Wishlist #4

If you know me or you're familiar with my 'wishlists', you'll know I don't do things by halves. I'm unashamedly greedy (hence the name of my blog) and I am forever hunting for my next spend. I have a list as long as my arm on things I'd like but perhaps don't need. Here's the latest lot to have me pondering how many rations of beans on toast I can suffer to slip in a bit of shopping this month. 

Topshop Glow highlighter in Polished. The RMS Living Luminizer is pretty intriguing I have to admit but £30 for a teeny pot, I'm taking my chances with Topshop's offering to ease me into upping my glow before I commit to the big spend. 

Keeping in the glow theme, Dior Glow Maximzer primer has been swatched several times in Debenhams since it's recent launch. I've tested it on the back of my hand and done the whole 'twisting of the wrist' action to see it glimmer and catch the light, and boy it's pretty. I don't know how it would work under foundation, maybe I'd apply it just to the parts of my face that I want the light to reflect and give me that glow or just slap it on all over and embrace the disco ball look. There's only one way to find out.. 

You know my love for a good strong brow and I'm always up for perfecting my arch so the launch of Anastasia's Dipbrow Pomade is music to my ears. The waterproof formula is what I'm interested in mostly as I am guilty of touching my face too much resulting in smudged and wonky brows, not a good look. This seems like such an obvious requirement for eyebrow colour so well done, Anastasia. Now all I need is an extensive Google 'sesh to find my shade. They all seem a tad warm in tone and though I'm blonde I like a dark and cool tone for my bushy brows. Here's hoping Google has my answer. 

After I ventured into the phenomenon that is Hydraluron with their face mask I've finally caved and have now decided that I need to have the serum. Gah, peer pressure for you eh? 

The Maxfactor False Lash Effect mascara seems to be popping up all over the place at the moment. It's quite a cult mascara that I've used tubes and tubes of myself in the past and it's caught my attention again just recently. My current mascara is CHANEL Le Volume and it is fab-u-lous so when that bites the dust, Maxfactor will be my next stop. Who knows, maybe I'll rekindle my love for it. 

The funny looking contraption is the Sarah Chapman Facialift massager-thingy which I have been having a go of (and the boy, too) everytime I'm in Space NK. We really like it and I really want this. Great for an at-home facial as this supposedly mimics the tapping and knuckling effect of a professional facial that brightens, tightens and reduces puffiness. 

Clarins is my favourite skincare brand, hands down and so when I saw the launch of their new Extra Comfort Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream it was a no brainer really. Top of my wishlist it goes. 

I'm almost exclusively wearing heels just recently and while I'm quite thrilled by this as I feel like a 'proper' grown up tottering around, my feet are quite upset with me and at the weekend my heeled ankle boots just aren't cutting it so I'm on the market for some sophisticated flats. Zara is my port of call and after a quick perusal online, I spotted these. The £59.99 price tag is tough to swallow but now I've seen them, the damage can't be undone. *virtually nabs them* Mine! 

Last up is sadly just a wish on the list. Celine sunglasses are my most coveted item but alas, I don't have the spare sterling laying around for such a purchase. Come on Zara, make a copy and stat, this low sun is getting unbearable. 

A very beauty-centric wishlist I'd say. I've not lost the fashion bug, I've just been doing a fair bit of clothes shopping lately so there isn't much else I want (who am I kidding? Of course there is) so I'll have a haul for you soon. Oh and I may have picked up a thing or two from my wishlist already. Just sayin'. 

Rachel xo 

Graduation. What to wear?

In two weeks I'll be graduating from University after 4 years of pain-in-the-arse translations, library all-nighters and writing the word 'acquisition' more times than I care to remember, thanks dissertation! So to mark this very special occasion I've been shopping at a a rate than even scared myself and I know how to shop, in preparation for the most picture perfect outfit I'll ever wear, Wedding Day aside of course. 

To add to my conundrum of 'what to wear' I have the Mister's Graduation 4 days prior to my own at the same venue ( we went to the same University) so I've got to secure two outfits.  Aaron's day will be a good road test for the weather and to spy on what other girls from different courses have come up with for their big day. A few of my friends who did 3 year degrees gave some pearls of wisdom; 

Don't wear a flowy dress. If it's windy you'll be concentrating on keeping your hat on and you don't want to flash your knickers too!

Don't wear something too loose fitting. Too boxy a cut and paired with your cape over, you may well just end up looking like a sack of spuds.

The LBD is your friend- Figure hugging, classic, safe.

For Aaron's day I'm thinking outside of the box and I've picked up a (p)leater pencil skirt from ZARA, which was a steal at £29.99 and I'm thinking of pairing it with my new Topshop fluffy knit. Too risque? 
Or a black dress with a patterned blazer? Or a white crepe Topshop dress with a black oversized blazer? Oh I quite like the sound of this one, I'll remember this one for my next 'drinks' night.

Then we have my day. I initially wanted to wear a white dress and picked up the Crepe Shift Dress, but I fear it may be a little too sheer? Nothing a good set of pants can't fix though surely? 
 
Next to land on my doorstep was a ZARA dress with a mesh instert and sleeves. This is stunning and ticks all the boxes. black. Fitted. Good length. My only problem is, how shall we say...quite a handful, and I don't want too much cleavage on show.. 

I might wear my hot pink dress from Topshop I wore here. 
 

Can you tell I'm really putting  thought into this? I don't want to freeze to death all in the name of fashion (well, maybe one day I will..) but you know, style over substance is my mantra in this case.

Damn you Coventry for having winter ceremonies. At least the hat will keep me warm, right?

Rachel xo

A/W Wishlist #1

Hello wishlist, long time no see. I'm covetting a lot recently, why are there so many nice things around tempting me? I caved on quite a few things and y mum is not impressed with all the deliveries we're having lately.. 

With all the spending I'm doing, (a big post is coming- just waiting on those last few parcels to land at my door, sorry mum) I'm still working my way through a massive wishlist with lots of umming and ahhhing on where to spend my precious pennies so I've collated a hitlist of some absolutely essential 'have-to-have' pieces. It's Aaron and I's anniversary a week today so perhaps maybe he'll feel extra generous and buy me everything, just maybe.. 

Let me talk you through my current gluttony.

Bumble and Bumble Surf Shampoo. Mentioned this before, still haven't purchased, still want. I was afraid this might be drying on the hair but I think just the shampoo with a good, hydrating conditioner and used every other wash I might be able to work this into my haircare routine for swishy, bedhead locks.

Ojon Damage Reverse Treatment. It has long appealed to me as I'm all for a good hair mask, but the price tag puts me off, is it really that good? Does it last long enough to get my £34 worth out of it? Answers please. 

Just Female Pardon My French tee via ASOS . I love good basics and I think the print would look great dressed simply with jeans and a leather jacket, or worn with my new leather skirt. I'm really into simple dressing at the moment and grey is my favourite colour to wear, after black, obviously. This might fall into my online basket.

Topshop Drape Dress. Because how many LBDs is too many LBDs? I love the drape front of this dress and how it falls over your legs with the asymetric cut. 

Topshop Ripped Jeans. I haven't bought actual jeans in the longest time having favoured the jean- legging hybrid Topshop have been stocking. Well, the month's are colder and my legs will begin to feel the chill so I want a 'proper' pair of jeans again. I really like these ripped knee jeans, not sure on the colour as I normally go for a darker wash but I'm keeping my eyes peeled for the perfect pair. 

Topshop Liquorice Buckle Platforms. Not entirely sure if these should be featured in an Autumn wishlist, I'm certain my toes wouldn't appreciate them as they plan on being tucked away under the Primark Super Cosy tights until March 2014. I've seen more 'socks and sandals' recently and I could try that with these beauties. Want, want, want.

Topshop Leather Panel Pink Knit. Pink is the colour for the season and though I don't own an awful lot of pink pieces, I'm inevatably going to buy into this trend if only down to it gracing ever shop window. I love the pink coats I've been seeing but this fine knit is a nod to the trend without the pricey commitment to a winter coat. I haven't seen this in store so I'll have to wait and see how I feel about the leather panel. 

Warehouse Fur Collared Coat. I first spotted this on ASOS and it looked stunning on the model. The marl grey. Check. Fur collar that is detatchable. Check. 
I prefer a longer coat than one that sits on the hips as I find them more flattering on me, plus they keep you warmer. I haven't decided on a winter coat this year yet but this is a contender. 

There's my fairly hefty wishlist. What have you been eyeing up for your Autumn wardrobe update? 

Rachel xo

Want but won't buy. Definitely, maybe..

Today we are once again talking textiles, familiar and comfortable ground for me.
Some sort of cloth is always at the top of my wishlist and I'm constantly replenishing my wardrobe one dress at a time.
It would be lethal if I was let loose in a store, credit card in hand with only that very faint voice in the back of my mind reminding me that I am in fact not a gazillionaire. This smart voice is what's stopping me from making another online order and my purse will thank me for it.
Here's what had me fighting every fibre in my body not to 'add to basket'.

Top left: These Topshop boots caught my eye in their 'new in' section the other day and I was really tempted by these. What put me off and has convinced me to hold off before I purchase my annual A/W boots is that this particular pair are a suede material. This just conjures up images of soggy socks after and day in the rain with the boots.

This Topshop Trench coat is gorgeous and feminine. The soft green shade and light material are both pros and cons for this coat. I can't imagine it being very warm, nor is it water resistant. I'm again holding out until I buy just one winter coat. I think it's 'gonna be a cold 'un this year. Brrr.

The dress, oh the dress. Another serving from Topshop which I really, really want. I just can't stomach the price. I am resiting this purely through the mantra 'do you really need it?' and so far, so good. The perfect smock, silky dress. To appreciate this dress, click the link and take a look yourself. *drools over keyboard*
My only weakness is my very own Prada-wearing devil on my shoulder telling me I could justify this one and check it under 'Graduation attire'.  But I shall not buy this, absolutely definitely, maybe.. 

We have another pair of boots, you can see I'm on the hunt for a new pair can't you? These were also found on Topshop and I'll just nip this one in the bud right away. Too. darn.expensive. 

And finally on my list of temptations, a smock dress from Topshop. I saw this in store the other day and darted over to it. Much to my dismay, the boy was not pleased and I believe his comments went a little something like 'what charity shop has this come from?/ Looks horrible/ Don't like it'. 
I'm not normally one to care what others think of my outfit choices and I know I've left my fella far from impressed in the past with what I've thrown on but seeing as we spend 99% of our time together, on this occasion I opted against this dress. Plus I've seen something similar on ASOS which has taken my fancy and I'm sure is 'boy-approved'.

I've only just noticed all these items are Topshop, Topshop, you're killing me. 

Have you seen anything you like in the shops? 

Rachel xo

 

Lust List: Pastels

This lust list has unintentionally adopted a pastel hue but it is pretty so I aren't complaining. 

The chartreuse coloured shirt from Topshop has already made its way to my wardrobe as I couldn't resist something so bright.  Worn with my faithful joni jeans and sleeves rolled up,it is a lovely little outfit.

 I am all for a good white tee as they are a staple piece. Love the slogan too. 

Ahh these lilac shorts, Topshop, are keeping me up at night, they aren't in stock in my size and I know I could style these in lots of ways. Want, want, want. They could be worn on holiday, with a clean cut tee, styled up a black top and heels or even transfer over to colder months with tights and a leather jacket. Such a versatile piece to justify the slightly steeper price tag. I am now on the hunt for these or something similar. 

Another Topshop item on my list, peach silk cami, can be layered with either my white or black blazer. So pretty for this time of year and only £18. 

Final thing is this white wrap front dress, I know I wont actually ever buy this but it can still be admired from afar. I have read such bad reviews on this and the red verison on Topshop's website- mainly concerning how the wrap feature- which is what makes it special, gapes quite a lot. Now, being a fuller bust myself I stand no chance in pulling this off. 

I have been doing some work experience these past two weeks and I had such a fun time but lord, it has tired me out. I've now found myself my first 'post-uni' job and I'm contracted until Xmas so I will have a steady time schedule and even better, a steady income so I hope to really work on my blog as I have thoroughly caught the blogging bug- I read them everyday and have a million and one unfinished drafts so if you do like to read, please stick around! 

Happy Summer, so glad we are finally having some proper weather. 

Rachel xo

The statement necklace

A statement necklace is a fast and fun way to spruce up our outfits. So as summer is making its way slowly but surely, we hopefully won't be reaching for our scarves and jackets quite as often, leaving our 'look' a little undone, adding a necklace can really bring it all together and gives focus on your outfit. The high-street is the perfect place to nab a necklace with an array of colours and materials, you can chose the right one for you and the look you're going for. I have picked out a few that really caught my eye. 

The long necklace is from Topshop and I think this is a lovely piece as a longer chain can really elongate your body. The crystal pendant is beautiful and I am quite the fan of the mixing of metals,silver and the copper bronze. 

The emerald necklace is ASOS, a real statement piece. 

The bunting effect necklace is ASOS, such a simple design but so pretty. 

The orange jewelled bib necklace from ASOS is a gorgeous colour, orange has been quite popular in the past months and this is a great way to add some colour to your outfit if you can sometimes shy away from colour. 

The tortoise pendant with a turquoise stone is the epitomy of summer, the bold colour would love beautiful against a plain white tee and the tortoise makes you think of the beach. This Ted Baker piece is available on ASOS. It is on a short chain and a dainty design that adds the perfect pop of colour. 

The chunky gem embellished necklace is from River Island and has a gun-metal chain. 

The gold caps collar neckalace from Topshop can be reminiscent  of Mr T but I assure you is very wearable. 

The white leather necklace with a plaited chain is a great summer piece. It has bolts and gem emballishment which really toughens up a look, we won't all be swishing our dresses around now, will we. 

And finally, the neon yellow bib necklace with stone emballishement is a really detailed piece from ASOS that looks very glamourous but is still fun because of the colour. 

I think all these necklaces can and should be worn day and night, they add such detail to an outfit. You can chuck on your trusty jeans and a fresh t-shirt, simply adding a statement necklace really pulls the outfit together and no-one would ever know how little effort has gone into getting ready that morning. Even pulling your hair up, as it just might be needing a wash, really lets the necklace shine and show off. 

A definite favourite accesory of mine, everyone should have a 'go-to' necklace to add some pazazz to your look. 

Rachel xo

Skirts

Clockwise from top left Zara// Missguided// Kenzo// Zara// Topshop// ASOS// Zara. 

Lately I have been doing a little skirt flirting and there are an array of styles to pick from. I am usually a dress or jeans girl and my wardobe is definitely lacking in the skirts department.

You can not go wrong with a maxi skirt and this semi sheer number from Topshop is gorgeous. Perfect colour for Summer and this is a transitional piece that can be layered with a black chunky knit and boots as the months go on. Listen to me talking about A/W when our S/S has only just kicked in.

My absolute lust item is the Kenzo blue wrap skirt, the shape and structure of this skirt is flattering and could be styled for a day or evening look. Unfortunately it is out of my price range but a girl can dream. 

I have my eye on the green skirt form ZARA, I don't typically 'do' green but I think this would a good pop of colour to my wardrobe . Lime green is on trend currently so this darker hue would be a good compromise for myself. 


Rachel xo

White

It is safe to say that Spring has finally sprung. Now things are really lightening up, so can our wardrobes. A pop of bright white will emphasise those tans we'll be working on in the coming months and so I picked a few pieces for inspiration to a little white-washing this season. 
This look can be worn head to toe for a real style statement and it isn't as difficult as it sounds. 

Top left: Topshop dress// The asymmetric length is a gorgeous detail of this dress that really makes it look sharp and stylish. 

Top centre: Topshop organza tee// The sheer panel and ribbed texture add a little something more to dress up this classic white tee. 

Top right: Topshop dress// This dress is leather look and the simple cut is beautiful. 

Bottom left: Zara bag// This bag comes in an array of colours and is only £22.99. The perfect size for your day to day handbag duties. Snap one up now! 

Bottom centre: Topshop vest// Wear this crop top with high-waited jeans or a skirt. The mess panels really dress this up. 

Bottom right: ASOS Skirt// This skirt is linen which a light material perfect for warmer weather. I love that is a wrap skirt, too. 

Hope you have seen something you like on here to try on the bright white look yourself but if all else fails, and you know you're the type of person who will spill anything and everything down yourself, remember, you can't go wrong with a crisp white tee. Very affordable and it is always on trend. 

I'm off to buy the skirt and I'm also tempted by a lot of the white heels I've seen around, Kurt Geiger so some beauts but I'll have a shop around. 

Rachel xo 

April Showers

Let's face it. Here in Britain rain is quintessentially British and though we are having practically  a heat wave these past days compared so these grey skies we are sadly quite accustomed to, we have to be prepared for a little drizzle here and there. I've compiled a few favourites that are on the market that keep us dry whilst but look great. Think of it as an accessory, for how often we reach for one, we might as well wear them well. 

Top left, Topshop. Paisley print that will brighten up your day.

Top middle, River Island. Lilac with a skull handle detail and crystal embellishment.

Top right, Accessorize. Spring in a print, blossoming flowers.

Bottom left, Topshop. A nod to the nautical trend.

Bottom middle, ZARA. Panther print. Always a winner.

Bottom right, River Island. A dome that will keep you well protected and the neon pink is a nice touch.

Here is to hoping we won't need our umbrellas this Spring/ Summer but if we do, atleast we can style it out a little with these beauties. 

Is it awful I wouldn't mind a little bit of rain to justify the Zara purchase. No, I take that back. 

Rachel xo

Spring wardrobe update.

Every season we need to give our wardrobe a little re-vamp and introduce new pieces to bring a little life back to our sorry stash. A new season now in full swing, hello Mr Sunshine, is a little bit of an excuse to take your purses out for a little excursion and not feel guilty about it. ''It's getting bright and sunny, I need shorter sleeves although it's not quite Summer so I need to have a light jacket, too''. Come on ladies, we all do this. - Seriously, I can quite literally talk myself into buying anything- When I was living in Spain Massimo Dutti was dan.ger.ous!

I will be taking myself out for a little shop this coming weekend and I intend to spruce up my wardrobe in more than one way (post coming soon). 

The cream jacket is from Topshop and I desperately want it but alas, it is sold out everywhere I could travel to and online. Boo hoo. However I have consoled myself with focusing my attention on another Topshop jacket, it is pricier but I'm a sucker for monochrome and it is suitable for all year round. 

I have been after a cream dress for ages and haven't found what I'm looking for. A regret of mine will always be not continuing with GCSE Textiles, I got an A and I am forever inventing clothes in my head, wishing I knew how to make them. This simple dress is from Topshop and it would look great with a leather jacket for an evening out or sandals for when it warms up.

The fedora hat, I am making the concious effort to be 'a hat person'. I love the look of them and have seen them styled in so many ways that I want to give it a try too. 

New season, new bag. I haven't got many colourful bags and this Orange bag from River Island is really on trend with the bright colour, they also do it in a teal and a grey, I saw them in store the other day and leant towards the grey but I think in Spring, I should embrace colour. 

I don't wear much denim and have only been a jeans wearer in the last year, crazy I know. This denim dress can be worn in so many ways, dress it down with some white pumps, pair with a leather jacket and black shoes or get your pins out and wear it on the dance floor with a clutch bag and your favourite lipstick. 

A short-sleeved shirt can look chic but comfortable. I would wear it tuck into or loose with high-waisted black pants. I'd also wear this on an evening with a statement necklace. 

I have my shopping list of things I know I'll need this Spring to update my look. What will you be buying to update your look? 

Rachel xo

Topshop bikinis

With the occasional rivalry from ZARA, Topshop is my favourite shop and I am never disappointed with what they are carrying. With April now in full swing and my last ever University exam being the 29th April eeekk, I have scheuled in some time away from revision to dream a little about this coming summer and have a nosey at what Topshop has to offer for the swimwear season. 

B-e-a-utiful wouldn't you agree? 

Rachel xo

Summer Shorts

Every year it rolls around, prompting women across Britain to take take those extra minutes shaving, applying a little self-tan and maybe taking the stairs at work for a little leg difinition. Ladies, Spring/ Summer is on it's way - albeit 5 minutes fashionably late, and so comes with it the appearence of shorts on our high-street to perfect our pins. 
Here is a pick of some of the best I've seen so far.

1. These embroided shorts from ZARA are amazing. You can dress them up for cocktails in the lighter evenings we're having or dress down with a simple tee. Simple but beatiful. More of an investment though at £59.99. 

2. City shorts have come back around as tailoring has become more and more popular and found in most shops currently. This pair from River Island are on trend with their tile jacquard print and with the matching blazer available, it is a stylish nod to the power suit. Suit up, look sharp. 

3. The 'skort' from ZARA is so lovely versatile as it looks like a skirt from the front but they are actually shorts. I have something similar from last year's collection but in grey. They are also available in black if, like me, you live by the motto 'I'll stop wearing black when they invent a darker colour'. 

4. These lime lovelies are from H&M and only £17. The colour and texture are so interesting and would really bring an interesting element to you outfit. Team with a loose white shirt, sunglasses and you're good to go. 

5. These shorts from  ASOS are stunning. They're high waisted and have a scalloped trim. I could definitely see this at a festival with the folk inspired print, although perhaps they are too gorgeous to grub up. 

6. What Summer would be complete without a fantastic pair of denim shorts? A staple piece in any wardrobe. This pair from Topshop are high waisted which are really flattering for any figure and a stretchy denim which makes them more comfortable. 

Will you be sporting shorts this Spring/ Summer? 

Rachel xo

Wedding Belles Part 2

One post just isn't enough to indulge in all the beautiful dresses on offer for Wedding season. 

1. ZARA Beautiful and delicate print. 
2. Topshop Cobalt blue is on trend and the soft pleating and dipped hem really add a little elegance. 
3. ZARA Love the shape of this dress and the soft floral pattern makes it really beautiful, without the floral, it would be a white dress and if there's one thign we all know, do NOT wear white to a wedding. 
4. Topshop Orange is bang on trend this season and this dress does not disappoint. Quite a structured dress in a soft fabric. I saw this dress at the weekend and it is stunning. 
5. ASOS The sweetheart neckline is a lovely detail and the colour is striking whilst the soft lace embalishment balances this lovely dress. 

Such lovely dresses and I now need a dozen wedding invites, stat!

Wedding Belles Part 1

 

I have been a bit MIA this last week on my blog, I was taking some much needed R&R back home with my family for a short and sweet Easter break. During my visit, my Mum, big sister and myself went Wedding shopping, my sister is getting married next year and seeing as I aren't often home we thought we'd best use our time together to sort of the most important part of the day, The Dress. It was a lovely day and I think she may have found 'The One'. Whilst in what can only be described as dress heaven, I got thinking about what everyone else will wear for the Big Day. I know I'll be wearing my Bridesmaids dress so I took it upon myself to scour the internet to find some wedding appropriate attire that I would wear if I weren't Head Bridesmaid. 

1. ASOS. Just enough 'sweet and romantic' without looking like you're a Flower Girl. 

2. ASOS A personal favourite of mine. Almost wish I wasn't a part of the Bridal party so I could justify making a cheeky purchase.

3. Topshop Beautiful colour and fabric. Understated elegance with the sleeve length, too. 

4. ASOS A bit different for a wedding but I love monochrome. 

5. Topshop This is a Kate Middleton lookalike, if it's good enough for her..

6. Topshop The same style as no.4 but in blue/purple. 

I have chosen a few more dresses which I'll post in a following post.

Wishlist #3

So another week has passed and I have been buried beneath Uni work so this afternoon I did a little window shopping via my laptop and I have found a few pieces I need, seriously. 

The white skirt is different to anything I have and I love the sheer panel, a night-out staple piece. 

The neon yellow clutch, I have talked about the orange version before but I think I prefer this one and yellow seems to be having a moment, I've seen a lot of it in shop windows recently. I don't seem to suit yellow so this is nice way to incorporate it into my wardrobe. 

Seeing as I have just said I don't suit yellow, this jacket choice may be a little hypocritical. I think I could get away with this as it has the white marl look to it which breaks it up a little. 

The white necklace is from Topshop, the best place for jewellery in my opinion. White jewellery can look a bit cheap- again, my opinion- but I like this as it has the spikes which is a trend that doesn't seem to be going anywhere soon and I would wear it with a simple black top. 

The pink jumper is beautiful, it is from Topshop and I've got the same jumper in Khaki and Black so this summery pale pink would be a welcome addition. 

I have tried to be quite strict with my spending recently but I just want to shop now. Ugh, shopaholic not so-anonymous. 

Rachel xo

 

'A-Z' A is for Animal Print

For my little A-Z series of all things beauty and style related and I am starting, naturally, with 'A' for Animal Print. Love it or hate it, it is always available on the high street and can be done quite well, too. Dependent on how much leopard love you have, there are plenty of ways to incoporate it into your wardrobe. 

The sunglasses are from Zara and I personally love them, a subtleway to wear leopard print and sunglasses mean sun shining, nice weather out.. What is not to love? 

The scarf is also from Zara, it is not your typical animal print with the yellow and blue colours but it is lovely and bright which could really spruce up your outfit. 

The iPhone case is only £8 from River Island. 

Nail Rock wraps, another affordable and quick way to add a little something to an outfit. 

Red and blue animal print dress, ASOS. Absolutely love this dress, it is not obviosuly animal print but the shape and colours look lovely. I would wear this for the day and evening. Dress it down with a leather jacket and boots or slap a bit of tan on your legs, your best nude heels and clutch bag and you're ready for a nightout. 

The knickers are from Topshop, they are a high brief which maybe isn't practical day to day (VPL) but they look beautiful and I like that they arent the typical brown and black leopard print. Very glamorous. 

The shift dress, ASOS is a perfect day dress, you could wear it with black tights and a jacket. 

Found this snap of me wearing a Topshop wrap dress in leopard print, I like it as it's a bit different as it's grey toned.

This is a fovourite scarf of mine, from Warehouse, I bought it when I was a Fresher and it is huge, literally wrap myself in it when I'm cold, love it and it is my 'go-to' scarf. 

Yes, so that is my love for a little bit of animal print declared. It can be done without looking like Kat Slater. 

Rachel xo

Pretty Nude

I think I am having a 'pretty' moment and gravitating towards soft colours and fabrics, which is apt for the coming Spring season. 

The pink shirt is Topshop, I love a simple shirt and I would wear this with my trusty Leigh jeans. 

The bracelet is Topshop and only £7.50. Just a little touch of gold and if I was wearing a delicate outfit, this would stand out nicely. 

The fringe top is also Topshop, I absolutely love the look of this top and went into my local Topshop today to see if they had it in to see how it is in person as I think it looks cropped? But it doesn't mention anything like that on the website. Might just bite the bullet and order it to see myself. I want to love it, as it looks so beautiful with the tassles and the intricate lace design.  

Another Topshop item, (trusty old Toppers for you) this beige dress with lace panels. It does look like something you could go to a wedding in but it looks elegant and this one item is you whole outfit sorted, you would just need some swishing hair to team with it for the whole romantic look. 

I have tried nail wraps before and not had much luck with them but I am prepared to forgive and forget for these beauties. It looks as though you have just dipped your fingers into a rose garden. I will purcahse these if only to look and them, so pretty. 

The best 'til last. This H&M bag is quite pricey at £69.99 but as soon as I saw it online, I dropped it into my basket and clicked 'checkout'. I am sitting on my hands waiting for delivery. I think you have to go online to see it in it's full beauty. It is definitely inspired by the Prada Saffiano tote bag, it has one main compartment and to zipped pockets either side. I hope it lives up to the hype I have given it. Come on 4 working days delivery. I love getting a new bag. 

Rachel xo

 

Out of my comfort zone

Ok, so I have to say that I don't really see myself wearing this but I do like the look of it and I have been having thoughts I can't shake off to go an buy some hoop earrings, I looked in topshop today but didn't see anything I liked and I am careful no cross into (for lack of a better word) 'chav' territory which can happen. I love seeing sweat pants dressed up and I wish I knew how to do it right and pull it off myself.

I had a denim jacket 3 years ago when I was a Fresher at Uni, and I wore it quite a lot but it seems to have gone walkies so I might have to do a repurchase if I want to have one for this summer, although I did buy a new jacket (not denim) today so don't think I can justify buying another. We will see. 

White heels, they have the association with Essex and I've never had a pair but I saw a picture (can't remember specifically where now) during LFW and they were styled so well that I want to try it too.

This is a bit of an 'urban glam' look, if that can even qualify as a 'look' (I am just making it up as I go along) and like I've said, different to my usual taste but that is what's fun about fashion, I might have a play with this and see what I can rustle up from the back of my wardrobe. 

Is there any style that you like the look of but haven't tried yourself? 

Rachel xo 

A mixture of pieces

Hello! This is quite a mixture of things that I like currently, with no real theme other than I would happily have them all in my wardrobe. 

The cut-out top is from Cheap Monday and I really like this, it is a simple piece but the elbow detail is a bit different, I have the odd 'cold shoulder' tee and last year the elbow patch detailing was a big thing, neither I was huge on so I think this is a happy medium of the trends and I would like this, comfy but stylish, lazy fashion, my kind of thing. Though at £35, I might even have a go at some DIY, snipping and cutting a black jersey top, I did get an A in Textiles GCSE after all. 

Who can ever have enough Zara handbags? This will be my next Zara baby. I love their bags, they are such good quality for the price and I haven't got a nude handbag so it would be a welcome addition. It is nice and big too, to haul my entire life around. The plaited handles are a nice detail too. It is £39.99. 

I saw this jacket in River Island earlier in the week and really liked the look of it, I don't often see things in River Island and haven't bought anything from there in months now so I am pleased to be seeing new things this season that I do like and would buy. I saw the lovely Lily Pebbles Instagram of her wearing a jacket similar to this and commented asking if it was this one, and she was nice enough to reply to me, turns out hers was from Romwe. Anyway, yes so this jacket is £65 and fitting with the monochrome trend which is my absolute favourite.

The smock dress is from Topshop and I recently bought this dress which is the same sort of shape and I love it. I wore it on a night out but it can also be worn in the day with tights and come the Summer months with bare legs and my new wedges I got for my birthday. I like the check pattern of this dress and the colour too, I am guilty of having a colourless wardrobe so I am making a concious effort to introduce a bit of colour. I even bought a neon pink jumper from H&M for my birthday and I gave myself a mental pat on the back as I paid at the till. 

Rachel xo

Céline T-shirt

I have wanted the Céline inspired tee for a while now and always wanted the white version but after buying this  t-shirt from River Island which is pretty much a rip off of the original, I don't really need it. However I really do like the look of the black version. I cannot find a link on ebay and it seems that all the black are out of stock currently. This is how I would style it.
 I have several the grey midi skirt from Topshop as well as a gorgeous purple glitter midi they did back around Christmas time, which I think a top like this would make these kind of skirts more wearable. 

The jacket is from H&M and I like the colour as it is more apt for the coming Spring time but here in Britain, we'll still need a jacket so this is perfect I feel. 
The court shoes are from River Island, again, River Island are really going up in my expectations and I am starting to see more things in there. 

I have mentioned before that I wanted a 'true nude' nail polish colour and this OPI My Vampire is Buff (interesting name) looks a creamy off- white, which is what I want. The price of OPI is the only downside, especially since Essie is so widely available now and just as good in my opinion but much more affordable. 

I love using Polyvore  for making these sort of mood boards and outfits as well as checking out other collages for inspiration. It's like flicking through a magazine and seeing something you like but you can have a go at it yourself too. 

Rachel xo