I Sold my Soul to the Open Road

Sweater - Vintage // Studded belt - H&M // Tights - Marks & Spenser // Mock crock cut-out boots - missguided.co.uk // Cross chain - Topshop // Gold Watch - Pulsar - Vintage // Gold chain (as bracelet) // Black ring - New Look // Gold set of rings - H&M

Giving my brand new boots a tour of Manchester today! I am still cooing over them, they are so comfortable too which I didn't expect. True love! <3

This sweater was one of my friends mums when she was younger, it was passed on to my friend then given to me. I'v had it for about four years now and I love it. The slouchy, oversized knit design is amazingly cool. I can chuck it on with just about anything for an effortlessly chic look. Today I went for the whole boho chic look, what do you think?

Ria <3

Schoolastic!

Sweater - All Saints // Little black dress! - H&M // Tights - Marks & Spenser // Knee highs - All Saints // Suede Mary Jane's - New Look // Swallow chain - DIY - New Look // Silver layering rings - H&M

Okay, so I was a little silly with this look but I can't help it, I felt like a little kid in my uniform! 

I stole this sweater from my boyfriend a couple of months back and it's my new go-to cover up. It's the perfect amount of 'too big' and looks so cool with a pair of skinnies and some flats. 

Last night me and my boyfriend went to watch 'Filth' and let me tell you... it's no cutesy tale! I won't ruin it for you but be warned, do not try and watch it hungover. I won't pretend to be the smartest of the pack but even clean headed I had no idea what was going on for the majority of the film! All in all though it is worth watching, be prepared for a mammoth sized twist!

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

Golden Eagle.

Glitter tee - ADSA / Wallmart // Velvet pants - Topshop // Buckle shoes - New Look // Rings set - H&M // Eagle necklace - H&M

I got these trousers around Christmas time last year and was so happy to learn they work perfectly with this seasons trends! The photographs don't show it off as perfectly as I'd like but although the colour seems kind of brownish here, they are a deep, rich burgundy shade. 

This tee was a STEAL! I spotted it in ASDA a couple of months back on my weekly shop for just £8! I love a good bargain!

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

Gypsy Princess.

Chiffon shirt - H&M // High-waist pants - Topshop // Leopard print pumps - H&M // Headscarf - Vintage // Pearl chain and Gold chain - DIY from multilayer chain - New Look // Gold and Enamel cuff - Market stall!

So I've kinda been MIA for the past month or so but I have complete good reason! My boyfriend and I moved into our new flat at the beginning of the month and its been so hectic, but we're all settled in now so I'm back for good! 

This is just a real simple look for a lazy day in the flat. I used my curling irons for the first time in forever here and I just love my hair. Although I was going for a tighter curl the looser result looked so effortless and a little more messy and uncontrollable. I also recently developed an overbearing addiction to head scarves which makes doing my hair in the morning so much more fun. I try them all on then realise none of them match and they all get put away again. It's a little heartbreaking but their time will come!

Ria <3

Romance is Dead

Tee - BAUM UND PFERGARTEN // Leggings - H&M // Creepers - H&M // Cross Chain - Topshop // Gold Chain - Vintage // White Ring - New Look // Gold Stone Ring - Missguided // Leather Jacket - Motel

This top was a present from my boyfriends Grandma when we visited the family down south last week, and I adore it. It's so well made and absolutely, breathtakingly beautiful. When you look at it closely there's a million and one tiny details that have gone into it to form all the different textures, it really is stunning. When I purchase a decent camera I will have to upload a close up. I fell in love with it straight away when I saw it. It was bought from a small boutique (I forget the name...) in Chichester town centre, which sold the most amazing designer gear. I can't wait to get myself back there soon, hopefully with a fistful of cash next time!

I'v had these leggings years and I'v worn them so much, they are beyond comfy! I keep waiting for the day that they'll go out of fashion and be sent to the back of my wardrobe but it just won't come! I'm chuffed to say the least... They are the perfect pant for next season too, velvet fits right in with the luxe gothic trend and the rebellious take on style that will be huge for AW13. Definitely a wardrobe staple!

If you like this look you can hype it at lookbook.nu

Ria <3

Note: Pictures have been altered. (I really hated the old ones and so decided to rephotograph the outfit!)