Style it up Saturday

Hey guys,

A couple of nights ago, I gave in and ordered the oxblood red high-low hem dress from Matalan. I really wanted it after the success of the polka dot version I bought a couple of weeks ago, but they were sold out of my size online so I was a bit wary of ordering the size below. I'm really loving the new oxblood trend, so I bit the bullet and crossed my fingers. It arrived this afternoon and I'm pleased to say it fits well, although I could do with a bit more space for the girls. There's no way a padded bra with good support is fitting in this thing!

I also can't believe this gorgeous dress is only £18.00!

I'll be bringing it to an OOTD when I feel a bit better. I really can't wait to share it with you, but I've not been able to sit or stand all week so it'll have to wait until I can. Instead, I'm going to share with you some outfit ideas based around the dress, which I was working on last night whilst day dreaming of wearing the dress.

Look One
 

Dress: Matalan chiffon dipped hem prom dress £18.00
Biker Jacket: Dorothy Perkins black collarless biker jacket £45.00
Tights: Evans black 70D opaque tights £6.00
Rucksack: River Island black stud and spike rucksack £40.00
Shoes: River Island leopard sole flatforms £28.00
Necklace: ASOS multi row cross necklace £8.00
Rings: River Island silver tone two pack rings £6.00

Outfit cost: £151.00

There's something about oxblood which feels a little Gothic to me, so the first outfit is a little edgy dressed with a lot of black. I think the dress would work perfectly with a leather biker jacket, and I love the simplicity of this one from Dorothy Perkins. I've always wanted a leather jacket and I'm really taken with this one, though sadly I see it's now sold out. Perhaps the gorgeous leather studded rucksack is a bit much with the jacket, but it's my new favourite thing! I wish I could afford it. I've added black 70D tights to keep the goosebumps at bay, and black and leopard print flatforms because they'll add a little height but still be comfortable and suitable for crunching through Autumn leaves. I've kept the accessories simple with a multi cross necklace, as they're bang on trend for Autumn and work with the Gothic theme, and a set of two rings as I'm a sucker for cameos and pearls.

Look Two
 

Dress: Matalan chiffon dipped hem prom dress £18.00
Cardigan: New Look black v neck cardigan £12.99
Collar: ASOS textured bow collar £10.00
Tights: Evans black 70D opaque tights £6.00
Rucksack: River Island black stud and spike rucksack £40.00
Shoes: ASOS VERITY Mary Jane flatforms £30.00
Bracelets: Topshop skull spike bracelet pack £12.50
Belt: Dorothy Perkins black double strap belt £9.50

Outfit cost: £138.99
 

This outfit is another take on the edgy look I was creating. I couldn't choose my favourite from the two so decided to share them both. I've kept the rucksack and tights from the first outfit, but swapped the necklace for a beautiful textured bow collar which I'm pretty sure I'm going to purchase, and replaced the jacket with a black v-neck cardigan for those warm Autumn days. I swapped the flatforms for a pair of red leopard Mary Janes which I've been admiring for quite a while now. Aren't they gorgeous? I think they help tie the outfit together. I also decided to change the belt the dress comes with, for a studded skinny Dorothy Perkins belt, and added in a stack of bracelets to finish the look.

Look Three
 

Dress: Matalan chiffon dipped hem prom dress £18.00
Cardigan: New Look black v neck cardigan £12.99
Collar: ASOS textured bow collar £10.00
Tights: Evans black 70D opaque tights £6.00
Belt: Dorothy Perkins black double strap belt £9.50
Satchel: ASOS Cambridge Satchel Company 13'' leather satchel £95.00
Shoes: New Look extra wide fit woven bow ballet pumps £15.99
Bangle: Matalan single plastic mustard bangle £2.50
Earrings: Oasis cameo stud earrings via ASOS £8.00

Outfit cost: £177.98

This is an outfit I adapted from look 2, to show how easy it is to up date an outfit with a quick accessory change. This look is a little girlier than the previous two, but the mustard gives it a quirky vibe whilst brightening up the dark palette.

A pair of comfy ballet flats have replaced the flatforms, perfect for a busy day of running about doing errands, or for going out to lunch and shopping with the girls. I really want one of these cambridge satchels. The yellow has stood out at me since we began stocking a handful of designs at work a couple of years ago. The colour adds personality; I love adding colour in to my outfits, and usually do! I've tied the colour in with a bangle, and also couldn't resist the rose studs. How cute?

Look Four
 

Dress: Matalan chiffon dipped hem prom dress £18.00
Cardigan: Matalan round neck cardigan £10.00
Snood: ASOS owl print snood £12.00
Bag: ASOS bird print across body bag £18.00
Shoes: New Look wide navy fitted studded slipper shoes £17.99
Earrings: Ted Baker via ASOS raspberry stud earrings £12.50 (originally £39.00)
Ring: New Look black stone oval chain ring £4.99

Outfit cost: £93.48

Now this is a very 'me' outfit- lots of colour and print! I thought it would be fun to try pairing the dark red with different variations of cobalt and navy blue. As you know, I adore my cobalt blue cardigan, so I decided to try to incorporate it, and matched it with the studded slippers, which would make great Autumnal footwear. The snood features one of this seasons hottest trends- owls- and would provide a bit of warmth when the Autumn chill sets in. The little printed bag is so cute- I love the colour palette, and it's a great size day bag for a day out and about. The raspberry earrings add a bit of fun, whilst the black ring tones the brightness down a little.

Look Five
 

Dress: Matalan chiffon dipped hem prom dress £18.00
Cardigan: New Look dark green thin v neck cardigan £12.99
Jacket: Dorothy Perkins blue dark wash denim jacket £35.00
Bag: Accessorize Yenzi owl across body £25.00
Shoes: New Look extra wide fit woven bow ballet pumps £15.99
Ring: Dorothy Perkins flat fox gold ring £5.00
Necklace: Accessorize Metallic feather statement necklace £16.00

Outfit cost: £127.98

The look I was going for here with 'Autumn walk'. I would wear something like this for a walk on a chilly Autumn day crunching through leaves and conkers. I'd add tights when the last of the Summer warmth goes. I've gone for an Autumnal colour palette of reds, browns, and golds, with a bit of fun from the owl bag (I need it!), and the fox ring. I associate this time of year with nature and woodland creatures; I often hear owls after dark, and spot the occasional suburban fox. I also thought the feather necklace was perfect for this time of year. Depending on the temperature, I'd wear this outfit with either the gorgeous forest green cardigan (I ignore the red and green should never be seen rule), or a denim jacket.

Look Six
 

Dress: Matalan chiffon dipped hem prom dress £18.00
Cardigan: Dorothy Perkins camel cat print fluffy cardigan £32.00
Collar: ASOS textured bow collar £10.00
Tights: Evans black 70D opaque tights £6.00
Satchel: The Leather Satchel Company via ASOS 14'' satchel £90.00 (originally £140.00)
Shoes: Vans via ASOS Chukka slim leopard print boots £58.00
Earrings: Ted Baker via ASOS raspberry stud earrings £12.50 (originally £39.00)
Bangle: Matalan single plastic mustard bangle £2.50

Outfit cost: £229.00

And here I've created a warm palette of Autumnal shades of brown, red, and mustard. Just looking at these colours sitting together is making me feel all cosy and snug, and it's not even cold yet. This is a cute day time look, and I carried the cat print of the cardigan  on with the skinny leopard belt, and leopard shoes. I added tights to prevent frost bite, and gave the collar a reappearance as I want to wear it with everything and never take it off. The satchel would make me look like an intelligent student, although I've not been either for a long time! But who would know?

Of course, there are far more possibilities with this dress than I've gone in to. I decided to come up with every day looks, as I currently see little chance of being able to go out and have some fun, so night time looks are no use to me right now. It would work well dressed up for a night out or a party- it would be perfect for a Christmas party or gathering. I could also make it far more lady-like with beautiful heels and a structured bag, with nudes or a rainbow of different colours.

 

Which outfit is your favourite?

 

How would you style this dress?

 

I hope you've enjoyed this post, and hopefully I'll be back with an OOTD post really soon. Thanks for your patience! I hope you're all having a fantastic weekend.

 

Louise x

 



Wednesday Wish List

Evening lovelies,

 

The likelihood of an outfit or make up post from me this week isn't looking likely. As I predicted, my morning of hospital appointments on Monday was more than I could handle, and I've not been able to sit or stand up since. I'm sure I'll be back in to my dresses really soon, but for now I'll try to keep bringing you other types of posts like this week's Wednesday Wish List. 

 

 

 

1. Olivia Rubin at Dorothy Perkins navy key print dress £45.00

2. Dorothy Perkins Luxe tapestry piped prom dress £45.00

3. Dorothy Perkins black spooky sequin dress £38.00

4. ASOS elbow patch cardigan £22.00

5. ASOS red knitted dress with zip back £38.00

6. H&M dress £24.99

7. Dorothy Perkins purple victoriana blouse £15.00

8. ASOS burgundy lace skater dress with peter pan collar £35.00

9. ASOS textured bow collar £10.00 

10. Dorothy Perkins bunny print prom dress £45.00

11. Dorothy Perkins black lips bow neck top £30.00

12. Dorothy Perkins multi print leggings £18.00

13. ASOS bleached check shirt £38.00

14. Dorothy Perkins pink fluffy heart cardigan £30.00

 

This week I've been drawn to lots of oxbloods, other reds, deep purples, greens, prints, and lace detailing. As the weather is beginning to turn a little Autumnal already, I'm day dreaming about deeper colours, warmer fabrics, and layering. I'm still in love with the two red ASOS dresses (5) and (8). I think I'll be purchasing one of them this week as they look perfect for Autumn, but I can't decide which I should buy first. Which one do you love more? The textured collar (9) is still high on my wish list, as well. I also love the deep purple victoriana blouse (7) from Dorothy Perkins- I'm a sucker for texture and a beautiful purple hue. Dorothy Perkins have some gorgeous dark coloured dresses right now such as (1) (2) (3) and (10) with beautiful and quirky prints. I'm loving the florals, leaves, keys, and especially the bunny print, which you can see in better detail below.

 



As a bunny lover, this one is screaming 'BUY ME!' Perfect for a bit of Alice in Wonderland inspired fashion!

 

Which piece is your favourite?

1. Cath Kidston via Amazon labels and stickers £5.69

2. Cath Kidston via Amazon mix and match blooms and berries stationery £5.60

3. Cath Kidston via Amazon Provence rose sticky notes £6.00

4. Cath Kidston via Amazon Button Factory £12.96

5. Cath Kidston set of 2 Kempton rose notebooks £8.00

6. Cath Kidston pack of 10 postcards £4.50

7. Cath Kidston via Amazon hardback A5 notebook £6.90

8. Cath Kidston Hampton rose fold and mail £7.00

 

This past week I've also had beautiful stationery on the brain. I'm quite the sentimental soul, and have always loved sending and receiving a hand-written letter or note. I love my gadgets and the promptness of email and social networking, but it still saddens me that snail mail is becoming a thing of the past. I still send letters and cards to close friends, although not as often as I used to, and try to send thank you notes after I receive a gift. With Christmas fast approaching, I want to stock up on some new stationery to use when posting gifts.

 

I personally love Cath Kidston stationery, although I also love Paperchase to death, too. The notebooks are handy for blog planning, scribbling down reminders, plans, to do lists, or for a bit of creative writing. I already have the hardback notebook (7) for my Mission 101 list and bucket list, and it's so pretty on every page I want to pick up another. The labels and stickers look perfect for decorating mail and presents, while the letter writing stationery is so much prettier to get in the post than a boring plain white envelope. I've used sets like (2) before, in different designs and they really match my personality. The postcards would be great for sending a quick note to brighten someone's day.

 

And finally, the other thing which has caught my eye is Cath Kidston's Button Factory pack.



 

 

The set isn't out until November, but it's a kit for making your own fabric covered buttons! I'm going to have to buy this when it's out- I mean, how amazing would these buttons make a plain garment, such as a basic cardigan look? I really want to start trying a few more crafty projects so this could be a good one to start with!

 

Do you still write and send letters?

 

Do you love stationery as much as me?

 



Rock 'n' Roll, Ruby, Rock 'n' Roll

Yesterday I saw an advert that literally made me squeal.

 

Now I'm not the type to get excited over an advert- I usually skim past most in magazines to get to the articles and fashion pages... but, hey, it's been a slow year, and the little things are all I've got.

 

 

This is an ipod photo of the advert, so please excuse the quality

 

Schwarzkopf are releasing a new range of bright hair dyes called Live Color XXL Ultra Brights at the end of the month! I've never been so excited over hair dye in my life, but as you know I dye my hair red and have recently been longing for it to be brighter. I think this couldn't have come at a better time.

 

This is the colour I currently use...

 

 

Schwarzkopf Live Real Red. It's the boldest red in the current range, and although I adore it,  it doesn't give me the vibrancy I would truly love as I've naturally got mid to dark brown hair. I feel more like myself with bright red hair, and there's always room for improvement!

 

This is the Pillar Box Red shade, which is the colour that made me go 'oooh'. It's looks so much brighter than my current shade 'Real Red', so I'm intending to grab a bottle as soon as it hits the shelves and hopefully turn my locks a more vibrant shade of red.

 



 

Although, saying that, I'm also tempted to try this gorgeous shade of raspberry pink!

 

The dyes are semi-permanent so I'm not sure how long they'll last, but I will give them a try.

 

 If there's a time for trying out a bright, slightly unconventional hair colours it's when I haven't got the pressure of conforming to work dress codes. My current shade thankfully wasn't a problem with my employers or customers, but I doubt I'd have had the same acceptance if I'd gone much brighter.

 

I've lost so much of the person that I used to be over the last year, and I feel I need to revive a few pieces of the old me where I can. Fashion and make up have played a part in making me feel more like myself, as does my brightly coloured hair. I feel it brings out more of my personality than my natural colour ever did.

 

They're also bringing out an orangey shade called Fiery Copper but I've yet to find an image for it online.

 

Do you use Schwarzkopf hair dyes? Which brands do you use to give you a bright look?

 

Louise x

 

Wednesday Wish List

I've been admiring lots of Autumn hues over the last week- deep purples, wine, ox blood, teals, forest greens, and a few cobalt blue pieces. But of course, the skies have become a flawless blue and the heat has returned, so I'm giving my Summer brights a last wear before retiring them for another year. Though that hasn't stopped me from extending my shopping wish list by another mile.

 

Here's what I've been lusting after this week...

 

 

1. Dorothy Perkins Taupe bird cage print dress.

2. Dorothy Perkins ivory poodle jumper.

3. Dorothy Perkins camel cat print cardigan.

4. Matalan 3/4 sleeve panel ponte dress.

5. Matalan Be Beau peacock print dress in beige.

6. Matalan chiffon dipped hem prom dress.

7. ASOS DINO velvet flatform trainers.

8. Dorothy Perkins lips drop waist dress.

9. New Look wide fit animal print stud pointed pumps.

 

While in Matalan last week, I saw the peacock print dress (#5), and instantly fell in love with the beautiful fabric and detailing. Sadly they didn't have my size and it's out of stock online, but I keep hoping somehow it will magically appear in my wardrobe. It's one of the nicest dresses I've seen all year. The photo doesn't do it's justice.

 

 I really love the lip print drop-waisted dress (#8). It's a little shorter than I prefer, but over leggings or jeggings it should make a funky Autumnal outfit dressed up or down.

 

I've also fallen in love with the velvet flatforms (no #7), after seeing them on Hannah's blog a few days ago. I don't often wear trainers (unless they're Converse), but these are amazing! This colour is definitely going to be a favourite of the season.

 

10. Matalan Falmer long sleeve embroidered dress.

11. Dorothy Perkins blue and teal striped jumper.

12. ASOS shirt dress in leaf print.

13. Dorothy Perkins teal lace mini soft prom dress.

14. Matalan chiffon dipped hem prom dress.

15. ASOS shirt in dog print.

16. New Look wide fit navy studded slipper.

17. ASOS Underground wulfrun grey with leopard creepers.

18. Vans low pro Hello Kitty lace up trainers.

 

The chiffon dipped hem dresses (#6 and #14) are the same style as the polka dot dress I showed in an OOTD on the weekend. The fit and style of that dress is so perfect that I've been eyeing these two colourful versions up as well- for just £18 each they're fantastic!

 

I'm planning on buying a pair of New Look's studded slippers soon, (as long as they fit), and taking another glance, I saw they've now added a navy pair to the range (#16). I'm leaning more to the black or purple, but these navy shoes are cute, too.

 

I've never owned a pair of creepers, but they look really edgy and comfortable, and the grey Underground pair (#17) are gorgeous!

 

 There are some really quirky prints showing up already for Autumn/Winter, which as you know, I can't get enough of. Alongside all the birds and cages, are cats and dogs, lips and leaves- all I'd love to add in to my collection. I'm loving floaty chiffon dresses, studded shoes, cute printed cardigans, and creepers to name but a few of my current lusts.

 

Sadly I'm skint for another week, so everything will have to wait.

 

What have you been lusting over for early Autumn?

 

Louise x



Shopping Haul Saturday

A few days ago, I cut my tethers and managed to escape from a particular nasty bout of cabin fever... well, for a few hours, at least. I set out with a purpose, which was something I hadn't been able to do much of over the last year- to set foot in a real, live clothes shop! To be specific, I went to Matalan with my Mum.

Matalan is a shop that I had never visited before! I've made several Internet purchases from them, but I'd never stumbled across a bricks and mortar store in the high streets I frequently shopped. I find their website a little uninspiring and it really doesn't show off the products to their full potential, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a huge shop full of beautiful clothes and accessories. So many of the things I didn't give a second thought to online were stunning in the flesh.

I'd missed being able to touch fabrics, admire details and colour, and the ability to stumble upon something that caught my eye. I'm surprised at how quickly my old shopping habits returned, though. I grabbed a dress I liked, tried it on, loved the style, and bought it without a second thought! I also added a few accessories to the basket without giving myself time to decide if I really needed them. While when shopping from home, I always step back and think about it and choose whatever I love or need most depending on my budget. I guess old habits never really die in the end!

Anyway, I came home with a few things, but I'll start with the dress...

Apologies for pasty faced me... I really should put my face on. I'm scaring myself! (And the belt should've been tightened, too).

Now, I know what you're thinking: 'wow, a polka dot dress! I've never seen Louise wear one of those before...' In my defence, it just leapt in to my hand as I neared the changing room, I swear! It was love at first sight, fit like a dream, and cost the pocket friendly sum of £18 (which included this black belt)! It was only as I tried this little lined, chiffon number on that I realised it was in fact an asymmetric dress...

And I love that about it!

I couldn't get a decent photo of the back, so I've tried to disguise that with a collage and filter.

Today, I dressed it with black leggings and a pink cropped cardigan, with a pair of gold sandals, and His Royal Highness below.



I can't get enough of the Frog Prince Ring. He's too pretty to forget about.



I've had these sandals since last Summer. They're nothing special, but they fit my wide feet, and let me pretend I'm barefoot (which I love to be).

Dress: Matalan

Belt: Matalan (came with the dress)

Leggings: New Look

Cardigan: New Look

Sandals: Evans

Ring: ASOS

My main reason for visiting Matalan was to hunt down some cardigans I'd set my sights on...



You may recognise the style- they're the exact same design as my cobalt blue cardigan from my last OOTD. I picked up these three colours, which means I now have the whole set. I just know these are going to be worn to death this Autumn/Winter. They're super soft, and the mother-of-pearl buttons are a nice touch for a £10 cardi! If you need some new cardis, then I'd recommend you head to Matalan for these!

This cute (not-so)-little gecko ring somehow tip-toed in to my shopping basket. My Mum had actually given me a similar-looking lizard brooch which belonged to my Nan earlier in the week, so this caught my eye for that reason. The ring is stretchy and was only £6.

I was drawn to the bright mustard colour of this bracelet, but didn't realise til I got home that it's a S/M, and a little snug. I'm sure it'll loosen as I wear it, though. This one was £6.00, too.



My favourite jewellery buy was the set of 3 pearl bracelets and necklace, which came to just £6. I can envision these being worn with everything! I love pearls (faux and real).



And my final purchase was a boring set of hair elastics. I prefer using metal-free bobbles, but for £1.50 I can't really complain.

So, I came away with a dress, three cardigans (which I went in for), some hair bobbles, a ring, a bracelet, and a set of 3 bracelets with a necklace. Pretty damn good for just £66!

I'm sure I'll be shopping with Matalan more in the future, but I will add for all you curvy ladies that their plus size range is appalling. If you're over a size 20 you'll be met with a teeny tiny selection of boring shapeless clothes mostly made from chiffon and polyester. My Mum came away empty-handed, but if the main range extended their sizes she would have bought half the shop! It's such a shame because they're missing out on so much business.

Do you shop with Matalan? What do you think of their products?

Have you made any good purchases recently?