Liebster Award

The really lovely Charley from notetocharley has nominated me for a Liebster Award! This is one of the ways to start to get to know some of the smaller blogs and people who run them. With one of my aims this year to try and blog more often this is a fantastic opportunity and I’m really grateful to Charley for the nomination! I’ll be listing some of my favourite small blogs at the end and I really cant recommend them enough. 

There are a few simple rules that you need to follow:

1. Mention the person who nominated you with a link in their blog

2. Answer the 11 questions provided by the person who nominated you

3. Nominate 11 other bloggers with less than 200 followers 

4. Create a new set of 11 questions for your nominees to answer 

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What are your ambitions for this year?

I think my biggest aim this year is to be more positive and enjoy my life again. After a long period of illness I need to learn how to be more independent again and to do this I need to go out with a positive outlook. I really want to try and make the most of any opportunities offered to me this year instead of hiding behind anxiety.

Where do you see your blog in 5 years time?

I hope it’s still going! I’ll be almost 29 by then so my life could dramatically change in that period. I’m hoping to perhaps start a more historical academic blog in the next few years as a job as a historian is my dream job. I hope that I’ll still have this blog for life and misc posts but who knows what the future holds! 

Sweet or savoury?

Toughie but I’ll have to go sweet. I’ve had a sweet tooth since I was young, though I’d usually rather have sweeties over chocolate. I’m a avid baker, mostly sweet goodies and although I really enjoy a packet of crisps with dips but my sweet tooth always wins eventually. 

What would you change about your life if you could alter one thing? 

Probably my health. I don’t want to say I never had a period of bad health as it’s taught me alot about life and myself and it’s been an important part of my growing into an adult in my mid-twenties. Yet, it would be helpful to have some good health now! 

What made you start blogging?

 Boredom and a want to share my experiences. I’ve been active on the internet on various sites for a decade now but most my blogs have about 4 posts then I get bored. I want to make more with this blog this time! I started this blog as I was lonely, as my illness has prevented my social life expanding and I live hours away from any friends. I’m hoping my social life will improve but also that I’ll have more adventures to share on the blog! 

Favourite blogger?

One of my favourite bloggers is Rebecca of theclotheshorse . I love her style, her appreciation of art and fashion and her general quirkiness. Plus her boyfriend lives in Northern Ireland so it’s been good to find new places I need to visit when I see Jonathan. 

What is your day job?

Currently I’m unemployed. I was last employed as a bar/kitchen supervisor at a well known pub chain in the UK but had to leave due to my deteriorating health. I’m now looking at getting back into work and have a few interviews lined up already! I’m not too bothered what I do currently, I just want to earn my money again. I have a few mixed ideas about my future so I want to just settle into working life before addressing my career. 

What other hobbies do you have other than your blog?

Alot?! Reading, crafting, sewing, baking, cooking, movie trivia, gaming, Magic the Gathering, reading historical articles and finding new artists. I like to keep myself occupied with a variety of activities so I don’t get too bored. 

Favourite song?

This is a horrible question. I can only just about choose my favourite band, Death Cab For Cutie! I think my favourite song at the moment is Say Lou Lou - Better in the Dark. It’s suiting my dreamy kind of mood but with a beat to dance too. It’s free for itunes members in the Uk (not sure about US). I’m looking forward to their album release!

Describe yourself in 5 words.

Bookworm, dreamy, quirky, idealistic, overthinker.

Link your favourite blog post. 

This post by Elizabeth of Delightfully-Tacky really spoke to me. I get very anxious in situations and I find myself being overly negative alot, something I’m working on. This post made me feel like I’m not the only one who feels bad sometimes and that we can overcome it, in fact the voices can push us into greater things by making us want to prove them wrong. 

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My Nominated blogs.

Note: I only follow five blogs currently with less than 200 followers who are still active. Annie has over 200 followers but only just so she gets included.

Emily of a fickle fox

Emma of Emmas looking glass

Eve of Eve Babar

Kate of No Fluffy Slippers

Emily of Paint, Walk

Annie of Three Little Buho's 

My questions are:

1. If you could have one super power what would it be?

2. Three places you would like to visit?

3. Favourite animal?

4. Favourite period of history?

5. Top 3 authors.

6. Most and least favourite foods?

7. What colour do you like wearing the most?

8. What is your dream career?

9. Have any pets?

10. Favourite places to shop?

11. Favourite meal of the day?

Life Thoughts

My hairs getting so long!

Delightfully Tacky, one of my favourite bloggers often does this little post every few months about where she is in life and whats been inspiring her and I’d really like to incorporate it into this blog (I did use some of her headers as a template so I hope she doesn’t mind!). After finally recovering from the horrible few illnesses I’ve had since the new year I finally have that ‘new year new me’ feeling going and want to share some of my thoughts and ideas for the next few months. 

Reading Han’s Fallada’s ‘Alone In Berlin’. I’ve had this book sat on my bookshelf since its release in 2009, captivated by the synopsis on the back I bought it as part of Waterstones 3 for 2 deal in a vain effort during university to have casual reading for pleasure. Needless to say my Mum then picked it up when she visited once to read while I was bogged down in 16th century gender politics. After finishing it she told me, though she enjoyed it she found it really hard and slow to get into and admitted struggling to finish it at times. When I finally had time to read again after the review from my Mum this book was sadly pushed to the back of the pile and forgot about. With my book collection getting a little out of control a few weeks ago I decided to sort my books and pile the ones that were unread next to my bed with a determination to work through them before buying many more books. This little book appeared again. With alot more time to read I decided it was time to tackle it and I’ve found myself pleasantly surprised. Compared with my Mum’s struggle I’ve managed to engross myself into the world of Berlin during the second world war. The descriptions, the range of characters and the swelling plot line all have my full attention, even after only 100 pages! I’m really excited to finish this story now, especially as it is based on true facts. When I do finish I’ll defiantly be posting a review on my goodreads! (link in top bar).

Watching CSI. I picked up season 1 (which I’ve watched a million times) for £4.50 in CeX before I left Northern Ireland needing a show to occupy me until Grey’s Anatomy returns at the end of February! Already knowing I enjoy CSI as an avid crime and forensics fan in literature and tv this was an easy decision. I find the show easy to put on while I’m doing something else so while I’m avidly applying for jobs I’m still entertained from the monotonous typing of my details over and over. I’m currently on season 2 which I’m hoping to finish before I travel to Northern Ireland again next week. 

Still need to fill my pokedex though..

Playing Animal Crossing New Leaf. Jonathan bought me a Nintendo 3ds XL for Christmas with animal crossing and pokemon x, I finished pokemon x and the copy of Professor Layton and Pandora’s Box I bought so I’m occupying myself with Animal Crossing. I love this game cos I can play as much or as little as I want and I just adore anything cute. Doesn’t use too many brain cells either so I find it almost relaxing. I want to get some more Professor Layton games and some Ace Attorney games as I love puzzles and Ace Attorney is meant to be hilarious. 

Listening to Interpol. In a total splurge I bought myself tickets to see Interpol as part of the NME awards show in Birmingham. On the 25th March I’ll be finally able to see a band I’ve wanted to see since I found them 9 years ago! I’m really excited and I’ve been told the support acts are also worth a listen but for now my ear drums are loving the post punk vibrations. 

I love this guy, and I love our adventures.

Planning a road trip across Northern England with Jonathan in early April. At a Belfast Giants game over the Christmas period he won their ‘chuck a puck’ game and therefore won a free ferry crossing with Stena Line ferries to either England or Scotland. The Elite Ice Hockey League Playoff’s are played in Nottingham and we decided to make our way over there but turn it into a road trip. We’re planning to visit York, a city I’ve been desperate to visit for a very long time and make a loop across the North of England before returning home. At the moment we’re still planning times and hotels so that Jonathan doesn’t have to drive much. We’ve decided this will be our holiday this year and I’m really excited to spend some time with the guy I love and visit some amazing places. 

Florence has been causing no end to mischief!

Proud of being a vegan for over a year now. Ask me a few years back and I would have laughed at the idea of me giving up cheese and eggs but look at me now! I still get the odd craving for them but then I remember why I choose to do this. The last year I’ve seen some positive health changes and I feel more comfortable with myself morally. I think the first year was going to be the hardest and now I’m more clued in I’m looking forward to spending the rest of my life on a plant based diet and advocating why we don’t need leather or wool. 

Shopping for Interview/Office Wear.

Preparing for my return to work. It’s been a year and half since I had to leave my last place of employment and over two years since I first began to suffer with a neurological disorder (functional and dissociative neurological disorder). I’ve spent alot of that time working with my neurologist, neuro physiotherapist and my gp to get back to this stage that I feel well and in control of my symptoms enough to work again. I’m very anxious about this process but I know it needs to be done and I’m pleased to have been able to apply for several suitable jobs without letting my worries overwhelm me. It won’t be an easy time but it has to be done and I’m eager to learn some new skills and meet some new people. 

My niece, Phoebe, likes telling the teddies and everyone else stories and having tea parties.

Perplexed about my future and what to do with myself. When I was a child I was always changing my mind about what I wanted to be when I was older. I tended to flit between wanting to teach or being an paleontologist. Now I’m older, and realised I wouldn’t enjoy teaching, I got my BA degree in History and Philosophy and thought I had my life planned heading for a career in heritage and the museum business. I was then tempted to incorporate historical research into my career and progress to a masters degree in late medieval/early modern history.  That was until a few months ago when looking through adult learning courses I saw a course to become a Veterinary Nurse. I’ve always been an animal lover, and always had pets around me, and I think a part of me has always wanted to work with animals so is this the way I should go? I made a quick plan before then finding my dissertation in a hidden computer folder. It flared my love of history and research so now I’ve been left a bit confused again. I’m always going to be an indecisive person, my flare and the thrill I get from research and learning new things will always push me into other disciplines. I doubt I’ll stay in the same career my whole life but for now I think I just need to focus on getting a job of any kind and then really spend some time thinking about my future. If it’s one thing I’ve learnt in the last two years is that it’s ok to be patient and take things slowly and that’s an important lesson to learn for someone who regularly panics about where their life has put them temporarily. 

These little girls keep me sane.

All pictures are from my instagram, link in top bar.

Product Review ~ Mr Fox Cases

This is my first product review so don't be too harsh! 

My boyfriend bought me a kindle for my birthday, as an avid reader he thought it would be more suitable to all the travelling I do back and forth from Northern Ireland. I was a sceptic at first; I love how books feel in my hands, I adore the sound of turning pages and as someone who owns alot of secondhand books you just can't beat that old book smell! After a few days with my kindle I saw the benefits, I can travel with a whole library of books in just a tiny reader that fits in my bag or suitcase. Also, since my kindle is a ink based reader it doesn't leave my eyes sore after looking at screens for ages. 

So, with my new kindle I begun searching for a cute case to keep it safe and clean in my bag. As a vegan I didn't want one of the many leather cases on offer; I also wanted something really cute that suits my personality. This is where Mr Fox comes into the equation!

A few weeks before I got my kindle my iPhone case begun to crack and therefore I was in need of a new one. I only paid £2 for the hard case I had and it lasted me over a year, so I wasn't willing to spend alot. I was tempted by the silicon cases, I'm very clumsy and I drop my phone alot and I was informed this would be more suitable so off to eBay I went. Originally I was going to indulge my love of owls and buy a case with an owl on, but I couldn't find one I liked. So I searched for other favourite animals of mine, one of them being a fox and result! Not only did I find a cute fox case but it was silicon and very well priced at £6.09 including postage. I waited only a few days for my case to arrive and from the start I was in love. The case fits my phone like a glove, is very high quality, waterproof and not cumbersome. I can use the side buttons with ease and my charger still fits in without trouble. The casing was cute and I even kept the back cardboard for a future craft as it's so adorable! 

So, when looking for a kindle case I searched for Mr Fox again on eBay and lo and behold I found a matching kindle case in the right size for my e-reader! The case gives a cute fox design on a turquoise background and is made of strong cardboard (I think) and a canvas like material. This means that I can bend the case back making for easier reading. The kindle is fixed into place with orange elastic which is the same as what is used to keep the case closed. The case is lightweight, thin and slightly cushioned which makes it perfect for when I have to pop it into my suitcase or satchel bag. Again the product is high quality and exactly what I expected. The case was also very good value for money at £8.99 including postage. 

Overall, the Mr Fox brand is fantastically made, value for money and I recommend to anyone who needs a cute case themselves or a gift for a friend or family member. :) 

To buy any of these Mr Fox products click this link. 

The sellers I used are stars-aberystwyth  and from-then-to-now

She opened her eyes to see, She was the one for me

Hi! I'm back from my holiday from Devon and since being back I've already got my creative head on. A few weeks ago I found a tutorial for a simple straight line skirt and I already had bought some fabric from the NEC sewing for pleasure exhibition that I had already bookmarked for a skirt. 

The tutorial is simple to follow and it's a really simple design that is perfect for a casual day look. The elastic waist is also friendly for people like me who can be prone to bloating a bit after big meals! It's also so cute for summer days out! 

The only problems I had with this were:

•  I measured the elastic to fit exactly to my waist but when I put it on it's really loose. Next time I'll make it an inch or two smaller so it fits more snugly and allows for my continuing weight loss aims. 
•  Make sure you leave about two inches of the side sem free or else it's a nightmare when you thread the elastic through later! 
•  I used a zigzag stitch on my machine but my Mum said a straight would be better, I didn't really realise until it was almost finished. 

If you'd like to have a go yourself then the tutorial by Brett Bara is here. 

You can also purchase her book on amazon here, I already have it on my wishlist!

Outfit Details:

Denim shirt - charity shop and diy, skirt - diy, belt - new look. 

In the valley of dolls we sleep

Did a little too much today so I'm currently curled up in bed having to focus so hard on typing cos of the vertigo. ):

Luckily it was worth it, I went shopping with my Mum and it's been a while since we were last able to go out just the two of us because we tend to go with my sister. It was nice having a few hours mother-daughter time; and since I'm going away for six weeks to Northern Ireland it reminded me how much I'm going to miss her while I'm away. I seriously have an amazing Mum who does anything for my siblings and I that's within her power. I'm very lucky to have her. :) I wish I could do more for my Mum to treat her more but I do have my own budget restrictions in place but I'm hoping to buy her a camera for her birthday (though it'll be early) that she can take on the holiday she's hoping to take to Italy in October. My Mum paints watercolours and her cameras pretty old and rubbish now so I want to give her one she can use to take pictures that she can then paint when she comes home. 

So on our little adventure we both bought some henna from Lush (I use caca rouge and my Mum's going to try it with caca maroon), I bought some earrings for £1 and a new bird blouse, aztec tights and a khaki skirt all for £12! I also wore my wig out as I was feeling lazy and couldn't be bothered to wash my hair. Shockingly, not one person questioned me and the woman in Lush thought it was my natural hair! Another woman in another store told me I look like a china doll which was a little odd but lovely nonetheless. 

I also started a new book today, Stephen King's 'The Shining'. I've seen Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece of a film based on this book and I've always wanted to extend my King collection and so when I saw this a while ago in a charity shop for 90p there was no way I could resist! I think it'll take me a few days to get through as I really need to work on my sewing projects tomorrow and Monday and then I leve Tuesday evening. I just hope it's as good as the film! 

Finally, well-done to the English rugby team for beating Scotland today in their first game of the Six Nations! Jonathan said he's going to try and teach me the rules of rugby so I can understand it more. Hopefully we can keep this winning streak and get a grand slam this year!

Outfit details

Skull playsuit - TKMaxx, Cream vintage blouse - Urban Outfitters, black opaque tights - Marks and Spencers, Mustard skinny belt - h&m, Shoes - thrifted (charity shop), black socks - Dunnes Stores, Owl necklace - bought in Rome, Mustard woollen hat - New Look, Black wig - eBay.

We won't let the sun go down, We're gonna chase the demons out of town

I'm finally out of hospital! Well truth be told I've been out since Thursday night but I'm still far from being well, though slowly getting better. I've used an entire inhaler for my asthma in less than 2 days which isn't so good but the consultant said it could be a few weeks until it's back under control. Which sucks. 

I've spent all weekend in bed in my pjs. I've had hardly any energy at all and I've needed to catch up on alot of sleep. However, I'm a little more perky today so I got up, dressed and even put make up on! It's amazing what a difference a bit of personal attention can make to your mood, I feel so liberated. Plus I finally have chance to wear my new zebra dress!

So during my weekend in bed I watched Wes Anderson's 'Moonrise Kingdom' which is fantastic. If you like quirky, creative films then this is one for you! My Mum thought it was strange but I was totally enchanted and I can't understand why it's taken me so long to watch it. The cinematography is stunning and now I want an adventure in New England! I'd like to watch more of Anderson's films as I've only seen a handful and he's firmly planted himself as a favourite director of mine. 

I also spent alot of time reading, I'm reading my third Patricia Cornwell book in a row. Though I prefer the work of Kathy Reichs for forensic crime novels, Cornwell's novels are still fun to read. It also brings in a little more of the legal side, which is something I don't know alot about, as well as the forensic pathology. I also like her books cos they're quick reads, usually I can finish them in one day or two nights. This gives me a break between heavier stories or the classics, as even though I adore them they can be draining. Any crime fans out there with some new suggestions?

Outfit details:

Zebra dress - h&m, black opaque tights - marks and spencers, cowboy boots - eBay (new look), pearl collar - Miss Selfridge, Belt - came with another dress, hat - vintage from my Mum, Cream and gold bracelet - too old to remember

You were pretty, Queen of New York City

It's Boxing Day! Though I heard American's don't get it  so here's a good old wiki explanation on the history of Boxing Day..

In Britain, it was a custom for tradesmen to collect "Christmas boxes" of money or presents on the first weekday after Christmas as thanks for good service throughout the year. This is mentioned in Samuel Pepys' diary entry for 19 December 1663. This custom is linked to an older English tradition: Since they would have to wait on their masters on Christmas Day, the servants of the wealthy were allowed the next day to visit their families. The employers would give each servant a box to take home containing gifts and bonuses, and sometimes leftover food."

So yeah, this is really the time of year in Britain where we all eat leftover food, some people hit the sales early and others go see extended family. We're having a quiet day in. We just had our second Christmas dinner which was scrummy and now I'm thinking of taking a nap cos I'm quite dizzy today and I have a flight tomorrow at 7am to Northern Ireland so need to take it easy. We also remembered to get the crackers out toady so enjoy my obligatory Christmas cracker hat photo. I'm itching to start up my new sewing machine so might have a proper play later, if not, then I already have some projects lined up for my return in mid-January. 

I love my hair colour at the moment but as I'm away for almost 3 weeks tonight Mum and I will be getting the henna out and dying it. I'm nervous it'll go bright or not how I want too as it's currently subtly ombre and I really really like that. Plus it's natural red looking without it being overpoweringly ginger so idk. It's part of the fun with henna that you're never certain how it'll turn out and the 4 hours developing time just adds to the excitement. But whatever happens it's better than blonde roots!

Today's look has been a simple idea I've been saving for today to wear. I adore this bronze-gold faux leather skirt I got for a £5 a few years ago in H&M but the bow detail can be a little overpowering on some outfits. Also it's very short so not always suitable though I want to get more wear out of it this year. I dressed it down with my Isle of Wight Festival 2009 shirt I bought when I was at the festival. Whenever I wear it it brings back such good memories - though not the really nasty sunburn I acquired that weekend! 

Outfit Details.

T-shirt - Isle of Wight music festival 2009, Faux leather bronze skirt - h&m, black opaque tights - Marks and Spencers.

It's the most wonderful time of the year

It's the end of Christmas! I hope you've all had a wonderful day and you got what you wanted and ate lots of yummy food! I for one got my sewing machine from my Mum, sewing basic goodies from my sister and Phoebe, a toolbox to use as a sewing box from my brother and bath smellies from my aunt and uncle and family friends. It's not alot this year but I know my sewing machine cost quite a bit so I knew I was only getting that from Mum. I haven't had chance to properly give it a test run cos I've been quite tired after yesterdays cooking madness! 

This was also my first vegan Christmas dinner! Though I still have cheese and eggs to give up (this time next week I'll be full vegan!) I decided to just go for it this year and it was a tasty success! I made a vegetable pie with a rosemary encrusted pastry (I only put pastry on the top of the pie as to save the calories!) with all the trimmings, homemade cranberry sauce and my first attempt at yorkshire puddings. They need a little more experimenting until I perfect the recipe/cooking but they were still tasty! Then for dessert we had my homemade vegan Christmas pudding with soya custard and oh my goodness I will be making this every year from now on. If anyone wants the recipe it's here. I adapted it a little by adding nuts and not adding prunes or apricots and using amaretto instead of sherry. But I think that's the joy of making your own Christmas pudding, you can add more of what you like and take out anything you're not keen on. It's really easy to make as well, you just need 7 hours in total to steam. ^^; We have the same meal again tomorrow and I'm really looking forward to it! I'm trying not to worry about the calories today and tomorrow as it's Christmas but it's tough not to look! 

As it was Christmas and I don't have much of a social life at the moment I wanted to wear something pretty for Christmas so I wore one of my favourite special dresses. This navy polka dot dress has a sweetheart neckline which I think is so flattering on most women. It also has a heart cut out on the back which is a cute detail that I think was the deciding factor for me buying the dress! I also like how the waist is structured and the tulip skirt is also another flattering cut. I paired this with my flesh coloured heart patterned tights (you can't see the pattern as it was hard to get on camera due to it blending in), a simple birds on branch long necklace and the beautiful silver owl earrings from my friend Alex for Christmas. It was comfortable and made me feel more festive as I've really struggled to get into the spirit this year. I think it's because my Mum had to work yesterday and my Mum has never worked Christmas Eve because she prefers it to Christmas Day, but yesterday she had no choice so I think her not being around made it not feel like Christmas. Also we had to wait til the evening to open presents when Phoebe and my sister arrived from her boyfriends families house. It's been an odd Christmas for sure. 

Outfit Details.

Polka dot heart cut out dress - newlook, flesh coloured heart pattern tights - primark, bird necklace - etsy, silver owl earrings - gift.

There is no crime in being kind

So yesterday was a big day travelling to see my grandparents and to deliver a few gifts of vegan shortbread for my friends. (so far all the reviews of my shortbread have been really good so I'm pretty pleased. :)) It was amazing seeing people, albiet briefly, and it's reminded me who the important people in my life are. Presents wise I actually did quite well! I got £60 cash, a Squirtle pokemon beaded art piece, £20 Waterstones voucher, a cute owl magnet and some dog shaped paper-clip/filers. :) Everyone knows me so well and I'm very lucky. :)

Being such a long day in the car comfort was a necessity. I tend to get really hot in cars so I didn't want to wear layers and layers incase I did get a bit stuffy. What I chose ended up being perfect and I got a few comments from family about how well I dress - yay! 

I also managed all day without fainting until we were almost home and then I went twice. I'm really feeling the effects today (I couldn't even go Christmas food shopping with my Mum) and so all my last minute projects are on hold while I take a day to just rest. I'm about to watch the Supernatural season 5 finale and then I'll finish reading volume 1 of Les Miserables. I've had a lavender and jasmine bath as well so I'm pretty relaxed for once!

Outfit Details. 

Tapestry tan brouges - Urban Outfitters, Black socks - Dunnes Stores, Leggings - h&m, velvet bodycon dress - New Look, Oversized Cardigan - Charity Shop, Stag Necklace - etsy

When you try your best but you don't succeed

I don't think I can apologise enough for how bad the lighting and quality of these pictures are. I'll look at my actual camera tomorrow and play around and see if it's any better. As soon as the light starts to fade then my iSight quality drops to almost non-existant. ): But I'll get working on that. 

But! This is a big day this week, I've had bundles of bad news and it's knocked me sideways. I'm still not over it (and probably won't be for a long time) but today was the first time in three days that I got up, showered, washed my hair, put make up on and clothes. It was only for a trip to Tesco but little victories and all that. 

I don't own any jeans that actually fit me properly, I recently found out this is because I should be buying from Tall sections as I have longer than average legs and a longer pelvis. How it's taken me this long to figure that out is a little beyond me. So when I'm feeling a little down or can't be bothered as much I usually throw on one of my two pairs of jeggings as they're comfy and warm. Today was one of those days. I think I used all my energy actually getting up that I put on the first things out my closet but it worked. Yay!

Outfit details. 

Grey-black jeggings - New Look, Purple floral blouse - Urban Outfitters, Cream Cardigan - H&M and silver brouges (not pictured well) - Office. 

The air we breathe is thinning the words that we speak

Woo, my first outfit post! As I said on my first post I'm only able to use my iSight at the moment but I'll  start learning how to use the timer on my camera to see if that's any better quality. This was from last Sunday (gosh, almost a week ago! how time flies!) when my Mum, sister and niece went out shopping. I was pretty late getting up so it was a quick throw on anything and get make up on fast! I bought the oversized dark green blazer at the charity shop earlier last week so I was dying to wear it with something. I wanted the focus to be on the blazer so I decided a black mini-stretch skirt and a black strappy top would do the job. Paired with a pair of tights from the Birmingham Rag Market, black ankle socks (not shown) and cute black shoes with gold fastenings that I forgot to take a picture of! Jewellery was a bronze-gold owl necklace with emerald gem eyes and a stars and moon drop earrings.

All in all, this was a perfect quick outfit and I love it. I think with the colder weather really setting in here I could wear a black cardigan under the blazer and add a scarf to keep warm; I have a vintage floral one that would look perfect. I'd dyed my hair the night before to create a red ombre look, which is so subtle and I adore it. I'll do a post on my hair at some point as I dye it with henna and I know I struggled to find information and tips when I started online.

Outfit details: 

Oversized blazer and shoes (not shown) - charity shop, black strappy top, mini stretch skirt and black patent skinny belt - h&m, striped tights - birmingham rag market, owl necklace - gift, earrings - so old now I can't remember.