Yours Truly, x

Brighton Burgers...

2012-01-30T12:10:00.000-08:00

I have a little saying which I like to use from time to time, when upon my trips visiting Joshua, we try and figure out what to do with the day...

'You don't make plans for Brighton, Brighton makes plans for you!'

And it's just so true!

I had spent the evening (whilst poor old Josh was at work) at our friends Margaux and Alecs (of The Splendid Suitcase)flat. Drinking tea (I sampled some Redbush...Tasty!) and chatting about favourite bloggers, clothes and sharing anecdotes.

So please try to imagine my utter delight, when I was presented with this beautiful vintage Parisian coat from the stylish duo, as a thank you for blog giveaway I ran last month.

I mean seriously...It's heavenly!

The cream vanity case was a recent eBay purchase, bringing my suitcase collection up to a 'it's-okay-I-use-them-as-storage' eight! Oops!

How many cases does one girl need?!

The coat as afore mentioned is from The Splendid Suitcase (all their vintage is sourced in France, so they get some really original pieces!)

We then decided to have an amble after taking my outfit photos, when we stumbled across 'Grubbs Burgers' which is a mini chain (three) of burger bars in Brighton.

Now I don't eat fast food, as I don't like the ethics and global domination of those huge corporations. I do however, bloody love burgers! So it's a win win going to Grubbs! Supporting a local business and indulging in some (queue Pulp Fiction quote) TASTY burgers!

It's so satisfying knowing your food is being made freshly for you...

Call me boring but I went for a classic Cheeseburger with extra Gherkins..It was so good!

Proof of my burger enjoyment! (I'm a girl who likes her grub!)

Now this chap however (caught unawares having a little pre-dinner daydream!)

He has a rather unconventional taste!

This is Josh's favourite burger (when we make them together at home we replicate this recipe for him)

Yup. A burger with pineapple, banana and peanut butter.

My mind boggles. I can't bring myself to try a bite...

After our burgers we toddled off in the direction of home, when conversation turned to the recent BBC Jean Shrimpton and David Bailey drama (link here!) which I had watched that morning. I found it a bit 'meh' to be honest, with only a few redeeming features, which I'll spare you the details of now!

However a nice little tidbit of knowledge is that Miss Shrimpton actually hails from the same home town as Josh and I! So in tribute to the long-limbed icon, I decided to throw a 'Shrimpy-esque' pose on a park bench, amidst the dog walkers and football fans on their way to the pub!

However instead of looking strong and gazelle-like, I achieved a look more akin to Superman posing for a Outerwear catalogue! Ah well!

Oh! And the hair is slowly but surely beginning to fade back to it's former gingery goodness! Horay!

Huge thank you to Alec and Margaux for my beautiful new coat...I simply adore it!

So there we go! An outfit I didn't plan, and a lunch I didn't expect...Brighton certainly does make good plans for you!

More later in the week,

Love Yours Truly, x

Something Old, Something New...

2012-01-18T13:28:00.000-08:00

Hello Lovelies!

Two posts in one week! Oh my!

On Sunday of the weekend just gone, I spent the morning walking around Brighton fabric hunting and eating bread pudding from a paper bag, whilst Josh was at his football training (I love going to the matches, but watching men hop about and stretch for 2 hours?! No thank you...)

I wore this little outfit, but it was hidden under my huge winter coat. Not wanting it to go to waste Josh and I cleared some space in his room and took some photos.

Now I love being a smiley blogger, however for these photos, I decided to try something a bit new and attempt some serious pouting, because...

A. I want to keep this blog fresh and evolving

B. We were inside and no people were walking past gawping (I get so embarrassed sometimes!)

C. I felt the outfit deserved it!

See what you think...

The blazer, blouse and silk knickers are all eBay bargain finds. I seem to be buying more and more neutral tones lately, which makes matching them a doddle!

The jewellery was my Nannas and Grandads (his signature ring is on the middle chain)

My brogues were kindly given to me by Modcloth, and the socks are H&M. I loved the colour instantly!

Minus the blazer...

Well there's certainly no doubt I'm a brunette now! (Hurumph)

After the photos were taken, I thought it would be interesting to try and trace back my train of thought, and find some images that could have subconsciously inspired me from the files on my laptop.

For your viewing pleasure in a humble little mood board below...

It's really hard to pin point where your inspiration comes from, but I think for this outfit I can definitely cite films like 'Coco Avant Chanel' 'Picnic at Hanging Rock' and 'Pride and Prejudice' as subtle influences, as well as Jessica De Lotz (this jeweller is endlessly inspiring to me!) and Victorian undergarments.

I love the concept of underwear as outerwear, but it can be very tricky to pull off!

I hope you've enjoyed this slightly different post, I hope to produce a few more like this, as it was fun to do something different.

More at the weekend,

Love Yours Truly, x

I Want Candy!

2012-01-16T12:41:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's because my hair has toned down, but I've been feeling a new rush of creativity when getting dressed lately...Compensating for the lack of ginger perhaps!

This weekend I was visiting Joshua in Brighton, where we went for a little stroll on the (freezing..don't be fooled!) beach front!

In an outfit of sickly-sweet girly tones, I wore a Topshop dress that was a bargain from eBay (and perhaps was inadvertently a homage to this recent photo shoot?) I love the candy cane stripes!

I also managed to convince my hair to form a pretty good beehive! I was particular chuffed with this one, as I always struggle to keep it looking even and neat enough.

The fascinator is from Johnny Loves Rosie (I was asked during the day if I was off to a wedding!) and my crochet handbag is from Absolute Vintage.

The shoes are ridiculously comfortable...And particularly good for dancing!

Definite outfit inspiration!

Perhaps going brunette will coax me into pretty pinks and pastels?

(until the red returns anyway!)

A funny little scenario involving a fake flamingo and a nonchalant seagull hitching a ride...

We mooched around Brighton, visiting markets and some favourite shops...Does anybody else ever feel the huge desire to live inside one of the Cath Kidston stores?!

I mean seriously how beautiful is this little display they've set up...

Joshua in a vintage cashmere polo neck, vintage velvet blazer and Topman spray on skinny jeans...Looking at second hand books!

I loved this haberdashery stalls mismatched button boxes!

It's the perfect harmony between order and chaos!

Then when the cold got too much to stand, we slipped into The Mesmerist, where Joshua works for a hot lunch and a cheeky pint!

How cool is the wallpaper in there? (And how stupid did I feel taking a photo of it! Ha!)

Thanks for another lovely weekend Brighton!

I'll be posting again later this week, with something a little different to what I normally do....How intriguing eh?

Have a lovely week!

Love Yours Truly, x

Toy Story!

2012-01-09T12:15:00.000-08:00

Well it's lovely to be back! I finally feel well enough to blog again! Thank you for all your Get Well wishes, they were very sweet and definitely cheered me up!

Not that you'll notice at all in these photos but I've actually dyed my hair brunette this week, and I have to say I think it's going to be a pretty short lived experiment! I already miss my reddish mop!

My corset top is from eBay (I loved the chintzy print!) worn with jewellery inherited from my Nanna (informal New Years resolution is to wear more of the beautiful jewellery I'm fortunate enough to own!)

Yes my cardigan drowns me! But it's so snuggly and soft it's like wearing a duvet (which is just what you need when you're on the mend!)

The shorts are Topshop, hosiery is from H&M and my little case was a Brighton find in Snoopers Paradise.

I had to include this picture! It looks so terribly posed but it's actually just Josh caught in a bit of a daydreamy moment...Naaaaw!

This Saturday we had a date in Brighton! We went to the Brighton Toy and Model Museum followed by lunch at Kensington Gardens (the nachos there are our favourites..We demolish them!)

I took a silly amount of photos inside the museum, which was amazing! I've tried to whittle it down for you! (would you like me to put the rest on the Yours Truly facebook?)

An incredible cabinet filled with soft toys from as early as 1905!

I love the camel!

This pair of ducks made me laugh! What a duo!

The Circus cabinet was also amazing. I have a huge love for traditional Circus items, and these little lead clowns were no exception (though is it just me or are they carrying sawn off shotguns?!)

This ferocious lion caught my eye! His original box was behind him too. There were quite a few original boxes throughout the museum which I found remarkable, when you consider how rough children can be with such things.

A whole glass cabinet was dedicated to miniature model toys, including this Disney set...

And a whole room was dedicated to puppets!

If you know anyone who is an avid fan of model trains then send them to Brighton quick! There was a huge model village and train set running throughout the museum!

It was extremely detailed too..Josh and I laughed pretty hard when we noticed this little guy!

This part reminded me of this Tim Walker photo shoot...I'd love some model planes to hang from my ceiling!

It was such an entertaining way to pass the afternoon, and so many items inside get you talking about your own favourite toys!

I'd definitely recommend anyone to have a little visit!

Lastly I'm very happy to announce the winner of The Splendid Suitcase blog giveaway!

Congratulations to 'Georgia Rose'!

To claim your £20 voucher email Margaux and Alec at thesplendidsuitcase@hotmail.co.uk.

Hope you all have a lovely week! More soon!

Love Yours Truly, x

Welcome to 2012!

2012-01-02T08:55:00.001-08:00

Well you'll have to forgive me firstly for the slight delay in this post (the 2nd tsk tsk!) and for the fact that I'm not appearing in it!

I fell rather ill on the 24th of December and have only now just felt like I'm on the road to recovery! Bloody Viruses!

So because I'm all skinny (practically no food for a week!) gaunt and tired looking, I thought I'd spare you the outfit posts and instead show you some of the gifts I was lucky enough to receive this festive period...

Pretty colourful sketchbooks and pencils, Bergamot and Ginger bubble bath, Topshop nail polish, a fantastic little craft book, Benefit Posie Tint, a sweet floral mug and art deco style handbag notes!

I also had heaps to watch whilst feeling poorly in bed, including the Fred Astaire (I'd never seen 'You Were Never Lovelier' and I adored it!) and Judy Garland box sets, as well as Mad Men series one! (Josh and I are going to watch them all through together!)

I also received a Cath Kidston scrapbook, and another cute mug (A stitch in time!) which not only came in its own little tin box, but was accompanied with vintage buttons! Josh's parents are very sweet like that!

I'm looking forward to using these coral art deco types buttons...

And Christmas wouldn't be the same if I didn't receive more books to weigh down my poor buckling shelves! I received a book on Linda McCartneys photography (Hendrix, the Beatles, Janis...they're all in here!) a book on the style of French ladies (so many good photos in this one!) and a cheerful little cookbook which accompanied a BBC series I followed earlier in the year with Josh's Mum!

My younger sister kindly bought me my favourite perfume! I have been wearing this scent for about two years now and definitely feel like it's 'mine' (silly as that sounds!)

And this year I get to indulge in a moisturising cream too! Lovely!

And what did my man get me? Pretty dresses? Chocolates? Nope!

He bought me an incredible 1970's vinyl player! It's a beaut! I can't wait to hook it all up and be able to dance to my favourite records again! (RIP old record player!)

And because they made me smile here are two from Christmas day...

We think Taylor liked his 'Hungry Birds' hat from Uncle Josh!

Before the madness ensued!

Lastly (and you'll have to forgive me for the shabby quality of this!I'm not well!) I thought I'd compile some of my favourite blogging moments of 2011!

I've had such a wonderful year, and sharing it with you via this blog has been so much fun. It's something I found myself getting more and more into as the year progressed and some of the opportunities that Yours Truly has given me have been incredible! I'm very honoured that you swing by time after time to see that...yes...I've bought ANOTHER vintage dress!!

I can't wait to get completely healthy and start blogging into the new year! I look forward to hearing from you, reading your comments and queries and seeing where the year takes us!

Wishing you all a very Happy 2012, with kindest regards and warm wishes!

Love Yours Truly, x

Ps. The Splendid Suitcase winner will shortly be chosen by Alec & Margaux!

Merry Christmas Love Yours Truly, x

2011-12-24T11:30:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

I hope you all got your Christmas shopping done and dusted with minimal stress!

I have a pretty new dress to show you all!

This adorable 60's mini dress is just so cute! Another cheeky eBay bargain, I love the puff sleeves and pussy bow necktie...Not to mention that full skirt!

I will spending this Christmas with Josh, his parents, sister, her husband and children! What a busy, noisy day it promises to be!

And to add a little challenge guess who's caught the winter flu bug ON CHRISTMAS EVE?!! no fair :-(

I'm really trying to be chirpy despite not feeling 100%! After all, it's mine and Josh's first Christmas together! (he went away on holiday last year..Boo!)

And I'm so excited about the gifts I have bought for everyone!

To get into the festive mood this afternoon I painted my nails gold and glittery, then made gingerbread cookies with Josh's three year old nephew! (Flour went everywhere!)

Oh and another cheeky eBay find...These cute T-bars were originally from Topshop, but at the time were nowhere to be found in my size. Well, let it be known my determination for cute shoes knows no limit!

I hunted and searched until I finally found a pair!

This week before I left work I went around taking photos of the Christmas wreaths in Henley...Aren't they great? Henley is such a quaint little town!

I love the bottom left, it's so over the top!

I also spied this brilliant looking book shop in my travels...That bike is amazing!

Wherever you are, I hope you have a very happy Christmas, surrounded by the people you love, I'll be posting again after the madness has settled down!

Love Yours Truly, x

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

2011-12-19T12:12:00.000-08:00

Hello lovelies!

How is your Christmas shopping going? Bit of a military operation isn't it?!

This weekend I went to Winchester with my family to visit the Christmas market which is near the Cathedral.

I wore this little dress from H&M, which I've had my eye on for a few weeks now! I love the sleeve length, if that's not too odd to say!

I wore the dress with a beautiful crochet collar sent to me by Annah, who has a shop etsy (which you can visit here) I love it gives the dress a little bit of personality!

My brogue chelsea boots are a bargain from eBay (originally Office)

How gorgeous is this Christmassy door?

My younger sister, wearing New Look jeans, a vintage shirt and scarf and a cute navy bowler she picked up from one of the vintage stalls that morning.

The market was split into two halves, the first being vintage and craft and the second was more Christmas themed, with homemade decorations and crafts. Chloe and I loved snooping at the vintage stalls (naturally!)

Candy floss... I resisted the sugary-teeth-rotting-gorgeousness!

Chloe chomping down a Christmas pasty!

Winchester was a lovely city, with such gorgeous old buildings and quirky features like this tea pot...

And this swashbuckling boot!

Christmassy balloons anyone?

(so many of these were smacked in my face during the day by children running past!)

The Cathedral looking rather majestic in the cold wintery afternoon sunshine...

My parents loved these reindeer! They're very impressive, I wouldn't know where to start in making one!

Personally I had a bit of thing for these penguins! I love how grumpy they look!

It was utterly freezing and very busy, but there so much to explore and eat and buy that we all had a wonderful afternoon!

I also enjoyed the opportunity to work on learning the manual settings on my camera.. I think I'm getting there!

More soon, don't forget to enter the Splendid Suitcase competition if you haven't already!

Love Yours Truly, x

The Splendid Suitcase Blogger Interview & Modcloth Winner!

2011-12-14T13:39:00.000-08:00

Bonsoir!

I'm excited about this one guys!

I absolutely adore this blog and I'm lucky enough to know the charming couple, Alec and Margaux, who are behind it!

He is the life and soul of the party, with hilarious stories stockpiled up, and a fantastic collection of dapper vintage clothing. She is a disarmingly beautiful petite french girl, who will charm you with her sweet unassuming ways.

Oh dear..I'm gushing already! Without further ado, introducing, Alec & Margaux of....

Hello Alec and Margaux! How are you today?

A – Im really excited because my daddio is coming to Brighton for his 1st visit! Were going to take him to Devil's Dyke for a walk in the countryside and maybe go for a cheeky pint after.

M-I'm very good!So happy that Christmas is coming and even more excited about the fact that we're going to travel to Berlin soon!

How did you meet?

M- We both moved down to brighton at the same time and were next door neighbours. Within a few days of going out we knew that we were meant for each other.

It was our two year anniversary a few days ago, Woo Hoo! We are both believers in true romance.

Your new business venture is called 'The Splendid Suitcase' where did that name come from?

A – We were racking our brains for quite a while, then one day, Mango rang me up while I was at work and blurted out THE SPLENDID SUITCASE within a millisecond of me answering.

I thought it was a perfect name as it captured the essence of what we were trying to do and it represented our journeys back and fourth from Port Blanc to Brighton. We wanted to choose a French name but I couldn't pronounce any of them properly...

How did you get into vintage fashion?

M- I was born in France in a family of vintage fanatics and I grew up going to car boot sales with my parents who started selling vintage goods as their full-time job about 10 years ago.

As a child I wanted to be an archeologist, I think what really amazed me about this job wasn't quite dinosaur bones but the idea of reviving things that were meant to be forgotten.

When I started following my dad to clear houses, I knew that vintage would be a big part of my life, then when I met Alec and saw how his eyes lit up at the sight of vintage treasures there was no doubt that we were going to become partners in crime!

A – According to my mother I was always into dressing up, whether it was in my boxers singing 'Blue Suede Shoes' on the living room window sill for the whole street to see or dressing up in my full chelsea kit just to go to the shops.

I was well into bow ties and stripy dungarees, once upon a time I would never be seen without my trusty duffel coat on, I was like the lad out of East is East except I bathed every so often.

It was when I was living on Brick Lane that I really got into vintage clothing, then I moved to Brighton and managed to land a job at one of the vintage shops running a market stall, et voila.

You both reside in Brighton, describe what you love about living there?

A – The all day drinkers crack me up, totally smashed singing yellow submarine all the way back from the park. One in particular has even made it to a few our gigs, lasting all of about five minutes before getting himself chucked out!

Obviously that isn't the reason why I love Brighton, just an added perk that the tramps are hilarious. I love the fact that Brighton is so small, it has such a wonderful community filled with eccentric and artistic individuals.

I love being by the sea, it is very calming being able to hear the waves from your bedroom at night, but my favourite thing is that you can drive fifteen minutes out of the city centre and be in the middle of nowhere.

The countryside of East Sussex is magnificent. It is an easy retreat from the hustle and bustle. I love Brighton, it is where I met my Mango.

M- First of all I love our little flat, it is 'decked' out like a boat (port holes and everything) I feel really privileged to be living in such a unique place as Brighton. There is something very comforting and familiar about it, it also has some of the quirkiest shops I have ever seen and many wonderful sweet shops (that's heaven in my book!).

I love that Brighton is constantly buzzing, there is always something going on, the art and music scene are amazing and constantly moving forwards.

I'm always on the hunt for particular items to add to my ever-growing wardrobe, is there anything on either of your wishlists right now?

A – New shoes, always new shoes. I have spent a small fortune on getting my shoes and boots repaired by the cobbler around the corner. Lovely bloke, he was astonished that I had brought him seven pairs to fix within the space of six months.

I needed a new trilby as I wore my previous one to a few festivals and they got muddy to say the least. I managed to find a tan velour Stetson 'Challenger'.

I am currently challenging myself not to wear it though as I received some horrific information from my hairdresser that if I keep wearing my hat everyday then I shall go bald within 7-10 years. I don't fancy that... I want a new pair of Oxfords, maybe two tone?

Ooh and a burgundy three button velvet jacket, AND a suede hunting cap with a small peak and fluffy lining, so not a lot really ; )

M - The list is endless but I'll try and narrow it down! I've wanted a 1920s/1930s felt cloche hat for too long now so it's going to have to be my next buy.

Just like Alec, I desperately need some new shoes, I'm keeping an eye out for some cream brogues and a pair of brown ankle boots. I'm also constantly looking for the perfect 1950s black dress!

Aside from vintage fashion, what else interests you?

M-I have studied fine art for the past few years, I don't think a day has gone by when I haven't drawn since I first held a pen. I'm really inspired by art brut (art that was made outside the tradition of fine art the insane, prisoners, outcasts, children, primitive artists etc…)

I admire people who crave creation and dedicate their lives to building and creating things that might not ever be seen by anyone, My favourite piece could very well be Ferdinand Cheval's 'Palais ideal' (ideal palace, 1836-1924) it is one of the most stunning things I have ever seen.

I just love making things & learning new skills, I am so grateful that Alec's grandmother has recently given us her beautiful 1950s Singer sewing machine, I cannot wait to start experimenting with it!

A – Music. My mother played violin in the London Ragtime Orchestra. I remember going to my first open air concert at Ealing Jazz Festival. With all the boater jackets, hats, fancy frocks and Scott Joplin numbers, I was hooked!

My father also played bass in 'Lost Patrol' so I didn't really get much choice in the matter. I started off on the violin and piano then got inspiration from Dick Cook who was the leader of the LRO and picked up the clarinet to try and be the next Acker Bilk, then saxophone and various other instruments.

I am currently studying a degree in drumming and play bass in The Peppermint Beat Band (Please Have A Listen!!!) I love playing in this band, great bunch of lads who are all extremely talented. We have been together for two years now and I hope we continue to make music together for a long long time.

It's a rainy Sunday afternoon...Where would we find you?

M - We would probably be at home eating a roast dinner, but you might find us on brighton beach if I've managed to drag poor Alec in the cold and wet to go watch the waves!

A – I love it really! But not while the footy is on, or just after the roast, unless you fancy like rollin' me there...

Where do you source the gorgeous items you're selling?

M -Everything on our Etsy shop is sourced in France, my dad has a bric a brac shop in which he doesn't really sell any of the clothes he gets hold of.

So instead of them being hidden or collecting dust somewhere, we immediately knew that our task was to get these clothes into the eyes of vintage fashion lovers! It is very rewarding knowing that they will go to good homes where they will be loved, worn and appreciated!

What's on your wish list for Christmas, and what do you hope for in the New Year?

A- Christmas: Well it's not much but the other half of my tooth would be quite nice! I did get it capped but the dentist failed to tell me not to eat apples within 12 hours...

New Year: I hope the new year will produce some sort of gym? The ol' Chrismas weight is piling on and by then I'll be as big as the father himself.

M- Christmas: The most wonderful present this Christmas is Alec's mom coming over to France to finally meet my family. Christmas is such a joyous season, we thought it would be the perfect occasion for them to meet. I just cannot wait !!!

New year: I hope I'll be able to join Alec's gym! But to be honest if the new year brings as many great things as it did this year then I will be over the moon.

What does the future hold for 'The Splendid Suitcase'?

We are taking another trip to France in the next couple of weeks, very excited! Be sure to check the shop in the very near future as we will certainly be bringing quite a few treasures back with us!!!

Our first month of selling on Etsy has blown us away, we have had so much fun and received some great feedback that we are very grateful for. Blogging has also been such a lovely experience, we're so excited to keep it up and see what comes next!

Thank you so much for featuring us on your wonderful Blog, we both love you very much Kerry.

A huge thank you to Alec & Margaux for such an interesting interview!

And because it's Christmas (fast approaching!) I have another blog giveaway for you all! One lucky reader will receive a £20 voucher to spend on whatever they wish in The Splendid Suitcase Etsy Store!

I wish I could win this one myself! To enter, simply follow The Splendid Suitcase blog HERE and leave a comment on this post, saying what you hope Father Christmas will bring you!

Winners will be announced before Christmas!

And finally! The winner of the Modcloth giveaway is...

Siel!

Congratulations, please email me your address so I can post off your gorgeous new make up bag!

Love Yours Truly, x

I'm Sticking With You...

2011-12-11T09:59:00.000-08:00

Good evening from a cold and rainy England!

First of all, hello to my new readers who may have stumbled here thanks to my recent post on Modcloth. Pop the kettle on, pull up a chair and make yourselves welcome!

This weekend was spent in the 'Shire with Joshua and his family...

I nabbed this little floral skirt in one of the nearby charity shops for a measly £3.50! Wonderful!

I've also (serious face here..ahem) recently found a new winter coat from eBay, which although I was a bit dubious about at first (there is so much fabric!) is actually growing on me. Gotta love 3/4 length sleeves (for those of use who aren't blessed with never-ending limbs!)

I've lately been inspired by the look that Gwyneth Paltrow adopted as Sylvia Plath in the 2003 biopic when it comes to my hair (which is need of some dye!) I love her loose, neat curls - and the costumes she wears are also very inspiring.

Just don't go sticking your head in an oven please.

Another serious photo(pout pout pout!) believe it or not Josh caught me unawares with this one...

Josh makes a feline friend...

After our ramble in the woods, we stopped in at the local bakery, where they made me possibly the greatest Christmas sandwich I have ever had! It was just too delicious!

The next day it was off for a bit of a creative afternoon! I wore my new H&M high-waisted shorts, with a tweed bow tie and old Topshop mustard tights...

We went with Josh's sister and her husband to take Josh's nephew to paint some pottery!

Which of course meant paint nearly everything besides the pottery!

Josh was engrossed his vase project...

Lots of fun that has left me knackered now!

Thank you to everyone who has entered the Modcloth giveaway so far! I'll be announcing the winner this week, so if you haven't entered..What are you waiting for!

Hope your Christmas shopping is going well!

Love Yours Truly, x

Modcloth Travel Bug & Giveaway!

2011-12-03T12:53:00.000-08:00

Imagine my surprise and delight when one afternoon I checked my blogging email inbox , and found that Modcloth had emailed me, offering me freebies in exchange for a 'Travel Bug' guide to Brighton for their blog!

I regard myself as small fry when it comes to the blogging world so I was thrilled that a brand as huge as Modcloth would even notice me!

And boy was it hard choosing those freebies! They have so much gorgeous stuff!

After much deliberation, the winners were a pretty mint tea dress, two tone brogues (I'm so in love with these shoes!) cute pale polka tights and a sweet 'Love in three languages' necklace!

Worn here with a handmade ballerina cardigan I found in a flea market in Berlin.

The dress is a lovely light crepe type fabric, and it skims over my curvy bits wonderfully! It's also a lot of fun to twirl in!

And how sweet is this multi-lingual little trinket?

And because my personal blogging photographer (aaw he's the best!) was looking so ruddy dapper I thought I would post his outfit too!

Josh is wearing a vintage blazer from Beyond Retro, a Topman shirt and spray-on skinny jeans, and vintage paisley tie from the Brighton 'Frock Me' fair the other weekend.

I love how he mixes up colour and patterns in unpredictable ways!

And just in case you didn't notice in the photos above, look at this adorable window transfer! It caught my eye as we crossed the road and I knew my outfit photos had to include it!

We started the day with a hearty breakfast in Cafe Motu, in preparation for a day of snapping 'must visit' places in Brighton...

Oh maaaaan I am such a sucker for american breakfasts!

We stopped by to visit our friend Alec (of The Splendid Suitcase) at his market stall in the lanes, and he caught this 'muscle man' moment whilst helping me with the manual settings on my camera (I'm still learning!)

We then went to our friend Juans for a dinner party, where Lucia (his sister) and Oli (her boyfriend) cooked us a gorgeous dinner!

We provided the desert....Nutella fondue with fruit and mini donuts! Yum!

And then...(SO happy about this!)

Josh and I went to see C W Stoneking again! How lucky am I? Twice in one year!

Once again he was phenomenal, and this time I was right at the very front! Perfect for someone of my teeny stature!

I thoroughly recommend you check this chap out on youtube...He's just fantastic!

Now for fear of this post becoming a smug freebies-indulging one...I have a little Christmas present for you!

I am giving away this cute make up purse that was also sent to me by Modcloth (share the wealth!)

Big enough for all your daily bits and bobs, brushes, lotions and potions with a convenient little zipped pocket inside!

Not to mention how sweet it is to look at!

Want to win it?

Then all you have to do is comment on this post, telling me what your 'can't live without' make up product of choice is! What brand is it? What's so amazing about it, and why you like it so much?

Then click 'like' on my facebook page to complete your entry!

I'll be announcing the winner within the next two weeks!

Best of luck!

Love Yours Truly, x

Ps. You can view the Modcloth Travel Bug post I did HERE - hope you like it!

J'aime Nos Dimanches Paresseux!

2011-11-28T10:51:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not....I'm not in Brighton in the following post!

Joshua came back up home for the weekend, which meant we could give poor Brighton a well earned rest from my blogging!

Instead we pestered the Thames in Henley (the town where my new job is!)

I'm wearing a bottle green felt hat from Absolute Vintage in Brick Lane, a H&M cardigan and bamboo tights, a cute little tea dress from eBay (I love the waistband!) and my brand new two-tone brogues which were sent to me by the lovely people at Modcloth (more on that another day!)

It was a bit of a battle to get some photos where my hat wasn't being blown off or hair wasn't obscuring me completely! Talk about adverse elements!

And yes...That poor little vanity case is still being lugged around! I just adore it!

We had a wintery stroll by the Thames (after I put my coat back on!)

It was so lovely and peaceful...

Having a bit of a chat with the puddle ducks (including a punk-duck with his little feather mohawk!)

And then a first for all of us (Josh, his parents and myself) We spotted a black swan on the Thames. Apparently this is very unusual as they normally dwell in lakes and only stop over in these parts during the Winter (Josh's Dad is like a walking Wikipedia!)

Isn't it just beautiful?

Then when the cold got the better of us we started walking towards the centre of the town...Pausing only for an ogle at the patisserie goods!

Before arriving at the rather grand Town Hall...

For a vintage fair! Wohoo! Anyone would think I planned it all along (wink wink!)

Josh was wearing his new vintage Levis shirt/jacket from Brighton market, with a vintage print shirt, and a 'three pence' medallion...Oh swoon!

He has the patience of a Saint being dragged to these things! Thankfully he's a bit of a vintage lover too...

Isn't the decor lovely? The duck egg walls were such a pretty surrounding for all that gorgeous vintage!

I don't think Sundays could get any better!

Hope you're all very well and not getting too stressed with your Christmas shopping!

Love Yours Truly, x

Carousel...

2011-11-21T12:11:00.001-08:00

I wrote last week about how Joshua and I had run frantically home from the bus stop so that I could get to the laptop in time to bid for an item.

Well it was this beautiful dress!

Which by some miracle I managed to win, having got to the auction with forty seconds remaining! Phew! Talk about a close one! But I just KNEW I had to have it!

The beautiful little carousels that adorn this Ruby Rox dress are so similar to a design I created in my second year at University, and I suppose it's for that reason mainly (since that collection I became pretty obsessed with old fashion fairgrounds!) that I adored this little number so much!

I'm wearing it with my new Modcloth polka dot tights, some brogue heels (oh my!) from eBay and the little vanity case I picked up last weekend in Snoopers Paradise.

How adorable are these little shoes? I couldn't find anything to wear them with for ages, then this dress came along and it was a match made in wardrobe heaven!

We had spent the day just ambling about Brighton as we normally do! Popping in to say hello to friends...

Including afro buddies...!

If that doll hadn't been so silly expensive (£25!!) it definitely would have come home with us!

Truth is there was so much we wanted to come home with us as well!

This is my favourite stall...There's always something I want there!

And in this instance it was this gorgeous vintage bamboo suitcase, in such wonderful condition too!

Josh eyeing up a globe (we want to start collecting them)

I was also really taken with this glass head! Though I really couldn't tell you why!

In the end I just bought a few seaside photographs for my collection, and a cute floral dinner plate for my when-I-move-out-again-box!

Being stupid with GIANT leaves...

A little meander through the Saturday market (where Josh bought a vintage 1970's Levis shirt!)

I love the peacock fire grate...

And an oggle at some Quadrophenia style mopeds...

Before popping into Beyond Retro, where our friend Joe (the singer in Josh's band) works...He always looks like he just walked out of the 70's! Few can pull that off so well!

And then a bit of heartbreak before heading home :-(

I've seen these gorgeous dalmatian shoes all over the internet, even though they're quite rare. They are normally so expensive, and I must admit my heart leapt when I saw a pair in front of me!

But alas...they were a size 6 and I'm teeny size 4.

Hurumph!

Lots coming soon lovelies! I'm starting to get into the swing of my new job and the time it allows me for blogging!

Love Yours Truly, x

The Fairest of The Seasons...

2011-11-14T10:54:00.000-08:00

Hello lovelies!

I just got home from my 6th shift at my new job...and I am enjoying it so much! It's a new role in Beauty Marketing and Customer Services which is just so interesting! I'm sorry to seem a little vague at the moment, but I'll be revealing a lot more in weeks to come! Promise!

For now though...I have some pretty new things to show you all!

The wonderful people across the pond at Romwe sent me this gorgeous Sailor dress which I adored as soon as I unwrapped it!

It's a little bit 60's, a little bit japanese school girl (admittedly not a look I normally explore!) a tad Victorian, and...well frankly I could gush about it all day! Suffice to say, I've been wearing it a lot!

The adorable little vanity case I'm using as a handbag was from 'Snoopers Paradise' a flea market in Brighton. It was love at first sight! What can I say?

My socks and brogues are both from Topshop.

And before you all think I'm bonkers frolicking around in November without a coat!

I wore my Zara kids camel coat, with a H&M faux fur stole...Toasty!

These photos were taken near the Brighton Pavillion (we hopped the fence to avoid the tourists...Shhhh! Don't tell anyone!! ) How blue is that sky for November? Seriously, I don't know what to make of the weather this year!

Later, after having filled ourselves to bursting point with tasty spanish tapas we trotted off in the late afternoon sun to the bus stop...How glamorous eh?

I had attempted double Victory Rolls...Though they ended up a little messy! Oh well!

I didn't know what to do with the remainder of my hair at the back, so I just rolled it around a long kirby grip and then secured it with smaller ones...It seemed to work, though it's so hard to keep things neat when you can't see the back of your own head! What a pain eh?!

Yes... I really love my new vanity case so much that I'm taken adoring photos of it at the bus stop!! Dribble dribble...

We then RAN from the bus stop to Josh's house so I could get home in time to bid on a dress I fancied on eBay (got in with 40 seconds remaining...And I won! Whoo! Ultimate eBay adrenaline rush!)

Before I joined Josh at his band practice that evening (as I would unfortunately be missing out on the Sunday gig)

I sat on the leather sofa with my can of warming beer, feeling like a complete groupie...But luckily he's completely worth it ;-)

And then once I finally got home.. A tasty little snack! Beetroot and feta mini skewers, with an avocado, bacon and feta sandwich! Nyom!

Hope your weekend was as happy as mine!

Love Yours Truly, x

Ps. My title comes from this Nico song. I'm a bit obsessed with her right now!

Sparklers, Hearts and Friends...

2011-11-07T11:01:00.000-08:00

Hello strangers!

It's been a bit longer than usual since my last post, so apologies for that, but I've just been mad busy!

I started my new job today, which went pretty well! It's more money and weekends off so I'll be able to get down to see that curly hair chap I'm rather fond of a bit more regularly! Yay!

This weekend just gone, I popped down for a little visit...

I'm wearing a Topshop polka-dot tutu skirt with heart print stockings and my favourite white brogues...

And my new blouse is from ASOS! I love how frilly and girly and Victorian-esque it is!

This photo was taken as a stream of people were walking behind Joshua as he took the photos.It's ever so embarrassing, as strangers clearly haven't a clue that, no...You're not cherishing your moment with the Shrubbery...You're merely another blogger!

Oh the embarrassment!

If you remember in a previous post I mentioned the new Brighton Wheel, right on the sea front. Well we finally went up it..Though by the time we did it was pretty dark!

You go around a few times, with a fantastic view of Brighton, and with lovely commentary from Steve Coogan, (who lives in nearby Hove) informing you of historical and cultural facts about Brighton!

Looking a little weather-beaten...

On the Saturday night, we (along with what seemed like the whole of Brighton!) celebrated the 5th of November, having an intimate little party at a friends house. They laid out a whole feast of tasty treats including homemade stuffing, mulled wine and toffee apples!

I took a disposable camera along too, so more photos to come another time!

We also played with sparklers in the garden!

This is my nearly complete star!

Emma's heart!

Trying to write 'Yours Truly'...A little ambitious perhaps!

Joe with his angel wings!

Then the next morning it was up bright and early to trundle off to the Frock Me! Vintage fair, held at the Brighton Corn Exchange.

There was also an old fashioned rally going on throughout Brighton, and we kept seeing these fantastic cars everywhere we walked!

I also spied this adorable dolls house in a shop window, displaying the new collection of jewellery..What a cute idea!

Inside the vintage fair I bought a few little bits and pieces, and also said hello to some of the exhibiters I knew...

This is Victoria on her stand 'The Wendy House'

And this adorable couple, are Alec and Margaux on their stall 'The Splendid Suitcase'

They also have a fantastic etsy shop should you fancy a peek!

They're also the subjects of my next blogger interview, so keep your eyes peeled for that too!

I hope you're having a lovely week!

Love Yours Truly, x

Ps. I won't leave it so long next time ;-)

If At First You Don't Succeed...

2011-10-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

Proceed to make an idiot of yourself! Or at least that was my philosophy

for the day!

First of all let's get the outfit photo out of the way!

I'm wearing an old Topshop playsuit with a jersey shirt and my new H&M jumper

over the top. Comfy and warm...bliss!

The scarf was a present from a couple of Christmas's ago and my boots were from

ebay.

My younger sister Chloe and I went for a picnic today...However the weather had something else in mind and we ended up drenched and cold, huddled under a tree waiting for a taxi to take us to her place!

For further evidence of this please view here!

Back in the warm and dry and our picnic commenced with red pepper humous, olives and pitta! Yum!

And a cheeky little treat of Mississippi Mud Pie cupcakes!

Chloe with her two childhood toys, 'Humphrey' the Hippo and the imaginatively named 'Snowman'! My elder brother and I used to tease her rotten by making Snowman 'fly' across the room! Poor Chlo!

A photo on the drawers in her room..I'm probably about seven or eight here, making Chloe three or four. The dog we have with us is Meg, who unbelievably only passed away this year, a few weeks short of turning 18!

Now do you remember readers, how after my moped accident I swore that I would finally learn to cartwheel in celebration?

Well I'm true to my word, and the following are my attempts!

First of all...Chloe is the MASTER of cartwheeling! Not only does she make it look so easy but she can do it perfectly, time after time after time!

See...!

What a show off!

Here I am nervously preparing for hurling myself over the wet field...Readers, what follows is by no means graceful!

My first attempts...

Most of which resulted in my nearly falling over, either from a lack of balance or a fit of giggles!

My second round of attempts....(oh dear god!)

What I lack in grace I certainly make up for in perseverance. However it seemed the weather took pity on me, and the heavens opened once more resulting us having to run inside again!

I look like a broken Barbie doll for crying out loud!!

What a lovely rainy day!

Thank you for all of the questions I've been receiving via my tumblr or email,

some have really made me laugh!

I'll be working on the FAQ feature within the next week or so.

I also have some really exciting posts in the pipeline which I'm so excited

about but I can't share with you yet - hurumph!

Hope you had a great day too!

Love Yours Truly, x

Put A Penny In The Slot...

2011-10-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

First dates are great...But continuing to date when you're in a relationship? That's pretty special!

Which is why I'm so glad Josh and I find the time and make the effort to go on unusual or exciting dates still! This week was no exception!

I wore a dress which is one of my latest eBay bargains (I love the art deco style print!) with H&M childrens hosiery and Urban Outfitters patent T-bar shoes.

My coat is from Zara (embarrassingly enough also the childrens section!) last year.

For anyone who follows my tumblr also, they may know that I've lately developed a bit of a passion for the 60's and the 'It-Girls' of that era.

These shots were inspired by photos of Twiggy, including some of her posing on a doorstep, and the 'Jump' series she created with Richard Avedon...Though I don't think I have quite the same grace and energy that she possessed!

I tried curling my hair again, and even managed a dinky roll at the front...Before the wind blew it all to bits! Oh well!

Our wandering lead us to this little treasure trove right on the Brighton sea front, it made for a wonderful date!

It is simply full of old mechanical amusement machines! I managed to win a few times on this one...

(Sorry for the shocking quality photos, my camera did NOT like the lighting and flash wasn't allowed!)

A musical band that sprung to life (in quite a creepy, jerking manner) when you popped your penny in. They played us some Chuck Berry!

The machine on the right involved smacking down the red pad on the side, to send tennis balls cascading down towards the hoops. Each hoop had a different point value - Purely by chance I scored 40 whilst Josh achieved a very respectable 10 (I'm such a terrible winner!)

Old decorations litter the walls...How cool is this one?!

I loved the colours on this machine, though my total lack of co-ordination meant I was awful at playing on it!

A very out of focus (sorry!) photo of a sign that made me chuckle!

A shooting game Josh played...

How amazing would it be to have some of these in your home?

We had so much fun killing time on these machines! If you're ever in Brighton you should definitely give it a visit!

I just realised this is another date post in which Joshua doesn't feature in the photographs...Oops!

More soon,

Love Yours Truly, x

Ps. I will be running a FAQ within the next few weeks as I regularly receive very similar questions in my inbox! If you have anything you would specifically like to ask, you can do so in the comments below this post, my email (on the sidebar), or tumblr inbox! Thank you!

Evening Sun...

2011-10-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

There is something about Autumn that is just so wonderful to me...The colours!

From beautiful dying leaves to the golden evening sun, Autumn is without a doubt my favourite season!

I love being able to wear layers again!

I'm wearing my new Vintage 50's skirt, which I bought from Snoopers Paradise a few weeks ago. I knew I had to have it as the gorgeous faded print not only reminded me of Celia Birtwell, but the scene depicted is so similar to the Pavilion Gardens in Brighton!

They are even seagulls on it! So now, it is lovingly referred to as 'The Brighton Skirt'!

My cosy little jumper was a bargain from H&M and the locket was my Nannas. It contains little photos of her and my Grandad on the day they announced their engagement...How romantic!

I'd tried curling my hair that morning, and it was rather successful until the wind got a hold of it! Oh well!

We spent a large part of the day just ambling about, taking in the pleasant afternoon...

And throwing some serious 'Vogue' pouts along the way...

The Pavilion Gardens looking pretty...

And this cheeky little chap snaffling down a nut!

We then sat on the beach as the sun went down, also making the mistake of laying and getting covered in tiny bits of dried seaweed! Whilst it looked lovely on the beach, it didn't prove to be such a great hair accessory...

And a surprise from Joshua awaited me when we walked to the pier...

Brighton has a brand new Ferris Wheel! Not open yet unfortunately, but I can't wait to go on it!

What a lovely lazy day...

And when the evening chill began to set in, we skipped off home for a gorgeous roast dinner and comedy panel tv...Perfect!

Hope you're all well!

Love Yours Truly, x

Ps. I have recently been approached by two of my readers in the street, and whilst I may have seemed a little quiet or even nonchalant, I can assure you it was just a bit of a shock, and I was actually thrilled! It was wonderful to meet you both. So my lovely readers! If you ever spy me out and about, do come over and say hello! I'd love to meet you!

I Just Want Your Extra Time And Your....Kiss!

2011-10-05T11:46:00.000-07:00

Hello lovelies!

I'm just home recovering from a very long and busy weekend in Brighton with the boy!

We squeezed so much into such a short amount of time I'm amazed we aren't passed out with exhaustion!

This outfit was a bit of lazy day effort, based purely on comfort and warmth! The cravat and bag are Joshua's, and the other bits I'm wearing are actually all high street finds - a rarity for this blog!

Once again I was stopping pedestrians with my silly outfit photos...Oops!

One of our favourite finds this weekend is the relatively new Snoopers Attic, which is situated above Snoopers Paradise (previously featured HERE) in the Brighton Laines.

The shop is so beautiful and feminine, hosting a whole heap of concession designers and vintage, all displayed in an intricate, ornate manner.

It's so floaty and gorgeous up there!

I was giving this dress some serious consideration! Isn't the floral design gorgeous?

Dotted about, are odds and ends of antique furniture, including this gorgeous 1970's bamboo chair...

And this adorable mirror...

The entire floor has a real 'shabby chic' feel, as shown with these handmade dressing room curtains and lace bunting...

Joshua is having a mooch in the background whilst I squint away taking photos for you all! Ha!

If you're anything like me, and love all things pretty and vintage, then I thoroughly suggest you pay the lovely Snoopers Attic a visit! It's too lovely not to!

A few other photos I like from our weekend include this stunning vintage car parked near the back of a supermarket no less!

It was in such great condition...

And Joshua after his Sunday league football game (in his vintage Adidas zip-up!) ...Looking tired and a bit dishevelled after one of the other players accidentally broke his sunglasses!

I felt like such a Wag cheering him on at the sidelines!

We also went out one night for a bit of a dance, and for Joshua to perform with one of his bands, The Steady Man Band.

I wore this little ensemble whilst I boogied about...and also beat my man at a game of pool for the first time! Whoo!

All I can think of when I see that photo is 'Tuxedo Junction' a tune by Glenn Miller, it's too perfect a title!

I hope you've been having a lovely week too!

More soon, including another blogger interview and a giveaway!

Love Yours Truly, x

The Last Days of Summer...

2011-09-27T12:14:00.000-07:00

The south of England is currently experiencing what the papers are referring to as an 'Indian Summer'. A last little burst of sunshine before the dark months of winter descend!

Well obviously one must take advantage of such occasions!

Oddly enough my outfit is nearly entirely composed from items found in 'Absolute Vintage' on Brick Lane, all bought on separate occasions!

I adore this green felt hat, it's quite possibly my favourite head adornment and matches my hair rather well too!

The dress has featured a few times on this blog and is definitely a firm favourite! It's so much more wearable since I took the full sleeves off, keeping a 1940's style cap sleeve instead.

My hairstyle was achieved by just using straighteners to curl the ends of my hair, before a bit of back-combing and pouffing!

A couple of weeks ago when Joshua was home visiting we went for an amble up the road to a couple of vintage shops which are near his home. I can't believe that a village so small has TWO vintage haunts and yet my entire town doesn't even have one! Unbelievable eh?

I loved all of these medicinal bottles outside, with a bit of a clean and a polish they would be great homely decorations!

And how nostalgic are these (out of focus, sorry guys!) hockey sticks and golf clubs?

I hated playing hockey in P.E. as I always ended up bruised (I bruise like a peach!) and bashed to bits, but I did rather like the old hockey sticks the school provided for us - they were so ancient!

A green cut glass vanity table set! Gorgeous!

I pined for these old cinema style seats (centre) I love the idea that you could put them somewhere without much space, like a hallway for people to use as they put on their shoes!

Practically a living room rather than a shop!

There is something within me that obsesses about vintage suitcases! I'm currently on a self inflicted ban from buying anymore for now though... I have no more room for them!

Though they do make fantastic storage for shoes and bags...Hmmm...

Joshua loved this art deco light...It certainly is dramatic!

Vintage skull wall mounts...Loads!

If we pop back another time I'll definitely get some more photos. I was a bit nervous that the owner wouldn't approve so I was being rather sneaky with these shots! Whoops!

Hope you're all having a lovely week,

Love Yours Truly, x

London Dates...One Year Later!

2011-09-22T10:39:00.001-07:00

This week Joshua and I met in London for another date, and coincidentally it just so happened to fall on the day on which we met, one year before!

Despite the cloudy greyish day we had heaps of fun, and decided that one of the best things we love about London is that you can just walk around and stumble across incredible finds without even trying, some of which you never even knew existed!

Like this stunning monument for Prince Albert!

It was commissioned by Queen Victoria after her beloved husband died of Typhoid in 1861. We were overwhelmed by its grandeur and elegant style! It surprised me that neither of us had ever come across it before, particularly as Victoria is one of my favourite British Monarchs!

My dress is a vintage find from eBay, with my H&M stole (again! Sorry guys!) and vintage Dior stockings. I've actually lost that umbrella four times (once for a whole year!) but it always finds its way back to me! What a loyal brolly!

Surrounding the memorial at four points are tributes to Africa, Asia, Europe and America, each with an animal. We liked the Asian elephant the most...

A long stroll later and we found ourselves in Hyde Park, having a lovingly home prepared picnic by the Diana memorial. It was wonderful, and felt very quintessential british to be drinking lemonade and eating sandwiches in a London park!

And desert? Strawberries and double cream of course!

Whilst eating we were joined by this poor pigeon who has done himself an injury and was very grateful for the scraps of bread Josh threw his way...

The Isis statue in Hyde Park, symbolising 'nature' the placard informed us!

With the picnic packed away we went for another meander until we stumbled across the Natural History Museum!

Now since Josh hadn't been in there since he was a child, and I always love a visit we thought it would be rude not to!

One of my favourite things about the Museum is the intricate and exquisite detailing throughout its interior (and exterior for that matter!)

Everywhere you look there are beautiful tiles and mosaics and woodwork...

The mammals room...!

We also had a mooch about the Minerals and Rocks room.. I love the neatness and the colours!

My favourite was a big old cabinet filled with Marble samples!

And before heading out...a quick fool about in the mirror room!

Oh my!

That evening we dined out at an Italian in Leicester Square, before parting ways as I went to go see 'Dry the River' at the Scala in Kings Cross.

It was an incredible show! And if you want to see me looking weather beaten and tired from walking around all day, feel free to watch the video below, recorded pre-gig by one of the marketing people outside!

What is it that makes your mind go blank the second people ask you questions about something you love eh?! I cringe that I used the word 'different'!

If you want to check out Dry the River, you can do so HERE and I highly recommend you do!

More soon! I'm off to make a mixed bean cous cous!

Toodle-Loo!

Love Yours Truly, x

I'm Laughing At Clouds Up Above...

2011-09-18T12:40:00.000-07:00

Scattered showers, a wintery chill in the air...

What better to do on a lazy Sunday than spend it with a close friend being thoroughly leisurely?

We started the afternoon with a delicious roast lunch, taking our time to finish our drinks and chat, before heading off for a little woodland walk...

These photos were taken at a place called 'The Rye' which is a large park on the outskirts of our hometown. This little man-made waterfall is hidden away right by the back and unless you knew it was there, you probably wouldn't stumble upon it!

I'm wearing my trusty new H&M faux fur stole, Zara winter coat, Topshop trousers and my favourite vintage blouse from the lovely Alec & Margaux at The Splendid Suitcase.

The fit is incredible and the fabric is such a good quality that you certainly wouldn't find anything like it in modern retailers nowadays!

It feels tremendously Katherine Hepburn-esque! Which of course can only be a fabulous thing!

Richard...looking very much the Sunday explorer...

A close up of the waterfall...

And Autumn leaves! I LOVE Autumn, it's my favourite season so I can't wait for it to be in full swing. All those pretty colours!

Speaking of pretty colours, look at these gorgeous rowboats and their bunting! We've used them in the past but unfortunately today they were closed, so a row down memory lane wasn't possible.

I hope you had a lovely weekend too!

Love Yours Truly, x

When We Were Young...

2011-09-14T16:23:00.001-07:00

As kids, my siblings and I didn't holiday abroad. Mostly because of the fact we owned four dogs and no one else was mad enough to look after them for longer than an afternoon!

However my parents always came up trumps in giving us fantastic British days out. Whether it be trips to the seaside, the New Forest, or that very special day out...the Village Fete!

This particular fete was in Bray (the village I featured in a recent post) and was full to the brim of nostalgia for me!

There were games such as 'Splat the Rat' (a sock down a tube!) guessing how many sweets are in a jar, and getting your face painted. As well as lots of homemade cakes and buns, a Punch and Judy and big bouncy castle for Taylor (Josh's nephew) to bounce about on!

My dress is from Topshop a couple of summers ago, the cardi and ankle socks are H&M and my brogues are my absolute favourite shoes, which were an eBay find!

Josh and Taylor having a lazy Sunday stroll...

The local band, which played fantastically, and soon had Josh and I dancing around (which I can assure you, attracted some VERY unusual looks!)

The Punch and Judy Show! It was comforting to know that Punch is still losing the baby and beating his wife with a stick even after all of these years (Honestly the brutality is shocking! Ha!)

Afternoon cream tea? Don't mind if I do!

Obligatory cheesy couple photo....(sorry!)

Now originally we had planned to go the Henley Show on the Saturday, as I enjoyed it so much last year and was excited to show Josh too. However someone decided to come along a little earlier than planned...

Introducing Ava Lily! She is the adorable new daughter of Josh's sister Natalie.

Making this little guy a big brother! (he hasn't quite got used to the idea just yet!)

A family friends baby keeps herself amused finding lost objects in Josh's hair...So there's the remote!

Isn't she beautiful? She was born on Thursday the 8th and we spent pretty much the whole weekend getting to know her!

I hope your week has been as happy as ours!

More soon,

Love Yours Truly, x

Home Is Wherever I'm With You...

2011-09-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

It's been a horrible rainy week! The heavens really have opened of late and I've found myself bored and housebound on my days off, with nothing better to occupy myself with than watching films and eating copious amounts of biscuits!

Fortunately when the sun decided to show its sorry self again, I had this fabulous new frock to wear!

My friends Margaux and Alec (one of the coolest couples I have the pleasure of knowing!) have recently started up a wonderful new vintage business called 'The Splendid Suitcase' and their finds are just so beautiful! Although they're just starting out there are plenty of treasures, so be sure to have a peek!

This fifties dress has such a pretty autumnal print, I just knew it belonged in my wardrobe!

I'm wearing it with my new H&M stole, old Topshop heels and vintage Dior stockings. The brooch was my Grandmothers.

I'll be interviewing Margaux and Alec soon, to reveal all the goings on with their new vintage venture, and offering my lovely readers an exclusive offer for their beautiful items! So keep popping back!

Recently I went on afternoon visit to Bray with Josh's parents to have some afternoon tea at the Church Parish and wander around the beautiful little village, here are some of my favourite photos of the day...

There are so many gorgeous rose bushes!

A pretty little boat on the Thames...

Can you get more quintessentially English countryside than a welly stand outside your front door?!

And finally...The house that literally took my breath away! (My future dream home! Ha!)

It's just too quaint to be true!

Hope you're all having a lovely week, more soon!

Love Yours Truly, x

You Made Me Love Miu....

2011-08-30T14:11:00.000-07:00

Every now and then in each new season of fashion, a certain show will stand head and shoulders above the rest, with designs of tremendous beauty and originality, spurning how-can-I-get-ever-the-money-to-afford-it thoughts!

Such was Miu Miu A/W 2011 for me.

I don't claim to be a fashion critic, and this blog is more style and lifestyle based by preference...However dear reader, I do know that when a collection THAT good comes along, it's hard to ignore, and not draw inspiration from!

So imagine my JOY when I found this dress by Warehouse (a brand which I have previously never bought anything from) on Asos with definite Miu Miu vibes!

It was one of those rare occasions in which you see an item, and know you must own it! I love the beautiful floral print, the fantastic gathering (better seen in a photo below) and the light, floaty cotton.

Even better, I finally found a faux fur stole on my travels, a bargain from H&M! The two were a match made in shopping heaven!

(smiling up at the man, who I can only presume owns this figaro and stuck his head out to see...yes ANOTHER blogger posing in front of his car!)

The taupe cardigan is also H&M, the brogues were from Topshop, and my necklace and vanity case were inherited from my Nanna and Mother respectively.

Now I know there are quite a few differences between the two...But let's face it! This is as close as I'll get to owning the real, exquisite original!

The weekend was lazy one, in which I worked, answered emails, sorted out eBay items and then...Finally got to go see my man!

We spent the weekend doing our favourite things, like indulging in breakfast at our favourite cafe, having a rummage in the flea markets of Brighton and then enjoying evening conversation and drinks with friends.

The snaps below were just bits and bobs that caught my eye. For one reason or another I wasn't in a very documentary mood this weekend! Apologies!

We stopped in this corner shop for parsnips and sweet potatoes for our roast dinner...There's something about traditional grocery shops I adore.

Cherries! Oh I could eat a million!!

Not a lot I'm afraid but I have some lovely pictures to show you all soon from another country amble I went on the other day, as well as some more new acquaintances in my wardrobe for you to meet!

Have a lovely week,

Love Yours Truly, x

Ps. To my American readers, I hope that none of you are affected by Hurricane Irene (oddly enough my late Nanna's name!) and that you are safe and sound, happy and healthy. Much love, x