Playing Catch-up.

I'm sorry I've been a bad blogger again. I've had good intentions, taking photos ready to post but never seemed to find the time.

This is a short but sweet one to share with you a few outfits that I was particularly pleased with.

This was taken on my 30th birthday last week. can't actually believe that I'm now "In my Thirties" but I'm taking it quite well I think.

The weather has been really gorgeous this week and I've been trying out some new clothes that I bought from Tesco.

Cardi - £5

Shorts - £12

Both Tesco

Again from Tesco,

Cardi - £5

Shorts - £12

Top - £5

I've not worn shorts since being at school (quite some time ago then!) but I decided to give them another shot as they are more practical than a short skirt and suit my lifestyle better.

I'm really pleased at how flattering they are and how comfortable I felt.

It's so great that a whole other area of outfit possibilities has been unlocked but I feel resentful of those years that I missed out due to confidence issues.

Are there any styles of clothing you would never consider trying, or have you, like me rediscovered something you'd once ruled out?

Groovy Baby

I'm feeling peace and love today in this latest buy from Ebay. I've always loved this sort of print with it's free flowing lines and bold swirls of colour. It's just taken me this long to actually own and wear it!

I've added a vest top underneath for today's trip to Sainsburys but I'm sure in the summer (when showing a bit of flesh isn't going to be so shocking) I could get away without.

I did consider wearing jeggings underneath it as I wasn't really sure if it was that teeny bit short to be worn as a dress, but my hubby reassured me that it was OK, and after giving him a demo he declared my bum acceptable to be seen should a gust of wind expose all, gotta love him!

Excuse the mismatched PJs on Dylan, he chose them, and who am I to argue with such a tempermental eccentric!

This necklace was thrifted from my Mum, I don't wear it much as it's quite unusual but I do love the design.

I did have arms full of wooden, gold and creamy toned bangles but removed them while making Mexican Bean Burgers with Dylan and forgot to put them back on.

I'd have loved to get all funky with my hair, maybe crimp a bit up, or section the front with some braids and backcomb at the crown but I didn't want anyone asking if I was going to a fancy dress party. Maybe next time I'll be that bit braver...

Red Alert

Today is apparently "National Wear Something Red day" not that I really need any excuse to totally red it up!



The tunic has lovely floaty pockets and a zip at the back. I decided to belt it to give it more shape.
This cardi was an absolute steal at £5 in the Tesco sale. It washes beautifully and even better, doesn't need ironing!
Grey tights - £2 Primark. I thought this was quite pricey but they are so soft and thick I wish I'd bought a second pair.
The hat was £3 from Primark and I love the button detail to the side.

I've bundled on as many bangles as I thought I could carry and a multi string of pearly beads.

My new red Topshop wedges completed the look!

I felt really happy today in my bright outfit and high heels despite the cold windy weather I was glowing on the inside.

What brightened up your day?

Happy Feet

Day 7 - Jeggings challenge - Completed!!!

I made it! One whole week without wearing my jeggings. As a reward, and to help prevent me slipping back into old habits I bought some brand spanking new tights:

The burgundy and purple were 50p and the grey relatively extortionate at £2 (Primark)

I also carried out a mystery shop, same as yesterday but a different town. I bought these gorgeous babies, they were in the sale and were originally £60 but I paid £10.

There's something about a red shiny shoe that makes me smile!

It would have been rude not to buy this necklace £1 and set of bangles £2, so I did.

The outfit today is a Darimeya dress that I've blogged before, this time layered over the hot pink nightie I bought last week from Tesco (£1.50). My tights are bright pink with thin black tights over the top to give a subtle flash of colour and I couldn't resist changing into my new shoes!

Feeling Really Tealy

Day 2 - Jeggings Challenge

It was a tricky one today. I could have so easily pulled on my jeggings, they would have been so practical for the day I had planned.

Instead I opted for this dress from ebay, I will forgive you for thinking I've blogged it before, this is a navy version and is not a Darimeya, so some detailing like the lace is different, but what the hell, I like it and at 99p I was more than happy!

.

I've picked out the teal leaves with the top underneath (£2.50 - Primark) and the tights.

.

As the dress is sheer I've added a navy slip underneath. This is actually a cheap sexy nightie from Asda £1.50 in the sale, it's never going to make it into the bedroom, but is perfect for under dresses.

.

The orangy brown in the print matched nicely with both my long boots and my new wedges (£7.50 in Debenhams sale)...it is a gorgeous day and the sun was out but I'm glad I chose the former as there was a bit of a chill in the air.

I was thrilled with the goodies I found on the haberdashery stall at the market, This little lot cost me £1.90 and I should be able to make some cute little accessories to enhance my wardrobe.

I've already made this necklace based on one I spotted in Asda last week. I almost bought it but it was quite thick and I like the smaller subtle version I made. The bottom is tied in a Reef Knot and ends are secured with a tiny bit of sticky tape. Total cost 90p.

Now what to do with the ribbon? - Any ideas welcome!

The Art of Distraction

Day 1 - Jilt the Jeggings

So I have been challenged! My trusty jeggings have been banished to the back of my wardrobe for a whole week.

How will I cope? Do I own enough dresses and tights to muddle through without my staple item? Um...there's only one way to find out!

As for the distraction?

I have the Mother of all Cold Sores residing on my bottom lip (which has also maybe trebbled in size). My first reaction was to not leave the house until I return to my usual lovely lipped self, but after one day indoors I was starting to get cabin fever.

OK so being house bound is not an option, if I'm going out I'll blend in. I had planned to wear something simple, plain and quite frankly boring...but then I spoke to the lovely Laura from "A Daisy Chain Dream" who suggested I divert everyone's eyes from the offending area and play up my eye make up. Ohhh I thought, there's an idea!

Inspired by this flash of genius, I used the concept of distraction and pulled on a pair of bright pink tights that I had been saving for a day I felt confident enough to wear them. This cute mushroom and cat print jumper dress (Tsega via ebay) was disappointingly too small when I bought it last year, but now I've slimmed down a little I can just about carry it off (as long as I'm careful about my posture) I threw on my Primark cardi which tied in the red and pink perfectly and my slouchy grey boots and dashed out the door, just in time to be fashionably late!

P.S. And I felt fabulous!


How do you cope when you're facing a beauty crisis?