Buy my wardrobe...

So...after an overhaul of my wardrobe this week I have decided to sell off 1083817081683 items from the insides of it...please visit my ebay, more bits will be added in the coming weeks/months so check it out. Most items are a UK Size 22.

BUY MY WARDROBE - You know you want toooooo!

Thank you!!

Mel
xxx

Yourvine

Well, well, well, it's been a long time eh?! I've been so consumed by work that I don't seem to find time to blog anymore. It's more the photo taking that seems to be the issue- would be good if some clever person created a blogger mirror that takes your OOTD pics and uploads them directly to your blog!
In the mean time I will have to carry on with sporadic posts...sad times.

I was informed recently of a new website that has launched called Yourvine. It's a fun new websites that gives you fun challenges and rewards your efforts with discounts and prizes! Sounds pretty good eh? Well at the moment Time Out have a challenge with the top prize being 2 VIP tickets to their party on December 1st.

The ASOS challenge will be launching soon too- so excited!!

Go check Yourvine out now and join in the fun!

Shoe Dazzle UK

I got so excited this evening when I stumbled across ShoeDazzle! which is a new online shoe retailer- but not just any retailer. You take a fun quiz and get a personalised selection of shoes, boots and accessories. It's quite complicated to explain, but if you're familiar with Glossybox, it's a similar concept, after your first shoe order (which you also get 20% off of) you will be sent personalised recommendations from ShoeDazzle! stylists, and can get a new pair of shoes every month for the flat rate fee of £39.95 or if nothing takes your fancy, you can skip a month and won't be charged. 

I can't wait to see what the stylists get back to me with! Have any of you ever used ShoeDazzle! before? What are your thoughts?

OOTD

Here is my Hips Don't Lie/Toddler look. I love these hareem pants from ASOS. They're jersey, so really comfy- it's like wearing pyjamas to work (it can sort of look that way too though!) I wore this get-up with my black spangly Toms.

What are your thoughts on Hareem Pants on big girls? They clearly accentuate my hips and thighs, but there's something quite liberating about tucking my tops in to pants nowadays. I used to always be on the hunt for longline tops to hide my bum and hips but with age, I'm starting realise that life is way too short for one 'look' and a million hang-ups!

Black Tee: ASOS - UK Size 18

Black and White Heartprint Hareem Pants: ASOS - UK Size 22

OOTD

I'm loving the new Dolce & Gabbana inspired star print popping up everywhere this season. I nabbed this cute pussybow dress from Tesco a few weeks back. It's so easy to just throw on with some leggings and a pair of boots for quite a formal work outfit.

The angle of the photos I took don't really do the dress justice, so I've added a picture from the website to give you a better idea of how lovely the dress is!

OOTD

Over the past couple of months I have been loving this deep red/wine colour, I've got tops, trousers, undies, socks...you name it, I have it in this colour! There's a lady at work that always happens to point out when I'm wearing this colour too which is almost a daily occurance- embarassing! What I don't have though are a pair of boots- particularly in an oxblood colour leather (I've looked EV-REE-WHERRRRRRE!).

I've also had to sacrifice the usual urban photos for something more...uhhhm....homely! So I have for the past couple of days been snapping away before I leave the house to get to work.

What colours are you all loving this season?

 

Wine Coloured Chinos (with belt): Dorothy Perkins (UK Size 22)

Polka Dot Top: H&M (UK Size XL)

If you're interested to know what I wore on my feet, I went for my black glitter toms.

ONESTOPPLUS.CO.UK PRESS & BLOGGER EVENT

Today marked the day I decided to get my act in gear and return to blogging! I've taken an extended break to focus on other aspects and commitments in my life (I chair a few tenant groups within my area) so blogging had to take a back seat. I still follow 6782045274 different blogs on my Google Reader so it's time for me to get back in the loop!

So anyway, today was the press and blogger event for the AW11 collection at OneStopPlus.co.uk which was hosted at the flagship Nails Inc store in South Molton Street. We started off the evening having manicures whilst sipping pink champagne (yes, we were spoilt!). I opted to have my nails painted this divine camel-y colour called Fenchurch Street which is part of the new Autumn/Winter collection for Nails Inc.

After getting our nails did, my sis and I headed upstairs to where the magic was happening. It felt like walking in  to a girly haven...rails of clothes, rows of shoes and boots, coat racks of bags, boxes of cupcakes, bottles of champers. I fell in crazy mad love with so many items:

This gorgeous cashmere, batwing sleeved jumper from the Soft Grey range.

Again, from the Soft Grey range, this wooly t-shirt.

Looooooooove these leggings with leather patches!

Loving leopard print right now- this is another wooly-type of t-shirt- LOVE!

Michelle is modelling this gorgeous blueish black satchel, I think it was real leather- either way I need it in my life!

You may not be able to tell from the photo, but this blazer has a (p)leather collar, pockets and ELBOW PATCHES!! Yes, I adore elbow patches! This jacket didn't look too hot on the hanger but when the gorgeous Rosie modelled it for us all, I fell in love.

I didn't manage to grab a photo of the ultimate drool moment I had, probably because I was too busy drooling but how gorgeous are these patent Doc M's? Need these, like, right now!

 I'm not one to big up a company for feeding me cupcakes and quenching my thirst with Champagne, but OneStopPlus are definitely a website I will be frequenting VERY often. I can honestly say OneStopPlus has some beautiful stuff! There's definitely something for everyone, there's a huge range and loads of brands to choose from and loads of things you can get at a steal! What's more, the much coveted Carmakoma also have a few things on the site, so you can save shed-loads on postage! All in all it was a great evening and was lovely catching up with the gorrrrrrgeous Lauren, Deena, Naomi and Rosie.

MINI REVIEW ON HTTP://WWW.ACCRODELAMODE.COM

So I just checked my stats, and traffic was up today thank's to http://www.accrodelamode.com/. I only just checked out this site for the first time but OMG how amazing are all those illustrations of all those gorgeous Fatshionistas!? Thank you for the lovely mini-review Isabelle!

GUESS WHO'S BACK, BACK AGAIN, MELLYS BACK, TELL A FRIEND!

Hey y'all! Wow it's been a long time! In between work, play time and other boring chairing commitments I have, I seem to have got lost and forgotten about my blog. I haven't been taking many pictures even though I finally got my new camera mainly due to the fact I am embarrassed by the current state of my bedroom and it being the only place I can set up my camera on self timer. I guess I need to figure something out though because I have done nothing but shop so have so many clothes to showcase!

Here's an outfit from a while back when we had some nice weather in London:

Maxi Dress: Dorothy Perkins (UK Size 22)

Denim Jacket: H&M (UK Size XL)

Gladiator Sandals: Evans (UK Size 8 E)

Brown Leather Belt: Dorothy Perkins (UK Size XL)

Hopefully I can start posting a bit more regularly again! Thanks for sticking with me folks! xxx

BIRTHDAY GIRL!

You guuuuuuuuys!! I've been so busy since I started work but I actually miss blogging every week! I even had the cutest outfit on today- fear not though I will wear it again one day soon!

So tomorrow I turn the ripe old age of 26 and because I am still waiting on my new camera (which arrives tomorrow) I will share some nostalgic photos with you:

(Baby Mel a few days old) 

(My 2nd Birthday)

(On my 5th Birthday)

I promise promise promise I will be back with regular-ish posts soon! Hopefully in a lot better quality too!

AWOL

Hi guys! I must apologise for my absence. I don't like leaving my blog too long like I have the past few weeks. I have been super busy with all sorts. I've been preoccupied with sorting out a 'work wardrobe' for myself, buying bits and pieces that are more smart/casual rather than my beloved jeggings. I've also been busy organising Royal Wedding parties and just generally being a busy body.
I shared with you all a while back how my boyfriend broke my camera; well I ordered a new one and have been waiting forever for it to come in to stock and in the meantime I can't find my old one so haven't been bothered to photograph my outfits! I'm sure my new camera will be a good incentive to start up again though so fear not!

Anyway, till my camera arrives things will be quiet over here!

OOTD

My mobile phone has been playing up the last few weeks. I actually took this photo a couple of weeks ago before it was wiped off my phone before I had the chance to upload it. It miraculously came back yesterday so here we are:

Navy Hareem Pants: Evans (UK Size 22)

White Tee: New Look (UK Size 22)

Denim Jacket: H&M (UK Size 22)

Gold Shoes: Toms (UK Size 9)

I had a great outfit on today for the boiling hot weather (31 Celsius near me in London) but alas I forgot to take a picture! (sad face)

I should be getting a new camera soon so i hope to start taking a lot more pics! Also, my new job requires me to dress smart/casual so I will have to say goodbye to my beloved jeggings and jeans till the weekends! I don't quite know how to grasp the whole smart/casual thing so ideas and inspiration is greatly welcomed!

NEWSFLASH

I just wanted to share my happiness with you all as I just found out I landed my dream job! I am so unbelievably happy right now!

OOTD: JOB INTERVIEW GET UP

The de-lovely Laura of The Blog of Worldly Delights recently posted this where she mentioned having to dress accordingly for a new job.

I went for a job interview today and STRUGGLED to think of what to wear. I hate suits. I feel like my aura cannot shine through a boring suit but I was quite pleased with what I managed to piece together! I have to apologise for the half body shots- my mum has what I would put politely as, little photographic flair!

Black Linen Trousers: True F&F @ Tesco (UK Size 22)

Pussybow Bird Blouse: ASOS (UK Size 18)

Black Linen Jacket: Marks & Spencer (UK Size 22)

Black Shoes: Evans (UK Size 9)

Bag: ASOS

It was a huge step tucking that blouse in to my trousers- I have never done it before for fear of everyone seeing just how large my backside is but I don't care anymore! I thought I looked the part, and feel I managed to merge formal and stylish relatively well. Now here's to hoping I get the job!- Pray for me/wish me luck/think of me/send good vibes please!

 

OOTD

I'd been looking for a denim jacket for a long time, there is definitely an art to buying denim jackets. It's hard finding a jacket the right colour, length and fit on the arms. I returned around 3 or 4 jackets before settling on this one from H&M which unfortunately is a tad too snug (damn those tiny H&M sizes!) but I am more than happy with it.

This scarf is one I copied from my sister. She came in one day wearing this and I was blown away. What a great idea, giraffe print in giraffe print?! I promptly found the same scarf online and it was mine a few days later!

Leggings: Decathlon (UK Size XXL)

White Tunic/Tee: Dorothy Perkins (UK Size 18)

Denim Jacket; H&M (UK Size 22)

Giraffe Print Scarf: Ebay

Metallic Blue Trainers: Converse

Brown Satchel: ASOS

OOTD

I'm so happy that Primark have begun stocking size 20 in their stores, it would be even better if they went up higher but I will settle for things like this blouse/cover up thing fitting nicely.

I love the print of this top, it looks vintage and unique (even though thousands of others will no doubt also have it) and is perfect for a hot spring day to throw over a camisole. It's the perfect thing to wear on your way to and from going sunbathing in the park. This isn't why I wore it but the thought just came to me. I'm crazy like that!

Jeggings: TU @ Sainsburys (UK Size 22)

White Camisole: Primark (UK Size 18)

Blouse/Cover up: Primark (UK Size 20)

Gold Shoes: Toms (UK Size 9)

Burgundy Leather Bag: Diesel

OOTD

I'm suffering in this unseasonal heat at the moment so my summer hat has made an appearance. Milliseconds after this picture was taken, my camera slipped out of my boyfriends hand face first into the floor. Poor poor camera. My battery won't stay in now so I am requesting donations from my family for an upgrade for my birthday- my mum has already claimed dibs on the broken camera. So Filipino!

Crop Jeans: Evans (UK Size 22)

T-Shirt: Dorothy Perkins (UK Size 22)

Belt: Dorothy Perkins

Gold Glitter Shoes: Toms

Satchel: ASOS
Hat: F&F @ Tesco

CELEB STYLE OOTD

As I mentioned in my previous post...this particular outfit messed up the rhythm of outfits I had because the same day I posed for this picture, I found THE perfect dress! I will re-do this outfit at some point when the weather cools down.

I'm loving my denim at the moment, denim dresses, denim skirts, denim jackets, jeggings...you get the idea. So this casual look by Jessica Alba was right up my street.

Long denim Shirt/Dress/Tunic: Dorothy Perkins (UK Size 22)

Grey Leggings: Decathlon (UK Size XXL)

Black Boots: Dorothy Perkins (UK Size 9)

Navy Leather Bag: ASOS

Scarf: New Look

Sunglasses: Ebay

OOTD

"It's bin a whiiiiiile" *sings staind in country style*

So I have been laying low this week. Basically, my outfits are not going according to plan. I like to be somewhat organised in my day to day life, this means planning my outfits in advance. 

I'm in the process of putting together another CS:OOTD (Celebrity Style Outfit Of The Day) and I used one particular dress which looked fairly similar, took all the necessary pictures then went shopping the same day and found THE perfect dress so used an old giftcard to buy it. So... now I have to do the whole thing over again! Another problem I face is that it's beginning to get too hot to recreate the outfit...I don't know I may end up posting the original photo in the not-so-perfect dress, then maybe a follow up with the right dress? Yes....I think I'll do that!

Anyway, so on to this OOTD. I was reunited with an old love of my life lecturer the other night for his first stand-up comedy gig. It's been 8 years since he last taught me and 5 years since I last saw him. All my body confidence issues came flooding back as I am now 2 dress sizes bigger than I was way back then. I want to be clear that I have been with my boyfriend 4 years this year and I am blissfully happy (Hi B! -he's a lurker) but this Lecturer captivated my heart a long time ago. He was definitely my idea of Mr. Perfect and in many ways still is but I now understand that it's the smaller things that count in a relationship. 

Enough about my love life though...so anyway, I was feeling very vulnerable getting ready so decided on the safe option of jeggings and a blazer (yes, I lied about mixing up my OOTD posts!) as it's smart, but casual, says "not trying too hard" but mature. Silly me didn't take the pictures at the beginning of the night and so I apologise for the slightly intoxicated look. My make up and hair were flawless at the beginning of the evening, I had teased my hair and it was down and looking rather luscious.

Jeggings: Dorothy Perkins (UK Size 22)

Bug Print Camisole: Dorothy Perkins (UK Size 22)

Black Blazer: New Look (UK Size 22)

Burgandy Leather Bag: Diesel

Mocassins: New Look (UK Size 9)

Black Patent and Gold Belt: Dorothy Perkins (UK Size 22)

Scissor Necklace: Evans (UK Size 22)

Gold Watch: Casio

OOTD

I realise I have been wearing jeggings with a black blazer far too much- I don't even realise I'm doing it! After this outfit, I want to try not wearing jeggings or jeans for at least a week!

This outfit is one of those where I couldn't decide what to wear/couldn't really be bothered to make any effort my popping-out-to-the-shops-quickly look, hence the reason my fringe is a big, curly, un-straightened mess.

Skinny Jeans: Dorothy Perkins (UK Size 20)

Baseball Tee: New Look (UK Size 22)

Stars/Stripes Converse: ASOS (UK Size 8)