The Search for Cherry Red

Another honeymoon dress that I couldn't wait to wear. I ordered a few things from Queen of Holloway a while ago - not realising they were based in China. I then read some fairly bad reviews, so had a bit of a panic (why I don't do the research first, I don't know. Too impatient!) but it all turned out ok in the end. They are rubbish at communication though, so I dread to think how you'd go about a return.

Shipping charges were somewhat hideous, I have to say, but the dresses themselves are pretty decent quality and reasonably priced. There is a lot of material in this one and it seems fairly well made, plus the size is pretty spot on.

I hadn't planned on wearing leggings as this dress is quite a decent length, but I completely forgot to shave my legs this morning, so that was a no-no. Plus my ankle is suffering a bit at the moment thanks to my bloody ligaments, so it's even more of a cankle than normal.

Another requirement for the Bosom Button. This dress is fairly revealing even with it!

Cherry Print Swing Dress (20) - Queen of Holloway

Oversized bow flats - Kurt Geiger

Leggings - M&S

Tomorrow is my hen weekend, so I'm off to York. I will be debuting the ASOS sequin leggings. Will try and get some photos if I don't look too much like 2 fat sausages wrapped in bacofoil!

Have a great weekend every body. I expect to be suffering on Monday :) 

3 for the price of 1

I've really struggled with photos this week. Everything I have taken has turned out pretty rubbish and the OH is away so I've had to make do with these. Soz about that. You do get 3 for the price of 1, however.

I'm loving this weather, shame it's not set to last, but it's meant I can get some wear out of my many (oops) recent purchases. Sales, you are killing me!

I am a huge fan of maxi skirts and dresses, but I have to wear shorts underneath them to prevent the dreaded 'chub rub' - especially in this weather. I read a brilliant blog article the other day on this affliction - what do you guys do to avoid such issues?

Anyway, onto more pressing matters. What I've been wearing this week....

This Jersey Dress is from New Look, but wasn't in the sale. It's very comfy to wear, but massively revealing. I had to make use of my Bosom Button to protect my modesty! Work really didn't need a full frontal from me.

Black Jersey Dress (22) - New Look Inspire

Leopard Print Cardie (20) - Tesco

Leopard Sandals - Dorothy Perkins

The first of my recent sale purchases, was this lovely blue Maxi skirt from New Look. It has pockets and everything. The only trauma with it is that it shows any form of wet mark quite obviously. You need to avoid plastic chairs in the heat when wearing it :)

 Blue Maxi Skirt (22) - New Look Inspire

White Vest (18) - Dorothy Perkins

White Crochet Cardie - Dorothy Perkins

Navy Jewelled Sandals - by my sister

More Leopard and another New Look Bargain. I love the Leopard Maxi dress I have from New Look, but it does feel a bit ankle flasher on me. No such traumas with this little puppy.

Leopard Print Maxi (22) - New Look Inspire

Black Longline Vest  (20) - Evans

Jersey Cardigan (18) - Matalan

Gold Sandals - Carvella

Looking Glass Pendant - Zara Taylor

So, do you embrace the sun or do you prefer to stay cool?

Loud legs

First things first, huge thanks to Stefi and Cheryl for nominating me for the Liebster award. I was lucky enough to be nominated for it a few weeks ago too, so here is my last post on it. Thanks ladies, I really appreciate the nomination and I will try and do another post on it soon!

What a gorgeous weekend we ended up having, it was hard to know which Summer item to liberate from my wardrobe first. I've so many dresses that I've barely worn, that I couldn't make a decision. In the end I opted for these trousers from Angel Ribbons at Simply Be. I bought them in the Sale and wasn't at all sure if I would keep them, as they are fairly in your face but they are beyond comfy, so they will be worn a lot on holiday I am sure. For £19, they are fairly decent, not sure they were worth their original price as the material is quite flimsy, pretty sure I'll be wearing them out quite quickly due to my thunder thighs.

I originally wore them with this crotchet waistcoat from Dorothy Perkins when we headed out for breakfast, but it was really annoying as it wouldn't stay on my shoulders, so it ended up being carried. Not sure I even like it anyway so this might be it's first and last wear.

Print Slim Leg Trousers (24) - Simply Be

Longline Vest (20) - Evans

Sandals - Dorothy Perkins (last season)

Sunglasses - Primark

Crochet Waistcoat - Dorothy Perkins 

What do you think of printed trousers, yay or nay?

She's a lady

This dress was supposed to be for my honeymoon, but I love it and can't possibly wait 6 weeks to wear it. It's from Lady Vintage and I've been lusting after their dresses for an age. I'd read in a few reviews that you need to size up, so I did, but the original dress was like a tent on me so I had to send it back for the size 20. This is still a bit roomy on me. Not sure if this is because this dress is from their Plus size range and is perhaps a bit more generous.

Their 'standard' range goes up to a size 20 and their plus size goes up to a 30/32. There are so many pretty things on the website, it's really hard to decide what to buy! 

You may also notice a first - my legs are out. We were promised sun today and I am hoping that's not a lie or I am going to look foolish. Now, I hate my legs. They are my worst part and my left ankle is all wonky and deformed due to several bad sprains. However, this dress is a fairly decent length and I didn't think leggings would really work so I've braved it. I can't say I feel at all comfortable with my legs on show, but I am getting there. 

Anyway, I digress, this dress is gorgeous. Really well made, nice thick fabric and very generous. It's also a bargain at £35. I might be tempted to order more if I didn't already have a wardrobe full of dresses I rarely wear.

You also get a few bingo wings shots to show you the full grogeousness of this dress. I can't wait to wear it somewhere sunny!

Mocha & White Polka Dot Midi Dress (20) - Lady V London

Jersey Cardigan (18) - Matalan

Peep Toe Flats - Dune (old)

Shopaholic needs help.

My ability to shop knows no bounds. The security guard at work has started calling our office 'PO Box Lindsey' as I seem to get something new every day (3 parcels today so far!). Yesterday was no exception. We'd booked a Groupon afternoon tea in Henley and I saw a sale on in Kaliko - I'm not normally one for Kaliko, but I couldn't resist.... well who knew, they stock a brand called Lazy Lu who do some really nice basic pieces up to a size 20 (which is very generous). 2 tops and 3 dresses later. Oooops.

This top was one of those purchases, it's nothing amazing, but I really like it. I've been after a decent striped vest for an age and this one seems to fit the bill. 

I also managed to purchase some of the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip Balm Stains. I am in love with these!  They moisturise your lips as well as leaving a great colour - definitely a stain. It doesn't budge at all. This colour is "Romantic" which is nothing like that website colour.

Striped linen blend Vest (20) - Lazy Lu

Navy Cuffed Trousers (22) - ASOS Curve

Navy Boyfriend Cardigan (XL) - Gap (ancient)

Navy & White pointed flats - Matalan (old)

You took something perfect and painted it red

Red - my favourite colour. I always thought red didn't suit my blonde hair and blue eyes and then one day I thought sod it, I love it so I'm wearing it and I've never looked back. I'm drawn to all things red, my car is red, my wedding colour is red, our kitchen has red. It's a good job Matt quite likes it too or the wedding would be off! (I'm joking of course). 

This skirt is last season from Primark. I think it's meant to be midi length, but I pull it down a bit so I don't flash my cankles. Job's a good 'un.

Oh and I seem to wear this cardigan with everything. I do have 3 of them all the same, so I'm not that smelly. I bought the necklace in Germany earlier this year. He's not been worn that much so I thought I'd give him an outing today.

Matt took some photos of me this morning, but he refused to get out of bed. The result was you saw more of the ceiling  than of me, so back to the toilet photos I'm afraid.

Red Pleated Skirt (18) - Primark

Longline Black Vest (20) - Evans

Red patent Belt - Dorothy Perkins

Jersey Cardigan (18) - Matalan

Studded Flats - New Look

Robot Necklace - Promod (similar)

Lazy days

I've spent the last couple of days working from home as the Olympic Torch made it to our part of the world. I wasn't chancing the traffic as it's a nightmare at the best of times. This means I tend to slob around in 'lounge pants' and don't wash my hair, so I'm definitely not photo worthy, but I will treat you anyway. I'm kind like that.

This top is actually a dress and it's also on back to front. I like to mix it up. I'm also wearing maternity jeans. Quite possibly the most comfortable thing ever. Just like jeggings really, but with a bit more of a substantial waistband. These are the future.

 Leopard Jersey Mini Dress (22) - ASOS Curve

Maternity Jeans (22) - Dorothy Perkins

Red Pumps - New Look

Yesterday, we popped down the end of the road to see the torch. It seemed rude not to since it was leaving around 2 mins walk from the flat. I saw it for about 2 seconds, but there was a bit of a carnival atmosphere and the sun was shining. Happy Days. 

I really need to give Matt some tips on taking photos. 

Matchstick print trousers (22) - Clements Riberio @ Evans

Longline Black Vest top (20) - Evans

Jersey Cardigan (18) - Matalan

Leopard Print scarf - M & Co.

Sunglasses - Primark

Bag - Mulberry

Red Flats - New Look

Spots and stripes

A couple of recent dress purchases to show you. My outfits feel a bit dull this week, I need to get some colour going on. The weather is just so 'meh' at the moment, I feel like I want to hibernate. Comfort has been the key.

I've just placed a massive order for dresses for my holiday (I'm supposed to be on a spending ban), if they arrive soon I can play dress up and inject a bit more excitement into my blog. I quite like seeing every day outfits on blogs, but tell me if I am boring you to death with the dullness of this week!

So, I bought this spotty dress with my Dorothy Perkins gift card. I loved it on the website, not sure I totally love it on me. Maybe I will wear it with a few more colours next time. Still it was quite bargainous for £18.




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Black Spot Fit & flare Dress (18) - Dorothy PerkinsBlack Jeggings (22) - EvansJersey Cardigan (18) - MatalanRed ballet Flats - New Look

This second dress I'd been eyeing up on the ASOS website for an age. I ordered when it was in the sale, pretty certain I'd never wear it as a dress but I've been after a long striped vest for a while. This is long though (much longer than it looks on the website), so I've had to roll it up a bit and its definitely cream and not white as it appears. I'm a fan though.

 Striped Bodycon Dress (22) - ASOS

Cardigan (18) - Matalan (as before)

7/8 Trousers (24) - Simply Be

Glasses Necklace - no idea! (similar)

Studded Ballet Pumps - New Look (similar)

Ankle Flasher...

I know there is nothing overly remarkable about this outfit, but I freaking love these trousers. I've been after a pair of ankle grazer or 7/8 trousers for an age and when this little puppies came up in the Simply Be sale. I snapped them up. They are so comfy to wear and I think quite flattering. I am now considering buying the red pair too. I mean for £20, who can argue? 

I think this style of trouser is really versatile, I'm not a fan of cropped trousers as I don't want to flash too muck cankle, so this is perfect. Very Audrey Hepburn?! I'm embracing my thunder thighs today too. I'm in a f*ck it kind of mood. 

The shirt was my first bird print purchase, many moons ago from Dorothy Perkins. I like that it's a bit see through so I'm not totally appropriate at work. Handy when you work in a team of men.. 

In other news, I had my first shellac manicure on Saturday as a wedding trial. I am totally loving it. I don't normally paint my fingernails as they last about a day. This stuff is the business. 

Shiny red nails....  

Bespoke Ankle Length Trouser (24) - Simply Be

Bird Print Blouse (18) - Dorothy Perkins

Jersey Boyfriend Cardigan (18) - New Look

Eyelash Shoes - ASOS 

Liebster Blog award

I was tagged by the gorgeous ladies Louise and Rachel for the Liebster award - thanks so much ladies and sorry for the delay in posting this!

Here are the rules:

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you plus create 11 questions for the people you've tagged to answer.
3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
4. Go to their page and tell them.
5. Remember, no tag backs

So, I probably won't tag 11 people as I follow so many lovely blogs, it's really hard to choose. If you want to take part - let me know and I will come up with some questions.

11 things about me:

1. I love to travel. I like to have at least 2 trips booked at any one time or I get really itchy feet.
2. I've got 2 younger sisters, both of whom got married aged 24. My youngest sister is 11 years younger. 
3. I will be 36 when I get married - this makes me feel old.
4. I met my fiancé on the internet. 
5. I have an irrational fear of windmills, wind turbines and birds.
6. I own a red Fiat 500 and I adore it.
7. I work as a Senior Cloud Operations Engineer (I don't really know what this means either!)
8. I read really quickly. On a 2 week holiday, I usually get through at least 12 books. Thank god for Kindles.
9. I am getting married next month (eek).
10. I am getting married in Italy purely on the basis that I love Prosecco.
11. I'm a natural blonde, but no one ever believes me. 

Questions from Louise:

1. Polka dots or bird prints?
   Polka dots - although I own a hell of a lot of bird print too.
2. Dresses or jeans/trousers?
   Very difficult one. I wear more jeans and trousers than dresses, but I love dresses too. Is that a cop out? I've long had a hatred for my legs, hence the dress fear but I am trying to overcome that.
3. Do you have any tattoos, and if yes, how many and what are they of? If no, do you want any?
   No and I don't want any. 
4. Who's your favourite band or musician?
   I have really varied taste in music and am quite fickle. I rarely buy albums as I usually only like a few songs. At the moment I am loving Ben Howard, Emeli Sande and Nicki Minaj. 
5. Who would you like to be stuck in a lift (elevator) with?
   James Corden - I think he is hilarious and strangely attractive.
6. What's at the top of your bucket list?
   An Abarth Version of my car. 
7. Where is your favourite place on Earth, and why?
   Too many to choose from - I love The Dordogne region in France, Paris as we got engaged there, San Francisco, New York and Las Vegas... I can't pick one!
8. Bags or shoes? Why?
   Shoes. I have over 200 pairs. I adore Mulberry handbags and own far too many, but shoes are my love.
9. Have you ever met a celebrity, and if yes, who and how?
   I once spent a random night with 2 friends locked in a hotel bar with Ant & Dec. It was in their PJ & Duncan days and they agreed to have a drink with us as we were fellow Geordies. One of the funniest night's of my life. I also met David Hasselhof in Vegas. He was staying in my hotel.
10. If time, responsibilities, and money weren't an issue, how would you spend your ideal day off?
    I'd fly by private jet to New York, do a spot of shopping, have an amazing lunch at a Michelin starred restaurant, have a spot of pampering and then go for cocktails. 
11. What's your favourite book?
    I honestly couldn't say. I've read so many, I tend to forget most of what I have read! 

Questions from Rachel

1. Whats your favourite print ?
   Polka dots I think. Although I'm currently quite partial to stripes too!
2. Lipstick or lipgloss?
   Lipstick, I hate my hair getting stuck to my lips with gloss.
3. Zoo or theme park?
   Zoo - I love animals. Plus I'm usually too big for some of the rides at theme parks!
4. Whats your favourite drink?
   Prosecco.... :) 
5. If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life what would it be ?
   Something with Yorkshire Puddings and gravy probably or rib eye steak. 
6. Whats your favourite place to shop?
   Dorothy Perkins or ASOS (and Mulberry)
7. What is your favourite film?
   Again, too hard to say. I watched Love Actually at the weekend again and I'd forgotten how good it was, but I probably couldn't pick a favourite.
8. Where is your favourite holiday destination?
   Las Vegas
9. If you had a super power what would it be and why?
   I'd like to be able to fly, because I am too impatient and I hate sitting in traffic.
10. Whats your favourite animal?
    Dogs I think. I love most animals, but our Boxer dog Lennox was adorable. 
11. What do you like to do with your spare time?
    Dinner and drinks, long lunches, online shopping, blogging, Instagramming, spending time with family and travel!

Thanks again ladies for tagging me!