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

In bloom.

In my world there is no such thing as too much floral print. Or flowers in general. Especially when the great British summertime seems like it might finally be getting in full swing, because they are seasonal, gorgeous and so so versatile. Whether it's watercolour flowers, ditzy little prints or digital blooms I adore them all, and have a lot of floral things in my wardrobe that just scream Spring/Summer. Which is why today I went all out with the florals - and no, it's definitely not overkill.

Dress & Headband - New Look; Shoes - Topshop; Necklace - Accessorize; Bracelet - Primark; Ring - H&M.

I think the fact that I am full of the joys of summer is visible here - head-to-toe flower power! This is one of the new dresses I picked up on Saturday, and I already love it. The high-to-low hem feels gorgeously floaty and summery, as does the light fabric, while the bold daisy print makes it stand out from the crowd. The finishing touches were some cute gladiator sandals from Topshop (re-surfacing for the first time this year!) with fabric flowers in a neutral tone, and a gorgeous Lana Del Rey-esque floral headband. I felt like a little bit of a hippie child, but I'm cool with that.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Getting a little patriotic.

Okay, okay, normally I don't get swept up in these kind of events, and I can safely say that 'royal fever' hasn't struck me down before. Last year, I was so sick of the royal wedding between Wills & Kate that I was ecstatic to be on holiday on the day, and only really cared about who designed Kate's dress (McQueen was definitely the right choice). However, I truly believe that one of the biggest events this year (other than the 20120 Olympics in London) is the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. She has been on the throne for 60 years now, and in my opinion doing a fabulous job. Her and the entire monarchy are a British establishment that we should all be proud to still have, and there is something exciting about having a woman as a ruler too.. Not to mention a rather stylish one at that!

Yes, my latest style icon is possibly an unlikely one, coming in the form of our very own Queen Elizabeth. She may be getting older, but her style remains impeccable - she is never over or under dressed, she always accessorises perfectly, and probably has the largest collection of hats the world has ever seen. Elizabeth also manages to work in new-season colours, and there probably isn't a shade on the planet that she hasn't pulled off beautifully. 

From the start of her reign, she ruled in style..

In her early official photographs the Queen looks gorgeous, and never OTT. Of course, the crown is the perfect accessory, but in the second photo I am in love with her necklace and that stunning off the shoulder dress.

The bows on this dress are super-cute, and she is already showing her penchant for pearls..

This outfit is simply perfection - retro glamour at its finest. The lace looks simply beautiful, and her regal accessories of elbow length gloves, a parasol, and one of her many hats are the perfect complements. If I could wear this dress now, I so would.

Don't even get me started on her wedding dress. That train is simply breathtaking - Elizabeth is doing nothing by halves!

The vintage Elizabeth looks may be totally gorgeous, but the modern day ensembles are pretty spectacular too..

Only a queen could pull this off, and Elizabeth definitely does! That crown is the perfect accessory, and I love the cosy fur trim on this silver gown.

And the journey through Her Majesty's colourful wardrobe begins.. Seen sans hat for once, this outfit is anything but dull. Perfectly combining pink and red, which should completely clash, Elizabeth looks bright and beautiful here.

The Queen has an amazing collection of coats, as well as the complementary hats, and I love this one in particular. The red trim and buttons are so cute, and the feathered hat looks pretty darn stylish. She has accessorized well with soft black.

I am actually pretty jealous of this cape trench, it is a complete style classic and pretty effortlessly chic for a rainy day.

Severe style kudos goes to anyone who can pull off lime green, and the queen has definitely gone up in the style stakes by working this tricky hue.

I love the detailing on this matchy-matchy monochrome ensemble.

Royal blue is the perfect colour for Her Majesty to wear as she greets the troops, and this flattering coat is gorgeous.

Sporting an incredibly du jour paisley print suit, Elizabeth looks bold and bright again here. This Queen is far from boring, and will never fade into the background!

A good cherry-red ensemble is all Elizabeth needs to look stylish on or off-duty, and I actually really like her hat here. The carbon black accessories are timelessly chic, especially when paired with red.

Dressed perfectly for a sunny day, this light pastel blue is again very du jour, and the white gloves keep the entire look light.

This powder blue spring coat is incredibly stylish right now - pastels are a key trend for SS'12. There is no denying the fact that this monarch is a style queen too! That hat is quite cutting edge with the black feather, but the soft blue flower keeps it suited to the prim coat.

Who could forget the Queen's pale-yellow ensemble at Wills & Kate's wedding? In a stronger yellow this would have been blinding, but the soft hue means it is perfect. Pastel yellow is another gorgeous SS'12 shade so Elizabeth was ahead of the trends. I love her light white accessories and nude courts that keep this look fresh and oozing springtime chic.

And finally, this is our Queen's official diamond jubilee portrait. In my opinion she looks simply glorious - what better way to celebrate your diamond jubilee than wearing a dress that looks like it is encrusted in them? 

I am sorry if this post is a little long/picture-heavy, I hadn't quite anticipated how carried away I would get looking at the Queen's ensembles! I am now eagerly awaiting the Diamond Jubilee for the chance to celebrate her years on the throne - how about you, readers? Do you like the monarchy? As far as I'm concerned, God Save The Queen! There is one thing I am still ridiculously curious about though. What exactly does she carry in her handbag?

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Baby, you can drive my car..

Today was a pretty simple little Wednesday, but the fact that I actually braved college means that you lovely people get to see an outfit post for the first time this week! Since I was just in for one lesson I decided not to pull too many fashion punches and matched some of my separates for a casual yet stylish (I hope) look..

Cardigan - Dorothy Perkins; Vest - Topshop; Shorts & Tights - Primark; Shoes - New Look; Cuff - H&M; Ring - Miss Selfridge; Necklace - River Island; Earrings - River Island.

I absolutely love my car print shorts because they are achingly Prada-esque and just scream retro-Americana, which makes them a quick, simple way to look very du jour. They are also possibly the most fun a pair of shorts can be with their little cartoon motifs.. Today I paired them with my mint green scalloped vest (mint is my favourite colour right now), my Chanel-esque cardigan, black opaques and bright coral slippers for a slightly eclectic look with a very SS'12 edge.

Also, I just got a Lookbook account (finally) - I would love it if you would come check it out here, and maybe hype me?

Love and kisses, Tara xox

My week in style.

Since I had all of my birthday shenanigans to post about this week I held back on the outfit posts, and now you lucky people can feast your eyes on all of this week's outfits in one (long) post! In my first official week of being 18 I haven't really gone crazy with it, and to be honest I can't feel much of a difference aside from being legally an adult - there's a little bit of new self-responsibility there. I certainly haven't made any changes to my style, which is still ever-changing, fun, experimental and intrinsically girlie..

Monday

Blazer - ASOS; Blouse - New Look; Skirt - River Island; Shoes & Tights - Primark; Earrings - Topshop; Necklace - Accessorize; Bracelets - Lola Rose, Pull & Bear, Topshop, ASOS & Accessorize.

I opted for a fun mix of patterns to beat the Monday morning blues - there's nothing like my cherry print skirt to add a playful edge to an outfit. I can't wait to wear it in a more retro fifties style outfit, but that will have to come when the weather finally improves! For now I settled for pairing it with a polka dot blouse, framed with black tights and a blazer and finished with my much-abused mint green shoes. I also wore my hair up for once, and it looked better than I thought.. I still won't make a habit of it though.

Tuesday

Blazer - ASOS; Dress, Shoes & Flower Ring - Topshop; Tights - Primark; Earrings - New Look; Bracelets - Topshop, Accessorize & Lola Rose; Star Ring - Forever 21.

With Tuesday came a very girlie look - inspired by the gorgeous lace on the Valentino catwalks I wore my new Topshop lace dress (a birthday present!) and kept it feminine with glittery pumps and statement earrings. Then of course I added a boyish edge with my blazer, and I love the juxtaposition it adds. Again, I can't wait to wear this dress without the necessity of tights and a blazer, but for now I like it layered. I just felt super-pretty wearing this and can't wait to break it out again.

Wednesday

Denim Shirt - River Island; Dress & Bracelet - Topshop; Belt, Tights & Shoes - Primark; Ring - H&M; Headband - New Look.

Since Wednesday was finally a sunny day where I am I decided to go for a more summery, almost festival-esque look. White has rolled around again as a key colour for this season, so I pulled out my broderie anglaise dress, and made it a little more seasonally appropriate by layering it with a pale denim shirt and patterned tights. My mint shoes added a confectionery edge, and I topped it all off with a sweet floral headband. I have been waiting for a sunny day to start wearing my floral headbands again, and this new one is super cute with its gorgeous yellow flowers. I loved feeling so summery and pretty, and I want more sunny days!

Friday

Blazer - ASOS; Top - Yumi; Shorts & Tights - Primark; Shoes - George at Asda; Bracelets - Topshop, River Island & Lola Rose; Ring - Miss Selfridge.

With Friday came a gorgeous print mix - a clash of some tropical-inspired parrots (thankyou to my friend who got it for me), and Prada-esque car print shorts. They really add a fun, playful edge to my outfit when put together and pick up on the cute, cartoon prints trend of SS'12. I also love these bright shoes, and cannot believe I picked them up at a supermarket!

Before you say anything, I realise Thursday is missing - I was actually ill then, and nobody wants to see a picture of me in my PJs in my bed. One thing I have realised looking at these outfits is that I can be completely different in my look from day to day, and just how versatile fashion can be, in that you can dress for every different part of you personality, which I love.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

[PS. I realise I am getting ridiculously haphazard with my blogging - when my life calms down a little I will be back to regular posts I promise!]

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

Fashion Confession.

I'm not sure if I want to own up to this, since the entire fashion universe seems to be in love with it, but..

I don't really get the sports luxe thing.

Yes, I understand that since trends are predicted over a year in advance, the major events of the year they are style-casting provide inspiration, and looking at 2012 there is only one thing on everyone's minds.. But it still shocks me how the London Olympics have created not only a look, but possibly the biggest trend of the year. In every magazine I read at the moment there is sportswear screaming out at me, and I cannot make myself like it. As a self-confessed fashion victim I want to be all over the hottest trends like a rash, but I just won't be working this one.

Maybe it is because I spent about 8 years of my life in leotards and tracksuits as a gymnast that those kinds of apparel hold no appeal to me, except the potential nostalgia that envelops me when I throw on my old gymnastics hoodie (in bed, at home, never in public). However many times people tell me that neoprene and sweatshirts can be made to look glamorous, and however many times I see the pictures of the Alexander Wang collection, I can never shake the connotations of some of my most unnattractive moments happening in sportswear. It will forever be associated with either an intense training session, or being literally coated in glittery hairspray at competitions - not really fashionable moments for me to be honest..

It's not that I have anything against other people wearing the look. Kind of like being a vegetarian who doesn't mind her omnivorous friends chowing down on that bacon sandwich within her sensory range, I am happy to say, yes, you wear that neon, neoprene t-shirt or those fitted pants with the sporty stripe down the side, but try and force me to wear them and there will be trouble. You can make it out of the best quality fabrics, in the hottest SS'12 colours, slap a designer label on it and show me ways to make the look work beautifully, and something in me will still resist. I'll be sticking to my uber-prints and super-girlie outfits, thankyou.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Unexpected mini-haul.

I wasn't really supposed to be going shopping yesterday, or at least not actually buying much. That's because as college draws to an end I need to be saving up to fund my time jetting around Asia (aka my gap year) and putting some money away for university - neither of which are happening now. At the moment I seem to be investing heavily in my wardrobe. I am honestly going to try cutting back the spending a little, and yesterday doesn't count. I didn't actually spend that much, and I got some gorgeous stuff.

The first thing I was drawn to was the new Maybelline Spring/Summer collection, after seeing a video on youtube from one of my favourite bloggers, Anna Saccone. She got to experiment with loads of items from the new collection and her positive review really made me keen to buy some things. Check out her blog annasaccone.com and watch her vlogs on youtube under the name TheStyleDiet.

First of all I picked up some gorgeous new nail polishes. On the left is Maybelline Express Finish in Turquoise Green which fits in really well with the 'Under The Sea' trend with that stunning iridescent colour. On the right is Maybelline Forever Strong Pro in Ceramic Blue, perfect for the pastel hues trend that I am in love with right now. These are both new shades and I can't wait to get them on my nails.

Next up is one of their new Popsticks lipsticks in Cherry Pop. By now you must have noticed that I am a sucker for a good lipstick, and after seeing how cute these Popsticks were I just had to have one. I tested them all out in the shop, but I found the others a little too light - I am a fan of really bright, pigmented lipsticks personally, and Cherry Pop came out the brightest.

The last of the makeup haul is the Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24hr Eyeshadow in Eternal Gold. This one came highly recommended by Anna Saccone and in the store it was the one that caught my eye the most. I am really keen to see if this stunning colour really will last for 24 hours, because if it does this will become one of my favourite beauty products.

After stocking up my beauty bag I went into New Look, which is always dangerous territory for my bank card, and ended up being caught by a few pieces..

The first thing I picked up was this gorgeous cream chiffon sleeveless shirt. I have said many times that I buy too many shirts, but they are just so versatile! This particular one is ideal for SS'12 because it will go with absolutely everything, and will be light enough to wear in the middle of summer, as well as being a perfect layering piece for the colder days. The cost-per-wear on this shirt is going to be ridiculously low..

I was completely entranced by these Art Deco style earrings by Roam, on sale in New Look. For such a reasonably priced pair of earrings, they look very classy and chic. It's probably no secret that I am getting completely obsessed with the golden age of Hollywood, from the 1920s to the 1960s and these costume-jewellery style earrings are straight out of the jazz age.

Okay, while I love the unashamed glamour of the golden era of Hollywood, the child in me simply cannot resist a good flower headband. These New Look headbands instantly make me think of hazy summer days with blue skies overhead and bare feet in the grass.. The smaller yellow one seems more festival-appropriate, whereas the large rosebud headband is reminiscent of some of Lana Del Rey's 1950s video incarnations, and I love them both. A friend asked me recently if I would be breaking out the floral headbands again this summer, and the answer is a resounding yes.

The last items in this mini-haul are actually just more indulgence - I decided that now would be the right time to treat myself to some new underwear, so I hit the Ann Summers sale.

These two bras come from the Knickerbox line at Ann Summers and are possibly now the prettiest ones I own. I love the purple one with the peacock print because it is just so cute and girlie, whereas the black leopard print one is more fierce (and no I didn't just buy that one because it was called The Bardot Bra). It's almost a shame that these beauties are going to be covered up and hidden by my clothes all the time..

And there you have it, my slightly eclectic mini-haul! I love all of my buys because they are just so summery, and are making me long for the days of sunshine again.. On a slightly less fun note, if I get a bit lax and lazy with blogging in the weeks to come it is because exam season is nearly upon me and it is time for crazy revision to take over my life.

Love and kisses, Tara xox