Columbo Goes Gingham: Spring Trench

Hey,

I sit typing this up on a gloomy Easter Sunday. While I'm far from glum about sitting on my arse eating ALL the chocolate, I'd held out a little more hope for a sun-soaked Bank Holiday weekend.

The weather recently has been difficult to predict - one minute it's glorious sun and the next, a torrential downpour. Well, that's just Manchester for you, generally.

Traversing the constant dilemma of 'what to wear', one item of clothing has been my saviour - the classic trench.

I decided some weeks ago that I needed some kind of light jacket; semi-smart, easy to wear and goes with everything. I settled on a trench coat and, resisting my usual safety blanket of black, I opted for this classic stone coloured mac from Next.

I think it might be my best purchase of the year so far!

Sunglasses - Moschino

Trench coat - Next

Cross-front body - ASOS

Deconstructed gingham midi skirt - ASOS

Boots - Vagabond

I'm also really loving this gingham skirt from ASOS, it's ideal for the transition from spring into summer. I'm considering getting it in the new red version too!

This post is a great example of the ever-changing weather. I didn't know whether to keep my jacket on, take it off, remove my sunglasses... at least my new trench is light enough not be be a nuisance when the sun comes out.

What's been your favourite buy of the season?

McArthur Glen Accessories Challenge: Part Two

Hello!

So, in my previous post I wrote about my trip to Cheshire Oaks designer outlet as part of McArthur Glen's spring accessories style challenge. I was tasked with finding two accessories under £250 which I could style up in different ways for the spring season.

Well here it is; the big reveal. I am so in love with the accessories I chose!

Lulu Guinness 50:50 Lips Hug and Hold Clutch*

Prada Poeme Sunglasses @ David Clulow Eyewear*

Before my trip to Cheshire Oaks, my heart was set on getting a bag from Lulu Guinness. I've wanted one of her acrylic lips box clutches for ages, though the one I got in the end changed my mind! It's an oversized clutch in patent leather and I love the classic design and neutral colours - with the signature Lulu Guinness lips motif, of course.

I wasn't planning on buying sunglasses but after trying on these amazing Prada shades, I couldn't think about anything else for the rest of the shopping trip!

I was so impressed that I was able to buy both of these designer accessories for less than £250. The Lulu Guinness clutch has an RRP of £195 but was just £78 in the outlet shop. The sunglasses retail at £250 and are available current season everywhere, including Selfridges - they were £143 which I think is a really great discount.

I've snapped five different looks with these accessories, below.

Look One: All Black Errthang

Longline black coat - Boohoo

High neck ribbed crop top - In The Style

Midi skirt - Banana Republic*

I feel like this look is a bit Kim K! This isn't really a trend; it's no secret that I love black and this is just a really simple but chic outfit that I'm totally comfortable in.

Look Two: Suede and Floral

Black suede fringed jacket - vintage, from Amsterdam

Floral cut-out dress - Forever 21

Suede-look thigh high boots - Public Desire

Something a bit more boho! I don't really do girly so if I'm wearing something like this floral dress, I'd normally throw a big jacket over it. This fringed suede jacket of dreams is a recent buy from my trip to Amsterdam. I picked it up in a really cool vintage shop for only about £18. I could have bought so much in there but had to think about my hand luggage space...

Look Three: Sports Luxe

Longline blazer - Monki

Cropped Ellesse tee - Bank Fashion

Jeans - Primark

Trainers - Adidas (Stan Smiths)

I wear this Monki blazer all the time; it has to be one of the best things I've ever bought. It instantly smartens up any outfit and is great to wear as a light coat for the spring. I picked this bright Ellesse top in the Bank closing down sale recently for just £10. I used to wear Ellesse clothes all the time when I was younger so the brand has a bit of retro nostalgia for me.

Look Four: Evening Out

Leopard jacket - vintage via charity shop

Velvet high neck crop top - River Island

Earrings - Susan Caplan @ ASOS

Gold collar necklace - Primark

Gold chain belt - Blitz Vintage

Riding pants - American Apparel

Heels - Vivienne Westwood X Melissa

This is the sort of thing I'd wear on a date night with Chris. This vintage leopard print jacket is another one of my all-time favourites - I picked it up for around £3 from a charity shop back home! I'm also wearing my new Vivienne Westwood shoes which I got in the January sales; I was praying that they'd be comfortable but sadly not, great restaurant shoes though.

Look Five: Glam Grunge

Leather jacket - vintage via Mum

Chokers - eBay (tattoo) and ASOS (tartan heart)

Checked shirt - vintage via Reading Fest

Ribbed crop top - Topshop

Moons and stars leather belt - vintage via charity shop

Ripped jeans - Ragged Priest
Boots -Vagabond

It had stopped raining by the time I got around to my fifth and final outfit (typical Manchester!), so I decided to venture outside for photos. This was my favourite outfit of the five so I was glad to get some good shots of it. My style (at least on the weekends) is quite grunge-y but I really like how my shiny new accessories glam this look up a little.

What do you think of the accessories I chose and which is your favourite look?

(Bank) Holiday in the Sun

Hello!

Hope you're all enjoying the remainder of the Bank Holiday weekend.

I'm so happy that we had some nice weather for once. I'm lucky enough to live right by a big park so thought it would be a shame to waste the sunshine and not take some photos.

Scrunchie- Junk Love

Sunglasses- Ray Ban

Earrings- DIY (see below)

Cropped tee- Forever 21

Belt- charity shop

Jeans- American Apparel

Sandals- Jeffrey Campbell (Mynt buckle sandal)

I don't think these Jeffrey Campbell Mynt gold buckle sandals have had an airing on the blog yet. I bought them in the Christmas sales after falling in love with them last year.

To be honest, I'm wearing them just for show; they absolutely KILL my feet. All my other JCs are so comfy so I was really surprised to find that these hurt so much. I think it's all the buckles, they rub like every edge of my foot. I had these on for about 15 minutes in the photos and I've now got two huge blisters. They are so beautiful but thinking that I may have to sell them!

If you follow me on Instagram, you'll have seen me sporting these green pompom earrings at several opportunities this week.

I've seen them around the web and thought it would be easy enough to make some myself.

I picked up these fluffy pompoms for 30p each from a haberdashery in Manchester. You can of course make your own pompoms pretty easily with wool but I wanted some extra fluffy ones like these!

I got into making my own jewellery a while ago (with the intention to sell it but never got around to making enough...) so I have boxes full of all the bits and bobs (findings they're called in the biz).

I used gold earring hooks and some chain to dangle them from and then just attached a jump ring to the end of the chains and sewed them to the pompoms. You could of course just use a length of string or ribbon and sew that to the pompoms.

I love going to my local bead shop to pick up cool charms and once you've got all the findings, you'd be surprised at how easy it is to create a necklace, bracelet or earrings- cheap too!

I always found eBay a good place to pick things up cheaply. For beginners, it's really easy to get ready-made gold or silver plated chains in different lengths with the closures attached, then you'll just need jump rings (small hoops) to attach to your charm before you put it on your chain. You'll also need a set of pliers; if you search 'jewellery making pliers' you'll find collections of the different sorts to prise open jump rings, nip close the jump rings, cut wire etc.

If anyone would find a post on jewellery-making tips useful, do let me know.


How have you been spending your Bank Holiday weekend?

I went to Manchester Fashion Week on Saturday evening so look out for a post on that soon!

Love,

Foxy x

Daylight Saving

Hello!

Wow I'm getting a bit rusty on the old blogging; need to find more time for it!

This one's just a quick outfit from a day I spent in the park a couple of weekends ago.

I'm trying to save a bit of money up (and not doing so well- summer sales are the death of any spare cash I have at the moment) before my holiday at the end of August so trying to go out less and do more fun stuff for free.

So with that in mind, me and the boy spent said weekend in the park having picnics/BBQs, sunbathing and kicking a ball around. It was pretty great thanks to the fab weather we're having (please don't go away).

Cat eye sunglasses: Republic

Gold hoops: vintage

Necklace: charity shop

Sheer leopard print top: Oh My Love

Printed bandeau top: Tinned Bananas

Levi cut-offs: Brag Vintage

Vagabond Flora sandals: ASOS

This sheer, cut-out back top from Oh My Love and my Tinnned Bananas floral/leopard bandeau top make for an excellent combination. Tinned Bananas have launched into sale so you should seriously go check them out for amazing bodycon styles and eye-popping prints. I think I used their generous discount code from Fabb Events Manchester pretty much the next day to bag this!

The shorts are new too, from Brag Vintage who have an excellent selection of vintage Levi's. These acid wash grey ones are a welcome addition to my collection!

My sunglasses were quite the bargain at just £1 in the Republic administration sale. I'm rarely without my Ray Ban tortoiseshell Wayfarers when the sun comes out but there are times when you just want a cheap pair of sunnies that you aren't going to weep over if they're sat on/lost/stolen/insert dire end.

And the hair is up again on the blog- what's going on? Free-flowing locks are far too impractical in this weather. Case in point, I was enjoying a beer last night when I was attacked by a wasp who proceeded to get stuck in my hair and was buzzing around angrily trying to escape right by my face! Of course the drama was overshadowed by said wasp shortly after flying straight into Chris' mouth and stinging him, resulting in a trip to A&E- he's fine. The wasp however clearly had issues so was swiftly put out of it's misery by half drowning in a puddle of man spit and finished off with a stomp to the head by a girl (me).

Play out, but stay safe.


Love,

Foxy x

Easy DIY: Floral Shades

Hello!

I don't know about anyone else but I'm thoroughly sick of the weather in the UK! I swear it decides to snow whenever I want to do anything. Despite the plummeting temperatures, last week I decided to do a quick summery DIY to cheer up the miserable day!

I remember being completely taken by the 3D flower sunglasses from A-Morir last summer; they're so beautiful and perfect for festivals.

The A-Morir 'Phillips' and 'Cass' styles:

These styles will set you back around £200-300. They're handmade to order and I'm sure are worth every penny, though at that price, they'd cost around the same as the holiday itself for me!

Taking inspiration from these, I thought I'd have a go at making my own.

First, you'll need a cheap pair of sunglasses.

I bought a couple of wayfarer styles from Primark- can't a wrong for £1 a pair.

You'll also need some 3D plastic flowers with a flat base.

You should be able to find some in any good craft/bead/jewellery making shop. I got mine from a bead shop in Affleck's Palace, Northern Quarter, Manchester- also my go to place for cool charms for jewellery making! The have an online shop too, here.

Pretty handily, they had some strips of three linked flowers in various colours which saved a lot of time and effort. A three-link flower was 50p a piece.


Then simply glue your chosen flowers to the specs wherever you like. I simply added a strip of three to either side at the top, but you could go all out and add single pieces all around the rim.

(I used Loctite superglue if anyone needs a good glue recommendation. I've found it to be the best I've come across for this sort of thing)

And voila!

Total cost £2 a pair! What do you think?

I think these make a great alternative to a flower crown, don't you?


Have you come across any cool summer DIYs lately?

Love,

Foxy x

On the Road Again...

Hello!

I feel like I've been all over the place these past few weekends, visiting family and work stuff. Clifford the Clio has seen his fair share of the country and I've neglected my usual weekend duties of slobbing around in my onesie, shopping and doing a bit of blogging!

These snaps were grabbed just before setting off to Warwick to see Chris' parents a couple of weekends ago.

Sunglasses: Ray Ban

Fringed Leather Jacket: Topshop (sale, old)

Top: Urban Outfitters (sale, very old!)

Belt: Charity Shop

Jeans: American Apparel

Pewter Brogues: Dr Martens

Vintage Head Holdall: Charity Shop

I'm wearing my new American Apparel high-waist jeans. After getting frustrated trying to find the perfect pair of vintage jeans, I flirted with the idea of getting the new Topshop 'Mom' ones; though I'd seen these and loved them but I do tend to find AA a bit over-priced. Luckily, an email popped into my inbox a while ago with a 30% off offer so I snapped them up. I had a nightmare getting the right size though so be warned- try them on in the shop first!

The old school Head holdall bag was quite the bargain- a £2.99 charity shop buy, perfect for a weekend away.

It was surprisingly sunny so I felt the need to break out the Bans for the first time this year! I don't know why but I enjoy driving so much more with a pair of sunglasses on.

I think sunglasses instantly make almost anyone 10x cooler; I recently watched David Lynch's Wild at Heart so for no reason other than they look awesome driving across America in a pair of shades, here's messed up lovers Sailor and Lula.

(Fairly obscure reference there but it's an awesome film- watch it!)

Have you been on any road trips recently?

Love,

Foxy x

Charity shop crawl

On Friday (would’ve posted then but absence of my camera prevented this) I ventured out to my local town of Skipton for a heavy session of charity shopping.

Skipton is hardly the Northern capital of style, although it was once crowned ‘Britain’s Best High Street’ (the how and why evade me), but it is however the mecca of charity shopping.

Okay, okay I may be exaggerating ever so slightly, but for such a small town it really does pack in its fair share of charity shops- I found about eight!

Navigating ones way around this maze of infinite treasure troves was a task I wouldn’t have wished upon Christopher Columbus; I, however, managed to hit them all (I think) before my 2 hour short stay car parking expired- score.

I might further explain that while 2 hours is rather a long time, the sheer amount of rooting, searching, rummaging, scanning etc. required in this activity is extensive; plus I needed to get a new mascara and the time I chose to pop into Rackhams (that’s House of Fraser to me and you) happened to be the time that the bloody fire alarm decided to go off and I was kicked out for a good 15 minutes whilst the staff and fire brigade created a suitable farce.

So, back to the matter at hand; I started out at what appeared to be a new addition to Skipton’s charity shop repertoire- Greyhound Rescue. This shop is fairly small but has some good quality bits and bobs in stock.

I spotted a necklace and clip-on earring set which I loved for £3.50. The set is gold with what can be described as peach-coloured droplets attached. These are pictured with a belt below.

Next, I visited Scope- one of Skipton’s larger charity shops. It is here that I made my favourite purchases of the day. The first item which caught my eye was these vintage Levi orange tab jeans.





They’re a perfect fit, a high 28 inch waist and just what I’ve been looking for to cut into shorts for my upcoming holiday; although it almost seems a shame to dismember them. For only £5, I don’t mind so much.

I’m not sure how old these are. Orange tabs were introduced in the sixties but they definitely aren’t as old as that! The care label doesn’t mention shrinking either which was typical of the older ‘shrink to fit’ styles. They are 891’s and the care label reads ‘891 0216’ then ‘367540 0598’ if anyone has an idea of the age please let me know!

I also bought these great vintage sunglasses for only £1.50- They came in handy too because it was a scorcher outside and I’d forgotten mine!





Another new (I think) charity shop I found was the Martin House Children’s Hospice which is on the high street.

I thought this one was great for household bits, the upstairs area is large and holds a wealth of kitchen and other household goods as well as larger pieces of furniture, mirrors, large picture frames etc. The menswear section is also upstairs.

Nothing really took my fancy, other than this navy, white and gold belt, pictured with the necklace and earring set I mentioned previously. The belt was £3 which isn't bad considering that it's leather.





Other shops I visited were Sense, Oxfam, British Heart Foundation and not one, but TWO Age UK shops!

If it’s vintage jewellery you’re after (and if you’re in the area of course) then I found Scope and Martin House Children’s Hospice to have very well stocked desk cabinets- don’t be afraid to ask them to unlock it so you can have a good look!

Martin House Children’s Hospice and Sense were good on household bits and bobs. Sense in particular had two very old cameras which I was tempted to buy but I doubt I’d have use for them! I’m sure someone into photography would find them interesting though.

Vintage clothes seem to take a fair bit of digging out in any charity shop. Increasingly I’m finding that they’re overstocked with cheap, mass-produced modern clothes from brands such as Primark and George.

Note to the volunteers- we love the old stuff, bring it out to the shop floor!