Rachel the Hat

Rachel The Hat : News

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:45:00 +0000

Well hey there, how've you been?
I have had a blissful week off work where not a lot but a lot all at the same time has happened, no what i mean? So i thought i'd give you a little news update (no, there isnt a bun in the oven, pahaha)

First:
The week has mostly been spent at home potty training Neo. He's taken to it SO well. I can't quite believe it. A couple of small accidents, but on the whole hes been spot on every time. He's completely shocked me, i thought he wasn't ready/that we would struggle 'training' him, but nope, as always (and happily so) that boy proves me wrong.. he's ace.

Second: I have started Slimming World and im really enjoying planning my food. Granted im only 3 days in, but im already enjoying it. Both my mum and sister have done/are doing S/W so its perfect for me as i can ask them questions etc. Its my first time, so i'm still getting to grips with the b choices etc, but so far, so good.
I am however slightly impatient, 3 days in and i want to physically see the weight loss,haha!
Fingers crossed i stick to it and get to my goal weight. I don't speak about my weight much on here but in all honesty i have been really upset with where i am right now body wise, so finally my head is in the right place to do it!
Have you ever done Slimming World? Did it work for you?

Thirdly:
I'm halfway through Couch to 5K and absolutely loving it. I used to LOVE jogging, but life, kids etc got in the way and i haven't jogged/exercised/gotten off my lazy arse in over 6 years...yup! So i'm now 5 and a half weeks in and it feels soooo good. I love it, love it, love it!
Have you done couch to 5 k or are you a regular jogger?

Fourth and finally :
We have an allotment!! Im so excited about this.Its something ive wanted for years but they can be so hard to get and have 5 year long waiting lists a lot of the time. But in the small town we have just moved in to they had available plots so i am now the official renter of an allotment right up the road. I can not wait to start growing our own veggies and fruit. I'm even looking forward to the hard graft of turning it all over, as it needs some work before we can plant. Im hoping the exercise will help me too! Have you ever grown any veggies or fruits? any tips? I am a complete novice. Thankfully my poppa bear is severely green fingered so hes coming down to help out.. i cant wait!

Pretty boring outfit, but d'you know what, sometimes i like boring. The pretty lacey top is my favourite right now, and jeggings are my new best friend (why did no one tell me how amazingly comfy they are!!?!) For a week at home its just been the perfect casual outfit.

Cardi/Cami top/Jeggings: Matalan
Jewellery: Primark
Boots: New Look

But enough about me, how are you? Any news? I'd love to hear! (seriously i would... tell me all the goss with you, grab a cubba and lets chat, yes?)

Lemon & Denim

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:51:00 +0000

Looking at these photos, which were taken literally 24 hours ago, you would think that pleasant spring weather was upon us. Well i am here to tell you that today, today is like winter! 8 degrees celcius, pelting down with rain and gale force winds... i want to cry!!

I'm sat at home staring out the window willing some dry weather our way. I think the April showers arrived a month late...boohoo!
But yesterday was nice enough to have a little walk at Aberkenfig Nature reserve, windy, but dry for a while.

We then had some more moving and arranging of stuff to do.. yep still moving, so i threw on what i had worn the day before (i know pee-ew, stinky Rachel). Just a casual outfit, but one i kinda like right now, the jacket again, haha! I did warn you, i have a feeling it may feature heavily on the blog for the foreseeable.
Paul (hubs) looked pleasantly shocked when he saw me walk out the bedroom in this outfit, and commented on how nice i looked, then in the petrol station some random dude started chatting me up (this NEVER happens to me!) so for some reason i guess this outfit was pleasing to the male persuasion. Not a concept i'm overly familiar with, i'm not one to dress sexy, shall we say. So yes, lemon and denim is a nice kinda combo!

Coloured denim i think, is a saving grace for summer wear in the UK. Jeans like these lemon and coral and pastel varieties just perfect for these cool temperatures but at the same time feel spring fresh.

Jacket: Asos (old)

Jeans: Tesco (last summer)

Chambray shirt & bag: Next (last year)

Boots: New Look

Are you a coloured jeans fan? Whats your favourite colour right now?

Flowers by the Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Sun, 12 May 2013 15:42:00 +0000

Hey you guys (said in my best Goonies impression)
I have missed blogging! Typical really as it is terrible weather with torrential rain which makes shooting pics difficult, thankfully yesterday was dry until the evening so we managed to snap a few in the back garden. But yeh, i am definitely glad to say i feel the blogging urges coming back. I've even started making lists of outfits again which is something i haven't done in a while and the creative juices are flowing again, it feels good! I think i just needed the dust to settle after all the upheaval of the past few months.

I've had this dress since New Years day, i bought it in the Matalan sale and when i got it home and tried it on, me and hubs both said it just didn't sit right. fast forward 5 months and suddenly i really like it on! Its a great length, and so so pretty and super comfy.

I am also **possibly** growing out my fringe. I'm not sure about this yet, i've loved having it for the past 18 months, but i think with all the changes and the more easy going nature of how im feeling right now, im enjoying being fringe free, i have been letting my hair just dry naturally and going with it. Easy is the new styling for me.

And this jacket , well its been with me about 7 years. It has a hole in the sleeve, but i can't bear to get rid of it, plus its just the kinda of style i am loving right now, i guess country/boho/easy-to-wear style is how i would describe where i'm at right now.

Dress: Matalan

Jacket: Asos ( 7 years old)

Boots & hat: Next

Amber necklace: Gift from hubby

Belt : Primark

Has your style changed much over the years? How would you describe your style? I'd love to know what you think your own style is.

Navy and Lace

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Sat, 04 May 2013 21:34:00 +0000

Well i'm back with an outfit post, and it's an outfit i actually quite like.
I think the problem of sometimes going through a wardrobe transition, you can feel like you know what you want to look like and what to wear but you have a huge wardrobe already of things that have nothing wrong with them really, but yet they just don't feel like you any more. I've decided to try and make my wardrobe work with my growth and change and this is what i came up with for a little date day with the hubbster.

I donned a dress for the first time in a wee while to go on a little day date with hubby to see Iron Man 3 whilst all the kiddos were at nursery/school. It was a nice rarity to have some time together, Paul has been working so hard lately, 6 days a week, and with the move that took way longer than we anticipated, it was just lovely to have some down time together, oh and Iron Man 3... Awesome.. Robert Downey Jr... um, amazing!!

I know this may seem like nothing different to my 'normal' blogging style, but i guess its more a feeling, like a place you want to be. Like i mentioned recently, i have been wearing lots of jeans lately and i've been really happy with that, but putting on a dress felt kinda nice too. I guess it made me realise that even though i want to look a certain way in my mind i dont have to rule everything out, thats just narrow mindedness on my behalf. I figure this probably sounds like babbling,haha! Babbling is all part of my processing process,lol!

If you're wondering what the heck i'm talking about in regards to where i want to go clothing wise, i have been dreaming of less colours and more pretty fabrics.

Things like this tunic top,

drapey cardigans in greys and nuetrals, maxi dresses with broderie anglaise, and boots with simple dresses.

I guess in a nutshell i am wearing less bright colours, which to me is a little different.

I hope you stick around to see the changes, i am yet to get back in to a good blogging rythmn, but blogging a bit ad hoc has felt rather freeing and less pressure.. im all about the stress free life right now!

Have you ever been in a transitional phase with your style?

Dress: Tesco

Lacey tunic/vest: River Island (last year)

Boots: c/o Matalan

Necklace & Bag: Next

PS theres still time to vote for meeee in the matalan style project, all you have to do is comment on the matalan blog here saying rachel to win... SUPER THANKS IN ADVANCE!!

Beggin'

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Fri, 03 May 2013 13:54:00 +0000

Its the last few days of the Matalan Style Project that i was very happy to be part of this month, so i am on the scrounge for some votes from you lovely ladies.

Outfit: c/o Matalan

All you have to do is go HERE and leave a comment saying your vote is for me (Rachel The Hat)
Lord knows i would l-o-v-e to win as the boy needs new shorts and mama needs a new dress, hahaha, did you hear, a heatwave may be coming..fingers crossed!
Anyway, if you could help a girl out that would be simply marvellous! And d'you know what? I even have another outfit coming up real soon that i'm super happy to share with you all!
You guys ROCK!
Over and out xxxx

Also as its friday i had to share this with you for a giggle... British comedy at its best:
ENJOY!!

Blog Sale Extravaganza!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Thu, 02 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Round two off the selling begins.

I just want to say a quick thank you to all who have purchased and left such lovely comments. You are guys are totally awesome!!

If you have paid for an item from the last drop then they will have been sent (unless ive emailed you!)

So here goes!

Postage is:

£3.50 UK

£7.00 International

Please leave a comment below with the name of the item and your paypal address and an invoice will be on its way to you!

Summer Birds Dress

£7.00

Size uk 14

Tealy Nice Dress

Size UK 14

Dorothy Perkins

Floral Shirt Dress

Dorothy Perkins

Size UK 14

£7.00

ICHI Sweater

Size L (more like a M)

£6.00

Louche (Joy) Shirt dress

£8.00

Size UK 12

Louch Floral Dress

Size uk 14

£10.00

Jasmine Guiness Sweater

£5.00

Size UK 12

Bird Blouse

Size UK 12

Has slight tear on back button but could very easily be fixed and would then be unnoticable

£5.00

DP Floral Dress

Beautiful on!

£8.00

Size UK 14

And we still have the Irregular Choice shoes available Here

And whilst you have your purse (paypal?) open, have a look at these wonderful ladies lovely lots for sale!

Donna at http://www.polkadot-pink.com/ Amy at http://www.cocktailsinteacups.com/ and Kirsty at http://indigobuttons.blogspot.co.uk/ Erica http://www.imbeingerica.com/

Changing...

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:25:00 +0000

Hellooo, remember me? Im that blogger who used to blog 3 times a week, regularly prancing around in pretty dresses? Ring a bell?
Well, i have been forcing myself to write this post for a couple of weeks now and it's just not been happening. Actually, blogging in general just hasn't been happening for me. I have felt like i have had absolutely no urge to blog whatsoever. I've also had no urge to don my unsual attire of dresses and peter pan collars either. If i'm honest i don't quite know how i feel right now. So far 2013 has been so full of change that i feel myself changing in every aspect...

So thats basically why there has been no regular blog posts from me, i feel like im still going through a transitional period and i'm yet to find out where my final destination will be.
But i'm happy. Like, seriously happy. I'm in a good place even if i don't know where that place is. I'm really loving our new home, work is good, and time with my son is just wonderful. I've been taking long baths, drinking glasses of wine and reading great books. Not only have i not blogged but i have also spent very little time online,and no endless surfing the virtual world. I've been very much unplugged and its been refreshing.

I considered walking away from this little blog i have worked so hard at for the past (nearly) 2 years, but i don't want to. I still love this blog and i love the blogging environment with such wonderful like minded positive strong ladies. I'm just still considering what to do next i guess.

Style wise, it has been unbelievably casual, again something i am very much enjoying. Lots of jeans, skinny and boyfriend type, and lots of pretty blouses or shirts. I feel like my style is changing and i'm saying good bye to lots of my old dresses ( another BIG sale will be up on Thursday with some other lovely ladies also doing some selling too.. stay tuned for that) and welcoming some pretty lacey blouses, denims and casual pieces. Maybe its because compared to last year, my whole life situation has changed. I wear a smart uniform for work now and then on my days off its with Neo mostly. Also having a uniform means i need a lot less clothes, and i find my self shopping a lot less.
Maybe it's that i'm 29 this year and life is a constant cycle of change... who knows. But i do want to continue seeing you guys and i do hope you will stick with me whilst i figure myself out.

So thats that. Enough about me, how the devil are you?

blouse: vintage

jeans: next

shoes: c/o lotta from stockholm

Ps the giveaway for a beautiful pair of earrings is still open... be sure to enter here!!!

Dresses and shoes and goodies for sale

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:05:00 +0000

Well the move has REALLY made me have a good sort out, and my main realisation was, i have way too many clothes. Like, ridiculous. I think we all love a good bargain and a little thrifted number right? So have a look at these and see if you fancy grabbing yourself something pretty!

If you would like to purchase something please comment with the name of the item and your paypal address and i shall send you an invoice
Postage is
UK £2.50
Everywhere else: £6.50

Mod 60's MODCLOTH Dress

Brand New!! Modcloth

Wonderful mod style dress, very 60's

Size M-L but quite slim fitting

£10.00

BRAND NEW Stripey Skirt

Brand new with tags showing its original price of £38.00

Size 12

£10.00

Scotty Doggy Top

Very: Love Label

Size uk 12, US 10

£7.00

Black and White Dress

Limited Addition (Primark)

Size UK 14 (M)

£4.00

(this isnt shiny in real life, stoopid flash kept coming on)

Oasis Animal Dress

Oasis

Size UK 12 (US 10)

£8.00

Green Heart Dress

New look

Size: 14 uk (12 US, or Medium), elasticated waist so very stretchy and comfy

£5.00

Modcloth Floral

BRAND NEW: Modcloth

Size US L and UK M

£10.00

Caramel Floral

RIVER ISLAND, worn once

Size UK 4, US 12, Medium

£6.00

Navy Floral

MODCLOTH

Very pretty dress

Size M

£6.00

Butterflies

NEW LOOK:

Size UK 14, US 12, M

£5.00

Purple Flowers

Tokyo Dolls:

Size UK 12, US 10

£6.00

Modcloth Bodycon

MODCLOTH: BRAND NEW

Size M

£6.00

A Beautiful Mess/ Red Velvet Dress

RED VELVET

By the girls at A Beautiful Mess

Size M

£10.00

Orange Floral

TK Maxx

Size L but more like a M

£6.00

Oasis Floral Retro Skirt

Really lovely Limited edition

Size 12 uk US10

£5.00

Modcloth stripes and Florals

BRAND NEW: MODCLOTH

Size US L but fits like a Medium

£6.00

BLUE IRREGULAR CHOICE SHOE

These are brand new Irregular Choice shoes.

Size uk 7 (40)

They have been stored away and because of this the suede has faded slightey on the side and heel and toe. it does not detract from the shoe at all and is still completely fabulous with a sequin bow

£25.00

Comes with original boz and heel tip replacements

Orange Irregular Choice Shoe

These are brand new and perfect.

Cost price was £70!They have an amazing perspex heel.

Size uk 7 (40) i would say a small 7 as i normally wear a 6.

So grab yourself a bargain at £30.00

All with original box and packaging

Now go get your pennies ladies and help this girl clear some room!!

I'm Back...and i come bearing gifts :-)

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:28:00 +0000

Well hello, its been a while huh... that was a longer pause than i expected if i'm honest, but between moving, living out of boxes and no internet connection i have had very little opportunity to blog. I will update more on that soon but for now, like any guilty parent who's been away a while, i bring you gifts!! Well a wonderful giveaway anyway!

Today i have the pleasure of introducing the lovely Gina of Acute Designs to you all. Not only is this lady a complete beauty she is also super talented and owns a wonderful Etsy shop which sells pretty earrings and fabulous head adornments which are just perfect for weddings, or if you're already married like me, just to wear to the supermarket, 'cos they're that gorgeous!!

Gina so kindly allowed me to choose a set and i chose these beauties. They came in such lovely, well thought out packaging too (which always makes me happy, pretty packages are so nice!) and they are perfect on, not heavy or hurty like some earrings.

And the wonderful thing is? You guys have the opportunity to win a pair also!

So all you have to do is leave a separate comment below for each entry:
To enter :
1. Follow Acute Designs via Bloglovin' HERE and leave your name and which pair of Acute Designs earrings are your favourite in the comments below (feel free to drop Gina a comment to on the blog, she is such a sweet lady)

Additional Entries
2.Follow Acute Designs Facebook page HERE
3. Follow on Twitter HERE
4. Follow on Instagram HERE

Easy peasy huh! That's 4 ways of entering and being in with a chance of winning yourself a pretty addition to your jewellery collection! Don't forget to leave a separate comment for each so they can all be counted. Draw is open for 10 days and will be drawn 7pm on 3rd May!
GOOD LUCK!!!!

Casual Layers

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:41:00 +0000

I'm not gunna lie, i bought this dress a few weeks ago with visions of wearing it with tan sandals and bare legs... Well that ain't gunna happen anytime soon is it, really.

I have had these photos sat on my desktop for about a month, (the temperatures are still exactly the same now a month later) but just didn't feel compelled to post this outfit, i think i liked it more in my head (with the bare legs and sandals perhaps) but i haven't managed to take any outfit photos lately. I'm still amidst boxes of crap everywhere and 98% of my clothes are still packed away. Good news the new carpets have all be laid and the new house is now mostly decorated, so this weekend we are actually moving in and hopefully spending out first night there! Fingers Crossed! Living between two houses is officially doing my head right in now!!

So folks do you have wonderful plans for the weekend? Do tell, let me live vicariously through you whilst i sit packing yet more boxes :-)

Dress: Warehouse

Cardigan: Tesco

Denim Shirt: Next

Boots: New Look

Hat: Matalan

Matalan Style Project

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 21:04:00 +0000

Well helloooo lovelies. How have you been? I've not blogged since last Thursday and it already feels like an age. Moving is in full swing and i am absolutely shattered! More about that later.

Today i have the absolute pleasure of being part of The Matalan Style Project.

Each month 4 bloggers are given a £50 budget to style an outfit to a certain theme, this month i was chosen with 3 other wonderful ladies and the theme was China Blue. I chose this dress and paired it with these boots and my own denim jacket (which also happened to be from matalan!)

I am absolutely loving boots and dresses right now. This is something i would wear all summer. The dress actually surprised me when it arrived as it is an absolute dream on, with a comfy stretch waistband and a lovely flowy material.

Oh my word it was soooo windy up here on the mountain and really cold. Can we just pretend for a moment that its actually Spring, please? And while we're pretending lets pretend that those milk bottle legs up there arent a shade of Casper white can we? Aww thanks;-)

This style project is actually a competition ,so if you would like to be so kind and put a vote my way (which would enable my shopping habit as the prize is a £50 Matalan voucher and i'm already eyeing up this little beauty) that would be simply wonderful. All you have to do is click HERE and scroll down to the comments and leave a comment voting Rachel The Hat. Simple...
Muchos Muchos Gracias!!!

So we are currently smack bang in the middle of our upheval and mid move to our new house. Its going ok... ok because, well we have the keys and have started decorating, but not great because we still have so much to actually move. I'm getting a little antsy living amongst boxes and between 2 houses. This morning i couldn't find my jeans...anywhere.. So stressful i threw a small hissy fit and then proceeded to find them in a pile on the floor.. opsy.. So yes, i may be away again for a few more days whilst i sort this mess of moving out. I can not wait to be back in to a normal routine again!

Wishing you a wonderful week! And i shall be back very soon i hope!
Oh and don't forget Vote Rachel ;-)
xxxx

Florals By The Lake

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 23:00:00 +0000

Well aren't these lighter nights just delightful?! I managed to get photos done after work just before going out for what turned out to be, one of the best meals ever, with hubs on Tuesday night. It was a bit of one of those nights where we were both tired but had my mummy dearest as a babysitter so we took advantage. Our plans for our anniversary kinda fell through the week before (but we still had a nice time then too) so we ventured out to our normal apres work choice of pub/restaurant, which was super busy, so we drove round the town and stopped outside the restaurant we held our wedding reception at. Before we knew it we were inside having one of the best nights ever! Gorgeous best tasting food(ever!), amazing wine, great company and a wonderful setting with such wonderful memories of our wedding day. I often find random nights like these turn out to be even better than the ones formally planned :-)

Another reason as to why it was the perfect night was this dress! Debenhams very kindly asked me to choose a dress from the fantastic dress selection. After i did a little happy dance i got to choosing a dress, which was tough... they have so many! I ended up with this Henry Holland dress just because,well, how could i not! Funky, retro, floral, colourful print with a peter pan collar. Need.I.Say.More
It arrived whilst i was at work on Tuesday (super quickly i might add, seeing as i ordered it over the bank holiday!) and it turned out to be the perfect dress for the evening, which rather lucky actually seeing as everything is packed away now for the move.

Speaking of moves... by the time you read this i ***hope*** we should have the keys to our new abode! I shall keep you posted....

Dress & Tights: c/o Debenhams

Shoes: George @Asda

Bag: New Look

Trench: Next

Necklace & Earrings: Gift of the Hubby

And on a final note i would really just like to thank the beautiful Erica who kindly emailed me and nominated me for:

If you too would also like to make this girls week/month/year then you too can vote right here.
It's funny i was only saying to my wonderful blogging pal Catherine, that i'm not really in to competitions as i absolutely hate competing, i just go to pieces and become an big quivering wreck that develops a stutter and blurts out random shiz, haha. But to be nominated even, well that's just pretty sweet...

Black And white

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 08:00:00 +0000

I have been totally orbiting black and white combo's for the past couple of weeks, which is weird for a girl who wears as many colours as physically possible in just one outfit.It's just the classic black and white combination never goes out of fashion can just look so great! It can look chic or funky, girly or masculine and just plain awesome. I guess thats why it never really goes out of style, it returns year after year.

The whole of this outfit is a cheapy from Primark (bar the bag and sunnies), i just love the little textured jacket (boucle? I'm not sure) And the whole Channel type feel with the shades and the pearls. Not normally a look i frequent, but something i sure did love wearing. Add a swish of red lipstick and i was happy as a piggy in a peach orchard... a chic piggy im sure ;)

Speaking of piggies i feel like one lately. Oh my giddy aunt, i have eaten SO much chocolate lately... like ridiculous amounts :( I have finally decided i need to do something, so i have downloaded the Couch-to-5k app on my phone and i'm planning on starting it imminently (i was waiting for the weather to be less cold but that would be like waiting for pigs to fly right now it would seem) I have ordered myself some running gear and a little holder for my phone for when i jog, (ok, walk...lets face facts..i am unfit!!) and i am mentally physicing myself... Lets do this Rachel!!! Anyone tried this app or one like it? It seems a great way to get me started. Any tips for a lazy bones?

Dress, Pearls, Jacket, Belt & Shoes: Primark

Bag: Matalan

Sunnies: River Island

And on that note i'm going to go consume all the chocolate left in the house. I'm purely doing this to help myself out you understand.. the quicker its gone the better it will be ( is it possible to go cold turkey from chocolate deprivation? I guess i shall soon let you know,haha)

Colourful Casual

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 13:39:00 +0000

Please excuse my long pauses between posts lately guys, i have been bogged down with the joyous task of packing and organising this dreaded move. I hope to resume normal programming as soon as we are settled, but just to forewarn, there may even be some severe internet-less times ahead for me (eek) so if it is a little quite round here bear with me and know that i am truly missing you all ;-)

It's been very casual on the clothes front to, i mean what do you wear to pack boxes and get filthy dirty and run tedious errands? Well it's mostly been boyfriend jeans and tees or leggings and huge oversized sweaters which i will save you the site of as it ain't too pretty let me tell you. When it comes to big things like moving i am so impatient, i just want to click my fingers and have it all done already. But, i know this is going to be a long drawn out process and i have to really put my patient hat on... i think lost that hat years ago....:(

I have tried to stay organised and kept out a few outfits, just incase and my uniform of course, for work. I have to say it's quite nice opening my wardrobe and seeing such a minimal amount there, making it so easy to decide what to wear, cos really there's no decisions to be made.. Are you ever tempted to get rid of A LOT of what you own, to simplify? I have to say with this move, i have been very tempted. And then it scares the crap out of me and i just keep it all instead, lol. So far i have 10 huge bags of clothes that are coming with me to the new house, and then there's the summer clothes still to come as they are in storage still at the moment. I think one day i would love to live with a capsule style wardrobe, with a handful of key pieces that work well with each other, no stressing of what to wear of a morning, simple style, get ready and go. Paul and i have talked about when we retire living on a Barge on the water :) being such small living quarters would definitely mean i would have to down size. But for now i shall continue with my ridiculous amount of clothes and see where that takes me, i know right #thirdworldproblems can you say spoilt brat?!

The problem I guess for me is shopping is like a hobby, a fun pass time. But what do you do when you don't have enough room or the need for anything else? Answers on a postcard p-p-p-please!

Green Trench: Red Herring Via EBAY

Shirt: M&S

Flares: River Island

Boots: New Look

Bag: Primark

Hat: Matalan

So on that thought i guess i better continue packing and maybe consider a little more carefully what i intend on taking to the new (much smaller i might add) house...

Oh and if you celebrate it... Happy Easter!

If you don't, Happy Chocolate Egg Eating Day!

Hope you and yours have a wonderful weekend!

As Chic As It Gets

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:48:00 +0000

Hello lovelies, and how is this week treating you so far? All well i hope! I am finding I have alone time on my hands for the first time in years. Its c-razy.. You may be thinking, what is this crazy hat wearing lady talking about, well, i have literally been flying by the seat of my pants, moment to moment for as long as i can remember now really. Always on the go, always pretty stressed and always super busy. Things are calming down this week for me and i can't even tell you how nice it is to have free time, a concept i had long since forgotten!

I was literally wandering round the house this morning not knowing what to do.. overwhelmed with the possibilities of things i could do with my wonderful free time. And so, feeling quite uneasy, i made myself a cup of tea and browsed pintrest and instagram for waaaay to long and killed an appropriate amount of time before i had to go pick up my beautiful son. Time wasted yes, but with that came a realisation that maybe just maybe i have time to start a new project.. something for me.. Again the mind is whirling with the endless possibilities but i am excited!:-)

Well i felt decidedly chic in this ensemble.. I'm not normally chic, never have been really. I was always the cute one of the sweet one, which i was totally fine with. But today, i felt like a laaddyy :) This stripy fine knit dress is just wonderful on, and with my (miracle invention) fleece lined tights, i was toasty warm and good to go.
The dress is a recent Ebay thrift for less than a fiver! Do you shop Ebay? I have to say i am a definite fan! This is an Oasis dress and for £4.20 it is in great condition and i love it even more for its bargainous price.

Hat: Tesco

Dress: Oasis via Ebay

Bag, tights & jewellery: Primark

Pumps: Next

So tell me, do you get a lot of free time and what do you do with it when you do?

Ps:
3 Years ago today i was doing this....

I was starting my happily ever after.....

3 years on and i could not be happier.

Same Old, Same Old (and winner announcement)

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 15:56:00 +0000

Rather than moaning about the snow and the fact that winter is lingering a little more than is welcome, i though i should just embrace it and go with it. Coats and tights are my thing, i should be rejoicing in the fact i get to wear my faves a little (or a lot) more. Funny though isn't it as Spring or Summer never seem to linger around for extra time do they. Mother Nature, you are a strange old gal...

So same old same old really.... hat, coat, dress, tights. My standard uniform. No point trying to re-invent the wheel right? Do what makes you happy and bright colours and dresses obviously are it for me. I often think to myself, "should i try something different, bigger, bolder, darker more fashionable" Just really for the sake of it. I think blogging makes me feel like i shouldn't post the same outfit type every post just in-case it bores you my poor readers. But really this is me.. same old same old. I hope you guys don't mind. I won't be wearing what's fresh off the catwalk, never have, never will. I may change as i grow older but even then i hope i stay true to myself whether that be wearing lots of colours or ultimately ending up in black. Who knows.. umm deep thoughts for a sunday afternoon... moving swiftly on :)

I love this Orla Kiely scarf, i put it with all my coats and i just adore it! And well this mustard dress is probably up there in my top 5 favourites. It's great for re-mixing which makes it a definite staple for me.

And in other news, moving date has been put back another week. ARRGGHHHH!! Moving is stressy! I just want it over already. and then i need a holiday, lol!! But in the words of my darling hubby,

"it will all be over soon. Enjoy the journey as you will never travel the same road twice"... He's a wise one i tell ya! We'll have been married for 3 years on wednesday.... that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside :):):)

Enough rambles from me.. how was your weekend?

Did you wear anything nice?

Dress: Yumi

Coat: Marks & Spencer

Scarf: Orla Kiely for Uniqlo

Hat: & tights & bag: Matalan

Shoes: Poetic Licence

If you would like the chance to win a $30 Modcloth voucher pop on over to Delightfully Tacky where i have the honour of hosting a giveaway!!

And finally the winner of the Lotta From Stockholm Clogs is:
Jessi from Haircut and general attitude!
Well done lovely! i shall email you shortly
Thank you all for entering.

Also, apologies but i have had to put on crappy word verification as i am being spammed crazy amounts lately. Anyone else having this problem?
I hope this doesn't put you off commenting as i absolutely love to hear from you. Hopefully it should deter those spammy spamersons and i'll be able to take it off again shortly.

(Another) Casual Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:15:00 +0000

I'm becoming quite accustomed to having Casual Fridays here on the blog:) i guess by the end of the working week i am often in a jeans kinda place. As a girl who lives in dresses and skirts 95% of the time, i quite enjoy these days.

What i'm not happy about is the freezing cold, wet windy weather we're having right now. I know, i know, I'm British, i should be totally used to this... but c'mon! Its seriously freezing. I have packed away my big knit jumpers and i wish i hadn't now... it's that cold!Least i get few more weeks out of my beloved tights- i hate not wearing tights...:(

So this weekend for me is going to be filled with boxes and packing. We are edging closer to the big move and i just want it done already. I want to be in the new house and settling in. It's been set back by another week so i am literally on tenterhooks now and filled with anxiety/excitement..

Jeans & Bag: Next

Sweater: Ichi

Coat: Matalan

Boots: New Look

Don't think there's really a lot to say about this outfit really is there? Comfy jeans, colourful sweater, bright scarf, duffel coat, fave boots and a walk in the woods. Simples :-)

How are you spending your weekend?

If anyone would enjoy organising me and helping pack a gazillion boxes then by all means come on over... i make a nice cuppa tea;)
Oh and it's the last day to enter the Lotta From Stockholm Shoe Giveaway, make sure you're in!! Winner will be announced tomorrow.

A Little Mouse with Clogs On...(giveaway continues)

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:21:00 +0000

Just wanted to do a quick reminder that there is only 3 days left to enter the

Lotta From Stockholm Shoe Giveaway...

Be sure to enter here!!

I thought i'd just share a few of my previous outfits all featuring Lotta from Stockholm Clogs:

I love to wear mine with trousers, skirts and dresses, autumn, winter spring and summer!

How would you wear yours?

I have to say they are by far my favourite shoes all year round

To enter click right HERE

Normal programming should resume with a Friday Post.. i have been working my little socks off lately!

See you all then!

Ps anyone else remember this from when they were a kid ..... 'I saw a mouse, where? There on the stair, a little mouse with clogs on!' Pahahahaha

Dress with a View

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 08:00:00 +0000

So i'm back in a cemetery again.. this time we were in the local town of Old Llantrisant and the views are just phenomenal at the church here. It really is a wonderful spot. Crazy really, i often crave holidays to gorgeous European destinations to see views just like this, when in actuality i have some pretty spectacular ones right on my door step!

I guess being back in the travel industry has re-sparked my love for travelling. Each day i work in the travel agents i price up holidays and imagine what it would be like to go. Top of my Travel bucket list are Sorrento, Rome and Venice in Italy and Dubrovnik in Croatia. And even though now my not be the ideal time for us to travel ( cos' of moving house, Paul starting a new job, generally starting afresh) i totally can't wait for the day we can jump on a plane and see the world some more.

But for now these views aren't to bad ....

When i was last in travel 7 years ago, i was quite a lucky girl and got to see some amazing places. I've visited Barcelona and many parts of Spain, Paris and other parts of France, Cuba, New York, Dominican Republic to name just a few, and each and everyone i loved.

The nice thing about going away, i always look forward to coming home, sleeping in your own bed in your own home.. it's still the best place to be :)

Do you love to travel?

Where is your most favourite place?

Dress: c/o next (last year)

Cardigan: Tesco

Hat: Next

Scarf: Warehouse

Shoes: Minnetonka

Ps
Have you entered the amazing Lotta From Stockholm Shoe Giveaway?Have you seen the new Aubergine T-bars?...ahhhhhhh, drrooolll... Go enter HERE!

Also the Totally Awesome Blog Hop is still live here, join in and meet some fellow lovely bloggers!!
Or click on the button....

Totally Awesome Blog Hop::: ALL STARS::::

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Hello, and welcome to the Totally Awesome Blog Hop!!

This marks the six month anniversary of this amazing blog hop. Our aim has been: broadening circles, encouraging community, and making new friends. We have definitely accomplished all this and more! Because of its success, this blog hop we co-created will be an All-Stars edition. Meaning this time around, there are ten amazing hosts who have all already co-hosted, love it, and want in again!!

As always, the hop will be linked between all ten sites, ensuring everyone's links get seen and clicked. We want our audiences to get to know each other! Our goal is community building between like-minded folks, and this is a place for of people to meet, make friends, and expand their following!

Participation is super simple, although the rules are a little different this time around-

#1 Visit all ten hostesses sites, and follow any four hostesses of your choosing!

Chantilly of Chantilly Songs
Alycia of the Curious Pug
Erin of Charlie Foxtrot
Shell of Kitty and Buck
Fritha of Tigerlilly Quinn
Jenny of Everyday is a Holiday
Marilyn of Pulp Sushi
Marisa of The Shades of Monet Chronicles
Rachel of Rachel the Hat
Gentri of Gentri Lee

(We promise you will love these blogs, and they are all totally worth getting to know!!)

#2 Link your blog/ website

#3 Visit other sites, follow, and comment

#4 Grab a button & post it on your blog

#5 Post about it on twitter, facebook, and all your social media sites

We love you, and thank you!

Lotta From Stockholm::: Fantastic Shoe Giveaway!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:35:00 +0000

Oh Lovely ladies i have the most wonderful give-away for you all today!

The lovely Lotta and Johnny of Lotta From Stockholm are kindly giving away one of their wonderful pair of clogs to one lucky Rachel The Hat reader.

If you've been around a wee while, you may already know that i absolutely ADORE

Lotta From Stockholm clogs. I own 2 pairs myself currently which i am excited to expand this Spring!

(word has it there are aubergine T bars coming soon...ahhh heaven in a shoe!)

And its not just me that loves them, Bleubird, Skunkboy and the girls at A Beautiful Mess all love these amazing clogs.

So enough said yes?

Wanna be in with a chance to win your own wonderful pair?

.......

Thought So!!

My wonderful clog collection (of two)... by far the most fun and comfortable shoes i own. Did i mention i trekked around a national park in the summer in those red babies, and they were the most comfy shoes!! Practical and pretty! The best kind i find.

Here's a few of their wonderful selection, its so hard to choose!

I currently have my eye this green pair!!

So to enter this simply Marvellous Give-away here's what you have to do!

Entry One:
Be a follower (note: Bloglovin' preferably as i hear GFC is departing soon? :(....) of Rachel The Hat and 'like' Lotta From Stockholm on Facebook HERE
Please leave your name in a comment below with your name and how you follow

Entry Two:
Go view their wonderful Lotta From Stockholm collection HERE and let us know which is your favourite in a separate comment below.

Pin, love, spread the word!

Pretty Simple huh!!

Giveaway is open world wide and will be drawn on March 23rd, winner will be announced that day.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

You too could be looking this happy reeal soon! ;-) lololol

Linkies:
Real Girl Style :Real Girl Glam
Style Sessions : Style Elixir
Wardrobe Wednesday : Kiwi Womens Style
Random Wednesday : Because Shanna Said So
What I Wore Wednesday :Transatlantic Blonde
What I Wore Wednesday : The Pleated Poppy
What We Wore & Made : Rae Gun Ramblings
look what i got: the tiny heart

Oh Happy Days

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 17:22:00 +0000

Today here in the UK is Mothers day. I for one would like to say i sure do love my mum and am so very grateful for who she is. She is such a wonderful lady! I am one lucky girl.

So yep... i am loving March so far. Mothers day, time with family, my wedding anniversary coming up and possibly our new home (hopefully very soon!!)

This was my spring has sprung new orange dress! But i think i was a lettle too much of an eager beaver with that one, its in minus figures again and seems to be staying that way for most of the week...eek! Just as i was about to pack away the winter woolies, Mother Nature surprises me again...nice one, you got me good. Now please can we have some more of that nice mild weather again? Thanks in advance... :-)

I've started browsing for some spring additions to my wardrobe, i've been perusing bag collections lately. With going to the new house and down sizing, i am determined to get rid of most of my bags and just go with 3 really good timeless bags that i can use for all occasions. This is no easy feat let me tell you as i have bags of all shapes, sizes and colours. Minimal living is HARD! But i am getting there. And as a reward for getting rid of 98% of my bags i am going to treat myself! I have been cyber stalking John Lewis for their Fossil Handbags for a while. Have you seen their bird print bags? Ahh, they are just my cup of tea, a piece i would be happy to hold on my arm for a long time me thinks.

Can you believe, just as i'm about to move away from this small town i find this second great lake and beautiful scenery.... Least we know we can come here again, its not even that far from our new house (yay!)

Scarf & tights: Matalan

Dress: George @Asda

Cat Shoes: Ebay

Cardigan: Tesco

Has Spring sprung where you are in the world?

The Cats Back

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Thank goodness it's Friday.. Who's with me? Is it beer o'clock yet??
It's been a strange old week here, quite long and arduous. Neo has a terrible ear infection which has been just awful and has meant a trip to the Doc's and some medicine to get him right again. But yes, mama here is tired!
How's your week been?

So the Cats back in all her glory. I just love this kitty knit so very much.

And so is the lovely Next Biker jacket. Technically this is Biker Jacket part 4, but i am too tired (lazy) to write anything about it apart from... biker jackets with jeans.. an obvious option, but by no means not a good option!

The spotty shirt is a new addition and it is just the perfect under garment to any top or dress. I see lots of remixes with it in its near future!

Cat Sweater: Modcloth/Joy

Jacket: Next

Jeans: Matalan

Blouse: M&S

So you guys, its the weekend,yay! Do you have anything planned? I'm working Saturday and then it's Mothers Day here on Sunday, which may mean for me, a lay-in, coffees and cakes with my mum, sis and kiddos and maybe a spot of shopping, yippee :-)

Crazy Horses

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:00:00 +0000

I bought this wonderful shirt dress just after Christmas and this is actually the first time i have worn it. I think i was waiting for a nice occasion, like a meal with hubby or out for drinks or something but nothing came up and it was starring at me longingly just wanting to be worn, so i happily obliged and put it on for its maiden outing.

AND i just love it, the fit was just perfect and i absolutely loved how it felt on. The funky horse print is so eye catching and i have nothing like this in my wardrobe so it was definitely a good purchase. I actually cyber stalked this dress for weeks online and my size went pretty quickly, but when flicking back to Dorothy Perkins one of my size was available, so into the little online shopping cart it went.

It was a fate i tells ya!

Even hubby mentioned how lovely the dress was (a rarity in itself, maybe he has a secret penchant for horseys)

And Neo kept repeatedly shouting at me "HORSEY'S, MUMMY, HORSESY'S) at the top of his voice (the boy has one volume right now, LOUD...:-/ someone please tell me these kids have a volume switch somewhere??) then proceeded to neigh and canter about on all fours like a horse.

So yes, an all round good response to my crazy horses dress. When i say crazy horses what i should actually say is crazy colourful horses. Actual crazy horses probably wouldn't look so good.....but i digress.

Please do excuse the tired eyes. I think the immense pressure/stress of the past few weeks is taking its toll on this ladies peepers, plus these were taken at 4.30pm, the time when little to no make-up is left and i'm already dreaming of hitting the sack to throw some zee's. Zzzzzz....

That's the great thing about blogs, it literally is keeping it real(which sounds so not cool in my English accent by the way) Bags and all, no air-burshing just real life, wrinkles and grey hairs the lot. I much prefer blogging land to magazine glossy, is-any-of-it-actually-real-land.

You girls are the best inspiration.

Every day i read blogs and feel inspired by real women.

You ladies keep me going....

And so do pretty horse print dresses :-)

Dress: Dorothy Perkins

Shoes: Poetic Licence

Tights: Old

Hat: next

Who inspires you ladies?

Sunday Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel The Hat) — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 14:10:00 +0000

Sundays have always been about chilling out and having that one day a week to do what you want to do. No work, just play. But as a mama with kiddos its not normally completely the case, but i make do with snagging an hour here or there to just read my kindle or write a blog post, or drag them along to Starbucks which we all enjoy and have cake and coffees. Yep Sunday i like you.. a lot!

And with that an easy-peasy outfit is required for an easy relaxed day. My mum and i both saw this dress in Matalan when we were not shopping together and when we saw each other both spoke about this gorgeous navy dress we'd seen. Thrifty mama bear said wait as the sales are imminent, so i listened to wise old mama bear and got this lovely number for half off at £12. Its so light and comfy to wear that its the perfect Sunday dress. Add a hat to cover 2 day old hair and i was good to go (don't you just love hats, they cover a multitude of sins!)

On the front of these cream tights I have 2 h-uge dirt patches. I have said it before and it never changes, I can not be trusted with white :( im just too clumsy. Getting the pram out of the car and fighting with it to put it up with a toddler and bags meant my poor tights got all dirty. I dont even remember doing it. All i know is i have dirty wheel marks down one leg... not cool. Hubby has good skills though as he's cut off my legs in most of the photos and aimed the right angle to avoid said dirt patches. (Good work babe heehee!!)

Dresses with sleeves and pockets are my favourite. As much as i am happy for slightly warmer weather and Spring, i shall miss my thick cable knit tights and slouchy beanies...

Will you miss anything about winter?

Dress & Hat: Matalan

Boots: New Look

Tights: Old

Bag: Next

linkies: