Birthday Bits and Pieces

It was my 21st birthday on the 1st October, and I thought I would show the things I was gifted, and the things I bought with money I received. Just a note to say - I'm not bragging, I am very aware I was very lucky and appreciate everything I received.

My sister (I'm a twin) and I bought each other watches this year; I was toying with asking my parents for a Michael Kors watch, but mum wasn't keen on the idea, as apparently there's an old wives tale that says buying a watch means you're saying goodbye to someone, I don't know.

Anyway, Colette lives in York for uni, and lives near a Fossil outlet. She bought me this absolutely gorgeous stainless steel Fossil watch, and silver feather ring and bracelet. I adore feathers, I was overjoyed with this set. I haven't taken the ring or watch off. I'm a bit more wary about wearing the bracelet as I have the wrists of a toddler, so I haven't had the courage yet. 

These Nike SB Stefan Janoskis were from Reece. He was asking me for weeks what I wanted and I just couldn't decide, I'm rubbish to buy for. I knew I wanted some trainers, and initially looked at some grey New Balances, but every pair I wanted was sold out in my size. Then I saw these. The bottom sole is the same minty green as the swoosh, they are beautiful and so comfortable. He got them from the Nike website - they're still available here; I literally saw they were in my size and he bought them instantaneously. Being a size 4 is tough sometimes.

Reece also bought me The XX's new album Coexist which is stunning. I forgot to photograph it though. 

I bought these New Balance 410s after seeing them on Meg's blog in this post. My grandma, cousin and auntie all gifted me some money, and these are what I chose. I got them from this ebay seller, brand new. The colour is stunning, and considering I mainly wear grey/black/white I get a considerable amount of wear out of them. They do come up a bit small though, so if you're looking into buying New Balances, I'd suggest going half a size up.

I really want a pair of grey 420s now. Maybe for Christmas.

My best friends bought me a cafetiere and Starbucks caramel sauce as I am obsessed with Caramel Macchiatos. They also bought me some coffee which has a hint of butter toffee in it as is delicious. They also bought me a little charm for my Lovelinks bracelet, which I haven't photographed as I am terrified of dropping it and losing it as I haven't put it on my bracelet yet.

The perfume is Stella by Stella McCartney - a scent I have wanted for months - and was bought with money gifted to me by my elder sister. It is a gorgeous scent and last for ages on my skin. I can spray it at midday one day, forget to spray it the day after and I can still smell it. Amazing. My parents also gave me some money so I bought a few bits and pieces I had been after for a while. The laptop case was one of them - a complete bargain from ebay (again). You can get it from this seller.  

These last bits were bought with the money from my parents. The jeans are these grey BDG ones from Urban Outfitters, the dress is from Vila, via USC, and the boots were £30 in the Office sale. A complete bargain. 

I have also ordered this coat from Asos and cannot wait until it arrives!

So, that is everything! I'm very grateful for everything I received, and think that I have been quite careful with my spending, as most of the items were sale buys or had considerable discount. I'm very happy with everything!

Thank you for reading :) x

Chicken Soup for the Soul (or something like that)

We all have those things we do to make ourselves feel better. Some shop, some go for a run, some comfort eat. I personally clean, tidy and rearrange my room - I'd shop more if I could but I always end up with a case of buyer's guilt (not that it stopped me buying the shoes from this post). 

Like I said in my last post, this week hasn't been great, so I've arranged a trip to Manchester for a couple of days to see my housemates and take advantage of a couple of stress-free days. I plan on re-organising my room, with a theme of blue, white and grey. Having a clear out is cathartic, as my mum says, so I plan on completely gutting my room, and starting afresh. Nothing major needs doing, just a change of bedding and a few other touches.

I went up to Ikea this morning and bought the two sets of pillow cases (plus an extra pillow), a matching fitted sheet, and the cushion, which came to the grand total of £7, staff discount and finding a gift card in my room does wonderful things for my bank balance. I placed a cheeky order with Urban Outfitters last night and purchased the Alice in Wonderland duvet cover, on sale for £30 - half price - here (use the code UO10 to get an extra 10% off)

Something a little bit different is needed as my room at the moment is quite neutral, and although £30 is pretty excessive for a duvet cover, I know the end result will be worth it, plus it was way too cute to pass up on. 

Next on my shopping list is this lamp (everything on my shopping list will be from Ikea, as I work there I get discount, so I may as well use it) as I don't actually have a desk lamp, which is ridiculous. I also plan on getting a few bits for the kitchen, a few sharp knives, new pans and some new crockery. I have way too many plates in Manchester so I plan on bringing them all home and buying myself a new, fully matching set.

I'm going to pack up all of the unnecessary clutter, clean everything and sort my room, and self, out. I always find that an organised room can help bring about an organised state of mind - perfect for the start of a new academic year. Motivation always seems to strike when everything is tidy.

The plan of action regarding my current state of mind is simply to be patient (for now). I know it won't last forever, so I shall be keeping myself busy and trying not to wallow. Enough tears have been shed this past week, it's time for a clean slate. A few deeps breathes.

Tonight I'm tackling my room here, which is a complete tip, with my sister. Mum ordered a skip (do not ask) so literally everything unwanted is getting chucked in there. Very cathartic indeed.

Thanks for reading x

What I Wore: Liverpool Part Two - The Purchases

Top - £12.99 Zara sale

I spent most of my money in Zara whilst in Liverpool. I had a look around the Zara when I went to Leeds on Friday and it was like walking into a bomb site. There was just so much stuff. The one in Liverpool was well set out and there was space to walk, plus it wasn't too busy so Lydia and I had plenty of time to peruse. 

I generally wear baggier tops and tighter things on my bottom half, or try to accentuate my waist. I'm 5 ft 1 so it's pretty hard to find things that fit well, especially in Zara, which is more targeted to the taller lady.

Anyway, I like this top, it was a bargain and the back is the same sheer material as the panel on the back. It's quite basic, but different too.

Skirt - £18 (with student discount) - Urban Outfitters sale

The next thing I got was this skirt. I'd seen it in Leeds and loved it, but didn't have time to try it on. I always find the sizing a bit odd in Urban Outfitters so always try everything on before I buy. I love the way this hangs, plus when I picked it up, Lydia said 'I could see you in that', which is always a compliment. It's a nice length and a complete bargain. I can't bring myself to ever buy anything full price in there. Ever.

Coat - £49.99 Zara sale

This was my prize purchase of the day. I picked it up almost immediately, but was unsure of the poofy pockets. It fits like a glove, and the pockets don't make me look like I have gargantuan hips. It was the last one in the shop and Lydia persuaded me to buy it. She's such an enabler. I do love it though; it's a perfect smart coat. I have a duffle coat which makes me feel like Paddington Bear, but it isn't very smart. This is perfect. I adore it. The zip starts halfway up the jacket too, which I really like. It's a lovely shape and will be perfect for when I do my work experience in November, with a scarf wrapped round my neck.

I also bought this underwear set from Ann Summers, but I'm 100% sure it isn't necessary for me to model that.

Have you got any sale purchases?

Thanks for reading x

p.s. apologies for the photography/facial expressions. Argh.