Merry Christmas, everyone

There's been a few changes to my blog now that the month has changed, I think the main one is where my images have been taken; recently my family have been doing a lot of work on my house and we've finished our beautiful sparkling white shower room, which just so happens to have the best lighting in the house after college. Winter is a right pain as it means I don't have good light before or after college for images, so now I have to place myself in this new area although I am a fan of it. 

Today ended up resulting in me getting rained on; going on the back of my boyfriends moped down the dirt track outside my house; me riding it 3cms before freaking out and getting off; and finding this hat which smells like wood shavings. (Possibly my favourite smell in the world)

Don't you love it when you get to wear new items of clothing, when they feel fresh and new and just lovely? I bought my t-shirt yesterday as soon as I saw it, and my mother bought me the Topshop creepers the other week for doing good deeds, and the socks are sparkly and slightly festive for Christmas! It may be winter, but that doesn't stop me wearing tights, shorts and a extremely long t-shirt to look like a dress, I'll wrap up with winter warmies if I get cold! I've also got my HIV ribbon on and I'm hoping all my darling followers to show their respect also.

Who's got their winter clothing already, or are you all still pretending it's summer like me?

Much Love

Lauren Michelle oxo

H&M: The best of Versace

But I can't stop staring at those evil eyes

I recently discovered Yayer, a small online shop, and since finding it I've been lusting over their clothing for some time now. I think what attracted me most towards them was the fact they have the style of Asos and Topshop mixed together creating this wonderful urban street style which people -including me- are constantly aiming to achieve. They have reasonable prices, good quality clothing which definatly has it's own unique style. With cutting edge designs, who wouldn't want an item or two from here?

I've picked 10 of my favourite items on the site that I am dying to have, yet my budget will only go so far and will have to pick one item of the lot. It's easy to see why people like Yayer though, it's up to date with the latest fashion trends; girl grunge, pretty aztec and gothic chic. They know what they're making will sell for sure, and I'm defiantly going to increase their income! Whilst providing us with a modern appeal we're also given vintage clothing which suits to many fashion lovers as the 60's and 70's are pushing through with chunky knits, bold colours and abstract shapes and patterns.

Yayer is the perfect online store, with the right amount of clothing and not mass productions so you have to trawl through every page and choose between a million items but instead choose between the entire shop. I'm lusting after them so bad it hurts.

Much Love

Lauren Michelle

£100 to spend in Dorothy Perkins

£100 in Dorothy Perkins, it'd be a lie to say this is one of my most visited high street stores however my aim with this challenge as such is to put together an outfit from a variety of high street (and possibly moving onto designer) stores and widen my view on their clothing range. 

Everyone says the typical clothings for Autumn are mustards, caramels, camel tones and burgundy but I disagree strongly; bright colours bring connotations of happiness, fun and plain radiance so why should all these feelings stop just because we have to shove on a thicker pair of tights and a more suitable jacket, I say they should live on throughout the winter and bring that extra bit of sun to the ground that our sky fails to provide. 

Last year I was dying for a cable knit cardigan but my mother refused to pay for any of the ones high street stores provided due to the massive price tag, considering they weren't all that thick I guess it was a good thing I didn't waste that precious money in fairness. However, after spotting this cardigan I feel that I may be in need of purchasing one after all, how could you not resist something that looks so inviting?

I'm loving these trousers, they look sleek, sophisticated and oh so obviously colourful. Pairing a pair of these could be tricky some mornings, but my God when they're put together well they'll look perfect, the thing with pop colours this season is to do it rather subtly unlike with the summer when it was pile 3 colours or shades together, hence why I've matched it up to a pair of gorgeous hot pink heels -contrasting colours work so well in small subtle doses carefully placed together.

The socks would be optional, put them on rolled down and you get a cute and casual look whereas without them it's serious and strong. Simple details change the entire mood of an outfit and that's what I love about fashion, everything has to be thought about to get the right appeal across. Like I said earlier, Dorothy Perkins isn't always my first option when it comes to shopping but I feel that I need to make a serious change about these feelings and make my move in there a little more often.

What do you think about pop colours following through to the A/W season? Love or hate?

Much Love

Lauren Michelle

Cardigan: £32.50 Blouse: £10 Trousers: £12 Shoes: £40 Socks: £3.50

Total: £98

Sunday Portrait #5

1. I've been gone for now 2 weeks, I think that's correct and although I should have many reasons to why this has been happening I can't even pretend to say that I do. I guess my main reason is the stress I am feeling from college, I have so much work to do and I'm constantly putting in a lot of effort to try and do my best. So I guess that's a reason why I haven't been posting, and also another reason is I've got a lot of family stress currently going on with my Grandmother so I'm having to work my way round that. 

2. I've also been attempting to make a few items, in preparation for a possibly give away for Christmas. However I'm unsure of what I want to pass on to my followers, possibly a few items I'll make/DIY. Either way, I've made two rather lovely looking skirts and I'm trying to plan how to make a pair of leggings from velvet. Once I get round to doing it I'll take some photos and show you wonderful lot how to make them. 

3. I am now on half term, and so far have only 2 events planned out. One being a girlie night with some college people, and the second meeting up with my mother and her friend for lunch and to see her gorgeous little bubbas. But hopefully this will result in some serious posting throughout the week, I've already got two posts for this week planned out and some little surprises if I manage to get round to doing them. 

4. Tuesday is my granddad's (Nibbs) birthday, so he and my nan are over for dinner tonight which will be nice because I haven't spent time with them in a while due to them always jetting off somewhere! Don't know how they can keep doing it at all, madness I say. I'm so excited for a roast dinner, they're my second favourite thing about winter (along side with stews). Cannot believe how soon Christmas is at all, crazy crazy stuff! I've still got nothing planned for Halloween though, maybe I'll persuade Jennie into watching scary films with me.

What have you all got planned for Halloween then? 

Much Love

Lauren Michelle

Two hundred degrees that's why they call me Mr. Fahrenheit

Do you ever see a sale on a website, and then spend hours going through each page one by one repeatedly till you find the perfect item? Then usually once you come across the items you practically desire they've sold out? Well, up until tonight I thought it was a curse that was completely unavoidable destroying my dreams cheap yet beautiful clothing. 

I'm unsure what possessed me to look at the New Look website, online shopping hasn't been on my agenda for a while, but I'm so glad I did because I found some right beauties here and not only are they beautiful they're the biggest bargain I've come across in a long time. Originally both these pairs of shorts were £20, so put that together it'd come to a grand total of £40 which would be well out of my budget and then completely ignored; however, the beige pair had been subtracted to £7 whilst the navy on £10 which still makes the pair cheaper than the original price of them. I love shorts for winter, it's mad considering we've just had summer but pairing them up with thick tights and boots is my favourite option. The blazer originally started out at a shocking £34, in my opinion that's ridiculous and I'd never pay out that amount of money, but bringing it down to £12, along with reality, I find it is a much more reasonable price. And the shoes, well they're gorgeous in my opinion. I've been searching for a pair of booties for so long, but none have ever been cheap and good quality so I gave up with the search but after seeing a £10 reduction they were the first thing I made sure I had. So overall I spent a good £49, however my gift card reduced it to £29 which is far better.

Shopping is a great passion, but I never have the money to spend. Any one else feel this way?

Much Love

Lauren Michelle

Day One: My Closet

Here it it, freshly packed with all the washing I was meant to put away a good two days ago but being me and lazy I have not. I'm not sure what I can say apart from I used to be very tidy, in fact it was all lined up perfectly in colour order. However, that made finding my favourite things a lot harder so I just put all the really nice things at the front, and the other bits get pushed to the back. I've been meaning to clean it out and throw things onto eBay but I never find the time (or miss the free listing) but with winter coming I'll need room for lots of jumpers and warm layering items. Cannot contain my excitement for winter!

What's your closet like? Is it neat and tidy with everything ordered in a certain way, or are you like me and just throw things into it?

Much Love

Lauren Michelle 


PS. Sorry about the bowl, I'm not a complete tramp but I took this in the morning and I eat breakfast as I get dressed because it means more sleeping time, less getting ready time!

Theres a fire inside of you

The world of fashion and beauty most definitely comes at a cost, a cost we can barely afford. Black Milk clothing produce an amazing variety of graphic print clothing that some people are willing to spend £40 or more on, now I would if my allowance wasn't only £80 and I'd easily work hard to place the lot in my wardrobe, however situations have left most of us students alike; borrowing money from our parents and printing endless CV's. 

Personally I've wanted a pair of Lava or Galaxy leggings from the first sight, but after discovering the price it's safe to say I've been put off buying them for a very long time. We're all in the same position when it comes to money and thing's we want, searching endlessly for a job and having to save our money for the "important" things in life which is clothing to me, or working endless hours after being in college to look good for time we don't actually have. Either way, we're not going down the right track currently at all.

Taking a stroll through the website I came across several items, as Black Milk collections can be in for an extremely limited time, and as beautiful as all the items were, these 6  garments just screamed at me to be bought (oh how I could fulfil your dreams little ones). I love body suits so when I spotted the skeleton one I felt like it was made for me, graphic print bodysuits are a right pain to find and I've been searching ebay for a white suit like this but despite my efforts I never suceed -it's sod's law that once I finish this post and have a search they'll be one staring me in the face!- so I'd given up hope with that and only took a spilt second to see the price and lose faith in that also; but if I did suddenly come into the investment of £50 I would happily go out treat myself as long as I knew I still had money in the bank to spend; does anyone else get that dreading fear of not having enough money in the bank? Although the bodysuits are swimsuits people wouldn't know the difference, they both have the same style so why not be used for one of the same purposes which is to look great! 

Black Milk produces some brilliant items of clothing, they're unique, stylish, and made for people who don't care about other peoples opinions which I hope you are like.   

Much love

Lauren Michelle oxo

 

£150 to spend in Next

It's clear that Autumn is here with the weather not failing to hold back on cold moneys, strong winds and manic rain. I feel that it is time to bring out the winter coat, umbrella and find a waterproof bag for college! However, the weather doesn't stop fashion one bit at all! And Next are all stocked out ready for the A/W '11 season. I've stuck to burgundy trousers for my own personal look, but that doesn't mean this season doesn't stretch out to blush colours as well so be sure to find their blush pink roll up jeans. 

I personally love blazers, they're such a simple but strong addition to an outfit, as they're warm, stylish and suit nearly every outfit ever, what isn't to love? I've paired up the jeans with a oversized everyday white shirt, I didn't want to mix up to many different shades of brown with this outfit so I tried to stick to 2 types, which results in an easy every day casual outfit which is perfect for college, a trip out shopping, or possible even a date if you fancied jazzing it up with some brown suede heels. 

Sticking to a well in fashion pair of shoes definitely brings the outfit together, it all works well as something casual ready for Autumn and the cold days which you can pile layers underneath or possibly on top. I've thrown in a horse print scarf which reminds me of Miu's collections which easily can be ignored for those "hotter" Autumn days.

Be sure to check out Next's newest collection filling the store; they aren't always recognised for their fashion suiting younger adults, however they do produce some rare gems.

Blazer: £45 Shirt: £26 Trousers: £28 Scarf: £12 Shoes: £45

Total: £148

Sunday Portrait #2

Second week and I've not given up hope on this set, however I have given up hope with my looks! I don't usually do my hair like this -that's a lie as I never do my hair like this- but I was out walking my Grandma's Rusty when the heavens opened, I only have a short five minute walk back but it managed to soak through my jeans and send my eye liner down my face whilst my hair dripped! The final result turned out to be this, I'm not hating it, but I'm not a fan either. 

As much as winter and autumn are my favourite seasons the side dish of rain isn't what I love. But wrapping up warm with huge layers, finding the right winter coat and boots so you can snuggle up warm on walks. Oh, every thing about it is just so appealing! Here's a little peak at my cuddly clothes, leggings and a jumper is the best thing to wrap up in! 

What's the best thing about winter for you?

You got your daddy's wallet

Okay I think it's apparent I have a mad obsession for shoes, but they are the best accessory a girl can ask for are they not? For me shoes can easily be the main part of an outfit,  take Doc Martens for example; you could easily pair up black skinny jeans with an oversized white with top and then any colour or style Doc's would bring the outfit to life really, or a pair of statement heels which could easily change the mood/attitude of the outfit. Now I'm not saying this this classes for all outfits, because a small pair of ballet pumps give the outfit omph rather than the shoes. 

However, do you not agree these new Doc Martens are rather beautiful? I was casually scrolling ebay for a cheap pair of plain black to bid on when these came from no where and truly captured my heart. I've never seen them before so I have a feeling they are like the pastel coloured and are a limited edition set and by God do I need these in my life; it's a shame that they cost a massive £94 but still, I think if I had a job all my wages would go towards the green pair of these - although I do want the silver to pretend to be an astronaut. 

If you could have any pair of shoes in the entire world what would you have?

The dream maker's gonna make you mad

Oh Jeffrey Campbell, why must you cost an incredible amount for me to own such beauties. First purchase when I'm rich and living off my wealthy husband shall be a pair of mint Lita's followed by black leather Foxy's.

Anyone else a fan of Campbell? Leave a comment saying your favourite design of his. 

black and white

It appears I have developed a strong liking for black and white currently, seeing as it was only the other day I bought a striped black and white top from Primark it seems to be spreading across my fashion choices. I know the traditional colours for Autumn are caramel and beige colours but I find them all to boring recently, I must get a grip of myself and not pay out so much money for fashion as I'm buying my boyfriend's xbox next week most likely! 

However, if any little darlings wish to donate money to the "Lauren likes clothes" fund it'd be highly appreciated ;)

£100 to spend in New Look

What can I say, I'm preparing for autumn? Okay, in all honesty I'm not actually a fan of the tops and dresses that New Look supply but I do love their blouses, trousers and occasionally their shoes. I still haven't spent my £25 gift card because I can't seem to find anything that really catches my eye, and if something does it's usually a pair of heels which will never been worn anywhere apart from my bedroom. Although I do have a slight crush on them shoes, in fact I have a crush on the entire outfit! 

I wanted to find something girlie to put together but nothing seemed appropriate for the upcoming weather and the whole point of this project is to find something suitable. I already have a black pair of skinny jeans, but New Look seemed to think there was no need to sell light wash denims so I've stuck to the colour which matches all in it's place, however this colour seems to have brought the entire outfit together. Last year knitwear was the biggest thing since flares 70's, every where you looked someone was wrapped in either fair isle or cable knit and it appears to be making it's way back into the high street shops; this jumper was a little different to the usual white ones and I paired it up with a chiffon contrast shirt which could either be tucked or left hung out. 

I nearly always carry a bag around with me, but this outfit seems far too laid back to have a bag - it doesn't have any thing to do with the fact I couldn't find a decent sized/looking one at all - and I'd rather stick to stocking it with a floppy hat and cute frilled socks. This outfit works together because it's something simple for Autumn ready to keep you protected from the cold weather, it easily can be paired up with a warm jacket or coat come winter. Once again I am wishing for a spare £100 to fly my way so I can purchase my way to happiness.

Jumper: £22.99
Shirt: £14.99

Jeans: £14.99
Shoes: £24.99
Hat: £9.99
Socks: £1.99

Total: £86.94

i'm gonna make your head burn

England's weather is so unpredictable I swear, it's almost as moody as me during my menstrual cycle. I tried to throw together a weather friendly outfit without sticking on a hoodie or my Harrington because I like to look slightly lady like but I needed to be warm so I wore a blouse, turns out it was actually quite hot half way through going out and I started to get all hot and clammy and disgusting, which greatly upsets me, then later it started raining and blowing a gail and I was bloody freezing and disliked this a lot as well!

I stopped in one charity shop, but I got a bit bored cause I had no where to put my umbrella and it wasn't the best store down the road but the other one was too far for my energy levels so I just went to Joseph's instead as that was far more "interesting" than walking in the rain and wind. 

What I like about this outfit is the simplicity of it, it just looks clean and fresh and I like it. If I get to wear this (I doubt it if we get a half decent summer this year) I'll possibly add in a medium sized necklace to add in some small detail. Apart from that I'm fairly happy, I wore my loafers as per usual with them, although I do wish I had a different pair of shoes seeing as since my brogues fell apart they're what I wear with any outfits which don't match my black espadrilles.

As you can clearly see here my nose ring is MASSIVE and I actually hate it because it looks so stupid, however it does make my nose look slightly smaller which is an upside to consider. I've got a plan of action for tomorrow so hopefully I'll find time to change it over without causing too much damage and pain. (I attempting to take it out after putting it in due to have a great hatred for it but it got stuck and I couldn't move it so I ended up pushing it back in and leaving it, lets hope second time round I don't cry)

Blouse: My mums
Cardi: Primark
Jeans: Primark

sipping gin and juice

I never got to post this outfit because I got back late and became lazy and just didn't upload it. This was taken on the week where England had a huge phase of being very very hot and this was all I could manage to wear, even then I had to resort to being in my underwear and standing in front of the fan on full blast so I didn't over heat and possibly pass out, I felt so groggy and disgusting and couldn't even hug Joe because we were so sticky. We did plan on going out, but I think I would of gotten burnt to a crisp and died. 

I haven't worn my hair in the middle parting recently because I got kind of put of it, however I still don't know whether I like it more than the side fringe I've got going on. Even so my hair is in AWFUL condition and my mum keeps telling me to cut it all really short and start over and do it right this time, but it's take sooo long to get it to this length and I'm not sure. 

Also, not to brag I'm loving my body in this photo, not going to lie I look a lot better than I did a few months back.

Top: Primark
Shorts: DIY

You could of done more

I may of gone a bit made with my shopping yesterday, however I am rather pleased with my purchases. (although it would be lovely to spend a bit more) I finally invested in a second bikini for my holiday meaning I won't go about just wearing one, I should try on the one from last year and see if I can squeeze my chest into it meaning I'll have three. I've also changed over my nose stud to a ring however it is actually MASSIVE and I need to get a smaller one so I look less idiotic. 

I also got an iPod touch 4th gen which is brilliant because I wanted one for ages but never had the money myself to buy it and didn't fancy asking my mum to, but my sister got to see Take That for free (she was meant to pay but it's been 7 months so I guess it's not happening) so my mum said she'd buy it as I was really dissappointed due to not going myself. She also bought me a Take That top which I love, however I do need to hide the "Progress Live 2011" as I wasn't there, ops. 

I'm going on holiday Saturday which means I have 1 day to get everything sorted, this is actually going to be my biggest challenge tonight/tomorrow/Saturday. Tonight I need to get any music I want onto my iPod, plan out the clothing I shall be packing, preparing my make up bag (what I can of it at least) and making lists. Tomorrow I'm going to get up at 8:00 and leave at 9 to go for a bike ride round to any charity shops I can find within my distance/range before heading to town to check out Primark and get a new nose ring at withit. Then I'll pop round to my boyfriends (by the way, if you like minecraft check out his youtube here as him as his friends are hilarious) come home and pack everything I want into a bag with the towels and prepare my little carry case bag. 

Also, what do you think of my new bedspread? I actually love it. Cannot believe I went into Wilko's to get a totally different bed cover and came out with this, however I much prefer it, mum also loves it because it means she doesn't have to iron it!

            Take That Tour                                                                                                          Primark

            Matalan                                                                                                                     Matalan

            Primark                                                                                                                     Matalan

            Primark                                                                                                                     Matalan

            Priceless (kids section due to tiny feet)                                                                     Primark

            Primark                                                                                                                 Wilkinsons

I'll be animating every night

It is official, I have finally left school which is leaving me heaps loads of time to do absolutely nothing with my time and health!!! Due to this I've worn basically nothing but leggings and an oversized t-shirt for the majority of this week. However, today I went out for my sister's early birthday meal and put in "some effort" into it, I don't think looking like a slob who hasn't showered properly is a suitable meal time look. We then went into town and I bought a new nose stud continued on my search for a bikini so I didn't wear only one for two weeks, we may have a washing machine at the place we're staying but it's not a good look for the photos..

Shirt: Fat Face
Tee: Gift
Trousers: eBay
Shoes: Primark
Belt: Topshop

control yourself

I thought it'd be the best idea to take the long route to town so I stop in some charity shops and have a little mooch, turns out I only got 3 things. However, my favourite buy is the polka dot skirt and I cannot wait to have an event to be able to wear it out to. I like charity shops because it's my way of giving now that I'm out of school and unable to donate through that, seeing as college can't do "non-uni days" as every day is non-uniform.

I really like my maxi skirt, I've wanted to get one for so long but most are far too long on my body due to my height being a major issue, however if I wear it high enough it's not too much of a problem but I may have to secure it with a belt. I actually would love a black one, or maybe even a brightly coloured one. I think I need to invest in more tops though, or at least through out some of my lame ones which clog up my wardrobe and never get worn. 

I'm going to Centre Parc's with my boyfriends famalam on Friday, well his mother and her boyfriends children who I'm hoping I'll get along with however I do not know the ages or names... That's my first challenge for this weekend. Hopefully it'll be good fun and I'll have a nice time, even if it does result in ginger hair.

Red and yellow shirts £2, polka dot skirt £4 (charity shop), maxi skirt £12, pink top £8, pink jeans £10, striped vest £4, wedge cut out heels £12 (Primark), espadrilles (New Look)