Perfect pastels

Pastels are everywhere at the moment and I just can't get enough of them. From baby blue dresses to pink accessories, soft homeware furnishings to lemon t-shirts, pastels are definitely the prettiest way to colour yourself up while being bang on trend. Here's some of my favourites.

Woven bag⎜Kate Spade

Stan Smiths⎜Adidas

Wallet⎜Chanel

Pinafore⎜Topshop

Phone Case⎜Skinnydip

Pom-pom Blanket⎜Shabby Store

Perfume⎜Abercrombie and Fitch

Dress⎜Self Portrait

Silk Scarf⎜Ted Baker 

Mug⎜Disney

Stationery overload

Image from Pexels

As you know, I love being organised. To-do lists are something I write for short-term and long-term plans, I get serious when it comes to colour co-ordinating my stationery and I carry my diary with me wherever I go.

I'm trying to stock up on stationery for September but should really stop soon - my shelves are full and bags are bursting with bargain pieces and essentials. The trends this year; marble, pastel pink, rose gold and bold prints have made there way into my stationery hauls - not helping my spending!

Here's my must-have stationery essentials and my favourite stationery retailers:

Diary

As I said, I carry my diary everywhere with me. I love having it on hand to check dates, assignments, appointments and to write down anything that comes up. I use my phone for everyday to-do lists, reminders and to write important things down on but a diary keeps everything scheduled. My diary for this year is from Next but I'll be grabbing both an academic one and yearly one for next year - I'll be keeping my eye out.

Notebooks

I have such a thing for notebooks at the moment. I use them for uni and have messy notebooks, as well as more organised ones for writing up final notes and marking important information. I need plenty of notebooks for next year; for uni, school, assignments and general notes for the specific school I will be working out. I've picked up some beautiful notebooks from Home Bargains and more expensive ones from Paperchase, perfect for organising everything.

Planner

A planner is a more detailed way of keeping all of my notes in one place. Like a diary, but bigger and better. I schedule all of my blog posts in my planner, keep on track of every day by time and write down goals for each month. I keep my planner at home, updating it most dates and find it the easiest way to organise my life! You can get some beautiful marble print planners from Etsy or for a motivating organiser, try The Happiness Planner.

Pens

You can't have a notebook, planner or diary without a pen and I love coming across the prettiest pens. Cath Kidston, The Range and Etsy have the best pens and I've picked up pastel ones, ditsy print ones, pom pom pens - you name it! I was super surprised when I came across a range of pens in Home Bargains for 39p with black ink. I've got at least 10 - I can't be running out. Cute pens are always a favourite in the classroom but I'm not letting the children near these ones!

Etsy

   

Paperchase

   

Nouvelle

                                        

Cath Kidston

   

The 5 summer trends you need to know about

Sleeves

Statement sleeves are back. This was my favourite trend last year and 2017 has just made the statement bigger and better! From puff sleeves, bardot design sleeves, ruffle detail, layered fabric, wide sleeves - you name it, it's in. The variety of sleeves on trend make any basic top a statement and it's definitely a trend I'll be following this year.

  

Gingham

Gingham is the latest trend for S/S 2017 and whether you like a statement print or subtle checks, there's a gingham print for everyone. Subtle print, coloured gingham, gingham accessories or gingham detail allow even the most hesitant of people a chance to rock one of this year's top trends. Another 90's statement that's rolling back around...

  

Ruffles

Yes I know, we've already discussed sleeves but ruffles are a trend that are all over everything! Ruffled sleeves are a favourite trend, killing two birds with one stone, but ruffled tops, skirts, dresses and ruffled detailing on tailored pieces are all over the high-street and high-end rails. A lot of material is better for the spring and those cooler summer days but simple ruffled tees would look perfect with a denim skirt and classic flapbag for that ideal summer look.

  

Embellishment

One of my favourite trends this summer is embellishment. Just that little bit of extra detail adds a touch of glam to any outfit. Embellishment on trainers, denim, tops and accessories are just some of the way to pick up this trend and it's definitely one for a holiday or festival! My favourite way to add embellishment on holiday is through accessories; this River Island bag is giving me life at the moment! And for a festival - embellished mesh tops are perfect.

  

Slogans

The easiest trend of the year. If you're like me and love throwing on a basic tee or sweater for uni, day's off or just running to the supermarket, this is the trend for you. Funny slogans, song lyrics, cute emojis or calligraphy styled text are just some of the slogan detailing you can grab on the high street. My personal faves are the emoji tees at Forever 21, just like the one below.

  

20 summer pieces for under £20

Image from Pixabay

I always find that I end up buying more clothes in the summer. Whether it's wanting to show off my outfit, choosing pretty pieces that will be worn regularly or purchasing for a summer holiday, buying summer items always seems so much more fun and easy!

In winter, it's all about layering. Buying thick jumpers, big coats and monochrome colours is so boring and the idea that you don't really see what you wear is something that makes the thought of summer shopping so much more appealing.

So, as summer is just around the corner, I've been looking at the latest arrivals and trends ready for my summer haul. I don't want to spend a fortune as I know that I'll just end up seeing more and more that I will want to buy. From gingham to ruffles, bardot sleeves to embellishment, here's 20 summer pieces I've found that include all of the latest trends, and are less than £20! The dream.

Top £20⎜Pretty Little Thing
Dress £15.99⎜Mango
Skirt £19.60⎜Miss Selfridge
Top £20⎜MissPap
Bags £13⎜Primark 

Dress £17.99⎜New Look
Heels £20⎜Missguided
Bikini £18⎜BooHoo
Top £15⎜River Island
Kimono £15⎜Forever 21



Bralet £18⎜MissPap
Playsuit £19.99⎜New Look
Blouse £19.99⎜H&M
Sunglasses £19.99⎜Mango
Crop Top £18⎜ASOS



Shorts £17.99⎜Zara
Dress £5⎜Everything5Pounds
Wedges £19.99⎜H&M
Top £19.99⎜New Look
Culottes £5⎜Everything5Pounds

Summer style: The Wedding Guest

Image from Pexels

I love attending weddings in the summer. From the venue to decor, drinks to flowers, the intricacy of a wedding is something that is so unique to the couple and what makes attending so special.

The only problem I always find myself coming across is what to wear. Finding a dress that's not too expensive but suitable for the occasion seems to take numerous shopping trips, plenty of internet scouring and Instagram stalking.

I can never seem to find the right dress and always re-wear my dresses as I don't have much money to buy a new outfit for every occasion. However, after a few quick internet searches, I have found some absolute beauties that would be perfect for any wedding guest to wear this summer.

1. ASOS

This ASOS dress is absolutely stunning. The pastel palette is elegant and floral print is perfect for this year's summer trend. Although it's a mid-length pleated dress that some people might class as unflattering or old-fashioned, the delicate straps and neckline, along with the open back completely change the look of this dress. Partner with some barely-there heels to create a classy look.

2. Reiss

A plain dress doesn't have to be boring, shown by Reiss through lace and floral prints. The short sleeves are perfect for any wedding, especially if you're worried about the weather, and the beautiful cut-out detail on the back instantly changes the shape of the dress when put on. It's a beautiful design and perfect for any summer event, especially in this gorgeous pastel pink colour.

3. Zara

This Zara dress is an absolute steal and put together nicely, can look a lot more expensive than it actually is. The simple, bodycon style is perfect for those who want to flaunt their accessories, shoes or bag and the frill detail on the bardot sleeve adds just a little extra for those who want to cover their chest. This dress comes in lots of colours but the red is definitely the most eye-catching for an event.

4. Topshop

I adore the subtle print of this one-shouldered Topshop dress. The jacquard detailing and pastel tone combine with a structured, cocktail shape to create a dress that can be worn again and again. The dress is a little shorter than most but definitely not unsuitable for a family wedding. Simple accessories will bring this outfit together nicely for an expensive looking high-street alternative.

5. Oh My Love London

Statement sleeves are everywhere at the moment and most probably one of my favourite 2017 trends. This bardot, bodycon number from Oh My Love London is completely focusing on the statement sleeves, leaving the rest of the dress simple yet pretty in a light grey shade. Add some show-stopping earrings or bold heels for that extra touch.

6. French Connection

Lace is everything and one things for sure, it will never go out of fashion. Although this French Connection number comes with a more high-end price tag, the luxury of the material and feel will mean that you'll keep coming back to this dress. White is sometimes seen as inappropriate for a wedding but put together with the right accessories, the silver detailing and lace intricacy of this dress will be the main focus.

Missguided haul

After Missguided managed to literally break the internet with a 50% off site-wide discount, I couldn't wait to receive my parcel. My 2 minute slot on the site resulted in frantic clicking and not entirely knowing what I'd actually purchased. A huge parcel finally arrived; shoes, jeans, playsuit, skirts, dresses and tops. All for less than £100.

How to wear white in Winter

There is nothing more summery than a lovely white, button-up, denim skirt. The colour shows off that golden holiday glow, is light and cool to wear and most importantly, goes with everything.

So, what exactly do we do when winter comes?! Instead of banishing those white statement pieces and hiding your style in black and navy jumpers, here's 5 ways you can bring back your white wardrobe in winter:

1. Oversized jumpers

Jumpers are a huge fashion statement around winter time. Whether it's a fluffy sweater or a turtle neck jumper, an oversized white knit will always be the perfect partner for a pair of black skinny jeans.

2. Layer it up!

You can get away with anything in winter. What's an extra 3 or 4 layers to anyone when it's this cold? White jeans can still make a comeback throughout winter, just pop a pair of knee length boots over the top and team with warm shades and a statement tote!

3. On-trend with faux fur

This season, just like every year, faux-fur is massive. For me, teddy-bear coats are the perfect way to stay warm but look great.

4. Accessorise 

For a subtle way to add pops of white to your outfit, try a furry snood or knitted scarf. My favourite accessories of the moment are pom-poms; on shoes, bags, gloves and scarfs!

5. Feet first

There's nothing I enjoy more than a gorgeous pair of shoes. My favourite white pairs to wear in winter would be Adidas superstars and Nike thea's, or just a classic pair of Converse.

Jumper - Zara
Headband - M&S
Watch - Marc Jacobs
Purse - Ted Baker