Paris Day One!

I had been excited for my trip to Paris for ages - I went with two of my besties and it was the best end-of-exams celebration I could have asked for! Day one didn't consist of very much time in Paris itself since our flight didn't land until 6pm local time, but it was still pretty good. Most of the day was spent in England packing and then in the airport drinking coffees, before being up in the air for a ridiculously short time and then touching down in the evening.

When we were finally in Paris we navigated the trains successfully & found the hotel, only to be moved to another hotel since they were "full". I suspect some easyjet style overbooking had gone on.. Anyway, the evening picked up when we started to explore, discovering first a Carrefour in which to stock up on BNs and insanely cheap wine, then a bar to drink wine and limoncello in. We did get a little lost afterwards though, wandering through a slightly dodgy district of Paris -  we had to get the metro back again to find our hotel!

Here is my outfit of the day...

Shirt, Ring & Cuff - H&M; Skirt - River Island; Bag, Shoes & Cross Bracelets - Topshop; Necklace - New Look.

I love the bright summery feel of this look, especially the pop of neon colours in the shirt. I always say that I dress a little OTT for my quiet corner of England, but heading into France really made me see how much of a Brit girl I am - their style is so classic, chic, simple and elegant, whereas I am all about the brights! Oh, and that suitcase next to me was my carry on bag.. travelling light doesn't really work for me.

Here are some snaps from the first day..

Packing.

Claire & Alison on the train into Paris.

Close up of Alison's cute braid - how SS12!

Alison & I before going out.

Day Two is coming up next, so until then..

Love and kisses, Tara xox

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

Blending in just isn't my style.

I'm not going to lie, when it comes to fashion I have never been one for fading into the background. I am certainly not afraid to be different - I will wear what I want simply because I like it, and I won't be trapped into a trend just because all my friends are wearing it. Sometimes people say they like what I am wearing, but wouldn't go for it themselves, or sometimes I just get odd looks as I am out and about, but as long as I am satisfied with my outfit then I am happy! Don't assume I am this secure and confident about everything else in my life though.. But my style is one thing I am very proud of. I have also learned that when I take risks, the outfits are usually even better, which is why I love trying new things. Hence today's slightly bright look..

Blazer - ASOS; Top, Shoes & Ring - Topshop; Skirt - River Island; Tights - Primark Earrings - Versace for H&M; Necklace - Accessorize; Bracelet - Temporary Secretary.

Up until recently, I would have thought that pink & orange was a match made in fashion hell (where there is a special place for eye-wateringly bad colour-clash offenders) but in light of the recent anything-goes attitude drifting in from the catwalks, it now seems like the perfect combination. It seems to be almost a challenge to try and put together the most clashy, clashed-up outfit at the moment - apparently if it feels wrong, it is most likely right! I will admit, I could have gone much further and added some more colour/patterns, but it is still winter, so you have to tone it down a little. Therefore I opted for some polka dot tights (I'm still not over that AW'11 trend), my beloved glitter ballet flats and my trusty black blazer to frame the clash. The starting point of the whole look was this new sun top (bought at the weekend!) and I have to say I completely love it! The unusual straps add real detail to the neckline, while the graphic floral print looks playful, retro and completely mid-century modern.

Love and kisses, Tara xox