I'm Back, and Blonder as Ever...

Hello!

In case you've forgotten me, I'm still Grace, and after a long break I'm back with my same blonde head to comment on the world of fashion, my own style choices, and what the adventures I get up to. 

During the last few months, I have been cramming revision for my final A Level exams. Part of my commitment was to put hobbies like blogging to one side, in the hope that it would allow me to remain focused (that and eat my weight in chocolate spread for "revision purposes").

Finally summer has arrived and I'm freeeeee (she says while being dumped with a massive pile of ironing), so my intentions are to restart the blog! I'll be giving you the low down on the bits you missed between exams, and hopefully record one fabulously stylish summer with you all, as I take on my last ever summer before I head off to University.

So a few things that I've been up to include... 

A final school trip with my music school to Belgium!

- This was one of the most inspirational visits, as the opportunity to sing in the Ypres at the Menin Gate Ceremony in this 100 years since the first battle, was both emotional but also rewarding in every way to see the impact it had on ourselves but also those attending. 

My school Prom!

- Yep that's right, after 7 years of hard work the school leavers ball was the perfect arrangement to celebrate the end of school. I had a lovely evening with my closest friends, who all looked like princesses! 

I got a fit?!

- A harder one to believe, but after a few months of tedious weight control and intese gym sessions, I've finally slimmed down to bikini body weight (and just in time for my summer holiday)! It's been incredibly hard, but I'm now a converted gym freak - horrah!

Last Days of School!

- In the last few days left of school, I cherished the moments by putting on my school uniform for one last time, taking ridiculous selfies and enjoying the summer concert with some great musicians I have met over the years. 

So that's all for me,  hopefullly it wont take me long to get back into blogging away my spare time this summer. So keep watch!

Lots of Love,

Grace X

Princess for one day - A Prom Wishlist/Inspiration...

Hello!
The next few months are probably going to be the most exciting and terrifying times ever. I don't exaggerate when I mention the dreaded A Level exams, choosing University places, flying the nest on my first girls holiday, and the all important leavers prom...

Today's post is something a little different.. In June, I'll be joining teenage girls around Europe in fulfilling the chaos that is Prom preparation! I have to admit, being princess for one night is rather exciting (if I manage not to fall over my dress/spill something down it/get it caught in a door..). I'm hoping to organise myself early, so today's post is a little 'how I'm getting on' inspiration post!

I recently received an email from Dressale.com asking me to take a look at their prom dresses, in hope of creating a wish list of my favourites. This was a lot harder that I first anticipated - because I can officially say I LOVED EVERY DRESS! So, to make it a little easier, I've created my own personal 'wishlist' with some inspiration for your own dresses too!

For my little wish list, I put together a little outfit which I thought was pretty, elegant and a little cheeky with an open back. I wouldn't personally choose the colour on them model, as I'd proffer a dark purple colour, as I feel it would make the white top details stand out further. To complement I chose an embroidered clutch and sequin heels!

To check out the dress for yourself click here: http://www.dressale.com/gorgeous-floorlength-prom-dress-with-delicately-embroidered-bodice-and-cutout-back-p-89688.html

Below are a few other dresses, that really caught my eye. I love how different styles of dresses fall - from the mermaid cut (which falls from the knee's) to the gathered bust (which falls much higher). I also love how Dressale offers a range of colours - all the dresses below come in several colours to suit your own preferences! Personally, I like darker colours (otherwise I look even paler) so would definitely find picking my own colour of dress useful!

If your interested in co-operating with me over the next few months, I'll hopefully be posting lots more inspiration for school proms and leaver's balls, so please drop me an email at: blondiesstylefix@live.co.uk. Also, If you had your prom in the last 12 months, or already have your dress for this year, let me know as I'd love to hear from you! 

That's all from me now, I'll shut myself off from looking at dresses for the rest of my evening, to watch the next episodes of Call The Midwife, and Mr Selfridge (hooray)!

Lots of Love,

WHEN THE SUN SET: OOTD...

Hello all! It's been a pretty hectic few days - what first week back to school and not forgetting that I TURNED 18 ON TUESDAY!!!!! (which I still haven't got used to). As my new years resolution finally got the 'no no' (several slices of birthday cake later), I thought I'd post little outfit of the day featuring my lovely birthday present off my fab friends!

I couldn't have asked for a better 18th birthday, I had chance to see family and friends over the weekend at my party, and the day itself was well spent eating my favourite foods and sipping red wine (like the adult I am) while watching every chick flick possible with my mom and sister! My parents gave me a stunning antique ring with my birthstone in for my birthday, and are kindly paying for my exotic - exotic as it can be on my budget -holiday with my favourite girlie's!

Today's outfit was centred around my lovely new purchase from New Look. The dress is a black and white lace detailed dress, which shifts over an under layer. I loved the length as its perfect for a day out somewhere, and it because the material was so lightweight the ends floated in the wind! Because the pattern is so detailed, I could be a bit lazy and get away with simple accessories! I wore it with a George green cardigan, my all time favourite brogues and charity shop purchase handbag. I also tweaked my hair in a little experiment, by putting half back in a bobble, then sweeping the pony tail back through the centre of my hair to create a twisted look.

Talking of birthday presents, one of my favourite surprises was this lovely Daniel Wellington wrist watch. I've wanted a brown leather watch to keep me in time (kind of) for so long, so I was overjoyed when I opened the present, knowing my friends had all contributed to buy it for me! It has a gold framed ring with Swarovski stones on the face and brown leather strap - and called the 'Classy Cardiff' if you wanted to take a look at the watches for yourself. It's also water resistant - which means someone definitely had blonde's like myself in mind when designing it! All in all it was a fab purchase by my friends, who no longer have to cope with me asking the time every 5 minutes - so thank you girls!

That's all from me today - I need to get my ass into gear and start getting ready for another friends 18th tonight, and at the moment I'm heading there in my onesie!

Have a lovely weekend!

Clothes Show Live 2013 Review - The Catwalk...

As promised, I'm currently catching up a an exciting weekend at the Clothes Show Live. Being part of the press, gave me the ultimate FROW (or 'front row' to my friends who despise that word) experience, which was a little crazy when the (half-naked) male models strode past! Today's post is a selection of photos from the various catwalks that were running during the day, and some all important shots of the main show event!

The main show was brilliant - it tied in dance choreography with the models catwalk, to create different themes and settings, which flowed really well. The show was 45 minutes long in total, with a guest performance from Kingsland Road! I have to admit for the price of the entrance fee, it seems rather expensive in light of a 45 minute show. However, when you compare it to a cost of a night out, it really is worth the money to have a catch up with friends and shop till you drop at the same time! 

If you didn't notice, winner of Britain and Ireland's Next Top Model 2011 Jade Thompson, who was the face of Clothes Show also appeared on the Catwalk! I also got chance to meet with this years winner Lauren Lambert after one of her shows - but more about that in tomorrows post!

I also saw some other fantastic catwalks throughout the day. My favourite was the university graduates collections - they were so creative!

 

 

 The above winter collection was one of my favourite's, as all the glitter reminded me on Christmas! Tomorrow's post will show you a little of what I got up to while I was at the event!

Lots of Love,

'Lets get Shopping' - Clothes Show Live 2013 OOTD post...

Hello!
It's been a fantastic weekend so far, with my first Unconditional offer for university! I was over the moon, and to top it all off, I passed my driving theory - one step closer to driving (uh oh)..

With my spirits high, a weekend on shopping, catwalks and male models, was on the top of my list when I was kindly invited to attend the Clothes Show Live on Saturday, along with my friend/photographer Emma-Lee!

Due to my excess of around 200 photos of the whole day, I've divided the whole event into several posts - just so it's a little easier to digest! As I'm still awaiting some of the main catwalk photo's I thought I'd do a little 'Outfit of the Day' post, showing you exactly what myself (and Emma-lee) wore! The event was so popular, we struggled to find a corner where we could take some decent shots, so please excuse the slightly boring background! haha!

...What I'm Wearing...
I brought this lovely tartan dress from New Look, for £22.99 - and I absolutely adore it, but then again who doesn't love a bit of tartan? I completed the outfit with a collar and necklace from Primark and a brown H&M belt, which really set the dress off and helped me make it my own. I also decided to pin up the sleeves, as I felt they were a little too long! I also wisely chose my super comfy Clarks boots - as we litterally walked our socks off! My bag which has appeared on the blog before, is from OASAP (you can find it here) as well as my newly purchased felt hat - I couldn't resist it! OASAP also kindly provided me with the perfect accessories, with a lovely pale blue necklace - which is now in the sale!

...What Emma-Lee Wore...
After my own manic shopping spree to buy the perfect dress, Emma-lee had her outfit sorted, with this lovely dress ordered from Urban Outfitters! I just love the pattern and the colours really go well with her New look Cardigan. I've decided I'm going to steal her Top Shop boots, as there now on the top of my Christmas wishlist, as they looked great with this outfit. Finally she topped her outfit off with a bowler hat, brought off Ebay!

That's all from me for now, watch out for the rest of my posts taken from our day at the Clothes Show Live, and if you haven't visited yet - make sure you do!

Lots of Love,

A day at Hogwarts...

A few weekends ago, myself and a few friends caught the train (after nearly suffering a heart attack running to get it) down to London, to finally get a taste of what life in Hogwarts is like... Since it's opening, the Harry Potter Studios has been so popular, and as a lover of the movies myself, I couldn't resist going 'behind the scenes' to see how the magic was truly created. I  can honestly say it was worth every penny!

If you've been before you'll definitely agree the five hour visit really gives you a picture of how everything from the 'Great Hall' to the terrifyingly huge Aragog spider is created...

  

The visit is split into several areas of interest... First, your guided to a cinema to hear from the actors themselves what life on set was like, following which you enter the Great Hall (in an unexpected fashion). From there you can explore the interior sets which are so famously remembered in the films, before heading outside to see the night bus, and the house where it all started! To finish, there's a graphics and construction exhibition, which was really interesting if you like to know how everything works, a trip down Diagon Alley, and a final view of the REAL Hogwarts!

Below area few photos of the day. I wouldn't want to ruin the surprises, but I was dying to show you just why the place is so great!

My favourite part of the trip, was naturally learning more about the behind the scene's make-up and costume secrets! There was literally a costume on hand for every moment of each film, and a wig for it too! I also loved the chance of flying my own broom in the interactive part of the studios - totally worth it, if you've every considered purchasing a broomstick ;) Sadly I wasn't allowed to take photos during the broomstick ride, but I can guarantee everyone who had a go loved it!

As it was a long day, I'd planed everything - which was a surprise considering my usual organisation skills.. For my outfit, I chose a simple white top and floral skirt combination, with thick leggings, cardigan and my scarf to keep me warm! I also wore a personal favourite riding waistcoat, as it always adds the finishing touches to an outfit!

And that was my day at Hogwarts. It was a great chance to catchup with my favourite girlie's, and an excuse to watch the whole Harry Potter box set non stop for the next week..
Let me know if you've been/plan on visiting soon!

Lots of Love,

V Festival 2013 (day 2) - Festival Style...

Hello,

If you saw yesterday's post, you'll know I'm currently catching up on my highlights from last weekends V Festival at Western Park. It was such a fab weekend, so I thought I'd share a few photos of the real festival style - rather than just a glossy magazine of VIP's who are no way getting the true festival experience...

Today's post is day 2 of the V Festival, and the sun was shinning - so there were lots of photo opportunities! I decided to get a bit creative with the Neon UV paint, which got a bit messy (note to self - let the paint dry!) and obviously the festival framed sunnies were out for the occasion...

 

 For day 2, I chose to wear a pink bandeau from Republic (or whatever it's called now) and a white crochet top, which I brought from a little Spanish market while I was on holiday. Seeing as the floral head crowns have been a huge hit at this years festivals, I wore a cream headband from Primark - It was really comfy and helped tame my festival (a.k.a very wild) hair!

I stuck to my cutie wellies from Joules, but opted for a biscuit pair of knee high socks, and my Top Shop hot pants (tee hee) to complete my look! On a personal note, I was glad I took my jacket as it gets colder in the evenings, but once your in the crowds, it's so warm I felt like I was on a tropical Island!

 What I'm Wearing: Bandeau - Republic, Top - Spanish Market, Shorts - Top Shop, Wellies - Joules, Socks - River Island, Sun Glasses/Headband - Primark.

 

Best part of festivals is the way everyone expresses themselves through how they dress - even the wellies you wear show your personality!
For example my lovely friend Lauren, is such a girly girl, and with her Pink Wellies (below) you isn't afraid to show it.
Emily (above, left) dared to go wild with fringed crop top with her animal print rain Mac, and a lovely floral headband - which looked fab!
And Charlotte (above, right) also dared to try double denim: shorts and jacket, which she carried off effortlessly!

 

Jessie J is such an inspiration, she was amazing and really got the crowd going - I wouldn't want to be hated by her though, her new song It's My Party, is fab, but her haters are really getting an earful! Mwhaahha! I'm going to see her in October on her tour, and she'll be fab - as always! 

 So best part of the whole weekend (wait for it)... WAS BEYONCE! After wainting for nearly 8 hours, of standing up and with nothing more than a sausage roll to keep my going, She finally graced the stage! She was amazing, and it's fair to say she's the biggest DIVA ever! She sang some of the favourites: Single Ladies (yes my hand was up), Love on top, and yeah, it was fab! As you can see, we were about 5 rows back, and I'd have never got a place like that If I'd have ordered tickets for her tour, so I was very chuffed with myself!

 So that's all from me, I've got lots of packing to do, as I'm off (again) on a little family break!

Let me know if you've been to any festivals this year, I'd love to hear about them!

Lots of Love,