Recent purchases

After being a bit more careful with my money for the majority of September - yes, I kept to my word! - I took myself off for a spot of shopping on my day off on Friday. I had a few things in mind which I wanted to get - such as a new winter coat, which I am still looking for - but ended up with this lot instead [excuse the rubbish lighting].






The dress is from Zara and cost me £7.99! I later ripped the stickers off to reveal its original price - £35.99. It is the most perfect colour - I absolutely love it. There were only a few of these left in a size medium, and it is a little baggy on me so I might take it in a bit. But, helloooo - £7.99!!!

The cardigan is from h&m. They also had it in black but I don't have many white things so thought I'd have a change. I love the knit and the button at the top!

I actually got the jacket a week or so ago. I've seen many versions of that leather sleeve jacket. This one is actually from the kids section of new look - no shame when it's basically the same thing and cheaper! The age 14-15 fits me perfectly. It looks a bit crap on the hanger. But I really like it. You can kinda see how it looks when worn here.

The cat tee arrived this morning. It might be a bit in your face [quite literally], but I don't care. Again, this looks better on. I downsized and went for an 8, so if you're thinking of ordering it I recommend you do that as it's quite baggy!

I also bought a few little bits and bobs, such as the Louise Gray lipstick in Legend [stepping right out of my comfort zone with that!], essie bikini so teeny and a Twilight bath bomb from Lush.

Before I end this post, I've got a few things up on ebay in a bid to have a clear out/get a bit of extra cash together for Chrismas gift buying! So if you'd like to take a look, go here - all bids starting at 99p.

DIY studded ombré jumper

You must have seen all the studded/ombré jumpers around - particularly in the likes of Topshop. Seeing as I don't have £40 I can just freely spend on a jumper, I thought I would make my own. It's worth it - I'd say all together this cost me about a tenner to make!



You will need:
A jumper/sweater - this is the one I got.
Hand dye - I used dylon hand dye in French Lavender.
Salt.
A small jug
A bucket
Warm water
Studs - there are lots on ebay.
A screw driver - if using the screw-on type studs
A knife - if using the studs with spikes.

Firstly, you need to dip dye your jumper! I used the same method as I did with my diy ombré tee.

When dry, it is ready to stud!

I used a few screw-on studs, as well as a couple of studs with spikes, which you push in and fold over - like in these DIYs.

You can mark where you want to stud your jumper with a pen, although I didn't do this - but it would make it more precise.

For the screw-on studs, you need to make a small hole before you can push the screw through - I just jabbed a small screwdriver through for this. Make sure you don't make the hole too big, or the stud will be falling all about the place. Push the screw through and put the stud on top and twist it. Use a screw driver to secure it if you feel the need. I found just using my fingers to twist it tight was enough.






Add however many studs you like - I kept mine quite minimal, although might end up adding more in the future!



What do you think of this DIY? Will you be trying it out yourself?

Wishlist...

PU sleeved parka, green sequin shorts, gold skull studded tee [I'm sure I could re-create this!],studded ankle boots, Lomography Lady Grey [love this film]
The flatforms are from Tribeca Shoes - I was actually going to order them tonight but they are out of stock :( I'm tempted by the boots though;what do we think?

To be fair, I don't think I'll be buying much of this. I think my boyfriend's sensible spending ways is rubbing off on me - the past few weeks I've found myself questioning my buys more [we'll forget that impulse swan skirt purchase] and thinking 'no, no. I do not NEED that'. I've been adding things to my online baskets, and then abandoning them. Maybe I've finally grown up and realised money definitely doesn't grow on trees, and that I really do need to start seriously saving if I ever want to move out. I think this Autumn/Winter I want to find more simple, staple items which can be worn over and over and with lots of things. Sensible Sophie. Will it last?

Birthday gifts.

I was given some amazing presents for my birthday last Saturday, and thought I would share a few of them with you. I'm still waiting on my present from my brother and sister-in-law but I'm told it's in the post on its way to me. Don't you just love it when the gifts keep coming after your birthday? ;)

Topshop bunny onesie,Zara jeggings, New Look lilac blazer [which I also have in mint], slippers, Plastic Cameras by Michelle Bates, Toy Cameras by Kevin Meredith, Mo Hayder Hanging Hill, Remington straighteners [I think my boyfriend prefers my hair straight..], Paperchase cupcake set, cake pops kit [already tried! :)], Hello Kitty pasta shapes [joke present from Ben's Mum], keyring with the meaning of my name, Yankee Vanilla Cupcake candle, Starbucks and Vue giftcards.

The pursuit of the perfect mint green blazer.

You may or may not know this, but mint green is my favourite colour. Not just recently, as it has been cropping up a lot lately - but for years, probably ever since I painted my room cream with mint green details. I LOVE it.

So I've been after a blazer in this colour for months now. I've scoured shops, online and offline, and ebay. Nothing's really cut the mustard. Well, apart from a Zara one [sold out] I found on ebay for a ridiculous price. I did make an offer [three times may I add] but was rejected. So on I went with my search.
Then I looked on the New Look website, as a kind of last resort. I rarely buy things from New Look, I'm not even sure why... but I'm glad I looked on the website because I came across the mint green lux twill blazer, and for £24.99 I thought, why not? The only thing I'm not sure of is the fact that it's unlined, but I think I can live with that!

I ordered it last night, ticking the 'pick up from local store' option. So I should be getting it this weekend! I really hope I love it. I really like the lilac coloured version of this blazer, so may have to get that next month too.

Bit of a random post, I know. Needed something to take my mind off the horrible day I have had. 10 hour shift followed by parents evening...oh I love my job!

Instagram #8

I hope everyone has had a great weekend. I have just got back from a lovely afternoon at Sanderson London. We went there for part two of my [very - eeee!] soon to be sister-in-law's hen celebrations. We had their Mad Hatter themed afternoon tea and it was so lovely! Fair to say that I am carrying a big food baby now, though!

[01] I was very lucky to win the first prize in Dayner's giveaway. Here is the beautiful satchel I won, which was full of wonderful goodies.
[02] Pizza Express for lunch last Sunday. Yum!
[03] Topshop saved my Monday with this beaut.
[04] Cherry bakewell cupcake. Recipe here.
[05] Love my red velvet shorts which I bought from Kim's wonderful shop.
[06] My new rose gold watch matches my new mint green jumper perfectly. LOVE.
[7, 8 & 9] Mad Hatter's tea.

Follow me on instagram @sophie_soph

Wish wish wish...

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

I have been slowly compiling a little wishlist as my friend and I are going to go shopping next month. I'm in need of a little splurge [not too big, still need to pay the boyfriend back for our holiday ooopsie!] and these are right at the top of my list at the moment. I'm really loving the pieces Matalan have got in at the moment. That scarf print top is absolutely gorgeous - they have it in another colour too, which is just as pretty. I tried the dress on the other week and fell in love, although not sure I really need it. Have been eyeing up the h&m shoes for a while, think I will be getting them! Loving the new Models Own Beetlejuice shades, especially Indian Ocean. And as for the Yankee candle, it smells divine. Just like vanilla cupcakes!

Recent buys.

Wednesday was Ben's birthday and we spent the day in London. We went for lunch at The Diner in Soho then headed to Oxford St for a spot of shopping. The plan was that I bought Ben a few bits as, although I had given him a few presents, I didn't get him much as there wasn't anything he could think of. Well, that plan was soon scrapped as the fussy bugger couldn't find anything he liked! I did shop for myself, though [I have a very patient boyfriend].







♥ White leopard heart embellished tank from River Island. It was Ben who enabled me to get this, said it was 'very me'.
♥ I caved and bought the RI aztec skirt I featured in my wishlist a couple of posts back. BIG LOVE.
♥ Topshop nail polishes in Green Room and Celestial.
♥ I wanted a lovely pink lipstick, this Topshop one ticks all the boxes. The shade is 'innocent'.
♥ Couldn't go to Soho without popping into the Lomography Gallery Store. I got a Splitzer for my Diana F+.

What have you been spending your cashmere on lately? I'm finding it hard to resist buying more 'stuff', but I really should stop as we have to pay off our holiday next month!

I hope everyone has a great weekend. My plan for this afternoon/evening is to go to the gym and then come home and watch take me out! I started couch to 5k this week and will be doing my third run of week 1 later. Has anyone else done it? How did you find it? I'm not much of a runner at all but it's something I've wanted to be able to do for a while.

Recent buys.

Hello, and a belated happy new year! I hope everyone's 2012 has started well? How are everyone's resolutions going? I rarely make them, but have decided this year I need to SAVE. Lots. That doesn't mean to say I haven't been spending, oh no. A girl is allowed to treat herself.

I attempted the sales, but I soon remembered why I dislike them so much. People turn all rude and ignorant, and there's just no need. So after traipsing around the shops jumble sale for a good couple of hours, I decided the best thing to do was go online.







♥ The first two items are from forever21, I got them in their buy one get one free sale. Both items were a tenner, so that's what I got them for! I'd never ordered from forever21 before, but I was pleasantly surprised. The skirt looks better on, and the top is gorgeous and super comfy.
♥ Wedges from h&m, I used a voucher I got for Christmas to buy these. They have them in leopard print too, ever so tempting but the black is more practical!
♥ Leopard print pussy bow blouse from new look.
♥ Oh, and, what's that? Yes, it's a white iphone 4! After being a blackberry user for over a year I have finally seen the light. My iphone will be with me tomorrow. Any app recommendations appreciated!

I also have this skirt and these wedges in black on order, thanks to Charlene ;)

And that's it...no more spending the rest of January though...bring on February! Although that's the month of my boyfriend's birthday so chances are I'll be spending all my money on him. What have you been spending your hard earned cash on lately?

Recent purchases.

I got a tax rebate [woohoo], most of it has been put into savings but I have spent a bit of it...why not..

First I had a splurge on the Topshop website. My order came today.


Sheer stripe shirt, nail polish in Butterscotch Babe and nail art pen in Frozen.

I don't own many sheer things, and have always lusted over these kinda shirts. So when I saw this in the sale I grabbed it. Love the fact it comes with a belt - bonus! Never tried Topshop nail polish before so looking forward to giving this gorgeous shade a go, and after seeing Gem's post on the new Topshop nail art pens, I decided I had to try one out for myself! I've had a go with it and am quite impressed so far.

And I've also bought a couple of lovely chunky rings.



The arty imitation ring is from dixi, I really like the colour of the stone and think it makes the ring a bit different to some of the ones you see around. The leopard ring was an ebay find, I won it for about £2!

Now I must try to save my money..well, on clothes etc, that is. I still need to buy a present for my boyfriend's parents, and I have a couple of Christmas events coming up - starting with my work's do tomorrow night. Looking forward to it! Have a lovely weekend everyone. x

[edit] Just a reminder that the 20% discount code for my shop ends midnight tonight [Saturday 10th]. Just enter MISTLETOE at check out. All my jewellery comes wrapped up like a gift, so it's perfect if you're getting a present for someone! Free shipping still going :) [/edit]