Why Hello There!

Long time no speak/write?!?!  I won't bore you with life stuff - it just gets in the way sometimes doesn't it?  But as it's nearly a year since I last posted, I thought, what the heck, just pop on, say hi and plonk a few pictures on here to show you something pretty and that I'm still alive! I'll admit (and I think I've done previously), I post far more frequently on Instagram but more so than ever now,  I'm fully aware it's not everyones cup of tea - and I totally get that.  So I'm trying again to remember to take photos for here as well as the square ones for Insta.

Apart from the usual life saga's, there's been a name change for my little styling business.  It was a long time coming, it didn't represent what I did but I'm terrible with change so it didn't come easy to me.  For now, this is still GlamRosie as I can't get my head around transporting it to a new name - one thing at a time!

Clothes wise I do feel like I'm evolving as I'm nearing 40 in 18 months - I hope you are still trying some new looks too.  It is so easy to get caught up in jeans isn't it, especially as a busy Mum but always push yourself to try something new.  As a petite little lady maxi styles are something I've always struggled with.  I have persevered though and found this gorgeous midi style in H&M recently.  I'm not a huge H&M shopper despite them being very much on form for most people right now.  I struggle with their quality and sizing but this dress really really made me feel good. The colour, the elastic where it needed to be (!), the femine and flattering length on me and the tiers so that it didn't hang like a sack.   

Red/Floral H&M Dress £24.99

Fairly tempted by the pink as well!

I also tried on this cotton white blouse for £12. It was big on the shoulder but so pretty and floaty. I'm really not in the market for one as I have um, a small (!) selection already but if you can carry extra width on the shoulders, go for it!

I've also started using a shops App in store - have you tried them?  I've used Zara, New Look, H&M and Topshop.  You can scan an items barcode to see if it's available online in your size, or save to your favourites for payday or order online if there's a discount (Topshop had 20% off online only!).  It's so handy.

That's it from me, short and sweet - in all senses!  Below is what I wore for a brief trip to the shops.

Shacket; Topshop
Breton; Boden
Jeans; Gap
Boots; & Other Stories
Bag; Balenciaga

Bargain Tops From H&M

If you're anything like me you are currently in the midst of the school holidays, juggling childcare with work as well as trying to entertain your little ones without blowing the budget all in the first week.  It's not easy is it?  I had a morning off before work and my eldest had been going on about some new jeans so we headed to H&M for a little shop.  Needless to say both girls did better than me but I made sure they accompanied me to the ladies section for a little browse!  I found this very lightweight cotton sweater for £6.99 - and it isn't in the sale, that is the actual price!  It's a great throw on sweater for now.

Sweater; H&M
Jeans; Zara
Trainers; Adidas 

(slightly in love with my animal print Adidas trainers!)

I would't have been me if I didn't then gravitate quite naturally to the stripes.  However the orange trim and more boxy style did make this one a little different to anything I already had.  At £5.99 for another cotton top (go H&M with your natural fibre at silly prices) it was of course purchased as well. 

T-shirt; H&M
Belt; Tommy Hilfiger
Jeans; Gap
Shoes; Isabel Marant

Now back to my reality right now - home renovations!  Column radiator research anyone?!?!

The Uniqlo Order

I finally ordered the camouflage sweater I blogged about here back in November, it was down to £9.90 so thought it was about time I put my money where my mouth was and just crack on with it! I went for the green in the end as I don't tend to wear a lot of black and my old Gap one I loved was green too. It's been worn and washed a lot and so far it's definitely worth the whole £9.90. Personally for me it is on the short side length wise but I am long in the body so probably fine on most others. I think it's sold out online now so try a store if you're after it, however that has happened to me with Uniqlo before and things do come back in stock online so keep checking back.

It was free delivery over £20 so I had a little browse and found the below also reduced. I loved it with jeans for a casual look so thought I'd try it. I had also ordered a H&M one at the same time with some Christmas presents so I wasn't 100% on keeping it as preferred the red H&M one.

£19.90 now £14.90

However I ended up loving it as it was so soft and preferred the muted tones to the H&M one below (which was also a more rigid cotton).  Not the best shot below I know, apologies, now schools out for the girls I may get to take some more shots in day light.  Roll on Spring - dark nights and me don't get on, the days are just too short.  

This H&M one is a good price for £14.99 just felt the check was perhaps a little too large on me and I really loved the one above.

The Swinging H&M Dress!

I popped into my local H&M last week-end as my friend was in town for my PJ Party (yep, I know how to look after my girlies).  We don't have a huge array of shops in town so I don't actually go in that often for clothes, its more for general bits and bobs I need.  However armed with my girlfriend we of course obliged in a little light retail therapy.  I grabbed this gorgeous dress for £14.99 from H&M.  It is £19.99 but if you send a quick text whilst in store with your email address you get 25% off!  I loved how easy and comfortable it was to wear and thought it also looked great with my boots.  I like dresses that are casual as being a bit of a jeans addict, it does take something like this to pull me away from my every day comfies.  

The lighting was a little bright!

Slightly more flattering lighting!

There's some gathering going on at the back of the dress, hence there's a bit more fabric for a good old swing!  Slightly maternity style I know, but I do still love it and it's retro vibe.

If's browns not your colour (and not usually mine!) then there as also a blue option for those that fancy it.  I can't seem to find it online - and I searched through 300 odd dresses so I'm hoping it's not all sold out for you already.  

PS This is out of May's budget....

PPS Think the Zara top in below post needs to go back to store....

Outfit Round-Up

This year is the year I moved on from my skinny jeans!  I am not totally without them of course, but the two pairs I bought from Gap that are their straight leg cut have had so much wear already. These were my bargain £12 ones teamed with a very old H&M t-shirt and Next animal sandals. Just a school run/about town look!

And then the skinnies came out for a girls night out!  These are also Gap, their wet look jeans.  I love the fit however the coating hasn't lasted as long as I had hoped.  Teamed with a blush pink lace Warehouse top and some very high heels (luckily we sat and caught up over cocktails and didn't have a dance!).

Clutch; sample from somewhere!
Shoes; Gucci
Ring; Dorothy Perkins
Earrings; Topshop
Bracelet; Valentino

Another day look - before the weather heated up of course.  Ralph Lauren ankle skimming jeans with a Cos top.  I've rolled the sleeves up a little as they finished just around my elbow and felt a little long.  I love the bright yellow hem, it really gives the top another dimension taking it from plain to having that little pop of colour.  

Im very pleased with my J.Crew purchases this year and this top has been no exception.  As I mentioned in my previous blog about it, I was a little dubious about the jewelled neckline but it has been in the machine, inside out on a hand wash cycle and no problems at all.  Gap jeans again and possibly my most worn shoes so far this year, my rose gold Primark sandals.  Don't get me wrong, they go with so much and are easy to throw on if I've not painted my toenails, but I know that won't be around next season as they have been well worn.  At £12, I didn't really expect them to last next season anyway.  

You get the idea - there's a theme to my casual looks - denim!  Flats were needed for the Robbie Williams concert and a cardi for when it got cooler.  I dug out this old Topshop cardi (and I'm talking 8+ years here) that has little peach flowers on it.  Somehow, it has stood the test of time and worked perfectly with my shoes and handbag.  The top is sleeveless, needed for the heat inside the O2.

Top; Zara
Cardi; Topshop
Watch; Tag
Bag; Italian - no idea, sorry!
Jeans; Gap
Shoes; Primark

It's been years since I saw Robbie solo (naturally I saw him when he reunited with Take That - HUGE fan!) and for some reason I didn't have any expectations, but he was amazing.  A true entertainer and the style of songs worked perfectly for him (his Swing Both Ways tour).  His Dad even came on to perform with him!  

Because.....it really is so true!

Bag; Prada
Pumps; French Sole
Jeans; Gap
Pouch; Lulu Guinness
T-shirt; Juicy Couture

Royal Ascot Ladies Day

(No, this is not how I arrived.....next time!) 

It was my first time at Royal Ascot this year and I loved every minute of it in the end, but boy was I panicking about the dress code.  I was in the Royal Enclosure where your hat (or the base of it) has to cover 10cm of your head and skirts/dresses not too short.  I went for a H&M dress I bought in London last year (seen in this post).  They've recently bought it out again in a floral print (shown here) but the fabric is a lot thinner.  I love how the dress has structure to it down to the fabric and stitching without it being so stiff it's not flattering and doesn't move.

(excuse these grainy photo's,the best 'outfit' ones I had!)

The dress is a cream/pale peachy flesh colour - hard to describe really but I went along with the pale colour palette and added a very old Topshop blazer in a pale grey.  As my hat was black, I bought in my favourite Topshop necklace just so I had a little dark to complement my headpiece (which also had a cream flower on).  My Gucci shoes and vintage Chanel also in neutral pale tones, I went for a varied shade look!

With A LOT of food packed behind me....

Lots of shades going on, greys, blacks and a warmer cream with the dress

I've never been the most patriotic person which is strange as my parents are but I did come over all funny when I saw the Queen.  I do get fairly excitable over things and this was no exception.  I pushed my way to the front and got to see the lady herself.  Oh and the lawns - I want grass like that!

Of course, I was also slightly excited at the hats and outfits but was on a mission to place my first bet so I only managed to pap a few!

After a few small wins we headed to the track to be a little closer to the action for the final few races.  I soaked up the atmosphere, I love experiencing new things and this was no exception.  I always end up feeling a little over whelmed and quiet, especially when we were then picnicking with the best of them (Sir Steve Redgrave....) in the owners and trainers car park! 

Oh and we bumped into Mr Noel Edmunds as well - he has barely aged and looks amazing for 65.  He was so friendly and chatty to everyone. 

It was a long but perfect day.  For anyone who hasn't been, I fully recommend it.  I am desperate to go again! 

Hat; Jaeger (borrowed)
Bag; Vintage Chanel
Necklace; Topshop

The Skirt Got An Airing!

Well, finally I wore my stripy H&M skirt seen in my last post (and previously here on my blog) to my fabulous friends 40th.  It was still touch and go, I still thought it was borderline a little short due to how much it puffed out but I got over it and really enjoyed wearing it!  

(The white box is a cake I baked - not a unique/odd accessory I'd decided to add!)

I changed my mind last minute and decided to wear my Zara tank top instead of the grey Cos tee.  This was another sale purchase, £35.99 down to £10 and is 55% silk, 45% cotton, I adore it!  So much so I went back online this morning to order another but they have all sold out.  So if you see any in store, I fully recommend it.

I also changed my mind on the shoes (I am very impulsive when it comes to dressing on the actual day - unlike anything else in my life!).  I opted for my black suede Zara shoes as they just felt a tad more 'evening' and glam.  I was planning on my vintage pink Chanel clutch but as I went dark with the shoes, I chose my old faithful black Miu Miu clutch.  

I am slightly addicted to my Topshop flower necklace at the moment (another post where I am wearing it coming soon).  I was bought for me by my lovely (uber stylish) friend Jo years ago.  I tend to wear it loads then give it a break then dig it out again.  Well I've well and truly dug it out again recently.  It's just one of those necklaces that seems to go with everything, the tones and shades in it blend with my outfits and bring it all together.  I need another please Jo Jo!

Considering how much I don't wear skirts, I really loved wearing this one.  It felt very fun and girly for a change, especially with a high heel.  I had my Essie Lollipop nail polish on to add a bright pop of colour to my nails and kept the rest of my jewellery simple.

And finally, just because I am never happy with my photo shots of my outfit, one just before I went to bed as wanted to really show the volume of the skirt.  I am so happy I kept it.  It's always a good idea to push yourself out of your comfort zone from time to time!