Snapped in the Summer...

Hello!

Amid the crazy rush of summer, yesterday I managed to spend a few hours with my girlie's, taking lots of lovely photos for my friend Izy's portfolio. She's a rather talented young photographer, and I couldn't resist sharing some of the shots with you all! 

For the photos, we did a combination of 'au natural' shots in a nearby field (dodging local farmers, in the middle of quick changes), with some more elegant photos. Personally, my favourite was the 'lets try and jump at the same time' photo - which I will admit, took numerous attempts of epic fails. The setting was perfect as well, as the barley field's provided the perfect backdrop! 

Before you take a look, let me thank Izy for a lovely day of laughs, tears (from intense sunlight) and our yummy pizza lunch! Enjoy!

Well that's all from me (for now)!
I'm off on my holiday tomorrow, and my current suitcase situation isn't looking good.. so I should probably attempt to start throwing clothes into the case! 

See you in a week,

Grace x

NEW YEAR NEW ME..

Hello!
First off I'd better say 'Happy New Year' to you all. Despite the optimistic title of today's post, I doubt a 'new me' will really kick off this year. I've already broken my New Years 'diet' resolution - the nearest to which will be me drinking a can of diet Pepsi (sorry, not sorry). Oh and my wish to study even harder this year has already been distracted by TV and shopping sprees, oh and reading into history books that have nothing to do with my course topics..

My new year was spent with friends and family, with our traditional 'eat too much, drink too much' motto, so we never fail to have a good time! New Years day was along similar lines, though I was in bed before 10 last night! Anyhow today's post is a little glimpse at what myself and my sister wore for New Years - as we were being a bit lazy to do a proper post - he he!

So I wore a New Look Midi Dress, which I'd been saving to wear for a special occasion. I just love the pattern and the colours in the dress! It was £10 in the sale, and I'm sure will get plenty more use in the new year! I paired it up with a pair of heels from Dotty P and a chunky necklace from Primark! Lydia opted for her new peplum top (also from New Look) and black leggings! She probably had the best idea in terms of outfit choice, as playing Twister in a midi skirt is quite a challenge...

 

I hope you too had a lovely New Year - lets make 2014 a good'un!

Lots of Love,

Living like Royalty, Buckingham Palace...

Hello! So apart from being swallowed up by collage work in the last week, I took the chance to join a coach load of friends on an annual visit to London! 

For the trip, I wore my super comfy new boots from Clarks! It really pays of to have a great quality pair of shoes when your walking all day, and my boots didn't let me down! As we seem to have finally lost the summer sunshine, I opted for a denim jacket with my new tartan skirt to keep me warm and some thick socks too!

 I love London (but then again, who doesn't) and this time we planned a picnic in the park, to visit a few art gallery's for my art coursework and an all important trip to Buckingham palace. Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to use my camera in the palace (boo) but it was definitely worth the visit, as the state rooms are truly beautiful! It's hard not to be drawn into the golden magnificence of the palace with the decorative crystal chandeliers hanging overhead and I have to admit the audio guide background music even had me waving like a queen...

The history of the British monarchy is fascinating, and this is clearly a strong influence in the rooms open for public viewing, and the family portraits on show tell the story of generations of royals. 

I'd also recommend checking out the gardens and the all important gift shop - though I wasn't keen on the £10 pens.. When you arrive at the palace, there's lots of air port style security before your handed an audio guide, which you use through most of the rooms, it's also handy to know that if you accidentally loose your place on the audio guide each room has numbers which you can type in to refresh your guide. We were also treated to a fab view of the 'changing of the guards' along with hundreds of others hoping to see the parade. It's fab to see the guards in there swanky red uniforms and made me quite envious of their epic sense of rhythm!

As you already know my love of history is touch obsession, so I also visited the Imperial War Museum which although under construction, was fab! I'd strongly recommend the Holocaust exhibition and the Horrible History Spies area looks great too. One thing I would recommend is bringing your own food as museum cafe's are never cheap and getting the tube rather than warning as it's situated quite a way from the buzz of Westminster.

As for the rest of the day we caught a quick tube ride to Oxford Street, as every London trip requires a small dosage of shopping! We found a gem of a place to eat called 'st. Christopher's place' which was a little area just off Oxford Street which had loads of little eateries and boutique shops. I'd definitely recommend visiting during a intense shopping trip as it's not far from Oxford Street. After a gentle stroke through the designer handbags in Selfridges, we were soon back in the bus wishing we could have stayed a bit longer!

What Were Wearing:

Charlotte (left): Skirt/Boots - Top Shop, Jumper - Miss Selfridge.Myself (left in right photo): Jacket/Satchel - OASAP, Boots - Clarks, Skirt - Primark.
Lydia (right, in second photo down): Jeans - Primark, Military Jacket - H&M.
Sarah (middle in above photo): Playsuit - New Look, Shoes - Dorothy Perkins.
 So that's how I've been spending the weekend. If only every weekend was exciting, as my usually Saturdays consist of piles of homework and plodding around the house in pyjamas! 

Anybody else do anything interesting with their weekend? 

Lots of Love,

Guest Shoot #3 - From behind the camera lens...

It was back to school today - and didn't the world know about it! My sister yelling 'WAKE UP GRACE' at 6:30 this morning was not the best way to role out of bed - but I'm glad she did, or I would have been going to school in my Pyjamas! (not that I'd complain).

 

Today's post is a slightly delayed guest post of my darling sister! As she's usually behind the lens, it was great to let me have a go at snapping away (as it's what I love doing). I have to admit, I'm completely obsessed with the use of light in photos, particularly sun set - it always looks so beautiful! These photos were originally a little experiment, so please ignore the fact she has no shoes ;)

 Okay, so sister's aren't supposed to pay each other compliments regularly (and it's certainly a rarity in our house) but I love this Jumper from Republic. There was a huge sale at Republic, due to rumours of it closing down. This meant of course, that my sister was first to snap up a bargain! The wool is thick and amazing quality and I love the knitting work on the front and arms.

This satchel is becoming a favourite of ours this Spring, since we snapped it up at a local charity shop! Pastels are a classic for Spring, and well, this satchel is a classic. She's also sporting her ONE DIRECTION wrist band, from the concert she went to last month. Yes, she's a little obsessed. And yes, I can now sing every lyric, to every song, since she plays the 1D album on full blast, in her bedroom....

The sun glasses (which are MINE) are from Primark, and look effortless for summer! Lydia's style is mainly a relaxed casual look. Not like her sister... But, it's great that we can wear each others clothes in such different ways! 

To complete the 'Saturday shopper' classic look, Lydia styles her hair effortlessly, by simply pulling some of her hair into a pony tail, and leaving a bit half in/half out. Spring is all about an effortless "up-do's" so I'll definitely be trying this look out...

What Lydia Wears: Jumper - Republic, Bag - Charity Shop, Glasses/Jeans - Primark.

So, you've officially met my camera wizard! 

One thing thing that bugs me about blogging is that people may think 'it's all about me'. But it's really not! One of my favourite aspects of blogging, is to take photos of people's style which inspires me (and I hope to do more of this too). So look out! ;)

 

Lots of Love,

 

The sun came out to say, hello...

It's my 100th post - hiphiphoray!
I am pleased to say to sun finally made a appearance yesterday!
The UK weather has been a real disappointment so far this year, but fingers crossed, things may be looking brighter! (and now I sound like something off the BBC weather report)... As I couldn't resist the opportunity to finally wear my new sunglasses, I grabbed my camera and a bottle of bubbles for today's outfit post!

Today's outfit, is a purchase from one of my recent high street hauls. I was slightly disappointed with the Top Shop sale! So, in desperation, I followed a few sale signs and drifted in and out of endless shops. I found this paisley dress is Warehouse. I wasn't keen on the shape to begin with, but it looked far better on and I fell in love with the pattern...and the price tag of £12 (whoops). I'm hoping to dress it up for collage and down for sunny days this spring, as it's so pretty!

My sun glasses were also a recent steal from Primark. Every girl needs a few pairs of fun glasses for summer and the cheep and cheerful price tag of £1, has got me hooked on them! Problem is my sister now has her eye's on them... oh no!

The bag was yet another thrifted purchase  I persuaded my sister to buy in a local charity shop. Lydia hates charity shops, so it was my way of showing her that you can find loads of in season accessories for half the price. This pastel blue satchel (a colour I'm obsessed with right now) was initially from TU at Tesco, but was only £3 in the charity shop - Bargain? I think so...

Like I said, this shoot consisted of me mainly blowing bubbles at my camera lens - NOT AS EASY AS IT LOOKS! Not only did my sister face get covered in bubbles (I may post a photo on twitter later - @blondiegrace), but I soon ran out of breath; so it's time I hit the gym! However, it was lots of fun! As I see it, I have a year and a half before I got to university to cram in lots of childish fun - though I doubt I will stop there..
Follow @blondiegrace

In case you didn't notice, I've also finally got my hair cut.. (drama I know). I've never been a fan of hairdressers, I love styling my own hair and always feel no-one can ever do it, like I want it. However, my local hairdresser knows me well, and knows when I ask for a dramatic hair cut, I'm only asking for a trim! They also provide you with lots of UP-TO-DATE magazines to read; saving my poor piggy bank, and I love the hot chocolate machines - forget coffee shops, just go to the hairdresser and get a hair cut thrown in too! And as Forest Gump says 'that is all I have to say about that'...

What I'm Wearing: Dress £12 - Warehouse, Jacket/Pumps - Primark, Necklace £3 - New Look, Shoes £4- Primark, Belt - H&M, Braclet/Bag/Socks - Charity Shop.

Well that's all from me!
Anyone else spotted the sun yet in the UK? Let's hope it keeps on shinning!

Make sure you keep up with me on: Bloglovin, GFC, Twitter or Facebook...

Lots of Love,

Time to put on my Party shoes...

Hope you've all been having a lovely weekend! 

Before I rant on about today's post I've got a little announcment (well two - but hey ho).

First, 'Blondies Style Fix' is reaching out to Facebook! For those of you that find it easier to follow on a social network, please hit 'like' as it would be so great to get some support! If you drop me a comment, I'd be happy to 'like' your pages too!

Secondly, I'm so excited to tell you all I'll be hosting my first giveaway very soon! I'm so close to reaching 200 followers of GFC, (which was far more than I ever expected) so please show your support and I'll get organising something special for you all...

Today's post is centred around the Panto 'After show party' I went to last night. It was a great chance to go shopping for a new dress, and slap on 'normal' make-up, rather than the bright blue eye shadow and red lipstick I'd been wearing during show week! I wanted a dress which would be used both day and night, and after hours of searching, this River Island dress ticked all the boxes! 

 I added a belt from Primark, to give a splash of colour. The great this about this dress, is the detailed pattern. It means you can get away with minimalistic accessories - which is always a plus when your dancing all night! I also put on my sturdy Clark's heels - mainly because I'm not the steadiest under the influence of alcohol!

My clutch was also a River Island purchase from the sale in January. I always go for simplistic clutches, as you can pair them up with everything - black, pink and creams are great colours! 

My sister, Lydia, also got all dressed up for the evening (which makes a change from her usual jeans and t-shirt!) Believe it or not, she is the younger sister... although she towers over me and most the time more mature as well! 

She went for a classic dress, from International - and I just love the colour! The pleat's on the skirt make this piece a dateless wardrobe item, and for the benefit of the photos, she stole my clutch! 

What I'm Wearing - Dress and clutch - River Island, Belt - Primark.

What Lydia's Wearing - Dress - International, Shoes - New Look, Bracelets - Top Shop. 

Well, that's all from me today. I can smell another Sunday dinner downstairs (there's nothing like your mothers cooking!).

Has anyone else been doing anything nice the last few days? Enjoy the rest of your weekends! 

Lots of Love,

The first fall of snow...

 "The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event."

 

YAY! A few weeks late, but the SNOW has finally arrived!
I've also had the last of my exams today, so the fun can really begin this weekend!
As our school let us out early this afternoon, me and my sister waisted no time to get out into the snow and put out hats and scarfs to good use...

 My sister enjoying the snow - minus the frost bite she got afterwards!

 I took advantage of the snow to wear my New Look boots, with these great Over boot socks from River Island, that kept my feet EXTRA warm! These boots are great, as they have lots of grip and you can tighten them, to stop the snow getting in!

Another key piece in my winter wardrobe is this years coat from Dorothy Perkins. It's lasted me all winter, and definitely worth buying - as it's passed every coat quality test! My french style hat, has always had a place in my winter wardrobe (since I was about 6..) and keeps my hear cosy!

 What I'm Wearing: Coat - Dorothy Perkins, Scarf - TU at Tesco, Boot Socks - River Island, Boots - New Look.

What Lydia is Wearing: Coat - New Look, Scarf/Hat - Matalan.

Did it snow where you are this week? How are you spending your snow day?

 I'm about to have a large mug of Cadbury Hot Chocolatte and change into a snuggly pair of  slipper socks, as I think my toes may just fall off any minute! 

Enjoy the snow, wherever you are!
Lots of Love,