Down the rabbit hole.

Yes, that was the theme of my 18th party - it was a joint one with another friend, and we both adore Alice in Wonderland so.. Naturally we told all our friends to come a little bit 'down the rabbit hole' and dress for a bit of a Mad Hatter's tea party. Of course, since it was an 18th party the only way to describe it is going to be 'amazing', 'insane' and 'messy'. I love my friends lots, and there are some amazing photos up on my facebook, but honestly, you lovely fashionable people checking out my blog just don't need to see me looking my least attractive.. You'll be seeing the early on photos. First of all here is what I wore..

Dress - D&G; Shoes - New Look; Bracelet - Pandora; Rings - Vivienne Westwood & Ebay; Crown - made by a friend.

If you can't quite tell, I am meant to be the Red Queen, but a slightly more fashionable version. Okay, okay, so in reality I was just desperate to wear my D&G dress and found a way to work it in with some gorgeous new red shoes, a crown that one of my friends made for me years ago and I still have, plus some red lipstick and a little heart on my cheek (a la Marina Lambrini Diamandis). Honestly, this dress is so gorgeous I can barely believe I own it, so there was no way I was not going to wear it on my 18th! I am now even more determined to keep it forever because it is super-comfortable, actually really good for dancing and will be in style perenially.

Here comes a few of the photos of the night - the good ones that my friends and I won't mind having put on a *fashion* blog!

The incredible cake the other birthday girl made!

Little face cakes that I made.

Holly, Ashleigh, Sammie, me, Alison & Reiss.

Me & Lottie as red queens.

Sammie & Alison.

Clare, Tristan & Sherri.

Martha, Claire, Jenni & Lucy.

Me & Jenni.

Me & Ashleigh.

The hangover-cure breakfast (just toast for me actually).

The carnivores' pile of grease.

The mess we were faced with.

Looking fresh as daisies in the morning, of course.

Anyway, that was my party and it was brilliant fun, I absolutely loved it. It feels so good to be 18 - grown up at last. I hope everyone else had as much fun as me, and that Alison's parents are still speaking to her. Being 18 is a big deal in England, because it is basically becoming an adult and I will admit that being able to vote is scary.. But as one of my birthday cards said "You may be an adult now.. but it doesn't mean you have to act like one!", and I intend to.

Not to drag this whole birthday thing out for too long, but tomorrow I will post my haul of presents (finally!), including those from my family, friends and even my little treats for myself that I picked up at the weekend, while being talked in to getting a Topshop store card..

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Happy birthday to me..

Apologies for not blogging yesterday, but I was rather distracted since I turned 18! Yes, I am now officially an adult & was consequently enjoying my new adulthood instead of keeping up with the posts.. It was a pretty perfect 18th, even though I had an exam and had to be in college. Then again, getting to spend the day with my friends was definitely worth the early morning start and exam nerves. 

I actually got up extra-early because there was no way I was waiting until the evening to rip my way into my presents - I'll post the haul soon I promise! Then when I got into college one of my friends had made me a cake (decorated with some yummy strawberries) and since I had an exam second I spent first lesson chilling and reminiscing with my friends.. Then the exam rolled around and I actually wasn't half as nervous as I thought, I was barely even hyperventilating! And when the examiner, my teacher and the other girl in my class sang 'Cumpleanos Feliz' to me I decided there was no way I could be nervous - the exam might even have gone okay. 

After that we tucked in to said cake for lunch (it was gorgeous), then I went in to town with a few friends. Finally I topped it all off by getting my first legal drink in a pub near my college - vodka and coke is fast becoming 'my drink'. Funny thing is, they didn't even ID me..

This is what I wore during the day for my 18th birthday - this outfit was purely fun, with cute pieces I just wanted to wear for no specific reason other than they are super-sweet.

Jumper - Topshop; Skirt - River Island; Tights & Shoes - Primark; Necklace - Tiffany; Earrings & Ring - Vivienne Westwood.

This kitsch cherry-print skirt was just screaming out to be worn - I adore fruit prints, especially when combined with such a gorgeous retro shape. I didn't want to kill said shape by layering a jacket over the top, so to combat the disappointing April weather I paired it with this loose-knit mint green jumper from Topshop, which also has a slightly retro feel due to the pastel hue. I just love how cute and playful this look is, which is the perfect mood for a birthday! 

I know I said I would do a present haul later on, but after unwrapping so much gorgeous jewellery I just couldn't resist wearing some of it! Honestly, since 18 is such a big year people were willing to spend loads of money on me for things I could keep forever - hello Tiffany's. And a bit of Vivienne Westwood never goes amiss. I adore these classic pieces because they are truly timeless, and because I am a Tiffany girl at heart - especially after seeing Breakfast At Tiffany's and falling in love with Audrey Hepburn. That necklace is probably my favourite present of all.

Oh, and this little beauty of a picture is me with my first legal drink in a pub - that moment had to be preserved forever. 

The second and third legal drinks followed that evening because I went out for a meal with my parents, since on such a big birthday there should be some family time. I loved the chance to dress up and show off another outfit!

Dress - Mary Katrantzou for Topshop; Blazer & Shoes - ASOS; Bracelet - Pandora; Earrings & Ring - Vivienne Westwood; Necklace - Tiffany.

I have been waiting to wear this stunning shift dress ever since I got it, but there was never an event that felt quite right.. But since it was my birthday I decided I could wear whatever I wanted. I absolutely adore the gorgeous print - there really is no designer who creates prints like Mary Katrantzou, and that is why she is possibly my favourite designer of the moment. I decided to keep the rest of the outfit simple, opting for my black blazer to frame the print and sticking with my classic silver jewellery. I then also took the opportunity to wear my killer platforms - they're so impractical but gorgeous!

The meal out was awesome - we went to my favourite Thai restaurant and ate so much I thought I would explode. I also had some more vodka and diet coke (definitely my drink), and some Jack Daniels on the rocks, which was actually pretty good. Maybe I'm a whisky girl!

All in all, a pretty beautiful birthday, and I am now ready to face the world as an adult with responsibilities.. except when it comes to going out, then I may go a little insane! But otherwise I am ready to take responsibility for myself, not need parental permission, and even be able to vote..

Love and kisses, Tara xox

April showers.

Call me British, but there is only one thing bothering me properly at the moment - the awful weather. I keep getting absolutely drenched because it looks so lovely in the mornings when I leave the house, and then a few hours later it is raining so much there should be flood warnings. Where I live it is especially bad because I am completely in the middle of nowhere - my poor little Ford Ka had to pull through some terribly deep puddles just to make it home. I know I spent all winter moaning about the weather so it seems pointless to carry on, but I really had expected better from April. Yes, April showers are to be expected, but I was also hoping for a bit more sunshine and some higher temperatures, especially as we edge closer to May..

Blazer - Bershka; Top & Earrings - Topshop; Jeans & Shoes - Primark; Cuff - H&M; Ring - Miss Selfridge; Earrings - Accessorize.

But there is nothing better to stop me getting Seasonal Affected Disorder than some serious colour blocking! I have had these cobalt jeans for years and I absolutely love them - another case where panning for Primark gold has seriously paid off. It would have been easy to let them be the main feature of my outfit, but nothing screams spring more than piling on the bright colours. I did it with my peach blazer and mint green pumps for a very SS'12 take on colour blocking with pastels. I am also wearing the iridescent top I picked up in the Topshop sale, which adds interest with a slightly unusual texture.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

I love a good collar.

The people who know me have figured out some of my fashion fetishes, if you will. The things that I just cannot resist, or cannot leave the house without. Two things that are always a part of any outfit are a good ring, and some kind of lipstick. I couldn't possibly consider an outfit "done" unless I am wearing a ring and some lipstick. My finger literally feels naked sans ring. And don't even get me started on how much I hate being without something on my lips - even when I am making a feature on my eyes there has to be some kind of balm or gloss on my lips! 

And one thing that I simply adore, clothes-wise, is a good collar. Right now Peter Pan collars are very du jour and I love them - they are cute, quirky and undeniably sweet. As well as Peter Pan collars I love wearing shirts (I buy far too many) buttoned right up to make a feature of the collar because I just love how it looks. It is the one time that I am grateful for my pretty straight up-and-down figure, since curvy girls can't quite pull off a buttoned-up shirt.. Today I broke out a new favourite shirt with a rather gorgeous collar...

Blazer - ASOS; Shirt, Tights, Shoes & Ring - Primark; Shorts - H&M; Bracelets - Topshop, ASOS, Lola Rose, Accessorize and acquired on holiday.

Okay, so the collar isn't overly visible here, but you can kind of see that it is gorgeously beaded in a sort of tribal, ethnic style. I love this because it adds such a cute detail, and makes it look much more expensive than Primark! I also adore the colour, it's so vibrant and perfectly brightens up this second winter we're having.. I wasn't originally totally sure about combining it with the scarf-print shorts, but it actually works quite well in my opinion. Playing around with your clothes and your look is in fashion right now and I am so glad because it makes getting ready even more fun. I think the frame of a black blazer and tights muted the colour combination a little, making it work, and the mint green shoes were just a fun little pop of colour.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Just another manic Monday..

Is it me or is it always Monday? Especially when you don't want it to be.. The full-scale exam nerves are kicking in, it was my full day and it was raining - all in all not the best day, and certainly not a Monday I was looking forward to. That said, I was keen to wear some of my new clothes!

Blazer - ASOS; Top & Skirt - New Look; Tights & Shoes - Primark; Earrings - Roam at New Look; Bracelet - Pandora; Rings - Accessorize, Topshop & New Look.

This is one of my new skirts that I picked up last week, and I wish it had been better weather today because it would be absolutely beautiful on a sunny day! As it was, it looked bright and bold in comparison to the overwhelmingly grey sky above. The cheerful floral pattern is the perfect Monday morning pick-me-up, and I like the burst of colour it gives to an otherwise almost monochrome outfit. The cutout white shell top adds a bit more texture and stops me feeling too covered up - it really is quite see through... My beloved black blazer was the attempt at making this look temperature-appropriate and preventing frostbite, as were the patterned tights. Once again, ballet pumps aren't the best shoes for rain, but I just adore these mint ones too much.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Step back in time.

Last night was another one of my friend's 18ths - yes, they're all turning into adults before me, it's quite annoying actually... But not to worry, only a few little days until my birthday. It was a really good party last night, age-related jealousy aside, as we all rocked up in our costumes, then talked, danced and drank the night away (over-18s only, I was on the Diet Coke all night). Since the birthday girl is called Briannie, we had been told to come dressed as things beginning with B. I love a good costume party because I love dressing up, and themes like this force me to get creative.

At the party there were costumes such as burglars, bumblebees, black swan, burlesque (this was a guy, by the way), Barbie and Beyonce (the birthday girl), and everyone looked awesome. I love it when people make effort for costume parties! As for my costume, of course I didn't pick something easy or obvious to dress up as.. Thanks to my extensive wardrobe, an obsession with old movies and google images I found my B - Barbara Stanwyck. No? Me neither, until I watched one of her films on youtube. She was a film actress from the 1920s-1940s and was full of glamour. And I just happened to own a flapper dress..

Dress - River Island; Shoes - New Look; Faux Fur Stole - Ebay; Earrings - Roam at New Look; Bracelet - Accessorize.

I don't do things by halves, so when it comes to costumes I go for it! I have actually been waiting for months for a chance to wear this River Island flapper-esque dress - it is just too extravagant for everyday wear, and there had been no appropriate parties previously.. So when the opportunity came, I went for it. The only thing I actually had to buy for this costume was the faux fur stole, which was an ebay bargain. I actually got a little attached to it during the night, and am hoping I can re-use it soon. I also really love the embellishment on this dress - it almost looks vintage! Especially when paired with the stole, gorgeous gold heels and some authentic, 1920s style hair and makeup...

As I said, I go all out for costumes so of course I could never be content with leaving my hair and makeup in the 21st century.. I had to go for it. Originally I was just planning on some 1920s style finger waves, but after much messing around with straighteners and hairspray I didn't look gorgeous and glamorous like a  1920s film star, I looked like I'd been dragged through a hedge backwards. So I abandoned that plan and went for a faux bob with some faux finger waves at the front, all held up with a few hundred pins. I actually used this tutorial on youtube and adapted it a little for my hair - if you want a quick, easy 1920s hairstyle, this is perfect.

Kudos to vasgarcia for creating this video, it really is super-easy and stays in place all night!

One last little thing to say.. I hit 100 followers! This made me so happy when I signed in to start posting today - thankyou to all of my followers for reading, commenting and finding me interesting enough that you want to be informed of my latest fashion escapades and musings! I really love posting my outfits and general fashion obsessions, and I am so glad other people like them too. Again, thankyou so much, and I am even more inspired to keep posting now. 

Love and kisses, Tara xox

My bank balance takes another hit.

My bank account must be feeling abused by now, as I keep splashing the cash on gorgeous new clothes.. It feels like every other post on here contains new I have bought - maybe a little restraint is in order? And yes, I say that every time. And then go and spend more money. Someone, call Shopaholics Anonymous.. 

This lovely little (or rather large) haul comes as a result of my shopping trip with a friend yesterday, which was a brilliant way to spend the afternoon. I think I went shopping originally in search of shoes, and she needed an outfit for some event or other in our buzzing social lives.. The mission was partially successful - her outfit is sorted. But take a look at what I bought.. not a shoe in sight.

Vest - Topshop

The first place we went was a dangerous one to start with - Topshop is probably my favourite shop on the high street. And then there was a sale. I got more than a little excited and got a few gorgeous things, beginning with this shimmery, opalescent vest top. I had seen it in the store before, but it was a little pricey for me. On sale however I couldn't resist this - it is perfect for the under-the-sea trend that is a big hit this spring/summer. I love the pale, shimmering, iridescent hue on such a simple shape, which means it makes an impact but will still be easy to style.

Jumper - Topshop

Another sale find that I couldn't resist. This is the perfect, lightweight jumper for now - all my chunky ones are being banished from my wardrobe because I am optimistically believing that summer is just around the corner. This is such a fine, light knit that it will be ideal for the transitional weather, and the dove-grey hue means it will go with pretty much every item of clothing I own.

Jacket - Topshop

I have resolutely packed away my coats for this year, and the suddenly wintry weather has taken my remaining jackets and cover-ups by shock, so I was really excited when I found this jacket. Number one, it was a complete steal in the sale. Number two, it is cute, light and cropped enough that I won't feel depressed wearing it in April/May. Number three, it is so Chanel-esque that it hurts a little.

Bralet - Topshop

This is my final Topshop find, and I know what you're thinking. Yes, it's a slightly strange, retro-style bra. Well technically yes, this is probably meant to be underwear. But I intend to wear it as a very cute, vintage style bralet for a bit of a 1950s vibe. It looks enough like a top that you won't be able to tell it is underwear, especially by the time I am finished styling it. I just couldn't not buy it, I totally fell in love with the structured, vintage corset shape and those quirky giant polka dots.

Skirt - River Island

River Island has also become very dangerous territory for my debit card - I am literally in love with about 70% of their stock right now. My friend walked in and started pointing out all the things she could see me in and it took a lot of restraint not to go on a complete spending spree. I did however pick up this insanely cute 1950s style skirt. I just couldn't resist the kitsch cherry print and the gorgeous shape of this skirt - it's the ultimate curve creator on someone as curve-less as me! 

Shorts - Primark.

Okay, okay, maybe I am getting a little too obsessed with the 1950s Americana trend that is going on. But come on, just how Prada are these shorts? I have wanted some car print in my life for months now and procrastinated over the River Island car print pieces, always finding a reason not to buy them. These however were such a bargain that I couldn't find a reason! The print is so cute and fun that I just want to go running around on a beach in blazing sunshine, so I am hoping the weather picks itself up soon..

Skirt - New Look

I may have gone a little skirt-crazy here - but at least I am all set for mixing and matching my wardrobe now with the variety of prints! This gorgeous floral skirt caught my eye straight away with its bold blooms and rich blue background hue.. you know what I am like with florals. This will be so versatile for summer with its light fabric and flippy shape, and easy to pair with most of the tops I have.

Bracelet - Accessorize

Finally, something that isn't 1950s inspired! This harks back to a slightly earlier time still since it is reminiscent of the 1920s/30s costume jewellery worn by the screen sirens that are my idols. I just loved the slightly over the top feel of this bracelet and couldn't resist buying it to add a bit of glamour to my outfits.

Skirt - H&M

This is the last skirt, and the last item - I ordered it a week or so from H&M and it arrived on the same day as my haul.. Fate? Definitely. Especially since it will work so well with pretty much all of the tops I bought! This is another retro-inspired piece, a sweet-yet-chic lace pencil skirt. With its sharp, vintage cut I will have a gorgeously retro silhouette, and the candy-pink lace is the perfect pretty colour to wear in summer. This is an uber-feminine skirt, and will be so versatile. I love it!

And that is my haul! It is all deliciously summery - I am eagerly anticipating the warm days when I can wear the skirts and shorts without tights, and when the tops won't need to be covered with a jacket unless I specifically want them to be. For now, I am looking forward to layering them up for the transitional weather, and making good use of that Chanel-esque jacket. I am seeing a bit of a theme in my purchases though.. I am definitely being drawn towards retro glamour, from the 1920s to the 1950s. And why not? It was an undeniably stylish era, full of high octane fashion and screen icons. I am fast becoming obsessed with old black and white movies, so maybe my fashion sense is just reflecting my general interests. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that pretty much the entire fashion world is loving that era too..

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Rain, rain, go away.

Here's a typically British post for you all  - the weather is seriously getting to me. It is April, which is definitely spring, and it should be heading towards summer. But no, this week has actually felt like the seasons are working backwards and we are heading back in to some kind of secondary winter! I really hope it doesn't last because I love the sun, warm weather, and summery clothes, and besides, I have already packed my coats away for the year.. The last thing I want is for this miserable rain to continue and put a downer on the transitional time between spring and summer, which is usually a time I really enjoy.

Cardigan - Dorothy Perkins; Top - H&M; Skirt - Internacionale; Tights - Primark; Shoes & Ring - Topshop; Bracelets - New Look; Necklace - Accessorize; Earrings - Miss Selfridge.

I can't really say I was channelling a particular style today, this was really just an eclectic combination of pieces I love that fortunately went well together. I really love the butterfly print on my H&M vest top, and I feel it combines well with the leopard print skirt because they are in simple colour schemes, and are both vaguely nature-inspired prints. The monochrome, slightly prim cardigan works to tone down the mix of patterns, and the gold accessories add a level of detail without taking over the outfit. I always think that if a piece of jewellery draws too much attention away from the clothes then it isn't working - unless of course you are basing your look around one statement piece. I also always try to avoid over-accessorizing, because that makes an ensemble seem cluttered - there is a fine line with accessorizing outfits and I always try to walk it.

This outfit, while looking perfectly sensible in the blast of early-morning sunshine in the photo, was actually anything but practical today. I managed to vary from being too cold to too hot, and fabric ballet pumps are definitely not the most practical of shoes to wear in the pouring rain..

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Tip top.

At the moment I am a strange mix of excited and petrified, thanks to the fact that it is only a week until I become an adult. Well, that accounts for the excited, but the petrified? Oh, that's because my first exam is that day too. Yes, some cruel twist of fate means I am going to be examined on my ability to talk fashion in Spanish. And some other, more depressing unknown subjects too (out of the environment, racism, terrorism and unemployment). It's a well-known fact among my teachers and friends that I hate speaking exams - I get incredibly nervous. So all in all, not what I was hoping for on my birthday.. And now every time I count down to my birthday, I count down to the exam as well! Today, the pressure and excitement really started to sink in. So forgive me if today's outfit isn't quite as put-together as you are used to..

Blazer - ASOS; Shirt & Shoes - New Look; Skirt & Cuff - H&M; Tights - Primark; Ring - Topshop; Collar Tips - Ebay.

Today's outfit consisted of some sharp, simple separates, pulled together with the detail. I am wearing this white, chiffony shirt for the first time and I love it. In this outfit it has been dressed up with the blazer for my take on some sleek, business-like tailoring, then the look has been softened by my colour block pleated skirt and some quirky patterned tights. From the waist up I am dressed quite androgynously, in a classic masculine combination of a blazer and a white shirt buttoned to the top, but waist down is more feminine and quirky, and the contrast is what makes this look interesting. I said the detail pulls it together, and it does - the block of purple adds interest, and the pleats add another level of texture that is very of-the-minute. 

My favourite detail however has to be my new collar tips! I have been seeing them on shirts in shops and on celebrities, and love the extra detail they add, but I was struggling to find any in stores or online that weren't permanently attached to a shirt. I love shirts, but I wanted the versatility of some collar tips I could add to any of the shirts and blouses with collars that I already own. So I went to the website that sells everything - ebay. And these gorgeous vintage style ones turned up - I adore the shell motif and stylized shape of them, and the way they take a plain shirt to a whole new sartorial level.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

A different girl every day.

I am definitely getting out of my blogging rhythm.. But I have a fair excuse. Yesterday evening I was doing the second part of my Passplus course, which will hopefully save money on my car insurance, and we got back so late that I decided to go straight to bed and not do any of the things I probably should have! So today will be a double outfit post (aren't you lucky!), with yesterday's look as well as today's..

So yesterday I was informed that the weather for the day was going to be stormy, windy, rainy and generally terrible. Most people, upon hearing this, would have reached for their coats, boots and umbrellas before setting foot outside. But not me.

Blazer - Bershka; Dress - ASOS; Shoes & Tights - Primark; Bracelet - Pandora; Rings - Yumi, Topshop & Accessorize.

I dressed in the exact opposite of a storm - namely this season's super-sweet pastels! They all compliment each other so well, why not wear them all together? Colour blocking has been a trend for quite a few seasons now and it used to be all about brights, but now it is seriously cool to look like you were dragged through a sweet shop backwards in gorgeous pastel shades. I am loving these sugar-sweet colours, especially mixed together. I pulled together my favourite pastel pieces - a peach blazer, powder-blue dress and mint shoes - and love the result. This look is probably too feminine and sickly for some, but I am a real girl's girl so I love anything like this!

Today's look wasn't quite so girlie, but that doesn't mean I played it safe either..

Blazer - ASOS; Blouse - Blanco; Jeans & Cuff - H&M; Shoes - New Look; Necklace - christmas present from parents; Ring - Miss Selfridge.

Since today was a half day, I opted for something that I would call minimal effort. Most people would probably say I was still dressed up, but I am wearing jeans! I also decided to dress for the summer again with a tropical print - if I could just dive right into that pattern and onto a beach I would! Just excuse the slightly awful picture - this was taken after I got home, feeling a bit like a drowned rat from getting rained on. Hence my awkward little pose, and the fact my feet are cut off..

So here are two different outfits that all emanate from my wardrobe - I love the way that I can dress up completely differently day in day out. Especially this season when there are so many trends on the go, it is just oh-so-easy to indulge every side of your personality with a different outfit. 

Love and kisses, Tara xox

About 60% of my wardrobe is floral.

It's true. I can't seem to stop myself buying floral prints of all kinds - small and ditzy, digitized, watercolour-esque, vintage style.. It's safe to say that I have a variation of most florals in my collection, and on pretty much any item you can think of. I don't know what it is, but a good floral print can make me stop in my tracks, then sprint to the cashier, eager to part with my money to add more blooms to my vast fabric bouquet. And with such an array of florals, it is only natural and sensible to mix them up, wearing more than one print at the same time (not only practical, but very du jour!), just like today.

Shirt - H&M; Skirt - River Island; Flatforms - ASOS; Tights - Primark; Ring - Miss Selfridge; Earrings - Topshop.

To me this look just screams spring - I only wish it had been warm enough to brave bare legs to make it ooze summer! I adore both of the floral prints, and I think they work together for a bit of a clash thanks to the colour blocked skirt and plain black tights, which let the patterns do all the talking. The lighter, slightly watercolour style blooms on the shirt provide a cute comparison with the bold, graphic flowers festooning my new flatforms, which also helps. I just have to say how much I love my flatforms - if you have been reading for a while you probably know I went on a flatform-hunt which culminated in me purchasing these beauties from ASOS reasonably recently. However, I only just got a chance to christen them, and I have to report back that they are now my favourite day shoes. They are uber-comfortable since they are flat, but they give me those crucial extra few inches that help make me almost average height. Plus, they make quite a style statement - I think they attracted a little bit of attention around college..

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Out and about again.

Yesterday afternoon I had a good catch-up with Florence, one of my closest friends, which consisted mostly of inhabiting a corner of Costa for a few hours and making a coffee last a long time.. But obviously I couldn't be in town without going into a few little shops! I know, I just keep shopping - maybe I have a spending addiction or something, but I just love shopping. The thrill of new clothes and knowing you look your absolute best are possibly the best feelings in the world, or at least good enough to make getting up for college worthwhile. This is what I wore to go to town..

Blazer - Blanco; Shorts - H&M; T-shirt - Pull & Bear; Shoes - Topshop; Bag - H! by Henry Holand; Tights - Primark; Bracelet - Temporary Secretary; Necklace - Accessorize.

I finally got up the courage to wear my peach pastel blazer, and I am glad I did. My black blazer is one of the most basic items in my wardrobe and goes with everything, which means it has an air of security around it, whereas the pastel blazer is a lot more of a statement. I absolutely love it though, and the way it makes me feel so much more bright and summery. It works well with these patterned shorts, which I also adore, and a simple print tee to make a casual, cute spring look. I also really like the colour mix of the peach blazer and the purple bag. I tried out a few of my new makeup buys too - the gold colour tattoo eyeshadow and popsticks lipstick, so expect a review soon.

I am not going to lie, the majority of my shopping haul this time came from Primark. Endlessly ridiculed as poor quality, cheap and tacky, Primark doesn't have the best rep on the high street, and I will admit that finding good items in there is like panning for gold - you've got to pick through a lot of dirt first.

 

This baroque print vest was such good value that I couldn't say no. I love a bold print and this will be perfect for some clashing - it's bold, bright and just the right side of trashy. And since this is a long top and I am really short, it will work as a dress over leggings for me!

Getting my five-a-day just got easier! With this fruit and veg print sundress I can look cute, quirky and healthy all summer. It may be just a simple dress, and might not last long, but with such transient trends a quick way to capture the look is just what I need.

I really do buy too many shirts. But there are just so many cute variations out there - patterned, sheer, printed, embellished, coloured, waterfall hem.. It is all too easy to buy and wear loads of them. They also go with any separates and are perfect for layering. This particular shirt was a must-buy thanks to the embellished collar, which just oozes tribal chic and will add interest to simplistic outfits.

After Primark I hit Miss Selfridge. I already had one thing in mind..

I may not do sportswear, but I do do retro glamour, and I am up for getting my high-driff out! Oh, and high-driff is the top part of your stomach - don't show belly button, but do bare some flesh this season. I love the lace detail on this bra top, and it is the perfect way to start out with bralets since it is in a simple shape and colour. I'll be pairing this with some of my many high-waisted items to hit the 1950s look.

I just couldn't resist a bit of sale jewellery! These earrings will be perfect with any tops that don't suit necklaces, and will create quite a statement. The ring is also a statement, and I love the sun shape because it makes me think of summer, my favourite season. The spikes could be a bit deadly though, so don't get on my bad side when I'm wearing it!

And that is the summary of yet another day out shopping - are there any other kinds of day out for me? What do you all think of my purchases? Also, I just wanted to say thankyou to everyone who has followed me and been commenting on my posts - it means a lot to me that anyone reads my posts and likes what I am saying.

Love and kisses, Tara xox