Skinny Dress

I got a gorgeous bodycon dress from AX Paris in November last year, a freebie from my previous job (one of the few good things about it!) and I looked awful in it. I knew I'd gained some weight but I looked ridiculous. I actually laughed when I tried it on and immediately gave it away to my little sister.

I've now been doing Slimming World for three months and I've managed to lose a whole stone! I've still got a few more pounds until I reach target, but decided to try on the dress again to see if I could see any difference. And guess what... it actually looked good! So good infact, that I wore it out for cocktails on Saturday night!

Nice day for a White Wedding

We've been invited to a wedding at the end of April so I've started the hunt for a new dress (any excuse) and came across this beauty from TFNC.

I just liked the dress but thought it may be too 'night out with the girls' to wear to a wedding, so I asked the opinions of my facebook friends. They quickly pointed out the cream skirt and how you shouldn't wear white to a wedding. I hadn't even thought of that! Others disagreed and said that the 'no white' rule has gone out of the window in recent years, and so it's now ok to wear white/cream to a wedding. Overall, I'm going to avoid it as I'm not the sort of person who likes to draw attention to myself - especially at somebody else's wedding! But to be honest, if someone wore white to my wedding I don't think I'd even notice.

What's your opinion? Outdated tradition or worthy of a cat fight?

Other off-white delights...

Weight Loss Inspiration

I had my second weigh in today and was a little disappointed with the result as I've only lost 1.5lbs this week. It's a loss though and I can't expect every week to be 4.5! I did have 2 meals out last week (with wine) and a night out with the girls so that can't of helped. I'm attempting a booze free week this week so wish me luck!

I've also done something I didn't think I'd do (and enjoy) - joined the gym! I got the inspiration after reading about my favourite blogger, Selective Potential's, own fantastic weight loss after following Weight Watchers. She lost a total of 35lbs and looks amazing for it. I adore her sense of style and it came from the confidence she got from losing the weight. I'm not looking to lose quite that much but I am looking to expand my wardrobe and try to take more risks with my outfit choices, so I've found Tieka very inspiring. I might even start outfit posting once I think my wardrobe is worthy.

Talking of shopping, I've been lusting after Ruche for the last few days, but as I'm currently unemployed I can't justify making a purchase. Plus, as I'm in the UK, Ruche charges a wacking $25 for shipping... that's £16.30! So incredibly tempted though...

I stepped up the job hunt yesterday and sent out my CV to local agencies. I need to print a bunch off and go around the local bars/restaurants/shops too. I haven't been too motivated if I'm honest as we're due to go travelling soon so I just need to get a job to save money for a couple of months. Therefore, there aren't too many options and I know I'm going to be so bored. Just excuses really though! Ruche is motivating me however, as is the fact that I still want to be able to go out with my friends. CV's and follow up phonecalls is the plan tomorrow!

Hope you're all having a good week so far!

Shop Focus: Vero Moda

I discovered Danish brand Vero Moda after ordering a few of their pieces on ASOS. I decided to browse their site and discovered a treasure trove of delights, and its even been given the golden seal by Alexa Chung who is the current face of the brand.

 Images c/o www.graziadaily.co.uk

The Autumn/Winter 2012 collection is laden with Peter Pan collars, Lace and Chiffon. Even though I was surprised to see Alexa as the face of the highstreet brand it seems to make a good pairing. With Alexa's well known style of mixing high street, designer and vintage, this collection takes inspiration from vintage 70s chic and seems to fit perfectly with Alexa's cutesy, girly side.

Here are a few of my favourite pieces.

 

 DD Contrast S/L Top - £14.01

Ramana 3/4 Top - £26.02 

Twiggy 2/4 Dress - £57.81 

Dorky Plain 3/4 Mini Dress - £24.75

UK Linny S/L Mini Dress - £28.88 

Columbine S/S Short Dress - £57.81

The names of the pieces make no sense and the URL is bizarre (they need some advice about SEO!) Aside from that, I will definitely be ordering a couple of these.

Shop Focus: Ruche

I came across Ruche whilst searching through Selective Potential's blog for some Autumn inspiration. I love Tieka's blog - the photos are always gorgeous, as is her wardobe!

Ruche is an American site, offering vintage dresses, warm winter knits and pretty shoes. I could spend a fortune on this site, but shipping costs are $20 to the UK so I may just add them to my Christmas wishlist instead!

Cynthia Luxe Draped Black Dress by Dear Dorothy - $99.99 *Favourite*

Morgan Alyse Emerald Heels - $38.99

Leaf Pile Over the Knee Socks in Navy - $17.99

 Crystal Grace Lace Dress - $62.99

Winter Dusk Knitted Infinity Scarf - $19.99

Hampden Woven Belt - $11.99

Shop Focus: Miss Selfridge

I had written off Miss Selfridge a few years ago, so was suprised when I stumbled across them again a couple of weeks ago. Guess what... Miss Selfridge has grown up! And they have a fantastic range of Party dresses, perfect for the festive season. I've been lusting after the Bodice dress for a while, but not sure it will suit me as nude shades tend to wash me out - and its a bit on the pricey side! May have to add it to the Xmas list!

                    Nude Sequin Bodice Dress -£65                                         Teal Chiffon Asymmetric Dress - £39 *Favourite*

             

             Nude Embellished Vest Dress - £70                                                 All-Over Sequin Dress - £150

Jack's Birthday Outfit!

It's Jack's 30th Birthday Party next Saturday and I've just about got all of the details sorted, we just have a few more decorations to purchase and we're ready to go! I was lying awake at night worrying about it at one point but now I can't wait. All I want is for Jack to have a great night and I know he will. Even more exciting is that I've got a huge suprise for him as his birthday pressie. We've both booked the week off work and he has no idea what I've got planned. I'm very excited about being able to spoil him for a change, even if I am going to spend a fortune doing it!

And another thing - I've finally got my outfit sorted. I purchased this gorgeous Aubergine Asymmetrical dress from Inlovewithfashion and I can't wait to pair it with my New Look wedges which I purchased a few weeks ago. I'd been lusting after it for weeks and finally made a purchase after getting an amazing discount code and store credit, all in one day. I actually ended up getting the dress for £12.40!

 

Motel Becky Belt £10

I really wanted to wear it with this belt from one of the brands I work with, Motel Rocks but its out of stock at the moment so I'll have to find an alternative.

My outfit...

Asymmetric maxi dress
£48 - inlovewithfashion.com

Shoes
newlook.com

ASOS oversized handbag
$105 - asos.com

River Island stackable jewelry
$17 - asos.com

Shop Focus: Goldie London

I had to share this brand with you as I have pretty much fallen head over heels in love with it!

I first came across Goldie London on the Topshop website. The dress I wanted had sold out so I tried to look elsewhere but the Goldie site was a bit underdeveloped. However, my boss sent me a link to the new site yesterday and I rediscovered how amazing their clothes are.

Here are a few of my favourites...

 

Serena Black/Yellow/Pink Floral Dress - £58

 Ariya Maroon Floaty Skirt - £45

Phillipa Royal Blue Maxi Dress - £68

Sammy Cobalt Blue Chiffon Skirt - £45

Winter Warmers

This is what I want to live in this Winter! I've been fantasising about the perfect wedge boot and I think this might just be it! This is my second post in as many days about the Apricot jumper from Romwe. I think I'm going to have to give in to the temptation...

Brief Style Back Buttons Apricot Jumpers
$41 - romwe.com

Dorothy Perkins indigo jeans
£25 - dorothyperkins.com

Zara boots
$100 - zara.com

Zara messenger bag
$16 - zara.com

Autumn Knits

A pretty uneventful week all in all so I haven't really blogged much this week. We went shopping in Bristol yesterday as Jack is desperate for new clothes and I have to practically force him to shop. It amazes me how little interest most men have in clothes. Especially as he's just had a promotion - I'd be swimming in Chanel if it were me! He did, however, treat me to a gorgeous Salmon Blazer which I'll post about soon! I'm very spoilt! We haven't really done a lot with the weekend apart from that. I've had a horrible headache and stomach ache today. I'm putting it down to stress but worried that I may be starting to get migraines as they're more intense than the standard headache I'm used to, and seem to take a while to shift. I've got a lot on my mind at the moment though so hopefully they'll pass once I've made a few decisions.

Anyway, a little something to cheer me up!

Now that Autumn has officially arrived I'm desperate to start stocking up my Winter wardrobe. I get particularly excited about knitwear and have selected just a few of my favourites online at the mo to share with you.

Marley Sweater In Black And Cream - £45.00 - MotelRocks.com

Mink Sausage Dog Jumper - £28 - Dorothy Perkins

Pink Navajo Print Jumper - £38 - River Island

Brief Style Back Buttons Apricot Jumper - £26.15 - Romwe.com

Bardot Jumper - £58 - Topshop

Mink Pink Leopard Print Jumper - £50 - Yogoego.com

I'd be ordering all of them if I could afford it but my favourite has to be the Navajo Jumper from River Island, although I'm very tempted to buy the Romwe Apricot Jumper just because its such good value, and I have a 20% off code just itching to be used...

Hoping to do some nail posts soon but still waiting for the arrival of my Models Own splurge from last weekend. Can't wait to try out the leopard print - may try it out in the style of the last jumper!

Reading Rocks

So I wore my Motel t-shirt today that I inherited from Kate. I rarely do round neck t-shirts but I actually really like this.

Jack's at Reading Festival today. He's gone on his own as I couldn't afford a ticket and we would of spent the whole day watching other bands anyway. He's desperate to see Jane's Addiction whereas I would be at the main stage watching The Strokes. We do tend to have very similar taste in music but there is the occassional one that I just can't get into (Deftones being our main disagreement! - guess which one of us likes them?)

I've told a few people that he's off on his own and I've been met with the same reaction - really!? A note to add here is that these reactions are from people who haven't met Jack. He's the friendliest person you could ever hope to meet and can make friends anywhere with anyone! Last time we went to Leeds Festival with friends I barely saw him all weekend. He returned to the tent one night with one shoe and wearing jeans that were shredded to the thigh. We then made our way to see Queen's of the Stoneage and Jack was plastered all over the mega screens, going crazy and chucking beer all over his head. So I think he'll be just fine. He's staying in a hotel in the middle of Reading and then driving back early tomorrow as we have my Step-Nephew's Christening to go to so he hopefully won't get too drunk! I'm watching the coverage of Pulp at the moment and kind of wishing I was there. I feel a bit old for Reading now. The last time I went was 2004 - the year Jack and I met!

I've been lusting over the Model's Own website for most of the day. I painted my nails in Models Own Feeling Blue - it's a lot darker than it appears online so a little misleading if you're after a light blue. I'd go for bloobloo instead. I do absolutely love the colour though, especially contrasted against the red of my t-shirt. I currently have £40 worth of nail varnish sitting in my basket but I haven't actually purchased just yet. The main reason I'm so tempted is because they're running a 50% off promotion until Monday to celebrate reaching 50,000 facebook likes. You just need to enter 'fiftyfifty' at the checkout to claim your discount. To buy or not to buy...?

T-Shirt: Motel Rocks

Nails: Models Own Feeling Blue (3 for £12 at Motel from Monday)

Update: I bought them! oops