Pretty Pastel ASOS Bags

Over the last few months, I've been lucky enough to add a few lovely new bags to my ever-growing collection, and it was about time I gave you all a little peek!

Since the start of the year, I've acquired four new bags, and the best part is that none of them left so much as a dent in my bank balance. I purchased them all through ASOS while they were on sale, on promotion, or / and with a discount code and got myself a little cash-back, too, through using Quidco. You could say, they were practically free. Okay, I'm exaggerating just a little bit... but only a  little.

Let's start with the prettiest and newest additions, because I know they're being coveted by a lot of people at the moment...

Aren't these sugary sweet pastel scalloped satchels beautiful? (Try saying that three times fast!) I think they're so lovely.

I purchased them within days of each other a couple of weeks ago after coveting them since they landed earlier this year. The lilac version was high on my wish list all Spring and Summer last year, but I was never able to treat myself and I missed out. So, you can imagine my excitement when I saw it had made a reappearance a couple of months ago, and I promised myself that this year I wouldn't let it get away. Soon after the yellow version made an appearance, and I fell in love with it, too. I decided to wait until a discount code appeared.

The bags were originally a very reasonable £22, and a few weeks ago the price was lowered to £18. I then found a discount code which lowered the price even further, and at just over £14 each, I didn't feel too guilty treating myself to both colours in one week. 

Both satchels are lovely and if you love pastel-coloured bags, they're well worth a purchase. My favourite is the yellow, which is a bright and cheerful shade of lemon. In the stock photos, it looks more mustard, but the colour is a delicate pastel yellow, and I'm so pleased it is. It will be the perfect bag for brightening up any outfit, I guarantee it; just looking at it makes me feel more cheerful! Gah, I love yellow!

The lilac is a very soft and pale shade of lilac, and it's as pretty as I'd imagined it would be. It's going to go so well with the yellow polka dot dress! (Yes, I'm still obsessed with that dress!) I think this is the first lilac fashion thing I've owned since the nineties, when it used to be my favourite colour. I've since shied away from most pastel colours, preferring bold colours, and it's only really over the last few years that I've began to love them again.

The satchels are medium-sized with enough room for a few essentials, and have an adjustable shoulder strap for wearing across the body or on the shoulder. My favourite part is the pretty scalloped edging.

The colour of the lilac satchel is best shown in the photo above. 

The inside of the yellow satchel is the same shade as on the outside, whilst the lilac has a black lining, which is quite a contrast.

You can find the yellow satchel here, and the lilac here. They're both currently just £18.

In January, I purchased this ASOS quilted mint green bunny ears bag with some Christmas money from my Nana. I'd been coveting the forest green version during A/W, but when I saw the mint I knew this was the one for me. Let's just say I wasn't disappointed; it's such a cute and quirky bag, and is going to look great with some of my dresses as we move in to Spring. Give it another month, and this bag will probably be on regular rotation.

The bag reminds me of the white rabbit's house in Disney's Alice and Wonderland, which is a film I've loved since I was really young, so I had to have it. I'm also a sucker for bunnies. I had two as pets for ten and eleven years until they passed away over the last two Easters, and I've basically become a crazy bunny lady since they came in to my life. Some people like cats, I love bunnies!

The bunny ears bag is still available here and is currently £18. (I think I paid about £15 for mine with a discount code.) It also comes in a couple of other colours.

And finally, the fourth bag to join my collection this year is this River Island studded and rhine-stoned bowling bag, which I bought through ASOS. 

River Island is one of my favourite brands on the high street for bags, and I had been admiring this particular one all Winter. I pounced on it when it was on sale from £45 down to £17.50, when there was also a further discount on sale items. I think I paid about £14 or £15 for it, which was an absolute bargain. I'm afraid it's now no longer available. 

It took me a few weeks to decide if the bag looked cheap, but now I'm beginning to really like it. The only negative I have to say about it is that the lining feels and looks horribly cheap, but I guess I can see past that since it doesn't affect the exterior of the bag. It's been a while since I last had a staple tan day bag in my collection. My last one literally fell apart from over use. Every girl needs a staple tan handbag in her collection, and I'm pleased to have found mine without even spending a fortune!

And that's all I have to say about that...

Wow, I do ramble on, don't I?! I'm sorry! If you've made it through to the end, congratulations and thanks for sticking with me! I promise to shut up and bugger off now!

Have you bought yourself a lovely new handbag or two recently?

Under the Green Umbrella Trees

Hey there, lovelies,

I've got a quick casual outfit to share with you this morning, which I wore to the hospital to be lectured and patronized by my physiotherapist yesterday morning. I'd go in to what happened, but I'd only start to rant about what she said.

The dress which I am wearing in this post is one of two frocks I purchased last week with a New Look voucher I won from Becky and Betty's joint blog giveaways. It was a lovely surprise to find out I'd won, and I was obviously excited to spend it as it's been a while since I've been able to afford new clothes for myself. So, thank you so much ladies! I purchased a cobalt blue chiffon dress, and this lovely denim number...

This lovely light-wash denim dress is so effortlessly wearable. It is the perfect dress to be worn casually in the day time for running errands, going to hospital appointments, and perhaps doing a spot of shopping. I think it could also work down the pub in the evening, at festivals and concerts, and perhaps even for nights out if the right accessories are used.

I was drawn to the dress online due to the pretty crochet collar detail which is shaped like sunflowers, but I also knew it would be the perfect casual piece to add to my rather dressy wardrobe. I don't have many casual pieces I can just throw on for a hospital appointment or for nipping to the supermarket. This dress certainly solves that problem perfectly.

The dress is made from a decent denim which isn't too heavy or too thin (although my leggings can be seen through the fabric). It'll be ideal for wearing all year round. I originally thought this was a prom dress style, but it actually has a modest asymmetric hem; although I really love that about it. (I'm still loving asymmetric skirts.) I did however, size up as I thought it had a fitted waist, but it turns out it's elasticated so it's rather loose on me- especially around the boobs... (However, this dress should be able to accommodate you ladies with ample chests). I cinched in the waist tightly at the back with the matching denim belt, which solves most of the over-sizing, and a cardigan disguises most of the looseness around the girls. I presume the denim isn't pre-shrunk, so I imagine it'll probably shrink a little in the wash, anyway, as I wear it. I just couldn't be bothered to return and reorder.

I'm smitten with this dress, and I'm so pleased I purchased it. It was a bargain at just £24.99, and I know it will be getting regular wear from now on. My only bug bear about it, is that it creases so easily, but that's a common issue with light-weight denim...

So, yesterday, I wore it with my basic purple Evans leggings, and a scalloped off white shrug by Lovedrobe. I wore my blue Havaianas flip flops as my toes are still recovering from operations and can't be enclosed, and used my pin stripe River Island satchel. I accessorised with a few pieces of jewellery which I'll show you below.

Here you can get a glimpse of the dress not hidden beneath a cardigan.

I love this beautiful neckline.

This is one of my favourite bags from my collection. I find the combination of colours, patterns, and textures interesting and aesthetically pleasing. It came from River Island about a year and a half ago, and it looks great with the dress.

I can't help but smile when I see daisies, and they're scattered all across our lawns now Summer has arrived.

And these are the accessories which I also wore. I won the double cameo necklace and the pearl bracelet with the flower charm from Rachel's blog giveaway a month or so ago, and I've barely taken them off since. I have a soft side for cameos and pearls, and I don't think I could love these two pieces more! I'm particularly crazy about the double necklace.The other two pearl bracelets are by Matalan, and the daisy earrings are a current line from River Island.

Outfit Details

Dress-New Look Inspire // Leggings-Evans // Shrug-Lovedrobe // Flip Flops-Havaianas // 
Satchel-River Island (ebay here)  // Daisy Earrings- River Island // Plain Pearl Bracelets-Matalan // Floral Charm Pearl Bracelet-Won in Rachel's giveaway // 
Cameo Necklace-Won in Rachel's giveaway //

This dress is definitely a winner, and I recommend it to all you denim loving ladies. It's available in sizes 18-28 on the New Look website, and if you're thinking of purchasing one, you should be fine with your normal size. Trust me, ladies, you need this dress. I'm certain you won't regret the purchase!

Do you like denim dresses? How would you style this dress?

I'm personally planning to restyle it with tan and brown accessories, along with a few thin braids in my hair.

Pale Wildwood Flower

Morning guys,

I hope you're all having a great week. By the time you're reading this, I should be recovering from a minor op on one of my big toes, so I've scheduled this post just in case I don't feel up to blogging. It's nothing serious, but knowing how I felt afterwards last time, I thought it was sensible to schedule this post to take the pressure off me for a day or two.

So, today I've got an outfit post for you. This was an outfit I wore on Sunday just lounging around in bed. Yes, I live a very exciting life...

I'm so happy that it's summer and wearing colourful long flowing maxi dresses is acceptable again. I only own five or six maxis, but I genuinely enjoy wearing them. They're so effortless! They can make your outfit look so put together, even if in reality all you've done is pull the dress down over your head with little thought, and reached for the nearest accessories in complimenting colours. Nobody has to know it took you less than a minute to dress!

And of course, I personally think maxi dresses look pretty on everybody. 

This dress has been in my wardrobe for about two years, and I've only worn it a few times. I used to be adamant that this dress made me look pregnant, even after friends and family assured me it didn't, so it stayed in the wardrobe unworn. I've made myself move past those doubts, because I love the loud pattern, and amazing bright colours. You know how I love my colours! The only part of the dress I would change is the lining; who needs a thickly lined summer maxi dress? It becomes too stifling to wear on scorching summer days and that's when this colourful dress should be worn!

The dress is from Peacocks, and the cardigan was from New Look last summer, although this is the first time I've worn this particular one. It's a very pale pastel peach / salmon colour. I have these cardigans in about seven different colours, and they're great for throwing over dresses in the summer.

And the award for loudest pattern ever goes to...

I wore four accessories with this dress, nothing very exciting.

The bracelet was a gift from my best friend a few years ago. I think it came from Next. I also painted my nails with a lilac Barry M Gelly paint.

The radio necklace is by Accessorize, and it's one I've owned for a few years now. I thought it was cute, but I admit it's quite tacky.

And I also dug out my pink and purple gem brooch, which sadly is now missing one gem. It's too pretty to retire or throw away, and I don't think it's noticeable to anybody but myself (unless I mention it). I think I bought it in Camden Lock Market several years ago on a stall selling lots of vintage brooches.

I was also wearing a pair of daisy studs (which you can see in a shot above), that I recently bought from River Island.

Outfit Details

Dress-Peacocks // Cardigan-New Look // Necklace-Accessorize // Brooch- Camden Lock Market // Bracelet-Next // Earrings-River Island

I'm sorry there's nothing new about this outfit, but I like to show outfits I really wear, and I'm all about recycling my favourite clothes and accessories- especially when I can't afford to buy anything new, like at the moment! Real people wear items more than once, and that's okay!

Have you been wearing your maxi dresses now that summer is here? How do you style yours?

Oranges and Lemons

Morning guys,

I'm sorry that it's been a couple of weeks since my last outfit of the day post, but I have something resembling one for you today.

I've just returned home from a two week stay with my sister at her home in Portsmouth. I mostly spent the time resting from the sofa or from bed, engrossed with old episodes of The Hairy Bikers (I love them!), and The Vicar of Dibley, but I was able to get out a little here and there.

On Saturday, we popped in to Gunwharf Quays, which is Portsmouth's outlet village. What's lovely about shopping there, apart from the great shops, is that it's situated right on the harbour, so it makes a scenic, relaxing environment to shop in. It's just a couple of miles from my sister's home, or I should say was as my sister and brother in law are moving today; so it was a journey I could physically cope with. We popped in quickly to pick up a couple of gifts; but that morphed in to dawdling along the water front with an ice cream, and somehow resulted in taking a short boat trip around the harbour.

We had no interest in seeing the Navy vessels or various other boats and ships dotted around the small bit of coast line; we both just liked the idea of being out on the sea in the scorching sunshine. It was a gorgeous hot day. I decided to push my pain tolerance to the limit to go on it, although I hadn't considered the fact the boat would have stairs. Somehow I managed it, and I enjoyed being out on the water with the sun on my skin. I couldn't move for twelve hours when I got home, but it was worth the pain.

So, what did I wear?

I wore my sunshine yellow polka dot dress from AX Paris which you've seen a couple of times over the last year. It's one of my favourite dresses, and one I always have the urge to wear when the sun is shining. The colour is so uplifting! This was actually the first time I've worn it out in public, and probably the only time I've worn bright yellow in public without feeling self-conscious! I think that just shows how far I've come along the road to self-acceptance.

I usually wear this dress with white and turquoise pieces, but on this occasion I had the urge to try it with coral... and I really liked the result! The colour combination is so pretty. 

I'm sorry I haven't got any full-length outfit photos to share with you. I wasn't happy with any of them- a wind-swept Louise with no make up and a swollen irritated eye is not a pretty sight! I didn't think it was far to subject you to that!

The shrug came from Lovedrobe last summer, which I love for the scalloped edging. I have this shrug in black and off-white, too, and they're perfect summer cardigans. I wish they'd came in other colours, too.

The cropped leggings are ruched at the sides, and came from New Look about two years ago. They're great for wearing under summer frocks for that extra bit of comfort and reassurance, if, like me, you're not comfortable with completely exposing your legs.

I'm still unable to wear any footwear other than flip flops at the moment, so I was wearing my battered pink Havaianas. Hopefully I'll be back in pretty shoes by Autumn.

 The saddle bag was from Accessorize, which I'm afraid is another old piece;  it's without a doubt one of my best summer day bags. 

I bought the skunk cameo necklace from Life's Big Canvas earlier this year (and extended the chain with some ribbon), and the daisy studs are by River Island which I recently picked up for the purse-friendly sum of two pounds.

I love this little skunk!

Don't you think the daisies are just the friendliest flower?

Oh, and I had a couple of coats of Barry M's Gelly Paint in Mango on my nails to complete the fiery look.

Outfit Details

Dress-AX Paris // Leggings-New Look (size 16 on eBay here) // Shrug- Lovedrobe // 
Saddle Bag-Accessorize // Necklace-Life's Big Canvas // Earrings-River Island // 
Flip Flops-Havaianas // Glasses- Roxy // Nail Polish-Barry M Gelly in Mango

Who knew an industrial English harbour could look so pretty?

If you're ever along the south coast of England, and are looking for somewhere lovely to shop, grab a drink, or eat out, make sure you check out Gunwharf Quays. I personally recommend you do!

Rainbow Bright

I've never been much of a fan of disposable fashion. Most of the clothes and accessories I've bought over the years have at least been purchased with hopeful intentions for numerous adventures together. Yes, not everything makes it past the first wear, but I like to think when I part with money for something I love that I'll be wearing it time and time again.

I do wear my clothes and accessories more than once, and I'm not afraid to admit that. I know a lot of people, bloggers and non-bloggers alike, feel the pressure to never be seen in the same clothes twice and only to be snapped in brand new outfits, but that's not me. I simply don't have the finances to afford that way of living, and to be honest, I'm far too attached to my wardrobe to ever dream of retiring most of it after just one wear.

I'm wearing two of my favourite pieces in today's outfit post. A cobalt blue cardigan and a polka dot asymmetric dress. I wasn't going to share this outfit as all of my photos came out really grainy, but in the end I just thought 'sod it' and here we are.

I spent a couple of days at my sister's last week, and this is the outfit I wore for our drive back home. Yes, I even wear pretty dresses when I'm travelling. I love wearing bright pops of colour with black, and here I was channelling cobalt blue, apple green, and polka dots.

The dress is a floaty asymmetric number which I bought in Matalan last Autumn. It's quite loosely fitted on me so it's comfortable to wear, and has a great hi lo hem skirt which is longer at the back than it appears here. I don't own many black clothes, but I adore this dress and love wearing it.

I've worn the cobalt blue cardigan numerous times over the last six months because not only am I smitten with the great colour, but it's so soft, and works with a lot of my wardrobe. I only wish I'd bought one or two more for back ups!

As I was wearing a blue cardigan and blue pumps, I decided to balance the colour scheme with two green pieces.

I bought this beautiful green satchel from River Island about a year and a half ago and had only used it once before, so it was time I took it out of storage and gave it a bit of attention. I purchased it for the bold green colour, but it's a great versatile satchel and day bag.

The belt is a double keeper belt from Dorothy Perkins which I bought early last year. I have several of these belts in various colours which work perfectly over dresses.

You can't see it in very well in the photos because my hair is in the way, but I was wearing this collar. I picked it up a couple of weeks ago from Evans' sale and it was a real bargain.

I was also wearing these little rainbow Accessorize studs, which have been so difficult to photograph well, but they really are a cute little addition to my jewellery collection.

Outfit Details

Dress- Matalan // Cardigan- Matalan // Tights- Evans // Satchel- River Island // Collar- Evans //
 Belt- Dorothy Perkins // Earrings- Accessorize //

Do you wear the things in your wardrobe time and time again, or do you prefer to wear things just once?

Thanks for reading,

P.S. I'm working on changing the fonts in my blog's design, so I apologize for the mis-matched appearance whilst I update the layout.