Forward Planning by Shopping my Wardrobe

Its the time of year where plans are made or invites are received for forthcoming events and occasions. My mum is celebrating her 75th birthday this year so we have decided to mark the event by doing something we've not done before and have always wanted to do.

So I'm booking up a day trip on the British Pullman Orient Express for us. I'm really excited as it should be a really unique and special day out!

Of course, I had been wondering on my outfit of choice-do I buy something or wear something I already have. So I scoured the wardrobe and unless something else really special appears before I go this is my outfit of choice, which I have tried on and am happy how they both look together:

Topshop ivory tuxedo jacket, thrifted last year for just £3 in Clacton on Sea.

Marc Jacobs silk tea dress, not worn for ages and thrifted about 3 years ago at Help the Aged charity shop for £5.

I'm not going to make a point of shopping for an outfit as for a change I'm looking forward to wearing these pieces.

Have you any special events this year which you will shop your wardrobe for?

Gold Shoes for Summer

When picking a pair of versatile stylish shoes for Summer, gold is so hard to beat-not only is perfect for day or evening wear, but it goes with virtually any colour outfit and certainly glams it up too. The main decision is-flats or heels?I am still yet to purchase a pair of gold flat sandals for Summer, but I am drawn towards either a pair of gladiator style or maybe an embellished pair. Then again, a little heel is very tempting too!! Here is a pick of some of my favourite styles which would be gorgeous for Summertime:

Les Tropeziennes Herod, £41.60

Ash Karen Sandals, £133.60

Les Tropeziennes Gladiators, £38

Havaianas, £24

Frida £130

There are fabulous trends to be had for this Summer, ranging from embellishment to neutrals to colour blocking, but a metallic colour shoe or sandal is my first choice this Season.

What sort of style and colour of sandal or shoe are you considering this Summer?

Blog Loving-Worldwide and on my doorstep!!

It was lovely to receive 2 blog awards recently, the Versatile Blogger award from the lovely Viviane at Hippiebohoreloaded and the Liebster blog award from Lakota at Faith Hope and Charity Shopping-thank you so much ladies, it is very much appreciated!!!

Rules of acceptance include revealing 7 things about myself, so here goes!!!

1. Although I am not a slave to fashion, I do like to indulge in current season catwalk trends and will thrift pieces to fulfill the trend.

2. My current two favourite programmes on British TV are Benidorm and The Only Way is Essex!!!

3. I don't have a beauty regime- I don't wear make up Monday to Friday and on weekends, I'll wear lip gloss by Clinique and blusher by Bourjois and a spritz of perfume.

4. Have been good and bad on the health front-have virtually given up drink, as I don't like how it interferes with my sleep but I have restarted smoking again-only about 4 a day, but I suppose 4 too many really ;-(

5. If you don't know already, I'm going to opening up my Etsy shop next month-I can't wait and I do hope you will all stop by for a browse and buy!!

6. I love window shopping in London-my favourites are Selfridges and Harrods, but one shop I haven't visited is Liberty's- a must do for the year I think!!

7. My favourite snack of the moment is black pudding, sliced on toast with a nice mug of tea!

I mentioned in my title I had blog loving on my doorstep-this morning whilst daydreaming and getting sucked into the mud at Dunton boot sale in Essex, I was stopped by a lady who asked 'Do you Blog?'

Well, how amazing that the lovely lady who is also from Essex actually knew me by name and also reads and enjoys my blog-she said she doesn't blog herself or leave comments but I was so pleased to meet someone from my neck of the woods who enjoys my blog!!

So rather than me passing on these awards to fellow bloggers, whose comments and views I deeply appreciated and enjoy, I'm dedicating these to the lady from this morning (I'm not revealing you on here, but when you read this, you'll know its you!!) and also the other readers who don't always leave comments or have blogs, but just love to read my blog anyway, so-

Thank you!! To everyone who stops by, have a fabulous week ahead too!!

Thrift Inspiration, Kate Moss Style

Kate Moss is currently in a new promo video for Dior Addict lipstick- for fans of her and Dior Addict check her video out here from todays article in the Daily Mail

Off duty yesterday, Kate was apparently overseeing renovations to her new house. Of course I was immediately drawn to her rock chic, dressed down outfit-a 70s black leather jacket, whichh appears to be cut from a longer length coat?

Well, it certainly is the 'look of the day' for me!!

Its inspired me to start wearing my black leather Simpsons of Piccadilly jacket that I thrifted last year, which is a vintage 70s number.

What item of clothing are you being inspired to wear this Spring?

Nearly giving up the day job-coming soon, my Etsy shop!!

Spring is nearly here and with it comes some changes for me in my personal and work life which ultimately will be a change in lifestyle for me.

I have decided to virtually give up my day job, I will still be doing some time there every day to keep my hand in, but my efforts will be concentrated on running my new part time venture-Century of Style, my Vintage Etsy Shop

This is my gorgeous Cherry Blossom tree in my front garden, always a visual reminder of how wonderful the start of Spring is and how inspirational it can be for the start of each year.

I thought if I don't do it now I never will-I am apprehensive, wary, excited and nervous-but am preparing for my launch opening which I am hoping will be around the beginning of April.

As you all know, I so enjoy thrifting for designer and vintage pieces and of course I will still be looking for finds of my own as well as the shop. But everything I source is specifically picked and indeed a piece I would use or wear myself, so if you like my style, I hope you will enjoy picking something from my shop to incorporate into your own wardrobe.

Any pieces not suitable for Etsy-that is not vintage, will go onto Ebay and I will post a link once the items go on sale, also around the start to mid April.

I do so hope you will take a browse when I launch and seriously consider treating yourself-watch this space for the Launch Date!!

UPDATED TO ADD: I would just like to say a Massive Thank You to everyone for their kind words and well wishes, I really am overwhelmed with the support received and it is very very much appreciated. Wishing you all a lovely week too xxxx