CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and got some lovely things! I thought I'd share a few things of whats happened over the holidays. My family hosted Christmas this year so we had all the family over - It was great because it really made me feel festive. I wore my Primark Christmas bottoms which I posted on Instagram on Christmas eve but on Christmas day I dressed quite casual and comfortable.

On Boxing day I went to the sales in London but found them quite disappointing. None of my gift cards were spent so I guess I'll save them for the coming weeks. I did spot this leather quilted effect clutch at REISS, unfortunately it's not on their website so I'll keep an eye out and as for the Selma Micheal Kors bags which are everywhere at the moment, I've taken a keen eye for their clutch bags. 

Christmas and Boxing Day Outfit:

JUMPER - GAP 

SMART JOGGERS - PRIMARK

TOP - TOPSHOP

CARDIGAN - H&M

LEGGINGS - H&M

What I got for Christmas? 

This was my main present from my parents (Monica Vinader stacking rings in rose gold - perfect combination). Go and check out their other jewelry pieces, so delicate and beautiful. After discovering the brand last year and receiving a rose gold bracelet I'm sure to be buying more things in the future. I also received money, gift cards and other essential/regular Christmas bits which I didn't photograph. 

           

Love V 

TOPBUYER UK: 2013 UK-CHINA DESIGNER LEAGUE FASHION EVENT

This was my first time being involved behind the scenes of a fashion event. I saw volunteers were needed and applied - which I was successful.  I was given the opportunity to gain experience within a fashion event as fashion has always been an interest and passion of mine so to be involved was very engaging and gave me an insight towards the production of the event. 

The event was held at 'The Royal College of Art' on Friday 13th December. Arriving at 10 am, we all got stuck in with preparing the set, followed by rehearsals of the catwalk. My role of the day was a dresser for the appointed model and helping out backstage. This consisted of 5 outfit changes for my model in the catwalk which lasted for 20 mins.

A lot of time goes into preparing the models and making sure the show runs smoothly. With over 50 outfits and 10 models as soon as your model finishes their walk it was undressing them and getting them into their next outfit. At times hectic, you need to be focused, know what outfits your model needs and get them ready on time for the walk to avoid delays. Unfortunately, we couldn't watch the show backstage but it was good fun!  

Working backstage was definitely a new experience especially from watching a catwalk live in the audience  you don't think of the process as the catwalk runs so quickly its over before you know it. It was a great day and thank you Topbuyer UK for putting on a show! 

 

 

What I Wore:

Dress: Dorothy Perkins
Coat: Zara
Shoes: Clarks
Bag: Vintage Gucci
Scarf: Dents

Here's some photos that I took during the event: 

Love V 

REVIEW OF EBAY PURCHASES

I previously blogged about purchasing two tartan items from eBay. I was impressed by how quick the items arrived and tried them on as soon as I could. Unfortunately, I'm returning the tartan trousers - they just didn't look flattering on me.

On the other hand, I really loved the dress. I bought it in a S which fits me perfectly. The quality is probably the same as something I had purchased from Boohoo, however there was a slight stitching fault on the sleeve. But you can't notice too much and with the price I paid compared to some other retailers selling this version I got myself a good deal. I'll probably wear the dress with some ankle boots in the day and heels work really well for the evening so I can't wait to wear it!

Love V 

CHRISTMAS GIFT: THE WATCH

With 2 weeks to go - lots of shopping! You can easily get stuck on what to get family and friends unless they specifically asked for a few things or given you a list - knowing that they will enjoy the present. 

As I get older I don't often get surprises, I do get asked what I want and I normally have something in mind which I seem to know a month or two before Christmas. It's either on the expensive side that I've lusted for quite a while or a few small bits which I'd happily get for Christmas and wait. Presents isn't really a big part in our household so we also receive red pockets containing money which we can spend how we like whether it's during sales or I normally save and spend it with my birthday money.

The gift I wanted to talk about is a watch. This is something I personally like and came across after seeing so many of the Daniel Wellington photos posted on Instagram. I like the classic design and how simple it is which brings be to my alternative watch by 'Marc Jacobs' which gives the same appearance. With the chunky rose gold watches everyone had over the summer, this is a simple circle with leather strap perfect for the winter. 

Left - MARC BY MARC JACOBS - Baker stainless steel and leather watch £165

RIGHT -  DANIEL WELLINGTON - CLASSIC SHEFFIELD LADY £159

Love V 

GONE A BIT TARTAN CRAZY

So tartan has really hit the fashion world. From dresses to trousers, you can find many styles out there! After umming and arring about what tartan pieces to get I decided to go for something that I could wear all year round not just for the trend. 

After seeing tartan/checked printed trousers on other bloggers and fashion websites I really liked them and thought they would look quite  festive in the red colour - so I found a pair on a website called Karma. Also, another spot was found on Boohoo  ( the replicate I got is out of stock) but they have a new one called the 'Lulu Laundry Check Shift Dress' which has a shorter sleeve whereas the one I bought was 3/4 length. 

Both items were not purchased from the actual sites but found on Ebay at a cheaper price. I've only bought techy bits so this was my first time buying clothing and I know a lot of people find some bits on their site so I thought I would give it ago. Both pieces should be arriving by the end of the week so I'll be posting a review. 

Here are the items a bought:
Photos are from the sellers.

Tartan trousers from: fashionfactor 
Check dress from: dressfactor 

I've just spotted another tartan bodycon midi dress. Slightly tempted...

Love V 

IN LOVE WITH MY H&M CARDIGAN

Oh my! Already in December! I did plan to Instagram everyday in December but sometimes things don't go to plan and I've already missed the 1st. Haha, so I'm just going to post randomly whenever I feel like it. 

Back to the main post - Do you get those moments where you buy something new and can't stop wearing it! I'm currently in this situation with my fluffy H&M cardigan! I seem to throw it over any item I wear and it seems to work - even with a simple outfit it looks like I've made effort just because of the style and material of the cardigan. It was worth the wait! Happy purchase :) 

You can find the cardigan at H&M. Here's three outfits I wore with the cardigan last week. 

Vintage Blouse 

Topshop Sleeveless Turtleneck 

Gap Top 

Love V 

NEW CHELSEA BOOTS

I've had my eyes on these boots since they were featured on the Look website. Which brand you ask? Primark is the answer. I seem to end up picking something every time I go there, amounting to a haul. Not intentionally but you can find some amazing deals and one off pieces when you rummage around.
Take a look at these boots, you can also find them in black and for £15 - it's not a bad price to pay. Today is the first day of wearing them - taking them on a road test around London. Hope I don't come back with blisters. It's Black Friday and I'm ready to shop! So many discounts around this weekend! Hope you guys are too!

Love V 

4 OUTFITS 4 DAYS

I enjoy talking, looking and buying clothes! Who doesn't... so in today's post I bring you 4 outfits over 4 different days. Unfortunately, you don't get to see me wear them but I've photographed the outfits. I dress differently depending on occasions, days and whether I actually step out of the house. If I'm indoors you can normally see me  lazing around in my pajamas until the afternoon. 

OUTFIT 1:

 

  



















Dress - Forever 21                                                
Cardigan - United Colours of Benetton
Coat - Zara
Bag - Louis Vuitton (Speedy 35)
Shoes - Primark 



OUTFIT 2:

 

Jacket - Primark
Top - Primark
Leggings - H&M
Bag - Dents (TKMaxx)
Shoes - Clarks 











OUTFIT 3:

 

 

Jumper - Topshop
Jacket - Edun
Leggings - H&M
Chelsea Boots - Tesco
Bag - Edina Ronay (TKMaxx) 









OUTFIT 4

 

Top - Primark

Cardigan - Vintage Burberry

Leggings - H&M 

Coat - Primark

Shoes - Clarks

Bag - Dents (TKMaxx) 

Love V 

I WISH COAT AT NEW LOOK

The other day New Look were offering a 25% off code. I was rather excited as I had a eye on a few items but in the end I didn't make any purchases! I just browsed online but I wish I went to one of the larger New Look stores to make the  most of this discount. 

The items I wanted were out of stock or not in my size. Boo! So these are the two coats I had my eye on. 

(Left)  Black Jacquard Shawl Collar Boyfriend Coat - I love the print, the loose fit and how it can be dressed up or down for any occasion. This coat can be worn all year round  and still on trend as black and white never gets old ( £49.99).

       (Right) Burgandy Boucle Faux Fur Collar Boyfriend - Fur is made for winter and matched with the burgundy is the perfect combination for winter outerwear. I like the zip pockets on the side and the structure of this coat which would keep you warm under those layers (£54.99).

Love V 

WEEKEND OF OUTFITS - COCKTAILS AND LONDON

As I mentioned in my update, I had a pretty busy weekend for a change. Celebrating my best friends birthday with a night of cocktails, followed by going to London the next day. Thankfully I didn't need to get out bed so early as I had to be in London by 3 - giving enough time for a lie-in and feeling refreshed from the night before. 

I'm pretty poor at getting outfit posts together and snapping them before I leave but I will get there eventually. But here's what I wore ( I also wore some rings and a cardigan which I didn't manage to shoot). 

Friday 

Shots!

Top- Primark, Trousers - H&M, Boots - Betty Jackson 

Bag - Salvatore Ferragamo

Saturday

Korean BBQ 

Top - Primark, Necklace - Matalan, Jeans - River Island, Boots - Betty Jackson 

Bag - Longchamp 

Coat - Zara (worn both nights)

Love V