I Do Love A Good Spree

I decided that today was the day to do a lone shopping trip and to be completely honest it's the best way to shop. I got to ride the train listening to my favourite tracks without feeling antisocial, shop at my own pace and choose the shops I want to go in and avoided hanging around in changing rooms waiting for the others. It really is therapeutic and I got some gorgeous buys. Originally I had been aiming to purchase a new bikini, hat and sandals. I came home with two more maxis, a skirt and a hat. At least I score one out of three. Better than previous attempts.

Here are my latest purchases...




From Topshop, what a surprise there, pricey but stunning maxi with knot back.


















After three tribal maxis in my wardrobe I decided I was in need of a plain black one to add to my collection. Ideal to throw on over a bikini or dress it up for an evening look. (Warehouse)















Finally, I have bought myself a floppy. And it was worth the wait. Paired with the black maxi it's sexy, sophisticated and in season. (Accessorize)




Unfortunately, the Zara floral skirt couldn't be here today so here is a comparison to a Topshop skirt in the same style.



High waisted with cute side pockets, the Topshop skirt comes in at £32 whereas Zara is a softer, comfier material and a mere £9.99. Shame on you Topshop.

Vogue Brilliance

I have only just finished reading, analysing and most importantly enjoying this month's Vogue and I didn't want it to end (I put my foot down to taking it to the beach; sand & magazines do not mix well.) The selection in terms of clothes, interviewees & themes devoured me for the past few days & every article was beautifully written.

Speaking of beautiful here are the latest skirts that have certainly caught my eye...




Unlike many of the pastel florals floating around this season, add a splash of vintage to the faded darker floral skirt for a different look.










OK, you got me, it's actually made by Love** and certainly with a lot of love. This skirt is just summer in a, well in a skirt. Pastel, floaty, floral and fabulous.











This sexy lace bodycon skirt is ideal for a night out on the town or even dressed down with a set of brogues and a blouse or casual shirt.









Now, for the finale, right out of the jungle and straight into Topshop comes this festival-goers-maxi skirt. If like me, you're still a little pasty from Winter and aren't used to shaving your legs all the time, Maxi's are ideal. Thank God for maxis.






And there you have it, skirts for festivals, nights out and picnics in the park, florals, lace and tropical prints.

Hitting The Beach

I am extremely excited as today me & my friends are hitting the beach for the first time in ages. I'll be wearing this gorgeous peach polka dot bikini aka Dobby:




The rouching & bow detail actually give me a bust! What a bonus!








If this bikini isn't for you have a look at some of these contrasting bikinis from florals, hibiscus flowers & bold prints...


A half & half floral & dotty bikini is something I haven't seen yet this summer & a tropical hibiscus flower beauty.

Two stunning all in ones, one cut out leopard print bikini which will also give you an illusion of a bigger bust for those smaller girls & a peplum skirted halter neck swimsuit.

Check out the website for a huge selection of other bikinis if you're looking for something a little different. Anyway I am off to soak up the sun!

Brace Yourself

for the must have bracelets by Freedom jewellery for Topshop. Gold bangles, cuffs & charm bracelets, the choice is all yours.







Big chunky wooden beaded bangles, perfect statement jewellery.












Gold cut out chain cuff.




















Some of the collection of to-die-for charm bracelets. They are actually fully functioning, watch charm bracelets!

In between florals & Asian inspired jewellery these are perfect for adding a little bit of sparkle into any outfit.

I've Had The Same Jeans On...

...for too many days now. With the sudden turn to horrific weather, so much for summer sunshine, I've turned from maxis, cropped tops & floaty summer dresses to jeans and I'm not impressed. Don't get me wrong, I adore jeans but after living in them for the majority of winter I was looking forward to a change of outfit. But here's to the last of jeans for this summer season & if you, unlike me, realise that summer in England will most probably still be fit for jeans, here are the ones to be rocking...




Gorgeous high waisted, skinny jeans with basque detailing. Perfect for creating curves, I always love my bum in a pair of these!









Something very different but very on trend, ditsy floral printed 'peg leg' jeans. Something a little fun for summer.











These are some of my favourite jeans...EVER! A little crazy & a little out there which I adore. Also in short form, my sister was so tempted she's bought a pair. Looking forward to seeing those very soon...










You know what I'm going to say...they're coral I know, I know, I know but look at them! Yum yum yummy!







OK, so I can't really complain about wearing jeans when Topshop have the greatest range yet. If none of these take your fancy, there's Techno Traveller; ripped & tapered jeans, Summer Fete; floral, hearts & strawberry prints and Club Tropicana; hibiscus prints & neons. Whatever takes your fancy.

Congratulations Kate

The new line is a complete hit. Personally my favourite range of hers yet. Firstly the most enticing video, shot by one of my favourite photographers Nick Knight (as seen on Next Top Model) who reflects the trend of the collection through the romantic & dreamy feel alongside the fantastic song by the Strange Boys, Be Brave with Kate floating around in some of the key pieces to her new range. If you have yet to see the video check it out, it really is mesmerising :

http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaticPageDisplay?catalogId=19551&storeId=12556&brdcrmb_trail=&identifier=ts1%20km%20ss10&intcmpid=FEATURE_IP_UK_WK38_KATE_MOSS_PREVIEW

If the video's not enough to persuade you, take a closer look at some of my favourites in her collection:

A complete reflection of the video, dreamy, floaty and flirty.

A selection of some of the stunning maxis.

Short but sweet.

A stunner of a playsuit, made entirely of silk with an open back. I'm surprised it hasn't sold out online yet!

Take a closer look at the remarkable embroidery on the neckline of this shift dress.

I can't quite put my finger on why I have fallen in love with this dress, with all the lace embroidery on this peasant dress it's gone straight to my head.

Again lacy and beautiful, this time with angel sleeves for that complete angelic look.

From floral maxis to playsuits, bodycon and lace embroidered dresses, blouses to skinny jeans and shorts this collection answers all of this seasons prayers with florals, lace and silk, what more could you ask for in a collection? If I'm completely honest she's never been one of my favourite models to say the least but after the launch of this fantastic, breathtaking collection she's moved up a few notches past Naomi Campbell and Jordan. That really is something to congratulate her for.

Vogue July 2010

July's Vogue arrived on Saturday & it was just what I needed to make my hangover that little bit more bearable. Although then I was in no fit state to thoroughly enjoy it to its full extent, I remember being just about able to look at some of the adverts before I realised now was not the time & to read it when I can most appreciate it, either in bed or in the bath alongside a face mask & some relaxing music. Somehow I have managed to resist to read the issue as I am waiting until tomorrow on my day off when I can read it with my full attention, no distractions. It has been on the verge of impossibility as the front cover this month has been one of the most intriguing yet. The combinations of headlines that became more and more enticing every time; the supermodel story (right down my street), wonder dress every woman's secret weapon (who wouldn't want to read), inside Chanel Alexa Chung meets Karl Largerfeld (my favourite designer label & designer) and the immaculate vision of Grace Coddington (one of my favourite editors alongside Anna Wintour) and with Cameron Diaz gracing the front cover & bringing a sense of freshness, glamour & a feel of summer to the issue I have never looked forward to reading an issue more. Once read I will be reporting back.