Blood is thicker than water.

I have to admit that living down here with my parents in the middle of nowhere I don't see the rest of my family that often. Last weekend however my grandparents (Mum's side) came down to visit and we had a meal out for their anniversary/grandma's birthday, which my cousins came to as well. Unfortunately while my grandparents were down I was working a fair bit so I haven't got much to say about the rest of the visit, other than we watched insane amounts of tennis..

On the Sunday however we all went out to a hotel/restaurant nearby us, fighting through those awful floods to get there. We (I) got all dressed up and had a lovely meal out, spending hours just talking. I did, however, get a few minutes to take some not-at-all-awkward outfit photos outside when the sun came out!

Shirt & Skirt - H&M; Shoes & Clutch - New Look; Earrings - Forever 21; Rings - Miss Selfridge & H&M.

This look was inspired by Marilyn Monroe, or rather one of the outfits Michelle Williams wears while playing her in My Week With Marilyn. That look consisted of a shirt and pencil skirt too, but in neutral colours - I copied the silhouette but added my own modern twist with bright colour, print and some super-cute wedge heels. I love getting dressed up, but obviously going out for lunch isn't quite as formal as dinner, which is why I kept this look casual without too much ornate jewellery, and the collar unbuttoned.

It was lovely to catch up, and a nice change to sitting at home on a Sunday!

Love and kisses, Tara xox

My week in instagram.. #2

I am home from Paris now! And what better way to start posting about it than with my instagram shots from the week?

Getting my Marilyn fix on Monday | Tuesday's uber bright look| Un chocolat chaud | Enjoying the Parisian sun in Wednesday's outfit | The Sacre Coeur | Getting fat just from looking at these French cakes | Wednesday's carb-tastic picnic | Hanging out in the Cafe des Deux Moulins comme Amelie | Un cafe frappe | Un mojitoooooo | Friday's girlie ensemble | Details of my fave Topshop bracelets

More details to come on the whole Parisian sejour, but this is just a quick sneak peek of my shenanigans abroad. One thing I will say is that being vegetarian in France is difficult - hence why my intake has been mostly BNs, pastries, bread and coffee. Oh, and I never realised just how much I dress like a Brit-girl.. the contrast with classic French chic was more than a little obvious..

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

Sweet freedom.

MY EXAMS ARE OVER!

Okay, now that is out of my system I can get on with the post. Today I had to go in to college for my final exam (French), meaning that I have officially finished college. A beautiful feeling of freedom is coming over me now, as revision is no longer on the agenda and deadlines become a thing of the past. To celebrate, my outfit felt quite free-spirited and eclectic..

Shirt - H&M; Shorts & Tights - Primark; Shoes & Headband - New Look; Rings - Topshop.

I love my new striped shorts since they are gorgeously light and summery, as well as being flattering with their high waistline. Since I love a bit of a print mix I paired them with one of my favourite tops, this sheer floral shirt, and instead of tucking it in I tied it at the front for a more relaxed feel. Then I added coral slippers and a cute floral headband for a whimsical edge to the outfit. Strangers in the street complimented me on it - clearly I am doing something right with this accessory!

One quick little notice - I won't be able to post for a few days, possibly not until the weekend since I am busy celebrating my new found freedom with friends over the next few days.. Follow me on instagram @babydolltara to keep up with my life in pretty little snapshots.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Embellished shorts come out to play.

This is actually yesterday's look of the day - after my exam I basically collapsed into my bed and didn't move for a long time because I finally powered down after my hectic weekend at work and the two exams this week. Yesterday I was having one of those days where outfit combinations didn't quite look right - I went through about ten before finally settling for this.

Shirt - H&M; Shorts - River Island; Tights - Primark; Shoes - New Look; Rings - Topshop.

Once again I seem to be re-working some of my older denim pieces.. I have had these shorts a while and I love the festival feel of them with the embellishments. Everyone seems to be working short shorts at the moment, so here is yet another pair of mine! The floral shirt I paired them with is one of my favourite pieces because it goes with so many things and looks beautifully summery while being suitable for our confusing spring/summer climate. I'm not totally happy with the way the shorts sit on me (possibly because they are too big!) but I like this outfit because it is a little eclectic and a little OTT - that's me all over.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Yes, I am still here.

Okay, I am going to apologise now for the silence over the weekend blog-wise. I hate people who give excuses for everything so I'm just gonna say this - Friday to Sunday I worked 24 hours, and I had an exam today and one tomorrow to cram for.. The blog took a hit. Besides, since I basically lived at work/in my bed I had done nothing interesting to share with you all. But today I have resurfaced and begun to look human again as I ventured back to college after half term for my English exam.. Yes, as of today my English A level is over! And only two more exams to go! Let's hope this one went well..

Dress, Denim Jacket, Cross Bracelet & Necklace - Topshop; Creepers - Amazon; Tights - Primark; Ring & Earrings - Miss Selfridge.

This Topshop dress has been one of my staples for longer than I care to remember, and people are probably sick of me wearing it to death but it just always seems relevant, and it is one of the easiest pieces to style up. It is floral, but not in a girlie way, and although it can be styled femininely, today I wanted to edge it up a bit. I bought this sleeveless denim jacket last year in Topshop and am so glad I can keep working it since I am still seeing them everywhere! It makes its first appearance of the year as one of my summer loves - despite the rain, it is June and I am wearing my summer clothes regardless. It is the perfect way to toughen a floral dress, especially with my new creepers. Not only was this a cute yet edgy look, but the chunky shoes kept my feet warm in the cold sports hall while I sat my exam.. perfect.

Speaking of exams, my next one is tomorrow and my last one is next week, so I could still be a bit erratic and absent on the blog, but after then I should be able to get back in to regular posting.

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

Ready for a dip!

This is just going to be a quick little post about a piece that has finally made its way into my wardrobe, and not a moment too soon! You may remember that recently I posted a wishlist of retro inspired swimwear (see the original post here) and wanted pretty much all of the pieces I looked at. Well, as of now I have a gorgeous retro-inspired swimsuit - and yes, I am still a little surprised to be reverting back to a one-piece.

Swimsuit - River Island

For once I have ended up with one of my original picks, and seeing it in the flesh (or fabric) only convinced me that it was the perfect swimsuit for me. I absolutely love the pink daisy pattern because it is bright and eye-catching and will look perfect on a tropical beach with a tan. The ruffled detailing around the bust is very cute and retro, as well as perfect for maximising my petite figure (aka, I have no curves so I need to create them). Another 1950s inspired feature is the halterneck, which is again perfect for creating the silhouette, and also this particular costume does stay up without the halterneck, so while sunbathing I can avoid the awkward tan lines.. Now I can't wait to go on holiday to hit the beach 1950s style - I may even have to try and organise a group trip down to a British beach, just to show it off!

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

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

Now this is my kind of weather.

Oh sunshine, how I love you. I have been waiting for months and months for it to finally feel like summer, and now, at the end of May, we appear to have made it. Lots of people I know are already complaining about the humidity, or it being too hot to concentrate - have they forgotten just how dismal winter was? I certainly haven't, and I am loving this weather. It often seems like I was born in the wrong country since my natural preference is for 30+ degrees, blazing sunshine and so much heat that you need a drink every five minutes. I will never be glad of rain or cloud the way I adore a blue sky. So naturally, this burst of gorgeousness that is the weather is right up my street, and yes, I have been sitting out in the sun with ice lollies as often as possible, as well as relishing the chance to venture out without some form of jacket.

Top & Earrings - Topshop; Jeans, Sunglasses & Cuff - H&M; Shoes - New Look; Ring - Miss Selfridge.

First of all, sorry for the terrible washed-out photo - there's the one downside of bright sunshine. Trying to balance the camera on a trampoline probably didn't help either. Right here I am relishing the joy of being able to wear just a top, but again I didn't quite get whole-heartedly into summer clothes,  since my treasured gold jeans were the perfect match. Metallics are still hot right now, and I gave them a bit of a summer update with a floral, 1950s style top. And the sunglasses were a necessity, especially when driving!

Who else is enjoying the sunshine right now?

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Wanted - Retro swimwear.

Swimwear, blue sky and holiday tips have been screaming at me from every magazine I have picked up lately, so naturally my mind has turned towards the summer holidays and my trip abroad (I'm going to Indonesia this year). With holidays in mind it is clearly the time to start hunting down this year's dream swimwear - all of last year's just won't cut it, and I need to feel comfortable, fashionable and fabulous on whichever tropical beach I hit. With my love of all things retro, I have decided that a vintage, 1950s style costume is the way to go because they flatter your shape and look cute and glamorous at all times.

1. Miss Selfridge - £26.00
2. Miss Selfridge - £26.00

3. Owntherunway.com - £16.99

4. Topshop - £28.50

5. River Island - Top £20.00, Bottoms £14.00

6. ASOS - Top £18.00, Bottoms £14.00

7. ASOS - Top £20.00, Bottoms £14.00

8. ASOS - Top £18.00, Bottoms £14.00

I have always been a bikini girl, and all of these are so cute that I kind of want them all! I really love the ones with high-waisted bottoms because they are especially vintage style (even if the tan lines would be horrendous). The retro patterns on pretty much all of them are gorgeous, and I love the sweetheart necklines. Wearing any one of these I would feel like a vintage screen siren in the Riviera..

1. Miss Selfridge - £32.00

2. ASOS - £62.00

3. River Island - £25.00

After the torture of swimming for PE in school, I honestly never thought I would want to wear a full swimming costume again, but these retro style ones might just have changed my mind. I love the cute floral patterns and halterneck styles - any one of these would make me stand out perfectly on the beach.

The hard part now is going to be decisions.. I have found my options and as usual have fallen for pretty much all of them. I can't even decide if I want a bikini or a swimsuit! The only way I can start to rule things out is by price - for example I don't have £62.00 to spend on swimwear, so the ASOS swimsuit is out. 

If I was to pick a swimsuit out of the remaining two, I would opt for the River Island one for its cute frills and sweet pink daisy pattern. Well, that was easy enough. But choosing from the bikinis is much more difficult - I adore the River Island one, the high-waisted bikini and the patterned set from ASOS, and the fruit pattern set from Miss Selfridge.. I guess I will have to give it a day or two and see which ones I prefer after sleeping on it!

So followers, which do you prefer? Which one(s) should I invest in this year? And what kind of swimwear are you after yourselves?

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Lighten up!

Since the calendar tells me that it is May and we are heading into summer, it feels incredibly depressing to be wearing black. Even my black tights feel like a return to winter, however practical I must be. I am also being told it is summer by every single magazine I read - bikinis, beaches, blue skies and summer dresses taunt me from every page. Honestly, have the editors not looked outside and seen the grey, rainy, cloudy mess that is the sky? With all of this, plus the fact I have invested heavily in my brights, prints and pastels for a summer wardrobe, it won't surprise you that today's outfit was a bright one.

Blazer - Bershka; Top & Skirt - New Look; Tights - Primark; Shoes - George at Asda; Cross Bracelet - Topshop; Wishbone Bracelet - Accessorize; Ring - H&M; Necklace - Accessorize.

I really adore florals right now (not a surprise either!) and mixing and matching them is the best way to feel all springlike and bright, despite the weather. I love the way that the shape of this light blue bralet paired with the dark blue A-line skirt makes a retro-fifties silhouette - I was so glad that the 1950s were in fashion because it meant this top could make an appearance again! Obviously I then had to think practically, adding in the obligatory black opaques and choosing a jacket. I had toyed with the idea of my black blazer, but it felt too stifling, then when I put on this gorgeous peach blazer it just worked. The entire outfit got even more of a lift of colour which even cancels out the darkening effect of the tights. The finishing touches was some cute jewellery, two-tone blue pumps and some softly pastel makeup to keep the look fresh and light.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Just another manic Monday..

Is it me or is it always Monday? Especially when you don't want it to be.. The full-scale exam nerves are kicking in, it was my full day and it was raining - all in all not the best day, and certainly not a Monday I was looking forward to. That said, I was keen to wear some of my new clothes!

Blazer - ASOS; Top & Skirt - New Look; Tights & Shoes - Primark; Earrings - Roam at New Look; Bracelet - Pandora; Rings - Accessorize, Topshop & New Look.

This is one of my new skirts that I picked up last week, and I wish it had been better weather today because it would be absolutely beautiful on a sunny day! As it was, it looked bright and bold in comparison to the overwhelmingly grey sky above. The cheerful floral pattern is the perfect Monday morning pick-me-up, and I like the burst of colour it gives to an otherwise almost monochrome outfit. The cutout white shell top adds a bit more texture and stops me feeling too covered up - it really is quite see through... My beloved black blazer was the attempt at making this look temperature-appropriate and preventing frostbite, as were the patterned tights. Once again, ballet pumps aren't the best shoes for rain, but I just adore these mint ones too much.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

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