Pin Up Inspirations

Striped Crop Top - Topshop

Skirt - H&M

Cleated Shoes - eBay

What do you think of my feeble attempt at pin up inspired hair?

This outfit basically consists of all my favourite things at the moment; stripes, cleated shoes, monochrome and red lippy (always a fave).

I decided to put an outfit together that incorporated some influences from the pin up style, which I love.  Well, what girl doesn't?  I thought the striped crop top sitting just off the shoulders gave a pin up vibe, and of course I had to wear something high waisted.  I went for a black skater skirt which I can say has quickly become a staple piece in my wardrobe.  It sits really nicely on my waist and is quite versatile so is very easy to wear.  Love!  Crop tops and high waisted pieces are quite literally a match made in heaven, and are always going to be a fave of mine.

Now on to the shoes.   I think they may possibly be my favourite pair of shoes I have ever owned, or up there at least.  And the fact that they only cost 15 quid from my love that is eBay makes them all the better.  You wouldn't expect shoes this cheap to be comfy, but I was extremely surprised with how comfortable they actually are, as well as fitting in perfectly with the monochrome theme of this outfit.  The fact that they are designed with a peep toe also adds to the outfits pin up style.  I decided to throw on some frilly socks purely because of how cute they look.  I do love a pair of frillys.

I attempted a pin up hairstyle, painted my face in my usual thick black winged eyeliner and red lipstick, and wore the outfit out last night to my boyfriends American Football team awards dinner that he invited me too.  Afterwards, we went to the usual bar/club where you'll find most of the Portsmouth students of a Friday night, and it was especially busy seeing as everyone has now finally finished exams!  Even though I wore this on a night out, the shoes can easily be swapped for some cleated sandals, and the skirt for a pair of high waisted denim shorts and worn in the day.  Perfect for SS14.

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25 Things No Girl Should Ever Forget

Do your squats, eat your vegetables, wear red lipstick and don't let boys be mean to you.  I've seen this quote a few times around twitter and instagram - I love it.  It's short, sweet and definitely something us girls should live by.  Here are some other little tips we should remember:

1. Water is gods gift, literally.  It keeps your hair looking healthy, your skin looking clear and you feeling fresh.  It makes you feel less hungry throughout the day so you are less likely to snack on them carb and sugar loaded  biscuits.  Try to remember to get your 8 - 10 glasses  each day!


2. Your beauty sleep is very important! Make sure you get your 8 hours!


3. Crash diets and dieting pills are a lie! Don't waste your money, just eat healthily and exercise.


4. If that girl you hate is still messaging your boyfriend, it's probably because she is still getting a reply.  Sorry to break it to you, but that is the frustrating truth in this situation.


5. Yankee Candles are a jar of happiness.  If you have never tried a Yankee Candle before then you are missing out.  There are so many different choices of scent, and lighting one candle will fill your whole house with it's delicious smell.


6. Drink herbal tea! So many flavours and so many benefits.


7. Spending a little extra money on a good foundation is so worth it.  It lasts longer and looks better.


8. Stick to your morning and nightly skin care routine of cleansing, toning and moisturizing (don't forget eye cream).  And always take your make up off before bed.  Your skin will thank you for it later.


9. Breakfast is the most important meal - it gets your metabolism going so your body is much more effective at burning the calories you take in throughout the day.


10. Olive oil is a brilliant for your hair.


11. Red lipstick is the best thing invented ever, so don't be scared to wear it!


12. Sugar waxing is a great alternative to shaving and normal waxing.


13. Either have your legs, tummy or boobs out.  Two can be okay if there is slightly less of each, but never all 3!


14. Don't spend too much time crying over boys - there's so much better things you could be doing with your time.


15. Wearing sunglasses whenever it's sunny (even in the winter) stops you squinting therefore making wrinkles less likely.


16. You can never have too many pairs of underwear.


17. Eating nuts is great as they have so many health benefits.


18. If you wake up feeling too down to get up and do anything, force yourself to get up, put on some make up and a smile, and do something with your friends.  I guarantee you will feel better.


19. Stock up on hand sanitizer and vaseline and never leave the house without them.  


20. Exercise, exercise, exercise! It's so good for getting rid of stress and anxiety.


21. Don't be the girl that wears see through leggings with a top not long enough to cover her bum.  Not a good look.


22. Smiling and laughing generally makes you feel happier, and yummy food like chocolate releases endorphin's making you feel better.  So if your having a crappy day, put a funny movie on and pig out on chocolate for a little pick me up.


23. An apple in the morning is just as, if not more effective then your daily cup of coffee.  And a whole lot healthier.


24. If you're single, don't feel down about not having a boyfriend.  Just remember, you can kiss anyone you want.  Whenever you want.
25. And last but definitely not least... Carbs are not your enemy!  They are yummy and  great source of energy!

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Back to Basics

Top - H&M

Skirt - H&M

Loafers - Office

I haven't shopped in H&M a few years now, but back in the day, when I was around 16 & 17, it was one of my go to shops.  I loved it in there, but it started changing and I didn't like a lot of the clothes so I stopped going in.  A few months back I decided to go in and have a little browse just too have a look and kill some time, and actually managed to get an outfit to wear for valentines day the next day.  I was generally not expecting this, and since then I've been going back more and more, and never seem to leave empty handed!  

I've found that it's especially good for those basic bits of clothing that we all need in our wardrobes, and they always seem to have really nice basic bits, not just your bog standard black stretchy vest top, like you would go into Primark for.  Putting outfits together only using basic pieces is great because it's quick and easy, and adding some jewelry makes it look like you've actually put some effort into deciding what you're going to wear!

I thought wearing the skirt as high waisted went well with the baggy grey crop top, and threw on some black and white loafers and a pastel pink necklace to add some colour and complete the look... simple!

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Jumping on the Kimono Bandwagon

Kimono - eBay

Lace Top - H&M

Disco Pants - H&M

Chunky Gladiator Sandals - eBay

It's getting to that time of the year where the weather seems to be stuck in a twilight between Spring and Summer.  There are random bursts of sunshine inter-weaved with sudden chilly showers, and not too mention the days that are t0o warm to be walking around in a woolly cardy, but not warm enough to go out in only a t-shirt or a little top.  So, a while back I went on the hunt for a chiffon shirt with a pretty pattern to wear over outfits at this time of the year, and I came across this sort of half kimono half shirt number on eBay and had to make it mine.

It came from this random country in somewhere Europe that I have never even heard of before (woops) so took a while to get here, but since it has come I have worn it so much.  It's very versatile and goes with just about anything, which I love.  I usually wear it with shorts and skirts showing off my bare legs, as when it is not tied up  it comes down to my knees.  Unfortunately it was no weather for that today, and I had to venture outside in the rain with grey clouds looming over me, so I thought it would be best to throw on some super high waisted disco pants and have a cute lacey top tucked in.

Even though the sandals do not match the weather, I couldn't resist wearing them as I have only just bought them, so decided to risk my feet getting a little wet!

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How to find your own Personal Style

"It's a new era in fashion - there are no rules. It's all about the individual and personal style, wearing high-end, low-end, classic labels, and up-and-coming designers all together." - Alexander McQueen

Shirt - Urban Outfitters

Dress - Primark

Gladiator Sandals - eBay

Thumb Ring/Cat Ring - eBay

Midi Rings/Little Finger Ring/Index Finger Ring - Topshop

If you were to ask somebody with a very distinct personal style how they pick out their clothes and put outfits together the way they do, they probably wouldn't know exactly how to answer.  I know I wouldn't anyway.  A lot of these people (including myself) have a real lust for expressing themselves visually, as well as showing a part of their inner self through their style.  For example, I love 90's grunge  fashion and rock 'n' roll, as well as vintage styles; incorporating these into my own style  adds a sense of uniqueness as I am expressing myself and my love of these.  Your personal style is also not  just the way that you dress, it is reflected in the music you love to listen to, the way you style your hair and the ways in which you portray your overall lifestyle.

So you can see how copying someone is not exactly having your own personal style.  However, using others as inspiration is so helpful, and you'll find most people do, do this.  There is nothing wrong with taking note of other peoples outfits, allowing them to influence you so you can build upon them.  Gaining inspiration from others is great as it allows you endless ideas of what you can wear yourself, especially if you are slightly clueless about where to start.  I LOVE searching through the internet and reading through other peoples style blogs , it really is helpful when I have run out of ideas of what too wear.  Looking through fashion magazines can be helpful, especially for pin-pointing exactly what is in season and how to style different pieces, but I sometimes find that they are quite 'samey' and there is no sense of individuality.  You'll find with style blogs, the writers have a real grasp on the particular types of fashion they are interested in and are confident in presenting it in their own ways.  Pinterest is another great website which allows you to search different categories, (such as 80's fashion or vintage) and it will bring back hundreds of outfits different people have posted with tags you have searched for.  It's brilliant.

Trial & error is much a part of pin-pointing your own personal style.  I mean, how many times did you fall off your bike before you learnt how to ride it, or not quite make it on your driving test before you managed to pass?  Style is much like this, trying out new things and not being afraid to take risks.  If you spot something that you might like to wear, wear it!  It sounds cliche, I know, but don't give a crap what other people may think!  If you feel happy in something then wear it!  That is the utmost important thing.  Risks are my favourite as I feel as though I am really showing off a part of me as well as standing out from the crowd which I love!  Many of the people with very unique and standout styles have worked for a while trying to captivate it through the process of trial & error and risk taking, discovering what works for them.

The most important thing to remember is to wear what you like and what you feel comfortable in.  If you don't wear what makes you happy you won't ever have a truly personal style or be confident in what you are wearing!

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