Wednesday Wants: Graduation

Hello! I'm back and what a better day to come back to than a Wednesday and my Wednesday want post! Sincerely apologise for the absence again but now everything is settled with my family  after two shock hospital check ins, I am back to blogging.

This Wednesday I am wanting... a Graduation outfit! Next week I will be receiving my certificate for my 2:1 in my degree and I am doing some mad, last minute shopping for a suitable outfit. For some reason I am finding it hard. I want something smart yet comfortable, that isn't going to be too cold for this time of the year but fashionable (I did do a fashion course so got to live up to expectations.) Its got to be able to go underneath my graduation gown and I have got to be able to totter across the stage. I am not tooo bad in walking in heels but am insistent I wear them as flats make me look young, small and casual. I am going to be going for a nice meal afterwards so have put these ideas together for some inspiration. Thoughts? Anyone else graduating this time of year or got any tips on what they wore to theirs?

Katie xx

Graduation Look 3 by katie-constable featuring closed toe wedges

Sunday Summary: Spending splurges #6

Hello everyone, how are you all coping with the winter weather? All I have seen the last week or two is rain, rain and more rain! Given me lots of chances to write some blog posts though. What have you all been doing?

This is another addition to my spending splurges series backtracked from some birthday spending. Once again, I took to Missguided. Updating their New In section at least every week I am constantly hooked by their fresh designs, multiple colour waves in my favourite styles and the affordable price tags.

So, what have I brought?

The first is this 'Trudy Peplum Cross Dress' which I had on my 'want list' since their AW press day that I helped out with. I had been thinking about investing in a new LBD and this one ticked all the boxes as well as a little bit of glamour  Great silhouette, on trend peplum, sheer sleeve and glitter crosses - check, check, check and check! I haven't had chance to wear it out yet but I think it is going to be fab for Christmas and New year.

Trudy peplum Cross dress £29.99

Next on my order was this Susann double cross vest. If you haven't noticed, I am loving the cross trend. I should stop, like really. I need to learn to not get so obsessed with a trend but I just can't help it, I am sold! I have heard a few people think its weird for people to wear religious symbols when they aren't really religious but personally I think that is a very weak argument. Symbols are not so black and white as they used to be and carries less meaning, it is a fashion statement not a political or religious message. I hope this doesn't offend anyone as truth is I am vaguely religious myself so am not meaning to be rude, I just mean that people shouldn't take the whole cross or symbol thing so literally.  ANYWAY, this was  brought on a bit of a whim and I was contemplating returning it but I actually really like the khaki colour, it seems such a wearable colour for winter.

My necklace is from Outfit (I think Missselfridge) and my studded ballerinas are from Next which are my pride an joy! I had been hunting for some for ages and finally found these. Mainly velvet they are actually pretty sturdy for Ballerinas and I feel they completely lift any outfit. They are hurting at the moment as I think they need some wearing in but I am so pleased as I live in ballerinas. I wore this outfit to watch Michael Mcintyre at the NIA in Birmingham which was a birthday present from my boyfriend. I was debating what to wear - whether to go dressed up or casual but decided to lean more towards casual due to having to walk to the place and sitting down for the whole show. What do you think?

Necklace: Outfit, Top: Missguided, Jeans: Next Shoes: Next

Who else has been shopping recently? Share the crime with those who understand ;)

Katie xx

Beauty Favourite Fridays

I decided to pull together some favourites, new and old after rummaging through my cupboards the other day.

1. The first is the Rapid dry for nails from Elegant Touch. Always being in a rush, this helps dry my nails instantly. It really does what it says on the tin give or take a few seconds. I forgot how much I love this until the other morning when I spontaneously decided to change my nail colour before heading to work. The only down side to this is it leaves a greasy finish but this simply can be washed off by washing your hands. It quotes it has Vitamin E in it which I can only guess is an added bonus. I brought this a while ago but I am sure it can be found in any local Superdrug or Boots.

2. Simple exfoliating facial wipes. I brought these from Superdrug on offer at £3. I wanted to try something different to my usual brand and I am glad I did. At first they felt a bit rough and a lot dryer to other wipes I have used. I wasn't sure if it was even getting off my make up! I actually prefer the dryer wipes as some wipes just make me feel greasy and soaked through. I know a lot of people say wipes are bad for your skin as they dry it out but I think they are always handy to have as its better to take off your make up than to leave it on. I get such bad skin if I forget to take my make up off. The wipes are quite rough like I said but this is obviously for the exfoliating and it really feels like your skin is getting a good clean. I have noticed my skin to be so much softer and now I rarely forget to take off my make up because I am looking forward to using these wipes and seeing some positive results.

3.Benefit BAD gal Lash. This is a small tester one I got from Cosmopolitans Benefit gifting they did a few months back but I have a full size one I have had for a while. This one however is the perfect size for my handbag or for packing for nights away. The brush is quite dry which I like and you feel the suction as you pull it out the tube. I never find it has any mascara dripping and its the best mascara I have found that helps your lashes seem larger without sticking together or feeling too heavy. You can buy this from Boots for £16.50 which is slightly more expensive than your typical Rimmel or Max factor but is definitely worth the investment.

4. Adore Eay de Toilette from Next. Working at Next more since finishing University I am finding myself trying out all their perfumes. I brought this one which isn't a huge seller but when I encourage  people to try it they love it. A lot of customers describe it to be very light. Its flowery but isn't over whelming and apparently has 'golden amber accords' which I think helps balance it out from being too floral. This size is 30ml at £6.50 but it also comes in 100ml for £10. Perfect price and perfect size for your handbag. I am wearing this every day at the moment and saving my more expensive ones for special ocassions. A lot of people love Next perfumes for their price tag and often claim they smell so similar to many branded bottles. I had one customer the other day who told me she is allergic to all branded ones and Next perfumes are the only ones that don't irritate her! Must be something good inside them. Diamond, Pink and Gold seem to be huge favourites. Out of the three I would recommend Diamond and Gold. Diamond smells similar to Dior Cherie yet only comes in at about £6 a bottle. 

I would encourage anyone to go and part your cash with these, if you do let me know how you get on :)

Katie xxxx

Wednesday Wants

Hello and welcome to the debut of my Wednesday Wants posts. As I mentioned in my previous post I know a lot of people do wishlists on a Wednesday due to the irresistible alliteration opportunity but I am jumping on the bandwagon. I feel this sort of posts really fits in with my blog (hence name and tagline) so I hope you aren't sighing too much and enjoy what I pick. I am going to look into developing this more but for now...

These winter days and heavy rain is getting me all excited for winter. I am not a fan of my hair going all frizzy and the switch between the cold and then the heat in the shops where you get all stressed having to unlayer yourself, but this year for some reason that isn't my first thoughts. I am embracing the frosty weather with images of cuddling up with hot chocolate, movies and celebrating Christmas and New Year (gulp, I said it!)

So, in good fashionata fashion I start shopping for my AW wardrobe. Chunky nits, winter coats and evening outfits in deep shades. I love this Topshop parker but it's pricey for my budget but hopefully this chunky knit Next jumper will keep me snuggly without being itchy. I love these purple and plum shades at the moment and well my cross obsession returns with these leggins to break up some dull outfits. Thoughts?

How you all planning to keep warm? Any new purchases or bringing out old items?

Katie xxx

Wishlist by katie-constable featuring peplum tops

Spending splurges: #4 Jewellery special

Yes, I am still rattling through some recent spending splurges despite currently being on a lock down. To be honest something quite miraculous has happened which makes the post just a tad more interesting. I have spent a hefty amount of my recent wages on jewellery. Yes I said it, jewellery. I am serious. For all those of you are a bit confused by this statement, staring at the screen doing an unimpressed 'yer and?' sort of look -this is big news. Let me explain.

I may have mentioned this before but I normally avoid parting with my cash on accessories due to the cost. I love necklaces, rings mostly and bracelets. I AM a magpie to all things shiny and sparkly but I just find the cost of it unjustifiable. I am a clothes junkie and would much rather that £15 go towards a new top than a sparkly chain or similar. Fact is I am being completely ignorant to fashion. We all know accessories can transform an outfit and this is a big lesson I have learnt recently. And I've gone crazy. Ok, so a little confession, all these purchases have been influenced by red sale stickers helping ease the pain but nevertheless, I have invested and my accessory hooks are bulging by the day. So take a look and let me know what you think. You may notice a few from my previous posts but I have put them all together to highlight my spending splurge. I am officially over the jewellery virgin label. Someone pass me a gold medal!

Dorothy Perkins - £1

Miss Selfridge/ Outfit

Outfit

Topshop

Dolly Bow Bow

Topshop

MissSelfridge/Outfit set of 4

Dorothy Perkins/ Outfit - set of  4

Topshop (this one tarnished after a couple of wears)

Next

River Island £5

  Dolly Bow Bow, Next.

I am really getting into the 'cross' trend and have about 3 cross rings in total now. I have been wearing the Outfit multi cross chain quite a lot, I love the turquoise and white crosses that have been added to the typical gold chain and the funnel shape is really flattering on plain tops. My biggest disappointment was the layered wire Topshop ring. Ok, so its a cheapy but I was still shocked with it tarnishing after just a few wears.  I think I can just about get away with wearing it and maybe flog it as a new jewellery colour? 

Whats your favourite from my collection? Any jewellery magpies out there?

Katie xxx

Spending splurges III

After reading Emmerliejays post on her new Topshop ankle boots and spotting a few people in London, I have been toying friviously with the idea of purchasing a pair of ankle boots. I loved the edgy look they were giving peoples outfits, it instantly attracting my grungy side. The cheaper alternative Emmerliejay came up with (here) which really fitted the bill for my tight budget type of spending, so I decided to do a bit more research into my upcoming investment.

I decided to play around with some outfit ideas which you will find in my post here to really make sure this wasn't going to be another pair left in the back of the cupboard. I have only ever had one pair of boots I have loved. My military, or JLS boots (nickname created from many HILARIOUS unfashionably educated men, cough - bitter? no.) from River Island have literally seen better days after the fit felt like Cinderellas glittery slipper. The look was also perfect for rocking up some of my looks and of course they were ideal for saving my tiny toes from the winter cold. (However, it must me noted there was NO grip on the sole which didn't save my humiliation on a few slips and slides.)

But I took the plunge and went straight in and brought the Topshop alternatives Emmerliejay recommended. I really did love these and with a cheeky bit of student discount they really are a steal. I decided to keep in the bag for a few days however in case I found something else I liked after looking online. I cant really explain it more than a fashion sixth sense and it obviously meant something as I came across these and just fell in love. PERFECTION.

These are from Next at £65. They are a little more pricey but with my discount only came more expensive to the Topshop pair by £5. The heel is a little higher and combined with the cut around the ankle makes my legs look a lot slimmer, or so I feel. The studs and the silver plating on the ankle make them a bit more unique and as I always say....will  help 'rock up' my outfits a bit. I love them, litterally LOVE, I am so happy I waited out. They are actually pretty much identical to Emmerliejays Amelie Topshop boots apart from a slightly higher heel ( I think). I didn't really realise untill I wrote up this post so I hope she doesn't mind - I obviously just loved the ones she chose! A happy shopper indeed :)

K xx

Outfit post: Let the sun shine

It was sunny this morning when I got up so I thought I'd embrace the sunshine in attempt to keep it around. I am quite looking forward to winter to be honest after spotting all the new season stock in shops but today, I felt celebrating the last of the sunshine. Excuse the bathroom backdrop, this isn't my attempt at a location shoot I promise, my photographer just wasn't around today. It's pretty hard to do a full shot by yourself especially when I am without a tripod so I hope this still gives the idea. (Yes, you guessed it, my tripod is on my 'I need' list) These shorts are so comfy I love wearing them and I felt the longer sleeves on this top prevented me from the 'beach look' as well as keeping me a tad warmer. I matched it with my grey ballerina pumps but I think if the weather had been just a tad warmer I could have got away with my tan wedges or greek style sandals.  Has anyone else been in denial of the winter weather?

Katie xx

Top, Next. Necklace, Asos. Shorts Missselfridge.

How to wear ankle boots

I thought I would try a styling post in between my forever on going 'Spending Splurges' posts. I always have a lot more courage when I am at home on my laptop to try different styles and mixing them together. I find I notice new styles too online instead of heading straight to the obvious pieces that I do in the shops. Now, I am not claiming anything CRAZY or EXCENTRIC here just some outfits that maybe I wouldn't always pick up on a normal shopping trip. I decided to focus on ankle boots after deliberating for a while to invest in some. I had been doing a lot of research online and had been trying to think what I could wear them with and then thought - hey! This would make a worth while post! What do you think? Are you falling for the new ankle boot craze?

As much as I love these Jeffery Campbells, I think they will sadly be on my 'I want' list for a long time to come. These office ankle boots however are definitely going to make their way into my wardrobe. £70 seems like a lot to me as a I rarely spend over £40 quid on clothes unless its extra special but actually for real leather winter boots I can't complain!

Much love. Katie xx

How to wear ankle boots - day time rock by katie-constable featuring a rucksack bag

Spending splurges part II

Welcome to part 2 of my spending splurges. Hope you have all been indulging in the name of fashion just like me! After all, you only live one ;)

Stripe dress – I went on the hunt for a stripe dress after seeing a few people sporting the nautical theme teamed with denim jackets. The outfit was simple yet looked really trendy and cool. Wow does that not sounds half like something you’d mother say? Anyway, I nabbed this one from H &M for about £14.99 I think. It wasn’t the blue and white I’d hoped for but I think the black will actually work better for winter.I would quite like to team it with some black heeled ankle boots and a black denim or leather jacket. (P.S please excuse the horrid hair and cringey poses!)

Dress H & M, £14.99

Converse – YAYYY! Converse! Blast to the past these coming back into fashion. I still have my berry high tops from my skater days but decided to invest in some black low tops for comfort and wearability. I already have some blue vans but really needed something black to go with everything in between which is a little bit more edgier than my ballet pumps. I find Converse pretty expensive so it took me a while to convince myself to buy them but now I have, I am happy J With a cheeky 10% off it made my purchase even more justifiable and they are just soooo comfy and easy to wear.

Converse, Schuh, £43 original selling price.

Ochre Blazer – I had seen this at work and weirdly was drawn to the colour. Its not something I would normally go for but after my friend at work teamed it as an outfit with a black and white blouse it grew on me. Unfortunately, I didn’t think it was quite good enough quality for the original price of £32. Once I saw it in the sale at Next however – bingo! £16? All mine please J I think this is a good way to brighten up monochrome outfits subtly. It can be quite versatile really, dressing an outfit up or down. For me, it is perfect for all the interviews I hope to intend striking a good balance between smart and casual. The drape lepels would work better with a tighter fitting outfit but here it is with my black and white dress.

Jacket Next £16, Dress H & M, Converse, Schuh £43

Robot necklace – I love quirky necklaces and thought this was so cute! I have a robot jumper from Topshop that would go with this to set off the robot love theme to its full potential. At £5 I was SO chuffed! Normally cute necklaces like this come with a hefty price tag that I can’t justify paying so I made sure I didn’t miss out on this bargain.

River Island, £5

I also added these rings to the outfit. The cross and the far left ring was part of a five pack from Outfit which I got in the sale for £3!. The xo ring is a Picasso Tiffany ring brought as a present.

What do you think? Has anyone been moving items from their 'I want' list to their 'I need'?

K xx

Spending Splurges part I

So over the last month or two I frivously dug into my purse and let loose on the high street. Yes, I went a bit YOLO and here is part one of my spending splurges.

Yellow shoes – I always love getting heels in the sale, seems so much more worthwhile of a spend and these add nicely to my collection of brightly suede shoes for just £15! I have got a few pairs from the Next sale now - both the pink and lilac shoes in this picture actually, all proudly lined up on my display unit in my room. I highly recommend the Next sale (I swear I am not being biased working there) everything is 50% or less and you can always guarantee there will be something you will like. Just make sure you get there nice and early to avoid disappointment. Doors normally open at 5am....no joke.

These rings were also victims to my shopaholic behaviour. The knuckle ring was purchased from Dolly Bow Bow after I fell in love with the brand during my work experience at B Public Relations. Selling vintage inspired jewellery and accessories this certain piece is similar to the YSL knuckle ring. The other - a set of two rings was picked up from the Next sale for about £3 - bargain! I love jewellery sales :)

Dolly Bow Bow knuckle ring £12 Next £3

 Topshop shorts – I went through a bit of a pastel phase and was on the search for a pastel skater skirt for when it was hot. However, when I saw these two shorts in the Topshop sale I thought they were just as good, if not better! Shorts are always have a big thumbs from me as the tend to be a lot more comfier as you don’t have to worry about exposing your undies on the tube or in the wind. The shorts didn’t fit as well as I had hoped, they sit a little high waisted which normally would be ok but they then ride a little high which makes me feel a bit self conscious. I think if i'm honest, I wish I had tried them on but they were too good of a bargain and I’m too lazy to take them back. I’ll just have to loose a bit of weight to make them fit better ;)

Aztec net top: New Look, £6 Shorts,Topshop £10

Top Missguided £22.99 Shorts Topshop £15

Aztec top – I Brought this top in the New Look sale, as soon as I saw it I thought it would go nicely with the lilac shorts. That’s all I have for this bargain story - quick and easy does it.

Blasia Sequin collar vest blouse – As a sucker for PR my internship at B public relations lead to an detrimental shopping spree at Missguided. As you know, I already loved the brand but spending so much time among the rails meant my fingers were itching to get onto the website even more than usual. I love chiffon blouses as you can dress them up or down and they strike a good balance between girly and sophisticated. I chose this one to add a bit more colour and sparkle to my wardrobe. I have worn it down with jeans and intend to wear it with one of the pastel shorts when the sun creeps out.

What do you think to my recent buys? Has anyone else been spending the pennies? New purchases always give me a new sense of inspiration and that little bubble of happiness. Dangerous, but so worth it.

K xx

Spending splurges

I've caved! I have spent again! My 'YOLO' attitude has returned. Booking a holiday and working extra hours to pay for it as a bad combination. New summer lines are tempting me for my week in the sun and with the quiet bank holiday I am spending my shift at Next looking at what I can buy or persuading myself that with my discount, every item being 'a need' and a bargain.

The first of my purchases was not actually from Next but with Boots next door I am constantly popping in. I never normally spend much on make up or jewellery, I always want to buy tons of jewellery to update my outfits and splash out on some expensive, quality make up but I just can't ever justify the cost when I could get a new outfit instead.

However, with my holiday coming up and cringing over last years photos where my exposed skin attempted to gain some rays I decided I needed to invest in a holiday foundation. I don't really like the idea of wearing foundation on holiday, I laugh at the vanity of those people who feel they need to wear it. I personally think its a good break for my skin and i'm only going to sweat it off anyway. ( Heat and I have constant issues) Despite this I am turning, I hold my hands up, I wanna look good! I still don't want to be seen to be wearing heaps of foundation but having something to skim over my imperfections might make me feel happier about my holiday snaps. I wanted something light, that offered protection but gave me some coverage.

Playsuit: Next, £26, Wedges: Next, £45, Foundation: No 7 Beautiful Skin BB Cream £12.95

Asking the cashier at boots she gave me what seemed a great yet honest recommendation saying she uses No 7 and that a lot of their foundations are light and have UVB protection. She also pointed out I had just been given a £5 off No 7 voucher making my purchase even more justifiable. In the end I went for No 7 Beautiful Skin. I am incredibly pale so went with the fair tone and suffer from dry skin so chose the Normal/Dry. It has a 5 star rating from UVA, is hyper-allergenic and has a protection of 15 SPF. My full review will come after my holiday when I have tested it out to it's full capability. Watch this space!

I then nabbed these wedges from Next for £45 (less with my discount) and this playsuit for £26. I love walking in wedges, I feel so much more confident and at ease. My work mate said she has some and they are the comfiest shoes she owns, again, another reason to spend the pennies. I think they will be perfect with a lot of my summer dresses with their natural tone and hessian heel.

I then couldn't resit the colouring for this playsuit. I noticed a lot of my outfits for holiday were block colour so was on the browse for bright and printed clothing. I am into orange tones right now but think this will work even back for the slightly colder British summers as well as being really comfy.

Anyone else been spending their pennies?

K xxx

London Girl

Yesterday I took a special trip to London. I don't like to jinx things so didn't mention it but I had an interview. The interview was for an internship with PR agency Boudoir Pr. Based in Soho, the company was established in 2003 and is a full service agency that look after fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands as well as restaurants, retail e-commerce and much more.

They have such a young, fresh vibe representing brands such as Nail Rock, Missguided and Lipsy and have worked with celebrities such as Paloma Faith and Pixie Lott in their Celebrity endorsements. I was so excited yet so nervous as the company seemed a perfect fit for me in kick starting my career.

I am so glad to say after a short interview I was contacted no less that 30 minutes later to say I had it! There will be more interns hired and at the time being I have agreed to a month. Due to the internship not being paid I have a lot of research to do into my finances as I am keen to stay on as long as possible.

I wanted to look professional yet stylish for the meeting. The couple of interviews I have had for internships never last long but I intend to make a good impression. I mixed black smart jeans with this Aztec top and picked out the light pink in the top by teaming it with this casual dusty pink blazer. I then added my link chain from French Connection and my hot pink heels from Next to make the outfit more dressy. I curled my hair as I feel it adds more shape around my face and kept the rest of my jewllery simple with my Chamilia charm bracelet and Tiffany Picasso ring; both gifts from my lovely boyfriend. I painted my nails a deep red to contrast to the pink. What do you think?

Pink Blazer River Island £35
Aztec top River Island (not sure on price but about £18?)
Chain necklace French Connection @ Asos Sale £18
Black skinny jeans Next £24
Hot Pink peep toe heels Next sale £15

Afterwards I met up with my friend Lucy who is currently on placement in the design department of John Lewis. I am so happy for her: she has a few designs coming in to the shops in the children's department! *Big Clap* We spent the rest of the evening at Strada on Baker Street and then went to a bar after for drinks. It was such a lovely summer evening giving me a real taste of life in the big city!

Oooohhh! I cannot forget to mention I am CONVINCED Chris O'dowd (Bridesmaids and IT Crowd) came and sat next to me on the bench outside the building of my interview. After watching Bridesmaids I kind of gained a huge obsession with him and his Irish accent so was too paralysed with nerves to confirm it was him but honestly, I am 80% sure it was!

Hope you are all well. Does anyone else have any fashion career news?

Much love, K xx

Short weather

Hello lovely people,

I know I am not off to a good start but truth be had it the relaxing vision I had of finishing Uni isn't as going as planned. Don't get me wrong, I'm making some time for the beautiful sun we have been having but I have also been a good girl applying for work experience and jobs as well as working back at Next as much as I can.

However, I have been getting inspired with Polyvore! Check my mood boards out here and let me know your thoughts.

I have just booked a holiday to Turkey today too! I am so excited to be sipping cocktails on the beach and of course, splurging out on a new summer wardrobe. I have been going quite crazy over shorts at the moment! Whether it is for the summer sun or for nights out I can't get enough. There are some wicked styles out at the moment, New Look being a great high street store for prints.

I picked up these four beauties over the last month.

I have been dying for a pair of high waisted shorts for a while and I managed to pick these up in the River Island sale for just £15! I couldn't believe it and the fit is perfect too. I splashed out on these Topshop denim and crochet hot pants too (£34) which I have been teaming with my light blue vans. They are quite short shorts but they will be great for holiday and look cool with tights when its a bit chilly here in the UK.

These red shorts are from New Look. At just £9.99 I could not say no and the bright red is so fun I think you can dress them up or down for a statement look.

Finally my Missguided stripe hot pants. I was a bit disappointed with the quality of these as they were a bit thin and see through. However, at just £12.99 I don't think I can complain and I had quite a few compliments on them so in all, I am happy. Teamed with black wedges, a black leotard and hot pink nails I felt quite rock n roll in them! They might even be turning out to be my favourite!

I think it is safe to say I am sorted for shorts this summer, I just need the bikini body now! What have you guys been purchasing for your summer wardrobe? Any spending splurges you care to share?


K xx