Yet Another Impulse Buy...

While being in London my shopping addiction has hit its all time peak, so much so, that it's at that "I want to buy everything and anything" stage. My bank balance is beginning to sweat, but hey, it's worth it right? The main culprit is definitely those sneaky impulse purchases that are calling out to you until you just can't resist the temptation (especially when it's 50% off at Urban Outfitters). 

Duster Coat//Crusade Clothing on Depop
Dress//Urban Outfitters
Shirt//New Look
Boots//H&M
Bag//River Island

This gorgeous velvet dress from Urban Outfitters has quickly become one of my favourite items in my wardrobe. It's perfect for throwing on with a shirt for work or wearing on it's own, toughened up with a leather jacket at night. Sometimes those rash decisions turn out to be good decisions! 

Stripe Trend: Take Two!

Vertical stripes - they're slimming, they elongate your legs and they're on-trend. What more could a 5ft 3 fashion lover ask for? Well actually, maybe a washing machine that doesn't shrink your trousers.

Stripes were a key pattern spotted on the Spring/Summer 2015 catwalks from the likes of Uma Wang and Balmain, inspiring me to give the trend a go. After hours of searching online I found a pair of chic, sleek trousers from Topshop and I thought it was a match made in heaven, but it wasn't meant to be when they shrunk in the wash (Read more here). Even worse, when I went to buy a new pair they were all sold out! (heartbroken </3). Not one to be defeated, I found an alternative pair from Forever 21. 

Pairing with a minimal white polo neck and classic tailored blazer will avoid clashes with the bold, nautical print allowing them to be the main focus of the outfit. Changing from a pair of flats for work into these simple black heeled sandals, carries the look seamlessly from day to night.

White polo neck//Asos
Blazer//Boohoo
Trousers//Forever21
Shoes//Forever21
Bag//Autograph at M&S

Benefit Pop-Up Shop

From St. Patrick's Day parades to Where's Wally Fun Run's and even beard exhibitions (yes, really!), there's always something interesting to do in London. Last week our random weekday discovery was the Benefit Pop-Up shop in Soho, which turned out to be a rather pleasant surprise. Spread over three floors, the pop-up shop featured everything from freebies and photo booths to cocktails and makeovers, providing the perfect girly night out.  

Upon entrance, you are transported into a 50's salon complete with baby pink retro decor where you can sit back and relax trying out their new roller lash mascara, which is actually pretty good!

The first floor is home to the beauty parlor where I had my make-up done for free, using their Benefit products of course. First, she applied the famous roller lash mascara where, surprisingly, she suggested wearing another mascara beforehand to achieve the best results. Personally, I'm not a fan of applying multiple coats of mascara as I feel it creates that 'spider leg' look, but I must admit, it did create that false lashes look without them falling off half way through a night out... She also applied a touch of What's Up highlighter and the Rockateur bronzer to give me a healthy glow. 

The top floor was transformed into the 'Noir Bar' serving classy cocktails and about a million bowls of free popcorn - I just couldn't stop eating it! I also managed to snag a cheeky cupcake which was a good end to an overall fun night. I would definitely recommend booking a time slot if you're in London anytime soon! 

Clashing Textures

Whoever said you appreciate the weekends more when working full time - yes, you were right. I try to make the most of every weekend I have in London since I'm only here for three months and this weekend was no different. After a trip to Choccywoccydoodah, and an embarrassing fall down the stairs landing in one of their cakes (don't ask), we stopped for some quick photos in this cute cobbled street.

Dungarees//Missguided
Shirt//New Look
Bomber Jacket//Mango
Boots//Primark
Necklace//New Look

Cords may remind you of an old-fashioned fabric mainly worn by the older generation - sorry Grandad - but I love how these cord dungarees from Missguided take a fresh spin on the fabric, paired with a floral quilted bomber jacket to create the perfect clash of textures and balanced by a crisp white shirt. 

Denim Delight

You're scrolling through Asos; something catches your eye; you're about to add it to your basket, and boom, it's sold out. I know that feeling of disappointment oh too well (speaking like a true online shopping addict). 

This time, I was in luck, as this denim dress came back into stock and better yet it was in the sale - bonus! 

It may seem a bit obvious but denim is a key trend for Spring, from Burberry to Stella McCartney, designers were determined to put their own spin on our most-loved fabric. Work the trend in a simple, denim tunic teamed with a nautical polo neck for modern seventies vibes. 

Contrasting striped socks add a touch of character with a silky bomber jacket for those chilly London mornings. Complete the seventies revival with a floppy hat and suede tassel shoes, and of course, a bargain bag from the M&S sale! 

Denim Dress//Asos
Striped Polo Neck//Asos
Navy Bomber Jacket//Monki
Socks//Topshop
Shoes//Primark
Hat//H&M
Bag//M&S