Girl in Gingham

I opened up the photo album and was met with a musty smell, an old, worn out kind of smell but homely at the same time. Displayed neatly across the pages were black and white photos of my Nan wearing some amazing outfits. Boxed dresses, silky shirt and skirt combinations, not one hair out of place hair styles and amazing thick rimmed glasses. I couldn't quite believe how sophisticated, smart and chic my Nan looked in every photo.

It was clear to see that watching women in Hollywood films definitely inspired my Nan. There was a metallic skirt which looked super shiny. The ever so fashionable high waisted bikini on the beach paired with platform sandals. And the most classic of them all- a box dress, small heel and beehive combination that summed up the swinging 60's. I so wish that my Nan had kept all her clothes as it would mean that I could dress in the actual classics as opposed to a new updated version.

***

However my brown eyes sourced out a gorgeous box dress in my all time favourite River Island within the Chelsea Girl section. I flicked through the rail until I stumbled across a black and white gingham box dress with velvet detail. It ticked all the boxes (no I didn't need it but yes I wanted it!) So I went out on a little shoot and paired the dress with my beautiful white small heels and a beige and burgundy cute handbag-Here are the results. 

I absolutely love everything about this dress and it is something that can be worn in both the summer and the winter. I'm thinking of adding some chunky thick tights, boots and a long sleeve underneath for more cooler days but for now I'll enjoy wearing it bare legged with a sandal type shoe.

Would love to know what you think of it, please comment below!

Dress- From River Island
Shoes and Earrings from Primark
Choker-New Look
Bag- Camden Market

Thank-you for reading, 

Mollie Isabella 

x

I even shop in the sky.

After having an extremely busy week, going to London to see Matilda, Birmingham to see Ant and Dec's Live tour, attending a Mummy Shower, working, shopping and catching up with my best friend, writing a post has been pretty much near impossible. This does mean though I have a lot to talk about this week, with all my new purchases etc.

To kick off this week I am going to speak about my new beauty buys, which for me is extremely rare. I am not one to venture out and try new styles of make-up, once I am happy with my look I stick with it. If someone asked me to create a smoky eye or apply foundation I would be screwed because quite frankly I'm not blessed in being talented with make-up. My make-up routine includes, attempting a flick on my eye lid approximately 5 times per morning, layering on the mascara and applying one of my many lipsticks to compliment my outfit. Anyway lets start with my recent buys which have all be tried and tested so I can tell you more about them!

The first items I present to you here were purchased at approximately 35,000 feet in the air, over a warm country, soaring high above the cotton wool clouds below. I love flicking through the catalogues on an aeroplane and making a cheeky purchase. This was not a cheeky purchase though, this was a MASSIVE  bargain-four different shades of Kate Moss lipsticks for an amazing £12. 

Each and every shade manages to compliment my skin, which is not something I can usually say. My favourite out of the four so far is shade #03. It is not a colour that I would have ever picked up on the shelf but it goes with everything and looks really smart. I definitely recommend this colour if you want a more subtle shade that still creates an impact. I love Kate Moss lipsticks because they enable my lips to be bold but still remain moisturised and soft all day. 

The second lot of items I have were also purchased high above the clouds, for yet again a brilliant price. Overall for the three separate products I only spent £16.Mascara and eye-liner are both necessities in my life and without applying them I would not leave the house. Eye make-up for me is a massive confidence boost. For £16 I got two tubes of Loréal Million Lashes Excess and a Colour Riche Le Khól in black.

I am extremely happy with these products overall. The mascara enables my eyes to look effortlessly sophisticated, creating long, spread out lashes without any clumps. The eye liner, is thick and bold and the pencil is so soft it makes applying it very easy. I heavily recommend this product to anyone. 

Whenever I need a nail varnish I head straight over to the Maybelline section and purchase a Colour Show nail polish due to the quick drying polish and amazing array of colours they have to offer. Grey nail polishes tend to be quite 'wishy washy' so I was pleasantly surprised when I painted #288 Cool Touch onto my nails. It was the exact colour I had wanted. I then had to buy #04 Alley Attitude which is a top coat that includes bright blue and black flecks. The plain grey was £2.99 and the top coat was £3.99. 

I am so in love with the top coats and know I will end up buying them in every different variation avaliable. If you want a good nail polish that is long lasting, then honestly head straight over to Maybelline and take your pick at the Colour Show options. 

The final item is one that I have now purchased a couple of times due to the fact it works so well and lasts all day. I wanted to try a gel liner for ages to see if it was easier to apply than the original eye liner that I used and I was extremely impressed with the results. I decided on Barry M Gel Waterproof Eyeliner because it was within my price limit at £5.49. The eye liner is thick and the small brush makes flicks much easier. 

It's fast drying, easy to apply and creates both thick and thin flicks much easier than some previous products I have used. I will definitely be sticking to this exact gel liner for my top lids. It is a good price and fits perfectly into my make-up bag. 

Well there you go, I hope you enjoyed and try out some of these amazing products. I always start off with a short blog but get so carried away when I type, I need to learn to shorten my blabber. 

Thank-you for reading, 

Mollie Isabella 

x 

Liebster Award

Thanks to the wonderful Mariah, click on this link to check her out, I have been nominated for a Liebster Award and this will enable me to let you lovely readers find out a bit more about myself. At first I had never heard of the Liebster Award but after reading all the rules I've realised it is a brilliant way to get new Bloggers extra followers.

So hello my name is Mollie (enjoy the cheeky little 'selfie' taken before the Ice Bar) and below are all the rules you need to follow along with my eleven nominations of Bloggers with under 200 followers- ENJOY.

RULES:

• Link back to the person that nominated you. 
• Write eleven facts about yourself. 
• You must answer all eleven questions given to you by the person that nominated you. 
• After completing the questions you must nominate eleven bloggers of your choice (with under 200 followers) and give them eleven questions of your choice to answer.
• You must not nominate the person that nominated you. 
• You must notify the nominee's that you have nominated so that they know and provide them with a link to your post so they can learn all about the Liebster Award. 

ELEVEN FACTS ABOUT ME:

1. I have a fear of all animals, it's both annoying and embarrassing. 
2. I LOVE music although I don't tend to experiment-I am in LOVE with Ed Sheeran and Bastille.
3. I could not live without my eye-liner or mascara!
4. I love lasagne. 
5. I have always wanted freckles just across my nose. 
6. I want to become either a fashion journalist or teacher-hopefully my gap year will help me decide.
7. My favourite clothes shop is River Island but I do love Primark especially for shoes. 
8. My favourite season is summer due to the sunshine but my favourite time of year is Christmas.
9. I have extremely pale skin. 
10. My favourite trend at the moment is Monochrome. 
11. I love Hollyoaks-I'm hooked. 

MARIAH'S QUESTIONS: 

1. If you could be any fictional character who would you choose?

-As sad as it sounds I would be Woody from Toystory. Living life as a toy would be pretty awesome, just think of all the adventures. 

2. What is the last movie/book/song that made you tear up?

-FAULT IN OUR STAR'S, the movie is absolutely brilliant and I continued to cry from about half way through. It manages to cover such a touching subject but add the beautiful element of romance and friendship which enables everyone to feel involved within the film.

3. What is your favourite quote?

-If I can't control my hair, how can I control my life?

4. Do you ever get mistaken as a celebrity?

-Nope but at work once someone said that I looked like Gabrille Aplin but the only resemblance at the time was the block fringe. 

5. Would you rather read from a paper back or Kindle/Nook?

-Paper back all the way. 

6.Are you an outdoor or indoor person?

-I would love to say i was an outdoor person but due to my fear of animals (especially cats, dogs, pigeons, ducks, all bugs, snakes etc) going outdoors can sometimes be a nightmare and exploring across fields etc is a NO NO. So an indoor person it is.  

7. If you could back in time what decade would you visit?

-Swinging sixties, just look at the fashion!

8. Where is your dream vacation destination?

-America (if the flight wasn't so long)!

9. What is one life goal you have?

-To make sure that I continue to make my family proud. They have made me the person that I am today and I hope that I manage to make them proud in whatever I end up doing. 

10. Peanut butter or Nutella?

-Nutella, I have never tried peanut butter.

11. If you could switch places with someone for a day who would it be?

-After thinking about this long and hard I am stuck between a couple of people. It would have to be either Victoria Beckham so I could spend some time with the gorgeous David Beckham or I would become a member of Bastille either Woody or Will so that I could meet Kyle and Dan. Both of these are very sad but opportunities I can't afford to miss. 

MY QUESTION'S TO MY NOMINEE'S: 

1. What is your favourite clothing store and why?
2. If you could have only one piece of make-up for the rest of your life what would it be?
3. What is your favourite film?
4. If you could meet one celebrity who would it be?
5. What is your dream ambition?
6. What is your biggest fear and why?
7. Why did you start blogging?
8. Who is your favourite singer/band?
9. Which season is your favourite?
10. If you could visit anywhere in the world where would it be?
11. What is your favourite thing to do to pass time?

I TAG:

1. Sinead @ Enjoy The Minuscules 
2. Kate @ KateDruryy
3. Rachael @ Broomfie
4. Molly @ Mollypocketx
5. Kirsty @ Think like Kirst
6. Lauren @ Lauren Anna fashion
7. Chloe @ Chloe Alice lifestyle
8. Jane @ Jane Khodos
9. Sophie @ Sophella London
10. Amanda @ Flawless fashion fix
11. Lily @ Peastreet

Thank-you all for reading and thanks once again to Mariah for nominating me, enjoy nominating people!

Mollie Isabella 

Señorita

With the gorgeous hot summer sun beating down on my (extremely) pale skin, I stared up to the picturesque sky and daydreamed as I listened to Ed Sheeran's new album, which may I say puts a definition to the word perfect. It's strange, putting headphones in causes the whole world around you to be blocked out, you somehow escape and escaping with such a talented man was well, it couldn't have been more beautiful.

By day I relaxed with a copy of Cosmo, Look or Glamour stunned by next seasons collection- ALL hail the return of the 60's mini skirt! Or I became glued to a book-two in fact- Gone Girl and Fault in our Stars. I heavily recommend that you read both- Gone Girl for a gripping thriller or Fault in our Stars for an amazingly written book that compliments the film perfectly.

However by night I went out and experienced a number of different restaurants along the seafront, popping into cute shops to purchase anklets, bracelets and presents, watching artists draw portraits and caricatures and indulging in freshly made crepes smothered in Nutella! Anyway that's enough of what I did, the main point of this blog post is what I wore- below I've selected a few different outfits I wore on nights out.

I loved the fact that this play-suit had two clashing prints on it and the hat was an oober cute take on the bowler hat, perfect for an abroad holiday! Converse are so versatile and comfortable and I thought they worked perfectly. Play-suit-Forever 21 Hat-River Island

This fringed maxi skirt is my all time favourite holiday item! It's so versatile and unique! I paired with a cobalt blue crop top, simple white sandals and some aviator styled sunglasses with simple yet effective flower detailing. The outfit is simple overall but with the skirt being a stand out piece it works well. Skirt-New Look  Sandals and Sunglasses-Primark Top-H & M

These floral shorts were so comfortable and I love the orange and blue pattern. I paired with a short sleeved cropped denim top and yet again my Converse (however by this time they were looking more beige than white!) I had a chunky gold chain around my neck (accessories are limited!) Top and Shorts -H & M Necklace- New Look

A cobalt blue dress with a baby blue patterned kimono and a pair of black platform sandals is something that I just threw together hoping for the best. It's something that I think worked quite well. Paired with a chunky gold necklace and a anklet brought when I was out there! Necklace-New Look Dress- H & M Kimono & Platform sandals- Primark

This is my favourite outfit out of the ones shown above-I LOVE monochrome. I paired a tropical monochrome printed skirt with a lace trim top, a pair of platform heels, a monochrome camera bag, anklet and a necklace with a turtle on it purchased somewhere in Spain. I love monochrome and this outfit is definitely me all over! Platform sandals and Camera Bag-Primark Skirt and Top- H & M

Thank-you for reading, 

Mollie Isabella 

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