Andandandand- I’ve tried a bit harder on the photo front this time.

I must apologise, however, for the lateness. I was out all of yesterday, edited the photos and then fell asleep.

But here they are today!

(And I’m sure you’ll let me off seeing as I tried so hard this week!)

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Thursday 14th July 2011:

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...

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Necklace: Accessorize
Tshirt: River Island
Jeans:  Miss Selfridge?  
 Mess of a face: Me
Painting: Me (A level)

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Friday 15th July:

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Necklace: Accessorize (same one)
Dress: H&M
Watch: DKNY
Wet Hair: Shower
Festival wristbands & tiny gold and silver bracelets.
Nails: chipped. Barry M with some white ‘manicure’ dots. 

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Saturday 16th July:

What, actually, is this pose?
Also, please note chubby no makeup face and bruise on arm (festival).

Satin feeling top: Topshop. Overpriced but lovely material and I wanted a nice, normal top. 
(However, there is a slit all the way down the back. Which I might sew up.
And it’s 2 sized too big for me because I’m such a numpty I didn’t bother to check.)
Owl necklace: Topshop.
Dress thing: Topshop
Leggings: H&M

(Also, check out my watch mark! You can see my suntan! And my dirty mirror!) 

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Sunday 17th July:

The one on the right is BEFORE I sorted my hair out. Grr crazy fringe.
..This last picture shows some details of what I wanted to wear.
But then I just put my ‘lets mong about and make stuff’ clothes on, which didn’t really go.
Necklace: Accessorize
Pants: Anne Summers
Socks: Accessorize (sale)
Festival Hairband: New Look

Wrist weights: (trying to remove podgyness of arms) charity shop
Tshirt: Hollister
Leggings: H&M

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Monday 18th July:

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Top/dress: River Island
Necklace: Miss Selfridge?
Belt: BHS
Leggings: H&M
Watch & Bracelets: As before
Bag: Charity shop (Emmaus Bristol)
Straight hair: effort.

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Tuesday 19th July:

Dress: H&M (yes, it’s the same one as Friday)
Long necklace: Topshop
Short necklace: Lots of old pendants
Watch: DKNY (as before)
Festival wristbands: Beach Break Cardiff VIP and Sonisphere Knebworth
I also bothered to wear my 2 rings, but you cant see them ):

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Wednesday 20th July:

This is where I take the photos. I’m standing on my bed. The two paintings are from A level Art.

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I LOVE my charm bracelet. (The silver one)

I’m usually too scared to wear it out.
I have a weird OCD thing about it, where I have to keep counting to check they’re all still there.
I bought the other charm bracelet in the accessorize sale.

I wore them both yesterday (:

 Bunny Jumper, worn back to front: Miss Selfridge
Skirt: Was long shorts from Primark, ripped apart and sewn up again by me
Leggings: H&M

Thanks for visiting! What did you think?(of the outfits and photos)

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[Outfit: Ben Sherman leather jacket, Cotton On studded dress, Alannah Hill Stockings, Sierra (Back then known as Kumfs) cowboy boots which are oh-so-comfy! Mouche crucifix, Collette bangles & Chanel patent bag]

One of the big problems we often face is How to let our boss know that he is wrong or How to give feedback to our Boss. After all, Boss is a human being too and there is no reason that he cannot be ever wrong. But the issue is a right manner in which a feedback can be given that can help him genuinely and the organization as a whole. This situation is similar to “How to bell a cat” if the relationship you share with your is very stringent with clear demarcations. However, no matter how hard is your relationship, it is all about the communication. The way you communicate and the way you want it to be perceived makes the whole difference.

In my blog I have often focused on one aspect of communication which is “Not to make other person feel bad about him”. This is similar situation where you have to correct a behavior and at same time make it look like rewarding too. Remember your only aim is to correct a behavior and that too selflessly, anything over and above it should not be expected at all. Boss has the potential to drive your life and you should respect that potent force. So let’s now talk about how to give feedback to your Boss and in a manner that it doesn’t create any problem and at same time solve your purpose too.

Feedback is normally given on a behavior, decision or anything where Boss has intervened and made his authority felt. Hence your effort needs to be concentrated around it only

1) Rephrase the Problem- Depending upon the type of issue you need to rephrase it by bringing the context either directly or indirectly. Though I would recommend clear communication but you can talk about it in passing mention too. Example- There was a case where I felt my Boss had taken a wrong decision, I immediately asked for his time and told him that I have some questions and need his help in rolling the process out. This gave me opportunity to re-phrase the problem from the start.

Similarly if it is a behavior, don’t come on it directly but mention it indirectly.

2) Ask For Help, Comments or Suggestions- Now that you have put the problem in table again, focus on the problems that would occur as part of his decision. Remember this is the phase when you are making your Boss think again about intricacies of his decision and this need to be as smooth as possible. Drive the point to the problems involved in his decisions and makes sure he himself talks about it. If you can make your Boss think about the problem deeply, the realization would himself come in him automatically.

3) Analyze His Decision with Care- The second step above is very crucial and it would ensure that your Boss himself realizes where he was wrong. The next step is to analyze his decision again with him and making sure that he makes the desired changes. Remember you need to drive your Boss again and if you have done the first two steps tactically then this part is not a much problem.

4) Propose a solution in name of your Boss- If you see your boss struggling with the decision, go for the decision but make sure it is named after your Boss. Use of words like “As you rightly pointed out”, “As I could take out from our discussion”, or “As rightly mention by you earlier”. Use these words and drive your point across.

You Are Done- Yes You are done with giving feedback to your boss. Either in step 2 or taking it to step 4, you are done with the feedback to let your Boss know how he was wrong.

But Where id Feedback? If feedback for you means letting your Boss know in his face that he is wrong and making him feel bad about it then this is something I would not recommend at all. For many people feedback simple means that pointing out the bad in others and proving their own worth. This is not recommended at all in this scenario.

On Top of above suggestions you need to be careful about following points while you give feedback to your Boss

1) No Direct Attack- Don’t attack directly. If you want to tell boss that he is wrong then direct attack is a strict No-No

2) Don’t Elevate Yourself- Don’t elevate yourself at the cost of your Boss. Some people have the habit of spreading words of their feats and making themselves look superior. This can land you in trouble

3) Timing- Know when to talk to your Boss and when to give feedback. Timing is crucial. If your Boss is in a bad mood or in a no mood to talk, postpone your discussion

4) Preparedness- Not only you but your boss should be free and prepared for an open discussion. You know your Boss best and you would definately know when he would be available for discussion.

5) Are You Sure- Last but the most important point that you should ask yourself is – Are You Sure that your boss is wrong or he needs the feedback? Maybe he can see the big picture which you cannot see. In such scenario the step 2 above would help you to clarify your doubts. On your end, maybe thinking twice and not being impulsive may avoid the situation at all.

There are ways to give feedback to your Boss and the most impressive way is always a win-win situation for both you and your Boss. The problem with most of the people is that by feedback they look for ways to make their Boss feel bad about him. This is particularly bad strategy to apply on any human being leave apart your boss. Whenever you want to give feedback to you Boss make sure that it is for his upliftment and helping him and not for thrashing him. Yes, this is an art and you need to learn at any cost. Be smart about it and your career can go places. Good Luck !!!!

I recently tweeted that I have so much I wanted to blog about…but when it comes to doing it, it’s actually harder than it seems!

The words just don’t flow out as ‘smooth’ as I’d like haha, or that I don’t have exciting enough pictures to entertain you guys with~ Plus, I think we have come to the conclusion that grammar isn’t my strongest suit.

Some of the topics I wanted to just blog about, are really just everyday experiences…some more out of the ordinary than others.

For example, I’ve put braces on my bottom teeth which have become over- crowded over the years. Originally I wanted to have Invisiligns, however, after some drama + a dodgy dentist & $2k gone, I ended up with braces BEHIND my bottom teeth & now in front- I guess that’s some alternative to Invisiligns right?

I’ve had these braces since March 2011 & take pictures every month to see it’s progress…

Once this is done, I’ll put it up to show you guys, though I wouldn’t recommend the dentist

~

Then, I’ve gone to hair lazer therapy (which I blogged about briefly before) so I wanted to let you know how I went, in case some of you would like a recommended place heheh. Let’s just say, a fortnight after my first session, I have seen 80% of change…the skin is smooth, hair is not growing from the follicles. I am now up to my second session (it’s a monthly session)

~

Another thing I’m going for soon will be Lazer Eye surgery- which hopefully I am eligible for.

I’m going for my eye test this 23rd July…wish me luck!

If it does materialize then, I was told it is going to be roughly $2500-$3k each eye.

My prescription for long sightedness have increased from -4.75, & after years of being stubborn & just wearing contacts instead of balancing it out with glasses, my eyes have ‘cosmetic damage’ quoted by my optometrist. I am embarrassed to say that I haven’t cleaned my contacts properly too which have added to its damage, as well as, my eyes did not have enough oxygen due to being ‘suffocated’ by my contacts. (There is a brown outline around my iris) That explains why I wear glasses lots now…

My older sis M had laser eye surgery before, & it lasted her a good 8 years of 20/20 vision, so I am looking forward to having 20/20 vision again too…

I am scared of the surgery though yikes! Will definitely update!

~

Lastly, my sis is getting married this September & being the Maid of Honour, I have so much homework to do…

So much referrals to tell you guys about…including an awesome make-up artist that was referred to me…

It was a very slow start to organize everything, but slowly, we are all getting things organized…the most recent was buying suits for the groomsmen!

So far…

Wedding Gown+ Shoes+Accessories ✔

Grooms’ Suit+Shirt+ Tie+Shoes+Pocket Scarf ✔

Bridesmaids Gowns+Shoes ✔

Groomsmens’ Suit+Shirt+Tie ✔

Wedding Favours ✔

Wedding Cake ✔

Wedding Ceremony & Reception Venue ✔

Wedding Live Band ✔

Make-Up Artist & Hair ✔

Invitations to be sent ✔

The rest are…

Table Arrangements for RSVPs ☐

Flowers for Venue & Bridal Party ☐

Tea Ceremony + Dancing Dress ☐

Too Many!! :S

…Will blog again tonight!

xx

[Outfit: Burberry Harbourne Trench, Cotton On Leopard Scarf, Country Road Black Dress, Ralph Lauren inner cardigan, GUCCI sunglasses, Salvatore Ferragamo Varinas in Patent Red]

So it had been AGES since I went out, & finally did last Saturday.

We had a Gossip Girl themed dinner, followed with some drinks after at Lavish & Bass Lounge heheh

Some pictures of the night

(the Green Tea Brulee tasted REAL BAD)

Happy Birthday my love <3

Remember that,

“There is nothing more galling to angry people than the coolness of those on whom they wish to vent their spleen.”

~Alexandre Dumas

On another note, here is my original outfit…I had to change the inside dress 3 times because I got too many ideas of what Blair would wear & in the end screwed myself over.

or

Hmm..look 2 reminded me too much of those actresses in Korean Dramas haha & also more of a ‘day’ look, but in the end I changed the inside dress again.

Here are some other pics for inspiration if you guys plan to have a GG theme also.

xoxo Gossip Girls!

]]> http://thecrystalwardrobe.wordpress.com/2011/07/02/deja-vu-%e1%ba%a3o-%e1%ba%a3nh/ Sat, 02 Jul 2011 06:05:00 +0000 Huo Zen http://thecrystalwardrobe.wordpress.com/2011/07/02/deja-vu-%e1%ba%a3o-%e1%ba%a3nh/ http://mostlychic.com/2011/06/28/no-shoes-no-service/ Wed, 29 Jun 2011 06:38:04 +0000 Natasha http://mostlychic.com/2011/06/28/no-shoes-no-service/ And with these shoes, I’m sure to be served well. Ha! ;–)

Meet my purchase #2.

Nude body (Er, of the shoe), black heels, a beautiful arch and just the right pop of coral color. I also like the little zipper detail at the back. All the elements come together so well. And trust me on this one, these babies are way more comfortable than they might look.

I suspect, the comfort of this shoe can be attributed to 2 features:

1. The elastic bands in the front. It helps the shoe adjust it’s width to my feet and provides ample support to them.

2. The arch. It’s all about the arch, ladies. The better the arch support, the less painful the shoe will be. Simple, ya?

It’s a huge misconception (and a very common one) that high heels are uncomfortable for everyone. Not true! Again, it all depends on the arch of your feet. If your feet naturally have a higher arch, you may find even 5″ stilettos very comfortable. And if you don’t, then that too is because of the way your pretty feet are shaped.

So, in conclusion, it’s important to know your own feet before you simply dismiss the next pair of sky-high Louboutins or Jimmy Choo’s or well, Zara! ;–) Try them on! Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised.

As you may have guessed by now, I’m super excited about this shoe. And considering the number of neutral-colored outfits I own, this will be just what I need to take it up a notch (or two!) ;–)

So what’s the verdict, ladies? Yay/nay? Are you into the whole coral color this season?

PS. I’m also learning just how tricky it is to get a good picture of one’s shoes while wearing them! I’m going to try and be more creative next time.

Until then, ciao!

So as promised, I am going to share with you a couple of purchases I made on my recent travels…

Are you ready? :–D

#1 Vintage Orange Mini Skirt

Is this cute or is this cute? :–) I saw it and instantly fell in love with it. It’s a classic A-line mini, in a very retro orange color and my favorite part are the pockets. Such a cute touch! (But really, I like anything with pockets.)

Also, I had all these visions going through my head when I tried it on…Get it? Haha

So anyway, I had to have it. ;–)

What do you guys think? Oh also, any ideas on how I can style it will be much appreciated!! :–D

To be continued…

I took with me, for the Thursday that I went until the Sunday I was supposed to come home:
White tshirt (hollister)
Cream baggy skeletal top (topshop)
Pink and white striped 3/4 sleeved top (hollister)
Black leggings
Black tights
Red and white flowery shorts (topshop)

Unexpectedly (this always happens), we drove round and round and round and round the roundabout on the way to the station, and came straight back h0me (to her’s) again.

Lets just say I borrowed her clothes (a pretty flowery grey top, navy leggings) and washed mine while I was there until the next Thursday.
While I was there, I was sitting in nice coffee shops, dancing, cudling my niece, marking maths, wandering Wiltshire, cleaning, and volunteering in a nursery. Not all at the same time.

At some point over the last 2 weeks, I wore this:
The white hollister top, a beloved, uber-soft scarf and jeans.

On Sunday, I really felt like spending the day outside.
It was pouring.
About halfway through my day, I thought, ‘Sod this, I’m going for a walk’.
I dragged the dog (who doesn’t really like rain) for a three hour walk.
I wore my new wellies (I havent had wellies since I was about 8, and I needed some for the festival.)
Turns out I also needed them for whenever it rains.
I had far too much fun splashing in puddles, and then peeking behind to make sure I was still on my own.

(Fortunately I only met 2 groups of people the entire time I was out. The first were a bunch of (very friendly, actually) guys with motorbikes, trying to keep dry under some form of tent, in the park.)

Here are some snapshots of the day. You can see what I’m wearing.
New wellies: Joules.
Dress: Some random shop in London
Leg sock things: Sleeves from a top from Primark
Coat: Hollister.

Please can I just take a moment? Y’know when coats say they’re waterproof, and they really AINT?

Yeah. That :|

Photos also feature my pooch, Pippa splish, splosh

WAIT! Is that a black labrador?

Nope. It was a tree.

This is what happens when you try to take a photo with a wet camera.
I find it quite atmospheric.

Yeah, that’s me. Keeping dry under a (dripping) bridge.
This is known as ‘the train bridge’ if I ever mention it.
Original name, I know.
It runs over the River Taff.

I love it when fields do this.
Not when I’m wearing converse.
<3 love for wellies
Pretty!

Ok. This is where the story gets exciting.
There’s this place near me where there’s a park ‘down the bottom’ and a path running ‘along the top’. There’s a boardwalk and lots of steps in between. Also a steep bank.
When I was with my ex, he used to get us to run up there. I used to be petrified, but with his help I could get up.
I decided that I could do it by myself. In the rain. On wet mud.
I got about half way up, and decided to stop.
Therefore loosing momentum.
Daft, I know.
But I was over half way up so carried on trying to scramble up. But then y’old foot slipped.

I was like ‘stuff this, I’m already muddy’.
And preceeded to slide down said slope.
On my bum.

Need I remind you I was wearing a dress?

Please take into account that this photo really doesnt do it justice. There’s a wet blob at the top of the pic where it was roughly that I decided to stop. It’s probably a 75% angle all the way up.
If you look carefully, you can probably see where I slid down.

Yes. I did notice the steps to the right. 

So yeah.

Mud. In. Pants.

I tried to wash myself off a bit in the brook (under the boardwalk) but then an old lady and her dog walked past (group number 2). She didnt even smile.

Lets just say the dress is still sitting wet in the bathroom.
(I tried to wash it, but being felt it likes retaining onto moisture. And er, mud.)

Then of course yesterday, it decided to brighten up.
So I wore my new bikini (White Stuff) with my homemade denim skirt… which I’d manage to lose and FOUND the other day, 2 weeks later. It was stuck on the BACK of my clothes drawer *rolls eyes*. I was talking out loud to myself about how rediculous it was that I’d lost it, and ‘whoomph’, it fell down. I was like ‘wicked, thanks’, and kinda looked around to see if there were any borrowers or fairy dust.
Oh, and my sunnies (accessorize). Here’s the pic:

Today I’m wearing this:
Silky navy top. Love. From New Look.
Black leggings (not shown). H&M.
Socks (not shown) purple with snowflakes and xmas puds on..
Necklace: ribbon from the corset bit of my prom dress from age 16, plus Thomas Sabo carrier and leaf charm. Love.
Bracelet- same as always, a present, was a charm bracelet once.
Bobble around wrist: gained from a dance concert
Watch (not shown): 18th (? or 19th?) present off my ex.

Please ignore the awful quality (and the double chin). Was taken 2 mins ago with my webcam.

Tomorrow, I’m off to a festival until Monday
I havent packed much, but I’m sure I’ll remember to take pictures this time!!!

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I’m not going to mix it up this week. Been busy sorting
Just plain old WIWW, linked up to www.thepleatedpoppy.com/blog. Although this week, she’s mixed it up!

What I wore this week:

Thursday 26th May: Emmaus again.

Wore my coat, jeans and some form of top. I cant remember!

Friday 27th May: Town, and a ‘presentation’ to finish the current project for uni in the evening.

Grey pinstripe tights- Primark
Light denim skirt- Jane Norman (from my ebay pile, just to check. And they are definately going. I even changed into the black leggings that I bought in town from H&M (I did need some new ones).)
Black baggy vest top- H&M (not shown)
Jumper- Topshop. I tried this on as a laugh with my friends, I originally thought it was hideous. But I loved it, and it reminds me of Greece! (The film.) However, it is about 3 dress sizes too big for me. I decided on this day that I’m going to tighten it. (It’s now in my ‘do something with’ pile from when I sorted my room! Will work through it when this is posted and the doggy has been out for a stroll!)

Saturday, 28th May: I will be completely honest with you and say that I stayed in my pjs all day, until I donned a pair of leggings, my pink and white stripey hollister top and the jumper above at approx. 10pm to spontaneously jump on a train to the Welsh valleys to stay at a friend’s.
However.
I did get a pic of me in one of the tshirts I wear to bed
How cool is this? Courtesy of Revolution at Freshers Week for my Art Foundation!

‘This is my hangover tshirt’ (although I dont drink..)
‘Scuse the awful lighting, again.

Sunday, 29th May: Got home with just enough time to wash and get changed. Then a day at my dad’s house.

Top: Owl baggy one from Topshop. Yes, it is featured a lot. Yes, I do love it.
Scarf: gift from a friend a few years back
Leggings: H&M.
Monday, 30th May: Into Uni to organise all the work I’ve done this year into a portfolio or up on the wall.

Jumper: Miss Selfridge. Dug back out of the ebay pile to see if it looks ok backwards, because I love the colour. It did. I think. You think?
Skirt: Made from denim shorts from godknowswhere that I’d previously made into shorter denim shorts, on the Monday morning.
Tights: grey pinstripe- Primark.

Tuesday, 31st May: Into uni for a seven minute long portfolio review, onto ‘lunch’ (change of plan) with a friend, then to a green to play frisbee with my mum, sister and nephews
Ehem. Please note the effort with the makeup!!

Yes. It’s that top again.
And that skirt.
The tights were flowery fishnet things from a few xmasses ago. Until my nephew sat on them and the button on his trousers made a HUGE hole (Doesn’t matter, I felt like a slag silly in them anyway!!)
And today, Wednesday 1st of.. WHAT? JUNE? ALREADY?
I’ve been sorting and hoovering and singing

I am wearing:
White vest top- Topshop
Blue pinstripe shorts- Primark.

I am beginning to freeze. Might put some longer legwear on before I take the mutt for a stroll.

What was your favourite thing to wear this week?

Mine was Tuesday’s outfit I think. Sans the tights.

See you very soon for a stuff update!

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Link up to http://thepleatedpoppy.com/blog/

Hi guys! Hope everyone had a good week! I have.

I’m actually really enjoying my life right now. For no particular reason. Which is great.
(Sometime I’ll tell you the story of timesgoneby..)

What I Wore Wednesday
This week:

Last Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th:
Stayed at a friend’s, then went to Bristol for the day to help out with Emmaus’ homeless shelter charity, where I spent the day sitting on a grubby workshop floor playing with wood.

Top: actually a pj top from Tecso. But it’s good for the weather atm, and cosy. If not that flattering.
Top underneath: white tshirt from Hollister (seen a lot last week)
Jeans: same as usual. Miss Selfridge.
Bag: Mulberry, from ebay. The world is a magical place.
I havent got the faintest clue where the socks are from.

Friday 20th:
Stayed at my friend Alannah’s

Top: H&M. So cosy.
Shorts: Love these. Can dress up or down. From Topshop last summer.
Tights: No idea.

Do you like the strange ‘two-mirror’ angle? Thanks to my mum’s clutter for this idea. Shows the clothes a bit better.

Saturday 21st:
Woke up from my friend’s, met another friend in town, got a lift to the beach ( 3 Cliffs Bay, Gower, South Wales). Went from the beach to another friend’s, instead of staying in a wet tent.

As it was a beach, I went wearing this:
Top: cropped tshirt from Topshop. One of my ‘maybes’.
Shorts: Primark.
(And I didnt actually wear shoes on the beach, but my converse were my shoe choice all week)

However, this was the case:

Wet. Welsh. Weather.
I did actually really enjoy myself. My friends were shocked.

But this does mean I spent most of the day wearing this:
(same as before, + VERY WARM AND COSY hollister coat, and scarf which was a present (and a life saver) donkeys years ago.)

Sunday 22nd: Woke up at my friend’s (again- the same as Wed night, not Fri night ) feeling a bit bedraggled.

As Friday, plus a jumper that belongs to my friend Tom who was the ‘drive to beach’ friend

Monday:

Again (woke up there again before I went home), plus really cosy, baggy, owl print grey top from Topshop.
Ok. I have been a bit of a slob recently.

Tuesday:
Day of doing work, catching up on things and being with my doggy.

I admit I cheated a bit. I’m wearing my ‘dance trousers’ here, but as I havent gone to any sports things recently and the weather is suiting and these are sooo cosy, I decided to bring them out of hiding so their ‘life’ wasnt wasted in a drawer.

Trousers: cropped jersey jogger things from H&M.
Top: The off-white, skeletal version of the owl baggy top from Topshop. I love these.
Underneath: white vest top, Topshop.

Wednesday 25th:
Today I’m gonna be going into uni to finish off some work, and maybe treating myself to an expensive coffee somewhere. Hopefully this uni day wont involve so much wood sawing as last Thursday.

Dress: Miss Selfridge. (I’ve also seen Connie who used to be in Blue Peter wearing it on tv..)
I’ll probably be wearing a long black cardi on top, and my grey converse, or possibly my sandals.
Please notice the blatent effort with the hair. I actually straightened it for once. It was just one of those days.
Oh, and yeah. Welcome to my room.
Thank you for visiting! Comments always appreciated if you have the time!

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They go with pretty much everything! With denim short, jeans, pants (in this case), skirts (tucked in), leggings…

P.S: You can’t tell from the picture, but the high waisted pants are pleated!

(See throughBlouse & Brown Leather pumps from Sportsgirl, Pants from Mossman, Giordano singlet, Ostrich bag from Marcs by Marc Jacobs)

*Grabs big paintbrush and goes all ‘swirly swirly’ in a big heap of paint *

‘What I Wore Wednesday’ is where I link up with http://thepleatedpoppy.com/blog/ and attempt to copy her photography sessions every day, showing everything she is wearing- her jewellery, clothes, shoes, bags… but I’ve been failing on this a bit. I remember ON THE WEDNESDAY that I was supposed to do this, then rack my brains to find out what I was wearing, screw the jewellery and shoes, and rush to a mirror to take some fairly awful photos (see below).

I’ve decided to add ‘What I Wont be Wearing Wednesday‘  (like last week http://lightninginastarrysky.wordpress.com/2011/05/11/what-i-wont-be-wearing-wednesday/ ) where I summarise what’s been taken out and added to my wardrobe- a little bit of minimalist madness, updating the Clothes Catastrophe. http://lightninginastarrysky.wordpress.com/2011/05/02/minimal-monday-clothes-catastrophe/ )  

(Also see below)

AND THEN, I’m going to do a ‘What I’m Wearing Wednesday’, where I show you a selection of my wardrobe/accessories/a specific item.

(See below again)

Ok. See this thing above? I got it for £5 at Air Ambulance Wales, a charity shop near me. Bargain, right? The picture really doesn’t do it justice.

It’s my wardrobe. Or closet, for you Americans

(Ignore the crap on top, that’s uni stuff..)

Underneath, that’s my ‘keepsake’ box. Bit on the large side, I know. It holds my diaries/journals, back up cds, photo boxes (only small) etc. And my ice skates. On the top is a crochet blanket I made for my ex. (Took bloody ages and had so much love in it so I nicked it back when he broke up with me about a month later.)

In the drawers, I’ve got undies and pjs and bikini and other stuff like that in the top left drawer.

In the main drawer, I have all my clothes (apart from the winter things, they’ve been taken out for now. But there’s space in there so I may as well put them back in..) I also have my heels and shoes not currently being worn in there (converse and sandals by the front door).

And that top left drawer is stuffed full of art supplies. But please bear in mind there used to be SO MUCH MORE!

On the top of this cabinet are two teeny drawers (with nothing in).. and I keep my jewellery on a pretty stand/old tiny jewelley box above these..

(I was going to show you my jewellery, seeing as I left this area out of my Clothes Catastrophe, and have sort of skimmed rapidly across it in the WIWWs, but maybe I’ll do this next week, seeing as you’ve just met my ‘wardrobe’ )

So. What I Wont be Wearing*:

(*this also counts for Minimal Monday, which I sort of missed this week..)

Last week I had 48 ‘blue’ (maybes/keeps), not including underwear, dance things (+5), workwear (+2) or winter things (+8)

So yeah, that’s 63. Shh.

This week I decided to cheat, and go through it early to get it over and done with.

I bought some new heels- yes they were expensive. KG ones. But I always feel majorly short compared with my friends (I’m 5’2″) and I wanted something a bit different. I’m replacing my old, falling apart Primark ones. This makes no difference to numbers (except those on my bank statement..)

I also bought a new dress for the ball. I only have one ‘going out’ dress and thought for my age, two is a slightly more acceptable number. I do sort of regret it, but I took back the other pair of shoes I bought, AND the other dress. So that’s better than nothing! This makes 49. (both shown below in WIWW)

I also disposed of the broken black pump trainers. So i’m now wearing through what remains of my converse <3
48

I gave the brown belt to charity
47

I gave the blue tshirt to charity
46

(I chucked an old pink bra, but this doesn’t strictly count..)

I gave a pink topshop vest top to charity
45

I took back my new Hollister jeans. (Also kinda makes up for the price of the shoes..)
44

I took back that black skirt I bought last week from Topshop

And I’ve listed some really pretty lacey pink shorts (also Topshop) on ebay.
43

(There’s a lot on my ebay account, and more to go up… check me out if you like; my username is amy301190)

What remains of ‘the bag’ (which i’ve given back to my mum):
silky dress (see WIWW below)
red flower shorts (love)
Purple flowery top, browny crop top and denim shorts. All of which I might also give away. They remain to be ‘tested’!

Apologies for the uber-long post!

Lastly for today: What I Wore Wednesday

*skips along to the mirror with my camera and changes of clothes*
(I do apologise, I will MAKE SURE I do it properly this week!)

Thursday, Friday and Saturday:
(shh.. I was slobbing it out at a friend’s, preceeding a trip to help out at Emmaus Bristol with Uni )

Top: Lush baggy thing from Topshop (was originally worn with a white vest top under)
Jeans: Miss Selfridge? (My only jeans)
Bag: Accessorize (look! Effort! I included the bag!)
Hair: needs a wash.

Sunday:
Uni to chat with the rest of my group

Top: very comfy tshirt worth the £15 from Hollister.
Cardi: Topshop
Leggings: No idea. But the holes need to be sewn up.
(I was wearing socks and shoes (grey converse) all week, too.)
Hair: will remain needing a wash for the remainder of these photos

Monday:
Uni again.

Dress: years old from Peacocks? (was in ‘maybes’, decided i’m keeping it.)
Tights: grey pinstripe, Primark.
Cardi: Same one from Topshop.

Tuesday:
Out and about with the mum and the sister
Just so you know, I’m not THAT stumpy. Just nearly. Funny camera angle.

Top: Hollister. Very cosy.
Jumper (over arm): tried on as a joke in Topshop about 2 years ago, ended up loving it. It reminds me of Greece.. but it’s about 3 sizes too big..
Jeans: As before.

OMGGEEEE! I ALMOST FORGOT!
This is what I wore on Saturday night, the Mad Hatter’s May Ball for Architecture Students!Hat: Homemade. Can you not tell?
Dress: Lipsy (I will show more pics of this if you want!)
Shoes: No pictures show them. But they’re my new KG ones. I’ll show you them soon.

TTFN xx

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My favorite kind now are those fun vintage graphic tees. SUPER cute! Don’t you think?

My vintage tee collection

And this summer, I’m on a quest to find as many as I can. Hehe.

Meanwhile, here’s more inspiration for you guys…

Mischa Barton, Audrina Patridge

Kate Moss

Sometimes, the basics are all you need. So will you be getting your vintage on this summer? ;–)

Photo credit: E! News, Tshirtwatch.com, Upscalehype.com

Undies, randoms + pjs = top left drawer. Clothes and heels = main drawer. Art supplies = top right drawer.

Clothes Catastrophe Update

Since the first Clothes Catastrophe I’ve decided to put all my ‘maybes’ into a bag (the black one that I’m borrowing off my mum in case I need to bring heavy stuff on my bike) and hide them under my bed. Yes, they do all fit in the bag . I’m going to leave them in there until the 2nd July, which is two months after I did the post. If I need to wear one of the items, I will take it out, wear it and then put it with my ‘keep’ clothes. So far (9 days) I’ve used the blue and white stripe shorts, the pink dress, the pink cardi and maybe one or two more items. At the end of the two months, if the items haven’t been worn (weather permitting),  I’ll donate the clothes, or sell them on ebay.

Plan

(see http://lightninginastarrysky.wordpress.com/2011/05/02/minimal-monday-clothes-catastrophe/)

I’ve also put some things away to wait until winter (when I could re-evaluate them?):
green felt dress,
long sleeved pj top,
cream woollen dress,
dark purple woollen jumper,
converse heavy boots,
2 winter hats
gloves

This takes the count of my ‘current’ clothes (including those in the bag) to 55 (There were 62 last week, plus a long sleeved pj/top that was in the wash & I forgot about..so 63)

Since the post, I’ve also got rid of some stuff already
black waist belt- charity 62 – 54 without winter stuff
purple flowery vest top- 61/53
purple vest top-60/52
pink cropped topshop tshirt (might swap this to the browny one before I sell on ebay)- 59/51
frilly skirt- ebay- 58/50
sleep goddess pj- charity-57 (I think I found this after the wash too)/49
blue skirt from Jane Norman-ebay-56/48

I know it’s not all about numbers, but it helps! I’ll update every so often.

(I bought two options for a dress for a ball today, planning on taking one back, but I might be wearing my old black dress. Also some heels- but if I keep these I’d get rid of the old black ones.. and also a black skinny skirt from topshop that would go with anything, and also replace my usual frumpy skirts. However, I’m definately going to take between 2 and 4 back…I’ll let you know )

Still on the path towards minimalism…

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Welcome.

I decided to take part in Pleated Poppy’s WIWW. Visit: http://thepleatedpoppy.com/blog/ I reguarly visit her blog and look at her pretty homemade things (also for sale).

I’ve only been taking photos since the opening of this blog, and I cant remember what I wore before! However, please look at my last post, http://lightninginastarrysky.wordpress.com/2011/05/02/minimal-monday-clothes-catastrophe/ for a peek at my entire wardrobe! This will also show the missing shoes etc!

Saturday: A day out with my mum, stepdad, sister and neice to Barry Island- little seaside ‘village’/ beach.

Pink vest top – Topshop (not shown)
Grey baggy top with owl print – Topshop
Jeans – Primark? Asda? – hand me down off my mother – I chopped the bottoms off and sewed them up using my sewing machine to make long shorts
Flipflops – Accessorize (not shown)

Sunday: Nana’s 90th birthday party- meet the whole family

Maxi Dress – peacocks? hand me down from my mum’s friend
Sandals – River Island (under the dress!)

Monday & Tuesday – Yes, I wore the same thing. House things, essay writing, time with sister, dog walking.

White T Shirt – Hollister (not shown)
Pink jumper – Topshop
Jeans – Miss Selfridge?
Black little trainers – Primark (£2!!!! Got when I needed black shoes for work) (Not shown)

Tues Night- meeting a friend for dancing  – Not shown. Pink dress- Miss Selfridge + pink cardi – Topshop (These were both ‘maybe’ items that I was testing to see if I wore, so I’ll keep them)

Wednesday (today) – Dentist and Opticians, Visiting a friend

White T Shirt – Hollister
Pink Cardigan – Topshop
Black Leggings – Primark??
Black little trainers – Primark (Not shown)

So. What do you think of week one? (Ignore the messy hair and the frumpiness – Oh, and apologies about the awkward pictures, they were taken in my mum’s room with the only big mirror, and there’s not much space in there!!)

Oh, and as you can see, I’ve stopped being a numpty and can now place photos individually within the post. How clever am I? *bows*

Amy <3

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I enjoy project 333 (see http://www.theproject333.com/) and find this easy, but I dont see the point in storing many clothes apart from the odd jumper or pair of sandals. I’d rather have less altogether.

I realised today while photographing all my clothes that I still have far too many. (Even though I go through them regularly and sell/donate them.)

This is mainly because of guilt.

Guilt no.1: They are presents. I have waaaay too many jumpers, for example. I’m not even a jumper kinda gal. I’m more of a plain cardi kinda person. (However, even though I found a lovely one I know I would wear just the other day, I didnt get it because I knew I was overwhelmed with ‘warm layers’ as it was.) And heck, it’s summer people! Anyway. Most of my jumpers are presents. So I feel bad giving them away or selling them. Even if I know I wont wear them much.

Guilt no.2: I remember buying the item ‘recently’. Generally though, I keep the tags until the receipt has worn out so that if my brain decides to work, I can take the item back. For example, earlier this year I convinced myself I needed dungerees. Yes. Dungerees. I remembered how much I loved wearing them when I was about 10. And then, what did they do but come back into fashion? So on a trip to see my school friend I left H&M with some nice, new ‘dungas’. Of course, I took them home, wore them all of once and thought, ‘what the hell was I thinking??‘. So I took them back. Phew.

Guilt no.3: Memories. Amongst these pics you’ll see some old school tops. And I hate throwing things away. So if I have clothes that look raaather old and unbeautiful, instead of throwing them in the bin, I’ll keep them for pjs. So I’ve been overwhelmed with them, too. I think i’ve actually bought one whole pair in my life. Most of the ‘proper’ ones I’ve ever had have been presents.

The rediculous RED number: EIGHTY SIX?!?!?! WHAAAAT?? This seems soooo high especailly after doing project 333! (Bear in mind this shows all my clothes, though! Without underwear and jewellery.. (how on earth do (nearly all of) these fit in my 2 drawers??)
And the GREEN number (ignoring work & dance): THIRTY TWO wicked.

OK, SO. Please bear in mind I like wearing light colours. If my house caught fire (god forbid) and I lost all my clothes, I’d get some jeans, a skirt, a couple of dresses, probably shorts and then everything else would be white/cream/baby pink. Oh yeah. And those bl**dy pajamas. And a coat. And stuff.

  The red numbers indicate how many clothes there are to start. The crosses show items I’ve chosen to remove.
The green circles show my ‘definate’ keeps. The green numbers count these.
The blue question marks show items that I’m not sure what to do with. Often it’s a choice between remaining items. The blue numbers count all the ‘definates’ and ‘maybes’.

Please click on an image to view it larger as a slideshow!

How many blue items should I keep? Which ones? Should I just donate/sell them all?
What are your suggestions?
The blue number (ignoring work and dance): 62. Hmm. Ok. So, if we average that and the green number, that is 47. Maybe I should aim for that for now? That still seems really high..

Still on the path towards minimalism….

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Soooo I meant to post this sooner, but I had an unusually active weekend. And before I set out to enjoy it, this is what I wore…

I am wearing: An asymmetrical Grey graphic jersey (Aritzia), a long Grey boyfriend blazer (Aritzia), espadrille wedge sandals and ofcourse, my trusted skinny jeans. I’m also wearing my favorite cocktail ring (That’s all the jewelery I can handle at a time really. LOL).

L: The print on my jersey. R: My ring

By the way, I went to Berkeley this weekend…ate a delicious Easter brunch, watched a movie, indulged in a little bit of retail therapy, strolled the streets, walked a few miles (that felt like a lot more in my wedge heels) to an incredibly popular ice cream store only to find it closed. Boo! But at the very least, the walk was lovely.

The best part of my day out, however, was soaking in all the street fashion. Call it hippy, free-spirited, flashback to the ’70s, and however else you’d describe it, I think it was pretty awesome.

Although I don’t know if I really identify with that style, I sure left feeling inspired. I could see myself picking up a lot of individual elements and making it unique to me. Isn’t that what personal style is anyway? =)

I’m excited to bring some quirkiness in my outfits and I got plenty of ideas on that this weekend! You’ll see. ;–)

Observe, adopt, make it your own.