Posts tagged Clothing
Thrifty Finds No. 7: Charity Shops
0For most of this week I’ve had a well earned break from work, and on Wednesday afternoon my mum and I went thrift shopping for the first time in months. We decided to head to two local towns to browse the charity shops, and it was well worth the trip, as I managed to find some fantastic bargains!
Be Beau Studded Cardigan – £1.00
Jaeger Striped Shirt – £1.00
Omen Skeleton T Shirt – £1.00
Lipsy Lace Bolero – £3.00
Living Dead Souls Leopard Print Cardigan – £3.50
Zara Shirt – £3.75
Farhi Maxi Skirt – 99p
Books – 75p and 50p
Total Spend: £15.49
I’m really pleased with this haul as I managed to get pieces for work and leisure, from some great brands. My two favourites are the Zara shirt, which looks great with black skinnies and heels, and the Lipsy lace bolero. The bolero still had its tags attached so is brand new, and was actually £15.00 in the Lipsy sale, so at £3.00 was an absolute steal!
Naomi x
Alexander McQueen Autumn Winter Wishlist
0Folded Drape Mini Skirt / Ladder High Neck Dress / Rouched Knit Crew Neck Jumper / Long Handkerchief Skirt / Silk Chiffon Creased Roses Scarf / Studded Heeled Bootie / Legend Bag / Draped Sleeve Flare Dress / Petal Sleeve Double Breasted Coat / Studded Continental Wallet / Folded Drape Mini Dress / Studded Heroine Bag
I’ve always been more of an Autumn/Winter fan than a Spring/Summer one (which is probably just as well considering I live in chilly little England!), so although I’m enjoying the longer days, blue skies and lush landscapes of the current months, I can’t help but get a little bit excited about the up and coming Autumn/Winter collections from my favourite shops and designers. Walking around the Highcross last week, I’ve already started to notice a slow trickle of thicker fabrics and darker colours coming in and, much to my delight, Alexander McQueen have also just launched their Pre Autumn Winter 2015, and Autumn Winter 2015 collections. There are some absolutely stunning pieces in both collections, but unfortunately I’m far too poor to afford any of it! So I thought I’d share with you my McQueen Autumn/Winter wishlist, so that you can see how beautiful it all is, but also so I can come back to it during the end of year sale to remind myself of what I want, in the hope that I will then be able to afford it!
Which is your favourite piece?
Naomi x
Throwback Dress
1Not so long ago I was sorting through my wardrobe, working out what to keep, what to sell, and what to get rid of, and I realised I have one dress in particular that survives all of my wardrobe clear outs. I’ve had this black and white star print skater dress for almost half a decade, and since buying it from Matalan I’ve actually dropped two dress sizes, but I just can’t bear to part with it. It’s even been taken in at the back so I can still wear it!
This dress has become affectionately known as my throwback dress, as it’s seen me through many seasons, layered up or down accordingly, and many events, including christmas day 2011 and my 22nd birthday. It always reminds me of when I first met my fiancé too. It may not be the most breathtaking item of clothing that I own, but I treasure it and will probably always keep it.
My little sentimental encounter with my throwback dress got me thinking… what will be my throwback dress of the future? A dress that I currently love and will keep for years to come. There are a few candidates, but I think this Dolly & Delicious skater dress from New Look will be it.
I call this one my goth fairy dress, and I absolutely love the layered net skirt and cut out sides. I get the feeling it will become a staple wardrobe item this summer. I plan on wearing it to several gigs and events in the coming months, so it will undoubtedly become associated with fantastic memories that I just won’t want to get rid of.
Do you have a throwback dress? If so, why do you keep it?
Naomi x
What I Wore: Victorianesque
6I’m not usually one for wearing skirts, but for some reason today felt like a skirt day, so I decided to wear one out for lunch with family at my favourite country pub. I recently picked up this lace midi skirt on sale at Primark for just £3 (yes, £3!) It’s lined with a silky teal fabric which contrasts beautifully with the black lace, and it’s so pretty and intricate it only really needs a basic top to go with it!
Primark Black & Teal Lace Midi Skirt / Primark Pocket Top / Dr Martens Regina Heeled Boots / Alchemy The Raven Necklace / Juno Black Patent Grab Bag
For a slightly Victorianesque Gothic look, I finished the outfit with my lace up Dr Martens Regina brogue heeled boots, and my stunning Raven Alchemy necklace. Alchemy are a company close to my heart as they’re based in my hometown, and I own quite a few of their pieces, but this is one of my favourites as it’s based on my favourite Edgar Allan Poe poem, ‘The Raven’. Of course I also had to add my trusty Juno patent grab bag, which I reviewed here last week.
What do you think of this look?
Naomi x
What I Wore: Graduation
3After two years of hard work, and juggling studying with a part-time job, yesterday I finally graduated from the University of Leicester with a postgraduate degree in Modern Literature! It’s been a long and, at times, difficult couple of years, but I am so happy that I can now officially call myself a Master of the Arts. And to make things even better, my fiancé graduated at the same time with the same degree, and because our surnames are alphabetically next to each other, we got to cross the stage one after the other! I was very nervous before the ceremony, which is odd considering I’d done it all before in 2011 in the same place, but in the end I really enjoyed the day and I’m so proud of my achievement.
Between them my family took hundreds of photographs, but after a hectic day I’m yet to sort through all of them, so for now I can only share a few. Hopefully I’ll have some better ones to add some time next week which actually show my outfit properly!
On the day I wore a beautiful textured floral dress from Dorothy Perkins, which I bought especially for the ceremony. We were told to wear ‘sombre colours’ but I didn’t want to look too drab, so I chose something with a nice print and teamed it with red lips and nails to match the colour of my hood.
Illamasqua Lipstick in ‘Snap’ / Ciaté Nail Varnish in ‘Dangerous Affair’
Excuse the pose on that one!
In the evening, my family, my fiancé, my fiancé’s family and I went out for a meal to celebrate the occasion. I wore the same dress as I did during my graduation, but I swapped my low New Look heels (I didn’t want to fall over on the stage!) for my new Kurt Geiger Sally Ankle Boots, my red lips for pink lips, and I also took my Zatchels Gothic Lace Saddle Bag out for a spin.
Also, I feel like MUA’s Pro-Base Makeup Fixing Mist needs a special mention here. I used the spray in the morning after applying my make up, and it did an amazing job at keeping it in place. I expected to have to reapply my make up before going out for the meal in the evening, but it still looked great, and did so right up until I removed it at 11pm! A real saviour on a long, busy day.
What did you wear to your graduation?
Naomi x
What I Wore: Twice as Mice
7Last week, whilst browsing vintage-inspired fashion website Beau Boutique, I spotted this gorgeous Sugarhill Boutique Mice Loves Dress in the sale for just £26, down from £56. Those who read my blog regularly will know that I’m crazy about rats, and the little cuties on the dress reminded me of my two babies, Miggley and Mog. Luckily, at the time it was still in stock in my size, and Hania of Beau Boutique very kindly sent me the dress to review. Thank you!
Beau Boutique Sugarhill Boutique Mice Loves Dress / Primark Black Tights / H&M Black Ankle Boots / Collection Gothic Glam Lipstick in Revenge
My fiancé and I went out for a nice lunch yesterday, so I decided to give the dress its first outing. The dress, which is from Sugarhill Boutique’s AW13 collection, is made from a light, chiffon-like mulberry coloured fabric, and is fully lined with sheer sleeves. The fabric hangs and moves beautifully, and is so comfortable and flattering to wear.
The print is my favourite thing about the dress as it depicts two mice (or rats as I like to think) forming a love heart with their tails, and it covers the whole of the dress. At the back of the dress there’s a wide exposed zip that runs to just below the waist, which I really like, and there’s also a contrasting sheer black panel at the waist which gives it a bit of an edge.
In terms of sizing I’m usually an average size 12, but the dress is a 14/Large and fits well but is slightly roomy, so I’d say it’s fairly accurate to size, if not slightly small. Just make sure you check the size guide before ordering!
This dress has gone straight to the top of my favourites list. It’s so pretty and feminine, and detailed enough that it doesn’t even need any accessories to set it off, in my opinion. I just teamed it with black tights and ankle boots, and an oversized bag, and was ready to go! Oh and the important test… My rats also approve!
Beau Boutique stock a wide range of women’s clothing, inspired by celebrity and vintage style, including brands such as Ruby Rocks, Madam Rage, Motel and Voodoo Girl. The site has become my go-to place to look for dresses and clothes that you can’t find on the high street, and they offer free standard UK delivery which is always nice when ordering online! You can browse Beau Boutique’s collections here.
Naomi x
*This Sugarhill Boutique Mice Loves Dress was sent to me by Beau Boutique for review purposes. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.*
F&F Paper Doll Party Looks – Part 1
1Having been off work for Christmas for over a week already, I’ve had a lot of time on my hands, so earlier this week I decided to play around with my personalised paper doll from F&F at Tesco, and put together some party looks for the #FFPaperDollParty competition. I even created a little catwalk for my mini-me to pose on! I’ve created an outfit for every festive celebration I could think of (plus one for going back to work in the New Year), so I thought I’d share them all with you.
Work Christmas Party
A lot of work Christmas parties tend to happen straight after work, so I thought I’d put together an outfit that could be worn at work during the day, and effortlessly transformed into something gorgeous for the evening. I love how pretty this Floral Scuba Skirt is. It looks smart teamed with a black blazer, but remove the blazer to reveal a pretty top and you’re ready to party!
Meal with Friends
A Christmas catch-up meal with friends calls for something more casual, so I opted for this cute Gem Collar Skater Dress and leggings. The sparkly detail on the dress is also really glam, so you can look fab whilst feeling comfortable! A loose-fitting dress like this also enables you to eat more, haha.
Christmas Eve Party
For a Christmas Eve party I chose this beautiful red Strapless Tailored Jumpsuit as it’s suitably festive, and looks effortlessly chic. Christmas Eve is a busy day for most of us, so to be able to throw on something this simple and still look amazing is always a bonus. If you’re worried about getting a bit cold though, it’d look amazing with a Sequin Sleeve Jacket worn over the top.
Christmas Day
I like to look and feel good on Christmas day, so I always buy myself a fab new dress to wear. This Floral Scuba Dress is just the ticket, and the classic cut would suit any age, and any size.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is usually a lazy day spent recovering from the previous day’s antics and over-indulgence, so a Trumpet Top like this would hide any evidence of having eaten far too much! I love the contrasting black leather-look panel on the front the top too, and it’s bang on trend. Dress it down with a pair of Leather-Look Trousers, black skinnies or leggings, and you’re ready to go.
Sale Shopping
Once I’ve recovered from Christmas day, I like to hit the shops and try and grab a few sale bargains. Wandering around the cold winter shopping streets calls for a coat, and this red Skater Skirted Coat is stunning! I’ve always been a fan of red coats as they’re real attention grabbers, and this one is no different. Again, team it with some black leggings and a cute top and you’re ready to shop ’til you drop!
Last Minute Party
Ever been invited to a party last minute and not had anything to wear? Panic! Well, there’d be no need to panic with this blue Tie Waist Dress in your wardrobe. You could put it on with minutes to spare and still look the belle of the ball, and who wouldn’t want that? The colour is absolutely wonderful, and something a little bit different from the usual Christmas colours.
New Year Party
New Year is the perfect time to pull on your favourite LBD and work the room. I’m a big, big fan of Little Black Dresses, so I found it hard to choose between these two beauties. The Embellished Cuff Dress has beautiful sparkly cuffs, and a flattering tunic cut so would hide any lumps and bumps. The Satin Ruched Support Dress is perhaps my winner though, as it’s simple, but still a show stopper. I also really like the V neck. Which would you choose?
Back to Work
Now, I know we don’t want to think about it just yet, but after all this celebrating we have to go back to work (boo!), so we might as well do it in style! Again, the blazer makes an appearance, with a pretty camisole top and, for a bit of glitz to remind us of the previous weeks’ festivities, a Gem Embellished Pencil Skirt.
Which look is your favourite? Check back soon for more #FFPaperDollParty entries!
Naomi x
JollyChic $100 Fashion Giveaway
74As a little treat over Christmas and New Year, I have teamed up with online fashion retailer JollyChic to bring you another exciting giveaway. The giveaway is open internationally so anyone can enter, and the prize is a massive $100 to spend on anything you like at JollyChic.com. Free delivery to anywhere in the world will be included too, so you don’t have to worry about high shipping costs! JollyChic stock a wide range of women’s clothing, shoes, bags and accessories, so what better way to start 2014 than with a brand new wardrobe?
There are two mandatory things you must do to enter… Firstly, you must subscribe to Bewitchery via email using the ‘Follow Me’ box in the side bar of my blog. Then, you must create an account on the JollyChic website. If you’re the lucky winner your $100 prize will be credited to this account, so please enter valid details when registering.
To enter, please complete the above steps and use the Rafflecopter form below to submit your entries. You can then earn extra entries if you wish!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The giveaway will run for 3 weeks and will end at midnight on January 12th 2014. The winner will then be chosen at random via Rafflecopter, and contacted via email once their entry has been verified. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. Please note that the prize cannot be turned into cash.
Good luck!
Naomi x