Denim Surgery x 2

We've all had dilemmas of do we want to do skinny, bootleg, boyfriend or distressed? Of course I'm talking about styles of jeans and what to try next. Check out the Denim Surgery at Browns which shows immediately at a glance how those coveted Acne or J brand jeans will look, front posing or from the back-check it out now!!

Acne jeans

J Brand

PRPS jeans

Alternatively check out the lovely Kate of Make Do Style, who is the stylist in residence during May at the Harlequin Centre in Watford and will help with any denim dilemmas you have!

The Urge to Splurge

I was very fascinated by an article in the Times recently, which talked about 'The Urge to Splurge'. I think for whatever reason, many of us tend to treat ourselves to fashion and beauty buys on a regular basis, whether we feel we need a reason to do so or not!!

Here are some pictures of things I've treated myself to during the month of April:

Chanel Bag

John Richmond bag

Ralph Lauren skirt


Cropped white blazer

Now, the last three items are thrifted and because the amounts are so minimal, I tend to thrift on a very regular basis and pay cash in the process of doing so. I do try my best though not to buy just anything. Just because items are cheap, they do still need to be of a good quality for me and have a place in my wardrobe.

The Chanel bag was my main 'wishlist' item that I acquired by selling some of my existing dresses that I knew I no longer wanted. So in effect, although it was my most expensive purchase, I didn't actually part with any cash to buy it-it was effectively a 'trade' as such.

So, my main shopping tips are to thrift, which means you can spend a lot less on higher quality items, or evaluate whats in your wardrobe and if you have an item thats an expensive wishlist piece, sell some of your unwanted clothes, bags, shoes or unused beauty products to buy that elusive item you've wanted for ages, without going into debt for it.

Here is what the Times says for a guilt free urge to splurge:

THE ART OF GUILT-FREE SHOPPING

- Ask yourself: “Do I deserve it?” Reasons to answer yes include clearing your credit-card debt, surviving a hideous week at work and not having splurged since Christmas.

- Pay in cold, hard cash. It cuts the guilt factor in half and is the only way to know if you can truly afford it.

- Splash out on something useful. The more you use/wear your purchase, the easier it will be to justify the money spent.

- Spend big at sample sales and outlet stores. Your inner accountant loves a bargain.

- Treat yourself to the most expensive version of everyday basics — tea bags, socks, chocolate. A little bit of luxury goes a long way.

London: East End to West End

Its Bank Holiday weekend for all of us in the UK, so on Saturday morning myself and the boys decided to jump on a bus from where we live and it took us to Aldgate in the East End of London, right by Brick Lane. We got off and walked up to Tower Bridge and wandered around the Tower of London:

For the fashion part of this post, I'm wearing my black leather biker jacket, DSquared boyfriend style jeans and black flat gladiator sandals!

We then walked to London Bridge and crossed over to the South Bank. Everyone who passed this car had their photos taken by it, LOL!! Robert would have happily taken it home with him!!

We reached the Globe Theatre-I've not been here yet, but I'm sure it must be an amazing experience to watch a play inside!!

Pirates in London-beware!!!

Beachside activities-who could build the best sofa competition!!!

Then we came across an exhibition of the original James Bond cars, which were on display-my favourite is the white one!!

Chris is so into BMXing, so we had to stop and watch everyone on their bikes doing tricks and stunts here-totally awesome!!

We had stopped off at Starbucks on route and treated ourselves to a 'wild berry mocha frappachino' with whipped cream of course!!

Then it was across the Golden Jubilee bridge to Leicester Square and a walk along Regents Street, where we browsed in Hamleys. Then onto Carnaby Street and a stop for a late lunch of sweet and sour chicken and rice.

Thankfully, we were only a short walk to the bus stop on Oxford Street, where we got on the bus that took us all the way back home!!

I also bought myself a small memento of the day- a 'I Love London' pin. Every time I visit, I always see something different-its so great to have such a wonderful city just a bus ride away from where I live!!

Chanel Bag-My latest purchase

During the Easter holidays, I had a good evaluation of my wardrobe and took the decision to sell some dresses that although I liked, I knew in my heart wasn't for me anymore and this would give me the opportunity for something else in my wardrobe instead.

I thought it would take some time to find, but I was lucky indeed to buy this gorgeous black flapover 90s Chanel Bag.

I've researched Chanel bags enough to know that this bag, which has a 5 series serial number dates it to the 1990s. Its in a fabulous condition and although a 2.55 is out of my league pricewise, this is for me a fantastic alternative!

This is my 2nd Chanel bag and a most welcome addition to my wardrobe. I've wanted one for a long while now, especially after I'd sold one a few years ago to pay off some debts. The other one was much bigger and not really an everyday bag. I would say the style of this one is very classic and can be worn for any occasion, making it a very versatile piece in my wardrobe.

Giles Deacon for New Look

Giles Deacon has just brought out his newest range for New Look, which you can view online here. These are my favourites from the collection:

Floral dress, £40


Sequin dress, £60

Striped peplum dress, £45