Catch a wave...

I have naturally wavy hair...I only discovered this a few weeks ago when I let it dry naturally. Turns out its not curly it's wavy, but because I have spent years dying it and generally not treating it very well it is somewhere between wavy...and an afro. So I decided to get a waving iron to give it a helping hand. Luckily I have A LOT of Boots points saved up so instead of having to spend my pennies on something I may end up not really using...I used my points. I settled for the Umberto Giannini Triple Barrel Ceramic Waving Iron, it originally cost £29.99 but it had £5 off so it cost me a total of 2499 points :) 

They are a little tricky to use in the beginning, I kept catching my hair on the outside but you get use to opening them up fully before clamping your hair. The main issue I found was that it took me aaaages (about 40 minutes) to do my whole head, that said though I do have a lot of hair and it is pretty long so it might just be something that comes with practice. 

Overall I'm quite happy with the results...its a bit different to my usual. I think it would look really nice with a centre parting and a head band, or on really long hair. I might give it a go with my extensions in...

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Shiny Shoes...

Ok...so I have been stalking Topshop Ambush boots on eBay for a few weeks now. But I point blank refuse to pay £150 for a pair of boots that only cost £80 in store...no matter how pretty they are. Then I saw Jameela Jamil with the glitter?! ones on and suddenly £150 didn't seem like that much to ask. How to make something better...dip it in glitter(...new life motto). However I still managed to stand strong and resist buying them. 

Which was lucky because last week I was browsing eBay again (I think I have an addiction) and I came across these...Schuh Hamp Glitter Boots. I won them from Schuh Outlet for a grand total of £21 (inc p+p). Saving me £59...chuffed. They are almost identical to the Ambush boots, I think they have a slightly higher heel and they only have one zip but apart from that...I'm in love. I love Schuh Outlet...they have slightly damaged or last remaining offers that have a start bid of 99p, you can get yourself a good deal. The other good thing is that the heel is relatively low...when you are nearly 6ft it's hard to find nice shoes that don't make you look like your parents bathed you in miracle grow (I'm looking at you Litas).  

 Finally, I have to mention the sun...mainly because my skin is peeling right now (lovely, I know) and reminding me of the few days of summer we had. I have only just gotten use to summer dressing again...it's a hard transition because we rarely get to do it. So fingers crossed for more...

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Nail Me...

I haven't done my nails properly in a few weeks...which is really not like me. So tonight I cracked out the big guns and went for not one but two Barry M nail effects (I know...I need to calm down)...silver chrome and black crackle.

Base coat (nobody likes stained nails), two coats of silver and one of black...can't get much easier than that!

I really liked the way it turned out. Sometimes the crackle polish gets lost or dulls down other colours but this works really well with it. Next time I'm going to try something a little more creative...promise.

On a totally different note, the lovely girls I work with gave me these awesome pressies today to say bye bye (I'm transferring to a different shop). I definitely DID NOT cry...ok maybe a little. I'm going to miss them loads! 

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New "Budget" Buys...

Recently I've had to get use to the fact I no longer have a salary to support my shopping obsession. With no student loan and only a part time job (boo min wage) to get me by, I've had to make a few changes. With that in mind Primark, eBay, sales and my student card have become my new best friends. Here are my "budget" buys from the last month:

Shorts - eBay £28.66 (inc del)

I ordered these from Australian brand "Sweet and Bitter" (linked above) I love the colour, the studs and the fraying. Customised denim shorts seem to be having a fashion moment. Unfortunately my bum is too big and my waist is too small for these ones so they are now being sold on eBay. Sad face.

Belt - Urban Outfitters £18 £9

Lunch with a friend turned into "lets look in the shops"...I had every intention of just looking, but I saw this little belt for half price shouting at me to buy him. It will go with loads so I think it was worth it....

Disco Pants - American Apparel £70

On the same lunch date we decided to go to American Apparel and try on the infamous DISCO PANTS! I wholeheartedly expected to leave the shop and head straight to the nearest Weight Watchers. But they actually hold you in and give you a really nice shape. I didn't pay £70 though...I had a bidding war on eBay and saved £7. Every little helps, it's that right Tesco?

Vest - Topshop £18

I seem to be a sucker for all things tie dye. And I couldn't resist this top...I think it will look great tucked into my disco pants and I did manage to get myself a little discount with my student card =)

Top - Primark £4

I hadn't been in Primark in a long time and I was pleasantly surprised. They have lots of really on trend pieces. This t-shirt caught my eye and the price tag sealed the deal.

Black Top - Primark £4

Denim Shirt - Primark £8

 I appear to have a thing for tie front tops as well...three in one shop. I've been looking for a tie front denim shirt for a while now and this one fit the bill perfectly. I'll wear it fully buttoned up with a necklace under the collar.

Blouse - Dorothy Perkins £28

And finally...I am not entirely sure about this one. The base colour looks more navy than black and I don't have much I can wear it with. I love the collar and the floral pattern but I think I would love the £28 (lies...£23.80 after discount) back in my bank account.

I think I didn't do too badly...in total it all came to £157.41. I can do better though...my next venture is into charity and vintage shops. I love the sense of achievement you feel when you find something you really like there, I think its because you've had to work that little bit harder for it. 

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Numero Uno.

Welcome! I guess I should tell you a little about myself...maybe you care...maybe you don't, but I'm going to bore you with it anyway. 

My name is Hollie, I'm 23 and I study Fashion Branding at Glasgow Caledonian University. I also work part time in a clothes shop but that's boring so we won't dwell on that. I studied jewellery design straight out of school and then spent three years in retail management before I decided what I really want to do with my life, become a Visual Merchandiser. So that's me in a nutshell so far.

I've been debating with myself about starting a blog for a few months now and I figured I should give it a go...what's the worst that can happen, right? Mainly I will be posting about anything fashiony...trends, my finds and general musings. I hope you enjoy!

Thanks!

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