"IT'S FUNNY HOW I FIND MYSELF IN LOVE WITH YOU".

Listening to: It's My Life- No Doubt.

It feels like I haven't blogged in AGES! I'm sorry but my life mostly exists with work, work, a bit of sleeping and more work. Apart from last Sunday.

Sunday was both Chris dad and my oldest friend April birthday. Yes I went out for two tasty meals plus cake (following my pizza breakfast), with lots of laughing and just an amazing time. Although it was a bit of a rush getting from one to the other- it turned out for the best. I didn't get that really unhappy feeling when you've had a nice day and its not quite over but all the fun has ended- because I obviously went to two (spoilt!). I LOVE Chris family and (although I'm not 100% sure) they like me too, and Aprils family is almost like my second family- her mum even keeps emergency meals in the freezer for me :) Plus me April and her siblings argue and play fight and annoy and laugh like family :)

Other than that I spent some much needed time with Chris and a little DIY project.

Meet the Jodie version of a floral crown :)

I adore bloggers such as Megan (from The Briar Rose) and Amy (from The Little Magpie) and they make me wish I could get away with amazing flower full crowns in my hair. The amazing 'Whole Lotta Rosie' crown from Crown and glory is unbelievable, as is the 'Beatrice' crown from Rock 'n' Rose, or the super cute woodland inspired 'Woodland Copse: A Butterfly Crown' crown from Crown and Glory.

But (although they look amazing) it's not quite me. But I wanted a crown- so I made my own Green crown.

I bought all oh my supplies either from Hobby Craft (my favourite shop in the entire universe), or had in my craft crate.
1) I marked where I wanted the crown to end above my ears with a eyeliner (so I could easily rub it off).
2) and cut out a piece of felt to the length I anted between the two eyeliner marks and washed off the marks.
3) Then I rounded the edges.

4) It was a lot easier to cut one end than used it a guide for the other side (as I am awful at getting things even otherwise)
5) I wanted to attach the leaves to the length of felt as it was a little easier, and to avoid any of the edges rubbing onto my head.
6) and here are some of the leaves etc I used.
7) My first attempt at attaching the leaves was to use glue but it took far too long to dry for the end result so was abandoned (I just wanted to show you that we all do make mistakes)
8) Working from the outer edge I attached leaves on the top half of the felt...
9)... working my way in.

10) About 2 inches from the centre I attached the felt to the metal crown stitching round the un-leaved felt to the leaved felt (like a sausage roll) leaving the un-leaved section free.
11) and attached the rest of the leaves to the felt on both edges so it really filled out the crown.
12) and its complete.

What do you guys think? All I can say is I am not making another for a LONG time and have the utmost respect for every tine who does- it was so fiddly and hard!

Jodie x

"OH, I'M JUST A GIRL, TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT ME".

Listening to: Just A Girl- No Doubt.

Today I finally got to see Chris! I haven't seen him since Sunday afternoon and after falling asleep straight after work (both guilty there), being called into work on my day off again (me) and a million other reasons it was nice to finally see him and have a massive catch up and gossip and general couple conversations. After buying him a new pair of work trousers (as he has started a new job) I finally bought a tripod. Now I feel like a proper fashion blogger. Yippee!! (Again what does everyone think of the photos and do you have any suggestions to improve them?)

These photos were taken after taking my boyfriend to work and getting stuck in traffic. This is the 'dog walker entrance' to the Town Park and just out of sight from the road- which was a very good thing as a man on a bike drove past me 3 times (and although I am now sure was just curious) freaked me out causing me to run with everything just bundled in my arms back to my car. I then saw 2 other men dressed just like the first ride past and realised it was probably just the uniform from a factory at the industrial estate and felt a little silly.

Dress: Primark & DIY

Socks: Primark

Shoes: Lakeside

Oversize Denim Jacket: Charity Shop

Choker: eBay (similar here)

Gloves: eBay

Spiked Headband: Topshop

Bag: eBay

I LOVE this look! L-O-V-E it! The dress I have had in my wardrobe for about 4 years, it was originally yellow but yellow looks awful on me (I have yellow tinted skin) so I wore it perhaps just once of twice. But the cut of the dress was amazing so naturally I dyed it a nice safe black colour (you can still see the yellow in the stitching but I quite like that so not even going to attempt to dye it). I love the way it flares out and fits perfectly around my chest and waist (whooo). But mostly it makes my chest look amazing!

My denim jacket is here once again but I am still in two minds if I should leave it be or stud the shoulders... I'm so indecisive!

The headband was not a DIY for once (completely shocking my boyfriend) and  was bought with the remainder of a voucher from Topshop. Not only is it simply amazing because of the spikes, but its in a beautiful  pale pink colour. This is the furthest from what I would normally go for (my whole family asked me if I was actually aware it was pink) but that's what attracted me to it. The it is different to what I would normally pick, and I think it looks awesome with my hair.

I'm well aware it is no longer available online and probably not available in most stores but I honestly think it is a wardrobe essential for everyone to own a spiked or studded piece of head ware.

For a difference in the normal black colour (and one that would look amazing in either red hair like me or brunette) you can't say no to this beautiful Gold spiked headband from ASOS (they also have it in black); or this Exaggerated spiked headband from Dixi. Or the Best of the bunch- this amazingly beautiful Floral spiked headband from Creepyyeha (its beautiful- check out her other floral headbands with pink flowers).

Jodie x

"WHEN I FALL IN LOVE, IT WILL BE FOREVER."

Reading: Sense and Sensibility- Jane Austen.

If you haven't already noticed- I love studs! It was only a matter  of time until I studded another jumpers shoulders (as I had done so here). Black is 'my colour' over 3/4 of my wardrobe is black and i feel most comfortable in it, so naturally I choose a black jumper to stud.

1) The jumper I used is from Primark

2) What makes this jumper prefect to stud is the knitted pattern- how it has thicker patches and makes it really easy to stud in a patten.

3) I used these studs from Studs and Punks- some old and some new. the new ones are ever so slightly thicker so a bit harder to bend the prongs (but worth it)

4) One shoulder down...

5) And both together...

6) looks perfect.

Jumper: DIY

Dress: Camden Market

Tights: Primark

Bracelets: Thomas Sabo, Links of London, Topshop and Camden Market

Cat ring: Topshop

Mood ring: Charity Shop

It's first day out was for a coffee up the town centre with my boyfriend. I say a coffee we left my house at 12 noon and didn't return home until gone 9pm! We ended up meeting a couple of friends and a coffee turned into a coffee and a quick pint (or a cup of tea to me) to several cups of tea to dinner at King Du (if you are ever in the Harlow area i strongly recommend you visit them).

This jumper is a little deceiving- although look like all the hole would make it very light and chilly, it is not. It is very very VERY hot to wear (to the point where I have to take it off in my room when the heating is on) and almost like a jacket. I paired it with my lovely pin-up dress which am very happy layered so well so I can continue to wear it throughout the A/W.

Jodie x

P.S. I just started using LookBook (which I can't access on my PC at all so have to access on my iPhone making it a massive pain in the bum), and i am really enjoying it!

"'IT'S NOT EVERYONE,' SAID ELINOR, 'WHO HAS PASSION FOR DEAD LEAVES'.'

Reading: Sense and Sensibility- Jane Austen.

This week I received a remote for my camera and our small garden table (we have a larger table currently wrapped up for winter as you can see in their green covers in the photos)and a handful of pegs (had a nice little balancing act going on) I had a bit of fun taking some photos. After taking 101 photos of Dylan as he wanted to join in but decided his good side is his rear end- I finally managed to get a few of myself.

Jacket: Charity shop

Vest: Primark

Skirt: Boohoo

Tights: Primark

Boots: Not Sure (similar here)

Belt: Topshop

Snood: Primark

Cat ring: Topshop

Studded bracelet: Topshop

Black Bracelet: Thomas Sabo

In case your wondering my favourite is the one with my eyes closed because it clearly shows my unbelievable amount of skill! Second only to the sideways one where I have suddenly completely forgotten about posture.

As you can probably tell from these photos I have been feeling a bit rough this week. Since starting my nursing course I developed this unusual tolerance to illness. Seeing as I spend my days around the sickest of people (which includes a long spell in Intensive Care) I tend not to get ill. I've been the only surviving member of a ward plagued by neurovirus at least 4 times- I only wish I could say the same for my family. Although I don;t tend to suffer from anything I do "bring it home" as a carrier (I am incredibly clean) and for the first 18 months me and Chris were dating he caught literally everything a patient on the ward would have. This changed this week where i have caught what a friend had described as 'the flu'. If that was the flu it was a piece of cake. Apart form a very sore throat and constantly losing my voice- plus constant up and down temperatures. Me and Chris still went to work without complaint.

It was a nice break from feeling rough in my horrid uniform to get dressed up, especially in my lovely wedges. I don't wear them nearly enough- and finally got the chance to wear my galaxy Boohoo skirt (inspired by Molly from She Wore Fashion Out). The skirt looks amazing on and very very comfortable- and obviously very popular as its now sold out! But Boohoo has a very sexy spandex galaxy skirt that I now obviously want, plus this one from Missguided, and every style from this seller on eBay.

Jodie x

"WE'LL LIVE HAPPILY EVER TRAPPED IF YOU JUST SAVE MY LIFE".

Listening to: :earn to Fly- Foo Fighters

It took a while but here is my first outfit photo with my new camera. What do you guys think? I am the first to admit the use of lighting ect needs to be improved (all day it was slightly overcast then all of a sudden bright light!) and it has taken FOREVER to get this done (thank you Chris I promise this will be a rare thing from now on). Things will improve soon, or as soon as I stop taking candid photos of Chris and chasing Dylan around my house with "pretty puppy look this way"- which he didn't feel like doing until I took a photo of Chris.

White shirt: Charity shop

Necklace: ASOS Marketplace (similar here)

T-Shirt: Topman

Suede Style Leggings: Primark

Creepers: Camden (similar here)

Bag: River Island

Rings: Topshop and Charity shop

Over sized Denim Jacket: Charity shop

Bracelets: Thomas Sabo, Links of London, and Topshop

Wow I really need a haircut. Don't get me wrong I am very happy it has grown so long so quickly (its the longest my hair has EVER been) but it desperately needed the drastic cut (drastic for me- a whole 1/4 inch!!) 

This is the outfit I wore yesterday for dinner with my mum, dad and Chris is celebration for Chris getting a new job. It was a great afternoon/ evening full of tasty food (roast for them and a very tasty vegetable tagine for me), talking and laughing.

The best part of this outfit has to  be these suedette leggings (from Primark). They feel very comfortable, fit perfectly (my bum looks great) and I love the cute seam at the front. Also I think they look amazing! The only problem is that I didn't buy the brown pair at the time too. I really really love these but if your not lucky enough to snatch up a pair from Primark, these beauties from ASOS Marketplace, Missguided, and ASOS will channel your inner Pocahontas.

This denim jacket is a mans jacket and when I bought it the woman in the shop seemed a bit annoyed -maybe because it was the only one she put out on the floor (I know for a fact they have several denim jackets out back as I could see them) and was on the model so I had to undress it, but mostly because shes an awful manager and generally couldn't be bothered (shes really awful the stock in the charity shop has gone drastically down hill- men's clothing in the women's section and vise versa, ripped and badly stained clothing all over the place and just generally poor stock). I'm a bit upset that my favourite charity shop has gone so downhill- they  are obviously not making any money anymore and as the manager is so rude I haven't donated there in a while preferring to go else where where I previously shared my donations between all the local charity shops. I'm planning to stud the shoulder in this jacket so watch this space.

I have a MASSIVE pile of stuff in the corner of my room waiting to be DIYed- including a pair off check trousers I need to make into skinny trousers, a jumper to be studded and a floral autumn inspired headband- so I really need to crack on with it.

Jodie x

"THE WAY YOU MOVE SO SCANDALOUS".

Listening to: Scandalous- Alesha Dixon.

As I had mentioned- on Saturday I went to the Look Show in the beautiful setting of the Royal Courts of Justice. Really its was a spectacular setting to have a catwalk show- high ceilings, circular staircases BEAUTIFUL!

I spent the day with my older sister Gemma and it was a blast. A lovely day full of sisterly chatting, mid-show entertainment courtesy of Alesha Dixon (que me and Gemma singing) and an excellent little goody-bag. The down side- we started the day with a glass of wine at 12:30 in All Bar One, then the Champagne and cocktails at the Look Show, plus a glass of wine in the pub and table (as the bartender told us) that Kelly Brook had just left, and meeting the rest of my family for a few more glasses of wine. I STILL feel rough. But it was worth it.

As a warning now- there is going to be a lot of photos and I haven't quite got the hang of using my new camera so they aren't the best, but there are some amazing looks in stores for A/W. The 'looks' as far as I can tell is texture black- faux leather, sequins, velvet and fur, gold everywhere, cigarette style trousers, tartan and doogtooth, oxblood, and faux fur. I love A/W and the catwalk was fantastic.

New Look

New Look for me was ALL about the prints- tartan and that amazing dogtooth scarf. Everything was so casual, layered and wearable. For me New Look had the best casual looks on the high street. A massive part of me wants to buy those tartan creepers, and has the usual A/W colours. New Look looks like the place to go for casual knits to throw over jeans and leggings.

 Uniqlo

Uniglo is a shop I have never shopped in before, and to be honest the website homepage nearly turned me away- but stick it out for this collection. The beautiful camel coat was the best first impression down the runway, and I love the look of the layered flannel shirts, which with the big grunge influence in the S/S we are all likely to have in out wardrobe (or our boyfriends). Great layering.

Next

Next for me has always been a bit well... dull. The sort of things even my mother wouldn't wear. But I have to say I love this collection. The cigarette trousers are looking like the trousers of A/W and Next has some amazing examples, especially the in this seasons colour oxblood. Also I love the cute 60's feel- which after seeing a snippet of 2013 S/S I think is very inspired.

River Island

Every season I have that hard task on the high street weather I prefer Topshop or River Island. This season it is easily River Island! Its a faux leather heaven! Mixing last seasons trends of galaxy and neon but bringing them well up to date. Can somebody please buy me these faux leather trousers? And these oxblood velvet pair? After seeing this collection I want to live in a River Island store, and seriously considering buying a stole to wrap round the collars of all my coats.

Primark

Say what you like about Primark- after working in customer services for 3 years I will always have the utmost respect for the workers and the clothes. Countless times I would see clothing sold in Primark for a couple of pounds being sold for a lot more in Topshop or New look ect. But Primark has clearly upped their game. Galaxy dresses and tops, oxblood a plenty, leather its amazing. Pop into a store and be pleasantly surprised.

Style search
here are the looks from the Look Magazine style search.

Sultana Malik- the lace and oxblood shirt is amazing!

Emma Hill- leather trousers and cobalt  blue top, YES!

Sandra Tang- Beautiful navy dress, lace and a lovely oriental feel. I wish I had a fancy do to go to to wear this dress.

Caroline Burke- I love the colour in this dog tooth jumper, and the green autumn skirt.

Andreea Pancuic- Beautiful Cigarette trousers! Great idea of the gold and the gothic style jumper. A versatile look.

Remi Capone- Very casual, I love the jumper but this is my least favourite look from the style search.

Warehouse

Warehouse is another shop I don't tend to shop in, mostly because its just a little too expensive for me. But the long biker coat is very cool, as are the gold jeans. But in general I'm not that impressed.

M&S

Doogtooth, fur, oxblood AND once again those amazing gold cigarette trousers. Marks has got in going on. I love the use of the umbrella for added style- especially this doogtooth one, and I really REALLY want this wrap!

Mango

The Kate Moss for Mango collection is 10000 times better than her collection for Topshop- all the clothes really feel like Kate had a hand is designing them. Tuxedo jackets, velvet, the whole androgynous vibe- fantastic. I can easily see many pay packets going on this collection. My fav pieces have to be the velvet trousers and jacket.

Boohoo

I loved the look Boohoo has shown- its something about the gold and black I love.

She Likes

Beautiful green dress from She Likes.

Selfish: Forever Unique

Very sports Laux meets rock and roll- the model  practically ran down the catwalk with all the attitude the outfit gave her.

Simply Be

Well done to the stylists for making the one plus size model in the one plus size store look extremely frumpy. The jacket looks like a dressing gown! There is 1000 better looks that can be created with their A/W collection so I urge you not to take this first awful impression and check the site out. Its important to note that she did walk down the catwalk in a lot of the other collections (obviously not all the models walked down every collection) and she looked fantastic!

Very.co.uk

That fur coat! AMAZING!!!

A Wear

Again can someone please buy me a massive fur collar i can attack to all my clothing?

La Redoute

Beautiful and chic look- fantastic tartan look.

Quiz

Very nice dress, not that impressive but you can never go wrong with a navy maxi.

Fashion Union

An outfit with wedge heeled creepers! What is not to love?

The whole show was fantastic! I loved it as did Gemma and I've come back with loads of ideas about my most loved season. My 3 favourite looks have to be from New Look, River Island and Boohoo (my fav online store).

jacket, skirt,  shirt, boots, bag.

I love this Look from New Look. The Tartan skirt is fantastic- and I am in love with the print contrast with he Dogtooth shirt. This is amazing and I can see myself rocking this look (probably with slightly different shoes and jacket) but A great look.

Gloves, gilet, dress, wedges, bag.

 Oh my god what is not to LOVE about this outfit. Please somebody anybody buy me those faux leather fingerless gloves! and the sleeveless jacket. Gah why doesn't money grow on trees!

 Jacket, skirt, boots, top, bag.

Boohoo was the look I was most looking forward to seeing- and they did not let me down. Gold looks like it is going to be every where this season- and the textured gold skirt (I'm not sure if the one i found is exactly the same) is beautiful. Add a petticoat underneath to get that catwalk volume and a tailored jacket, with plain black shoes to make that skirt really stand out. Fantastic!

Hope you read through all of that!

Jodie x