Stylish Storage Solutions: Part 2

So, I was convinced that I had filled my room with enough wardrobes, chest of drawers and suitcases to organise my possessions. I was wrong! I have found a small rectangular shaped space next to my bed and under my window that needs filling. I decided a chest or trunk would be ideal to fill this space to act as a bedside table, storage unit and a television stand. This would be a very useful and practical purchase that I need rather than an impulse buy.

After carefully measuring the space I found the perfect trunk to store my bedding and spare duvet in : ) This will free up a whole drawer to help de-clutter my wardrobes and create more space in my room.

I love the deep brown colour of the trunk and that it still has the stamp from when travelling to Wolverhampton. It amazes me that trunks like these were used to carry their belongings on their journeys around the country. Don’t worry you won’t find me at Temple Meads Station lugging this behind me!

If you fancy a trunk like this yourself head to the Reclaimers Reclamation on Gloucester Road. They have some great furniture from the past!

Anyone For Candy?!

On my way to work I always walk past River Island. Each day I would admire their blue and white candy striped skinny jeans they styled in the window for Spring. I even ventured in once and tried them on. I resisted buying them as I always feel too restricted wearing jeans so only own a few pairs. Trying to be sensible I handed them back to the sales assistant.

However, whilst at the Gimme Shelter Vintage Fair last Sunday, luckily found a pair of pastel blue and white candy striped, high-waisted shorts. I quickly tried them on and knew instantly that I needed them. The fit is perfect however, the leg length makes them look slightly old-fashioned. I simply rolled up each leg so they now have turn ups, which gives a more modern look. Personally, I much prefer to wear high-waisted shorts as they suit my body shape and I feel a lot more comfortable. I am a huge fan of the pastel candy stripe trend as it is fun and quirky.

Combining two trends together I have been wearing my new top from Topshop to complete the perfect outfit. The simple white tee with a slight peplum frill to finish looks great teamed with the shorts. Again I spotted this in Topshop’s window display. It just goes to show window displays do give a lot of inspiration for shoppers. Or maybe it’s because of my job I am always drawn to competitors windows displays. I might even be brave and not wear my wool tights if the weather stays as nice as it has been in the last few days! I suppose I have to tan my legs some how : ).

Tongua Lua Beachwear Fashion Show

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the sun will stay out for longer than a day so I can start to think about my summer wardrobe. When I was invited to a fashion show dedicated to swimwear I jumped at the chance to be inspired.

Me and my friend made our way to The Square Club, somehow entering the venue through the private members entrance nearly missing the actual location. After asking for directions we found ourselves with front row seats waiting for the show to begin.

The runway was cleverly marked out by entwined leaves and fairy lights leaving just enough room for a few rows of seats either side. The restaurant was successfully transformed into an intimate fashion show. The beachwear brand is designed by Monica Diaz for fashion brand Tonga Lua. The models showcased their Spring/Summer collection with confidence and energy. The bikini’s are available in many different colours and prints and (here’s the best bit) they are reversible! So, by buying one bikini set you essentially will have another one for absolutely free. This is such a brilliant idea as when planning your holiday trip or travelling adventure you will have more choices of bikini’s to top up your tan and save room in your backpack : ) To demonstrate the different shapes of bikini’s, two models appeared together on the catwalk in the same print but alternative style of bikini. This was a fantastic way of showing which type of bikini will suit each body shape. We were informed that the bikini tops and briefs are sold separately. I think this is important as not many women are the same size from top to bottom. This also gives the opportunity to mix and match to create a whole new bikini.

Take a look at their website at www.tonglalua.co.uk and maybe treat yourself to a new reversible bikini. Remember you will get two for the price of one : )

I will be definitely be checking out The Square Club for more amazing events!! I will be sure to keep you updated.

A Happy Ending

After a succesful trip collecting birthday presents for my mum I came across the Gimme Shelter Vintage Fair at The Lanes. I am usually up-to-date with when fairs are taking place but on Sunday I was trying my best to avoid them so I could concentrate on finding birthday treats for my mum. After resisting the temptation of visiting the Ashton Gate Flea Market where my friends were selling some of their vintage finds, I was persuaded by the girl holding a sign advertising the fair. I thought I would just pop in as I took this as a sign (he he).

Sadly, on my 25th birthday my purse was stolen along with my blackberry whilst I was dancing. After the initial upset I knew I could replace my driving licence, debit card and mobile phone (I had only owned a week). However, my purse was worth 50 pence, which I had found at a jumble sale. So for a year and a couple of months I have been looking for the perfect replacement purse. Sunday was the day when I finally found it. Yay!!

It’s brown with a gold clasp. My new purse is the perfect size and has separate compartment for cards and notes. You know how much I like different compartments from my previous post : ) The seller must be superstitious like me as there was a penny inside for good luck! This is such a lovely personal touch. I took my purse for £4 before anyone could snatch it away.

The hunt is now off I just hope my old purse is being used by someone who loved it as much as me : )

My Handbag Criteria

It’s not like I set myself the task to find the cheapest handbag that I could find however, if I had I have certainly completed the mission. On my day off a couple of weeks ago I decided to have stroll down Park Street to see what bargains I could find. I hadn’t found anything exciting until I entered Motel.

I casually just picked up the cutest cream handbag. Checking the price I discovered that it was only £1. I then started to get a bit flustered at the shock of the price and picked up another bag (practically identical), which was £1 too. I stood there for a while trying to figure out which one I preferred. I couldn’t decide as they both met my criteria I have for bag shopping.

Amy’s Handbag Criteria

1. Compartments: The inside of the handbag has to be divided into many compartments to help me organise my belongings. I like to be able to find what I need straight away or I end up rummaging crazily for my car keys convinced that they are lost.
2. Size: The size of the bag has to be able to fit in everything I need for my day at work or a night out. The biggest test is if I can fit my umbrella in (you never know when it might rain).
3. Strap: The length of the strap is also important as I like to be able to wear it across my body so it is out-of-the-way. Ideally, I prefer an adjustable strap.
4. The fastening has to be secure so all my belongings are safely tucked away.

So after realising that both handbags have these qualities I left the store with the two. Don’t worry they’re not both for me. I decided to hand over one to my friend. I still can’t believe the price, Motel definitely does rock!!

My next mission is to find a bag that meets my criteria for under £1. Do yo think I can do it? Keep me updated if you know of any good places where I can complete my new mission. It’s gonna be tough!

Steal His Style: Peter Pan

I just love Peter Pan collars. The name originates from the costume Maude Adams wore in 1905 whilst playing Peter Pan. To me they make every outfit look cute and pretty. My favourite way to wear the collar is under a sweater or dress. It adds more interest to any neckline and the whole outfit. It’s great to experiment with different colours (I always opt for white), patterns or textures. Lace, in particular makes a great collar.

If you remember about a month ago I collected a few different vintage collars (all white) from the vintage fair at the MShed. I was very pleased to find that these beautiful collars had been rescued from vintage blouses allowing me to recycle them. I decided to make a simple white tee adding one of the Peter Pan collars to the neckline. I love the floral embroidery detail and scalloped edge on this particular collar as its sweet and pretty. To create a fastening I used some white ribbon, which will tie into a cute bow at the back.

I started to experiment with different dresses that I could wear with my new collar. I chose my floral navy dress I found at CLIC Sargent charity shop a while ago. I feel that this collar gives my dress a new look as I am always looking for new ways to wear clothes I have had  for a while and want to wear in a different way.

I hope you like it : )

Steal Her Style: Carey Mulligan

Ever since watching Sci-fi film Never Let Me Go I have loved actress Carey Mulligan. She carries off her pixie crop haircut so well! Her hairstyle certainly suits her face shape and sophisticated style. She has the sweetest smile, which highlights her cute dimples. Her red carpet choices are consistently perfect – I know this is a bold statement! She oozes glamour wearing her luxurious designer gowns yet still manages to remain fresh-faced and pretty. Whilst attending glamorous film premieres and award ceremonies she appears so relaxed and at ease. She achieves this with her classic pose and effortless style and of course that cute smile! When photographed during the day her style is still elegant as she wears classic and traditional pieces that compliment her petite frame. To be honest I don’t think I have ever seen a bad photograph of her! Take a look for yourself.

What do you think? Do you love her too?? I hope so!!