What I Got For Christmas 2015

Every year I wonder whether I should do a 'What I got for Christmas' post, but they're always so popular and I love reading other peoples posts too. I guess everyone's just as nosey as I am! 

I was incredibly spoilt by my lovely family this year and even though I've already said it, I just want to take the opportunity here again to say a huge thank you to them, I'm so incredibly grateful for all the lovely gifts I received this year. I've loved spending these last few days with my family, it's my absolute favourite thing about Christmas and I'm so incredibly lucky to have them in my life.   

Three Ways To Wear... A Trench Coat

Is there a more versatile staple in any girls wardrobe than the trusty trench coat? I don't think so! Time and time again I pull out my camel trench coat and pair it with almost anything. As the beginning of Autumn approaches and we all start to wonder what the heck to wear in this crazy hot/cold, can't make up it's mind weather, now is no better time to give the trench coat a good dusting off. There are so many versions of the classic mac in the shops at the moment that you'd be hard to find one that doesn't suit you, Primark has some particularly good ones in store currently that are well worth hunting out! Check out my ideas below for three different ways to wear a trench coat, then let me know what you think below!

HUGE Summer Clothes Haul

I've got one of my favourite types of posts for you today, it's a big old haul! I'm so incredibly nosey when it comes to seeing what other people buy to the point when I make my Mum and Sister do a show and tell of what they've bought when they come back from shopping trips! I also love watching and reading other people's hauls so I thought it would be fun to share with you what I've bought recently. It's mostly summer bits but it's only now that I look at it all laid out in front of me that I realise I definitely stick to a theme when it comes to my wardrobe; black, white, grey and denim. Not exactly summery!

/ Striped dress / Grey v neck top / California top / Blue jeans / White jeans /

I always think the shops are really rubbish at this time of the year, it's like they're still trying to sell off their old stock before we move into summer. Because of that I've done a lot of online shopping recently, it's definitely a much safer bet than braving the high street on a Saturday! 

New Look is particularly good online at the moment, I got quite a few things from there including this 70s inspired 'California' t shirt which I think will go great with my favourite thing I bought, short dungarees! I also got a grey v neck t shirt which is a great staple wardrobe piece. I've already teamed it with the white skinny jeans I bought from Bershka that I also got in light blue, both of which where only £12.99! Lastly from New Look I got a versatile stripe skater dress which will be great to dress up or down and goes perfectly with the flat, pointed shoes I also found on the New Look website. They're suede at the front and faux snakeskin on the back with a little buckle strap. 

/ Off shoulder top / Dungarees / Okay jumper / Cropped grey top / Pointed flat shoes /

A trip to my local Outfit store turned out pretty good too as I picked up this gorgeous floaty sleeved, off the shoulder top and a little grey, ribbed crop top to wear underneath my new dungarees. Both where from the Topshop section. I feel like I'm going to live in these dungarees over the summer, they'll be perfect for my trip to Cornwall I have planned at the end of August! 

Other than the two pairs of jeans, I did actually pick up two other things from the Bershka store in Westfield Shepherds Bush, this amazing white, slogan 'OKAY' sweatshirt and something else I totally forgot to include in the picture, a crochet knit, fringed waistcoat. I'll include a link though so you can take a look at it on the website (see here). I'm imagining wearing it with a little top and my high waisted short for a festival sort of vibe!

I know I've mentioned before that I earn a bit of money from doing online surveys and in actual fact my entire New Look order was paid for with £50 worth of vouchers from these sites! Along with a £10 voucher code I got sent in the New Look newsletter, I ended up getting £60 worth of clothes/shoes for absolutely free! Honestly, I'm in no way being sponsored by these sites, I just think they're great way to get a little extra cash for very little effort! I'd totally recommend you sign up to a few, it's really paid off for me so far, I've used them to buy a camera tripod, makeup and all sorts of other things!

What do you guys think of what I've been buying lately? Have you been on a summer shopping spree? Tell me what you bought or leave me the links to your hauls in the comments below!

Ellie x

Trends - Seventies Style

The seventies have come back in a big way these past few months, we've seen the trend not only in fashion but in home decor, hair and beauty trends etc. I have to admit initially I really wasn't on board with it, tie dye, spandex and fringed EVERYTHING, yeah I'm definitely not a fan of any of those things. But, after seeing what the shops have in store for us I've quickly changed my mind. Thankfully they've come out with more of a modern take, seventies inspired with muted tones and in slightly more flattering cuts making it easier to wear. 

// Brown Suede Ankle Boot - Dorothy Perkins // Metallic Leather Bag - Olive Bonas // Camel Shirt Dress - New Look // Van Halen T Shirt - Topshop // Denim Flared Jeans - Dorothy Perkins // Flare Platform Block Heel - Office // Cream Smock Top - Topshop // Pineapple Jewellery Stand - Oliver Bonas // Pleated Front Shorts - New Look //

I'd love to give the look a try but I'm not normally one for fads, I'm just not sure I would be interested in wearing denim flares this time next year and generally I don't like wasting my money on things I know I'm only going to wear a few times. Now that I think about it, didn't flares have a bit of a resurgence in popularity in the early noughties? I'm pretty sure I had a pair when I was seven or eight! Everything else in the list though, yeah I definitely think I'd buy/wear it. Especially the dreamy, burgundy platform boots!

What do you guys think, will you be trying out the seventies look? Let me know below!

Ellie x

Best Posts Of 2014

I didn't really do as much blogging as I would have liked in 2014, I had a really bad case of bloggers block that just wouldn't budge! Looking back on 2014 however there was surprisingly still quite a lot of posts to choose from for my best posts of the year. I've chosen a mix of the most popular posts as well as some of my favourite posts for you to get stuck into, enjoy!

Review - Maybelline Color Drama Intense Velevet Lip Pencils

A review of one of my favourite new releases of 2014 and also my most popular post of the year, seems you guys are big fans too!

Review - L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascara

This mascara has a firm place in my makeup bag since it's release at the beginning of 2014 and good news, they've just brought out a new version! be sure to keep an eye out for a review on my blog soon.

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Liquid Lipstick - 'Ole Flamingo'

Another firm favourite of mine this year were the Bourjois liquid lipsticks. I just wish I could wear this colour more often, I need to go on more nights out!

French Beauty - Hair and Makeup

This year I discovered all things french, specifically the amazing skincare that became more available in the UK. La Roche Posay has been my skin saviour of 2014!

Review - No7 Pop and Glow Cream Blush Stick

Another favourite with the readers, the pop and glow blush stick also became one of mine too, I just love makeup that's portable!

A Quick Trip To Amsterdam

I'm lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel quite a bit and one of my favourite trips of 2014 was this one I took to Amsterdam with my lovely Mum.

A Weekend In Italy

I had a completely unforgettable time in Italy this summer, I finally got to tick off Italy as one of the countries I was most desperate to visit. I really have been so lucky this year to visit such amazing places!

25 Things To Do Before Turning 25

2014 was the year I really tried to get my butt into gear so I made a list. Since I've made the post I can cross off a few more things on the list too!

5 Things I'm Thankful To My Anxiety Disorder For

Talking about something I haven't really mentioned on my blog before was a little daunting to say the least but it was the one post I really wanted to write in 2014 and I'm really happy with how it turned out.

A Visit To The Harry Potter Studio Tour

This was my first of TWO trips to the Harry Potter Studio Tour in 2015, what can I say, I love Harry Potter. I was completely blown away by the place, it really is magical!

OOTD - A Girl In Berlin

I really wanted to do more outfit posts in 2014 but it just didn't happen. If I have one aim for my blog this year it will definitely be to do more.

Winter Coats Under £50

The chances are that now the weather has started to get colder, you're on the hunt for a new winter coat. Well me too, so I've put together some of the best coats I could find for under £50 which is no mean feat if I'm honest! Most coats are at least £60 or more but thankfully some of the high street shops and even the supermarkets have some great one's for less than £50.

First row L-R: Matalan £45, F&F £39, Matalan £40, Apricot £40

Second row L-R: Matalan £40, New Look £33.50, F&F £48, Primark £35

If you are looking for a really great priced coat this summer then take a look at places you may not have considered before like F&F at Tesco or Matalan. They have a brilliant selection of coats on their websites and the prices are unbelievable! If you ask me, there are some styles of coats which are timeless and you can afford to spend a bit more on whereas if you're after an 'on trend' coat, go for something that costs less as personally I don't think it's worth spending a lot on something you may not want to wear next year.

Where will you guys be buying your winter coats from this year? Let me know below!

picture property of  Apricot, pictures property of F&F, picture property of New Look, pictures property of Matalan, picture property of Primark 

Primark A/W 2014 - My Picks

It may be August but I'm already getting excited for Autumn/Winter fashion, I'm getting a bit bored of my Summer wardrobe now if I'm honest. You've probably already noticed a few cold weather items sneaking in to the shops and I reckon now is as good a time as any to get started on your cold weather wardrobe before all the good stuff is gone. With that in mind I've had a sneak peak at what Primark has in store for us in the coming months and picked a few of my favourite pieces.

                    Tie Front Shirt Dress £13 (in store now)                       Slavo Studded Dress £17 (in store 22.10.14)

The 90s is very much still a trend for Autumn/Winter and I don't think I've seen anything more 90s than this shirt dress with tie front. It's definitely something I could see Angela from My So Called Life wearing, there's a girl who knew how to rock a check shirt. 

How beautiful is this printed dress, it's not something I'd normally expect from Primark but I love that they're trying something new. It would look stunning paired with thick black tights and chunky gold jewellery for a Christmas or New Years party. 

                 Floral Shirt Dress £13 (in store 20.8.14)                    Embellished Trophy Skirt £16 (in store 2.10.14)

This floral shirt dress is one to take you straight through from Summer to Autumn. Wear it open at the top and a pair of sandals whilst it's still warm or buttoned up with tights and boots for the colder months. 

There's something a little 1920s about this embellished skirt, paired with a simple black silk cami and heels, it's perfect for all those Christmas parties there's to look forward to. 

           Layered Textured Dress £13 (in store 27.8.14)                 Fur Collar Crombie £25 (in store 14.9.14)

This layered white dress is another great transitional piece, I'm picturing it with a colourful, chunky statement necklace and sky high heels for an alternative going out look that works in all weathers. 

As soon as this fur collar coat hits the shops I will definitely be buying it! It's totally 80s in a garish sort of way but that's why I love it, if you have to cover up your outfit with a coat you may as well make a statement! 

Zip Front Peep Toe Boot £16 (in store 7.7.14)              Wine Wool Floppy Hat £8 (in store 22.8.14)

LE Cut Out Detail Boot £18 (in store 29.8.14)

Primark always hit the mark with their shoes and accessories and their Autumn/Winter collection is no exception. Make like a fashion blogger and buy yourself this floppy hat, it's the sort of style that suits everyone.
These peep toe boots are perfect to take you through to Autumn and once it gets chilly switch to these buckled boots to keep your tootsies warm. I for one will be picking up both!

What do you think of the pieces I've chosen? What are you looking forward to wearing come Autumn/Winter? Let me know below!

* All pictures property of Primark *

OOTD - A Girl With A Backpack

// Dress - Handmade Vintage Fair // Backpack - Primark (last year) // Necklace - Primark // Sandals - New Look //

Woo another outfit post, I'm on a roll! However, until I persuade someone with a bit of free time to take pictures of me in more interesting locations, it's just me with the self timer set in my back garden I'm afraid!

I'm totally in love with this dress I picked up at a vintage fair a few weeks back. Technically it's not actually vintage... but I love it all the same! The girl who sold it to me makes all the dresses on her stall by hand in the most amazing array of fabrics I have ever seen. I'm not kidding, there was so many beautiful colours and patterns I could have taken them all home and just had a wardrobe full of tea dresses, one for each day! 

This 60's style geometric print was what really caught my eye, it's easy to just throw on on a warm day when I want to feel comfortable but don't feel like dressing up much. This is pretty much a typical summer outfit for me on days when I'm just running errands and generally having a lazy day. I paired it up with this cute leather/canvas backpack I found at the back of my Sister's wardrobe, white sandals from New Look that literally go with everything, and finished off with my favourite orange lipstick that for some reason appears red in every picture (It's Sleek 'Papaya Punch' if you're interested!). I'm also wearing a really cute gold necklace from Primark but unfortunately you can't really see it, you'll just have to take my word that it's awesome. 

I'm pretty sure I've already mentioned Lou Lou's Vintage fair here on my blog but in case you missed it, go take a look at their facebook page. They hold fairs all over the UK so you're bound to found one or two  held near you.

OOTD - Borrowed From My Sister

// Necklace - PRIMARK // T shirt - ZARA // Shorts - VINTAGE // Bag - PRIMARK // Sandals - PRIMARK // 

For as long as I can remember my sister and I have shared pretty much everything we own. That includes clothes, shoes, bags, basically the entire contents of our wardrobes, sometimes we'll even buy things with the view of sharing it between us because that's just what we've always done. We have our own individual styles and yet I love that we can both wear the same thing but style it up in completely different ways.

So of course I borrowed some things from her for this outfit, the gorgeous white, aqua blue and lilac bag which matched perfectly with my lilac top and blue sandals, as well as the chunky gold necklace to add a bit of interest to the neckline of an otherwise plain top. Just as a side note, I bought this top in the Zara sale for just £9.99, there's some serious bargains to be had there so make sure you go take a look before all the good stuff has gone!

OOTD - A Girl In Berlin

// T Shirt - MANGO £17.99 // Shorts - VINTAGE // Bag - Primark £6.00 // Sandals - NEW LOOK £15.99 // Sunglasses - VINTAGE //

I finally managed to do an outfit post, round of applause for me I think! I don't do them very often which is a shame because they're my favourite kind of post to do but they're also probably the trickiest. Unfortunately I don't have an ace photographer on hand to take pictures for me (I wish!) so I either try and persuade my sister to take them or I do it myself. Cue me running back and forth from the camera and trying to pose naturally in 10 seconds flat! Anyway enough excuses, from now I'm going to try and do an outfit post at least once a week, I promise!

This outfit is pretty much typical of what I'll be wearing this summer. Lets face it, you can't go wrong with a pair of denim cut offs and a cropped t like this one I picked up from Mango at the weekend. Mango's not normally a place I shop in as I tend to think it's aimed at an older market, but they had some really cute things so I guess I'll have to start taking a look in there more often!

What will you guys be wearing most now that summer is here? Let me know below!

HUGE Summer Shoe Haul

It seems I've gone a bit shoe crazy lately, I honestly didn't realise how many pairs of shoes I'd bought in the last two weeks until I brought them all together for this post. In my defence though, most of my old shoes are either falling apart or are so stretched out that they no longer fit so really it was long over due. 

As well as all that, I'm going on holiday in a few weeks (yay!) so I really needed to get a couple of pairs of sandals for during the day and some summery heels to wear in the evenings that would withstand cobbled streets.

I went for quite neutral colours to make it easier to decide what shoes to take with me as I figured they'll go with more outfits and I can get more wear out of them. I don't know about you but I find it so difficult choosing what to pack in my suitcase, suddenly I can't be without any of the shoes I own for two weeks and I end up taking way too many! Anyone else do this?! 

// White Sandals - NEW LOOK £15.99 // Multi Coloured Sandals - PRIMARK £4.00 //

// Nude Block Heels - NEW LOOK £19.99 // Black Cork Heels - NEW LOOK £19.99 //

// Gold Heel Flats - ACCESSORIZE £15.00 // Nude Loafers - PRIMARK £6.00 //

What do you think of what I've bought? Let me know below!

Summer Capsule Wardrobe For Gorgeous Curves

My sister recently gave me the task of putting together a summer capsule wardrobe for her to be inspired by after taking a look at the one I created for myself a few weeks ago (see here). She's incredibly lucky in that she has a body most girls would die for (including me), in fact, we're pretty much polar opposites body wise. She's tall with a perfect hourglass figure, think along the lines of Kelly Brook or Kate Upton. Me on the other hand, well I'm just small all over, puberty wasn't as kind to me!

So on to my list, well there was loads more I could have included. The British high street really is on fire at the moment with so much great stuff in the shops but I  cut it down and this is what I came up with:

 // white jacket // blue cami // coral jumpsuit // rose print skirt // zip front dress // denim shorts // bikini top // bikini bottoms // sandals // rose print dress // aztec print cami // blue floral jumpsuit // pleated skirt // orange cross body bag // floppy hat // black floral playsuit // white heels //

When I put this list together I decided to focus on clothes that accentuate a smaller waist. Things that are high waisted or nipped in at the waist do such a great job of showing off an hour glass shape or creating it if you don't have one. I suppose the two things I really steered clear of are shapeless maxi dresses, (maxi dresses that go in under the bust or at the waist are fine) and high necked tops which lets face it, aren't really flattering on anyone but particularly so if you are of the big breasted club!

My particular favourites are the beautiful rose print skirt from New Look which looks way more expensive than it is (14.99, bargain!) and the stunning rose print bandeau dress from Oasis. It's the sort of dress shape Marilyn Monroe used to wear, figuring hugging yet incredibly flattering what with all the seams and cupped bra top. On second thoughts, I think I might have to buy it for myself. 

Do you guys have any favourites from my selection? Let me know below!

p.s. Big Sis, I hope you like at least one thing from this list!

Wishlist - Summer Capsule Wardrobe

// Blue Dress // Coral Playsuit  // Nude Flats // Grey top // Necklace // Orange Beach Cover Up // Cream Mini Satchel // Bikini Top // Bikini Bottoms // White Top // Lemon Clutch Bag // White Kimono // White Sandals // Mint Top // Floral Playsuit // Grey Shorts // Trousers // Peach Top // 

All the glorious sunshine we've had in the UK recently has made me realise just how under prepared my wardrobe is for this time of the year. It's all autumnal colours, long sleeves and jumpers, none of which is exactly suitable for the summer months. In fact, it makes me wonder what I even wore last summer, knowing me I probably just lived in my denim cutoffs.

So, what with me going on holiday in just over a months time (eek!), I've set myself the challenge of putting together a capsule wardrobe to compliment what clothes I already have. My personal favourites include the high waisted H&M bikini bottoms that I could totally mix and match with different coloured bikini tops, the stunning Miss Selfridge Floral playsuit perfect for glamming up for evenings out as well as the white sandals from Forever 21 because lets face it, white goes with everything. Only problem now is finding the money to buy it all... any chance I could borrow a fiver? 

What do you guys think of what I've picked? Let me know below!

Wishlist - Spring Wardrobe Updates

/ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 /

I could spend a serious amount of money in the shops right now, there's so many things I've seen that I really want but unfortunately my bank balance doesn't match my imaginary one. I feel like I go through phases when I don't want to buy anything at all but as soon as the seasons change there's a hundred things I want, does anyone else do this?!

For me Spring is the best time to update your wardrobe, here in the UK there isn't much of a difference in weather between Spring and Summer (i.e. it's pretty cool) so I tend to think about layering up with light jackets and thin trousers or long floaty skirts. This gorgeous Peach Jersey Bomber from Monki for example is perfect for Spring/Summer, it would keep you warm on a breezy day but is lightweight enough to carry round if it gets too hot. It's probably now obvious that I like my fashion practical AND stylish, I blame my Dad for never letting me leave the house without a jacket!

I also can't get enough of these Nude Skater Shoes from Dorothy Perkins, they look delicate and girly but with a tomboy edge, I really need to get my hands on them, like now. Oh and how perfect would this Embroidered Kimono from Topshop be for a festival, I can just imagine myself wearing it flapping my arms up and down in time to the music like a complete idiot. I just need to decide which festival to go to this year, suggestions please!

Anything you're particularly excited about wearing now spring is here? Let me know below!

OOTD - A Girl In Pink Plaid

This isn't a whole outfit post but I couldn't not share with you this gorgeous pastel pink plaid dress I picked up from New Look at the weekend. I'm like, totally channelling Clueless and doing my best valley girl accent, in the words of Cher 'AS IF!' I have to admit though when I first saw it on the rail I thought there is no way I would wear that but my sister convinced me I should try it on. Low and behold as soon as I put it on I completely fell in love with it. It's way out of my comfort zone of something I'd normally wear but it's good to try something different every once in a while even if my Mum says that I look like a school girl in it, I really don't need to look younger than I already do!

I love the little white collar and cuffed sleeves, that's what really makes the dress for me as well as the pretty pastel colours of the tartan design. It's a great way to take the tartan trend that I loved all during the winter through to Spring/Summer. It fits like a dream and actually makes me look as if I have curves and not just straight up and down and the length is perfect, half way above my knees. I plan on pairing it with my oversized light wash denim jacket and tan leather satchel plus bare legs instead of tights once the weather gets warmer.

Tartan Tunic Dress £22.99 newlook.com

I really recommend you pop in to New Look for a browse, they have some really great stuff in there at the moment and there was quite a few things I could have bought but didn't. It's really great value for money as well compared to some of the other more popular high street shops.

I'd love to hear your thoughts about this dress, is it something you'd wear? Let me know below!

Primark Spring/Summer 2014 PART 2 - My Picks

Primark have just launched part 2 of their Spring/Summer 2014 collection in stores now. They've brought us even more florals and pastels which lets face it, is never going to go out of style. You can take a look at my picks from part 1 of the collection here. Take a look at my favourite items from the collection.

Black floral tapestry T £10 - Such a flattering neckline on this t shirt, would look great paired with just about any other colour. 

Tropical print maximise bikini set £8 (top) £4 (pant) - This bikini looks both sturdy and stylish, what more could a girl want!?

Orange gingham shirt £13 - Forget check, it's all about gingham for Spring/Summer and this shirt is the perfect piece update your wardrobe.

Woven asymmetric wrap skirt £10 - This neon skirt will be sure to brighten up any outfit, team it with black and white accessories for a great evening look.

Floral peephole longline bandeau £4, pant £3 - I couldn't love this bikini more, I think it's one for sun bathing rather than swimming however!

Monochrome PU satin T £11 - A simple structured t shirt will go with just about anything so in my eyes it makes this a must buy!

Pink scuba pleat dirndl skirt £12 - This Orla Kiely inspired skirt has been hugely popular already, get it before it's gone! 

LE metal edge x body £12 - Who'd have known this bag was from Primark! I love it's unique design and versatility, you could wear it day or night.

Bright floral bomber £15 - Bomber jackets are this seasons blazer, paired with almost anything it'll look good!

Blue crepe midi £10 - Midi, check! Pastel, check! Floaty, check! This skirt ticks all the boxes for Spring/Summer trends.

Floral multi print trouser £11 - A great statement piece to have in your wardrobe, these trousers will take you right the way through to Autumn.

Turquoise crochet pencil skirt £8 - Pastel, lace and a midi, this skirt fulfils three trends in one, definitely a must buy if you're going to occassion like a wedding or just a day out.

LE contrast tote £20  - This bag looks more like something you'd buy from another well known accessories shop (hint, hint!). Great to use for work or a shopping trip.   

Art deco clutch £6 - It's all in the detail with this art deco clutch, perfect for a summer picnic!

Aqua fluffy ribbed cardigan £12 - You're bound to need a cover up for summer and this chunky cardi would be perfect for the job.

I've got my eye on all three of those skirts, think I better get myself down to Primark sharpish! Anything take your fancy? Let me know below!

*All pictures property of Primark*