Outfit Post: 'Check' it out

Ear phones in, I block out the world. Surrounded by someone else's voice. Someone who doesn't know anything about me but clearly has the same feelings. Someone whose lyrics are not always the easiest to understand but whose talent, in my personal opinion isn't recognised enough. Sia's new album- This is Acting- has taken her talent to a whole new level. It is such a strong, feel good, triumphant medley of songs, that kicks starts the day and ends it perfectly. 

It's 7:30am and finally everyone is up so I can blast out Sia whilst I straighten my hair. It is proven that listening to music in the morning puts me at least 15 minutes behind schedule. I mean come on, there is a mirror in front of me and a hairbrush in hand, lip syncing never hurt anybody! And whilst I pretend to belt out 'Alive', I feel powerful and ready to take on the day. Music is so much more than just noise. Music is special to so many people, so meaningful and so personal.

***

I can't decide on my style. Having two jobs and my own time to do what I want, means three different wardrobes. Whilst being a T.A provides a dress code, I like to add my own flair to a more sophisticated set of rules, with pinafores, roll necks and chunky boots being my go to looks. Gap is much more casual, what Gap stocks, is what I wear, stripes, block colours and denim, denim, denim! In my own time, well I just don't know what style path to take anymore- smart and sophisticated or a little more preppy? It is very hard to discover your style when you have to adapt to different roles and when you're trying to put a cap on your spending habits. 

As much as I would love to venture out and try new things, I feel I have hit a comfort-wall-barrier and am stuck in a style that is some what confused. Take today's outfit as the perfect example. It is far from my everyday style but still simple enough to wear and feel comfortable in. This to me is a more casual and laid back look and I feel this is because of the relaxed fit of the shirt and the finishing touches of a rucksack and leather jacket. 

Thanks to the wonderful invention of student discount, I managed to pick up the tunic shirt and chunky boots for some bargain prices! H & M doesn't break the bank anyway and I love going in there and finding some unique, easy to style pieces that work well throughout my wardrobe. With their flash event of 20% off with UniDays, it would have been rude not to. Here I have styled the shirt in a more casual manner but paired with some chunky boot heels and a metallic box bag and I have also worn it on a night out. I must admit, it is shorter than I remember but paired with some thick black tights and it is absolutely fine. 

I searched endlessly for a pair of boots like this, Chelsea boots with a thick 'Dr. Marten' inspired sole. From Topshop to New Look, Asos to Boohoo, River Island to Miss Guided but I just couldn't find a pair. I haven't bought a pair of shoes from H and M before but I am glad I had a quick rare look in their shoe department. These were the shoes, I saw, convinced myself I didn't need, then thought about them every spare second for about a week...resulting in yet again another pair of black boots to add to the collection. I've tried and tested them at work and have to say, they are super comfortable and work well with jeans, dresses and skirts!

Completed with a pair of tortoise shell sunglasses, I was ready to take on the freezing cold, extremely windy but blindly bright sunny day. Hopefully I will be able to discover my style soon and if you have any tips on how to do so, please share. I'm stuck with a mismatched wardrobe and a goal to stop spending so much money.

Check Dress: H & M £14.99

Chelsea Boots: H & M £29.99

Faux Leather Jacket: New Look £34.99 (Last season!)

Monochrome Rucksack: Primark £8.00 (A few seasons ago)

Brown Lipstick: Kate Moss Rimmel  Read about my love for the lipstick here!

Thanks for reading, 

Mollie Isabella 

xx 

Item of the Month: January 2016

Item of the Month: January 2016 (I'm a week late, shhh!) Kate Moss: Shade 48 Brown Lipstick

I absolutely love flicking through the pages of fashion magazines, absorbing the different styles and trends our high street stores will soon be blessed with. I gaze in awe at how the new pieces are being styled, taking inspiration and trying to adapt the new looks to fit my wardrobe. I'm usually one to flick the entire make-up section without even having a glance because 1) I refuse to pay the prices (I mean come on £40 for moisturizer?) and 2) I am not blessed with the talent to create the looks.

However, a range of magazines were covering the same look: the 90's brown lip, one I had never considered. It is a colour, that confused me- can pale skin people get away with it? What hair type does it go with? I don't dress like I'm in the 90's so will it work? I wanted to find a drugstore alternative to all the designer, luscious browns slapped across the magazine pages. 

After searching endlessly, and creating a wonderful patchwork of swabs on my hand, the whole thing just became slightly overwhelming. I mean, I didn't have many to choose from but some had a shimmer, some were a light brown, others near black. In the end I went for the Kate Moss: Shade 48 and I shall never turn back. Not only is is a gorgeous shade of brown that compliments my skin tone but it glides on perfectly and doesn't dry out your lips. With it being under a fiver, who could say no? 

Whilst it went well with my light ginger hair, now that I am a brunette again, I am even more pleased with the results. I can fully understand why it was such a big trend in the 90's and am ever so grateful that it has made it's return. I fully recommend that you try this colour and even if it isn't a shade you would normally go for, I think you will be swayed.

By night, team with a full black outfit for a deep, chic look. It compliments black well, creating a more mysterious element to your makeup. 

By day, wear with denim and a cute slogan tee. It makes the outfit look more mature and sophisticated whilst still having a playful feel.

It is my Item of the Month for many reasons and it doesn't break the bank. I seriously recommend you try this as you will not be disappointed. 

Well there you go, my first Item of the Month post. Whilst it was tricky to choose the item, I think this is a worthy winner. Thank you for reading!

Mollie Isabella 

xx

Things I should be good at ...but I'm not

Are you sure that as the years go on, time doesn't half? Like really, are there still 60 minutes to an hour and 24 hours to a day? Because in reality, we are about to complete the first month of the year and I haven't achieved half of what I had hoped. Whilst I could pin this down to my lazy attitude and my want to be doing something 'social' whenever I can, I simply blame the concept of time.

If I wasn't so particular about pictures in my blog, I would almost update it daily. However due to my desire to pose in pretty locations, my blog posts are always put on hold- mainly because of the weather but also because I need to make sure that me and my photographer (shout out to my Dad) need to be free at the same time, which isn't always easy!

So coming soon is a new feature on my blog: Purchase of the month but it has been placed on hold due to a lack of images. Instead I have rustled up a quick blog, more on a lifestyle basis that looks at the 10 life things, I should really be good at... but I'm not. 

1. Cutting in a straight line- being a teaching assistant this is highly embarrassing.

2. Getting toothpaste out of the tube- If the tube isn't at least 3/4's full I battle a daily struggle. I just don't understand, this should be simple and easy!

3. Putting my hair into a GOOD ponytail- I envy the girls that rock a full looking, not much effort put in, but still placed perfectly, ponytail. Please someone teach me, my morning routine could be so much quicker!

4. Eating fruit- I try, I really do but I just don't find it that pleasing.

5. Wearing matching socks- (unless I'm in my brothers trainer socks) One will feature a zoo animal and the other a Christmas character- Hey life's too short to waste time matching socks.

6. Opening envelopes- Someone please tell me the knack behind opening envelopes.

7. Finding an empty seat on a bus- It's such a panic situation, whatever time of day. The worst part is, when the bus driver can't wait for you to sit down, so sets off, causing you to do that embarrassing little stumble. *Tuck hair behind ears and slide onto seat, place in headphones and shut out the world*.

8. Painting my nails- I used to just have issues with painting my right hand, however with age my nail painting skills have crumbled. I'm impatient, unsteady and clearly not cut out for this skill.

9. Getting out of bed after I've had a shower- The best feeling is getting back into bed after a shower and getting all snuggly while you 'naturally' dry. However finding the energy to then get up and ready is near impossible.

10. Removing empty cups from my room- *sigh* I know the pile of mismatched cups is extremely unattractive but the effort it takes to remove them is worse.

The list can go on and on...

But there you have it a little bit more about the person behind this blog! Not exactly the usual post but coming up next will be My Purchase of the Month, so back to my favourite writing topic-fashion!

Thanks for reading, 

Mollie Isabella 

xx

Outfit: Cape and Leopard Print

"I really want a cape for Christmas?"

"Why would you want a cake?"

"It's so nice and limited edition!"

"What's a limited edition cake?"

"Nooo, a CAPE from River Island!"

"Like with string around your neck?"

The perks of loving both fashion and a boy who doesn't know the difference between a heel and a wedge, a skirt and a skort and a super hero cape to one of the biggest trends this winter. Regardless, I got my wish and tearing at the paper on Christmas day, I revealed the mismatched patchwork pattern and fur trim-oh, Saint Nick you know me so well. 

Whilst my wardrobe consists of the bog standard, popular, statement pieces, I'm also drawn to the slightly obscure, 'friends only tell you they like it because they have to' kind of pieces. Hanging, central on the display, the gorgeous cape literally shouted, "Mollie you need to try me on!" and within seconds, I was wrapped up, stroking the faux fur already allocating it to different outfits from my wardrobe.
Now it is in the sale for £35.00 and with the weather turning that extra bit colder, I highly recommend.

I couldn't resist teaming together an outfit made up of some of my new favourite pieces. I'm not your usual leopard print girl but I fell in love with this gorgeous Topshop crop top, the moment I saw it. Don't get me wrong, it clearly is leopard print but due to the toned down base colour it isn't so in your face. It has a slight high neck (of course)! Teamed with this gorgeous Topshop denim dress that has two pockets on the front and a low back. It is such a brilliant item to have because it can be worn all year round. I love the shade and overall fit.
Of course I couldn't break conventions with my footwear. All welcome another pair of black boots to my wardrobe. I would like to take this moment to justify them: they're suede...simple as. The thing is, you can never have too many pairs of black boots, they go with everything! To complete the look, I accessorized with this gorgeous, three layer dreamcatcher necklace and lovely John Rocha box bag.

Another blog done in my favourite location. It is normally so peaceful and quiet, as though the whole ground is my own personal studio. However on this fine, cold wintry morning I felt slightly over dressed and under-dressed at the same time as I passed numerous people, clearly out for their mid morning walk. Over dressed in the sense, I was wearing heeled boots, strolling in my cape and swinging a handbag in my stride, walking past appropriately dressed people in wellies, hats and gloves. As I carefully placed my feet through the mud, I realised why wellies were a good idea. Under dressed in the sense people looked cold but cosy, I looked uncomfortably cold. My hands bright red to match my nose and abnormally rosy cheeks. Shivering back to the car, it made me think, the outdoors just really isn't for me. Not in the summer, not in the winter, not in the autumn and not in the spring...

Mollie Isabella.

Cape- River Island Was £65 Now £35
Leopard Print Top- Topshop £20
Denim Dress- Topshop £35
Black Boots- New Look £24.99
Dream Catcher Necklace- New Look £7.99
John Rocha Handbag- Debenhams Price Unknown

15 things 2015 taught me

Look out for my next blog for information on this outfit!

Okay this is probably a blog I should have written at least a week ago. However, all my days merged into one again and finally over a week into the year, I have managed to sit down and finally reflect on the roller coaster known as 2015. 

(Some are more serious than others but I really did learn quite a lot last year!) 

1: University is not for everyone. There is more than one pathway, more than one direction, you just need to find the right one for you. 

2: Leaving a job on good terms is amazing. I have now returned to the same job three times and each time I go back and decide I want to move onto something else, I leave positively and this had really paid off. 

3: Friends come from the most unlikely of places. Okay, you may have the image in your head of a perfect friend who likes all the same things as you? Banish that and let things fall into place, the best people in my life are those I have almost nothing in common with.

4: It is okay to be proud of yourself. I am one of those people that never really see's the good in anything that I do. However June, 2015, blessed me with the proudest moment of my life. I put in hours and hours of hard work and it really paid off and I am proud to say I am proud. 

5: Do not take things for granted. Do not take family for granted. Do not take friends for granted.
 

6: Justin Bieber really can create good, meaningful music. I never thought this day would come but 2015, really was his year. Company and Feeling are my two all time favourite songs of his. 

7: Be yourself. I really felt there were certain parts of 2015, where I just wasn't me. Where I let expectations and reality take over what I truly believed, felt and wanted. The person that you are is the best person you can be. 

8: Stress really isn't as necessary as my body thinks it is. I have put myself through so much un-needed stress, for what? I have learnt that I need to take a second, breathe, evaluate the situation and remain calm.

9: You do not need to know your future now. At the age of 19, I felt immense pressure in terms of my future. I felt I should have a career plan, written chronologically with no time to fail. Well guess what, 2015 proved that this is probably the worst thing because if it doesn't go right, you panic. I am not saying wing it, I am just saying be open to different things.

10: Make sure you spread your attention and care widely, don't invest everything into one person.

11: If at first you don't succeed, try and try again but if it makes you miserable it's okay to give up.

12: I have a severe spending addiction, that probably is bad enough to seek help but quite frankly it keeps me sane.

13: It is okay to be emotional, it shows you care. So yes, it is okay to cry when you run out of cereal, or when you watch 24 Hours in A and E or when you just need to let it out. 

14: Happiness comes in many forms. 

15: 2015 taught me to be me. Life throws so much at us, things we can handle, things we can't. It was a roller coaster of a year that opened my eyes to life, love, friendship and new emotions. I wanted to close the chapter and start a fresh and that is exactly what I am doing. 

Here's to 2016, 

Thank-you for reading, 

Mollie Isabella 

xx

Fashion and Beauty Lessons: 2015

On the 31^st December each year, we reflect on the past 364 days and whether we crammed as much in the year as we hoped and try to remember the New Year’s resolutions we made and broke in week one. 2015 was definitely a roller coaster to say the least and has opened my eyes, with numerous lessons being learnt about life and myself. I went from planning my entire life, to having no plan at all in three months. I have been brave, I have been heartbroken and I have been lost. However I have been so proud, so happy and so loved.

One thing I want to reflect on, is what I have learnt in 2015 based on fashion and beauty. To say the least, I have made many fashion mistakes in my time and I probably still make them today. I seem to get drawn to ugly items of clothing, well unique is good right? Gone are the days where I wore spotty tights, clashing with a heart printed over size cardigan matched with ankle socks and grey pumps. Thank you lord.

Below are some lessons I learnt this year- accompanied by previous blogging pictures:

1: Red lips are literally suitable for all occasions, come rain or shine. Paired with a floral print in the summer or an entirely black outfit in the winter, it gives a different feel but works every time. L’Oreal Blake is my all-time favourite red shade! 

 2: Be bold and take risks, whether it be with your clothing, your hair or makeup. People tend to take note when you make a more drastic change and come on let’s face it, we all love a compliment. This year I embraced a new hair colour, whilst returning to my ‘I don’t care what you think about my outfit’ attitude.

3: Buy staple, sensible items that will fit into your wardrobe. I throw out so many clothes and it has taken me to the age of 19 to realise that really it is down to my bad shopping habits. Instead of buying those bright pink shoes I could wear to one occasion, why not buy the black ones that can be worn all the time. All hail the leather skirt that I wear all year round. This is my second version of the same skirt!

4: A strong, sturdy, reasonable sized handbag is worth so much more than that little bag that can only fit your purse and phone in. No girl should ever have to choose between her lipstick and inhaler. 

5:Winged eye-liner is not a talent that can be learnt. You’re either born with the skill or you’re not. I am unfortunately not blessed with this talent and have to battle daily in a hope to leave the house on time with an okay, semi presentable flick. If there are tips out there, please share?

6:All black everything with the exception of white for my favourite trend of monochrome. It is effortless and so easy to wear. In my young teenage years I could never understand why my mum wore full black outfits outside of a funeral, now I am on the all black everything/monochrome bandwagon and I refuse to get off, until it reaches above 30 degrees! 

7:Simple jewellery still says a lot. I used to be one for big statement necklaces, dangly earrings and junk jewellery rings but in the year of 2015 I gained the lazy attitude and decided that I couldn’t be bothered wasting my time picking out the items to match my outfit. Instead I opted for a more simplistic look, of my every day Pandora rings and my Lucky Little Acorn Necklace which complement each outfit perfectly.

This year I shall make no new years resolutions because I know I won't stick to them. Whilst eating healthily and exercising more will be extremely beneficial, I refuse to count calories and say no to a brownie. For the first time ever I have no plan for the year ahead. Nothing is set in stone, instead I am on a free journey, waiting to see what life brings me. So here is to 2016, a year of no plans, just an undecided journey. 

Thanks for reading, 

Mollie Isabella 

xx 

5 Favourite Clothing Pieces: November

I love fashion all year round but most in the autumn and winter. With all the layering, patterns and deep colours on offer our wardrobes get a complete transformation. I feel that this time of year allows you to be so casually sophisticated. Below I have chosen my five favourite items from November (that are all still in store now) that will see me throughout the whole of Christmas. 

Enjoy! (Please excuse the quality of the images, it was getting progressively darker outside by the second!)

"Rupert the Bear"

New Look - £5.99

The name comes from the fact my Dad calls me Rupert the Bear every time I wear it. This scarf is a winter must have from the gorgeous traditional red tartan to the size, I cannot fault the piece. It is the perfect scarf for shopping because it isn't too thick and if you do get hot, it folds neatly into a bag, unlike last years favourite: the blanket scarf. Red is an excellent colour for the Christmas season and teamed with a black jumper or coat, it is bold and striking and manages to finish a look. For the amazing price of £5.99 it is affordable, bang on trend and an excellent stocking filler!

Coat me in classic 

Primark - £28.00

Of course there was going to be a Primark item, somewhere on this list. Each year, I put myself through the stress of buying a new winter coat. However this year, one shop and I was happy. This gorgeous coat is such a simplistic and classic shape. Due to the removable collar you get two coats in one. The faux fur collar adds the extra winter look, whilst bare the coat is smart and sophisticated. This is definitely a staple piece in my wardrobe! It isn't the thickest of coats but works wonders when I commute as you don't need a thick heavy thing to lug around. I have received numerous compliments on this garment and for £28.00 I couldn't be happier.

Parade them pom poms

ASOS - £40.00

When looking for a pair of knee high boots, I accidentally stumbled across these wonderful creations. I have wanted a pair of pom pom shoes for a while now, but never found a pair to suit my wardrobe. I have altered these slightly by cutting off one pom pom per shoe, I felt a little too snazzy, but now I love them and parade with pride. They are such a lovely heel height with wonderful lace up detailing and a gorgeous suede effect for an effortless chic feel. Thanks to a student discount day I got these for £32.00 but they retail at £40.00. Slightly pricey but a lovely pair of shoes perfect for both casual and dressy events.

Be bold in burgundy

Miss Selfridge - £28.00

I could probably put this item down to an accidental buy but the fact I was looking suggests I wanted to find a new item for my wardrobe. Amazingly I managed to get this dress with 30% off and then a further 10% discount, bargain! I'm really into dresses at the moment. They're so easy to wear, just throw on one item and you're practically ready to go. This dress is actually from the petite section and I love the fit; it is the perfect length for my shortness. It washes excellently, oh and another bonus, it doesn't need ironing! It's a high neck, body-con, burgundy piece that is perfect for this season.

Make it metallic 

New Look- £15.99

I have always loved box bags, they're such a lovely little addition to an outfit and their structure causes them to stand out. What better way to have a stand out bag for this season than a little metallic number? This mirror metallic bag comes in silver, black, gold and pink and is perfect for the party season. Tiny it may be, but I managed to fit all my essentials in it. Have it with the strap for a shoulder bag, much easier for dancing, or pop the strap inside and have it as a clutch, perfect for posing in pictures! At only £15.99 it is a lovely, affordable addition to the bag collection. 

So there you have it, my five favourite, perfect for the season, affordable items. Once again , apologies for the image quality turns out going into your back garden at 4:30pm on a cloudy day doesn't provide the best lighting. None the less, you can see the items I guess and that is the main thing.

Mollie Isabella 

xx