The City Jungle…

By Yours Truly, x

Whenever the sun came out last year on the days when I wasn’t working, you could more than likely find me on the beach, or in the Pavilion gardens. Enjoying a picnic, the company of friends or a good book. Enjoying your picnic with folding picnic table!

It became a bit of an automatic response. Sun in the sky? Let’s head to the beach!
Now of course I’m not complaining, and obviously I will still venture to the beach this summer. Only, I want to explore more of this beautiful city too. There are so many gorgeous parks that are perfect for sunny day lazing!

Recently I have been enjoying Dyke Road park, which is a five minute walk from my home. There’s a huge field with a view of the city (and sea!) a bowls lawn, and huge overgrown flower beds, which are just amazing!

After shooting some film photos for my talented photographer friend Emma Speightin the morning, she kindly agreed to help me with some photos featuring this Warehouse Dress which I’ve been waiting to feature for a while.

I love the vibrant pink colour, and sumptuous baroque print. It’s a gorgeous pop of brightness that I don’t think I could have worn as well with my old hair! My love of being blonde/pink continues to grow!

My blonde hair also makes me feel so much more confident in going make-up free (or very minimal like these photos – a touch of foundation and a smudge of lipstick)
I think the lighter shade lifts my complexion, and stops me feeling so washed out, which is always nice!

Sunshine On A Rainy Day…

By Yours Truly, x

Lately life has felt like a bit of a juggling act. Two jobs,(one of which is full time) trying to run this blog and all the different components that come with it (hello twitter!) as well as having another website in the pipeline, and a collaboration with my friend Emily, creating a capsule collection!

I sometimes feel I bite off more than I can chew. But before you think I’m complaining – I love all of the things that keep me busy!

Teaching at The Fashion School this year has been one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable learning curves I think I may have ever experienced.

Finding that perhaps I’m more patient than I give myself credit for was a real surprise! And the joy that comes with teaching kids from seven to seventeen is monumental.

Each class brings something different, I love talking to the girls, and hearing about their lives. They talk over their sewing projects, of their worries and hopes, day to day life, and continually sing songs from ‘Frozen’ (I know more about that film and One Direction now than I care to mention!)

I’ve even taught foreign students at a nearby language school – with pupils from Russia, Spain, Italy and even Bangkok!
Fortunately their English was pretty good, though apparently my attempts at Thai were laughable!

I also really enjoy my other job, working at Riddle & Finns. Sure, serving fish might not be particularly glamorous – but they are really accommodating with my teaching hours, the food is incredible and my colleagues are like family.

Whenever I feel a bit at odds with being a 27 year old waitress, I try to remind myself of all the great skills it provides.

I can talk comfortably with strangers at the drop of a hat (table after table – I’ve perfected this skill!) which is a handy socialising tool.
The money is reliable and good, I have time to pursue other interests – and it keeps me really fit, so no need for a gym membership!

I’m learning more and more this year, that it’s not the circumstances you find yourself in – it’s how you choose to view them.
By looking at the positive attributes and focusing more on them, you begin to realise that there is value in even the most arduous tasks.
Plus, it makes you enjoy your free time all the more when you’ve been working flat out!

Which brings me to these photos! Taken on a recent day off, I spent the morning with my dear friend Ruth, mooching around Brighton and enjoying coffee, vintage clothes and cake!

The beautiful blouse I’m wearing was inspired by the wonderful Dulcie of Human Sea. She recently wore hers to Brighton and I completely fell in love with it! Fortunately it was still available in my size in the Asos sale! Thanks for tip off Dulcie!

My sunglasses are new too! After nearly four years of the same shades, I went crazy and bought two new pairs. Madness eh?
These beauts were from Urban Outfitters.

Also worth a mention – I finally succumbed to ‘Mom’ jeans!
I had a pair a couple of years ago (which I stupidly sold on eBay) and I’d forgotten how comfortable they are!
This pair are from Topshop, they’re so easy to wear, and even make me look a bit curvier than I actually am, which is pretty cool!I rolled up my cuffs (v.flattering for the petite amongst us!) and teamed them with a pair of battered sneakers and some beautiful ‘Golden Rod’ blooms I bought from a local florist.

Attempting to set up a shot…My rucksack is from Baggu and is the handiest thing ever! I’m tempted to get a couple more in different colours…

The beautiful Ruth who kindly took these photos for me – the most glamorous photographer I’ve ever had!

Say hello to Sarah, a new mom. Let’s visit the newest article on her blog – best outdoor playhouse for kids.

Mugshot! It was such a lovely day…

Thanks for enduring my waffling, and sporadic posting! I’ll try and get back on here sooner next time!

Love Yours Truly, x

Ps. The hair will go back to pink! It faded out to blonde and I quite liked it (and not having to dye my hair every two seconds!)

How To Make : Gorgeous Guacamole!

By Yours Truly, x

One of my favourite ways of relaxing is to hole up in my kitchen and cook. I love creating recipes from scratch, and entertaining friends with dinner is one of my favourite things to do. So with that in mind, I suppose it’s quite odd that my passion for food has never really reached this blog.

Until now! I’ve decided to start working on some recipe posts every now and then, starting with this incredibly easy and great tasting guacamole – perfect to accompany a mexican dinner, or just with a bowl of tortilla chips…

The best thing about this guacamole is that it can whipped up with minimal effort (and ingredients) at the drop of a hat. It’s fool-proof! Most importantly though, you’ll definitely taste the difference from shop-bought dips. It’s chunky, creamy and incredibly more-ish!

First cut your avocado in half, it should feel soft but firm to touch. Glide your knife all the way around then twist the two halves to separate.

Carefully using the point of a sharp knife, stab the stone and twist to remove.

Using a tea spoon, slowly spoon out the insides, creating small chunks as you go.

Before mixing the avocado add a generous pinch of salt and the smoked paprika.
Also squeeze as much as juice from the half lime as humanly possible!
If you like coriander you could add some chopped leaves at this point. Personally I’m not so keen so it’s left out of my recipe!

It should be looking like this…(drool)

Now for a cheeky bit of heat! We favour this Cholula hot sauce in our house, but you can choose any brand you like.

Carefully add two drops! Chilli sauce can be pretty potent stuff, and we’re only adding it for depth of flavour, not to blow peoples heads off!
Besides after a taste test at the end you can always add more…

Finally chop up half of your beef tomato. To keep the guacamole from getting too wet, I try to only use the flesh and discard the pulp.

Throw in your chopped tomato then mix thoroughly, smashing the avocado with your spoon as you go. You’re aiming for a smooth texture with satisfying chunks of both tomato and avocado throughout.

The best bit…Taste testing! This is where you can decide if you need more seasoning or hot sauce (note – it can take several ‘tests’ before you’re absolutely, completely sure!)

Serve in your favourite homeware (these two are from Berts) with tortilla chips for dunking!
I like to sprinkle a little more paprika on top for presentation, but this is optional.

It really is that simple! But totally worth making that little bit more effort…

I have a few more recipes in mind for future posts, some a tad more complex that little beauty!
And luckily for me, Sam is around to photograph them! Thank you Sam! (He was rewarded with guacamole!)

Love Yours Truly, x

Liberty Love…

By Yours Truly, x

For a start, let me just say that 5.30am is not a time that really exists in my world.
Gone are the days of my ‘sensible office job’ which required early awakening, and to be honest, I rarely crawl home in the wee hours anymore either.

So should you want to find me at that time, best bet is that I’m enveloped in my duvet!

However, always up for a change of pace – I quite willingly arose at the ungodly hour a fortnight ago, to venture on a commuter train to London, with one dreamy destination in mind!

I had been invited to Liberty, for a scarf styling breakfast, where over nibbles of fresh fruit, pastries and coffee we were going to be taught everything we wanted to know about their iconic silk scarves!

I woke up bleary-eyed, but a woman on a mission! Pulling together an outfit of H&M tights, an eBay paisley dress and favourite Topshop brogues, I was out of the door in about fifteen minutes flat…

And packed in my ever trusty vanity case, all essentials for a day of blogging. I have to say, it felt wonderful to have a day solely dedicated to Yours Truly!

And although she features in the photos below, now would be a great time to say that I had the pleasure of meeting Kristabel of ‘I Want You To Know’ (as well as the lovely Camilla of ‘Into The Fold’!)

Kristabel very kindly took these outfit photos for me. It was wonderfully deserted when we started to snap, then every man and his dog decided to appear! Typical eh? Thanks Kristabel!

Back to the scarves! For those of you who don’t know, I actually specialised in Print Design during my fashion degree, and have always adored the insanely beautiful prints that Liberty create.

With that in mind, I was delighted to meet this lovely chap, who designs the Liberty scarves! He has full access to the archives at the click of a button and was able to talk us through the varying prints and how he develops and tweaks them to keep them fresh each season.
The print geek in me was practically frothing at the mouth as we talked through his creative restraints with regards to Liberty’s heritage.

Now there’s a dream job!

Myself, Kristabel and Camilla with our first attempts at scarf styling…

There were several scarf ‘specialists’ on hand to talk us through the scarves, and show us varying ways of styling them.

Not only was I delighted to be playing freely with the expensive silky beauties, but I was amazed by the stylists knowledge and enthusiasm for their work.

What this wonderful lady didn’t know about scarves, seemingly wasn’t worth knowing! Drawing her inspiration from all corners of the globe, her passion was infectious!

Swoon…

A cheeky pose with my stylist! I loved this chunky braided style I’m wearing.

The beautiful Liberty ladies…

So many colours! Urgh! So much beauty!

Myself and Kristabel with the braided style – perfect for hiding festival hair or in my case…Dark roots creeping in!

I’m going to work on a scarf-styling post inspired by the wonderful creations Liberty showed us. I can’t wait to show you how simple they all are!

Thank you so much to Liberty for inviting me, and what a delight it was to meet Kristabel and Camilla (and have a cheeky lunch with Dulcie who is lucky enough to work there!)

Also please check reviews on outdoor cat shelter on my friend’s blog.

Love Yours Truly, x

Style Stories…

By Yours Truly, x

It was when I was at University that someone first commented on my habit of ‘contextualising your clothes’

In my eyes, every garment has some sort of history. Even brand new items!

A Breton style top can emulate Jean Serberg, or fisherman off the shores of France, whilst a pretty white broderie dress will always give me hints of ‘Little House on the Prairie’

Within my own wardrobe, I have an ‘Abba’ playsuit, ‘Ziggy Stardust’ skirts, and more ‘Mary Poppins’ items than I care to mention!

I’ve bought shoes off the back of seeing similar pairs in movies (The Painted Veil being a great example…Her two-tone brogues were amazing!) and always fawn over costumes whilst mentally taking notes for future purchases.

So with all that in mind, I think I had already given this skirt a story before it arrived on my doorstep!

A cheeky little Topshop treat, I loved the bright Spring florals on such a heavy, decadent fabric.

As I pulled an outfit together, I realised how much it reminded me of early 60’s prom dresses.

To me, it’s a little bit ‘Grease’ and a little bit ‘Sound of Music’ (it could easily be made from a pair of jazzy curtains!)

I could just imagine a 1960’s girl waiting for her date to pick her up, all dressed up for a drive-in cinema, or burger joint…Which is what we tried to emulate in these photos (the waiting part not the burger date unfortunately!)

My vanity case is one from my collection – it’s a bit broken after someone fell on it during some very flamboyant dance moves!

My wedge sandals are from Primark last year and are still my favourites! They go with everything and are so easy to walk in.

Little glittery blush-coloured socks stopped my toes getting cold!

Since dyeing my hair, I’m definitely found myself drawn to pink (and indeed, colour in general!) a lot more.

With a skirt this bright though, I toned it down with black basics like a H&M body suit, and a Topshop cocoon coat.

I really love the idea of an elegant outfit teamed with messy, undone hair. So I left mine completely natural!

The necklace is salvaged from an old broken one, it’s nowhere near as expensive as it looks!

I’ve spent the last few weeks since bleaching my hair trying to find the perfect semi-permanent dyes to achieve the pastel head I desire.

I think I’ve made some real progress since these photos were taken, results of which I shall share soon!

And as ever, I have Sam to thank for these lovely photos!

Taken during rush hour by a busy road, we chased the setting sun to capture the evenings beautiful golden light.

And the fact that I’m so comfortable with him, means we both forget what’s going on around us…

Even when people were having a real snoop as their cars crawled along in traffic!

Hope you had a great weekend!

Love Yours Truly, x

Good Hair Days…

By Yours Truly, x

I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed, but quite purposefully my little corner of the internet has yet to succumb to adverts or banners.

Now before you think I’m galloping off on my high horse, I can assure you I have no issue with advertisements on other blogs, in fact it can lead to finding great new labels and etsy shops, which is obviously great!

I just never wanted it for Yours Truly.

I always want my blog to have sincerity and integrity. Whilst I don’t write all the mundane details of my daily life, I’d like to think I give an honest (albeit up-beat) account of my life.

So with all of that said, when I received an email last week from a very pleasant lady offering me a pair of ghd’s in the new pastel range. Well I was pretty bloody happy.

My poor old straighteners looked forlornly up at me, seemingly aware of their imminent replacement.

I was going to have a set of ghd’s for the first time! And after a moment of pondering if I was ‘selling out’ I decided that if I genuinely want/like/enjoy something, I should share it. Isn’t that what this blog is all about?

And I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am with them!

In my excitement I decided to put my new jade-green beauties to the test, and create three looks with my new pastel tresses.

And lucky for me Sam was more than willing to help capture my attempts!

My first look was very much inspired by this platinum legend…

I tried to recreate Marilyn’s loose, sexy curls. But with perhaps a bit more of a ‘bed-head’ element. I always prefer my hair when it’s a little messy and rough around the edges!

After spraying my hair with copious amounts of heat protection spray (and a quick blow dry to lift it) I divided my hair into sections and worked the straighteners round to form loose curls.

I then teased the curls to be a little looser with my finger tips, and sprayed the ends (from below) with hairspray.

I also sprayed my fingertips and worked a bit into the roots for extra volume.

My second look was inspired by another hair icon. Miss Golightly’s layered beehive has always been one of my favourite movie-hair styles.

That blunt little fringe is just so sweet and stylish!

After using the ghd’s to create a sleek, straight texture I then proceeded to lightly backcomb my hair throughout, focusing mostly at the roots. This style looks simple but very hard to make, I sat for hours on cheap accent chairs under $100 with very “high concentration”.

After spraying a little hairspray on my palms, I then started to shape my beehive, fixing with kirby grips as I went along.

After all my hair was fixed, I pulled back a section of my fringe, to create the second ‘mini-hive’.

This style is perfect for ladies with shorter hair like myself, as it gives you height with added volume at the front.

Unfortunately I didn’t have a Tiffany’s tiara lying around so instead I accessorised with 1950’s silk bridesmaid garland, worn as a necklace.

My final look wasn’t inspired by a movie starlet! It was the result of a bit of playing around…

Combing my hair forward from my crown, I used the ghd’s to create a heavy curl, before rolling the hair round on itself, securing with a few kirby grips.

After pinning the rest of my hair up in similar rolls, I attached a couple of fresh blooms, for a fantastic pop of colour!

I am completely loving having bright pastel coloured hair (after a few wobbly days where I was tempted to dye it back to brown!)

It lifts my mood, and brightens up even the most mundane outfits. It’s also re-ignited my love for colour again.

Those ghd’s couldn’t have come at a better time!

Love Yours Truly, x

Spring Time Pastels…

By Yours Truly, x

I’m going to hazard a guess that my latest little bout of ‘comfort dressing’ began about three or four weeks ago, when simultaneously awful weather and very cosy new jumper both arrived in Brighton.

Since then I’ve mostly been in a uniform of sorts, consisting of varying cosy jumpers, skinny jeans and my favourite chelsea boots.

However the recent few days of glorious sunshine (Spring is finally here!) have bought me out of my dark wool cocoon, and flung me gleefully back into my favourite colours, including a very slight hair make-over too!

Baby pink! Gloriously girly and carefree, I am completely in love with my new hair! I got idea from my friend – Sarah, she’s just a mom blogger but has very special style dress. Let’s visit the latest article on her kids blog – outdoor rabbit hutch reviews.

I dabbled with multi-coloured tresses in my last year at University, and haven’t touched a pack of Manic Panic since. But for some reason, last Friday afternoon I found myself locked away in the bathroom with copious amounts of bleach and blue shampoo, perfecting my bottle-blonde colour!

Whilst I still don’t think I’ve reached the colour I’m striving after (the search for the best semi-permanent dye is currently underway!) I love how different this new colour is!

I’ve had a couple of instances where my friends have looked right through me, as I sat waiting to meet them in coffee shops, or the cinema! They are so used to my little gingery head, and admittedly so I am! My reflection in shop windows and passing mirrors still makes me do a double-take!

So to debut my new tresses, I thought this pretty silky blouse from French Connection would be the perfect pastel pairing!

I love its boxy tailoring, and the pretty pinkish hue is ideal for Springtime…

I accessorised with a matching pastel perspex ring, a scarf ring (with the cutest little bird, that oddly fits my fingers!) and a Rimmel nail polish from the Kate Moss range called ‘Punk Rock’.

My leather clutch bag was from a flea market in Paris a few years ago. It’s the loveliest leather – all beaten up and soft. It cost something ridiculous like two euros, and it’s one of my favourites.

My new coat was a sale-rail find from Topshop. I couldn’t believe my luck! One left, my size, and only £20! What a steal! This is – believe it or not – the first black coat I have ever owned!

To offset the girly-ness of my blouse, I teamed it with a green ‘jungle’ print skirt I found on eBay. I didn’t imagine the two going together, but I really like their slightly mis-matched colouring.

My sunglasses are old favourites from H&M (I’m currently on the prowl for a new pair for some variety!) and my lipstick is a beautiful little treat from Tom Ford in ‘Wild Ginger’. The packaging of his make-up is so luxurious!

Larking about…I have found it increasingly awkward to pose for blog photos – I feel so aware of how cliched each pose is.

Fortunately with the wonderful Sam Luck on hand, to not only provide his wonderful photography skills, but also his cheeky sense of humour, this set didn’t bother me!

So fingers crossed I will feel like blogging again without the need for another three week break!

Happy Spring-time everyone! Sunnier days are ahead!

Love Yours Truly, x

The World Is Quiet Here…

By Yours Truly, x

It’s taken a while to get these photos up, they were taken about three weeks ago at the Booth Museum, which is a Natural History museum about ten minutes walk from my home!

The museum was founded by Edward Booth in 1874 and is filled to the brim with his incredible collection of species – including some skeletal remains of a Dodo!

Sam and I went exploring one rainy afternoon in the middle of the week – so it was pretty much deserted!
Despite the nasty fluorescent lighting we decided to go ahead and photograph alongside the incredible taxidermy cases…

It’s funny to see myself wearing so much make up, as I’ve been pretty much bare-faced the last few weeks (largely down to the ferocious, wet weather – where’s the point eh?)

I’m wearing a vintage fur stole from Beyond Retro, that I pinned to create something which quite closely resembles a neck brace…

My slub-knit jumper and velvet shorts (a playsuit) are both from Topshop. I adore mixing textures in outfits, and these two go together so well!

Sam is so clever with his camera! These trips are great for the both of us – he gets better acquainted with the complex settings and I get some lovely blog photos to share with you all!

Yup…Definitely a neck brace!

We had a lot of fun with this one…

This cabinet blows my mind! The colours and the sheer scale of some of these birds is incredible. One of my favourites is the light green bird next to me on the right.

It’s called a ‘Kakapo’ – or Parrot Owl to you and I!

My silver mary-jane shoes were a Topshop sale purchase, they pinch my toes quite a bit so I’m still trying to break them in.

Also – seeing as it is Valentines Day tomorrow I thought I would pop another playlist as the last one was so well received! (Thank you!)

So whether you’re madly in love, happily single, or bitterly burning photographs of ex-lovers there’s something for everyone on this playlist!

Personally I think Valentines is a waste of money, but hey! I’m always down for an appreciation of love!

Love Yours Truly, x

Talking ‘Bout My Generation…

By Yours Truly, x

The term ‘Mod’ is something that has been synonymous with Brighton for nearly sixty years now.

From the famous deckchair-hurling fights on the pebbled beach, to the Mod fashion boutiques which to this day still line the North Lanes – there remains a huge vibe of the hubbub of 60’s youth culture throughout the city.

With that in mind…It all started with a pair of black chelsea boots by Deena & Ozzy, marked down in the sale.

I loved everything about them, especially the history that comes with such an iconic classic.

After a few days hesitation I finally gave in and bought them – thankfully having been marked down again in the time it took me to deliberate!

With my boots still sitting pretty in their cardboard box, I found myself trawling the internet for Mod imagery, Beatnik fashions, listening to iconic music from the decade whilst closely inspecting photos of the generation that danced to it the first time round.

This would be a great moment to interject that I have within the last few months discovered the wonders of Pinterest. My account is HERE if you care to see what inspires me of late.

Then one afternoon last week, Joshua and I were having a rummage in the record box at out local Oxfam (a very fruitful day – five amazing vinyls came home with us that afternoon!)

On the way out we both spied this navy pea coat hanging on the wall.

I tried it on first, then Josh – we both loved it and decided that Josh would own, and I could borrow!

Of course, to fit us both means that it’s slightly too big for me – but I love the oversized ‘boyfriend’ look!

Teamed with a pair of Joni skinny jeans from Topshop, a chunky knit roll neck jumper and my Cambridge Satchel Company bag that I recently blogged about, I set off with my friend Sam to take some Mod inspired photos, to do both the boots and pea coat justice!

It’s amazing being photographed by Sam – we’ve known each other for about ten years so there’s no awkwardness, and best of all, he’s an amazing photographer – always teaching himself how to use new equipment, editing techniques…Very inspiring stuff!

Our location was just up the road from our flat, where, were it not for the modern cars littering the pavement edge, you could believe that it was still the 1960’s thanks to the red brick homes, and ceramic road signs.

My beautiful satchel, I look after this thing like it’s a newborn – I love it so much!

Sam working on getting my ‘best angle’…Ha!

A cheeky little portrait shot…

As we walked home, with an impossible number of photos to sort through – we spied this amazing 60’s VW van!

Talk about serendipity!

If you want to have a look at some of the Mod images (both new and old) that have been inspiring me then click on this link HERE.

Love Yours Truly, x

Grunge & Sparkle…

By Yours Truly, x

I’ve been having one of those busy weeks where everything is happening at the same time, and you have to just go with the flow to keep up with it all!

I have however found the time to do a few blog photos along the way!

First off, I thought respond to a comment on my post below. I am like nearly everyone in England right now – wearing a winter coat! But I think we’d both get pretty bored if it featured in every blog post!

I have to admit…This January I have splurged. I have splashed out, spent and forked out, as I trawled gleefully through the seasons sale racks.

Winter fashions are always so much more appealing to me. I adore wearing layers, thick cosy fabrics, and interesting textiles (woven or heavily embellished) which are generally speaking, too weighty to wear in the Summer heat.

This beautiful two-tone sequin skirt was a sale find from Topshop.

It’s been one of the key winter pieces in their Winter collection and I was immediately taken by the beautiful design.

However once I considered how much more I could get for £42, I left it hanging on the rail, until it went into the sale and dropped down to a much more purse-pleasing price!

My mustard nail polish is from Urban Outfitters (though & Other Stories have a similar colour right now) and the large ring is one that I’ve had for years – I can’t recall where it’s from!

When I have a new garment I love to wear it as soon as possible, as often as possible. So although common sense told me to save this glitzy skirt for an evening out, I dressed it down with a grungey, slightly oversized jumper and my favourite Dr Marten boots!

The only impracticality to speak of was attempting to climb up on to this 3ft ledge! My knees might as well have been glued together!

The trail of iridescent sequins I leave in my wake can only be a perk though right?

Love Yours Truly, x

Beating January Blues!

By Yours Truly, x

Sitting in the audience of an open mic night this week, one of the acts informed us that he would only be playing ‘happy songs’ as it was officially ‘the most depressing day of the year’.

A couple of nights later, a couple I was serving at work told me that it was the date that most people quit their New Years resolutions.

Now whilst I totally get why January can be a miserable month, I have continued to have enthusiasm and optimism for this new year!

My resolutions (as shared in the post below) are all of the positive, pro-active persuasion so I don’t feel inhibited at all, I feel like taking this year by the reigns and steering it exactly where I desire!

One small target for myself was to open up a bit more about my blogging to (ahem) ‘Real World’ people! One step of that is to ask more friends to help me with outfit photos.

The amount times I have missed a great blogging opportunity because I’ve been too shy to ask…No more!

These photos were taken by Louise, whom I befriended a year or so after moving to Brighton. Once I got the awkward task of asking out of the way, Louise happily obliged to take photos for me. In fact we had a lot of fun and giggles doing so!

I’m wearing my new Zara shirt, which after longing for when full price (I’m such a penny-pincher sometimes) I finally snapped up in the sale.

It’s a beautiful, light silky fabric, and very reminiscent of Annie Hall to me.

My (breathe-in!) skinny jeans are from the ‘Joni’ range at Topshop. I prefer high waisted tailoring as it suits my petite frame, so these jeans are perfect!

My cardigan and brogues are old eBay finds.

And the satchel? Oh my this satchel!

On Christmas morning I yelped with delight upon realising what I had just unwrapped.

Joshua’s sister and parents had teamed together to buy me a gorgeous Cambridge Satchel Company satchel in a classic brown style.

Having a huge affection for anything quintessentially British, and an equally huge admiration for Julie Deane (who founded the company from her kitchen table!) and her British-made bags…Words fail me at how much I treasure this little bag!

It makes me so happy to carry it round with me as I run errands or meet friends.

This is the kind of outfit I wear on days when I’m seeking comfort over creativity. Whilst it’s not as flamboyant as some of the things I choose to wear, it feels elegant and effortless – two words I would hesitate to use to describe my style!

Also keeping me grinning (and dancing round my bedroom!) is the playlist I’ve shared below.

Now I’ve never claimed to be very cultured, or indeed ‘cool’ when it came to my taste in music. In fact I spent a large proportion of my teens and early-twenties avoiding telling people the kind of music I really liked.

However I think it’s safe to say this playlist features so many classics, there’s bound to be something for everyone!

Fancy a bedroom dance off anyone?

Love Yours Truly, x

Welcome To 2014!

By Yours Truly, x

I’m curious – does anybody else feel wildly optimistic about this brand new year that lays ahead of us?

At the tail end of last year I felt like my life in Brighton was moving more in the direction I wanted, and I’ve never felt happier than now to be in my seaside city.

Joshua and I went running errands yesterday, and despite the ferocious winds, and scattered rain storms, we somehow managed to get some half-decent blog photos! I’m thankful my man is so patient!

I’ve been itching to get started on Yours Truly this year, but the bad weather and dark nights have really been a hinderance – roll on Spring!

The patchwork tunic dress I’m wearing is from the Topshop Christmas sale. I remember seeing it hanging in Oxford Circus when it was full price, and loved the graphic, potato-print style of the patchwork pattern.

It’s a size or so too big, but I like that this adds to the loose, clean structure of the garment. The slightly cropped sleeves are always a favourite of mine too.

With a dress so ‘busy’ I kept everything else really simple. This chunky perspex tassle ring is one of my old favourites from my student days.

My make up is a combination of ‘& Other Stories’ and MAC. I’m still so happy to have re-discovered yellow eyeshadow – a favourite look from my teens!

Proof of the kind of winds we were dealing with here! I’ve never had so many ‘out-takes’ from one set of photos…Nor so many grumpy looks on my wind-beaten face!

As you can see I’m still currently growing out my fringe, well actually – my hair in its entirety is being grown! A little project for 2014 if you will!

Channeling some Geisha vibes with clean white tights and black suede wedges. I love how clean cut they look paired with the dress!

So with 2014 in mind, do any of you have any New Years resolutions? I have five which are all pretty simple.

1. Save a bit of money (I have been more specific but I won’t bore you with the details!)

2. Visit London monthly (Living in Brighton can be a bit like a bubble sometimes, I need to venture out and explore more!)

3. Learn to cook new dishes (I love to cook and would love to try something new)

4. Stay in better contact with friends (I’m pretty awful at emails/texting etc!)

And finally, my last resolution is to work on a new website that started to come to fruition last Summer. The content of which I’m going to be tight lipped about right now, but I am very excited!

I have set myself some achievable targets to help get the ball rolling, then I’m sure it’ll be much like this blog (which by the way will still be going!) – a delight to produce!

I’m looking forward to sharing it with you, along with the labours of my other resolutions!

Happy New Year everyone!

Love Yours Truly, x

Life Is What Happens While You’re Busy Making Other Plans…

By Yours Truly, x

Remember how I said in my last post that I had a whole heap of blog photos on my desktop, that for one reason or another I wasn’t going to post?
Well this set were included in that pile!
I’d been working flat out, and so when these photos were taken by Josh on my day off, all I could see was how tired I looked!

But after your encouraging, sweet comments on the post below, I decided to go for it!

I would describe this outfit as ‘lazy 60’s!’ a good nod to the decade I adore – but with very little effort!
The black high-neck jumper was a Primark find and the houndstooth skirt from Beyond Retro.

These adorable dolly shoes are amongst my favourites – originally from Office, I found a pair for a snip of the price on eBay!
The vintage cream vanity case was also found on eBay.

And to complete the look, bright orange-red lips in the form of ‘So Chaud’ by MAC. It’s quickly becoming my signature colour!

I’ve been such a busy bee lately! The weeks leading up to Christmas were mad, but so fulfilling!
I have recently had the pleasure (and it really is a pleasure!) of tutoring withThe Fashion School in Brighton.
Set up by one of my former University tutors Caroline Gration, The Fashion School helps girls (though boys are welcome, I’ve yet to teach one!) of all ages learn how to pattern cut, sew, and develop their creative talents.

Here I am with some of the girls from a 3-day Christmas Party Wear workshop we did, they made everything they’re wearing!

They were such a delight! Boundlessly enthusiastic and creative, with such cheeky little personalities!
Caroline (back left) and I had so much fun helping them turn rolls of fabric into party dresses, leggings, onesies and pinafores!

It’s been a huge learning curve for me and I’m really looking forward to continuing into the new year.

Also in December, a relative of Josh’s got married in a beautiful ceremony, giving us all a great excuse to dress up and dance the night away!

Joshua and I also celebrated three years together this month.
I can’t believe how time has flown by, and how we’ve managed to adore and endureeach other throughout!

As a little anniversary gift, Joshua surprised me with this beautiful Wolf & Moonnecklace – one that I have lusted after for ages! Expect to see it on the blog again very soon…

And as if that wasn’t enough – Christmas too!
I went back home, and had a lovely time with both mine and Joshua’s families.

Below are some of my festive instagram moments – including my beautiful gift of a Cambridge Satchel Company bag, and the game of Monopoly we played on Christmas eve with friends…That I won! Whey!

I’m so excited for 2014 and all the possibilities that lie ahead! I look forward to sharing it all with you.

Happy New Year!

Love Yours Truly, x

On Learning To Let Go…

By Yours Truly, x

I’ll be honest with you, my recent absence from this blog has been down to my own ridiculous ideas of perfectionism. I currently have three sets of potential posts sitting on my desktop, which depict three outfits that I was perfectly happy wearing on the day the photos were taken.

But they all remain discarded in the no-mans-land of my laptop for varied reasons. It might be because I don’t like the lighting or quality of the photos, my failed attempts at interesting poses, or perhaps the outfit wasn’t worthy enough to exhibit on the blog?

So I decided to go back to basics, because I do love blogging and I don’t want to stop, especially not for such trivial reasons. I love being a small part of a huge creative community. I love my readers and I’m proud of this little corner of the internet I call my own.

So I stripped things back a bit…

I wore one of my favourite dresses, which is beautiful in its simplicity and featured a few months ago in this same location!

Only this time, much less make up, less hair styling, and more layers due to the December chill!

A bit more of a reality check of how I really look and dress day to day when I haven’t got the time or energy to get really creative.

My camel coat was an eBay find, originally from H&M. I shed the matching belt because I felt it made me look like I was wearing a dressing gown!

(Bursting out laughing, because despite doing this for a few years now – posing in front of a wall never gets any less embarrassing!)

My beautiful patterned tights were from Topshop a few months back. They remind me of the traditional flowers painted on china tea cups.

So with all that said, I’m hoping this post will make me a little less precious about future efforts.

I’m almost certain that nobody else would be bothered if the lighting in my photos didn’t flow seamlessly!

Thanks for sticking around and staying interested. I’ll endeavour to get a few more posts up before the end of the year!

Love Yours Truly, x

The Last of the Golden Sun…

By Yours Truly, x

I’ve never been on a ‘Winter Sun’ holiday before. Like most I retreat England for sunnier shores during the mediocre, overcast-skies affair we call our Summertime.

So boarding a plane on a rainy evening in late October didn’t feel too unusual. It was only when we touched down in the balmy heat of Alicante that some adjusting was required (mostly the removal of all our winter layers!)

For a week, a villa in the small town of Moraira was home, about an hours drive from Alicante.

It felt odd to be dressing for heat again, so I turned to old favourites, such as this vintage silk scarf which was a Glastonbury find a few years back. I often wear it as a DIY turban (see here here and here!)

The chambray shirt is from Topshop and has very quickly become a favourite in my wardrobe, for lazy days and comfort dressing.

It’s incredibly soft and feels like pyjamas!

The vintage high waisted shorts were an eBay find, another summertime favourite of mine.

The frilled bikini top was lent to me by Becca. I wore this outfit to the beach one afternoon, and once there I kept my turban on alongside my matching black bikini.

The chambray shirt was perfect as a quick cover-up!

Although obviously not visible to me whilst wearing it, I always try and tie my turban so this tiger features on the back…He’s beautiful!

Probably the palest legs in town… And thanks to factor 30 it stayed that way! I can’t really explain why but I don’t particularly like being tanned! Sun-kissed? Sure! But anything more than a light bronzing and a sprinkling of freckles on my nose…No thanks!

Odd aversions to having a suntan aside, I had a wonderful holiday. As usual I snapped away wherever we went, the only slight difference was that this time I was mostly using a (new to me) Pentax ME Super. A few months previously Becca had patiently shown me how to use this camera, and after getting hold of a model of my old…Voila! My venture into film photography has begun!

Blue skies and amazing views in Valencia (Joshua and I visited for a day to see the city and meet up with a Brighton friend who has moved there!) and Guadalest, where we trekked to see the great views from great heights…

Little man all set for the pool – Junk art in Turia Park – A Valencia moped – Rose Champagne by the pool!

New and Old in Valencia (the architecture of Santiago Calatrava vs. Valencia train station)

Playing on the beach is much more fun than sunbathing! I buried little man, and then to apologise (he loved it really I promise!) helped him build a sandcastle fort!

Flashes of colour surrounding the villa – Sticky finger inducing ice creams – A little friend who joined us for lunch!

And finally, we couldn’t resist a few outfit photos on this bridge that linked the two sides of the Turia park in Valencia.

I just wish I had been wearing a more deserving outfit for such a great location!

My skirt is a vintage eBay find, worn with old sandals a Topshop crop top.

I hope my holiday post hasn’t been too photo-heavy for you all (believe me, I did cut it down!) Perhaps this rainy afternoon is just making me eager to share sunny day photos!

Back to winter dressing in the next post…

Love Yours Truly, x

Practically Perfect In Every Way…

By Yours Truly, x

There are no other words to describe this heavenly vintage coat than to quote Mary Poppins! It was gifted to me from the lovely Alec and Margaux of The Splendid Suitcase as a thank you for interviewing them on the blog last year.

On a bright cold day running errands in Brighton it really cheered me up to wear something that feels so elegant and well-fitted! And worn with my recent fur-stole find, which seems to be a match made in wardrobe-heaven!

I’m wearing the coat with some of my regular favourites – an eBay vanity case, Topshop boots from a couple of years ago, H&M socks and vintage night dress from Beyond Retro.

I’ve noticed this week that my current choices in wardrobe-colouring are almost identical to one of my old school uniforms! Navy, cream, mustard and royal blue all featured in my middle school uniform and PE kit…Funny how I hated wearing it at the time!

I’ve also being adapting my Heidi plaits recently, to a more relaxed twisted style, which is so easy, it literally takes two minutes to do! Perfect for when you’re in a rush or you want to quickly pin up hair that is in need of a wash!

Divide your hair into two equal parts, and brush to each side (I tie one side into a ponytail to keep it separate whilst I twist the other).

Pull some loose strands forward to frame your face and then holding the hair at a right angle to your head, roll the hair forwards. Then simply pin on the top of your head with kirby grips and repeat with the other side. I told you it was easy!

Also worth a mention is Joshuas amazing new bargain coat! He’s wearing it with a polo top he found online, a vintage waistcoat and trousers from Topmans Boutique collection.

An attempt for a cutesy-couple photo goes a bit wrong…Ew!

And because this coat is practically perfect in every way, perhaps that is the reason why I chose to go as Mary Poppins for Halloween!

I must admit the original plan had been ‘Scary Poppins’ but as soon as I had the get-up on, I just couldn’t bring myself to ruin it with blood and gore!

Worryingly all I had to purchase for my costume was some red ribbon for my bow tie… Therefore I could essentially be Mary Poppins again whenever I please!

I’ve also been instagramming my adventures the last few weeks, here are some of my favourites for anyone who doesn’t follow my twitter or instagram.

1. The green velvet dress worn by Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With The Wind, when she is visiting Rhett Butler in Jail. I went to the V&As Hollywood Costume exhibition with Kelly-Marie of ‘A Harem of Peacocks’…and it was AMAZING. Seriously, no words for how good! Unfortunately photography wasn’t permitted within the exhibit so this was a very sneaky little snap!

2. Brighton sea on a stormy afternoon!

3. I recently watched this film, ‘The Beginners’ and really enjoyed it – far more than I anticipated I would!

4. A new glitter-fest nail polish by Models One!

5. Joshua and his recent delivery from a local farm…(I’m definitely going to steal this idea)

6. A Brighton busker who must have gone to extraordinary efforts to get his instrument where it was!

7. Beautiful ceramic jewellery from a boutique on Bond Street, Brighton.

8. A recent eBay find, I love this little Brownie doll!

9. One of the most inspiring fashion books ever…..!

I have a few exciting projects to show you within the coming weeks, and a couple of lovely new finds too!
Thanks for being patient with my sporadic posts – we still haven’t got internet at our flat (boo!)

Hope you’re all very well,

Love Yours Truly, x

On Happiness…

By Yours Truly, x

It is often mused in literature and cinema, that to achieve happiness in life, you must take notice of the little things that surround you. That somewhere within the seemingly never-ending mundane routines that we endure, we can discover fleeting glimmers of joy. I whole-heartedly embrace this ideology, though admittedly it can be difficult to maintain on a daily basis.

However I like to think of myself as a glass-half-full kind of girl, and living in this beautiful city on the English coast certainly makes it easy to discover magic in the monotony. A few weeks ago marked my first year anniversary of living in Brighton, though what with my comings-and-goings over the last three years it certainly feels like longer!

I am still completely in love with this place. I adore seeing the sea (almost) every day, and discovering how many varied and beautiful blue and green hues the waves can turn. I love the people, the sense of community, the food (markets, cafes, restaurants…I have a serious love affair with grub!) and the fact that there is nearly always something to see, or hear or experience.

Which leads me very nicely into an afternoon walk Joshua and I took a week or so ago…

We decided to make the most of the clear, bright weather and head to a nearby park called ‘The Level’, somewhere we used to frequent (see here and here) prior to Josh moving away from the area.

In the last year the park has undergone a huge renovation, funded by a National Lottery grant.

I wore a new vintage skirt from Beyond Retro, with jersey basics from H&M, vintage Dior stockings, and a turban headband, necklace and shoes all from Topshop ages ago.

Though completely enamoured with the fabric of this skirt, it did prove to be a bit of a tricky one in terms of building an outfit around it! I felt somewhere between 1920’s flapper and a genie in the end!

And of course, I had to bring along one of my notoriously impractical vanity cases! I found this little blue one in Lewes last year, it certainly brightens up a cloudy day!

Now whilst I had heard amazing things about the results of the renovation of the park, I had yet to see it for myself, and was eager to discover how they’d transformed a pretty dated, derelict space into somewhere that was better for the whole community.

Please believe me when I say, I was completely blown away.

It’s beautiful. And it certainly fits the bill with regards to the whole community!

There is a new huge skatepark (how often are teenagers/youths overlooked in projects like this?) which we stood and watched people using for ten minutes or so. It’s a well thought out space, with (from what I can gather in my limited knowledge of such things!) practically every kind of concrete structure you could possible want as a skater!

An eco-cafe with solar panels and a grass roof opens next month, and the kids playground is just amazing! The space is natural, with so many plants and trees amongst the play areas, creating little walk ways for small people to explore.

And then there are the bridges…

We were lucky enough to have a bit of a chat to the project manager, who informed us (between us gushing at how great we thought the park now looked!) that the two bridges that stand central in the park are actually listed.

Therefore as part of the conditions of maintaining the grant, they had to stay, and the vine walk-way that originally stood around them had to be re-built.

Whilst the model boat lake may be gone, it’s nice to have a nod to yesteryear within all the newness.

We were then about to head off for some lunch, when we were stopped and photographed by a lovely lady called Ingrid.
I didn’t think too much of it afterwards, until…

She not only sent the photo, but this amazing illustration she did of us too! Ingrid (Allan) is studying at Brighton University, and snapped us as part of her latest project.

I’m so thrilled she did!

So, in what started as a walk to ‘just get out of the house’ turned out to be a beautiful afternoon. Not only did it cement my adoration for the city I’ve chosen to call home for the last year, but helped me to remember that wonderful Roald Dahl quote.

‘And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it’

Love Yours Truly, x

Too Much Too Young…

By Yours Truly, x

Growing up in a small town where the local entertainment includes a chair museum, it was no accident that I grew to love going to local gigs and appreciating live music.

In my late teens I frequented the one music venue almost every weekend, watching bands perform anything from metal, punk and ska, and what could sometimes only be described as an ear-ache inducing din!

I met some of my closest friends at these gigs, and to this day, watching live music is one of my favourite ways to socialise.

And ever so occasionally my love for local bands seeps into my sartorial choices. This amazing T-shirt is from the merch stand of Los Hermanos McKenzie, an Argentinian band who recently played alongside two of my Brighton favourites Time for T and Normanton Street (I definitely recommend a listen to those two!)

I loved the print so much I even settled for T-shirt that was two sizes too big (they had sold out of everything else!)

Fortunately it’s not really noticeable when it’s nipped in with this great houndstooth skirt I recently found in Beyond Retro.

The fabric and fit of this skirt are amazing, I really don’t think you could get anything of this quality on the high street, and certainly not for the same (bargain) price!

My pastel ballerina cardigan was a flea market find in Berlin a few years ago. Considering how light it is, it’s surprisingly warm! I love the slouchy-softness of it.

And for perhaps the first time in three or so years, my Dr Marten brogue boots are back on the blog! They’re now battered and even a little bit broken, but nothing comes to close to how comfortable they are!

My vanity case was an eBay find (though be warned, they’re frightfully impractical!)

And for those of you who don’t follow a little update from my instagram!

I recently found this Jungle Book tin in a little shop in Hackney. My friend was running late, which was never going to bode well for my purse!

Fortunately I’ve had a massive wardrobe clear-out to make some savings for a few trips I have in mind (I’ll be listing the items on eBay soon!) not that you can tell from this picture!

I also frolicked in my tuxedo a favour to my hairdresser in a competition he entered, and picked up a few new vintage books for my colourful collection!

I’ve picked up the new issue of Lula (it’s gorgeous! Go grab a copy!) and spent an evening with my friend Freya on the seafront, both attempting to learn to skateboard…Progress was slow but at least there was some at all!

My vintage kimono obsession was satisfied in Topshop Oxford Circus by these multi-coloured silk beauties, and I treated myself to a beautiful new perfume!

Also worth a mention is the lovely evening I recently had with Dulcie of Human Seaand Becca at the Orla Kiely book launch in Covent Garden. Those bright green cocktails were a cucumber and gin concoction which tasted amazing!

I fell completely in love with this Orla Kiely wallpaper! Well….It is mustard after all!

I’m off on holiday in a week (goodbye rainy England!) but have one more post ready to pop up before I go, so more very soon!

Love Yours Truly, x

Brick Lane

By Yours Truly, x

Last Thursday I journeyed up to London in the rain and gloom, with the sole purpose of trawling the notorious vintage haunts for something truly special to wear to an event I have coming up.

Believe me, I know better than most that my wardrobe is already filled to bursting (a perpetual ‘clear out’ situation always seems to be in motion!) but sometimes it’s just lovely and frivolous to have something new to wear to an occasion, and to feel all the more amazing for it!

With a bit of change in my pocket, and comfortable shoes on my feet I set off! My main port of call being Brick Lane and the Shoreditch area – where row after row of second hand clothing shops sit neatly next to each other, all a stones through away from the famous Spitalfields Market.

The skirt I’m wearing is a fairly new find courtesy of eBay, I love the slightly abstract palm print, though I did have to make some amendments to the cut with my sewing machine – I don’t think anyone but Jessica Rabbit has hips that curved!

My insect bracelet is an old favourite from my Uni days (it’s battered and falling to bits!) and my nail polish is by ‘& Other Stories’ – I am literally obsessed with their brightly pigmented beauty products lately!

My camel jumper is from Topshop a couple of years ago, worn with a velvet bow tie from H&M.

My coat and vintage vanity case were both eBay finds, and my blinding gold shoes (which remind me of exotic old ladies!) are from Primark (I couldn’t believe it either!)

As you can see I’m still enjoying being reunited with my yellow eye make up! Worn with ‘So Chaud’ lipstick by Mac. I have to admit, I’m really enjoying wearing bright cosmetics again, especially when the weather is so grey!

And so what treasures did I find on my little shopping excursion? In all honesty – not a lot!

Isn’t it always the way when you have a bit of free money to spend?

I tried reliable favourites like ‘Beyond Retro’, and ‘This Shop Rocks’ but alas nothing really jumped out at me!

I guess the real success of vintage shopping is to not be searching for anything in particular.

So with my event looming this week, I still haven’t a clue what to wear, but I’m optimistic!
I know I’ll hash together something out of golden oldies in my wardrobe, and then probably feel ten times more confident and comfortable than had I been wearing something new.

Well that’s what I’m telling myself anyway!
I look forward to sharing the results with you!

Love Yours Truly, x

12 3...14 Page 1 of 14

Buyers Incline Towards Sustainable Brands ...

A Fond Farewell…

The City Jungle…

Sunshine On A Rainy Day…

How To Make : Gorgeous Guacamole!

Liberty Love…

Style Stories…

Good Hair Days…

Spring Time Pastels…

The World Is Quiet Here…

Talking ‘Bout My Generation…

Grunge & Sparkle…

Beating January Blues!

Welcome To 2014!

Life Is What Happens While You’re Busy Making Other Plans…

On Learning To Let Go…

The Last of the Golden Sun…

Practically Perfect In Every Way…

On Happiness…

Too Much Too Young…

Brick Lane

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