London haul.

Bonjour mes chers, from sunny Paris! I am attempting to keep up with blogging a bit and have pre-written this before I left England...

Brace yourseves, this is gonna be a long one.. So go grab a cuppa and settle in for a little parade of my latest buys from the Shangri-La of high street shopping - Oxford Street. I keep on saying that I need to save money, and that I have a lot of clothes and could probably get by without many more, but when confronted with that surreal level of shopping heaven, I cave. And I cave big time..

FOREVER 21

There is no Forever 21 near me, so I hit this one hard! I love the 1920s feel of the first top, it will be ideal for going out, and the other pieces were picked up in the sale for my upcoming summer holiday.

H&M

This top was just so Mary Katrantzou, I couldn't resist!

 NEW LOOK

Gonna get my retro on in this dress from Kelly Brook for New Look. Hello, Marilyn.

TOPSHOP

Me at the Topshop sale is like a kid in a sweet shop.. restraint was impossible. I ended up unable to resist a new cute sweatshirt, yet another gorgeous print, some sweet detailing and with a bit more 1920s fever.

JEWELLERY

Here's a motley collection of my jewellery buys.. All gorgeous, all irresistible. Stud Earrings & Shell Earrings - Forever 21. Bracelet & Ring - Topshop. Ear Cuff - H&M.

SELFRIDGES

I was in heaven in the Food Hall, and ended up treating myself to something naughty but nice - Pink Vodka. Gorgeous. And anywhere that gives you free tasters of vodka at 12.30pm is alright by me.

Finally, the end of my London haul.. I have got some gorgeous pieces.. and not much money! Any favourites among my picks? I can't choose - I love them all.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Hitting the capital.

One of my all-time favourite places in the country is London. Despite being a complete country girl who lives in the middle of nowhere and feels completely small-town in anywhere remotely resembling a city, I just can't get enough of the capital. I try to go there at least once every year, generally lured in for the shops.. This time I went up with a friend and as well as blasting our way around Oxford Street we also went to the Christian Louboutin 20 year exhibition at the Design Museum, which was a completely beautiful celebration of a shoe genius! I wanted to stroke every pair in there. 

Blazer - Bershka; Top, Bag, Earrings & Cross Bracelet - Topshop; Skirt - River Island; Tights - Primark; Shoes - New Look; Cuff & Ring - H&M.

My trusty peach blazer got another outing today, working with one of my favourite cute summer prints - fruit print a la D&G, in the form of my cherry print skirt. I like the way the lace top stops me looking too covered up considering the high neckline, and the cute peter pan collar is just sweet. I had originally planned to wear this outfit without tights, but since the weather was pretty typically british (aka rainy) I had to add them in. I like all of the light, bright tones of this outfit, which make me stand out in the busy London crowds!

Here you have seen me looking like a complete tourist taking my outfit photo on Tower Bridge, and I am sure you will have clocked the shopping bags in my hand.. Well, they deserve their own post, so coming soon is my Oxford Street haul!

Love and kisses, Tara xox

PS. I am going to Paris tomorrow for a few days, so I may not be very vocal on the blog. I will try to post some more (such as my London buys) while I am away but I might get carried away living it up a la Parisienne.. So for now, au revoir et a bientot mes amies.

My week in instagram.. #1

I have seen so many posts like this, and I love them as a really cute way to finish off the week. I am also completely in love with instagram, it is my favourite app of all time and the effects make me happy. I haven't taken many photos so far, but here comes my first week in instagram snapshots.. I am going to try and do this every Sunday!

 Monday's revision viewing - Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amelie Poulain | Close up of Tuesday's floral headband | Self shot of Wednesday's look | Summer in a glass - iced lemonade | Details of Thursday's outfit | Finding my perfect chocolate in Selfridges | Squirty cream | Some messy shots for pre-drinks | Lining my stomach with millionaire shortbread

 Posts about the last few days in detail to come - I am slowly catching up on all my shenanigans! Had a pretty good week this week though, lots to instagram.. 

Follow me on instagram @babydolltara!

Love and kisses, Tara xox
 

Getting a social life again.

I have returned from the first few days of celebrating my freedom (woo!) and have plenty of things to show you all.. First up is a quick outfit post - I wore this a few days ago to town with some friends, and fully enjoyed being out on a weekday instead of in college! Before you ask, the slightly psychotic smile is clearly me relishing the moment. It was the best photo, honest.

Blazer - Bershka; Top, Skirt, Cuff & Ring - H&M; Shoes - New Look; Tights - Primark; Necklace, Cross Bracelet & Bag - Topshop; Earrings - Miss Selfridge.

Despite the large volume of black in this outfit, it still looks pretty light and bright thanks to my uplifting peach blazer, bright shoes and pastel bag. The smile probably doesn't hurt either! I was again quite restrained on print, wearing more simple colour-block separates with a butterfly print vest. I adore this vest because the print is quite dreamy and summery, and goes well with my light pleated skirt. Although I say this outfit is quite light and summer-ready, I would love the chance to be able to wear tops without a jacket or blazer, or being able to go out with bare legs and not be all over goosebumps..

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Sweet freedom.

MY EXAMS ARE OVER!

Okay, now that is out of my system I can get on with the post. Today I had to go in to college for my final exam (French), meaning that I have officially finished college. A beautiful feeling of freedom is coming over me now, as revision is no longer on the agenda and deadlines become a thing of the past. To celebrate, my outfit felt quite free-spirited and eclectic..

Shirt - H&M; Shorts & Tights - Primark; Shoes & Headband - New Look; Rings - Topshop.

I love my new striped shorts since they are gorgeously light and summery, as well as being flattering with their high waistline. Since I love a bit of a print mix I paired them with one of my favourite tops, this sheer floral shirt, and instead of tucking it in I tied it at the front for a more relaxed feel. Then I added coral slippers and a cute floral headband for a whimsical edge to the outfit. Strangers in the street complimented me on it - clearly I am doing something right with this accessory!

One quick little notice - I won't be able to post for a few days, possibly not until the weekend since I am busy celebrating my new found freedom with friends over the next few days.. Follow me on instagram @babydolltara to keep up with my life in pretty little snapshots.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

If money was no object.

Constantly reading fashion magazines full of expensive things was bound to get to me one day, so today I compiled a list of the things I would buy if I had limitless money (or a very rich boyfriend). I don't even want to add up this imaginary spending spree.. 

1. Mary Katrantzou print dress.

2. Burberry trench coat.

3. Valentino Pre Fall/Winter 2012 asymmetric dress.

4. Prada flame shoes.

5. Mulberry Del Rey bag.

6. Christian Louboutin spike embellished heels.

7. Balmain gold embellished jacket.

8. Miu Miu gold 40s style sunglasses.

9. Prada earrings.

10. Guiseppe Zanotti heel-less heels.

The cost of this lot doesn't bear thinking about.. However they would all add in to one killer wardrobe! Maybe one day I will be rich/famous/important enough to be able to justify buying these sorts of beautiful things but for now a girl can dream..

What would you go and buy if you could spend any ridiculous amount of money?

Love and kisses, Tara xox

In love with my mint shoes.

Once again I am sorry for the long wait between posts.. I am a truly terrible blogger at the moment! Honestly, the past few days have been lazy days interspersed with work and revision, but mostly consisting of hiding at home in my sweats watching Disney films - I haven't had much time to myself recently so the opportunity to just relax has been lovely. Today however I was out and about shopping again and attracting a few looks..

Shirt - Blanco; Skirt - River Island; Shoes - New Look; Bag, Earrings & Bracelets - Topshop; Ring - H&M.

I think it was the shoes that were attracting attention. Well, they are pretty gorgeous - I love the mint green hue and those immense platforms.. and they are suprisingly comfortable too. I ignored the weather again and even though it was cloudy with a chance of rain I wore a summery outfit. The bright skirt and tropical print were the perfect way to brighten the day and make it feel a bit more like summer, especially with bare legs and a bright lip.

Dress - Topshop

This dress was a complete impulse buy. It caught my eye as I walked in, I tried it on and fell in love. I adore the bright print that is a mix of so many florals and paisley, which looks bold, eye-catching and perfect for summer (if it ever gets here). I also love the cutout detail which captures the trend of showing your high-driff (the top bit of your stomach) this season, and is also super-flattering because of how it is placed and how the dress is cut. It gives you awesome curves too.

Shorts - Primark

The stripes on these shorts remind me of a stick of rock - the epitome of a summertime beach trip. They are high waisted, which means they will go with anything and the light hues makes them perfect for if we ever get some proper sun. 

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Embellished shorts come out to play.

This is actually yesterday's look of the day - after my exam I basically collapsed into my bed and didn't move for a long time because I finally powered down after my hectic weekend at work and the two exams this week. Yesterday I was having one of those days where outfit combinations didn't quite look right - I went through about ten before finally settling for this.

Shirt - H&M; Shorts - River Island; Tights - Primark; Shoes - New Look; Rings - Topshop.

Once again I seem to be re-working some of my older denim pieces.. I have had these shorts a while and I love the festival feel of them with the embellishments. Everyone seems to be working short shorts at the moment, so here is yet another pair of mine! The floral shirt I paired them with is one of my favourite pieces because it goes with so many things and looks beautifully summery while being suitable for our confusing spring/summer climate. I'm not totally happy with the way the shorts sit on me (possibly because they are too big!) but I like this outfit because it is a little eclectic and a little OTT - that's me all over.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Yes, I am still here.

Okay, I am going to apologise now for the silence over the weekend blog-wise. I hate people who give excuses for everything so I'm just gonna say this - Friday to Sunday I worked 24 hours, and I had an exam today and one tomorrow to cram for.. The blog took a hit. Besides, since I basically lived at work/in my bed I had done nothing interesting to share with you all. But today I have resurfaced and begun to look human again as I ventured back to college after half term for my English exam.. Yes, as of today my English A level is over! And only two more exams to go! Let's hope this one went well..

Dress, Denim Jacket, Cross Bracelet & Necklace - Topshop; Creepers - Amazon; Tights - Primark; Ring & Earrings - Miss Selfridge.

This Topshop dress has been one of my staples for longer than I care to remember, and people are probably sick of me wearing it to death but it just always seems relevant, and it is one of the easiest pieces to style up. It is floral, but not in a girlie way, and although it can be styled femininely, today I wanted to edge it up a bit. I bought this sleeveless denim jacket last year in Topshop and am so glad I can keep working it since I am still seeing them everywhere! It makes its first appearance of the year as one of my summer loves - despite the rain, it is June and I am wearing my summer clothes regardless. It is the perfect way to toughen a floral dress, especially with my new creepers. Not only was this a cute yet edgy look, but the chunky shoes kept my feet warm in the cold sports hall while I sat my exam.. perfect.

Speaking of exams, my next one is tomorrow and my last one is next week, so I could still be a bit erratic and absent on the blog, but after then I should be able to get back in to regular posting.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Mermaid-esque.

Last night another of my really close friends had her 18th birthday party, and it was brilliant. I was actually enjoying myself too much to take many pictures (but if I had taken them, they would be full of cherry sourz, trampolines, doing the Superbass dance, cake and gorgeous friends). As it is, all I have to show for the evening is beautiful memories.. and an outfit post for you all! It feels like I always do daytime looks, so here is an evening ensemble.

Dress - River Island; Shoes & Clutch - New Look; Bracelet - Accessorize; Ring - Vivienne Westwood; Necklace - Avon.

Last night while trying to decide what to wear I realised I had had this dress since Christmas and hadn't worn it! Of course then I had to work it, since it is party perfect and actually quite on-trend for SS'12 with the mermaid-inspired ruffles at the bottom that fit with the Under-The-Sea trend. I also love the racerback detail on the back with a gorgeous sparkling pin. I kept my accessories fairly simple, sticking to classy silver jewellery, and metallic gold shoes, with a purple envelope clutch thrown in to stop the ensemble being too pale and dull.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Sunshine & showers.

Venturing out for the first real time this week, post-jubilee and looking forward to summer, I hit the shops again. Expecting sunshine, I dressed optimistically for a warm June day, and was instead greeted with odd little bursts of sun mixed into some dismal rain. But I did pick up some gorgeous summery pieces in town today that picked the mood of the day right up.

Top & Skirt - New Look; Shoes, Bag & Earrings - Topshop; Bracelet - Primark; Ring - H&M.

Going for quite a simple, feminine look made up of sweet separates, I definitely was hoping for better weather than I got. I love the two complementary floral patterns though - the bright, abstract skirt works well with the cutout vest, which always feels very summery to me. The pastel bag and glitter flats added another layer of girliness and kept the look light and sweet.

Cork heel sandals - New Look

I couldn't resist these heels. I have needed a new pair of summer heels for quite a while now, and these are just stunning. Mint green is my favourite colour right now, and not only will these give me a serious height boost, but they are actually really comfortable since the heel is so chunky. Love.

Maxi skirt - New Look

Another thing I have been searching for is a maxi skirt, and the search was getting more desperate as my holiday approaches! The colour of this skirt is what really caught my eye, and then the lightweight material and flowing cut convinced me that I had to have it. Of course, to make it fit my petite frame I will need to take it up (with help from my mum) but it is still worth it.

Peplum top - River Island

I have been seeing peplums on anyone who is anyone in the fashion universe, and although I was dubious at first I am now convinced that I need to work one, after seeing so many different and inspirational ways to wear one. I opted for a top because it will be versatile, and this one in particular because I love the fierce, metallic print.

Jewellery - Topshop

Lastly, I got enticed in by the jewellery sale in Topshop and managed to pick up some sweet pieces for under £5 altogether! 

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Diamond Jubilee Concert Style.

Completely going back on my statement that I wasn't being super-patriotic, here comes the rundown of the best looks and fiercest style statements from last night's Diamond Jubilee Concert. I don't know when I became such a royalist, but last night I found myself settling down in front of the television with a vodka and coke to watch the acts perform to celebrate 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II as our monarch. Naturally, before long I was critiquing the costumes, groaning at the comedian's "jokes" and imagining what the queen was actually thinking of this. All in all it was a good night, lots of classic British artists from every decade of her reign and some epic fireworks. Prince Charles gave a speech and was probably the wittiest man on stage all evening..

First up is Jessie J in a dress fit for a Rio carnival. I love the glitz and glamour of this, it is the perfect statement for a stage costume, and the black booties and slick updo are the perfect complements.

I may not be a huge fan of Cheryl, but I have a lot of love and appreciation for this dress! The silhouette is striking and feminine, and I adore the sequins, but the real showstopper is that ombre fishtail. Gorgeous.

The legendary Grace Jones went a little more unconventional in this PVC body with a flowing train and unusual headwear. Only Grace or Gaga could have pulled this off, and I don't know whether to be more impressed with her singing, how good she looks for her age, or the fact she hula-hooped for the entire performance.

An angelic Annie Lennox belted out There Must Be An Angel and wowed the crowds with her powerful voice. Personally I love her ensemble from the sparkling maxi dress to the metallic elbow-gloves and those plush angel wings. 

In an outfit inspired by the Pearly Kings and Queens of London, Kylie performed a medley of hits. I love how she has made a clever reference while still looking her Showgirl self, and those boots are to die for.

I couldn't do this post without mentioning Elton John in his pink sequinned blazer with matching glasses - he's such a diva.

Finally, here is the gorgeous dress Her Majesty chose to wear last night - it is stunning. The gold, embellished gown makes her look even more regal, but has a slightly party-ish edge. Well played ma'am. You will also see that Kylie changed into a beautiful white, almost Grecian dress that makes her look Goddess-like, and this was because later on she was to help the Queen with her meet-and-greet.

This was a brilliant night, and a lovely celebration of the Queen's 60 years through music. Finally, Happy Diamond Jubilee to Her Majesty, and hopefully she still has many long and happy years ahead of her.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Star Style Obsession - Mollie King

While everyone goes crazy about the jubilee today I am currently sat at home flicking through magazines and blogs. Which means that instead of some crazy royalist post (well, I have already obsessed over the Queen's style..) you are going to be getting some inspiration from another of my style heroes. This girl does, oddly enough, have a suitably royal name considering she is Mollie King, but other than that and a bit of a link to Prince Harry, this is quite unrelated. I just happened to see one of her latest looks and was then reminded of all of her stylish appearances that have impressed me. 

I am not a Saturdays fan in the slightest, but I have to admit they all scrub up pretty well and look irritatingly gorgeous in every appearance, and Mollie is in my opinion the most stylish of the five. Unusually for me, the looks I love the most are not her on-duty, red carpet ensembles, but her off-duty street style looks because she manages to make a stylish statement with every look, as well as being the epitome of easy-breezy daytime fashion. So for once, I won't be drooling over couture gowns that have no practical place in my wardrobe, but eyeballing some gorgeous daytime pieces that I could legitimately consider trying to buy.

Okay, you know me, I can't resist a few evening looks. This dress is pretty much perfect on Mollie - I love the lingerie-inspired lace and sleek midi-length, as well as the super-flattering silhouette.

 This is such a cute, playful red carpet look. I love the 60s style shift dress with oversized polka dots, and simple styling she has employed, with a voluminous up-do, heavy eyeliner and black heels. The look ensures she stands out next to Vanessa too.

 Working a hi-low hemline before most of us got in on the act, Mollie looks beautiful at the Harry Potter premiere. The ethereal, floaty dress is simply stunning on her and is perfectly complemented by white heels and her gorgeous tumbling waves and natural makeup.

A slightly more casual evening look, I love the polka dot body-con dress because the sleeves and high neckline are perfectly balanced by the shorter hemline that shows off her enviable legs. The matchy-matchy tan accessories are perfect with her navy dress.

Now we are really hitting the more casual looks as Mollie walks through an airport working that killer combination of tan and navy. That gorgeous scarf-print skirt is perfect for summer and really makes her stand out in the crowd, while still being comfortable and casual enough for travel.

Here's Mollie with a masterclass in how to work double denim - simply choose a light wash jacket and shorts, then team with a contrasting floaty top, messy updo, sandals and a luxe handbag.

Chic tailoring at its best here I think. I love the clean lines of this outfit and the neutral-yet-contrasting hues of navy, beige and white that are perfectly offset by some super-luxe accessories. I am incredibly jealous of her bag collection.

Tailoring seems to be one of Mollie's specialities. These gorgeous blue shorts could easily have been smartened up with a blazer for evening, but I love how she has toned them down with a cute white top, polka dot scarf belt and oversized sunglasses.

I promise I am not just in love with this look because I have the exact same dress in pink.. It helps though. The lace overlay is gorgeous and so Valentino, and again those tan accessories make it perfect for day but with a luxe edge.

Breaking out some gorgeous tailoring again on an outing with Frankie, but this time working a shorts suit in powder-pink. I have always been dubious about matching shorts suits, but Mollie does look gorgeous and sweet in this one, especially thanks to the pastel hue. I like how she has kept the look light with a white scallop-edged vest and blush-pink heels.

Another airport look, but not one that I am sure I would be brave enough to replicate, however much I love it! This grey t-shirt dress is gorgeous and super-cute with that rubber duck motif, and I love how it has been styled up with fierce heels, a luxe bag and uber-cool sunglasses.

Finally, this is the look that reminded me of Mollie's stunning style. I simply adore the 1950s trend this season, and I have been wanting to try a bralet with a pencil skirt for quite some time - this look has inspired me to go for it! I love the sweet white bralet with the brightly printed skirt, and again those gorgeous tan accessories and beautiful blonde locks.

I love Mollie's style and am hopefully going to emulate some of her daytime looks, especially in that she always looks very "done" and polished - definitely not a lazy-day-in-trackies girl! What do you think of her style?

Love and kisses, Tara xox