My Gok Wan Glasses from SpecSavers

Hi everyone! I was recently contacted by the lovely people at SpecSavers asking me if I would like to do a review and have a pair of their designer glasses-well as you all know I wear glasses every day so this was a really kind offer that I couldn't refuse!!

I was in need of an up to date sight test too and I must say it was very thorough, with full explanations given of how my eyes have changed and how healthy they were. Thankfully I have no major concerns, but I do need glasses not just for distance but for reading too-the options being two separate pairs of glasses or varifocals which you can train your eyes to do the job in one pair.

I decided I would rather have separate glasses and chose a pair for distance as these would be my day to day glasses and get a separate pair of reading glasses at a later date.

The glasses I chose were from their Gok Wan designer range and are tortoiseshell on the exterior and blue on the inside, with a hint of the blue on the side too:

The frames I chose are the GW56 which are a perfect choice for those who have a smaller face and they will also flatter curved, arched eyebrows too:

For me they are an ideal choice for Summer and are very lightweight too. The mix of colour ensures they are great for any season and also go well with any outfit choice too:

 Being a customer of SpecSavers for many years now means I have been very happy with the level of customer service received and the quality and price of their glasses means you can always stay on trend and within a budget too-they have some great deals not only online but instore too!!

Because I have a complex prescription, my lenses took longer to prepare as I required them with a super thin finish-generally the turnaround for choosing, paying and picking up your glasses can be as quick as the same day or the next day. My glasses were also sent from London to my local branch so the whole process for me was around 5 working days. Everything went without any hitches and I must say I am very happy with my choice!

So a big thank you to Specsavers for my new glasses, I have worn them straightaway from picking them up from the opticians and have had no problems with getting used to them-they are also very comfortable and easy to wear.

Regarding my outfit choice I am in 'casual mode' as I am waiting for the rain to stop so I can get on my bike for some gentle routine exercise- my loose thrifted Coca Cola tee and 7 For All Mankind cut offs are the order of the day for a relaxing, chilled day with some housework and cycling thrown in for good measure!!

I hope you are all having a great week and enjoying the school holidays too, wherever you are!

Thrift Inspiration........Doing it Net-A-Porter Style for Floral Trousers

Hi everyone! One item that has been on my summer wishlist for a while is a pair of printed cotton summer trousers. I've been a bit late to jump onto this trend, but with enough summer dresses in my wardrobe I really wanted to try and hunt down a pair of stylish comfortable pants that would see me through this season.

There are certainly lots of prints and styles available and on Net-A-Porter they have some really inspiring and colourful designs that are perfect for Summer. Here are my favourite picks- I so love the Erdem pair which are currently in the sale, but sadly out of my price budget!!

Chloe pants, £410

Erdem pants, £168

Michael Kors pants, £250

Rag & Bone, £189

So I was really pleased to find my perfect pair early this week- they are by Marks and Spencer and were bought from the Cancer Research charity shop for just £3.50. They have a nice slouchy feel to them and tapered to the ankle, which was the sort of style I was after. The colours of the pants are black and beige, perfect neutrals which will work with practically any colour tee or vest top too:

I'm wearing them with a pair of thrifted Topshop sandals from last years boot sale, I'm sure they were only a couple of pounds:

 

I know these are going to be a favourite to wear over the next few weeks and I'll certainly snap up any more similar pairs that I see- better late to the trend than never, haha!!

Are you wearing printed trousers this summer- if so, what brands do you recommend for quality, fit, design and print? Wishing you all a really good weekend too!!

Reiss, George and Primark - Recent Style Thrift Finds for this Summer

Hi everyone! I hope you are all enjoying the glorious summer weather we are having at the moment, school holidays are just arriving and it's such a nice feeling not to be worrying about ironing school uniforms, setting the alarm and making packed lunches- a nice hiatus until September for a lot of us mums!

I thought I would share some fairly recent thrift finds which I intend wearing for this summer. The first blouse featured here is a find from last week from my local British Heart Foundation charity shop for £3.75. It's a George by Asda top and is brand new. I've been after some coloured leopardprint for a while so this top really fits the bill with it's vibrant purple and red hues and with it's silky and loose feel it's a great dressy style top for right now:

This next find was in a neighbouring town's Scope charity shop and when I saw the price I couldn't believe it- £2.50 for a silk Reiss tunic top!! What made it even more unbelievable was there was a Primark top I really liked too but it had a visible run/pull on the shoulder and was priced at £4.95!! The only instance I've seen Reiss cheaper than Primark, hehe!! It's a really cute tunic top with satin buttons, pintucking detailing and lace around the front top and back:

It's an ideal evening top with a pair of  summer leggings or skinny jeans and is a great trans-seasonal piece too, one of my most bargainous quality finds of this year.

I have also wanted some coloured denim for the Summer but not in jeans- I was hoping to find either a skirt or jacket. So I was pleased to find this coloured denim yellow, fairly neon skirt by Primark for £3.50 at a neighbouring DEBRA charity shop last month. I've already worn this a few times and it's proved to be a real summer asset in my wardrobe- I just love the bright colour of it and it looks great with a black or white top:

So have you managed to plug the gaps in your summer wardrobe? Are you looking for any particular pieces or are you making the most of what you already have in your summer closet?

Why not check out your local charity shop's offerings next time you are in town, you may well be pleasantly surprised that you can pick up a real quality item for around the same cost of a large latte from Starbucks-that is how I view it and at least I've still got my item long after the coffee has been consumed!!

Have a great week ahead!!

Thrift My Style Pictures and Places This Week

Clockwise: Thursday was a meeting in London so I wore a new-ish black maxi skirt from a local high street store for £7 a few weeks ago, black vest top and a cream crochet scarf from Primark; Enjoying the heatwave earlier this week in a cool colour blocking dress by Jonathan Saunders for Topshop which was thrifted at a neighbouring town's charity shop a couple of months ago for £10; After my Thursday meeting I headed to Selfridges where the Ground Floor has their dedicated Denim section; For #denimlovers like me, the Selfridges main entrance windows were a must see as my instagram photos from last week are on rotation on Oxford Street for all to see!

Relaxing at the start of the week in a thrifted Dorothy Perkins paisley cotton top from Barnado's charity shop bought a couple of weeks ago for £4 with 7 For All Mankind cut offs; Selfridges liked my instagram photo yesterday of my authentic 70s outfit of a vintage Wrangler waistcoat and floral maxi skirt worn as a bandeau dress; Another Dorothy Perkins thrift find from the Cancer Research charity shop which is perfect for the scorching summer heat; Detailing my 90s Versace style Italian gilt belt which I wore on Thursday over my black maxi skirt:; my second instagram photo that Selfridges have on rotation in their Oxford Street store front window.

Spread the Cost of Summer Dressing in Style!

Hi everyone! Whether or not you're staying at home or off to sunnier climes, then choosing a new summer dress couldn't be easier or simpler, especially if you're on a budget. Littlewoods.com online are currently offering 30% off on selected summer fashions and not only that, you can choose to spread your payments over 20 weeks if you need to stock up on some holiday goodies for yourself and the rest of the family. Of course you can choose to settle your account earlier if you wish but having time to spread your payments with NO interest to be paid on top really is a savvy way of getting your style fixes on a budget! Plus with 10% off your first credit order-code 3N6ME-you're already saving on your chosen items!!

There are some gorgeous dresses by Little Mistress, a rapidly growing label that have dresses for all social occasions. Whether it's for day or night, there are a great range of dresses available in sizes 8 to 16 which are either new in or have been reduced in the summer sale.

Whether you're looking for a touch of embellishment, chiffon layers, one shoulder styling, ruffles or lace the Little Mistress dresses range comes in a lovely selection of colours to suit all tastes too. Here are my favourite picks of what's available:

Belted Prom Dress, £68

Embellished Shift Dress, £56

Chiffon Strappy Dress, £74

Printed Maxi Dress, £84

Chiffon Bandeau Dress, £67

So if you're still in need of those last minute summer style pieces, be sure to check out Littlewoods- with next delivery on many items and free delivery and collections they can really be your first choice for Summer dressing!!

Vintage Phool Dress Find- MyStyle of Perfect for Summer!

Hi everyone! The day I found my denim maxi dress in my previous outfit post was when I also found another vintage 70s summer dress by the gorgeous label Phool. You may remember I found a Phool dress a couple of months ago which I blogged about here

I found this one in the Richard House Childrens Hospice in a local neighbouring town and it was the same price as the denim maxi dress, £6- two summer dresses for less than £15 is my kind of bargain!!

The dress is so 'Studio 54' in design, I really love the bodice with the tiny button detailing, the gold thread running through the dress and the cute ties on the shoulders:

But my favourite part of the dress is the skirt- I've been after a vintage cheesecloth style summer dress for ages so the skirt part of it fits the bill perfectly and it has a fabulus gold ribbon hem too!!

I wore the dress with some Clarks sandals that I thrifted last year at my local Sue Ryder charity shop and I'm sure they were around £8-they are a wedge heel and just so comfortable and being tan tend to go with a lot in my summer wardrobe!

I hope you are all managing to keep cool in this very hot weather-do you find you're wearing summer dresses a lot too? For me, a dress is perfect summer dressing-not only are they stylish and comfortable, but a good fitting one means you can keep cool and refreshed throughout the day, even if you feel like you're wilting! 

Hit the Heatwave with Designer Sunglasses!!

Hi everyone!! If  you are on the look out for a designer accessory this summer, why not opt for a pair of  women's designer sunglasses from Optical Express-they've a fabulous range available for all styles and budgets and investing in a designer name will really work out well on a cost per wear basis too-a lot of the styles available are so timeless and chic and they really will not date from summer to summer.

 I really love designs that are simple and understated and this first Gucci pair, which is designed in their trademark 'Bamboo' design will be a firm favourite for all sunny occasions, ensuring you stay looking on trend and cool as a cucumber!!

Gucci 3508/S sunglasses, £230

Rayban unisex 2132 sunglasses, £113

Prada 04OS sunglasses, £190

Rayban unisex 3449 sunglasses, £125

Versace 4218B sunglasses, £164

Convalescing in my newly Thrifted Maxi Dress

Hi everyone! I hope you are all enjoying the beautiful weather we are having at the moment, the heatwave here in the East of England looks set to continue for quite a while-hurrah!!

Last week I finally had an operation which I've been waiting to have for a few months now and the weekend has been spent resting, walking and generally convalescing- earlier today hubby suggested a drive to Herne Bay for a gentle walk along the beach and some fish and chips-an offer I couldn't refuse!

I managed to find this really great denim maxi dress last week in a local charity shop-it's by George and was only £6- it's one of those sort of dresses that once you've worn it, you don't know how you've managed without it! 

It was worn midweek during the heatwave and a walk to the park and is such a fabulous fit and feels so cool and comfortable too:

I don't wear maxi dresses that much, this one is just a perfect length-it comes to the ankle and doesn't skim the floor!! It was also ideal for our beach trip out and I just needed a hike up whilst I had my paddle in the sea-tricky work keeping an  ice cream and dress up!!

I haven't been leaving comments as much as I would have liked because of my health issues but I've been reading all your blogs via bloglovin on my i phone to keep up to date and it's a really nice relaxing way of catching up with everyone whilst I'm not able to do too much.

Wishing you all a really great week ahead and I hope you continue to enjoy the sunshine wherever you are!!

Gatsby Style Fashion

Thanks to the recent release of Baz Luhrmann’s hotly anticipated adaptation of The Great Gatsby, the 1920s are roaring back into fashion. And with art deco, fringes, feathers, and fine jewellery in abundance, this trend is as decadent as Jay Gatsby himself.

You don’t have to go full-on flapper to be part of the Gatsby glamour. Drop waists and headpieces are all very dazzling, but are in danger of looking too costume- party on the high street. Opt for a muted colour palette (champagne, darling?) and flattering fits and the style will see you through to the festive season. Channel your inner Daisy Buchanan with these items from Fever London vintage-inspired collection:

1. Jazz Shift Dress

It’s in the name here- a Jazz Age inspired design. The classic and clean shape of this dress offsets the opulence of its metallic gold detailing, resulting in a stunning and totally wearable take on Gatsby fashion. Team with 1920s style T-bar sandals, drop earrings and lashings of black eyeliner.

2. Opal Empire Gown

Wow in this divine ethereal vintage inspired gown. It is 100% silk and perfect for a special occasion; sure to make you feel you’re as carefree and captivating as Daisy was to Jay (or Zelda to Fitzgerald). Wear with a floral head garland for added boho, or with dark matt red lipstick for evening. You don’t need much jewellery with a dress this sensational.

3. The Rowland Shirt

The Rowland shirt is a great choice if you prefer separates, or want something even more casual. Give your work wear a Gatsby twist by wearing this chiffon blouse with an A-line skirt, or cigarette pants and brogues. Wear with gold eyeshadow, a side parting and loose waves. Go for kohl rimmed eyes or red lips for evening glam. And don’t forget the glitter. Now go get your Charleston on!


For more vintage-inspired designs by Fever have a look at www.feverdesigns.co.uk. Alternatively, pop into one of their nearest stores. Find your nearest one here.

Outfit Post: Thrifted Dorothy Perkins Summer Dress

Hi everyone!! I hope you all had a gorgeous weekend- we are currently experiencing a heatwave-YAY!!-the weather is totally wonderful and I will not complain loudly that it's too hot. To remedy this, I invested in a kiddies paddling pool for the back garden-perfect for cooling off the legs and toes!!

Stylewise on Saturday I wore a new purchase from last week which I thrifted-a cute little cotton summer dress from a neighbouring town's Cancer Research charity shop for just £4.50. It's by DorothyPerkins and the detailing is amazing. On the bodice is metal sequins and embroidery detailing and the cute tassel belt ensured I had to snap the dress up!

A close up of the details:

The work on the bodice is so 70s style and is my favourite part of the dress

I am quite short of cotton dresses that are around knee length, so this was a welcome addition to the wardrobe and is so cool and comfortable too:

I am linking this post to NotDeadYetStyle.com for the lovely Patti's Visible Monday.

I hope you all have a wonderful week to come and I hope you are all enjoying the sunshine too!

Annual PimmsFest Blogger Meet at Balthazars, London

Hi everyone! You may already be aware from previous tweets, twitter and instagram photos that I was part of  an Annual Blogger Meet held at Balthazars in London this previous weekend.

It was lovely to see the gorgeous Wendy Brandes and MrB who are always in attendance mid year during their European vacation; the lovely Kate at Twisted Skirt (and Make Do Style) who is also up date with her yearly attendance, as is the delightful Liz of Vintage-A-Peel and newbie to the PimmsFest was the wonderful  Alyson of ThatsNotMyAge who decided to change the rules with MrB and go for lager instead!!

It was lovely not only to enjoy the Pimms and lager, the wonderful company but to indulge in the gorgeous Afternoon Tea that Balthazars offer. There was a lovely variety of fresh finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam and some wonderful cakes which were all devoured with enthusiasm and lots of pleasure!! Thank You MrB!! Of course it was a wonderful chance to catch up on with everyone and have a laugh and a good old natter in the progress. We enjoyed ourselves so much we were actually asked to vacate our seats for the evening sittings-not because we were too rowdy-and just as well as Wendy and MrB may well have missed the start of their theatre performance booked!!

So here are the photos of our always eventful and lovely Annual PimmsFest Blogger Meet- only 350 odd days till the next one!!

WendyB and Kate

MrB and Liz

Wendy, Kate, Liz and Me

Alyson, Liz and Wendy

The wonderful Balthazar's

And the view to my right

Afternoon Tea and Pimms (and lager)

My annual meet always involves the wearing of Wendy's stunning rings- the Diana heart ring is my own which I bought from her a few years back and the Gravity Heart ring can be found here on her exquisite website

A fabulous time was had by all and I can't believe this has been my FIFTH annual meet out of SIX- just goes to show how blogging really does bring friends together from all around the world and different parts of the country too!

Levi's 501 Jeans and Whistles Tee- MyStyle Outfit Post

Hi everyone!! I've been wanting a pair of original vintage or retro 501 jeans for quite a while now and on the way home from the dentist last week I stopped at my local Sue Ryder charity shop for a browse-I'm glad I did as I found this pair of 90s slightly distressed ones for just £3.95.

The colour, fit and wash are just perfect for Summer and I couldn't wait to wear them- I teamed them up with my grey tee by Whistles (which as an Eiffel Tower print) and leopardprint flats from Primark. When you've nothing special planned, it's lovely just to chill in your favourite jeans and tee:

The price was great too as 501s are really holding their own pricewise so if you can get a pair from the boot sale or charity shop, I would really recommend you do so-size up too, to get that authentic boyfriend slouch and fit which is not only on trend but super comfortable this Summer:

The jeans sit at the waist and are straight all the way down and these ones are a longer length so really do need the turn ups!! They have been worn in to just the right point too, they are lovely and comfortable and have just the right fading and wash to them:

I am linking this post to the lovely Patti at NotDeadYetStyle.com for Visible Monday.

I do hope you all had a lovely weekend and wishing you a great week to come too!