Twenty-Seven Names S/S 2013

I know it's a little early to be thinking about next spring, but looking at this collection by Twenty-Seven Names I really can't help myself. The collection entitled 'Nine Lives' (a strong reference to the feline species is prominent throughout) plays on the preppy but dishevelled 'school girl' aesthetic. Delicate frocks contrast with heavy denim, stripes clash with petite florals and we're treated to bows, bow ties and a polka dot print or two. You can while away the rest of your evening lusting after the collection, here.

xV

Holiday essentials

Swedish Hasbeens Duck Toe sandals, Illesteva Frieda tortoiseshell sunglasses, Diana F+ camera, Brothers by The Black Keys, Paper Plane wash bag, Esther Williams retro swimsuit, Stella McCartney knitted palm tree jumper, Catherine Zoraida seahorse pendant, Vintage denim shorts, Opening Ceremony dresses, Modcloth 'Suitcase Yourself' weekend bag, Vogue magazine, A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin, Daisy by Marc Jacobs perfume, Clarks Originals Kestral Soar sandals, Superga classic flat plimsolls

Although it may not be until the end of July, I literally cannot stop thinking about our holiday at the end of July. I'm desperate for a week off in the sun, and while it may only be a week in south Wales, I rarely get to go abroad (the last time was about four years ago) and our last holiday in Wales was possibly the best I've ever had. When it comes to going away, I'm the kind of person who feels the need to pack my entire wardrobe (I'm not even kidding), but this year I'm determined to just take things that I'd actually need.

I'd love to hear what you guys never leave home without!

xV

Just a little heat

Black lace top: Vintage
Nude pleated chiffon midi skirt: French Connection
Brown leather plaited belt: Vintage
Brown leather flats: Vintage
Headscarf: Vintage
Necklace: Vintage
Rings: Vintage and W.H Peplow Worcester
Black leather bag: Vintage

I was ideally planning on whipping out my denim shorts for today, but the weather wasn't anywhere near as nice enough as I hoped - we're supposed to be having rain tomorrow (hopefully it won't stick around too long). Thankfully, it wasn't a major sweatfest like it's been over the past few days (if you work indoors with no air-con you'll understand), so I got away with wearing a longer skirt and a top I'd usually boil in if it's too hot (thanks, polyester).

I've had a pretty hectic weekend which explains the absence of blog posts. I had to work what is usually my day-off on Saturday, write my column like crazy Saturday evening before going out for a meal with my parents for a catch-up after they're back from their holiday in Egypt. Sunday straight after work, Tony and I - along with a few of his friends from work - headed to this lovely pub in the middle of nowhere, where peacocks, ducks and chickens were free to roam around the beer garden. Yesterday was another mad day at work remerchandising and today was Tony's Dad's birthday, so we've been at Tony's parent's all night - nothing like a nice bit of homemade birthday cake and a gin and tonic to end a lovely day off.

Hope you've all had lovely weekends as well!

xV

Let's make waves

All images from here.

Tony's parents have recently invited Tony and I to tag along with them for a week away at the end of July. This will be the third time I've been on holiday with them, and the past couple of years I've avoided trips to the swimming pool and dips at the beach like the plague - no matter how hot it was or how much I longed to go surfing - thanks to my old bikini that's only ever seen the light of day twice. I can't imagine anything worse than wearing a teeny, tiny bikini in public, despite the fact I was a competitive swimmer for about eight years and was always in a swimsuit in front of other people (granted, it was a one piece or a bodysuit).

I'm honestly not the most body-confident person (I never have been), so this year I've decided to try and find swimwear that I would feel happy and comfortable in, meaning I don't have to sit on the beach and watch all of the fun from afar. I love the idea of retro style swimwear for something a little bit different, so I was directed to Modcloth by a lovely Twitter follower in my time of need. The particular style I have my eye on (above) comes in both a one piece and a two piece, and can be bought in a whole host of colours and patterns (I think the plain red one piece is my absolute favourite). The only problem is Tony thinks £60 on what is effectively a swimming costume I'll wear once a year is a little ridiculous, so does anyone know where I can find something similar for a lot cheaper? Has anyone bought swimwear from Modcloth before? Was it worth the money? I'd love to hear which ones are your absolute favourites!

xV

Off to the races

Pansy print dress: Kate Moss for Topshop
Brown woven leather flats: Vintage
Black bag: Vintage
Rings: Vintage and W.H Peplow
Bracelet: Trollbeads
Sunglasses: Vintage Ray-Ban Clubmasters

If you happen to know Worcester particularly well (I'm sure most of you don't), you'll know that a ten minute stroll along the river from the city centre will lead to the racecourse. After lunch by the river, this is where we found ourselves this afternoon (I was so surprised by the fact anyone can just randomly walk across it), so we decided to snap some outfit shots - I'd stupidly left my camera at home so Tony's iPhone came to the rescue.

I don't know why, but today I've felt the need to dress in my imitation of 'Sunday best' or what I imagine women would wear the races (I'm probably incredibly deluded), probably because this evening the Olympic torch is coming to Worcester. The atmosphere at the moment is amazing as the preparations for it all slowly come together (i.e covering everything in sight in red, white and blue bunting). As the torch comes right past our flat (we live in the city centre on one of the main roads), Tony's parents and little brothers are coming over to watch from our balcony. I'll hopefully have a post tomorrow.

xV

You really got a hold on me

White sleeveless top: Vintage
Black pleated chiffon skirt: French Connection
Brown leather plaited belt: Vintage
White crotchet socks: Topshop (I think?)
Brown leather woven flats: Vintage
Cameo necklace: Vintage
Rings: Vintage and W.H Peplow Worcester
Oak leather Alexa satchel: Mulberry
Sunglasses: Vintage Ray-Bans
Headscarf: Vintage


This morning was one of those mad mornings where I literally just threw something on before running out of the door. Somehow, I always find that getting dressed this way means I'm much happier with what I'm wearing (I don't know where the logic is in that). I'm also glad I wore this because I wasn't expecting it to be this warm today. All day at work, I've literally sat two inches away from a fan to stop myself from melting (it doesn't help we have no air-con at work), and after seeing a hot air balloon this evening I'm pretty sure that means it's summer.

Anyway, I'm already wearing some of my finds from yesterday. This top is something I saw out of the corner of my eye while at the till paying for something else (as you do), and I couldn't leave without it - I love the pretty cut-out detailing which sets it apart from your standard plain white t-shirt. I've also found a new love of wearing headscarfs. Since trying it a while back, I seem to have gathered quite a collection, one of which is the one I'm wearing today, although I must admit you can't see it that well in these photos (don't worry, I'll be wearing it plenty from now on).

xV

Gold on the ceiling

White dress: Vintage
Brown leather plaited belt: Vintage
Socks: Can't remember
Wooden sandals: Zara
Brown leather bag: Vintage
Necklaces: Vintage
Rings: Vintage and W.H Peplow Worcester
Sunglasses: Vintage Ray-Bans

As many of you may already now, Tuesdays are Tony and I's day off together and the one day of the week where we tend to go for our little day trips. Today we woke up and decided to head to the Cotswolds Wildlife Park to make most of the beautiful weather, although after joining the M5 we were faced with what seemed like miles of gridlock. Literally turning around and coming back the way we came, we decided we would try a different route. After we ended up in traffic again (it really wasn't our morning), it was too late to drive towards Oxford so we ended up in Evesham instead.

This wasn't necessarily a bad thing. We went for lunch as soon as we arrived at our favourite café, and sat outside in the sun enjoying paninis, chocolate and peanut butter cake, and some kind of milkshake-ice cream concoctions. After letting our food go down, we hitted the local charity shops. The first three or four we mooched around neither of us found anything. While feeling a little disheartened we ventured into the last couple and hit the jackpot (well, I did anyway). In the end I left with three tops, two dresses, two scarves and a bag, which is loads compared to what I usually find and all for just over £20 - not a bad afternoons work!

Feeling a little worn out, we then had a stroll along the river to find ice cream and a place to relax in the sun (I ended up with most of my ice cream down my dress). I actually wore a very similar outfit last year when we were on holiday for a trip to Narbeth and loved it so much but haven't had much chance to wear it since. I don't know what it is, I just can't bear to wear this dress without the sun shining and plans to do something a little different.

Anyway, hope you've all been enjoying the sun as much as we have!

xV