Day Seventy Three

Claire is wearing a men's denim shirt [charity shop], country landscape with sheep print fleece [Radish Countrywear, from a charity shop], large grey stoned ring [Primark], black leggings [Primark], grey thermal socks [George at Asda] and tan leather boots [Topshop].
Covadonga is wearing a dark purple beaded choker [charity shop].

I slept in my ribbons last night (bit uncomfortable, satin surrounding me) but worth it for the unraveling this morning. My hair is delightfully squiggly and mermaid-esque! How long it last, however, will depend on the force and direction of the wind today.

My fleece is out in force to defend me against the cold gale. I'm shoulder-robing it for now, because shoulder-robing is very edgeh. It can make anything look sophisticated, even my giant fleece!

I'm finally wearing my giant ring too. I have fair sized hands so big rings don't look too ridiculous on my paw. I have a tendency to buy rings but them when I get round to wearing them I give up too quickly. I get tired of taking them off when I wash my hands (often), moisturize my hands (regularly) or my fingers get too swollen or sweaty (occasionally). I live in paranoia of forgetting them sink-side. However, I am making more of an effort today and at least I only have one to deal with. For Primark, it doesn't look too cheap and only if you're very beady-eyed can you see the glue edge marks inside the stone.

And no sign of the dreaded green finger band yet either.

Day Seventy Two

Claire is wearing ribbons (in hair) [Leeds Kirkgate Market], periwinkle blue and silver knitted top [jumble sale], long high-waisted denim skirt [charity shop] and black canvas hi-top trainers [Dunlop, from Sports Direct].
Covadonga is wearing a blue graduated top with shoulder cut-outs [Primark, from jumble sale].

I am swirling in the skirt again. And rolling up my leggings so it appears that I'm pleasantly barelegged, whilst actually not being due to the horrible weather.

I'm very Heidi today. Feeling the Swiss mountain vibe with my wide skirt and ribbon braids. I've double french braided my hair with ribbon, carried on plaiting the ribbon, then wound it round my head. Proof that great minds think alike, my housemate also braided her hair nicely today (2 plaits placed over the top of her head from either side). 

My bluey-greeny ribbons fit in with my blue theme today. I'm wearing this top for the first time and thought I'd go all out colour-wise. The silver is woven into the blue wool so it twinkles in the light. The wool is surprisingly comfy and non-itchy too. I'm now converted to the idea of knitted short-sleeve items. Previously I've thought it a contradiction to wear wool, which is warm, in a garment sans sleeves, which is cooling. However, I figured the holes in this are cooling enough anyway and made my peace with the item's construction.

A true blue day, matching the rain too!

Day Seventy One

Claire is wearing a green flower [Peacocks], yellow flower [charity shop], orange tassel earrings [tassels from Leeds Kirkgate market, but I handmade them], off-white men's t-shirt [Primark], long high-waisted denim skirt [charity shop] and tan leather boots [Topshop].
Covadonga is wearing small yellow flowers [Chinese Bazaar, Spain] and yellow bow-tie [charity shop].

I was inspired by a Project Runway episode about evening wear yesterday, so I decided to wear my widest skirt today. It's very wide, it trails behind me on my way down the stairs. 

I had been looking for a nice denim skirt that didn't look mumsy and too a-line, patchwork, too short or low-rise. I eventually found this!

The waist fits me, and the buttons mean that I can actually wrench it over my hips to wear it. The flared shape only enhances this, and I can swish around. I have been told previously that I look like a flamenco dancer in the peak of 90s fashion. It's a bit cowgirlish at the same time, but a bit of howdy never did anyone any harm!

To continue the flamenco theme, and on the styling advice of my housemate this morning, I a flowered low bun and I threw in the tassels for good colorful measure.

To contain the colour to my head I've kept the rest of my outfit simple, I'm enjoying a focal point today!

Day Seventy

Claire is wearing a men's leopard print dressing gown [House of Fraser, from a vintage shop] and leopard head slippers [Spanish Carrefour].
Covadonga is wearing nothing. 

Today is not even, it's just not. I went dancing and now I want to be sleeping.

I decided that today is not a day for wearing clothes and leaving the house. As I can see the sky, clouds and the sun, the bright sun, I don't need to go outside to experience it and my window is open for some fresh awakening air. So I 'dressed' myself in my dressing gown and slippers.

This doesn't mean I'm forgoing style, not at all. Slovenliness doesn't equate to unstylish! I am themed (leopard print) and we are co-ordinated and everything. My dressing gown is an epic piece of construction. First of all, it's giant, practically floor-sweeping on me, I sometimes use it as a blanket. It's made of thick toweling so it's super cosy. 

My slippers are just something else! They're leopard heads complete with small ears and plastic green eyes and a plastic nose. The eyes can look as bit freaky, but I think it makes them look very anatomically accurate.The size of them can be a little cumbersome at times, I have to pick my feet up and pad around looking slightly comical. 

In combination with the length of my dressing gown, it might even be dangerous trip-wise for me to venture out of my room down too many stairs. But I did it anyway because I'm a leopard rebel. And I was hungry.

Stylish slumber to all!

Day Sixty Nine

Claire is wearing a leopard print scarf (in hair) [vintage sale], elephant black and white jumper [charity shop], black stretch-cotton skater skirt [Topshop], black tights [Spanish hosiery shop] and tan leather boots [Topshop].
Covadonga is wearing a red, brown and tan plastic flowered necklace [Topshop].

I've got an animal combo going on today, there's leopard and elephants! 

I've worn my jumper loose instead of tucking it in today, I think it works nicely! It gives my skirt a new shape, you can't see my waist, but it looks like there's a cheeky ruffle on the end of my jumper! Anything cheeky (as long as it's not a pint or a 'Nandos') isn't bad.

I've gone with my main base colours today, my monochrome black and white jumper and my tan and browns at either end of my body. Keeping it simple, yet with a subtle mix of patterns.

I'm having a slightly bad hair day (grease issues) so I've covered the roots with a scarf on the sides, and the bun atop my head hides that bit nicely.

And it must be working, as I had another compliment from one of my students today!

The theme of today, it appears has been hiding, which is what I'm going to do,after I've gone out and danced. Because there's always time for dancing and if I've been up since 6:30 anyway a few more hours may not be as hard the first few!

Day Sixty Eight

Claire is wearing a scrunchie [Leeds Kirkgate Market], multi-coloured patchwork shirt [Spanish charity shop], glass carrot bracelet [Leeds Kirkgate Market], silvery metal bamboo bracelet [charity shop], black leggings [Primark], grey topped thermal socks [George at Asda], black canvas hi-top trainers [Dunlop, from Sports Direct].
Covadonga is wearing a loose dark grey vest [H&M].

Today is day four of the holidays, and day four of my working week, although work at the moment is going slow, I must admit. In honour of this day, I am wearing my holiday shirt! I bought it because it was loose, cotton and, yes, slightly hideous. It has received many compliments due to its many patterned and coloured patches. I'm not usually a fan of patchwork, except on childhood blankets or as cottage bedroom decorations, but because of the brightness I can get on with this shirt. I think it's rather tropical and it has a nice neckline, no collar, so no fuss on hot days, instant neck ventilation in summer! 

It's the kind of shirt my Mum wouldn't let my Dad wear on holiday. So I'm wearing it instead today!

I also have my carrot bracelet on my wrist; they could be orange peppers or carrots and I have decided on carrots, but either way they're green-topped orange bits of glass on a red beaded string. I think they're rather fetching, and healthy, obviously...

Day Sixty Seven

Claire is wearing small orange and yellow flowers [Chinese bazaar, Spain], ribbons (in braid) [Leeds Kirkgate Market], glow stick necklaces [from Capital Radio promoters at Morning Gloryville Leeds], multi-cloured print body [Good Goods by Jeff Banks, from jumble sale], multi-coloured smudged culottes [Blue Rinse Vintage shop, Leeds] and black canvas hi-top trainers [Dunlop, from Sports Direct].
Covadonga is wearing a sequinned flower top [jumble sale] and angel fish clip-on earrings [vintage shop].

Today there was sunshine, dancing and glitter, so much glitter!

I attended another morning rave and have discovered I am not able to recover as quickly as I was the first time (refer to my tired face midst the rainbow clouds of clothing). It was worth it though!

I went for a rainbow theme, or a riot of colour as my housemate suggested. I'm wearing my body and my multi-coloured culottes, so I could bend enough for yoga, but protect my modesty at the same time. Although, protection of said modesty was a challenge when my body kept constantly riding up and I had to stick my hand up my culottes several times to stabilize the situation. But I'm sure no one was looking, they were too busy raving to notice me in a compromising position. Co-ordination was easy today though, I mean, I just pared multi-coloured item with multi-coloured item. Bam, done!

I wore my new gold glitter lipstick, which I made the mistake of applying before remembering to brush my teeth and I now posses a gilded tooth-brush; I've probably ingested a fair amount of the stuff as well. I did some dots for my eyeliner, which I was reassured were edgeh smudgy, not merely smudgy.

Finally, I made my own removable hair extension! I braided my ribbons into my hair to create a giant plait, which I twirled around and tickled people with. I felt like a hipster Rapunzel.

Like any rainbow, I was glorious yet transient, as I hid behind my cloud of duvet after raining off my glitter make-up when I arrived home.

Rave on once again, stylish ones and remember that even glitter rainbows need rest!

Day Sixty Six

Claire is wearing a men's pink t-shirt [Primark], dark tan belt [Spanish charity shop], blue squiggly flowers, dragonflies and butterflies on yellow culottes [St Micheal, from a charity shop] grey topped thermal socks [George at Asda] and tan leather boots [Topshop].
Covadonga is wearing a brown, orange and white patterned silk scarf [charity shop].

The weather is having fun again today. But see those pale sticks by my boots, they're my legs! I was ambitious and opted against tights, the sun was shining and my plan was to amble, sunglass-ed to the library. Then the sun went in and the ice hail started and I decided to stay in. But now the sunshine has returned, so I may brave it yet, with a large coat, just in case.

My summer lovin' palette continues, I'm practically a Neapolitan icecream today with my pink, yellow and brown. My colours compliment the many hued squiggles in the culottes, although, even I am well aware that the socks don't go that well with it all. Meh, they'll just look edgeh, because I say it is so. And because my scrunchie agrees. 

Remember dressing is at least 70% attitude and brazen self belief. That saying about wearing bin-bags does not only refer to the supermodel genes of the person in question, but their ability to carry it all off. You can wear just about anything as long as you believe that you look good in it and you're not uncomfortable or too cold. Children are masters at this, they always want to wear the party dress to school or fancy dress to the shop. Embrace your inner child!

Day Sixty Five

Claire is wearing a men's burnt orange t-shirt [Primark], dark tan belt [Spanish charity shop], blue squiggly flowers, dragonflies and butterflies on yellow culottes [St Micheal, from a charity shop], black tights [Spanish hosiery shop] and tan leather boots [Topshop].
Covadonga is wearing a pair of angular sunglasses [Tiger]. 

Today I made the mistake of looking out of my window at the blinding sunlight and dressing for it. Before putting a scarf and a coat on. I had my sunglasses at the ready only to find the sun cowering behind a cloud for my whole walk. I wore a jacket and a scarf, only to find it was all too much and I overheated. However, this is all hopefully a sign we are now in Spring! 

I am craving to wear my culottes sans tights. And to enjoy wearing summery colours and rejoice at seeing everyone else wearing ice cream and pastel shades too! I also wish it were acceptable to wear sunglasses during cloud cover. I love wearing them and I always feel slightly glamorous and like a spy. Shady! 

Until then I will continue wearing my favourite t-shirts, in the library and at home where's there's heating, naturally, and my summery culottes with black tights. I feel if I now branched out into coloured tights I should belong in a period play.

Day Sixty Four

Claire is wearing a vine leaf necklace [charity shop], square top with leopards on [Urban Outfitters], thin denim trousers [charity shop] and black canvas hi-top trainers [Dunlop, from Sports Direct].
Covadonga is wearing a lion hat [a Christmas present, unknown origin].

Today has been hard. I am tired. I was entrusted with a till, colour sorting buttons and pinning square templates on fabric. I am ready for bed. In fact I was ready for bed at about 12 this afternoon.
I only wore a necklace today to make it look like I'd made an effort.
I went for comfort with my loosely tied jeans and my wide top. It's actually a big rectangle with arm and head holes. This can make it seem like it's falling off my body sometimes, but normally it just hangs there, behaving. This is an old favourite, it's accompanied me on many nighttime shenanigans and some day time ones too. It's nice to dig an old reliable out of the wardrobe and feel comforted and reminded what a great garment it is again. I not only like the shape, but I love the pattern as well, all the leopards prowling around my torso!
On the co-ordination front today, we are both wearing fierce animals that we oursleves are not; I have chosen leopards and Covadonga has opted for a lion.
Roooaaaar and stay fierce (even through tiredness) stylish ones!

Day Sixty Three

Claire is wearing a scrunchie [Leeds Kirkgate Market], thin gold necklace [charity shop], gold wiggly sectioned necklace [charity shop], star-shaped flower necklace [charity shop], dark blue tie front top with white flowers [Dash, from a charity shop], thin denim trousers [charity shop] and black canvas hi-top trainers [Dunlop, from Sports Direct].
Covadonga is wearing an electric blue asymmetric dress [from a friend].

We're matching again today; blue reigns supreme, the calm continues! 

I'm having a chilled weekend, I have decided I will have fun and I will not do work. I'm getting into the (Easter) holiday spirit and wearing a rather summery top. It's a loose cotton tie-front, with a low-cut collar neck line. Suffice to say, there's a few inches covered between my chest and tummy button. This is where the crop-top and high-waisted combination comes in handy, so at least my tummy button can be covered by a waistband, so I look more clothed and my kidneys are insulated. Win win! 

The top is by Dash, from the 1980s. The brand is still going; I peeped the official website (it began in 1982 and emphasises it's ability to co-ordinate different pieces, with bright colours and colour-blocking). I prefer the older stuff, and my Mum has a fetching brightly coloured and seamless jumper. And the website is right, they're comfortable and definitely fit with an active lifestyle (which I am not displaying today).

As I'm not really planning leaving the house today, possible fire evacuation later aside when I bake, I can wear impractical, not warm items like my top. Furthermore, I have layered my necklaces, I am wearing lipstick and I fully intend to untie my jean waist ties later and look like a member of 90s boy band while I eat dinner. 

Yes to dressy comfort!

Day Sixty Two

Claire is wearing a light-peach thin cotton knit t-shirt [jumble sale], dark tan belt [Spanish charity shop], navy, orange and cream patterned culottes [St Micheal, from a charity shop], black tights [Spanish hosiery shop], black thermal socks [George at Asda] and tan leather boots [Topshop].
Covadonga is wearing a navy hat with yellow speckled scarf [Hamells, from a charity shop].

I was complimented today! I was told I looked slim; my housemates believe it's the combination of the waist cinching belt and the vertical stripes on my lower half. I'm not sure how much of this fashion optical illusion is true, but hey, even an optical placebo is confidence boosting occasionally. The other reason they gave was that I spend so much time floating around in fabric and big things that I'm rarely seen in form fitting things. Either way, starting the day off with a compliment is the right way to begin.

I'm also branching out work-wear wise today. I've never worn a t-shirt to the school placement before, but I wanted to wear the culottes and my shirts are too over-sized to be tucked into (it would look like I'd swallowed something odd or was stashing something down my tights). I felt the cotton ones would look too casual, so I just wore my silky one, I mean it's still creased as I don't iron, but it looks more formal. 

Besides, it's Friday! The weekend is practically here, t-shirt and slouch prime-time is approaching.

Slouch with style, stylish ones!

Camera Angles

Ahhh the camera, fantastic invention that you are! I even own several retro varieties (and recently acquired a Polaroid, the film for which is more expensive than the thing I have to put it in). I'm not entirely camera literate and my camera is not the most cutting edge out there, but my Canon Powershot (in shimmery powder pink because it was cheapest) fits the job nicely.
It takes me several self-timed takes (lots of ten seconds) to get a photo that doesn't blur me to the point of cloud consistency, and on a good day I can chose from up to three! I don't use flash after doing a test photo and found out it alters the clothing colours and makes us look odd. And it's much more gentle on the morning eyes this way.

Always be ready for the self timer.

Everyone can be photogenic, it's just question of wearing the right thing, lighting and position! I like low-ish lighting or natural light. The main thing is you have to carry yourself well: no slouching!!! The hand on hip is classic, never fails; it highlights the smallest part of you, your waist, you can stick your chest out and show off your necklace and everything else, meanwhile your arm is defined and in a pleasing triangle shape. It's repeated in my photos frequently, for a fuller effect, turn your body more to the side! 
I don't photo-shop my photos, for start I wouldn't know how to do it effectively and I have neither the time nor the desire to alter my body from how it actually is. I can do that easily enough by walking (or taking the bus) and eating. The only adjustments I make are with my curtains and lamp for light and I crop the various messes on top of and beside my wardrobe out. You really don't need to see my plastic bag collection up there...
It's all real!
Finally, selfies.

Remember to look at the camera.

I don't really take them, the handheld ones, I can't deny I take photos of myself everyday. The under chin angle is not recommended, even the slimmest among us cannot escape the chin roll when the wrong neck and camera angle align.

Up nostril shots only serve to enhance the roll's unflattering effect.

Above is good, as is in front, just make sure your arm doesn't hog the frame.You could just buy a selfie stick if you didn't get one for Christmas, as a lot of my social media friends did. And, if you do use a mirror, try to look at the lens reflection in the mirror and not the screen in front of you. It'll look better, I promise.

Clean your mirror.

Or grab a friend to do it for you! 

Unless they're like me and are slightly afraid of touching other people's smartphones for fear of breaking them, or pressing the wrong button umpteenth times.

Don't push others out of the frame, no matter how photogenic you may feel.

Find your best angle and stick to it.

Day Sixty One

Claire is wearing blue flowered boxy top [charity shop], thin denim trousers [charity shop] and black canvas hi-top trainers [Dunlop, from Sports Direct].
Covadonga is wearing a speckled blue scarf [free with a box of Roses chocolates about 10 years ago].

It looks like we're not wearing much today doesn't it? I mean, I have socks as well (they're zebra today) but you just can't see them. It also looks very minimal because we're ultra co-ordinated. All blue! Blue is quite a soothing colour, and I think it can be both neutral, like jeans, and stand-out. 

Despite the colour matching, I'm throwing some different shapes today. My top is like a box, which is fine by me, as I love receptacles. Boxy shapes are great for those who, like me, are small of bust because boxes are meant to be flat. It also hides your general torso shape, and gives you a new one (box-like), but this top does give a call to arms. I don't think I've showed this much of my arm so far, it's nice ventilation and I can swing 360' without having to adjust a sleeve. Box tops are also great because they can be easily reversed due to not having a specific neckline shape on one side. And no one will be able to tell, even if the buttons are on the back, because that's just a bit edgeh. 

My print today is a bit William Morris-esque with what I think are orchids and lots of swirling leaved stems. It's traditional and groovy at the same time!

Day Sixty

Claire is wearing a burnt orange cropped jumper [Primark], navy, orange and cream patterned culottes [St Micheal, from a charity shop], black tights [Spanish hosiery shop], black thermal socks [George at Asda] and tan leather boots [Topshop].
Covadonga is wearing an orange ribbon [Leeds Kirkgate Market] and light-peach thin cotton knit t-shirt [jumble sale].

More culottes! These are from my favorite vintage brand, the old Marks & Sparks. Their pattern is rather funky: there's spots, zig-zags and vertical stripes, all in one garment! The colours are great too, very complimentary I think. The navy and white combo can get a bit boring (I won't lie, I'm not nautical's biggest fan), but here the burnt orange breaks it up and adds a bit of edge to the pattern.

The material of these is thin, which is great for summer, which we are definitely not in yet, unfortunately. I have to wear tights underneath them, which I had never really considered before recently. I am becoming much more adventurous in the summer vs winter wardrobe divide! I sometimes feel like I'm in a period costume, with tight tights and billowy bloomers.

Finally, colour co-ordination is pretty much on point today, I feel! Go team!  

Day Fifty Nine

Claire is wearing a pear necklace [charity shop], multi-cloured print body [Good Goods by Jeff Banks, from jumble sale], thin denim trousers [charity shop] and black canvas hi-top trainers [Dunlop, from Sports Direct].
Covadonga is wearing a black body with sheer panel [New Look]. 

I'm wearing my body today, and when I told my housemates, they said they wore theirs everyday. Baddum chuusssh. I haven't worn this during the day, so I thought I'd give it a go, especially as it looked sunny today and the pattern is very happy. 

Despite the label claiming to be a size 18/20 (lies, LIES!), for someone who is long of body and short of leg, it's a bit of a stretch, and the backside of this is not made to conceal a whole backside. I think it's supposed to offer one of those 'flattering' cuts that shows half your arse on either side, so you can see the stretch as well as feel it. I estimate my current comfort will last until about 3pm, halfway through my lecture.

It's all very 80s and it appears if I so desired I could rip off my jeans (before folding them neatly) and get down with Jane Fonda to do some serious aerobics. Although, I fear my muscles, spine and lung capacity will not match the stretch in this suit.

I have included the label details today, partly because it's a cool name, and partly because I have Googled and Ebayed to no avail about who Jeff Banks is (there's one who designs men's wear for Debenhams) or what else Good Goods may have sold. 

Mysteries abound!

Day Fifty Eight

Claire is wearing a thin gold necklace [charity shop], pear necklace [charity shop], star-shaped flower necklace [charity shop], black loose top with a gold panel [from a friend], thin denim trousers [charity shop], grey leopard print thermal socks [George at Asda] and tan leather boots [Topshop].
Covadonga is wearing a periwinkle blue and silver crocheted top [jumble sale].

The mom jeans are back! I was getting bored of leggings, and my leggings were getting pretty bored of me by the look of the holes in the leg seams...
I'm feeling pretty edgeh today. My top, from my friend's spring clear-out, is nicely low-cut, but not in cleavage or eye, or anything else popping way, That's the great thing about being small of bust (apart from being able to exercise without spending over £30 on a single sports bra or not having back ache or not having to wear a bra), I can get away with lower cut items without showing everything, because, well, there's not enough to show for a start. And this means I can show off my layering of necklaces! 
I have acquired a new charm necklace, instead of a fruit I have opted for a flower in a star shape. I'm enjoying layering today and with smaller, more delicate chains there's no bulk to thwack me when I shuffle about on campus.
My jeans are as comfy as I remember, although I fear I am fighting a loosing battle with the drawstrings. I am willing them, through mind power and brute force, to allow me to tighten them, but no no avail. Meh, there's nothing wrong with being baggy, my top already is and there's a lot to be said for being consistent!
Happy Monday stylish ones, and don't be afraid to let it hang out, baggy style!

Day Fifty Seven

Claire is wearing an olive ribbon (in hair) [Leeds Kirkgate Market], hand-knitted dark coral cropped cardigan with cream bobbles [charity shop], off-white men's t-shirt [Primark], wrap skirt with flowers in hexagons [charity shop], black leggings [Primark], black socks [Primark] and black canvas hi-top trainers [Dunlop, from Sports Direct]. 
Covadonga is wearing a dark peach corsage [Peacocks]. 

More hexagonal days! As I had to actually leave the house today, I was required to actively walk, uphill as well, which I had not really done yet in this skirt. I now know that it has a tendency to gather up, ruining the neat triangle shape and bunching up around my legs like it wants a go at being a belt instead of skirt. This is due to me not being able to fasten the buttons I'm supposed to fasten to keep one end in place. Some alterations must be made, but in the meantime, I've been twisting round all day trying to find a better place for the flap edge to stand and stay put. Like any naughty student, it's best at the front, where I can keep an eye on it.
Meanwhile, to keep away the arm chill, my cropped-cardigan arm-warmer is out in force, and it nicely matches some of the hexagon flowers as well.
I have stolen a hairstyle, not the first, from my housemate. She has a little braid of hair that she places like an alice band around her head, so I did one on either side with a ribbon.
Always a ribbon!

Day Fifty Six

Claire is wearing an orange men's t-shirt [Primark], wrap skirt with flowers in hexagons [charity shop], black leggings [Primark] and tan leather boots [Topshop]. 
Covadonga is wearing an orange, navy and peach tassel-edged scarf [jumble sale].

I bought a, what looks to be, hand-made wrap skirt. It's a nice flattering shape as it's A-line, so it flares out in a triangular manner from my waist. Being a wrap around skirt means that, despite it being a bit too big, I can adjust it by tightening the tie at the back. It has two buttons to hold the skirt more in place, but due to the sizing issue, I'm ignoring those and living on the edge, or hem.
The pattern is fantastic, so geometric, so many edges! It's covered in gold-outlined hexagons, which all have flowers in black, oranges, browns and cream in them! I have been told by a friend that it's a flattering pattern. Once again, a busy, many coloured skirt means I can combine it with my few plain t-shirts for easy morning dressing. Like today.
Today has been such a lazy day that the boots are a bit of a fib. I haven't left the house, excpet to reach the recycling bin.
Sorry stylish ones, but I was warned by a house mate when I began this that the outfit had to include shoes. So there they are!

Day Fifty Five

Claire is wearing a pink flowers on orange and yellow silk scarf [charity shop], burnt orange cropped jumper [Primark], woollen blend dark moss-green culottes [Spanish charity shop], black leggings [Primark], grey leopard print thermal socks [George at Asda] and tan leather boots [Topshop]. 
Covadonga is wearing orange men's t-shirt [Primark].

It really is the day after the night before. I have balloons in my room from the tables at the ball (I was concerned I would mistake them for an intruder in a dazed state in the middle of the night). And I'm very tired. Oh so tired.

Today's dazed and confused-ness required soft comfortable fabrics, as close to duvet texture as I could manage, without actually languishing in bed. My jumper has towel like lining on the inside and having cotton blend leggings under wool blend culottes. Very comfy and cosy. And loose. Except the belt. I have to admit, taking it off after my public errands for the day was pretty great...

Suffice to say, style is in desperate need of bedtime today!

Night Fifty Four

Claire is wearing green and blue ribbons (in hair) [Leeds Kirkgate Market], silver pleated dress [Spanish charity shop] and blue and green roses on black wedges [New Look]. 
Covadonga is wearing red glittery 'Dorothy' platform heels [charity shop].

Stylish ones, we did go to the ball! Well, I did, and I had a glass of champagne and everything! My housemate said I looked like I was from the 1920s!
I wore my 'gospel' dress, so called because one of my housemates tried it on and realised she looked like a member of a gospel choir, and started clapping. I prefer, for the purpose of the ball look anyway, the term 'Grecian', which someone told me my dress was. A classy column of silver pleats. The shoulder positioning means it drapes nicely and it billows pleasantly. I could wave my arms and legs around as much as I wanted, heck I could have been pregnant under the dress and no-one would have known! 
I also wore my wedges instead of heels, so I could walk around for the night and properly dance. Comfort reigns supreme. The other great thing about wedges is that they're another canvas for pattern, so I have my colour at either end of myself. 
Finally, my halo braid is a neat piece of construction, with about 12 metres of ribbons plaited into it, and give credit to my follicles, it stayed put.
A wonderful, showstopping evening of frolics was had by all. So much so that my dress shoulder was coming un-stitched out of excitement by the time I got home.

Day Fifty Four

Claire is wearing a thin gold necklace [charity shop],  leopard print with leopard heads crop top [Topshop], dark tan belt [Spanish charity shop], woollen blend dark moss-green culottes [Spanish charity shop], black leggings [Primark], grey-topped thermal socks [George at Asda] and tan leather boots [Topshop]. 
Covadonga is wearing a light moss green vest [from a friend] and gold starfish earrings [vintage shop].

Another day for comfort with another presentation to give convincingly. 

Today I am mastering the art of layering! I have my socks and leggings and culottes in blocks up my legs, topped off with my high-waisted belt and crop top. High-waisted things with something cropped are great for showing off the 'upper abs' (the rib section, thereby avoiding the tummy section) and you don't risk getting too cold either.

I have attracted a few stares today, mainly, I think, due to the leggings and sock gap underneath the is-it-a-skirt-or-shorts confusion. Nonetheless,I am enjoying the lack of static that tights produce with these culottes and, besides, showing some lower calf is always edgeh.

Colour-wise, I'm heading for the neutral zone and doing some brown blending, and on second looking, I look like a mossy tree in autumn. Browns and greens are quite complimentary, and that's one of the great things about belts, holding up items aside, is that they can pull your bottom and top colour together nicely. It's a helpful dividing line there.

Day Fifty Three

Claire is wearing a bandana (in hair) [Chinese bazaar, Spain], think gold necklace [charity shop], batwing orange, black, white and grey patterned long-line cardigan [Yessica at C&A, from a charity shop], white vest printed with Nicki Minaj photograph [vintage shop], black leggings [Primark], black thermal socks [George at Asda] and tan leather boots [Topshop].
Covadonga is wearing hand-knitted dark coral cropped cardigan with cream bobbles [charity shop].

Today, after careful consideration earlier this week, I am wearing my Nicki Minaj vest. I don't usually wear vests nowadays, but I make a special exception for this one because of Nicki. I don't care what anyone says, I love her! I think she's great, and I like having her on my torso. I do, however, take into consideration other's opinions too and wear it at times when I'm less likely to cause a stir. I wore in 2 years ago in the English department, and whilst walking down the spiral staircase, one of the lecturers saw me and we kept passing in opposite directions and he repeated stared at my chest oddly. Afterwards I realised he was not staring at my breasts, but Nicki's. Lesson learnt, I keep it off campus, or at least just in the library.

My vest is great also because I can make it nicely chavvy with some gold, or just keep it casual and blend it with my usual stuff, like today. 

It's a nice and simple statement!

Day Fifty Two

Claire is wearing a pair of gold hoop earrings [Superdrug], men's denim shirt [charity shop], three cats brooch [jumble sale], black leggings [Primark] and leopard print hi-tops [Topshop].

Covadonga is wearing a square top with leopards on [Urban Outfitters].

Today is a busy day in need for some dressing down. So I'm in denim, black and browns, so nice neutrals. 

In an attempt to make my shirt more interesting, I have added a brooch. It has three brown and orange striped cats at different heights on it. It matches my big cat shoes as well! Brooches are a great, pretty cheap, way to jazz things up. There's always some in charity shops and jumble sales, and there's an endless variety! Some look a bit twee, but sometimes you need a crystal encrusted poodle to pin on yourself! I own a palm tree and bejeweled leopard myself. There are great modern ones and pins as well. Lots of charities sell nicely shaped pins, and the RSPB wildlife ones are quite delightful. One of my housemates uses them to replace buttons before she can get round to sewing them back on. I have a Chuba Chub pin, from Spain where they were invented.

Finally badges! You can wear them when it's not your birthday! I have two fastened to the lapel of my big jacket, one of which is my initial, just in case anyone was wondering whose it was.

The great thing about little pins, brooches and badges is that you can collect them from all over and they hold a kind of memory. My initial badge is from my year in Spain, from a local

art space called the Niemeyer Centre and I wouldn't part with it for the world. 
Just make sure you fasten them tightly!