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