ATTIRE - polo neck junkie

Polo neck: Next // Necklace x2: Forever 21 // Lace shorts and belt: Miss Selfridge // Ballet pumps: New Look

Guess what I'm wearing? Oh yeah, a polo neck...its all I rave about. Today's weather is dull - so my outfit choice matches it. I purchased these high waisted black shorts earlier this year from Miss Selfridge for my weekend at V festival. I find the colouring has faded gradually, but this adds to the 'vintagey' effect! I've noticed since having a fringe earrings don't really get seen - so I decided to double up these Forever 21 necklaces to add a bit of detail to the top of my outfit. These printed ballet pumps are my favourite of all time, instead of being fabric they have more of a hair-like texture. I tend to save these shoes as I don't want to ruin the texture with mud and rain etc. 
I kind of getting to grips with taking photos now! Each time I want to blog I transform our dining room into my mini photo shoot - I still don't understand the settings on the camera so when I get a good(-ish) shot its usually down to luck! I have to say I was impressed with the bottom picture as some how I captured the shadowing in the background which I really like! I think I prefer outdoors photos as I can have more fun with them, for instance choosing interesting backgrounds and settings - but with the current strong winds I'd much rather stay inside!
Have a great last day of 2013 everyone!

ATTIRE - purple rain

Polo neck: H&M // Necklace: Topshop Sale // Jeans: Topshop Leigh  // Boots: Office Sale // Unhappy face: British wet/cold weather



I was ecstatic when I bagged these bargain boots in the boxing day sales, but then it hit me that realistically their usage could become very limited due to our weather being typically wet....ideal for ruining my brand new pale suede shoes! Maybe these boots will have to be saved for the chilly spring mornings in a few months time (*sob*). These dark purple Topshop jeans are my latest addition to the collection of Leigh jeans. I find Topshop sizes vary massively - this pair is potentially the smallest W26 in the world, they're so so so so tiny!! But after a few wears I'm sure they'll stretch out a bit (well I hope..). The polo neck I wore today is one of my favourite jumpers, somehow the style of the polo neck is super chunky but avoids making you look bulky? I picked it up a few weeks ago from H&M in Merry Hill and I have worn it countless times since. This sky blue jumper is great to just whack on with jeans and my favourite fedora when I'm in a rush (or can't be bothered haha) or to pair with a patterned skirt to 'winter' up an outfit.

Have you got a jumper that seems to be worn with everything and anything?

ATTIRE - s.o.s sales




Yo Sushi // Me warming up in the RAC van ft. new hat, jacket and scarf // RAC man saving us // Mum and myself 

Rather than the early morning mad rush to the sales, sprinting between shops grabbing everything and anything in your size I devised a simple shopping plan for this Boxing day.  My plan was simply to rock up to the Bullring whenever we were ready and just mooch around the shops with no strict check-list of what to buy.

However, my boxing day trip to the sales was slightly different to my imagined idea.

To start of my relaxed trip...I unfortunately spent 50 minutes in the brisk cold winds stood behind the crash barrier on the M5 with my mum waiting for the RAC van man to come and fix my burst tyre. Thankfully, the RAC guy was a car genius (essential for his job title I know!) and we were well on our way after this little hiccup.

To revitalise our sale spirits we decided to treat ourselves to Yo Sushi - and it was the perfect solution! We indulged in several non-festive dishes, even through I'm not a fan of sushi itself, I am madly in love with Katsu Curry (and I've mastered the cheat chop-sticks). Stomachs full - we were ready to tackle the herds of fellow shoppers.

So you'd expect the bullring to be unbearably busy, but it was actually alright. Shops had strategic blocked indoor entrances and were managing the flow of customers with queues outside, definitely helped to avoid the Next riots!

I describe myself as a serial shopper, but during the sales after xmas I always feel I tend to buy items for the say so of them being in the sale and this apparently means they are an 'instant bargain'. So this year I massively controlled my shopping, I weighed up the price and the amount of times I would potentially wear the item. Maybe for this I didn't buy too much? This either means nothing was reduced enough or I don't wear enough different outfit combinations...hmm...but I do love what I did buy through!

Next Polo Neck £16 £8

 As I've mentioned before, I don't splurge on knitwear - mainly because after one wash my mum is a pro at making them the ideal size for the Severn dwarfs (I shouldn't complain I don't do my own washing..). I've found this year polo necks are ideal jumpers to wear as virtually any flimsy, thin, sleeveless summer top can be layered on top - meaning after only purchasing 3 polo necks I can actually have a completely different (warm) outfit everyday! I wasn't too impressed with the Next sale in the Bullring, maybe because we didn't get there til 2pm but still I expected a few more pretty shoes to be available in my size. If your a size 3 the Next sale shoe collection would be your oyster! 

Topshop Pink Jumper £40 £20

I had hoped to pick up the Topshop Christmas Gingerbread jumper in the Xmas sales but unfortunately, after high interest, I don't think it was available in the sales. Unlike many of the other sales, Topshop had a pretty good selection - plus the majority of prices were cut by 50% or more!  Being a girlie girl I couldn't go wrong with a pink jumper. I'm planning to wear it with everything basically...leather skirt, tartan skirt, pattered trousers and high waisted shorts. I'll be able to carry this knitwear over to Spring/ Summer 2014 as the upcoming season is based on pastel, girlie colours (whoohoo!). Definitely a good find..thanks Topshop!

ASOS Animal Print Skater dress £25 £15

Yes I'm an ASOS addict. I must of been through the sale items at least 7 times...and find a few things to order each time (oops). It's pretty hard to resist when you get free next day delivery and returning items is so easy! I wore this dress on xmas day (I purchased it the preview night of the sale). I love the dress, the animal pattern isn't Katt Moon thankfully! I wouldn't say the dress is worth its full price due to the material being very thin and I'm worried after a wash the colours may even fade. Anyway, I'm think its a great dress to wear with my black fedora and chunky lace up boots.

Office Suede ankle Boots £75 £20

Biggest bargain ever! Call me the bargain Queen! Online I didn't really find any boots that took my fancy. However I thought I'd give Office in-store a go...I didn't realise they're sale was so good! These boots took my eye straight away. They're the ideal heel height to be worn daily and I like the low ankle cut to them. The only negative obviously is that the suede is a very light camel shade...but I'll just have to be choosey on when I wear them! For £20 I couldn't leave these boots behind, they'll definitely last the rest of this season and potentially be worn again next year if I don't get them too mucky. I'm still not over how much these boots have been reduced... 

ASOS Black Sparkle dress £35 £14

I had a little high school friend reunion night coming up, which fell on Christmas Eve Eve so felt I had to have a pretty, sparkly dress! I'm a devil for always wearing black on nights out...so adding sequins to the mix was adventurous for me. Alike the Animal dress, I wouldn't pay full price for this dress...although it did come with a slip for underneath and did hang nicely on photos etc. The dress did its purpose, I wouldn't proclaim its my favourite dress of all time but it looked alright for the occasion. I did feel that throughout the night I was leaving a glitter trail everywhere, so I'm worried after a wash they'll be no glitter left! Anyway its a cute LBD that I'm sure will be used again. 

Did you splurge this Boxing day?

DIARY - my (late) Christmas edition

Stratford lights // Presents under the tree // Xmas morning // Christmas Eve Eve night out

 I admit I've been a super bad blogger over the Christmas period....I should of taken advantage of all the spare time I had away from uni and essays but instead I've been rolling around in my onesie for the past week and a half eating as much chocolate as possible whilst watching mind numbing festive films. ANYWAY, I've had a great time - and I hope all my little blogger readers have too!

For me Christmas is all about spending time with the people who actually mean something to me, rather than those who walk in and out of your life when it suits them. So over the Christmas holidays I've managed to spend plenty of time with my loved ones - boyfriend, closest high school friends and the nutty family.

Every year I say to myself, 'Ok this year I won't spend Christmas day refreshing Facebook and twitter investigating other people's presents'...yet again, alike many, I was guilty of being nosey into other peoples gifts (although they're allowing me to be nosey if they post pictures of their presents?!). I'm not one of those who post pictures or updates of presents on Christmas day, but I am going to let you see my favourite prezzies this Christmas!

I must say...aren't you disappointed that Christmas is gone and over for another year? The build up is so fun...but its such a shame when its all finished with.

1. Moschino phone case // 2. Red Herring clutch // 3. Sensationails // 4. Tangle Teezer

These four are my favourite gifts this year.

I highlighted my lust for this Moschino phone case a few weeks ago on my wish list #1 post, it's actually cuter in real life! The little face on the front has actual whiskers (as you can tell I'm completely besotted by this phone case #loser). There are a few fall backs to this phone case though...the case itself is very cumbersome and heavy meaning its impossible for it to fit in my jeans pockets - but that's what handbags are for I guess! But more importantly the thick material seems to block my voice transmitting into the phone,so when I answer the phone now I do have to remove the case...a little far from ideal.

I spotted this clutch on a fellow fashion bloggers instagram page a while back, I had been tempted to buy it...but it was the kind of year when your mum starts nagging you for Christmas present ideas so this one fit the criteria! When I unwrapped this gift I was completely surprised with the clutch - I hadn't actually seen it in shops, only searched for it online so I had no idea about the texture, size, weight etc! It was a nice surprise don't get me wrong - the mulberry like hearts are a velvet material which I thought was great! Can't be doing with these cheap patterns that scratch off after one use. The clutch is a large-ish size, making it very versatile. I feel the bag can be used for a night out as imagined, but also for shopping trips as the top zip opens the main section of the bag that seems never ending (Mary Poppins I hear you say!). I'm looking forward to my clutch's first outing...

For me, painting my nails is a massive chore. Firstly, I always paint my nails at night in my room...meaning I basically gas my room out, so have to sleep with the window open and freeze all night long. Secondly, the second I've finished painting my nails I need a wee or the dogs jump on me or something that ends up smudging my nails. Finally, I never put a top coat on so the colour literally lasts for a few nails then I have to start the whole nail painting process over again...Sensationails seems like the perfect solution for little miss impatient! I guided my boyfriend into the direction of purchasing the Deluxe Starter Kit when I saw it massively reduced in Boots a few weeks ago...being male and having no idea what it is actually for...he luckily took the hints! The Deluxe kit comes with two colour (sugar plum and taupe tulips) and all the other accompaniments. I've had a few goes with it so far, it is pretty straight forward but once I get the nack to it I think I'll find it a lot easier. In a few blogs time I'm planning to do a review on the kit, as full price it is a lot of money to be splashing out, so I'd love to see if its worth it! 

Finally, my tangle teezer. I'd been saving my boots points up for a while to get one, as I could never justify spending £10+ on a hairbrush I'd end up loosing at uni or burning on the straighteners. But Santa decided to treat me...it's fab - much to my boyfriends questioning...it is worth it! On the side of the packaging the comments claim the brush enables 'pain-free de-tangling' - i totally agree! I think the longer and shorter length pieces on the brush allow it do glide through the hair tackling each knot separately rather than getting the whole brush tangled and wrapped around your hair! A massive selling point for me is that the tangle teezer is designed to be used by your palm and is very light - handbag perfect. 

You've listened to me ramble on about my favourite Christmas presents this year, post the link to your favourites!

Love Alice x

P.s. I'm thinking about changing my blog name to something a bit more exciting than my actual name...any ideas? inspiration?

ATTIRE - graffiti knitting

 Location: Bancroft Garden, Stratford - Upon - Avon, UK

Bag: Zara Jumper: H&M (similiar here) Shirt: Forever 21 Necklace: New Look (similar here) Jeans: Topshop Boots: Internationale (similar here)

How amazing is this tree?! Myself and my mum were doing some last minute Christmas shopping in Stratford today when we noticed this tree on the Bancroft (the bit outside the Shakespeare theatre), I just assumed it was some local school project. The tree is actually apart of a growing trend called Graffiti Knitting, much more attractive than graffiti you see down subways ey! The Bancroft gardens were beautiful this late-winter-afternoon, the hordes of tourists had disappeared leaving the open space to be a landscape of tranquillity.
Anyway, enough about Stratford! (Although I do madly love the place!) 
My outfit basically describes my outing -  a quick shop, home-cooked grub and chilled out laughs visiting my Grandparents. 
I find layering up summer shirts is perfect when your out in the cold and then suddenly walk into a boiling hot house ready for a big dinner as you have the option to de-layer! This Forever 21 shirt has been completely over worn whilst at uni as the neutral colour goes with virtually anything (especially important when your waiting for things to be washed), for this reason it's another staple item in my wardrobe. 
I purchased this spiked rose gold necklace earlier this year from New Look when they had the 'buy one, get one free' offer on the jewellery. I regret not stocking up on jewellery at this point as everything was ridiculously cheap, and I'm not too keen on splashing a lot of money on necklaces as I don't tend to wear them enough to justify the price tag. 
The Zara bag I'm using here has seen me through summer and winter, I find the combination of the unique colour and simple design allows me to put it with any outfit and completely brightens up my look! 
In this particular outfit I like how my jeans, boots and shirt aren't anything interesting, but adding a bright jumper and bag makes all the difference instantly. 
Has anyone seen Graffiti Knitting elsewhere? (Also, I've made the writing bigger on this post, do you think it looks more appealing to read? I'm unsure...tell me what you think)
Love Alice x
P.s A little thank you to my mum for taking these photos - after several crappy photos out of focus with no lighting...we finally did it!

ATTIRE - one dress two ways

Lace print dress: Zara Polo neck: Marks and Spencer Boots: Mango at ASOS

Clutch : Klear Klutch at ASOS Heels: Topshop

So recently I've noticed high street shops are stocking lingerie style dresses, you know the black, lacey, silky looking cami dresses? Personally, I don't think I could wear them as they're so revealing and you definitely have to have toned arms and shoulders to pull them off! But as an alternative I have seen several bloggers layering them up with polo necks which I must admit I do adore... However, during my weekly mooch on the Zara website I came across this blue printed lace dress. I thought to myself hmmm could be something different for going out in but also it hit me how versatile this dress could become!

For the winter months I thought about adding a grey polo neck 1) I chose grey because it would highlight the lace detail on the shoulders whereas black would hide it 2) I find polo necks keep you so much warmer than just a normal jumper (I'm getting addicted to them for this reason). Finally, I'd add heeled boots and chunky black tghts - heeled boots are important to outfits I wear because i'm abit of a shortie so like adding height and length to my legs.

My alternative outfit uses the same dress but for a different occasion! Weekend drinks with friends are a major excuse for us girls to buy a new dress and get all dolled up with fake tan and lipstick (majority of the product staining our carpets of course). This transparent clutch is amazing (despite the price tag), the pouch inside is leather - ideal for ID and money, and the remaining space is perfect to pop your comb and eyeliner in! Despite being short, I'm still thankful of the heel trend going from super high platforms to mid-heels - not only do mid-heels look less stripper, we can also walk in them and last on our feet a lot longer (Whoohoo)!

I'm guessing this dress won't go into the January sales as it has only just entered the new in page on Zara so I might treat myself to a little present for completing my first semester of my second year! (Any excuse for a new dress ey!)

Love Alice x



ATTIRE - my top five beauty products

I wouldn't describe myself as a massive beauty product fanatic, however my boyfriend will tell you, much to his disinterest,  that I'd quite happily spend hours on end testing different products out in Boots...so maybe I am a bit obsessed with make-up. But I do like to repurchase items I really like, the second my favourite products are on offer I do tend to unnecessarily stock up (oops). The following items are my top 5 favourite products!

1. Bourjois Liner Pinceau Eyeliner - this summer, after many YouTube tutorials, I have finally mastered the cat eye flick! I initially randomly picked this particular eyeliner, but after trying several other liquid eyeliners I find the colour is ultra black and remains ultra black during the day. Other liquid eyeliners I have tried have worn off whilst wearing them or lost there colour quickly during application which isn't much use ey! Congrats Bourjois for this winner!

2. Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Serum - proper Moroccan argan oil is so expensive so I find this product is a good compromise! I confess to being obsessed with my hair, i'm always looking at ways to change my hair style, so after going through many colour and style changes my hair is always  in desperate need of recovery. My hair care routine involves putting this serum through my hair at night and washing it out the following morning. I can definitely notice when I've been using this product regularly as my hair feels and looks so smooth and silky. WHOOHOO

3. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10 30ml - I've always been sceptical of expensive make up products, I'm always saying 'Oh your just paying for the brand'. Oh how wrong could I be with this product! I've only just started using Double Wear after purchasing it in Bath a few months ago, but I'm completely converted! The biggest selling point for me is that once you apply it in the morning nothing will affect it during the day, this is great for when your at uni all day walking from one end of campus to the other in all weathers! Also, Double Wear has a semi-matte finish - meaning you don't have to apply powder, another £5 you can save yourself. I've read several reviews about Double Wear lasting for ages, with the high price tag attached I really hope this is the case! I will definitely buy Double Wear again.

4. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Miracle Shine - ok so your now aware of my hair-obsession...but this stuff is amazing! Obviously I love Aussie products in general, but I could scream and shout about their 3 Minute Miracle products all day long.Being a blonde I feel a few weeks after retouching my roots my hair looses its shine and goes all dull, this product is excellent at revitalising your hair...especially after all the rubbish we put our hair through (backcoming, straightening, rollers blah blah blah)! 

5. Garnier Body Summerbody Moisturising Lotion - after inheriting my mum's genes of not tanning WHAT SO EVER, I do rely on tanning products to warm up my super white skin. I use this product all year round. In the winter I apply it to my face and neck because, well, everywhere else is wrapped up! And in the summer I use this gradual tanning lotion on top of mouse tan to lengthen the life of my fake tan as I hate the long process of exfoliating and reapplying (zzz). I think I'll always love this product...plus its always on offer!

What are your favourite products?
Love Alice x

ATTIRE - friday clashing

Hat: Miss Selfridge Jacket: New Look Shirt: ASOS (old) Jeans: Topshop Boots: ASOS

This is my first outfit post! I tried to do pictures at home but they didn't work out very well because it felt so awkward...I'm sure they'll get better in time! These photos are taken in a changing room (New Look's lol) but the lightening and space available was ideal.
My mum found this bolero jacket in the Malvern New Look store, its red paisley print with black piping, kind of cropped to normal length. I thought it was pretty versatile as it has so many colours running through it, so I can basically wear it with anything! I'm planning to wear it with my purple Topshop jeans and leather top (I'm sure this outfit will appear on my blog soon).
This racoon shirt is my favourite shirt of all time and was a complete bargain last January sales,  I've nearly worn it out, the buttons and shape is going now but replacing it has been difficult. Any white patterned shirts I've come across have been too formal and ''officey'' - so I'm hoping I'll find something a bit more pricey reduced in the sales.
Obviously I'm wearing the ole'faithful Topshop Leigh jeans...no others compare to them...I could happily buy a new pair every week. The first time you wear these jeans they just look amazing, however these ones are probably a year old now and have only just started to fade! They always seem pricey up front, but once you realise they last forever they seem reasonable.
I've stayed away from knee high boots til now, I've been worried they look to 'mummy' or only appropriate for middle aged women shopping in John Lewis. But since walking into uni with freezing cold feet or wind chapped ankles I decided to give them ago. I have to say I am a lot warmer in these boots! They definitely prevent a draft up your legs! These boots from ASOS were a steal too - I got them just under half price because of the near-xmas student promotions which you can't complain about.
I'm obsessed with hats this winter, this is the newest edition to the collection. It's a good accessorise for when you can't be bothered to do your fringe in the morning!
(My eyes looked spaced out in the second photo...that's why I've cropped my face out haha!)
Love Alice x

DIARY - Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I didn't realise how many different pathways there were for bloggers to take! I've found several of my favourite bloggers use Bloglovin, so I'm going to give it a go! I think I've finally figured out what it is and how to use it after hours of searching on the web for info! I am planning to do my first outfit post this weekend - just trying to decide where to take the photos in my house as we don't have many plain walls unfortunately, but also I need to dominate my photographer....no pressure guys! Any tips on how, where, lighting, editing...etccc for my photos?
Love Alice x

ATTIRE - wish list #1

Playsuit: Topshop Shoes: Zara Hat: Catarzi at ASOS Phone case: Moschino

Personally, the transition from summer to autumn is a struggle...going from my beloved zara skort to layering up shirts and jumpers always seems daunting! ...however I have fallen in love with these few items this week! This Topshop playsuit is a bit pricey for my student budget but being long sleeved and structured  can make it way more versatile than your average flimsy playsuit. It would be ideal for night outs as I'm getting bored of black bodycon dresses, but also pairing it with chunky boots and black tights for casual days out shopping! Zara shoes are so simple in their design yet look so classy...I forever lust after their shoe collection! (A girl can never have too many shoes...) After purchasing a brown fedora and a black floppy hat, I still don't feel satisfied with my winter hat collection, this purple fedora is so autumnal and cute!! Finally, I have been after this bunny Moschino phone case forever...really hoping Santa remembers to bring it this year!
What's on your Christmas list guys?

Love Alice x

...finally!



Coat: Limited Edition at Marks and Spencer

Welcome fellow bloggers, fashionistas and friends! I'm Alice Spearing, a 19 year old sociology student at the University of Birmingham. During procrastination in my first year at university (oops) I discovered fashion blogs and became completely obsessed...after my mum telling me a gazillion times to start my own blog I have finally taken the plunge into the blogging world! Alike many girls my age...I admit to having a shopping disorder - despite running out of wardrobe space and a lack of funds...I still have nothing to wear and feel the compulsion to shop most weekends! My blog will consist of my over-spending, daily outfits and wish lists!

Love Alice x