Bloggers wear pineapples

So on Saturday a group of bloggers decided to take over Hyde Park to stuff themselves with lots of food and have a gossip. Thankfully the sun decided to finally come out so we didn't have to huddle underneath umbrellas.

What a complete and utter fantastic day it was. The dream team pulled off a corker. I met up with Sarah, Hannah, Sarah, Ashling and Michelle to source the best spot to have out picnic and I don't think I stopped laughing  all day. It was so lovely of people to come and join in with us and i'm touched by how many people made the effort. I didn't get to talk to as many people as I wanted but then that's always the way. Just means we have to hold another one eh?

 Can you tell me and Hannah enjoyed cider that day?

 Sarah's amazing homemade cupcakes. I can confirm they were very tasty indeed!

 How many bloggers does it take to work out how to use a bubble blower? THREE! I love Leanne's excited face!

 I think we had more than enough food don't you?! Would just like to say how yummy Elodie's amazing peanut butter cookies were. I may have eaten three...

Photos stolen from Hannah and Sarah as i've broken my camera boo!

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The sun has got its hat on

Outfit:
Blue cotton midi sun dress: Asos
3/4 length sleeved lemon cardiagn: Dorothy Perkins
Lemon flat pumps: Next
Blue floral statement ring: Primark
Vintage straw bag: eBay

Photo was very kindly taken by the superb Hannah

So this is what I wore to the fantastic bloggers picnic on Saturday in Hyde Park - i've got a whole post dedicated to it coming up! I had the nicest day ever and it was so lovely to see all my favourites. It didn't rain hurrah! But I do look a bit windswept here!

I brought this dress quite a while ago when we was having the heatwave and then the continuous rain started and it lingered in the back of my wardrobe. Thankfully the sun decided to rear it's head so I made sure I made the most of it. I decided to embrace the pastels trend and go for lemon cardigan and pumps. These sort of dresses have my name written all over them. I feel my most comfortable in an outfit like this and think it'll be a work staple if this gorgeous weather continues. Fingers crossed!

So i'm now a grown up with a full time job and am completely loving it so far. It's so overwhelming and so much much to remember but i'll think i'll get the hang of it soon. Everyone is so friendly and nice that it makes it a lot easier. They don't seem to mind my constant questions either which is a plus! Not sure how i'm going to cope on the tube in the hot weather - thinking i might overheat like a dog!

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I'll win your heart with a whit-woo

Outfit:
Silky cream blouse with a peter pan collar and sheer sleeves: c/o Glamorous
Black pleated maxi skirt: Clothing at Tesco
Quilted black ballet pumps: Primark
Cream and gold statement ring: Accessorize
Cream metal flower bangle: Primark
Red nail Varnish: No7 Rose Truffle

I was very kindly contacted by Glamourous and asked if I wanted to choose a few items. Obviously I said yes please and decided to choose some things that would be suitable to wear to work - I start on Thursday eeeek! The first was this lovely polka dot blouse. I loved the sheer sleeves and the peter pan collar. I always get a bit nervous when ordering online as i'm never too sure on the sizes. I went for my normal size 10 and the blouse fitted perfectly. It's lovely and loose around the bottom and doesn't draw attention to my hips - the one thing I always look for when buying tops! I also picked a blazer (which i'll show off soon) and got very excited when I saw they'd kindly chucked a tote bag in too - they are perfect to take car booting!

Like I said I start my new job on Thursday. It's amazing how quick it's came around and i've got my fingers crossed my first day goes ok! I'm so looking forward to it but also a little scared. It's an actual grown up job and it feels strange to have finally started my career! The bloggers picnic is on Saturday so I hope to see so many of you there - i'm making some scones so get there early ;) Destined to be the biggest blogging event this year, you'd be silly to miss out so get yourself down to Hyde Park!

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But it was not your fault but mine and it was your heart on the line

Outfit:
Hawaiian print cut out dress: Asos
Demin jacket: Primark
Brown straw bag: eBay
Dove blue and pink heart lady dragons: Vivienne Westwood
Chunky pearls: Gift from friend
Red plastic watch: Toywatch

Finally gave my beautiful new shoes an outing - I figured the boyfriends birthday was a pretty special occasion! They are so easy to walk in and my feet don't sweat like I though they would - too much information I know! This is one of my favourite outfits i've worn in a long time. I love this dress, it's my favourite type of length but the cut outs around the waist stop it from looking frumpy. Just a shame I haven't had much wear out of it thanks to the dreaded rain.  This bag is without a doubt one of the best things i've brought on ebay. It was a mere 99p and it's the perfect holiday/summer bag. Anyone else get drawn to straw during the summer months?

Like I said I wore this out to my boyfriend's birthday for a meal with his family. I completely overindulged with three courses and paid with it at weightwatchers. It tasted so good but i'm really going to have to pull my finger out as all my weight seems to be going back on! I rustled up a chocolate cake for him and was rather pleased with my decorating skills. It's not going to win any prizes but I thought I did ok with my first attempt! The boys going to get fat as I made him a ginger cake and his nan made him another chocolate cake. Think he might need some help finishing them off...

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Peaches and cream

Outfit:
Orange and cream midi dress: Asos
Orange bow pumps: Primark
Cream 3/4 length cardigan: Primark
White leather sandals: Primark
Red plastic watch: Toywatch
String of faux pearls: Charity shop
Pearl and gold earrings: Topshop
Selection of fold bangles: Various shops

I have a confession to make. My name is Sophie and I am addicted to buying dresses I don't need. Asos is my latest drug. I don't really know why I go mad for summer dresses as England doesn't seem to like the sunshine - i'll get much more wear about of A/W clothes as they'll get worn for 11 months out of the year. I completely fell in love with this as soon as I spotted it on the 'New In' section and went on a bit of a mad selling spree on Ebay until I could afford it. I don't feel guilty about buying dresses with Paypal money as it's not real right? My boyfriend thinks this makes me insane for thinking like this.

I wore this out over the weekend for a trip to church but with some nude heels. I'm not usually the hugest fan of church services but my dad's stepbrother is catholic and he arranged for a special mass to be held in honour of my nan. It was a really nice sentiment and a lovely way for my nan to be remembered.We went out for a family meal afterwards to a lovely Spanish restaurant nearby where we stuffed our face with wine and good food.

I finally booked my holiday so shall be jetting off to Bulgaria for two sun-filled weeks in September. Has anyone ever been to Sunny Beach? Any tips?

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Holiday wishlist

As we're looking to book our holiday this week - two weeks all-inclusive in Bulgaria - i'm going full blown ahead with holiday planning. To be fair I have got rather a lot of clothes and can make do with what i've already got but where's the fun in that! This is what i'm planing to save up for with all my eBay money so I guess I better get selling eh?

001. I have been meaning to get a demin jacket for the past two summers. They just seem to easy to throw on over pretty dresses and a lot less harsh than a leather jacket. I think this year might be the year I actually buy one.

002. This Asos dress sun is actually a bit of a cheat as I ordered this a few days ago.  I was debating between this and the white one but then decided beens I usually miss my mouth when I eat, white would be useless. I'm hoping this comes before Sunday so I can wear it out for my boyfriend's birthday meal.

003. I've decided I need one more bikini and then i'm romeo done. I chucked a fair few of mine away after last year so am running a little low. I'm the person that takes eight bikinis for a seven day holiday - don't judge! I adore the print and the retro style of this bikini.

004. I spotted this dress in Look magazine and have been keeping my beady eye out for it ever since. It just looks like it has my name written all over it. I do think it's a tad overpriced for H&M at £34.99 as it's only a cotton dress. But look at the pretty neckline?

005. TOMS are another thing i've been meaning to buy myself for the past two summers but for some reason I just never have gotten around to it. I think I got distracted by pretty dresses... These ones are a little bit more exciting than the plain ones and navy seems to be a colour that goes with most things.

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Nothing's perfect; I'm hoping I'll do

Outfit:p
White silky t-shirt: c/o Ellos
Blue and white floral trousers - Next
Navy suede block heels - Barratts
Gold coloured cuff: Random shop in Brick Lane
Pastel floral necklace: Random shop in Brick Lane
Statement floral gold coloured earrings: Topshop

Jumping on the patterned trouser bandwagon again. I've actually had these since March - £16 in the Next mid-season sale - but only just gotten around to wearing them. I debated on whether to wear them to work but decided they needed a few outings in my spare time. Anyone else hate wearing their favourite things to work first? I feel once I wear them to work I can't wear them in my everyday life. I paired it with my Ellos t-shirt - told you it would have multipe wears - for a night out on the town my my favourite girls.  I got far too greedy and ended up suffering big time all weekend. Seriously am I that old now that my hangovers last for two days?! It didn't put me off that much as i'm now raring for another night out as I don't seem to do it much anymore. The perks of being a grown up I suppose. Luckily it's the boyfriends birthday at the weekend so we all have another excuse to go to the pub.

Busy week ahead thanks to the boyfriends birthday. I've got three cakes to bake and i've got to do a manic rush to Oxford Street to buy lots of lovely presents. Going to see the Olympic torch on Saturday in my town which the geek in me is very excited about, followed by a trip to my friends school fate. I still struggle with the fact one of my close friends is a school teacher - I don't feel old enough! I love it when weeks are fully packed.

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Put some new shoes on, and suddenly everything is right

I managed to save up for my very own pair of Vivienne Westwood shoes! I shocked myself! I didn't go without and I just put away £30 a month until I had enough - I didn't even notice the money. I adore them and despite what my family say, they are well worth the money. Now I just need somewhere special to wear them - I don't think a night up the town will quite do them justice!

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Recipe: Jamaican Ginger Cake

This recipe is taken from the Levi Roots Reggae Reggae Cookbook. I have slightly adapted it as I already had the ingredients in the fridge!

Ingredients:
100 grams of unsalted butter cubed plus extra for greasing the loaf tin
100 grams of dark soft brown sugar
3 tbsp golden syrup
150 ml of milk
1 large egg
150 grams of plain flour
Fresh root ginger - the recipe states to use 2 tsp of ground ginger
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp of bicarbonate of Soda
75 grams of fruit cake mix - the recipe states to just use raisins but we had a packet of fruit cake mix hanging around!

 001. Preheat the oven to 150 degrees celsius / Gas Mark 2 / 300 degrees fahrenheit. Grease the loaf tin generously. Place the butter, sugar and golden syrup in a pan and heat gently until it has fully melted. Don't forget to stir!

 002. Add the milk and pour the mixture into a jug. Leave to cool for a few minutes. Then add the egg.

 003. Shift the flour, ginger, cinnamon and Bicarbonate of Soda into a large mixing bowl. Pour in the wet ingredients and carefully mix together. Then add the raisins - mine looks a bit pathetic as I forgot to take a picture and had to add a few more in ha!

004. Pour the cake mixture into the tin and cook for around an hour. I only cooked for 50 minutes as I have a fan oven. Pesky things! A clever way to test to see if it's cooked is to place a skewer into it and if it comes out clean it's all good to go!

 005. Place the cake on the wire rack and leave to cool before tucking in!

Admittedly it looks a tad burnt on top. Thanks again fan oven. But it was so moist inside and got a thumbs up from my boyfriend who would eat ginger cake like it's going out of fashion. I'd totally make this again - although not for a little while yet as it's no weightwatchers friendly!

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I'm going to paint you by numbers and colour you in

Outfit:
Denim Shirt: c/o Ellos
White v-neck t-shirt: Primark
Dusty pink skinny jeans: Primark
White plimsols: Vans

I meant to get this post ready last week but I was blessed with a stinking cold - I don't seem to get the sniffle but full on head cold where it feels like it's going to fall off - and I was also taken by suprise by a job offer! More on that later!

This was the denim shirt I was kindly gifted by Ellos. I've been after the perfect denim shirt for ages. I wanted one that was just the right shade, fitted enough to look right tucked in but not too fitted it looks silly undone and just the right length to not make me feel awkward about my child-bearing hips. This Ellos one ticked all the boxes! It has the perfect amount of stretch and feels lovely and soft on my skin. Once agin I think it's going to be a staple - everyone needs a denim shirt in their wardrobe. Ellos actually have a cracking sale on at the minute which is well work a little splurge!


So I have a job. A proper full-time permenant job on a magazine! To be honest I was beginning to think this day would never come. It's been a hard year doing internships since I left Uni and being offered short-term contracts here and there. I craved the stability so that I could get one foot on the career ladder and start moving up in the world. I actually went for this job last year but unfortuately didn't get it. I received a phone call last week to state I was actually second choice for the job and as the orginial candidate had left, was I interested in it! Needlessly to say I was shocked. My full title will be junior picture researcher on Love It! magazine and I can't wait to get my teeth stuck in. It shows if you have a dream, never ever give up. It might take a long time getting there but it will come true in the end. You've just got to have a little faith!

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Top five bootsale finds

The next in the series of my top five is gems i've managed to hunt down at bootsales. I'm a sucker for a bootsale and my mother and I try try to go them as often as we can. We both love a bit of secondhand junk! 

001. This has to be my all time favourite find at a bootsale. It was just 50p and I absolutely love it! It was in quite poor condition but my dad painted the frame and nailed the flyaway bits together - it came out just like brand new!

002. I've suddenly gone into full on nesting mode and have been buying bits and pieces for my future home. I have no intention of starting to save for at least another two years but best to be prepared though right? It might not be there by the time I move out - my dad doesn't agree with me! This is a little bit worn but I just think it adds to its charm. It's perfect for dinner parties!

003. I get so much wear out of this collar necklace, it seems to go with everything. I think i've definately had my money out of out for just a £1. Like i've said before you can get some proper gems at bootsales - they're perfect for magpies like me!

004. I dread to think how many brooches I own - i'm always picking one up here and there. I really think they can make an outfit and love to pop them on coats to add something a little extra. I pick up these three for only 50p each and admittedly I haven't worn them yet but they are so pretty! The three pearl one is my favourite.

005.This beauty was only £2. Bargain or what?! I've never heard of the make before but it feels such good quality. It's not often I find clothing at boot sales, it tends to be mainly bric and brac. Admittedly I've not actually worn it yet as I'm not a frequent jeans wearer but it's never going to go out of fashion - I've got plenty of time to wear it!

What's your best boot sale buy?

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I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair

Outfit:
Floral perplum dress: Asos
Nude platform pumps: Primark
Nude envelope clutch: Asos

I bet you are getting fed up of seeing these nude shoes and clutch bag in every going out post. I know I am! It's just they go with absolutely everything and black just seems so harsh with my summer clothes. Although I have a lot of shoes - around 40 pairs is quite a lot for someone who's not a 'shoe girl' - they all seem to be in the same colours. I think I need to branch out and buy some brightly coloured ones! Ahhh this dress makes me so happy. It's just so bright and the flowers remind me 70s wallpaper which is always a bonus. The perplum is perfect for hiding a food baby which is just as well as I'm planning on stuffing myself silly tonight!

As I said i'm off out tonight. One of my friends has came home from travelling after a YEAR! Needlessly to say i'm pretty excited to see her and we are heading out to my favourite restaurant - a Mexican in the next village. Is it sad I already know what i'm having?

What are you lot up to this weekend?

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A snapshot #15

 It's a little bit late this week but this is what i've been up to in the past week.

001. One of my favourite ways to wear my nails recently  is to have a pastel shade underneath OPI Rainbow Connection. It's a little subtle sparkle and everyone seems to comment on it!

002. My Olympic tickets arrived this week which was very exciting! I have tickets for the hockey and football quarter finals. It's made me really wish i'd brought some more but I really don't have the money. Still i'm going to try and make it along to the free road races if I can.

003. I'm back on weightwatchers today thanks to a week and a half of eating whatever I like. While it's been brilliant I do feel a little bloated and am actually looking forward to come disipline in my life once again. Plus I dread to think how much i've put on!

004. When my great nan died, my nan gave me some of her brooches to keep. I have an insane amount of brooches and sometimes forget what I actually have. I found this while sorting through my drawers yesterday and decided it deserved an outing.

005-006. The most amazing charity shop warehouse has opened in my area - it's seriously huge and sells absolutely everything. The furniture is to die-for and I could quite easily have came home with a piano if I had somewhere to put it. I didn't go home empty-handed. I brought a cute little sewing box and pattern - my friend is teaching me to sew over the summer so thought i'd start building up a collection. A lovely decanter for my bottom drawer - I couldn't leave it behind for £2! I play the clarinet and am drawn towards old sheet music. I don't quite know what i'm going to do with it but i'm sure i'll find a use for 50p!

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Pretty in pink

Outfit:
Silk white blouse: c/o Ellos
Neon pink pleated midi skirt: New Look
Nude platform faux-suede pumps: Primark
Nude envelope clutch: Asos
Silver ball bracelet: Tiffany & Co

I was very kindly gifted this silky t-shirt along with a demin shirt (i've got an outfit post dedicated to that very soon!) by Swedish mail order company Ellos. I'd come across the brand on a few other blogs before so didn't stop to hesitate when I was informed I could pick a few pieces for myself! I'm so impressed by the quality considering the prices don't break the bank. They both feel lovely and soft on my skin - there's nothing worse than itchy fabric irritating you all day long. Swedish companies always seem to simple and sleek - H&M and Nelly are just two prime examples. Sometimes simple clothing is what makes the biggest statement in my opinion. I can see this white blouse becoming a staple in my wardrobe - there's no end of things it can be paired with! It's well worth the £17. I'm tempted to buy the other colours too!

I wore this  for a bite to eat at Nandos last night - not been since November according to my loyalty card. How has that even happened?! I may have been a little dressed up but its was a Friday and i'm not going out over the weekend so i'm making the most of it. I've got a bootsale to do today - i desperately need the money to boost my Mulberry funds. I'm nearly half way there!

 Do you have anything planned for the rainy weekend?

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Gingham

Outfit:
Blue and white gingham wiggle dress: Asos
Nude platform pumps: Primark
Nude 1960's kelly bag: Charity shop

This has to be hands down one of my favourite outfits i've worn recently. I brought this dress around a month ago and had been saving it for a special occasion. It fits like a glove and I felt amazing it - can't say that about all of my clothes! I went for a slightly 60s look, I did want to attempt a beehive from Catherine's blog but ran out of time. Next time though! It's just a shame this picture doesn't really do the dress justice, it was a rushed jobbie at the hotel. My friend was none to impressed at taking pictures of me!

I wore this out to a charity ball over the Jubliee weekend with some friend. It turned out to be a really good night despite the fact we were the youngest guests by about 20 years. We ended up making our own fun and NOT getting drunk, Seriously who has the dollar to pay £8 for a glass of wine?! I was not impressed!

How was your Jubliee weekend?

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Casino Royale

I love any old excuse to throw on a pretty dress, have fancy hair and put my war paint on. After all, what girl doesn't?  One place where you can really go all out is a casino - we've all seen the elegant dresses in the casino movies. Casinos always seem like glamourous places - admittedly the only one i've been too is on a Christmas work party where we were handed a wad of fake money and told to blow it all!

With so many casino games to play, it's hard to pick a favourite. But if I had to choose i'd go for the Roulette wheel. I always play it safe and opt for black or red. I think i'm too much of a chicken to pick one number and risk it all. I've never really played any card games - only 21 and Uno! Have you ever played any games at the Casino?

Now onto the most important aspect - the beautiful dresses! I think the more glam the better to be honest. My personal favourite has to be the French Connection one. But at £250 it's a little steep. The gorgeous nude Asos one is a lot more purse friendly at £60. Now what can I sell to raise the funds for it....

Have you ever been to a casino? What would your ideal dress be?

This post was written in collaboration.

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