Outfit: Silly Sparkles

Getting ready for the Huddersfield University SU Awards a few weeks ago I wasn't entirely convinced that my year old eBay bodycon midi dress was quite exciting enough, prompting a flurry of uhmming and ahhing in front of my wardrobe and culminating in this picture where I demanded like a true diva that my boyfriend take a picture so I could 'see how the glitter looks on camera.' Move over Beyonce, we have a new drama Queen Bee in the house. Whilst I possess none of her RnB Highness's confidence, fabulous hair or riches, luckily in the end I think we both scrubbed up pretty well.

Spring Pastels

Here's to my first proper outfit post! This is a look I put together for the second issue of Judy's Affordable Vintage Digest, which should be out very shortly. I can't wait for the weather to cheer up a little so I can actually wear this outfit outside without looking like a fancy dress party reject. Although I suppose the skirt would also work with something darker on top for a more 'School Librarian meets HBO Girls' look, with a Parka coat casually thrown on top.

Outfit

Lilac Jumper - Judy's Kilo Sale

Plaid Wool Skirt - Judy's Kilo Sale

Bow Pumps - eBay

Pearl bracelet and headband - handmade (tutorial here!)

NME Office Attire: a week in outfits

Happy Sunday Everyone! I'm very excited to share this post with you all because it comes a day before I'm due to start a week's work experience in London at NME Magazine. Having been an NME reader since I was 14, this magazine was my gateway into all the music I love now and a big influencing factor on my decision to study Music Journalism, so needless to say I'm pretty excited (and a little nervous!)

Not really knowing what to expect, I've tried my best to be prepared; making sure my dictaphone has batteries, lots of working pens, notepad and lots of ideas for content etc etc. I've also gained some control over the situation the only way a fashion blogger knows how: my pre-planning my office outfits. Even though NME appears to have a pretty casual dress code, I figured there's no harm in making a good smart first impression, and I know an outfit I'm comfortable in will put me in the right mindset for the long days of work and commuting. So, assuming it doesn't snow (fingers crossed!) and ruin my plans, here are my outfits for the week, featuring as per, lots and lots of Primark!

MONDAY 
Polka Dot Denim Blouse - £5, Primark

Black Skater Skirt - £3.99, Topshop via eBay

Burgundy Loafers - £13.50, New Look For ASOS

TUESDAY
Green Aztec Print Skater Dress - £8, Primark
Burgundy Cardian with Military Buttons - £5, Primark
T Bar Patent Shoes - Office (gift!)

WEDNESDAY
Cream Floral Dress and Matching Bow - custom vintage, £5
Mustard Jumper - Primark via eBay

THURSDAY
Fluffy Beige Jumper - Hand Me Down
White Blouse - 99p, eBay
Check Pleated Skirt - 99p, Bon Marche via eBay
Red Mary Janes - £30, Topshop

FRIDAY
70s Print Blouse, £5, Primark
Black Corduroy Dress - £5, Primark
Black Glitter Socks - £1, Primark
Red Mary Janes - as above

What do you think of my outfits? Wish me luck! 

Christmas in a capsule - getting wardrobe ready for the festive season!

If you ask me, you can never be TOO ready for the festive period. I've never been the sort of person who is frantically buying presents in September or counting down the day still Santa's arrival, but I do love dressing for winter and I especially love the guilt free time off work and uni (well, I say guilt free... for three days of the break at least!)

It was this aspect of Christmas I decided to focus on when dotcomgiftshop asked me to take part in their blogger competition. Christmas is so much more than just the day itself... it's the cold nights drawing in, the amazing comforting winter food, the crap telly specials, the warmth between friends and family... yeah, I know I'm beginning to sound like a hallmark card, so I'll stop. But with all the social occasions that the holiday period brings, it's important to have an outfit on hand for every event. Having rummaged through the high street and dotcomgiftshop itself, here is my outfit guide to some of the days that are tradition every December for me. And hey, if you're feeling selfless, they might even give you some gift ideas!

for more amazing stocking fillers and homey Christmas trinkets, visit dotcomgiftshop.com.

What's on your Christmas list?

Overcome with Joy

Hi everyone, how are we all? I've been a bit stressed of late moving house (and realising I own far too much crap) but everything has settled down now and I am becoming accustomed to the new place.

Unfortunately, the swap-over between old and new house meant that Kev and I were essentially homeless for the weekend, but luckily my delightful friend Charlotte put us up at hers! However, with all our possessions in storage, we were at a bit of a loose end in terms of entertainment all weekend, so decided to treat ourselves to a bit of window shopping in Leeds.

Anyone from the West Yorkshire area will know that Leeds town centre has been undergoing a bit of a rejuvenation the past few months, with Leeds Trinity Shopping centre a new fixture boasting a massive food court, huge Urban Outfitters and in the coming months, a Primark of a size that will rival even Manchesters. Not bad for bargain lovers like me!

But what really excited me about my trip to Leeds was the discovery of an even newer shop, called Joy. According to their website bio, they are a London brand, but I had never heard of them before, which I realised was a crying shame the second I stepped inside. Imagine Urban Outfitters having an older, more demure sister, and you can pretty much imagine what Joy stock. Gorgeous, sophisticated patterns without any annoying cut outs (a massive pet hate of mine) or booby bits, all of joys dresses, blouses and knitwear were quirky and fun, but still of a high enough quality and subtlety that you wouldn't feel weird wearing them in lectures or the workplace.

With principal label Louche providing most of the stock, in which women can 'indulge sartorial fantasies with exclusive style and vintage flair.', there is certainly an upmarket high street feel about Joy, the same sense of timelessness you get from Next, Monsoon or Debenhams. Luckily, the price tags are more than reasonable, with a fantastic sale on this month.

Alas, my self-imposed 'clothes spending ban unless absolutely necessary or from ebay' (jenessa trademark) stopped me from purchasing anything myself, so I thought I would live vicariously by assembling some outfit posts. Enjoy, and check out Joy's stock for yourself at joythestore.com!