Going casual

I don't know about you guys but Some days I wake up and I all I want to wear all day is my pj's!!

well walking through town could be embarrassing and I'm pretty sure id worry the customers and probably scare them off. So the other day I went for the next best thing, an over sized, slouchy American motif sweatshirt. I paired this with my extra comfy, slouchy boy fit jeans which I LOVE! Ive been a fan of boy fit jeans for years so its great to see them being worn everywhere at the moment, esp through out the pics of New York fashion week.

Now Ill let you into a little secret........I purchased these jeans (& another pair in bleached denim) last year from Topman!! I desperately wanted boy fit jeans but couldn't find any that fit me exactly how I wanted. I was the Topman brand manager at the time and whilst putting these jeans out one day I wondered what they would look like on me as they would be the ultimate boy fit jean, ,almost like wearing your boyfriends jeans. And what do you know, they fit perfectly. And bonus, they are ALOT cheaper than the equivalent down stairs in Topshop. So if your on the hunt for some boy fit jeans why not try a mans shop, kinda makes sense!! 

 I do love the colour of this sweatshirt, its extremely bright, and since changing my hair colour from blond to my natural colour of dark blond/light brown, I can now wear bright red a little easier. For my make-up I kept it simply, just mascara and a splash of red lipstick. I added a splash of turquoise by wearing a pair of turquoise stone ear rings, I do love red and turquoise together! My hair was just placed in a scruffy bun to keep in with the casual look.

As well as the earrings I wore a turquoise friendship bracelet with a round silver charm, as well as a red friendship bracelet. These where worn alongside my silver cuff which I purchased in Brighton.

So there you have it, you can still have your casual, cant be bothered days and still feel great! For these pictures I wore simple black wedges to add an edge but converse or wedged hi-tops would also look fantastic and would definitely be more comfy!

American motif sweatshirts can be found in store in an array of colours and different motifs. So come check them out.

Let me know what you think of my outfit. Is this an outfit you would consider wearing? how would you wear it differently? or do you not like it at all? All comments are welcome.

Thanks for reading as usual.

With Love.......

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ditsy print & leather

I thought I'd post this outfit for you all to see (and judge if you like), now for people who don't know me I'm not really a dress kinda girl, I feel alot more comfortable in a pair of jeans matched with a blouse, tee or jumper. But I woke up this morning and the sun was shinning through my window and I thought why not, lets go for a dress. It may still be chilly but I put on a pair of thick black tights (and a long sleeve top underneath) with my leather jacket and pretended i wasn't shaking from the cold on my short walk from my car to the shop.

I do LOVE this dress. I got it in one of my shopping trips for the shop last summer and it didn't quite make it into the shop (sorry about that). It definitely has a 90's grunge feel about it, I cant wait to wear it in the summer bear legged, undone at the top with a black crop top underneath. I think people would probably say I'm a girlie dresser?! but i disagree, I don't wear alot of floral prints but when I do they are ditsy prints. Being petite it's not wise for me to wear large floral prints as they will drown me! I think I can just about get away with the length of this dress as long as I show a little leg, otherwise I risk the chance of making myself look even shorter than I am.

For the pictures I put on a leather jacket from the shop, its a size 10 with cropped sleeves, 100% leather. Would be great for the spring months. I LOVE the buckle detail on the sides. So if you like, come and have a look for yourself in store :)

I recently purchased the two necklaces I'm wearing in the photos, the larger triangle one is from Topshop, and the small arrow is from My house the gorgeous home boutique just down the lane from me. I usually wear silver but I couldn't resist the gorgeous arrow necklace, and when i saw the triangle one in Topshop I  thought they would look perfect together.

What do u think of my outfit? Are you thinking about your spring outfits yet? Let me know by commenting below.

Thanks for reading.

With Love

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Re-worked leather shorts.

I had a huge delivery of leather shorts which are going to be massive for the spring/summer months. I decided to re-work some of them by adding studding. What do you think?

Some of them needing hemming so I decided to buy myself a sewing machine especially for the shop so I get creative through-out the day. I found this ever so cute sewing machine at dunelm mill for £15. Its perfect as it doesn't take up a huge amount of space in the shop. Its battery powered but by using re-chargeable batteries, I'm always on the go! I love it!!

I really love the shape of the shorts above, high waisted with flared legs which create a very flattering silhouette. The round studs adds a great modern twist.

What do you think of studding? Its everywhere on the high street and can completely change an item of clothing. I think its a great way to up-date pieces you haven't worn in a while.

Until next time,

With Love......

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Norwegian warmth and polka dot.

Just a quick outfit post.....

Now the Norwegians really know how to keep warm, I love all Norwegian knitwear, with its beautiful silver fastenings and extra thick wool. But this Norwegian jacket really does top all!! Its been given to be from a family member who has kept it hidden for many years. and I absolutely LOVE it. The colour is gorgeous (and I don't normal go for this type of green), the detail is beautiful and I love the over sized silhouette but best of all it is SOOOOOOO warm! The perfect addition to my winter wardrobe :)

I matched the jacket simply with a pair of black jeans and a black beanie as I didn't want to take focus away from the coat. A splash of red lipstick finishes off the outfit nicely.

Here's another outfit I wore this week....

As you all know I love blouses. They are a quick and easy piece which always looks fab. This is an oldie but a goodie, Its a cream & black polka dot blouse with a draped front. My mum gave it too me a few years ago and its stayed a staple piece in my wardrobe! This time I paired the blouse with my faux leather trousers which adds a sleek and slightly harsh twist to the feminine, floaty blouse. Its all about balance.  

My hair & make-up reflects the girlish style of the blouse. Ive simply created two plaits each side of my head then overlapped them across the top, leaving my fringe down. The bright pink lipstick adds the right amount of colour.

What do you think of my outfits? Would you have styled them differently? Let me know what you think by commenting below.....

with love......

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Re:So and Betty.

On Tuesday I took over to Southampton With Love Betty products to be placed for sale in the new shop called Re:So. The Retail Solent Initiative is a shop dedicated to Southampton Solent students in creative fields who wish to sell/exhibit their products, art, music, photography and their creative talents to the public. I absolutely LOVE this idea, and being an ex-Solent fashion student I am fully behind this idea and couldn't wait to get involved when a ex-lecture asked if I would be interested in selling my products there.

As you can see from the images above the store oozes creative flair, the Visual Merchandising is contemporary with a industrial feel. The store is designed completely by the students themselves and also run by the students. The products are unique, exciting and reflect exactly what these creative courses are all about. It gives them a opportunity to sell or exhibit their works, gaining experience in the retail industry, with working alongside each other as well as working towards their own specific market.

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to talk to a few of the students and you can see how excited they are to showcase their ideas to the public, with one student actually sat at a sewing machine in store, customising her clothing ready to put straight onto the rail. You can check out her blog here www.lemonade951.blogspot.com or find her on facebook Fb: /lemonade951. Another student was designing her own fashion magazine called "Peace & Love Magazine" check her out on Fb: /peacelovemagazine. Please have a look, Its so important to get behind students in creative industries as they rely upon the public.

And here are some images of With Love Betty's products.....

I'm so excited to be involved and cant wait to see how well and if the public like my vintage garments & boots.

You can find the Re:So store in the Marlands centre, in Southampton, on the high street up on the second floor. Please go check it out if your ever in Southampton and support the students. You can also follow their blog if your interested in finding out a bit more about the store at http://so-blog.tumblr.com/ here you can also find their post on With Love Betty.

Would you buy items handmade or customised by students? Do you wish your uni would do something like this for you too be able to sell your products? Let me know what you think by commenting below.

With Love.......

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Love a day out in Brighton.....

On Sunday a friend and I decided to take the short train journey to Brighton for a day of shopping (maining window shopping), people watching (one of my favourite things to do) and eating yummy food :)

We arrived at around 11am and headed straight to one of their cute cafes down the north laines, and that is where the people watching started, and oh my Brighton is such a fab place to people watch. There are so many interesting, cool people; love getting styling tips by seeing how other people style there own individual looks.

From there we started to weave in and out of all the amazing shops down the North Laines. If you've never been to Brighton and love vintage shopping, get yourself down there for the day!!

Lots & LOTS of amazing, unique jewellery!!

Bags Galore!!!

Loved looking though all the vintage photos.....fantastic for styling tips.

For the day I wore my favourite coat, an Aztec blanket, swing coat. I received many compliments which always helps with your confidence when walking around a cool place like Brighton. I matched it with a pair of black jeans and my ever so comfy white converse. It was a beautiful day so even got to get out the trusty sunglasses ;)

After looking in what seemed like a thousand shops and wishing I had won the lottery we headed down to the south laines. These are the smaller laines which you can EASILY get lost down. Lots of boutiques, jewellery shops, make-up stores and yummy restaurants :)

The South Laines are absolutely beautiful as they are the older part of Brighton. The architecture and mood of them are so picturesque.

My friend Lindsay wore her beautiful faux fur coat (which she actually bought on our last visit to Brighton).

We found this guy chilling out with his owner, he was absolutely massive but extremely friendly, I just wanted to lay down next to him and give him a big cuddle!! (the cold wind stopped me though)

So overall we had a fantastic day. We were Island bound by 8 o'clock and too be honest was knackered. So for £15 return on the train from Portsmouth you and your friends can have a fab day out. However we've decided next time we are going for a weekend so we can check out Brighton's nightlife :)

Have you guys been to Brighton? Which shops are your favourite? Or have u found a better city I could try out? Let me know by commenting below!

With Love.......

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Vintage + neon = fab styling!!

I had the lovely Ceri come into store the other day. She is the very talented lady who is behind "Penny Lane jewellery," the beautiful hand made, vintage inspired rings, ear rings and brooches found in With Love Betty.

She looked absolutely stunning in a cream vintage blouse with a gold beaded collar and dark sheepskin coat from With Love Betty. She added a modern twist by wearing a neon bright statement necklace, this contrasted fantastically with the fab Alice band she was wearing.

I love her unique styling, she always has a fab vintage style with a modern twist!

What do you guys think of her outfit? Have u worn something similar?

Please comment below, your advice and views are very much appreciated :)

With Love.......
Xxxxxxxx