Countdown...

I can't believe there's only 2 days left of 2013.

Christmas has flown by, I've definitely made the most of my time off work with lazy mornings, cocktail parties and evenings at the pub. The only thing left between now and my return to work is New Years Eve.

This year I'm heading to Bristol for a long overdue catch up with my friends from uni. The only thing I need to do now is decide on an outfit. Easier said than done, but if you're struggling I've thrown together a bit of inspo to get you ringing in the new year in style.

Sale Edit.

When I was growing up I'd always spend my boxing day at the local shopping centre, fighting through rails upon rails of clothes on the hunt for the best bargains.

I've now got to the point where I'd much rather spend the day with family, food and a glass of champers. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean I don't check out the sales online from the comfort of the sofa.

After spending a few hours browsing I've put together a little short list of my best finds...

1. ASOS dress from £45 - £31.50

2. &OtherStories shirt from £65 - £33

3. Mango sunglasses from £24.99 - £11.99

4. River Island jumper from £35 - £15

5. Mango coat from £149.99 - £69.99

6. Topshop skirt from £32 - £15

7. Zara coat from £149 - £99.99

8. ASOS boots from £55 - £33

Insta Lately

Judging by my instagram pictures the past couple of weeks have consisted of tasty food and fancy drinks with good friends.

From work's Christmas 'do at Mr Cooper's House and Garden, to reindeer hats given to us by a bonkers taxi driver - it's definitely been festive.

P.S. The noodle bowl and chopsticks were a secret Santa pressie off my housemate - if you're struggling for a last minute present this Christmas then I'd definitely recommend one of these! I was certainly very pleased with it. 

Driving Home for Christmas.

Yesterday my Christmas holidays officially began as it was my last day at work until 2014.

At 5.30pm I switched on my out of office, left my very messy desk and headed to Oddest bar for a meal, pub quiz and the exchanging of presents with my housemates - our attempt at 'secret Santa' was a complete fail as we'd already figured out who had who and our joint effort in the pub quiz was also just as feeble, coming 8th and winning an old Swordfish DVD was as good as it got.

I plan to spend the holidays catching up with friends, eating copious amounts of food and cosying up in the evenings with a glass of wine and a good film.

Who doesn't love Christmas?!

Blog Lovin'

Another Monday over.

I finish work for Christmas in 2 days time and I am unbelievably excited. 

For the first time ever I actually think my brother is more organised than me in the present department(?!).

Usually I'm the one doing the Christmas shopping and he just chips in at the last minute, but this year he's got it done and dusted before I've even begun!

I've got Thursday and Friday booked off work, so I'm going to head into Manchester for some serious shopping.

Anyway, back to business...

I thought I'd do a post on my favourite bloggers.

They're the sites I check on the daily, if I'm having an outfit crisis I can always rely on their seemingly effortless outfits to give me a bit of inspo. Their wardrobes are enough to turn me green with envy, and I think you will understand why...

Angelica Blick

A 22 year old living in Stockholm who updates her blog as often as I check it...

Fashion Me Now

I think that London based, Lucy Williams, is my ultimate style crush. She gets it right every time and seems to love the colour grey almost as much as I do...

PS

Pandora Sykes is a freelance journalist meaning that her blog is not only a treat for the eyes but is also an enjoyable read.

Tuva Malmo

Is it just me or are the Swedish all incredibly well dressed?! Her blog is the perfect mix of fashion and lifestyle.

India Rose

An ability to dress up loungewear like no other.

Gifts for him...

Brothers, boyfriends, cousins...

Whoever you've got to buy for this Christmas take some inspiration from my pit-stop gift guide.

Clockwise: Drinking Games - Urban Outfitters, HipFlask - ASOS, Neville - ASOS, Scarf - Topman, Shoes - H&M, Watch - ASOS, Camera - Sprocket

Stocking fillers.

Christmas - the time of year when I realise how bad I really am at buying presents.
For an individual who's so good at shopping for themself, I'm always amazed at how indecisive I become when the time comes to buy for someone else.
So, this year I've decided to plan ahead. Rather than heading to the shops without an inkling of what to buy I've come up with a few ideas of presents for sisters, friends, and maybe even one or two for yourself... 

Clockwise: Bralet - Topshop, Rings - H&M, Cardigan - Forever21, IT - ASOS, Listography - Urban Outfitters, Bag - H&M, Hat - Forever21, Lipstick - Mac 

Recent wardrobe additions.

Thought I'd do a quick post on some recent purchases...

I'm known amongst my friends as a serious bargain hunter so the other weekend when I was back at my parents house I took a trip to Matalan to see what I could find. They had some really nice black chunky wedges but unfortunately the only pair left was size 7 so they didn't quite fit my size 5 feet! Luckily I came across this black bag (top left), I've been after a new bag for a while now so I couldn't resist it for just £15.

The boots are Topshop, I've had my eye on them for a while after seeing Eleanor Calder in them and when I spotted them with 20% off I finally ordered them. They only arrived on Saturday so I've not taken them for a test drive yet but I've got a feeling I'm going to be getting a lot of wear out of them!

The furry coat is the softest item of clothing I've ever laid my hands upon. I wore it on Saturday to meet some friends and they couldn't keep their hands off me. 

I got it whilst I was in New York from Forever21 and I absolutely love it, warm but stylish - the perfect combo.

Finally, the patterned dress is from Urban Outfitters. It's the perfect style to wear day or night and I love the 60s feel it's got to it. 

I managed to get it with 20% off thanks to some festive offers so I didn't feel quite so guilty for spending money that I should probably use for Christmas presents...

Does anyone else find it impossible to go more than two weeks without buying something new?!

Wishlist...

L-R Clockwise: Trousers - Zara, Jumpsuit - Missguided, Coat - ASOS, Bag - ASOS, Boots - Boohoo, Jumper - Boohoo

Blonde Ambition.

Hair.

Mine has been long and blonde for as long as I can remember and despite always threatening to get it cut into a bob I've never quite plucked up the courage.

Short hair has always been tempting - easier to manage and quicker to dry which means an extra 20 minutes sleep every morning but despite the benefits I don't think I ever could.

The most experimental I've been at the hairdressers is a few highlights here and there but I've recently had an urge to go a blonder, bleach blonde.

Ever since reading December's Elle Magazine with the goddess-like Candice Swanepoel on the front I've been considering going for the bleach effect which has only lead to endless hours being spent lusting over various shades of blonde hair.

I think a trip to the hairdressers is in order... 

Sources: Wildfox, Pinterest