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

Star Style Obsession - Mollie King

While everyone goes crazy about the jubilee today I am currently sat at home flicking through magazines and blogs. Which means that instead of some crazy royalist post (well, I have already obsessed over the Queen's style..) you are going to be getting some inspiration from another of my style heroes. This girl does, oddly enough, have a suitably royal name considering she is Mollie King, but other than that and a bit of a link to Prince Harry, this is quite unrelated. I just happened to see one of her latest looks and was then reminded of all of her stylish appearances that have impressed me. 

I am not a Saturdays fan in the slightest, but I have to admit they all scrub up pretty well and look irritatingly gorgeous in every appearance, and Mollie is in my opinion the most stylish of the five. Unusually for me, the looks I love the most are not her on-duty, red carpet ensembles, but her off-duty street style looks because she manages to make a stylish statement with every look, as well as being the epitome of easy-breezy daytime fashion. So for once, I won't be drooling over couture gowns that have no practical place in my wardrobe, but eyeballing some gorgeous daytime pieces that I could legitimately consider trying to buy.

Okay, you know me, I can't resist a few evening looks. This dress is pretty much perfect on Mollie - I love the lingerie-inspired lace and sleek midi-length, as well as the super-flattering silhouette.

 This is such a cute, playful red carpet look. I love the 60s style shift dress with oversized polka dots, and simple styling she has employed, with a voluminous up-do, heavy eyeliner and black heels. The look ensures she stands out next to Vanessa too.

 Working a hi-low hemline before most of us got in on the act, Mollie looks beautiful at the Harry Potter premiere. The ethereal, floaty dress is simply stunning on her and is perfectly complemented by white heels and her gorgeous tumbling waves and natural makeup.

A slightly more casual evening look, I love the polka dot body-con dress because the sleeves and high neckline are perfectly balanced by the shorter hemline that shows off her enviable legs. The matchy-matchy tan accessories are perfect with her navy dress.

Now we are really hitting the more casual looks as Mollie walks through an airport working that killer combination of tan and navy. That gorgeous scarf-print skirt is perfect for summer and really makes her stand out in the crowd, while still being comfortable and casual enough for travel.

Here's Mollie with a masterclass in how to work double denim - simply choose a light wash jacket and shorts, then team with a contrasting floaty top, messy updo, sandals and a luxe handbag.

Chic tailoring at its best here I think. I love the clean lines of this outfit and the neutral-yet-contrasting hues of navy, beige and white that are perfectly offset by some super-luxe accessories. I am incredibly jealous of her bag collection.

Tailoring seems to be one of Mollie's specialities. These gorgeous blue shorts could easily have been smartened up with a blazer for evening, but I love how she has toned them down with a cute white top, polka dot scarf belt and oversized sunglasses.

I promise I am not just in love with this look because I have the exact same dress in pink.. It helps though. The lace overlay is gorgeous and so Valentino, and again those tan accessories make it perfect for day but with a luxe edge.

Breaking out some gorgeous tailoring again on an outing with Frankie, but this time working a shorts suit in powder-pink. I have always been dubious about matching shorts suits, but Mollie does look gorgeous and sweet in this one, especially thanks to the pastel hue. I like how she has kept the look light with a white scallop-edged vest and blush-pink heels.

Another airport look, but not one that I am sure I would be brave enough to replicate, however much I love it! This grey t-shirt dress is gorgeous and super-cute with that rubber duck motif, and I love how it has been styled up with fierce heels, a luxe bag and uber-cool sunglasses.

Finally, this is the look that reminded me of Mollie's stunning style. I simply adore the 1950s trend this season, and I have been wanting to try a bralet with a pencil skirt for quite some time - this look has inspired me to go for it! I love the sweet white bralet with the brightly printed skirt, and again those gorgeous tan accessories and beautiful blonde locks.

I love Mollie's style and am hopefully going to emulate some of her daytime looks, especially in that she always looks very "done" and polished - definitely not a lazy-day-in-trackies girl! What do you think of her style?

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Endings.

Once again it seems like I have become lazy and inconsistent with my blogging - but I did warn you this could happen! Exam-frazzled nerves have kept me away from my constant updates, which means that today I have two outifts from the previous week for you to check out, and the news that yesterday was my last official day at college. I don't believe that two years have gone so fast, and that now I only have to go in for a few days to do exams and will possibly never have to set foot in there again after that. It has been a brilliant place to be, with enjoyable classes, wonderful teachers and of course hours and hours of fun with some amazing friends that I hope will stay close to me forever.

Outfit one..

Shirt & Tights - Primark; Shorts & Bracelets - Tosphop; Bralet (underneath) - New Look; Creepers - Amazon; Earrings - Miss Selfridge.

This was another of my attempts to be edgy I think, by working my creepers into one of my looks. I really love this shirt with the embellished collar because it can be the perfect nod to tribal chic, and really ups the ante on your average blouse. Teaming it with these raspberry shorts really helps balance out a high neckline which could easily look too prim and ladylike, and I just really adore my creepers. Some tough-yet-pretty jewellery was the finishing touch to this ensemble.

Outfit two..

Blazer - Bershka; Top & Necklace - Topshop; Trousers - ASOS; Shoes - Dorothy Perkins; Earrings & Ring - Miss Selfridge; Cuff - H&M.

Here I am returning to my beloved floral prints, but not in quite such a girlie way.. I am still very much loving the trend for printed trophy trousers, so I am bringing this pair out of their hibernation again. The bright digital blooms look very summery, especially when paired with a very SS'12 peach pastel blazer and a light metallic blouse. I allowed some black to slip in with the pointed court shoes, but that was because there were already enough colours and prints going on in the ensemble and these heels allow the existing elements to shine. Oh, and sorry about the poor picture quality, I had to take it on a timer in my kitchen..

Which one do you all prefer?

Also, since it was the last day, we took some photos - and here is one of my gorgeous group of friends.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Am I hipster yet?

Working a completely different style to the previous post, I have attempted to edge up my look a little to match my (gorgeous) new creepers. There is just something about them that makes me want to shop in the slightly grungier half of Topshop and plaster myself in crosses and a serious attitude. But of course, I'm not an all-out grunge kid, so this look was a little half-and-half. I like to call it eclectic. In contrast to the floaty, floral, summertime look of the last post, here I have added a bit more of a twist to my outfit - but of course the girlie girl inside me hasn't been completely overruled..

Shirt & Bralet (underneath) - New Look; Skirt & Eye Bracelet - River Island; Creepers - Amazon; Socks - Urban Outfitters; Bag, Earrings, Leaf Ring & Cross Bracelet - Topshop; Star Bracelet - Lola Rose; Camera Ring - Temporary Secretary.

See, even when wearing some super-cool leopard print brothel creepers, the girlie-ness works its way in there, as seen with my beloved pink skirt, new pastel handbag and pastel blue nails. However, the simple white buttoned blouse with a black bralet underneath and some edgy jewellery (crosses and such), as well as some glittery ankle socks keep it eclectic and cool. It might not be the most obvious way to work your creepers, but personally I like the contrast of masculine and feminine elements, and the way the shoes make the whole look fiercer when it easily could have been sugar-sweet.

These photos were taken out in town with Akikik of DREAMS, full credits to her for capturing me. We also took some more random photos just for fun - once I get hold of the ones she took on her camera you can see us being super-cool, as per usual..

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

Getting a little patriotic.

Okay, okay, normally I don't get swept up in these kind of events, and I can safely say that 'royal fever' hasn't struck me down before. Last year, I was so sick of the royal wedding between Wills & Kate that I was ecstatic to be on holiday on the day, and only really cared about who designed Kate's dress (McQueen was definitely the right choice). However, I truly believe that one of the biggest events this year (other than the 20120 Olympics in London) is the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. She has been on the throne for 60 years now, and in my opinion doing a fabulous job. Her and the entire monarchy are a British establishment that we should all be proud to still have, and there is something exciting about having a woman as a ruler too.. Not to mention a rather stylish one at that!

Yes, my latest style icon is possibly an unlikely one, coming in the form of our very own Queen Elizabeth. She may be getting older, but her style remains impeccable - she is never over or under dressed, she always accessorises perfectly, and probably has the largest collection of hats the world has ever seen. Elizabeth also manages to work in new-season colours, and there probably isn't a shade on the planet that she hasn't pulled off beautifully. 

From the start of her reign, she ruled in style..

In her early official photographs the Queen looks gorgeous, and never OTT. Of course, the crown is the perfect accessory, but in the second photo I am in love with her necklace and that stunning off the shoulder dress.

The bows on this dress are super-cute, and she is already showing her penchant for pearls..

This outfit is simply perfection - retro glamour at its finest. The lace looks simply beautiful, and her regal accessories of elbow length gloves, a parasol, and one of her many hats are the perfect complements. If I could wear this dress now, I so would.

Don't even get me started on her wedding dress. That train is simply breathtaking - Elizabeth is doing nothing by halves!

The vintage Elizabeth looks may be totally gorgeous, but the modern day ensembles are pretty spectacular too..

Only a queen could pull this off, and Elizabeth definitely does! That crown is the perfect accessory, and I love the cosy fur trim on this silver gown.

And the journey through Her Majesty's colourful wardrobe begins.. Seen sans hat for once, this outfit is anything but dull. Perfectly combining pink and red, which should completely clash, Elizabeth looks bright and beautiful here.

The Queen has an amazing collection of coats, as well as the complementary hats, and I love this one in particular. The red trim and buttons are so cute, and the feathered hat looks pretty darn stylish. She has accessorized well with soft black.

I am actually pretty jealous of this cape trench, it is a complete style classic and pretty effortlessly chic for a rainy day.

Severe style kudos goes to anyone who can pull off lime green, and the queen has definitely gone up in the style stakes by working this tricky hue.

I love the detailing on this matchy-matchy monochrome ensemble.

Royal blue is the perfect colour for Her Majesty to wear as she greets the troops, and this flattering coat is gorgeous.

Sporting an incredibly du jour paisley print suit, Elizabeth looks bold and bright again here. This Queen is far from boring, and will never fade into the background!

A good cherry-red ensemble is all Elizabeth needs to look stylish on or off-duty, and I actually really like her hat here. The carbon black accessories are timelessly chic, especially when paired with red.

Dressed perfectly for a sunny day, this light pastel blue is again very du jour, and the white gloves keep the entire look light.

This powder blue spring coat is incredibly stylish right now - pastels are a key trend for SS'12. There is no denying the fact that this monarch is a style queen too! That hat is quite cutting edge with the black feather, but the soft blue flower keeps it suited to the prim coat.

Who could forget the Queen's pale-yellow ensemble at Wills & Kate's wedding? In a stronger yellow this would have been blinding, but the soft hue means it is perfect. Pastel yellow is another gorgeous SS'12 shade so Elizabeth was ahead of the trends. I love her light white accessories and nude courts that keep this look fresh and oozing springtime chic.

And finally, this is our Queen's official diamond jubilee portrait. In my opinion she looks simply glorious - what better way to celebrate your diamond jubilee than wearing a dress that looks like it is encrusted in them? 

I am sorry if this post is a little long/picture-heavy, I hadn't quite anticipated how carried away I would get looking at the Queen's ensembles! I am now eagerly awaiting the Diamond Jubilee for the chance to celebrate her years on the throne - how about you, readers? Do you like the monarchy? As far as I'm concerned, God Save The Queen! There is one thing I am still ridiculously curious about though. What exactly does she carry in her handbag?

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Summer?

Seriously, how does Monday always roll around so quickly? I was slightly less irritated by this one though since I got to finish at lunch time (I have finished history for the year, so no more Monday afternoon lessons!) and go hang around town with one of my best friends having coffee and a brilliant time. This makes me long for the summer when I will have even more free time to spend with friends before we all go our separate ways to uni and gap years.. Today I also absolutely loved the fact that the sun was out, blazing away with blue sky above and making it finally feel like summer! For the first time I got to cruise along in my little car with the windows down, probably annoying the wildlife/farmers/other road users by blasting out Marina and the Diamonds. All in all, not a bad day! 

Blazer - Bershka; Blouse - Blanco; Shorts & Leaf Ring - Topshop; Tights - Primark; Shoes - New Look; Flower Ring - Accessorize; Bracelet - Pandora; Necklace - Accessorize.

For today's outfit I simply mixed up some of my favourite separates of the moment.. Those raspberry Topshop shorts are now one of my wardrobe staples because they are a gorgeous colour and suprisingly flattering for being so short! The tropical print top is very of the moment and bright - perfect for a sunny day, especially with my gorgeous pastel peach blazer. And don't get me started on how much I love my coral slippers at the moment, they are just too cute. A bright lip and black opaques finished the look off perfectly, although I can't help but long for the day I can go out with my legs bare (and hopefully not totally pasty-white) because that will mean summer is here. 

Just a few things to say now. Firstly, thankyou again to Lindsey Irby for her guest post that went up yesterday (check it out here)! Also, I guest posted on her blog Style Splice with a trend report featuring a photoshoot I took on the other recent sunny day, all about 1950s fashion - take a look here! I hope you all check out her blog, since I absolutely love it. Lastly, I got an instagram page, so please go follow me @babydolltara - there aren't many photos up yet but I will get right on it..

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Baby, you can drive my car..

Today was a pretty simple little Wednesday, but the fact that I actually braved college means that you lovely people get to see an outfit post for the first time this week! Since I was just in for one lesson I decided not to pull too many fashion punches and matched some of my separates for a casual yet stylish (I hope) look..

Cardigan - Dorothy Perkins; Vest - Topshop; Shorts & Tights - Primark; Shoes - New Look; Cuff - H&M; Ring - Miss Selfridge; Necklace - River Island; Earrings - River Island.

I absolutely love my car print shorts because they are achingly Prada-esque and just scream retro-Americana, which makes them a quick, simple way to look very du jour. They are also possibly the most fun a pair of shorts can be with their little cartoon motifs.. Today I paired them with my mint green scalloped vest (mint is my favourite colour right now), my Chanel-esque cardigan, black opaques and bright coral slippers for a slightly eclectic look with a very SS'12 edge.

Also, I just got a Lookbook account (finally) - I would love it if you would come check it out here, and maybe hype me?

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