Wearing it All a bit more...

With renewed vigour I am tackling my Wearing it All challenge.

No. 43
Stripes never fail to make me smile. I tend to reach for this shirt if I have a meeting but it also looks fab with wide leg jeans. Today I'm sporting my latest purchase from Cherry & Joy - a stud bangle in sapphire. It is also available in dark coral (which may very well feature on World of Joy sometime soon...). 

No. 44
I woke up this morning and my view had been stolen by mist. I was able to wear two of my remaining items, a cardigan and a floral shirt. I'm told that the day will warm up, but until it does the cardigan stays on. It was freezing taking the second pic, but then I guess I'll just have to get used to that!

Here is a peak at what remains in my wardrobe challenge...

There is also a black shirt dress remaining. I need a slip to wear underneath it, which should be delivered next week, this piece will be a doddle to wear but the other dresses are going to pose more of a problem in that they are all summery. I should have worn them at the beginning of the challenge but I'm not organised enough to plan so far ahead. I'll have to view it as a good excercise in transitional dressing.

How do you tackle the change from Summer to Autumn?

Don't forget to enter my Birthday Giveaway, there are some really lovely bits and bobs up for grabs.
Love

Birthday Giveaway

For me September 27th seems to be a day when good things happen. On this day in 1986 I was a bridesmaid, for the first time, for my favouritest Aunt in the world EVER. 1998 was the year I left home. My cats, Socks and Tink, where born in 2007 and last year I published my very first post on this blog. Happy Birthday to me!

To celebrate the first year of World of Joy I'm having a Giveaway!

• 1 Nivea Hand Balm SOS for dry and chapped hands (50ml). Perfect for the colder months.
• 1 A7 notebook. A handbag essential.
• 1 pack of 12 snag ease, metal free, hairbands
• 1 Avon MagiX Face Perfector. This is my 'soft focus', I wouldn't be without this now.
• 1 Nivea Creme tin (12ml)
• 1 Green & Blacks Organic Dark chocolate 100g - another essential that no woman should be without!
• 1 Avon Super Magnify Mascara. I've mentioned this a few times, the slim applicator is perfect for lower lashes or a groomed barely there look.
• 1 Nails Inc nail polish in Saville Row, a lovely glossy plum colour - perfect for the coming season.
• 1 Avon Matte Nail enamel in Black as Night because sometimes only black will do.
• 1 Alberto VO5 Miracle Concentrate, intensive leave-in hair treatment. I tried this after a review by Lauren. Wowee indeed!!
• 1 Collection 2000 Cream Puff Moisturising Lip Balm in Fairy Cake (it certainly smells good enough to eat!), this is another purchase inspired by Lauren.
• 1 Accessorize studded cuff. An absolutely bargain and super stylish, I love mine - it is always invited to the arm party.
• 1 Stolen Thunder Red Love wish string. Gotta spread the love ♥

All items are chosen and paid for by me.

The rules...

For one entry
Become (if you aren't already) a follower of my blog through GFC and leave a comment saying that you would like to enter.

For a second entry
Follow me on Twitter (@very_hazel) and tweet 
‘I have entered the @very_hazel birthday giveaway at World of Joy'. Please add a link to the post and leave a separate comment saying you have tweeted.

The giveaway closes at 23:59 BST on 10th October 2011.

The giveaway is open to the UK only.

I will pick the winner via random.org on 11th October 2011.

Good Luck!

MIA... WIA

Last night I took some time to try and get Wearing It All back on track and discovered that I am actually only a few outfits away from completion. Time to get it done.

No. 39
I wore this shirt last week with wide leg jeans and gorgeous platform boots from Stylist Pick and a fav pendant from Cherry and Joy. I like it. It stays.

No. 40 - Sequin Wednesday
After some umming and ahhing I decided that I liked this t-shirt only to discover three irreparable  hole sin the back *rolls eyes and adds to the 'no' pile*. The cardigan is going too, it leaves fluff on everything and drives me crackers. Shame.

No. 41 - Yesterday (left)
You've seen everything here but the jumper which is relatively new, however it has shrunk a little so its days maybe numbered...

No. 42 - Today (right)
This dress is more of a beach cover up really. I'm not sure I'm feeling this look but hey...

#yesterdaywasagoodday
I had two parcels delivered. One from Very.co.uk, the other from Zara - hey, I never said that I wouldn't be shopping during my challenge!

I left a built-in wardrobe with three huge mirrored doors at my old house (as you can see, I don't even have doors!) so I have no full length mirror. Recently my camera has become into my looking glass (seriously) so I can share my purchases. What do you think?

Jeans and skirt and bag (not pictured) from Zara, boots Very. The jeans are long - really long - so I'll have to wear platform heels with them... I'm sure I can manage that. I may need to add a pair or two to my collection... I'm sure I can manage that too! The skirt would look much better with a fitted top so expect a post soon!

Remaining in the WIA challenge...
3 tops, 1 cardigan, 1 sweater, 4 dresses. Watch this space.

Love

Monday Inspiration - Maggie Gyllenhaal

I shrieked with delight when I saw the chosen outfit for Inspiration Monday this week! Not only is it a fab outfit but I also have a bit of a style crush on Maggie Gyllenhaal.

It has highlighted the fact that my wardrobe seriously lacks a black blazer (a search is currently underway) so I had to make do with this cardigan, but I was pleased with the overall look.

It was the first outing for my new clutch bag (as featured on Sugar & Spice, within moments of seeing it it was placed firmly on my birthday wish list. I. Love. It) and one of my new Stolen Thunder necklaces.

I've read a lot about Stolen Thunder on various blogs and admired their range of handmade jewellery, especially the love heart necklaces. So, when I saw an offer for £10 off any £25 order I was there like a shot (never one to miss out on a good offer). The offer code didn't work for me so I abandoned my order with the intention of trying again later. In the meantime Alice, from Stolen Thunder, emailed me to say she'd noticed the code didn't work and had fixed the problem. How's that for excellent customer service? I'm v. impressed indeed. Huge gold stars for Stolen Thunder.

 Love

Everybody, Everywear : Coloured Pants

Today I'm wearing my beloved coral coloured jeans from the very first day of WIA for the Everybody, Everywear : Coloured Pants challenge.

During the summer months I teamed them with neutrals and sandals but as the weather turns cooler I'm going to need to re-think. Today I went for layering and brogues. A simple white vest top with a long sleeved t-shirt over the top was just the ticket.

You may be wondering what happened to the WIA challenge, it has waned somewhat. Work and other commitments have been keeping me busy, I have little time to take daily outfit photos and tend to grab the first outfit that comes to hand in the mornings... I'm not going to add to my load by beating myself up about slacking on my challenge. Life is busy and something had to give.

That said, the challenge is still there, lurking, in the back of my mind. I will complete the challenge and share the results with you. It'll just later than I expected.

Until next time...

Slipper Shoes. I'm in love...

Sam Edelman Adena Stud Detail Satin Slipper

Source: ASOS

Slip-on styling, all-over studded embellishment, satin-touch upper, cut away detailing to the side, rounded toes, slim, flat soles with a stacked heel and a branded lining with curved stitch detailing... need I say more?

Love

WIA drawing to a close...

So, I'm nearing the end of this challenge, just a few more pieces remain before I say 'The End' and haul the 'no' pile to the nearest charity shop.

Day 35 - The top that makes everyone wonder...
I love this top, it's from the La Redoute spring/summer 2011 collection. I like the 3/4 length sleeves, the material and the fit. It's flared shape raises eyebrows. I have recently moved house, to a larger house with OH, and now people are putting 2 + 2 together and making babies! Add to that the fact that I have taken to driving everywhere (due to our recent relocation) and people are expecting an announcement. They maybe waiting a while… Me? I just like the top :)

Day 36 - Gotta new bag!
My lovely best friend Boo gave me this bag for my Birthday. So, an understated mix of t-shirt, jeans and ballet pumps let the bag do the talking. It has pom-poms - what more could I need?

Love

Stock Loss Control vs Customer Service

When it comes to customer service I have come to expect only the bare minimum from the UK high street. Recently though I experienced a new low.

I was in a store that I regularly go to, it's a great place for a good rummage through the rails and I've found some superb bargains there in the past.  I went into the fitting rooms with five items, which were taken from me, separated, had their sleeves/legs 'frisked' and the security tags checked, which is all pretty standard stuff.

 

However the problem occurred when I went to leave, I handed back the items that I didn't want to the associate - just as I would in any other store. As I tried to leave the associate barked that she needed to check the items I wanted to purchase. I asked why, the reply was discourteous - she had to check items on the way in and on the way out, it was company policy. Dumbfounded I handed over my items to be 'frisked' once again.

The lady waiting to go into the fitting room looked as shocked as I was feeling. Not only was the associate unnecessarily rude but I found the checking of my items as I left the fitting room rather insulting. I was being treated with suspicion.

The more I thought about this the more incensed I became. I was a potential customer NOT a potential shoplifter. In actual fact I was a REGULAR customer. Not anymore. I dumped my chosen items on the nearest shelf and left the store.

I appreciate that stock loss through theft is a problem for retailers but this, for me, was a step too far.

How do you feel about the customer service you receive? Do you think that this store is going too far in it's security measures? I'd love to know...

WIA catch up...

Hello! I have to confess that I've missed a few days in my challenge, I've grabbed the first thing to hand in the morning - a hectic workload is the culprit. Note to self - must give up work.

Day 29
I had to grab a pair of trousers from the mend pile. I have been so unorganised with washing, ironing and any sort of outfit planning (which is now required due to my clothing options getting smaller by the day). Anyway no one appeared to notice the split in the seam by my ankle. I'm not sure I'll keep these, they're just a bit... awkward.

Day 30
Love this skirt and the t-shirt is a wardrobe staple so both are staying.

Day 31 - Lunch with Mother
The maxi dress was dragged from the mend pile too but the cardigan covered the hole! I often dismiss this cardigan but I'll be keeping it with a promise to wear it more.

Day 32 - What was I thinking?
I hate this outfit. The dress is about four inches shorter than when I first bought it. It has shrunk even though I followed the washing instructions. I've only worn it a few times #fail. The cardigan has magical shrinking sleeves that get shorter throughout the day and it bobbles like you would not believe. Bin and bin.

Day 33 - A surprising combo
Given the choice I wouldn't normally put these two items together but I think it works. I love this skirt, it's a great length and has plenty of room without being billowy. I especially like the studs on the waistband and the pockets. Keep x 2.

Day 34 - A dramatic change in the weather...
In stark contrast to yesterday I am wearing a long sleeve t-shirt, long cardigan and a scarf. Typical August weather! I like this outfit - it's very 'me'. You may notice that I am wearing jeans? I have worn all of my jeans, trousers, skirts and shorts so I can now 're-wear' them for my challenge - I mean I can't wander around in my pants!

So we're up to date, almost... if only work didn't take up so much time *sigh*.

What are you up to this weekend? Any exciting plans? I think I will turn my hand to tiling...

Love

August Scavenger Hunt

I confess most of these were taken at the very last minute... August has gone by in a blur of long working days and busy weekends. However, I do feel a little smug at having three pics already from September's list (now watch me take no more until I panic on September 29th...)

a fountain 
(pen)

a boat 

(in soap)

 (my) mountain (of ironing)

street food

a picnic

market day

bread

something bizarre

a big yellow bus, tucked off a road, with a wooden front door, well off the beaten track, miles from any bus route...

fabric

something ancient
'as old as time itself'
(okay, so I am clutching at straws here!)

A sport and a festival or funfair simply didn't present themselves... I failed :(

Love