Blue over you

Sorry I've been out of touch for the last week - it seems spring/summer had arrived in London! The weather's been too lovely to stay inside on the laptop and when I have been stuck at this desk it's been to book hotels and car hire for Sicily (we leave Friday!).  But I did steal some time to take an old dress and 'make do and mend' (shout-out to the upcoming jubilee with that gem) and to take some pics for you guys!

I was actually wearing this dress the day I met my boyfriend (almost 3 years ago), but i fell out with it last summer as it was looking 'a bit tween-ish'. I thought removing the ruffles might tone it down a bit, so that's what I did! It took a sharp pair of scissors and a careful hand but I think the finished product is great. It's simple and ergo more timeless, so I'll be able to keep wearing the dress that become history...

What do you think of my attempt at fashion DIY? xo

BEFORE

AFTER

I was wearing: New Look Dress (altered by me), stripe belt (from a differnt dress), Bertie boots, H&M straw bag. Accessories include: Michael Kors watch, white gold diamond spot ring, Scagen black pearl ring, Banana Republic silver hoop earrings (the same pair that I gave to my friend as a gift, who now knows I bought a pair for myself too... ).

Foot hardware

Marc by Marc Jacobs silver sandal

Something I love about fashion is how one specific accessory or item can make your old wardrobe look so of-the-moment. This summer I’m investing in a pair of flat silver sandals to do just that – I can see them taking me right through the hot season, being worn with denim shorts, floaty tops and every kind of dress.

For starters, silver goes with pretty much everything; plus I think there is something brilliantly futuristic about a metallic finish that will really compliment this seasons trends. All the florals, paisley, lace, broderie, pastels and candy colours that are around at the moment can be a bit too traditional or girly if embraced head to toe (at least for an ex-tomboy like me), so I’ll be adding a little harmonious contradiction into my summer wardrobe.  What could be more perfect with floral shorts or a sugary dress than some sleek, silver sandals? :)

Kurt Geiger has my favourite collection of sandals at the moment – if you are looking for any colour or style I suggest checking them out! xo

Miss KG Peyton sandals

Musa metallic braided leather sandals

Kurt Geiger Koko sandals

Zara basic sandal

French Connection Raymond strappy flat sandal

Topshop Houpla leather strap sandals

Friday at last!!

Here's some flowers I arranged in a little jam jar yesterday, hope they brighten up your day! Have a great weekend! xo

Obsessing over Reiss

Reiss Athena Dress - It's girly swishyness meets edgy, inky print. LOVE. 

I've been browsing Reiss and have found some amazing pieces that need to be in my wardrobe now! However, since i've just booked flights for my next holiday (Ciao Sicily!), my shopping is going to have to be scaled back for a little while, boo. 


Until then I can at least look at the pretty clothes, right? xo

Reiss Sid shorts and Lady Jacket - If I was going to buy
a printed shorts suit,  this would be the one. 

   

Reiss Molly Maxi Skirt - Sheer romanticism in a skirt. 

Reiss Bowie Jersey Trousers - An understated print is definitely more my style. 

Reiss Soren top - A stripe tee but cooler.

Reiss Ramona top - I. Love. This.

Reiss Danni top - This tee IS summer.

Reiss Emily shorts - lace shorts are one of my latest obsessions,  and these are definitely covet worthy!

Sunny colour for a sunny day

A late lunch in a sweet courtyard

Here are some more photos of my outfit from the last day of my trip to Istanbul - I was trying to channel the sporty vibe that I posted about here, with a H&M top and a slick ponytail.  Because we were going to the blue mosque I had to cover my legs (and wear a jacket) to go inside. I would have loved to wear shorts since it was such a lovely day, but that would have been beyond disrespectful (and they wouldn't have let me in anyway)!


Now, if only London would get warm enough for shorts and sleeveless tops! xo

Inside Hagia Sophia museum

Overlooking the many lanters below

I love the back of this top! 

Simple jewellery with a bright colour

Traffic and mosque - a constant backdrop in Istanbul 

I was wearing: H&M neon coral top, Textile Elizabeth and James 'Debbie' jeans (bought in net-a-porter sale), Dune sandals. Accessories included: Mimco shopper bag, Ray Ban sunglasses, Michael Kors watch, Tiffany bracelet, souvenir evil eye bracelet.

Hurry up summer!

H&M bikini & sunglasses, beach bag by Country Road

I love British optimism (usually seen in the form of people driving around in convertibles on a miserable, grey, windy day just because it happens to be summer). Unfortunately, I think I've finally succumbed to it's warped sensibilities because yesterday - while wearing a jacket and a scarf - I bought a bikini. I'd been thinking about this bikini ever since I featured it in this post, and when I finally tried it on I knew it was mine (even if it's quite skimpy in the derrière).  Then I saw the sunnies and voilà - my new beach outfit! 

Also, thanks to Diana at D'elama, whose great advice means I now own the fab yellow and silver necklace below (which I wore today with a stripped Gap top). I also got a really funky pink necklace too - not sure how I'll wear that one, but I'm looking forward to experimenting! Suggestions welcome!! xo

H&M necklace (available in-store)

Forever 21 painted spike necklace

Sunday treats from Selfridges!

Hope you all have had a great weekend! I did a spot of shopping this afternoon and I picked up these treats from Lola's handcrafted cupcakes in Selfridges food hall (I also got some other bits and pieces which I'll share soon). So for desert tonight we have sticky toffee pudding flavour cupcake for Nick and blueberry flavour cupcake for me (which the shop assistant recommended).  Check out really clever carry-box which meant they didn't get squished at all - genius. They almost look too pretty to eat (only almost though hehe)! xo

Neon and neutral (and sunshine at last!)

The grounds of Topaki Palace

This is the outfit from the second day of my trip - the neon skirt I wore in this post but this time with a summer twist, pairing it with beige and white. I wore a short beige slip underneath (sincei cut out the bright lining) to keep things at least slightly demure, with a satin look beige tank. I wore the same belt from the day before but this time with a bow to match the girlyness of the skirt. Comfort ruled over fashion for footwear: although I wanted to wear my espadrille wedges, the amount of walking we had planned meant that flip flops were a practical necessity! I kept the clear bag from the previous day too - it fit everything and didn't detract form the outfit.

I hope your week has been as lovely and sunny as it was on this day (it's even sunny in London today)! Have a great weekend all! xo

Outside the palace gates

Amazing tiles in the Harem

Best strawberry slushy EVER (I swear it was made with real strawberries)!

Relaxing in the grounds

On the Breakfast balcony, overlooking the other side of the river

I was wearing: ASOS neon yellow lace skirt, ASOS satin vest, Coccinelle white leather tie belt. Accessories included: Havaianas flip flops, Mimco shopping bag, Ray Ban sunglasses, Michael Kors watch, Tiffany bracelet, souvenir evil eye bracelet, white gold and diamond spotty ring.

A little white dress...

Me, with the Golden Horn river and Galata tower in the background

Apologies for the few days MIB (missing in the blogosphere), but getting back to work after such a lovely holiday totally wiped me out!

Anyway, here's the outfit I wore on the first day of my trip to Istanbul - the little white shirtdress, which I'd mentioned in this post. You have to forgive my lack of tan - this is the first time my legs saw sun since my February trip to Australia!

I wanted to pair the dress with as much white as possible to get that fresh summer look. Unfortunately, my white flip flops just didn't work right with the tailoring of the dress, so in the end I went with tan sandals. I did manage to get a great white leather tie-belt from Coccielle the day before I left, and I improvised by using a clear Mimco shopping bag that had white straps (which actually came free when I bought a clutch from there). I really like the idea of clear bags for summer; there's something really beachy about it!

Any other ideas for how I can wear this dress...? xo

In the spice bazaar

Chilling out next to the Galata tower

I was wearing: Maison Scotch white shirtdress, Dune tan sandals (available here). Accessories included: Mimco shopping bag, Michael Kors watch, Tiffany bracelet, Oliver Bonas faux pearl bracelet, Cos neon yellow bracelets, white gold and diamond spotty ring (gift).

Istanbul: Final day

Well, tomorrow we head back to London so today was our last full day in Istanbul. We decided to spend it knee-deep in culture: visiting the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, the Basilica Cistern and the Galata Tower. We topped all that off with a drink at a rooftop terrace overlooking the palace and old part of Istanbul, then dinner in Algerian Street. It was such a nice day that I don't want to go back! xo

(1. Barefoot in the Blue Mosque, 2. Turkish breakfast platter, 3. Knackered after a very full trip, 4. View from our private balcony at dinnertime, 5. The lanterns inside Hagia Sophia)