All of these stars will guide us home

I don't know if anybody else has noticed but I think Christmas has suddenly hit us. Almost overnight, fairy lights have gone up, trees have appeared in windows and festive tunes are dominating the radio stations (and my Spotify account). I am not sure if this Christmas cheer is contagious but I have also seemed to have developed an addiction to mulled wine! So this weekend was spent visiting the most gleeful Christmas displays in my local area. The first stop was the Bottle Kiln, originally an estate sawmill making pit-props for the Newdigate Estate coal mines. It has now been converted into a unique and relaxing contemporary space for fine dining or browsing through a labyrinth of intircate knik-knaks. 

After that we paid a visit to my old work establishment, Reuben Shaw & Sons, which has the most merry Christmas display in the whole of Nottinghamshire! It feels more like a museum than a garden centre and has a fabulous assortment of Christmas decorations. If you are looking to indulge in some yuletide spirit then it is definitely work a visit. Once we had purchased some adorable baubles, it was up into the attic (or rather send the boyfriend up there hehe) and then lavishly trim the tree. So yes, I have definitely been infected with Christmasness. 

And what better way to spend a festive weekend than all snuggled up in a cosy jumper dress? This snugly number is from non-other than Missguided, which I managed to snap up for only £17 because of their brilliant Cyber Weekend. The chic, camel blazer is also another Missguided find which I got for a similar price - amazing considering that when this outfit is put together it looks incredibly more expensive than it is. Of course I am sporting my mustard bag again because it is my fave at the moment, but I have also whacked on some vintage knee-high boots in black to keep my legs nice and cushy. So let me know what you think of this post in the comments box :)

Jumper Dress & Blazer: Missguided

Handbag: New Look

Knee High Boots: Vintage

Guess I need the sun to help me shine

At the weekend I was taken on a spontaneously cute trip to Southwell. For those of you who are not from my local area, I guess Southwell is the closest comparison to Cambridge in Nottingham. It has winding streets with quaint 18th Century houses, interesting little shops and pubs with corners to cosy up in with a glass of mulled wine (I did exactly that, of course). 

The central attraction of Southwell is the 12th Century minister it possesses. It has been well preserved, maintaining much of its gothic, Romanesque architecture, so it is a picturesque spot for some blog photos.

Now let's talk about the fashion. As you may have realised in my last post, I am a bit of a Missguided fan-girl right now. And how could you not be when they had a 'Cyber Weekend' on from Black Friday till Tuesday this week? That is how I managed to snap up this divine faux-fur coat for just £30! Unfortunately it has gone back up to its original price of £60 and is low in stock, so I am pretty chuffed with the deal that I got on this baby. It is gorgeously soft and keeps you suitably toasty. So yes, I am in love! And did I mention its is a beautifully, dusty pink? 

I also purchased the slinky leotard I am wearing in these pictures from Missguided. I was a bit hesitant about this piece when it arrived as it is so low cut, but thanks to the magic of Wonderbra I have managed to find a deep-plunge bra that I can wear underneath that doesn't reveal any tacky straps (it's my pet hate). 

My skirt is a golden oldie from my days when I was obsessed with Ark. However, this continues to be a winner for the Christmas season and who doesn't love a bit of glitter? My boots and handbag are returners from my last post as I find they are great staple items for my wardrobe this Winter and go with pretty much everything I wear. 

Fur Coat, Boots, Leotard: Missguided

Bodycon skirt: Ark

Handbag: New Look 

Where our horizons meet

It has been a while since I last wrote. Due to trying to find my feet in the working world, I haven't had much time for more artistic ventures. I have now, though, made a commitment to myself to keep up with the hobbies that give me peace. 

The transition from a lifetime in education to a full-time job, although still in education, has been interesting. I cannot say that I am fully used to it yet but I am just taking each day as it comes. The trouble I have been experiencing is the inability to shut off from my work mindset. I have now realised that returning home from work to only sit in front of the TV for the rest of the evening is not helpful as my brain does not actually switch off. It is still churning away a vat of thoughts. Yesterday, instead, I indulged in some creative activities which has really helped my brain to focus on something else.

I have been lusting over the Autumn / Winter 70s trends that have been appearing all over the fashion world. Some may say I have invested too much in the two Ms of this season: mustard and mauve, however, I think these two shades are so pretty for Winter and make a lovely alternative to the classic burgundy, brown, orange colours that are thrown together with some tartan year after year! I do still love tartan though.. 

I am also enjoying the boho vibes we are experiencing this Autumn / Winter - floppy hats, floaty dresses, fringing, suede, (faux) fur - YES PLEASE! I bought this hat from Accessorize towards the end of the Summer and I am not sure I can think of a moment when I have been off work duty where I haven't worn it. It is a beaut and with it being beige it coordinates well with most outfits.

I would also like to mention in this post my new favourite online shopping store: Missguided. Well this site is just divine! As my bank balance probably knows.. I am finding that clothes on the high street just haven't got the originality or edginess that I am looking for in an item. Whereas Missguided has hoards of interesting day and night dresses, knitwear, outerwear, accessories and probably much more that I have yet to buy. I bought this dress and the boots from the fashion gem and did they cost me a fortune? Not really considering most people thought the boots were worth the £100 region. Boots: £25. Dress: £20. Not bad eh? 

Anyway enjoy looking at the photos and I will hopefully be updating weeky from now on.

Hat: Accessorize

Fur Gilet: Ark

Dress & Boots: Missguided

Handbag: New Look

Jewellery: New Look & Urban Outfitters

All my insanity, you're real, for now

Since I will be starting my job in September I guess this is my last real chance to put some crazy colours in my hair. For those of you who have followed me from the beginning, you'll know that I was obsessed with changing my hair colour at a certain time. Although over the last two years I have become more reserved and stuck to my natural colour: blonde. However, this Saturday I have had a relatively free day which is a rarity for Miss Busy! So what could I do to kill the boredom? Erm dye my hair pink of course... I've had the 'rose' shade from Bleach London in my toiletry set for over a year now but had never got round to trying it out. So I smothered it on my hair this morn and here is the end result. I love how cute it looks and I feel almost as if I have fairy hair haha! Luckily it only lasts for 2 - 10 washes because my birthday is fast approaching and I would like to be back au natural by then. Yet, I think the semi-permanent, vibrant colours that Bleach London offer are a cool way to give yourself a fresh look if you're getting sick of looking at the same ole face in the mirror every day.

The dress in these photos is actually one I wore to a formal university event not so long ago. I am still so impressed with this purchase from Boohoo.com as it was only £25 and looks so much more expensive. However, you probably all know how much I advocate Boohoo.com products so that cannot come as a surprise. I know this dress will also be very versatile this Summer as I can wear it for warm evenings wandering along the beach in Wales and Weymouth (I'm optimistic about the British weather). Anyway let me know what you think in the comments section. 

Dress and heels: Boohoo.com

Hair dye in the shade 'rose': Bleach London

Floral headband: Vintage

When you're young, you just run

Hello all! So that's it, I have finished uni now! Shock! I can't believe how fast those four years went and the amount I have learnt and grown in that time. I am excited for the next step; I have a teaching job for September which is going to be incredible! I am sure that it will be tough but it will be so rewarding to have ownership of a class for a whole year.

As of now I am working, however, I am looking forward to having a break before I start at my school and have got trips to Ireland, Wales, Weymouth and Berlin in the near future! I will make sure I take loads of photos during my holidays and share them with you all.

During this post I was trying to channel and boho-summer vibe. I got this dress from Boohoo.com a few months ago and the tye-dye design is perfect for a chilled festival look. I have also noticed that metallics are a massive favourite this season so I snapped up these strappy, shiny sandals from TK-Maxx recently! 

I also find that my hair can be quite a nightmare in the summer as my mane gets quite frizzy when it is humid. Thus, I like to style my hair into braids to minimize the crazy and plus I think it offers some hippy chic!

 Dress: Boohoo.com

Sandals: TK-Maxx

Bag & Necklace: Primark

Ciao xx