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 

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