The start of something new..

I can't quite wrap my head around it, but it is now 2012! And how am I ringing in the new year? In the best possible way (in my opinion). I went to see New Year's Eve at the cinema with two of my closest friends, which was a lot better than I expected - yes, it was cheesy, but it was also hilarious, cute and infinitely feel-good. We then stayed at one of their houses, a night complete with drinks, cheesy board games, pizza, the countdown fireworks and cake & wine at midnight. Brilliant. We then talked loads, had a rather beautiful lie in and went our separate ways to crack on with 2012. Last night to the cinema/friend's house I wore..

Top & Skirt - H&M; Blazer - ASOS; Tights - Primark; Bag - Tous; Shoes & Necklace - Topshop; Ring - Accessorize.
This skirt is fast becoming my go-to item for any event where I want to look just dressed up enough, but not OTT. I love it because it's so sparkly, and it instantly makes me look like I've made an effort. I also decided to road test my new blazer, and I am pleased to report that it is just as good as my Topshop one ever was (which will be going to the big wardrobe in the sky soon), it is comfortable, fits well and is basically the perfect day-to-night jacket. What more could a girl want? Another new piece is my statement necklace, a sale buy that I am pretty pleased with! It gives just the right amount of drama to an otherwise simple top, and manages to look quite unique and edgy at the same time.
 

There is no better way to kick a new year off in style than with some gorgeous new clothes.. I am very pleased to say that my latest deliveries came through the post yesterday, making 2012 already brilliant. I know, I know, I now have an insane amount of new stuff, but I love new clothes - and surely a new year deserves new things!

My first new buy is this oh-so-Chanel monochrome cardigan from Dorothy Perkins. It's so simple, yet the classic colour palette and shape make it an effortlessly chic buy, perfect for making every day stylish. What makes it even better is that it is from the petite section - meaning it is actually made for people of my height and actually fits properly! I think my blazer may have competition..

Okay, so I will admit to buying these socks from DP just to qualify for free delivery... But still, they are very, very sweet. I love the little bows and cable knit detail - these are perfect for going with boots to keep my little feet warm in chilly old January.

I'll apologise now for the terrible photo.. The light in my room sucks, and also Blogger is just messing with me, uploading it the wrong way around. Sigh. But oh well, these Topshop shorts are still gorgeous! The raspberry colour is literally beautiful, it will go so well with so many things and is just a bit more interesting than the typical blue shorts I already own. My mum's first words when I tried them on were "you'd better wear tights with those", and I understand why. They are ridiculously short. I will have to dredge up some self-confidence and try and rock them like I don't care! They are also not very winter appropriate, but that won't stop me..

And the first thing I'll be teaming those shorts with is these super-cool Topshop tights! I saw them on a mannequin and was instantly drawn to how they are quirky, kooky and just a little bit weird - definitely my kind of tights. I'm not sure everyone could pull these off, I mean I'm not even sure if I will be able to, but they are just too awesome to pass up.

It's official, I love 2012 already. Not only was cake the first thing I ate, but I have ticked a couple more items off my wishlist and have loads of super-cute outfit ideas floating around my head, just waiting to be unleashed when I go back to college. That's one thing that's not so great - college starts up again on Tuesday. Urgh. But at least I will get to see my friends again, and getting a chance to work my new wardrobe will just about make up for the insane hard work and inhumanly early mornings..

Just finally, how has your first day of 2012 been? And how did you spend New Year's Eve? Now let's make 2012 our year! Love and kisses, Tara xox

Au revoir, 2011!

Wow. How has this year gone by so quickly? I can't seem to wrap my head around the fact that tomorrow it will be 2012 - my mind is literally boggled. But since it is now the last day of 2011, I can't help but look back on the past year... Cue sentimental reflections and a whole host of New Year's resolutions - this year has been amazing, and 2012 will be too!

I suppose the first thing that springs to mind now is that 5 months ago, on the 1st August 2012, I set this blog up and finally found a release for my fashion obsession. I have been realistic with it I think, I mean I certainly didn't expect to be on the level of bloggers like Susie Lau with thousands of followers and pageviews - right now I am just incredibly proud to have my little band of followers and to have had people commenting. Every comment has made my day. I am also proud that I have stuck with blogging, and dedicated my time to posting something new almost every day (usually when I start things, I get frustrated and give up quickly). It has been 5 months now, and as well as seeing my pageviews go up, I have been able to see my own style develop and hopefully you have too, as well as seeing my writing develop. This blog and these 5 months have decided one thing - I am now more determined than ever to make it as a fashion journalist. I absolutely love writing about fashion, and am determined to make a career out of it. Vogue, here I come.

As well as blogging, 2011 was a year of many other achievements, both personal and academic. Firstly, I completed my AS levels and got 4 As and 1 B, setting me up to do extremely well this year with my A2 subjects and (fingers crossed) get a place in my chosen university - Birmingham. I have also received offers from all 5 of the universities I applied to, and am now in the comfortable position of choosing my top two. On a more personal note, one of my little dreams came true.. I saw Kylie live, front row, she looked at me and smiled.. Yes, I love Kylie - don't judge me. Now my next dream is to actually meet her! I also had an amazing time in India back in April, and then in Madrid in August, so yes, 2011 was an incredible year for me.

Now, looking forward, I can only hope that 2012 will be just as good. Already I have things to look forward to - a trip to Madrid with college in March, my 18th birthday in April, finishing my college study in June and hopefully earning a university place in August. But somehow, the thing that excites me most of all is the sheer potential that 2012 presents. Anything could happen, if I just work hard, take chances and basically grab life with both hands, which is what I intend to do.

It's traditional at this time of year to make resolutions, and I have made a few..

1. Get into Birmingham university by working hard and getting the best grades I can.

2. Still maintain a good work/play balance though.
3. To keep on blogging!

4. Never to wear the same outfit twice.

5. To actually save money for when I am a poor student.

These are my resolutions, what are yours? I hope 2011 has been just as good a year for you as it has to me, and that 2012 is amazing too! Just to wrap up the year, here are my favourite outfits that I have put together - any favourites of yours?

 

Happy New Year! Love and kisses, Tara xox

Christmas is family time.

Yes, Christmas is over for another year, and has been for about 3 days now, but since I spent the big day itself at home with just my parents, there was a smaller, secondary mini-Christmas yesterday that drifted a bit into today as we visited my grandparents. Most of my actual Christmases have been spent up with them, so it doesn't quite feel right unless we do.. It wasn't a big celebration though, and I didn't get any more presents or anything because they had already sent money down, but we gave them presents and we did have a roast, followed by mince pies. Shamefully (for a supposed blogger) I didn't take any photos on this little visit, so all I can share with you is my two looks.

Top & Shoes - New Look; Shorts & Tights - Primark; Earrings - Topshop; Ring - Parfois.
This was my outfit from the 27th - I again went for a mix of dressed-up and dressed-down, since it was a visit with relatives, but only an informal one. These shorts have been in my wardrobe forever and are the ultimate in comfort, which is pretty essential for a long car journey, while the tailored shape and smart grey colour make them pretty sharp and chic too. This blouse is gorgeous, in my opinion, and was perfect for the occasion because it combines a cute bird print, relaxed shape and gold sequin embellishment. I also have to report that these tights sadly suffered death by dog claws and will hopefully soon be replaced by some more mini-dot tights because I do love them.. it is just that I am not the kind of cool girl that can pull off artfully ripped tights - I look less edgy-grungy-cool and more scruffy-mess-that-can't-dress-herself. Sigh.

Top, Shorts & Shoes - New Look; Blazer & Earrings - Topshop; Tights - Primark; Ring - Dorothy Perkins; Bracelet - Accessorize; Necklace - Temporary Secretary.
Here is my second-day look - still quite smart and tailored, and again very comfy (for the long car journey back). One thing I have to say is that I am praying it is just the camera angle making my face look so chubby.. I'm going to say it is, so don't judge me. Anyway, the only other thing to really say about this outfit is how much I love my 'KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON' necklace from Temporary Secretary. It is definitely my favourite necklace right now and I can't wait to wear it again! I adore the vintage feel with the light green colour and spots, as well as the cool slogan. 

Yesterday and today kind of disappeared without me noticing them to be honest, they vanished in a blur of talking to the grandparents, dinner, me being totally annihilated at Scrabble repeatedly and more chocolate biscuits than I care to remember - and now I have just realised that it is only FOUR days until 2012. How did it creep up on us? Also, that means I go back to college in SIX days. Six. And I still have plenty of work to do, as well as endless revision for exams in approximately THREE WEEKS. Oh fashion gods, help me. Love and kisses, Tara xox