Out with the old, so long 2012!

Before you can read me, you got to learn how to see me 
'Free your mind' En Vogue

In an effort to start a-fresh and return to the blogosphere with some sort of focus and regular timetabling of posts I thought I'd clear out all the posts that didn't make it, the outfits that didn't appear and the bits of usefulness that didn't seem post-worthy.

What you didn't see me wearing:

Cast your mind's back to when the weather was sunny and it felt like summer for all of 5 minutes...

New Look vest, charity shop belt, Miss Selfridge skirt and Topshop sandals via ebay, Matalan necklace

Topshop Maxi and sandals via ebay, Dorothy Perkins belt, Miss Selfridge, Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, H&M and New Look jewellery

Back in September I posted this on tackling the trends, with a focus on military, here is the outfit exactly as I had planned to style it:

YMCA charity shop knit, Levi's cut-offs, Mark and Spencer ankle boots via ebay and H&M necklace

I posted this about the amazing tea party my friends all threw for me on my news of my departure to London. the sophisticated antics of afternoon tea were followed swiftly by drinks and dancing, with this being my outfit of choice:

Topshop chain detail vest, River Island skirt, Office shoes all via ebay, River Island necklace and Matalan earrings

My love in with trousers continues:

Left: New Look vest and shoes, AA Disco Pants via ebay, charity shop belt, Topshop earrings
Right: AA bodysuit, Twentyeighttwelve by S.Miller jeans, Miss Selfridge Necklace and New Look earrings

A little bit of nail art:

Nail art using confetti (lots of topcoat needed to stop the corners catching on the stars! Needless to say it looked prettier than it was practical)

What I've been eating:

 My favourite sushi place at home, Woktastic

Tempura squid and the best 'peanut butter chocolate stack' ever. (Tastes just like a Snickers)

  

Baking in the new flat a slightly odd looking  (but damn tasty) Victoria sponge and a banana and walnut cake

Afternoon tea

   What I've been seeing:

Beautiful flowers from my flatmates rents for our new home

Anthropologie London

 Bizarre memo in Costa in London... actual 'LOL' moment

Although I have been living in London for a month, my foray into real London life starts tomorrow when I start my new job in Central London. I will officially feel like an adult.

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

Dressing like a big kid

No one should take themselves so seriously
With many years ahead to fall in line

'What's my age again?' Blink 182

Happy Halloween!

Sometimes you just have to embrace the spirit of the season and embrace the kid within:

H&M childrens jumper (Boys 12-14 years) Topshop shorts and Converse via ebay, Gok Wan for Specsaver glasses

Not sure what the real adults of the world made of my childish dressing, literally. My worry when wearing this jumper (sadly it doesn't come out more than a few times a year) is that I will actually bump into a child rocking this jumper as it should be worn, with about 10 years shaved off it's age.

My erratic blogging will all become very clear soon. In the meantime, what's Halloween without a bit of Thriller in all it's full-length glory... enjoy!

KD x

A weekend's worth of outfits... and then some

Now it's not quite clear
But I wonder what shenanigans brought me here

'Cash and Carry Me Home' Ghost Poet 

What have I been wearing? Clothes. Yes. But what exactly have I been wearing? I try and take a snap of my outfit whenever I can once the weekend comes around even if I don't post it on here, so here's a selection of what I've been saving or has been backing up my phone more importantly...

Dressed down for daytime:

Topshop dip back vest, Miss Selfridge body chain, Oasis leather jacket, Converse via ebay

Topman MTV jumper, Topshop flag shorts and Converse via ebay, H&M necklace

 

Oasis jeans and Zara shoes via ebay, Topshop tank, Oasis leather jacket, New Look headscarf

Friday night dinner with the girls:

Necklace, trousers and silk front chiffon back tee H&M, Dorothy Perkins yellow belt and Zara flats via ebay

(Too many) Drinks and dancing:

Playboy tee, Topshop shorts and shoe boots (just seen) via ebay, River Island belt, New Look earrings, H&M necklace, charity shop watch and various jewellery H&M, New Look, Topshop and Matalan

Topshop star body, charity shop belt, New Look patent heels, American Apparel disco pants via ebay, various rings, earrings, bracelets and anklets charity shop, H&M, New Look, Topshop, Matalan, Dorothy Perkins and Miss Selfridge

So I gave in to the lure of the disco pants. After being a trouser-phobe for so long things seemed to have gone full circle and I have now embraced even the trickiest of trouser trends. Bright coloured denim? Cropped, tailored and floral? Gold, shiny and skin-tight?  Yep, I'm ticking all those boxes. I guess I am now a fully fledged trouser wearer. So what's next? One thing I know is, I draw a definite line at leggings... that's a whole entire phobia in itself. People, please. They are not a substitute for real trousers. 

I'll stop before I go on a fashion rant!

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

Don't it feel so familiar

Sincere "Deja Vu" 

Last week I was lucky enough to receive a package through the post from Lashes of London after they ever so kindly selected me to be one of the lucky winners in their competition on Twitter. I simply followed them and waited patiently to see if I would be one of the hourly winners, and I was the 7th, which also happens to be my favourite number!

I had the pick of the items on their website, and was immediately drawn towards the Palms Belted Playsuit, the cut-out detailing and overall retro styling really grabbed me, and I wasn't disappointed when it arrived.

The playsuit is a really good quality, it's really soft to the touch despite it's 100% polyester label. I couldn't resist trying it on so I could get an idea of how I could style it.

I quickly slipped it on with some nude patent peep-toe heels from Dorothy Perkins. I think this could easily be dressed up or down, perfect as is if there was some nice weather to go with and a slick of bright lipstick, but would work well layered over a vest with a leather jacket and tights come winter. My only gripe is that at 5ft 10 the playsuit fits... just! I tend to forget how long I am in the body/leg department, but I definitely recommend everyone going over to their website to check out some of their pieces, there's 30% off some of it too! It would be rude not to!

KDx

I try to run but see I'm not that fast

Kid Cudi "Day 'n' Night'

A couple of outfit posts that contrast like night and day.
Last night drinks and dancing:

Topshop dress via ebay, Miss Selfridge earrings, various jewellery from H&M, Matalan, Disney and Topshop and New Look shoes

Today I went to a christening, my first, which is another sign that I am actually growing up. It feels a bit like a domino effect is taking place... 

Topshop dress and wedges via ebay, vintage leather satchel, various jewellery from H&M, New Look, Topshop and Matalan

My nails for the weekend:

Nails Inc 'Caramel', Nails Inc 'Lanesborough Place' (gold ring finger), Barry M 'Bright Red' tips, Rimmel London 'Beige Babe' leopard spots, and Sharpie marker to finish the leopard off

Hope you all had a lovely weekend. First weekend post Ibiza and I think I have finally come to accept that This Is England.

KDx

Every day is like a battle

Wookie "Battle" ft.Lain Grey

What to wear on a pub crawl? Think practical, think easy, and think about how many times you are going to have to go pee, all important logistics to consider when getting dressed I find. Knowing me, and I do by now, quite well, the uncontrollable urge to gambol (that's a forward roll for anyone outside of the Midlands) at any given opportunity is always high on the agenda. 

So here's what I went for:

Levi's cut offs and Converse via ebay, charity shop belt, New Look vest, Topshop bra, various jewellery bits Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins, Topshop and H&M

On my shopping list are a pair of low Converse All Stars, seeing as they are the comfiest shoes I own, and they slowly being incorporated into almost every outfit, I think they'll even make their way over to Ibiza with me when I go. (Just over 3 weeks now!) In the meantime I have resorted to folding down my high tops.

Undoubtedly the most impressive part of my outfit were my nails, inspired by Fruit Salad sweets, from left to right: Rimmel Lasting Finish 025 'Strawberry Fizz', YCC Nail Enamel 103, Barry M 309 'Strawberry Ice Cream', Collection 2000 232 'Pink Passion', No.7 250 'Me!Me!Me!', Rimmel Lasting Finish 060 'Hot & Spicy', Collection 2000 43 'Fruit Salad', Rimmel Lasting Finish 705 'Tangy Tangerine', Collection 2000 28 'Hip Hip', and No.7 241 'Cheeky Chops'.

Apologies for my blogging being a little sporadic this week but there's been some big changes at work along with 3 events. It's not the busyness necessarily that's been keeping me away from blogging, moreso the tiredness... Hopefully my routine will return and with it a mid-week post! Until then.

KDx

If you don't believe in something, then you'll fall for anything

Plan B "Lost my way"

A couple of months back now I competed in Miss Worcestershire for the chance to make it through to the England finals, to take a shot at taking the crown as Miss England 2012. In Miss Worcestershire I took the titles of Miss Eco for my Olympic themed Eco outfit, and Miss Charity Queen, for raising the most money for the official charity of Miss World, Beauty With a Purpose. Miss Worcestershire was made a patron for the Acorns Children Hospice; as she was busy competing in the Miss England finals that take place today and tomorrow, I was asked by the event organisers to attend to help with the day distributing medals and trophies to the runners. The weather forecast was bleak and I was advised to wear 'appropriate' clothing, which translates to clothing suitable for traipsing across a muddy field and something remotely waterproof in case there was a downpour. 

I always find it hard to dress when I am given a brief, for instance as soon as someone says lets get dressed up and go 'glam' I freeze up, I don't like to label outfits, I'm more of a 'dress how you feel' kinda girl, which means you tend to never be out of your comfort zone as you are always dressing for you. 

Barrets (ancient!) leather boots, New Look knee high socks, M&S tights (best black tights ever!) River Island skirt via ebay, H&M necklace and sleeveless shirt, Oasis leather jacket, Disney and H&M jewellery

To combat the given brief, I reassessed my thinking and attuned my thoughts to familiar territory to what would I wear if I was going to a beer festival, or a music event say in the current weather. This meant I was able to happily get dressed without hitch at 7am this morning. (Knowing I had at least an hours drive I didn't have the luxury of trying on outfits before I left; a normal weekend occurrence.) 

I had to do a close-up of the necklace I wore to do it the justice it deserves. I had spotted it on my lunch break in gold a couple of weeks back in H&M and left the shop empty handed. Low and behold the necklace has plagued my every thought since, so it came home with my in silver, a) I couldn't find the gold and b) I couldn't not have it at all, so it was silver or nothing. (Keep your eyes peeled for when the gold one makes an appearance on the blog. I need it.)

It turns out I was very practically dressed, which isn't a feeling I am overly familiar with. NB The earlier made comment about always dressing for you, there was no mention of appropriateness, but thats all part of the fun! 

The race is split into three separate races, with them all crossing the same finishing line, a 1km 'Chicken Run', a 5km run and the Half Marathon. All the runners self submit, so it's a great opportunity to really push yourself if you aren't sure of your ability. (St. John's Ambulance are on standby for anyone that pushed themselves too hard!) There were around 1200 runners in all, with about 700 of them opting to run the half marathon, this included dogs and their owners, children and babies in pushchairs-yes one yummy mummy ran the half marathon with her little girl in her pushchair. The fastest 5km run was 19minutes and the fastest half marathon runner managed it in 1 hour and 13 minutes, impressive times even to someone with as little knowledge of running as me.

My duties required me to smile, a lot, and hand out medals at the finish line to the very grateful runners. It was so nice to be involved in something completely different, even though I chose not to go forward for Miss England, the experience has really opened up a whole host of other activities happening that I can get involved in. Who knows, maybe next year I'll knock out a quick 5k when I go. (Highly unlikely, but it's not to get caught up in the moment sometimes!)

KDx

You say that everything sounds the same

The Streets "Let's push things forward"


Sometimes the simplest outfits are the best. Uncomplicated. Guaranteed to work. Functional. No brainers. 

New Look vest and patent peep toe shoes, Miss Selfridge bag, Topshop bra, Topshop Kristen jeans via ebay, River Island belt (just seen), jewellery various (Miss Selfridge, New Look, Topshop, Accessorize, charity shops and Dorothy Perkins)

This by no means should be confused with boring and/or nice. The addition of a couple of bright accessories in the same colour will pull the look together (note: this is not a case of bag and matching shoes-unless it's black it's a bit cringey and too try hard.) In this case I went for red; a hint of a lacey bra, lipstick and a big clutch, adding some pattern breaks the block colours up with my leopard print belt that can just be seen and heaps of interesting jewellery. Dressing up doesn't always have to mean a pretty dress and lots of flesh on display, sometimes you just need to think about the accessories and start with a good base.

KDx

Take me out to the crowd

Frank Sinatra "Take me out to the ball game" Ft. Gene Kelly

The varsity jacket has been one of those creeping trends. Alexander Wang showed them in his Spring/Summer collection in 2010 and it kind of missed the masses the first time it surfaced on the market around 2011. The stores stocked them, they subsequently went into the sale; a trend to be filed away under 'fail' perhaps. However, it would seem as though sometimes fashion can sometimes get it wrong and they quite simply missed the mark and got their timings awry. Fast forward a year or so and it seems to be that their popularity is gathering pace as a streetstyle trend, having spotted numerous ladies choosing to wear their varsity jackets as a casual throw over, or to add some edge to a more formal outfit. The sportswear trend has been evident in a number of the Spring/Summer 2012 collections amongst the likes of Rag & Bone, Isabel Marant (who of course is also responsible for everyone wanting to wear concealed wedge trainers. If you had have said that before I am sure I wouldn't have been the only person who had flashbacks of this awful trainer-heel hybrid catastrophe) and our very own Stella McCartney, which is no surprise seeing as she has designed the official Team GB Olympic kit; which I feel is another coincidental factor in the rise in popularity of the varsity jacket, you cannot escape the pull of the Olympics!

Photos via Telegraph online and Vanessa Jackman

From models looking casual after shows, to bloggers visiting shows and Liv Tyler quite simply looking hot, the varisty jacket works on all occasions. Less formal than a blazer, but moreso than a hoody, the varsity jacket offers a spring jacket alternative to the leather jackets of winter and the plethora of denim jackets this time of year.

Topshop varsity jacket, Levi's vintage skirt, Converse all via ebay, H&M vest and Topshop belt

Jacket as before, Levi's cut off shorts (jeans brought from ebay) Urban Outfitters t-shirt and New Look studded loafers

Here are my varsity jacket outfits two-ways. Both pretty dressed down outfits, so I would like to experiment with a more dressed up look, maybe a pencil skirt and pointed court, or my H&M floral trousers as seen here. Those of you that haven't got to grips with the joys of ebay, you must! This cost me 99p with £4 postage. If that can't convert you then I can't think of many more persuasive sells!

KDx