My week in instagram.

I have lost track of which number instagram post this is, but it is going to be the last one for a while since I go on holiday on tuesday and phones have been banned! Apparently charging them up is too much of a nuisance, and the roaming costs would be obscene. Anyway, here is my week in instagram snaps!

This went too fast to be photographed | I have a LOT of clothes, okay? | Flattering shot of my baby | On the way in to town to live it up (post coming soon) | Gorgeous flowers | The love of my life | Off out for a run | My little corner of the world is pretty beautiful honestly | Starting to pack for holiday

I am still in love with instagram and will probably get withdrawal symptoms on holiday.. shameful I know, but I am a complete technology addict!

Love and kisses, Tara xox

The night is almost ours.

Okay, I am feeling pretty bad about this now, but a week or two ago I went out with some of my girls from work and had a pretty good night. Despite living in the middle of nowhere, there are still places to go out and have a good time! I also got the chance to wear one of my new dresses, this Topshop beauty..

Dress - Topshop; Shoes - New Look.

This Topshop dress was a complete impulse buy at the time, but I am so glad I got it. The little cut out bares my high-driff in a way that is totally du jour, and the bright colours and prints mean that even in the dark I am noticed. It could easily have worked for daytime if I dressed it down (which will probably be my next move with this beauty), but with some high heels and smokey eyes I was good to go for a night out. These shoes were also a brilliant choice because not only are they bright red and super high, but they are ridiculously comfortable - I wore them all night.

I seem to have so much to catch up on at the moment, I am very behind with my blogging. I blame it on exams. But now I am going to do my best to get up to date!

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

I live for mornings like these.

Finally, the moment I have been waiting for. A Saturday morning where both an absence of work and gorgeous sunshine have collided, and this can mean only one thing - shopping! Yes, I know, I spend way too much money, but honestly even if I don't spend very much I love being in shops, looking at all the new pieces and trying on things I can't quite let myself buy. Shopping is one of the most pleasurable activities ever, and I actually think that Topshop is my natural habitat.

Top, Bag & Ring - Topshop; Skirt & Earrings - River Island; Shoes - New Look; Bracelet - Temporary Secretary; Necklace - Accessorize; Sunglasses - ASOS.

The summer sunshine today meant that I finally got to put together an outfit without a single hint of black - I stuck to confectionary colours for a bright, cute look. It's also very rare that I don't have print on at least one piece of clothing, but today I was going for something fresh and light. This may look like a simple outfit, but I am working in my SS'12 references - 1950s cat-eye shades & A-line skirt, shimmery metallic vest, candy-pastels bag. For once I also wore my hair up, on a complete whim, and I am surprised to find that a simple ponytail looks perfect with the amount of trends going on in this outfit.

This shopping trip I didn't actually buy too much - I just got sucked in by the gorgeously stylish and affordable dresses in New Look..

I adore this dress. For once it doesn't swamp my petite frame, thanks to the mullet hemline, and the print is completely gorgeous. It is perfect for summer with those oversized daisies, and the floaty fabric - I can't wait to wear it out in the bright sunshine!

This next dress caught my eye because of the beautiful tropical print that just makes me dream of my summer holiday! It's so bright, and absolutely perfect for long, lazy summer days. But what really attracted me upon closer inspection was the retro shape. Indulging my 1950s dreams, I love the cut of this dress with the fit-and-flare shape, as well as the cute tie-up detail on the back.

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

Who's a lucky girl then?

I don't even know how to start.. I suppose with a massive thankyou, lots of love and cyber kisses for MyDaily UK and my-wardrobe.com, since I won their£500 to on my-wardrobe, thanks to the See It Tag It Love It competition. All of the prizes are incredible, and I was blown away to have won anything - especially a legitimate chance to spend, spend, spend minus the guilt! MyDaily & my-wardrobe, you are now my NBFs.

Choosing what to buy was a long, excitable, difficult, enjoyable process, since I have never had a chance like this before (God, don't I sound sweet/pathetic..), and after I picked my items I was half expecting to find out it wasn't real - you know what they say about "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is".. But it was for real, and my gorgeous, gorgeous pieces came today! I got very overexcited, and a little carried away taking pictures, so prepare yourself for a long-ass post about my first ever designer shopping spree.

Oh the excitement I felt when I saw these little packages.. I took my time opening them, trying (and failing) not to rip the paper - I felt like a kid on Christmas day. First to be opened was this gorgeous Lola Rose bracelet, which came in a sweet little pink bag.

Okay, okay, so there are more photos of the pretty packaging than the actual bracelet.. but I fell in love as soon as I saw that cute pink bag! The bracelet itself is something I adore, but would never have been able to afford if it wasn't free - Lola Rose is a fash-pack favourite, thanks to her combination of semi-precious stones and cute charms. I chose this sweet rose quartz one with a little star because it is pastel-hued, and my name means star so it is kind of personal.

My second beautiful, *free* designer purchase was this green belt by Malene Birger. It was purely an impulse buy, a complete what-the-hell moment, and I wouldn't have bought it, or anything like it, had I not had this opportunity. But I just love how kitsch it is, yet stylish and almost elegant at the same time. The bright hue combined with the plastic just makes it so sweet and unusual, it is the perfect detail to pull together and rev up some of my day-to-day outfits.

The grand finale of my £500 shopping spree (and the thing that took up most of that money) was my first mainline designer dress. I am now the proud owner of a D&G velvet & lace LBD, which I intend to wear, love and keep forever. I saw it on the site and couldn't drag myself away - with an opportunity like this, you want something spectacular, and I simply adore this dress. The mix of textures adds interest and detail to a classic shape, while making sure it remains chic and timeless. I love the side panels and bow belt too, for the sweet yet sexy detail. When I opened this up I literally ran around my house hyperventilating at the fact I was wearing D&G - not cool, I know, but incredibly necessary.

So yes, today is the day I finally got my first real designer items, and they will stay with me all my life I am sure. My favourite thing is of course that dress, it is stunning, it is chic, and it is D&G! I can't wait to christen it by wearing it out to a party, but at the same time I don't want to waste it's first appearance on something that isn't special.. Whatever. For now I am just enjoying looking at it all wrapped up in its garment bag.. 

Once again, thank you so much to MyDaily UK and my-wardrobe.com for making a little fashion blogger's dreams come true! And if you thought my designer tastes were satisfied, you'd be wrong.. my appetite has just been whetted by this stunning dress. Sorry about poor picture quality, but what do you guys all think? Was that the right way to spend £500? 

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Star Style Obsession - Michelle Williams

This star cropped up on my fashion radar relatively recently, since I only really started paying attention to her after seeing her stunning portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in My Week With Marilyn. I then noticed her on red carpets galore, and was captivated by her style. I especially adore her hair - it takes a truly brave and beautiful woman to pull off such a daring crop, and Michelle makes it work perfectly. I would never be courageous enough to go for the chop myself, but she looks so good that it is almost tempting.. It amazes me how she can make such a dramatic cut look so sweet and feminine, especially with all of those gorgeous red carpet dresses she wears! If I am honest, I prefer her on-duty style, so this post is basically a dedication to Michelle Williams' vast collection of amazing dresses..

Kicking things off in a gorgeous Victoria Beckham dress (let's not get into how much I love the VB designs..), Michelle looks picture perfect. Cute, quirky, sweet and elegant at the same time. Oh, and let's not forget perfectly accessorized - those classic black heels are perfect, and that boxy clutch adds an extra level of interest. Well played, Michelle.

This girl really knows how to work a mini-dress! I am quite impressed with her ability to pull off such a sheeny satin fabric, it's not easy, but she manages to look stunning. I adore the embellishment.

On anyone else I am pretty sure that this level of leg-baring combined with the focus on her chest thanks to the strapless style would look more than a little cheap and tacky, especially in bright white, but not on Michelle. I think it's due to the simple accessorizing, along with her natural skin tone and that sweet, simple makeup. I just hope she didn't spill anything, white is a very high maintenance colour!

It's not only minis that Michelle can work, she knows how to rock a good maxi as well - if 'rock' is the right word to apply to such a dreamy dress. Proving Lady Gaga's prediction that mint will be big in fashion, she practically floated down the red carpet in this pastel-hued confection. I love the way she has managed to make such a plunging neckline work and not look trashy by combining it with a floor-skimming hemline, romantic colour and her sweeter-than-sugar natural beauty.

Pulling yet another sweet look out of the bag here, this flowing dress suits Michelle to perfection. I am also a little bit in love with her hair here - she is proving just how versatile a pixie crop can be.

Showing yet more hair versatility with this midnight-blue hairband, Michelle works another cuter-than-cute maxi dress. The unusual choice of fabric really makes this stand out, since velvet isn't one you often see making the rounds on the red carpet. Kudos to her for daring to be a little bit different.

This really is picture perfect, and totally on trend. Channelling some suburban housewife style here in a gorgeously printed, fitted dress and muted red lipstick, Michelle is making wallpaper prints infinitely wearable, and showing us all exactly how to work the 50s look.

Going back to black is anything but boring in this combination. This is like an incredibly subtle print clash, which works because sometimes it is not all about eye-watering prints and colour that practically screams at you -  a subtle mix of patterns is enough to nail that quirky vibe and make head-to-toe black a lot more interesting.

Once again, Michelle is a vision in pale pastels. This slightly sheer, embellished, floor-sweeping dress might not leave much to the imagination, but she still looks incredibly classy and elegant. The silhouette created here is simply to die for - can I be her? Please?

Monochrome is always in fashion, especially in such a sharp, clean, gorgeous dress as this. I love the unusual colourway of this dress, and the way the belt defines her shape, as well as just how well her hair highlights those black shoulder panels. Her classic accessorizing lets the dress do all the talking, and what it is saying is simply show-stopping.

Straight from the BAFTAs this evening, another monochromatic beauty of a dress has made an appearance. This is probably my favourite look of the night (BAFTAs-wise I mean), and I cannot pin the reason down to one single thing. That classic, simple dress shows off Michelle's amazing figure, while the little corsage at her waist adds the perfect detail. And don't even start me on the accessorizing. Yet another gorgeous boxy clutch, and some screen siren red lips are the perfect compliments to that dress. This is just all-round perfect in my opinion.

Unlike some of my other style obsessions, Michelle Williams is not crazy-quirky, she doesn't wear lobsters on her head (Gaga, I'm looking at you), and for some reason I cannot get into her off-duty style. However, her red carpet event looks are simply perfect, and if I ever get the chance to go to a serious black-tie party, or even a red carpet, I want to look half as stunning as her. For once, I find myself liking a less-is-more approach to styling, because her minimal accessorizing is faultless and really lets her statement gowns speak for themselves. 

In my opinion she is also a modern hair icon, since she wears and styles her signature crop so well. It suits her elfin features beautifully, and I love the way she plays up to her natural beauty, rarely opting for crazy makeup. This is one of the things that makes her looks so sweet and innocent - even when she is flashing the flesh, that demure, innocent smile and pared-back makeup stop her ever looking trashy. Michelle's style teaches me quite a lot.. That it is okay to go minimal when you're wearing a show-stopper of a dress. That short hair can be just as glamorous as long. And finally, how to walk that fine line between girl-next-door-sexy and The-Only-Way-Is-Essex-trashy.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Keep calm & go shopping.

Only two more days until half term.. That's not much to get through. Only 9 more classes, two more long days with early starts, and two more outfits left of this half term. Seriously, where is the time going? I am so looking forward to half term, because it should be a chance to relax (well apart from coursework, homework and actual work) and maybe even sneak a lie in.. For now, I was happy enough that today was at least Wednesday - which, since it is a half day, means I get the car (which still excites me!), I only have two lessons and there is usually some fun to be had in the afternoon...

Shawl - River Island; Jumper - New Look; Shorts - Blue Miss; Tights - F+F at Tesco; Shoes - Topshop; Earrings - Miss Selfridge; Ring & Bracelet - Accessorize; Necklace - Republic.
After yesterday's monochromatic look, I just had to break out some serious brightness. Pastel colours (such as the candyfloss-pink displayed on my slouchy jumper) and baroque prints (like my gorgeous shawl) are huge trends for SS'12, but I am not entirely convinced that the designers championing them meant the two to be combined.. But ah well. Taking on board the more-is-more, anything-goes, so-wrong-it's-right vibe pervading the catwalks I decided that since I felt comfortable in it, then it probably works! Oh, and you might have noticed something unusual here - my hair is up! I rarely have the time or inclination to try my hair in any manner other than down and straight (if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?) but today I just had the urge to do a different style. Admittedly, it's only a ponytail, but for me that is unusual, okay!

Since it was a half day today, I picked my mum up from her work (she finishes early-ish too) and we went for a quick shopping trip. Yes, all I do is shop. I didn't actually buy much, but the accumulation of that and a little package from H&M made today's haul pretty lovely.

I started off in Topshop, unashamedly picking up a pair of cute studs in the remnants of the sales - at that price I just could not say no to these elegant, ladylike earrings. I will admit that I mostly wear big, long earrings, but every so often a pair of studs like these comes in handy, like if I am wearing a statement necklace. These are pretty classic, so they should last a fair few seasons.

I also finally gave in and bought one of these scallop-edged vest tops from Topshop. Every single season I have been tempted by these because they come in such a rainbow of colours and are delightfully simple, yet detailed enough not to be dull, but I had held back because of the price and the fact that I simply did not need a vest top. However, when I walked in and saw one in this stunning shade of mint green my resolve crumbled and I snapped it up! Mint is one of my favourite colours for spring (yes, Gaga was right) because it is not only a super-pretty pastel ice-cream shade, but it is very flattering. Love this.
 

After passing my test I decided that it had become appropriate to personalise my car a little, and so far that has only stretched to sunglasses, spare flats for driving and blasting out Lana Del Rey at every opportunity. So when I was browsing Accessorize and saw this cute air freshener with a vanilla scent (one of my favourite scents ever!) it looked perfect. This will be hanging from my mirror as of tomorrow morning!

And now we reach the little H&M parcel. This double ring is just so cute and quirky, the perfect added detail to pretty much any outfit!

This dress was a total bargain, and was basically screaming 'buy me!' from the H&M website and catalog - I simply love the graphic, blue poppy print and simple shape. Print is obviously a huge trend this season, and florals have definitely gone digital (thanks in large part to Mary Katrantzou), so this is the perfect pattern.. not to mention the fact that blue is a hot colour too, with different shades cropping up all over the catwalks. This could easily be layered with a chunky knit and boots, clashed with more patterns or even belted and dressed up in a slightly retro way - I can't wait to wear it.

All in all, today has been pretty good! What do you all think of today's look & mini-haul? Love and kisses, Tara xox