1000 LB fans + day two in London.

Last night I hit 1000 fans on Lookbook, and upon discovering my four-digit fan count this morning I felt more than a little bit giddy. It's a landmark I didn't think I'd reach, and I appreciate every single person who has become a fan! My next aim to is get 100 followers on this blog, slowly but steadily...

Today has been better than yesterday, primarily because I feel somewhat better. I'm still coughing, but don't feel nearly as bad. We had sushi for lunch at Oxford Circus; my family have never been to a sushi bar before and they loved it. We took my younger brother and sister to Hamley's which went down very well, then we did a bit of shopping. I got a gorgeous new skirt from Dahlia boutique which I'll be sharing soon enough!

Covent Garden for brunch tomorrow...

Day one in London.

Blouse - New Look

Velvet Dress - TopShop

Scarf - River Island

Necklace - TopShop

Shoes - New Look

Coat - TopShop

Despite the smile in my photos, today I have felt sick as a dog. I've had a cough for a while, but last night it escalated to an almost unbearable level. My head hurts, I've been feeling nauseous and generally under the weather.

We went to the O2 for lunch seeing as it's fairly close to the flat, then went to Tower Bridge. We wondered around The Tower of London and beside the river, however the weather wasn't on our side and I wasn't feeling any better. We're back at the flat now and hoping that tomorrow will be a little more productive.

Hopefully we'll go out for dinner later; a cup of tea or three and I should be in good working form.

Everything glitters in the emerald city.

Shirt - TopShop

Shorts - New Look

Necklace - TopShop

Glitter Heels - DIY

I customised these heels back in December but I've yet to find an outfit I liked them with enough to share with you. But, finally, here they are! Paired with my new emerald green shirt (£10 in the TopShop sale) in all their sparkly glory. It's not often that I undertake truly DIY projects, but this one was so much fun. A lot of PVA glue, a lot of green glitter, and in all honesty, a LOT of mess.

I have officially arrived in London. Hopefully I'll be shooting some looks in between our city antics, but either way there will be a lot of photos! Prepare for the onslaught...

Ice cream nostalgia.

Pussybow Blouse - TopShop

Petticoat Skirt - American Apparel

Floral Headband - Poppy Daisy

Tights - New Look

Suede Wedges - New Look

I have something a bit different for you coming up soon; a mini photo shoot I did with my sister this afternoon. I'm still processing the photos, however I'm sure they'll be up in a couple of hours. We're both really pleased with how they've turned out and I can't wait to share them with you!

The simple pleasures of tea.

Happily fulfilling another English stereotype, I have discovered a new found appreciation for tea since visiting the Tea House Emporium in Bath. I visited the underground tea shop with two friends from university last week after failing to find the fashion museum before closing time, and after one sip of their strawberry and cream tea I was smitten.

I have always been fussy when it comes to tea. I can't stand strong builder's brew, and if I must have regular tea I will drink it very weak with a generous splash of milk. My favourites until now were earl grey (with lemon, naturally) or fruit teas sweetened with a teaspoon of honey.

Thanks to the Tea House Emporium, I have discovered a new realm of tea. After my first encounter in their cosy little tea shop, I bought a bag of their strawberry and cream tea leaves (see photo above, left) and my very own infuser (bottom, left). Brewing my own tea is so satisfying and it tastes so much better than regular tea bags. The strawberry and cream tea is lovely and delicate, with slices of strawberry, pieces of white chocolate and little camomile flowers that open up whilst brewing. At first I didn't think that flavoured tea could work this way, but it's my new obsession and tastes delicious with milk and sugar. The bag cost me around £2.50 and will no doubt last me a while - great taste and great value!

I revisited today and bought another bag for my family, I'm going to try and convert them to the way of leaves and infusers! This time I chose earl grey (my mum's favourite) with blue cornflowers, if you look at the photo (below, right) you can see the little flecks of blue. Hopefully they'll open up upon brewing, I can't wait to try.

So yes, I am now a tea convert. No more tea bags for me, from here on out it's leaves and infusers! Now if you don't mind, I'm fancying another cuppa after writing this...

Pigtails, a waistcoat, and walking the goats.

The waistcoat and shirt in this look are stolen from my dad's wardrobe. He's had this waistcoat since I was tiny and has worn it every Christmas since I can remember. It's gone full circle now, and we joke that he should wear it when he plays at the pub on folk nights.

A quick change was in order when it was proposed that we took the goats for a quick walk down on the beach. We have three goats; Bugsy, Malone and Tallulah. Tallulah is too nervous to walk, but Bugsy and Malone are great on a lead. They get so excited and love exploring the rocks on the beach. They pretty much pulled us up the hill, but we were still knackered by the time we got back. Now I'm happily recovering with a cup of tea!

My jolly sailor bold.

Velvet Body - Sparkle & Fade

Midi Skirt - Lucca Boutique

Bird Pendant - H&M

Braided Belt - Primark

Bow Pumps - London Rebel

The colours in this look were screaming for a beach backdrop, so that's what they got. Because of the icy weather conditions on the roads at the moment we're stuck in Cornwall for an extra night, so you can expect another look in the next 24 hours or so! This beach is one of the locations where we'll be doing our engagement shoot in April, I can't wait to see what a professional photographer will be able to do with it.

I'm still looking for secrets for my university project, so please share your confessions anonymously on our Formspring, no matter how trivial or profound!

Rainy days and butterfly cakes.

We were hoping for snow, and we got rain. After yesterday's clear blue sky the constant downpour has been a little disappointing, especially since we were planning to shoot on the beach today. However my more pressing concern is not being able to get back to university tomorrow evening...

All concerns aside, today's look is quite frothy and playful. My sister and I have spent the early hours of the afternoon baking old school butterfly cakes, so it's definitely been a day that calls for soft fabrics and romantic shapes! The blouse is from New Look, the dress is from H&M, the headband is from Poppy Daisy and the shoes are by London Rebel.

In fitting fashion, here is my recipe for rainy day butterfly cakes...

Ingredients

For the cakes -

200g of self raising flower

200g of caster sugar

200g of butter/margarine

4 medium/large eggs

2 tsp of vanilla extract

1 tsp of baking powder

For the filling -

200ml of whipping cream

3 tbsp of icing sugar

Method

Grease two muffin trays and preheat the oven to 180oC.

Sieve the dry ingredients and throw everything into a mixer - mix on a high speed until light and fluffy. When it looks pale and light, let it continue to mix for an extra minute or two for good measure.

Divide the mixture equally between the muffin trays.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until firm and golden - allow to cool.

Whip the cream to spooning consistency and gradually sieve in the icing sugar.

Cut shallow cones out of the top of the cakes. Spoon the whipped filling into the hole. Cut the cone into two halves and arrange on top to form the 'wings'.

We also made mini Victoria sponges by using a shallower cake tin and sandwiching the layers together with strawberry jam. The whipped filling is a great alternative to butter cream; it's far lighter, fresher, and compliments the fluffy sponge beautifully. These cakes are so easy but so satisfying!

Facebook, secrets and a new banner!

I have a few new things to share with you today, however I'll start with this look! The blouse and shorts are from New Look, and the blazer is vintage from Two Little Birds boutique in Falmouth. Initially I was worried that it was a little too much burgundy (especially with my hair) but then I simply decided to stick on some red lipstick and embrace my favourite colour.

I just started a Facebook page for my blog. It will probably be updated more regularly and the place to keep up with my plans and projects - speaking of which, I have a couple of photo shoots planned for February. So head over there and hit the like button!

Another link for you to check out is over here on Formspring. For my creative writing course at uni, we have to put together a creative project. My group are collecting secrets from around campus and beyond, which we'll then use to create a series of installations. If you have a secret, no matter how mundane or profound, share it anonymously and get involved!

Finally, I have a new banner! I spent this afternoon sketching it out in pencil, going over it in marker, then scanning it and putting it together with a few textures and a bit of Photoshop magic. I'm really pleased with it, and I hope you all like it too!

Earl grey and lemon.

Today has been pretty remarkable. Grant and I headed into town, shot this look in the park, then went to view a potential flat for next year. It's absolutely perfect; huge living area, newly fitted kitchen and an amazing sunken bath. The agency are holding it for us and we're signing on Monday, it's all very exciting. Celebration was in order, in the form of iced tea and Krispy Kreme.

I bought this dress for our engagement shoot, it was £15 from H&M. I wanted something simple, after all the focus of the shoot is Grant and I, not my outfit (for once)! I'm going to wear it with this headband from Poppy Daisy. Today I paired it with my navy lace trench coat from TopShop which I bought in December 2009 - it's aged very well! I pulled it all together with my new braided belt from Primark.

Denim, Docs and pastel pink.

Heart Print Dress - Primark

Denim Jacket - Love Label

Fleece Lined Doc Martens

Braided Belt - Primark

Pastel Pink Bag - Primark

My first city shoot, done on a rainy afternoon in one of Bath's parks. It was lovely and quiet, which made it easier and the park had some great urban backdrops - I'll definitely be returning! Grant and I went to Bristol yesterday to meet up with an old friend who goes to UWE. We had a great lunch at Frankie and Benny's, and got some shopping done around Cabot. I bought this dress and a few accessories in Primark, and a dress for our engagement shoot from H&M. I'll definitely be featuring it in a look soon.

Tomorrow we're going to view a potential flat for next year - fingers crossed it's a good one!

On a final note, I've entered Company magazine's 2012 Casting Call to appear in their reader's issue. If you could vote for me by 'liking' my entry I would hugely grateful! All you need is a Facebook account. It's a very exciting opportunity, and every vote counts...

Check out my gallery and vote here.

January lust haves from River Island.

I'm developing such an infatuation with River Island at the moment. I'm not quite sure what it is, but I've simply adored their collections over the past few seasons and they just continue to impress. Not to mention they make some of the most unbelievable skirts.

Here are my three top picks at the moment. Right now I can't afford to splash out on them (except maybe the cute bunny tank, how sweet is that little guy?), but a girl can dream...

1. Black stripe belted shirt dress - £40

Sometimes I'm wary of wearing too much monochrome in case I start to look dull and dreary, but then I see a striking monochrome piece like this and kick myself for ever thinking such a thing. It's so simple, but makes such a statement. I'd love to dress it up with teal accessories and a pair of retro sunglasses.

2. Pink print maxi skirt - £40

This is the same skirt I raved about in my last post, and I am still nothing short of utterly infatuated. I've never been one for combining a multitude of bright colours, but at this moment in time I would consider selling my soul in exchange for this skirt. I'd pair it with a plain tee and some simple black wedges and just let that stunning print do the talking!

3. Cream bunny print tank top - £15

This one is just downright cute. It also looks so simple to wear! I can see myself wearing this to uni on lazy days with my velvet leggings and Doc Martens. Comfy, but utterly adorable!

On a final note, I've entered Company magazine's 2012 Casting Call to appear in their reader's issue. If you could vote for me by 'liking' my entry I would hugely grateful! All you need is a Facebook account. It's a very exciting opportunity, and every vote counts...

Check out my gallery and vote here.

Bargain hunting.

I was brave today and did a bit of strict bargain hunting shopping! My rules were that something had to be at least half it's original price, and my limit was £40.

My first stop was my safe place - the sale corner at Urban Outfitters. Oh, the hours I have lost in that little cubby hole... I've been eyeing up this teal, gently pleated midi skirt for a while now, and it's finally been reduced from £55 to £20 - definitely less than half price! I snapped up the last small and it fits perfectly. Sorry for the lack of decent photo, I'm sure it will be featuring in a look soon enough.

The velvet body was an unexpected purchase. I found it at the back of one of the rails, all on it's lonesome, and fell in love with the fabric - isn't it just beautiful? £10 down from £26! I don't have the guts to wear it as a body, but I can't wait to try it under shorts and skirts, in particular I have a feeling it's going to look great with my faux leather skirt... Watch this space! I'm also planning on trying it out with my new skirt, I think the hints of blue in the body will look amazing against the teal.

My final, and perhaps most impressive find, is the playsuit on the left in the top photo. I found it in New Look, priced £25, but then discovered that the zip was faulty and there was some fraying around the buttons. It will take me no more than five minutes to alter, but I still decided I'd try and get a discount. I took it to the first cashier, who gave me an initial 50% discount, but then a senior intervened and knocked it down even further. With my student discount on top, it only cost me £3.50!

I'm definitely in the zone this week. On Thursday I'm going shopping in Bristol with my fiance and his friend, so I'll take my camera and we'll try and shoot a look on the streets - wish me luck! I can't wait to visit Primark, as much as I love Bath it's the one shop we're really missing.

I did have one moment of weakness today. Until today I wasn't convinced by the neon trend, however in River Island I saw the most beautiful skirt. It's a gorgeous light fabric with this weird and wonderful neon print - my description really doesn't do it justice! However it cost £40 so I had to put my foot down. Then again Valentines Day is approaching... Time to start practicing my puppy dog eyes!

Forest fairies.

'MEOW' Shirt - River Island

Spruce Pleated Skirt - American Apparel

Braided Belt - My Boyfriend's

Floral Headband - Poppy Daisy

Black Suede Wedges - New Look

Bluebirds in the gallery.

It's reached that point in winter when I start preemptively shedding the layers and pretending it's spring! Who can really blame me? The weather was fairly mild today and I have a whole array of summer dresses screaming to escape the wardrobe.

This adorable print dress was a steal from Primark last May, and has never quite been given the spotlight it deserves. With my simple black wedges (New Look) and pretty floral headband (Poppy Daisy) I think this look achieves a nice harmony.

I've also redyed my hair. It's a little darker than it used to be, however I'm hoping it fades fairly quickly!

On a final note, I've entered Company magazine's 2012 Casting Call to appear in their reader's issue. If you could vote for me by 'liking' my entry I would hugely grateful! All you need is a Facebook account. It's a very exciting opportunity, and every vote counts...

Check out my gallery and vote here.

Let be me your wings.

A couple of nights ago I had a midnight viewing of Thumbelina with a couple of friends from a writing forum which I've been frequenting for almost four years. It was such a laugh, we cued up the film on all of our laptops and started watching at the same time. We reminisced and did a very witty (if I do say so myself) running commentary. I've had fairies on the brain since, and I guess you can see that in this look!

I've been waiting for this lovely headband from Poppy Daisy to arrive since last weekend. I may be getting ahead of myself, but I think it'll be perfect for our engagement shoot in April! This is my third Poppy Daisy headband, see the other two here and here, but it's definitely my favourite. I love how it's packed with flowers.

I've had this dress (Primark) for almost two years. It's a lovely versatile design that can be styled for every season. For autumn and winter I pair it with thick black tights and chunky black shoes, then in spring and summer I'll wear it with ankle socks and light brogues.

The black suede wedges (New Look) are my newest pair of shoes. I wanted a pair of versatile and comfy heels for nights out, and these fitted the bill. They have a slight platform which gives a nice shape, however the heel is low enough for a tall girl like me not to become gargantuan.

On a final note, this afternoon I entered Company magazine's 2012 Casting Call to appear in their reader's issue. If you could vote for me by 'liking' my entry I would hugely grateful! All you need is a Facebook account. It's a very exciting opportunity, and every vote counts...

Check out my gallery and vote here.

A diamond ring and an up-and-coming musician.

It's been a while since I've posted a general update without a look tacked onto it, but finally I have an opportunity to share a slice of my ever-hectic life with you.

These past couple of weeks I've been darting back and forth between Cornwall and Bath, trying to maintain some kind of strange balance between getting back into the swing of university and putting a few things in order at home. I've managed to steal two nights out since I returned to uni last Monday, both on Tuesday and both to '!Crash!' at Po Na Na. It's a great little club night; the smell of incense hangs in the air and the music is the perfect combination and indie, pop and dance. Both nights cost me £7 (with the help of my hip flask!) - £3 entry, £2 taxi and £2 for cheesy chips. I'm getting good at student budgeting.

I'd also like to (finally) share with you a photo of my lovely engagement ring. It's nine carat white gold with a gorgeous diamond, and quite possibly the most beautiful thing I have ever owned. Now that it's been re-sized it's a near perfect fit, and the only time you'll ever catch me without it is on nights out (it's too special to risk losing!).

In other engagement news, Grant and I have booked an engagement photo shoot for April. We wanted to wait for the weather to improve slightly and it also means that we can do it over our Easter break. We're going to be working with an amazing new photographer Olivia Bossert, who I've spent the past week emailing to try try and get some ideas in the works. I want the end result to be somewhat of a surprise, so watch this space! All I can tell you for now is that she is a great, ever-developing new talent and that I couldn't be more excited about working with her.

Speaking of new talents, I'd also like to introduce you to another remarkable young lady. Miss Daisy Rain and I went to the same secondary school, and people were forever telling us how similar we looked. It was only last summer that I finally had the pleasure of meeting her properly (see the photo below), and she really is a lovely girl. She's a singer and lyricist who has been working so so over the past few years, and it would be wonderful if you could check her out - I promise you will not be disappointed by her voice! Not to mention, this girl is far from a one trick pony; she's also a very talented model. Right now she's going from strength to strength and any support would definitely be appreciated.

Hopefully I'll be back this weekend with a new look or two. Also, I've been expecting something rather special in the post which I can't wait to share!