OOTD: Striped maxi dress

Outfit

White and red striped maxi dress: ASOS (similar)

Pink sunglasses: Phase Eight* (similar)

Black sandals: Birkenstocks via ASOS

Red canvas backpack: Fjallraven Kanken via ASOS

I was debating whether I should post this outfit given how sweaty and flustered I felt that day. But looking back, they're not actually that bad and this was one of my favourite dresses of the summer. Although look at the frizz in that hair! Not very seasonal but that's what you get when you're not a consistent blogger anymore... I don't think I've ever experience heat like I did this day and if I'm honest, it's put me off forever from visiting hot countries in the future. It was absolutely relentless and sightseeing was a little dramatic in 36 degree heat. But we soldiered on through and managed to enjoy Krakow. Just.

This was an ASOS sale buy in spring and proved to be a very savvy buy. The thin material is breathable, the two slits up the side help to keep your legs free and the little poms poms around the waist keep it interesting. Paired with my favourite backpack that's seen better days and my trusty Birkenstocks that never leave my feet on holiday, it was a great outfit to try and keep me cool. RIP these Birkenstocks though as they well and truly gave up in Poland and never made it home. Next I want a classy silver pair. Oh and a patent black pair please.

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OOTD: Yellow dress

Outfit:
Yellow sun dress: M&S (similar)
Double strap sliders: Birkenstock
Canvas strap silver watch: Timex* (similar)

Ah the distant summer! This dress was another staple during my Eastern European trip. Something that was easy to sight see in but also was great to wear out in the evening if we didn't have time to go back and change. Taken in Bratislava, I was in awe of this stunning blue church. Tucked away down some side street in the middle of low-rise apartments, it quite literally took my breath away. Basking in the baking sunshine, it looked like it was glowing and the detailing was beautiful. Another reason why Bratislava completely stole my heart.

Looking back through all my holiday photos have given me itchy feet and I didn't have any flights booked for 2017. So when I spotted £20 flights to Northern Ireland I threw caution to the wind. January probably isn't the best time to go to Northern Ireland thanks to the weather but it's our ten year anniversary and my boyfriend's family live in Derry.  So we shall be visiting family and hiring a car to do a road trip around the Game Of Thrones filming sights. Located just half an hour from the sights, my boyfriend's family live in the perfect location. We haven't been to Ireland for two years so are overdue a trip plus we've have always wanted to do a road trip as the Northern Irish countryside is stunning. Two birds, one stone. I just need a new pair of winter boots...

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OOTD: Bardot style black jumpsuit

Outfit:
Bardot style black jumpsuit: Topshop (similar)
Red rucksack: Fjallraven Kanken via ASOS
Black double strap Birkenstocks: ASOS
Yellow and navy canvas watch: Timex* (similar)

Look at that backdrop? Sure beats my Essex hometown! During our time in Budapest we did a hell of a lot of walking. This meant a comfy outfit, even more comfortable shoes and a suitable bag to keep lots of water, sun cream and maps in. The end result was this! I splashed out on a Kanken rucksack when I came home from my trip to Copenhagen in a desperate attempt to inject some of that Scandi cool into my life. It was a lifesaver. Usually I take a canvas tote bag on my travels. But carrying a rucksack was a revelation and one I'm going to continue doing. I loved the handles for when we had to squeeze in tight spaces and the straps on the back to help keep my hands free. Definitely worth the money! I'm sporting a snazzy little stripy Birkenstock tan line on my feet so looks like I shall be wearing these shoes to death now I'm back home!

I'm going to share my thoughts on Budapest over the next few posts alongside the gorgeous hotel we stayed in and the best places to eat. I had a fantastic time in the city after initially feeling disappointed when I first arrived. It's definitely a grower and one I'm glad I've finally ticked off my list after lusting after the Hungarian capital for years.

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OOTD: Grey Duster Coat

Outfit:
Grey duster coat: Topshop (similar)
Paisley print silky shirt: c/o Boohoo
Ripped skinny jeans: F&F (similar)
Double strap sliders: Birkenstocks  

So August huh? The less said about this month the better. This isn't the outfit I'd expected to wear during the 'height' of summer but what can you do? That said I really loved this outfit. It was just so simple yet I still felt well put together. I treated myself to this shirt thanks a gift voucher from the Boohoo press day and it's hardly left my body. I love the silky, fancy material and the fact it's collarless makes it a little different from the sea of shirts in my drawer.

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A few favourites #5

More favourites! I've been accumulating lots of things recently. My bank account isn't really too impressed but money is for spending right?! 

Black double strap Birkenstocks via TK Maxx: Since last year I've vowed to treat myself to a pair of birks. A few years ago I'd have gagged and felt ashamed I'd even thought about such comfortable, sensible shoes. But alas the older I'm getting, the more I'm worried about being in pain. I still love my heels to death but need something to give my poor tootsies a rest. I am in love with my new shoes. They feel like I'm wearing slippers - what could be more perfect eh?!

Emma Bridgewater floral cake tin*: Last week I was invited along to a baking masterclass with Whitworths - more on that in a different post - and was given this pretty cake tin in the goody bag. I'd neglected baking for a while thanks to being such a busy bee but this day made me rediscover my love of baking again. I'm going to try and make more time in future - I just find it so relaxing. After all, who doesn't like the smell of fresh cakes in the house?!

Got2b All Star 10-in-1 Styling Treatment*: If you're going away for the weekend and struggling to make room, this little niffy product will be a lifesaver. It will save from lots of mishaps! I had it used on my barnet at an event recently and it gave it one heck of a shine. You simply apply 2-6 pumps of the product to damp hair and blow-dry your hair. It doesn't make your hair feel sticky and smells lovely. Some hair products make me pull a face! It's great to keep all those wispy, flyaway frizzy bits at bay too. I do love a product that multi-tasks!

X+Y DVD*: I am a massive film geek and love nothing more than popping along to the pictures with my unlimited cinema card and catching a movie. But equally I also love settling down under the covers with some cake and watch a film from the comfort of my room. I especially like a film that makes you think - during it and for a while afterwards. X+Y certainly does that. Inspired by a true story, autistic maths genius Nathan is pushed to reach his potential by his school teacher Mr Humphrys. His mother Julie struggles to understand his characteristics after the death of his father in a car crash. As a result of his teacher, he earns a place at the International Maths Olympiad in Taiwan. There he happened to fall in love with Zhang. The film made me smile as wide as a cheshire cat and well up as Nathan tried his best to understand love. It's such a heart warming film - I found myself egging him on as he dealt with his new unknown feelings. Asa Butterfield who played Nathan was superb and definitely one to look out for.

Australian Bodycare Tea Tree Oil Summer Sensation Skin Wash*: Summer? What's that? Thankfully we did have a few warm days and that's when this body wash came in handy. The elements dry my skin out and I desperately need to use a moisturising body wash to keep it under control. It helps to keep my skin soft and smells of the summer! It's going to be in my Barcelona wash bag. TWO WEEKS!

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