The word's on the streets and it's on the news

Outfit:
Topshop navy and white polka dot midi dress - Donated by a very kind friend
Navy 3/4 length cardigan - Primark
Black and cream two tone pumps - Primark
Red plastic watch - Toywatch
Silver charm bracelet - Pandora

The plus side of having a fashionable friend is they unload their pretty clothes onto you. I was green with envy when my friend managed to snag this off eBay for a decent price - the ones i'd seen were going for £40 plus. You can imagine my delight when she offered me it FOR FREE! Of course I was the dutiful friend and told her to sell it on eBay but deep down I was screaming GIVE IT TO ME PLEASE! Luckily she's a bit of a diamond. This has my name written all over - the midi length gets me every time. I'm on the hunt for a red pair of shoes - can't believe I don't own any - and a red bag to make the dress complete.

I know i'm making a major faux paux - in my eyes anyway - by wearing black with navy but I didn't have any shoes to wear! They don't look too bad I suppose!

As you read this I shall just have landed in the hopefully sunny Bulgaria. Hopefully I'll be coming back with a killer tan! Wish you were here!

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Lusting over Dixi

Dixi is one of those brands that came to my attention through reading blogs. I find out about so many wonderful brands that would never have been on my rader - one of the many things I love about blogging. This is just a little sneak preview of what's to come. Exciting eh?

I was immediately drawn to the rings. Like a magpie I love anything big and eye catching. A statement ring can really make or break an outfit which probably explains why my dressing table is overflowing with them!

The arrows and skulls make me want to embrace my inner rock chick while the brown boots would be perfect in the winter for work. It's all about looking fashionable AND comfortable!

The great news is Dixi is offering a special and exclusive discount code which is running until the 9th September - you better hurry up and make some decisions! You just have to spend over £15. The code is : UPDATEMEFS

Has anything caught your eye?

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What's cooler than bein' cool?

Outfit:
Black 3/4 length t-shirt - Next
Hot pink pleated midi skirt - H&M
Pony skin Dalmatian print slipper shoes - Next
Long cameo necklace - Random boutique

This is a typical work outfit - i.e. a t-shirt tucked into a midi skirt. Nothing too exciting but it helps me feel like i'm making some effort going into work. Not too smart for a fairly casual office but smart enough to be working in the city. I brought this skirt months ago for just £7.99 - full price! - and have only really just started to get use out of it after losing some weight. It was one of those skirts that had to go over your head as it wouldn't go past your bum. It was happening to a lot of my clothes ha! These shoes may look pretty but they ripped my feet to shreds by the end of the day. I think they may need some wearing in! Excuse the exposed bra strap I didn't notice until I uploaded them! If i'm looking a bit bleary eyed it's because these at half 7 in the morning. Came to the conclusion that my outfit posts are better when I do them in the evening haha!

I'm off on holiday on Monday - I don't think i've mentioned it enough! I'm going to try and get a few posts scheduled for the two weeks but it might not happen! If things are a little quiet over the next few weeks you know why!

Hope you all have a lovely weekend! I'm off to Brighton tomorrow as the boyfriend booked a night in a hotel before we fly out from Gatwick. He's a keeper eh? See you all in two weeks!

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It's all a bit of fun 'til someone gets done

Outfit:
Blue jersey blazer: C/O Glamorous
Floral patterned skinny trousers: Primark
Black vest top: Primark
Patent platform pumps: Primark
Red plastic watch - Toywatch
Gold ball statement necklace - Topshop

I was very kindly sent this blazer from Glamorous along with my lovely top but have only just have the chance to blog about thanks to a broken camera. But that's not to mean I haven't been wearing it! I picked in with the mindset to wear it to work because let's face it blazers really are the perfect workwear - they can smarten almost anything up. I love the soft material of this blazer and vibrant colour immediately brightens an outfit up. We need all the help we can get to brighten up this gloomy weather! It's pretty lightweight too which is handy on the tube. It can be completely freezing in the outside world yet like a sauna underground.

In other news i'm off to sunny Bulgaria on Monday for two blissful weeks in the sunshine. I can't wait to top up my tan and do nothing but drink cocktails, read books and stuff my face. I've only been working full time for about a month but it's really taken it out of me. I survive on so little sleep recently after burning the candle at both ends so i'm looking forward to getting up at my leisure.

How have you all been? Hopefully i'll be blogging a lot more recently - i've really missed it! I've got lots of catching up to do!

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Notting Hill Carnival

I ventured down to Notting Hill Carnival on Bank Holiday Monday. I've not been since I was a kid and am determined to make the most of all the free events in London. It's not quite as fast paced as I remember - it's very stop and start. But it was still a good day out and I managed to finally try curried goat. The food is always the best part of any day out!

Did anyone else get to the carnival?

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Thrifty Finds #1

After picking up lots of junk each week - much to my dad's dismay - I decided to start up a weekly feature where I showcase what i've managed to pick up. No one in my house is bothered that i've picked up yet another compact mirror.

Here's what I picked up last week over the course of the weekend.

001. Set of six Babycham glasses
I have been hunting out for these for god knows how long but everyone seems to know the value of them and asking prices always seem to be high. I spotted these tucked away in a cardboard box under the table. I wasn't going to rummage as I only had ten minutes left but I spotted some whisky glasses and decided to dive in. I got so excited when I realised there were Babycham glasses and even more excited when the seller wanted just £2 for all six! I didn't even try to haggle the price down.

002. Pink Marcel Franck glass atomiser
I decided on a whim that I wasnted to start collecting perfume bottles as I obviously need yet more things to hoard. I spotted this amongst a stall of endless books and managed to haggle the owner down to £2.50. I got the shock of my life when I decided to do a little research and found one on an American antique website selling for $175! 

003. Cameo brooch cameo pendant and brown oval stone brooch
The first thing i'm drawn to at bootsales is jewellery. I'm after any brooches, anything cameo related or any pearls. Basically anything an old lady would like. I'm trying to ween myself off brooches - 30 is perhaps a bit excessive especially as I wear them once in a blue moon. But I couldn't resist this brown one and of course the cameo brooch had to come home with me. It'll look lovely on the lapel of my winter coat.

004. Stratton peacock compact mirror
This beauty was only a £1 and I was delighted to find out it was from the 1960s - I love items with a sense of history. Admittedly i've not used it yet as i'm too scared to lose it but what's the point of it sitting on my dressing table eh?

005.Ornate glass pot
I've turned into my mother and am obsessed with anything glass. Butter dishes, cake stands, triffle dishes and dressing tables sets - we have them all in this house. I have no idea what to use this as - thinking maybe to store my cotton wool? But I had to take it home and it's looking very pretty sitting by my rings!

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My Olympic experience so far

I may be an Essex girl born and bred but London's always had a special place in my heart. From the day my parents took me to the Natural History Museum - I asked to go for my fourth birthday so i've always been a geek -  i've been hooked on the big smoke. I'm finally living my dream of working in the city and hopefully may even move there one day. I therefore think of London as my city and have been extremely proud of how it's pulled the Olympics off. The atmosphere has been electric and i've tried to take advantage. So far i've managed to catch the football, cycling road race and women's hockey and am popping along to the women's marathon tomorrow with my nan and mum. I can't believe just how well team GB are performing and it makes me incredibly proud to be a Brit. For such a small country we have an immense wealth of talent. I feel so lucky to have seen the Olympics in my home country, COME ON TEAM GB!!

P.S Please ignore the not too flattering photos of me - I had extremely early starts ha!

P.P.S That's my dear old dad i'm standing with outside Wembley.

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Stop making the eyes at me, I'll stop making the eyes at you

Outfit:
Orange lace midi dress: Asda
Denim jacket: Primark
Nude ballet pumps: New Look
Oversize faux-pearl necklace: gift from friend

This an example of an outfit that I wear to work. My office is fairly casual - lots wear jeans and converse. But I like to make the effort to dress up a bit more as I have so many clothes it'd be a crime not to wear them! This denim jacket is one of the best investments i've worn in a long time - it's perfect for the 'summer' we seem to be having! I brought this dress in the sale and it's the perfect length for work to wear with bare legs. It's also pretty handy to take on holiday with me as I guess i'll only wear it a handful of times thanks to this brilliant weather.

I've been getting into the Olympic spirit this week having attended the mens road race and womens hockey today. Attending these sorts of events make me realise just how much I love london. The city really has done so well even if London Transport did make me an hour late for the hockey this morning. Suppose a deflective train can't really be helped... I'm off to see the football quarter final on Saturday, I need GB to come second in their group to see them. I'm also going to attend the womens marathon on Sunday so it's a jam-packed week!

Has anyone else been religiously watching the Olympics? Or been to see some action themselves?

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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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