What I Wore | Tartan Revival

No, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you; this is actually an outfit post! Yes, really! I don't know what happened either.

It's been far too long since I last blogged an outfit here on the blog. Aside from a couple of mirror shots, the last one I shared was back in March last year, which is crazy.

I used to share my outfits regularly until my health began to deteriorate a couple of years ago, but as the pain grew worse and became harder and harder to bear, the posts became less and less frequent until they fizzled out altogether.

For the record, I really hate using my health as an excuse, but the honest truth is it affects almost every part of my daily life, no matter how hard I try to fight against it or keep on powering through. The pain has become so intense that I've lost the strength to do normal stuff like shower, get dressed, put on make up, do my hair, and get outside to pose for a hundred plus photos to get one half-decent shot to blog, all in one go. I don't often have the strength or the pain tolerance for any of it, so if I've managed to shower, dry and brush my hair on the same day, it's been a good day.

I've basically spent most of the last couple of years living in my pyjamas, trying to stay as comfortable as possible, only really dressing in proper clothes when I've ventured out of the house, which hasn't been often. Combine that with the fact I've not had a lot of money to spend on clothes, I've just not had many outfits worth blogging about, so you really haven't missed out on much.

It does make me sad that my style has taken a back seat here because I always enjoyed sharing my outfits with you guys, and it was what I created Polka Spots and Freckle Dots for in the first place. Don't get me wrong; I love blogging about all of the other topics I do, but I miss talking about the outfits I wear. I want to get back to it. and I'm going to do my best to make it happen.

My aim for 2016 is to get out of my PJs more and in to proper clothes, make it outside regularly to soak up some vitamin D, and to share more outfits like I did in the olden days, and as you can see, I've made some progress already by combining all three!

I've actually taken outfit photos four times during the last couple of weeks, although I'm not sure if all four are blog-able yet. This one just about passes the test. It was grey, dreary, drizzly, and a little windy when I shot these photos, and the garden was a mess, so they're far from perfect. I also look a bit spaced-out because I was still feeling a little flu-ish when I took the photos, but the main thing is it's an outfit to share, which is one more than yesterday.

So, in these photos I'm wearing the tartan Audrey swing dress from Lindy Bop, which I bought over a year ago, but had never worn before. I'm not even sure why that is- looking at these photos, I really like the way it looks on me- and I don't often say that about what I wear! I felt great in it, too.

It's a beautiful dress with the most gorgeous tartan fabric, which is made up of yellow and white stripes and little green squares on a background of burgundy. The fabric is medium-weight cotton, and a little lighter than some of the other Audrey dresses I own- which is a good thing because I find the heavier ones too warm to wear unless it's freezing cold outside. (Though I am on fire pretty much 24/7). The tartan dress is still thick enough to keep you warm in the Winter, but I find it much more comfortable to wear and move around in. The skirt is lined, the fabric has a little stretch, and I'd say it's pretty true to size.



It's a little big on top on me, but that's a common problem since I'm only a c-cup, and it's nothing a cardigan or a jacket can't easily disguise. I'm not comfortable baring my upper arms in public anyway, so wearing one over it isn't a problem. I can deal with a little extra room around the girls. I love Lindy Bop's Audrey dresses too much to let that stop me! It's my favourite out of all of the dresses they make. I currently own five in different patterns and colours, but I'd own hundreds if I had more money to spend on clothes! (One day!) I love 'em! I just can't resist a good boat-neckline swing dress. Especially when they're fantastic quality and so affordable like Lindy Bop's are!

I decided not to go down the rockabilly route when I put this outfit together, and instead dressed it down with black pieces for a casual, every-day look. It's a simple outfit and only took me a minute to throw together, but I like the way it turned out, and I felt really confident in it.

What I Wore

Dress- Lindy Bop // Cardigan- New Look // Tights- Evans // Shoes- Fashion World* // Belt- Dorothy Perkins // Necklace- Maggie Angus // Black beaded bracelets- Dorothy Perkins // Silver and black bracelets- gifts from the bestie

I'll hopefully be back with another outfit post really soon!

How would you have styled this dress?

Love Hearts

Back at the beginning of July, I acquired a few new dresses for my birthday through gifts and birthday money. The dress in today's outfit post was one of the frocks I chose with the money my Grandad had kindly sent me. I've been meaning to feature it in an outfit post ever since, but until Monday, I had yet to wear it due to the heat and the fact I've spent most of the summer in my pyjamas. 

I've been trying my best to dress and get back in to outfit posts over the last few days, and today I have a heart print pinafore dress to introduce to you...

This dress is by Dorothy Perkins, and is the same style as the black bow print pinafore dress I featured here a couple of weeks ago. I coveted this dress for some time online because of the funky heart print design. (You all know how much I love my prints!) Until I purchased it, I didn't have any heart print clothes in my collection, so I knew I needed this dress to fill that gap.

I wasn't disappointed when it finally made it's way in to my hands. It's a beautiful casual dress, made from thick, heavy cotton with a red heart print on a navy background. I was actually surprised to feel such great quality fabric in my hands for an inexpensive dress. It feels as good as some of the luxury organic cotton children's clothes I used to deal with every day at work, clothes that cost a small fortune for such little material. This dress is comfortable to wear. It has a fitted waist, so it defines the waist, but it has stretch to it so it's not too restrictive. It also has thick shoulder straps, and a square neckline, which I personally love. I think it gives a lovely shape. And the best part? It has pockets on the hips, which I just love to bury my hands in! If only more dresses had pockets!

It retails for £18.00, which is really inexpensive, but I purchased it for less with a discount code or two. (DPBDAY gets you 15% off Dorothy Perkins dresses all year round). It was a fantastic bargain, and such a great buy. Unfortunately it's almost sold out online now, but it's worth checking in store to see if you can still find one in your size.

I wore the dress with dark purple tights from Evans, a navy cropped cardigan from New Look, and the jewellery shown above. The acrylic bear is by Maggie Angus, and I picked him up last summer. I love their quirky jewellery. I was wearing a mixture of pearl and beaded bracelets stacked on my wrists from Dorothy Perkins, Matalan, a giveaway win, and gifts from my best friend.

I struggled in vain to take a decent photograph of the pattern, but I'm sure you get the general idea. The navy is much darker, and the red is much deeper; the stereotypical love-heart red.

Outfit Details

// Dress- Dorothy Perkins // Cardigan- New Look // Tights-Evans // Necklace- Maggie Angus // 

// Pearl Bracelets Duo- Matalan // Pearl Bracelet with Charm- Giveaway Win // 

// Black and Silver Bracelets- Gifts From My Best Friend // 

// Black Beaded Bracelets- Dorothy Perkins //

So, all in all, I'm loving my new frock. It's a lovely quirky piece, and it'll be perfect for more casual occasions, such as hospital and Doctor's appointments, and just nipping down to the supermarket. It was a great little purchase, and a fab addition to my wardrobe.

Making Christmas Shopping Cheaper with Discounts and Deals

I was catching up on emails last night, and found my inboxes flooded with shop newsletters that were promoting discounts and/or offers of free delivery. I find it hard to resist an offer of money off my purchases; why settle for full price next week when there's great bargains to be had now? With a month to go til Christmas I figured most of us are committed to Christmas shopping now, so I've put together a little post on some great deals to make Christmas shopping a little easier for you.

River Island

Firstly, River Island have free standard delivery until midnight tonight. I took advantage of this rare offer, and snapped up this beautiful hair scarf for myself. I've been wanting to purchase some new hair scarves for a while now, and for £6 I couldn't say no to this floral beauty. There's a camouflage version I have my eye on, too gave in and bought as well. River Island rarely have free delivery, so take advantage of it while you can!

Accessorize

Accessorize have 20 percent off full priced items and free delivery until Sunday the 25th. Just use the code Treat20 at the checkout.

 I managed to order these gorgeous fair isle slippers for £12.80, instead of £16.00 + delivery charge, for my Mum for Christmas. I've been planning to buy these for her for a while, so I'm glad I held off. The great thing about Accessorize slippers is that they go up to a size 8/42. My Mum finds it hard to find nice slippers that fit her size eights, so hopefully these will go down a treat. If not, well, I'll be happy to take them off her hands. Shame my feet are smaller than hers, because I really want them for myself!

The Body Shop

You'll get 35% off full priced items + free delivery with The Body Shop until Monday 26th by entering 'SECRET' at the check out. It's a great time to stock up on goodies for gift boxes, like I showed you guys on Monday, or to snap up some lovely gift sets for your loved ones.

I'm debating about getting this Cranberry gift set to complete my Mum's Christmas presents. It'll cost £9.75 instead of £15.00 + delivery! Thoughts?

And Many Others...

Ciate

If you sign up to Ciate you'll get 10% off your first order. The code  I was sent is CTRG10. I'm desperate to order their Mini Mani Month advent calendar, but I just haven't got the money to splurge on myself right now, but this code will make it cheaper for anyone who's planning on buying one.

Dorothy Perkins

Dorothy Perkins have a flash sale on which end on Sunday 25th. DPBDAY should still get you 15% off dresses all year round.

Evans

Evans currently have up to 30% off knitwear and up to 30% off selected boots.

F&F at Tesco

You can get £10 off when you spend £50 with F&F at Tesco with the code CYBERDEAL until Midnight Monday. They also have an up to 50% off sale on.

H&M

H&M have up to 50% off selected knitwear.


Maggie Angus

Maggie Angus have 20% off everything today for Black Friday. If I had the money I would so be taking advantage of this offer and buying it all because I love their quirky jewellery. This brand is perfect for friends who love something a little bit different and kitsch.

New Look

You can get up to £10 off selected party wear with New Look, although I don't think this applies to anything from the Inspire range. There is also up to 25% off selected shoes and boots. Why not get a new pair of shoes (or six) to see you through all those Christmas parties?

Pin Up Girl Clothing

Pin Up Girl Clothing are offering you  35% off almost everything today only with the code CC35_BF12. It's the perfect excuse to treat yourself to one of their amazing retro inspired dresses.

Topshop

Topshop have free delivery (worldwide) until Monday the 26th. Again, Topshop don't often offer free delivery, or really many discounts at all, so this is the time to make your Topshop purchases.

I'm sure there are many more discounts and offers to be had out there, but these are the ones which made it through to my inboxes.

With so many great offers being promoted by all the big name shops and brands, it's the perfect time to get stuck in your Christmas shopping. You'll be able to give more for less, or you'll be able to save a few pounds
. Without sounding like a tesco ad, we all know every penny counts during this recession we keep drifting in and out of. Of course, you could use what you save towards a new outfit for the Christmas party! Take advantage of these great deals while you can!

Happy Shopping!

Do you try to take advantage of discount codes and sales when shopping?

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

Rain clouds come to play again...

Evening guys,

I'm back!

Some of you may have noticed the lack of outfit posts from me over the last ten days or so, and for that I apologise. I've been struggling with some of the worst back pain I've had all year, and my teeth have been joining in, too. (Little violins are serenading me as I type...) So, I've been curled up all week in my PJs looking like a miserable scruff in no shape for posing. Thankfully I had some Wish Lists and Challenge posts lined up in my drafts to fill the void, but I've really wanted to share my new skirt with you all.

I bought the skirt last week in the sale with belated birthday money from my Sister. I did order the Hummingbird print dress I'd been admiring for ages, too, but I sent it straight back as it looked awful on me and the collar felt cheap and nasty. The skirt, however, is a dream...

 Vintage episodes of Home and Away on my very old TV!

The hummingbird print skirt had been on my wish list for quite some time, so it didn't take long for me to buy it when I saw it in the Dorothy Perkins sale last week. I've been making it my mission to hunt down perfect skirts and this is definitely one of them. It's super soft, lined, falls to a good length on me- just below my knees, and has a stretchy waist band. I could have sized down as it's generously cut, but luckily the waist band behaves itself. I also love the way it moulds to my shape without clinging. The fabric and print is beautiful- I wish I'd bought the polka dot version as well now.

I didn't realise until after uploading these photos that my skirt was sitting a bit low...

I never really know what to pair with skirts. I have no trouble teaming tops with jeans or trousers, but for some reason dressing skirts is a little harder for me. Probably as my top collection is currently very sparse. I decided to team it with this polka dot top which has a cute crochet collar. It's actually a bubble hem top, which I've had for a few years. I haven't worn it much as it's a little big on me- especially on top, but I still think it's cute.

Polka Spots and Freckle Dots... and cute collar details.

I wore the skirt and top with His Royal Highness, The Frog Prince. Isn't he beautiful? I think everyone needs a purple rhinestone Frog Prince in their lives!

And I also wore my Maggie Angus howling wolf necklace. May I point out that that's not a scratch on his nose, just a stray strand of acrylic from the edging. He's mirrored so what you can see is my ceiling fan.

The skirt has beautiful hummingbird couples all over the fabric.

Skirt: Dorothy Perkins

Top: New Look

Ring: ASOS

Necklace: Maggie Angus

Nail Polish: Barry M Racing Green

This is how I wore it on the weekend, with a navy lace vest (which has a scalloped hem), and a black cropped cardigan. I think I like it better this way.

I've done very little spending this past week. I had to choose between buying the forest green H&M shirt, or some Lush make up. And the Lush make up won. Brightly coloured make up is one of my favourite vices, especially coming from a company that used to have the best make up Sister company in the land. I spent more than half of my remaining bank balance on three eye shadows and a toner tab, which came today, but more on that in my next post...

I'm also working on airbrushing my blog at the moment. I've lots of little ideas and plans in my head to make this blog a little more personal and pretty. The layout and fonts will be staying the same now, but I'll probably add more images and tabs to the gadget bar. If there's anything you'd like to see more of on my blog, leave me a message and let me know!

Night guys,

You could 'cause you can so you do...

With Autumn fast approaching, I'm suddenly conscious of giving all my lovely summer clothes lots of TLC before the weather and the colour palettes change. It makes me sad to think of all the gorgeous dresses that will have to remain untouched until Winter is through. I don't particularly want to stop wearing any of them, but deep down I know that the summer brights will just look out of place around all the teals, purples, wines, browns, and neutrals.

I do intend to wear as many of them as I can through Autumn and Winter by layering, though (being quite warm-blooded, my style only takes a few adjustments to be winter friendly); but in the meantime, I plan to give my existing dresses some love, and reacquaint myself with all the beauties I've bought over the last year or two. I intend to buy mainly A/W suitable pieces from now on. (We'll see how long that lasts! Ha ha!).

I'm thankful to have such a plentiful supply of dresses, and chose to wear another of my favourites today.

You've seen me in this navy and ivory flamingo dress before, but I don't think I've done a post with my face still in shot. Hello! Apologies for the awful shots; they were the best out of the bunch taken. I still haven't discovered what the issue is with my camera timer giving grainy results.

I bought the dress a couple of months back, and it's a dress I'm intending to make work all year round because I adore the print and the shape. This style of dress has to be my favourite; it's fitted on the waist and then flares in to this amazing full, A line skirt, which would probably fit several layered petticoats underneath with room to spare! The cardigan hides the fact it's a little big on top. Well, can't have everything, I guess!

The fabric is a warmer ivory than it appears in these photos, and has such a fabulous navy flamingo pattern all over. You know how much I love flamingo prints- if I could have this pattern on everything, I would!

I accessorized with a navy belt to break up the print. I buy most of my belts from Dorothy Perkins as they usually have a good selection of colours and patterns. They're inexpensive, but generally hard-wearing.



I stuck to a simple navy colour scheme today matching the cardigan, belt, and necklace to the flamingos.



I know the necklace is a bit much with the pattern, but I felt like wearing it, so I did! The squirrel is by Maggie Angus via ASOS, and arrived yesterday. Isn't he cute?!



The squirrel is my third Maggie Angus necklace (in about as many weeks). It might actually be my favourite out of the three, but I can't quite decide! I love the star detail; it's such a nice touch.

Dress: Dorothy Perkins

Cardigan: New Look

Tights: Evans

Necklace: Maggie Angus via ASOS

Belt: Dorothy Perkins

I ended up taking the 100 denier tights off as the sun made a surprise comeback in the afternoon. I was beginning to forget what summer warmth felt like!

The last time I checked the dress was still in the Dorothy Perkins sale, and it's worth picking up in both colours if you come across them!

Do you get end of season clothing regret?

"Pushed as far as I can go"

Hey guys,

I intended to put this post together yesterday, but an appointment with my physiotherapist left me mentally and physically drained.

It wasn't a positive experience, and I left feeling judged, patronised, and frustrated, wishing somebody professional could know exactly what I'm going through. It's easy for Doctors and specialists to think they know best, and to tell someone to work through the pain and send them on their merry way, but they only see what's on the surface. I might look fine on the surface some of the time, but they can't feel the pain I struggle with every day and how difficult it is to work through it. And I think if the roles were reversed, they wouldn't be so quick to judge.

 It took eight long months to get any form of help or guidance, yet I've been made to feel like my situation, my limitations, are my own fault (in the two months/three sessions I've had with the physio). The NHS needs to spend less time judging, and more time understanding how long waiting lists can affect a patient's health. I understand it, I've been patient and positive through every hurdle, I've gone on as best I could. I just don't enjoy being lectured for my limitations that four GPs brushed under the rug for eight months. 

I agreed to be referred for six sessions of hydrotherapy, partly to prove I'm not being difficult. I guess we'll see if that brings any relief or improvement.  I feel better for getting that all off my chest, and I'm grateful for your patience with me. Sorry for ranting!

Now, on to yesterday's OOTD...

I wore this to physiotherapy yesterday, and managed to take photos on my return before I crawled back in to bed.

Outfits for physio need to be comfortable and modest, (nobody wants an eyeful when I'm stretching my legs in the air- for physio exercises, I'm sure you'll understand). Most of my clothes are a bit too dressy for hospital visits, but I came up with this little outfit. The denim dress is very comfortable. I bought it last summer and wore it endlessly for the rest of the year. It has ruched detail to the waist, ties at the back, and has mother-of-pearl buttons to the chest, which I love. It's a little large on the bust on me, but you can't really tell so it doesn't bother me.

I added leggings for comfort and modesty and the crochet cardigan to cover up the arms. I dressed it with my blue ballet flats; pansy cross body bag (because it's new, and I wanted to use it); my Maggie Angus bear necklace; a black flower ring, and a pearl bracelet. It's a bit of a mash up, but I don't really care.

The little things...

I love the mixture of textures here.

The bracelet has a mother-of-pearl sheen to it's 'petals'.

Does anyone love mother-of-pearl buttons as much as I do?

I'm back to short nails again (sob!). I caught four nails at the quick recently, so I had to cut them all down for my hospital visit. I tried to make them look pretty with a few coats of polish. I'm currently in love with this Barry M Racing Green shade which is a dark blackish-green.

The ring is new and arrived on Monday. It's part of a set of four that I bought in the sale from ASOS.

And, this is the bag I chose to use. It's a lovely casual day bag. A good in-betweeny size, not too big or too small, and also quite light-weight.

Dress: Dorothy Perkins

Cardigan: Lovedrobe @ New Look

Leggings: New Look

Ballet pumps: New Look

Ring: ASOS

Necklace: Maggie Angus

Bracelet: Dorothy Perkins

Bag: Accessorize

Nail Polish: Barry M Racing Green

Well, that was the outfit. I also have a few other things to share with you...

These rings were sold together in a set. Each ring is adjustable, so can fit my fingers- yay! I bought them in the ASOS sale last week for just £6.00 down from £12.00! Talk about a bargain. They're still available and can be bought here. I can't decide which one is my favourite.

My freckles and skin aren't really this dark! I used a filter here to make the rings stand out better, and in doing so I've given myself odd looking skin.

I popped in to the supermarket while I was out and bought some magazines to cheer myself up again. I got Grazia, Look, Marie Claire, and Glamour.

Glamour comes with a free balance Me. daily essentials product.  Mine came with a 20ml  balancing face moisturiser for normal to combination skin. After discovering a 50ml tube of the product retails at £24.00 online, this seems like a generous sample! According to the packaging, it's 99% natural, suitable for sensitive skin, and made in the UK. I've yet to try it. You can buy and find out more about it here.

This month's Marie Claire comes with a free full sized Avon Mascara. I picked up the SuperCurlacious Mascara (black) which retails online for £8.50 and is currently on offer for £5.00 here. Marie Claire complete with a free mascara will cost you just £3.70. I know which option I would pick!

I used to love buying make up from the Avon book in my teens, but I'll admit I haven't used any of their products in my twenties. I'm interested to see if the product lives up to Avon's claims! This is how the mascara is described on the website: "Fast-drying, lightweight mascara gives lashes a full, seductive curve for up to 12 hours without stiffness, smudging, flaking or clumps". Challenge accepted!

And finally, while I was in Tesco I discovered some rare treats. I used to get Mikado sticks while on holiday in France, and have been very nostalgic for those days, so I was excited to find these. The hazelnut ones are to die for, but I've never tried the Daim/Dime bar flavour before. I haven't had a Wispa Gold since my teens when they were first around. I'm easily pleased!

Well, that's me done for now. I hope you didn't mind this long, photo heavy post and the rant it started with. I'll return soon with something lighter.

Thanks for reading,