Day One Hundred and Ninety Five

Claire is wearing a white scarf with corn (in hair) [St Michael, from a charity shop], gold hoop earrings [New Look], cornflower blue dress with cream spots [charity shop], white frilled socks [Morrison's] and cream espadrilles with satin toes and ribbon [charity shop].
Covadonga is wearing an over-size sheer white, purple and blue paint-splatter top [Warehouse].

So, it turns out sometimes even nice shoes are not kind enough for sore feet. Hence my folded over socks today, which Mum has assured me look cute and not odd. They've definitely helped my paws today.

Moreover, this dress is just right. The fit is so on point, a lucky find in any shop nowadays, let alone a charity shop! It hugs my torso and it seems made for a smaller bust, yet flares out to accommodate my hips. It's tailor-made! It also incorporates two styles I'm warming to. It boasts a handkerchief hem, where the fabric kind of drapes in sections on the skirt, which I don't usually like (bit too hippy for me) but as it's all in one lovely pattern and concealed as part of a flare in itself, it works! Moreover, the top has a sweetheart neckline, where the bust line dips in, like the top of a heart! Because I'm sweet and kind. Hhaha, more likely because I like sweets and I have a heart. However, it's surprisingly flattering on a smaller bust, except the straps on either side keep falling down.

Day One Hundred and Ninety Four

Claire is wearing a selection of flowers (in back of hair) [New Look, Spanish Chinese bazaar], magenta, orange and green flowered low-back dress with birds [vintage Dorthy Perkins, from a charity shop], palm tree brooch (hidden from view on side of dress) [charity shop] and cream espadrilles with satin toes and ribbon [charity shop].
Covadonga is wearing a sheer reptile patterned olive dress [H&M, from a charity shop].

In regard to yesterday's boot try-out, I had two blisters on each heel and a sore on the side of my foot. Today's walking wasn't that pleasant, hence my choice of unspellable soft, kind shoe.

I finally wore this dress! I have owned and loved it for a while, but the issue lies in the, now unelasticated, waist band. The dress ties with two stripes of fabric conveniently where a bra strap would rest, meanwhile the elastic waist band sits neatly on my back inline with my waist. However, the dress is worn to the point that said waist band is not so much a waist band as a drooping reminder of one. An indecent reminder at that! The band just reached the top of my bum and I would have worn it like that today, but it was breezy and I wanted my kidneys to be more insulated. I've tried using safety pins previously but today I pinned a palm tree brooch on one side over the gathered material. Problem solved! No mooning undertaken! 

Finally, I did my hair nice too! My friend does this, but better as she has thicker hair. I twisted my hair into three buns and covered the gaps and scruffy bits with my clip flowers!

Day One Hundred and Ninety Three

Claire is wearing a dark teal scrunchie [Leeds Kirkgate Market], blue striped dress [St Michael, from a charity shop], blue and silver rose brooch [charity shop] and tomato red Dr Martens [Dr Martens shop].

Covadonga is wearing a pair of white flower clips [New Look]. 

In the blue today! This dress is one of my favourites. I don't wear it all too often, but when I do it reminds me just why I love it! I find it needs specific conditions to wear as it's a bit clingy and the fabric is thin, but synthetic, so wearing with tights would produce far too much static electricity for me to handle. However, on a warm cloudy day like today, it's perfect! It's fit my shape nicely, the bottom button has enough stretch to fir over my hips and thighs without doing that dreaded gap thing buttons do when desperately stretched shut. The other great thing about this dress is its two way stripes! There's light blue and darker blue horizontally with lighter blues is little pebble-shaped stripes in the bigger stripes. It's all very visually pleasing!

Finally I wore my Docs outside today, to Tesco to buy ice lollies. Suffice to say I limped back and haven't taken my socks off yet.

I'm scared of what blisters may have formed...

Day One Hundred and Ninety Two

Claire is wearing a pair of small tortoise shell sunglasses [Zandra Rhodes, from a charity shop], orange, yellow and green tie back crop top [charity shop], orange, yellow and green wrap-around trousers [charity shop] and black and leopard print creepers [charity shop].
Covadonga is wearing a red and yellow flowered skirt [Spanish charity shop].

What a scorcher!! 

Today I am a citrus delight! I read my favourite poem last night called a Kumquat for John Keats by Tony Harrison and it cites a lot of citrus fruits, so naturally taking inspiration from poetry today. I bought this a while back and I have worn the top out and about; one night in particular when a friend thought it humorous to untie it. Luckily the front is not only buttoned but stitched, so really the buttons don't actually mean anything...

The trousers are wrap-around so they tie at the front and the back. The only issue is that with the slippy material I have to retie myself in public occasionally. The fabric also has static issue, you can see by the way it's clinging desperately to my legs like a limpet to a seaweed encrusted rock. But the most important thing is that it's a pretty fabulous looking limpet! The colours remind me of a healthy juice advert and the pattern, the big dots aside, is a kind of water splatter print. 
Generally, I feel like a 70s chick with my frazzled-end wavy hair and wide flares. And it's a nice feeling!

Day One Hundred and Ninety One

Claire is wearing some silver hair slides [Leeds Kirkgate Market], jersey black body with sheer panel [New Look], blue striped cropped-sleeve jacket [Per Una, from Mum], thin denim trousers [charity shop], white sports socks [Puma, from Sports Direct] and white creepers [Charity shop].
Covadonga is wearing a pair of chunky heeled black strappy sandals [New Look]. 

I'm getting into this jacket (I mean, it's not hard as it only as three buttons); the slightly cropped arms and big buttons are lovely and I'm greatly appreciating the stripes! It goes so well with my jeans, I finally have an alternative to double denim!

My braid stayed in all night so my hair is wavy today. I told Nan I felt like a princess (although in hindsight, queen would be better, more befitting for my age and ego) and she replied that a princess wouldn't wear this red lipstick. She has a point, it's a daring, low-cost shade.

Moreover, I highly doubt anyone royal would wear this body. I bought it from New Look about 2 years ago when there was a large trend among young ladies to wear black bodies with denim short shorts. I never actually wore mine with shorts of any kind, but for some reason I felt like getting into it today. It's surprised me! It looks good; it's sexy-subtle with it's sheer panel (likewise my boobs are subtle which also helps the chest situation today) and as it's jersey fabric it's all soft and comfy.However, it has earned me some stares today, but they just couldn't handle the stylish sass.

Day One Hundred and Ninety

Claire is wearing a red rose corsage [charity shop], off-white men's t-shirt [Primark], blue striped croped-sleeve jacket [Per Una, from Mum], thin denim trousers [charity shop] and tomato red Dr Martens [Dr Martens shop].
Covadonga is wearing a pale floral halterneck dress [Spanish vintage shop].

I think I look smashing today! And no-one had the chance to comment or contradict given that I got all dressed up (knowing perfectly well this was all I would do!) to stay in my room, watch Netflix, eat a chocolate orange and colour Marvel characters pink in my colouring book. It was a nice day really! 

This was also the perfect opportunity to help wear-in my new Docs! I finally bought them on my holiday; I popped into the store to look at their sale and walked out with a pair and a large receipt, which I maintain represents an investment. I had previously murmured and ummmed and errred about getting a pair. I went into the shop and browsed and questioned if I should get a pair of tan boots which would be my work shoes forever, or some nice forever winter shoes. I saw this colour in Schuh and I loved it. It's not patent, but it's a vibrant red like my red lipstick. I now figure that because they're so bright they will go with nearly everything I own. Red goes well with blue, green, tans and browns and basically I will wear them with everything regardless... Then a month later the Doc shop had the colour and my size on sale and I had enough courage to nab them! I am excited for our future, if not the breaking-in process or the heartbreak of impending scuffs.

Day One Hundred and Eighty Nine

Claire is wearing a dark teal scrunchie [Leeds Kirkgate Market], long blue hand-knitted cardigan [knitted by my Nan], sheer reptile patterned olive dress [H&M, from a charity shop], grey thermal socks [George at Asda] and black and leopard print creepers [charity shop].
Covadonga is wearing a fitted fuchsia dress [Leeds Vintage Kilo Sale].

I nabbed this dress for £2! It's from H&M originally and at first I thought it had some poor stitching along the sheer fabric seams and the neckline,but I have come to the conclusion that it's just the fabric itself that falls in an odd manner. And the fact that it has some kind of mini-pleat/gathering thing going on subtlety on the neckline. I claim this fabric is 'reptile print' because quite frankly I don't know what it is! It's continuous patches of small circles and blobs which in the light turn a darker olive and appear textured. It's not snake skin, too round for crocodile, but's not a spotted mammal like my shoes, it could be feathers, a small kind of feather? In which case my dress is printed like one of those feathered dinosaurs I saw on Dinosaur Planet (really great program, very informative) which were scary as heck! Finally the dress has spaghetti straps, those fancy thin ones which allow for extra collarbone exposure.

I think I look a bit grungy today in my dark shades and long baggy lengths! No accessories, but that's out of rush and laziness on my part this morning...

Day One Hundred and Eighty Eight

Claire is wearing a pair of teardrop floral metallic earrings [jumble sale], dark teal scrunchie [Leeds Kirkgate Market], purple and lilac rose kimono [from Nan], men's mottled light blue t-shirt [Primark, from a charity shop], thin denim trousers [charity shop], grey topped thermal socks [George at Asda] and white creepers [charity shop].
Covadinga is wearing a black bat-wing top with blue and purple velvet leaves [charity shop].

I nabbed this kimono/light dressing gown from Nan as she was about to put it in a charity bag. I've had my beady eye on it for a couple of years now; I love the coloring and pattern of the roses. It's elegantly cut with slightly wider arms, but not too wide or long as to drape over my hands and whatever I happen to be eating (inevitably it would be sticky and probably stain), and finally the length is perfect knee-length. I can sashay around at home, being fabulous or wear it out as a not-quite-coat outfit-topper as today. 

I felt lovely drifting around in the rain, feeling extra important with my bonus inches of creep height! With my high bun and my giant earrings I feel fierce!

I drifted off in the rain to meet Nan to walk to Tesco today (she greeted me with 'what are you wearing?!') and together with our umbrellas we looked like two rain mushrooms shuffling along!

Day One Hundred and Eighty Seven

Claire is wearing a navy bucket hat [Aldi, assortment of badges and a patch from Afflecks of Manchester], large iridescent sunglasses [charity shop], multi-coloured print body [Good Goods by Jeff Banks, from jumble sale], high-waisted denim shorts [charity shop], grey white-spotted socks [Primark] and leopard-print hi-tops [Topshop].
Covadonga is wearing a floppy floral bucket hat [charity shop]. 

Wearing the rainbow as opposed to tasting it today!

I was in Aldi last night buying fondant fancies and a Marvel colouring book (those adult ones are expensive, this was £1.99 and my Iron Man is currently pink and purple) and I spotted plain bucket hats. While on holiday I had a trip to Manchester, where Afflecks resides. It's five floors of punk, goth, vintage and funky stuff! I did a lucky dip and won a tattoo sleeve, I also bought galaxy patterned tights and a trio of iron-on patches. Quite liking the idea of keeping my favourite denim jacket plain, I decided I could personalise something smaller, like a hat. And who doesn't want a hat with some sass ironed on it? A sass hat! I further adorned my brim with little badges and some pins.

I slung on my giant sunglasses (which don't really offer any kind of real sun protection so I've worn them on an overcast day) that appear to be from the set of 90s music video. Got a few stares, but my bug eyes I'm sure merely reflected them!

Day One Hundred and Eighty Six

Claire is wearing a green scarf with brown roses (in hair) [charity shop], navy, red, white and beige men's check shirt [Peacocks], men's blue t-shirt [Primark], blue rose-print skirt [St Michael, from a jumble sale], grey-topped thermal socks [George at Asda] and tan leather boots [Topshop]. 
Covadonga is wearing a blue stone necklace [charity shop].

This is my recycling day: half way through the week where I can re-wear bits of the previous outfits before the wash cycle begins! I've got my shirt and my skirt, which go well together as they're tied together by the binding power of blue, along with my tied t-shirt. The great thing about check or tartan is, if you're daring enough (which I'm sure you all are) is that, like leopard print, it can be treated as a neutral in the grand scheme of your pattern-scape. It helps if you keep your colours vaguely co-ordinated if you do it! I'm co-ordinating my scarf roses with my skirt and keeping the colours in line (tehe) with my tartan hues.

The flannel shirt is so cosy and it always looks just as good slung on your shoulders as it does around your waist. I'm waiting for mine to get to that nicely worn-in stage of snug-ness, but I think I'll have to wait for winter wear time for that!

Day One Hundred and Eighty Five

Claire is wearing a navy, red, white and beige men's check shirt [Peacocks], red and brown floral shorts [Spanish charity shop] and black and leopard print creepers [charity shop].
Covadonga is wearing a purple and lilac rose kimono [from Nan].

In hindsight (i.e the sun) it was clear that my flannel shirt was a mistake, despite balancing my short's lack of length!

I've got my short shorts out today! They're basically 70s hot pants, with a little extra fabric, granted. The pattern reminds me of 70s wallpaper or crockery, simple, bold and colourful. And I love nice crockery! The waist band fits nicely, which is great as it's not elasticated so limited leeway up there, but the thigh hems are a little tighter. But I've found that's ok as the legs ride up a bit, so they don't dig in so much as creep up!

I've made my clashing effort today too. I've co-ordinated my check lines with the colours of my shorts, but in a different pattern! I'm getting in on the amber/beige with my creepers too. It's a random edgeh mix. Except for my low riding socks; for some reason they make me feel like a teenager, especially with my creepers. Maybe it's because I was so against showing my socks in my teens, I loved those trainer socks that I wore through within 3 PE lessons. I feel it's a sign of maturity that I now embrace the sock-inch above my hi-top!

Capsule Wardrobe

As I was on holiday last week, so I'm writing from experience about the capsule wardrobe. I think the capsule wardrobe is just a fancy term for a small-ish set of vaguely co-ordinated (depending on your edge factor I presume) clothes you take in bag with you somewhere, like on holiday.
I packed for a week with a large rucksack and bag:
shorts
I wore jeans 
4 tops
1 longer playsuit 
1 short playsuit
I wore hi-tops
1 scarf 
I wore a jacket
1 small necklace
1 mini-rucksack 
1 canvas bag
1 photo bag 
socks and underwear with 1 extra pair (always be prepared!)

This is what some of it looks like:

Expect the unexpected, especially in Leeds! And pack accordingly.

I went for a darker palette to go with my shorts and leopard trainers, but with a few shots of colour. If I was less prepared and more edgeh I would have clashed more, but sometimes its easier with a limited umber of items to have colour compliments, if only to same time in the morning.

I packed a short playsuit, in case the chance of a nocturnal outing arose which is black and beige bird and foliage print. I also brought an exotic acid flowery number for daytime or a possible formal grad situation. all in ones are great as they, like dresses are in themselves a whole outfit, but they also discourage chub-rub. My scarf as always is accompanying me too! 

I did however realise on 3 days before I left that I had one less top than anticipated. The good thing was that the situation then justified my purchasing of a dress and some tops. I needed them, they weren't just frivolous buys at that point!

Remember to revise you case contents stylish ones, don't be caught out by maths like me (the true arts graduate that I became this week)!

Day One Hundred and Eighty Four

Claire is wearing a navy tie-front top [Dash, from a charity shop], blue and silver rose brooch [charity shop], blue rose-print skirt [St Michael, from a jumble sale], grey thermal socks [George at Asda] and white creepers [charity shop].
Covadonga is wearing a red rose corsage [charity shop].

I found this skirt at a local jumble and I thought it was pretty modern, so go St Michael for whipping this one down the production line! It's tight, I nearly pulled my underwear off when I tried it on in the corner of the jumble warehouse underneath my own skirt... I would say it's made for sitting, because walking is not swift in this garment, but sitting on the floor is not advisable. I tried it and then couldn't really get up afterwards either. However, for a tight skirt it does have pockets, which I can still use thanks to the wide elasticated band at the back of the waist! Even if it does ride up when I prowl, the skirt looks lovely with it's sky blue and navy roses! It looks almost like denim, but it's just cotton, making it casual while the shape makes it more formal!

Finally, I am wearing my hair in the same bun, but I'm excited for the waves tomorrow, if not the tangles!.

All coming up rosy!

Day One Hundred and EightyThree

Claire is wearing a dark teal scrunchie [Leeds Kirkgate Market], teal and blue silky dress [vintage New Look, from a charity shop], white frilled socks [Morrison's] and leopard-print hi-tops [Topshop].
Covadonga is away this week!

The end of the holiday is nigh! Today is my last day and, naturally, I did go shopping as part of my week-away experience and this dress is one of my finds!

It's a 90s New Look item! It's over-sized on me, it may not have meant to be a dress but that's the way it hangs on me; it's quite short at the back, I had to undertake some serious yanking today as my large rucksack tried to make it more indecent on the train. I like that it looks a bit shirt-like, with the central buttons and wide straps. A hippy, silky take on the shirt dress!

The colours are fantastic, it looks tie-dyed as the colours blend into each other in varying shapes. I managed to add a few more when I spilled some oil down myself (that stuff, oh dear, all down my arm, nightmare to slick off). It matches my scrunchie nicely though, dress not oil!

Down to the feet, as it's the end of the week I'm on my last pair of socks, so my frill is on for the long ride home. And I'm actually excited to wear a different pair of shoes, and put teh washing machine on!

Day One Hundred and Eighty Two

Claire is wearing a red edged jungle print scarf (in hair) [Spanish charity shop], black and white Swansea city football shirt [Swansea City FC official club shop], thin denim trousers [charity shop], black and white leopard print socks [Primark] and black and leopard print creepers [charity shop].
Covadonga is away this week!

The light is indeed shining on my photo today! Illuminating my chosen team: Swansea City. If you venture into any vintage shops, retro football (and basket ball) strips and tops are becoming popular nowadays. I love the eye-burning neon and striped football shirts of the 1980s, even nowadays, there's always a few shockers of a kit released each season. These are the perfect foil for hipsters! They're so ugly or practical that they're kind of edgeh! Mine is simple and monochrome but it goes with a lot in that respect, it's nice and simple. And I'm taking this one for the team!

Moreover, I found some more creeps in a charity shop while on my holiday. They're so comfy! And they have leopard print which is always a bonus point! I'm in love with creepers as they're so comfortable, yet fashionable, while being edgeh, but more formal than trainers. They're the perfect shoe!

Day One Hundred and Eighty One

Claire is wearing a dark teal scrunchie [Leeds Kirkgate Market], wrap front top with yellow, brown and blue flowers [charity shop], blue and silver rose brooch [charity shop], grey denim shorts [charity shop], grey socks with white polka dots [Primark] and leopard-print hi-tops [Topshop].
Covadonga is away this week! 

My hair resembles a small bird's nest, this was after I'd stomped to town in the sun and back. I originally had it high in a well-formed bun. I also started out the day with this top in reverse. I had it on backwards for a change, so the drape was hanging out with my back, so I had a high neck up front. The issue was that the shoulder pads' stuffing was a bit uneven, therefore my shoulders were a little odd. Also, you can tell few women owned rucksacks in the 1980s, shoulder pads do not sit well with straps on them, plenty of sliding and shoulder-bulging today! After I switched it round, I pinned my new brooch on my front to quite literally keep it together! One friend commented that it was a modesty pin! 

The shorts are delivering again today, I have to admit they're still comfy although by now in need of a wash...

Day One Hundred and Eighty

Claire is wearing a dark teal scrunchie [Leeds Kirkgate Market], men's denim jacket [harity shop], blue and silver rose brooch [charity shop], silver lion charm necklace [charity shop], army green tank top with silver thread [H&M, charity shop], green mottled men's t-shirt [Primark, from charity shop], grey denim shorts [charity shop] and leopard-print hi-tops [Topshop].
Covadonga is away this week!

Capsule wardrobe continues, with some added accessories! I found this brooch a few days ago and I pinned it on my jacket pocket as soon as I left the shop! It's a rose on a stem with half silver and baby blue paint on each leaf and petal, complete with a gem stone in the centre of the bloom. It's a perfect balance of tacky, weight and beauty, and it goes with my jacket nicely!

I've donned my shorts again, this time sans belt, so I could expand n the heat and eat my large ice cream (dripped it on my shoes as well) without being constricted. The shorts sit lower without one, but it's causal and my stomach stops them sliding any lower. Thsi is good as the tie-front means midriff!

Finally, at the bottom, I'm clashing my animals with leopard shoes and zebra socks; one could say the zebra is being eaten by the leopard!

Day One Hundred and Seventy Nine

Claire is wearing an acid multi-coloured floral jumpsuit [Miss Britt, from a charity shop] and leopard-print hi-tops [Topshop].
Covadonga is away this week!

I'm wearing one of the only 'formal' pieces I brought with me on my hols. And let's be honest, it's not that formal...

I bought his partly for the comfort as it's loose, yet fitted. The buttons that go down the body also includes a smaller button which pulls the waist in a bit more. No zips to get stuck, although it is hassle when you're desperate to pee and you're faced with seven buttons to slow you! The waist does go in despite this photo, but sits low. And I couldn't face a belt in this heat, just another excuse for my clothing to stick itself to me. However, this jump is mighty comfy and easy to wear. I've been breezing around in my fierce (or acid and eye watering in some lights!) colours all day!

Finally, I halo braided my hair, to keep it out the way and contrast with the 80s attire!

Dy One Hundred and Seventy Eight

Claire is wearing a dark teal scrunchie [Leeds Kirkgate Market], silver lion charm necklace [charity shop], army green tank top with silver thread [H&M, charity shop], grey denim shorts [charity shop], tan belt [charity shop] and leopard-print hi-tops [Topshop].
Covadonga is away this week!

The start of the capsule wardrobe, the rucksack fashion begins today! I packed my shorts in the belief that they do go with everything as they're denim and comfy. Comfort is a key transferable fashion property remember! I've brought my brown belt, which matches the leopard print of my feet, because co-ordination!

I'm wearing my tank top! It's a nice rich mossy green and it has silver threads running through it, so it's that extra bit fancy. Like army, but sparkly! I love the high neck of tanks, with the exposed shoulder balance. The only issue I found is the unfinished edging of the arm holes, where the fabric curls a little and looks a bit raggedy. However, if someone's looking at my underarms, there's something wrong!

Day One Hundred and Seventy Seven

Claire is wearing a red edged jungle print scarf (in hair) [Spanish charity shop], amber, red and green printed dress [vintage Monsoon, from a charity shop] and leopard-print hi-tops [Topshop].
Covadonga is away this week!

Today I became a graduate! I didn't buy something new, I wore something I hadn't worn in a long while, which carries a similar feeling of novelty!

It's nicely fitted, but not body-con, so in other words, it hugs me, it doesn't boa-constrict me, which I wanted under my billowing bat-gown and hood. It's cotton and patterned busily so the hole from my emergency safety pin doesn't show (the hood kept slipping off and I wasn't quite ready to buy into the grad spirit and pay for magnets to hold it in place). It's just simple in shape and funky in pattern. It also contains green, which is the Leeds uni colour: I painted my nails and everything in an effort of co-ordination! 

I did change my shoes to the blister inducing low sandals, which swiftly transformed into wet feet in the drizzle. I brought my hi-tops and socks in my giant photo-bag, a lot to carry but my feet were grateful. 

The final and only issue was that sliding into the taxi back, my dress ripped from the slit up the back. At least it was leaving and not arriving, and the only thing expected of me at that point was to eat lunch!

Graduation congrats to all stylish grads!

Day One Hundred and Seventy Six

Claire is wearing a pair of small tortoise shell sunglasses [Zandra Rhodes, from a charity shop], men's dark teal silk shirt [charity shop], kingfisher pin [jumble sale] thin denim trousers [charity shop] and leopard-print hi-tops [Topshop].
Covadonga is away this week!

Cov is having a well earned rest this week, as I'm off for a special trip back to Leeds! 

The bonus of today's low-budget hotel setting so that you can see the side of me, not merely the front! All the angles.

It was cold at fist, hence the jeans, and then I had to sit in confined seat for a few hours. Luckily the denim is thin which is great for summer and its breezes and sitting in hot seats. I ore my silk shirt, which is warm owing to it's long sleeves, which constantly unraveled until I buttoned the cuff; I was draping everywhere! However, silk is great to wear in the heat as it's thin and cooling on the skin, it's like a lightly placed, well timed hug. The elegant flaps either side where I haven't buttoned really came into their own today when I had to run across the road to try and buy a toothbrush. Because yes, I forgot pack mine... 

Day One Hundred and Seventy Five

Claire is wearing a brightly-coloured fish scarf (in hair) [Chinese bazaar, Spain], blue and white tile print dress with sunflowers [Leeds Vintage Kilo Sale] and chunky heeled black strappy sandals [New Look].
Covadonga is wearing a magenta, orange and green flowered low-back dress with birds [vintage Dorthy Perkins, from a charity shop].

My ensemble doesn't exactly go with my shoes, but I'm wearing them in desperate attempt to break them in before graduation. They're a bit too clunky with my breezy sack of a dress, but they possess a heel so ugly (I have no issue with block, but I don't like the horizontal striping on them that makes them look as cheap as they indeed were) that they're egdeh. I bought them because they were wide fit and they seemed comfortable and smart. A walk into town later, my feet are suggesting otherwise (I have a small blister on my big toe). Needless to say I have now packed plasters.

My sack dress though! It's an old favourite: it's airy and light for summer and you can wear it with a belt without the fabric bulging as some sack shapes do, or just let it all hang out! The print reminds me of Andalusian tiles in the south of Spain, with the blue and white, and the yellow arches are reminiscent of Moorish architecture, not McDonalds, meanwhile, sunflowers grow in southern Spain too! The patterning and colouring is just fantastic, and you can adjust the shoulder ties depending on how low you dare to go...

Day One Hundred and Seventy Four

Claire is wearing a drop-waist pink floral dress [charity shop], a see-though plastic photo bag [second hand, from a fête] and brown gladiator sandals [Stead and Simpson, from a charity shop].
Covadonga is wearing a long sheer dress with brown watercolor patterning [Windsmoor, from Leeds Kilo Vintage Sale].

I'm breezing along in my dress again, feeling like I'm a 1920s-set episode of Miss Marple. It's so comfy, I never want to take it off! But inevitably it will be washed tonight, so I can wear it again...

As this is a repeat, today is about the accessories, or accessory! I bought my photo-bag at a summer fête for £1.50. It's roomy enough for all my bitsnbobs, like water, wallet, glasses, knitting and food; the only issue is that's it's transparent. Transparency is edgeh, but not everyone wants to peep the contents of your handbag. What's great about this bag is that the front is covered with photos! There are nine pouches each for a 6x4 photo. It means I can take my friends and memories everywhere with me and guaranteed no-one else will have this bag! I can change it up, probably advisable as I don't want the sun to lighten the pictures and I felt odd just bringing it home with the random family shots it originally came with in the front.

I feel like it's the kind of thing a proud Mum would have in the 90s, with all the various life stages of her children in 9 photos on her shopping bag.

Day One Hundred and Seventy Three

Claire is wearing a drop-waist pink floral dress [charity shop] and cream espadrilles with satin toes and ribbon [charity shop].
Covadonga is wearing a white-spotted pink apron [from a friend].

Looking like butter wouldn't melt today in a pink dress (it certainly would in this heat and all). This is a recently acquired item; I fell in love with the print on the hanger. It's all muted brights, if that makes any sense, as in they're not pastels but they're not vibrant colours, in a floral pattern. There's lily pads, cherry blossom, danglingly flowered vines and birds hidden among them; the print has a kind of Japanese vibe to it in the way the flowers are shaped and coloured, which is lovely.

The dress is lined and it's been handmade with care. When I pulled it off the rack, I originally thought it was too big, or that it had one of those bizarre 1980s drop-waists. It all turned out nicely though! I usually steer well clear from drop-waisted items, why would I bypass highlighting the smallest part of myself and opt for the widest instead? As my housemate put it, I love how they look on other people. However, this one seems to sit just right on my hips, and yet it's loose enough on top and in its lower pleats to be shapely and forgiving!

It's a summer winner, I feel like I'm in the 1920s!

Day One Hundred and Seventy Two

Claire is wearing a gold necklace with leaves [charity shop], long denim skirt [charity shop], teal and black and white striped top [H&M, from a friend], white sports socks [Puma, from Sports direct] and white creepers [charity shop].
Covadonga is wearing a pair of animal print plazzo trousers [vintage shop].

Gone in a more classic and refined direction today. I say this on the basis that I'm wearing a stripey top, which in my mind is classic and classy. The three-quarter length sleeves are perfect for this weather that cannot make up its mind, until I was walking through the park and the sun suddenly decided to make an appearance (but this top is cotton, so my sweat glands and I could breathe a sigh of relief).

A dark berry lip (I sound like a magazine) I think class-i-fies an outfit, seems more mature than red; I mean for a start as it's darker mistakes therefore are easier to spot and it's got greater stain power and needs a steady hand. 

Finally my skirt is doing the mileage, as it's denim it goes with nearly everything, it's just the shape can be tricky. I had some serious tucking in today, and even then it did that thing tops where they become baggy at the back: you think it's all fine, checking yo'self in the mirror, then you turn profile and see your back has gained an imaginary couple of over-spill-pounds. Yet more re-arranging. In the end it's easier just to look like a can-can dancer and lift all the skirt fabric up and desperately yank the top down. Just be careful you don't then expose your bra in such efforts. 

Day One Hundred and Seventy One

Claire is wearing a dark teal scrunchie [Leeds Kirkgate Market], gold hoop earrings [New Look], black puff-sleeved crop top [Clock House in C and A, from a charity shop], long denim skirt [charity shop] and leopard-print hi-tops [Topshop].
Covadonga is wearing a hair stick with a red lily [Claire's Accessories].

Feeling fly today. A term I think but have never actually typed given that it sounds so much better by the voice in my head than in this silent font!

I feel edgeh and feminine today with my giant denim skirt. The jean short waist thing it has is quite something, and because it flares out so much is creates the magic waist triangle. There's a lot of fabric hanging off these would-have-been-shorts, and they've been swishing artfully in the wind today. Once again there's something in the power of trailing and swirling fabric around that's just fantastic! It claims space and attention, two things everyone needs, some more than others admittedly (I love both too much).

In combination with my top I feel like a kind of edgeh campesino, I think it's the volume I've got going on on my arms and hips. Especially with my red lippy and gold hoops, I feel like a powerful Spanish chica! I've kept it simple with classic black and denim, all I need now is my tasseled red scarf for when the sun starts to go down!   

Day One Hundred and Seventy

Claire is wearing a men's denim jacket [charity shop], velvet halterneck blue dress with swirls [charity shop], blue with lime trim trainers [Nikes, from a Spanish charity shop].
Covadonga is wearing a blue scarf with brown, purple and teal triangle print [charity shop].

We're hitting a cold front today, complete with breeze. Which I am giving the cold shoulder in my low-backed, halterneck dress. I know it's not exactly daytime casual appropriate wear, but this dress is actually quite great! It's long so it keeps my legs sheltered, and hides ankles (if that's something you require in life), but it simultaneously reveals my shoulders and upper back: so ventilation up top, insulation on the down low. Moreover, it's nicely 90s with some synthetic velvet (but it's nice synthetic fabric with little static, if that's possible) and obviously a halterneck tie. The fabric has a lovely sheen to it, which compliments the body underneath it as it contours without highlighting everything, because subtly has it place and this garment is clingy enough a sit is! Finally, it's a deep indigo blue colour with subtle green and purple swirls: I look like a rave light! 

Naturally, such a 90s ensemble would not be complete with modern hipster trappings (over-size denim jacket, Nikes) and messy half-up-half-down-hair.

Day One Hundred and Sixty Nine

Claire is wearing a grey Jungle Book panther pin (as top button) [charity shop], black mesh shirt with white flower lace [Wallis, from a jumble sale], black belt with gold buckle [charity shop], grey denim shorts [charity shop], white sports socks [Puma, from Sports direct] and white creepers [charity shop].

Covadonga is wearing a yellow slip with bows [St Michael, from a charity shop].

Going back to the 90s today! 

My shorts continue to impress me, and today I've gone in a different direction with them! I know yesterday I warned about the triangular peril of high-waisted items with baggier tops and I did the opposite today. But, as it's sheer you can still see the waist, and a lot of black-meshed torso. It's great for being subtle, well, as subtle as your bra is...

This shirt is great! I bought it for the gothy 90s vibe, but it's well made into the bargain: the white flowers and swirly edging are lovely. It's nice enough for daytime and see-through-yet-classy enough for nighttime too. The only fault is the lack of an uppermost button, which is every hipster's worst nightmare (if anything's having it's mitts tightly around my neck, it's going to be a shirt collar), so I've fixed it with a Disney panther.

It's all very in keeping with the grey-scale today!