New Blog

Although this blog was so special to me for a while it's been and while and I've moved on to bigger and better things (possibly).

I wanted to end this blog with the link to it so please enjoy and welcome the hip new thing the kids are all talking about:

https://notthevampire.wordpress.com/

Autumn Walks

Autumn has always been my favourite time of year, with the trees slowly transforming to their burnt leaves, littering paths. The way evenings start to close in, leaving you to listen as rain batters the window, warming hands on a spiced blend of tea. 

In way of celebrating this magnificent season I've put together an autumnal outfit, focusing around the colour's that are starting to be sprinkled across the top of distant woods. 

Shoes: Newlook
Tights: H&M
Dress: Oxfam
Cardigan: Urban Outfitters

A little bit of rain to end the day and the post.

Paris Dreams

As much as I adore Autumn, I will be sad to see this summer disappear. However,  this morning's rain has turned into warm evening sun allowing me to sneak in a final summer shoot, giving a perfect ending. English weather will forever continue to confuse me, but it seems to be on my side for now.

 In honour of my August travels I have paired together this Paris inspired outfit. If only I had the delicious Parisian food to accompany it... 

Top: Urban Outfitters

Skirt: Oxfam

Shoes: Topshop
Bag: Vintage

Jewellery: Accesorize 

August Favourites

Another few weeks off, but finally another blog post. This time I have the reasonable excuse that I wasn't in a fixed country for more than a few days at a time with incredibly slow wifi when there was any. I went for a simple post this week focusing on my favourite things from the month of August.

This book is incredible. I have been searching for a simple sewing guide but found that they all focus on making toys or cushions, where as this works through making adorable clothing pieces.

'Love at First Stitch' - Tilly Walnes

As someone that lives as an ultimate British sterotype I cannot resist a cup of tea, even in the height of summer. I have always found herbal tea a refreshing alternative to the classic PG Tips in the warm months, which is where this lovely one comes in. It has a subtle taste and is incredibly delicious. 

Green Tea & Pomegranate - Twinings

This will definitely come across a weird choice, but I just fell in love with this painting. As part of my trip to Amsterdam I visited the Van Gogh Museum and discovered a few new favourites.

Skull of a Skeleton with Burning Cigarette 

-

Vincent Van Gogh

H&M has always been one of my favourite shops, which is why I'm surprised it has taken me so long to try their range of makeup. As someone who isn't particularly adventurous when it comes to colour choices I was extremely pleased with the collection given. The eye-shadow has quickly become part of my daily make-up routine.

Nudes - H&M

This poncho. I can't even. I am wearing it as I write, even though it is much too hot to do so. I bought it as an alternative to wrestling with a blanket while I type as it gives comfort and moveability. I am not disappointed. 

Poncho - Tesco

*Drumroll* BOOTS! When wearing these I feel ready to join the Fellowship and head off to Mordor, they are always ready for an adventure. In my past few weeks of travel these have been absolutely perfect, whether I was strolling around Venice or climbing the Jungfrau (pictured below). 

 Boots - Newlook

I hope you enjoyed my August favourites! 

Steampunk - casual outfit

I am finally back! I've had a hectic few weeks but have got my act together and produced a blog post for you. This week's outfit is inspired by the almost apocalyptic scene at a boat yard I was passing from work. I adore anything abandoned and broken as it always has a wonderful sense of mystery, as if it's just waiting to be explored. 

The whole place was the perfect setting for a fashion shoot, so I routed around in my wardrobe and came up with this casual take on a Steampunk outfit.

I hope you enjoy!

Goggles: similar
Dress: similar styles
Wig: abhair
Shoes: converse
Wings: Shwings through Loot crate
Loot Crate

    Thank you for reading.

T-shirt DIY

I constantly find t-shirts look unflattering on me, which means that I rarely wear them. There have been quite a few tops that I neglect because they just don't fit how I want them to, but all have cute graphics. Due to this issue I have finally decided to take some action and fix them, a journey which I am going to share here with you guys.

Here's the original piece that needed altering. I love the colour and pattern, but I wanted it to be a different style of top.

 I have created a list of everything I used for the DIY:

+ T-shirt (to alter)

+ New top (we will transfer design over)

+ Fabric scissors

+ Sewing equipment/fabric glue

+ Buttons (decoration)

+ Iron

+ Tea (for energy)

My first step was to iron both pieces of clothing to ensure that they would line up properly. 

Next, I cut out my design from the old t-shirt, leaving gaps around the edge in case of mistakes.

Now it was just a matter of securing the picture onto the front of our new top with pins. I chose a crop top as my new piece, as I find them more flattering with the things I usually wear. 

This step is all down to personal preference. You can use fabric glue here if you'd rather avoid sewing, as it would work just as well. I decided to sew mine in using a sewing machine to get a clear edge, choosing a light thread to allow the stitches to show up, giving it a different design. 

Here I added some buttons onto the shoulders of the top, which I think makes it even cuter, as well as breaking up the solid colour. I sewed these by hand, something which took a lot longer than I thought, but definitely worth it.

Here we have the finished product as part of an outfit I threw together for relaxing in the evening sun. 

Hat: Topshop

Original top: Redbubble

Crop top: Newlook

Shorts: Urban Outfitters

Socks: Newlook

The transformed top should finally get some well-deserved love and attention.

I hope you enjoyed the tutorial, I will see you again next week!

A special thanks to Geoff: the brains of the operation. 

Loot Crate Review

It's finally here! I've been wanting to subscribe to this box ever since I first saw it and fell in love. After some consideration I finally caved and bought the July Loot Crate, a decision I definitely don't regret.

As luck would have it the theme for July was villains, which couldn't have suited me better as I always end up loving the bad characters. *Swoons over Harley Quinn*

In the box there was a great variety of things that you receive, including an amazing t-shirt, as well as a good range of fandoms, with DC, Nintendo and Star Wars all featuring. 

Now, let's get onto serious matters: everything inside.

This top deign is incredible,featuring everyone's favourite love-to-hate villains. They also provide woman's sizes which is perfect, although the small is still a little big for me (size 8 uk), so keep that in mind when ordering, although I can still wear it or DIY it to fit differently.(Expect a post about this nest week)

Super cute Deadpool socks. They're made for feet a little bigger than mine, but not to the point where I couldn't wear them. 

I cannot stress how much I love this magnet! It's great quality and fantastic that Nintendo made an appearance.

Next up, another popular villain and a little piece that inspired me to dig out my Star Wars Battlefront games to play through once again, so an awesome piece all round. 

Finding this at the bottom of the box was a delight, especially with the Guardians of the Galaxy film coming out. I can't wait to read it, although taking the packaging off always makes me feel guilty, but this time I can't resit.

The little blue square above contains a documentary about DC villains and with Batman villains being one of my favourite research points, this couldn't have suited me more. This calls for a cup of tea and free evening, I can't wait!

Last, but absolutely not least, are these posters of the best villainous couple I know. Both pictures are already displayed on my wall, enjoying each other's company, what sweethearts. 

I hope you enjoyed my Loot Crate review and that it wasn't too long-winded. I would really recommend it to anyone that's interested in geeky type things. If you want any more details or to sign up for next months box you can click the link below:

Loot Crate