Life Update, 70's Off The Shoulder & Pining for Japan

Blue Floral Gypsy Crop Top, Black Fedora, Tan Salt Water Sandals

Black Ripped Jeans, Tan Fringed Bag

Um, yes ... a month since my last post. Blogging fail! I didn't intend to take a months hiatus, but moving house is SOO time consuming. Me and my bf Carl are now recognisable regulars at our local Homebase and B&Q! So ... many ... paint ... samples! 

Moving into the house has been so much fun, and I've been working on a couple of out of the blue projects. Doing all the visual design work for a cycling project in my local area and a food photography commission for the bakery I used to work in. Both have involved me learning/making it up as I go along, but it's been fun to say yes to things I didn't think I could do (and have them turn out pretty decent if I do say so myself)

My desk in the house is still a work in progress; although hopefully it will be done soon and then it's time to knuckle down to my summer illustration project and jump back on the blogging train! Yay!

Anyway, on to today's 'What I Wish I Was Wearing Today' (mm WIWIWWT?? Can I make this a thing) I'm currently still in my pyjamas and Carl's dressing gown btw ha! ... The first official day of summer is here and it's warm enough now for me to consider going shopping for some summer appropriate attire. Didn't think I'd be feeling any of the 70's trend but I am in LOVE with off the shoulder floaty tops, fringing and hats. Yes Mum, you heard right! (Ah, so much of my childhood consisted of her trying to get me to wear effing hats)
But I'm officially on the hunt for my perfect fedora. Also a strapless bra ... the only downside to all these off the shoulder tops if your a bit bigger in the boob department.

One item from this look I do own as of last month, and have been wearing every day since they arrived are my Salt Water sandals. Last summer it was all about my Birkenstocks, which I still adore to the ends of the earth, but right now the spotlight is on these new tan leather beauties. Comfy, cute and a little retro looking with some rolled up jeans. I'm in love!

This month has also been the month of picking back up with my Japanese. I went on a trip to Japan in 2009 (can't believe it was that long ago!) with my family to visit a University friend of my Mum's who lives there. So started my love affair of the country. Since then I've on and off tried learning the language with out much success. But after seeing Carrie of wishwishwish's posts of her travels there, her guide to tokyo; Lisa Eldridge's Japanese makeup look and discovering the adorable Hayley Miller, a teacher on the JET program in Japan; it's all rekindled my love and passion for the country, culture and the language. I was totally obsessed with Japan when I got back from our trip over 5 years ago (All my A level Art and Textiles project's were inspired by Japan) but at the time I didn't have any friend's who shared my interests in Anime, cute Gyaru girls and sushi. I wish I'd had, pardon my English, the ball's to peruse my passion for Japan then and looked for opportunities maybe to study at higher education (I didn't even suspect or consider this until meeting student's learning Japanese at my university last year) But now I'm a bit older and so much more confident in myself I'm determined to pick up learning the language again. And start saving for another trip there asap ...

Topshop Spring Ensemble • Wardrobe Aspirations #1

Camel Duster Coat, Khaki Ribbed Sweater, Black Ripped Jamie Jeans

Katie Tan Brogues, Black Shopper Bag, Black Floppy Hat, 

Olivia Burton Big Tan Watch, War Paint Nail Polish

2015 feels like the year of that my wardrobe is really going to grow up. I don't know what it is, I'm just ready to leave behind the converse and jeans combo that's been my uniform since I was about 13!
I'm newly in love with brogues, big structured handbags and smart chic spring coats.
A little preppy, a little vintage but still comfy and casual. There's been LOTS of Pinterest browsing and internet perusing to figure out my new wardrobe appetite. I put this ensemble together from Topshop; I'm really feeling the black, khaki, camel and tan combination! It feels neutral, which is comfortable for me but still colours that I wouldn't have looked twice at before this year.
It's still pretty grim outside, the wind and rain is absolutely assaulting my bedroom window as I type this, so light layers are the way to go. When the winter wind dies down, a big floppy hat like this is great to keep the newly emerging sun out of your eyes; while providing moderate protection from the freak rainy moments that can strike out of nowhere! I think any pop of nail polish colour would work with this neutral outfit but I came across Topshop's War Paint on Pinterest and I'm in love!
It's the perfect bright red that dances over to the peach/pink side of things; and although it's no longer available on Topshop's website it can be found on Feel Unique, so get your butt over there if you like it! I really enjoy putting look's together in this way so definitely stay tunes for more, yay!

What are your Spring style obsessions??

OOTD | At the Beach | 22nd July

Topshop Dress | Urban Outfitters Batwing Cardigain | Topshop Studded Bag

Black Birkenstock Arizona Sandals | Trollbeads Bracelet | Barry M Nail Polish in Peach Melba

 

This week I went with my boyfriend up to Newcastle to visit his family for a few days. We had lot's of fun running around with his cousins, who are 5, and being plied with biscuits and cake by his Grandma! The weather was beautiful and we managed to fit in a lovely day at Tynemouth beach.

I managed to quickly snap my accessories while relaxing in the shade and then layed out the ensemble when I got back. I am SO in love with this new Urban Outfitters cardi! I've wanted it for so long and finally nabbed it on eBay. It's perfect for the summer when the breeze gets up or for those evenings when the sun's gone down. And I've never felt so girly or summery as when I've got Barry M's Peach Melba on my nails - it's my summer favourite!

As always I'd love to know what you think of this OOTD format, let me know in the comments your summer staples ...

OOTD | Studs & Stripes | 16th July

Topshop Striped Shirt | Topshop Jamie Jeans | Topshop Studded Bag

Black Birkenstock Arizona | Trollbeads Bracelet | Barry M Matte Polish in Copa Cobana

 

I've never claimed to by stylish by any degree, but I think I'm getting closer to discovering my own personal style. Today's ensemble is comfy and casual! I just received this Topshop shirt from Ebay today and, although it look's a little like I'm wearing a mens pajama top, I rather like it!

I don't think I'm one for taking a full body shot for an ootd, logistics and aesthetics wise. So this is my attempt through Instagram type photo's, they're so easy to snap!

Let me know what you think of this ootd style, I'd love to do some more.

What's In My Bag: Mini Summer Essentials

I do love getting a look into other peoples bags. Seeing what they love to carry around in their day to day basis. I'm a nosy lass in essence! So I thought it would be fun to share what can be found in my current favourite bag ...