Autumn Fashion for 2010

Today is the 15th of September and I was coming home yesterday from work and I couldn't help but notice how Autumny it felt. The leaves were dropping off the trees and it had just been raining so there was that distinct smell which always reminds me of Autumn. The bottom of my trousers got wet and I knew I should have taken my umbrella.


Then I thought, "Hang on, I'm not ready for Autumn yet!" It seemed to me like it was still too warm to be Autumn but then yesterday said different! So how do you make that transition from Summer to Autumn without feeling sweaty and hot or not warm enough??


Well, I was thinking along these sort of lines. Wear some nice boots and thin tights with a dress and cardigan? Or maybe skinny jeans with tops were you can add layers on if needed. I've looked around the internet and here are some of my ideas:

Dress, Knee-high Socks, Black flat boots, Bow Beret, Worker Boots, 70 Denier tights, Grab Bag, Knitted Cardigan, Box Owl Ring, Suede Necklace

I know there's more of certain things but I thought with this cute little dress you can mix and match the items for variety. Here are some more accessories I thought would be great for Autumn:

Bear Beanie, Croco Bag, Snood, Woven Scarf, Coral Ring, Buckle & Stud Boots, Floral Umbrella, Flower Corsage, Mini Hair Straighteners (only £10!), Hoop Charm Earrings.

With the accessories I've gone for a pale colour theme with peaches and browns, rather than dark colours as I feel everyone always goes for the darks when it starts to get cold but that's boring! I added the mini straighteners in there as more often than not my hair gives into the harsh cold and goes frizzy.

Let me know what you think about all this, I absoultely adore browsing through shops when it hits new season.

Bored? How About a Clothes Swapping Party...

Image thanks to Annetta

Have you ever thought about having a clothes swapping party (or swishing)? I know I hadn't until recently. I've got to that stage where I'm thinking about the holiday coming up but I feel really bored with a lot of the clothes I have in my wardrobe. And I hate to admit this but sometimes buying cheap isn't always the best thing to do as I seem to get bored of the cheaper bits quite easily. 


So, I thought, rather than chuck all these old clothes away or give them to a charity shop, maybe I could have a clothes swapping party! Not only is it a great excuse to have a party and meet up with mates, you aren't chucking anything out and you might come back with some new ones. Still not convinced?

environmentally friendly + social + saving money + mates + fun + party = the best clothes swapping party!

And you aren't just limited to clothes either. They can be bags, scarves, hats and accessories which all help to add to an outfit. 


So if you are planning on having one yourself, here are some tips for having a great clothes swapping party:

 Make sure everyone brings at least one item otherwise it wouldn't be very fair. 

 Put on some food and drink to make things more interesting. 

 Don't be clingy with your clothes - just think about the last time you wore this particular piece of clothing and how long it was since you last wore it. Do you reaaallly need it?

 Try to include a mix of cheaper items and more expensive items from your wardrobe to make things fairer and organise it so everyone knows the approximate price. 

 Don't let there be any fighting or squabbling over items!

 Have a countdown - give everyone time to browse through everything and then announce when swishing can start.

 You could even make it a fund raiser and have fun at the same time!

 Make sure there is somewhere for people to try the items on, with at least one full length mirror.

 If one item is popular with the girls, you may want to do a draw so there is no bickering.

 Ask everyone to make sure each item is clean and ironed beforehand and at an acceptable level. No excessively worn clothes should be brought.

 Try to encourage people to try things on before taking them. This stops people from picking everything up which might not fit.

Let me know how yours go if you have had one or are planning on having one as I would love to hear about it.

Summer Essentials - Beachwear Part Two

Image thanks to Sheepback.Cabin

Here is number two of my Summer Essentials. Part One covered the bikinis and swimsuits which suit different body shapes so if you need any inspiration on this, check it out. The next part in the series is covering what to wear when you're at the beach or when it's hot but which can be transferred through day to night. If you don't know what I mean, I'm talking - dresses/tops/trousers to cover you up a little bit more but which still keeps you cool in the heat. Not only will the following outfits keep you cool, they also look GREAT, and can be transferred from day to night.


So what kinda thing am I talking? Take a look.

Feel free to mix and match all the accessories as I only put these on for ideas. All together it might look a bit overwhelming. To transfer this onto a night look, add some nice heels and there you go!


Maxi Dress - Republic £26.99, Flip flops - New Look £12, Straw Hat - F21 $13.80, Sunglasses - Top Shop £15, Earrings - New Look £8, Ring - F21 $4.80, Necklace - New Look £8, Bag - Desire Clothing £22, Bangle - Boohoo £10

This one is sort of more for the night time when you go out. Wedges are summery and comfortable and these look gorgeous with the dress. Again mix and match with the jewellery, but overall a very pretty look. If you want to wear this during the day, I would just suggest flats or flip flops and you still have a great daytime look.


Dress - Boohoo £25, Bow Wedges - New Look £20, Bangles - Topshop £10, Mole Bag - Promod.co.uk £19, Camera Earrings (LOVE THEM) - Top shop £6, Sunglasses - Boohoo £10, Ring - Boohoo £8, Bi-material earrings - Promod.co.uk £7.50




The overall theme I've tried to create is a sort of tropical-summery-light one, where you can transfer all of the above items from day to night, to on the beach. Most of the items are reasonably prices as I know that we don't all have masses of money (including me). Hope you enjoyed and got some ideas!

Summer Essentials - Beachwear Part One

Image thanks to slavikgo

Going on holiday this year? I am hoping to be and I CANNOT WAIT to get shopping for some new things for holiday! But, not all of us have bodies to die for and most of us all have a hang up of some sort about our body. But rather than be depressed about it, or swear to yourself that going to the gym two months beforehand is going to fix them, why not embrace them? Make the most of what you've got! Not sure how to do it? Here are a few tips I've read on the internet or magazines that might help you when choosing a bikini/tankini/swimsuit:


Girls with big boobs - If you have a big bust, underwire provides support but can look a bit ugly and the general look of under wired bras is not always flattering. So, try halter neck bikinis that provide support but also look gorgeous. In addition, buy swimsuits with high cut necklines, or ones with ruffles and patterns elsewhere which draw attention away from your breasts.


Girls with small boobs - You can buy lots of swimsuits and bikinis now with adjustable padding to add if you feel you need to increase the size of your breasts. You could also look for bikinis where you can adjust the pull between the cups, which can help to create more cleavage.


Girls with a boyish figure - It might be best looking for swimsuits that have high cut legs, ones that have ruffles to add detail, and also tie up bikinis which add extra detail to your sides. You could also go for a low cut neckline to show off your boobs to create a more feminine look.


Girls who are curvaceous - Girls who are curvaceous should draw attention to their best bits and if this means you have great boobs - go for halter neck bikinis to attract the eye there. If you are pear shaped but hate your bum, go for darker coloured bottoms to draw less attention here and upwards instead. We all know that black is a slimmer! Wherever it is you feel uncomfortable about, avoid frills or ruffle bits around these areas to make you feel happier and draw the eye away from there.


Girls who are short - low cut bikinis are great as they lengthen the torso and a halter neck style top helps draw attention to your boobs. These both look good, and draw attention away from the bits you may not like so much.


Girls with big thighs - high leg cuts are great for making your legs look longer but without revealing too much flesh. You could also go for detail which is centred around your boobs and top half which draws attention away from your legs if this is what you're worried about. Remember that darker colours are slimming, so lighter colours up top and darker colours blow are great for this.


Girls who are pear shaped - Tankinis are great for pear shaped women - they cover your stomach if you would rather hide it and also cover the top half of your legs and balances your figure out. You could also go for halter neck or plunging bikinis or swimsuits as these draw attention from your wide hips and thighs. Boxer style shorts are to be avoided as these accentuate your hips.


Do remember though, everyone is beautiful regardless of shape.


Why not take a look at some of the cutest and unusual swimsuits and bikinis I've come across so far whilst browsing? If you are anything like me, I am struggling to make a decision on the many many bikinis that are out there and so maybe this will help you out a little!

Black embellished trikini - New Look, Asymetric swimsuit - Topshop, Tropical bikini - Topshop, Crochet brown trim - Boohoo.com, Red, white, + blue flower bikini - Peacocks, Rio print swimsuit - New Look, 50s style swimsuit - Oli.com.

I Need Inspiration

Image thanks to dimitri_c

Have you ever read a really motivating quote or saying that someone you know or someone famous has said? I know I have, and some have really given me the push I needed to get out and do something. Whether it be going to the gym, cooking a really good healthy meal or even starting a diet. I thought, seeing as these quotes have made such an impact on me, maybe some one else might find them useful too. So, here are some really great quotes that you may find inspiring, motivating, or just generally happy with your life if you were feeling doubtful.

I hope you find these as useful as I did.

There is only one person who could ever make you happy, and that person is you.

David Burns, Intimate Connections

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.

Albert Einstein

The future belongs to those who believe in their dreams.

Eleanor Roosevelt

If you strive for happiness, you’ll never find it. Happiness is only found in the present.

Steve Pavlina

Success is the good fortune that comes from aspiration, desperation, perspiration and inspiration.

Evan Esar

It's not what you do once in a while, it's what you do day in and day out that makes the difference.

Jenny Craig

Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.

Langston Hughes

A man without a smiling face must not open a shop.

Chinese Proverb

Everyone is trying to accomplish something big, not realizing that life is made up of little things.

Frank Clark

Obstacles are the things we see when we take our eyes off our goals.

Zig Ziglar

If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it.

Jonathan Winters

Keep your mind on the things you want and off the things you don't want.

Hannah Whitall Smith

If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come.

Chinese Proverb

It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.

Ursula Le Guin

You can't be confident when you are willing to stay within your own comfort zone. Confidence is built by pushing way beyond what you think you can do.

Byron Pulsifer

Festival Fashion

Image thanks to Glastonbury Festival website

If some of you are anything like the people I know, you'll be going to at least one festival this summer. Although I don't particularly enjoy going to festivals, I do love looking at fashion inspired by the sometimes muddy surroundings, warm weather and a casual style and I LOVE the music. So, I thought I would take a look at the current fashion trends suitable for festivals to give you inspiration if you are planning on going to one this year.

Desire Clothing has clothing at an affordable price but which is bang on trend and I love it. Jeans and big T shirts/vests are great for festivals as they are practical but also fashionable. Wear either flats or flip flops depending on the weather.

Asos have some amazing dresses and denim pieces at the moment that you can either team together or wear them separate. Festival style has a sort of I-don't-care feel about it but which is effortless.

   

Boohoo show that you can also wear lace with big boots and big bags. It tones down the pretty girly feel of lacy tops and dresses and is comfortable to wear as well. Boohoo are budget friendly so if you do ruin them whilst away you can always buy another to replace.

 

Although Topshop are how looking at collections for a summer fete, why not extend this to your festival? The high waisted shorts and pretty skirts can be worn with military style boots and jewellery. You could also wear the demin dresses with this style as well so give it a try!

New Look offer some beautiful tops and accessories for your time at the festival. Along the same theme as the others, team denim with pretty tops, and top it all off with big leather bags and straw hats.

So, as you can see there are loads of current bits to choose from for your stay away at the festival. Remember to take lots of photos and enjoy the music. Most of all though, have fun!

10 of the Best Bags This Season

So it's almost summer and I bet most of you are planning your summer outfits for work, the beach or casually. So, I thought I would show you some of the best bags I have seen so far. It seems as though the Aztec and African prints are the must-have this season and I love them! They will look stunning with maxi dresses, wedges or your bikinis.

Pretty Aztec cross body bag £30 Accessorize - Aztec £32 Topshop - Barbie £80 Asos - Leopard print clutch £10 New Look - Woven Shopper £19.99 Tkmaxx - Stud Duffle Bag £34 New Look - Tassle Stitch Bag £22 Topshop - Zebra Tote £38.40 Debenhams - Leopard fur effect clutch £15 Desire Clothing - Zebra print Shopper bag £15 Boohoo.com

So there you have it! I know the Barbie one is strange but I just had to put it in there!

Spring Clean Yourself

Image

Sorry guys for the lack of posts recently. I've been bogged down with uni work and so this is my first post in a month! 


I don't know about you but now the weather is turning nicer and is warmer, I feel a lot happier and feel like I want to have a clear out and start fresh. By this I'm talking in terms of my health! The past few months have been full of dreary weather which has made me turn to the comforting foods which are easy to make and now I feel bloated and fat. So that's why I've finally decided to kick myself up the backside and get motivated to eat healthily and exercise more. 


Do you feel like that sometimes? If you do, here are a few things which I do to try and kick start myself back into a healthy lifestyle which does sag sometimes, but hey - nobody is perfect.


1. Join the gym.


Exercising has been proven to lift your mood as when you exercise your body releases chemicals which make you feel happier. Although sometimes I feel the gym is like a chore, the benefits are felt afterwards and I always feel good knowing I've been. Normally I only go for about 45 minutes every 3 to 4 days as this is recommended for women to get the most out of the gym. Also, try keeping to goals as these will motivate you to work harder rather than you ending up wandering aimlessly looking at all the machines and wondering what to do. 


If the gym you go to provide personal trainers, definitely take advantage of this. As I stated above, setting yourself goals helps a lot and so a personal trainer will motivate you and show you what will work best for the areas you want to work on. Just be careful not to go to the gym too much as your body will start to hold on to the fat and so will slow weight loss (if this is your aim).


If you don't fancy joining the gym, you could starting biking it to places which you might have driven to before. Or, offer to take your families pets for walks around the local park. This way not only do the pets get exercise and fresh air, you do too.


2. Plan a healthy diet.


Eating healthily is the key to detoxing and getting rid of the junk food you might be eating now. Remember to include fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, whole grains and rices. These all help create a balanced diet. I have found a really good website to use for reference is Weight Loss Resources. Not only does it uncover the secrets to the fad diets out there and how bad they are, but it also suggests unique ones that you can try based on how many calories you want to intake. There's also a food database to look up calorie content for most foods - definitely one website to take a look at. 


3. Reduce portion sizes/eating sensibly.


We have all done it - pile a plate full of food and finished the lot because it was so nice, and I don't know about you but I was brought up to eat everything on my plate. But there are ways of overcoming this without leaving tonnes on the plate to go to waste. 


Rather than filling the whole plate, use the inner boundary of the plate and don't go over. This stops you from eating extra than you need without it being completely bare.


Also, when you feel full, stop right away. A lot of us eat and eat without recognising that we are actually full and it takes a while before your stomach to let you know. Therefore, stopping when you feel full makes sense! 


Another idea would be to only eat half of what is on your plate. Although this sounds like a drastic step, sometimes it really helps you control what you're eating but without looking completely rude. My mum ALWAYS filled my plate full of food and so I've found if I eat approx. half of what's on there I still feel satisfied. Also, I've found I tend to pile the plate up with food but this is definitely a habit to get out of.


Eat slower. As I mentioned above, your stomach only recognises that it's full after about 10 minutes of eating and so you won't initially realise you are full. By eating slower and chewing everything a little longer, it gives your stomach a chance to tell you when you are actually full. And remember - your stomach doesn't have teeth so help it out by chewing things properly!




I hope these tips have helped you, So far I've joined the gym and am on the way to eating healthier ready for that all important holiday in the summer! Let me know what you guys think.