Inside My Suitcase.

Now that I have worked full time, I can fully appreciate the whole idea of having a 'relaxing' holiday. Spending all day, every day, floating in the blissful pool, escaping into a Gillian Flynn book. There is something so pleasing and satisfying about laying on your back, ears dipped into the water so all sounds are muffled, eyes fixed on the gorgeous clear blue sky, just letting time pass. Of course until, a vicious looking wasp or a strange looking bug the size of a 'bird' dive bombs at your face causing you to splash around in a complete panic, all relaxation lost for those split seconds as you debate whether being abroad is really for you (okay, slightly extreme but I have a huuuuge fear of bugs!)

Dotted around the outside of the villa are gorgeous fuchsia flowers, those trees that look like giant pineapples (as you can tell by my descriptions, I'm not exactly a gardener) mixed with my favourite of all, CACTUSES (or cacti if you would prefer). The perfect scenery for a blog. However, and I am not complaining, the heat was just not right for posing and instead I have resorted to simple outfit pictures to show you the items that I wore, a little insight into my summer wardrobe.

The first outfit is this beautiful cobalt blue dress with a crochet top detail. This was originally from the Christmas collection in H & M, however they restocked it again around spring time, unfortunately for double the price! Paired with my ever so comfy tan sandals, simple gold beaded choker and some over sized red shades for a casual evening look. I love the look of the dress, despite it being such a simple and classic shape, the detailed top makes it a wonderful piece for a night out. Cobalt blue also looks lovely with white, a perfect look for a summer wedding.

 Cobalt Blue Dress-(Originally £12.99, being sold more recently for £24.99) H & M

Red Framed Sunglasses- £5.99 H & M

Gold Beaded Choker- £1.50 (Sale) Matalan

Tan Sandals- £15.99 Forever 21 (SERIOUSLY RECOMMEND)

The next outfit is almost fully Primark and was quite a gamble as I mixed different patterns/textures together. It was far too hot for a short sleeved top, however with tender burnt shoulders it was a must. I love this red crochet crop because it works with so much and these scallop shorts were the perfect material for the heat, allowing the more autumn monochrome look to still work in the summer. These lovely lace up espadrilles, were yet again a wonderfully comfy pair of shoes. Paired with a black crop top and some 'dangly' earrings this was an oddly thrown together outfit, that seemed to work- I hope you think so too! 

Red Crochet Top- Primark £10.00 (SERIOUSLY RECOMMEND)

Monochrome Striped Scallop Shorts- £8.00 Primark

Lace Up Espadrille Sandals- £14.00 Primark

Black Crop Top- £4.99? New Look

Gold Dangly Earrings- £1.50 (SALE) Accessorize

Outfit number three is my favourite of the holiday. It is just so different to what I would normally wear. I mean who has ever seen me in a floaty, midi skirt? No one. Until this very day. This gorgeous leaf print skirt was a BARGAIN from H & M and is such a great length for petite people who still want to wear this length without looking silly. The skirt is the statement piece, therefore accessories were minimal- a simple black cami top, gold metal detailed belt, square black bag and my black laced espadrilles! I am so eager to find this exact skirt in plain black-just think of the possibilities! Thank you H & M for this wonderful creation! 

Leaf Print Midi Skirt- £12.99 H & M (SERIOUSLY RECOMMEND)

Gold Metal Belt- Originally from a dress from River Island! Bonus aye!

Black Square Handbag- £8.00 Primark

Sandals as Above

Black cami, available in almost all clothing shops!

Outfit number four also included a gamble piece, as I went for yet again another midi length piece. The thing is, this piece also included a lot of light shades, something I tend to avoid because of my skin tone. However I instantly fell in love with the relaxed fit and split sides by the legs. It has such a gorgeous pattern on it as well, not the classic summer prints. Teamed with my wonderful white leather gap sandals, it all matched pretty well! I am of course gutted to see the dress in the sale now as I have only worn it once! I really recommend that you try different lengths that you may not usually feel comfortable in. I have been so pleased lately and feel like I have opened a whole new door, roll on my midi length wardrobe, haha. 

Pink Patterned Midi Dress-£19.99 (Now in sale but unsure of price) New Look

White Leather Sandals- £29.95 Gap (SERIOUSLY RECOMMEND)

Clashing patterns is never really something I have done before. However due to the blue element that both pieces have I decided to try it out and I was pleased with the results for outfit number five. This top has gold chain straps and is such a wonderful material. I love the striking pattern. The A line skirt, with popper buttons is a piece that I originally regretted pulling the tag out of. As it sat in my wardrobe I wandered when I would wear it (it is slightly shorter than I would like). It worked so well with the top though, I let the top of my thighs see some sunshine for once! Paired with a simple anchor necklace and my tan shoes to complete the look. 

Blue Floral Top- £5.00 Primark (SERIOUSLY RECOMMEND)

Blue and White Striped A Line Skirt- £17.99 Zara

Tan Sandals- £15.99 Forever 21
Anchor Necklace- From a stall in Spain

It is the return of the fringed maxi skirt that was featured in last years summer blog. It is a piece that I keep falling back in love with each year. I do not tend to keep clothes for years but this is a piece I refuse to throw away. I mean, it might just be me being paranoid but I am sure people stare at me and question what on earth is she wearing but I refuse to care because I love it. Paired with this cute summer hat (which was far too hot to keep on), a simple black cami, the metal belt featured previously and those recurring tan sandals this is one of my favourite holiday looks! 

Sandals as above
Black Cami avaliable in most clothing stores
Belt as mentioned previously
Fringed Skirt- £9.99 (a long while ago) New Look -(SERIOUSLY RECOMMEND)

The final outfit featured on this blog, made me feel rather girly thanks to this white, red and green floral dress. It has a low-ish back and a tie along the top to add some extra detailing. I loved this floral range from H & M and also own the layered crop top in this print. There were so many lovely pieces including a backless jumpsuit and some side split flared trousers! Paired with some striking red lips and this gorgeous green wicker bag, this was a lovely cool evening outfit for the 30-40 degree heat! 

Green Wicker Bag- Purchased from a stall in Spain (SERIOUSLY RECOMMEND)

Floral Dress- £12.99 H & M

If there was something I learnt this holiday in terms of fashion it is to experiment and gamble more and not care what people think. At the end of the day it is you wearing the clothes and feeling comfortable in them-so do it! I really hope you enjoyed this post!

Wear what you want and feel great in it!
Thank-you for reading!

Mollie Isabella

xxxx

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 

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