WHAT'S IN MY TRAVEL BAG

Sarong - eBay, Bag - Zara, Ipad, Hand Cream - Crabtree & Evelyn, Hair Clip - Primark, Nail File - Leighton Denny, MAC Mineralize Skinfinish, Tangle Teezer, Purse - Topshop, Samsung Galaxy S3

Since I've gone on about my holiday more than a bit (I'm going in 4 days - yep, counting down the minutes from now on), I thought I'd post a peek into my travel bag. I've completely flaunted the hand baggage allowance and bought the biggest bag possible, intent in filling it with all my crap. I found this black number in the Zara sale for £20 and thought it would be just right for fitting in all my essentials.

Now, I will be honest.. this is a much prettier version on what will actually be in my travel bag. However, when I look at other people's 'What's in My Bag' posts, do I wanna see hand sanitiser and enough tampons to last through an apocalypse. Nope, not really. We all know our bags are full of all that kind of thing but there's no way of making Tampax look cute. So yep, I'll probably be adding packs of tissues, breath fresh & a whole range of chargers - y'know the sort of thing.

The bits above are all my essentials - most of which come with me day to day. The sarong is something I've added in for my trip - I just love having something that feels like a bit of a comfort blanket while I get all hysterical on the plane (nervous flyer.. the sooner that dose of diazepam kicks in the better!).

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SOCKS & SANDALS

Sunglasses - Boohoo, Jumper - Amazon Selected Femme, Clutch - Pieces, Skirt - Topshop, Socks - Nike, Sandals - Office

Bit of a throwback here, I actually took these pictures for a piece I did for Office's in store magazine (I'm not sure if any of you will have seen it but it was a bit of a 'oh my god, that's me' kind of thing - my mum collected about 8 copies..). So anyhoo, these pictures were taken months and months ago in the dreary pre-spring months, ready for the summer edition. Thankfully, it doesn't look quite as nippy as it actually was. 

Now, I will be honest, I'm not sure I'm sold on the whole socks & sandals thaaang. I think it's something quite fun but I'd probably swap for some Mary Jane flats - let's be honest, you wear sandals 'cause you want something cool for your tootsies, not to whack on a pair of chunky socks underneath. Having said that, I do love these Nike socks.. & yep, I'm obviously fancying a white pair. 

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HAND ME DOWN SHIRT

Hat - H&M, Sunglasses - Cosmo Mag Freebie, Shirt - c/o My Brother's Wardrobe, Boots - Forever 21

My brother moved out and I raided his wardrobe.. fingers crossed he wasn't planning on coming back for this shirt. I was searching through the clothes he'd left behind in the hope that there'd be some suitably slouchy shirts that I could wear Kylie Jenner style.. Yup, she may come from that marmite family, but I can't help but still be obsessed with every outfit she wears. And those lips.. I don't know what the heck she did but I wouldn't mind the same.

Anyhoo, I've gone off on a tangent with the Kylie Jenner infatuation. I've seen her in loads of oversized shirts - tied round her waist of worn like some lazy, everyday jacket, and this is now my piece to do the same with. It's too big for me, which makes it a good, loose 'dress' that I can also use as a summer jacket. Cheers little bro, as the saying goes - one man's junk is another man's treasure. 

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BODYSUIT & SKINNY JEANS

Hat - H&M, Bodysuit - c/o Shadowplaynyc, Jacket - H&M, Jeans - Missguided, Heels - Boohoo

Currently, my blog could just be made up of pictures of me wearing skinny jeans with different tops. That's basically what I live in at the minute.. maybe I should rename Fashion Influx '1000 ways with black jeans'?! I'm trying my best to vary my outfit choices a bit but it's just so easy to go for these. I missed that whole jeans & a t-shirt stage but I've now completely got the denim bug. I think now so many places use super soft denim (I used to hate those stiff denim jeans back in the day.. *ahem* where do I put my food triplets?!) it's just a million times easier to find jeans that fit right.

Today I'm actually wearing a swimming cozzie with my favourite black skinnies. I just couldn't wait until my holiday to wear it.. Swimwear for me is such a treat that I always feel sad that I only get to wear it on the beach in some hotter climate! While I'm not going to be rocking a bikini round Sheffield, I can pass off a swimsuit as a bodysuit.. who'da known eh?! 

Ow pook.. I forgot to mention the random guy in the last picture. Yup, it happened again.. my dignity was totally depleted and I realised quickly after taking this shot that an old guy had been having a nosey in the background. KILL ME. 

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CREAM OUTFIT & RED LIPPY

Playsuit - c/o Desire Fashion, Jewellery - c/o Swarovski

Summer is well and truly in full swing, making me a much happier person. It's so nice to be back to BBQ teas, lighter nights and making the most of my summer wardrobe. It gets to this time of year when I completely forget that I'll ever have to wear wooly tights or an extra layer under a jumper.. for now I'm quite happy to be in shorts & a t-shirt forever!

As it's feeling extra summery, I've gone for a sunshine season essential - the playsuit. An all in one always feels like an easy option for me, mainly because you don't have to work out if things go together. For that, I can cope with having to get nearly nuddy whenever I need a wee. I've just popped this little lace number with some cream brogues - I was just off for a wander & wanted to avoid boots.. I've got to remember that boots aren't exactly the best option for muggy days! 

Ow & I had one of those 'I'm not wearing much make-up, I'm going to whack red lippy on & I'll look totally fine' moments. It didn't happen. Ha. I don't know why I thought red lipstick would perform a Jessica Rabbit style transformation.. better luck next time Lydia!

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BLACK MAXI & GLITZ

Headband - Primark, Sunglasses - c/o Missguided, Mesh Top - Boohoo, Skirt - Primark, Boots - Forever 21

The glitz I'm talking about in the title is that sparkly headband, other than that, I'm not actually that glitzy. Not quite as sassy as Glitzy the Pig (Honey Boo Boo reference, please tell me some of you know what I'm on about!). I'd gone a bit 'goth' today, so I just wanted something that added a little bit of girly-ness. This style of headband always makes me think of festivals circa 2009, but I do still like them when I'm trying (failing) to pull off that Sienna Miller summer season look. 

Other than that everything's pretty simple. I'm just wearing a new pair of sunnies from Missguided - they're very John Lennon meets Elton John I think. I'm not sure I've got the right face to pull them off but I do love them! They're mega blacked out which makes the perfect excuse to not bother with eye makeup - forever loving summer & the fact that sunglasses hide a multitude of sins!

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NEW BIRKENSTOCKS

Sunglasses - Company Mag Freebie, Top & Skirt - Fenchurch c/o Bank Fashion, Coat - H&M, Birkenstocks - c/o Sarenza

I feel like I should have dedicated a whole post to my shoes alone. Yep, I've jumped on the Birkenstock bandwagon and I'm oh so happy to have done so. I actually had a pair of these when I was younger (probably in some horrendous bright pink or something equally as 'Barbie' esq. They are indeed as comfy as I ever remembered them to be, the kind of slouchy everyday shoe that you want to hug your feet forever and always. Okay, I like to exaggerate, but they are definitely an outdoor version of the slipper. I know not everyone's a fan of the blogger's essential shoe for the summer, but I've already fallen for the hype.

For the rest of today's outfit, I went for this mis-matched fenchurch set. It's kind of sporty but the bodycon fit means I don't feel like a total boy. I'm going to admit that I didn't know they did cool sports-lux bits & bobs like this - I've now got my glimmers on their oversized basketball vests for popping over a bikini.. Y'know, when the sun comes back that is. 

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SHORTS SET & A KIMONO

Kimono - c/o Stone Fox, Two Piece - c/o Dark Pink, Boots - Forever 21

So, I wore this co-ord in my recent Two Piece Lookbook, then I went and forgot to upload the pictures on here. I know that not everyone wants to watch my exceptionally awkward face on camera & some of us are just more 'blog' sort of people don't you think? I love watching everything fashion & beauty on YouTube, but I still think at heart I'm more into sitting and reading someone's daily rambles and flick through a few pictures. Annnd that was a long winded way of saying 'sometimes 'ya wanna read a blog, sometimes 'ya wanna watch YouTube'. 

This little twosie is a recent addition to my ever growing collection. I think I need to remember that I can't spend my life in matching sets.. Lydia, it's okay to wear a top that doesn't go with your bottoms you know. There's just something cute about matching prints and colours - this baby blue shade is my latest favourite with a bit of fake tan. Yep, this will be getting packed in my suitcase and yep, the thought of wearing it on a hot beach is getting me through these rainy summer days. 

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BLACK MOM JEANS

Bustier - John Lewis (old - I had it for prom!), Clutch - c/o Emma Warren Design, Jeans - Vintage Levi's, Scrunchy - c/o Pretty Twisted, Sandals - Office

Are mom jeans ever that flattering? Possibly not. Do I still like to wear them and wish I could be an extra in Saved By The Bell? Yep. I dunno, I'm a huge fan of mom jeans, but I've just got that feeling that in 20 years time it'll be something that we'll look back, a bit like my Ma did the first time round, and think 'Christ.. what am I wearing?'.

All the same, for now my final verdict is that I'm still a fan. Low rise doesn't do much for me seen as I'm blessed with the short legs long body gene. These Levi's are a pair I much lusted after, but haven't actually worn as much as I should have. Even though I think they're lovely, I'm so glad we have all this super soft denim these days - these ones are so think and stiff! 

I actually think it's likely that I've worn this outfit, or very similar, on here at some point in my time blogging. It's kind of something I always go for, a feminine top with high waisted bottoms. It's like a Lydia spesh. 

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SHEER SHIRT & SKINNIES

Choker - eBay, Leather Jacket - Topshop, Shirt - c/o Daisy Street, Skinny Jeans - Missguided, Boots - Forever 21

Apparently, the minute I wear a less than summery looking outfit we get a sudden burst of sunshine. Perhaps I'll have to keep on posting these jeans & t-shirt sort of outfits just so we get leg baring weather?! I'm one of those people that always fails to dress for the climate - I've either underestimated how cold it is and spend my days dithering away, or I'm thinking it's  going to be too chilly and in actual fact it's boiling. Sod's law I guess!

Today's outfit is all about the shirt. Let's be honest, you can throw any old top on with black skinnies & know that it's probably going to look okay. Black skinny jeans are just a fail safe option! The shirt I'm wearing is nothing too crazy, but I love that its boxy shape and the fact it's sheer. Yup, I wouldn't normally use my hair as a nipple cover up, but I'd lost my black bralet & thought I'd risk it for pictures (and yes, there were some rather risqué outtakes that will never see the light of day). This top is pretty sheer, but it's a layering piece I know I'll wear loads over the sunshine season. 

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FLOUNCY MAXI DRESS - #DPDressSelfie

Sunglasses - Freebie w/ Cosmo Mag, Dress - c/o Dorothy Perkins, Hat - H&M, Sandals - c/o La Moda

Flouncy and floaty has never been a more appropriate description. I love this sort of thing, all sheer and feminine.  It's one of those dresses you can doll up for a fancy day out, or dress down if you're wanting to wear it as a beach cover up.. I'm thinking it'd look good over a white bikini?! 

So anyhoo, this post is all in relation to Dorothy Perkins launching their go-to for dress hunting - 'Destination Dress'. It's all about being able to find the perfect dress to suit the occasion,  To celebrate the launch, Dorothy Perkins are running a competition to win a dress a month, for a whole year! All girly outfit requirements fulfilled. 

With selfies an ever popular topic (I won't ever try say that I don't like a good selfie), the competition just needs you to upload your chosen selfie in a favourite Dorothy Perkins dress using the hashtag #DPDressSelfie. 

Now, seen as I've not actually done a selfie here (I don't think standing with a tripod and a remote counts.. ha), I'm off to get my selfie game on.

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THE SKORT & THE SHIRT

Choker - eBay, Top - c/o Choies, Skirt - SheInside, Boots - c/o Urban Outfitters

My ma is going to go freakin' crazy when she sees that this outfit is kind of creased up. To be fair, I am now thinking 'why didn't I iron anything?!'. I look a bit like I'm wearing a crumpled nappy but owww well. You're all going to have to imagine it's all neatly ironed & I'm not the bad, unorganised blogger that I actually am. Whooops!

Today's top is a whole lot of sheer, marshmallow coloured goodness. I love that you can find all these Zara esq. goodies on Choies - I have a love/hate relationship with Zara, I love the clothes but hate our local messy store & the fact that you can never buy anything light coloured because it's covered I'm makeup! Rant of the week. This top is just like a Zara one I had my glimmers on.. Isn't it he perfect structured shirt of summer?! 

I've a already worn it with jeans but today I went for last years blogger obsession, the skort. I never really worn mine that much but I do still quite like it on. I'm tempted to get a black one (shock..) to add to my wardrobe basics.. It's a good 'minimum effort' piece I reckon! 

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CHARITY SHOP DRESS

Sunglasses - ASOS, Choker - eBay, Jacket - Missguided, Dress - Charity Shop, Belt - Primark, Bag - Forever 21, Boots - Forever 21

For once, my day off landed when there was actually a teeny weeny bit of sunshine. Anyone else seem to only be off work when the weather is absolutely awful? I'm forever missing out on getting my dose of vitamin D. With the weather verging on lush (well.. as close to lush as it ever gets in the UK), I thought I'd go for a little wander & take some blog pictures along the way.. Big thanks to my ma stepping in as Sheffield's answer to David Bailey. 

I'm feeling pretty casual here - it's definitely a day-out-with-the-'rents-outfit.. Y'know the thing, nothing too crazy that's going to frighten ma & pa too much. The dress is one of my old favourites that I found in a charity shop. I've been clinging onto it and stopping myself from popping it on Depop (how addictive is selling your life on there?!). I'm glad I've kept it tucked away in my wardrobe - it's one of those basics that I think I'd end up missing if I got rid of it.

Right, it may only be just after four but I'm going to get camped up in the living room for an evening of Britain's Got Talent &  Big Brother. Ohhhh my life is just none stop excitement! Please say I'm not the only one doing this..

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#EXPERIENCEEVERYTHING - KATY PERRY WITH BOOHOO

BIG thanks to Boohoo & Phones4U Arena for this! 

Bit of a 'lifestyle' post for you today - for once I actually have something life related to post about! Now, this little night of shimmying to a pop princess was all down to the fabulous guys at Boohoo & Phones4U.. without their help my weekend would have consisted of work, Britain's Got Talent & copious amounts of Chinese food. Instead, I had a ticket each for me and a friend (I took my mamma, she's my best bud after all) to go see the Katy Perry Prismatic World Tour. Yup, it was all pretty exciting. 

Me & my ma decided to go all out and a book a hotel for the evening - everyone needs a girly weekend away every now and then! Neither of us had been to a music concert since I was about 13, so a night like this was well overdue! We had a day of wandering around Manchester (so want to find myself a fantabydosey job and move there - I love it!), eating Nando's and glamming ourselves up. Food and being girly.. my two favourite things right thurrr. The night's entertainment did not disappoint, in fact, Katy was even better than I thought she would be! Seeing her on the TV does not do her fairylike face or beautiful voice justice at all. 

Anyhoo, all round a loverrrly night thanks to the ever attentive team at Boohoo. 

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FLORAL CO-ORD

Hat - H&M, Necklace - Delilah Dust, Co-Ord - Miss Selfridge, Rings - c/o La Moda

After a month or so of doing pretty well on the zero spending front, this was my treat to myself. I tried it on while I was having a window shopping moment.. I just wanted to see what I'd look like in something a little bit fancy, and this did look completely beautiful on the mannequin. 

So off I popped to the changing room for my little dressing up sesh.. The next thing I knew I'd spent nearly £60 on one outfit. I know for some people that's probably not a lot for a good quality set, but as a girl who needs a lie down when I spend over £30 in Topshop it was a biggie. I think I'm just getting to the stage where I want quality, not quantity. As much as I love getting a bag full of goodies from Primark, I think these days I'm probably better to buy one thing I really love than loads of bits & bobs I don't really need. 

Annnnd I'm so glad I decided to buy it. It's silky and soft, fits me just right (forever struggling to fit both my waist and rather ample bottom) and is something I can mix and match with other pieces. I wore the top to Katy Perry and the trousers are lush for summer. Miss Selfridge did guuuurd. 

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T-SHIRT DRESS

Choker - eBay, Dress - c/o Hype., Heels - Boohoo

I took these pictures just after a full day at work which is why (I hope that's why anyway..) I'm looking a wee bit sleepy/dishevelled. I think that's why I jumped straight into this outfit - t-shirt dresses are always a serious contender when you're looking for a comfy, minimal effort outfit for an evening out. I like one that's slouchy, so I can belt it up to make it a bit more dressy. Anyway, as the short legged creature that I am this dress needed hitching up a little bit on me & this did the trick. Forever disappointed that I didn't get a gene that provided me with legs like Gisele. 

Now, I'm not really sure I'm cool enough for Hype., but I do really love this print. It's all round summery and kind of makes me feel like I'm in a Hawaiian shirt. I think for that reason alone I'll probably have to take it on my jollies (I've tried to not mention the fact I'm going on holiday for a few posts.. *shut up Lydia!!*). On a related note, I will by the way be doing a whole plethora of holiday outfit posts - I'm not going to miss an opportunity to get a background that doesn't include my neighbour's Vauxhall. Ha. 

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