Christmas Wishes - Blogger Secret Santa...

Hello!
It's been a little too long, as UCAS applications and life in general has got the better of me recently. Since I last saw you I've had my first offer to study a history degree, (WAHOOO) which has put a huge smile of my face and I now have a desperate need to go celebratory shopping!

Today I received a little parcel in the post, covered in Christmas decoration - and despite knowingly opening it before Christmas day, I was so intrigued to find out what it was! I've taken part in a Secret Santa with a few other fellow bloggers. I won't tell you who mine is, as it will spoil the surprise, but my lovely parcel was from Donna from Polkadot-Pink...

oh and please ignore the photo quality - my cammera is currently on charge :(

 Donna sent me a lovely selection of goodies, including a wonderful scented Christmas Eve 'Yankee Candle,' which I've placed in my bedroom, ready to light at Christmas! It smells heavenly and was a lovely gesture! I also had a beautiful purse, with a camera detailed onto it - so she obviously recognised my love of photography! Inside the purse, was a beautiful pair of owl earrings (also one of my favourite animals) which I'm hoping to wear soon. Finally, my love of sweets has been rewarded with a big pack of EVERLASTING GOBSTOPPERS - so my Christmas is now sorted!

Thanks Donna for a lovely present, and I hope everyone else taking part loves their presents just as much as I do!

Lots of Love,

Telford Style Shows AW13..

Hello!
Today's post is a review from a recent event I was kindly invited to. Telford Shopping Centre have been hosting their 40th Anniversary in the last few weeks, and what better way to celebrate than their annual AW13 fashion shows? It's great to keep updated with local events and for me attending a fashion show that hosts inspiration of this season, without needing a seat in LFW, ticks all the boxes!  The lovely Heather asked me to come along to watch a few of the shows, which were taking place right across the whole weekend and meet a few other bloggers from the local area too.

When I arrived to watch the first show, still trudging around in my 6th form uniform, I was so excited to see how the stylist has incorporated catwalk trends into an affordable (and wearable!) high street ensemble's. In the shows we saw designs from the likes of River Island, New Look, Republic, House of Fraser and not only was it a great show but also really inspiring for shoppers looking to be 'on trend' this Autumn. Soon after myself and a few other were whisked off for lunch in the House of Fraser Cafe - which was delightful! If that wasn't enough we were given a lovely goody bad with a range of samples from the Body Shop (which I'll be posting all about at a later date) and some other fab make-up brands! But that's enough of rantings about my afternoon, here's the low down on AW13 trends that really stood out during the show...

The first collection is from M&S, which surprised me, as it was so current with this seasons trends. I love the range of textures, from leather - tartan wool, that looked fab on the catwalk. The 'grey vs white' colour theme was really fitting for the winter months, and the leather jumper with speckled sleeves really caught my eye. I also had my eye on the black felt hat, worn on the model (far left) as they really touch up a casual outfit, and I convince myself they will be a necessity for winter!

This collection was a collaboration of BANK and Claire's Accessories, and was definitely pushing the high street limits with subtle but brave accessory choices, which really give the outfits an eye catching twist. For example, at London Fashion Week, bloggers went mad for 'bum bags,' and the metallic bag (left) definitely sets to keep the trend going. I also fell in love with the red bowler hat from Claire's (centre) which again gives the outfit a personal twist. And if your feeling brave, why not try 'double leather' (as in right) which looks amazing when styled right!

 The above collection from River Island really worked with clashing bright colours. Neon's were a huge hit during the summer, but more subtle shades for winter will look great with some chunky jewellery and exciting patterns. In this collection I particularly liked the dressed down option, with a yellow top with pink blazer and jeans. Although simple in its effect, it really stands out, if your planning to dress down for an cheeky evening meal. Unlike RI summer collection, this season is really focused on glamour!


















On of my favourite collections was from Republic (most probably because they'd picked up on my obsession with tartan) but either the stylist had really embraced the colours and textures of brand. Both leather and denim made a hue impact and looked great in a duo. I also loved the 'sock and boot' technique, which looks great if your going for the cutie pie look. My favourite look was (centre right) the burgundy blazer and checked midi skirt, as it complemented the whole colour scheme and was simple to put together.

The New Look collection really expressed a love of everything red! I particularly loved the red dress and black and white cardigan combination! Socks are already looking to be a 'must have' with every outfit for winter, so being a little daring with the knee high or clashing colours (middle) seems a great way to work the trend in your own way. Another great accessory is the beanie hat, which really dresses down an outfit if your not a fan of felt hats.

Finally, the House of Fraser collection topped off a fab series of style shows! With a host of designer brands on offer, the outfits looked glamorous, but with a sale of up to 50% off, it's definitely affordable. My favourite outfit was the cream with black panels dress, paired with the leopard print jacket - simple but perfect for winter.

Well that's all from me, I hope you enjoyed reading my review and that it gave you some inspiration for your own perfect winter wardrobe! I'd just like to say another HUGE thankyou to Telford Shopping Centre for hosting a lovely event and a delicious lunch.

Lots of Love,

Did I mention I love Shopping? Meet Shopcade...

Hello!
Today's post is a little rant from me, about an awesome new site called SHOPCADE. To put it simply, Shopcade is a website, which makes shopping a WHOLE lot easier. You can select items you like from a range of websites (including Urban Outfitters, American Apparel and Asos) and create shopping lists, based on what you love and what you actually need...

It's easy to set up, and there's a great reward scheme, where you are rewarded with points for you shopping habits, which you can then use in future purchases (yes please)! You can sign up for free, and personalize your account so you only see your favorite brands - and if you anything like me... create very long wish lists!

Also, there is a competition with Etail Pr, in which you can enter to try and win £200 of Asos vouchers + £200 of  Shopcade vouchers! So make sure you entry here.

Lots of Love,

share the blogger love...

Aloha!
So, I'm being a bit cheeky today. If you don't know, 'Blondies Style Fix' was started back in August during a VERY boring Summer holiday. I realised I needed an excuse for my drastic shopping spree's and my limited wardrobe space, but since then I've not stopped (literally...).

I heard about the Cosmopolitian blogger awards, but this year there was a special award with Next called the 'Newcomer Award' for blogs under a year old.
And well, my thinking was, If I've only got one shot at it, I might as well pleed with you all to drop me a vote ;) 

Nominate your fave blogger for the @nextofficial Newcomer to #WIN a £500 shopping spree! on.cosmo.uk.com/13iCJtd #cosmoblogawards
— Cosmopolitan UK (@CosmopolitanUK) May 29, 2013

If you'd like to nominated Blondies Style Fix, just click the button bellow, and fill in the form (which takes about 10 seconds).
Make sure you nominate your own blog's too and let me know if you'd like me to nominate your blog for an award too!

I'd just like to thank you again for all you support!

Lots of Love,

Return of the blonde... floral prints X

And blondie has returned - no the aren't exams over - but I was fed up of revision...
So, I told myself I wasn't going to spend any money until AFTER the exams. However, retail therapy is proven to be a great 'anti-stress' remedy, so I thought I'd give it a try. I can say, that it works brilliantly.. but I'm now in debt to my parents (whoops).

As my next exam isn't for 2 weeks, I thought I'd take the opportunity to put down the work books and get blogging. Today's outfit was a little floral number I wore for a meal out with my nan, over the weekend. It was her 88th birthday last weekend - so happy birthday nan!

 I think it's about time you met the number one fella in my life - ISSAC; the big fat cat! Technically he's my neighbours, but he likes to stop by for an occasional visit.
He's also a CAT PHOTO BOMBER! If there was prize for the most photogenic cat - he'd win it. So, as you can see, he was keen to get in the photo and well he made them a bit more interesting as well!

 What Blondie's Wearing: Dress/Top/Belt - Primark, Socks - Dorothy Perkins, Bag - Charity Shop, Cardigan - Next, Bracelet - Fat Face.

The dress was a Primark steal for £10. I have a weakness for floral clothing and this dress reminded me of Cath Kidston! I added a black collar to create a neckline, and added a belt to gather the dress at the waist (it's my little trick for clothes that aren't tightly fitted).

The shoes were an old pair of sandals I dug out from my moms wardrobe (so thanks mom!). As I'm still awaiting a 'half term' shopping spree, where I'm hoping to purchase some new sandals, I thought I'd style up an old pair with a cute pair of frilled socks (well, you know me...).
 My cardigan was also stolen from my sister's wardrobe! The first signs of sun, over the weekend, have got me attached to everything pastel, so this outfit was no exception.

Well that's all from me, I'll be blogging over half term!

From a very 'glad to be back' blonde...



P.s. Make sure you follow me on Facebook or Twitter

My first contribution to the world of GIFs and Make your own GIFS...

It's nearly Mid Week!  

I've got my AS History exam tomorrow, so this really is a little post to cheer myself up a little (blogging really has that therapeutic advantage, don't you think?)

Over the weekend, some of  my lovely friends came round for a curry. In our midst of craziness, I was determined to finally work out how to make my own GIF, and make this little one to share with you! (the girl in the GIF is Natalie - though this one's so fast you can't really tell!)

I wouldn't call myself a expert, but I'm hoping to work on it! You can make your own GIF, in 5 easy steps!

1. Select the photo's you want to put into a GIF. The better the quality the better!
2. Upload your photos onto a GIF maker website, such as: makeagif.com, picasion.com,
gickr.com,or gifmaker.me.
3. Make sure you images are in the right order!
4. Preview your GIF to alter the speed, and size of the GIF
5. Download your GIF and your ready to use it; whether it be on a blog, website, or social networking icon.

Have you tried making your own GIF? I'm hoping to use this idea more in the future for my blogs, it makes demo's much easier to understand (obviously a lot slower than this) and is so simple to create!

Lots of Love,

A little Blogging Opportunity - Daxon; try it for yourself!

As We survived 2012, lets look forward to 2013 - with a little blogging opportunity I've got for you!
I heard from a fellow blogger, about this opportunity with Daxon, to become a part of the Daxon blogger network! Not only this, but if you sign up, you can also recieve a £50 Amazon voucher to spend on some 'new year goodies' of you own!

This gorgeous bangle in the Daxon sale, was only £7, and is a great accessory to add some definition to an outfit - the texture is lovely too! This would look great with a cream blouse for work/collage.

This was a favourite piece from the Daxon collection, and it was more than affordable too! This lovely  Ellos Ladies Jacquard Knit Cardigan, is now only £13.00, and will look great dressed down with a pair on jeans and knee high boots in winter months! 

This lovely Tan bag caught my eye, as it's simple design looks great and is practical too! It's only £27 in the sale, which makes it a total bargain! A second advantage is that it's a great size - so I can fit in all my 'handbag essentials'...

Here's just some of the lovely pieces I found on the website:

Simply, Click here and follow the simple instructions on the Daxon website! What could be easier?

I don't know how long this brilliant offer is available, but it's great to be part of new networks - and this looks like a perfect example!

Enjoy!
Lots of Love,