Lily Lulu SS14 Press Event!

Eeek! So I attended my first ever Blogger event last Thursday night! The event was hosted by a brand I mentioned on my last post, Lily Lulu Fashion , and was held at the lovely Barca Bar, a gorgeous canal-side venue in the Castlefield area of Manchester. As my first blogger event, I really had no idea what to expect from the night, so headed by myself on the short train ride into Manchester Piccadilly, then onto Deansgate , nervously excited as to what the evening would hold. The event started at 7:30pm, but thanks to my forever rubbish timing (and navigating) skills I didn't actually arrive until 8:30. This was a bit of a shame as I felt like I'd missed a major part of the evening- and the all important introductions, however once I got sat down and chatting I needn't have worried, as everyone was so welcoming and lovely, my nerves were soon all vanished! 

There were yummy cupcakes and crisps on offer for all the guests, as well as Krispy Kreme donuts in return for a donation- the event was all in aid of Cancer Research, a cause very close to my heart. We were also each given two Lily Lulu tags on arrival, which we were allowed to place on the two items of clothing we loved the most, although deciding between the pretty pastel collection and the unique floral pieces was just so hard! 
After a mooch around the gorgeous clothing collections, I was kindly given a goody bag filled with some lovely beauty products, discount cards, a necklace and my favourite of all, jelly beans- yum! I also got to chat to lots of other lovely bloggers, and it was great to be able to find out a bit about them all, as well as discover some fab new blogs to read! 

Top // Warehouse     Skirt // Next     Shoes // New Look (similar here)     Bag // New Look (last season)    
Earrings // River Island

As I'd never been to an event like this I really had no idea what to wear, so after a quick shopping trip the night before, I opted for this gorgeous Warehouse Organza crop top and navy Next Midi skirt. as I felt like they were smart, chic but most of all comfy- I was well prepared for the oncoming cupcake food baby! I also added my favourite pastel River Island earrings to bring a little bit of colour, sorry if they are a little bit hard to see. 

Overall, I had such a lovely night, I really can't thank all the other lovely blogger girls and Lily Lulu enough! It was also super-nice to get to chat to Liz, who seems to be the general wonder woman at Lily Lulu. It was a fantastic event and I felt very privileged to get to see their SS14 collection!

Have you checked out the Lily Lulu website? What pieces are you loving from them at the moment...?x

Outfit Post // Retro Colour Pop

Hi everyone! Sorry it's been a while since my last post, works been manic recently so I've been making the most of my relaxation time as best I can, so here's a little post I've put together!
On my Twitter feed a couple of months ago I came across the new fashion brand Lily Lulu Fashion, and after scouring their lovely website with so many stylish pieces I quickly realised they would be a brand to watch out for, some of the bargains in their sale section were amazing!  After some more research I realised they were based very close to me in Manchester, just another reason (or excuse..) to buy a piece of clothing from them. After much deliberation I finally settled on this gorgeous turtle-neck shift dress in a monochrome print, as I knew it would be something I'd wear just about anywhere! Since then they've added some amazing New Arrivals, including these gorgeous satchel bags in Pastel colours that I'm seriously lusting over!

Dress // Lily Lulu

Necklace // Primark (old)     Lipstick // Maybelline ColourSensational - Fuchsia Flash 

Shoes // New Look - Similar Here

As soon as I tried the dress on I felt like I'd been transported back to the 60s, it has such a glam retro feel, and I really love how it fits- the shift style means it doesn't cling when I'm having a 'food baby' kind of day. Because it's a monochrome print, something I don't always go for, I tried to think of a way to add a little pop of colour, and this Maybelline lipstick was the perfect way to do it. It's an almost Neon pink colour, and although I wasn't sure how much it would suit me, I actually love it! 

To finish the outfit off I added this simple pair of pointed flats from New Look, they have a slight block heel which again feels a bit retro, plus they are so much comfier than heels! I also teamed this Gold Primark necklace to add a bit of bling.

I first wore this dress for a day out shopping in Leeds, but I have already decided what shoes I'd team it with for a night out. I'll definitely be shopping with Lily Lulu again, and I'm also super excited to be attending their Charity Press Night next week, so watch out for more to come!

Is there a brand you'e a bit obsessed with at the moment..?x

March Must Haves

So March is here and Spring is on it's way, which definitely calls for a wishlist! I'm really loving coming out of work at 5 to bright sunshine instead of pitch black, meaning I've got so much more time to enjoy the nice weather (when it decides to turn up), so this collection of Must Haves definitely sums that up! It's laid-back and casual, and fits my mood perfectly at the moment...

1. Sleeveless Boyfriend Jacket // Fashion Union     2. T-Shirt // River Island     3. Training Shoes // Nike   
4. Bleach Boyfriend Jeans // Boohoo

I've been lusting after this longline jacket for far too long now! It's just so gorgeous, and is casual yet so classic at the same time. While it is quite a statement piece, I could see myself wearing it so much now that the weathers getting a bit nicer, What I really love about it is the jersey style material which makes it so cool. The only reason why I haven't bought it yet is because it's £36, and while that's not reeeally expensive, it's still a bit more than I'd want to pay for one item, so I'll give it a few weeks until the regret kicks in and I go ahead and buy it anyway!

I'm not usually a really casual dresser, it's a rare occasion that I just go out in a plain t-shirt, but this super cute slogan tee from River Island might persuade me otherwise, Plus, it says Donut, I mean, it doesn't really get much better than that considering how much I love donuts! 

Words can't describe how much I love these trainers. I always love a nosy on the Nike website drooling over things I can't afford, even more so now I'm trying to build up my fitness - a New Years Resolution which seems to be lasting. I customised these trainers myself on the site (which I probably enjoyed a bit too much) and thought it was ace how you can personalise the trainers, making them just perfect for you! These would certainly help me wake up a bit quicker for my morning jog, as they are so stylish. There's always a downside though, as they cost a not so cheap £115, ouch! 

My love for boyfriend jeans has gone from strength to strength, and while I do have a pair now, I still can't help myself at looking for another. These high-waisted bleach jeans from Boohoo are really summery, but I don't usually go for high-waisted styles as they emphasise my tummy area, so maybe in a month or two when I've shifted those last few pounds, these will be top of my list!

What spring buys are you lusting after? Do you have any must-haves for the new season...?x

I've been nominated for a Liebster Award!

I'm still very new to this whole blogging thing, so I was super excited when I saw a comment from the lovely Emily over at http://emiloue.blogspot.co.uk/ telling me that she'd nominated me for a Liebster award. Even though I'd seen it on other blogs before, I wasn't quite sure what it was all about, so I did a bit of reading up on the award and it's rules. Here's a brief overview if you are a bit clueless like me: Answer 11 questions that are given to you by your nominator, then create 11 questions of your own for your own nominees to answer, then nominate up to 11 bloggers who all have under 200 followers

So, here it is!

1) Is there one makeup item you could not live without?
I'm not completely sure whether you'd class it as 'make-up', but my Lush 'Mint Julips' Lip Scrub is something I really couldn't manage without. I get very dry lips, especially if the weather is cold or I'm feeling stressed, and this just buffs away the dry skin and leaves my lips so soft, and perfect for applying lippy!

2) And how about fashion wise- is there an item of clothing you could not imagine being without?
Definitely. My leather jacket goes almost everywhere with me, it goes with virtually everything I own, and is perfect for dressing up or down. I should probably invest in another jacket as I've worn it so much that holes are forming in the lining (oops!), but for the moment, I'll make do with the one I've got.

3) What has been your best bargain?
This is such a hard one as there's so many, my wardrobe is full of bargains as they are all I can afford! But if I was going to choose one, I'd say my Trench coat, which I purchased in the Miss Selfridge sale at £30 down from almost £80. While it still sounds a lot, the material is absolutely amazing and as it's such a classic style, so I can see it lasting me for ages, a definite bargain in my books! 

4) What is your favourite thing about blogging?
Being able to share fashion that I love! Not everyone I know is as clothes-mad as me, so it's so nice to be able to share my shopping addiction with so many others who are just like me.

5) Do you have an idol?
My nan! She's the strongest person I know, and I hope I have the kind of amazing life and experience as what she's had.

6) What is your favourite book, album, film?
My favourite book is one I read when I was a lot younger, and that's Kensukes Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo (sad I know!), my favourite album has to be Ben Howard: Every Kingdom, his music is just so gorgeous, and is my go-to relaxation remedy. My favourite film is a hard choice, but I'm going for Bridesmaids, just because no matter how many times I watch it, it never fails to make me laugh.

7) If you could recommend one product to anybody, what would it be?
Balance Me daily essentials worked absolute wonders on my skin, but unfortunately I just can't afford to keep buying them! I'd recommend them to anyone to try out though!

8) Ever had a wardrobe or make up malfunction?
I used to have a really bad habit of not wearing waterproof mascara to go to the cinema, and as I cry at almost anything in films, my mascara ALWAYS ended up all down my face. So attractive. I make sure to wear it every time now, just in case!

9) Are you a day bird or a night owl?
Definitely a day bird, although I do like a sleep in, I always feel better if I get up early and make the most of my day.

10) If you had to pick one song to describe your mood right now, what would it be?
I have no idea as my mood changes so quickly, even I can't keep up some times!

11) If you could give one tip to a new blogger, what would it be?
Just blog about what you love I think. I'm a new blogger myself so I'm still learning, but I love it so far, and I can't wait to see my blog develop and (hopefully) grow along with me! 

My 11 questions are...
1) What inspired you to start your blog?
2) How would you describe your style in three words?
3) Which is your favourite high street store to shop in?
4) Are you a spendaholic or a serious saver?
5) What item of clothing do you love most in your wardrobe?
6) Are there any bloggers that really inspire you?
7) Do you prefer shoes or bags?
8) Is there an item of clothing you own but never wear?
9) What's the most you've spent on one beauty product?
10) Do you have a celebrity role model/inspiration?
11) Is there any advice you'd give to new bloggers, or people thinking about starting a blog?

I'm nominating Regina over at http://regina-rosecoxen.blogspot.co.uk/ , , Rachael from http://allthelittlethingsx.blogspot.co.uk/ , and Charlotte from http://blondecanvas.blogspot.co.uk/ , apologies if you've already been nominated!x 

OUTFIT POST // IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BOY

After a lovely day of some (almost) retail therapy in Meadowhall, I couldn't wait to get my new purchases on and write this outfit post! I say almost because I arrived at my favourite shopping centre, only to realise that I don't get paid until this afternoon, so I wasn't quite able to have the splurge I was hoping for, but I guess that's not a bad thing! 
After drooling over a super pretty skort in Miss Selfridge, and then a gorgeous suede tee in Zara, I was feeling major spending withdrawal by the time I got to Primark, but when I saw this gorgeous grey crop jumper reduced to just £5 I was so chuffed! At that price I really couldn't say no, so it went straight in my basket. It has a super pretty rolled top, and is almost (but not quite) a polo neck, this kind of style is perfect for me on those weird weather days where it's still a bit cold/windy but the sun is shining, and the slight cropped length means it will last me well into spring and summer. 

Cropped Jumper, Boyfriend Jeans, Spike Necklace, Metallic Heels // All Primark

I have been on the look out for the perfect pair of boyfriend jeans for a while now. The thought of having massive rips in my jeans hasn't fully  won me over, and after looking online nothing really caught my eye, but this pair (again from Primark) were perfect as the ripped detail isn't too OTT, which means I'll find them so much easier to wear. They are a little low on the waist, but I absolutely LOVE the tone and ankle-grazer style of them, and I'll be wearing these a lot as I tend to wear all the jeans I own to death. At £13 they definitely didn't break the bank, thank god for Primark! 
To finish my all Primark outfit I added this super cute spike necklace, which I've had for a few months now. I almost forgot I had it, but a sort through my jewellery box fixed that, and made me realise that 90% of my jewellery collection is from Primark! Overall this outfit cost me just over £20, and is perfect for casual daytime wear, definitely got my moneys worth!

Are you a Primark fan? What amazing bargains have you bought recently...?x 

SUNDAY SHOE LUST!

Hi! A lot's happened in the last few weeks and I've just been really busy, so it's been really nice to finally have a chilled out weekend which consisted of catching up on some much needed sleep, and having a good online browse ready for pay day on Tuesday, so here's my Sunday shoe lust!
I've noticed loads of bloggers sporting these super cool skater trainers recently, with the Topshop vamp croc-print ones being a popular choice! While I wasn't sure whether they were quite my style, these absolutely gorgeous gingham check ones caught my eye straight away. Topshop is so good for classic cool, and these trainers would be so perfect for casual wear, I can literally see myself wearing them all the time!

Check Skater Shoes // Topshop

I love both colour styles, and the multi is so unique and summery, but I can see myself wearing the dark blue ones more often maybe. I have heard that they aren't that comfy at first, but they just look so comfy to me! They would be ideal to wear to work, where I could just add my trusty leather jacket and jeans, or for wearing out with a smart shirt and trousers, and a statement necklace to jazz the look up. With summer coming, a pair of shoes like these is what my wardrobe needs, so they are definitely top of my 'to purchase list', and at £20, there's no reason not to!

SPRING WISHLIST // VERSUS

One of my favourite things to do when I have a free moment to myself (which at the moment is very rare!) is to have a quick 'on-line window browse' on all my favourite websites. I love looking at new styles and trends, and picking out what I thinks going to be popular, as well as creating outfits in my head that I'd love to wear. While the downside to this is that I have a 'one day I'll buy it' wishlist about 10 miles long, it is always nice to dream!

I've picked out two really different outfits, both of which I love! While one has a much more casual 90's urban grunge feel, the other is well and truly polished pastel perfection...

1. Skater Dress // Lavish Alice     2. Statement Necklace // River Island     3. Perspex Clutch // Boohoo   
4. Metallic Sandals // Zara

I spotted this dress a couple of weeks ago on one of my favourite online stores, Lavish Alice. I've been shopping there for a good few years now, and have seen it get better and better with each season. I am in love with all their new SS14 clothes and accessories, but this Mint Green contrast collar dress has to be my favourite piece. Pastel shades are already huge for this season, and although I don't own any clothing in candy-coloured shades yet, when I finally invest this will definitely be my first choice! 

To do this dress justice I felt like it's endless prettiness needed to brought out, and what better way to do that than with a lovely flower cluster necklace? I'm so obsessed with statement necklaces at the moment, that I've fallen in love with almost every style, and this beauty from River Island is definitely no exception. I think the pastel hints mixed with bright colours are perfect to match with the dress.

The minute I laid my eyes on both this perspex clutch and metallic strap sandals, I knew they'd be so perfect for the dress. The bright cobalt blue colour complements the mint green so well, and small block heel on the sandals would be perfect for a summer night out!

Looking at this outfit and thinking of all the places I could wear it is getting me way too excited for the sun to come back, summer, hurry up!

1. Smock Dress // Boohoo     2. Gold Hoops // New Look     3. Barrel Bag // Zatchels     4. Platform Boots // Missguided

My second wishlist, it has to be said, is completely different to the first. Gingham checks are massive at the mo, with my local Topshop store literally being Gingham galore. While I'm not sure the gingham check leggings are quite my thing, this shirt smock dress from Boohoo is definitely something I'd love in my wardrobe, and at only eighteen pounds, it's definitely one of the first things on my list to purchase! Plus, as if I didn't have enough excuses, it's named after me! If that isn't a sign I don't know what is ... :) 

As well as being a statement necklace hoarder, I'm just as bad (if not worse) with my earrings, and these uber-cool gold hoops would be a welcome addition to my collection, as they would go with so many other outfits.

I've never been much of a 'bag girl', but just recently I've taken a bit more interest in arm candy, and this Denim Barrel bag from AMAZING bag brand Zatchels is just so lovely, I would literally take it everywhere with me!

These grungy platform boots from Missguided are definitely another item that I would wear almost anywhere, they just look so comfy, and they are the sort of boots that would be so easy to just slip on when you're having an outfit crisis kind of day. 

This outfit would be perfect for the wet-weather transition between now and spring, and I could easily see myself wearing it over and over again!

What pieces are on your wishlist for Spring/Summer? Are there any websites you're really loving for new styles at the minute...?x