Holiday Haul

I've been on a bit of a spending spree and this time I managed to remain focused, purchasing items for my holiday. I didn't want to spend lots of money, so I have shopped for some bargains. VOILÀ, here you go-lots of holiday bits in my Holiday Haul.

To start off with we have my items from H & M- I am extremely impressed with their summer collection this year and their prices just seem to be getting cheaper, hence why nearly all my summer suitcase items are from there. 

Item 1

Here are some cute high waisted denim shorts in a light wash denim. The detailing is so simplistic they go with anything. They're stretchy, comfortable and a massive essential for the summer. I have wanted a pair of denim shorts for ages but didn't want to spend too much on them, these were perfect-coming it at only £12.99! They also come in a grey wash colour. Find them here.

Item's 2 & 3

I am a sucker for H & M's basic range because the prices, when on a budget, are amazing. I wanted some cover ups for the beach and around the pool and these two were perfect. I fell in love with the bright orange because I thought the colour would look gorgeous in the bright sunshine and the leopard print would work for both the beach but also tucked into a skirt or some shorts. At only £3.99 each you just can't say no! Find them here.

Item 4

Again another basic range item. This simple grey cami crop top will go with so many items so it was completely essential. It comes it at only £1.99 and I would have stocked up on the other colours but they had none in my size. The burgundy one is on my list of must haves.Unfortunately I can't find the link but this takes you to the basic tops.  

Item 5

I fell in love with these shorts and panicked when I couldn't find my size but luckily I found another pile. They're a stretchy denim making them very comfortable, with the zip detailing being on the side. Admittedly they are quite short (not quite bum revealing though). I just loved the colours of the flowers- they seemed quite different. They were only £7.99 and come in a variety of colours. Find them here

Item 6

I have always loved this royal blue colour because it compliments my pale skin really well and the shape of this crop top really stood out for me. The length isn't too short and I love the width of the straps. Yet again it is from the basic range-coming in at only £3.99!Unfortunately I can't find a link but this takes you to the basic range

Item 7

Okay, I retuned to my childhood with this item-a bubble gum pink top splattered in black unicorns. Cute right? Again it is another crop top but they're just perfect for the heat abroad. The sleeves are cut low meaning this top is more of a loose fit than a tight one. At only £3.99 I had to have it. Have no idea why I can't find things on the site-here's a link to other crop tops

Item 8

I am never really one for a tropical print but I loved the monochrome twist that this one has. The material is slightly thicker and more of a denim feel compared to the standard pencil skirts you can get, meaning it is much more structured. However the sizing's are awful. I am a size 8/10 but had to purchase this in a size 14. I have no issue with that though, I'm just glad I managed to get one! It was only £7.99. Other colours appear online here

Item 9

I love denim and wanted to start venturing out and wearing something other than just denim on my bottom half. This is a lovely soft denim material and I loved the fact it was short sleeved. It is cropped and looks lovely with patterned skirts. I have worn this the most so far! It was only £12.99 so I snapped it up instantly. Am I just not understanding the site? I can't find it!!!

Okay so that's it from H & M, gosh this is a long blog but that was the main bulk of things. 

Now to move onto my favourite all time bargain store- Primark! After stocking up on my monochrome items (check out my previous post), this time I entered with a sensible head-holiday shopping ONLY. 

Item 10

I saw these and had the will power to leave them until I returned to Primark and realised I actually couldn't leave them behind. I love the flower detailing and the aviator shape-classic and pretty! At only £3.00 I just had to get them and they came with a free case! Primark seriously needs a proper website

Item 11

HOW CUTE IS THIS TOP? Again I got this as a cover up on the beach. I thought the colours would look amazing in the sunshine by the pool or on the beach and who could ask for better characters on the front of their top? It also came in a Little Mermaid version. At only £6.00, go on, return to your childhood. Primark

 Item 12

After searching far and wide for a kimono that was affordable and pretty, I finally found one in Primark. It is by far the best one I have tried on. The length was perfect, the colours nice and summary and the fringing wasn't too long so it looks smart as well as casual. At only £13, I couldn't believe it! I was in such a rush I didn't see if they had any other colours but I will be returning to investigate. I love Primark

Item 13

This black and white polka dot bikini provides both tummy control and under wire at such an affordable cost. Usually you have to invest in something with so much support but Primark have blessed us with this bargain. It has a strap that can be worn two ways- halter-neck or around the back for extra detailing. It is super flattering, I can't wait to wear it. At only £13 it's an amazing price! Available in other colours too

So that is it from Primark and we are down to my two final items. 

Item 14

This hat is from River Island and caught my eye instantly. This summer I thought I wanted a floppy hat, however I couldn't find one to suit me or one that I felt comfortable in. I found this summer bowler hat which is a perfect size! I don't have the confidence to wear hats normally but I have fallen in love with this simplistic creation. It was slightly above what I wanted to pay coming in at £15 but it will protect my head abroad-good justification hey! River Island have got some gorgeous hats this summer!

Item 15

The final item from my Holiday Haul is this ever so scrumptious swimming costume from Forever 21. I always find some gorgeous items in there and this costume definitely caught my eye. The colours are fab, the pattern is delicious and I can't wait to take some colourful summer pictures in it. It doesn't provide support- so this is strictly a sunbathing piece but it was so bold and I knew it was needed. At only £9.99 it's a must have. I did buy it at the start of summer so I don't know if it will still be in stock, if not there are other variations! Find Forever 21's swimwear here

And Ta Da that's my Holiday Haul complete! There are some brilliant pieces with some even better prices and I can't wait to test it all out in the sunshine. 

Thank-you for reading, 

Mollie Isabella 

MONOCHROME

If in doubt, I shop. If I'm not in doubt, I shop. Basically no matter what the situation, I shop.  This time the situation was holiday shopping-with a two week break arriving soon I need to purchase some new summer clothing that will work wonders abroad. You know the essentials- denim shorts, sun hat, beach bag and a variety of tops. Now on a budget the best place to go is Primark- you can get some pretty unique pieces and the prices are spot on! 

So I headed to Primark with a sensible list of things to get. It was all going so well, until I walked into the store and got completely distracted. I must admit I am very disappointed in myself. 

Did I purchase anything for my holiday? Urm, kind of. 

Did I need anything that I purchased? Urm, no but they were sooooooo nice!

I place the basket drowned in black and white items onto the counter. "That's £46 then please." You know when you get to the till and don't expect the items to come to the amount they do and you have that little moment where you feel guilty, like you're draining your credit card of life and buying things that are not needed, not essential, not right. Yeah, well I had that moment. It lasted for a brief couple of seconds until I put my card in and waltzed out the store with a Primark paper bag full of goodies.  

So forget all the bright colours and welcome the sophisticated MONOCHROME trend into my somewhat 'summer' wardrobe. Two pairs of shoes, two bags and one top later and I'm more in love with the monochrome trend than I have ever been before. 

ITEM 1: 

I purchased these beauties for only £14. I found them shoved in a pile on the floor and knew I needed to give them a new home. The platform and chunky heel means these shoes are very comfortable and give added height whilst still looking casual. The ankle strap means they stay put and I love the two leather straps that go over your foot. The shoes, although they may not look it, are extremely light. I can't fault them whatsoever. 

ITEM 2:

 All hail these white, leather small heeled shoes. This perfect concoction is a dream come true. The gorgeous bright white leather causes these shoes to look sophisticated. They can be worn both casual or for a more dressed up look (I've already worn them to a wedding and my feet remained comfortable all night, many thanks to the extra padding provided under the ball of the foot.) This style of shoe is a wide fit but in all honesty I didn't really see a difference. The subtle gold buckle, strap across the toes and perfect height heel makes these shoes a serious must have. They're only £12, like seriously, that's amazing!

ITEM 3:

I welcome you here to the bag I have not put down. This cute little monochrome rucksack has caught my eye for some time now. It is so bold and simple making it so effortlessly stylish. I love the split in colours, the comfortable straps and the handy size that it is. The only downfall being, I try to cram so much into it that the zip down the middle makes it quite hard to get things out. However I have not stopped using it. It goes with everything. This masterpiece is only £8-oh yes. 

ITEM 4:

Okay, so the main idea of it, is that it is a camera bag but its the perfect size for my purse, phone, lipstick and comb making it the perfect bag for when I pop out. Again the design is so simplistic and the gold chain and zip add an extra element to the overall look. With an adjustable strap you can tailor it to the look of your outfit. This will be perfect on holiday when I need to take my camera out as it fits in perfectly and isn't bulky at all. Due to the monochrome trend it goes with everything. It's dainty, bold and different-coming in at only £6. 

ITEM 5:

This is the most 'holiday' worthy item that I bought. I thought it would look stunning over my swimming costumes on the beach (check out my swimwear sensation post). I love fringing, whether it's on a bag, skirt, top or shoes. The fringing on this is the perfect length and I love the lace detailing. It is the perfect throw over to transform an outfit. For a different look I paired with a pair of jeans and a black tank top. It's very versatile and at only £6 it's a bargain!

5 pieces which make up my monochrome collection- All for £46 all from the amazing Primark. 

Thanks for reading, 

Mollie Isabella