Crystallized round two

Fresh off the back of my post last week about how else I was styling the skirt half of my beloved Yumi co-ord I thought I’d share one of the ways I’ve been wearing the sweater part independent of it’s partner. It’s the kind of statement piece that lends itself beautifully to a casual look, perfect for a dressed down denim and sneakers kind of day- the kind of day I seem to be falling in to the habit of having lately.

Sweater c/o Yumi | Dress: Primark New Look | Trainers: Adidas

This outfit isn’t exactly groundbreaking and yet there is something about it I just love. I kind of miss the days where I made a bit more effort with my out of work style and felt like I had something a little more…on point to post, but at the same time I’m not shopping like I used to, instead finding new ways to re-wear old favourites and one of these days I WILL make an effort and surprise everyone.
I feel a bit like a fraud that my blog might be associated with fashion at all these days to be honest. When I first started blogging there wasn’t such a pressure (put on myself) to be super polished with professional standard photos all of the time, but these days that seems the norm. I’m quite comfortable with my style and still enjoy following the trends but feel I just don’t have the time, money or confidence to take things further which saddens me a bit because I truly love blogging but feel like I’m too old and falling behind to really make the best of it. Truth is I’m not overly sociable, I massively lack in confidence and half of the time would rather stay in and drink tea whilst playing bingo online with harrysbingo than put myself out there for all to see (which does seem somewhat odd for a blogger who puts her life online I admit).

I’m not giving up though. 2016 is going to be a big year for me in terms of getting my life on track. A challenge, yes as I once again tackle putting on weight and getting healthy. Learning to drive, progressing at work and settling in to a new and independent home with Ben…but you know what? I finally feel I’m ready. I’ve said it so many times before but this time it just feels different. I’ve had an eating disorder for almost half of my life. I turn 29 this year and refuse to take it in to my thirties with me.

What that has to do with blogging I don’t know, but I’ve been looking for a way to slip it in for a while. Saying it makes me commit further, and takes away some of the disordered feelings of guilt and shame over future photos of myself with a fuller (healthier) figure. Maybe once I get there I’ll get myself on a bit of a shopping spree too, and set aside some time and patience for some “pro blogger” standard posts too.

Congratulations if you read that. Further congratulations if you still intend to follow this blog in the future.

Back on to the fashion side of things now- how brilliant is this jumpsuit from Yumi? They are SO on it this season and I want in on it!

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A Little Cosy Night in Wish List

I’ve mentioned before that I’m not really a going out kind of girl. I don’t mind the odd dinner date or drinks with friends but long gone are the days where I find enjoyment in partying all night and sleeping it off the next day. Perhaps the fact I’m rapidly approaching that magical age of 30, or perhaps I really am just a boring old fart but give me a cosy night in- blankets, candles, TV, a brew and my laptop (I can’t resist bingo games at houseofbingo.com) any time.

Fairy Lights | Lantern | Radio | PJs | Cloud Light | Blanket

Moving out has reignited a constant desire to cosy up in the evenings, usually under a blanket browsing for more bits and pieces to add to the flat. I keep seeing all these amazing lights everywhere- TK Maxx and BHS both have an incredible selection at the moment…absolutely need to either reign in my browsing or win it big.
What’s on your home radar? Are you a home-girl/boy or a party animal?

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The Future’s Bright with S/S 16 from Yull Shoes

It’s about bloody time I gave my friend’s at Yull shoes some love again. Not that I ever stopped loving them- I can’t see that ever happening!

Founder and creator of the brand, Sarah recently dropped me a line with a heads up of the new Spring Summer collection (launching very soon) and I just couldn’t help but want to dedicate an entire blog post to the bright and fun collection which also features sandals for the very first time- really very beautiful sandals to boot.

Alongside the signature Yull court shoe in the most gorgeous summery shades comes the Scarbourough sandals, inspired by the Great British Riviera. I can’t decide which colour-way I love the most, it breaks my heart that at £75 per pair (a bargain for the quality and craftsmanship that goes in to each and every pair of Yull shoes, trust me I own plenty!) I’m going to have to decide between the two- help a girl out? Perhaps I need to get more fun with bingo online and hope to win big- you know, big enough to buy both pairs!

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Financing your Fashion- top tips for guilt free shopping!

It might seem hard to believe, especially as I’m known for my love of shoes, clothes and shopping (I even find the food shopping exciting!) but I have a really hard time justifying spending money on myself, more so since moving and I feel I need to keep a track of every penny. I’m all for a bit of guilt free spending though and I tend to use money I’ve earned outside of my full time job for treats like a new dress or those shoes I just can’t resist and I spend quite a lot of time searching online for the best ways to earn some extra pennies. Being kind like I am I thought that today I’d share some of those tips with you.

(here)

One of the most obvious sources of extra income is good old eBay, I will admit I do find it a bit of a faff taking photographs and arranging the listings but what better way to justify an online clothes shopping spree than selling the things you no longer wear (or like me, buy and then forget about!). I’ve had a look at some of the other online selling platforms too, but I’m easily confused and a bit stuck in my ways so it’s usually back to eBay I go.

My next tip might seem a bit of a riskier one but used cautiously and with some clever researching for the best sign up deals online casinos, online bingo games or the more risk free option of matched betting can see some pretty much free cash come your way. I’m always careful to only invest the minimum for these and once the bonus terms have expired I move on to the next one.

Survey sites are another great way to earn some extra. It’s tedious and can be time consuming but there are a couple of sites I use regularly and reap the rewards in the form of high street vouchers. It’s not ever going to make you millions but the vouchers are handy, especially amazon ones for stocking up on gifts (or loading up your kindle!)

Other options I’ve explored are using cash back sites for online purchases- there can be some great deals out there for signing up to certain things although it does take a while to track and you need to be on the ball when it comes to cancelling. Bloggers can of course make some extra through affiliate links and selling ads although I’ve never had much like with these and whilst I try not to make a habit of it sponsored content has been a bit of a life saver from time to time!

I’d love to know your top hints and tips for funding your love of fashion- I’m pretty sure I’m only just skimming the surface here.

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Sushi Date with Vendula London

My love for Vendula London unique bags is no secret and I was over the moon when they got in touch about their latest collections asking if I’d like to pick myself a piece. For the new season there are some really gorgeous pieces arriving on the site but it was the Sushi Shop featuring adorable cats (of course) that won me over the most.

Bag c/o Vendula London | Dress: The WhitePepper | Shoes c/o Clarks (last Spring)

This is the perfect bag to brighten up these gloomy and grey days, it just makes me smile every time I see it. I haven’t pictured it but there is also a cross body strap tucked inside for those who prefer a hands free approach and although the bag isn’t especially wide the interior compartments mean you can still get all of your daily essentials inside.

With it’s cute cats and hand sewn Japanese inspired embellishments this is one attention grabbing bag so be prepared for plenty of head turning. Every Vendula bag I own attracts this kind of attention, they really are the masters of unique and creative design without compromising in quality.

I think such a bright bag needs quite a simple outfit so I popped on my old faithful dress from The WhitePepper and some simple shoes from Clarks, a perfect monochrome look with a twist.

What do you think of my new bag? Take a look at the other new collections from Vendula and let me know which one tickles your pickle…

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