My Chequered Past

Sometimes, I just get visions of new items of clothing I want in my head - and one such item was a tweed blazer. I scoured around and found a vintage one in Urban Outfitters which ticked all the boxes - but it occured to me just in time that I could look a little closer to home. And by that I mean my dad's wardrobe. Sure, the shoulders are ridiculously massive - but you cant get broader shoulders that that; those shoulders have had some weight on them, and therefore hold history!

Also the first look at my Kenneth Jay Lane necklace - a statement necklace with a touch of Versace about it. And, as finances have been rather stretched lately, this was bought from ebay, for less than half the retail price, and to make it more special, it even crossed the atlantic to get to me.

(Topshop 'Jamie' jeans, Topshop tee, dad's blazer, Topshop platform boots)

Curls and Waves

On a very lazy weekend, with the weather on the turn to the cold side, me and Dan wrapped up warm and went for a walk across the barrage, with the destination of the pub on the other side of the water. Beautiful day, and with calories burned, we came home... and make cookies. Seriously - now THIS is rock n roll.

This mongolian scarf from Topshop is going to be my security blanket-come-warmth provider this winter. It felt a little bit like buying a fluffy pet when I laid it on the counter by the till - it is strokable, and will definitely be cheaper to keep than a puppy - although I imagine perhaps not quite as rewarding...

(Topshop mongolian scarf, M&S cardi, H&M tank, Topshop 'Jamie' jeans, vintage boots, Dans hiking socks, necklace a gift from Australia)

Life in the Trench

On a rare weekend of no plans, me and dan had a lazy brunch then went on a 'date' to the city museum - I know, we're crazy. Wearing the vintage boots that I wear EVERY day - so I really need some new boots that have a heel, yet I can still walk to work in, that work with skinnies AND bare legs. Oh, and in black. Is this really impossible? Seeming so thus far - but I am going to stay optimistic...

Have been wearing this Primark necklace quite a bit lately - makes a tee or tank alot more interesting and I don't mind telling you all that it was only £4.

(Miss Selfridge trench coat and shorts, Topshop tee, vintage clutch and boots, Primark necklace)

On the Cover of a Magazine

Just landed at Edinburgh airport here, where I was forced to totter along behind Dan in these apparently "ridiculous" Topshop ankle boots through to arrivals. To fly in, I debuted my Fashion Night's Out 'Vogue' t-shirt - love how it eliminates the need for any necklaces.

(Topshop skinnies, blazer and boots, Vogue tee from Matches)

Hula Hula

No doubt caused by my fashion crushes on Nicole Richie and Rachel Zoe, the 70's (and 60's) are definitely on my style radar at the moment, although punked up with chunky black heels and juxtaposed with high-street. Barbara Hulanicki's collaboration with Topshop is where these influences meet and cross over, and I loved the whole range. I wore the coral dress with tie-shoulders and a full skirt to Dan's cousin's wedding (you can see the dress here) and bought this dress, my favourite piece, subsequently.

It is a perfect shape, very flattering, and the colours and design are my kind of print - not too girly but still statement-making. My only issue is the length - I am practically a midget and it is still crazy short on me. Think it will make a better winter piece as I can use thick black tights to conceal my modesty! Even then it has its perils - I wore it out to dinner on the night before Dan's sisters wedding (yes, there were alot of family weddings this year) and the strong Edinburgh winds made for a Marliyn Monroe moment. Hold on to your skirts ladies!

PS. Am loving ankle boots and bare legs at the moment. Boo for winter!

(Barbara Hulanicki for Topshop dress, Topshop blazer and boots, vintage necklace, YSL and House of Harlow rings)

Grazia Stylehunter

Grazia is one of my weekly fashion occurrences. My sister treated me to a subscription for my birthday (thanks sis), but even before it began to drop through my letterbox, I bought it every week, so you can imagine that when they began their UK Stylehunter tour, I couldn't wait to see the results. They documented their movements through Twitter and so when they were in Cardiff and/or Bristol, I hoped that our paths would cross... and they did, in the Bay. I was a bit disappointed with my outfit though; annoyingly (or ironically) I hadn't really dressed up that day - not even heels, but still very happy to be featured! Voting starts next week and I would love to even get one stage nearer. I love that they are bringing a bit of London fashion to the regions.

Boot Camp

These Topshop boots are pretty much perfection to me - I spied them on an in-store ad about two months ago and was so taken with them I tweeted immediately. Now they are in stock, they have muted them by removing the fluorescent laces, but these boots in grey (also available in black, but they don't excite me as much) I can picture wearing all winter, with huge chunky marl socks over jeans, or worn with shorts and tights. The whole of the galactic Unique theme gelled really well, but these boots really are the standout piece.