Day One Hundred and Three

Claire is wearing a leopard print square scarf (in hair) [vintage sale], giant gold hoop earrings [Topshop], thin gold necklace [charity shop], gold wiggly sectioned necklace [charity shop], black sheer-fronted t-shirt with slogan [Primark], thin denim trousers [charity shop], grey-topped thermal socks [George at Asda] and tan leather boots [Topshop].
Covadonga is wearing a gold vine leaf necklace [charity shop], a fish-bone style gold necklace [charity shop] and medium gold chain [charity shop].

I bought this t-shirt during year abroad and never really got round to wearing it there, mainly because I was afraid the teenagers I taught might see me in it and realise I was actually a) edgeh and b)allowed to live and shop outside the confines of the school.

I picked it out today to ventilate myself, with its sheer front. Although it's not really sheer, it's that fabric basketball vests are made out of; suffice to say I have more holes in my front than an emmental cheese today. This means I have to display my fetching black halter-neck bra, because I have an aversion to bandeaus (they slip off, leaving you lopsidedly exposed) and nude-coloured stretchy vests (the fabric, the cling and that fact that they're not actually designed for anyone's real skin colour and its therefore obvious you're wearing one). I picked edgeh exposure today, and if anyone if looking at my chest more than likely they'll be reading my top, in all its tacky glory, rather than ogling the 'explicit content' beneath! 

My housemate spouted an insightful quote this morning. She appeared in a well-co-ordinated pleated skirt and navy long-sleeved chiffon shirt with lace flowering, and told me that it looked like we would never be friends. She has a point. 

But everyone knows the good, well dressed lady always secretly fancies the bad boy in the tight jeans and black t-shirt. 

Today I am bad Pard, breaking hearts and eardrums 'til bedtime!

Day One Hundred and Two

Claire is wearing a a green scarf with brown roses (in hair) [charity shop], dark denim shirt [vintage Next, from a jumble sale], pink multi-coloured belt with gold edging and buckle [charity shop], red long wide-leg culottes with purple and magenta flowers and purple dots [vintage, from Pop Boutique Manchester], tan leather boots [Topshop].
Covadonga is wearing a pair of blue squiggly flowers, dragonflies and butterflies on yellow culottes [St Micheal, from a charity shop]. 

I tried to be at once co-ordinanted and clashing today. I've got my red, blue and green thing (s) on! Also pink, my belt is pink, breaking up, yet linking, my top and bottom. My outfit is working harder than I am currently. 

When I thought about writing this, the first thing that came into my head was sensual colours! My colours are sensual and vibrant, each is bold, yet complimentary. 

I studied a colour wheel today and educated myself about complimentary colours! There's this whole thing about colours next to each other, colours opposite each other and colours that form a T together. All very interesting, and I'm considering making one out of my felt tips to aid morning dressing dilemmas. 

In other news, I'm only just noticing how long these culottes make my legs appear. Maybe I'm slouching less. Remember, your clothes will always look better with good posture. A straight spine will no doubt make you look tens times more impressive (and taller). As a walker who stomps around at a right angle, I know the full benefits of standing upright!

Day One Hundred and One

Claire is wearing a green scarf with brown roses (in hair) [charity shop], blue stone earrings [Leeds Kirkgate Market], men's green and teal zigzagged shirt [Blue Rinse vintage shop, Leeds], black leggings [Primark] and black canvas hi-top trainers [Dunlop, from Sports Direct].
Covadonga is wearing a snap-back cap [Airwalk, from Sports Direct].

I know I said I would start clashing, but comfort calls and besides which the weather is being dreadfully erratic today...

I'm wearing my favourite over-sized men's shirt today. It's soft and snug. It's also very long yet slim fitting, so it's practically a kind of tunic on me, which is all sorts of flattering.
Men's shirts are the bomb. They're long, which is good for long bodies like mine, which mean's they cover my behind nicely. You can roll up the sleeves easily, without cutting off any bodily fluid supplies. They don't have the form fitting-ness of women's shirts, you can take matters of waist definition into your own hands here!
I kept my hair in its ribbon braid last night, so it's all crimped and waved. I've tucked it back away from my bronze lippy (which my locks seem quite partial to) with a new scarf. I fell into intense like with its deep, vibrant emerald green. I've found my hair has come into slight disarray as the day has proceeded, bu,t you know, what it looks better for it. My scarf has become less folded, so more of it is on display and now I've got a inch of relaxed flyaway at my brow.
Disheveled, accidental or intentional, makes for an edgeh look! 

Day One Hundred

Claire is wearing a dark green ribbon (in hair) [Leeds Kirkgate Market], letter beaded necklace [handmade, bead set from Tesco, elastic from Leeds Kirkgate Market], green mottled men's t-shirt [Primark, from charity shop], black belt [charity shop], red long wide-leg culottes with purple and magenta flowers and purple dots [vintage, from Pop Boutique Manchester] and black canvas hi-top trainers [Dunlop, from Sports Direct]. 

Covadonga is wearing a yellow pleated mini-skirt [jumble sale].

We have reached new heights! The heights of one hundred to be precise as today I have taken the one hundredth photo of us!

I have been daring in my dressing today, it took long enough anyway. I decided on my brightest culottes and paired them with a different colour t-shirt. I tried to keep in with the black theme, so the dark green and black mottling works well. I have surprised myself with how complimentary they are! It has inspired me for the next block of posts, which I have decided will be under the heading of co-coherent non-co-ordination; I will endeavour to clash seemingly nonchalantly (we all know this will take a lot of morning preparation in reality) to make a coherent whole look. Hhhmmmm. Bit edgeh. 

One can but attempt, so I will attempt. 

I am also wearing my new necklace I made. I was wandering around the kid's craft aisle in Tesco's and found these alphabet bead sets, so I bought two and some extra beads to have fun with. I can now make many rude words to hang and drape off myself!!

For now, however, in celebration of today's post I have opted for a simple adjective:

Have a pardtastic day and thank you for reading thus far stylish ones!

Day Ninety Nine

Claire is wearing a long purple edged magenta scarf (in hair) [charity shop], men's denim shirt [charity shop], black and white marbled leggings [H&M] and black canvas hi-top trainers [Dunlop, from Sports Direct]. 
Covadonga is wearing a long lime green scarf [charity shop].

Leggings are getting comfier, presumably they're stretching nicely!

I've gone classic and slung on my denim shirt; it's long and it's a good base colour.

My statement piece for today is my hair, I have braided it Frida Kahlo style with one of my giant vibrant scarves. My hot pink head matches my lipstick: co-ordination rule number 43, make-up can be, and should be, matched with accessories, makes morning decisions a bit easier, try it!

My hair is the most powerful of power symbols today! It is like a crown, a slightly headache inducing crown (I could be a bit dehydrated, but I always do the bunches a bit too tight, then realise my mistake a few hours in, and sometimes one must suffer for art). Headaches aside, you all know who wears crowns: queens! Any child can be a princess, but only grown fierce beans can be queens. Feel queenly and confident and you can carry off anything, and a crown can give you extra height which can only help this feat.

Continue being regally stylish readers!

Day Ninety Eight

Claire is wearing a furry blue-grey and black bucket hat [charity shop], pair of silver two geometric shaped earrings [charity shop], light blue mottled men's t-shirt [Primark, from charity shop], black and white marbled leggings [H&M] and black canvas hi-top trainers [Dunlop, from Sports Direct]. 
Covadonga is wearing a square-sleeved crystal-patterned sheer, short kimono robe [Spanish hippy-style shop].

I'm wearing my new-ish leggings for the first time! They're from H&M, so the waist band comes up near my waist and sits there snugly, unlike my Primark black leggings which sag a bit, and look quite sad. However, the snugness became apparent this morning, I had  a camel toe. I've had limited experience with this kind of tightness because, as a general rule, I wear more fabric than I need. I chose a longer top and contemplated if there could be a nicer term for such tightness. Like, well, still thinking on that one... 

Otherwise the pattern is lovely, and because they're monochrome they should go with a lot of items! I thought it was some kind of water pattern, I decided on marbled, but my housemates said tie-dye.

I'm also getting the most out of my hat while the weather is cooler, which makes me cooler (tehe). 

I'm also going to the pale side of the blue spectrum today, I feel like an icy pool of calm, but obviously warmer, and busier.

Day Ninety Seven

Claire is wearing a  zebra scarf (in hair) [Blue Rinse Vintage shop], [green dress with red, yellow and white lilies on [Leeds Vintage Kilo Sale], zebra-print thermal socks [George at Asda] and tan leather boots [Topshop].

Covadonga is wearing a pair of white flowered trousers [jumble sale].

Despite the heat and the sun-rays, I am wearing my boots again. I am stuck in the conundrum that occurs when one only owns one pair of formal/work-appropriate shoes. And as today is placement day, I am wearing them and bearing them. I briefly considered my creepers with thermal socks, but after the damage they wreaked on my ankles yesterday, I'm not quite brave enough to undertake that again just yet. 

I also had a hard time looking for things that are sunny and school appropriate. So I have gone for the traditional, long skirt without tights underneath. I feel my dress is modest enough to be suitable and colorful enough to be noticeable.

There are times for old favourites, this dress is one, but pairing it with my zebra scarf is too. If a look works, keep working it until it runs into the ground (if it's good enough, this shouldn't happen too soon either). The neural monochrome works with the black bits and white lilies on my dress and I've co-ordinated my socks for extra snazz.

Day Ninety Six

Claire is wearing a blue palm leaf print black dress [Vintage sale], white frilled socks [Morrison's] and white creepers [charity shop].

Covadonga is wearing a pair of blue with lime trim trainers [Nikes from a Spanish charity shop].

This is the dress I have been putting off wearing for several days, but today I decided to take the plunge and don the thing. 

I think it's kind of 80s; it has a loose top and a skirt that flows from it, with a waist tie. It possesses a shape that always looks more beautifully draped and attractive hanging off the hanger rather than a person. It's a versatile piece, for days and nights out, given its length (not too short but not too long) and the sheer fabric (I don't know if it's meant to be this sheer or it's been worn). I very much like the palm leaves too. 

I decided to wear my socks and my creepers, which I have recently found out are actually 'double' creepers due to their extra height. I wore them thinking they looked good, they matched my socks and, well, they looked really good. Then I actually walked in them. I have used 1 plaster already and I have a box to be cut to size in anticipation for the next prolonged movement. It turns out they wear better with thicker socks.

I trust my lesson will have been painfully learnt and my vanity sorely tested by the end of today.

Day Ninety Five

Claire is wearing a kingfisher shaped pin [jumble sale], dark blue tie front top with white flowers [Dash, from a charity shop], blue squiggly flowers, dragonflies and butterflies on yellow culottes [St Micheal, from a charity shop] and black canvas hi-top trainers [Dunlop, from Sports Direct].
Covadonga is wearing a gold thin knit jumper [Laura Ashley, from a charity shop].

The weather continues to amaze, and hopefully adding a healthy, warming glow to my lower arms.

I'm wearing my most summery culottes in celebration of the sun; I feel mellow yellow is an excellent spring and summer colour! I'm also wearing them to avoid the dreaded 'chub-rub' as my housemate has deemed it. Its when your thighs rub together painfully, especially in the summer and it's just hideous and painful and if you've never experienced this discomfort

at the mercy of your own thighs, you are very lucky. Culottes eliminate this by providing a soothing barrier of fabric between them. One less worry (as well as the sweating, sun protection, feet swelling) for summer to deliver. 
Co-ordination wise, I've picked out colors from my culottes to match with other items. My black trainers and white shirt detail match some squiggles, the blue matches my top, and the tan matches my belt. The key to combining patterns is colour matching!! Pick out and co-ordinate colours within each print and you can look as crazy as you want, without looking too cluttered!

Day Ninety Four

Claire is wearing a electric blue silky reversible tank top [charity shop], men's denim jacket (tied around waist) [charity shop], black leggings [Primark], grey thermal socks [George at Asda] and black canvas hi-top trainers [Dunlop, from Sports Direct].
Covadonga is wearing a blue and yellow flowered black elasticated-waisted top [charity shop].

Big presentation today called for comfort, as did the surprisingly hot weather. Not just warm and sun, but hot and glaring. I did that thing, that I'm sure everyone has experienced several times in their life; I put something on I had planned to wear the night before, only to rip it off and shove it back from whence it came (after folding first, obviously). That feeling of urrrgh and nooooo and NO. It's too clingy, uncomfortable or just plain wrong. That was my reasonable and respectable dress this morning. Sorry dress, nothing personal...

I opted for my comfy leggings instead and a simple top. 

Although, this top is reversible with purple, but I am wearing the blue side today, to appear calm during my presentation. It's not just any old blue. I think it's an electric blue, it's bright, and it has a lovely shimmery kind of quality to its silky fabric that enhances the colour. It has been complimented today!

I knowingly tied my jacket around my waist; I also used it as a personal picnic blanket for lunch. Never underestimate the power of the light jacket, it can rival a scarf for usefulness in spring.

Day Ninety Three

Claire is wearing a square leopard print scarf [vintage sale], leopard fake-fur lined straw coloured parka [Spanish charity shop], flowered shirt with leopards and hearts [vintage sale], black leggings [Primark], grey thermal socks [George at Asda] and tan leather boots [Topshop].
Covadonga is wearing a leopard print scarf [Christmas present, unknown origin].

I have chosen a theme today: leopard, naturally. 

My wonderfully happy shirt has some spotted, inquisitive-yet-sneaky looking cats on it. As well as fried-egg shaped flowers. The cats match my head scarf nicely, which is keeping my locks out of my presentation-learning way. That co-ordinates superbly with the furry lining and hood of my yellow parka. 

But the secret with a theme is not to go too matchy-matchy. I've got doses of the same type of animal print, but it's all slightly different in colour or rosette size. Got to mix and match it up! 

I'm having a comfy day (sans lipstick especially, seeing as I feel I've ingested enough in the past few days). I've not even attempted to safety pin my missing top button hole, having that relaxed one button undone thing. About as close to relaxing on holiday vibes as I'm going to get for the next month...

Day Ninety Two

Claire is wearing a pair of silver two geometric shaped earrings [charity shop], silver hair slides [Leeds Kirkgate Market], men's blue-grey shirt [Spanish charity shop], black bag with blue with fake snake-skin [charity shop], black leggings [Primark], white frilled socks [Morrison's] and black canvas hi-top trainers [Dunlop, from Sports Direct].
Covadonga is wearing a cream pinny with painterly blue and green flowers [charity shop].

More blue, black and white socks today. I'm wearing a men's shirt, which I thought was chambray (when I eventually found out about chambray's existence), but since googling it I've found out it's similar to denim. Therefore, my shirt appears to just be a very synthetic, but nicely textured garment. It creates enough static; even my hair has been puffing up with it after caressing my shirt. Still, the fabric feels smooth and it's a pleasant colour! 

I'm using my new bag, which is slightly on the small-not-entirely-practical side but it's pretty,and sometimes that's all the reasoning you need. And it's blue metallic snakeskin, but done in a classy way!

I also did my hair fancy today. I side-swept it, with a hidden ponytail of left-side hair, and put lots of clips in it! I bought some silver hair slides as I'm finally coming back round the idea of silver (used to hate gold, now I love the stuff, and the fake stuff I can actually afford, and wasn't too keen on silver). But it does look good with my dark mane...

Day Ninety One

Claire is wearing a silver necklace with clear stones [charity shop], grey cotton t-shirt [table top sale], men's denim jacket [charity shop], black leggings [Primark], white frilled socks [Morrison's] and black canvas hi-top trainers [Dunlop, from Sports Direct].
Covadonga is wearing a sky blue satin bow tie [charity shop].

I bought some of those frilly, ruffled white socks for primary school children from Morrison's. I got 5 pairs for £4, bargain! And no VAT! I had seen them before, but after my housemate actually bought some from M&S, I decided to buy them, but cheaper ones. I got the only set of adult sizes, which confusingly looked ginormous among all the size 12s. I had my doubts about the cuteness of the socks (and how long the pristine whiteness will last), so I'm easing myself in by pairing them with only slight bunches, new purple lippy (another 'scandalous shade', this time called 'Depraved'...) and some lethal attitude.

Don't be fooled by the deceptive cuteness of my socks and my candy shaded lips, I'm edgeh and I can be childish or feminine without sacrificing my fierceness. As 2, not so much gentlemen as, harassers, found out when they inquired, from the seats of their small silver car, how I was doing.

Better than them.

Stay fierce in the sun, stylish ones, whether you show some ankle or put a ruffle on it!

Day Ninety

Claire is wearing a scrunchie [Leeds Kirkgate Market], black cat-eye sunglasses [New Look], green mottled men's t-shirt [Primark, from charity shop], black leggings [Primark] and black canvas hi-top trainers [Dunlop, from Sports Direct].
Covadonga is wearing a black studded bumbag [Primark].

It may be sunny, but I had already decided to wear dark clothing today, and the clouds have already appeared as it is. 

I bought a tube of black lipstick yesterday, it's called 'Raven'. I have thought about this shade of lippy, but never took the plunge until now. It took a heck of a long time to apply, because every mistake is glaringly obvious, so the shape must be perfect! I was warned by my housemate not to get any on my teeth. I did, about half way through the day after I went to Morrison's. When I realised, I also realised I must have smiled at the cashier, who probably thought I had an unfortunate cavity. I like a challenge, so I wore it on a warmish day, and prayed it wouldn't smudge, resulting in me looking like I had a) eaten a crayon, b) sucked on a lump of coal or c) smooched a very inky newspaper.

However, on the whole, very flattering. I did not look as washed out and vampire-like as I had feared, it's just like wearing an extremely dark berry shade. I did get some looks, but dark lippy is edgeh.

I feel a bit goth-like in my colour palette today, although my scrunchie and my general air make me more of en edgeh bean channeling 90s grunge style, rather than a real goth. 

I haven't been grungy before, but I must say, I'm enjoying it!

Day Eighty Nine

Claire is wearing a a pink flowers on orange and yellow silk scarf [charity shop], wavy-striped cotton orange, pale peach, navy and purple tassel-edged scarf [jumble sale], light blue mottled men's t-shirt [Primark, from charity shop], black leggings [Primark] and black canvas hi-top trainers [Dunlop, from Sports Direct].
Covadonga is wearing an over-sized black-edged scarf with a large leopard [Charity Shop].

I bought some daring orange lipstick yesterday; the tube assures me it's a 'scandalous shade'. And it's called 'Vice'. Hhhhmmhhhmmmm. Sass in a tube! It's very vibrant, a real orangeade orange. I had a discussion with my housemate, she's been on a similar quest to find the most orange coral, and considering I procured mine for a pound from Superdrug, we decided that people who can afford to buy nice lipsticks don't like orange lipstick.

I've co-ordinated my lippy with the scarf in my braid and the one around my neck. I decided to wear one of my new t-shirts, I found it in a charity shop and I loved the mottled colouring, a break from my usual plainness. It's subtle but I enjoy that. To be romantic, it brings out the blue in my eyes! 

Comfortable as well, the t-shirt is a medium for a change, so it covers my rear. Modest in all things, except lipstick...

Day Eighty Eight

Claire is wearing a furry blue-grey and black bucket hat [charity shop], pair of silver two geometric shaped earrings [charity shop], men's off-white t-shirt [Primark], black leggings [Primark] and black canvas hi-top trainers [Dunlop, from Sports Direct]. 
Covadonga is wearing a black woolly hat [Swansea City FC Official Club Store].

90s vibes all round today. 

And can I talk about my hat!!!??!!?

I feel that it's the ultimate statement in head-wear. It had subtle yet attractive colouring, with black squiggles on blue-grey, making it interesting yet subtle enough to co-ordinate with items. It's also furry (fake, (not) naturally), the fluff is so soft I pull it down more just to feel the brim. It's lined with blue satin stuff too. And to top it all (tehe) it's a bucket hat, which are gaining popularity, I might add, but usually in regard to summer wear, not insulating winter numbers. I look very edgeh and 90s. On the other hand I also look like a character out of a Dr Seuss book, The Cat in The Hat was a fine feline though...

I kept the rest of my outfit simple today, to accentuate and compliment the hat: multitasking! The blue, black and white base colours mean my red lipstick 'pops'. Red lipstick pretty much goes with everything and it can be a feature or just another accessory, it's rather versatile once you have found your one! Ironically, my red lipstick is called 'Valentine'.

Day Eighty Seven

Claire is wearing a country landscape with sheep print fleece [Radish Countrywear, from a charity shop], dark racing green silk shirt [jumble sale], black leggings [Primark] and grey thermal socks [George at Asda].
Covadonga is wearing a slate grey silk shirt [charity shop].

My mooching-around-the-house day is well under-way. I've colour co-ordinated my shirt and fleece, for once green instead of blue. Mixing it up a bit! 

My shirt is a men's silk one, it feels to me like a luxury lounge wear item, as opposed to just a lounge wear item. If one can actually define what lounge wear really is... 

But it's long, loose and I think the creases only add to the comfortable effect, and it enhances the fabric's slight shimmery effect.

My fleece, a stereotypical outdoor item, is rapidly turning into my very own housecoat and general warming blanket. Everyone needs something to sling on when they're at home, that's warm, fleecy, or possibly woollen, that's not a coat or jacket, and doesn't require washing too often. Mine sits happily on my chair or lives slung over my bed the rest of the time, brightens up the room a little!

Day Eighty Six

Claire is wearing a white scarf with corn print [St Michael, from a charity shop], teal and yellow 'Asturias' t-shirt [Chinese Bazaar, Spain], black leggings [Primark] and black canvas hi-top trainers [Dunlop, from Sports Direct]. 
Covadonga is wearing a furry blue-grey and black bucket hat [charity shop].

Let's here it for the novelty t-shirts! I'm wearing a gift from my Dad's weekend trip to Asturias where I spent my year abroad. Still gutted I couldn't tag along on that holiday... 
The yellow cross on a light teal background is the region's flag, mine just has the label underneath to clarify in case anyone wasn't sure (it's not the most well known region). I like the yellow band detailing on the neck an arms too! And it's comfy and loose.
Novelty t-shirts are great memories of events and holidays. I've got a doodled on white t-shirt from an English Society event (can't wear that in public, rather explicit). I've also got a Outgoing t-shirt from a trip to Amsterdam, which I wear as a pajama top because I don't want to walk around with 'a night you'll never remember, but one you'll never forget' emblazoned on the back (I drink moderately myself, not really an apt slogan for me). If you buy the right top, the memory can be worn forever! 
I'm accessorising with a kind of bandanna, except it's not a bandanna scarf. It's a white square scarf which has little cobs of corn in rows in the middle and cereal crops in clumps around the edge. It's very subtle and delicate in colour, with blues and yellows. All in nice contrast to my loud banana Drumstick Lolly coloured t-shirt.
And if it looks like I'm not going anywhere today, I'm not, except to the postbox! Lounge wear for working all day!

Day Eighty five

Claire is wearing a pair of peacock earrings with fake jewels and pearls [Leeds Kirkgate Market], men's denim shirt [charity shop], black leggings [Primark], zebra-print thermal socks [George at Asda] and tan leather boots [Topshop].
Covadonga is wearing a lilac-flowered and veiled pill box hat [charity shop].

I'm back in my leggings and my over-sized shirts, cowering against the wind and rain instead of basking in unusual April sunshine. 

I know I've worn this combination several times before, I hope you don't find it too repetitive, but that's why it's a classic! Comfy, slightly sleek, base colour black leggings, topped with a wear-with-all blue denim, large comfy shirt. Perfect for working days, lounging days, average days and, perhaps with some ironing, work placement days. And with tan boots, all bases colours covered. And I'm covered, which is also important.

When you have a simple outfit, it's good to have a statement piece, a feature, and today my feature is my pair of earrings. I spied them when strolling through the Wednesday Asian Market. They could look tacky but I love them and their over-the-topness and the peacock helps this, it looks regal! I'm not normally a fan of pearls but in with other colours and (fake, very fake) jewels, they look good.They are, however, heavy and my lobes I doubt will last the day laden with these brightly encrusted babies!

My hair is slightly odd too, I have reversed plaited it (starting from the nape) then pulled the  the plait draped over my face back over itself so it looks like a small quiff and I have a plait running down the middle of my head. All very backwards!

Day Eighty Four

Claire is wearing a pair of leopard print bunny ears [local joke shop], furry leopard coat [charity shop], men's cream shirt [Leeds Vintage Kilo Sale], black leggings [Primark], grey thermal socks [George at Asda] and tan leather boots [Topshop].
Covadonga is wearing a pair of handmade 70s printed shorts [Spanish Charity shop].

Today I am helping to organise a belated Easter egg treasure hunt, so I am one half of the Easter Bunny. Hence the ears. I bent one down to give it a more endearing look, because everyone knows that lopsided-eared rabbits look cutest. They're comfy enough that I don't really notice them on my head. I didn't wear them to the library though. It wouldn't be fair to be such a distraction to hard working others.

My coat is soft and furry, on the outside anyway, the inside is plain and slightly rough, bu the point is, I'm nice to hug! I think it may be hand-made judging by the thick seams and fabric, and lack of label. The shoulders are nicely shaped, like domes although they do make carrying rucksacks a little tricky and the sleeves are slightly short which is great for me with my short arms.

Colour wise, I pulled out my pale yellow/cream shirt in the spirit of Easter and then put lots of brown and black with it really...

Day Eighty Three

Claire is wearing a speckled blue scarf (in hair) [free with a box of Roses chocolates about 10 years ago], pear necklace [charity shop], blue men's t-shirt [Primark], purple high-waisted shorts [charity shop] and black canvas hi-top trainers [Dunlop, from Sports Direct]. 
Covadonga is wearing a white scarf with ladybirds [Spanish charity shop] and black cat-eye sunglasses [New Look].  

Sun continues, so do my shorts! I'm sporting my new purple pair. They're cotton, they have someone else's name tag in (I'm not called Lauren), the waist-band is wonderfully lined with some soft ribbing, even if it is missing a cord to tighten it, but in this weather, looseness is a necessity. They also have deep pockets on both sides and one of the back. I can't work out of they're for over-60s or for children. My housemate told me they looked like a pair of brightly coloured shorts a 1990s under five-year-old would wear to run around a park. I sat in a library, but still, she's right.

I braided my slightly greasy hair with my scarf tied in it, so it gives some some nice quiff-like height at the top and a tassel tuft at the end. 

I'm also enjoying some block colours today, keeping it simple, showcasing my pear too!

Day Eighty Two

Claire is wearing a green dress with red, yellow and white lilies on [Leeds Vintage Kilo Sale], red cross-body bag with handles [St Michael, from a charity shop], black thermal socks [George at Asda] and tan leather boots [Topshop].
Covadonga is wearing a magenta silk sleeveless top [Adini, from a charity shop].

More lilies! This is one of my favourite dresses, a gem found whilst rummaging around at the vintage sale. It's buttoned all the way down with black plastic buttons and it still has it's waist tie in the same fabric. It sports a lovely v-neck on the back, although the fabric bib that lines it keeps peeking out because it's not been ironed sternly enough recently.  Without the waist tie it would be looser, and have a slight corset and skirt shape to it. It's brightly coloured but it all meshes well and because it contains black it makes choosing a base colour easier. 

Having said that, I'm wearing brown boots in the sun because today we return to Leeds and they are they shoes I must return in. Besides, the laces at least match part of the flowers.

I'm redeeming myself with my handbag, a fabulous bargain in amazing condition (I think the last owner must not have taken it out of the house). It's a scarlet lipstick red with black piping and gold clasps on the removable long cross-body handle, the inside is lined with red satin feel fabric. It's also by St Michael. It is a work of art: this is what people mean when they say fashion is art. It's perfect!

Falling in love with my bag aside, I am ready to swish away in the sun, hoping when I come out of the train on the other side it won't be too much colder!

Stay stylishly sunny, weather and readers!

Day Eighty One

Claire is wearing a pair of hexagon dark green sunglasses [from Mum], pair of orange parrot earrings [Primark], blue and white beaded necklace with blue turtles [charity shop], off-white men's t-shirt [Primark], blue shorts with pink and orange lilies [St Michael, from a charity shop] and black canvas trainers [Lee Cooper, from Sports Direct]. 
Covadonga is wearing a thick shell bracelet [charity shop].

Sun is still shining (yay!) so I've whacked my shorts out! I haven't shaved my legs but what the heck, it's a feminist statement, I'm too lazy and frankly, from up here I can't really see any hair anyway.

My shorts I think are actually part of a pajama set; the label says it's part of a two piece set, but the charity shop didn't have whatever the second garment was. Mysteries abound. In true PJ fashion, they're cottony, comfy and with an elasticated waistband. They're also unusually vibrant for bed wear, but for this summer weather, they're nicely tropical. They're short enough for coolness, but not too short that I get marks on my upper legs when I sit down! Anyway to avoid that awful short-wearing moment when you have to peel yourself off a chair...

I've tied my top up front, as I have enough fabric to maneuver into a knot, which means my midriff might catch a ray or two. Moreover, as my top is plain, I could wear my bright parrots and my new turtles!

Day Eighty

Claire is wearing a blue and white beaded necklace with blue turtles [charity shop], thin blue jumper [New Look], long red dress with pink carnations [Laura Ashley, from Mum] and black canvas trainers [Lee Cooper, from Sports Direct]. 

Covadonga is wearing a pair of large gold shell clip-on earrings [vintage shop]. 

Despite a very misty start, I got the weather I was promised, which meant I had to remove half my clothing when I got home after earlier dressing for about 2 degrees (my tights and jacket you understand, nothing too revealing rest assured). I compromised with my light jumper.

Apart from my lazy handiwork in leaving the label poking out, my technique is one I'm quite proud of. When something is too big or just shapeless, and it's too short to tie in a knot or I just don't fancy stretching the material that far, I collect it in a bunch and tie a hair tie in it (like a bizarre cloth front ponytail) and simply tuck it up and under the item. It help define the waist and you don't have to faff around with belts and baggy things! Works well for showing some midriff gap with high-waisted items.

My necklace, although the photo is too poor and faraway to see it clearly, has small blue turtles among blue and white beads. It's thin and simple, a bit childish. I bought it today and it was one of those glorious moments where you but something and you're like heck yeah cut the tags, I'm wearing it NOW! I love buying something and then getting instant gratification by wearing it out the shop door. 

Fierce spending, that Pard knows what she wants the shop assistant must be thinking. Just remember to remove the tags first, otherwise you might look like you just skillfully shoplifted something to those on the street...

Day Seventy Nine

Claire is wearing a pair of hexagon dark green sunglasses [from Mum], long red dress with pink carnations [Laura Ashley, from Mum], black and green thin belt [charity shop] and black canvas trainers [Lee Cooper, from Sports Direct].
Covadonga is wearing a blue and aqua zig-zaged playsuit [H&M].

Sun is well and truly out today, limited clouds too! Some fine Bank Holiday Monday weather for once!
I opted for a dress today, a summery dress to suit the occasion with bare legs aplomb, but it'll be ok as they'll be sheltered from UV rays and breeze by the long skirt of the dress. The straps are extra thick and extend down my back into a V shape where they meet in a small bow. The only issue is that it's slightly too big for me so while the belt is holding in it at the waist, I have to be on guard to make sure the top doesn't get accidently pulled down, or I Iean forward too eagerly. It's not actually mine it's one of my Mum's vintage Laura Ashley gems she's kept, which I have now clutched in my paws never to return. I nabbed the sunglasses some years ago, which though don't entirely flatter my face, are too insect-like for me not to try and get away with them!
I feel a bit Lilly Allen with my trainers and full skirt (minus gold), but the colours are so lovely it's worth it!
Practicality wise, there's a pocket and it's all cotton, which means it's all good for sweat glands, which may get a workout given the pleasant temperature. I am all set, once I've put my jacket on (don't want to tempt fate and be blown away/rained on/sunburnt to a crisp by unpredictable British weather) to amble around and read books on park benches, etc.
Stylish nearly-summer's day to all!