River Island Chunky Gladiator Sandals.

As you may know I go on holiday at the end of May, so I have started to buy a few bits and pieces for it. In reality I'm using it as an excuse to buy myself new things during study breaks. I always feel like you have to get in quick with summer clothes, before you know it it's July and everything's gone. I learnt my lesson last summer when I spontaneously booked to go to Italy in September, absolutely no summer clothes anywhere! This summer I decided to be safe, start early and buy a few bits every month...which also helps spread the cost! So to add to my extensive range of bikinis (who actually needs 10 bikinis in Scotland?!) I acquired these pretty sandals. 

Now I know they may not be every ones cup of tea, but I really like the chunky shoe trend at the moment and they are surprisingly easy to wear. They are from River Island and cost £40. The upper is made from a pretty decent quality fake leather and the sole is plastic. They have two ankle buckles to fasten, which if you have slim ankles and feet like me is ideal because they fasten quite securely so they don't flap around. The heel height (if you can call it that) is 6cm, so it gives a little height boost but they are still comfy. 

I think these will be ideal for nights out while I'm away...I don't know about you but I think that wearing heels abroad doesn't feel right. There is far too much dancing to be done, I don't need heels killing my feet. So far they feel pretty comfy, I haven't worn them outside yet because I don't want to ruin them (yep, I'm one of those people). But I like the fact that I can wear them at home too, because they are a bit more chunky I will get away with wearing them when the weather brightens up a bit. They go with almost everything I've bought so far and they make even the simplest things are bit more interesting so in my eyes they are a winner! They also come in gold and light pink...you can get them here!

x

Winsdor Smith "Grunt" Dupes from River Island

First off let me apologise for committing the cardinal sin of bloggers...my last post was almost a month ago. But I have good reason...I'm coming to the end of my last year at uni so I've been swamped with course work and studying and trying to figure out what I'm going to do with life after uni (you'd think this would be easier since I've already done it once...but nope). I absolutely hate not having a plan so I'm feeling a bit out of control at the moment. But hopefully once my hand ins are over and I've had a bit of time to regroup I'll feel better. Mean time, studying is my life. But I have felt very guilty about not keeping up my weekly post so I've decided to make time to blog. 

These boots featured in my Instagram round up post and I mentioned at the time that I would do a full post about them later...so this is it! I love shoes...I think it's because they always fit, they don't get too tight after the Christmas season or shrink in the wash. It also has a lot to do with my Mums influence...we cannot walk past a shoe shop without "just looking". It's probably why I'm willing to spend more money on shoes than I am on clothes.

Recently I came across the shoe brand Windsor Smith who make the most amazing shoes. They are so simple in design but so beautiful. If I could have one of everything that would be awesome...but being a student they are slightly out of my price range at the moment. Although that's not to say they are ridiculously expensive, they are on a par with or slightly cheaper than Jeffery Campbell pricing. I fell in love with a pair of boots called "Grunt" boots which cost £111.17 (to be exact) but I pushed them to the back of my mind for the time being because I just couldn't justify that for sky high heels. However I was browsing through River Islands website and came across these...

Windsor Smith                                                                                                                                                               River Island

These are the River Island "Black Cleated Sole Extreme Platform Boots". They are almost identical to the Windsor Smith "Grunt" boots but with a slightly lower price tag of £75. Now normally I'm not a big fan of "dupes" because I always feel you get the quality that you pay for, and I am in no doubt that the Windsor Smith version will be of a higher quality. However for the amount that I will actually wear these boots, I felt that paying the lower price tag was the best option. I also used a 25% off voucher code that I had at the time which made them £56. Bargain(ish).

They are leather, with an elastic Chelsea boot style panel down either side and a rubber cleated sole. The heel is 14.5cm which is half a cm lower than the WS boots and have a 4.5cm platform. I have to say they are insanely comfy considering how high they are! I think it's the rubber sole, you almost feel like your feet bounce if they bang off the ground. Getting them on and off can be a bit tricky the first few times because the elastic is pretty tight but the tag at the back helps. On the whole the boots are really good quality I haven't had any issues with them at all. However be warned that after the smallest amount of wear the creases that you can see around my ankles start to form, but I don't think that's an issue it makes them look worn in. They have a higher rise on the ankle so they look best with shorts, rolled up skinnies or very short skirts/dresses so they don't cut off your leg. They are beautiful boots and add edge to simple outfits. They are available in Black, Grey and Pink from River Island.

What are your feelings on dupes? Do you prefer to save or buy the real deal?

x

Triangl Bikinis...

My friend and I spontaneously booked a holiday to Kos a few weeks ago. Partly to celebrate the end of my degree but mainly because we haven't been on holiday in forever! Since I haven't been on a proper holiday since 2011 and I practically live in the Arctic my holiday wardrobe is somewhat lacking. So I've been keeping an eye out for all the holiday stuff slowly creeping in, I have to say that so far it's all a bit too basic. I do like my basics but on holiday I've been known to be a bit more outgoing with my wardrobe choices.

 

Miami Mint Winnie Bikini 

The one item I knew I had to get was a Triangl bikini. Triangl are an Australian company who specialise in swimwear and more recently amazing underwear (devastated that they don't do my size). I've been lusting over these beauties for weeks. But with a 89USD (£53.20) price tag I couldn't justify buying one just to prance around the house in! So as soon as I had an excuse I headed over to the website and spent a whole night trying to make up my mind which one I would make mine. I genuinely would have them all if I could...but I eventually settled on the Winnie Style in 'Miami Mint' and 'Ruby Capricorn'. I had to buy two...it was payday OK?!

I wasn't sure about my sizing so I used the online chat function and I have to say the girl I spoke to was so helpful and lovely. She told me exactly which size I was and when I asked about the underwear she told me straight that they didn't cater for my size just yet...which is nice, she could have let me buy an ill fitting one. 

They are made from 100% Neoprene, which is the stuff that wet suits are made from. The material is pretty thick compared to normal bikinis (so no one will know if you're cold) and the quality of the bikini is amazing! It even comes in its own little neoprene bag, which will be handy for going to the beach.

Ruby Capricorn Winnie Bikini

I am a 30DD and I bought a medium top, it fits perfectly. The top is boned so it gives a nice shape and a little bit of support, and it fastens at the back with a really secure clasp. The zip doesn't unzip completely which is a bit of a relief...boys can be cruel. The bottoms are the part that I was most concerned about because Triangl state that neoprene has stretch resistance meaning that they are a firmer fit than normal bottoms. I bought the Large which is around a size 12 - 14. I'm usually a size 12 and in my opinion if they were any smaller they would be cutting in so if you are a 14 I would recommend the XL. I also noticed that the 'Ruby Capricorn' bikini bottoms were slightly tighter than the 'Miami Mint' ones...but I think that might have something to do with the coating on them. All in all the sizing is good and I'm relieved I don't have to return anything. I'm so excited to be lying by the pool wearing one of them! 

x

Late Fashion Haul.

This was meant to be part of my February haul but oh...look at that, it's March! Never mind...it means that the items I'm about to show you are now in the sale. Yaaaay! Not that I'm bitter that I bought them a week before they were reduced! 

I've been feeling the cold recently and living in Scotland we are always in need of a good jumper (even in summer), so on my lunch break I popped into New Look and picked up a few cute and cosy ones. I'm also still in love with the 90's trend (mainly because I was there the first time)...I had one of these tattoo chokers when I was little and it made me all nostalgic for ski pants and Sweater Shop jumpers. Ok, I promise I won't go that far but I do love this choker.

I'm in love with this jumper! I really like the neon pink flecks running through the wool while the grey and black bring it back from being too girly. The fit is great, true to size and not too tight. The sleeves are a great length for taller girls as well. I've mainly been wearing it with grey ripped skinny jeans for uni to be comfy and warm. Although to smarten it up bit I've styled it up with a grey denim shirt underneath and a silver statement necklace under the collar. I'd wear it with black skinny jeans and a pair of chunky black boots. I bought this from New Look for £24.99 but you can get it for £12 in their sale.

 People that know me know (and point out...all the time) that I generally wear a combination of black, grey and nude. I do dabble in other colours but they are my staples...so I decided that for spring and summer I am going to try and lighten up. This cream raglan jumper is so soft and cosy I kept stroking my arm while I was wearing it. So while the weathers still a bit cold I've been wearing this with denim skinny jeans and a cream and pink bobble hat. The fit of this is great as well, sleeves are nice and long. I bought mine from New Look for £19.99 it's now on sale at £10. It comes in loads of other colours as well.

This is one of those things, along with slap bracelets, multi coloured rubber band bracelets and stick on nose studs that made my childhood. This one is a better quality replica though, however I do prefer mine not to have a catch on the back as I don't feel it is tight enough with it. I do have a pretty narrow neck so maybe it's just me but I think this could do with being a tiny bit smaller. Regardless for the price I paid (£2.89) I can't complain too much. I bought mine on eBay here. If you search tattoo choker you will find millions of them for sale.

x

The Best Places for Tall Clothes...

As you may or may not know I'm pretty tall (over 5'11) so I know how difficult it can sometimes be to find nice, on trend clothes that actually fit. I don't know if it's just me or do some companies assume the taller you are the wider you are? I'm not particularly big but I am long...I just need a few extra inches added on to cover my stomach and my ankles. I know we all have our own clothing "problems" but this and finding bras that fit (I might go into this another time...) are mine. So I thought I would try and help out other not so vertically challenged girls with a few of my favourite places to shop and a few tips at the end. 

Just to put it into perspective...

Probably most talls girls go to range. What can I say? On trend, not too pricey and generally good quality. I would say that a good idea is to go into a store that holds the tall range at sale time, they tend to have previous seasons stock out the back that they only bring for sales.  

New Look removed their tall range from store and as far as I am aware now it is only available online...which is a bit rubbish because I use to love their tall range it was so affordable and they had a massive choice. Although they still do offer a good variety I find that a lot of it is just the same thing in several colours! Sort it out New Look!

I know this might be a strange one for some people, but in my experience Zaras trousers and jeans they are all pretty long. I'm a 35 inch inside leg and I have several pairs of their jeans and they all fit perfectly or are slightly too long. Definitely worth a rummage in their sales as well!

Hallelujah! ASOS have finally cottoned on! I've been dreaming of this day for years! Their offering is a mix of their own brand and other tall ranges such as New Look and Glamorous Tall. They don't a lot of variety yet but it has expanded since I first checked it out so fingers crossed they keep it up.

For me LTS can be a hit or a miss. I have a few things from them, but I'm often let down by items when I try them on. They look great on the model but in real life it's just not the same and for the prices they charge I expect it to fit like a glove! I also find that a lot of the clothing is more my mums taste than mine, I feel they are missing out on a massive gap in the market by not really catering for the younger customer.

I've only recently heard of this brand, but although they don't have a lot on their website the items they do have are exactly the type of things I have been looking for. Well fitting basics and a plain jersey maxi that touches the ground, dream come true! The prices are reasonable as well. Fingers crossed for them!

There are a few others such as Dorothy Perkins and Next but I feel they only cater for an older age range, unless you are buying staple pieces. It can be hard and it is unfair that we mainly have to buy online but I would never change the fact that I'm tall...I love that I can see at every concert, I can reach things without ladders and that I could pass for 18 at 13 (sorry mum). 

x

Tips for tall girls! 

• Learn how to sew, being able to let a hem down and adjust the length is invaluable! 
• Buy trousers or jeans that have a turn up, let it down and steam iron it with a damp cloth.
• Skinny jeans slightly too short? Turn them up once and wear them as ankle grazers.
• Look at the models height when shopping online to get an idea of how it will fit on your height.
• Embrace the current trend for lower heeled boots for a night out.
• Make sure you have a pair of well fitting black trousers, black skinny jeans and a pair of denim jeans and you are covered for all occasions.

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...

x

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. 

x