Frills 'n' Spills

Mulberry maxi...

2012-02-10T20:12:00.000Z

Another day, another maxi skirt. I am slowly building up quite a collection of these little beauties and this is probably one of my favourites. I picked it up in the M&S sale (at the same time as these shoes) and have been waiting for an opportunity to wear it... It reminds me of a cross between this midi skirt and the pleated maxi skirt from Hobbs that was so popular, not bad for £12! I think Inslee must have been inspired by my outfit too, she posted this a couple of days after I wore this!

Jumper: Miss Selfridge, skirt: Marks & Spencer, belt: New Look, bag: Fiorelli (gift), boots: Carvela

I loved the colour and the weight of the skirt as soon as I saw it and the slight sheen to it makes me think that it would look equally good dressed up as it does dressed down. The leopard belt provided a nice contrast and was the focal point for all the brown accessories...

I couldn't believe just how much material was in this skirt! I'm pretty sure I would have lifted off the ground with a sharp gust of wind here :P

Plus, the skirt is so long that I was able to wear my jeans underneath for an extra layer of warmth. Who says fashion is impractical?!

I think this may be the most luxurious of all the maxi skirts I own and I can't wait to pair it with dusky pinks and floral prints in spring!

Do you like pleated maxi skirts? How do you make fashion practical?

Wintry pastels...

2012-02-07T20:18:00.000Z

Anyone who has looked at a magazine or clothing website recently will know that pastels are big news for Spring but with the recent snow falls, summery colours and outfits were about as far from my mind as physically possible. That all changed though when I found a gorgeous pale blue cashmere jumper in my local charity shop for a measly £2.95. I love how soft and snuggly it is and it provided the perfect extra layer in the chilly weather...

Jacket: George at ASDA via charity shop, jumper: Limited Collection via charity shop, jeans: Topshop, shoeboots: Clarks c/o Sarenza, bag: Poisson Bleu c/o Sarenza, necklaces: Dorothy Perkins

Unfortunately, I think this is one of those outfits that is doomed to photograph really badly but in real life I loved it! The mix of the cashmere and the jacket made me feel quite grown up and I wasn't sure if it was too 'old' for me but I thought the colours kept it fun, what do you think?

Oh so warm and oh so soft...

With the boxy shape and the tweed like fabric I couldn't help but be inspired by classic Chanel (pretty sure I can get sued for saying this!) and layered up my pearls! I was reminded of this jacket after browsing the Topshop sale and finding this gem by Sister Jane...isn't it gorgeous?!

I thought the grey accessories would help to toughen up the outfit a bit and also give me some much needed height! These shoeboots are so comfortable and I love how soft the suede is...

How would you make pastels winter appropriate? Do you think the outfit is too 'old' for me?

I love Inslee sketches...

2012-02-05T09:30:00.000Z

One of the best things about being a blogger is finding new blogs to read and thanks to Sherin I have a new favourite: Inslee Sketches. This insanely talented illustrator has some gorgeous work and I sat and read her blog back to the beginning as I was absolutely in love with her sketches and illustrations.

This is what I thought I looked like in my yellow dress!

Outfit inspiration...

This picture is making me want to go back to Italy!

Another gorgeous brunette is some lovely bright colours!

She sells sea shells...

Inspiration for how to wear my new maxi skirt I think!

Gorgeous landscapes...

The ever gorgeous Leighton Meester!

I could have featured every single one of her beautiful illustrations but I narrowed it down to a few favourites, I clearly like illustrations of pretty girls in dresses! I have taken all these images from the Inslee blog which you should really check out!

Do you like fashion illustrations? Have you discovered any new blogs recently?

P.S. I thought that this would be some light relief from my (rather heavy) post on Friday, thank you for all your lovely comments, they really made me think!

Narcissism and blogging...

2012-02-03T10:09:00.002Z

I should warn you now, before you start that this will be a wordy and somewhat confused post as I try and make sense of a question that has been buzzing around my head for weeks: Does blogging make you more narcissistic? I touched on this when I wrote my post asking 'Why do you blog?' but it is something that has been bugging me for a while now...

Surely, the immediate answer would be yes. You take photos of yourself, what you wear, where you go and post them on the internet (only after choosing the best ones of course) where strangers comment how great you look/how fun it was when you did X, Y, Z. Isn't this the height of narcissism?

nar·cis·sism/ˈnärsəˌsizəm/

Noun:

Excessive or erotic interest in oneself and one's physical appearance.
Extreme selfishness, with a grandiose view of one's own talents and a craving for admiration.

I know that some people will only ever post flattering photos of themselves and to some extent, I am the same. There's a reason why certain posts or outfits don't make it to the blog! I think we all know, once something is out there on the internet, there is no way of deleting it permanently and who wants to be reminded of when they looked like this? *shudder*

Yes, I clearly am Superman.

Saying that though, I try and include regular outtakes because, as anyone who knows me in real life will testify, I am clumsy and I do look like an enthusiastic sheep most of the time! The reason why the blog is called Frills 'n' Spills is because it is about the ups and downs of life and fashion (as trite as that sounds!) those times when you spill something down your favourite top or get it really wrong when styling something.

I lost the shorts but kept the polo neck...

Since I started blogging I have been more creative and inspired with how I dress and although I still like the approval of nice comments on an outfit post, if I like it, I will wear it (see polo-neck) Some people will never get why I blog, or think it is self obsessed but I prefer to think of it as self-confidence rather than narcissism that allows me to try new things and feel good in what I am wearing. The wonderful Bangs wrote a post on confidence vs ego and I really think that sums it up. As long as you aren't bragging in people's faces about your blog then it's fine. This blog is hard work and I don't even do it for a living, I applaud anyone who can do that as it is even more tough.

Surely, in times where infighting and body hatred seems to be the norm [MJ's post about the use of 'real women' is fantastic] blogs should be celebrated. I read blogs to be inspired, it might not all be attainable inspiration but my favourite blogs are those who are more than just a pretty face. They give me the inspiration to try leather trousers or orange flares and I keep this blog as an honest record of my life. I include the ups and downs and I plan to look back at it and have a good laugh when I am older. I have made many friends through blogging and they have been there for the good times and the bad and I can't really ask for much more than that!

Yes, I just used a literal picture of me walking along a path. So sue me.

I used to be scared of everything and everyone and I always felt like I wasn't good enough. Now I know that that just isn't true. I am more than good enough in all parts of my life and although things may not always go to plan, I am getting there and this blog will document my journey...

Do you think blogging is narcissistic? Why do you blog?

THAT Heidi dress...

2012-02-01T08:30:00.000Z

Super flattering cut? Check. Swooshy skirt? Check. Gorgeous jewel colour? Check. It was inevitable that I was going to buy this dress as soon as I saw it come into the infamous Motel sale. I first wore it on New Years Day as it was comfy yet still looked like I had made an effort and I pulled it out for seeing the other of my best friends for lunch today. I love it when you find something in the sale that becomes a go-to item... talk about smug!

Coat: Dannimac, dress: Heidi dress by Motel, faux fur stole: H&M, tights: Boots, shoes: Office

I love the contrast of a neutral like camel with the zingy jewel colour of the dress and I think it really helped to emphasise the colour on an otherwise dull day... I love how Harriet styled this dress too, the colour of the tights really adds an extra dimension to the dress.

Faux fur to wrap up against the chill! I know every blogger and their dog has this stole but it feels so luxe and really helps to add a touch of glamour to an outfit...

I think the shape of this dress is super flattering on my figure and it is nice to have something that is comfortable, too. I love the fact that Motel have the same shape dress in different prints and colours, it makes choosing a dress much easier as you know that a particular style will suit you!

I love the little block heel on these shoes, I am all for anything that makes my legs look longer without being uncomfortable...

As Mark was snapping away to get these pictures, a little old man asked if we wanted a picture together which actually turned out quite well :)

Do you have any Motel dresses? What is your go to outfit?

Escapism...

2012-01-29T21:40:00.000Z

Whatever your religious beliefs (or not) you cannot deny the beauty of churches and cathedrals. After a busy few weeks, rather than seeking solace in Costa, Mark and I had a wander around Worcester Cathedral. We both had to do projects about it for school but it was the first time I really appreciated the beauty of it all.

The quiet was just what I needed and it gave me space (and time) to gather my thoughts. It was an unusual respite from the toils of daily life but a welcome one and I actually found it quite inspiring.

Where do you go for peace and quiet? Do you have any unusual inspirations?

Capri (trousers) by night...

2012-01-26T17:11:00.000Z

I know magazine articles are always going on about 'wardrobe classics' that can be transformed from day to night but let's face it, what works for one doesn't always work for the other. Luckily though you can't go wrong with a pair of nicely cut black trousers and I managed to do a quick change on Saturday before meeting my friends at the pub...

Trousers: Topshop, blouse: Pins & Needles at Urban Outfitters, necklace: Topshop, bag: c/o Accessories Direct, shoes: Marks and Spencer

I have barely stopped using this clutch bag since I got it but I have managed to tear myself away from it for one photo! This blouse has popped up in both summer and winter outfits and is definitely one of the most worn items in my wardrobe, it's perfect for adding just a dash of colour...

Another Topshop sale necklace! I love Topshop jewellery but would never pay full price for it, the quality is just not worth it...

I really need to experiment more with my hair as I'm sure you're fed up of seeing the same old curls by now... any suggestions to get me started?

My favourite part of the whole outfit though has to be these shoes. They were a bargain in the M&S sale and as they came with comfort insoles [hallelujah!] fitted, it meant I could add a bit of pizazz without ripping my feet apart and I could walk in them! *heavenly chorus*

Do you prefer the trousers for day or night? How could I style my hair differently?

A Sarenza Ambassador? Yes please!

2012-01-24T21:43:00.000Z

The thing is, I probably already have too many shoes but there is always room for one more pair and when they look this good, I'd definitely make room! Looking through at the pairs I have shortlisted, you can spot a clear theme....

Jeffrey Campbell Swansong Floral Wedges

Jeffrey Campbell Situation

Mellow Yellow Klodete

Carvela Amass

Georgia Rose Fline

Jeffrey Campbell Papillon

Chipie Fetice

Irregular Choice- I'm from the future

Who knew there were so many gorgeous red shoes?!

I think though, if I had to choose my favourite pair, it would be these...

Feud Grenade

...not for me but my lovely boyfriend Mark who does so much for me and the blog and who desperately needs a new pair of shoes!

Go on Sarenza, help a girl out?

Which shoes do you like best? Have you used Sarenza before?

Capri (trousers) by day...

2012-01-22T19:54:00.000Z

I have been searching for the perfect pair of black trousers for a while now and Topshop came up trumps with this pair in the sale. I met up with the lovely Hattie for lunch and a catch-up and I blame her completely for my sale purchases! ;) I was a little unsure of the length of the trousers when I tried them on in-store but once I got home and was able to try them with suitable shoes I was sold...

Jumper: River Island, trousers: Topshop, top: Primark, shoes: New look, collar necklace: Topshop

I felt quite elegant in this and the trousers definitely lent an edge of class to an extremely comfortable outfit... I wore this for a chilled out Saturday before I glammed up the trousers for an evening at the pub (post to follow!)

I have always been a bit wary of collars but the beautiful pearl detail of this convinced me to try it out, I felt like a complete blogger stereotype though!

You may recognise this bag from this post, from someone who doesn't like clutch bags, I sure have worn them a lot recently!

Peachy make-up and wind-blown curls. My hair looks surprisingly ginger here!

Outtake of the day: me trying to keep my hair off my face makes for some rather amusing photos...

It was so nice to see Hattie again, I love meeting up with other bloggers and we ate, talked and shopped, the perfect combination!

Do you have a perfect pair of black trousers? Have you met up with other bloggers?

A proliferation of pastry goodness...

2012-01-19T21:06:00.000Z

In our family, food is king. We have always had fantastic home-cooked meals and I can guarantee that no shop/restaurant food will be anywhere near as good as any made by my mum or grandma. They both seem to have a magic touch with pastry (I think it's their cold hands that make the difference) but I am definitely queen of eating it ;) Apologies for the phone photos but I had to snap these pictures before they all got snaffled!

Mini apple tarts are always a winner in the Fallon household!

Golden syrup topped with the excess pastry and sprinkled with cornflakes to make an extra gooey treacle tart...

Food is more fun in minature form and these tiny quiche Lorraines are no different! Just add ham and cheese to some beaten eggs and pour into the pastry cases...

My personal favourite: goats cheese tartlets with caramelised red onion. Literally heaven in a pastry case. To caramelise the onion I used half a red onion, a teaspoonful of sugar and a splash of balsamic vinegar and simmered on a low heat until the sugar started to go brown. The perfect accompaniment to any kind of cheese and possible present for foodie relatives or friends...

What would you make with pastry? Do you prefer homemade or restaurant food?

Leather love...

2012-01-17T08:30:00.000Z

I have been craving leather trousers for a long time (especially after Jen and Chloe looked so good in them) but was put off by the fact that they were either like leggings or super shiny. Not a forgiving look, I'm sure you'll agree! I saw these waxed jeans in the River Island sale [I can't see them online unfortunately!] and they offered me the perfect compromise, they have that luxe leather look with the comfort of actual trousers... win win! I will give them this much too, these trousers are warm...

Trousers: River Island, beloved owl top: Zara, jumper: Primark, ring: Topshop, shoes: Primark

I thought I would keep it simple with my favourite ever t-shirt and the jumper I have barely taken off. I love it when an outfit is made up of old and new favourites, it just shows that my policy of only buying clothes you love, does work...

I just love the zip detailing, it made me feel so rock 'n' roll!

Smudgy eyeliner (again!) and a bright pink lipstain...

I was unsure about which bag to wear with the outfit as I didn't want to wear too much black but I thought this gorgeous Kate Benjamin bag which Accessories Direct sent me was enough to add a touch of fun (even if it was black!)

Bag: c/o Accessories Direct.

Longtime readers of Frills 'n' Spills will know that I can't resist a bow and this fulfils all my OTT tendencies...

Plus the lining is emerald green! [This is my glamourous assistant face :P]

This little beauty, though, has blogger written all over it! I love love love the cartoon hearts on it and despite its ~~garish~~ fun print, the colours mean it is incredibly versatile. If I had been going anywhere nice when I wore this outfit, I think it would have been the perfect finishing touch...

Do you like fun clutch bags? Would you wear leather trousers?

The best homemade pizza in the world...

2012-01-15T09:00:00.000Z

Homemade pizza dough...

...some chopped onions...

...some spinach...

...some ham plus...

...some garlic and herb butter...

...some olives...

...some sun-dried tomatoes...

... and some porcini mushrooms equals...

PIZZA HEAVEN.

Ketchup red and mustard yellow...

2012-01-13T08:30:00.000Z

I took these photos just before the light completely disappeared and I think this is pretty obvious from these photos, I quite like the pinky tones of the sky though, the sunsets by my house are always gorgeous.

Jumper: Primark, skirt: Marks and Spencer via Jazmine, belt: Miss Selfridge, shoeboots: New Look

Since I first wore this skirt I have barely taken it off, it's just so comfy and although it's a bit of a difficult length to wear, I always feel quite 'bloggery' when I wear it...

This mustard belt came free with a playsuit from Miss Selfridge and I thought it added a bit of an edge to an otherwise neutral outfit (yes for me, red is a neutral!) The colour combination made me think of everyone's favourite condiments, ketchup and mustard, hence the name of the post... Hopefully it managed to cinch in my waist a bit and avoid looking completely frumpy, always a worry with chunky knitwear!

I have been trying to experiment with my make-up recently and actually managed to do a smudgy smoky eye, basic I know but I was actually quite proud of myself!

I also brushed out my curls (a rare occurrence in itself) and had these lovely bouncy waves, an ideal candidate for #aussiemore I feel!

What unusual colour combinations have you favoured recently? Would you wear a chunky knit with a midi skirt?

Renaissance...

2012-01-11T08:30:00.000Z

As you may have noticed,things have been a-changing around here recently. The lovely Ashleigh did me a fab new blog design (you could win a redesign for your blog here!) and helped to make it look much sleeker and I love the new duck egg blue background. I got the biggest surprise the other day though when Mark surprised me with this gorgeous illustration from Sarah. I have always loved her drawings and this was the best email to open in the morning! I am super pleased with how the revamp worked out and I can't wait to see what this year brings blogwise, it feels like my little blog has been reborn and I am massively inspired at the moment!

What are your blogging hopes for this year? Do you like the revamp?

Greyscale...

2012-01-09T07:25:00.001Z

The last time I wore this skirt it was much warmer, so this time I wore longer sleeves to combat the winter chill. I thought the dove grey of this blouse added a more wintry feel to the skirt which I loved, even if I am wearing all Topshop! I can't wait for the warmer weather though, I think this blouse would look fab with the green for Spring...

Blouse: Topshop, skirt: Topshop, boots: New Look

The detailing on the front of this shirt is absolutely gorgeous and handily makes it much more wearable as it is less sheer on the front, meaning that I will be able to wear it for work too!

I bought these shoes with a Christmas voucher in the hope that I would have a pair of party shoes that I would actually be able to walk in! ;)

For me, the best part of wearing a maxi skirt is how freeing it is, especially in such a vibrant colour, it just demands that you have fun! Hence the 'flying' being done whilst perched on a rock...

What. A. Fool.

I leave you with what has to be my favourite Christmas present, a cute crocheted phone case in the shape of an owl from Mark. What more could you ask for?!

How would you wintrify this skirt? What was your favourite Christmas present?

Mrs. Tweedy...

2012-01-06T20:01:00.000Z

Not just the name of the scariest woman in film but an inspiration for this outfit post. Recently, I have been craving pinafore dresses and this one fitted the bill perfectly. The fact I got 20% off it at work just sweetened the deal. It was the base for a heritage inspired look and I actually love all of the brown together despite it being a decidedly unfashionable colour!

Coat: c/o Tesco, dress: George at Asda, blouse: Pins & Needles at Urban Outfitters, tights: Primark, boots: Carvela, bag: charity shop.

The mossy green and the rich browns immediately made me think of old books in a dusty library and the billowy sleeves contrasted with the rich tweedy material. There's something about certain textures that I associate with different things and tweed always makes me think of long country walks...

I loved the lace edging and the little faux pockets... it's all in the details!

I kept my make-up fairly natural and luckily walking in the cold gave me a lovely pink flush!

You all know how much I love a shiny bag!

And a rather hilarious outtake of the day: it's cold work being a blogger!

Do you associate textures with memories? Would you wear brown?

Little Red Riding Hood...

2012-01-04T20:48:00.000Z

You know that wonderful feeling when you spot something that fits so beautifully and looks fab and then you see it is reduced? That is the feeling I had when I saw this coat, the last one, sitting in the Debenhams sale. Luckily with a Christmas voucher and an extra 20% off, I managed to snag myself this woolly warmer for just £11.50! A worthy addition to my coat collection I feel!

Coat: H! by Henry Holland, dress: H! by Henry Holland, tights: Primark, shoes: Office, bag: c/o Sarenza

On paper a swing style, high necked coat should look awful on me but I love the demure neckline and of course the vibrant red shade! I wore it with my beloved Henry Holland dress which I bought a year ago [to the day, I'm pretty sure it was the same guy who sold it to me too!]

The beautiful bow made me think of the lovely Blair Waldorf, never a bad style inspiration! I had a few catcalls from people calling me Little Red Riding Hood as I went around town which I personally thought was fab, not sure if they meant it as a compliment though! :P

I love the fact that you can also just fasten the coat using the bow at the top, perfect for fulfilling all of my cape fantasies but without the horrible impracticality which a cape would involve...

Belt: Goody bag from Brum Blogger Meet

Originally I was going to go for all out red with my accessories but I stuck to just the belt to tone it down slightly. I did feel like a doll in this outfit and extremely overdressed for the cinema, but sometimes it's noce to just dress up a little!

Who is your style inspiration? What was your best bargain this year?

P.S. Remember my velvet Christmas dress? I emailed AnnaBelinda to see if I could find out any more about it and I got this very sweet reply back from them...

" Hi Maria, We were delighted to see the photographs of you wearing your Annabelinda dress for Christmas - you looked great. It sounds as though you have already found our website , as you mention our chronology. Did you also see that we sell our own vintage clothes? The dress you bought was the really iconic AB pinafore from the early 70s, and it appears to be in excellent condition. If you live anywhere near us you might like to call and see us . Just to give you the latest update to our long and illustrious history, Belinda has decided to retire. After 41 years she is going to close Annabelinda in May as no suitable buyer could be found for the business. Thanks for sharing this with us, it is much appreciated.

All good wishes, Maria , on behalf of Belinda and all of us at AB."

I mean how lovely is that?!

Food, glorious food...

2012-01-02T22:30:00.000Z

The Cosy Club in Bath wins the award for the most eclectic mix of decor I have ever seen...

Fringed lampshades...

Antler chandeliers...

Old portraits...

Monogrammed napkins...

Checking out Chiquitos...

Why did the Mexican push his wife off a cliff?

Sombreros a go-go!

Margarita sorbet...

CHURROS!

My first ever praline mocha... I know Claire and Jazmine are very proud! ;)

Starting the year as I mean to go on, good food, fab company and plenty of coffee... The Cosy Club in Bath, Chiquitos, Starbucks and Caffe Nero played host for ringing in 2012. For me, January is not about slimming down or starting a diet but making exciting plans to fill up your diary. I plan on meeting up with many more amazing bloggers and spending time with old friends...

What are your plans for the new year? Have you eaten anywhere new recently?

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T23:59:00.000Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope you ring in 2012 in style. I will be raising a glass of bubbly to making more exciting plans...
See you next year!

Frankie diary 2012...

2011-12-29T22:09:00.000Z

The Frankie Diary: blogger's favourite and possibly the most beautiful diary I have ever owned. Every year I vow to be more organised and this year I think it may have actually paid off! I cannot believe that I have managed to hold down 2 jobs and blog nearly every other day and I plan to carry this momentum well into next year. 2012 will be the year where all my plans finally come to fruition and I intend to work even harder to get there... This beautiful diary will be a joy to use and the beautiful details will ensure that I want to be organised [an unusual feeling for me!]

Month planners...

Cakes for my birthday! ;)

Week per page view...

It even has a useful little pocket to keep all of those receipts and' important bits of paper' in! I haven't got pictures of all the fabulous pages inside but with a budget guide and plenty of pages for for making notes meaning that I have no excuse for forgetting anything ever again! Now I just need to find a pretty pen to write everything in with...

How do you keep organised? What are your New Year's resolutions?

I'm dreaming of a velvet Christmas...

2011-12-24T22:39:00.000Z

When I saw this dress in the charity shop,it was love at first sight. A pale grey and navy velvet midi dress, it was a blogger's dream! ;)

Dress: Anna Belinda via charity shop, blazer: Tesco, belt: Primark, bag: Poisson Bleu, shoes: Bertie

I was a little unsure about how to style it after Mark said I looked 'Bavarian' in it but the gorgeous detailing and soft velvet convinced me that it would be the perfect dress for Christmas...

I paired it with a black slip dress and my beloved Bertie heels which showed off the button detail on the bodice and the gorgeously swooshy skirt.

The name on the label said Anna Belinda and when I Googled it, it turns out they are dress designers based in Oxford. I don't know if this is a custom piece but it fitted like a dream and I couldn't have chosen a better dress for eating my body weight in food in!

What did you wear for Christmas? How would you have styled it?

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T22:06:00.000Z

I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish all of you lovely people who visit Frills 'n' Spills, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I cannot thank you enough for all of the love and friendship that has been sent my way over the past 2 years and I feel very lucky indeed! ♥

I have lots of exciting things planned for the New Year and I hope to see you all along for the ride. Be right back, there's a Christmas dinner with my name on it...

Join the dots...

2011-12-22T20:33:00.000Z

When I saw this playsuit on Urban Outfitters I fell in love, I loved the mini polka dots and the navy colour meant it would slot into my wardrobe without too much fuss. I wore this on the last day before it got too cold to go out in 15 denier tights although I still look a little bit cold in these photos!

Playsuit: Pins & Needles at Urban Outfitters, bag: Poisson Bleu c/o Sarenza, boots: Clarks c/o Sarenza, necklace: John Lewis (gift)

This outfit reminds me slightly of nurse's uniforms with the polka dots, a bit of a random style inspiration but there's nothing so chic as navy and cream, especially on such a simple silhouette... I seem to be moving towards sleeker outfits recently, does this mean I am growing up?!

Star of the show were my new shoes, bought with my winnings from Sarenza, these gorgeous grey suede ankle boots are so ridiculously comfy and I was glad to finally add a grey pair to my ever-growing ankle boot collection!

My parents bought this clover leaf necklace way back when and I love it for adding a bit of subtle bling. Plus everyone needs a lucky necklace right?!

This outfit reminds me of something I would have worn 18 months ago but I think I have managed to put a new spin on a Maria classic!

Who is your unlikely style inspiration? Do you prefer pared down silhouettes?

Sparkly heels...

2011-12-20T21:15:00.002Z

There are certain shoes that just demand attention, they don't whisper, they SHOUT and these Schuh beauties are such a pair. The lovely Fleur from Most Wanted at Voucher Codes asked if I wanted get involved in their latest campaign; Most Wanted Seasonal Staples which "aims to take a key season trend and enlist fashion experts to help road test the look. Ultimately we hope this will help to unearth the best high street version of the look" with the look being those ubiquitous Miu Miu sparkly booties. I leapt at the chance, you all know how much I like anything sparkly!

Unfortunately when they arrived they were far too small, I ordered a 7 (my usual size) and could barely fit my feet into the shoes. Luckily Fleur and Schuh were fantastic and managed to send out another pair in the next size up.

As you can see, these are very high shoes, so high infact that I haven't dared to wear them further than 100m from the house yet. From just walking around inside though, these shoes feel very solid courtesy of the chunky heel. I felt like a baby giraffe, wobbling around, trying to get my bearings because they are just so high...

Unless you are used to wearing high high heels I would really advise against wearing these to anything you may need to walk to/from. However, I rarely wear heels, especially high ones so I am a complete novice!

Despite this though, I love them, the black suede means that they should be 'practical' but the sparkles make them irresistible. My inner magpie is crowing in triumph at the SHINY SEQUINS and I am wearing them around the house in the hope that I will (one day) be able to walk in heels!

I mean just LOOK! Apparently if you hairspray the glitter it stops it shedding so much (something I am yet to try) although it does lose some of the colour off the glitter. I ill definitely be doing this as I want my shoes to be glittery, not my carpet... I am so grateful for being able to be involved in something like this, I love sparkly shoes and I would recommend these shoes, just make sure you practice walking in them before you leave the house! If you fancy grabbing yourself this pair or another pair of Schuh beauties then head over to their discount page to bag yourself a bargain!

Would you wear sparkly shoes? Can you walk in heels?

Fisherman's knit...

2011-12-17T12:17:00.001Z

A good outfit can completely change the way you feel and when I was strutting round in these jeans and boots I felt pretty damn cool! This thick jumper has been invaluable in this chilly weather and has completely transformed my berry jeans into winter appropriate gear...

Jumper: Primark, belt: vintage, jeans: Miss Selfridge, boots: Primark, hat: River Island

A year ago you would never have seen me in an outfit like this but I have been more willing to experiment recently and hopefully it has paid off! I really loved the pairing of the jeans with the boots and I was definitely inspired by the Isabel Marant boots...

Please excuse the slightly awkward pose, I was trying to show off the dipped back to the jumper. I have always said it is the little details that make something and it was this which first drew me to the jumper, it's especially good for keeping your bum warm if you sit down at cold bus stops! I'm not sure if technically it is a fisherman's knot but it is so chunky and cosy I think it would keep you warm, even on the high seas...

I used this belt to cinch it in a bot and stop me looking too shapeless. It also had the added bonus of stopping drafts!

Topped off with my favourite sparkly hat, berry lip stain and my leather jacket (which didn't photograph very well) I felt quite rock and roll, as well as being perfectly cosy, definitely a win in my book!

What would you pair with a chunky knit like this? How do you transition clothes between seasons?