this ain't nothing but a summer jam.

Wow, it feels like I haven't stared and typed away at this screen for so long. I have been a bit of an absent face around the blogging world but recently, my life has been a blur of uni deadlines, late night drinking, parties and stress that I simply haven't be able to bide much time to just sit down and write. (It's the end of year, so the general drinking the night before deadline dates has commenced thus leading to self-inflicted and slightly un-nessesary stress).

I have however, found a massive relief in shopping this week, after my state of turmoil over the lack of it in my life over the last month or so, managing to wittle far to much money on yet more things to add to my summer wardrobe. I do it because it makes me happy. Shopping makes me happy.

One of my investments was this little jumpsuit beauty from Miss Selfridge. (I literally never buy from here, but I couldn't help admist my mad adreniline rush to be shopping again, I pratically sprinted into every shop, rugby tackled the displays, just to find the next best thing to slip into my wardrobe.)

If you don't like patterned or daring peices I'm going to take a guess right now and say you hate this and would rather jump into a pool of blood thirsty sharks than wear this but I feel in love with it, so I am sorry if it hurts anyones eyes. I think it's so perfect for my holiday's this year as it can be worn in the day or dressed up with heels at night. This was far too much money for a penny less student to be spending but I need to treat myself...I did get some charity shops buys too today, so it balances out. Or at least I like to think anyway. My bank doesn't hate my that much; at least I am spending money to give back to them, even if I don't have it just yet.

I thought as I haven't been on here in a while I'd my own summer fashion tips...they are as follows:-

* STRAW HATS- Another little summer love of mine is the straw hat. Yes, granted it looks a bit like you have raided a farmers wardrobe BUT it also looks so cute! Personally, I would wear with demin shorts of something and also I think they look fabulous with a pair of bug sunnies. Or to be honest, I think you can pretty much wear it with anything. They have them everywhere at the moment for 5 or so pounds..can't really say no to such a bargin price can you.

* MAXI DRESSES- The amazing thing about maxi dresses is that you can find ones to suit every person! I for one have seriously short legs and curves that make my hips like the size of mount everest so the tigher, cotton like ones make me look like a whale. They a suitable for the super skinny, model like, girls! (Jelous if thats you). I tend to stick the the floaty ones with the more plunging neckline as they are far more flattering on me. There are so many different types out there you can do the headless chicken searching and find one to look perfect on you.

* CORAL- I am loving this whole coral makeup shabang! I brought the Barry M lipstick and nail varish a few weeks ago to veer away from my red look of the winter and I must say it is fantastic. Makes me feel so summery and with a bit of shimmer on the cheeks I'm ready to go.

* DEMIN DEMIN DEMIN- I love demin shorts for the summer. I think they are so easy to throw on with any top, tshirt or cardi and they always look effortless. I also must admit, while alot of people don't, I think double demin is seriously hot. I literally love it! I think it looks classic and yet so easy to wear. Demin shirt tucked into demin shorts with a tan belt and bag is in my opinion, beautiful. Or maybe a demin shirt open over demin shorts. There is alot of options. (and yes, I am loving the tan accessories too).

* SUNGLASSES- Do i need say more? My sunglasses pretty much stay glued to my face throughout summer. That is all.

There is so many other key things I could list and if I don't shutup this post will just ramble on and on and on and bore you all to tears. But I would also like to recommend: florals, pastels, tan bags, straw bags (although obviously not worn with the straw hat you're all going to buy), wedges, strips, sundresses and all the other beaaaaaautiful summery things you can think of!

H&M Havoc

Does anyone else find the layout in H&M seriously irritating?
I was trying to shop yesterday in the wonderful mob that is the saturday shoppers (a mistake I took mental note to never do again), waltzing behind twin buggies and general dawdlers when all I really wanted to do was race to the next shop. Why would anyone want to take a causal walk, I WANT TO BE AT THE NEXT SHOP AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE DAMMIT.
So, anyway, after my trek through tortoises and slugs that like to come out the cracks of a weekend, I eventually made it into H&M, still in search for an outfit for my friends birthday, as stated in a previous blog somewhere. Normally, I would go to Topshop or somewhere first but as it's the end of term and budgets are running low, H&M is first priority.
I don't really go there in search of something particular, just when I'm in having a general shop with the girlfriends but when I was actually looking for something I honestly don't think I have ever been as confused and annoyed by a layout as this one.
I remember last term when my fashion promotion tutor always used to bang on that H&M had the best store layout of any high street store; at the time I really didn't take any notice but now I have to say...I STRONGLY DISAGREE. She used to blab, 'they have a setup to help guide you round the store'. I think she meant guide me into walls. I'm not sure if it was just the sheer weight of people trying to squeeze up and down the tiny isles that annoyed me or the fact there was no specific sections so I had to take a guess as to where the 'going out' stuff was, but I just gave up trying in the end and left.
When I was walking around because they hang the clothes sideways it was impossible to see them through the buggies and mountains of shopping bags that build up on a weekend. Don't get me wrong, I really do like the clothes in there but I couldn't even see them to even consider buying them, so the whole effect is really quite pointless.
I ended up moaning the whole way round to my boyfriend that I couldn't even get down the stupid aisles or around the cabinet in the middle of the floor, so he said something along the lines of, 'Dan, I don't have a clue what you are talking about. Just write a blog about it or something', so, I did. I have had my moan up and now I feel slightly better.
But really, I do think they should change it. It's not a boutique, they can't afford to have tiny aisles and sideways hanging, it gets too busy for that. I just want to see the clothes, not someones bad highlights.

Pretty Little Things!

Ok, I have just found the cutest dresses for summer . Actually, THE cutest ones in the world, cleverly designed by Orion London. If you havent heard of them before Orion London create dresses so girly but yet so unique; like a little bundle of spring/summer heaven. I think Look magazine did an article a few weeks ago about their dresses and it really inspired me to keep updated on them for my summer dress collection; which is always far too oversized and over indulged. So, on this cloudy morning (where has the sunshine gone!), I took the liberty to once again browse their website only to come across so many, gorgeous, summer dresses that I can't buy thanks to my lovely student budget. So, just to pre-warn you, this blog could be very dangerous for your bank account.











Personally, I think if you are after a summer day dress that is going to be different than anyone else's this is the place to look. Their combination of colours and design is fantastic and can be beautifully wore with the right accessories. I think my personal favourite is the top orange one, although to be completely honest, I would have all of them hanging in my wardrobe.
(images are taken from their online shop... http://http://www.orionlondonshop.co.uk/shop/index.php.. TAKE A LOOK.)

a little heart stealer.

As per usual, my day off has consisted of nothing but sleeping, shopping, facebooking, eating and seeing friends, which considering i live with them is pretty much inevitable. So, while we all wallow together in the self-inflicted student bordem, I filled my empty hours, browsing and dreaming, about a new spring wardrobe, not reachable on my student budget. Instead, I managed to send myself into a shopoholic's state of grief after coming across this gorgeous Chanel dress worn by Alexa Chung at the Elle Style Awards and sadly realising that I can watch other people slip into such beautys for this season while i appear to be stuck rumaging around in endless heaps of Primark skirts and blouses, trying to find at least one decent buy, but coming up with nothing.

I have most definitely given up on the likes of such shops, realising that unless you are looking for plain tees or a fancy dress outfit, they normally become a jungle of poor attempts and failed designs. Not that I am completely slating them, because SOMETIMES you might find a lovely bargin but I think personally it's best I stick to Topshop.

Topshop is my weakness. To all you gorgeous girls that love clothes, you will understand exactly where I am coming from. It's a wonderland of clothes in all their glory, especially for this season.

And here is my Topshop spring wishlist and trust me there is so much more I could hope for but for now I thought I'd better give my poor student budget a break from over spending. But like the naughty child I am when it comes to clothes, the lilac dress has already been worn and hanging in my wardrobe, but you know, when something steals your heart, it cannot be helped. I think i may buy the faded floral shorts next. I am going to either V festival or Reading this year, so i think those pretty shorts will look rather cute with wellies and an oversized t-shirt? Mmmm, we shall see! Anyways, having said that, I am very excited for 17.55 this evening for the V lineup annoucement; that excited that I have already planned my outfits...is that sad?
I think after making myself seriously depressed by Chanel's spring collection I think i have managed to reduce my hatred for my bank balance by allowing myself to treat myself to a few Topshop specialities and now I think i'll go and get ready for the V line up annoucement with my best friend. :)
Danielle xxx

London, wonderful London.

This weekend, i know many of you will etheir be tucked up with your loved one, out with your friends or on the very verge of throwing yourself out of your apartment window with all the contast reminders that you infact don't have a date this Valentine's Day. I suppose for those that really are lucky enough to be in love, it's a time that makes you feel even more grateful for being so by the sheer amount of people that simply seem so depressed by the thought of Sunday. The way I see it is that maybe Valentines day isn't just about having a date or going for a fancy dinner, but maybe its a day to tell all the people you care about that you love them, whether it's a sisterly, friendly or partner love.

Having said that, I am one of the lucky ones that happens to be in love this year. I have the most wonderful boyfriend whisking me off to the Hilton in London for the weekend and like any girl London is one of my most loved places in the world.

Although my number one is most definitely the glorious Paris or New York, i'd say London takes an extremely close second. I think it's something about the atmosphere. It's a place you can walk down the street wearing whatever daring outfit you can put together, and the highest heels you can find, and you will just look like part of the furniture. The thing is in London everyone's out for fashion, no matter what you wear there will always be someone wearing bigger heels than you, or a more beautiful dress.

It's not only the fashion that makes London stand 0ut, as every other city is just as spectacular for its shopping, its just that London just breathes British. I know this sounds utterly stupid but there is something about London that really screams, "You have found the heart of England." I think it's the quirky apparell that has quilted the city in a thick haze. London is bursting of beautiful vintage shops and boutiques all found off the winding cobbled streets such as Carnaby Street. It's these places that really creates London's unique wonder and makes it an individual fashion icon.

That being said, I am extremely excited for the weekend for two reasons, both equally as marvellous; a weekend with the best boyfriend and a weekend with my beloved London shops...oh how i have missed them!

I know some of you maybe dreading the upcoming days but instead embrace them! Take your friends out, see your family; Valentines day is about showing people you care. I am just extremely lucky I am spending mine with the two loves of my life; shopping and the boyfriend.


I'd also like to add a note to say R.I.P Alexander McQueen, you were an inspiration to many and London Fashion Week won't be the same without you. Thank you for creating many wonderful dresses for me to admire and dream I could wear. xxx

Fabulous Clothes Given Away..And Helping Out!

I think charity shopping is one of the best things i have ever discovered. I remember, probably like alot of people, when the thought of wearing someone elses clothes was the most vulgar idea and how disgusting i found it; but like me, i want everyone to covert to the wonder that is charity shopping.
Honestly, i can understand the reservations, but once you look past that there are so many reasons why charity shopping is magnificent. Vintage clothes, unique peices, cheap prices and most of all contributing to charity while solving your mass shopping obsession.
I kinda of have a problem. I get this feeling bubble up inside me, like a force, thrashing at my body, only to be stopped by a new dress, jumper or bag. This feeling crops up at least once a week, in full strength, pulling me towards a floral vest, or gorgeous ballet pumps, causing me nothing but endless misery and sleepless nights until i have that new outfit. OK, insomnia is slightly dramatic, but seriously i do have a shopping disorder and as you can imagine it can get expensive, and with a student balance, my overdraft can't take the weight of a fabulous new pair of shoes every week. So, thats where charity shopping has been my saviour! Obviously, i still can't resist a Topshop dress every now and then, but when i am in dire need of a money spend, charity shops call my name. I have actually got some of my favourite clothes from there, and not to sound big headed but many a compliment too.
You see, fashion isn't about the labels you wear. Having a pair of Jimmy Choo's or a Chanel bag doesn't make you fashionable (as beautiful as they maybe!). Fashion is about having style, your own style. It doesnt matter if you are wearing a £90 All Saints jumper or a £4 charity shop one, all that matters is which one shows style, and originality. Fashion can mould a person, but it’s the individual style and touches that truly make the outfit, and while some will take this in their stride, others just wrap themselves in endless labels, scared of reaching out further to create their own style, and to me that is not fashion.
Charity shops have provided me with vintage cardigans and bags, all which add the finishing touches and unique style. Im not saying you should buy your entire outfit or wardrobe from a charity shop, I just believe that you can get amazing one off pieces that help you create something new while helping and giving. Now surely that's fashion for thought.