Eating my words.

After the last post I am almost ashamed to post my latest outfit. I was full of the joys of spring dressing, putting my dark clothes behind me and embracing florals and pastels in a way that was almost sickening. Unfortunately, with the disgusting weather playing on my mind and the fact I was dressing for about an hour's worth of being in college before going home and returning to my pyjamas, I am eating my brightly-coloured words and presenting a case of going back to black. 

Top - Primark; Cardigan & Skirt - H&M; Shoes - George at Asda; Earrings, Necklace & Rings - Topshop.

I did have some pops of colour in the outfit (honestly, I couldn't picture a look on me without colour pops) in the scarf print top and bright pink ballet pumps. The whole look was actually originally based around the scarf-print vest, which I have been dying to wear. I was going to try a print clash, but with this particular pattern it felt too much, so I stuck to framing it with black. I did add interest with the oversized polka dot tights, bright shoes, luxe jewellery and a pink lip to keep it fresh and full of personality. It's strange how reverting to black can be comforting and comfortable, considering how much I love colour and print and all things eye-catching. I suppose it is because black is an eternally chic colour (not to mention slimming), that is basic, classic and yet still fashionable.

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

Fashion can still have principles.

If you have already read this month's Vogue, or have been paying attention to fash-world news then today's post won't be surprising or new to you. But I have just read this month's issue, and after hearing about it then reading about it I decided to dedicate a post to the amazing principles that Vogue now definitively stand for. It has long been said that fashion is a bad influence on people, especially young girls, given the idealized image of perfection that it portrays, which is why I was so pleased to read these ideas that are now supported by Vogue worldwide..

1. We will not knowingly work with models under the age of 16 or who appear to have an eating disorder. We will work with models who, in our view, are healthy and help to promote a healthy body image.

2. We will ask agents not to knowingly send us underage girls, and casting directors to check IDs when casting shoots, shows and campaigns. 

3.   We will help to structure mentoring programmes where more mature models are able to give advice and guidance to younger girls, and we will help to raise industry-wide awareness through education, as has been integral to the CFDA Health Initiative.

4. We will encourage producers to create healthy backstage working conditions, including healthy food options and a respect for privacy. We will encourage casting agents not to keep models unreasonably late.

5. We encourage designers to consider the consequences of unrealistically small sample sizes of their clothing, which limits the range of women who can be photographed in their clothes, and encourages the use of extremely thin models.

6. We will be vocal ambassadors for the message of healthy body image, both within the magazine and outside.

I was already a massive fan of Vogue, completely obsessed with the magazine and reading it religiously, but now I am even more inspired by Vogue and its editors. Not only are they now promoting healthy body image among models which will spread in to the general public, creating a healthy, inspirational image for all their readers, but they are seeking to improve conditions for models as well, and change the unrealistic sizing of designer sample clothes. I am incredibly proud of Vogue for doing this, and hope that many other magazines, modelling agencies and designers follow in their footsteps - as a huge international fashion name, their influence will hopefully permeate all the areas of fashion. Once again, well done to Vogue for being so principled.

Love and kisses, Tara xox  

Star Style Obsession - Chloe Moretz

Best known as the mouthy purple-haired superhero 'Hit Girl' in Kickass, Chloe Moretz may still only be 16 but she has one of the best innate senses of style around. It's a little bit awkward for my first inspiration post in weeks to be about a girl two years younger than me who doubtlessly looks better than me, but I can't help myself. I have had my eye on this girl's style for a few years as she has popped up at premiere after premiere looking unbelievably polished, gorgeous and fashion-forward for her years. I haven't actually seen any of her other films, but I am definitely a fan of her style, especially the way she can dress like a grown-up, while still looking fun and playful enough for the clothes to suit her.

Here are some of my favourite Chloe looks, starting early on..

This look could easily have been aging, but thanks to the super-glam belt and Chloe's tumbling curls it manages to stay young and fresh. Since we are still having a love affair with lace it still looks current and fashionable today, especially thanks to the slight retro feel of the long skirt shape. Chloe is off to a good start..

I cannot get over how gorgeous this look is on her - it would be incredibly difficult for anyone to pull off, let alone a teenager, but it looks absolutely perfect. That kimono is totally stunning, and the casually messy up-do is the ideal complement. 

At a launch close to my heart, that of the first Versace for H&M collection, Chloe wears one of their pieces perfectly. I am incredibly jealous of her ability to wear that canary yellow hue, and love the unusual nude shoes she has opted for.

I am ridiculously in love with this gothic, glamorous outfit. Not only is the mix of textures gorgeous, but that retro-fabulous cut and midi-length is all kinds of chic. Again, not the sort of thing a teenage usually pulls off - and therein lies her sartorial power.

It's not all about the dresses though - this matchy-matchy ensemble is equally chic and sweet at the same time. I think it is her peachy, glowing complexion and effortless, minimally styled hair that keeps her looking fresh and young.

Opting for a higher hemline this time and looking stunning for it. I absolutely love the bright, sea green hue and the way she has styled it so minimally, framed with black accessories and a sleek up-do.

The print on this stunning dress is so eye-catching and gorgeous that it is a miracle I can even express any sentiments about the rest of the outfit, but I can conclude that her hair looks as bouncy and beautiful as ever, and her shoes really deserve some appreciation..

Once again walking that fine line between grown-up glamour and dressing too old for your age, Chloe is pitch-perfect in this look. The dark leopard print of the dress is gorgeously edgy with the leather edging and those beautiful shoes again, yet her bright complexion and gorgeous waves keep it fun.

It's no secret that I am obsessed with floral prints, so I was practically delirious at the sight of one so perfect on Chloe. The demure, almost vintage shape looks so cute on her, and again she has styled it gorgeously and minimally which I love. 

And those are my picks of Chloe Moretz's many stylish appearances. I think you can see why I am so entranced by her every style move - she is unpredictable, versatile and above all the possessor of true style genius. A normal 16 year old girl probably would not have picked the looks and pieces she has, but choose them she has and she works them to perfection, effortlessly keeping them fun and young with her natural beauty and golden locks.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

My week in style.

Since I had all of my birthday shenanigans to post about this week I held back on the outfit posts, and now you lucky people can feast your eyes on all of this week's outfits in one (long) post! In my first official week of being 18 I haven't really gone crazy with it, and to be honest I can't feel much of a difference aside from being legally an adult - there's a little bit of new self-responsibility there. I certainly haven't made any changes to my style, which is still ever-changing, fun, experimental and intrinsically girlie..

Monday

Blazer - ASOS; Blouse - New Look; Skirt - River Island; Shoes & Tights - Primark; Earrings - Topshop; Necklace - Accessorize; Bracelets - Lola Rose, Pull & Bear, Topshop, ASOS & Accessorize.

I opted for a fun mix of patterns to beat the Monday morning blues - there's nothing like my cherry print skirt to add a playful edge to an outfit. I can't wait to wear it in a more retro fifties style outfit, but that will have to come when the weather finally improves! For now I settled for pairing it with a polka dot blouse, framed with black tights and a blazer and finished with my much-abused mint green shoes. I also wore my hair up for once, and it looked better than I thought.. I still won't make a habit of it though.

Tuesday

Blazer - ASOS; Dress, Shoes & Flower Ring - Topshop; Tights - Primark; Earrings - New Look; Bracelets - Topshop, Accessorize & Lola Rose; Star Ring - Forever 21.

With Tuesday came a very girlie look - inspired by the gorgeous lace on the Valentino catwalks I wore my new Topshop lace dress (a birthday present!) and kept it feminine with glittery pumps and statement earrings. Then of course I added a boyish edge with my blazer, and I love the juxtaposition it adds. Again, I can't wait to wear this dress without the necessity of tights and a blazer, but for now I like it layered. I just felt super-pretty wearing this and can't wait to break it out again.

Wednesday

Denim Shirt - River Island; Dress & Bracelet - Topshop; Belt, Tights & Shoes - Primark; Ring - H&M; Headband - New Look.

Since Wednesday was finally a sunny day where I am I decided to go for a more summery, almost festival-esque look. White has rolled around again as a key colour for this season, so I pulled out my broderie anglaise dress, and made it a little more seasonally appropriate by layering it with a pale denim shirt and patterned tights. My mint shoes added a confectionery edge, and I topped it all off with a sweet floral headband. I have been waiting for a sunny day to start wearing my floral headbands again, and this new one is super cute with its gorgeous yellow flowers. I loved feeling so summery and pretty, and I want more sunny days!

Friday

Blazer - ASOS; Top - Yumi; Shorts & Tights - Primark; Shoes - George at Asda; Bracelets - Topshop, River Island & Lola Rose; Ring - Miss Selfridge.

With Friday came a gorgeous print mix - a clash of some tropical-inspired parrots (thankyou to my friend who got it for me), and Prada-esque car print shorts. They really add a fun, playful edge to my outfit when put together and pick up on the cute, cartoon prints trend of SS'12. I also love these bright shoes, and cannot believe I picked them up at a supermarket!

Before you say anything, I realise Thursday is missing - I was actually ill then, and nobody wants to see a picture of me in my PJs in my bed. One thing I have realised looking at these outfits is that I can be completely different in my look from day to day, and just how versatile fashion can be, in that you can dress for every different part of you personality, which I love.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

[PS. I realise I am getting ridiculously haphazard with my blogging - when my life calms down a little I will be back to regular posts I promise!]

Home improvements.

This is a bit of first here because I am going to post about some recent modifications to my home environment - obviously you don't have the 'before' pictures for comparison but you can see what I have done now.. It sounds a lot more impressive than it is, so please bear in mind that I am a student, living at home with my parents and only in control of my actual room, and only in so far as I can put new things on the walls. Which is what I have done! Firstly I have used some more of my birthday presents next to my bed..

Yes, I finally got around to hanging up my Kylie autograph because my parents framed it for me for my birthday! I love it, and now the light etc won't make it fade. Perfect. I also got a Breakfast At Tiffany's poster from them - they know me very well, since that is my favourite film and a large part of me wants to be Audrey Hepburn. Lastly, I picked up this Lady Gaga poster myself in town and I adore it. It is from the Monster Ball tour and makes me even more excited for the Born This Way Ball. I really love my wall now that it has three of my icons on it!

As well as putting up some gorgeous pictures I have put up a handy jewellery storage solution - well when I say I, I really mean that I had the idea and my dad made it and installed it..

For years I have found that I have so many necklaces that if I store them in a box or anything they just get tangled up and I have to spend hours every week or so untangling them, so I tried to come up with a better way to store them. My idea was this necklace rack - yes, it makes my room look a little bit like a shop I will admit, but it really does keep them separate. It also makes it really easy to see which necklaces I have, which makes choosing my accessories easier. All it is is one large piece of wood for the backing, a smaller one of the same length for the higher rail and then quite a few cylindrical 'pegs' glued in at a slight angle to keep the necklaces on. I'm not going to pretend to tell you how to make it since I am a complete hazard when it comes to DIY, but anyone who is good at making things should be able to knock one up.

And those are my highly exciting home improvements - it may not seem like much of a difference but they really do make my room a lot more "me", and the necklace rack is incredibly useful and practical.

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