Please take me to the 1960's.

There is a huge part of me that wishes we all had to dress like they did in the 60's. That the only thing River Island and New Look stocked were shift dresses and we all asked our hairdressers for the beehive. Effortlessly we could all walk around with our matching dress and boot combination, white eyeliner and big earrings. However, it is 2015. Could you imagine the looks I would get if I turned up to a lecture with a humongous beehive do, some white boots and a cute green and blue checkered dress-I dread to think.

Luckily though, like with most things, the 60's look is coming back but with the added spin of the 21st century. Think mini skirts, knee high boots and bold prints! Now that I go to university, my shopaholic and spending ways have been put on hold. No longer can I go for huge hauls, or just buy something whenever I feel like it. Instead, I have to save up and be strict. It was all going so well until a trip to Forever 21 in the Bullring sent my shopping senses wild. When I saw this dress it was one of those moments where you see something and there is practically a glowing light around it, drawing you in. Never do I end up buying the first thing I see, until the very moment I handed it over at the counter and spent my food shop money on a dress. Walking out, swinging the neon pink bag by my side, I realised that realistically this was a good purchase because there is no other item like this in my wardrobe and it also gives me the excuse to blog, woo!

I must admit though, it was £19.00 well spent, £17.10 after student discount (perks, perks!). In this outfit, it is teamed with a long sleeved top underneath, because all of a sudden the temperature has drastically dropped and just a sleeveless dress will not do. However as it starts to get warmer, it will work perfectly on its own. Paired with knee high socks and ankle boots, in some ways gives off the impression of knee high boots (sigh I'm too poor to own any right this mo, also too short. Can short people wear them too?) but it would also work well with some heels, chunky or thin depending on your 'walking in heels' ability, which for me is almost non existent. I finished the look with my cute Camden Market burgundy and beige satchel.

I have always been prone to rosy cheeks, literally throughout the whole year. One time, I was asked why I wore so much blusher. Blusher? My friend, this is natural. As I started exiting the grounds I could feel a burning freezing sensation on my cheeks. My fingers numb from the cold. This is Autumn. Isn't it crazy how fast this year has gone, how we are in yet another Autumn, soon to be a Christmas soon to be a new year. As I walked along the grass, my feet causing the fallen leaves to crunch, my eyes clocked onto the cute little squirrel scurrying in the distance. I then spotted another five, me and my Dad were suddenly the minority, this did not feel cool. One day I will grow up, one day I shall like animals I am sure and one day I will blog fear free, aha!

The last thing I want to mention is my super cute Lucky Little Acorn necklace. The message and idea behind the item is so wonderful and it was brought for me as a good luck for uni present by my boyfriend. You can get them personalised with names or initials and it is such a wonderful present, the perfect idea for a Christmas present. They are available on both a short and long chain and in a keyring style and I seriously recommend you get one. I wear mine with literally everything. Follow the link shown below to find out more about the product!

Dogtooth Dress- £19.00 Forever 21
Ankle Boots- Primark £10.00
Acorn Necklace- £12.00 Lucky Little Acorns
Knee High Socks available in most high street retailers.
Bag, a bespoke shop at Camden Market.

Thank-you for reading, 

Mollie Isabella 

xx

Three Weeks at Uni

The past three weeks of my life have tested me more than anything ever has before. As a very family orientated person who could not be described as independent, along with being a fussy eater and scared of all most everything, I was packing my stuff up and moving to Birmingham to start University. Okay, it is only just an hour away from home but that is an hour further than I have ever lived from my family, boyfriend and bestfriend.

Armed with my 'how to clean a toilet kit', jars of food I had never cooked before and washing powder tablets to wash my clothes with I said goodbye, clenched my lips together to stop my tears and walked away from a distraught dad as he watched his little girl start the next chapter of her life without him by her side every step of the way. 

Turns out though, thanks to Whatsapp, my parents are with me every step of the way. I call them before I cook to ensure I am not going to poison myself, I send them a picture of the meal I have prepared and then I update them on how it tasted. Along with checking I am using the right cleaning equipment in the bathroom, complaining about the hoover, sending them pictures of my outfits, updating them on nights out, moaning about stress (already), updating them on the weather, the progress of my house plant, my health, my boyfriend, my bestfriend, my lack of sleep, the spider smeared on my wall, the flies in the kitchen, my 7 day long life milk, my odd socks, my comfy bed- you get the gist right?

Turns out when you're left on your own, it is quite easy becoming independent. The strange thing is, I actually enjoy cooking, the thing that is even stranger is I actually enjoy cleaning. I have literally the best rubber gloves on this planet, bright red gloves with a floral trim and an extremely over sized flower on the wrist-you have to be stylish even when you clean. Whilst my meals have been big enough to feed the whole flat and not just me, cooking one portion sized meals is not something I have completely mastered yet. I think one of the hardest things I have faced is living on a budget-with no income now, I really have had to limit myself and with a view of the Bullring from my window, each morning when I open my curtains I am reminded of the clothes I could have but can't. 

I'm not going to lie, almost every situation you are put in for the first week is completely surreal. Meeting my flat mates was one thing I was dreading. After speaking on Facebook for many weeks before, we already knew bits about each other. But what if they didn't like me when they actually met me in person? It is confirmed 5 house mates (plus one we have adopted from the ground floor) all with completely different personalities, hobbies, likes and dislikes can form a functional family. After the first night out together, it felt as though we had known each other for months already. Now sharing a bed, watching Great British Bake Off and crying alongside Ian, is a completely normal situation. 

I feel already in three weeks, as a person I have changed for the better. I mean I went into the kitchen in my Monster's Inc P'js, wearing no makeup, with my hair scraped into a bun, ON MORNING ONE. Now for anyone that knows me, you will know how massive that is! There have been some days that have been tough and all I have wanted is a cuddle from my parents and a good night sleep- the benefit of living only an hour away hey! I just need to realise that having a small wobble isn't me failing, it is me being human. Sometimes you can feel so lonely, even when living with four other people, sometimes everything just all gets on top of you. But a visit home, a Chinese in front of the TV and some good nights sleep and I am all refreshed and ready to tackle the week ahead.

Right that is enough Uni talk, onto the outfit. Yay autumn is here, my favourite fashion season. The return of rich, warm colours and my all time favourite CHUNKY boots. Talking of chunky boots, I own a new pair, these gorgeous burgundy ankle ones! Now on a ten pound budget it was never going to happen but my fairy godmother arrived, in the style of my bestfriend James and paid for half, allowing me to take them home and put them in my wardrobe. Teamed with my new favourite staple, this ever so simple denim pinafore dress. Another gift from James as a going to Uni present. Basically I better give him some credit or this outfit would have never happened, thanks James! Underneath the dress is a lovely long sleeved, buttoned back top with an autumnal fox print all over it. I love autumnal animals, foxes, squirrels, owls, deers-just another reason to love Autumn. Finished with a fringed bag, perfect all year round and some burgundy feather earrings. 

Burgundy Boots- Primark £18.00

Denim Pinafore Dress- ASOS £30.00

Fox Print Top- H & M £12.99

Bag is from Spain and I have had my earrings for so long, I cannot remember where I got them from. Similar ones can be purchased currently at New Look.

Thank-you very much for reading. I am going to do my best to upload onto my blog as much as possible, mixing both fashion and university together! 

Mollie Isabella 

xx

My Denim Dungarees

The sky wore a slight grey colour. The leaves have started to make their descent to the ground. There wasn't just a slight breeze, more of a bitter wind. My two yellow sunflowers standing out from everything; their sunshine yellow- such a gorgeous feel good colour. I felt quite guilty taking them from the vase at home but they were the perfect finishing touch. The pretty parts of England are so green, every imaginable shade. "I really should get out more often!"

However this positive thinking was immediately destroyed as a swan made a terrifying dash towards me from across the field. Okay, it was like all the way on the other side, but boy can they fly-fast and aggressively. I got my weekly exercise as I made a run for it. "Okay, this is why you stay indoors!"

***

I always love looking through fashion magazines and in shops and seeing old styles come back. You know the 60's mini skirts, the fur coats, platform sandals... it allows our parents to see the clothes they once loved on their children. It must be such a time capsule, such a moment of reliving the past. The return of the dungarees though is taking me back, to the back garden days, paired with my pink floral docs and an over sized jumper, digging in the dirt, aged 5 and not having a care in the world. 

Denim is such a staple at the moment. Whether you're sporting the ripped jeans, the A-line skirt, pinafore or a t-shirt dress. Denim is such a versatile item, layered, doubled - do what you please, you pretty much get a way with it! When I saw the return of the dungarees I wondered if I could pull off the look... I mean at the short height of 5ft and a quarter of an inch, I don't have much to work with. 

I plucked up the courage to try some on and was super happy with the results. Firstly they are a lovely colour, fitted perfectly and are probably one of the comfiest items of clothing I have ever put on. So worry filled my head-What if people make comments and what if people laugh? And then I came to the sudden realization that I DO NOT CARE. I am who I am and therefore I will wear what I want. Since wearing them, people have commented on how much they liked them and asked where they can get a pair. Well the answer to that is Gap, retailing at £54.95. I urge you to go and try them on, you will not be disappointed. Dungarees are a fashion statement acceptable from birth to old age!

"I'm free."

The possibilities are endless. Whether you want to be casual or dressy, you have the chance to pair dungarees with so much. Just be creative and brave. On a night out, pair with a cute black crop top and black platform heels and a patterned clutch. Or swap for a long sleeved lace top for more texture! For a super slouchy look, go for a pair of high top converse and a baggy top. For an every day look, try a plain fitted top, necklace and ankle boot combination. The best clothing pieces are the ones that you can style in different ways. 

To achieve this look I have gone for a simple burgundy long sleeve, off the shoulder top. Already hitting the autumnal shades, I know, but I am so excited for next seasons fashion! I kept accessories minimal with a chain and coin silver choker and a beige and black shoulder bag! The one thing I have been struggling with is finding the perfect handbag to complete this look, so if you have any suggestions please let me know! On my feet are my new favourite pair of boots. These gorgeous leopard print ankle height boots are super comfy and so versatile. They have been the finishing touch to so many outfits and a perfect clashing piece! All teamed together with my wonderfully comfy dungarees!
Denim Dungarees- £54.95 Gap
Leopard Print Boots- £10 Primark
Burgundy Off The Shoulder Top- £4 Primark
Two Tone Bag- £7 Primark
Chain and Coin Choker- £10 Miss Selfridge

Everything will be changing so much in the next few weeks as I move from home to University and start the biggest chapter of my life so far. Blogging is something that I really want to continue and will hopefully have the time and facilities to do it more.

Please give any feedback you have and please try on a pair of dungarees hehe! 

Thank-you for reading,

Mollie Isabella 

xx

Inside My Bedroom...

The four small walls of my bedroom, have seen and heard a lot (metaphorically-my walls are not alive!) From the dreadful hairbrush singing, to the "I have nothing to wear" tantrums, the tossing and turning when I could not sleep, the gossip from sleepovers and the time I drew on my Winnie the Pooh rug, aged 4 and blamed it on my brother, woops.
It is fair to say my room has grown with me and has experimented with its appearance a fair few times. From wonderful matching borders, to a Punky Fish ensemble, my poor room has been the victim to some awful accessorizing.

There is only so much you can do with a room that consists of a wardrobe that can't budge and a bed that won't fit anywhere else. Stuck with the same layout in my room, since I could sleep in a single bed, it was beginning to get very tedious. So everything has remained in the same position, however my humble abode has had a severe make-over. Be gone the white tac, picture splattered walls, cluttered shelves and make-up stained carpet!

This time I have gone for a fresh feeling, happy environment. Through the use of light colours, white accessories and a couple of cute plants my room is now a place, I actually enjoy spending time in.

Yes I admit it, I tidied it all, especially for you.

 Sometimes you just need little positive quotes to get you through the day- positioned perfectly on my door, so I see them when I exit. I'm still trying to find the perfect item to hang from the owl door hooks!

All three items from a bespoke shop in my town- Fifth Corner (Items may be able to be sourced from Sass and Belle)

I've always wanted a throw at the end of my bed. It makes your room all the more cosy. I love the patchwork throws available but searched long and hard to find the perfect pastel theme one. It has a wonderful scallop hem and now you can purchase matching pillows!

Patchwork Throw-Primark £17.00

I have really enjoyed sourcing cushions from all over the place, visualizing what it will all look like in my head and being overly satisfied with the results. I know cushions like this should be for display only, but the blue cushion is the reason for many comfy nights sleep! 

"All you need is love" cushion-Asda £7/8.00

Fluffy heart cushion-Primark £3.00

Bunting cushion cover- Dunelm £5.00

Blue cushion- Ikea £6.00

I wanted my cushions to be the focal point so went for a plain white duvet with simple lace detailing. It isn't the most practical colour for a duvet but it looks super chic when crisp white. 

Lace trim duvet-Primark £11.00 

I've always been one to take pictures wherever I go. They capture a split second and allow you to keep it forever. Half of my bedroom walls were filled to the brim with photo's but I felt it started to look scruffy, with the peeling edges and discoloured images. I needed a way to continue displaying my favourite pictures and what was better than a piece of string and cute crafty pegs?

Pegs- Hobbycraft £1.00

String-Hobbycraft £3.00

Yay, I created a feature wall. I loved the idea of using mismatched frames to create a centerpiece. I really love the idea of different sizes, colours, textures and styles but I wanted my feature wall to be predominately white to match my theme. I kept the patterns subtle and hope to build on it as the months go on. 

Wooden heart frame-Matalan £3.00

Love frame-Asda £2.00

Cut out floral frame-Ikea £4.00 each

Pink and grey floral frame-Ikea £4.00

Rope frame-Dunelm £4.99 sale  

Selection of plain white frames- Ikea £2.00-£4.00

Another main element of my room, is the decoration on my bedside table. The main feature is the stunning flash camera lamp. It was the first thing I got for my room and is such a unique and bold piece. My love for cacti is also displayed. I do not know what gave me the idea to put a cactus in a polar bear mug but I love the juxtaposition! 

Black camera lamp- Debenhams £55.00

Polar bear mug-Debenhams £7.00 

Glass milk bottle-Ikea 60p-£1.00

Orange flower- Wilkinson's 60p-£1.00

Cactus in pot-Wilkinson's £1.50

White shelf-Ikea £2.00

"Enjoy the little things" glass picture-Bespoke home ware shop £2.00

There is a tiny gap between my drawers and mirror, which is the perfect place to store some things ( I have so much, every possible storage element in my room, is filled to the brim). Here is just a little mishmash of items, that i think look quite nice together. 

Ed Sheeran "A visual Journey"- Tesco's £9.99

"The Curious Baretender"- Birthday Present 

2015-2016 diary-Tesco's £1.25

"I have the simplest tastes" box-Fifth Corner (bespoke shop) £6.00 sale

Tea light holder-Primark £1.50

Tea bag holder (used as a ring dish)-Dunelm £1.99

Perfect picture to put inside a television box. "Let me out!"

Television box photo frame- Pink Squirrel (bespoke shop) £1.00 sale

Button M- Handmade

I needed somewhere in my room that I could put a mirror and add some other little items. I found this wonderful little stall and let it all take shape from there. This gorgeous parrot vase is going to be for my uni room but I couldn't leave it in storage till then.

Dark wood stall- Ikea £20.00

Converse Plant-A gift 

Wooden M-Matalan £3.00

White framed mirror-Matalan £8.00

Pin up doll pot-Asda £3.00

Parrot Vase-Marks and Spencers £29.50

Floral folder-Tescos £2.00

Cactus Pen- Ale-Hop (in Spain) approx. £1.50

The newest edition to my room (my room has been almost ready since May) is this wonderful cream 3D rose light. I would love to have a HUGE chandelier but my room is far too small. This is the perfect substitute, it's subtle and pretty! 

Rose lampshade- Dunelm £9.99

The final item is this tiny plaque that my Mum bought me the other day. It is such a strong message to send to someone. I may be going to Uni and facing a number of challenges but the most important thing is to bee myself. I love the bright yellow background and bee pun, as lame as it is!

Bee plaque-Sass and Belle £1.99

I took a slight gamble blogging about something else, so I hope you enjoyed it! I will be doing another 'tour' of homeware items once I have moved into my uni room. Thank-you for reading yet again...

Mollie Woodley 

xxxx