Style on a Sunday: Doing My Chores

This weekend has been a weekend of chores, which included trips to Ikea, the White Rose Centre and Asda on a busy and hot Saturday. It wasn't exactly fun, but this is what I wore:

Top: Forever 21, Jeans: New Look, Sandals: Primark, Stone Ring: VIPXO, Necklace: ASOS

These jeans were found in my parents' loft when I went home this week to sort out the boxes of stuff I have left in London since I moved to Leeds last year. They fit me perfectly and apart from a little hole in the bottom of one leg they are in perfect condition. I can't for the life of me remember why I stopped wearing them: it was a good little discovery.

As I'm sure you can tell I went for comfort over haute couture yesterday but added a bit of glam with my new VIPXO ring, which is definitely my go-to glamorous but easy-to-wear item.

How do you make your weekend chores a bit more glamorous? Or do you just give up and wear jogging bottoms and an old t shirt?

Everyday I'm Tumblin'

You may not know that you can find me in many places across the web and I've been a bit greedy over on Tumblr as I have two blogs over there. I know. Who needs that much Laura Mary Coyne in their lives?

If you like films/want to read quite stupid reviews of films then follow me at lauramarycoyne.tumblr.com.

If you enjoy a good mix of cats, fashion, food and the odd tattoo then you can also find me at lorzy.tumblr.com.

Do you have a tumblr? Please share your in the comments below!

A Trip to Forever 21

I've been quietly keeping my eye on Forever 21 for the past few months, I'd heard of them and seen American bloggers rave about them but even when they opened their Birmingham store and I realised I could buy online I still didn't make a purchase. When I heard about the new Oxford Street store opening I was very pleased that I was due to be in London visiting my parents and it was more than likely I could fit in a quick trip to the brand new store on opening day!

It was (as I'm sure you can imagine) heaving with people and as I got there mid afternoon some rails were already a little bare, but I squeezed my way through the people to try and get a good look at the pieces, and have a feel of anything I could get my hands on to get an idea of the quality. I didn't really know what to expect, all I knew was that the prices were pretty cheap (around the same mark as Primark) but looking around the styles and cuts looked like they could fit in well with Topshop. Most items I felt were good quality and nice fabrics, and although there were of course pieces I hated I was overall very impressed.

I was so tempted to buy the orange blazer (seen on the mannequin) - it was gorgeous!

I picked up a few goodies as well as a free necklace (thanks guys!) and promptly asked for some information on the store to share with you all from the Forever 21 PR team. I learnt that the store spans three floors (these were nicely spaced out, and clearly signposted at the escalators) and that they not only cater for women, but men and children too. You can become a Facebook fan here and follow on Twitter @Forever21.

I'd highly recommend having a look if you're in London (or Birmingham) as they had some great quality, on trend pieces for amazing prices. I wish I'd had some more time to look around and try some items on, as I'm unsure what size I'd need for shoes or trousers/skirts for ordering online, but I guess that just gives an excuse to go back. I'll be sharing my new purchases with you all soon!

Have you been to the Oxford Street Forever 21 store? Have you bought anything in store or online? Are you a fan of Forever 21?

Images provided by the Forever 21 PR team

Lust-have #6: Vintage Storage Solutions

A slightly different lust-have post this week, this weekend Ryan and I started tackling the many boxes in our spare rooms that have just been sat there since we moved in in April. Now, I love the fact we own a house, and I absolutely adore our house, but the problem is storage. We are in desperate need of space, whether it be shelves or something a bit more unique, our house is crying out for more space to fit all of our "stuff".

While going through my handbags, scarves and shoes I had the great idea that I could look at getting some vintage suitcases or big wicker chests to have in our second bedroom to store all my crap very important stuff. I just don't have enough space in my wardrobe and right now everything is just sitting in plastic boxes, which definitely aren't pleasing to the eye. I'm thinking Ryan and I need to take a trip to some car boot sales to start the search, as I'm quite excited and inspired to look at pretty and aesthetically pleasing storage solutions.

Image fromhttp://vintageleathersuitcase.com/

Do you rely on storage from Ikea and Argos or do you prefer a vintage touch? I'd love to hear your advice for thrifting!

Style on a Sunday: A Fashionable Night In

This is a typical outfit for a night in with friends, I go for comfort while still feeling pretty with something to keep me warm when the house gets chilly at about 10pm.

 

Dress: H&M, Shirt: Levi's via my dad, Belt: ASOS, Leggings: New Look

This dress is great for just throwing on at a weekend, but can also be worn for work (even though I have issues with mixing my work and weekend wardrobes) and yesterday I thought I'd team it with this classic shirt which my dad gave to me a few years ago. I remember I wore it to college (so 5 years ago now!) and people looked at me like I was crazy. Now denim shirts are worn everywhere by everyone and rightly so, fashion is funny like that. I would like a denim shirt this colour that I could button up, but considering this is a man's shirt and apparently my dad used to be very skinny that is never going to happen with this one.

What do you like to wear on a night in? Do you have any pieces from your parents which you make work even if they don't fit(!)?

P.S I know I'm not wearing shoes, but I never wear shoes in the house, so thought it would be silly to include them in an outfit post. Although the floor on our driveway was a bit chilly - brrr. 

Old favourites from Primark

It wasn't until I uploaded the photos of this outfit that I realised that it involves a lot of Primark. I know there is a lot of debate over Primark, and the high street in general at the moment, but one thing I've never really found with Primark is that it's awful quality. Many items that I have bought there have lasted me a long time, these items have both been in my wardrobe for over a year:

 

Jumper: Primark, Vest (worn underneath): H&M, Shorts: Primark, Necklace: ASOS, Tights: Primark, Shoes: Primark

I had no idea what I wanted today so I reached for some old favourites (the jumper has featured in a Style on a Sunday post) that I've never worn together before and I really like it, although I wish it had a bit more colour. To tackle that slight problem I think this could really work with a pair of coloured tights instead of black opaques. Although I'm still at home on my mini holiday from work, I also think this would be a great outfit for the office too - maybe with a jacket? Anyway, I'm rambling...

What do you think of Primark? Have you been disappointed with the quality of their pieces?

Smart for Summer

As you may know if you follow me on Twitter or by passing mention on the blog, I am starting a new job at the beginning of August and this week I spent a few days meeting one of the clients I'll be working with. I wanted to look smart but not too overdressed and when I found this dress in my local supermarket I had to pick it up because I knew it was perfect. Please excuse the slightly poor quality photos - it was far too dark in the living room but it was raining outside, so I just had to make do (with my new tripod - yay!).

Dress: Clothing at Tesco, Jacket: Next, Belt: ASOS, Tights: Primark, Shoes: Primark

I'm completely blown away by the quality of the Clothing at Tesco collection right now, I came away with three dresses and I think I could have bought a few more! I teamed this floral number with black jacket, black tights and black pumps to retain a professional feel, also so it would be suitable for the dreary autumn weather we're having - I've learnt from Jen that florals should not be put away for the winter months!

Do you enjoy shopping for clothes in supermarkets? Have you picked anything up recently? I'd love to know.