Check Mate!

I've always had a bit of a thing for tartan and have secretly been wanting to don a stylish alternative of a kilt for some time now, but I've been afraid I would come out either looking like a Scot-gone-wrong or a Halloween style 'indecent' school girl. But now that tartan (and other forms of check-ery) are bang on trend, I can finally go out in Clueless style!

I've put together some of my favourite tartan pieces for you, so you can go and buy them if you like! I myself will try to refrain, although I might have to make an exception for one or two items. 

Check Mate by aderynh2 featuring short skirts

Motel red jacket £55 / Sparkle Fade green plaid jacket £68 / Missguided punk pants £24.99 / Missguided short skirt £19.99 / New Look Green Short skirt £16.99 / New Look Monochrome Short skirt £17.99

(trying out the new Polyvore features - let me know if you'd rather I typed and linked you myself)

It seems I do have a preference for the green tartan over any other. I think it's much more subtle and easier to pull off!

You may have noticed the slip dress isn't linked. Unfortunately the dress isn't available any more (it's from Zara - you might be able to get it on eBay) but I wanted to throw it on there cos I own it myself and I absolutely love it *blog post to come soon!*

Are you a fan of the tartan trend? Leave a comment 

xx

May Wish List

It's just turned 11pm. I should be revising for my English Literature exam on Friday, but what was meant to be a half hour break somehow escalated in to me watching the Vampire Diaries, adding even more things to my watch list on eBay, and creating this blog post for you lovely readers! 

Paisley Playsuit - Topshop

White Dress - Urban Outfitters

Orange Co-ords - Topshop

Triangle Necklace - Urban Outfitters

Western Belt - Topshop (lots of Topshop on here!)

Orange Dress - Debenhams

Striped Dress - ASOS

'Mom' Jeans - Topshop

Black Sandals - Topshop

Being without a job means that all of these items are well and truly out of reach (although I've managed to bag myself a job interview as a sales advisor so maybe this will soon change!) but a girl can dream right? The paisley playsuit I have been in love with ever since I spotted it in store, and the lovely people at Topshop had designed even more items in that gorgeous paisley pattern, all of which I desperately need; shorts, trousers and blazer. 

The Urban Outfitters dress I have had my eyes on for a LONG time! I can't even remember when I first spotted it, it's been months! But as with all Urban Outfitters products, unless you're in the sale, you won't be coming home to my (overflowing) wardrobe any time soon.

Co-ords I absolutely adore! It started with Topshop last season but now River Island has jumped on the bandwagon. Hopefully we'll see even more big high street names designing their own versions of the wonderful two piece sets (maybe for a bit cheaper too please - H&M I'm counting on you!).

My favourite piece, and only a recent find, are the sandals from Topshop, but at £72 I don't think they'll ever be seen on my feet. I'm not a huge fan of flashing my toes, so I usually steer clear of sandals, but the band running down the middle looks like it would cover up most of the offenders (although I do have visions of prominent big toes peeping out from behind that band *shudders*).

Have you got any things you've been eyeing up for ages and have finally decided to splurge on?

Peeper Protectors!

The only glimpse of summer has probably just passed, but just in case we are lucky enough to receive some more sunshine, I think a spectacular pair of shades are to be prepared!

I don't currently own a pair of sunglasses as I never holiday anywhere hot, and the British weather only seems to demand a pair of solar shields for a couple of days a year. But the range of spectacles out there is just too tempting, and I really should protect my peepers from those harmful rays. So here is a round up of my favourite (affordable) sunnies.

(left to right)

Half Frame Round Sunglasses - Ebay £1.99

Bronze Round Sunglasses - Urban Outfitters £16

Milo Round Sunglasses - Topshop £12

Etched Frame Castro Sunglasses - Urban Outfitters £16

Half Frame Round Sunglasses - ZeroUV $9.99

Classic Retro Sunglasses - ASOS £12

I recently came across the the American brand ZeroUV and they have a huge range of amazing sunglasses and they're all really cheap. Unfortunately, the price gets bumped up with the additional cost of delivery, but to be honest, they're still a good price for a pair of sunglasses. Personally though, I could never buy a pair of sunnies without first trying them on.

There is quite a big focus on the 'steampunk' trend and although I really love this style of sunglasses, I don't want to look too 'pretentious' with my choice of shades. Another big trend at the moment in the world of sun goggles are the very extravagant, heavily embellished glasses, decorated with the likes of flowers and pearls. I must say these aren't to my taste, and I could never pull such a statement piece of eye-wear off, but if you can then go for it!

I wonder how many synonyms for 'sunglasses' I have used in the post. Have you got your peeper protectors ready for this summer? 

It's a tea party!

You know those people? Those who can walk into a vintage or charity shop and pull out tonnes of gorgeous items, and only pay £7 for the whole lot? Those people you're insanely jealous of because their wardrobe is twice the size of yours and probably half the price? I'm not one of those people.

My luck with charity and vintage shops is fairly non-existent. Admittedly I've gotten a fair few things off eBay for pennies, but I'm no bargain queen. So after longing for an adorable little vintage tea dress for quite some time, I am happy to see that they are very on trend this season, meaning that most high street stores will be stocking them, making them a whole lot more accessible. But probably more expensive!

So here's a round up of my favourite tea dresses this season, from the 'ooh, I could probably afford that' to the 'if only Christmas was nearer'.

So this first one is probably one of my favourites, and you can find this at River Island for £28 (or River Island @ ASOS), which I don't think is a bad price! I love that it has buttons all the way down. I don't think a tea dress is really a tea dress without a few buttons.

This next one is from Motel for £40, but students can get 25% discount at the moment which means you could snap this one up for £30! Annoyingly, the models hair is in the way of the neckline, but it's v-neck, wrap style dress.

This Nishe dress can be bought from ASOS for £50. The Nishe collection has a quite a few tea dresses with a very similar cut to this one, although this pattern was my favourite.

Moving up the price scale a little, we have this number from Urban Outfitters for £52, and you can save 20% at the moment. This one has to be my favourite because of the dark colour and delicate print making it very easy to wear. It also has those buttons all the way down which I love!

And finally, this adorable silk dress with a beautiful subtle print in a gorgeous pastel colour - which is perfect for SS13 - is from ASOS. It costs (unfortunately) £252. Oh well. I can dream.

As you can see, my idea of a tea dress is very specific; cap sleeve, buttoned front, but that's just what I like. There are many other kinds of tea dresses out there that still hold the feminine, vintage feel that are perhaps more suited to your taste.

Good luck to everyone with your SS13 wardrobe!