight to my suitcase, so a smart pair of flats are what I look for. The buckles on these ASOS beauties add extra detail to what might otherwise be a fairly plain pair of sandals, and and £25 they are a steal!

I'm so excited to get packing, I might just have to get my suitcase out and start now- 21/2 weeks is enough preparation time right?

Are you heading on your summer holidays soon...? What key items will you be taking in your suitcase...?x 

Lifestyle // Race for Life

A non fashion-related post today, but I had to share with you all what I've been up to! I had an absolutely amazing day today doing something I've never ever done before... I ran the Race for Life 5K in Huddersfield, and had the best time doing it! It was a fantastic event for a fantastic cause, with the atmosphere amongst all the different ladies being something I won't forget for a very long time,  I think we all definitely kicked Cancer's butt!

P.s. sorry for the rubbish photo quality, they were taken on my phone as I forgot my camera.

Me looking non-sweaty before the race!

Looking rather more sweaty and red-faced just after finishing- and proud of my medal!

Race for Life!

I ran the race in memory of my amazing Grandad, who lost his battle with lung cancer when I was much younger, but it was also quite a personal thing, as since January I have been on a fitness/ weight loss mission, and this race was the culmination of all my hard work. Before January I'd barely even stepped foot in my trainers, so to run 5K in a time of 35 minutes felt like a huge achievement, and was a celebration of the almost 2 stone I've lost since then. 

The event itself was brilliantly organised, with a group warm-up before we set off, and plenty of cheering and shouting for the cameras- Calendar was there filming us!! The weather was so so warm, which left me rather sweaty and red-faced and struggling to find any reserve energy, but coming up to the finish line, the cheering from all the supporters was enough to spur me on and give me a finishing boost me over the line, after which I collapsed immediately!

I've had a more than amazing day, with loads of money raised for a fantastic cause that affects everyone at some point in their lives. If you'd like to donate then head over to Cancer Research to help give Cancer an even bigger kick up the butt.. As I shouted today, Cancer, we're coming to get you!!

Have you ran the Race for Life..? How else have you shown your support for Cancer Research...?x 

Outfit Post // Abstract Attitudes

Hi everyone! You may have noticed a huge absence on my blog recently for which I can only apologise- so sorry about the massive blogging break! I've just started two new jobs, and have been working 6, sometimes 7 days a week, making finding the time/energy to take pictures a little bit more difficult than usual. However I've definitely settled in to a routine now, so the blog will now be back up and running- yay!

Coat*//M&S     Tee//Internacionale     Jeans//Primark     Loafers//Primark     Necklace//Primark     Bag//Accessorize  

I've been on a bit of a winning break recently, and a couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to win this unbelievably gorgeous coat* courtesy of amazing blogger Emma Hill of EJStyle and Marks & Spencer's! I was one of three lucky winners chosen via Instagram, and honestly couldn't believe my luck! Anyway, the coat was a size medium, which fits slightly over-sized, but I think that adds to the whole style of the coat and makes it look even more flattering (and feel even more comfy) on. 
The abstract print also makes this a real statement piece, meaning it's perfect for both casual and dressy looks, I honestly can't describe how much I love this coat, plus it's definitely left me feeling inspired for Autumn/Winter shopping. As an added bonus, it's just gone into the M&S sale too, so you can now buy it here for a ridiculous £36!!! 

I didn't want the bold aztec print to clash with my outfit when styling, so went for casual staple pieces like my Primark loafers and boyfriend jeans, and a cute little cropped tee I bought from Internacionale a few years ago. I think they give my look a boho feel, and are all super comfy, making this look my go-to choice for long days out (mainly shopping) when I want to look stylish but can walk around all day without having to worry. The gorgeous necklace I'm wearing is also a recent Primark find, they are just so good for jewellery and accessories that aren't ridiculously overpriced (this necklace broke the bank at around £4 I think). My accessorize bag that you may have seen in some earlier posts was also a perfect addition to this outfit, it may be looking a little worn now, well I have used it everyday since Christmas, but it seems to just go with anything, and is the perfect size to fit all my random bits and bobs that I carry around when I leave the house. Finally I added a trusty red lip to match the jewel in my necklace, and the look was complete! 

Thank you to Emma Hill and Marks & Spencers! What do you think to statement coats like this? Are you loving them for Autumn/Winter like me...?x 

Outfit Post // Sorbet Statement

This last week has definitely been a weird one when it comes to the weather, one minute the sun was out, then the next it was absolutely wanging it down, why can't it just make it's mind up?! Typical Britain I guess. Anyway, in a spare moment when the sun was out, I made the most of it by glamming up, and showing off my amazing new necklace that I recently won from online jewellery store Johnny Loves Rosie, that I really couldn't wait to show you all!

I was so so excited when I found out I'd won their giveaway, as I literally NEVER win anything. (to put it this way, I once went to the races, and put a pound each on 9 out of 11 horses in a race, and I still didn't manage to win a penny- bad luck seems to follow me around!) I had to choose three items I loved from their website, and then the lovely Verity who works for JLR picked one to send me. I was so glad she picked this one, as I'd already decided exactly how I'd wear it! 

Necklace // Johnny Loves Rosie     Cami, Jeans and Strappy Heels // All Primark

 I really wanted to let the statement necklace do the talking, so I teamed it with much lighter sorbet shades to complement but not overshadow it's coral/orange tone. The whole rest of the outfit is from Primark, with the floaty lemon-yellow cami top being a major find! I couldn't believe how similar it was to the much more expensive Topshop camis, and to be honest it's probably just as good quality. It has been a spring essential for me, and will definitely continue to be throughout summer! 

I'm definitely not ashamed to admit that the white jeans were once my mum's- being the same size dress size does have it's advantages.  I've now well and truly adopted them into my own wardrobe, and although they aren't amazingly fitted (Topshop Jonis I will own you one day) they are just fine for casual summer wear, and definitely won't be hiding away in my wardrobe!

Finally I added an old pair of Primark sandals that I bought but never wore, and forgot I had! I always love finding old items hiding at the back of my drawers, and these couldn't have been more perfect to go with my brand new necklace, it was fate if you ask me! 

Laundry Boutique Blogger Event!

Last night I was lucky enough to attend a Blogger event at the Laundry Boutique in Manchester, a super pretty boutique shop in Deansgate full of the most gorgeous clothes a girl could wish for! 

I finished work at half four and had to catch the half five train into Manchester, so after quick get ready rush, spritz of perfume and re-application of make-up, I finally arrived an hour and a half later! I was greeted with a glass of bubbly (which I accepted and then realised I couldn't drink- damn you detox!) and some yummy nibbles, and given a quick explanation of what the evening would hold. All I needed to do was look through all the rails of lovely clothes - a hard task as I'm sure you can imagine- and then try all my favourites on. I could then choose the outfit I loved the most to have a picture in, and the blogger who gets the most Facebook likes and Twitter re-tweets on their picture can then win the outfit, amazing!! 

The shop itself is just so pretty, I fell in love with the flamingo printed wallpaper straight away. It's also really inviting, with the clothes rails filled with everything from floaty summer linens to bright printed co-ords. As well as the selection of gorgeous clothes, I just couldn't take my eye off the centre-piece table full of my one major weakness, statement jewellery! My absolute faves were the boho-style beaded ones, one of which I included in my outfit, and a really in-your-face necklace decorated with coins that I would've loved to get my hands on- maybe because of the fact that they looked like chocolate coins, chocolate addict all the way!

*Image Credit: Laundry Boutique

*Image credit: Laundry Boutique

For the style challenge I picked an absolutely gorgeous purple pastel drop waist dress. The colour stood out to me straight away, and while I'm not 100% sold on whether the fit suits me or not  (why do outfits always look better in the changing rooms than on pictures?) I have to say I'm too in love with the dress to care! I also teamed it with some AMAZING green jewelled sliders, a summer staple I'm desperate to get my hands on, and a statement tribal necklace. Anyway, major plug warning here, but if you like my outfit then I would be so grateful if you headed to Laundry B's Facebook page here and Twitter page here and Like the image/Re-tweet the tweet to vote for me in the Style Challenge!

Thank you so much to Laundry Boutique for a lovely evening and the fab opportunity to win some of their gorgeous clothes!

Have you checked out Laundry Boutiques website? What items are you really loving?...x 

June Must Haves

May is over, and I'm hoping (fingers crossed) that with the arrival of June, summer might finally be on it's way. This has lead to me dreaming endlessly of sunny days with the BBQ lit and a mojito in hand, so I had to show you guys my wishlist of June must haves, full of versatile summer pieces that I've fallen in love with, and am dying to have in my wardrobe- sob for saving :( !

1) Duster Coat // River Island     2) Button Cami // Topshop     3) Tote Bag // La Moda     4) Slider Sandals // Topshop     5) High Waist Jeans // Asos

1) This AMAZING Floral Duster coat is from River Island, and it's just far too gorgeous for words. RI have some absolutely  lovely summer pieces, and they are all so unique and individual, I just can't get enough of them at the moment. The statement print and pastel colours of this coat are dreamy, and I think it's also a great transitional piece, meaning you can cover up and stay cosy on days when the sun might not be shining so much. It's killing me though, as its £55, which is way out of my price range, and does make me want to cry a bit a lot. Oh well, I can always wear it in my dreams!

2) Cute little camis are always a summer essential, and this Topshop one is no different. It's a cute colour. and the button-up detailing adds a lovely little girly touch. I also love the kind-of 'knitted look' material, which is great if you're after boho vibes and a festival feel. At £12, you could probably get a cheaper version in Primark, but this one is just too cute to say no!

3)  La Moda are a brand I've seen loads of from fellow bloggers and Instagrammers (if that's even a word?). I've seen so many stylish ladies rocking their shoes and bags that I just had to give their website a quick check, and I fell in love with almost everything I saw!  This tan tote bag is one of my absolute faves, as it's a great size to fit all of my bits and bobs in, and the zip detailing makes it super chic, a definite bag must-have!

4) Oh my. I never thought I'd see the day when I pair of Birk-a-likes were gracing my blog, but I have to say that the 'ugly shoe' trend has completely won me over! I always love it when fashion and comfort come together, and it doesn't get any more comfy than these double-strap flat tan Topshop beauties. I will most definitely be purchasing a pair of these ready for my summer holiday in August. 

5) Jeans, Jeans and more Jeans. I can't get enough of them, they go with everything, and there's a fit to flatter every shape and size. I'm forever on the hunt for more jeans to wear in different colours and styles, but I'm loving the subtle knee rips in these high-waisted Asos jeans. They are bang on trend, and perfect for summer, nothing else needs to be said, except from, get in my wardrobe! 

What do you think to my wishlist? Are there any items you're coveting for summer...?x