Outfit Post // A little bit Lovestruck

Hi everyone! Although the horrid rainy weather has been a bit hit and miss recently, there was a small break in the downpours, during which I managed to get some shots of my amazing new dress, which was very kindly sent to me by the lovelies over at Lovestruck Clothing! 

Dress //  Lovestruck Clothing*     Earrings // New Look (similar here)     Bag // Primark    
Pointed Flats // New Look (similar here)

Lovestruck offer vintage style clothing with a girly twist, and they have some absolutely beautiful items on their website! The tie-waist skater dress I chose is just so vintagey, (if that's even a word)  chic, and just beautiful, the little pearl button detailing and cut out middle make it quirky and give it such a cute unique twist. It is also perfectly fitting, I sometimes struggle to find dresses that flatter my extra-wide hips, but this one seems to fit and shape in all the right places. Plus, the colour is just gorgeous! While it has a bit of a olive green tone to it, it's also kind of blue, and is a colour I will definitely be wearing more of and searching out in the shops! This dress is also available in a range of different (and equally as lovely) colours, my favourite out of the others being this yellow shade - which meant making my choice of dress a very hard decision! 

To finish off the outfit, I added a cute pair of vintage-style earrings that I bought from New Look ages and ages ago, but keep in my collection 'just in case'. While I have to say that vintage/retro isn't a style I regularly go for, this dress and look has definitely got me thinking that I might change my style up a bit more often. Also, I nabbed this lovely little Primark bag from my mum, and have now claimed it as my own. I know Primark also sell this one in some lovely pastel shades, but the black just seems to go with so much that I don't think there's much need to buy another just for the sake of it. To finish I added my trusty black pointed flats, as they really do go with anything!

Thanks to the freezing wind I had to add a pair of (unwanted) tights to the outfit too... But hey, I don't think they spoil the look too much.

Have you checked out Lovestruck clothing...? How would you wear one of their vintage style items...?x

Manchester Bloggers Meet!

I'm back! After giving myself a week free of stresses while I went on Holiday to Tenerife, I have finally - after a slow period of adjustment and sun withdrawals- arrived back into the real world. So the first thing I needed to blog about was what I spent the weekend before I went away doing- which was meeting other lovely fellow Manchester Bloggers at the #MCRBloggersMeet! 

Organised by the absolutely lovely Lucy from  http://prettylittlethingsmcr.blogspot.co.uk/ , the event was held at the Milton Club in Manchester, who were kind enough to let us bloggers descend for our meet up. Upon arrival, we were greeted with cupcakes and sweets, then once people had arrived, then a game of 'Blogger Bingo' begun, which as usual, I didn't win- although that may have been because I got sidetracked by the gorgeous cocktails the Milton Club had to offer...

Lucy had got some amazing Manchester-based brands involved with the meet up, including Didi's boutique who had a GORGEOUS clothes rail up for us Bloggers to browse, and Rock on Ruby who got involved by hosting a Blogger competition, where we divided into teams and designed our own Rock on Ruby style slogan tees! It was super fun, and while our team sadly didn't win, I was still pretty proud of our design! After some mingling, Lucy began the raffle, with some amazing prizes up for grabs! I had my eye on the Mulberry-esque bag but sadly it was won by another lucky blogger, I will definitely have to invest in one myself though!

We got to take some fab goody-bags home from the event, filled with products from the very generous brands! It was an absolutely lovely day, which did get off to a slightly shaky start (fainting on the train there was not on my list of things to do), however that was completely forgotten once I arrived, and I can't thank Lucy enough for organising such a fantastic event- I can't wait till the next one!

Are you a Manchester blogger? Will you be heading to the next #MCRBloggersMeet..?x 

Outfit Post // Safari Chic

I'm on a blogging roll at the moment, what with the longer days and the endless sun I'm just loving thinking of summer looks to wear and pulling the once-a-year crop tops back out of my wardrobe again! But even with all the crop tops in the world, on a relaxed summer day, you really can't beat a jumpsuit. They are super comfy, and yet always seem to look good- so when I saw this amazingly cute Elephant print baby in New Look- I just had have it!

Sunglasses//Primark     Earrings//Black Tied     Jumpsuit//New Look     Belt//Old     Bag//Accessorize     Sandals//Primark

I've never come across a print as cute as this, and the added bonus of this jumpsuit is that with it's elasticated waistband and button up top, it's ridiculously comfy. It's a slouchy fit and lovely light material, which makes it perfect for long days travelling in the heat, so that's my holiday airport outfit sorted! It did come with a little black studded belt, but I think I prefer a brown belt with it- plus it goes better with my bag and sandals. 

The round frame sunnies could only really be from one place... Yep, you guessed it, Primark! They are a little bit too big and keep slipping down my nose when I wear them, but they make a nice on-top-of-the-head accessory anyway! Note to self- stop buying things without checking whether or not they fit. I also added these lovely earrings from Black Tied, an independent jewellery store, who sell some absolutely gorgeous unique pieces. The Turquoise Drop earrings I'm wearing are absolutely beautiful- they add a touch of boho babe to any outfit, and I'll certainly be getting plenty of wear out of them on my upcoming hols.

My cute little sandal shoes are also Primark finds. I believe they come in black as well as brown, and they a super little summer essential- a lightweight sandal that can be dressed up or down, and worn just about anywhere! 

All I feel this outfit needs now is a nice big floppy hat, a purchase I am yet to make, but will be coming very soon!

Are you loving jumpsuits this summer....? How would you style this super cute print...?x 

Rock on Ruby Styling Challenge

Hey lovelies :) This weekend I'll be one of the very lucky bloggers heading to The Milton Club in Deansgate to attend the Manchester Blogger meet, organised by the lovely Lucy from Pretty Little Things and the Cotton City! This is my first blogger meet up, and I'm so so excited to meet loads of new blogger ladies from in and around Manchester!

One of the brands that have got involved with the event is Rock on Ruby. They sell AMAZING personalised tops, and have given us super lucky bloggers the chance to win a vest from their Blogger collection, that was designed by the gorgeous Victoria from inthefrow. All we need to do is decide how we'd style the vest, and where/when we'd rock the look! 

Vest//Rock on Ruby     Trousers//Bon Prix     Sunglasses//River Island     Bag//Zara     Sandals//Forever 21

I wanted to give the vest a casual summer feel, and felt the tropical print of these gorgeous slouchy trousers from Bon Prix would do just that! The white theme means that the outfit looks chic and smart, and perfect for wearing whilst drinking summer cocktails out for a catch up the girls!

The Pink tone in the trousers goes so perfectly with this GORGEOUS Zara bag- which by the way is in the sale for just £22.99!! I also wanted to tie the black 'Don't worry Be Yonce' slogan writing in with the accessories, so a pair of smart heeled sandals and oversized Cat eye sunnies are ideal. 

This outfit is something I would wear a lot, it's comfort and style mixed into one, and I think it would be one of those looks that's oh so easy to throw on- and just looks effortlessly stylish. The vest just makes the outfit, and I've got all my fingers crossed that Rock on Ruby like my look the most! 

Have you checked out Rock on Ruby..? How would you style the gorgeous vest...?x 
  

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