Batman baseball style top: PRIMARK | Grey wool beanie hat: TOPMAN | High waisted leather shorts: TOPSHOP | Shoes: CONVERSE

I don't really shop in Primark, and this is for a number of reasons:

1. Up until I started reading a lot of blogs, I was a clothes snob; I was sticking to Topshop.
2. I'd never been near one until starting uni in Manchester last year, and now I'm back home I'm far away from one again.
3. All the people!  Once I am in public I am one of the most impatient people you could meet.  As soon as I step in Primark I go from 0 - Frustrated in the space of three seconds. WHY ARE YOU STOPPING IN THE MIDDLE OF A STORE FULL OF PEOPLE?  BITCH!  (I'm joking.  Kind of...)

However, things have changed, as here I am in a Primark item!  This is my third item from there actually, I got another piece in the same visit as this one and the first thing I ever bought from them was some pyjama pants (so maybe that doesn't count?).  I had a trip to Manchester the weekend before last for a bloggers' meet up, but after realising at the meet up that an hour had passed and I hadn't had any conversations with anyone, I decided to leave and do what I am good at - shopping!  (I clearly have issues.)
I've realised though that I don't go into Primark unless there's an item(s) which I am specifically looking for.  On this trip there were two - both spotted on Lily - and I just knew I had to have them.  I was doubtful in my search as it took me five times the usual time it takes me to find something (the store is far too big me) but I got there in the end!  I walked out with two pieces of clothing for less than twenty pounds altogether, reminding me of the reason why so many bloggers love it in there.

As a fan of Batman, buying this top for a mere six pounds was definitely something to get excited about.  I think I bought it in a size 16 - the largest they had - as at the time I had no idea if this meant adult sizes or age 16?  But after trying it on I can see it was intended for women, not girls, but I don't mind at all and I wanted it to have that baggy, loose look anyway.
This is my first time wearing it since buying and I knew it'd look great tucked into these very new faux leather shorts, picked up in the sale section of Topshop.  The beanie and the Chucks add to the whole geek chic feel of the look, so I just think that the leather material makes it look slightly more grown up (although not much).  Saying that, though, in summer I will be going all out and teaming this with some denim shorts, probably resulting in me looking like a young child, but I'll werk it.
I felt like a superhero for the whole time wearing this, but unfortunately a short while after taking these photos I spilt sauce down it.  Not exactly a cool, heroic thing to do, huh?

Don't dream it, be it...

Oversized Rihanna t-shirt: RIVER ISLAND | Grey beanie hat: TOPMAN | Stockings/hold ups: MARKS & SPENCER | Biker boots: ASOS

Over the past week or so I've been pondering the question 'Is it okay to show your stockings in public?'.  I mean, obviously they are when they look like a pair of tights, but I'm talking about when people can actually see your garter belt straps.  In fact I've been wondering this ever since I saw a blogger rocking a thigh high split maxi skirt showing off her stockings underneath, this was sometime last year, and she looked absolutely smoking (can't find said post, gahh!).  Lydia from Fashion Influx also regularly rocks them. 
The main reason why I've finally been encouraged to wear them, though, is because I went to see 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' in theatre the other week, which not only meant I finally had a pair of stockings in my wardrobe, but I loved everyone's costumes - cast and audience - so much that it inspired me and I wanted to find a way to incorporate that sexiness into my daytime look.  As much as I loved wearing a corset (first time for me!) and a tiny skirt, you wouldn't see me walking round Tesco in that ensemble.  The thing I love about Rocky Horror though is the 'fuck you society I'm gonna be who I want to be!' message it conveys, so I just kinda thought 'Y'know what, life's too short to wear pants everyday, and these are the years which my body's gonna be at its best, so why not show it off?'.  Aaaaand so I am doing.

As the amazing Frank-N-Furter put it: "Give yourself over to absolute pleasure".

So, to answer the question, stockings are thought of as lingerie, so no, they're not acceptable to wear in public, really.  Buuuuut I'm gonna do it anyway.  SOLVED.
So if you're thinking about wearing them yourself, which you probably aren't but I said 'if', then here's an idea of how to.  I will try out the split maxi skirt one because I was totally inspired by that, but for today I'm going for this.  Stockings/hold ups are, of course, very feminine and very, very sexy (well... I think so!) so I tried my very best to contrast this as much as I could with the clothes that I wore with them.  In comes the oversized t-shirt.  I did find this on the sale rail but it was on its own, so I think it was originally from the men's section.  It's an XL so I can just get away with wearing it as a dress, at least that's what I'm hoping.  The oversized t-shirt shape is very boyish and not very flattering, which is ideal for this look.  Then we welcome the beanie hat, grey wool, nothing girlie - also a man's item.
The final addition was the boots.  On paper they're probably the worst choice of footwear to wear with stockings, but for the look I was going for they did the job perfectly, and I think the combination of them is pretty damn awesome.  Also note how I didn't wear my trusty red lipstick, but I'm not gonna lie the temptation was there!
So there we have it, it doesn't exactly say to future boyfriends 'take me home to your parents!', BUT OH WELL.  Now I'm not saying go and wear something which you'll feel totally uncomfortable in, but that one item you loved but was maybe too scared of wearing because of what people may think?  Do it!

Biker chic

I mentioned the other day that since starting my tattooing apprenticeship, despite this being only a few weeks ago, I have been fully embracing black clothes and a more rock chick kind of style.  I've never dressed overly girlie and feminine, so it's been easy to adapt. 
These new biker boots are the perfect alternative to my Converse to switch up my look a bit (but my 10+ pairs are still my babies, you understand).  To be honest with you I've wanted the boots for months now, I didn't have any biker boots and when I set my eyes on these bad boys I knew they had to be mine.  The £55 price tag, however, meant I'd have to risk it and wait.  So waited I did.  And waited.  And kept spending my money on other clothes inbetween the waiting... Apparently I don't understand the term 'saving up for something', whoops.  Buuut look, good things really do come to those who wait!  And for a whole £11 cheaper, thank you ASOS and your temporary (but often) 20% offs, I bloody love 'em. 
If you pay under £50 for a pair of shoes which you know you're gonna wear the hell out of, then it's justified, right?  Well, I'm saying it is, and I know you'll all agree because we're all women which means it's obligatory to love shoes.

Black studded leather jacket, black crop top & denim shirt: TOPSHOP | Grey beanie hat: TOPMAN | Black coated skater skirt: RIVER ISLAND | Black biker boots: ASOS

This was my first time wearing the boots and my first outfit choice was to wear it with all black.  I wasn't sure about the addition of my denim shirt but after asking mum she assured me it was a good choice and that it broke it up a bit.  Add some red lipstick and a beanie and the look is stylish but still has that effortless feel.  I was worried I'd be way too cold in only a leather jacket as well as baring my midriff, but I was actually okay!  Is England finally starting to get a bit warmer?
Ha, I couldn't even type that question with a serious face...
I've just now got back from seeing 'Oblivion' with my dad and my brother.  I didn't have any expectations because I hadn't really seen and trailers, plus I'm not a massive fan of Tom Cruise, however I ended up really liking it, we all did.  It's a really cool, futuristic film and I've never seen anything like it before.  Plus Morgan Freeman was in it and his character was a bad ass mofo, so that helped.

Wishful Wednesday

1. Striped crossover trousers £25.99 ZARA | 2. Number 86 tee £20 TOPSHOP | 3. Casual stripe shirt £25 TOPSHOP | 4. Shift dress with drop waist £45 ASOS | 5. Harness mesh bralet £22 TOPSHOP | 6. Denim gilét £40 TOPMAN

1. I have white and black ones very similar to these and I can't get enough of those, so it only makes sense to get the blue ones, right?
2. A very similar situation to #1, I have the white version of this, and most recently the black.  In fact I wore the black one in yesterday's outfit post, in which I mentioned 'I'd be snapping up the blue one once it came in stock', aaaaaand today it came in stock.  It will be mine my friends, all in good time.  All in good time.
3. Gahhh I'm fully embracing the whole dressing like a boy thing at the moment, so this shirt would be awesome in my wardrobe.  Worn with a black leather skirt?  Pleeease!
4. How flattering is this dress?  The shape is perrrfect, I adore the neckline.
5. Under a sheer white t-shirt with some black skinny jeans and biker boots, need I say more?
6. A summer essential is a denim gilet, I'd say, so why don't have one...?

Pyjama Trend

Blue coat: RIVER ISLAND | Black top & stripey pants: ZARA | Grey beanie hat: TOPMAN | Black studded flatform trainers & red lipstick: TOPSHOP

Ever wondered how you'd adapt your pyjama pants to daytime wear?  No, me neither.  But now I know.  Not that these are actual pyjamas (well I hope not or else they were very expensive pyjamas), but that trend's been round for a while now.  Y'know, the one where fashionistas wearing clothes which look exactly like pyjamas outside of the house and somehow making it look cool?  Yeah yeah, that one.  It's not showing any sign of going away either seeing as Marc Jacobs took a bow for his latest Louis Vuitton collection in actual jammies.  I mean, if he's doing it, then I'm doing it, buuut maybe not quite so extreme.  Except for the especially lazy days, maybe then I will.

 

I haven't tried the trend before, and I wasn't intending to when I saw these pants on Saturday, I just liked them, realising they looked like nightwear came afterwards.  I knew as soon as I saw them that they'd look awesome with these new shoes I got (right before buying the pants, yep) and daaaamn was I right.  I didn't want to wear anything but a simple top to keep the look as casual and effortless as possible, so this loose knit one was the perfect choice.  Add the beanie from Topman and some bright red touches and we've got one cool ass look which I am now obsessed with.  This is the start of something new for my style, I can feel it.
What do you think of these pants, would you?  Or will you be sticking to your jeans?  These ones are definitely a lot more comfortable, I can tell you that much.
I'm finally back blonde, yayyy!  You might not know seeing as the last outfit I posted on here was with my orange hair, but yep, I got it out in the end.  Don't get me wrong, being an orange head was awesome and fun, but if the box says it washes out after a while, then I expect it to wash out, kapeesh?
How've you been?  It's been aaaages since I've properly posted, so a catch up is well needed!  I've been good and am still enjoying my tattooing apprenticeship, make sure you keep me in mind if you're planning on getting a tattoo, wink wink.  You'll be waiting a while mind, but it'll be worth it!

Wishful Wednesday

1. Shark dress £30 TEE AND CAKE via TOPSHOP | 2. Sweat dress £45 ASOS | 3. Astro t-shirt £25 TOPMAN | 4. Eyeball tank top £18 TOPSHOP | 5. Polo neck bodycon dress £26 AMERICAN APPAREL via ASOS

All I have to say this week is that eyeball tank top will be mine.  Oh, and I want the shark dress so I can put the 'Jaws' themetune on my phone and then walk towards people in a scary manner, pointing my torso towards them.

The end.

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.

Wishful Wednesday

1. Rose & spike floral headband £13 TOPSHOP | 2. Bright pink beanie £8 RIVER ISLAND |
3. Fade washed twist back tank top £30 URBAN OUTFITTERS |
4. Green cable knit jumper £19.99 ZARA | 5. Acid wash blue denim jacket £45 TOPMAN |
6. Cross stretch bracelet £8 ASOS | 7. Black lace skirt £40 TOPSHOP |
8. White tuxedo style blazer £25 FASHION UNION | 9. Top with laddered dip back £25 ASOS

1. Some of you will know that my pink version of this headband is my go-to statement accessory, so when this black one came in stock the other day, I just HAD to add it to my wishlist.  Such a great alternative for next season.
2. I am aiming to make my beanie collection (current count: 1) grow, and this neon pink one would be a welcomed addition.
3. I don't own anything from Urban Outfitters at the moment as I think their stuff can be a bit too pricey, but I love the back of this top.
4. From over-priced to UNDER-priced.  I expected this to be at least forty pounds, but nope, it's less than twenty.  Dark green is a favourite colour of mine in the winter, and I love cable knit jumpers, so I think it's only a matter of time before I am really naughty and purchase this...
5. My wardrobe still needs a vintage-esque over-sized denim jacket (I know, how late am I?!), and this men's one would be perfect.
6. I really like this unique piece of jewellery, just how cool is this?
7. This isn't a type of thing which I usually wear, but I instantly liked it.  I think it would be an awesome contrast to my Converse.
8. A white blazer is pretty much as necessary as a black blazer is, in my eyes.  I have been looking for one for SO LONG, and after ordering one and getting all excited, I had to send it back as it just didn't look right on me.  Disappointment!  But this one looks pretty damn perfect, and for £25?  Dayummm.  Too good to be true?
9.  OH HI COOLEST TOP I HAVE EVER SEEN.  Just, yeah, I want this.  This is my new BFF.  Love it.

Ripped

Black blazer: H&M | 'Ripped' vest top: TOPMAN | Skinny jeans: ZARA | Shoes: CONVERSE

So I went to Manchester shopping centre yesterday, and I have practically no money at the moment, but there were so many nice clothes in one place I nearly exploded (it happens...), so I thought 'I'll just get one thing', and what was the first thing I saw and thought 'I want it!'?  Yep, this top.  This silly, man's top, which is probably meant for the gym, but I loved it as soon as I saw it.  Plus, Topman's stuff is always cheaper than Topshop's, WHAT is that about?  I like to think this top makes me totally funny because, well, I'm not ripped, and I am a woman, so even if I was ripped, I wouldn't be big-headed enough to wear a top stating that I was.  I think it'll look great with a pleather skirt, tights and creepers next season, but for today I just went with the simple option of skinny jeans, then I added my blazer to make the outfit a bit more formal and contrast with the top.  I know the vest won't be every girl's taste (I mean, it's not even from a girl's shop...), it's not even the usual kind of thing which I go for, but it's fun and I like that.
I didn't go Manchester for shopping yesterday, I just had some time to spare, I actually went for a kind of open day thing at Manchester Met university, I missed the last open day and because it wasn't my first choice uni I didn't know much about the course (Fashion buying & merchandising, f.y.i.).  It was only a fifteen minute lecture from one of course's teachers, but it sounded pretty great and I came out feeling really positive, which is actually much better than I felt about my first choice university.  Keeping fingers crossed that I get the accommodation which I want and then everything will be done, eek!
I also went to see the new Bourne film yesterday, I haven't seen the first three so I didn't know what the story really was behind it, but I got the general gist and it was pretty good if you like your action films.  'The Watch' is next on the list I think, which I am SO looking forward to!

Wishful Wednesday

 
1. KNITTED SHEER TOP £34 TOPSHOP | 2. SEQUIN PANDA BAG £14 ASOS | 3. MOUSTACHE RING SET £8 TOPMAN | 4. CUT OUT SWEATER £18.75 FOREVER 21 | 6. ACID BLUE JEANS £40 TOPSHOP | 7. GREEN MAXI SKIRT £29.99 ZARA

So what?

BLUE BEANIE HAT: TOPMAN | BLACK BLAZER: H&M | BLACK MAXI/MIDI DRESS: TOPSHOP | SHOES: CONVERSE

So I haven't really worn something like this before, which is one reason why I really like this outfit.  I think it's so important to experiment with things in fashion, and a lot of people might think this outfit doesn't look right on paper, but so what?  With style icons like Audrey, Rihanna and Anna Dello Russo I think it's important that your outfits make people look and notice what you're wearing.  Fitting in isn't something which I really care about when choosing what to wear, more standing out.  I'm hardly wearing a cherry on my head, but I'm definitely learning to get the hell out of my comfort zone and have fun.