The brightest crayon in the box.

Oh so many things could be said about today.. I am currently resisting the urge to serenade you with Friday-related songs, so I will settle instead for some ramblings about colour. I love colour, and can rarely put together an outfit without a pop of colour in there somewhere, because I just don't feel like me without it. The title of this post came from that old saying to indicate someone is a little slow - "you're not the brightest crayon in the box" - but I decided that today I was the brightest, given my colour-clash outfit!

Blouse - Lefties; Jeans - Primark; Flatforms - ASOS; Earrings, Cross Bracelet & Ring - Topshop; Necklace - Accessorize; Cuff - H&M.

Everything about today's look was bright and beautiful. Coloured denim is a much more summery way to wear your jeans, and I adore this cobalt blue pair that have been in my wardrobe for years - they make a statement, yet are really flattering and easy to wear. For a bit of a colour clash I paired them with my sorbet-pink blouse (definitely crayon-box colours here!) and I think it works because there is no pattern or shape, the colour contrast does all the talking. Of course, my outfits are rarely complete without a print, so I broke out my rather controversial flatforms again since it was going to be a dry day. I have received mixed reviews on these particular shoes, but I personally love them and intend to wear them to death when summer hits! 

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

Flatforms!

Quite a while ago now I wrote a post rambling on about how much I needed to get some flatforms in my life (check it out here), since they were the surprisingly popular emerging shoe trend of the season. I listed many gorgeous pairs in that post, picked my favourites, and then obviously ended up getting a completely different pair! 

 

I got these stunning floral flatforms from ASOS from their extensive selection of gorgeous pairs. I will admit that these weren't my first choice, but my favourites all had some part made of leather.. Disappointing. I then saw that these were 100% man-made, and decided that I quite liked the cute, colourful print, so I went for it. They arrived today and I eagerly shoved my feet into them, to find out that actually they were gorgeous, so comfortable and made me feel like summer. I wasn't overly sure about the ankle strap, since my short legs look even shorter when cut off at the ankle, but with the platform at the bottom it kind of works. I can't wait to wear these out, not only because they are bold and beautiful but also because they add height at a ridiculous level of comfort. 

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Wanted - Flatforms.

The wedge heel is making its customary comeback for spring, in many a style, pattern and colour, but while I adore wedge heels for their glamorous appearance and relative practicality, the fact that I am already a wedge convert with a couple of pairs at home means that I am hardly bouncing up and down on my sofa, raring to wear them. However, there is one slightly different, slightly unusual style of wedge that has me quite excited.. Say bonjour to..

THE FLATFORM.

This clever shoe shape was everywhere on the SS'12 catwalks, proving that flats can be high octane and glam too. At first glance, I was unconvinced. I thought they were a little unwieldy, a little clompy, and not really my cup of tea. Then I let them grow on me for a few months, et voila, I am now desperately seeking some perfect flatforms to complement my spring wardrobe! Honestly, any shoe that can give me (much-needed) extra height at relative comfort is my best friend. So here I am, hunting down a pair that are chic, stylish and affordable..

£50, Topshop
As per usual, my first stop on the hunt was Topshop, and I was not disappointed. I love the wooden sole of these, and the simplicity of the black uppers.

£55, Topshop
These lace up, espadrille style flatforms also come in orange and black, but they aren't my favourites. They are a little too casual for me, and a little too similar to trainers!

£110, Topshop Unique
Now these are more my style. The metallic hue is simply divine, as is the Prada-esque flame detailing. However, the lace up sneaker effect is still a little too sports luxe for my tastes.. And the price makes these way out of my league.

£35, River Island
I have seen these in store a few times, and thought the colour was simply stunning. I love the simple style of them, which lets the hue shine through and means they will mix and match easily. Not a fan of orange? They also come in black. These are my favourites so far..

£40, ASOS
As the purveyors of runway style and top trends that ASOS are, I naturally went running to them in search of flatforms, and their collection is pretty big! I love the pattern on their VARSITY flatforms, which also come in two other prints.

£35, ASOS
The print on these VEZZA flatforms is simply incredible. Not the easiest thing to mix and match, but definitely a gorgeous statement. These also come in denim, and would be the perfect easy-breezy spring footwear.

£50, ASOS
These VIPER flatforms come in a range of other colours, but this black & watercolour floral combination is my personal favourite. These just epitomise spring for me - somehow they are romantic, strong, eye-catching and simple all at the same time. Practicality goes out of the window a bit with them, but oh well, fashion over function!

After looking at these stunning flatforms, I don't feel like I need to hunt any further. If you're not totally convinced by any of these, or aren't a fan of the patterns, try looking at ASOS's flatforms here because they have so many more prints and styles, from pastel flatform trainers to high basket weave pairs. 

Personally, I am a little bit torn between the orange River Island flatforms and the ASOS VIPER flatforms. I know, the orange ones are more practical, affordable, easier to style and probably easier to wear, but those ASOS flatforms are calling out to me. I do adore the River Island pair though, and in an ideal world I would definitely get both! Give me a few days to weigh them up and make my decision, and then maybe you'll be seeing spring's new wedge style on the end of my (short) legs. 

I can see that the River Island pair are the more sensible investment, but the ASOS VIPER flatforms are so beautiful my heart literally goes out to them. And which to follow, head or heart? Which ones would you go for?

Love and kisses, Tara xox

PS. I just had the amazing realisation that I now have 60 followers! (does mad little dance and squeals excitedly) This honestly made my day, because I never dreamed of getting one follower for the my random fashion thoughts & it amazes me that anyone reads it at all! I am also over 15000 page views - thankyou so much to all the people who read, follow + comment, you make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.