WHITE JEANS & VAGABOND BOOTS

Velvet Shirt - Charity Shop, Necklace - c/o Delilah Dust, Lace Top - Charity Shop, Jeans - Topshop, Boots - Vagabond c/o Urban Outfitters, Bracelet - Snö of Sweden

I'm so loving blogging in warmer weather, it really does make you realise just how awful it is to take pictures in torrential rain and sub zero temperatures. It's much easier when it's just a case of dashing out to take a few snaps (without freezing your nips off), then follow it up with editing in the sunshine.. I'm writing this up making the most of the last few rays before I head off to work. Bring on summer, bikinis & beachy hair.

Even though the weather has perked up, it's not quite warm enough to rock out in shorts and a crop top. For now, I'm wearing my payday summer purchase.. The white Joni jeans. I did order the Missguided dupe of these, only when they turned up they said they were cream not white (it does say white on the website so bit of a warning for you!). I basically took that as a sign that it was fate for me to just go and get the pair I really wanted. I've already worn these & my checked pair loads so I'm not feeling too bad about my slightly more expensive purchases.

Now, boots wise.. Aren't these a little chunky dream?! I definitely got a tiny bit over excited when they arrived (I may or may not have squealed). The dusky pink goes with a lot more than you'd think so I know I'm going to be stomping around in these beauties for the foreseeable future.

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GREY BOYFRIEND COAT & A FEDORA

Fedora - H&M, Sunglasses - H&M, Choker - eBay, Shirt - Topshop, Coat - New Look, Trousers - Charity Shop, Sandals - c/o La Moda

Today was one of those awkward start of Spring days. You know the sort, not warm enough to be off out in bare legs, but too warm for the usual layers (I'm so glad I no longer have to wear about 3 pairs of tights on a skirt day!). For me, this annoying 'in-between season' means trousers, a little bit of ankle flashing (I know, oh so risqué..) and sandals. I add extra layers on the top half just in case I get a bit chilly and sunnies are a must. I spend my summers squinting like a loon..

The jacket is definitely more A/W, but as it's quite light I'm still wearing it. It's like the perfect throw on coat.. something that isn't going to weigh you down or make you feel like the Michelin man. Does anyone else think New Look have come up with some really nice pieces recently?! I kind of wrote them off after my teens but I've actually found some really nice bits & bobs in the last few months.

Just a quick one today, I'm off to go devour my bodyweight in Italian food. The summer bod quest starts Monday.. maybe.

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BRIGHT ACCESSORIES - COLOUR ME HAPPY

Outfit 1: Shirt - Charity Shop, Jeans - Topshop, Shoes - Office

I'm going to be honest, there's just something about an all white outfit that makes me feel sassy.. Honey Boo Boo style. Ha. When I've got an accessory that my outfit revolves around (does anyone else ever plan outfits around shoes or handbags?!), I usually go for an outfit that's all one colour. As I'm banishing black clothing for S/S (I'm totally not, I'll be in back in black by the end of the week), I thought I'd opt for white. Outfit equivalent of a boiled egg? Shut up Lydia.

Outfit 2: Shirt - As Before, Dress - c/o Dolly Bow Bow, Shoes - As Before
Could I possibly be more girly if I tried? Even though I always think of the classic Ray Ban shape as quite masculine, I love that you can still pop them with a ditzy dress and not look completely miss-matched. The same goes for the sunnies & the bag together, it's kind of something that looks like it shouldn't work but it actually does?! I'm hoping..

Outfit 3: Shirt - Topshop, Jeans - Topshop, Shoes - Converse

This last outfit is mega casual, with Converse being my go-to for slouchy summer days. I opted for the blue jeans as those sunnies just needed to be paired with some denim don't you think?! I'm coming to the conclusion that blue is the new black. 

Ray Ban Sunglasses & Nica Satchel - c/o McArthurGlen 

So today's post is all a bit different, mainly because you get three outfits for the price of one.. plus it's kind of a 'ways to wear' sort of thing. With designer outlet giant McArthurGlen launching their Spring/Summer collections, this post is all linked to their Europe-wide accessories campaign 'Colour Me Happy'. The campaign is all about some of McArthurGlen's most sought-after designers coming up with bold coloured, exclusive accessories to liven up even the most dull wardrobes (I may or may not be talking about my own, very monochrome outfit choices). Anyhoo, the accessories I'm styling up include Ray Ban sunnies (I'm can now say I'm a Ray Ban owner, I feel like I've brought home a new baby), and a sunny Nica satchel. Aren't they both little pretties?! Finally my wardrobe is looking more cheerful.

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FLUFFY JUMPER & CHECKED JEANS

Top - Miss Selfridge, Jeans - Topshop, Boots - Boohoo, Rings - Pandora
I definitely decided to wear this jumper on Easter Sunday because it made me feel like a fluffy chick.. there's nothing wrong with getting a bit Easter inspired with clothes right?! If I'd had a pair of those fabulous lace bunny ears then I'd have definitely have popped them on. Instead, I'm a hatchling in checked trousers.
Onto those trousers. You know how I went on about finding a Topshop Joni Jean dupe the other day? Well I did.. but then I caved and bought this checked pair anyway. Logic was never my thing. To be fair, I hadn't actually found a dupe for this checked print.. I say 'hadn't' as I have since seen a Primark pair doing the rounds. Drat & double drat. All the same, I'd still probably have bought these. They're a nice material, do all that sucky-in business that I like & I know I'll wear them to death.
I've added the little OOTD video that goes with in for those of you reading who fancy a gander at me almost getting blown away whilst trying 

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MOM JEANS & A SATCHEL

Scrunchie - c/o Pretty Twisted, Turtle Neck - Zara, Coat - H&M, Jeans - Topshop, Boots - Dr. Martens, Bag - Missguided

You know when you're like 'ooh I really like my hair like this', then you see a picture of yourself and your thoughts turn to 'I look stupid'. It was one of those days. I do indeedy love this little scrunchie, but perhaps I'd be better sticking to a high pony tail. I'm thinking my head shape just isn't cut out for a 90s up-do like this.. OW POOK!

Did I really just ramble on about my hair/head for a paragraph? Aside from that minor issue, I like what I'm wearing today. I've recently got back into wearing jeans for lazy outfits - the kind where minimal thought goes into what you're wearing. For an extra does of lazy outfit choosing, I went for a turtle neck. I promise, this is going to be my last turtle neck outfit of this A/W. Okay, I probably can't stick to that promise. In my defence, it was a wee bit chilly.. that sunshine didn't last long did it?!

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HIGH WAISTED JEANS

Hat - H&M, Choker - eBay, Necklace - c/o Pretty Twisted, Jeans - Missguided, Boots - Boohoo

Summer is on it's way, which means I'm back in one of my favourite combos.. a crop top & something high waisted. It doesn't matter if it's a pair of shorts, a little skirt or jeans like above,  if it rides up high on my waist then I'm going to love it.

The pair I'm wearing today are newly acquired (that sounds better than purchased, it implies I didn't actually have an online spending splurge & they in fact just came into my life like fairy magic). I've been lusting after the Topshop Joni Jeans for a good while now, wanting to satisfy all my needs for a high waisted, wardrobe basic. However, the £36 price tag just kept putting me off. I know they do indeed appear to be lovely & decent quality, but I just think it's quite a lot of money for something so plain. Anyhoo, Missguided came up with the goods in the form of their Brigitte Disco Fits for £24.99. This pair are a little bit stiffer than the Joni Jean (a plus for sucking in any jiggly bits) and were a tiny bit long on my stubby legs but I do think they're quite a good dupe!

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UNDIES & ACCESSORIES: STYLING UP WITH WONDERBRA

Wonderbra (Basso & Brooke Range), Headband - Primark, Bracelet - Accessorize, Watch - c/o Daniel Wellington, Shoes - Topshop

I guess it could be construed a tad weird posting about how to 'dress up' undies on here. However, I'm   not necessarily saying this is at all for the benefit of your other half. I'm more thinking for those days when you've treated yourself to some mega pretty undies, and feel that you're wasting them by tucking them up in jeans and a t-shirt. So anyhoo, I thought I'd do a bit of an 'accessorising up' post.. the sort of bits & bobs that I'd pick to go with an extra special underwear day. 

And yep, this evidently isn't the full outfit.. well, unless you're just having a day bopping about to naff pop music in your room (I never do that.. ). For me, I'd probably add a black maxi and just button up the shirt a bit.. but then maybe I'd swap it for white skinny jeans for a sunny day?! You get my drift.. it's all about mixing & matching with whatever you've got in your wardrobe. Why not have your undies as the starting point?!

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THAT PRIMARK TWO PIECE

 Two Piece - Primark, Top - Topshop, Boots - c/o La Moda

I think this little two piece has gained a bit of notoriety in the blogosphere.. we've all seen it, we've all lusted after it then we've all searched through our local Primarks to try and hunt it down. Generalising just a little bit there, but I do think this is a good call on Primarks part.. I mean it's a two piece (everyone loves a co-ord right now), it's monochrome (hands down winner with me) and it was only £25 (the Gods of bargain hunting rejoice!). So yep, I'm blaming Primark's design team for my bank balance's woes right now.

Anyway, I kept everything monochrome today with one of my favourite Topshop shirts. Nothing too flouncy, just a smart, simple fit. I bought this way back in October for the Cosmo Blog Awards and I was adamant that I'd wear it to death, mainly because for me, spending £30 on a simple top seems like quite a lot! Forgive me, I'm still in the student mindset. Thankfully, it goes with everything & I now feel I've got my money's worth. Ha.. quality over quantity Lydia!!

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FOREVER 21 S/S DIY: TIE DYE TOP

Outfit - c/o Forever 21
Top - DIY Tie Dye

So here's the second part of my festival inspired DIY extravaganza and even if I do say so myself, I love it quite a lot! When I first set about on a tie dye mission, I did think the outfit would look better with the top just plain white. Thankfully, once I put it all together I decided that the bright pink actually went really well.. in a kind of clashy, 'I'm too cool to match my clothes' kind of way. As everyone knows, 'cool' isn't exactly my middle name.. but I can have a go at pretending every once in a while right?!

For me, this is definitely my kind of festival outfit. Having never been to a festival (told you cool doesn't really bode well with me), this was a way for me to get all dreamy about the kind of thing I'd go for. I definitely think Forever 21 would be a go to for sorting out an outfit for summery shindigs.. their New In section has got me planning holiday outfits for a holiday that doesn't currently exist. Ha.

I have got pictures of the tie-dye process for you all, although I'm sure it's something you could all work out. I may upload at some point if people would be interested?! I've really enjoyed getting into the spirit of summer with a crafty session.. Tie-dye is always one of my favourite projects, mainly because you never know what the heck you're going to end up with! To say this top was only £4.75 (here) & the dye only £2.99 (plus I've still got loads left for my next dying sesh), I think it's one of the best (& bargainous!) ways to come up with something unique.

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FOREVER 21 S/S DIY: BLEACHED HIGH WAISTED SHORTS

 Outfit - c/o Forever 21
DIY Shorts - Update on how I did these to come!

For me, summer is the season of doing DIYs. I've spent many a warm day making friendship bracelets in the sun, sitting stirring a bucket full of tees getting tie dyed & flicked bleach over denim like a crazy person. With the garden suddenly looking like spring has sprung, out came the bucket & the bleach.

As I'm trying to get into the summer spirit, Forever 21 kindly hooked me up with a couple of festival esq outfits perfect for going to town on DIY wise. If you can't wear bleached up, high waisted shorts at a festival when can you?! These distressed beauties actually came out a lot better than I expected.. you can't really go wrong with this sort of thing but you never know exactly what the result will be! The bleach splatters are now a dreamy match for the little lace detail top & knit cardigan.

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BEST DRESSED JUDGE AT THE GRAND NATIONAL

Images

Daily Mail, The Metro & The Mirror

Outfit

Hat - Accessorize, Dress - Dorothy Perkins, Jacket - H&M, Bag & Shoes - Primark

Ooooh now this is a biggie for me! The weekend just gone, I only went & tripped off to be guest 'Best Dressed' judge for Ladies Day at The Grand National.  When Liverpool ONE & Think Publicity got in touch about it I had one of those 'ummmm YES' moments. I've never actually been to the races so I was excited about everything from putting my first bet on (I won a whole £4.. I'm not retiring yet!) to finding a pretty little outfit.

On the day itself, t he Think Publicity team looking after us made us all feel very 'VIP'.. I definitely kept having a moment of 'is this real life?!'. When the time for judging arrived it was all mega exciting, with some totallyyy fabulous girls & guys making their way to the judging area. After narrowing it down to our top 3, my lovely finalist Becky Nightingale only went & won! Now, I will admit that I'm a teeny bit jealous of that fancy holiday and £250 a month to spend at Liverpool ONE. Eeep.. a shopping trip would be on the cards!

Outfit wise, I was completely thrifty with my race day attire. I'm still not exactly 'in the money' (one day Lyd, one day!), so I wanted to keep my outfit to a budget. Plus, I think it's nice to show you can do this sort of thing and get dolled up without spending a small fortune! In total, everything I'm wearing came to just over £100.. not bad eh?! The dress was a little steal, only £35 but I still think it looks feminine yet formal. I'm just going to make a little apology to my shoes too.. they were £12 from Primark & I moaned throughout the day about them being ugly. However, I've since decided I love them. They were as comfy as my laziest trainers and didn't even sink in the grass!

Huge thanks to Liverpool ONE, the guys & girls at Think Publicity & Novotel for an extra faaaabulous weekend. 

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VEIL BEANIE & CLEATED SOLES

Beanie - H&M, Coat - Boohoo, Top - Primark, Trousers - Charity Shop, Sandals - c/o La Moda

Ummm yep, I'm back in baby pink. I'm trying to get as much wear out of that coat as possible before it's no longer chilly enough for it. I'm hoping that all outwear pastels will continue to be cute next winter.. a couple of months of being able to wrap up like a fluffy marshmallow is not enough for me!

Another piece I'm trying to get my last bit of winter wear out of is the veil beanie. I so wish I'd worn this more. It's all dramatic and makes me feel kind of glam in a Joan Collins off to a funeral way. That's the kind of comparison I never thought I'd be making.

I was only off to pick up some post (those red slips drive me mad) so I braved chilly tootsies in my those La Moda cleated sole sandals that I can't stop wearing. I feel like as I'm technically a proper grown up, I need a bit of a heel to make me feel like one. There's just something about heels that makes you feel like you can sing Beyonce 'Me, Myself & I' all day long.. Ha. I really need to stop getting carried away on here, you get what I mean though right?!

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OUTFIT LAYOUTS #5

Outfit One

Top - Select, Waistcoat - Boohoo, Skirt - Topshop, Hat - H&M, Slip Ons - Topshop

Outfit Two

Top - As Before, Skirt - Topshop, Sunglasses - H&M, Sandals - c/o La Moda

Outfit layouts #5 doubles up as a bit of a 'Two Ways With..' post. The top that features in both outfits is that really cheap one I mentioned in this haul.. & it's also featured in an outfit post (I guess you could say I like it quite a bit). It's from Select, a new found favourite of mind for the odd mega inexpensive wardrobe addition. The first outfit is my typical smart/casual sort of thing.. Slip ons & a big hat to hide a less 'made up'. The next outfit is me trying to not opt to wear everything with black.. Instead I've replaced it with monochrome white. Baby steps y'know?!

I do occasionally worry that some of you might be like 'Lydia wears the same things all the time'.. Seen as this top is already a bit of a regular. The thing is, I'm quite tight when it comes to making clothing purchases & I'm not really the sort of person that will only wear something once then relegate it to the deep dark depths of my wardrobe. If I like it, it's gonna get worn to death and why not ey?!

I'm actually writing this on the train home from Liverpeeewl after a totally fabulous (I'm saying this in my head in Patsy from Ab Fab's voice) weekend at The Grand National thanks to Liverpool ONE. Those of you that follow me on Twitter/Instagram will have seen me going on about it but it really was pretty major (and admittedly completely nerve wracking!) for me. Can't wait to do a proper update on it all!

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YELLOW SHIFT DRESS & FLATFORMS

Sunglasses - ASOS, Dress - c/o Fabric Boutique, Bag - H&M, Flatforms - c/o La Moda, Scrunchie -c/o Pretty Twisted

Wowzers I'm feeling oh so summery! I've got sungigs on, no tights & I'm wearing a colour that could brighten up any wardrobe. Once it gets to that awkward time of year where it's not quite warm enough for a S/S wardrobe, yet you feel silly in your winter woolies, I tend to just layer up all things summery. I know this outfit isn't exactly practical, but I can just add a cardigan, or a thick jacket & maybe some frilly socks then I'm good to brave any chilly blips.

Today's accessories are all a bit 90s. The holographic bag is one of my favourites that I don't use as much as I should.. Mainly because my handbag is usually stuffed full like a rubbish tip. A girl who hoards everything from train tickets to perfume samples in her bag should not be using one that's transparent. 

Did anyone else notice the little heart on the mirror image picture?! Thanks nature for being cayooot. 

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NICOLE X MISSGUIDED

 Top - c/o Nicole X Missguided, Jacket - Boohoo, Trousers - c/o Nicole X Missguided, Heels - c/o Pretty Little Thing, Black Ring - H&M, Creepy Lookin' Fog - c/o Mother Nature 

Ooh the weather's looking very mysterious don't you think?! I feel a bit like I've walked into a Twilight set.. Even though in reality I'm just stood in a very foggy, miserable looking garden in Sheffield.

Now, who hasn't read a Nicole X Missguided blog post eh?! I've really loved seeing bloggers style up the collection.. there's been so many girlies giving t'old Scherzy a run for her money! I think it's one of those collections that just makes you feel fierce (trying not to sound completely cringey here but I think it's all that biker esq pleather that makes me feel like a toughie!). Instead of opting for my favourite black option I decided to go for the white version.. isn't it loverrrly?! I'll probably wear each piece as separates the most of the time, but I couldn't help but wear it all together today.

On a quick little note, I finally have a pair of those cleated sole shoes! Happy bunny. You'll no doubt be seeing these lots.

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