You'll find a way to make your natural tendencies pay...

No, your eyes aren't deceiving you; this is in fact an outfit post. Yep. Really!

I'm just as shocked as you are! 

I had an early appointment at the House of Torture- (read: Dentist)- this morning, so I was actually awake during daylight hours for a change, and out of the pyjamas for the first time in a week.  My appointment came at the end of a trying week, but after ignoring my dental discomfort for a few months because my disc injuries make travelling, sitting, and lying on my back unbearable, I just had to give in and grin and bare that necessary root canal. I got through it, but man alive, root canals are nasty! I hope I never have to go through one of those again. 

So how does one dress for such an occasion?

Like it's Summer outside, instead of the three degrees it actually was! 

Some would call me insane for wearing a cropped cardigan over a dress at this time of year, but I didn't want to over heat in the chair. I really didn't feel that cold either.

[Please excuse my face in these photos. My mouth and cheek were still numb from the anaesthetic.]

 So, I think I've shared all parts of this outfit in previous OOTD's but not together. It's been a while since I last wore this beautiful brown bird print dress, but it's one of my favourites. I bought this one back in the Spring from Dorothy Perkins, after falling in love with the black version I bought before it. I love the shape of it. The skirt is perfectly flared and great for swishing around; the fabric has a good weight to it, and the bird print is adorable. It's so comfortable, so was perfect for today's ordeal. I wore it with purple leggings, and an off white shrug, studded slippers, a quilted heart shaped bag, a polka dot snood, a patent black belt, a couple of beaded bracelets, and a heart shaped ring.

The birds have little blue feet!

The two bracelets were given to me last Christmas by my best friend. I've worn them so much this year, so she chose really well.

Last night I decided to try something new with my nails. I'll go in to that in a separate post, though.

The heart shaped ring was part of a set I bought from ASOS earlier this year.

I have a soft spot for quilted bags with chain straps, and just had to have this beautiful heart shaped Topshop one when I spotted it in their Oxford Street store a couple of years ago. It's cute without being too girlie.

My lovely new New Look wide fit slippers got a debut today. These slippers are so comfortable. They're also really generously sized in width and length. I have really wide feet and there's still room  for my feet to breathe, and  I'd recommend sizing down as they come up huge.

And I went with the polka dot Topshop snood today. I love this aubergine colour with the brown of the dress. I think it, along with the clashing pattern, adds a bit of fun to a traditionally boring colour, and brightens the earthy tones up, too. I really like wearing brown with a bit of colour instead of just sticking to neutrals or black. Purple and dusky pinks compliment most brown shades really well.

Outfit Details
Dress: Dorothy Perkins
Cardigan: Lovedrobe at New Look
Leggings: Evans
Ring: ASOS
Bag: Topshop
Snood: Topshop
Belt: Dorothy Perkins
Bracelets: A gift from my best friend

Sorry for the quality of the outfit photos. The camera obviously doesn't like me...

I also hope you don't mind seeing remixed outfits from me on this blog. I want to show that there's nothing wrong with wearing pieces in our wardrobes over and over again. I was always quite the frivolous spender, but I've always shopped with the intention of getting my money's worth, too. I rarely buy clothes that I intend to wear just once. If I buy a piece of clothing I love, I will wear it regularly, otherwise it just seems like a waste of money,  and time and effort pursuing that 'must have' dress or top. I've definitely changed how I shop over this last year; I'm much less frivolous then I used to be, and I'm loving building up a wardrobe full of clothes I actually wear.

Do you wear clothes in your wardrobes again and again, or do you only wear your outfits once or twice?

I promise I won't leave it so long until the next outfit post!

Christmas Gift Ideas: Nightwear

Following on from Monday's gift guide on slippers, today I'm featuring nightwear. 

Whether you open your presents in your pyjamas on Christmas morning, or you stay in them all day Boxing Day nursing a Christmas hangover, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without some warm cosy PJs. They can make great gifts, providing you know the size and tastes of the intended recipient, and of course, treating yourself to a pair of cosy new jim jams in the process never hurt anyone!

I searched across the Internet, hoping to do a post on a variety of brands, but it was slim pickings. The pieces were either not to my taste, or not in my size. Cartoon characters and tacky motifs are generally not to my taste, but they seem to dominate most ranges.

 However, there is one brand that never lets me down, and that's Dorothy Perkins! They've been my go-to brand for sleepwear for years, as every Autumn/Winter they stock lovely good quality nightwear in tasteful styles, which are also affordable, and accommodating to plus sizes up to a size 22. I love the prints and patterns on the clothes; they're pretty and fun without being trashy, perhaps a little more grown up than most on the high street. I rarely use any other brand for PJs these days.

I've not been sponsored to do this post at all; I'm just genuinely passionate about their nightwear!

1. Dorothy Perkins cream cat printed robe £28.00
2. Dorothy Perkins wine bunny print robe £28.00

3. Dorothy Perkins navy heart print hooded robe £28.00

4. Dorothy Perkins grey pinspot robe £28.00

5. Dorothy Perkins fig feather printed robe £28.00

First of all, I can confirm Dorothy Perkins dressing gowns are as soft and cosy as they look; I own two from previous seasons, and snuggle in to them on frosty evenings. I'd prescribe one of these for a Winter cold! I adore the bunny print robe most, which I hope to own, and predictably, my next choice would be the polka dot design. Rachel, when I saw the cat print robe I thought of you!

6. Dorothy Perkins heather reindeer set £20.00
7. Dorothy Perkins cream spot stag pyjamas £20.00

8. Dorothy Perkins navy vest and check pant set £20.00
9. Dorothy Perkins mink feather pyjama set £20.00

10. Dorothy Perkins navy vest and star pant set £20.00

I can never get enough of the pyjama bottoms. After a few wears as a set, I tend to end up wearing the bottoms with an old t-shirt. I'm not sure why I do that, but I'm set in my ways. The trousers last for years, and I literally wear them until they fall apart. My favourites are 6,8, and 10; reindeer, tartan, and stars. 

11. Dorothy Perkins navy check pant £12.00

12. Dorothy Perkins blue bushed check pant £12.00

13. Dorothy Perkins grey swallow jersey pant £12.00

Dotty P's also sell separates so you can mix and match, which is great if you're different sizes on top and bottom. These are a bargain at just £12 each. I'd love to find any of these under the tree this Christmas.

14. Dorothy Perkins navy spot shorts set £18.00
15. Dorothy Perkins snails pace set £18.00
16. Dorothy Perkins blue printed cami and shorts £18.00

If full length PJs aren't your thing, there is a good selection of shorts and vest sets to choose from. I personally find this time of year too chilly for them and would save these 'til Spring, but if you have someone to snuggle up to, or just live in a warm climate, these might be perfect for you!

17. Dorothy Perkins navy check boyfriend shirt £20.00
18. Dorothy Perkins blue check shirt £20.00

19. Dorothy Perkins oatmeal bunny sleep tee £15.00
20. Dorothy Perkins spot penguin sleep tee £15.00

Sleep shirts remind me of the nineties. I seem to remember having a couple of checked bed shirts when I was growing up and they were so comfortable. I'm in love with the two chequered shirts. I actually purchased the bunny sleep tee, as the bunny with the wonky ears reminded me of my old bunny Tigerlily. It's really comfortable and is still a little over sized on my figure! I'd quite like to get the penguin tee now, too!

Which ones are your favourites?

Do you shop at Dorothy Perkins for sleepwear, or do you have another go-to brand?

I used to find some great PJs in Primark, although I can't get to one right now, and Matalan seem to have a nice selection of affordable pieces up to a size 22.

Oh, and I couldn't go without sharing these two...

Topshop Moomins PJ Set £26.00
Topshop Labyrinth Top and Short PJ Set £18.00

These two Topshop PJ sets are amazing! When I little, one of my favourite cartoons was The Moomins, and one of my favourite films was Labyrinth! I was a little obsessed with both if truth be told. They both still have a place in my heart now, so I found myself gazing at these with adoration. It's hit or miss whether they'd actually fit me since they're from Topshop; I'd have to try them on to find out, but I couldn't deny you slimmer ladies the opportunity to see these!

 This is one of those times when I really do wish Topshop would extend their sizes...

But I doubt that's ever going to happen...

Come on Topshop, sort it out!

A Blast From The Past

Back in the nineties every tween/teen girl I knew used Boots' Natural Collection toiletries religiously. I bet if you grew up in Britain in the nineties that you did, too. 

I was no exception. I used their body sprays and shower gels, body creams and bath confetti. You name it, I used it. I loved using all of their scents, but my favourite was definitely the Oceanus range. The products were green and white, and I was convinced they did in fact smell like the ocean. They probably didn't.

Last time I went in to my small local Boots, I searched to see if they still stocked any of the products I remembered because I wanted to add some nostalgia to my older Sister's Christmas beauty box. There wasn't a trace of them in store. The ideas soon slipped my mind, but last night, both bored and curious, I hopped over to Boots online for a browse. And what did I find? 

That they do still make Natural Collection toiletries!

I think I actually let out a squeal of excitement when I saw them!

They still do a full range of the strawberry products, but the other scents weren't around back in the day. They do however have a scent called Sapphire and Sea Minerals, and I'm curious to whether this might be Oceanus renamed. I shall have to try something sooner or later and find out. 

The product I was most excited to see was the Wild Strawberry Body Cream; I just can't believe they still make them. I had so much love for those little tubs when I was in my early teens, and I remember my Sister using them, too. I wanted to buy one for her but it was out of stock, but I did end up buying a few of the other strawberry products to give her for Christmas as they were her favourites. (I did technically have her Christmas box finished, so I'll have to redistribute a few things). FYI: there's a 3 for 2 offer running on these items right now.

Did you use Natural Collection in the nineties?

What beauty products remind you of growing up?

Christmas Gift Ideas: Slippers

Slippers are one of those gifts that most of us find under the Christmas tree at one time or another. I personally can't recall a single Christmas without one member of my family receiving a new pair.

They may seem like a boring gift, but with so many gorgeous cosy slippers to choose from nowadays, they don't have to be. In fact, a new pair of slippers are often welcomed as they bring some much needed TLC to those tired feet after a hectic month of Christmas parties and chaotic shopping trips.

Here are some of my best picks from the British high street. All of these shoes are purse friendly at £20 or less.


Boot Slippers

1. Accessorize cosy ribbed fairisle boots £20.00

2. Accessorize Autumn fairisle and button slipper boot £20.00

3. Joules fleece slippers in purple £19.95

4. Joules fleece slippers in navy £19.95

5. Matalan knitted stripe slipper boots £10.00

6. Dorothy Perkins wine fairisle fur boot £15.00

Boot style slippers are my favourites to wear. They're so warm, cosy, and comfortable, and they never slip off my feet.

I own a pair of Accessorize's and Joules' slipper boots from previous seasons, and I find both brands to be comfortable and accommodating to my curvy legs. In fact, the Joules boots have enough stretch to fit legs larger than mine, too. These slippers make great Christmas presents, especially for teenagers and twenty-somethings. We stocked the Joules ones at work and they always sold like hot cakes. Joules also sell similar slipper boots for children, too.

Mules, Booties, and Pumps

7. Topshop Ermine French Slippers £14.00

8. Dorothy Perkins navy star ballet slipper £8.00

9. New Look navy fairisle knitted fur trim slippers £12.99

10. New Look grey fairisle knitted fur trim slippers £12.99

11. Matalan fairisle mule £5.00

12. Accessorize Autumn fairisle mule £16.00

Slipper boots aren't to everybody's taste, so of course there are plenty of other styles to choose from such as mules, ankle boots, and ballet slippers.

I bought the Accessorize mules (#12) to give to my Mum this Christmas, although I would have loved a pair myself. I'm also quite taken with slippers number 9- they look so comfortable and the pattern is amazing. The French Ermine slippers are so chic, and they also come in several other colours with different French words emblazoned over the toes.

Whether you're buying slippers for a friend or relative, or just treating yourself, all twelve pairs would be perfect for curling up on Christmas evening  with a festive film, some nibbles, and a glass or two of something bubbly.

Which pair is your favourite?

Do you buy slippers for Christmas gifts?

And would you be disappointed to receive a pair this Christmas?

Sunday Favourites #12

This week's post of inspiration is jam packed with images and quotes I just had to show you, so I'll jump straight in to it and quit all the rambling!

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I love everything about this dress... well, you know me and polka dots... Her tattoos and hair-do are amazing, too.

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This lady's style is flawless. The tattoos, the dress, the hair, the hair scarf, the glasses, the make up... <3

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So much love for that beautiful skirt!

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And I think I like this one even more! So many layers! I'm feeling this smokey blue-grey colour a lot right now.

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The polka dots and pearl combination are pretty damn fabulous!

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Her hair colour is gorgeous!

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And I've fallen in love with these sea green tresses. I'd love to have hair like this.

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This plait is amazing, although I would never manage to recreate it myself. It looks complicated.

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Dream hair /\

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I want need this dinosaur necklace! It's phenomenal.

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So much love for this image.

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Anchors.

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Fairisle nails. May have to give these a go this Christmas.

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I want something similar to this along my collar bone area when I get my freedom back.

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This swan tattoo is a piece of art. It's stunning.

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This burrowing owl tattoos is pure art, too!

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I know, outrageous of me, right?! <3

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I love this idea. Maybe I'll give it a go.

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Accurate.

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Never give up, no matter what happens.

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We all need to feel like we're not alone in life.

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It's good to know I'm not the only person that this happens to! When I had really long brown hair this used to happen all the time! I'd jump our of my skin and give myself a mini heart attack.

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Pretty Christmas decorations.

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I love the relaxed vibe this image gives me. It looks so welcoming and elegant, and the blinds are lovely.

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I love the mix of colours here, and the bird cages on the walls are a great touch.

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Again, I'm attracted to these wintery colours as they're some of my favourites. The bed looks so comfy, and the two tone decor to the walls is gorgeous.

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I couldn't say how safe it is to turn an old computer in to a fish tank... or if the fish tank is indeed just surrounded by the screen, but it does look quite funky.

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Unlikely friends...

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The fox and the hound cat. These two critters have been regularly spotted playing together for over a year. How cute is that? Click on the source link to see more photos of them together.

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And finally... the big bunny! This is the world's biggest bunny; a continental giant called Darius that weighs three and a half stone (that's 49lbs) and is 4 foot and 4 inches long! What a beauty! Can I adopt this rabbit please?