London Fashion Weekend.

Despite my money-less-ness I hit London Fashion Weekend at Somerset House on Thursday 20th September. I am really disappointed to say that my camera died so I don't have many photos, and that I couldn't buy very much, but I literally had the best day.

I explored all of the stores and drooled over their contents, gathering inspiration for my newest looks. I picked up on anything free (hello, Diet Coke, coffee testers and kinder buenos), as well as gathering postcards, catalogues and business cards to put up for fash-spiration! I abused the free photo ops as well - so much love for Canon cameras and Jean-Paul Gaultier for Diet Coke for these masterpieces..

I also managed to meet VV Brown, who dwarfed me, as she had a little pop-up VV Vintage store. She looked casual, fashionable and was absolutely lovely.

This was also the best outfit shot of the day - 100% me. Bold pants, a little bit of studding, some discreet skin flashing and my clompy, comfy, beautiful creepers.

After spending hours wandering around in a fashion heaven and taking in the DAKS mini designer catwalk (gorgeous), I listened to the Twitter Panel talk, collected my Showbag and went for a wander around the Strand.

Mulberry fabric tote | Velvet pocket tissues | Elizabeth Arden moisturizing cream | shopstyle.com pocket mirror | Self tan applicating mitt | Compeed blister plasters | Lavazza coffee | Jean Paul Gaultier Diet Coke night time | Label M sea salt hair spray | Colgate whitening toothpaste - All free as part of my Shop + The Lot package!

While surrounded by gorgeous designer items and stunning pieces I was really finding it hard not to spend money, and I will admit I caved a little..

 Gold cuff & double gold ring - nelly.com

The end of my day consisted of a yummy frozen yoghurt, followed by a cocktail at TGI Fridays and finishing up by stumbling upon Covent Garden before taking the bus back home and collapsing in a fashion coma.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

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

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

Home improvements.

This is a bit of first here because I am going to post about some recent modifications to my home environment - obviously you don't have the 'before' pictures for comparison but you can see what I have done now.. It sounds a lot more impressive than it is, so please bear in mind that I am a student, living at home with my parents and only in control of my actual room, and only in so far as I can put new things on the walls. Which is what I have done! Firstly I have used some more of my birthday presents next to my bed..

Yes, I finally got around to hanging up my Kylie autograph because my parents framed it for me for my birthday! I love it, and now the light etc won't make it fade. Perfect. I also got a Breakfast At Tiffany's poster from them - they know me very well, since that is my favourite film and a large part of me wants to be Audrey Hepburn. Lastly, I picked up this Lady Gaga poster myself in town and I adore it. It is from the Monster Ball tour and makes me even more excited for the Born This Way Ball. I really love my wall now that it has three of my icons on it!

As well as putting up some gorgeous pictures I have put up a handy jewellery storage solution - well when I say I, I really mean that I had the idea and my dad made it and installed it..

For years I have found that I have so many necklaces that if I store them in a box or anything they just get tangled up and I have to spend hours every week or so untangling them, so I tried to come up with a better way to store them. My idea was this necklace rack - yes, it makes my room look a little bit like a shop I will admit, but it really does keep them separate. It also makes it really easy to see which necklaces I have, which makes choosing my accessories easier. All it is is one large piece of wood for the backing, a smaller one of the same length for the higher rail and then quite a few cylindrical 'pegs' glued in at a slight angle to keep the necklaces on. I'm not going to pretend to tell you how to make it since I am a complete hazard when it comes to DIY, but anyone who is good at making things should be able to knock one up.

And those are my highly exciting home improvements - it may not seem like much of a difference but they really do make my room a lot more "me", and the necklace rack is incredibly useful and practical.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

I should turn 18 every year.

Finally growing up in to an adult may be scary, but on the definite plus side along with being able to do a variety of new, fun and potentially brilliant new things, you get a very good haul of presents. Everyone wants to make it a birthday to remember, and often want to get you things you can keep forever, or just send pretty insane amounts of money. I have to admit, my presents this year were incredible, and I am just sorry it has taken me so long to get around to posting!

1. The New Students Veggie Cookbook

2. My Week With Marilyn - Colin Clark

3. Thorntons chocolate champagne bottle

4. Marilyn Monroe boxset

5. The Barbara Stanwyck Collection DVDs

6. Classic Screen Sirens boxset

7. River Cottage Veg Everyday - Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

8. The Big Sleep DVD

9. Cleopatra DVD

10. Emma Bridgewater notebook

11. Passion - Lauren Kate

12. Floral hairclip

13. Voucher for a free luxury manicure at Luci Foreman

14. Topshop Petite lace dress

15. Body Shop Love Etc gift set

16. Swarovski ring

17. Vivienne Westwood earrings

18. Vivienne Westwood ring

19. River Island heart earrings

20. Topshop cross earrings

21. River Island leaf earrings

22. Yumi parrot print tee

23. Elephant necklace

24. Blue feather necklace

25. Roses necklace

26. Butterfly necklace

27. Long beaded necklace

28. Vintage style floral cameo rings

29. Peach schnapps

30. Alice in Wonderland 'Curioser and curiouser' mug

31. Topshop gift card

32. Selection of Topshop underwear

33. Jewellery box

34. Tiffany heart necklace

From this gorgeous selection of presents I think you will agree my friends and family know me pretty well! I absolutely love everything, and can't wait to make each piece a part of my life. I have already worn the gorgeous Topshop lace dress, Vivienne Westwood jewels, Tiffany necklace and River Island leaf earrings (outfit photos to come soon - promise). I also spent my morning off today watching black and white films, becoming steadily more obsessed with Lauren Bacall, Barbara Stanwyck and 1940s glamour. I know, I didn't think it was possible, but my nostalgia is growing.. I have read the books already too, and am bursting with ideas for meals from the two cookbooks. Thankyou once again to everyone for all the presents - I couldn't have asked for anything better.

Obviously, I got a fairly substantial sum of money for my birthday too, and as is tradition I put the majority away to save.. but that didn't stop me going and getting a few little belated birthday presents to myself!

Bag - Topshop 

I have wanted a gorgeous pastel, ladylike bag for ages and this one in Topshop had literally been calling my name.. so when I finally had a bit of money I went and treated myself to it. The colours are literally beautiful  - so impractical of course, but so sweet.

Chain bracelet, cross bracelet, rings - Topshop
Cross earrings - River Island

Jewellery is a bit of a weak spot for me. I can never resist a good sale and the cross bracelet and rings were just such bargains that I had to have them! I have also been eyeing up the chain bracelets for quite some time because they are slightly ethnic, unusual, individual and quite different, so I finally bought one for myself and can't wait to work it. I also picked up these cute cross earrings in River Island - I'm not religious, but for some reason I love crosses..

Purse - River Island

This lip-shaped purse was just so playful and cute that I couldn't quite resist. I love how fun it is, and that bright pink hue is very du jour for SS'12. Also, this has more than a little hint of Lulu Guinness to it!

So that is my amazing haul of presents, so grateful for all of them! Also thankyou to all of you who commented saying Happy Birthday, and just anyone who comments and reads at all to be honest - it always makes my day. 

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

So much love for Temporary Secretary.

/For absolutely agesI have been wanting to dedicate a post to my newest (and biggest) jewellery obsession, the little online world of dreamy cuteness that is Temporary Secretary, but the time never seemed right. I was in the midst of festive craziness, or in a college-y rush or simply thinking it wasn't very relevant on the day - but today is the perfect time to show my adoration of their gorgeous jewellery.

I'll warn you, there's a quick little outfit summary since I actually went to college lessons today.. here's what I wrapped up in today!

Coat - New Look; Dress & Tights - Topshop; Boots - Primark; Socks - Urban Outfitters; Scarf - christmas present; Moose Mittens - ASOS.
I'm not going to lie, today's look was built around the moose mittens. I cannot get over how awesome they are! And so cosy. I went for 'quirky' I think, wearing my opinion-dividing half-and-half tights along with a floral pattern dress and clompy boots..

And now onto the main part of this post. When I arrived home today I had a little box waiting for me from Temporary Secretary, so of course I got a little excited and it took me about ten minutes to get into it.. Once inside I found the sweetest little card, and my jewels all wrapped up beautifully in pink and lemon tissue paper. So sweet. I had bought one of the Lucky Dip bags, the £20 one, because so many of my friends have birthdays coming up and I wanted to treat them to some Temporary Secretary loveliness - and when I started to open the little packages up I had every intention of giving them away. Then I got a little carried away and fell in love with some things, and had to keep them. Shame on me. There can of course be no photos of the presents, because then they wouldn't be a surprise, but here are the goodies I selfishly kept for myself!

These were all just too cute to pass up! The apple core necklace is so kitsch and fun, and will be perfect with some of my more missmatched outfits.. And I may have gotten carried away with the moustaches. I don't know whether it's because a good 'tache is the new geek glasses, but I simply could not bring myself to give either the necklace or the ring away - simply amazing. Finally, you know what a good ring does to me, and this peacock beauty is gorgeous.

I can't even describe how much I adore Temporary Secretary jewels - they are the perfect mix of kitsch and vintage that give killer detail to any outfit. And the little cards/packaging done by the lovely Sarah have such a personal touch that I almost want to keep buying stuff just for the excitement of opening up the boxes! But don't take my word for it, head on over to Temporary Secretary and see for yourself.

One final thing I love is the Temporary Secretary blog, which is regularly updated by Sarah with her outfits, escapades and business-related goings-on. I could probably bang on forever about how amazing her style is (it's incredible, by the way) and how jealous I am of her clothes, hair and general loveliness, but I will suffice it to say that this blog is one of my favourites and is full of fashion inspiration as well as lovely posts to read. It's the best of both worlds over at TempSec for a blogger like me - gorgeous things to buy and a blog to keep me entertained. Seriously, go check this girl out.. you won't regret it! Love and kisses, Tara xox