What to do this weekend in Birmingham

What's mine is yours and what's yours is mine.
With what we have lets put it together and we can shine

'My favourite things' Outkast

It's Wednesday, mid-week, hump day, whatever you want to call it, all that matters is that it's almost the weekend, which is exactly what is occupying my thoughts. 

This Saturday 17th November, Birmingham will be having it's first 'Vintage Fayre and Suitcase Rummage,' and yours truly will be taking part, manning a stall and selling my wares out of a couple of old suitcases. Hosted by Sue of Reclaim To Fame (who's work is that of my best friend's aunt) in Selly Oak's Methodist Church from 11am-2pm. 

Alongside vintage sellers such as Loyal Tea Vintage, Redditch based Love Vintage and Birmingham's Forgotten Vintage, there will also be ample opportunity to snap up some unique presents in time for Christmas. (Yes it's barely November and we're already talking Christmas!) Jewellery from the likes of Spangle & Dangle, and Vintage Junkie, artwork from Amber Drew, Stephen Hewson and Jurassic Panda, homewares, photography and hand crafted artwork will all be available. You will also be able to get your hands on some contemporary Christmas decorations from Sweetheart Designs.

When it all gets a bit too much and you are in need of a little pick me up, refreshments, cake pops and sweet treats will be on sale from Sarahs SweetFeet. 

For me, this couldn't have been timed better. I am moving to London, and have long avoided a trip to the bottom of Narnia, which to everyone else is known as my (vast) wardrobe(s), as sadly, I cannot take everything with me. Having now amassed a pile of goodies, my task will be to transform what resembles the aftermath of a mass trying on session into something that is more presentable like this...

(Inspirational images from the event page)

Admission to the event is just 50p, which might otherwise get you a Mars Bar if you shop around. As I don't like Mars Bars, for me it's a no-brainer decision. More information on the event can be found here and here. I'll be taking lots of pictures, and hopefully I'll go home with some of the money I make on the day. I will not be operating a sell-one-buy-one policy... she says...

Hopefully see some all of you on Saturday!

KDx

Outward bound to London town

A king without a throne

A heart without a home

'Holdin' on' Monsta

So last weekend I was in London, this weekend my feet were firmly back in the Midlands... but not for much longer after putting down a deposit on a flat to rent in London. Those of you that follow me on Twitter will have seen my tweet of relief at securing my new postcode for the foreseeable future in South East London. I am soon to be a resident of SE13. To say that I am beyond relieved is an understatement! 

After my first viewing, in an estate that needed a map like a bad holiday park for you to navigate, complete with it's very own 'you are here' sign, I wasn't very hopeful that the big dreams of London, and my budget were compatible.

A few long days of viewings, tube hopping, east to west and back again, a little north and south, 2 new house mates found via the internet (think internet dating for flat mates) and it was all worth it. The Midlands will only have me as a resident for three more weeks, as I move on 1st December. 

It wasn't all strictly work and no play in London though, being in London for the weekend before Bonfire Night meant I got to see this beautiful sights on my way home Saturday evening.

Battersea Bridge

Even a simple taxi ride home (albeit it a massively extended one due to the traffic) throws up sights to behold in London.

I also managed to squeeze in a little shopping trip, as a reward for finding a home, I'd like to think. As I am still without employment I only allowed myself to buy items in the sale, any reason to make unnecessary purchases necessary. As expected, Topshop came up trumps! The purchases? A lace insert cross tunic I had my eyes on when it was full prices, truth be known I ordered it online when it went in the sale, but they only had it in a 10 (a size too big) and a tall-which I thought would be fine...how wrong was I!? It looked like a sack! So after finding it in a regular 6 I thought I would try it on expecting the opposite of the first one to be true, but it fitted perfectly. Being a fan of a designer collaboration, I snapped up a '2nd Place' Ashish vest for half price, here's how I wore them both.

Oasis leather jacket, Miss Selfridge necklaces and earrings, Topshop cross tunic, Asos Chelsea boots via ebay

H&M hat, Ashish x Topshop vest, Warehouse jeans and Zara ponyskin pumps via ebay

In a bid to become a better shopper, I am making a conservative effort to wear what I buy at the first opportunity I have, if I don't I will either a) forget I have brought them, or b) realise I genuinely didn't need the items in question in the first place. Mission accomplished. If this week had been an exercise in task ticking, I would have a seriously healthy looking to-do list.

So back on the story of my little adventure, the next hurdle to tackle is the small task of finding a job... a full-time job in itself it would seem.

KDx

Nan Knits and Charity Shop Tips

There's a coldness in the air...... but I don't care. 

'As the Rush Comes' Motorcycle (Armin Van Buuren Mix)

It's happened. Winter. Well I suppose if seasons behaved as they should then technically we are in Autumn, but in all honesty does it matter? When it's cold and wet, and only get's colder and wetter I don't think anyone really cares what we call it. All we can be sure of is we are going to wake up in the dark, and come home in the dark in a viscous cycle of absolute darkness.

Despite the weather, Winter does bring around a whole host of fashion opportunities, to name but two on the top of my list, tights and layering. Tights mean everything can get shorter without the risk of being arrested for indecent exposure, and layering means you can wear all of your favourite items at once. I'm pretty sure in fash-land this isn't what is meant by layering, but it does mean the indecisive dresser has it easy in the morning as if in doubt, wear it all...you'll need it! 

So what will I be buying? Knitwear. I love a good nan knit, and I am already scouring the charity shops to find the chicest of them all. Frequenting charity shops means I have noticed a change in the once haphazardness that was, in it's place I think I detect a subtle hint of fashion awareness? The knits are held back until the weather changes and the bikinis and second hand swimsuits (seriously?!) are placed in an unlit corner towards the back until we can face the fact, (post-Christmas indulgence) that the beach body of yesteryear will be required to make an appearance once more. *sigh* Anyone that has avoided charity shops until now, I urge to you to give them a try at this time of year. It's easy and cheap! Charity shop knitwear can often mean a higher quality garment at a fraction of the price you would pay for it from a store. All you need to do are follow a couple of simple tips:

• Don't be afraid to search in the menswear of childrens wear sections. Menswear jumpers are great for the oversized slouchy look, and can often be found in chunkier knits than the womens. Childrens jumpers often feature retro and kitsch prints that will look great worn with a shirt poking out of the bottom and sleeves rolled up.
• Think outside the box. If there's something about the jumper that attracted you in the first place, buy it. I can almost guarantee change from a fiver, which means you can afford to experiment. If it's too oversized, belt it, wear it off the shoulder or layer it over leather leggings as a dress. Crazy print? Clash it with a modern print like a punchy floral.
• Read the label. It sounds silly but this can be a great way to find a hidden gem, look for 100% wool, or Cashmere jumpers for the real bargains.
• Get a heads up, have a look at what's in stores at the moment for an inspiration on key colours, knits and shapes if you're a bit scared of free-styling it. Charity shops can be a great way to pick up trend basics like this genuine, surplus Military jumper I picked up in the mens section of my local YMCA.
• Lastly relax. We're not dealing with big bucks and a complete fashion investment, so if you get it home and it isn't for you, give it straight back to charity and the cycle can continue.

I'll be sharing some of my nan knit purchases in the next post or two, I'm hoping to amass quite the collection.

In the meantime...Happy shopping!

KDx

Attention! Tackling the Trends: Military

'It's now, or never'

Calyx & TeeBee "Elevate This Sound"

This time of year is a hard one to get your head around, the weather is changing and you contemplate swapping your wardrobe round and examining what knitwear you can salvage from last year. Whilst across the pond New York is currently in the midst of Fashion Week, showcasing the trends we will all be wearing come Spring/Summer next year. So bare with me while you fathom out this post. I am concentrating on the sudden drop in temperature and what we will all be wearing this season. (Next year can wait until another post!) 

Cast your mind back to February, when Fashion Week was highlighting the trends for this Autumn/Winter (Do keep up!) Military featured heavily in varying incarnations on the runway at both New York Fashion Week as 'Urban Utility' in more modern cuts and paired back colours at Alexander Wang and Victoria Beckham, and on home turf, khaki was spotted at Topshop Unique and Margaret Howell in London.

Image: Telegraph.co.uk

With all this going on my head, placing myself on a self imposed shopping ban for the month of September, not for any particular reason other than to test my moral fibre, was never going to be an easy task. Please don't be mistaken in thinking this is going to be an opportunity for me to gloat, because I failed. So early on too. I'd like to think it was for a good cause-literally.

This military jumper came in courtesy of the YMCA charity shop on the high street close to work at a bargainous £4.49. It was also retrieved from the mens section, though I don't think something such as this is gender specific. This jumper ticks the trend boxes as a genuine military item, it's better than any replica that can be found on the high street.

 

This is how I plan to wear the jumper, styled up with cut-off denim Levi shorts, a vintage belt, heeled M&S ankle boots and a serious spike necklace from H&M. Judging by the weather situation, the addition of tights will be greatly appreciated. I also think this would look great with a white shirt collar poking out over the top.

Which trends are you going to be wearing this Autumn/Winter?

KDx

Let me catch my breath

Disclosure "Control" Ft.Ria Ritchie

Seriously suffering from a bad case of holiday hangover. I'm sure I am not alone. In fact I know I'm not as I can pretty confidently vouch for the other 7 girls I went with. I love being at home, but I'd like it to be more of a pit stop between holidays, opposed to a long stop between short holidays. But enough of the post holiday blues.

What did we learn in Ibiza? 

Well, the last time I went to Ibiza, when I say last that was the first time three years ago at the tender age of 21, fresh out of uni as a graduate, practically still clutching my 2:1 degree.... I've noticed things have changed somewhat. Not least of all the fact that food is more important this time around. I cannot live on the yummy mallowy goodness of a flump and a pizza alone on a daily basis.When you take the time to realise there are restaurants selling damn good food at a reasonable price, you wonder why you would let the crap cut it. (The flumps were still welcome though!). Definitely a sign that my head is closing the age gap between itself and my actual age.

Ibiza fashion has changed. There is definitely a distinctive 'look' that has developed, both for the guys and girls; there are a lot of cross overs. Here's a break down:

Sunglasses: Only wayfarers will do. Any colour, preferably real, but it's hard to tell amongst the plethora of fakes being thrust upon you at every opportunity. So if you are going and you haven't had chance to buy your Ray Bons, or Rey Bans (other versions are available) ebay is the place to go. Buy them cheap and don't get attached to them.

Footwear: The ladies tended to lean more towards Converse hi-tops, but a few low tops still made an appearance. And for the gents, Nikes. A hi or mid Blazer, or a Dunk high top, but preferably in tonal colours, I saw a few green on greens, blue on blue and red on burgundys. Whatever they were they had to be suede-which considering what people tend to get up to in Ibiza is crazy. But then maybe it was a good sign if they managed to keep them clean? I have no intention of doing a shoe analysis.

Shorts: Were short. Both men and women had lost a few inches off the hem line. Ladies were flashing a bit of cheek at every opportunity, irrelevant to the perkiness of the behind, but always in denim. Ripped, studded, adorned with jewels and tie-dyed, just make sure it's denim. As for the boys, brightly coloured running style shorts cutting more at mid thigh length to knee length, worn with nothing but a ripped torso.

Bags: The bum bag was the bag du jour for both sexes, wore low slung in leather leaning towards the more 90s style, opposed to tourist practicality.

Socks: The curve ball look of the holiday that couldn't go unnoticed, despite my concern over awkward tan lines they were white, calf length with two or three sports stripes in varying colours.

So with that in mind here's a little holiday shopping list if you're planning on making a trip to the White Isle and want to look part of the set as soon as your Converse wearing feet touch down:

Stripe Calf-High Sock £7 from American Apparel

Nike Blazer Hi Suede Vntage Aqua Green £66.99 from Office

BDG Studded Cheeky Short £45 from Urban Outfitters

Colour Wayfarer Sunglasses now £3 from Asos

Teal Swim Short £22 from Topman

Bum Bag now £12.99 from Amazon

Converse All Stars £45 from Schuh

What do you think to the 'Ibiza' style? Would you rock this look on holiday? Have you ever re-visited a place and noticed how the style has changed?

KDx

But are you really too busy for a sun tan?

Dizzee Rascal "Holiday"

If the title of this post didn't give it away, then this might come as a bit of a surprise to learn that I am only 6 days away from my holiday. Not that I have mentioned it before or anything...

In-keeping with my holiday related posts (there may have been a couple already) I thought I'd ponder over the beach cover-up, one that will take you from beach to bar and back again.

Forget for a moment the kaftans frequented by middle-aged women disguising wobbly bits. This is about covering up enough to feel like you are dressed, without the added layers that are needed in the evening when the temperature drops a little.

The hidden gem:

Matalan Jersey Racer Back Playsuit £6

Now this might not look like much in the picture, but I discovered this on a 'on-the-way-home-from-work-trip' to Matalan a couple of weeks ago, and now it seems appropriate to share it. This lightweight cotton playsuit will work unbuttoned with a patterned strapless bikini underneath. I did have to buy a size up to get a little extra in the length to avoid any crotch traumas. (This being the reason I was put off trousers in the first place: awkward crotchal dilemmas.)

Under £10:

Asos Top With Extreme Dipped Back in Blurred Floral £8

If I hadn't already brought too much stuff to cram in to my case, then this would be next on my to-buy list. I think the brave could even get away with nothing more than a pair of bikini bottoms and sandals to take this from the bar straight to a club. This will also work back in unpredictable England with a pair of skinnies, or denim shorts.

Under £15:

New Look Stone Chiffon Side Split Maxi £12

Light weight, sheer enough to show some skin through and just the right amount of coverage. Again, another item that will work once the holiday has ended (Sadly, everyday is not a holiday,) tuck in a battered band tee, some ankle boots and a leather jacket and you're ready for Autumn.

And finally 

Under £20:

River Island Pink Floral Lightweight Duster Jacket £15

This for me is the modern take on a kaftan; add a belt and wrap it over like a dressing gown and you have a cute lightweight dress, or wear it open to show of your newly acquired tan. This can also be worn to dress up a bar outfit on you return home, white fitted vest, blue jeans and black pointed courts. Done.

I'm not one for wishing my life away, but I do hope these next 6 days fly by. I think I have my outfits nailed, whether or not I can take all I want to pack is a different story. Next on my to-do list is holiday nails, I need to decide on a Ibiza home pedi to tackle!

KDx

Swimsuit issues with my toes curled in the grooves

Friendly Fires "Jump in the pool"

Apologies for the blogger hiatus, I hadn't 'gone fishing,' I just have had a lot of stuff to get did. But back to the task in hand and what I do know, Ibiza is a mere 9 days away. 

In line with my suggestions of a statement necklace in my previous post here, you might just need something to wear it with. Admittedly in the impending heat I am expectant hopeful of, I am  planning on keeping clothing to a minimal. 

The swimsuit is having a bit of a moment in fash-land. In the land of everyone outside the warm fuzzy clothing bubble, it means that retailers have taken note and the design teams have given this often much neglected piece of swimwear a glam-over. For a long time the beloved cozzie was the go-to piece for anyone who didn't feel that they were beach ready or had something to hide, but this left the wearer widely regarded with suspicion, what are they trying to hide? Instead of allowing the wearer to remain inconspicuous, the opposite was the result; you can't help but admire the wearer who has chosen to swathe themselves in skin tight lycra in a bid to hide their most loathed attribute.

Oh how the tables have turned. Swimsuits have been cut-out, laser cut, laced-up, lace backed, criss-crossed, crossed-over and then some. These are cozzies to be seen in, and demand attention. Warning: Confidence not supplied.

Here are my pick of the bunch. 

Under £5

H&M Swimsuit £4.49

This arrived on my doorstep today, it has sold out online in black now, but may still be available in stores. I'm 5ft 10 and proportionally wise I can get away with it... just. It's fair to say I will be keeping my musical appreciative arm raises to a minimum to save my graces. I will be wearing this and channelling my inner 1950s film star, wearing it with a gold gladiator-esque vintage rope belt and cat-eye sunglasses. (I didn't say these swimsuits would be for swimming!)

Brigitte Bardot at Cannes in 1953 

Photo courtesy of the telegraph.co.uk

Under £15

Another sale bargain

River Island Pink Palm Swimsuit £15

This swimsuit looks like it could be a body, which is how I would wear it away from the pool, with some denim shorts, a cocktail in hand, an air of nonchalance and some pastel coloured wayfarers. Think Club Tropicana...

Another under £15

ASOS Lattice Back Swimsuit £14

I'd wear this one with a a statement fluro necklace and a pair of colour pop wedges in pink or orange to really play against the cobalt blue of this swimsuit.

And for the dreamers:

We Are Handsome Vacation palm sunset swimsuit £190

If I wanted to spend more on swimwear than my holiday, a couple of We Are Handsome swimsuits would easily do it.

I've just put a few things in my case in intrepid anticipation of the upcoming holiday in question. I thought I'd weigh it, just to see how I was doing...Already at 11 of my 15kg limit. I honestly thought I was right on the money this time packing. Amateur at work clearly.

Now to unpack and re-pack. A cycle I am sure will continue throughout the week.

KDx

...And your ma' is good looking

Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong "Summertime" 

The official countdown to Ibiza has begun! (In all honesty it started as soon as it was booked in late January) 2 weeks and 6 days until myself and 7 of my nearest and dearest descend on the White Isle. It appears that we aren't the only ones with the Ibiza bug as I have already spotted Elle and Company magazine featuring Ibiza street style on their websites, which is just the kind of outfit inspiration I need. 

Of course, holiday style is just your style, but with less clothes and an awesome tan. However, I think there are a few key items that can really ensure your outfit still cuts the mustard despite the sweltering climate. (Lest we forget Monica Geller's hair in Barbados; sometimes a great outfit is all you can count on with an unknown climate!)

The statement necklace is a suitcase essential, besides the obvious bikinis and lashings of SPF. 


My top picks are:


Save: Under £10

H&M £6.99

Spend: Under £15

Forever 21 Circle Bib Necklace £10.65

Zara Necklace with chains and neon coloured stones £12.99

Splurge: Over £20

Urban Outfitters Sweet Scandal Neon Necklace £40

How to wear:

• Wear with your hair up to really show off the necklace, which is handy for when you want to keep cool. Personally I never feel as 'dressed-up' with my hair up as I do when I wear it down, so I hoping this will be the missing link. (Pardon the necklace related pun!)
• Keep everything else simple, a boobtube/strapless top will work for maximum impact and to really let the necklace be the stand-out item.
• A statement necklace can work during the day: Up the ante and add some pool side glamour to your bikini outfit and wear with your swimwear in the day.
• A bib style necklace such as the one from Forever 21 looks killer when worn with a plunging neckline or swimsuit.
• Go bold: This Miss Selfridge extra long necklace will look great with a white vest and denim shorts or a bandeau dress.
• A statement necklace is a great way to introduce colour for the colour-phobes.
• If you are feeling brave, contrast your outfit and your jewellery, colours that really pop are turquoise and coral, orange and pink, and cobalt blue and yellow.
• Don't forget: colour is less harsh with a tan, so what might seem a bit crazy in your 'light-bulb-lit-bedroom' with the rain hammering down outside will really work when you're sunning yourself is some far off climes. 

KDx

Once you enter my house, it becomes our house

Julio Bashmore "Jack got Macked"

So it looks like my pleas were answered in the form of glorious sunny spells, and with that comes the mad dash to stuff all the jumpers to the bottom of the drawer and dig out all the 'Summer' frivolities that have been packed away since last year; and that's where the problem lies, everything feels a little, well, last year. The skirts I have been wearing throughout the colder months are perfect now I can go sans tights, but I feel myself longing for something a little bit 'now' to perk everything up and keep it fresh. As I posted about here, the high drift is the flesh to flash, so on the hunt for a crop top I was left a little disappointed by the offerings immediately available to me. Truth be told, the campus of the College where my office is based has a less than pathetic high street, filled with restaurants and charity shops of which have been known to give me some delightful spoils, both edible ones and wearable ones at that, but in this instance I wanted instant wearable gratification that can normally be found in your average shopping centre. Making the most of what (little) there was on off, I was drawn to the print of this top in the sale in New Look, £6 down from £16.99.

The smock style top has a fitted band that sits above and below the bust, so in essence, a crop top with a skirt, with a little bit of time to spare I decided to get out my needle and thread and get customising.

What you will need:

A Smock top

Scissors

Needle

Thread

This little diy project should pose itself as no challenge for even the most sew-phobic of individuals.

1) Lie your top down on a flat surface and locate the waist band. You want to make one cut straight across, about an inch below the waistband.

2) You can discard the bottom bit of fabric for now, although I am intending to make that into a crop also-a tutorial will follow, so keep it somewhere safe! Turn the top piece inside out and locate the seam.

3) Leaving an allowance of an inch will mean you can ensure a neat edge along the bottom of your crop top. Those of you that don't have any faith at all in your sewing abilities can just cut the fabric close to the bottom of the waistband, but this way, although a little more time consuming should ensure that the crop can be washed without fraying. 

4) Take the cut edge of the fabric and bring it up to meet the seam, this is where you will be sewing.

5) With the needle and thread, sew the cut edge of the fabric to the seam; with the top being inside-out there is no need to worry about neatness here. The novices amongst you might find it easier to use a contrasting colour of cotton so you can see where you are sewing; again being on the inside no-one will ever know! I just used a basic up and over stitch, I tried to demonstrate the motion with my dotted line in the image, but any basic stitch would do to secure it.

6) Turn the top the right side out, and voilà! Smock to Crop in just a few minutes. Not only will you have the satisfaction of knowing this is something you created yourself, but definitely no chance of bumping into someone in the same one as you. 

I am pretty sure that smock tops had their day a while back, and so I bet if you delve deep enough there will be more than a few lurking in the back of cupboards, maybe even in the yet-to-be unpacked Summer wardrobe from last year? 

KDx

I won’t give up, and I won’t up and go

Disclosure ft Sinead Harnett "Boiling"

From the ebay littered posts you wouldn’t be discouraged from thinking that everything I buy is from ebay. To a certain extent, I guess this would be partly true, but you can literally buy everything you could ever want on ebay, it’s needless to say I have lost a few hours of my time through endless scrolling. I digress, sometimes, I do actually like to go in to a shop and buy real things; it’s a completely different type of satisfaction from paying nothing for something over the interwebs, but after all I am a girl, and so  shopping in any of it’s forms always raises a smile! 

Here's what I have been buying

 New Look  Studded slip-on loafers £17.99 and statement necklaces £4 and £2

I have been looking for a pair of 'inbetween' black shoes since it officially changed season (despite the weather having a stubborn turn and reverting back to seasons past). It doesn't help that I find black shoes boring and/or safe. I have some black patent loafers, which are fine, some would even say nice, but I hate wearing them. They make me feel matronly, and standing at 5ft 10, it's not a feeling I am keen to retain. These slip-ons, despite resembling a house shoe, are spot on, and available here. My other purchases came in the form of statement necklaces for £4 and £2, throw-away money! My jewellery buying habits seem to go in cycles, I become obsessed and buy in abundance, leaving me with a 100 plus ring collection alone.

This Sunday sees me compete in the final of Miss Worcestershire 2012. The required 'Evening wear' filled me with dread, until I saw this beauty online and subsequently sold out. I imagined if I was attending anything more glam than the opening of a works event (a girl can but dream) this is what I would want to wear, simple but well cut, unusual colour, and subtle.

Topshop Clean T-shirt Maxi Dress £58 

Her name is Ginger, or rather the colour is. The dress fits beautifully, skimming rather than hugging, and feels and looks so much more expensive than the £58 price tag. I was lucky enough to find this hanging on the wall in Topshop during my shopping trip last week to the Bullring as part of the birthday bender, my heart actually did a flutter when I knew it was within reach. I was also fortunate enough to still have a £20 gift card burning a hole in my purse, which makes this dress even more loveable. 

Saving the best buy until last. The Blazer. And I do mean the blazer.

Oasis Colour Block Collar Jacket £60

Even before I put together this post I had been long lusting from afar for the perfect blazer. Lightweight and light in colour. That's when this came onto my radar. Neutral still, though slightly darker than I thought I wanted, but after re-evaluation, the likelihood of me being able to keep anything lighter clean for longer than 5 minutes seemed unlikely, I'd like to waiver the right to anonymity and blame make-up for the would be finger marks.

Here's how I wore it (all)

Oasis colour block collar blazer, New Look statement necklace, horse print head scarf and studded slip-ons, Warehouse green belt and Levi's cut offs

My exploits for the rest of the week centre around Sunday, so much so I can't even contemplate a little drinking and dancing this weekend at any point! I do have a jaunt to London next weekend planned so I will more than make up for it. I'll be sure to let you know how I do :)

Enjoy the rest of your week

KDx