You Can Never Get a Cup of Tea Large Enough

White Shirt - Primark // Plaid Print Dress - DIY - Made by me // White Cut-out Oxfords - New Look // Golden Chain - H&M // Rings - Various Sets - H&M

I picked up this fabric a while ago from my favourite EVER shop! I found it in the vintage section for about £9 and at first intended to make a pinafore dress but I left it a little too long and the trend kinda blew over before I got round to so much as making my pattern! So I made this instead. Its the first dress I've ever made which actually fits properly, I'm like a giddy little kid when I wear it... I made this! Woo!

I'm halfway through making myself a red velvet swing dress so watch this space!

Ria <3

Golden Days // Haul

Okay, it's probably come apparent to you guys that my shopping addiction has taken a slight turn in the direction of accessories - in particular jewellery. A week and a large chunk of cash later and the collection is building nicely... all I'm craving now is a chunky silver chain and a few cute bracelets. 

Here's the latest haul from H&M.

Set of Silver and Gold Rings - £4.99

Tight Link Chain - £3.99

Floral Bracelet - £5.99

Chunky Link Ring - £3.99

&

Rose Vine Ring - £3.99

Chunky Charm Bracelet - £5.99

I love my new collection! Something I didn't realise until now - the floral ring and bracelet match really well! I can't wait to get layering them up, look out for them in future outfit posts!

Ria <3

Bones 'N Beads

White Shirt - Primark // Denim Skater Skirt - boohoo.com // Spotty Tights - H&M // White Cut-out Oxfords - New Look // Lace Headscarf - Vintage // Cross Design Bib Necklace - Cat Called Esteban Vintage 

On wednesday night I had the pleasure of attending the Rianna Phillips' AW13 press event held at 2202NQ, and had the opportunity to view all the awesome designs plus feast my eyes on her amazing mood boards! The venue is a rad basement with the most urban feel to it where for this week only you can find 'A Cat Called Esteban Vintage'. 

A Cat Called Esteban are an online vintage store with the most amazing collection of vibrant wind breakers and 80's shoulder pads! I picked up this necklace for only £18. I fell in love at first sight! The unique rose gold colour of the chain means it differs hugely from most of the brassy golds on the market atm and the bone effect enamel just gives the design a kind of cutesy gothic feel. (Cute and Goth? Really?...) I've been on a mission to build on my jewellery collection this month so doubly pleased with the buy!

Why not get online and check out A Cat Called Esteban for some super buys?! They even offer a 10% discount if you like their page! What's been your best vintage buy? Link me up in the comments box below - I'd love to check them all out!

Ria <3

Sunday Brunch

White shirt - Primark // Velvet leggings - H&M // Suede Mary Jane's - New Look // Swan chain - Accessorize // Gold ring - H&M

I am so completely, hopelessly in love with my new shoes! If you've left the house in the last two weeks you'll have seen the leather look Mary Jane's that have been on sale in Primark. I've been after a pair for the last fortnight or so but to my anguish Manchester's store has only had sizes 7 & 8 in - who knows why! But I found these little beauties, which I actually prefer to the Primark alternative, in New Look for just £12. 

I haven't shopped in New Look for a good couple of years out of the opinion that their clothing became quite cheap looking but just recently I'm rekindling the old relationship! I've still not fully come round to their clothing range but their shoes and jewellery is awesome!

(I'm actually waiting for a small parcel to arrive... shhh!)

Ria <3

Country Girl.

Pink shirt - Primark // Plaid skirt - DIY - Made by me // Gold chain - Vintage // Tan leather belt - H&M // Vintage style cocktail ring - Missguided.co.uk // Grey socks - H&M // Tan boots - Topshop

So... back to Uni and back to normality in the daily routine and I have to admit I'm loving it! Though I'm thinking I probably should have chosen a different course three year ago! Instead of doing the work I was supposed to be doing this morning, I decided instead to make this skirt, so I guess a fashion design course might have been more fitting. I am looking forward to getting started with this year though, it's the first year I've actually picked my modules and I'm so excited to begin, as nerdy as that sounds!

I completely hate my hair in these photos, I'm sure it didn't look as bad in reality but hey! It's done now... I do love the outfit though. It reminds me of Belle from Beauty and the Beast at the start of the film slightly, I'm not entirely sure why! I'm so not used to wearing a long skirt, kinda feel like I belong in the 40's waiting for my soldier hubby to get home...

Ria <3

Love me do.

Fluffy sweater - Primark // Lilac skirt - DIY, handmade // Floral suspender tights - boohoo.com // Black brogues - Topshop // Headband - New Look // Swallow chain - DIY // Bracelet - Pandora // Feather ring - Topshop

I made this skirt at the start of summer and it was so easy to do, there are tutorials all over the internet but some complicate the process massively! Here's how I make mine...

1. Fold the fabric in half, then half again.
2. In the centre of the fabric mark out the waist line;
                    You can find this by measuring round your waist then dividing by pi.
                    Add 1.5 inches to the end calculation so the skirt will fit over your hips
3. Mark out the bottom hem line.
                    I usually measure about eighteen inch from the waist though you can make it as short or as long                     as you like!
4. Cut out the pattern.
5. Sew around the bottom hem to give a neat finish.
6. Cut a piece of elastic to the exact measurement of your waist and sew into the waist of the skirt.

VOILA! Now wear it with pride! It is in my opinion that everyone should learn to sew. Its honestly so rewarding and not at all as hard as it seems. My sewing machine was a birthday gift from my grandparents which, like the spoilt kid I am, I got two months early. I've only actually been sewing for about three months and I can knock up one of these beauties in about 20 minutes! I'm currently on with a few other DIY projects so watch this space!

Ria <3

You make me Sea Sick.

Jumper - Primark // Shirt - H&M // Trousers - H&M // Shoes - New Look // Cross chain - Missguided.co.uk // Gold chain - Vintage // Watch - Vintage

I took my extensions out, what do you think?! I personally hate my hair short but I think short hair looks so much cooler than long locks! I seriously wish I could rock a bob but my moon face wont allow it. Sucks to be me. I always feel far more feminism with a long mane even if it is all faked... oops! 

I seriously underestimated the Manchester sun this morning, although with winter coming I guess it's good to know how unbelievably comfy this sweater is. It was such a bargain too at £8. They do the same style in a whole range of colours and I'm considering picking up a baby blue one too. The texture adds to a simple outfit to make it something special with so much ease.

H&M has such a gorgeous range in at the moment, they have seriously outdone themselves this season. These pants fit beautifully and are so comfortable, I usually hate wearing trousers because I feel so constricted and stuffy. I've never been so in love with a pair of pants!

Ria <3

Winter Blush.

Jumper - Topshop // Pink shirt - Primark // Disco pants - boohoo.com // Gold chain - Vintage // Pearl chain - DIY (from multilayer necklace) - New Look // Pink cameo chain - Accessorize // Brogues - Clarks

I've had this jumper years and I love it so much. Recently its kinda turned into a lounging sweater but I adore how sweet it looks over a shirt. Another thing I love about it is its a UK size 14 which means I can tuck my knees up inside it and snuggle up on cold nights. An amazing investment!

I bought my brogues when my boyfriend and I visited his family in Chichester this summer. I found them in the kids section which should tell me something about my taste but they're just so cute. I particularly love the pink ribbon laces which I think work so well with this seasons romantic twist on styles.

Ria <3

Tartan Tart.

Black Shirt - Vintage // Tartan skirt - Vintage // Black knee highs - American Apparel // Creepers - H&M // Gold chain - Vintage // Belt - H&M

Bit of a vintage thing going on here... I bought both this skirt and the shirt off ebay a while back and I'v never thought to team them up before but I absolutely love this outfit! The shirt especially, its so pretty, the buttons are gorgeous on it! When the skirt came it was such an awkward length so I had to take it up which has kinda messed with the pleats in it a little. Its a shame but I can iron them in, they just aren't permanent like they were before.

The necklace is another of my nana's little gifts to me. I honestly have the most fun raiding her jewellery boxes and rooting through her old clothes. She has stacks of jewellery boxes just piled up above her clothing rails in the wardrobe - I dont think she's even touched any of it in years! So its nice that I can wear it all and enjoy it.

If you like check out my lookbook.nu profile and show your support!

Ria <3

Suede and Pearls for all the Girls!

Black crop tee - Topshop // Pink suede skirt - H&M // Heart print tights - New Look // Black glitter socks - ASDA/Wallmart // Brogues - Clarks // Fur coat - Vintage - Armstrong's Emporium // Lace headscarf - Vintage // Pearl chain - DIY from multilayer chain - New Look // Gold chain - Vintage // Pink cameo chain - Accessorize // Pearl earrings - Vintage // Black leather watch - Vintage - Pierre Cardin.

I LOVE MY COAT!

I celebrated my 21st birthday last Thursday and to celebrate my boyfriend treated me to a weekend away in Edinburgh. It's the first time I'v ever visited Scotland (not including T in the Park festival), and I was shocked by how beautiful the whole city was! The sheer amount of green country space is staggering and the History of the city was amazing. We found the coolest vintage store called Armstrong's Emporium and my man treated me to my coat. It's by far my favourite item of clothing. The fur is so incredibly soft considering it's circa 1950. I've been looking for a nice fur coat for ages now but this one definitely excels all my expectations. Its breathtaking. I recommend every person on this planet travels to Scotland, simply to experience Armstrong's, honestly, its amazing.

The skirt is also new and its so cute! I love the colour which is the palest of pinks, almost beige, which is huge this season. I can definitely see it becoming a wardrobe staple. It was a little pricey but the fit is wonderful, I think it was worth it.

I mentioned in my previous post the new found obsession I have developed with head scarves. It's beginning to get out of control...

Ria <3