New Years Eve

January 7, 2016 | blueskygirlie

What did you get up to on New Years Eve?

We were lucky enough to be invited to two parties and split our time between family and friends and of course I took the opportunity to get dressed up!

What I wore –

I wanted a formal look that was a bit quirky and definitely sexy so went for a mix of underwear as outerwear and vintage! The skirt is an amazing vintage Frank Usher layered chiffon maxi skirt with a wired hem that makes it ‘swoosh’ out. Being vintage its fixed waistband was a tight fit on me even though the label said 14 – thats one of the things I hate about vintage…vain I know! But it certainly is a fabulous skirt. I teamed it with a black lace body with 3/4 length sleeves from the Secret Possessions range at Primark and a black satin underwear underneath.

Hair and make-up –

With it being NYE I went for a full face of make-up with Barry M smoky grey Dazzle Dust eyeshadow, highlighted with an amazing L’Oreal holographic silver shadow, black liquid eye liner and a wine coloured lip.

My hair was freshly washed in L’Oreal Paris Elvive Nutri-Gloss Crystal Sparkling Shampoo and conditioner (which gives a lovely shine) then dried while it was up in a loose bun to create full beachy waves. I pinned a few sections away from my face and finished with Ellnet hair spray.

Accessories –

As I was wearing such a dramatic skirt I went quite light on accessories wearing a pair of drop diamante earings and a novelty bag both from New Look. This chocolate bar clutch makes me smile whenever I use it!

And that was my New Years Eve look for 2015! I had a absolutely fabulous night and felt like a gothic princess which in my opinion, is not a bad thing to feel like! I hope you had fun too whatever you were doing.

Lace Body – Primark

Satin body (underwear) – Very.co.uk

Maxi skirt – Frank Usher (vintage)

Earrings – New Look

Clutch bag – New Look

The thing I fell in love with this week…

November 14, 2015 | blueskygirlie

YD at Primark glitter skate shoes – £1 (from £6.00)

Anyone who knows me, knows I love a bit of sparkle and I also love a bargain…well in these shoes I have both!

Part of the kids range at Primark, these beauties are currently in the sale along with a pink version. They go up to a size 6 (EUR 39) too. Mermaid shoes? Definitely a must have for me!

What bargains have you bought lately that you’ve just loved?

Autumn Uniform

November 11, 2015November 17, 2015 | blueskygirlie

In todays blog I show you my forth and final ‘uniform’ to make dressing easy this autumn…

Todays uniform – dress, tights and boots

What you need in your wardrobe –

Winter dress (or add a polo neck under a shift dress)
Opaque tights
Ankle boots

This is really the easiest combination of all the autumn uniforms…just pick a winter dress you love and add thick tights and boots! I’ve gone for this one from Primark – I really love how easy it is to wear – its made from a stretchy material and has white collar and cuff detail. For sizing I have gone for a 12 (its available in sizes 8-20) and costs £14.00.
The dress itself is red and navy and works well with black accessories although you could easily use navy tights or if you want a quirky look, red boots would look amazing!
Keep the look dressy with ankle boots instead of knee length boots. Make sure you show off those legs! If the weather is cold, layer a slim fitting t-shirt (or thermal top if you feel the cold like I do!) underneath or add a light-weight cardigan. My tights are also Primark – 100 denier and cost £2.50 a pack. They are fantastic quality and I’d definitely recommend them. They are quite big though – I bought the size small and could still pull them up to bust level!

As it’s daytime, neutral make up and wavy hair complete the look. I created volume in my hair using some Batiste dry shampoo which I find is perfect for encouraging beachy waves and a full look without having to wash your hair every day.

I think I’ve found my new favourite dress and its a bargain one!

Find my blogs on creating uniforms 1, 2 and 3 here, here and here. I hope you’ve enjoyed my blogs on creating easy to put together outfits this Autumn and have mixed up a few ideas into your own outfits. PS THEY WORK FOR WINTER TOO!!!

Dress : Primark
Tights : Primark
Boots : Marks & Spencer

Back to the 90’s

October 6, 2015October 6, 2015 | blueskygirlie

A little while ago I blogged about wearing pink (find it here), well I’m at it again while we have some suprisingly warm weather for Autumn here in the UK.

Last time I styled it subtly, to try and make it age appropriate (I’m 42!) but today my look is more a laid back homage to the 90’s – an era that is very much mine. In fact all day I couldn’t help but feel like a modern day Brenda from my 90s obsession, Beverley Hills 90210!

I’m wearing a new style of jeans for me…’mom fit’. Ok stop sniggering – its a high waisted and generous cut designed to be belted in at the waist…and I hate to admit it, but its super easy and comfortable to wear. Its not the most flattering fit as it does highlight any roundness of the tummy but all in all I think its a cute look. This ripped style pair are from Primark priced at £12 available in sizes 6-20.

I am wearing another Primark buy on top – a pink lace tee which I’ve tucked in to make the look a bit more streamlined and put a white vest underneath. A simple thick white belt completes the look. The ‘back to the 90’s’ look is everywhere at the moment – type 90’s into ASOS and look how much stuff comes up!

On my feet I’ve gone old school! I’ll tell you a secret, these are in fact my first ever pair of Vans! At 42 I’ve finally moved away from my usual Converse and gone for a pretty mid pink colour as my first pair. They are so comfortable and chunky and I can now see why people love them.

So will you embrace the 90s vibe? And what about pink…? Fashion is like a fantastic box of chocolates – have fun picking from all those different tastes.

T-shirt – Primark

Vest – Bonmarche*

Belt – New Look

Jeans – Primark

Shoes – Vans

The thing I fell in love with this week

September 26, 2015September 27, 2015 | blueskygirlie

Primark Home ‘hello’ metal sign : £2.00

This is from their retro college range which I’ve loved since I saw some via the press show images… source

I love a flash of orange and this super sweet sign was impossible to resist! It is now part of my kitchen décor, greeting guests as they walk in…

Look out for my blog next Saturday on what else I’ve fallen in love with.

On Wednesdays we wear pink!

September 2, 2015September 2, 2015 | blueskygirlie

Ok, Mean Girls is a fantastic movie but as you become more *ahem* mature, how easy is it to wear pink?

I would say that I’m not a particularly ‘girlie’ girl but I do like wearing a bit of pink in moderation. Lets be honest, it is the most feminine colour and its always nice as a woman to feel pretty – that doesnt stop when you’re over 40. Actually, the need to feel pretty is probably even stronger (thanks magazine photoshopping/the worlds love of youth/women becoming invisible after a certain age etc) One of the ways I ‘do’ pink is by wearing the colour in a less girlie way such as the pink jeans I have on today.

I have styled these pink jeans from F&F at Tesco with a cute cropped boxy top from Primark and some pretty flats from New Looks teen range 915. These rolled up jeans are so versatile and easy to wear and for sizing I am wearing a 12 but they are available in sizes 8-20. Being petite I have just rolled them up at bit more than they were when I bought them.

The cropped top is pretty with its print but not overpowering but I have kept jewellery to a minimum with just a couple of bracelets and a simple chain necklace.

A skinny white belt and white caged shoes complete the look and keep this pink look from feeling too Barbie.
So, what do you think – love it or hate it? Whatever your age and regardless of what day of the week it is – are you ready to wear pink?

Top – Primark

Necklace – Primark

Jeans – F&F

Belt – Primark

Bracelets – Dorothy Perkins

Shoes – 915 at New Look

Shoe shopping

August 12, 2015 | blueskygirlie

So, I’ve been doing a bit of shoe shopping…in fact I’ve bough six pairs this month! However being the bargain hunter I am they’ve all been in the summer sales in total I’ve only spent about £50. Cost per wear thats a bargain!!!

Want to know what I’ve bought and where?

Primark sandals – pink/navy £3 (was £6), aqua £3 (was £8), white platforms £5 (was £10). All instore at Primark. You can never have too many sandals and I love them to match my outfits.

F&F girls patent t-bar shoes (available in sizes 1-6) £5.50 (from £15). Available instore at Tescos or online here. Super cute and will be great for Autumn too to wear with opaque tights and dresses.

Baby pink Vans – £36 (from £60) these were from Littlewoods Direct and are now very low on stock but can be found at many Vans stockists. These are my first ever pair of Vans! Very comfortable and they are definitely drawing me away from my huge collection of Converse!

Peacocks red flats – £4 (from £10). I’ve been looking for some red shoes for a while and these cuties will look great with denim and for £4? I couldn’t say no!

Do you love a bit of shoe shopping too? Its even better if they are a bargain! Happy shopping in the summer sales!

Totally Tropical Taste

July 7, 2015August 5, 2015 | blueskygirlie

I’m partial to a jumpsuit. I blogged about styling a more formal one here recently and have quite a few in my wardrobe.

Today I’m wearing a rather bold one from Primark. This is the kind of piece you can only get away with on a sunny day. But hey, its summer and its fantastic to be able to wear bright colours and bold prints.

For sizing I’m wearing a 10 but like most Primark clothes they are available in size 6-20. The print is strong but the background of navy blue keeps it from looking too bright.

I’ve teamed it with a vintage green leather belt and wedge sandals for a bit of height. I find a jumpsuit or playsuit always looks better when worn with a heel, even a low one. (I hate high heels!)


As ever this jumpsuit was far too long on me so I have shortened it and added another press stud to the cross over front where it gaped on my shorter frame. Ah the joys of being 5’2″!!!

As an extra bit of co-ordination I’ve added these palm leaf earrings from Primark. They are available instore now reduced to just 50p and perfect for hot summer days!

All I need now is a Pina Colada and a hammock and I’ll be sorted! Are you embracing jumpsuits this summer?

Jumpsuit – Primark

Earrings – Primark

Belt – vintage

Sandals – New Look

Coat of Dreams

May 19, 2015August 5, 2015 | blueskygirlie

The other day I bought probably one of my most favourite things ever from Primark. A baby blue and grey bonded trench coat made from a scuba type material. It is just perfect and I adore it!

I am wearing it today with a very simple outfit as when something is this nice you want it to stand out. Simple grey t-shirt, skinny blue jeans and grey pumps – all from Primark too! Elegant yet still fashionable – perfect for a 42 year old that still wants to embrace the wonder that is fashion. For sizing I am wearing a size 10 (EUR 36/38).

Little details like the roll up sleeves make it great for warmer months – lets be honest, in the UK you still need a light coat most days. The scuba material is soft and light and definitely can be worn most of the year. It has a double breasted press stud fastening and traditional trench coat styling of epaulettes, rain guard and gun flap.

Oversized vintage sunglasses and wavy hair add to the slightly retro look….

These skater style shoes are only £4 in store now at Primark which is amazing value. You’ve got to love a bit of extra co-ordination, it can make all the difference. If you’re quick you may find the coat as well, although I found it in the sale section.

So it appears Joseph wasn’t the only person with a dream coat! Thanks Primark for dressing me beautifully today – I seriously never want to take this coat off.

Coat – Primark

T-shirt – Primark

Jeans – Primark

Shoes – Primark

Sunglasses – vintage