Printed Coat

Hello again! We're still in the transitional weather phase in the UK at the moment and this Zara coat is the perfect 'go-between' which has been my staple for the past few weeks. On colder days, I've been layering it with a knitted black polo neck and a grey tweed dress or jeans (as in the first photo) but for days when the sun makes an appearance, I've been testing out my new ripped jeans and loafers. It's heavier than a cardigan but lighter than a coat -so I think it fits into the 'coatigan' category! Hopefully after the Easter weekend the sun will re-emerge and I can begin to make use of my pre-summer purchases! Have you got your eye on anything from the new season's collections?

The Pea Coat

Hello! After a hiatus I've decided to share an outfit photo as I can't seem to stop wearing this Jack Wills peacoat. After grabbing it in the sales, I've been making the most of the cold crisp weather (as far as is possible!) we're having in the UK by layering up! I paired the pea coat with a fluffy cream beret from John Lewis, a tweed shift dress from Superdry and Dr. Martens Kensington Flora Chelsea boots which I cannot recommend highly enough! Unlike my 8-hole Dr. Martens which I've had for a few years now, the Flora boots are very easy to break in. I also find that they're a bit more wearable as I prefer to pair the Chelsea boots design with skirts and dresses.

Hat - John Lewis Coat - Jack Wills Shift Dress - Superdry Chelsea Boots - Dr.Martens at Office. Thanks to Helen at Blog of Bits and Bobs for the photos!

Liberty London!

Hello! Another photo outside the ever beautiful bunches of flowers outside Liberty in London. I love spending hours wandering around the different departments; I particularly love the gorgeous printed fabrics!

On my day in London, I visited Fortnum and Mason (just for a peek!) and the new Cath Kidston flagship in Piccadilly. Although I've been an avid fan of the brand for years, I have to say I wasn't overwhelmed by the store. It's worth a visit if you're a fan like me but it isn't really very different from 'high street' Cath Kidston stores. My dress was from Topshop last year. At £60, it wasn't cheap, but on a cost per wear basis it definitely is! It's my 'go to' dress for days out and smart casual events! L xx

Summer evening

Hello! As I've finished university for the summer now I've been making the most of the beautiful countryside which is not far from m y home. I really don't appreciate it as much as I should! Hopefully we can have some more long sunny evenings in the near future if the weather co operates!

I opted for a casual look for my walk in the sun. A tshirt and jeans combo isn't normally my 'style' but with the addition of a print and a chunky cable knit the look became more 'me!' My bird printed top is from Zara, my cable cardigan is vintage and my jeans are Superdry.

L xx

Hillier's

My sister Helen, whose blog you can check out at http://www.blogofbitsandbobs.co.uk/ is currently revising hard for her final university exams! It seems so strange that she is already finishing and will be entering the world of work! After being contacted by Simply Health with the opportunity to visit Botanical Gardens, Helen invited me to take the opportunity and I was very glad to do so! We're all aware of the need to make sure we're healthy but often with busy lifestyles we're pushed for time. It's hard to get a balance sometimes but Simply Heath's campaign emphasises that you don't need an expensive gym membership and the ability to work out for hours each a day! Small steps can be taken to ensure that exercise can be effective yet fun!

A few weeks back my mum and I visited the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in the beautiful Hampshire countryside and spent the afternoon looking at the gorgeous plants and scenery. It's easy to while away many hours in the gardens - and burn calories while you're doing so!

I think this is definitely the best time of year to visit! Everything seemed to be in full bloom with beautiful brightly coloured flowers decorating the trees.

It only seemed appropriate to add to the flowery scenery so I teamed my Cath Kidston floral trousers with my Birkenstocks, white Superdry lace vest and denim jacket.

Do you have botanical gardens near you, or have you visited Hillier's before? Let me know! :)

Floral trousers

Hello! I'm coming to the end of my first year at university (!) and so I'll be able to post more in the next few weeks. I've got some outfit posts today and have realised I seem to have a slight obsession with floral trousers! Even though the sun is out in the UK it's not quite warm enough to delve into 'high summer' clothing just yet. These trousers are the perfect medium as the fabric isn't too heavy. Paired with my new Birkenstocks, which I cannot recommend highly enough, this is my go-to outfit for those 'not quite summer yet' days.

My trousers are, surprisingly, from John Lewis. To celebrate their 150th birthday they've brought back some beautiful prints from their archives across the years, so if you're a print addict like me it's definitely worth checking out their collections.

My trousers are from Cath Kidston and I love the gorgeous pink rose print! What's your go-to summer outfit? L xxx

Spring Pink

Hello! After all these months, my Zara coat is still my go- to jacket. It's still a little too cold here to go sans- jacket just yet unfortunately! I'm beginning to compile my summer wardrobe at the moment so I'm waiting for the weather to improve. My post today is quite a simple outfit. I teamed a white shirt (hidden under the coat!) with dark skinny jeans and nude brogues from Office for a casual daytime look.

Laura xxx

Spring Update

Hello guys! Now that the awful weather we've had in the UK has been replaced by blue skies (!) I've started to turn my attention to spring fashion. It always comes to this point in the season when I cannot wait for the weather to change so I can wear my new pieces! I'm still in love with pastels for Spring 2014. However, I think it's time to the sugary hues up with some monotone prints, as seen in Topshop and Urban Outfitters . Here are my picks for the new season. 1. Zara Blue Mohair Coat, £129.99 This coat is very pricey at £129.99 but it is incredibly gorgeous! Beautifully soft and in a lovely baby blue shade, I think that it's an investment piece and will be great for winter 2014/15 too! I'd team mine with a white roll neck and some black and white check cigarette trousers.

2. Monochrome Cigarette Trousers, Urban Outfitters, £48 I love these black and white check trousers from UO. The cut and print have a gorgeous 60s feel. The high waist and cigarette cut make these trousers flattering and chic. Team with a fluffy pastel jumper and flat loafers.

3. Floral Skirt, River Island This floral skirt from River Island is the perfect trans-seasonal piece! While it's still a little chilly, team it with a blouse and black tights. During the summer months, it will look elegant with a light sleeveless blouse. It's a bargain at £25, and the print is beautiful! It's on my wish list!

What items have caught your eye so far this season?

Happy New Year - sales bargains!

Hello! Happy New Year! Hope you all had a great time over the festive period. I haven't posted in a little while so I thought I'd share some of my sale picks with you. I'm usually at the shops on Boxing Day morning for the sales but this year I did most of my shopping online, meaning that I didn't have to worry about the items I wanted going out of stock! Jack Wills dress, £34 I'd been looking at this dress for a while and was pleased to get it for half price! I love the pretty tapestry print and the casual smock style.

Tartan Trousers, £22, Zara I've been looking for a pair of tartan trousers for a very long time so I was excited to find these in my size! They were originally £39.99 so I think I got a bargain!

I also bought a Soap and Glory Lipgloss Boxset at Boots! I love their products so I was pleased to get them at a good price. Did you grab any sales bargains this year?

Snowflakes and Oxfords

Hello! I'd like to share another outfit post today. I spotted this jumper in Jack Wills and fell in love with it! It's super soft and fluffy! I also picked up these oxblood oxford shoes the other day. I'd been looking for a pair for so long and these were perfect! xxx

Paisley smock

Hello!

I decided to do an outfit post today. I picked up this paisley dress from Asos. I love the paisley pattern in Autumn-appropriate brown and cream tones! I teamed it with my angora mix jumper from Superdry which is so cosy! I've fallen in love with angora this year! My Dune Chelsea boots are my go-to shoes now; they go with anything! xxx

Hats

Hello! Autumn is well and truly here in the UK and my attention has turned to accessories! I LOVE scarves, hats and gloves and seize the opportunity to wear them! Luckily (kind of) in the UK it's often cold enough in winter to warrant all three! I have to say I tend to stick with the same styles. I love a classic beret! Here is my pick of the top hats (hehe) I've seen on the high street: 1. John Lewis angora beret I think this may be the most perfect hat I have seen this year. It is so fluffy! Perfection! (although it is slightly on the small side!)

2. Cath Kidston floral beret I love this beautiful Cath Kidston beret! It's got a cotton lining to keep you extra cosy. The vintage inspired floral pattern is just gorgeous and the navy is really versatile.

3. Joules Fairisle bobble hat This Joules bobble hat is so cute! The fairisle pattern and the adorable bobble make it the perfect winter cover up! 4.

Topshop Faux Fur cossack hat I think this hat is a little trickier to pull off than the others but it is still gorgeous! It will add a vintage touch to dressier outfits.

Autumn Florals

Hello! I'd been eyeing these trousers up in Zara for a while before giving in and purchasing them. They've got a beautiful pink rose pattern. They're a great way of taking florals through to autumn/winter. I teamed mine with my Zara leather lapel coat, jumper from Topshop and Dune chelsea boots. thanks for reading!

Update 5/10/13

Hello! I apologise for the delay in posting, I've been busy settling into uni life. I'll admit that I've not behaved like your typical 'Fresher' in the sense that I haven't made it out past midnight, so no stumbling in at 6am for me! There's a lot of pressure to act 'like a Fresher' at UK universities. This seems to involve partying every day for your first week. However, I don't think it's necessary to do that. I know a lot of people love the idea of a week long party but I've been trying to settle in to a new chapter of my life a little more 'peacefully.' Before I began university, I went on a short break to Jersey. Despite being from the UK, I'd never been before! It's such a beautiful island, and I was pleasantly surprised by the shopping on offer in St Helier.

I'll be posting more again soon!

Liberty London

Hello! I spent the day in London yesterday. I went to look at the new Celia Birtwell collection, but I have to admit I was a little disappointed! I loved the original collection as it was both beautiful and affordable. However, although beautiful, the clothes this time round aren't so affordable. Celia Birtwell has decided to use 100% silk on the dresses and blouses which has caused an increase in price. Additionally, my favourite piece from the summer collection were the leggings trousers, which were unfortunately absent from the A/W collection. After Uniqlo, I headed to Topshop. Topshop Oxford Street is one of the best shops I have ever been to! I particularly love the concessions floor with brands such as Dahlia, TFNC and Sister Jane.

I also visited Carnaby Street's '& Other Stories' store and was really impressed, particularly with the beauty section. The body mists were long lasting and affordable at £10. I'll definitely be heading back!

Pastel

Hello! I've been to the seaside today! I had to take a picture of the beautiful pastel house, which is located near the village watermill (it's still in use!). I was also surprised to find pastel beach huts in a range of beautiful colours.

My dress and jacket are from Zara and my sandals are from Cara (hehe).

Paisley

Hello! I'd like to share with you my outfit from today. I'm beginning to be drawn towards darker patterns and prints now that Autumn is approaching. I've spotted a few gorgeous paisley dresses from Urban Outfitters but at £55, they're pretty pricey! I found this dress in Primark and fell in love with it! It's a skater style with capped sleeves and a full skirt. I think it was only £8 - a total bargain! I teamed it with tan sandals as it was sunny today but I'll be layering it with boots and tights when the weather gets a bit cooler.

Celia

Hello! It's not technically autumn weather in the UK yet but I wanted to share a more autumnal outfit with you. I purchased the trousers in Uniqlo for only £12.90! I loved the first Celia Birtwell collection for Uniqlo and I am so excited to have a look at the second collection, launching in the UK on Thursday. I'm hoping to pick up some printed blouses as I missed out on those from the first collection! They disappeared very quickly! I teamed my Celia Birtwell trousers with a new knit from Zara and my tan loafers. I'll let you know what I think of the new Celia Birtwell collection on Thursday! I've had a look at the preview on British Vogue and I'm already impressed!

Home

Hello! I purchased this dress yesterday and I love it. The print is very intricate - it looks like a Liberty print! I also really like the slouchy smock style. It's easy to throw on with a cardi and sandals or loafers for the late summer but I'll also be teaming it with thick cable knits in a few weeks time when the autumn weather kicks in.

Dress: Jack Wills Cardigan: Vintage Shoes: New Look, similar pair here

Uni/College Wishlist - Homeware

Hello! If you're a fellow A-level student, you'll know how nerve-wracking Thursday 15th August was! I was up from about 5.30 am to check UCAS Track! I achieved the grades I needed and secured my place at university! I'm so excited! I've been collecting household items together for a while now but I've put together a wishlist for the items that I haven't already purchased or have spotted recently and just really love! If you too are looking for uni- related items, let me know if you've spotted anything good! :) I was browsing for bedding a few months ago when I discovered the brand Pip Studio. It is stocked in the UK in John Lewis, Selfridges and House of Fraser. I've even spotted a few items in TK Maxx, though they disappear quickly! Although on the pricey side, Pip Studio bedding is the most beautiful I've ever seen!

You may be noticing a floral theme! I'm going to mix and match different bright floral prints. I love these cute Cath Kidston mugs, I'll be offering to make tea for everyone with these!

These towels will brighten up any bathroom! They can be found at John Lewis.

I am a bit obsessed with Pip Studio products! This dressing gown is more 'homewear' than 'homeware' ;) but it's so pretty I thought I'd give it a mention! Perfect for throwing on before going to make a cup of tea.

Let me know if you too are at or about to start uni!