Lotus Audrey Coral Perforated Shoes!

Thursday 30 April 2015

17 comments
Sometimes, I just want to throw on a really casual outfit and be comfortable. Sunday was one of those days. I pretty much live in kimonos and jeans and this latest trailing oriental cape was another sale bargain from Oasis. Their cape game is hella strong right now, and I'm so tempted to order the new iris and bird print cape, or the tile print version. Decisions, decisions...

My bright pink nails and new shoes from Lotus have me dreaming of Summer, even though it's started getting cooler again. I hadn't heard of Lotus until recently, but when I spotted these audrey coral perforated shoes in a local store, I knew I had to have them!

Oasis Clothing
Oasis Isabella Jeans
Oasis Trailing Oriental Cape
Lotus Audrey Coral Perforated Shoe Kimono, cami and jeans: Oasis - Necklace: Miss Selfridge - Shoes: Lotus (c/o)

I do *slightly* regret getting the 6 in these ones, my leather brogues from them are a 6.5 and fit like a dream! These are still comfortable but less roomy and I do like to wriggle my toes a lot. That being said, I adore the pretty cut out detail and white sole, they're extremely lightweight and available in a few other colours.

If you're looking for some new comfortable shoes, I'd definitely recommend Lotus' latest collection... How awesome are the zebra sandals!? They even stock some super stylish brogues for men, I know Sam would like their desert boots and I would wear the patent brogues if they would fit me! Those patent bordeaux ones. Oh my.

What do you wear when you like to be comfortable? Have you heard of Lotus shoes?

T - Casual Cindy.
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Next #ShoeboxJukebox Event!

Wednesday 29 April 2015

20 comments
A few weeks ago, I attended the Next Shoebox Jukebox blogger event in Shoreditch, London. Before the event, I was sent a pair of rawrsome new boots to wear to the party, along with a note from a shoe psychologist - oooh errr! ;) Mine read...

"Tara, you're very strong and determined. Being talkative and assertive helps you achieve what you want. As an extrovert, you're very outgoing, energetic and friendly. People will most likely find you with a group of friends rumbling through a shop or drinking and chatting fashion."

So basically I'm a shopaholic chatterbox. SPOT ON. I headed to London early to do some shopping (standard) and hang out with blogger fave, Steph. By the time we made it to Shoreditch, the party was in full swing! I absolutely love attending Next events, they allow me to catch up with some of my favourite blogger pals, play games and drink/eat! What more could a girl want? Except for some rawrsome Summer shoes to drool over? THANK YOU, NEXT.

Next Black Buckle Platforms
Shoebox Jukebox
The Style Rawr Winning at Life

At the centre of the bar was a 'Shoebox Jukebox' where you could win free shoes! All we had to do was Instagram a snap of our favourite shoes, then wait for their corresponding tune to play and we would flash up on the screen of the Jukebox! Winners were then picked randomly. The music was incredible, think 00's tunes mixed with the best pop music of today. I remember freakin' out when 'Nasty Girl' came on - haha! 

Next Events Yummy Food
Prosecco
Next Blogger Event

There were other fun activities too, including free manicures, design your own trainers and another game...Higher or Lower! The host was the wonderful Jo - an awesome guy from Next and Facebook friend for life. Sadly I didn't win on this game (Steph did though! WHOOP), but I assured Joe his Facebook friendship meant so much more, and as chance would have it, I won on the Shoebox Jukebox anyway! HUZZAH.

Next Blogger Games Shoebox Jukebox
#ShoeboxJukebox
Ellie and Gemma from Next
Next Shoebox Jukebox EventPhotos credited to Next, myself and Steph of FAIIINT.

This was one of the best Next events I've been to for a very long time. Everyone was having fun and chatting about shoes! Ellie, Gemma (shown above) and the team did an incredible jobs! Whenever brands/PR companies ask me what makes a good blog event, I always talk about previous Next events, they are just so creative and nail it every time.

Huge thanks to Next for the invite and for increasing my shoe lust list. I'll be wearing my new sandals on the blog soon! 

T - Looking forward to the next Next event.
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SS15 Laura Ashley Pastels - 3 Ways!

Tuesday 28 April 2015

15 comments
Last week I was featured on the Laura Ashley blog, where I was given the task of styling a pastel piece from their latest collection - in 3 different ways! It probably won't surprise anyway that I chose a pair of pink wide leg trousers. I'm crazy for palazzo pants so they were an easy choice and I was excited to wear them.

Laura Ashley Spring Summer
Pink Wide Leg TrousersShirt: H&M -  Shoes: Elia. B - Hat: Miss Selfridge - Trousers: Laura Ashley (c/o)

I knew I wanted to incorporate the 70's trend for at least one of the looks, so I paired my trousers with a denim shirt and I added a splash of colour by wearing a teal fedora. I really like the idea of mixing brights with pastels. I'm wearing a size 8 here and they are a good fit on me! I'd also say they look even nicer in person.

Laura Ashley Pink Trousers
Laura Ashley Outfit Post
Crop: Miss Selfridge - Sandals: New Look - Trousers: Laura Ashley (c/o)

Hopefully, you'll agree this second look is simple but chic. I paired my must-have wide leg trousers with a breton crop, camel fedora and some white block heel sandals. Breton tops are perfect for Spring/Summer and work wonderfully with pastels. 

You can check out my third and final look by visiting the Laura Ashley blog  (SPOILER: I'm rocking a co-ord) and you can also see how the other bloggers involved style pastels. How do you wear pastels? Which of my 3 looks is your favourite?

T - Feeling pretty in pink.
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Boho Wedding Guest Style With ThatSaleSite!

Monday 27 April 2015

12 comments
Who doesn't love a good online sale? The thing is, there are so many of them going at the same time that it's hard to keep track of the best ones unless you're subbed to every store's email (groan), until now. ThatSaleSite.com specialises in advertising live sales from a huge number of online retailers, enabling us to search by item type (dresses, shoes, accessories etc) or by retailer to see at a glance the best and newest discounts! 

A few weeks back, ThatSaleSite challenged me to create a summer wedding guest look using their sale-tastic site, and £50. Challenge accepted!

Not being the peplum and fascinator type, and having just read that Vogue had now okayed wearing white to a wedding, I thought I'd have a go at something a little bit different. I already knew that I wanted to buy a white dress, so I chose the 'Dresses' category and ThatSaleSite cut the 400+ sales available to browse to just over 200 sales for me, effectively cutting wasted browsing time in half already. As my budget was £50, I reordered the sales to show the largest reductions first, noting that they started at 80% (errr, yowza!) and set to work. Urban Outfitters, Motel, Anthropologie, Spoiled Brat, Dahlia, ASOS, Whistles, honestly, the list goes on but it didn't take me too long to spy Free People on there at 50% off. Now T and I adore Free People but it has to be said that the prices can sometimes be a little out of reach, so 50% off was bound to be a good time, and I knew they would have a ton of beautiful dresses for me to nose at. I was right. To the outfit! 

Outfit: Cardigan - Wildfox Couture, Dress - Free People c/o ThatSaleSite, Boots - Warehouse, Hairband - Johnny Loves Rosie at ASOS c/o ThatSaleSite, Watch - Daniel Wellington.


The Free People 'Dreaming In The Days' slip dress was £39.95 from £58, and it's just gorgeous. An ivory (so not too white) double tier, sheer (but not too sheer), broderie anglaise with crochet straps and hem. It's the perfect style for a boho county wedding.


I also hit ASOS with my change and bought a Johnny Loves Rosie leather headband (£10 from £18) for to pull the theme together, I then teamed both sale items with my Wildfox Couture Ballroom Cardigan as a cover up and the super cute Warehouse fringed boots. I could totally see this outfit chilling out at a boho countryside wedding, sitting on benches as the bride and groom say their vows and dancing to a cool band outside until the sun goes down on us!


So if Vogue says it's okay, then hey, it's okay right? As long as the bride is cool with it, and you don't go looking to upstage her in a tulle covered ballgown style dress (side-eye), then white is definitely workable. In this case, the style of the dress (short and feminine), combined with the gold cardi and the suede boots, means I am more likely to be mistaken for She-Ra than the groom's wife-to-be. 

Basically, use your head. If it's white and long, or white satin, then I would probably avoid it even if the bride is wearing red. If you're wearing a white dress or a white skirt, perhaps consider a block of colour on a jacket or a pop on your accessories. I would also generally swerve white shoes. And tiara's. And carrying a bouquet ;)

Anyhoo, huge thanks to ThatSaleSite.com for bringing us a handy new shopping tool. I've used it several times since this challenge, it broadens your sale horizons and makes your money go further - hurrah!

J - boho bargains!
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People Tree SS15 #whomademyclothes?

Saturday 25 April 2015

24 comments
Yesterday marked the 2 year anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster, which killed 1333 people and injured more than 2500. On 24th April each year, Fashion Revolution Day hopes to bring everyone together to help raise awareness of the true cost of fashion. They want companies and consumers to ask "Who made my clothes?"

By asking this simple question, we can create a change in the industry and also celebrate those who are already supporting sustainable fashion. My favourite eco-brand is People Tree. They have a great SS15 range and each item comes with a description of where/how it was made. I wore this beautiful new tunic yesterday, Instagrammed a selfie with the #whomademyclothes hashtag and they responded with some interesting product details!

People Tree Spring Summer 2015
#whomademyclothes
People Tree Cassidy Tunic
Cassidy People Tree
People Tree dress (c/o) - Olivia Burton watch - Accessorize hat

"Your dress was made by a social business in Bangladesh named Kumundini Welfare Trust. The pattern was created using block printing, which was done by hand. The dye used within this process is eco-friendly, azo-free dye made from natural products, such as flowers and leaves. This ensures the workers are safe and not exposed to harmful substances whilst they are producing the garments, and also lessens the chances of any skin reactions being experienced by the wearer." - People Tree.

Fair trade fashion always gives me the warm and fuzzies but knowing the story behind a piece makes it that little bit more special. This summery Cassidy Tunic also comes in red/white and I adore the fit. It's the perfect holiday dress, I'll definitely be pairing it with some gladiators when I get some Spanish sun next month.

I agree we need to start questioning where our fashion comes from and it's scary to think most companies don't even know themselves! Ethical fashion can cost more but as Vivienne Westwood once said, "Buy less, choose well and make it last". 

Do you believe in sustainable fashion? Are you a fan of People Tree?

T - Grateful to the artisans at Kumudini!
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Hello Kitties - Batoko and Kenzo!

Friday 24 April 2015

5 comments
So I didn't really go in for that whole twisty designer slogan stuff last year, but then none of them involved cats (massive oversight in any part of life tbh). But along comes awesome online store Batoko with this clever 'Purmes' sweater (£40) in Cheshire Cat/Bagpuss pink and ta daaaaa, SOLD!

This is a size L and it is a tad big, but oversized is perf when it comes to a good jumper so it's all good over here! It's so snuggly and warm inside, but ice cold cool on the outside. The Batoko sweaters are so cute, you have to check them out if you enjoy a good cheeky slogan. I've seen loads of bloggers wearing the 'Fresh Baked Goods' one, and Tara has the fab 'Baewatch', being our resident beach babe ;)


Sweater - c/o Batoko catty goodness.

Batoko Purmes sweatshirt blogger

I thought it was the purrfect match for my new Kenzo watch! I won it from Indigo Memoirs, London's top notch digital magazine for epic living, can you believe it? It's beaut and I love how it ups my streetwear accessories game. RAWR!


Kenzo Tiger Watch Blogger

Topped off with the spring uniform of blue jeans and Liberty Nike Air Max, this feels like a serious chilled off duty look. I am one happy kitty!

J - Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of furrrrrr!
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Marks and Spencer Global Summer Trends: Into The Blue!

Thursday 23 April 2015

21 comments
It seems every other blogger is rockin' double denim at the moment but I couldn't resist jumping on the bandwagon and sporting one of this Summer's most popular trends, 'Into the Blue'. When I attended Bristol Fashion Week, there was an after party at the M&S store where I got up close and personal with their latest collections. If you aren't able to make it instore, they've recently launched an online global trends page where you can shop the five hottest trends for Summer.

I created a trend-inspired look featuring the most incredible pair of Limited Ripped Skinny Jeans (now sold out, similar here) and a beautiful denim tunic which you can see below. I hope you like this outfit as much I do!

M&S Tencel Denim Tunic
Marks and Spencer Limited Denim
Double Denim M&S
Patched Skinny JeansShirt and Jeans: Marks and Spencer (c/o) - Hat: Miss Selfridge - Sandals: Next

This is such an easy look which took seconds to throw together, but I think it makes quite the statement, especially when finished with a teal fedora and a blingy necklace. This denim shirt is made from the softest denim and it's actually really long but I liked it tucked in. It's a great price, I have a more expensive premium denim version but I prefer this one and I've had several compliments on it already. It is a little on the loose side, so I'd probably suggest sizing down if like me, you're smaller on top.

If this trend isn't for you, you should check out the other four global trends Marks and Spencer have featured. I'm definitely tempted to splurge on some wide leg trousers from their 70's 'Summer of Love' collection...SWOON.

Which Summer trend is your favourite? Do you dare to double denim?

T - Feeling bluesy.
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Olivia Burton Moulded Bee Black and Gold Watch

Wednesday 22 April 2015

15 comments
My most prized possessions are jewellery pieces which hold sentimental value. I don't own many high value items but even if I did, I wouldn't wear them as often as my favourite, cheaper items. The ones I'm emotionally attachment to.

I was recently asked, 'Which item would you save from a fire?' -This is a tricky question for most people. I'd be devastated if I lost my photos but they are mostly digital and backed up. I love my wardrobe but if I lost it all, I could move on (and buy it again). My engagement ring is an obvious choice but as it's almost always on my finger, I wouldn't need to go out of my way to grab it in the event of a fire!

Gold Moulded Watch
Olivia Burton Moulded Bee Watch
Olivia Burton Watch
Dress: Oasis - Watch: Olivia Burton - *Post in collaboration with Legal & General*

After thinking about it for all of 10 minutes, I decided if I had to pick one thing to save from a fire, it would be my beautiful Moulded Bee watch by Olivia Burton. I bought it shortly after my grandad passed, in loving memory of him. He would always comment on my OB watches and I initially hoped they'd make similar men's watches so I could buy him one! Sadly they didn't (he wouldn't have let me spend any money on him anyway) so every time I look at this one, I'm reminded of that dapper gent and his fondness of stylish timepieces.

I remember spotting this watch a few years ago after meeting one half of Olivia Burton! I'm really hoping a different moulded style will be released soon, when I met Jemma I asked if we could expect any more but she explained as it's such an intricate design, it wasn't likely...But I'm still crossing my paws for a hummingbird version with a pastel strap!

Legal & General have recently compiled a nifty list of tips to reduce the risk of fire in your home. After reading this, I'm definitely going to be more careful. I feel a bit naughty admitting I don't switch off at night or when I go on holiday...Whoops. Did any of these tips surprise you? Would would you save from a fire?

T - Watchaholic.
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F&F White Wide Leg Trousers

Monday 20 April 2015

21 comments
I've done quite a lot of shopping over the past few weeks and I'm well on my way to sorting my Spring/Summer wardrobe. This breton crop is my first stripey tee of the year but hopefully not the last! These days, all I seem to wear are crop tops and high-waisted trousers.

I can't believe how much I've been obsessing over F&F lately, I even had a 5 minute conversation with a stranger about their new range! I complimented her top (which happened to be by them), and that was it... we were off! It's so cheap but has some great on trend pieces. 

1Outfit Stripe Crop
F&F Wide Leg Trousers
F&F White Palazzo TrousersTee and necklace: Miss Selfridge - F&F Trousers (c/o) - Shoes: Next - Bracelet: Swarovski - Hat: Accessorize

My palazzo pant collection is still growing, these rawrsome white wide leg trousers are my newest pair and they are oh so Summery! I did a quick search online to find the link, and accidentally ended up buying another printed pair along with some lingerie from their new in's. I can't get enough! These white palazzo trousers are quite sheer so some decent nude lingerie is a must. 

Do you like affordable fashion? Are you also dressing as if it's Summer already?

T - Feeling fresh.
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Stylish Wedding and Engagement Rings at Fraser Hart!

Friday 17 April 2015

22 comments
A few weeks ago I was invited to my local Fraser Hart to have a look at their brand new bridal jewellery collection. I'm getting married next year, so I'm on the lookout for wedding rings and maybe an extra bridal set for work.

The Bristol Cribbs Causeway branch has recently had a new re-fit, the store is really inviting and plush, and the sales assistants couldn't be any more helpful. I was really taken aback by their vast knowledge, I honestly didn't realise diamonds were so complicated. It takes a lot of training to become a diamond expert but I now I completely understand why, I felt as if I learnt such a lot within the hour or so I spent in store - it was such an awesome experience!

Fashionable Bridal Ring Sets
Fraser Hart Starburst Bridal Set
Stylish Wedding Rings
(Shop the above cluster ring here)

I'm looking for a bridal set I can wear to work because my engagement ring is high-set and catches on everything (a disadvantage of working with your hands). Sam surprised me by telling me he bought my ring as a set so although we don't need to look for a wedding ring to match my engagement ring, I still want another set for every day use.

I tried on some absolutely rawrsome sets, Fraser Hart truly have something for everyone. How cute is the Starburst set above (the second photo)? I've actually saved my favourite for last, so keep reading to get to the big reveal! ;)

Sparkle Cut Wedding Rings
(Top & Bottom)
His and Hers Wedding Rings
(Ladies & Gents)  

If you already have your engagement ring, they also have a wide range of wedding bands. I'd never heard of 'sparkle cut' rings before, they are cut to look as if they have diamonds in them but they don't have any...Pure genius! The weird thing is, they are sparklier than the real diamond bands...Ugggh!? I think I'd buy one of those if I wasn't so into a bridal set! I also love the little ruby and diamond ring, it would be so nice to add a splash of colour.

If matching wedding bands are your thing, they have some wonderful his and hers sets and I loved the mixed metal options. I'm extremely picky when it comes to wedding bands for men, I want something very unusual so sadly I didn't find the right one for Sam, but I'll keep looking!

Brilliant Fire Diamond Ring
It's not every day you're given free reign of a jewellery store, so of course I ended up trying on some of the more expensive rings in the shop! Their 'Brilliant Fire' diamonds are skillfully cut to create the 'Hearts and Arrows' ideal cut diamond, which is perfectly symmetrical. These diamonds are beautiful, although I'm not sure how I feel about having a £12,000 rock on my finger haha! They do range in price according to their quality so you can get much more affordable rings which are extremely special. Each one comes with an IGI Hearts and Arrows Diamond Report (which is pretty fascinating in itself).

My favourite engagement ring was the pink and white diamond cluster ring I'm sporting below. I couldn't stop thinking about it! If I win the lottery I might just buy it and wear it on a different finger. Why not!? ;)

White Pink Diamond Cluster Engagement RingFraser Hart Diamond Halo Cluster Bridal Set

So time for the big reveal, my favourite bridal set was this beautiful white gold duoIt's blingy, reminds me of The Great Gatsby and is made from a combination of baguette and round diamonds. It's not *too expensive* but I still need to work on justifying it to Sam...We all know what men can be like. 

As both Jade and I have booked our venues and finally sorting our weddings, we will be posting a lot more about our plans and general wedding inspiration. We hope you're excited to follow our journeys! Within a few weeks we're planning to publish wedding content every Saturday, but for now it may still be a little sporadic. 

Which bridal set is your favourite? Would you like to see more posts like this?

T - 13 months until I tie the knot!
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#OOTD Warehouse Aztec Print Midi Dress and Fringed Pointy Boots!

Thursday 16 April 2015

5 comments
I pretty much want everything in Warehouse right now, they've hit the summer dress nail right on the head for a start and I was blessed by the gifting fairy when a Warehouse care package dropped through the door! The Warehouse Aztec Print Midi Dress (£32) is sooooooooooooooooo*breathe*oooooooooooooo nice I wanna die, or something along those lines, team it with the Warehouse Brown Fringed Pointy Boot (£48) and well, you get summer basically . . . 

Outfit - Dress - c/o Warehouse, Jacket - Levis, Boots - c/o Warehouse, Necklace - Mi Moneda, Watch - Daniel Wellington.


This print though? The material is soft and silky and the midi length with side splits is very flattering on a shorty like me (okay, 5'4 isn't that short but it is when you're dealing with maxi dresses!). This is a 12, so I'd say it runs true to size.  

mi moneda mint coin

These boots are just gorgeous and I can't believe they're only £48 and actually real suede! They're perfectly done, sometimes fringed styles can look OTT but these are very understated. I got a UK 5 so again, true to size, and very comfortable.

warehouse fringed boots

I wore this ensemble for my man's birthday shopping and lunch day out, the sun was shining (as was my fake tan) and I felt amazing in it, don't you just love it when a plan comes together?! :) 

Bring on the summer!

J - midi midi midi

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