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

The Swing Dress Finally In Action

I have had this dress hanging in my wardrobe for a while, I just couldn't find the occasion to the wear it  but at £15 I loved it and went against my rules of 'if it hasn't been worn within a month, back it goes', I also needed some heat to get my legs out!  Finally back in June I broke it in with my faithful Topshop boots for a day of work in London town.  It didn't disappoint, it was so comfortable and easy to wear.   However I'll show you some shots before I break the bad news.......

I went to wear it again this week-end and guess what - it's shrunk!  I am absolutely gutted.  It's too tight around the arms and way to short - borderline inappropriate.  It's viscose and has been washed according to the label so I am not a happy bunny at all.  £15 or not, regardless of the price I think I will be paying my local H&M a visit.  It's obviously not my week-end for it as a designer t-shirt I recently bought from a sample sale has a hole in it!  That coupled with my Zara denim dress from my last post makes it 3 items so I'm hoping the luck changes after I've had my bad 3!

If anyone else has this dress - has this happened to yours?

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....