Dress up June

June 11, 2015August 5, 2015 | blueskygirlie

This June my friend and colleague, Kate Beavis from Kate Beavis Vintage (formally Your Vintage Life) and the Vintage Wedding Fair encouraged people to dig out their dressier items (vintage or not) and dress up for June. She had discovered a ton of vintage clothes she’d had stored away and was determined to make good use of them from now on.

I love dressing up so joining in was a no-brainer for me! This was one of my outfit choices…

The dress is a textured, fitted print dress from Dorothy Perkins. For sizing I am wearing a 10 but DP dresses are all available in size 8-22. This dress has a nice stretch to it so is tight on the top and flares out prom skirt style at the waist creating a very feminine shape.
Accessories were a gold structured necklace and simple gold toe quilted pumps in a nude colour. When wearing a pattern I think its important to not add too much extra pattern or colour as it can look busy.

As the weathers still a bit temperamental in the UK I added a white cropped denim jacket bought from M&Co. last summer for going out. Again, for sizing its a size 10 but M&Co. jackets are available in sizes 10-20.

My hair was just tied up into a loose bun and I was make-up free. Hey, I work from home – I dont wear make-up every day!This month tag your looks using the hashtag #dressupjune and search the hashtag via Instagram and Twitter to get inspiration on other peoples outfits. I’ll be adding more ‘outfit of the day’s as the month goes on. Have fun with it and remember a beautiful dress (or blouse, or jacket, or necklace) is for life, not just for Christmas!!!

Jacket – M&Co.

Dress – Dorothy Perkins

Necklace – Store Twenty One

Shoes – Peacocks

M&Co. Blogger Style Challenge: Beach Break

May 27, 2015May 27, 2015 | blueskygirlie

M&Co. have just launched their new summer catalogue and I’m already starting to plan my summer wardrobe. As you might remember I’m a big fan of M&Co. and blogged my top buys for spring 2015 here and now I’m ready to do the same for summer! I’ve already been through the new catalogue and created a wish list of summer buys for myself…

…so when M&Co asked me to pick my favourite items from the new range and create a great fashion look for under £100 for either a beach or city break I was super excited. I do love a city break but with the sun shining and the heat rising, I’m dreaming of lazy beach days and hot summer nights. So here is my ultimate look for feeling stylish, cool and fashionable this summer during a beach break…

Petite floral print multi-way maxi dress – £29

Why it HAS to be in my suitcase this summer: I’m 5’2″ and adore wearing dresses so finding a dress in the right proportions is very important to me. I love the flattering shape of this petite range dress, plus the removable multi-way straps makes it really versatile. Straps marks? Not for me this year! The bold print is fun and summery but not too busy if you’re curvy like me. A dress you will wear again and again.

buy it here

Trilby straw hat – £10

Why it HAS to be in my suitcase this summer: A sun hat is an essential for keeping cool in the midday sun (and avoiding sunstroke etc) and a trilby shape is fashionable with that edge of cool. Styling wise a hat adds an edge to any outfit and this one could be worn with jeans and a t-shirt as much as it can a dress.

buy it here

Set of four bangles – £8

Why it HAS to be in my suitcase this summer: Adding a small amount of jewellery can make all the difference when you are styling an outfit. Bangles are great in summer, you can wear as many as you want and gold works perfectly with a tan.

buy it here

Gold oversized sunglasses – £14

Why it HAS to be in my suitcase this summer: Oversized sunglasses just ooze glamour and the gold again accentuates a tan and look great with anything. Plus if you don’t want to wear make-up every day they can hide weary looking eyes from the night before!

buy it here

Leopard Print Halterneck High Waist Bikini Set – £28

Why it HAS to be in my suitcase this summer: Firstly a beach holiday is not a beach holiday without some glamorous swimwear! Many of us can feel a bit insecure in swimwear so a great fitting suit will make you feel your very best. This 1950’s inspired one is underwired giving great support with a retro halterneck tie fastening and the high waisted bikini briefs with side ruching are so flattering particularly if you are like me and like to cover your tummy. Glamorous, flattering and will contour my curves – I call that perfect!

buy it here

And this is everything together…what do you think? I love a relaxed yet stylish summer look and I think this is a perfect beach holiday choice for me. And to top it off, it all came in at just £89 leaving me enough money left over for some suncream too! See you by the pool….

What’s your beach holiday essentials? Find the rest of the range at www.mandco.com or pop into a store near you.

M&Co. rainbow print blouse

April 23, 2015August 5, 2015 | blueskygirlie

I’ve been blogging about my favourite pieces from the M&Co. summer 2015 range and today is the turn of their rainbow print blouse priced at £29.

I LOVE this top! The print is perfect, it has a cute slip underneath and is light and floaty. It is cut to be slightly longer at the back and has button details at the sleeves. I am wearing a size 10 and I’d say its average sizing.

I’ve made a slight change to the fit of this blouse as it had a small stitch at the bust line holding the front more tightly together. Being a bit busty, this wasnt flattering on me so I undid it so the top wraps accross my front (and ample bosom) freely.

I am wearing it with a simple gold necklace, skinny jeans and yellow wedge shoes. Perfect for the sunny, yet not hot yet weather. I just know this blouse is going to become one of my favourites, after all who doesnt love a rainbow?