Quite Quaint

Pink Layers

2014-10-29T18:46:00.001+00:00

I love this time of year, but the weather is so sporadic. Is it warm? Is it cold? Is it about to pour with rain? Sometimes it's all of the above in one afternoon. That's why I feel like getting my layering right is really important. Here I'm wearing a plain grey tshirt with a patterened crop shirt over the top and a thin knit jumper. All of these items work even if I need to peel back the layers. This is something I usually struggle with! I often like the look of layered up clothing, like collars or cuffs poking, but normally when I put pieces together, they only work together! I'll end up spending the day too hot in all my layers because the shirt underneath is too small, crumpled up, stained or just looks wrong on it's own!

Boots: Office

Floral Pleats

2014-10-16T21:13:00.000+01:00

I've finally given in and got the tights out! Autumn seems to have come round all of a sudden and I'm really pleased. The dark evenings, hot comforting food and orange leaves everywhere - I love it. I'm also enjoying finding all the winter clothes that I had forgotten about (and buying a load of new ones!). I actually bought this dress a few weeks ago, but I was a bit unsure about it. Pairing it with the long grey cardigan has totally changed my mind - expect to see a lot more of this cardigan!

One thing I'm definitely not enjoying about autumn is all the gigantic spiders! I had to stop writing mid-post to find out why my housemate was yelling from the next room. Luckily one of the boys was home and got rid of it. Everyone keeps telling me I need to fill the house with conkers because spiders hate them - is that a load of rubbish?

Dress: Topshop | Cardigan: H&M | Boots: Topshop

60's High Neck Dress

2014-10-12T18:15:00.002+01:00

They say that once you find what works for your shape, stick with it. I think I've taken this advice a little too literally because when I see a shift dress, I usually have to buy it. I think the shape is so wearable and can easily be taken from casual to evening depending on how you style it. I love all the 60's style dresses that are

around at the moment, the high necks and super high hems to match! The paneling and textured material of this dress really appealed to me. I'm not quite sure about this shirt under it now, the print looks far more blue in real life, but hey ho.

Dress: New Look | Shirt: Zara | Boots: Topshop

ZigZags

2014-10-05T12:40:00.004+01:00

I absolutely love these red suede shoes from Topshop. They're just a bit different from the average loafer, the bright colour and the small cut out details. I'll be wearing them all autumn. The jeans, on the other hand, have seen better days! I hadn't even noticed how faded they were looking until I looked back at these photos. I've never tried re-dying jeans black after they've faded but might give it a go - have you tried it? Is it all a bit messy?

I've been working all weekend, which is never fun, but donuts for breakfast have definitely helped. on the plus side I only have to be in work on Wednesday this week. I'll be working on a new project, some pre-recorded TV shows for broadcast in America so it should be an exciting day.

Top: Topshop | Jeans: Topshop | Shoes: Topshop

Red Flippy Skirt

2014-10-01T20:16:00.000+01:00

I'm making the most of this end of summer heat, I'm not quite ready to get the tights out yet. I don't think of myself as a very girly girl, but the way this skirt moves makes me feel like a Disney character. When I wear it with this tshirt I feel like I'm giving off a bit of cheerleader vibe, which was definitely not my aim! The tshirt is
an old favourite that I picked up from a huge market in Bangkok, Thailand. I like the clash of orange and red tones.

Top: bought in Thailand | Skirt: Topshop | Belt: Vintage

Purple Flowers

2014-09-27T17:39:00.000+01:00

Two years have passed so quickly, I can't believe it's been so long since I was blogging. So many factors made it difficult to keep up with, but it was never something I forgot about and my intention was always to carry on where I left off. So here goes my next attempt to get back into things. I was instantly reminded of

the dilemmas of taking my own outfit photos. I'm relatively shy and although this blog completely contradicts it, I don't actually like having my photo taken. Especially when I'm standing in front of a lonely camera I've set up in the middle of the street. Of course, as soon as I notice anyone approaching I dart behind the camera and fiddle with the settings. So many times I've been asked 'why are you taking photos of that wall?' and my answer is always the same 'school project!'

Dress: New Look

Aztec Skirt

2012-03-08T21:04:00.000+00:00

When I first saw this skirt in the shops I loved it, but I really wasn't keen on the whole dip hem nonsense. It really put me off buying it, I even considered whipping the sewing machine out and hacking it off. As per usual I've now totally changed my mind and I can't get enough of anything and everything with a dip hem. It's
even quite fun to say isn't it. Dip hem. Yes, I am stupid.

The trial shift for the assistant producer job went well, I spent the day making props which happened to be for a kiddies show so involved everything glittery, fluffy and felt - good start! Then I sat in the gallery watching the live shows being produced. Today I found out I got the job so that's pretty exciting. I feel a bit odd about it though, I really enjoy working in a bar even though it's a waste of my degree and isn't what I want to do for life, I'm just really happy there and I'll miss it a lot.

Top: Topshop | Necklace: Topshop | Skirt: Topshop | Boots: Topshop

Rainbow Jumper

2012-03-02T19:30:00.000+00:00

I had an interview for an assistant producer position this week, it was my first in so long and I was pretty nervous. I think I was worrying most about what to wear (I need to sort my priorities) I never know how smart I need to dress. I'm not a fan of smart clothes, I feel like I lose any sense of my personality and don't

give a true impression of myself. The interview was full of all those awful generic questions like 'when have you used your initiative' ugh! I felt like I fumbled through them all, but luckily it was over quite quickly! Despite my worrying, I was called back the next day for a trial shift on Saturday, so now I'm nervous all over again.

Hat: H&M | Jumper: Topshop | Shorts: Vintage Levi's | Boots: River Island

Cat Shirt & Pleated Leather Skirt

2012-02-28T21:15:00.000+00:00

So nearly a year has passed since I last posted, but as you can see it doesn't really look as though a day has passed. I deleted my blog for so many reasons but always regretted it. Lots of things have changed in my life, I'm now happily single and looking for a new job after deciding freelancing just isn't for me (although working
while wearing pjs was definitely a perk). I spent a few months travelling around Asia on my own again which was brilliant, but now I'm back to reality.

Shirt: Zara | Skirt: H&M | Boots: River Island

What I Bought: Flower Headband

2011-04-22T19:58:00.000+01:00

Seeing as my photographer/boyfriend has been in the highlands for the last month, I've had a wee halt on any outfit photos. Not wanting to resort back to the dreadful photos I used to take myself (new readers, that is not a cue to go looking through my archives for a good giggle) I've had to make do with another narcissistic

photo of my mug, which I'm now going to attempt to disguise as a post about my love of flower headbands.

I've not actually worn this thing in public yet, and I'm not sure if I ever will. While I think it's quite adorable, and would love it on someone else, I think I'd feel like a bit of an idiot. Saying that, I am absolutely in love with the seventies trend this summer and I think the flowers might tie in well with that.

Flower Headband: Primark | Top: H&M

Rusty Shirt

2011-03-31T20:49:00.000+01:00

I love this aran knit cardi, I had been searching for one for ages and eventually found one in Topman, and seeing as they now cater for prepubescent boys, I found a nice small one that fits really well. In other news, I nearly got arrested last week, it's not as exciting as it sounds, but is completely ridiculous so thought I'd

share. I picked my boyfriend up from the station at about 11.30pm on a Friday night, then we stopped to get a Chinese take away. On the way home I got pulled over by the police, apparently my driving looked wobbly hah! wobbly? come on! I actually think I'm a very good driver (sometimes). Anyway, I had to do a breath test, but I hadn't had a single drop to drink for days so knew I'd be fine - but I bloody wasn't! The reading said I was only just under the limit! That's right, another mug of lemsip and I've have been in the slammer! I doubt they believed me, but that's all I could put it down to; I'd been taking all sorts of medicines for my cold. I found this all very funny.

Cardi: Topman | Shirt: Topshop | Shorts: Vintage Levi | Bag: Vintage | Shoes: Kurt Geiger

Camel Duster Coat

2011-02-10T16:22:00.000+00:00

Although I hate these photos, I love this outfit so decided to post these photos anyway, rather than attempt to squeeze into the nook of that tree again. During the summer I wore these shorts far too much, so when winter came around they got shoved to the back of my wardrobe and were replaced with a black cord
version, which I have worn far too much all winter! Recently I've discovered my love for my these Levi's again. Shorts are my absolute go to item, I feel so comfortable in them and they just seem to make any outfit look better.

Coat: Topshop | Shirt: Zara | Cardigan: Topman | Shorts: Vintage Levi's | Shoes: Kurt Geiger

Heidi Plaits

2011-02-03T16:35:00.000+00:00

I know what you're thinking; now there's a girl with too much time on her hands! You're probably right, although it actually only took about 10 minutes to transform my hair into something Heidi would be proud of. It's just 3 French plaits, wound around my head, it looks a little messy and there are grips poking out from

every angle, but for a first attempt I'm pretty pleased with it. I'm still undecided whether I like it or not, is it a little ridiculous to style yourself on Heidi? (For those of you who are unaware, I'm talking about Heidi, the TV show about the girl who lived in the Swiss Alps, and definitely not Heidi Montag, just to clear that up!)

Polka Dot Dress

2011-02-01T20:56:00.000+00:00

It may surprise you to see that I'm looking a normal shade of pink today and that I'm not actually suffering from jaundice, as the photos in my last post suggest! My boyfriend came to visit yesterday and I roped him into taking some photos for me. As we were pottering around town trying to find the ideal photo spot, we
were trying to decide who would look like a bigger moron. Personally, I think I won that one, it has to be more embarrassing being the one in front of the camera, especially when trying out your best 'ooh look at that bird in the distance' or 'there's something interesting on the floor' poses. His argument was that he would look like the artsy fartsy photography student trying to capture his muse, or something along those lines! So I thought I would ask what you think, do you feel like an idiot in front of the camera?

Hat: H&M | Dress: Topshop

Another new look

2011-01-30T20:00:00.000+00:00

I've gone and done it again; got sick of the sight of my blog and completely changed the layout. In all honesty I think that the web design element of blogging is what excites me most at the moment. I'm still not entirely happy with it, but after spending about 2 weeks fiddling around with it on my days off I thought it

was about time I put it up. I doubt it will be more than a month or so before I get bored of it again! A few of you beady-eyed folk may have noticed (doubtfully) that I've also bought my quitequaint.com domain name, which is a wee bit exciting - for me at least! It shouldn't affect your bookmarks/RSS feeds etc so don't panic, just sit and enjoy that superbly posed pic of my mug.

Shirt: New Look

Fairisle Jumper

2011-01-23T16:05:00.000+00:00

Jumper: Zara | Dress: Asos | Socks: Topshop | Shoes: Office

I've been told I look like a little evacuee in this outfit, I'm not sure if that's true but I definitely feel like a little girl when I'm wearing it. Just like everyone else and their dog, I've been in love with peter pan collars this season and this dress is perfect. I don't often wear all black so I've mostly been pairing this dress with different jumpers and flopping that lovely collar over the top. I almost returned this jumper when I bought it back at the beginning of autumn because I don't usually go for brown, but I'm so glad I kept it, it's been one of my favourite pieces to wear this autumn/winter. The pattern is pretty enough alone, but those elbow patches make it even better. I had to add the patterned socks, simply because I've been finding it impossible not to add a pair of socks to every outfit recently!

goodbye grey

2011-01-21T13:13:00.000+00:00

Models Own in Purple Grey and Pink Ash

After months of wearing different shades of nude, grey and taupe I've finally added some colour to my nails. Yes, I know it's called purple grey, but it doesn't count, it's definitely purple! Believe it or not, this is actually the first time I've used Models Own and so far I'm relatively impressed. The colour stays put for ages, although I found that applying the second coat can be tricky as it dries so quickly, but that's probably better than it taking ages and accidentally smearing it all over my clothes...

What I Bought: Coats

2011-01-20T12:02:00.000+00:00

Both coats: Topshop

I popped into town the other day to take some stuff back to Topshop that I had decided I didn't like/need and I accidentally came out with two coats! I just thought I'd have a little look at the new things that had been added to the sale and found these two, both of which I had loved when they first came in and both in my size! I must have tried them both on about 10 times, but couldn't decide which one I preferred so now I'm asking you, which one do I keep? Oh and don't say both!

[below is a boring bit about my broken camera, please read it if you know stuff about cameras!]

While I was taking these shots I was experimenting with using the flash because the light in my room is awful and my photos always look so grainy even though I use a decent camera. I covered the flash with sheets of tissue to diffuse the light so the photos didn't look so harsh but I seem to have fucked up my camera in the process. There's now a large tea stain sort of blob on the screen, but it doesn't show up on the actual photo, does anyone have any idea what I've done and if there's any way I can fix it?

Tweed Blazer

2011-01-12T15:17:00.000+00:00

Jumper: Topman | Tweed Blazer: Topshop | Corduroy Shorts: ASOS | Shoes: Kurt Geiger

I finally found the time to start blogging again! Brilliant. I've just finished a three month internship doing graphic design for tv, which along with my other job and my lover took up a lot of my time, but I got one good thing out of it at least - a better blog design! What do you think?

Is it just me or do I look like a bit of a horse lover in this outfit? I think it's something about the tweed and the chunky knit together. I feel like I look like I'm about to pop to the stables. I'm not sure that that's a good thing (no offence horse lovers).

I've been desperate for a cream aran knit jumper for ages and searched relentlessly, but typically I couldn't find what I was looking for. In the end I found this one in Topman and decided it would do. I discovered Topman's brilliant knitwear collection completely by accident when I went with my boyfriend. He bought nothing and instead it was me trying on a pile of jumpers while he acted as my coat rack/bag holder much to his delight. Anway, I suggest you check it out because most of it is better than the knitwear in Topshop and seeing as Topman has started catering for prepubescent boys they do tiny sizes now, this jumper comes in a size even smaller than the one I'm wearing!

Some of you might remember that I decided not to tell any of my friends or family about my blog. Mainly because I knew I'd get endlessly ripped about prancing around in front my camera. Anyway, my boyfriend stumbled across it and despite the fact that I know he must be bursting with jokes, he's actually been very supportive and encouraged me to start blogging again. So thanks for that, stupid :)

Floral Playsuit

2010-11-30T14:04:00.000+00:00

Scarf: H&M | Playsuit: Topshop | Boots: c/o New Look

The lovely people at New Look sent me these boots a while ago, but I didn't have time to do an outfit post to show you. So here they are now, looking a bit dirty and worn but oh well! Although I chose them myself, I'm not really sure if they suit my style, I do love the crepe heel though. One thing I've always hated about wearing heels during the day is the click clack sound as you walk, it makes me feel like I'm tottering about, but crepe heels are nice and quiet!

Tweed Shorts

2010-10-12T23:11:00.000+01:00

I've been pretty busy lately, on Monday I started a 3 month internship doing graphic design for television, sounds good, but it's unpaid! hah, I know I'm a complete mug, but oh well. So as well as working Monday - Friday 9-5, I'm also still working 20 hours a week at the restaurant to try and earn some money! So that

leaves little time for blogging unfortunately. It was my 23rd birthday on Saturday, but the less said about that the better!

Cardigan: Primark | Shorts: Topshop | Shoes: M&S | Bag: Vintage | Shirt: H&M

Pussy Bow Blouse

2010-09-23T18:43:00.000+01:00

I managed to find some time to snap a few photos in the sun yesterday, which was lucky as the only outfit appropriate for today is something similar to the style of Paddington bear, which would probably make a pretty awesome outfit post actually. Anyway, I managed to solve the tiny hat/huge head mystery, it turns

out that H&M do 2 different styles, so I don't have a ridiculously big head, brilliant! I think I prefer this hat, the one in my bowler hat post looks a bit werid on my head, what do you reckon?

I absolutely love this blouse, the photos don't really do it justice. It combines so many things I love at the moment, polka dots, pussy bows, peter pan collars, and burgundy autumnal colours. I've become a bit of a lover of Zara at the moment, which is a complete turn around. I always used to find their shops so stark and the clothes really bland, but their A/W collection is right up my ally!

Hat and Cardigan: H&M | Belt and Ring: Topshop | Loafers: Office | Blouse: Zara | Shorts: Levi

Floral Midi Skirt

2010-09-21T16:45:00.000+01:00

It's been a long time since I've been into a shop and looked straight at an item and instantly knew I wanted it. So I was pretty surprised when it happened in River Island, a shop I rarely enter expecting find anything that isn't jewel encrusted. No offence to any RI regulars, as I've clearly been proven wrong. While I love everything about this skirt, I didn't find it easy to style and I'm not sure that I've pulled it off this time, hence the lack of photos!
p.s. I am fully aware of my ghostly leg situation.

Leather Jacket: Topshop | Skirt: River Island | Boots: Urban Outfitters

Leopard Scarf

2010-09-20T21:09:00.000+01:00

Scarf and Jumper: H&M | Shorts: Zara

Not a very exciting outfit today, this is what I snuggled into yesterday for a lazy Sunday afternoon after finishing work. I really love the colour of this jumper, it's what drew me to it, then finding those elbow patches was a major bonus. I started taking these photos with straight hair, then remembered why I never wear my hair straight. It didn't feel like I was looking at a photo of myself which is weird, I know.

Eiderdown

2010-09-18T21:22:00.000+01:00

Shirt: H&M | Shorts: Vintage Levis

New shirt and new eiderdown, that's all. Also, I've never actually said eiderdown in my life, but this blanket is so granny-esque that eiderdown feels appropriate.