Someone call Shopaholic's Anonymous.

Last weekend I went shopping - a dangerous, foolish activity for me I know, but it was necessary. My summer holiday is coming up and I needed to supplement my hot weather wardrobe with mix-and-match-able pieces that will mean I can keep creating new outfits while I am away, while remaining appropriate for both tropical heat and more conservative cultures. For the shopping trip I eschewed sensibility and ignored the wind/threatening clouds to wear this..

Shirt - New Look; Shorts & Tights - Primark; Creepers - Amazon; Clutch - Cos (secondhand in Paris); Cuff - H&M; Earrings, Ring & Bracelets - Topshop.

I love a good pair of high waisted shorts because they are just so flattering, and this pastel stripe pair is really cute. I paired them wiith a sheer white shirt tucked in to emphasize the waistline, and buttoned all the way up in that girl-meets-boy way that looks very cute. I then threw my creepers into the mix because they are gorgeous and a little bit edgy, as is the new clutch. Lashings of jewellery and a bright lip completed the ensemble.

Primark

 

It's fair to say I got over-excited in Primark - what a haul. The cross tee and ballet pumps aren't even for my trip! 

New Look

The sales in New Look were bursting with gorgeous prints and colours - I just couldn't resist! And that parka is the perfect lightweight cover up, an alternative to my beloved blazers.

River Island

I have had my eye on these pieces for a while, but never quite had the cash to buy them. When they appeared in the sale however, I snapped them right up. I adore the paisley print on the dress and the mermaid-esque shell pattern on the skirt.

Topshop

 This neon dress is completely stunning, bright and beautiful, and will look gorgeous with a holiday tan.

Hair Bow - River Island; Black Rose Headband - Topshop; Ring & Gold Headband - Primark.

On holiday my hair will have to be up most of the time, so I invested in some cute accessories to keep it fresh!

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Paris Day Three!

Waking up in Paris just doesn't get old. Even if it is in a slightly dodge area. After an even more croissant-heavy breakfast we embarked upon a shopping morning, only to be halted by a quick downpour. So we had a coffee break (or hot chocolate in my case) and then hit the shops. In the morning we wandered around Montmartre, discovering cute little shops, then we headed into central Paris. We had lunch in the Saint Germain area, then chose to split up according to what we wanted to do.. In the end we all went our separate ways - Alison to sketch in the park by the Louvre, Claire to see inside Notre Dame, and myself to carry on with some hardcore shopping. While I wandered surrounded by designer labels I had no hope of affording I was having the time of my life, and it got even better when I found a second-hand/vintage shop down a backstreet! After shopping, I carried out my little Amelie fantasy and checked out the Canal de Saint Martin and the Cafe des Deux Moulins. Then we had a picnic dinner by the Sacre Coeur before cocktails.. A very good third day.

Here was my outfit of day three..

Dress, Bag, Shoes & Cross Bracelets - Topshop; Floral Headband - New Look; Wishbone Bracelet - Accessorize; Ring - H&M.

I absolutely adore this Topshop lace dress - not only is it a celeb favourite, but it looks effortlessly pretty and summery. Before Paris I had only worn it layered up with tights and blazers, but while away in warmer weather I finally got to wear it by itself. In my typical fashion I didn't leave it all simple though as I added a ladylike bag, some glittering flats and a Lana Del Rey style floral headband. I would swear blind that all day in Paris the only person I saw with a headband was my reflection.. I am definitely too British to blend in!

Here are some more snaps of my daily activities.. quite food-based this time.

Our emergency cuppas.

Casual Montmartre graffiti.

Paris is so damn photogenic.

Canal de Saint Martin

Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amelie Poulain anyone?

Some top quality vin rouge.

Macarooooons!

Coming up next is the final day, and then my shopping haul!

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

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