You know those bloggers who clean their apartment before they take photographs? I’m not one of them. What you see is what you get I’m afraid. Okay, so it’s not too bad really but I know my flat desperately needs a thorough spring clean – I love a good clear out, it’s like therapy to me. Almost as good as a new haircut. It probably doesn’t look very different but I’m over the moon with my ‘do and my new salon discovery – Radio on Redchurch St. Best. Hairdressers. Ever.
In other news I’ve been all over colour blocking these past few weeks ….when the weather gets drab, I go bright. Rainbow bright. And yes, you have seen this blouse and brooch before but I do have my favourites – I just try and mix them differently to keep them interesting for myself.
Have I told you how obsessed I am with these shoes? Decent vegan shoes are hard to come by, in my opinion, and these mid heel Mary Jane’s from Marks ‘n Sparks are my absolute go to shoe right now. I only wish I’d bought them in red too when I had the chance. Ah, shopping regrets. They just keep culminating.
what i’m wearing …blouse, brooch, sweater and skirt/vintage …tights/topshop …shoes/marks&spencer
I had such a long, whiny, self indulgent, ‘poor me’ post planned. I’d even put off writing it last night because I wanted to give it my full undivided attention. Maximum whinage. And yet, as I’ve sat down to expose all about a certain little unpleasant experience from last week that left me questioning myself and everything I stand for (well, almost – us Irish love to exaggerate, it’s in the blood) the will to purge has suddenly left me. Just like that.
We’ve all been there. Had our ego’s dented and made to feel foolish for being who we are. But its how we deal with such things that makes us the better person, right? Rising above it and all that.
I’m reminded of something John Candy’s character said in one of my all time favourite comedies, Planes, Trains and Automobiles ….’I like me. My Wife likes me. My customers like me’, which, in short, made me realise I shouldn’t give a damn what others think – as long as I have a few people in my corner I’ll be alright. The Candyman always knew how to deliver those lines that almost broke your heart – he might’ve been better known for his comic ability but the guy could freakin’ act!
I digress.
So yeah. People who make you feel like crap. Don’t let ‘em. Simples.
Oh, and I’ve taken to wearing my scarf in the fashion of Mrs. Mop. I kinda dig it. You dig? On second thoughts, don’t answer, my delicate ego can only take so many beatings per year and I’m already sorted for a good six months.
what i’m wearing. …scarf/vintage …..boat print tee/orla kiely for uniqlo ….bird print jacket/henry holland for debenhams ….high waisted trousers/american apparel ….sandals/dorothy perkins ….bag/zara
I’m so excited to announce a really special giveaway from one of my favourite British brands, Seasalt! It’s no secret that I am huge fan of their designs and their ethics – in fact they have recently become the first fashion brand to win the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Sustainable Development category. Pretty cool, wouldn’t ya say?
You can get your hands on one of their super cute and super versatile neckerchiefs just by following the instructions below. There are so many ways to wear these scarves and are perfect for adding a bit of casual pizazz to any daytime outfit. Also, all of the Seasalt prints are designed specifically for the brand, so you’ll not find them anywhere else. Cute and original …we likey.
HOW TO ENTER: there are ten neckerchiefs up for grabs and all you have to do is head over to the Seasalt website, have a browse through their collection, pick your favourite item and leave it in a comment below. Easy.
I’ve even given you head start by selecting my own current top pick. This gorgeous ‘Eleanor’ brushstroke print skirt below is, for me, the absolute perfect skirt length and I adore the shape too. Great for a stroll in Cornwall (I wish!) or a relaxing lounge in a London park (reality bites).
If you win, you’ll be able to choose your own unique neckerchief print (subject to availability) and nothing says Spring like a pretty scarf, so get those entries in – best of luck!
on this occasion entries are open to UK residents only. winners will be selected at random and notified via email on Sunday 5th May – just in time for the Bank Holiday:)
Update 10th May – the giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all who entered. I went old school by opting to put all the names in a (rather fabulous) hat to choose the winners – my little Vine vid can be found here. Congratulations to the lucky winners ….Jackie, Porridge Lady, Carol, Aoibheann, Elle, (Missy)Lisa, Heather P, Anne and Tracy. Well done and enjoy your neckerchiefs!
Paring down? By the looks of this outfit, clearly not. What can I say, I’ve always been a sucker for colour and sometimes wearing a whole lotta colour is the way to do go. Well, for me it is anyway.
Another Charlton House expedition ….we have a real soft spot for this place and never tire of roaming the grounds. I must say, this little part of London is really growing on me and even though we always have half an eye on our move back to Cornwall, for now this really feels like home.
I mustn’t overlook the fact that today is Earth Day. Being vegan, environmental issues are pretty much always at the forefront of my mind. We are by no means perfect (a long way off in fact) but we try to improve upon what we already do everyday. Even if that is not using so much water when doing the dishes, foregoing a certain ingredient because of the air miles it has accrued or choosing vintage clothing over new, we try our best to keep our impact to a minimum.
what i’m wearing …..skirt & blouse/vintage …..red jumper/gap …..green mac/debenhams …..tights/topshop …..shoes/marks and spencer …..bag/nica …..sunglasses/betsey johnson
It’s important to us to feel like we’re doing our bit and if that makes us bores then so be it. I’ll just let my loud and proud ensemble make up for it. Happy Earth Day!
It was my birthday when these were taken – another year older, another year none the wiser! It was a very laid back affair…Hubby made dinner and we watched our new favourite tv series The Following. Yep, we are so rock n’ roll it hurts.
I had half a thought to go wild and organise a bunch of us to go out on the razz or something but when it came down to it I honestly couldn’t be bothered. That’s the spirit, eh? Perhaps my partying days really are over. Nevermind, I’ll just have a posing party in an alleyway out the back of my flat instead, ahem.
Times like these (when middle age feels like it’s rapidly approaching and there’s nought you can do to halt it) you begin to reflect on the big, and small, questions in life. Things like….what’s it all about, where do I see myself in five years time, will I ever get a full time job and when the heck will I be able to buy a soya latte without feeling guilty about spending 3 quid on an unnecessary luxury. Seriously. The day I don’t have to worry about such things is the day I’ll know I’ve made it. Now that’s ambition for ya.
I’ve also been thinking about my style choices of late. I think it’s only natural that as you get older your style evolves whilst still hopefully remaining true to the person you are. Whilst my tastes are essentially the same as they ever were – e.g. I’ve always had a penchant for naff 70′s vests – I can see a shift slowly happening in how I put together my look.
It’s definitely more streamlined and pared down but I don’t think I’ll ever want to lose the odd flourish. I’m beginning to loathe fussy outfits but my commitment to stripes is getting stronger by the day. So committed that I’m even stealing my Husband’s tees much to his dismay. Oh, and we’re off to Brittany mid May, so I think an authentic real deal Breton might just be on the cards…now that is something to have a party over.
what i’m wearing…..men’s striped top/river island….trousers, cardigan and blazer/h&m….scarf, bag and shoes/vintage
When you live in the UK you just have deal with the temperamental weather, rise above it and try to keep your spirits up without letting it impact your style decisions too much. That’s not to say it doesn’t – nothing irritates me more than when I plan an outfit in my head only to wake up to a dreary wet day that does nothing but dash your best laid outfit plans. Damn you British weather, damn you!
Obviously this vintage trench is a lifesaver in such situations but when it comes to headwear it’s getting to that stage in the season where I just want toss my winter hats and a. let my hair flow freely or b. wrap a pretty scarf around my noggin’. Unfortunately, it’s not quite au natural time just yet (thank you April showers!) so instead I opted for a scarf, tied in a somewhat seventies fashion.
Whilst I lean mostly towards 60′s fashion I must say I’ve become more and more drawn to the style of the 1970′s – or perhaps I’m just reverting to my teenage ways. My style icons back then were Jodie Foster in Freaky Friday, Anna Chlumsky in My Girl and pretty much every cast member in Dazed and Confused (and I’m including the male cast members too – soooo many great tees!).
This outfit here, however, is very loosely influenced by the well known style fest that is Jaws….that’s right, Jaws. Not only is it a favourite film of mine (by the way, did you know I am a horror fanatic?) but I’ve always loved the clothing featured throughout especially Ellen Brody’s ensembles.
Good screen shots of that movie are few and far between on the net – well, none that illustrate the kinds of gettup’s I’m referring to – so you’ll just have to go and re-watch it to see what I mean.
Whoever said the seventies was the decade taste forgot needs a good hiding. I for one love those gaudy prints, bizarro fabrics, crazy collars and uber wide flares – wasn’t this the era that cemented the socks and sandals combo as a serious fashion choice? If all that constitutes bad taste then bring it on by the bucketload and count me in for I plan to be a unashamed serial seventies offender for a very long time to come.
what i’m wearing…vintage mac/dannimac…scarf/vintage…bag/vintage…rust cord flares/anthropologie…denim shirt/zara…black top and boots/h&m…
It’s not exactly t-shirt weather yet but I couldn’t resist wearing this new organic cotton one I recently acquired. Whilst I’m a firm believer in sustainable fashion, I’m also a firm believer in good design. If a design (even a simple t-shirt) can’t stand alone, relying on the ethical tagline to sell it then in my opinion it’s hugely flawed. Ultimately, the garment must have aesthetic appeal without having to explain itself – it’s doomed to fail otherwise.
I’m pleased to say this is the one instance where sustainability, quality and design come together in this basic but lovely tee. The fabric is seriously good with a fabulous weight meaning it drapes beautifully – I know I’m going to be wearing this a lot over the spring and summer months.
Basics form the basis of my wardrobe. Without them my mostly vintage closet just wouldn’t work – I like to balance out my love for all things retro with a touch of the contemporary and ethical clothing company Collective have a small but superb range that I hope to gradually add to my wardrobe (I’m particularly liking the box drape styles). Their ethical credentials are more than just a bonus. We should all be embracing a more sustainable approach to fashion and this company seem to have the right attitude with a great basics line that perfectly compliment their values.
These same ethics should also extend to where our clothing is actually made and the high waisted trousers I’m wearing here are a perfect example of a young fashion brand leading the way in locally made goods. Obviously their retro inspired range of clothing is bang on the money and as they only make a limited amount of each item the likelihood of bumping into someone else wearing the same thing is pretty slim. Never a bad thing in my book!
Finding trousers that fit, flatter, are comfortable and affordable is a tall order but these pants deliver on all fronts. Being a lady with curves and in possession of some, let’s say, substantial thighs, ahem, I’ve always struggled with leg width….and the rest. Lord knows how many times I’ve almost come to tears in the changing room after failing to get some trousers and jeans even past my knees – they will go up, they will!!
what i wore….organic tee/collection….high waisted trousers/tara starlet….black boots & blue cardi/h&m….faux fur coat/urban outfitters….scarf, brooch and bag/vintage….necklace/free gift at DAKS show
Thankfully there are some brands around that make trews with people like me in mind. You could say I’m completely bowled over by Tara Starlet and am coveting just about everything on their site – too bad I haven’t a penny to my name at the moment or else I’d be snaffling up everything on their sale page.
instagram , outfits , PeaSoupWears , personal , sustainability , Vegan , Vegan Fashion , vintage
Instagram Moments
It’s been a while since I did one of these posts so I felt like one was definitely due. I’m still stir crazy about instagram so here’s a weeks worth of my filtertastic pics….. 
I have a thing for all things nautical so when this parcel came in the post I was just a wee bit ecstatic to find the gorgeously tissue wrapped gift adorned with these super cute anchor stickers. Seasalt sure do know how to make a girl happy! 
The lift at work has become the perfect place for me to take full length outfit shots without having to trouble my poor Hubbie. I was definitely channelling my inner Land Girl that day. Love a good headscarf, me.
New York Fashion week is underway and London Fashion Week is scarily close. I think I have things just about under control at work (crosses fingers and toes) and I’m really excited about this season – my third fashion week, yikes! In particular, I am chomping at the bit to witness this incredible retrospective catwalk show featuring the designs of Mary Quant, Ossie Clark and Vivienne Westwood to name but a few. Stellar stuff!
If you were curious as to what was in the pretty anchor clad parcel above, it was these gorgeous turn up pea green jeans. Seasalt is one of my favourite brands and these fit like a dream. I’ll be doing a more in depth fashion post dedicated to these lovely trews over the weekend.
There I go again, taking pictures of myself in the FT lifts! It was a leopard print kind of day - any excuse to wear this jumper, it is the comfiest thing I own. I wish Zara made them in other colours/prints, I would stock up for sure. Sadly I have never seen another one exactly like this style. The skirt is vintage and I paired the whole outfit with ma black sparkly brogues. Ta da!
Oh my, this dinner was go-od. Vegan shrimp and grits isn’t exactly a staple round here but I have made it a few times. It’s such a satisfying dish with plenty of spice. I think a few more tweaks and we’ll have a monster vegan hit on our hands.
I couldn’t believe how many people stopped to compliment on my shirt today, it went down an absolute treat. This is one of my go to outfits – what you can’t see are my indigo flares, which keep it just the right side of casual. It’s practical, comfortable and smart, so perfect for the office.
I am addicted to this tea right now. Licorice and peppermint are a match made in herbal tea heaven. Just the right amount of sweetness that really hits the spot mid afternoon. I also like it after dinner. And mid morning. Okay, so it’s good anytime of the day. Pukka are my favourite tea brand, the flavours are quite intense but super delicious. Plus the boxes are pretty – ah, such a sucker for packaging!
This is actually what I wore last Friday and granted it’s bright with a captial B. Most people tend to dress down on Friday – it seems to be a thing in offices. I find it a little odd but that’s just me. It also makes me want to ramp it up a bit just to go against the grain….maybe I went too far this time?!
….and that was my week. Hello weekend, I’m ready for ya!
Let’s be honest, dressing for the snow can be a bit of a bitch, particularly when you take into consideration the different stages – light drift, heavy fall, dangerously icy. In my opinion it’s the most difficult weather in which to remain even moderately stylish. Layers are really your only option but I try to keep it as pared down as I possibly can, as I loathe feeling too trussed up.
So when Sunday brought snow with it, I decided to opt for something other than the jeans and jumper I was tempted to throw on (we all have those days!) and instead wear a little vintage skirt that only gets a very rare outing. It’s covered in very long limbed people and reminds me of the Roksanda Ilincic SS 13 collection.
Obviously I’m not entirely mental (skirts in the snow?) and my 200 denier tights kept my legs from turning into blocks of ice, as well as the uber long socks that were a Christmas gift from my Mother – at full length they almost reach my thighs!
Then there’s the green coat. A mainstay of my wardrobe, this green coat has been with me from my University days (i.e. a loooooong time) and even though I don’t wear it very often I like to keep it around in case of whims like these. I love the shade and shape, and it’s amazingly warm, which is kind of a bonus when you’re in the middle of a mild snow storm.
Finally we come to the perennial question of ‘what the heck do I wear on my feet in the snow?!!!’. The answer to which I will always say boots, wellies or, if you are very sensible, those hiking shoe thingy ma jigs – my Husband is one such sensible bod and he rarely falls in the snow/ice. Whilst I do possess a rather wonderful pair of wellies from Seasalt, they are blue and covered in costume clad swimmers, which I thought would be a clash too far for the outfit. Luckily for me, my Sister now lives with us (yay for combined wardrobes!) so I was able to nab her classic black ‘rainboots’ whilst she was out of town – she can’t say nuffin’ because she’s been wearing my purple coat, ha!
Oh, and how could I almost forget to mention my bag…..my new vintage acquisition that cost me a mere two pounds. The bargain mistress continues her reign.
what i’m wearing….coat/topshop….skirt/vintage….sweater/pull and bear….scarf/steven madden(tkmaxx)….hat/forever 21….tights/tabio….socks/avoca….bag/vintage(clocktower market)….mustard gloves/h&m…wellies/borrowed from my Sister, ahem!
There are some pieces in my wardrobe I come back to time and again. Whilst I have frequent closet clear outs, I just can’t bear to be without certain garments; this skirt and top combo being a prime example.
I remember wearing this very same outfit in the early days of mine and my Husband’s courtship (I like to think we courted anyway…), and it still makes me feel the same way.
The colours are a little unexpected I think, which is probably why I like it so much. You might describe the green as ‘icky’ and pattern as ‘bleugh’ but I adore it – the funnel neck is an added bonus, a good funnel neck can be so flattering. This also may be one of the few instances where a bold print can work in ones favour in the slimming stakes.
The same probably can’t be said about the cream tights but I’ll be damned if I let that stop me from wearing them with just about anything I can – I’ve already rocked them twice this week and I may squeeze another wear in tomorrow just for the hell of it.
what i’m wearing….
…..skirt/vintage…..top/vintage….tights/h&m….shoes/m&s….coat/urban outfitters….brooch/vintage (clocktower market)….beret/paris
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