Boyfriend shirt

Oversized checkered shirt: HEARTS & BOWS via ARK (c/o) | Skinny leather trousers: RIVER ISLAND | Glasses: eBay | Shoes: CONVERSE

Sometimes, there's nothing better than the good old big-shirt-skinny-pants combination, maybe you agree, maybe you don't, but I just feel effortlessly cool, and maybe even a little bit sexy, in this ensemble.  Plus, my rule has always, always, been 'if you go baggy on one half, go tight on the other'.  I mean, it just makes sense. I am thoroughly enjoying making my way through my wardrobe and teaming every top I own with these pants.  There's no order to it, I just happen to think 'right, I'm wearing the leather pants today, now just pick the first shirt you see.'  Today, it's this shirt.  A gift from Ark a few months ago, I chose it because I was lacking a checked shirt in my clothes collection (and it's just one of those items that every girl should have, right?) and I liked the oversized look of this one.  It was even bigger before it shrunk in the wash, but let's forget that part.
You might notice a new addition to my face.  No, I didn't listen to the adverts and made a trip to Specsavers, they've actually been passed down from my mother, who bought them for 99p off eBay.  I can't get enough off them and even wear them around the house just to make myself feel cool.  Totally loving the whole geek chic look at the moment, next on the list is some braces.  I think they look great with these leather pants as leather pants aren't usually associated with being geeky, more, erm, fetishy.  So the contrast is definitely there.
I am really enjoying being home.  I've done practically nothing since Thursday, and I am bloody loving it.  I have been doing a lot of baking though, I even started baking at something past midnight last night whilst watching the 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' (AMAZING FILM ok?!) so that was pretty damn good.
Hope you're having a nice weekend!

Wishful Wednesday

1. Knitted shaggy tassle jumper £38 TOPSHOP | 2. Dip-dye vest top £7.99 H&M | 3. Handcuff bangle £7 TOPMAN |
4. Skull tee £20 CRAFTED via REPUBLIC | 5. Gold baroque print skirt £24.99 HEARTS & BOWS via ARK |
6. Knitted geo maxi dress £65 TOPSHOP

1. I spotted this a few weeks or so ago and I like it more each time I see it.  I think it's the shredded tassels which sold it to me, perfect with a simple pair of black skinny jeans and some Converse.
2. This is really simple but such a cool piece.  At a very low price I'm not surprised it's sold out online.
3. Sometimes Topman has equally as cool jewellery as Topshop does, I don't know why I don't browse there more often.
4. I reeeally like the print on this top.  It has an awesome back, too.
5. Baroque n' roll, baby. I haven't liked that many baroque pieces this season, despite it being a massive trend, but I do lust after this one. Great with a simple black tee and a statement necklace.
6. Not my usual piece of clothing to go after, but there's something about this which drew me in.  I think it's the fact that you could throw this in with some Chucks in a matter of thirty seconds, with your bed hair, and immediately look like the coolest girl in the world.

Ganesha

Ganesh tee: TITLE UNKNOWN via URBAN OUTFITTERS |
Black vintage denim Levi's shorts: HEARTS & BOWS via ARK | Black felt bowler hat: TOPSHOP | Shoes: CONVERSE

I don't know if you saw my Urban Outfitters haul post the other day but if you did you would have already seen this t-shirt.  I also said how elephants are my favourite animal which works out quite well as Ganesha is also my favourite Hindu god.  I learnt Buddhism followed by Hinduism in my first year of college a couple of years ago and ended up thinking Hinduism is a really lovely religion what with all of their different gods of different things, but Ganesha was the one who stood out to me (and this was before my obsession with elephants). 
Ganesha is the Lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles and is also worshipped as the god of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth.  The rosary in one of his hands suggests that the pursuit of knowledge should be continuous and the open hand is a pose of protection and refuge.  He is also humble enough to ride a mouse, 'the lowest of creatures'.  So there's a little lesson in religion for you.  I'm not a Hindu, no, but if I was I would definitely choose to worship Ganesha because, you know, he's totally awesome.
Aside from that, I do really like the top as a whole.  I think the colours are lovely against the grey base and it's got a great loose fit.  Perfect just simply tucked into some high-waisted black denim shorts.  I'd love to dress it up a bit though, too.  Maybe with a bodycon midi skirt, or a blazer, so you'll have to watch this space.  I'm quickly becoming a big fan of Urban Outfitters, the prices are probably slightly worse than Topshop, even, but they have a niche and stock extremely cool and quirky stuff, so I can now say it's one of my go-to shops, alongside ASOS and Topshop.  Oh, how pleased my credit card will be.
I'm back in Manchester now and am currently on my lunch break from uni before going back for another hour.  I'll then probably come back, watch rubbish on telly and read some magazines.  I have recently been trying (and trying, and trying...) to get a job in retail, but have had no replies back.  Nada.  I must applied to at least fifteen vacancies in the past few months, I even handed my CV into a bridal shop yesterday hoping my experience in that area will help me, so am keeping my fingers crossed!

Machine guns ready to go

Tiger silk sweater: ASOS | Cream pom pom hat: TOPSHOP |
Black vintage denim cut-off Levi's shorts: HEARTS & BOWS via ARK (c/o) | Shoes: CONVERSE

I adore this sweater, the colours the so lovely.  And, d'uh, it's a tiger, therefore it's awesome.  I really like how it looks with the cream hat, the colours go well together but mainly because the casual feel of it contrasts with the silk top.  It's such a unique piece and one of my best finds, in my opinion, and it would look great worn in so many different ways.  Another good thing about it is the little chain attached to the neck, so you can just throw it on and go rather than umming and ahhing over which necklace you should wear with it.
I was very lucky to recieve these shorts a few months back.  Ark contacted me and offered me to pick a couple of things from their Hearts & Bows range (which is my favourite) and these shorts had been on my wishlist for quite some time.  These are the first and only product I own by Levi's as I thought they were too expensive for my budget, but these are completely affordable at under twenty seven pounds, am I the only one who thinks that's a really good price?  For me the distressed and frayed effect is a must when it comes to buying denim shorts, as well as them being high-waisted.  Much more flattering and easy to wear, don't you think?  I'm not a sucker for vintage, really, but I do like how these are one-offs, to some extent.
Hope you all had a nice weekend, I have!  I went to watch 'Skyfall' yesterday with my brother and my dad.  It really is a good film, I haven't seen many Bonds, and if I have I can't really remember them, but I'm convinced that Daniel Craig is the best Bond ever.  Although Sean Connery's accent will always be unbeatable.  Have you seen it yet?  What did you think?  I compared the end to Home Alone, but my brother and dad quickly disagreed...
I went out to breakfast this morning to this cute little cottage thing in the middle of nowhere, beans on toast, yummm.  I'm now chilling watching 'The King's Speech' with my mum before going back to Manchester this afternoon, and then back to uni tomorrow morning.

Spaceman

Spaceman t-shirt & cream pom pom hat: TOPSHOP | Gold chunky chain necklace: ASOS |
Black denim Levi's shorts: HEARTS & BOWS via ARK (c/o) | Shoes: CONVERSE

The coolest t-shirt ever is back, baby.  I'm so glad I snapped this up when I had the chance as it quickly disappeared, in-store and online.  Phew.  I will be forever grateful for my ridiculous shopping habits, because this will remain to be one of my favourite pieces of clothing, ever.  I would go as far to say that it would probably be one of the things which I would quickly grab in the case of a fire.  I've never seen anything like it before, and I probably never will do again, and when I put it on and see myself in the mirror I just think 'God, this tee is SO EFFING COOL!'.  Every. Time.
Last time I wore it in a more dressed-up way (if a spaceman t-shirt can ever be dressed up) with a black skirt and some boots, but this time I went down a more fun (/little boy) route with my trusty Converse and my pom pom hat.  I now have three of these pom pom hats, obviously in three different colours, and I can't help but keep adding one to all of my outfits.  They are, in my opinion, the perfect winter accessory and they give any look a cool, casual vibe.  It's got to the point where I wear them inside now, too, and I constantly get asked 'Dem, why have you still got that hat on?', 'It's like a comfort blanket for my head!' I tell them.  There's still two colours which I haven't purchased, so perhaps I should stay away from Topshop for a while...
So the weekend has come!  My day has started off well with watching typical week day television ('This Morning' and 'Loose Women', standard), a new package from Urban Outfitters followed by beans on toast.  I'm not sure what I'm doing later, maybe just watch a movie with my mother.
My night was full of Rihanna last night (albeit still not enough since she wasn't actually with me), firstly on Tumblr when admiring lots of pictures of her performing at the VS show, then I watched her live on Facebook, on which she said 'I want my tits to still be sitting up, that's the main thing' when asked what she wanted to be doing in thirty years (cue little applause from me), and then I watched her brand new video for 'Diamonds'.  SO. GOOD.  I can't wait for the new album, she just keeps getting better.
Hope you all have a loooooovely weekend!

Wishful Wednesday

1. Elephant print skater skirt £35 URBAN OUTFITTERS | 2. Studded holdall bag £40 TOPSHOP |
3. Spike studded cap £18 ASOS | 4. Checked shirt with pleather collar £24.99 HEARTS & BOWS via ARK |
5. 3D Santa slipper socks £6 TOPSHOP | 6. Gold watch £25 RIVER ISLAND via ASOS |
7. Skinny biker trousers £38 TOPSHOP

1. I love elephants, therefore I love this skirt.  I very nearly bought it when I was in the shop the other day, but I was strict with myself.  As in, I bought a top with an elephant on it instead.  And an elephant rug.  And an elephant canvas.  Yeah...
2. I reeeeally like this bag.  Must not buy.  Must not buy.
3. I'm not sure if I could pull off a cap, but I'd like to try...
4. I do like checks, I do.
5. IT'S NEARLY CHRISTMAS and what better way to celebrate than with some ridiculous socks?  A ridiculous jumper is next on the list.
6. I am still in search of a perfect chunky watch without having to pray the hefty price tag of a Michael Kors one.  ASOS and River Island are doing some really good ones, at the moment.
7. I first saw the green version of these and I really like this colour, too.  I really like the zip detail on the knees.

Three ways to wear... A checkered shirt

Purple checkered shirt: HEARTS & BOWS via ARK (c/o)

With skinny jeans... Shirts are so versatile simply due to the fact that you can button them up and have the sleeves down one day, and do the exact opposite the next.  The shirt is definitely oversized and looks like you've pinched it off your boyfriend (which is just how I like them to be) so teaming them with skin-hugging skinny jeans seemed like an obvious choice.  Boyish, but cool.
Tied at the waist... If you think the trend of tying your sweater/shirt around your waist had retired, you can think again.  Things like chokers and creepers are having a big comeback, too, so it's obvious that 90s fashion is having a revival this season, which is fine with me.
With Converse & a beanie hat... This look is kept simple and toned down.  The shirt, which hasn't been buttoned all the way to the top and the sleeves have been rolled up, has been tucked into a simple skater skirt.  A beanie hat is a great accessory to add to any outfit, so I would definitely recommend getting your hands on one.

Wishful Wednesday

1. Cross necklace £8 ASOS | 2. Black studded faux leather jacket £74.99 HEARTS & BOWS via ARK |
3. Black fluffy batwing jumper £37 MISS SELFRIDGE | 4. Velvet cross shoker necklace £14 TOPSHOP |
5. Grey baroque print t-shirt £18 ASOS | 6. Berry beanie hat £3.99 H&M

1. This would give a nice touch to any outfit, and I'm pretty sure that if I bought it I'd never have it off my neck.
2. God, how freaking cool is this jacket?  I am so not over studs, in fact the more the better, I say.
3. I think this would look so good as part of a casual, toned down outfit for the A/W season.
4. Chokers are coming back, and if there's one thing I loved wearing when I was a kid, it was a choker.  Totally going to rock one of these.
5. I've had my eye on this tee for a while, baroque is associated with glam, embellished items, so I like how this t-shirt goes the other way with its grey material, giving it a casual feel.
6. One simply cannot have enough hats for the winter, I have discovered.  I like the colour of this one.

September shopping haul

Poppy floral oversized tee: TOPSHOP

Yellow knitted high neck rib jumper & black felt bowler hat: TOPSHOP

Green cable knit jumper: ZARA

Textured knit snood, spike headband, dainty handcuff necklace, chunky chain necklace
& cross stretch bracelet: ASOS

Punctuation necklace, water symbol necklace: TOPSHOP

Nail varnish in Gypsy Night: TOPSHOP

Black coated bowling bag: TOPSHOP

Red checkered pyjama pants: PRIMARK

Hair do doodles notebook: PAPERCHASE

Neon nail varnishes: AMERICAN APPAREL

Black vintage Levi's shorts: HEARTS & BOWS via ARK (c/o)

Rolling Stone Rihanna poster: HMV

Wow, one can pretend they haven't spent that much money until they put it all in one haul post, but what the hell.  I was doing well by not spending anything (meaning I didn't buy anything in a few days) until I purchased the oversized floral tee from Topshop, and it kinda' just went down hill from there.  I have started university this month as a lot of you will know, so I now live in Manchester.  This means I now have a two floor Topshop, rather than the tiny little one in Burnley.  This can only end badly, I mean, I've already splashed twenty five pounds on a HAT.  Yeah, still not over that, but have been wearing it every day since to justify that amount.  I also went into Primark and bought something from there for the first time, EVER.  Now that IS a massive shop, and it took me about twenty bloody minutes to find some pyjama pants.  I'm hardly buying my outfits from there, but it's a start.
I was kindly offered by Ark to choose something from the Hearts & Bows range, and these shorts were something which I had my eye on for a while.  I am a bit picky with denim shorts, I like them to be at least slightly high-waisted, with the frayed hem, and I don't mind showing a bit of bum (it's only a bit of bum cheek, ladies, come on) as long as it's not with tights.  What's the point in wearing really short shorts, when you're gonna be wearing TIGHTS?!  Not a good look, but fortunately, these come just below my bum, so I have been happily wearing them with tights rather than having to keep them just for summer.  Great with a chunky jumper.
So yeah, these are my naughty purchases from this month.  And I may or may not have purchased a new sweater and pair of boots off ASOS, ahem...

Fix you

Checkered oversized shirt: HEARTS & BOWS via ARK (c/o) | Green ribbed beanie hat: ASOS | Black coated skater skirt: RIVER ISLAND | Shoes: CONVERSE

 

Girlie grunge people, girlie grunge.  That's all I have to say.  I am physically and mentally drained, when you apply for university and everything that could have gone wrong in the process, probably has gone wrong, it takes it out of you, I tell you.  I think I am finally getting there, and I think I have bagged myself a job, but everything is all over the place at the moment so I couldn't confirm that.
I've had less than five hours sleep after having to wake up at six this morning, ON A SATURDAY, and the two big suitcases in my room aren't packed yet (I move tomorrow), so bear with me people.  Bear with me.
*Yawn.*