Money is the anthem of success.

I am a firm believer in retail therapy, and today has just been one of those days. I think starting work at 7am put me off the idea of "today" - and consequently means my motivation to actually do anything is way low. Oh and did I mention I'm working again tonight? I swear, I am in and out of there like I'm on a revolving door. In between revolutions, I did manage to squeeze in a quick trip in to town and am glad to report that shopping cures many things. It's definitely a mood-booster when you pick up some gorgeous new clothes, even if seeing your bank balance can lead to severe depression & confusion. To hit the shops, this is what I wore..

Cardigan - Dorothy Perkins; Hat, Dress & Shoes - New Look; Tights - Primark; Belt - Malene Birger; Earrings - Topshop; Bracelet, Necklace & Ring - Temporary Secretary; Bag - H! by Henry Holland.

Only yesterday my friends and I were talking about hats, and I decided that I really need to start wearing more of them. Shamefully, I only own three, so after choosing to make today a 'hat day', my options were a little limited.. I opted for last season's floppy, 70s felt hat because it feels quite springlike, and adds a quirky edge to my look. That was the starting point of this outfit, and I gave it a quick new-season boost with a floral printed dress, my green plastic belt (plastic is a bit of a trending material at the moment), a ladylike cardigan and colourful wedges. I always think that wearing hats takes guts, and that they only work if the rest of the outfit is right, so I am really hoping this look worked.

Today was a bit of a mini-haul in town - not enough to be called a spree, but big enough that I have several gorgeous things to share with you all, and anticipate wearing.

The first thing that caught my eye was this amazing tribal top in New Look. Tribal prints are a key trend this season, and although I have a few in my wardrobe already, the colours and patterns on this top are just too incredible to pass by. I also love the detail on the back - it's that unusual style that makes it even more awesome. In the photo it looks pretty huge right? Well, I swear to fashion this is the smallest size they do. I'm thinking of tucking it in to pretty much every high-waisted item I own.

Something decidedly less glamorous, but totally cute, was next in the firing line at New Look. I have been saying for absolutely ages that I wanted a sweet, comfortable sweatshirt for dossing around my house in, and have been tempted by ones in Topshop or on ASOS.com, but was unwilling to pay a huge amount of money. So when this zebra sweat caught my eye I knew it was the perfect thing. It's only for hanging around at home, but it is quirky enough that I won't feel like a total slob while doing it...

Every so often in Primark, you come up with a really gorgeous piece that looks twice as expensive/stylish as the rest of the stuff in there - it honestly is just a matter of sifting through the mud to find a golden nugget. Or a lemon-coloured nugget in this case! Usually I can't wear yellow without looking ill, but I appear to have finally found the shade for me, and not a moment too soon since yellow is one of the hottest colours for SS'12. I adore the sorbet hue of this top, along with the contrasting collar, as well as the ladylike pleats.

My faithful old Maybelline blusher has been running out recently, so I have been keeping my eyes open for another.. Also, peach tones are big beauty news this season, so I was keeping that in mind on my search. I didn't want to spend too much money (*cough* Benefit *cough*), but I wanted a good quality product, which I think Bourjois will deliver. I love Bourjois cosmetics in general, and their selection of blusher colours was really extensive so I managed to pick up a sweet peachy, pinky, natural looking shade for a reasonable price. I opted for Brun Cuivre because it swatched best on my hand. I might review this one later, if anyone is interested, and if it turns out to be either shockingly good or shockingly bad...

While uploading these photos, I realised that I never posted the goodies from the little trip to town I took yesterday during my free at college, so here they are.

Clockwise L-R: Belt - Peacocks; Sunglasses, Necklace & Earrings - New Look.

The floral corsage belt was just too cute to ignore, and fits perfectly with spring's uber-pretty style. And yes, once again I went crazy in New Look... I actually tried these sunglasses on as a bit of a laugh, but people said they looked good, so I got them! I have been admiring these almost tribal-style golden statement necklaces for quite some time, and since I was already spending money I decided to go for it, and try one out. I just hope it suits me. The jewellery in New Look was buy one get one free, so I chose these gorgeous, vintage-inspired statement earrings as my freebies. That's a pretty good haul for a college day!

I am actually a little concerned about the state of my bank balance though. Maybe, just maybe, I should try and exercise some restraint.. 

Love and kisses, Tara xox