Best of British (part one)

It’s been a long time since I had a new addition to my tights collection that wasn’t plain black or nude. Tights used to be “my thing” but ever since I started working pretty much full time there has been less and less place for my crazy colours in my wardrobe during the week and at weekends I tend to find myself slobbing out in jeans and a jumper. Still, when Marks and Spencer offered to send me a couple of pairs from their “Best of British” collection (which celebrates British Design with some cracking pieces) I could hardly say no- the tights queen still resides in me somewhere!

Coat: Joy | Dress: A-Wear | Tights c/o Marks and Spencer | Boots c/o Duo | Necklace c/o Modern Vintage Style | Bag: Mulberry

I’ve not really managed to capture the pattern on the tights here but they are a truly gorgeous grey and black houndstooth which just so happen to be perfect for work. I paired them with this simple skater dress that I picked up a couple of years ago for just £5. I wish now I’d bought a couple as it just gets better with age, it has the perfect flattering fit and is the softest jersey I’ve ever worn. My trusty Duo boots finished the office attire, I’ve been living in this ever since they arrived and I get compliments all the time.
No outfit would be complete at the moment without my pink coat, it’s the redeeming feature of the colder weather and attracts a lot of attention. I’m hopeless at capturing what handbag I’m using on a daily basis but as I was out and about on a little (Christmas) shopping trip with my best friend and my Mum it seemed rude not to pop my Mulberry in to the pictures. I was so worried I would be too scared to use such an expensive bag, but actually I use it most days as it’s the perfect size for carrying around all my rubbish; on a cost-per-wear basis it’ll soon be practically free!
Lately I’ve been wearing this gorgeous necklace from Modern Vintage Style with everything. I love the unusual Smokey Quartz and the way it catches the light. The website is a fairly new find for me and I love everything they have on sale. With a gorgeous mix of vintage and handmade pieces there is something for everyone. My magpie eye has homed in on several more stunners to add to my collection.
This has turned in to quite a lengthy post as for once I have a lot to say about what I am wearing. I have another pair of these tights to style and feature in an up-coming post which I can’t wait to show you…dear tights, I’m sorry I neglected you for so long!

Pink Lady

This is another outfit post involving part of my recent and somewhat epic clothing haul, I got a bit carried away in the sales on the Saturday before last and bought so much stuff without spending much money at all- just the way it should be!
Sorry the photos are somewhat bland, the weather was against us when we took these and it was a real case of dodging the showers. Oh British Summertime, how I adore you.

Dress: Primark | Tights: Boots | Shoes: Primark

Primark had so many dresses I’d eyed up previously reduced to just five pounds…I know Primark is hardly expensive to start with but I do begrudge paying out £13 for a dress that a few years ago would have been only £8. Still, hang on long enough and most things end up around a fiver and my luck was in on this particular trip. The shoes were also a purchase from that weekend, they were £6 I think and very much needed for work. I’m super fussy when it comes to ballet flats and oddly Primark is one of the only places that make them to suit my feet. Should have bought a spare really, I am hard on my flat shoes.
I’ve really slipped on the tights front over the last year or so, sticking to the most boring pairs possible. This pair was lurking at the bottom of one of my drawers still in their packaging. They were only £1.50 in Boots’ reduced section and given that they’ve barely lasted one wear I’m glad I didn’t pay more!
I don’t know how it’s suddenly mid-July…I’m baffled as to where my year is going and starting to get restless as I don’t have a Summer holiday booked. My next time off work isn’t until the last week of September and I might try and book a last minute trip somewhere (assuming my passport renewal is through by then!). Where would you recommend for some late Summer sun on a budget?

end

Get Knitted

Jumper Dress: New Look (here)
Tights c/o Charnos
Boots: New Look
Is there anything more comfortable than a jumper dress for the winter? I used to own quite a collection of them but I’m now down to just two, this one which I couldn’t resist picking up from New Look and an old faithful from Next. I’m not even sure what happened to the others, I suppose I grew out of them.
I popped this one for yet another lazy sick day with the second pair of tights that Charnos sent me. I didn’t realise until I put them on that they had sparkly thread through them- bonus! I don’t even know why I bothered with shoes, so much effort and so pointless really. I’ve been getting out for daily walks but that’s usually in the afternoons and I took these in the morning!
I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting lately and looking back at this time last year. I can’t believe how much has changed,
it’s making me so excited for 2014 and a continuation in the positive direction.
Jumper dress fans, where do your favourites come from?
xxx

Berry Nice

Dress c/o Lashes of London
Tights c/o Charnos
Boots: Sarenza
I know, a real influx of outfit posts lately. I’ve been seeing a brilliant osteopath which means my back is no longer in spasm and I can move a bit more freely so I’ve been making the most of it even though it still hurts like hell (time to slip back in discs, please). It’s stopping me going stir crazy too, getting a little bit dressed up and blogging as normal. I regret it later but at the time it’s fun!
Anyway, recently Charnos sent me a couple of pairs of their AW collection tights to style up. I may not feature them as much but I still have an obsession with tights (and around 100 pairs) and I couldn’t wait to try these subtly jazzy aubergine coloured beauties on.
I paired them with this dress from Lashes of London and my brown ankle boots. This is something I’d wear for a Saturday shopping trip or drinks with friends in the local pub (sadly neither are an option currently!) I can never quite make up my mind on this dress, there is just so much of it even though it’s my usual size and I’m not convinced it’s flattering but I love the colours and print so I think I’ll let it stay in my wardrobe.
I was really impressed with the quality of  these tights and the fit. Both are something I have a big issue with but I wouldn’t hesitate to make repeat Charnos purchases knowing how they suit my shape and height. Perfecto.
Stay tuned for the second pair I was sent. I’m dreaming up an outfit as I type.
xxx

show some leg

Dress: Missguided
Tights c/o Stockings HQ
Boots: New Look
I always look so miserable in my photos, I swear I’m not I just seem to permanently feel awkward posing on my own in front of a camera. The photography on my blog is a real bug bear at the moment, I am desperate to get some improvement going on. I ought to make use of the weekends with Ben, stop slobbing round in jeans and a jumper and get him to take some photos for me!
Anyway,
I thought I’d be a bit brave and get my legs out properly for the first time in ages. With tights like these you can’t really help but show off even if it may get you arrested for public indecency. 
This dress is probably one of the best buys I’ve made, it cost £14.99 and I’ve worn it so much. I’m amazed it’s lasted so long and washed so well- nice one Missguided!
All I need now is a hair cut and colour (dire need) and a smile on my face and I’d have a semi decent outfit post. So near yet so far! Prepare for a barrage of awesome tights though as Stockings HQ kindly sent me some of their amazing new arrivals to wear on the blog. I’m all about the black patterned tights this season.
Happy Halloween folks,
who’s got exciting plans?
Me? Nope, work then a lazy afternoon having being non-stop busy all week.
By 7pm you’ll find me in PJs eating sweets meant to Trick or Treaters watching rubbish on TV.
xxx