styling tips

Fashion Hacks: messy belts

| blueskygirlie

Don’t you just hate when your clothes dont feel right? I am a stickler for perfection in fashion styling (its a throwback from being a Harrods window dresser) and like to customise things that aren’t quite right. 

In todays blog I’ll show you a little fashion fix for when your belt is hanging down, looking messy and being generally annoying! Long belts are fine when youre wearing something with belt loops but I like to add belts to my dresses and skirts.  Plus, it seems I always have too much belt left over (this belt is a S/M from Primark and is still too long!) as you can see below.

This hack works best with a plaited belt but you could also make a small hole in any belt yourself and do the same.

1) Firstly find yourself a bobby pin (the type you use to pin hair up).

2) Push the pin through the end of the belt where its too long. Make sure it is as near the end of the belt as possible.

3) Line up the belt where you want it to stay put and push the pin through both layers.

4) Twist the belt over so you can get to the underside and then bend out the ends of the bobby pin into a straight line.5) Turn the belt back over and line up the pin, so the pin is hidden underneath.

6) Pull down the belt so it is lined up with the waistband of your clothing and fits your waist snugly.

And Voila! A neat, fixed in place belt!

Simple, yet effective. Look out for other fashion hacks in further blogs.

MY STYLE: The Kitchen/Diner

| blueskygirlie

My fiancé and I are currently in the process of doing up our home but one area that is done is the kitchen/diner. Whenever I share images of it on Instagram it always gets a great reaction and in todays blog I show some of the styling in more detail.

The Diner:

Two rooms have been knocked through and the diner part of the kitchen is all about curves. An original 1960’s Arkana tulip table and chair set takes pride of place (I had the seat pads reupholstered into a more child friendly brown vinyl) and a curved statement lamp provides focused light with inset ceiling spotlights providing the general room lighting. Many of my favourite posessions sit in this space together including a lot of pieces by the designer Piero Fornasetti which I collect…Table & chairs / eBay,  Side table / eBay,  Lamp / Marks & Spencer,  Gazelle head / Marks & SpencerLarge artwork & frame / IKEA, Black & white canvas artwork / Primark Home, Vintage robots / eBayFornasetti upholstered chair / eBay, Fornasetti cushion / eBay,  Black & white cushion / Primark HomeVintage vases & bowls / eBayFornasetti ‘Themes and Variations’ plates / Selfridges, Liberty, eBaySet of drawers / Matalan,  Balloon dog / The Range,  ‘Endless Style’ trinket box / Wilkinsons

The Kitchen:

Looking back from the diner into the kitchen the main focal point is our orange Smeg fridge/freezer. This is a strong design statement but luckily the kitchen itself is all simple white gloss with no visible handles which the previous owner had installed and I, miraculously, liked! (the worktops, like the cupboards, were here when we moved in and not my ideal worktop choice but until I can afford granite they will have to stay…)Fridge / Smeg, Toaster / Dualit,  Kitchen roll holder / Alessi, Canvas art / WilkinsonsDish rack / House of FraserStorage jars / Alessi,  Spoon rest / IKEA,  Utensil pot / Homebase, Utensils / Dunelm Mill, TK Maxx, SainburysJuicer / Alessi, Salt Mill / Matalan, Pepper Mill / SainburysHello sign / Primark

We are working through the house one room at a time but this area is one that I just love to be in. And the next area of attack? We have the finishing touches to add to the master bedroom and then a big project – to create a utility room, cloakroom and study in a space that is currently derelict!!! Watch this space…

Find my previous blog on what we did to the hall, stairs and landing here.

How many is too many?

| blueskygirlie

My name is Sarah and I have a problem… with buying sunglasses.  

Like most of you, sunglasses are a staple of my wardrobe throughout the summer and I can’t go anywhere without some. I love the fact they add an extra element to an outfit and if needed, hide a multitude of sins. No make up on? Eye bags? No problem!

I choose different shapes for different dressing styles and always keep spare pair in both my handbag and car glove-box.

An oversized cats-eye looks stylish and makes your face look slimmer…Sunglasses / New Look

A decorated frame can make a simple outfit look dressed up…Or go or all and clash your patterns!!!Both Sunglasses / Primark

A formal style can be mixed with a casual outfit to dress it up a little…Sunglasses / Kookai

A statement pair will get peoples attention and scream ‘fashion’…Sunglasses / Primark

A classic colour such as tortoise shell will see you through summer after summer…Sunglasses / TopShop

And black just goes with everything…!Sunglasses / Store TwentyOne

Even my 10 year old cant resist…Sunglasses / Primark Kids

At last count I had 14 pairs and I can honestly say I dont regret a pair of them! From £150 RayBans to £1 Primark sale buys, sunglasses really are THE summer accessory essential – throw them in your bag or suitcase this summer and they will make any outfit look better…

So whats your favourite pair? And do you make sure you have a matching pair for every outfit too?

I’d love to know…

The Hungarian H&M Holiday dress™

| blueskygirlie

Every so often I get obsessed with finding a piece of high street fashion I have seen in a magazine or on Instagram. You know that feeling when you just have to have something?

I first saw this dress on one of those big wall posters in H&M. Did they have it in stock? Well as it was only £14.99 it had sold out…typical. I trawled Bluewater then central London trying to track it down. I found a couple of UK 16’s and 18’s but this dress is huge (for reference I am wearing a UK8 and probably could of fitted in the 6 if I could of found it and I am definitely not that size!)

Finally when we were away on holiday in Budapest I sweet-talked my boyfriend into letting me go into the H&M there and I found it – so forever it will be called the Hungarian H&M Holiday dress™.

h&m off the shoulder peasant dress by blueskygirlie via Always a Blue Sky Girl fashion styling blog
This dress ticks a lot of boxes trend-wise for summer 2016. Off the shoulder? ☑️ Peasant style? ☑️ ☑️ Strong, hot colour? Oh yes ☑️☑️☑️

Now I am a bit of a customiser when it comes to fashion and as I’ve mentioned this dress is very voluminous – great if youre a 6ft waif model but not so good if youre a 5’2″ curvy 40 something.  The dress had tasselled ties on the sleeves which I removed and replaced with elastic and then created a tasselled rope belt which I fixed to the dress. This belt pulls the dress in at the waist, still keeping with its Boho feel but creating a more flattering fit for me and my body type.  The lesson here? If something doesnt quite suit you then make it suit you!

h&m off the shoulder peasant dress by blueskygirlie via Always a Blue Sky Girl fashion styling blog

h&m off the shoulder peasant dress by blueskygirlie via Always a Blue Sky Girl fashion styling blog

h&m off the shoulder peasant dress by blueskygirlie via Always a Blue Sky Girl fashion styling blog
I accessoried this look with my new rose gold sunglasses from New Look (which I’ve hardly taken off since I bought them), some gold palm leaf earrings and espadrille floral print sandals from Primark.  Oh, and just as a finishing touch I painted my toenails the same reddy/orange as my dress.  Good styling is often all in the details – you dont have to spend a lot…in total this outfit cost me under £40.

h&m off the shoulder peasant dress by blueskygirlie via Always a Blue Sky Girl fashion styling blog

h&m off the shoulder peasant dress by blueskygirlie via Always a Blue Sky Girl fashion styling blog

So what have we learned from todays blog? If you fall in love with something find it by any means necessary even if you have to go to a foreign country and then change any parts you don’t totally like to make it look even better!

Nothing too major then..well, when you love something, you love it!

Dress – H&M
Sunglasses – New Look
Earrings – New Look
Sandals – Primark

Making the 80’s modern again…

| blueskygirlie

Todays look is based around a vintage buy I fell in love with recently (although my boyfriend did say I reminded him of a member of Duran Duran in it – in a good way allegedly – but we’ll gloss over that) that I just had to wear asap. It cost me just £5.00 in a charity shop and I loved its unique look but also its totally bargain price!

This kind of shirt is perfect when you just want a comfy yet stylish outfit…and you might not be feeling as body confident as you could be (I do suffer from this) – but hey, comfort is always good – no fixed waistbands here!  The shirt itself is quite bold but with plain leggings or skinny jeans doesn’t look over the top. A pair of heels dresses it up slightly although flats would work just as well for a more laid back look.

The shirt itself is a voluminous 80’s/early 90’s number and I co-ordinated it with some wet look leggings, block heel sandals and a cheeky novelty clutch bag.


The sandals are a Very.co.uk purchase and have been so useful. They are dressy but comfortable and look great with everything. The bag is from Accessorize and was one of those ‘I have to have it’ purchases. I love a novelty bag and this one makes me happy everytime I use it.


They key to an oversized shirt like this is balance. If its loose on top go tight on the bottom that way you look in proportion and if you’re petite like me, youre not swamped by the volume of the item. Leggings and skinny jeans work perfectly with a look like this.

The shirt came with shoulder pads which I removed. As ever my vision is a modern version of vintage, and a few changes can make a vintage item feel modern.  If youre more of a fashion fan than a vintage belle, most vintage items can be improved with a nip or a tuck.



And finally back to those sandals – the gold block heels are EVERYTHING!  Plus some matching red/orange nail varnish on my toes carried that bright print through to my feet!

This bold bargain has already become one of my favourite items I own and I literally can’t wait to wear it again.

Shirt – vintage
Wet look leggings – eBay
Sandals – shoebox at Very.co.uk
Bag – Accessorize 

Secretary Chic

| blueskygirlie

“Here is your coffee Mr Smith, would you like me to finish that filing?”

OK, the traditional secretary doesnt exist anymore but the prim yet sexy look still can. I’m a great fan of the TV show Mad Men and this look as a Joan vibe to it (without the amazing bosom sadly!). Its a cute, preppy look thats often replicated by Kate Spade or J Crew too, favourites of mine and is perfect for a day in the office.   

This is one of those looks that has been pulled together from existing pieces and doesnt require a shopping trip (hoorah says my bank manager!). Its really just based around a great vintage skirt I got for £3 in a charity shop – these type of skirts are easily found and look rubbish on the hanger – the type of skirt your Nana would of worn, but styled right look great.     

I love the removable white bow I got from River Island after Christmas taking a plain white shirt from Matalan and making it both feminine and smart.  A preppy slipover jumper and ankle boots keep the look from looking too vintage (which I hate)…    

So next time you walk past a charity shop filled with 1960’s polyester skirts maybe its worth a second look, what do you think?

Bow – River Island
Blouse – Matalan
Jumper – Benetton
Skirt – Vintage
Shoes – New Look

Sightseeing in Budapest

| blueskygirlie

Over the Easter break I took a wonderful 4 day trip to Budapest in Hungary.  

It is an absolutely beautiful city and I couldn’t resist doing an ‘outfit of the day’ in such a stunning  location – it certainly beats my kitchen/diner where I usually shoot my outfit posts!

The look…

 

I saw this cream tasseled jacket in the Primark Tottenham Court Road store and instantly fell in love with it. Priced at £20 it looks much more expensive than that. Size-wise I went for the UK12 as the 10 was a little tight across the shoulders on me. I love the tasseled 3/4 length sleeves and bib detail front and its a lightweight cotton thats perfect for hotter days.

I added a pair of trusty New Look ‘super skinny’ jeans and my look was complete. I love NL denim and these jeans are tight all over (hence the super skinny fit name because I’m definitely not!) yet highwaisted and very stretchy so quite flattering.

    

The details…

I added a pair of Primark tortoiseshell effect sunglasses (£3) and denim pumps (£4), along with a trusty GAP white tee underneath.  The denim pumps elongate the look, meaning your eye is drawn just to the hero piece – that fabulous Primark jacket.     

The jacket and pumps are both in store now – be quick though as Primark stock moves very quickly.  I just love this look and know I will wear it quite a bit this Summer. 

Now I just need to get back on holiday…

Credits
Jacket – Primark
T-shirt – GAP
Jeans – New Look
Sunglasses – Primark
Denim pumps – Primark

Still sweet on Suede…

| blueskygirlie

I do like wearing real suede and leather. Wearing them always creates a luxe look that you just cant get any other way – however this makes the items expensive.

I wasn’t  planning on buying a suede skirt but it just happened…it was a bargain in the Debenhams sale for 70% off and I couldnt say no!

The skirt is from the Red Herring range and I’m wearing a UK12. To be honest it was the only one left so I didnt get a choice. Size wise its a little loose around the waist but pretty fitted on the hips so I’d say its true to size.


With a skirt like this I find it best to make it the focus of the outfit. I’ve done this by co-ordinating it with just black…this also makes it a more flattering look as the bulky suede plus the buttons is not the most disguising for my rounded tum! An M&Co fitted roll neck jumper, plus black tights and boots create a slightly retro, 1960’s look I think looks pretty stylish.



As I was at work that day, my hair and make up was a messy (ish) bun and relatively neutral make-up with just a splash of bright colour on my lips.I like a bun for days when I haven’t washed my hair or can’t be bothered to straighten it (hey, I am a working mum with a business on the side!) and use a bun donut underneath to create a more striking look. These can be picked up really cheaply in Wilkinsons or Boots and make a real difference. Just pull your hair into a ponytail, add the donut and then use hair-pins to fix your hair around it.

This classic suede skirt is going to become a wardrobe staple I can tell…

Jumper – M&Co.

Earings – New Look

Skirt – Red Herring @ Debenhams

Boots – Store TwentyOne

Birthday Buys: BooHoo jersey draped dress

| blueskygirlie

March is my birthday month and I usually spend it shopping!

Ah, if only! However I do get to choose a few bits as presents plus spend any birthday money on some treats for myself and over the next few weeks I will share some my the choices I’ve made this year…dont tell anyone but I turned 43 🙈.

I picked this dress (the Carolina) as a dress I could wear to the office and also dress up for an evening look. The chesnut colour is really nice – a burnt orange/reddish brown and it is made from a mid weight jersey. For sizing I went for a UK12 so it wasnt too tight as the jersey is quite unforgiving to lumps and bumps. 

The main design feature that made me choose it is the unusual handkerchief design skirt. The tight, high-necked top half is perfectly balanced by the flowing skirt and the tie belt cinches your waist in nicely – perfect for a curvy petite girl like me!    I wore it here with knee length boots and statement earrings both from Primark and pulled my hair back,finishing it with a plait.       

It does have a couple of downsides – as I mentioned the jersey is quite unforgiving so lacy underwear is out – a t-shirt bra worked fine though. I love the high neck but being jersey once you’ve pulled it over your head (the dress has no zips or fastenings) it stretches a little and isn’t as snug around my neck as I’d like. This is easily fixed though with a tiny safety pin in the back of the collar pulling it taught.

I’ve already worn this dress both to work and for a night out and it’s got lots of compliments.  For just £10 (its been reduced from £15) its an absolute bargain!  Find it on the BooHoo website here and its also available in black or khaki.

Look out for my next ‘Birthday Buys’ blog coming soon!

Dress – BooHoo.com
Earrings – Primark
Boots – Primark