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

Arizona Muse

21 years old, mother to one, and the new face of Next. In just a year she's successfully got it all, including the name.

Arizona Muse started her career in 2008, long blonde hair didn't sway too well back then and much to my surprise she received little attention, but now returning in 2010 with a gorgeous son, an even more gorgeous figure and a brand new brunette do she's made it. Her big hit came from an American Vogue feature in March 2011, she's appeared on the cover of Vogue Italia, Numéro and appeared in various campaigns - David Yurman, Jil Sander, Alberta Ferretti, Chloe, Prada, and Yves Saint Laurent. Along side all of these brilliant achievements she is now the official face of Next, how could they resist her though, she's a sophisticated, grown up, incredibly smart and successful woman. 

£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

30 Day Challenge

Yes, a challenge, something I am terrible with sticking to but hopefully will! It's one of those things that I promise myself I will do, but when it comes round to it I end up forgetting! I'm pretty damn useless no lie! I shall be starting on the 1st (Saturday) so that I can keep track of the date along with the days, maybe this will encourage me to actually continue it, even though October will leave me a day extra -this may come in handy to "round up" the experience I guess. Anyway, just thought I'd give a little heads up to anyone following who may possibly take inspiration from this. 

Much Love 

Lauren Michelle

Your closet.
Your favourite shirt.
A piece of clothing or jewellery that was a gift
A shirt that you haven’t worn yet.
Your favourite pair of jeans.
A pair of pants that aren’t jeans.
A cute outfit of yours.
Your most expensive article of clothing.
A cute dress/ skirt.
An outfit you wore on a special day.
A piece of jewellery that a Grandparent gave you.
A piece of jewellery that everyone complements you on.
An outfit you wish you had.
Cute socks.
Your newest purchase.
You and someone wearing matching clothes.
An article of clothing that you made or altered.
A piece of jewelry that you made.
All your earrings, rings, necklaces and/or bracelets. 
Your jewelry box.
Something that you only wear around the house.
Something you only wear in the summer.
An article of clothing/ accessory that you consider lucky.
Your favorite pair of shoes.
Shoes you love but hardly wear.
An mismatched outfit that you’d never wear (go wild: earrings, belts, crazy skirts etc).
A hat.
An outfit you are ashamed to say you wore.
Something that is your favourite brand.
Something from your favourite store

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. 

Sunday Portrait #1

Unfortunately I haven't got a photo of me today because I'm lazy and also I'm "attempting" to tidy my room, but these are photos from very late last night which I count as today so here is my Sunday portrait and outfit I got yesterday. 

I'm not sure what it is but something about Primark isn't as appealing as it once was, I mean I was shopping in there and only a couple of items really appealed to me, and the ones that did weren't in my size so the choice was invalid of what I could have. However I found some frilly socks which I have been wanting for so long, and I took the plunge and bought the berry coloured leggings because they'll be perfect with a shirt (like the one I found in the Primark sale) and a nice oversize Aryan wool cardi. If any one knows a decent (and cheap place) I could find one, please leave me a link or something because I'm desperate! 

The photo below shows the two day transformation I made with my hair colour, all a bit mad when you think about it, but luckily it's been over a week so the ginger has faded, the yellow has toned to a nice white/silver and it looks pretty awful still but I'm not unhappy with it. 

Oh also, I've become rather addicted to Dead Island and if anyone owns it and fancies sending it down to me so I can play it when I'm not at Joe's I'll be super dooper happy. 

Leave a comment saying what you think of the new colour, love you all oxo

£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

yeah we danced on table tops

Last night was prom and there was a major disaster of not being able to fit into my dress the night before, as usual I panicked and got angry at everyone and managed to break down into tears however not all hope was loss as my mum called up a dress maker and LUCKILY she managed to fit in a readjustment for my dress (it was originally zip up but she added a panel with hoops and made it into a corset so I could breathe) which brought the cost of it up to £120 which still was a fraction of the price it originally comes at. (Betsey Johnson, £400 for a dress brand new, bargain!) 

My hair was also a last minute disaster as I decided I wouldn't call up any salons and book to get it done because I wasn't bothered till I couldn't do anything nice with it myself, so I bought a cheap Primark headband and my mum got an appointment at Toni and Guy (my first AND last ever trip there) which cost £40 but the photos show that it was worth it due to the fact it didn't fall out of place once. My make up was done in boots however I put on mascara myself as the brand the woman used on my trial was disgusting and made my eyelashes all stick together and not look long and luscious at all!

Come the end of the night my shoes were gone, however I made it to 3 hours in them but I couldn't stand the pain of the blister and I felt like I was going to snap in half! I danced with Paddy (he's the really tall one) and Olly (who isn't in these photos) and some of my old friends but spent half the night outside really talking. Prom was definately over rated but it was lovely to be with my friends for "the last time" as such.

Cannot believe 4 inch heels still manage to make me look like a complete midget next to these boys, 6ft4 and 5ft10 is not a good look for the 5ft1 girl. Do not enjoy being the small one in the group :( Oh and how amazing is that car!

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) 

want your bad romance.

First blog post, thought I'd include a little outfit show to match really. I had my English Literature exam today, which means I never have to look at a GCSE anthology ever again after this day, however English does not stop here if I plan to follow the career path of being a journalist or writing short stories. Today was generally an easy day, forgetting the panic of waking up in time for school, as all the lessons left within my day were free lessons so I did a few mind maps and relaxed really. I have my Chemistry re-take tomorrow which will be interesting to see what of the questions I can actually answer, I'm sure I'll just end up napping however.

I love my black skinnys, they're comfy, easy to wear and match anything I throw together with it and my gaga t-shirt generally works with most items of clothing I possess, however I haven't had an event in which I can wear my heels to yet. They are really casual but I don't want to wear them out for a general outing, maybe if I go to the cinema any time soon I'll add a few inches to my height. Never the less, I doubt this will be read but it's nice to do something productive with my time.