Wish List Wednesday

Hey guys,

Well, it's time for another Wednesday Wish List, and this week my mind has been occupied with thoughts of knitwear. There are so many lovely dresses and accessories I have my eye on, but my sensible head has been thinking ahead to the fast approaching new season, so need is being placed ahead of want for the time being.

I've been thinking of ways to take my existing wardrobe in to Autumn/Winter without having to spend a fortune on a whole new wardrobe- because I just don't have the money to do that this year. And the easiest way to do that is with knitwear.

I love knitwear; especially cardigans. I wear a piece with almost every outfit all year round. They're just so versatile. They offer warmth when it's chilly but not cold enough for a coat, and they cover up the dreaded upper arms. There are so many different styles and fabrics to choose from, and a rainbow of colours to suit most tastes and trends. And it's so easy to update a boring basic and make it look more expensive with a new set of buttons bought from a haberdasher. (It can make such a difference, trust me)!

I've bought four this week so far, which will be coming to OOTD posts soon! For now, these are the knits I have my eye on...

ASOS

L: How cute is this cropped jumper? I love the pattern and think it would look great with a skirt (with a vest underneath), or with a pair of jeans- especially high-waisted designs.

M: I really love the vibrant mix of orange and pink. The buttons and texture are cute, too.

R: I ordered this cardigan in the sale because I liked the buttons and design. And I also loved how the mint version looked on Nita in her outfit posts. It arrived today and it swamps me, so I'm not sure whether to re-order a smaller size or not.

Matalan

I bought myself one of these crew neck cardigans this week in cobalt blue. It came today, and it's one of the nicest cardigans I've ever owned. The fabric is super soft and the colour is vibrant, and the mother of pearl buttons on the cuffs and fastenings give a more expensive, well made feel. It also has a lovely fit. I now want to buy all the other colours, especially the deep purple in the centre. At just £10 each these are such a bargain. Perfect for wearing all year round.

Dorothy Perkins

My eyes were drawn to the textures of the two coral cardigans, and the lovely deep purple and teal of the boyfriend cardigans. I do love a good Autumn hue. The boyfriend cardigans aren't really anything special when it comes to basic cardigans, but the price isn't too bad at just under £20.



Again, I love this shade of teal. These look perfect for wearing over jeggings or jeans to keep cosy on a frosty Winter's day walk or outing.

Forever 21

I still haven't made a purchase with Forever 21, but there are always some lovely pieces for bargain prices on their website. These three cardigans would be great for layering all year round.

New Look

Love them or hate them, you can't deny chunky knit boyfriend cardigans look ridiculously cosy. I often wear chunky knits as coats from Autumn to Spring; I can just imagine myself wandering around the high street in one of these cardis paired with jeggings, with a hot chocolate in hand this Autumn. I want them all!

 I think the picture of the green cardigan isn't a very good image, but after scrutinising it for a while with the zoom button I saw it's potential and bought it yesterday while the free delivery offer was running. I hope I made the right decision.

I have the bottle green thin long cardigan in navy and black already and they're good basics for dressed down days. They're nothing exciting, but take the chill from a breezy day.

My next cardigan purchases will probably be the green and red v necks. I know I've posted about them already, but I can see them as a great addition to my wardrobe to rework a few dresses and skirts.

The prints and patterns on these cardigans caught my eye- I'm sure you know by now that I love my prints! The top two cardigans are also found in the Inspire range.

And finally, these are a few jumpers that I personally like. I really love the motifs and/or detail of each of them. How cute are the ombre and owl jumpers?

What do you think? Which are your favourites?

Have you  been stocking up on knitwear yet, or are you refusing to believe Summer is almost over?

 Oh, and before I go I just wanted to say I'm really sorry for the lack of outfit posts at the moment. I began hydrotherapy last week and so far the two sessions have worsened the pain and taken all life out of me. The pain has eased a little since yesterday, so I'm hoping to give my hair a very long over due dye tonight, and hopefully will manage to work on an outfit post tomorrow. Fingers crossed!

Make Up Monday

Happy Monday guys,

So lately I've been putting a lot of time and effort in to improving my blog. I've spent many hours creating a more personalised look, which I hope you'll find easy to navigate as well as pleasant to look at. And I've also been jotting down pages and pages of ideas for future blog posts.

I wanted to try to incorporate regular make up and beauty posts after getting such lovely feedback on my make up looks in the past. I'm no expert, but I am passionate about eye make up and I've always loved experimenting with different colours. Over the last year I feel like I've lost a part of my identity because I've not worn much make up due to being house-bound with my back injury- I just didn't see the point with no where to go.

I realised how much I missed wearing it and how disconnected I feel from the person I used to be, so I've decided to make the effort to wear some as often as I can- for me. To bring back a part of my personality that was lying dormant. I know many see make up as a way to conform to society's standards, but for me it's always been an extension of myself and a form of self-expression.

So... here is the first (very poorly named) "Make Up Monday". I hope to bring you this feature every week with a make up or nail look, or perhaps a post about my favourite brands or products.

As I currently have Hydrotherapy sessions on Mondays and they're taking the life out of me, I'm going to start this week off with a peek in to my make up drawer.

I don't have a make up bag; I have a make up drawer. My collection is the smallest it's been in years as I had a thorough clear out not too long ago and threw dozens of expired products away. I used to have a plentiful collection of Bnevertoobusytobebeautiful powder eye shadows, liquid shadows and liners, and cream lipsticks which had all expired so I shed my tears and said my forced goodbyes. I was devastated to part with it all.

I've been trying to find a way to organise my make up drawer without spending money I don't have on drawer tidies, and recently used an old Lush bath bomb box to store my nail polishes in. The points of the star make good dividers for each of my product types!

This is my entire make up collection, taken just before I bought my new Lush base and eyeliners. My favourite brands have to be Inglot, Lush, Benefit and The Body Shop, but I also use Maybelline, L'Oreal, Bourjois, Too Faced, Mac, and Rimmel. I also have a couple of B things remaining.

Bases

 I have very fair skin, so my bases are always in the palest shades I can find. I'm lucky to be blessed with fairly good skin, so I don't always feel the need to wear a heavy coat of foundation. I find mixing a foundation with moisturiser usually gives me enough coverage. With a face full of freckles I'm never going to have an even skin tone!

This is my very streamlined base collection. Which includes:

Benefit Some Kind of Gorgeous Lite

Lush Jackie Oates Colour Supplement

The Body Shop Pressed Powder in 01

Benefit The Pore-fessional (great magazine freebie)!

Bnevertoobusytobebeautiful Bon Bon Highlighter

The Body Shop Lightening Touch Liquid Concealer in 01

and

a few samples of Maybelline BB Foundation

Blushers and Other Face Powders

 

I'm cautious when applying blusher as I never really know how much is enough or how bright it really looks. I usually stick to pale shades of pink and peach- I do have a pink complexion but I do like wearing peachy blushers, too. My favourites to wear have to be the Body Shop Shimmer Waves which gives a healthy glow; Benefit Sugabomb used sparingly which adds warmth; and also the Maybelline Dream Touch Blusher in Peach which is soft and blendable.

 

The Body Shop Shimmer Waves Blusher 02

Benefit Sugar Bomb Face Powders

Benefit Powder Pop Face Powders

Maybelline Dream Touch Blush in Peach (possibly Apricot- doesn't say!)

Inglot Freedom System Blusher Shade 31

Mac Sheertone Blush in Pinch O' Peach A79

The Body Shop Cheek Colour in 03 Heather Pink



Mascaras

The one product I cannot live without is mascara. Mascara is an every day essential for me; I feel it opens up my eyes, and makes me look awake. If I was abandoned on a desert island (hopefully with the cast of Lost!) I would want a mascara on my person in case I happened to be stranded with Sawyer and Sayid... Well, a girl can dream.

  I prefer to use waterproof mascaras in the darkest shades of black I can find. I find they stay put on my lashes, and work best on sensitive eyes. I can't have mascara getting in to my eyes- as a contact lense wearer this would be a disaster! I also love wearing the Benefit Bad Gal Plum as a great alternative. The mascara is a subtle dark burgundy, and it really opens up the eyes.

Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara Miniature in Black (Awesome magazine freebie)!

Benefit Bad Gal Plum Mascara (A nice subtle but eye popping alternative to brown).

Benefit They're Real Mascara in Black (Amazing lengthening mascara).

Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Waterproof (Volumising and jet black).

Avon SuperCurlacious Mascara (Black curling mascara- freebie).

Clinique High Impact Mascara (Magazine freebie).

Lips

I'm not a big lipstick or lip gloss wearer. I'm prone to very chapped lips which isn't a great look mixed with colour, so I tend to make my eyes the statement, and only apply make up to my lips every once in a while. I've got quite a small, pitiful collection.

L'Oreal Color Riche Serum in Beamy Plum

The pink lipstick is a very old L'Oreal which I doubt is even made anymore.

Benefit Ticket To Glossytown Lip Shine- So Frisk Me, Nude-Tude, Spiked Punch, Life on The A Lost, Kiss You, Foxy Lady

The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain Bronze Glimmer (Magazine freebie).

Lip Rock Designer Lip Fashion in Rose. (Magazine freebie).

Benefit Her Glossiness (Amazing magazine freebie)!

and

B Mint Julips Sugar Scrub (now sold by Lush).





The lip scrub is very minty and tastes like an After Eight or Mint Aero. Yum! It works well at exfoliating the lips. I actually forgot I had this and found it recently when having a spring clean.

 

Eye shadows and liners

Eye make up is one of my favourite vices. I'm obsessed with colourful eye shadows and am particularly a fan of wearing green. It's not a colour that everybody favours, but I personally think it looks good with my pale skin and dark eyes. I love experimenting with different colours and enjoy trying different combinations and looks.

As I said earlier, I recently cleared out a lot of old make up, so I have a small, but well loved collection of eye make up now. This photo is minus three other Lush eyeliners which I bought a few days after taking these photos. As you can see, I love colour, and I usually bring home shadows in shades of green. It's a bit of an obsession...

I have...

Inglot Freedom Palettes in 22 various colours

Lush Eyeshadow in Happiness

Bourjois Smoky Eyes in Violet Romantic, Vert Trendy, and Mordore Chic

B Beatrix Eyeshadow (trinket pot).

Mac Matte Eye Shadow in Newly Minted

The Body Shop Eye Colour in Golden Meadow

L'Oreal Colour Appeal in Pure Gold

and

Bourjois Eyeshadow in 01

These are a few of my favourite colours. The gold is so warm and striking. The green eyeshadow in the trinket pot is my all time favourite eye shadow, which of course had to be from a company that folded. I recently remembered that I had kept this eyeshadow as I couldn't bare to part with it, but all this time I'd been thinking that I'd held on to a brown shadow. Best realisation ever! The lime green Bourjois is one of my favourite shades of green to wear; it's so bright and cheerful and definitely makes a statement.

 

These are my Inglot palettes. I bought these in New York last summer as a replacement for my B make up. The great thing about this make up range is that all the palettes are sold separately, in lots of different sizes, and you can then choose and buy your favourite colours to make a personalised palette. How fantastic is that? It's great to have the freedom to pay for the colours you want, as there are always at least one or two shades in make up sets that never get used. This way you're paying for colours you're sure to wear! And when you've used up a colour, all you have to do is order a refill instead of investing in another expensive set.

I think I got carried away on this visit- I came away with 22 eye shadows and a few nail polishes! I don't regret it for a second. I love every shadow. The colours are all so vibrant and highly pigmented, and the make up remains bright all day without shifting! Being a bit of a colour junkie, I really couldn't love this make up range more. There are hundreds of colours in the range, and I love the greens and turquoises in particular. I'm a little hesitant at removing each shadow to share the colour numbers in case I damage them, but if you want to know a particular shade, leave me a comment and I'd be happy to tell you!



These palettes are magnetic and can be stacked together for easy storage.

 

The new Lush make up range is absolutely fantastic. Vegan, cruelty-free, made mostly from natural ingredients, brightly coloured, blendable and highly pigmented. In short, it's all fabulous! Check the range out!



Lush Happiness Eyeshadow

Lush Healthy Eyeliner

Lush Motivation Eyeliner

Lush Feeling Secure Eyeliner

 

The Body Shop Eye Definer Shade Black (Magazine freebie)!

The Body Shop Eye Definer Shade French Navy (Magazine freebie)!

Rimmel Exaggerate Eye Liner in 001 100% Black

Bourjois Paris Contour Clubbing Waterproof in Blue Remix

Bourjois Paris Regard Paillete Sparkling Eyeliner in 34. Vert Stupefiant

Bourjois Paris Regard Effet Duochrome Eyeliner in 61 Vert Dore

Too Faced Starry Eyed Glitter Liquid Eyeliner in Obsessed Fan

I love a bright eye pencil for defining the eyes. The liquid Rimmel eyeliner is one of the best liquid liners I've ever used. For a couple of days after wearing it on the inner lash line, I look like I've had my lash line tattooed! (In a good way, of course)!

Make Up Brushes

A good set of make up brushes is an essential for every dressing table. If properly looked after, a good set should last for years. They can make such a difference to getting the right look.

I bought these gorgeous glittery sequined brushes from Bnevertoobusytobebeautiful several years ago because they were so pretty and Vegan! I'm not a vegan, but I do care about the critters. These brushes were rather expensive- if I remember correctly, the powder brush was about £20 alone. The glitter has faded a little over the years, but the brushes still work as perfectly as they did when I first bought them.

I bought each brush in the full-sized range.

L-R Powder Brush, Blusher Brush, Foundation Brush, Eyeshadow Brush, Angled Eyeshadow Brush, Lip Liner Brush, Eye Liner Brush, and  Brow and Lash Brush.

I was going to include swatches of the make up in this post, but the post is already so long I didn't want to turn it in to an epic snooze fest. I hope you've enjoyed taking a look in to my make up collection.

Let me know what you think!

Do you use any of the same make up products as me? What make up can't you live without?

Thanks for reading!

Erase and rewind 'cause I've been changing my mind...

About a year ago, I went through my wardrobe with a fine toothed comb, and made myself get rid of everything I didn't wear, or the things I did which had become shapeless and faded from regular wear. I sold what I could on ebay and added the money I made to my holiday fund.

 I was a frivolous shopper; I'd buy clothes I liked on the hanger and on me in the changing room, but by the time I got home I would often convince myself I looked awful in it, hang it up, and never wear it again. I also had- and have- a habit of wearing favourite pieces to death until they fall apart. So when I bit the bullet and went through every single thing I owned, I was realistic and brutal, and I was left with a very compact collection. I've almost had to rebuild it from scratch over the last year, and as my situation is much different to how it was a year ago, building it up again has taken time. I've gone for quality not quantity; although I've bought things I love (hello pretty printed dresses), more than things I actually need.

Now we're heading towards Autumn, I'm suddenly aware that my Winter Knit collection is currently very limited. I have plenty of Summer cardigans, but what I really need is some long sleeved cardigans to layer over dresses, skirts, and jeans to keep me warm in the cold. I don't have the money to shop for a whole Winter wardrobe this year, but luckily I'm the girl who just adjusts her S/S style with boyfriend cardigans and scarves. So, with all the things I really, really want to buy, my sensible side has made a rare appearance and is telling me to buy a few things I need first. And I need cardigans because I binned about a dozen and a half of my old favourites last year.

I was having a browse through ASOS's knitwear this afternoon and came across this geeky brightly coloured, printed cardigan. It's so bright and in your face, but something about it drew me in. It reminds me of the knitwear everybody used to wear in the early nineties (if you grew up in the 80-90s I'm sure you know what I mean!). My Sister compared it to a Cosby Show jumper! Anyway, long story short, I bought it! It was £19 down from £38, and it looks so warm. I think it'll be perfect over jeans and jeggings when the frost sets in, and I think it shows my quirky side. It's also very different to everything I've been buying lately.

Now I'm having a bit of a coloured cardigan dilemma. Do I buy a couple of v-neck cardigans from New Look (the green and probably the cobalt blue), which are £12.99 each)...

Or do I buy the purple v-neck grandad cardigan (£12.00), and the cobalt blue round neck (£10.00)? With delivery options, the two transactions would cost about the same.

 I really love the gorgeous dark green of the New Look cardigan, and it reminds me of a cardigan I used to own a few years ago which I loved, but I can't help thinking that the Matalan cardigans look softer and better quality. They've also got what looks like Mother of Pearl buttons, which are a lot more attractive than the New Look buttons.

I can think of several outfits each of the cardigans would all work with. Colourful knitwear is so versatile, perfect for wearing with my existing wardrobe, and is a personal must have, but I can't seem to come to a conclusion so would love to hear your opinions, and thoughts if you own the cardigans already.

There are lots of other great basic cardigans and jumpers available from New Look and Matalan, and I'm really loving the bright colour palettes which are popping up everywhere in the early Autumn collections. I can't resist a Fair Isle print or a chunky grandad cardigan- they make me think of the way the cold feels against my face when it's below freezing when I'm wrapped up in cosy layers; the smell of bonfires, the feeling of crunching over a path of dead leaves; and getting ready for Christmas. I really love the months leading up to Christmas; the weather, the layering, the shopping, the cosiness, the planning...although working in retail the season was exhausting! But I really do love the feeling of wrapping up against the cold, heading out for the day, and embracing it.

I also really love these printed knits from Dorothy Perkins, especially the horse print cardi, but I can't really justify the prices right now. I always find their knitwear to be quite pricey for such a basic garment, but I can't deny the prints are beautiful, and the quality is usually superior to those in many other high street shops.

Which cardigans do you think I should buy?

Where do you tend to shop for knitwear? Where do you avoid?

P.S. The blog revamping is coming along nicely, so you shouldn't find too many more alterations each time you visit. Thanks for your patience!

Wish List Wednesday

Evening everyone,

Over the last couple of weeks I've been trying to look for ways to improve my blog, and I've been brain storming away while I've been off the radar. I've been thinking about topics I could post about on a regular basis along side my outfit posts, and one of the ideas I have is to post a weekly round up of the items at the top of my shopping wish list... oh so "creatively" named 'Wish List Wednesday'.

I'm aware that it's not an original idea; it's a feature seen regularly on most personal style blogs, and I've done my fair share of them in the past, but instead of just putting together posts on things that have caught my eye from each brand every once in a while (which I will still do), this will be a weekly feature about the things I've set my heart on buying.

.

Wednesday seemed like a good day to review these favourites since I get paid on every other Thursday. So, without further ado, here is my first Wednesday Wish List.

1. Dark Green Thin V Neck Cardigan from New Look.

This cardigan comes in a rainbow of colours but this gorgeous dark green one has caught my eye most. If you ask me there aren't enough green things in the fashion world. I layer cardigans over almost everything- dresses, jeans, skirts, jumpsuits... and need some new long sleeved ones to wear this Autumn/Winter. Dark greens are set to be big next season, and at £12.99 this one is really reasonable and won't break the bank.

2. Lush Eye Liner in Fantasy

I've made it my mission to collect the new range of Lush eye colours after falling in love with my first purchase a few weeks ago. If you've been following my blog for a few weeks you'll already be fed up of me rabbiting on about them, but they really are fantastic. The colours are vibrant, long lasting, and nourishing, and the colours have won me over. I want this gold eye liner to wear with the green I purchased last week.

3. Mocha Floral Border Prom Dress from Dorothy Perkins.

I've been eyeing up this dress all season, and think it would be the perfect dress to wear for Autumn. The brown print would be a lot softer against my pale skin than black, and also a change from all the bright colours I tend to be drawn to. It's also on sale for £22 now with a further 20% off.

4. Wide Fit Studded Slipper Shoes in purple and black from New Look.

I've loved the studded slipper trend which has been around all year. I already own a pair of the Topshop ones, which I love but because I've got really wide fit (I blame my Mother!), they are a little tight across the widest part of my foot. So when I came across these New Look ones a week or two ago, I knew I wanted a pair. They're far more subtle and understated than the Topshop ones, but I think they'd look good with a pair of jeans or jeggings when it gets colder. My only problem is choosing which colour to go for! Maybe for £17.99 I could buy both?

5. H&M Blouse in Dark Green.

Yes, I still have my eye on this blouse. I can't help loving a blouse in such a beautiful shade of green! I have so many possible outfit scenarios in my head- it would work with several of my skirts, over jeggings, perhaps with my red or cobalt jeans, even under a dress or two. I'm not usually a fan of blouses, but this one is stunning.

6. Raspberry Bird Cage Print Dress from Dorothy Perkins.

I've been admiring this pretty dress since it landed online a month or two ago. I love the rich shade of dark pink, and the print, and love the idea of wearing such a warm colour on frosty Winter days. I am a little disappointed that it's made from Polyester, but I may be able to look past that just this once...

7. ASOS Skater Dress in Spot Print with Lace Hem.

I came across this dress today, and have fallen in love with the polka dots and the lace detailing to the hem. It's gorgeous, but at £40.00 I'll probably wait to see if it comes down in price first.

8. Ruby's Closet Leopard Print Zip Dress from New Look.

Yesterday I discovered that New Look have added some of AX Paris' lines under the name of Ruby's Closet. As you know I love my two zip front dresses, so coming across another in leopard print made me stop and take notice. A good design for A/W, perhaps?

9. H&M Ballet Pumps in Dark Green and Bright Blue.

I really love the variety of colours in the range of H&M ballet pumps, and how they're so inexpensive- at £7.99 why stop at one? My only concern is whether or not they'd fit my monstrous feet.

10. ASOS Cream Shirt Dress in Cotton Embroidery.

This dress has been in the sale for a while now, and I can't help returning for another look every now and again. I'm drawn to little details like the broiderie anglaise and scalloped detailing on this one. I can't decide if the colour would wash me out, but I could always dye it a different colour.

11. ASOS Textured Bow Collar.

I love me a pretty collar, and this one would be perfect for restyling a few old or basic tops.

12. Models Own WAH Nail Transfers POW from ASOS.

I'm always on the look out for new ways to brighten up my nails, and really love this set of rainbow polka dot nail wraps. They combine two of my favourite things- polka dots and colour!

13. Oasis Cameo Stud Earrings from ASOS.

These little rose cameo studs are gorgeous. I really have a thing for cameo jewellery, and these would be a lovely addition to my collection.

14. Holly Trill Illustrated Bunny Rabbit Brooch from Etsy.

After seeing Nita of Pashteit wearing this brooch in one of her recent outfit posts, I fell in love with it. I love bunnies; I've been a bunny owner for over ten years, and am sure I'm going to be a crazy bunny lady when I'm old and grey. Some people are cat ladies, I'll be a bunny lady. So, it didn't take me long to fall in love with the brooch and I know I have to have one.

and last but not least...

15. Yenzi Owl Across Body Bag from Accessorize.

Isn't the owl bag amazing? Well, I think it is! I think I'm a little obsessed with incorporating animals in to my outfits. I don't set out to do it, but they always win me over. This bag would make a good day bag for those casual days.

Have you got any of these items on your own wish lists?

Which is your favourite?

As always, thank you for reading, and thanks for all your lovely comments recently. I don't say it enough. x



One step forward, two steps back...

Hey guys,

I know I'm beginning to sound like a broken record, but I'm sorry for the lack of posts here recently. My back pain has taken another turn for the worse and has been keeping me hostage in my pyjamas all week.

I began my first session of hydrotherapy yesterday (on three hours sleep). I'll admit I'd been a little nervous at the thought of being dressed in just a swimsuit in public as it'd been five years since I'd last been swimming, but I really needn't of worried. It was a small group and everybody was absorbed with their own pain. A conversation with the other lady patient in the pool did briefly have me questioning my appearance and self-worth when she confided that she had been 'large, even larger than you'. Larger than me? Was that meant to be a compliment, or was she confirming that all people see when they look at me is a large girl? I don't even think she meant to be nasty (and she was roughly my size!), but it did take me aback that she felt comfortable talking to somebody like that. She also implied pain levels were down to weight, not the fact she'd been in a motorbike accident or anything... I just kept quiet and bit my tongue, and put my energy in to the stretches.

Although the hydrotherapy experience wasn't as bad as I was expecting, the aftermath was a whole lot worse. I arrived home in a bit of a state, and attempted to put a post together before crawling in to bed, but I didn't have the energy. I ended up falling asleep while catching up on my Tumblr dash at 1am- the first time I've fallen asleep before dawn all year! I slept on and off for thirteen hours with the added comfort of a new memory foam mattress topper- (makes such a difference I swear!) but today I'm still feeling a bit delicate.

 As for outfits? I  haven't really got anything new to share with you exactly, but this is the first time I've worn these pieces together. It was the outfit I changed in to once home from hydrotherapy.

This fish print dress from AX Paris is one of my favourite dresses. It's just so unusual! It has capped sleeves, goes in at the waist, and then exaggerates the hip area with lots of draped material and big slouched pockets over the hips and upper thighs. Normally I'm not a fan of garments that add bulk, but as the shape is in proportion I like how it looks on my figure. I sized up for comfort, but I really needn't of. The pattern looks like little fish crackers, and being a fish enthusiast I couldn't resist! I also have the dress in yellow with a bird print.  (Please excuse my uneven face- it's a combination of freckles and a dislike to pool chemicals!)

You've seen me wearing the dress before, but this time I dressed it with a navy cardigan and purple leggings (although I wasn't happy with my legs in the photos so I cropped them out). I also have a navy bow bag on my shoulder in the top pic.

Just keep swimming...

I would wear the dress with my lovely blue shoulder-bag if I was out and about for the day, as I think the soft faux leather and colour work nicely with the fabric of the dress. I bought this bag from Accessorize a year or two ago and used to use it for work quite a lot.

It has a dark floral lining.

I dug out one of my Abilu Creations charm bracelets which I bought from the stall in Camden a few years back, but she also has a website now. The jewellery is all handmade and designed to have a vintage rock feel. Many of the charms used in her designs are also vintage, which I'm sure I was told the little Pepsi can charm is, and each piece is finished with a signature guitar plectrum. I was won over by the quirky, retro look the moment I laid eyes on the stall. I bought this bracelet along with a necklace on my first visit, and a seaside themed bracelet on another shopping trip. I specifically chose this bracelet as I loved the pepsi can!

Along with the bracelet, I accessorized with my owl brooch (I love owls!), my anchor ring, and my little purple rose earrings. A random mix, but I liked it! I've had the brooch and earrings for a couple of years now.



 I was also wearing these two nail colours (red on the fingers, purple on the toes), which I picked up on the ASOS website for just £2.00 each on the weekend. The bright red Barry M nail polish is my all time favourite, and I just had to order a new bottle when I realised how gloopy the one I owned had become. I've been wearing this colour regularly all through my twenties and I love the colour more and more as time goes on. It's become my signature nail colour. I haven't used Rimmel nail polish since my teens, but I was impressed by how well it managed. It went on easily, dried smoothly, and only took two coats to get an even colour- not bad for a couple of hundred pennies!

Dress: AX Paris

Cardigan: New Look

Leggings: New Look

Bag: Accessorize

Bracelet: Abilu Creations

Brooch: Accessorize

Earrings: 99% sure they're Accessorize

Nail Polish: Barry M and Rimmel via ASOS

I promise to try harder to post regularly again. I really will.  I have actually been around catching up on other blogs and working on improving my own. It's still a work in progress, but hopefully when I'm done Polka Spots and Freckle Dots will be nicer to look at, more organised, and easier to navigate. Let me know what you think so far, and if there's anything you'd like to see more of from me here in the future. I do have a few ideas for future posts, but I'm open to opinions and suggestions!

Night guys,