Festival Dreaming

Hello beauts, its been a full on weekend.

Theres been about 2 foot of snow fallen over the last few days resulting in a day off work Friday and some strenuous snow shifting. This morning was spent clearing all of our drive and our road and it was back breaking work. Along with that I have baking all afternoon in order to fund raise for the half marathon I'm running in May for Dementia UK.

Anywhoo the other week I was in a foul mood and confided myself with some much needed retail therapy. I got some wonderful things (none of which are geared towards snowy weather). One of them was a tassel bag which I think is going to work perfectly for me during festival season. 

Now I know that seems like a dream away but with buying my V festival ticket I am really looking forward to the festival season (minus the disgusting toilets!)

I love the suede design of this bag, its a good size to take more than your essentials, the strap is handy and adjustable and I love the statement of the tassels. Even better it was £8 from Primark! Perfectly bargainous.

I remember when I went to my first festival I thought "what on earth do I wear?"

My recommendations:

Before hand check the weather forecast

Even if its sunny always take a pack a mac even a thin one

Here's how I plan to style this bag:

I got the dress very recently from Missguided. It just screams festival, I'm also looking forward to getting good use of it in the summer, I think it ll look great with tanned skin.

Ive had my pink hunters for about 2 years, I bought them from ebay and they have been one of the best footwear purchases I have ever made. Living in the country it pays to have some wellies in the boot of my car. I can safely say wearing Hunters all day will cushion your feet rather than give you sore blisters. Not only are they a fashion statement but highly practical- worth the splurge.

Of course I shall have a jacket to hand, I bought an equestrian jacket similar to this a while back and its a great practical jacket for keeping your core warm even in the depths of winter or a chilly summers evening.

What do you usually wear to a festival?

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Accessories: Affordable Statement Spikes.

Hello everyone and a very warm Sunday to you.

This weekend has been a revelation because I’ve realised how much can be done when not wasting all of a Sunday with a hangover.

Yesterday I went up the mountain with my boyfriend and the dog and despite it being freezing I really enjoyed the walk. This morning I was in the gym hitting the treadmill at 10:30, it must be January fever that’s all I can put it down to.

I had to write a little post about these bags because their beautiful, on trend and really affordable. I’ve seen the a lot of similar bags out and about and they are dupes for some of Topshops and Zaras studded and spikes accessory offerings.

I bought these bags separately on two different trips to Primark.

The cream bag appealed to me because firstly I love gold and wear a lot of gold accessories when I go out. I also think the cream bags style could work very well styling future spring/summer months outfits (yes I am aware I’m getting ahead of myself a little but there you go!) it also has a cream tassel which is a nice added touch.

The black clutch on the other hand is a little more edgier, the eviler of the siblings so to say. Styled correctly this black number can be used as a nod to the spike trend rather than dressing head to toe in black and spikes. It could be used to crank up an outfit a notch. I also think this

bag would compliment my Jeffrey Campbell Damsels perfectly.

 

Both bags are PU leather and like an oversized pencil case. They are the perfect size to fit all of our essentials. I am not usually one to splash out on Primark bags but I have been very impressed with these two.

 

These lovely bags are available from Primark for £8 each.

What do you think of them?

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Transitional Pieces: How To: Crop Top

Hey everyone!

So Again I'm coming over all practical. I really don't know what has come over me!

I dont know about you guys but I have over indulged on the crop top trend. I now have all of these super-pretty-but-only-worn-once crop tops in my wardrobe and not a clue when they'll get another outing again. Familiar?

You may remember in January I proclaimed in my year of fashion versatility.  

(I look so different in that post)

Well this is very fitting.

What Im wearing:

Disco Pants: Ebay

Denim shirt: Primark

Bralette: Primark

Nails: Essie Figi

What I've done with this outfit is layer it up a little with a denim shirt over the top.

I was off for Sunday lunch this day so I did my shirt up and rid of my cheeky flesh flash at the bottom.

May I also add that I am loving my Ebay disco pants. So comfy. For all you 10/12s or above I assure you you CAN get out of them and their not nearly as scary on.  

(I had a real life fear of major flesh overhang)

Getting them from ebay was a tactical choice to test if I wanted the real things and so far I'm impressed.

I really urge you ladies to have a pop at light summer layering. I just think this bralette has such a pretty print its a shame to not utilise it.

Camera focus was a little lacking in image 2 I so apologise for that. I also have totally given up on the British tan conept and gone back to my beloved St Tropez. I give up I really do.

How do you get the most out of your clothes?

OOTD Cool clothes for Hot Saturday Shopping

Hey guys!

Ive had a wonderful afternoon...its been my first Saturday off in weeks, and what weather for it.

I spent the day shopping in Liverpool with my friend Jens.

Oh my.

I spent lots of money in Primark. Picked up some makeup from Topshop and a bikini from Miss Selfridge.

I am mega ready for holiday now!

 Todays OOTD

I wore a dipped hem Jersey skirt from River Island

(They also have this in coral....so beautiful)

A Low armhole top from New Look

With an Aztec Bandeau underneath it from Topshop
All items available linked.

I kept my hair up more to stop myself from over heating whilst parading myself around the busy shops.

We had a lovely 3 course lunch in Pizza Express. I was so nice to eat alfresco with our sunglasses on....and of course natter away the afternoon.

I will do a Primark haul as I know its nice to get an insight as to whats available in store.

Wishing you all a fabulous rest of the weekend!

Guess The Bag.

I thought I would disclose where this lovely bag is from at the bottom.

Look at the pictures, read the description and comment below on whether you think this bag is worth the price I mention.

I think with women and bags broadly we fall under categories.

There are small-bag-women.

These are the organised sophisticated types. All the necessities are in there nothing more.

The medium-bag-women.

Necessities and there may be a few bits, receipts, bits and bobs since last swapping bags but nothing major.

The big-bag-women.

These ladies haul every-bloody thing in their bag. These are the types that always have paracetamols at hand for others since their last illness. There are things in that bag which should have been removed months ago, yet the feeling of leaving it and it-may-be-of-use-one-day makes them keep it close at hand in their humongous bag.

I admit I am a big bag woman.

I find it really hard to find attractive big bags.

I mean I want to be able to haul my stuff to my boyfriends without him actually thinking I'm  moving in.

I love the union jack and rose pattern. It softens the whole look of it, and the gold detailing is completely up my street.

Inside Random bits:

MUA lip balm in Sweet Kiss

Tigi Catwalk Leave in Conditioner

Pauls Boutique Quilted Purse

YSL Cinema Perfume

Whats most important is its bloody big and roomy. It has inside concealed pockets and the obligatory phone pocket.

So have you got an idea where its from or the price?

Scroll down...

Primark £9

I think its a bit of a bargain!

Did you have it down as a Primark bag?

I Put Some New Shoes On And Suddently Eveything Is Right- Spring Shoes

I have never been a trainers person.

To me they always seemed too casual so I'd just avoid them altogether.

In fact the whole very casual shoes thing never appealed to me- I just seemed incapable of being able to make it work.

It was last summer Toms changed my perception of casual shoes- my god their comfy. The blue and white striped style seemed to go with everything and Ive enjoyed wearing them again for our brief but pleasant week of weather over March.

I'm actually playing pub golf today for my boyfriends birthday. In a desperate attempt to put together a decent but frivolous golfing outfit I found these beauts. At £3 from Primark I'm not viewing them as an investment- that'd be naive.

But as a self confessed trainer-hater they really grap me and I like how the baby pink edging adds femininity to a pattern which is stereotypically very masculine.

Shoes like this do pronounce me with an ethical dilemma. I try not buy in to "disposable fashion" too much. I personally prefer to invest in something with a long life other than something made cheaply......in this instance I'm hardly going to buy some flippin golf shoes though am I!?

They are quite simply a perfect Spring Pump

What are your opinions on disposable fashion?

Do you like Primarks Spring Range?

OOTD Suns out- Legs out-Primark

Today is one of those ohhh my shizz I have so much to do days.

The purchasing of this dress is down to several weaknesses, 

one being DollyBowBow's Primark Haul and another LLYMRS' beautiful skirt.

Sitting and knowing these beautiful bits were in Primark resulted in a trip

-and with the weather this week I felt I owed it to myself to pick up some key pieces in order to be ready for spring.

I love this dress.

This is another of those transitional pieces, some wedges a bit of eyeliner and hell even a bandanna could retro up this dress to a whole other level and get you in gear for the evening.

Its denim-looking but it actually a lightweight cotton.

I love that its sleeveless and the button detailing. I'm not overly crazy about the belt but it'll do till I get round to picking up something I prefer.

The length of the dress is just above the knee, I am however 5"9 so it could come up a lot longer on you shorter ladies. The skirt pleats out a little making it super feminine.

My hair is just kinda 'meh' today but I do like how a plait can make you come over all girly.

I have my beloved Rimmel Nail Varnish (Sky High) I am a little obsessed with this greeny colour at the moment.

Oh and the good bit this dress is £10 from Primark

and I literally picked it up Wednesday so get yourself down there.

I'm still considering doing a haul on the other bits I got, anyone like to see?

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend!

OOTD February Brights

Good Evening Ladies!

Its well overdue since I bothered to take some OOTD snaps.

I am continually making the naive mistake of seeing a glimmer of sunshine and assuming that it'd be warm outside...thank goodness for the mother who recommended a coat when leaving the house!

Tee- New Look

Cardigan: Primark

Shorts: Levi

Belt: Ebay

Watch Michel Kors

Headscarf: New Look

Its been one of those 'meh' hair days and when ever this happens due to my long long weave the over-reliance of my bun hairpiece comes into play....easy peasy.

I am a little obsessed with this headscarf...I love how colourful it is and I also have big love with how well it goes with my MAC Morange lipstick (any excuse).

Ive been working quite a few mornings recently and I like to feel a bit of winged eyeliner even when your sleep deprived feeling shit really makes you look animated and awake.

I a little obsessed with this top. It has really low arm holes and reminds me of Thailand/summer last year as its vests all round for pack packers there.
Its another of those daytime/nightime pieces.
Also loving my high waisted Levis which I got offa ebay. I see myself purchasing some different shades in the coming months!

This is my Hermes look-alike belt.
Those of you TOWIE fans will have noticed Joey Essex rocking this belt, well mine wasnt £300 mine was £8 from Ebay
Its a little cult number that only those fashionistas would notice, thats why I kinda like it- that and the colour goes with everything!

Please have a look at the Japoneque giveaway Ive got going on at the moment.

Prandora bracelet and personal update

Hello lovelies!

Some of you may know I was in a horrific car accident on Sunday.

I slipped on black ice and my car ended up with the front held by a tree and the back suspended in the air over a stream in a forest.

It was about 10pm and needless to say it was one of the worst experiences of my life.

My car is a write off and frankly I am incredibly lucky to have walked away relatively unharmed.

To get out my driver door was blocked so I got out the passenger side, fell out below the car into a stream and had to climb out of a ditch and through the forest back onto the road to get help. I was soaking and muddy and in complete shock. Saying that I am very sore from whiplash and have bruised and cut legs, cuts on my chin and arms but I count my blessings.

I'm very upset about my car but the airbags and bodywork compression kept me safe.

I am housebound for the first time in 4 years and going though all the usual crap with my insurance company.

I am on major drugs to get me on the way to recover so Christmas is going to be a very sober one. Diazepam and alcohol don't mix.

ANYWAY...

This bracelet is so pretty Ive named it the Pridora bracelet.

 Pandoras are everywhere...I own one my lovely girl friends bought me one for my birthday. It has one single charm and I adore it.

But I know many people cant justify the cost of a Pandora...so here I have a solution.

 This is from Primark for £3 and I think its so beautiful.

I love the individual beads and diamante.

Oh and I love gold

I think it is a perfect stocking filler and certainly looks higher in value than its actual price.

 The only criticism I can make is its a right bugger to put on yourself.

You ll need a nearby friend/relative to assist you putting it on!

Hope you are all getting excited for Christmas!

OOTD & New Hair!

Happy Saturday!!

I am buzzing today! I have Spotify on none stop playing Christmas tunes and others...I'm out tonight in THE gold sequin dress. Excited to wear it!

I have new hair...can you see?

no? Ok how about this one?

Whats been done?

Ive had a new 22" weave so Ive got length and volume back.

Highlights and cut now I'm a caramel all over. My hairdresser described it as "Beyonce caramel"- I quite like the idea of that. Closer to Beyonce...closer to godliness! haha.

I notice a lot of searches made that end up on my blog are Googling "weave"

If you have any questions or would like a more in depth post on European weave extensions please get in touch...I'm happy to help!

This dress is from Primark!

I love wearing dresses in daytime, Ive worn it with tights and boots today. I also love a cut off shirt. That trend seems to have followed us from the summer.

The dress is sheer and comes with a slip (which I'm wearing)

However if I'm feeling a little cheeky I can wear a skirt underneath the dress and flash a bit of bra....witwoo.

I like the collar and the different colours on the buttons...its cute!

In Other News

Ive officially started a MAC shadow palette..slow on the uptake!

...I blame Debenams for their 15% off beauty.

I will post my Secret Santa goodies soon

Wishing you all a fabulous last weekend before Christmas!

Love to you all

Redding up the daytime-OOTD

Hello bloggers!

Just a very short post for today

I had one of those FAIL moments today. Was taking some pics (or planned to) before I left the house and my camera died....oh man.

Here's my only pic of my OOTD:

You know what. 

Its only through blogging I have realised I have my hand on my hips ALL THE FRIGIGN TIME

need a new pose. I think this is derived from those night out pics.

**must make arms look slender...must breathe in** I think that's where the standard pose has come from!...I shall in future try to mix it up a little more.

.....Right you want to know about the clothes...onto the clothes!

Cardigan: Recent primark purchase. It is a lovely knit with gold buttons and we all know how I love gold. Think goldfinger but less Swedish...or hairy...hmm maybe goldfinger was a bad example.

Top: River Island. Its a kinda waterfall top but Ive tucked it in.

High waisted shorts: New look. I discovered these babies later in summer, they may well be knocking about some of the stores still.

Necklace: Primark, I featured this is a recent haul here

Watch: Michael Kors

I do have leggings on here but my wonderful picture has chopped my legs off!

Hair: Looking a little wilder than usual. Just tossed and dosed with a little serum.

This look is all about looking like you've made an effort but in actuality you've slapped some clothes on. The red really makes the outfit and I love marrying the gold buttons with gold jewellery. Red is really taking over this season.

Wishing you all a good week, were nearly halfway!

In Other News

Today (or as I write less than an hour) is my 2 month blog anniversary.

I have already tweeted about this on @AspirationsOfGl but thank you subscribers or even those of you who just popped on to have a nosey and see what this is all about. I have had some overwhelming support and I am grateful for your feedback and views. I plan to do a giveaway soon to show my appreciation!

Packages and Knits OOTD

Hello there!

Yesterday I had a beautiful little package through the post

I was very happy to find it was a beautiful necklace I ordered a few weeks ago from Etsy.

The link for it is featured in this post

It is so dainty and ornate. Its not got that LOOK AT ME statement authority,

instead the little disk creates a glimmer that occasionally catches you eye. It really is lovely.

Today I have a HUGE jumper on...I mean I'm a size 10 and its size 18

Basically Ive been after a nice large cream jumper for a while.

I find jumper dresses too frumpy and usually a little on the short side this is because I'm 5"8.

My thinking behind purchasing such a big jumper is so that when I have those I cant be bothered days I can throw this on!

 ...and that's exactly what Ive done. Ive added a little black belt to give the look more structure. This way I don't entirely look like Ive got the bin bag look going on.

Jumper: Primark

Belt: Primark

Watch: Micheal Kors

FACE:

Foundation: No7 Stay perfect

Blush: Sleek Flamingo

LIPS:

MAC Chatterbox

EYES:

Sleek palette

Chanel inimitable intense mascara

Thank you for my lovely birthday comments!

Check out my guest blog entry posted today here on GlitzyQueen!