Christmas Day At Crisis

Our custom the past 10 years is to spend Christmas volunteering with Crisis, a charity looking after homeless individuals.  And this year is no different.  We will be spending 4 days at the centre organising and looking after the various performers that visit to entertain the guests.

I wish you and your family all the blessings of Christmas

Outfit
Scarf: Charity shop
Jacket: Vintage from Canada
Dress: Mantaray
Trousers: Uniglo
Shoes: C and A bought a very long time ago

St Pauls Carol Service

Got a last minute phone call from a friend regarding a spare ticket for a carol service at St Paul's Cathedral tonight.  I couldn't get my coat on quick enough.

Outfit
Hat: T.K Maxx
Scarf: Camden Market
Coat: Dorothy Perkins
Handbag: Camden Market
Skirt: Vintage

Merton Abbey Mills

Christmas shopping is all most complete except for a couple of little treats. On the hunt for something interesting I headed to Merton Abbey Mills with a friend to see what we could find .

Outfit
Hat: Tie Rack
Scarf: Whitechapel Market
Jacket: Bicester Village
Handbag: Marks & Spencer
Skirt: A pair of trousers found at a Charity Shop and turned into a skirt.
Tights: Emilio Cavallini
Boots: Oxford Street

Good Hair Day

I don't know why some days the fight with my natural curl seems to go better than others.  If only my hair would look like this everyday.

Outfit
Scarf: Camden Market
T-Shirt: Reitmans 
Jacket: Vintage Haori from Shitennoju Temple in Osaka, Japan
Skirt:  It is a mystery where this was from.  I have had it so long I guess I should describe it as vintage.

Bring On The Sunshine

What a dull, dark day it has been.  it is not good for much else, but it certainly suits my love for layering.

Outfit
Cape: T.K. Maxx
Dress:  Monsoon
Scarf: Whitechapel Market, Worn as a layer over the shirt.
Skirt: Primark, dress worn as a skirt to make it long enough.
Handbag: A great shop under London Bridge station, that once moved on once the renovations started

English Heritage Day Out

Today the plan was to take in a bit of culture in the form of a re-enactment of the 1066 Battle of Hastings.  The God of rain destined that it wasn't going to happen as the event was cancelled due to the battlefield being sodden and unsafe. So quick change of plan and we all met up for lunch.  I bet a little bit of rain wouldn't of stopped them in 1066.

Outfit
Scarf: T.K Maxx
Cape: Primark
Jacket: Vintage
Trousers: Primark
Boots: Clarks

Pearly King and Queen Harvest Festival

Once a year something spectacular happens, and that is the Pearly King and Queen Harvest Festival.  There are Lord Mayors, Chelsea Pensioners, Maypole Dancing, Marching Bands, Clog Dancing, Morris Dancing and of course plenty of Kings and Queens.  It always lands on the last Sunday in September, so it you have never been.....get it in your diary because it is a must see......

 

Outfit

Scarf: :Hennes

Jacket: Ringspun

Handbag: Marks and Spencer

Dress: Matalan

Boots: Oxford Street

Buttons:  Models own

Favourite Trousers

I am loving these Warehouse trousers, they are comfortable, lightweight and seem to go with everything in my wardrobe.  On days like today when I am rushing out the door they are always the perfect choice.

Outfit
Scarf: T.K.Maxx
Dress: Top Shop
T-Shirt: Hennes
Trousers: Warehouse
Handbag: Camden Market
Sandals: T.K. Maxx

Feeling Vintage

Today I was in need of something comfortable, so reached to the back of my wardrobe for this faithful vintage dress.

Outfit
Crochet cape: Winners
Necklace: Ebay
Dress: Vintage
Watch: Models own
Sandals: Dick Bloons from T.K.Maxx

Para/Olympic Victory Parade

We are in town to see the Victory Parade to celebrate and experience all the amazing performances at the Olympics and Paralympics. Well Done too all the athletes, you have done us proud.

Outfit 
Necklace: Spitalfields Market
Dress: Creation by Rachael.  Inspiration was a dress seen in a magazine, this is my first attempt at creating something similar and using up a couple smaller pieces of fabric (the reverse is black) at the same time.
T-Shirt: Hennes
Leggings: Pretty Polly
Sandals: Bought in India

A Day At Paralympic Park

This is our first time back at the Olympic park for an Paralympic event and today it is Wheelchair Basketball.    Most of our time at the park is spent outside and this photo was taken in a rare break in the rain.

Outfit
Scarf: Gift from the husband
Jacket: Vera Moda
Bag: Esprit
Trousers: Ross
Boots: Oxford Street

Chilli Festival

This morning we are heading off to West Dean Gardens for their yearly Chilli Fiesta. I am ready with a yoghurt drink in my handbag because things are going to get spicy.

Outfit
Top: Primark
Scarf: Charity Shop
Bag: Camden Market
Skirt: Wish I could remember where I bought it, because I love it.
Boots: Oxford Street 

Article Deadline

Not the most exciting day a head of me with two article due by the end of the day I will need to keep my head down.

Outfit
Tunic Dress: ASOS
Necklace: Fat Face
Trousers: La Redoute
Clogs: Pied A Terre

Olympic Withdrawl

After two amazing weeks I can't believe the Olympics are over.  Now I need to get my head down catch up on some work because the Paralympics are only two weeks away. 
 
Outfit
Necklace:  Bought as a belt in L.A.
Shrug: Top Shop
Dress: Komodo
Trousers: Bought in Thailand

Sandals: Dick Boons from T.K.Maxx

Olympic Bronze Medal Match

OMG we are off to Earls Court again.  This time it is to watch the Olympic Bronze medal men's volleyball match between Italy and Bulgaria.  Can't believe that I have the opportunity to see top quality volleyball for the second time this week.

Outfit
Jacket: Handmade by my own fair hands
Skirt: Hennes
Sandals: Office

Come on Japan

This is what the Olympics are all about for me, top level Volleyball. We are off to support Japan in their quest to make it into the Gold medal final.

Outfit
Sunglasses: Poundland
Necklace: East
T-Shirt: Matalan
Handbag: Wallis
Red Skirt:  Sari slip bought in India
Green Skirt:  Sari slip bought in India

English Summer

Thankfully so far the terrible weather expected for the Olympics has not shown up, but still it is an English summer so the odd rain shower doesn't come as a surprise.

Outfit
Umbrella: Tie Rack
Top:  Hampstead Bazaar 
Skirt: My own creation.
Trousers: Bought in Thailand
Boots: Carnaby Street

Olympic Park Watching Handball

After all the build up and anticipation, the big event is here and we are off to the Olympic Park to watch our first event Handball. After experiencing a few test events in the run up to the Olympics I am excited to see the park full of people and being used for the purpose it was built.

Outfit
Necklace: Target
T-Shirt: Matalan
Handbag: T.K Maxx
Scarf: T.K. Maxx
Skirt: Dress turned into a maxi skirt from Sans Souci

Olympic Opening Ceremony

We are having an 'Opening Ceremony' party tonight, so I am rushing around getting a few final items.  It is so exciting that the Olympics are finally here and tonight will be a great party to start things off.

Outfit
Shrug: Kaliko
T-Shirt: 2012 from T.K.Maxx
Skirt:  Another 'Rachael personalised item' in the form of a dress turned into a skirt. I have had the dress for so long I can't remember where I bought it.
Clogs: Trippen

Off To See Hahn Bin

I am so looking forward to my evening. Not only is it the first time I have seen my girlfriend H in months. We are off to see the most amazing, dynamic violin performance artist Hahn Bin. He is astonishing, so talented, so creative, so innovative. If you ever have the chance to see him perform you must.

 

Outfit
Necklace: River Island
Dress: Vintage, personalised with the pink ribbon added to the bottom.
Trousers: Warehouse
Handbag: Marina Galanti
Sandals: La Redoute

My Vegas Hat

Since having to wear my hat on the plane home to ensure a safe arrival, I have been desperate to give it an outing.  On the schedule today is meeting friends for lunch so perfect hat wearing activity.

Outfit
Hat: Chapel Hats in  Venetian Hotel Las Vegas
Blouse: Primark
Bag: Gharani Strok
Harem Pants: Boohoo
Sandals: Red or Dead

Purple Rain

Jet lag is over and it feels like my summer clothing should be packed away.  OK I know I couldn't handle the heat in California, but seriously it hasn't stopped raining for the past 4 days and the outlook is not any better. And a Prince once said Purple Rain, Purple Rain.

Outfit
Blouse: T.K.Maxx
T-shirt: Primark
Handbag: Camden Market
Skirt: Sari slip bought in India
Boots: Fly London

Vegas Baby

Our amazing holiday is coming to an end, but there was enough time to squeeze in a trip to Las Vegas.  It was hot, hot, hot, only 110 F.  I spend every moment moving from air conditioned casino to air conditioned shop, even with all that cool air I still wan't really in the mood to do any real shopping.

Outfit
Dress: T.K.Maxx
Cardigan: Hennes
Jewellery: Dorthy Perkins and gifts from a Vegas Casino
Trousers: Made by my fair hands
Sandals: T.J.Maxx

Canada Day

On the move again.  This time it is LA for a week, which is not the ideal location to celebrate Canada Day. Still that won't stop me as I have all sorts of Maple Leaf decorations in my suitcase, not to mention my new Canadian watch which cost me a ridiculously low price of  $1.00.


Outfit
Blouse: Camden Market
Vest: Primark
Bag: Charity Shop
Skirt: Boxfresh
Shoes: Bought at the Royal Windsor Horse Show

Relaxing at The Pool

The past few days have been spent driving around enjoying the local area, but enough is enough.  Today it is a day at the pool to relax, read a book and hide under an umbrella (don't want to burn after all).

Outfit
Hat: T.K. Maxx
Jacket: Hennes
Top: Hennes
Skirt: Bought in Thailand
Sandals: New Look

The Old Town

We have been on the move again, leaving Canada and heading south to the small city Carlsbad, just north of San Diego.  Since we were so close we decided to drive down and spend the day in the 'Old Town', a place steeped with Spanish history from their first settlements in 1769.  If you are ever in the area it is worth a visit.

Outfit
Cardigan: Miss Selfridge
Dress: Totem
Bag: Charity shop

Hitting The Road

Today we are heading out of town to meet to meet up with my cousin.  To save us from spending all day on the road we have decided to meet up half way at Camrose Resort Hotel-Casino.  The place was great, there was a coffee table in the foyer that I wanted to steel, unfortunately it weighted about a ton so I couldn't even lift it.  Good thing, not sure it would fit in my suitcase.

Outfit
Necklace: Handmade by a friend's mom
Cardigan: Hennes
Dress: T.K. Maxx
Skirt: From American shop Ross named after my family (not really).  As usual, it started life as a midi dress that I altered into a maxi skirt.  This is the simplest way for me to easily find skirts long enough.

Down Town Market

When at home we always head to the farmers market down town to stock up on fresh fish and veg.  It is also the place to check out local businesses and see what is new and exciting in the creative world.

Outfit
Scarf: Kew.159
Cape: Winners
Skirt: Debbie Shuchat
Runners: New Look

At Home

One week in and I have finally made it to my home town Edmonton, Canada (not the one in North London).  Somehow I have a feeling that my schedule will be non stop as I catch up with friends and family. Today I am wearing a skirt and blouse that are not going to make it back to the UK.  This is my usually holiday packing plan, take items you are no longer a huge fan of and donate to charity at the end of the trip.  This leaves space for a few new purchases.

Outfit
Necklace: Primark
Blouse: Boohoo
T-Shirt:  Gift from Sister-in-Law
Skirt: Dorothy Perkins
Sandals: La Redoute

On The Farm

After the few amazing days in Vancouver, including our own Diamond Jubilee party. We were of to visit 'the relatives' in Regina, Saskatchewan. Day one we visited my cousin's farm to see her new horse and to take in how unbelievably flat the province is. If you have never been there, it is amazing. The view goes on forever, so much so that you can see the earth curve.

Outfit
Sunglasses: Missoni
Scarf: T.K. Maxx
Top: Hennes
Bag: Charity Shop
Skirt: Primark
Leggings: Hennes
Runners: New Look

Barretts View

Our Canadian adventure has started off with a few days in Vancouver. Today we are on a Winter Olympic adventure and are travelling up to Cypress Mountain to check it out.

Outfit
Cardigan: T.K.Maxx
Dress: T.K.Maxx
Bag: Charity shop
Trousers: Bought in Thailand
Shoes: New Look

Overdue Haircut

As the final countdown continues to our trip over to North America an important item was ticked off my to-do list when I had my haircut.  It is always so nice to have a crisp shape cut back into my hair that requires less time in the morning.

Outfit:
T-shirt: Spiltasfield Market
Necklace: Wallis
Skirt: Bought in Japan
Shoes: Tippin

GB Volleyball

We are off to K2 sports centre in Crawley to watch GB v Albania mens volleyball game.  It is a rare special treat to see top level European volleyball in the south as most games are played in Sheffield.

Outfit
T-Shirt: Yohji Yamamoto for Victoria and Albert Museum
Skirt/Trousers: O'Neill
Sandals: Primark

Musical Ride

There is nothing I like more than a man in uniform and the Royal Canadian Mountain Police takes it to a whole new level.  After unsuccessfully trying to see the Musical Ride on Thursday, I decided to give it another try and trust me they did not disappoint.  If they ever tour through your city, go and the performance.

Outfit
Srug: Hennes
Necklace: Vintage
Long Tops: Boo Hoo
Skirt: Therapy
Boots: Clarks
Mounties Uniform: Models Own

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Olympic Park

Today I am off to the Olympic Park to watch Wheelchair Tennis as part of the London Prepares series.  Word has it that the venue is outdoors and the weather outlook is not good, so my warm coat was brought out from hibernation. I am looking forward to seeing what the place looks like and how far along they are as the Olympics are nearly upon us.

Outfit:
Coat: BooHoo
Top: Mantaray
Leggings: TKMaxx
Backpack: Quicksilver
Boots; Oxford Street

Lovely Layers

Don't you love it when you bring home a new skirt (well vintage really) and it goes with so many other items in your wardrobe. This skirt was quite the find, with an interesting colour combination that seems to match and compliment everything.

Outfit:
Scarf: Dubai Airport:
Coat: Hennes
Shirt: Hennes
Skirt: Vintage
Trousers: Primark

Shakespeare Birthday Celebration

It is going to be a fun night.  I get to see a friend and the Chamber Choir group, The Friends' Music that he is part of. They are celebrating William Shakespear's birthday, with the added bonus of various scenes being acted out. I haven't seen him perform before and am soooo looking forward to this.

Outfit:
Necklace: Vintage
Blouse: New Look
Skirt: Debbie Shuchat
Boots: Spitalfields Market

Spitalfields Alternative Fashion Week

On my usual hunt for inspiration, today I am off to Spitalfields Market for their Alternative Fashion Week. I need to get my skates on so that I am there in time for the Fashion Show and check out the creativity of up and coming designers.

Outfit
Scarf: Charity Shop
Dress: Charity Shop
T-shirt: Hennes
Handbag: Primark
leggings: Top Shop
Boots: Oxford Street

Leaning Tower

No I am not impersonating the leaning tower of Pisa, but rather struggling to stand on the artistic floor covering. In a few months time when all the plants have grown in, I will need to return to Edgware Road and check out the wall again.

Outfit
Necklace: Ebay
SS T-shirt: Winners
T-shirt: Hennes
Skirt: Camden Market
Boots: Charity Shop

Good Friday

I am heading off to the south coast to spend Easter Weekend with friends. Let's hope for good weather.

Outfit
Jacket: Hamstead Bazaar
Top: Primark
Skirt: Primark
Boots: Oxford Street

Dressed For Housework

I may be wearing my new 1950's Duster Coat, but I am most definatly not dressed for housework. After a day of vintage shopping I almost ended up heading home without finding anything good.  But then from a cloths rack in the corner this jacket called my name.

Outfit
Coat: Vintage
T-Shirt: H&M
Skirt: Charity Shop
Boots: Carnaby Street

Brighton Sunshine

Heading down to Brighton and spending the day with Hannah was booked weeks ago. Luck would have it the sun is shining, what a perfect day to spend at the seaside. Let us see what the day brings.

Outfit
Top: Primark
Cardigan: Miss Selfridge
Necklace: East
Bag: PE Florence
Skirt: Vintage
Shoes: Red or Dead

Stitch & Craft Show

It was a day of inspiration. There was a craft show at Olympia and I headed there with a friend to see what is new and exciting in the creative world. As a bonus to having access to so many craft suppliers under one roof, was a Quilt exhibition. With dozens and dozens of fantastic little masterpieces to choose from, I selected this beautiful multicolour quilt to photograph as it matched my amazing vintage skirt perfectly.


Outfit
Scarf: Camden Market
T-Shirt: Hennes
Cardigan: Primark
Bag: Dorothy Perkins
Skirt: Vintage

Amazing Indian Wedding

We spent yesterday at the most amazing Indian Wedding From an early 9am start the event was still going strong when we headed to our hotel room at 1am. I know I am not shy with my colours, but the outfits worn by the other guests were even more fantastic than every imagined. With that in mind I knew I needed to pull out all the stops with my own outfit.

To start off I decided to make use of a shawl/wrap that I made from a Sari years ago. From there I found a dress on ASOS that was the right colour, but the wrong length. The price was also right,so I bought 2 dresses and used the ruffle detail from and added it to the bottom of the another. Result, great dress, great length.

My outfit was not complete until I created one of my Amazing Vintage Brooch Necklaces. Perfect.

Outfit
Necklace: Created my me
Shawl/wrap: Created by me
Dress: ASOS
Shoes: Dorothy Perkins