October Haul

October Shopping Spree

I recently went on a shopping spree to Dublin this October and splashed out on clothes and accessories from a variety of shops such as Topshop, Urban Outfitters, River Island etc.. I spent all my Birthday money and it was worth it!

I don't get to go to Dublin that often as it is over a 3 hour drive from Kerry. However, I go every october midterm religiously.

My favourite places to go are Dundrum, Grafton street and of course if I got away with going all the way over to Forever 21 I would.

Topshop

Anyone who reads my blog or knows me personally, I love Topshop. It is probably my favourite shops even though it is on the expensive side. There was a very good sale on but a lot of sizes didn't suit as usual with sales. However I did get a lovely crop top I had my eye on for a long time on sale from €42 to €22. 

I found that everything in Topshop was suited for an occasion or if you were going out. there was beautiful dresses, playsuits and cigarette. I didn't buy anything because I won't be going much places until my exams are over! 

These are a few of my favourites...

As seen on Abby from the X-factor last week

Fitted cigarette pants, great for petite.

What I did splash out on was a black bowler hat. I have been looking at it for months and finally decided to get it. I have worn it multiple times this week already so I think I will get the wear.

Urban Outfitters 

It was probably my first time in Urban Outfitters, definitely my first time in Dundrum Urban Outfitters. I loved the clothes, they were quirky and bang on trend when it came to dog tooth print and tartan. I bought a dog tooth printed playsuit- pinafore.

I bought much more such as tops from hollister and disco pants and shirts from River Island but my favourite by far is my bowler hat. It is easy to wear and match up with outfits and is very quirky.

Love Ella x

Topshop Saving Tips

How to save a few bob when buying in Topshop!

Generally High Street is meant to be the place to save money on all your fashion finds, however, in my eyes Topshop, Awear, River Island etc are expensive considering I am not buying from Brown Thomas on a daily basis.

 Penneys is where I save my money and buy all my basics. Whenever I am in the city I love picking up things in shops we don't have down here in Kerry like a proper size Topshop, River Island, H&M and Miss Selfridge. 

Topshop is my favourite shop because I love their styles, colours and the fact they sell "petite" sizes which are much more flattering for me because I am short. When buying an outfit for my sister's graduation my size wasn't there so I resorted to ordering online.

SAVINGS:

• Always check the price both in store and online. Usually the british pound conversion when buying online enables you to save on average €10.
• Shipping is only £4
• If you google "topshop coupons" you can find 10% or 20% off coupons or free shipping coupons.
• Always use your student card and type this into the promotional offers box.

I hope this helps you save some money! Please leave feedback below

- Love Ella x

Summer Style Updates

The good the bad the ugly..

There are many different styles out for the summer as summer is the main season for experimenting and being creative with colours, patterns and textures. Summer also gives us a chance to wear our clothes without covering the outfit up with a coat. Due to Ireland's present heatwave we can wear shorts, skirts and dresses that are usually stored away for our foreign holidays.

In this article I am going to focus on Topshops. Topshop would be one of my favourite shops along with Hollister,Penneys, Asos, Forever 21 and my recent favourites from my trip to Spain Pull and Bear, Bershka and Stradivarius. I highly recommend you to take a look at these shops online.

TIP: Topshop currently has a mid season sale on which is really good.

Vintage Denim Skirt

I am all for vintage and I am all for denim but when I saw this skirt I got an allergic reaction. It reminds me of a very very swingy version of a  skirt my Nan would wear. 

Firstly, If you think you want to try and wear this catastrophe you must be skinny and tall to take it. If you are small it will take over your petite frame. If you are not skinny it will just add on those avoidable pounds.

As a rule I don't like denim skirts because they remind me of what I wore when I was really young. However I do wear a light denim bow mini skirt. You shouldn't just cut out all denim skirts like I tend to do because you can find some fabulous ones. 

This is a style I would avoid at all costs. However, just like I hated skinny jeans when they first came out I could be eating my words eventually, but I hope not! 

Topshop's vintage denim skirt.

My bow denim skirt.

Midi Dresses And Skirts

I love the new Midi dresses and skirts that are in fashion right now. They are all the rage just like when skater skirts and crop tops took storm.

I don't necessarily think they are only for tall women, petite women can also pull them off once they fit properly and they are the right "midi" length.

Petite midi dresses and skirts are available in Topshop.

However, people do wear them wrong. If you are wearing a midi dress or skirt you must have the figure, not the skinny made of bones look but the curves but toned body.The majority of them are made with a  very clingy fabric that hugs the curves of a woman. If you have to wear "magic knickers", who is to know once you look good, right?

As mentioned many times before, Shoes can make or break your look. Why would you throw on shoes that can ruin your outfit. First - Don't wear  hightops or any runner-type shoes with a midi skirt or dress. The midi dress and skirts are a sophisticated look, why would you ruin that??

Second - although I say yes to heels stay clear from the thick thick heel, you must wear something more simple to elongate the bit of leg you are showing. 

I don't own a midi dress and skirt because I think I am too young to pull the look off and don't have the perfect body for it. I think it looks gorgeous on 18 + year olds. It depends on where you live and where you are. Its a look that you can wear to work or to an occasion. 

Topshop Midi Dress

Topshop PETITE Midi Dress

Topshop Midi dress - Stick with plain accessories with this beautiful vibrant colour.(detail in back)

Lace

Topshop has a wide range of lace collection. I love lace as it is generally white ( a favourite colour of mine) and its elegant and light. You can do so much with lace from dressing it up and down, while it generally is "dressy". Anyone can wear lace and it adds a classic look. You can also accessorise lace effortlessly.

Lace trim socks

Topshop Petite Necklace Lace Top

Topshop Petite lace detailed scarlet red playsuit

Topshop Casual light peach knitted jumper with lace trim

  

Playsuits

Playsuits have to be my favourite thing to wear. Its a one piece with shorts, whats not to love?

Generally, playsuits are very slimming. They were never "in" fashion to a high degree but I love them and not a lot of people wear them. 

Your height doesn't matter when it comes to playsuits. You can cover your belly and show off you legs an back or even wear a low neckline. Playsuits are very flattering overall

Topshop White Necklace playsuit.

Topshop Orange playsuit Jumpsuit

Topshop (Motel) Hoppy Playsuit

I hope you liked this article, if you have and questions or feedback please drop a comment below :)

-Love Ella x

Harebrained for Hats

Simple Steps To Style Your Hats & Hair bands

At events such as weddings, Christenings, Communions and the Races every woman wants to stand out. A glamorous take on creating the perfect look is the addition of a hat or head piece especially when trying to achieve a classic look. We see beautiful models all over the catwalk wearing big flourished hats and head gear.The Royal Wedding in 2011 was packed with woman with eccentric hats such as Princess Beatrice and Victoria Beckham.

Victoria Beckham at the Royal Wedding 2011

Princess Beatrice

After spending money on your dress, bag, shoes and of course beauty essentials such as tan, hair and make up, splashing money on a hat that realistically won't get another wear is pretty stupid. I know when I began looking for a hat for the races I knew I didn't want to spend much money yet I was determined to get something I loved and that would match my dress and look. After browsing online going to many shops such as Topshop, Debehmans and Razzle Dazzle I couldn't find a head piece that I liked and could afford.

Then I decided to try Penneys.  I never thought I would find something not to mind something I actually liked considering I am extremely picky, especially when it comes to matching. I found a dusty pink hairband with detail and small feathers for only €5! I bought it even though I had my heart set on getting something with netting.

Since I wasn't entirely in love with the hairpiece, although it matched my dress, I decided to spruce it up. It was very plain so I thought I would add some glitz. I created a pure one of a kind hairband by spending only €5 and pieces I found at home.

I used small pink diamantes, super glue and a tweezers and stuck them on at different intevals. I could put them anywhere but I choose the sides. I didn't over load the hairband with diamantes to avoid making it look too tacky. Take a look...

Super Glue, diamantes, tweezers

Plain head piece

Finished product!

I still really want netting so If I can find netting in a fabric shop I will also add this on. Although this little touch doesn't seem much but when the sun hits the diamantes I am sure it will shine and bring out the detail in my dress.

I will theme it with this dusty rose Lipsy dress which is still available on Asos.com on sale.

I hope this will help you create a new look with your old hats or even decorate a new piece and in turn have your own unique and individual hat or head piece.

Feedback and advice is always welcome :) 

- Love Ella x

The Cambridge Satchel Company

 The Timeless Satchel

I finally saved up enough money to invest in a timeless accessory that is guaranteed not to go out of fashion. Bags are investments pieces, especially if there are designer All bags are  a necessity to carry everything  you want around with you and its essential for it to be stylish to set your outfit off. 

What I love most about satchels are the classic look. They were hugely in fashion about 25 years ago and are back bigger than ever. Satchels are extremely easy to carry around by hanging it off your shoulder or across your waist. This leaves your hands free for rooting through clothes racks while shopping. 

Satchels as mentioned in previous articles are available in all the high street shops from Topshop, River Island, H&M and even Penneys. However, I wanted to invest in a authentic satchel from The Cambridge Satchel Comapny. 

The Cambridge Satchel Company only sells hand made satchels using real high quality leather. Leather always stands the test of time which is necessary when investing.

 The Cambridge Satchel Company offers a wide variety of sizes, colours and shapes. You can buy satchels in various sizes : 11", 13", 14" and 15". There are a lot of different collections available which keep up to the lastest trend such as "Chelsea Collcetion", "Emerald & Sapphire", "Fluro" and of course "The Classic" and many more. You can also get a "batchel" which is a satchel you can wear on your back.

Prices vary due to size and whether you get it personalised. What makes the Cambridge satchel so unique is the fact you can personalise it by adding your initials or name. This costs extra but adds a touch of individuality! 

Note: Full stops are free of charge.

TIP: Order your Cambridge Satchel this month and get free delivery worldwide!!

It took only five days for my satchel to arrive, coming from England. I was delighted with both the size and colour of my satchel. It is perfect. It came in a box and was protected by a dust cover. 

Prices : The price of a Cambridge Satchel in my opinion is reasonable. It depends on what budget you are on however in comparison to a Louis Vuitton bag or Marc Jacobs it is very good.

A 13" satchel costs £120 and it costs £5 per letter if being personalised. 

If you are ordering a satchel I recommend you to be careful choosing a colour you like and will get use of. I choose emerald because it adds a pop of colour and is different to the typical blues and pinks. 

Of couse, the classic brown is availble too.

Check out The Cambridge Satchel Company's blog: http://camsatchelco.com/

and the website: https://www.cambridgesatchel.com/us/collections/

My 13" emerald green embossed Cambridge Satchel

-Love Ella x

Summer Haul June 2013

Some Simple Summer Shopping Suggestions!

I recently noticed a lot of people doing spring/summer hauls on fashion channels on YouTube so I thought it might be fun to do an article on my own summer haul! I hope you like it, if you have any opinions please drop a comment with some feedback. 

As you might have noticed from my earlier articles I love summer fashion. Its a time where you can ditch coats and overcoats that cover up outfits and you can wear shorts, skirts and dresses without looking stupid and being frozen with the cold. 

I have a lot of summer clothes and love them all so I have condensed my haul to the clothes I bought on my last shopping trip in Cork city.

Petite Ladder Back Dress

My favourite purchase by far must be my animal print sun dress from Topshop! It is white with orange animals printed all over. Every time I look at it I can see a new type of animal. I think it is really cute and looks gorgeous with a glowing tan. I was lucky enough to get it in petite to fit perfectly. I got a size UK 6 in petite as they are slightly big fitting as I am usually an UK 8. What really sets this simple but elegant sun dress off is the ladder back. (photo below). I paid €55. It is a lot of money for just a sun dress however I couldn't leave it after me.

The ladder back

Petite animal print dress from Topshop

Tribal scarf
Being petite, I find scarves one of the most difficult things to buy. Every shop from Penneys, River Island or Topshop have rails of beautiful scarves ranging from oriental designs to chequered print. We see a variety of materials from cotton, wool to soft silks.

Although there is a plenty supply of scarves on the high street, my problem is there are too big. These long silk scarves look very elegant and stylish around the necks of tall thin models, but what about the petite? It takes patience and of course luck to discover an affordable scarf to your preference of material, design and length. 

I found my white tribal scarf in New Look. I wasn't looking for it but I couldn't leave without it! It is light and doesn't smother your face and it only cost €7.99!

My tribal scarf from New Look!

This particular scarf is easily adapted to most looks and outfits. The oranges Purples and blues shine through with a lot of colours. I find it effortless to add it to my look. 

The tribal scarf easily adapted to any outfit.

"Lightweight" scarves are a perfect summer essential for breezy days at the beach or cool nights. They are especially suited to the normal dreary weather in Ireland.
If you are willing to pay about €30 or so on a "lightweight" scarf you should look in Hollister. Hollister sells beautiful lightweight scarves in bright colours and prints. 

However, with some patience and dedication you will find an affordable lightweight scarf to your liking.
Tip: look out for scarves in Penneys and New Look.

Ethnic Flip-Flop

Flip Flops are the biggest summer necessity as we all know. Thy are great for the beach, down by the pool, a walk or at night. They can be worn with absolutely everything - skirts, dresses, playsuits, shorts and pants.

I always love having a variety of flip flops to choose from however when packing to go abroad I can never fit them in so I have to resort to a neutral long lasting pair of flip flops.

Before I bought expensive flip flops from River Island and places like that. They would cost from about €40 or €45. I consider this expensive considering I get 2 weeks a year to wear them. River Island's flip flops are lovely without a doubt. They last for a long time even with wear and tear.

However, this year I purchased a beautiful pair of leather ethnic jewelled pair of flip flops from Penneys. They are genuine leather. I am not certain about the price. They cost about €17.  I have worn them fro a few weeks and still look perfect. They are even comfy. They are truly a perfect bargain. They are still available to buy. What I most liked about them is people asked me did I buy them in Zara or River Island which proves they look expensive without costing too much!

Penney's Ethnic Flip Flops only €17

Alphabet Madness 

Throughout the high-street we see a generic trend. Anything with "GEEK" or "DORK" printed across it is seen in every shop window. Although I don't like this trend one bit, I do like the alphabet trend. 

I found a stylish black high waisted shorts with white letters printed all over them. These are dressy shorts which I would personally theme with a white blouse.

TIP: Don't attempt to dress these shorts down.

They are also affordable, only €13 in Penneys and are still available to buy.

Wooly Wooly

I know summer isn't a time to wear wool. However, I wouldn't rule it out of your wardrobe altogether. I found a lovely wool jumper top with three quarter length sleeves with turn ups. it is a light material and very comfy. It is a periwinkle blue colour with a cream crochet elephant.

I themed this top with light denim bagg shorts with lace detail on the pocket. I wore this on a sunny day

This was only €17.99 in New Look and is still available.

TIP: Crochet is all in fashion. Check River Island for crochet pieces. I will have another article soon about crochet.

Vans + Socks = ? 

I have always admired those frilly socks with the nice lace trim and when I was shopping in Cork City I decided to buy a pair. I got an idea to try something new and wear them with vans. I originally was going to buy real vans from Schuch however, I decided against that and instead bought vans in Penneys just in case I didn't like them. 

Vans are probably meant to be worn casually but lace socks is a perfect way to dress them up. I also would like to buy a pair of brogues and wear the socks with them. However, I will not wear them with heels. 

I found that Penneys vans are big fitting so I had to buy mine in the children's section. I bought a grey pair, meant for boys but vans are unisex. They cost only €7.

I stupidly bought two pairs of frilly socks in River Island for €5 each! Later I found them in Penneys for 3 pairs for €3.50. Watch out for bargains! 

I think this style is for anyone who has the confidence to wear them if they are in a small town. If you are into fashion and want to try something new, go for it. A lot of people wouldn't agree with this but, who cares? channel your own style for you and no one else! 

I would wear vans and socks with shorts, maybe a skirt if you have long legs and turned up skinny jeans or cigarette pants.

Penneys vans size UK2. Only €7.

River island frilly socks €5.

I will have another haul within a month or so as I am always picking up new bits and pieces, an article on crochet trend is also coming up.

Thank you for reading and feedback is always welcome!

- Love Ella x

Maxi Madness

How Petite Woman Wear Maxis!

Maxi's are once again a summer speciality! Maxi's have been in style each summer for multiple years now and continue to come back! Maxis can be worn anywhere, from a day out shopping, a festival to a beach resort. Maxi's suit most body shapes and sizes especially tall women. However, not all of us are blessed with long legs that make it easy to pull this super stylish summer look off. Maxi's are so handy,mostly for the fact you can dress it up or down. You can wear flip flops, heels or even boots with a maxi, according to the look you want to achieve.

 For petite girls, just like myself, it is very difficult to wear any dress longer than your knee without making yourself look even shorter again. Nevertheless, petite women can still wear maxis and look as good as anyone else!

If you are under 5"3 you must follow certain guidelines to wear a maxi dress or skirt in order to avoid making yourself look diminutive. I hope the following steps will help all petite women achieve a maxi chic look effortlessly.

1.Always buy petite.  
             Why buy a maxi for suited for an average size woman when your not? Always go to the "petite" section of the shop or online site to buy your maxi. If you don't find a maxi you like from this selection or happen to fall in love with a maxi from the regular section you can always get your seamstress to shorten it! 

2. Never floor length.

           Never have your maxi trailing the floor. Always have it short enough to see your shoes, be it heels or flip flops!

3. No prints or patterns... ever!

           Avoid all floral prints or any patterns at all costs. When it comes to maxis, neutral is always best! Go for block colours, lace or cut outs but never print. This doesn't mean you have to look plain and boring though!

Tip: Accessorising is the key. Always add big chunky necklaces, bangles, sunglasses or a hat!

4. Fitted style.

When you are any bit small stay clear of smocky or baggy style clothes especially when it comes to maxis. Always wear your size. A line style or slits are always flattering.

Kim Kardashian, (5"3) and looks gorgeous in a maxi skirt.

Eva Longoria (5"2) is fabulous in a maxi dress with block colours.

Mary Kate Olsen is swamped in her too big maxi dress.(what not to do) 

Miss Selfridge "salt and pepper" maxi

Topshop petite black strap maxi

-Love Ella x

Your Summer Essentials

Summer

May is finally here and we can definitely put away our big fur jackets, woolly woolly jumpers and boots! As from now, holidaymakers across Ireland will be preparing to go abroad to seek the summer sun, so, I have decided to write a piece all about your summer essentials for your holidays in the sun, be it, Spain, Turkey, Portugal, Italy or France!

You never know, we might also get out annual "heat wave" during the Leaving Cert exams!

Satchels

School and college have nearly come to an end, however, satchels are timeless. They are perfect for carrying your laptop, folders and pens for your school term but are equally effective for your summer possessions - sunglasses, make-up, magazines etc. Satchels are the perfect colour pop that can be added to your outfit effortlessly. You don't need to be anywhere sunny for this item nonetheless they are bang on trend! 

Note: Different sizes can be bought. From 11"-15". There is a variety of colours, choose carefully!

If you had to have one summer investment, it would be this! Satchels can be bought from many shops as they are becoming increasingly popular however, the top of the range must be Cambridge Satchels!  (Link attached) For an extra fee your initials can be put on your satchel!

The  Cambridge satchel. Prices start from €136

Link:https://www.cambridgesatchel.com/

Satchels can also be on Zatchels.com. Prices are more or less similar. I recommend to buy a Cambridge if you are going to pay over €100.
Note: Really cute kids designs are available here such as Hello Kitty.

Zatchel Satchel.

Link:http://www.zatchels.com/

Of course Penneys have brought out a range of satchels for affordable prices! Personally,I think the colours are tacky! Other shops such as H&M have affordable satchels available too!

Penneys Satchels

White, Creams and Laces

Summer is the perfect time to add white, cream and lace to your wardrobe. Be it an elegant white dress, a ruffled cream buttoned up blouse or a indie style crochet lace top! Channel any style you want with these colours and materials!

                                             Boohoo asymmetrical crochet top - €30

Boohoo lace shorts -€30

Hollister Beach Lace dress - €64

Tip : Hollister always have a range of white- lace clothes

                               Cuffed Earrings and Hasma Hand

Although cuffed earrings are well in trend, the Hasma hand ins't particularly. However  I love the Hasma hand and have gotten a bit of an obsession over it, so, I had to mention it! The Hasma hand is a simple plam of a hand symbolising protection blessings, power and strength. It is an Islamic symbol whose origins arise from Arabia.

Cuffed earrings are all in. We see them in nearly every shop. Of course, there is a whole variety of styles such as the cuffed earring or the cuff and chain. You can purchase these in River Island and Topshop, places like that, However, I find eBay brilliant for them! Here you can find styles you would never see in shops in Ireland such as a little figure of a man as a cuff earring or a vine of flowers cuffed earring. I really recommend to take a look at eBay. Prices are reasonable too!

Penneys

eBay

                                                  Sunglasses

Sunglasses, as we all know, are essential to have every summer! There are so many sunglasses to choose from and it takes time to get your perfect pair. A good way to choose is to go on Ray-Ban official website and you can virtually try them on, this way you can choose the pair that suits you. 

The new popular sunglasses are round sunglasses, they don't suit everybody though, be sure to try them on. Topshop have affordable sunglasses.

Topshop- €19

Topshop- 19

Topshop- €21

-Love Ella x