Swimwear Sensation

Here is a little fact for you- my biggest phobia is flying. So as much as luxurious sunshine, cocktails by the pool and sandy beaches sounds divine- I do not look forward to my holiday one bit until I have touched down on the runway. It sounds so ungrateful, I know but to me flying is so in humane.

To get me through the dread I turn the nightmare of going away into an excuse to buy a whole new wardrobe of clothing-those bright neon tops, funky shades and that oversized beach bag. I flick through the stuff I have and realise my swimwear collection is non-existent-time to start the swimwear shopping which is never usually a treat. This year do I dare to bare and wear an itsy bitsy teeny weeny bikini? Or do I get a swimming costume? What about the tankini option?

*breathe*

As I enter River Island I assume that the day is going to be stressful. I'm looking for a swimming costume, something suitable but stylish. As I walk through the store, I spot out the corner of my eye a costume that to me looks like perfection. I hurry over there crossing my fingers, my toes, in fact anything that can be crossed in a hope that they have my size. 

I pick up the swimming costume in a size 8 and glare at it in disgust. I literally couldn't even fit one knocker in there. Size 10 isn't much of an improvement but I take it into the fitting room along with a 12 hopeful that one of them will fit. I always find it hard with a swimming costume. If you’re top heavy and have a tiny waste you have to try and squeeze them in or if you’re blessed with curves but no boobs then you have to hope that they don’t pop out. 

I squeeze into the ten-yeah this isn't going to work. I slip into the 12 and a tear forms in my eye- IT FITS. IT FITS.

I do the wiggle test- it passes. I do the jump test-it passes. I look side on-it passes. I look for hidden features- detachable straps and under wire. I look at the price tag- gulp. £30! £30 for a swimming costume?!

Okay, pull yourself together Mollie. I evaluate the situation. It’s stunning, it passes every test possible and I do have the cash in my purse. Okay, I need no more persuading- SOLD.

So here is the result. It’s a gorgeous white swimming costume with black detailing including a mesh panel around the middle. I have gone against everything I ever believed 1-never wear white in general because I'm too pale 2-never wear a white piece of swimwear due to the fact they’re prone to go see through. 

The black panelling down the side causes this amazing illusion and the under wire and tightening straps offer full support. Putting this swimming costume on made me feel amazing and in my eyes it was definitely worth the (gulp) £30 price tag that was hanging from it. It also comes in a gorgeous bikini version if you prefer a two piece to a one.

Here I've paired with some cute baby pink jelly shoes coming it at only £9.99 from New Look and a pair of black and subtle gold sunglasses from Camden Market priced at £7.50 all that is missing is a beach bag but I'm awaiting to find the perfect one.  

New Look- £9.99

Camden Market £7.50

Okay, so once I get passed the whole flight situation I can not wait to get into this outfit and sunbathe woo!

Thanks for reading, 

Mollie Isabella

Make a statement

Nothing completes an outfit quite like a good bit of jewellery can. I'm a sucker for a chunky necklace but once I have found one I love, I wear it until it can no longer be worn. It’s time that my necklace collection is brought to life and has a bit of a revamp. It is vital that you get the necklace correct though. For starters it needs to be comfortable. You don’t want to buy something that will itch, prod or cause any unwanted ‘trauma’. You need to make sure the necklace won’t snag clothing (sigh, I hate it when that happens). You need to make sure that it will go with more than one item to ensure you’ll get your wear out of. Finally make sure it is sturdy. Don’t you just hate it when a clasp magically breaks and causes the necklace to plummet to the floor?

I wanted a statement necklace that would get compliments, a necklace that would make an outfit complete, a pretty, gorgeous, sparkly, girly necklace. After searching endlessly in all my ‘favourite’ high street stores I was beginning to give up hope. All of the necklaces were either too chunky, too minimal, the wrong colour or there was something I didn't quite like about it (trust me when it comes to spending my money I'm very picky). Then out of nowhere I entered the shop Wallis, a shop that I don’t tend to go in often. My eyes lit up. I was like a child in a candy store. I was greeted with a stand of the most beautiful statement necklaces EVER (maybe a little over exaggerated but the best I've seen on my travels). As my eyes gazed over the sparkly diamonds and candy colours my daydream came to a halt-Urgh, how much are these going to cost? My eyes reluctantly found the price tag. 

“Oh, ho, ho, it’s magic you know” played in my head.

They ranged between £15 and £25. I rubbed my eyes to check I wasn't seeing things (I didn't really but you must be getting my excitement and shock right?)]

I know I started this post with wanting one necklace but I couldn't resist. Below are three gorgeous purchases I made (with the bonus of 30% off due to a promotion-thanks Wallis).

Here is the first necklace which is a mixture of both cobalt blue and clear diamond embellishments on a small silver chain. I was originally drawn to it due to its vibrant colour but have grown to love it more since I've been wearing it. It sits perfectly around the neck and would look lovely as a collar on a simple black dress. It’s lightweight and goes with more than I thought. The 3D design causes this necklace to stand out and at only £16.50 it is a serious must have. It also comes in pale yellow which I think I might have to purchase. 

 

This is my favourite out of the three and oh my, it is stunning. It is a lot chunkier and longer but seriously it finishes an outfit instantly. With a combination of pastel colours and different gems the necklace is perfect for the summer season. Hanging on a thick gold chain, it definitely supports my sturdy test. Surprisingly it doesn't weigh a lot. When wearing this necklace I paired it with a simple outfit because it takes away the attention from everything else. This is definitely a statement necklace I recommend you purchase. This stunning floral pastel statement necklace comes in at £20 and I literally can’t believe how cheap it was for such a massive stand out piece. 

Here is the final necklace which charmed me due to its vibrant colour and subtle circular shapes. The bright orange stands out against all my clothing and the diamanté detailing causes it to dazzle in the light. This necklace is on a thin gold chain and hangs perfectly round the neck, complimenting the neckline of all my clothing. The circular shapes cause it to appear daintier and in all honesty it hardly weighs anything. It’s simple, pretty and vibrant -perfect for my summer wardrobe and to complete an outfit within an instant. It comes in at just £18.50 and also comes in a gorgeous more subtle yellow and white version. 

Wallis

Make a statement this summer with your jewellery!

Mollie Isabella 

Take your pick, casual or dressy

As I sit here staring at a blank screen, it has suddenly become apparent to me what writers block is. As I longingly want to turn my passion into something more than just a couple of saved documents on this old battered laptop I attempt to start writing a blog. Five days later I'm still attempting to kick start a blog. So here I am staring at a blank document again. 

***

As I search through my wardrobe and listen to Bastille’s Bad Blood album for inspiration, a light bulb moment occurs, causing this massive brain wave kind of thing that draws me to the fact I have nothing to wear next Saturday for an evening wedding party (well I'm sure I do have something I could rustle up but seriously it’s an excuse to purchase a new garment-eeeee!) However with only £6.42p to my name it’s looking like I will only be able to afford a new pair of socks-sigh-another light bulb moment, have no fear, tomorrow is pay day meaning I can shop to my heart’s content (within reason).

Below I have selected 5 different pieces from different stores that could really work for an evening wedding party. With questions a brewing in my mind- Will it be casual or smart? What’s the overall feel of the night? What kind of look do I want to go for? I've gone for an approach and picked items that can easily be dressed up or down to ensure they’d work perfectly no matter what the turn out might be. 

Very- £49.00

Fearne Cotton’s clothing range for Very never fails to amaze me. With the unique prints and shapes the items are right up my street-with the option to pay monthly as well, it sounds so appealing. As soon as I came across this magnificent playsuit I fell in love. I couldn't work out whether it was due to the musty grey base colour, the clashing of the burnt orange, the exquisite detail or the relaxed fit-whatever it was it made me want this item immediately. Now the playsuit in itself is a massive statement piece and can be worn either smart or casual-considering I will be on the dance floor I want to go for comfort on my feet and would pair this playsuit with a pair of caged black pumps. However for a more dressy night out, black platforms would turn this classy, gorgeous item into a stop and stare, luxurious piece. At £50 it is quite steep in price but it is gorgeous, so I can compromise. 

Miss Guided- £24.99

Miss Guided this summer is spot on especially with the dresses- there’s every shade of pastel, bursts of neon and style upon style of unique fashion statement dresses that will tailor to your every need. I've had my eye on this dress for ages now-drawn to it due to the bold asymmetric detailing. I cannot wear white due to my skin tone which resembles, let’s put it blankly, milk. White washes me out and this always causes me to go for dark colours. However I want my clothing to reflect the gorgeous bright sunshine that we have surprisingly been getting lately. The length looks respectable and the high neck adds a sophisticated and classy touch. Due to the dress being extremely feminine I would pair with some ‘barely there heels’ either black or white or to clash tie in another pastel colour-mint blue for example. At £24.99 it’s a bargain. 

River Island- £45.00

Jumpsuit + Jade Green = extremely hot. This is a classic item that I could see entering each and every season- imagine a Christmas party, add some sparkle and heels, imagine on holiday with a pair of gladiators and clashing nail polish-worth it, worth it, worth it. The simplistic design allows this outfit to be versatile- minimal jewellery and flats means you can wear it casually. However paired with a chunky gold necklace and some black platform heels and you've transformed the outfit into a whole new look. For the wedding I would mix up both casual and dressy, combing the statement jewellery with a pair of flats-painting my toe nails a bright clashing colour. The outfit is so simple yet smart and with the many ways it can be worn, definitely worth £45.

New Look -£29.99

Here I welcome you to my favourite colour of the moment-mint green which New Look has smashed with the floral sequin embellishment to accompany. The cross over spaghetti straps and the wider opening at the bottom add a feminine feel-no detail is forgotten with this item. Again I have chosen an item that can be put with many other garments- the top in itself is a statement piece, so do what you wish with it, whether you pair with a pencil skirt, smart trousers, jeans or even a maxi skirt for a more relaxed feel. This glamorous item is bang on trend-hitting the pastel shade, cami style and the floral pattern all in one. At £30 it is within my price range; an item that I am definitely interested in buying. 

Pretty Little Thing- £22.00

The final item comes from Prettylittlething.com and is this gorgeous chiffon floral dress which has a racer front, leading to it being tied in a bow at the back. This is a dress that speaks for itself. It doesn't need jewellery to jazz it up. With its classic shape, expensive looking material and on trend floral print this is a dress that is definitely going to get you compliments. If like me you love to wear heeled boots all year round, then this is a dress that would work with them. If not you have endless options, this is a dress that would work with both flats and heels. At £22 you don’t even need to have an excuse to purchase- it is by far great value for money.

So there we have it, my first ever blog and five stunning items that can be both smart and casual.

Thank-you very much for reading. 

Mollie Isabella