RIP Summer

 

Hat: H&M

Blouse: thrifted

Skirt: Topshop

Chelsea boots: Topshop

Rings: Topshop, gifted

I wore this outfit a few days ago on a shopping trip to Liverpool, just a day after purchasing this blouse from a car boot sale for only £1. By now I expect you're all familiar with my behavior when it comes to bargains, so I'll save you all the boredom of having to read an explanation as to why I bought it. On another note, I finally got round to purchasing myself a bowler hat, and, in all honesty, I don't think I'm ever going to take it off my head. I had eliminated the idea of getting a bowler hat from Topshop after taking a peek at the extortionate price tag (£25 for a hat?! I don't think so), so I thought I'd opt for the cheaper H&M version. Unfortunately it seemed that everybody else had the same idea, as every time I popped into my local H&M in the hope of getting my hands on a bowler hat which I so eagerly longed for, I was disappointingly informed that they'd sold out. On my final attempt (which I don't know the number of, as by this time I'd lost count) I managed to snag myself the last one in the shop. In the words of Borat, I suppose you could call this endeavor a great success.  

It brings me great sadness to think about the summer coming to an end, but alas I have to return to school in less a week. Unfortunately once school has once again commenced, I'll be unpleasantly greeted with a ticket to board the one-way express train heading towards the realm of GCSEs, the land of despair and stress. Last year I took exams in History, IT and Science, which I recently received my results for. Luckily I wasn't as disappointed as I had anticipated- in fact, I was rather pleased. It's relatively confusing, but the History and IT results contribute towards my final mark, whereas the science exam counts as one GCSE, as I shall eventually receive two. Fingers crossed I'll be as successful in the upcoming school year!

Hugs and kisses, Sarah xo

A/W 2012 Wishlist

Romwe leggings, Topshop buckled Chelsea boots, Miss Selfridge skater skirt, Asos boots, Asos Barbie jumper, Topshop necklace, Jeffrey Campbell Coltranes.

Considering I had a bit of time to kill, I thought I'd share with you this compilation of various pieces that I've been eyeing up for the past few weeks.

1) How incredibly amazing are the leggings? I mean, who in their right mind wouldn't want 'The Kiss' emblazoned across their legs?!
2) A good pair of sturdy boots are a must-have for me during the chillier months of Autumn and Winter. I've been lusting after a few, but these three are by far my uttermost favourite.
3) I've wanted a simple black skater skirt for absolutely ages, and this one from Miss Selfridge is ideal. Costing a minuscule £14, it's definitely a wardrobe essential that wont hurt your wallet.
4) This Asos Barbie jumper may be a little controversial and divide opinion, however the child within me fell head over heels in love with it- just looking at it makes me nostalgic for my childhood.
5) Finally, this Topshop necklace doesn't really require much of an explanation as to why I adore it. It's very Madonna-esque circa 1985.

Hugs and kisses, Sarah xo

Feminism and Fashion Blogging

This post will be a little different in comparison to my usual ones; however for a while I've been longing to do this post in order to address something which I've observed strewn all over various crevices of the internet. As you may have deduced judging from the title, the subject matter of this post will be based around the feminism versus fashion blogging debate, which has circulated around the internet for quite a substantial amount of time. 

First thing's first, I'm a feminist. As Caitlin Moran correctly said in How To Be A Woman: "a) do you have a vagina? And b) do you want to be in charge of it? If you said yes to both, then congratulations! You're a feminist." Secondly, I strive not to conform to the modern day pressures in which to attain the standards of what is deemed 'perfect' in today's misogynistic society. I dress solely for myself, not in some sort of attempt to please or satisfy the patriarchy, which is commonly a substantial misconception of the fashion industry. Without sounding too cliche, I view dressing as a method of self-expression and experimentation. For me, an outfit has the ability to transform my mood and persona, as well as boost my confidence, depending on what it may be. I frequently find myself to be rather baffled when people say things along the lines of, "I want to be judged on who I am, not the clothes I wear." It's very similar to saying "I want to be judged on who I am, not on the words that come out of my mouth." My point is, fashion is a form of expression. A language of sorts. Perhaps even an art form. However, it's also amongst the minority of forms of expression, languages and art forms in which women have more freedom than men. Women are gradually gaining the power in which to cut loose and liberate themselves from the shackles of the patriarchy. We don't have to succumb to the demands of men and how they'd like for us to dress- women shouldn't be judged by the opposite sex purely based upon their attire. 

It was for this exact reason when, in 2011, feminists everywhere were galvanised into action when a Toronto Police officer who referred to women and survivors of sexual assaults as 'sluts', suggested that women 'dressing like sluts' were inviting their own victimisation; and thus the Slut Walk was born. I cannot express in terms of words how much this statement angers me. Women shouldn't have to take the blame for sexual assault purely as a result of how they may be dressed; it is the perpetrators who need more discipline when it comes to situations such as these. Contrary to the popular fallacy that fashion is nothing more than a materialistic woman's fantasy, this is definitely not the case. It is the pinnacle of irony that women are viewed as ornamental in a society that still unfortunately values us more for appearance in comparison to our accomplishments; and are encouraged to fit the stereotypical mold of what is considered beautiful, yet are then derided as shallow and vain for doing so. Women's fashion is not intended to attract male attention and male approval- you should dress primarily for yourself, and nobody else. Women are independent beings, and you should do whatever it takes to make yourself feel beautiful and confident in your own skin. 

I hope that you have enjoyed reading this relatively different post, and it didn't just sound like a load of garble and nonsense. I'd love to hear your views on the feminism vs fashion argument either in the comments below, or if you'd wish to email me at sarahcolee11@gmail.com. 

Hugs and kisses, Sarah xo

Ouija

Top: Oh Hell

Jeans: vintage

Jacket: Cornwall

Shoes: Topshop

Suglasses: Ebay

Headband: Topshop

Necklace: Forever 21

After lusting after a camo jacket for ages, I came across this beauty for the bargain price of £5. Of course, my reaction was as it usually as it is when I stumble upon a thrifty must-have, and I instantaneously purchased it. I plan to customise it with studs and iron-on patches, so watch this space if you wish to see the finishing product! I think that this outfit has rapidly become one of my favourites, despite the fact that these jeans couldn't be more unflattering. I love the retro vibe that they exude, as well as their incredible versatility.

Today was my last day in Cornwall, and I'll have to endure a seven hour drive back home at ridiculous o'clock in the morning- not my idea of fun! Unfortunately this post is relatively rushed (as my previous few have been- apologies), as I must dash to finish of the remainder of my packing. I hope you're all having a lovely final fortnight of your summer holidays!

Hugs and kisses, Sarah xo

Cornwall #1

Top: Urban Outfitters

Shorts: Matalan

Flannel shirt: Primark

Shoes: JuJu x Urban Outfitters

Sunglasses: Ebay

Rings: Topshop

Bracelet: Cornish markets

I'm currently staying the week in Cornwall, and I wanted to squeeze in a post or two before going home. Despite having a relatively rainy and overcast arrival, the weather has since been beautiful, which is extremely rare considering I'm in England! Today we went out to Roskilly's Dairy for lunch, where I had a toasted tuna mayonnaise and sweetcorn ciabatta and tropical smoothie- delicious! Of course, any visit to Roskilly's is incomplete without consuming one of their delicious homemade ice creams, all of which are made on the premises. Being as indecisive as I am, I couldn't possibly have one flavour, so I tried out their caramel ice cream as well as the blackcurrant cheesecake flavour. After a large lunch we went on a brief walk and had a lovely time feeding various farm animals. I'm now trying (and failing miserably) to persuade my parents to let me own a pet chicken!

Tomorrow we'll be hiring bikes and spending the day on a local bike trail, which should be fun as long as the weather stays as it has been. Hopefully I'll be able to fit in another post before I leave!

Hugs and kisses, Sarah xo

Nebula

Shirt: vintage

Leggings: Primark

Shoes: JuJu x Urban Outfitters

Headband: Topshop

Necklace: Urban Outfitters

Watch: vintage

Rings: Topshop and Spanish markets

Firstly, please excuse my squinting eyes in these photos as I was being blinded by the sun. I bought these leggings recently for just £6 from Primark, and I absolutely adore them! They're the perfect dupe to the Black Milk galaxy print leggings, but they only cost a fraction of the price. I had been lusting after a pair for an eternity, however I couldn't justify spending such an extortionate amount of money on them, so I decided to opt for this cheaper alternative. 

Unfortunately this post will be relatively brief, as tomorrow I'm going down to Cornwall for a week and I've yet to complete my packing. The cottage we're staying at apparently has wifi, so hopefully I'll be able to keep you all updated! 

Hugs and kisses, Sarah xo

This Next Song Is A Dance

Dress: thrifted

Cardigan: vintage

Bag: Primark

Creepers: Koi Couture

Hat: Topshop

Voila, may I present to you my new haircut! I'm still a little uncertain about it, as prior to the cut I'd had the same hairstyle and length for about two years, but I'm still on the hunt for a method to conquer its unruliness which will aid me in taming it. In all honesty, I think I'd much rather choose to have my longer hair, but I suppose once you go for the chop there's no return- I'm sure it'll just take some time to get used to, and hopefully by then I'll prefer it. Go easy on me with your opinions!

Hugs and kisses, Sarah xo

Dark Side Of The Moon

I wear:

Cropped tee: vintage

Skirt: vintage

Creepers: Koi Couture

Sunglasses: Ebay

Headband: Topshop

Watch: vintage

Rings: Topshop and Spanish markets

Iffa wears: 

Top: vintage

Mesh sweater: Topshop

Skirt: Zara

Bowler hat: fancy dress shop

Watch: Rolex

Creepers: Koi Couture

Earlier this week I met up with Iffa and Anna again in order to do what we do best: visit cafes and bake cakes. We payed a lunchtime visit to a local ice-cream parlour, Scoops; where I devoured nachos with melted cheese before gorging on fruit salad flavour ice-cream- deeelicious! We then headed back to Iffa's house for a quick baking session, where we made the most glittery brownies I've ever consumed in my entire life!

I recently purchased this headband adorned with flowers and spiked studs from the Topshop sale for a mere £2.50; and as you all now, I'm a sucker for a good bargain! It reminds me of something that Lana Del Rey or Tavi Gevinson would sport, which is perfect considering they're both enormous style icons of mine. My round sunglasses were also a relatively thrifty purchase, as I bought them from Ebay for just £4. Since then they've become an obsession of mine- they're ideal for simply throwing on in order to spruce up an outfit or give it an instant retro vibe. Speaking of obsessions, I absolutely adore Iffa's maxi skirt! Iffa is a bit of a self-confessed maxi skirt junkie, and I don't blame her! I love the khaki colour of this one from Zara, and how Iffa layered it with a skirt and mesh sweater. The bowler hat makes the perfect finishing touch to the ensemble. 

If you follow me on Twitter (click here), you'll be aware of the fact that on Thursday I finally went for the plunge and gave my hair the chop, cutting off a huge twelve inches. The change is still growing on me (no pun intended), especially considering the fact that the last time I had short hair was at the age of about six. I can't wait to show you all in my next post and to hear your opinions of it- go easy on me if you despise it!

Hugs and kisses, Sarah xo

Polka Dot Swishiness

Scarf: vintage

Dress: thrifted

Boots: Doc Martens

Bag: Ebay

Jacket: New Look

Watch: vintage

Rings: Topshop and Ellise Vintage

This outfit is very 1960's housewife-meets-rockabilly-esque, or at least I think so. I bought this dress a few months ago from a local charity shop for just a mere £4. With me being a gal with a penchant and weakness for a thrifty bargain, I couldn't resist its retro-feminine charm and polka dotted wonderfulness. Within seconds subsequent to clapping my eyes upon it, I had snaffled it up in a performance of pure amorousness and enthusiasm, à la Rebecca Bloomwood in true Confessions of A Shopaholic fashion. If I was ever to own a dress solely for the purpose of swishing back and forth to I'm Shakin' by Jack White, this would be it. Heck, I'll even insert a clip of the song right here, purely for your very own amusement and pleasure. In fact, if you're sporting a swishy skirt or dress whilst reading this, you have my permission to begin dancing and frolicking around the room.

Hugs and kisses, Sarah xo

Leopard Legs

Top: vintage

Leggings: Forever 21

Creepers: Koi Couture

Necklace: Forever 21

Sunglasses: Ebay

Rings: Topshop and Spanish markets

I had been meaning to pay a visit to the recently opened Forever 21 in the Trafford Centre, however it wasn't until Thursday that I had the opportunity to go. I picked up this statement chain necklace and these leopard print leggings; however I must be careful when it comes to styling them, as pieces like these can often appear tacky and cheap. Hopefully I pulled it off! I'll definitely be visiting Forever 21 again in the future, especially considering their vast selection of affordable jewellery. I was rather wary and apprehensive about going originally after hearing various complaints about the rudeness of staff members, however it was definitely a winner in my book!

This pair of studded creepers by Koi Couture have rapidly become my go-to shoe, replacing the place of my unadorned black creepers. Koi Couture are one of the UK's leading fashion footware design houses for women, and it's very apparent as to why! Not only are these creepers sturdy and comfortable, but they are also extremely lightweight and striking in terms of design. Koi Couture were founded in and are based in Manchester, and their styles are heavily influenced by modern British fashion culture, which is evidently their main inspiration. If you're restricted to a budget and are on the hunt for a pair of creepers, then I highly recommend you check out Koi Couture's wide collection. I'd even go as far as saying that they're identical to those by Underground!

Finally, I've been toying with the idea of giving my hair the chop and cutting it to around the length of my jawline. Unfortunately I was cursed with terrible indecisiveness, so I'm unsure as to whether or not it'd suit me. I'd love to hear your opinions in the comments below- they'd be much appreciated!

Hugs and kisses, Sarah xo