Rachel the Hat

Wednesday, 7 January 2015

checked skirt with baby blue and black

I have had this skirt since autumn. I saw it online and added it to my virtual basket, it sold out before i had committed to purchasing (i sometimes deliberate when i internet shop and leave items in my basket for days, sometimes weeks on end, anyone else do this?) and as soon as it was sold out and i could no longer have it i wanted it even more.. of course.
So when i walked in to my local New Look branch, one of my favourite shopping haunts ( its also the home of the local Starbucks upstairs!) it was there in my size just begging to be bought finally. Delighted i went ahead and my made my purchase.
Fast forward 4 months and it was still sat on the hanger, in my wardrobe, brand new and unworn.
Its times like this that make me realise why i do the #100daysnospend!

As much as my style has gone a little darkside of late, with the spring/summer '15 brochures and catalogues coming through my door and inbox i can't help but look towards a few pastels.
The skirt is the perfect little pastel pick me up i need without having to go shopping, as it was already in possesion. Happy Days.
Funny, all last summer i just could not get in to pastels, it sometimes take me a little longer to catch on to a trend or how to figure out how to make it work with me. Adding black in seemed to be my answer i guess!
Have you ever been late to a trend that you ended up really liking?

Skirt & Coat: New Look

Shoes & Bag: River Island

Turtle neck top: Matalan

Scarf: F&F

Necklace: Coming soon to Yosa

#100DAYSNOSPEND : The Beginning!

Hello!
Today is the day.
The 100 day shopping ban commences!
No clothes, shoes, bags or accessory shopping for 100 days.
Yes. I am crazy.
Last year at exactly this time i started out on my first 100 day no spend..
You can see my first starting post here
Midway here,
and the end here.
So i hear you ask, after all that why the heck am i doing it again?
Well my friends, i am well aware i crave new pretty clothes.
I love the thrill of the shop and the feel of new clothes on my back.
I am materialistic and if i really scrutinize myself it's not a trait i like.
I am over indulgent.
I do not need another sweater (or coat goddamnit!).
Sometimes blogging makes me feel i constantly have to buy new things to bring fresh new looks to you my lovely readers.
Sometimes i forget i have a wardrobe full of lovely, hardly worn clothes that are just begging for some air time.
Sometimes i need to just.stop.shopping.
Simple really.

So it begins; a full 100 days with no clothes shopping.
I stood in-front of my wardrobe this morning and saw a state. Clothes physically bursting out.
What i could also see were opportunities.
I saw outfits and new combinations, I saw hardly worn clothes just waiting to be worn.
I saw potential and no money spent.
I felt excited!

I know my weaknesses, i know come feb/march i will want to start buying new season spring wears and that will be my toughest time. But i shall be strong. I have done this before and i will do this again.
I hope you will come along for the journey. And if you would like to join in then it would be fantastic.
There is a hashtag on twitter for us no-spenders just holla #100daynospend and join in the ~~hell~~ fun!
I've also included a linkup below for anyone who wants to join! This won't be a weekly linkup up, but perhaps once a month just to see how we are doing and to read any posts you may have written.
The one thing i learnt from last year is support is greatly appreciated.
When you are in the throws of a no-spend, its great to know you have other ladies around you in the same boat. We can count on each other for support and to vent when needed.
Don't forget if you want to join in but you aren't sure, just join! Even if you do 30 days or 50days think how wonderful it will feel to have accomplished that!

For all those joining me GOOD LUCK and for everyone else...wish us luck, we're gonna need it ;)

Feel free to grab this badge and display it on your blog post/sidebar so we can all keep in touch through the 100 days.

An InLinkz Link-up

Khaki & Faux Leather

Khaki.. i just can't get enough of it lately.. especially paired with faux leather, its just so easy and seems to be my go-to lately.

I mentioned in my Mrs Grey post about some current faves and khaki is up there for me. Again like grey its a colour i haven't ever dabbled with. I am a green fan, its one of my most favourite colours but hardly own any green clothes.

Lately i seem to be reaching for: Khaki, Grey,Red and faux leather.

All great for remixing with each other and all very simple pieces. But expect to see a lot more of those things, as i've mentioned i just can't get enough and you lovely people get to see the outcome;)

I'm a little brain dead today. The eve of the 100 day shopping ban and i am feeling a little apprehensive, silly i know, its just clothes shopping for crying out loud.

But none the less I feel a little in mourning for my favourite hobby today.

I have done a frantic last minute order on my last day of being able to shop, but panic purchases have never worked well for me and i envisage they will be returned.

So a little lost for words i shall love you and leave you today with my green outfit in a green bus shelter.

Told you i loved green ;)

Shoes: Mango

Faux leather trousers, Sweater & Blouse: New look

Jacket: Marks and Spencers

Bag: Primark

Be sure to swing by tomorrow at 9am for the beginning of #100daysnospend and join me, there will be a linkup for all us non-shoppers, or just pop by to give your commiserations lol!

Tres Cool (and Passion 4 Fashion Linkup)

Happy 2015 everyone!

Welcome to the first Passion 4 Fashion Link up of the year!
Each Friday i absolutely love seeing all your faces this little linkup and i thank each and everyone of you for joining in.
Today being the first of the year, i bring a wee bit of sparkle. Funny, i used to hate anything sequinned, deeming it chavy or just damn un-cool. But change is always good and i am the first to admit when i am wrong. And i admit i was wrong.
Now i freaking love some sparkle. Sequins are by new bff and what i love even more is when the sequins are attached to a simple casual piece, like this sweatshirt. Contrast is good in my books. Sequins imply dressy yet sweatshirt says casual. Win Win!

Are you a sequin/sparkle kind of girl?