summer strawberry socks!

Not my usual type of post, but oh my goodness how sweet are these strawberry socks?! These totally remind me of the quirky little things I used to have as a child and just bring a smile to my face when I wear them. Spring/summer eat your heart out! In all honesty I haven't ventured out in public wearing these just yet because I can't think of any outfits to pair them with (or perhaps i'm just not brave enough), but I love them for lazing around the house. 

If you want to get your hands (or feet) on these beauties, I picked them up from ASOS for £3. Unfortunately they are currently out of stock.. but here are some other strawberry inspired goodies to get you in the fruity mood..

1.2.3.4.5.6
My favourite is the watch, Enjoy!

Fashion: Tartan and Daisies

Every year, I never understand the fascination with the January sales. Usually I buy a couple of bits and bobs here and there.. but this year i'm a student living off of my student loan, which somehow has meant all my money has disappeared into the January sales abyss, mainly the ASOS abyss actually. I convinced myself it was okay, because they offer free delivery and free returns.. Oooh and student discount! This is my ASOS haul (so far).

Black Polo Neck Crop Top - ASOS

Statement Necklace - Stolen from Mum's jewellery drawer..

Tartan Skirt - ASOS

Tights - Tesco

Boots - ASOS

Bag - New Look (Christmas present from younger brother).

Nails - OPI 'OPI Ink'

This first outfit is so perfect for A/W because it actually keeps you super warm aswell as staying on trend. Tartan has been so popular this season and pairing it with a simple black top keeps it wearable and suitable for everyday wear. I paired this outfit with a chunky statement necklace just to add interest and to show how this versatile outfit can quickly be changed from day wear to night attire.

The boots were a total steal at £30 for real leather! However i did have a couple of problems with ASOS because at first they sent me a pair with completely faulty insoles. They were glued in half way up the boot if that makes sense? I sent them back requesting a replacement and they sent me these which have the same problem, just less severe. So i'm currently debating whether or not to ask for another replacement.. what do you think?

Daisy Print Swing Dress - ASOS

Tights & Boots - As before

This dress caught my eye because it looked really comfortable and easy to wear, yet really pretty and feminine. I was right, it's super soft and hides and lumps and bumps, but does anyone else think it's a little.. unflattering? I'm really unsure whether or not to send it back. I adore the print, and wearing this to uni would be easy to just chuck on, but the shapelessness does me no favours. The t-shirt styled high neck also seems to look strange on me, so i'm really at a loss. Help and advice would be appreciated!

However, if you are one of the lucky so-in-so's who can pull off a swing dress, this would be a lovely piece for that difficult winter to spring wardrobe transition. I think it looks sophisticated and cosy with a pair of boots, but it would also look good bare legged with strappy sandals.

Leather Zip Jacket - New Look (old)

Leather Collar dress - ASOS

Tights & Boots - As before.

Lastly, I picked up this patterned leather collar dress from Club L at ASOS. Supposedly it's knitted, but it was also a complete steal at £11.50 (down from £40!). I've already worn this out to my friends birthday meal on New Year's Day and it's that type of dress that is perfect for that kind of Smart/Casual event. I love how the leather collars adds a little fierceness, yet the shape is so girly and cutesy. 

So yes, I've spent waaaay too much on the ASOS website this month, not to mention i've also bought some new Forever 21 goodies, books, candles, lush treats.. the list goes on and someone needs to stop me before things get out of hand.

Also, these are the first outfit photos i've taken in over a year and I have to thank my gorgeous boyfriend for helping me out. I think he's done a really good job, tell him what you think over on his blog. 

What have you guys bought in the January Sales? Let me know on my Facebook page!

#Blogmas Day Two: Fairy Cake

It's blogmas day two and today I thought i'd share a little outfit post with you all. This is the kind of thing i wear day to day, just to run errands and that kind of thing. The jumper is a new addition to my wardrobe and i love the colour, as you may of notice I'm slightly obsessing over burgundy colours! It is slightly thin though, so it's an essential to layer this one up. What i also love about it is the little speckled detailing which just makes the colour more interesting. 

The tights I'm wearing are also totally adorable with little white polka dots, however not very practical for the colder weather. I'm on the hunt for some chunky warm tights at the moment. Also I've been wearing these shoes to death, i love creeper style shoes grunge down an outfit and they're also super comfortable which is a bonus. 

I bought this necklace a while ago on a whim in primark. The geometric shapes and almost illusion-al print caught my eye. It's a unique piece and it definitely makes this outfit more interesting. Plus it was a bargain at something like £3! It looks great with high neck tops more than anything or under a collar, but it can work with outfits like this too. On my lips I'm wearing the collection 2000 creme puff in fairy cake again simply because i rediscovered and fell in love with it. The colour is so pigmented and it lasts for ages! 

Jumper - New Look

Necklace - Primark

Skirt - Primark

Tights - H&M

Creeper styled shoes - New Look

What has been your winter staples this year? Stay tuned for more #blogmas!

Also, please like my Facebook page for regular updates.

RedHead

Jumper - New Look

Shirt - Quiz (Old)

Necklace - H&M

Jeans - New Look

Boots - Peacocks (Old)

Notice anything different? Yes, i am now a red head. I decided to change my hair a little for the autumn/winter, sometimes I think it's nice to have a change and not get stuck into a routine. Plus i was in drastic need of doing something to my hair because before it was so damaged. I used to have red hair before I started my blog and since changing back, i remember how much i loved it! I think it looks quite feisty and vibrant without looking too unnatural for work. Also, i love treating myself to a hair cut now and then - is it me or is it totally expensive these days to get it done in a salon?! Luckily my friend introduced me to her mobile hairdresser who was able to do this for me at late notice and a very good price, so a big thank you to her! If you live in the Bristol area and are looking for a good hairdresser, she is absolutely amazing so drop me a message and i'll pass on her details to you.

This is what I wore just as a casual outfit on my day off this week. I just went for a browse around in New Look and found this jeans at a discounted price and I really love wearing coloured jeans so I picked those up. The colour actually matched my hair quite well! I also picked up a dark red jumper but it's a bit much wearing the jeans, jumper and the hair! So i chose to team it with this waffle knit jumper which i actually bought last A/W and still totally love.

I also love the whole "collar peeping out" trend so i added a collar style necklace and it gave the look a pretty preppy edge. Finally I added these boots which i forgot I owned! Don't you love it when that happens? Rediscovering an old love... So I've been wearing them at every opportunity and they're such a lovely height, especially for a girl like me who needs to wear heels to feel normal! I can actually drive in these which is a bonus. 

My favourite lip product of the month seems to be the collection 2000 creme puff in "fairy cake" which i'm wearing in these photo's. I think i'm obsessed with the colour more than anything, I always feel super pale in the autumn/winter so i love having bright lips to add warmth and colour to my face.

In other news, I may have splurged and treated myself to a new Xbox which i've totally been addicted to this week - if you have any game recommendations then let me know! But at the moment i'm playing a lot of fallout and just dance! 

What do you think of my new hair colour? Do you like to have a change sometimes?
Also please don't forget to like my facebook page for regular updates and chit-chat! 

Diva

This is the outfit I have been living and dying in recently. I've had my eye on this ballet wrap dress from ASOS for ages now and just didn't get around to buying it. I'm always hesitant to buy online just in case the fit isn't right and i have to fuss around with returns, but with ASOS it's free returns and i managed to find a discount code so i just HAD to buy it! However i didn't need to return this beauty and i'm very tempted to buy it in black as well. It's just so versatile, I've been wearing it in the day layered up with chunky tights, boots and scarves as pictured above but you can also wear it out at night with heels, a waist belt and a leather jacket. I love this cranberry colour too - so perfect for A/W12 and i have a strong feeling this will end up being my Christmas dress!

The ballet wrap effect on the dress is also really flattering. As you can see it's fitted at the top and then flares into a skater style skirt which i think works on most body types. I actually opted for the petite styled one because i'm so short and i love the length. It's not too short to be inappropriate but it's enough to still be stylish. I literally cannot recommend this enough, it's definitely a staple piece in my wardrobe and a gorgeous investment. Don't be surprised if the next outfit post contains the black version - I am sorely tempted!

Lipstick - Diva by MAC

Ballet Wrap Dress - ASOS

Fur Waistcoat - New Look

Chunky Tights - Tesco

Furlined boots - Tesco

I wore my new MAC lipstick with this dress which is Diva in matte and it's an absolutely beautiful dark red vampy colour. My friend Grace bought it for me as a belated birthday present (thanks if you're reading!) and i absolutely love it! I don't think you can get away with the colour in other seasons but for A/W12 I have been wearing it everywhere! The pigment in this lipstick is brilliant, I'm considering doing a review on it - is that something you readers would like to see? You can also really see my ombre in these photos, I've been debating on whether or not to dye my hair a darker shade for the winter, what do you guys think?

Just a quick little update - Thank you all for helping me reach 300 GFC followers! I feel like over the past couple of months i took a little step back from blogging, but now I have quit one of my jobs and i have more time and energy to focus on this again so hopefully you will be seeing more of me! I've actually just attended an event called "Dining in the Dark" which was really exciting and I can't wait to share with you guys. 

What have your staple pieces been this A/W? Have you tried a ballet wrap dress before?

Disco Ball

Hi lovelies! I thought I'd showcase the other addition from Fast Fashion. If you read my post with my new floral skirt, you will know i was also lucky enough to receive this beautiful piece which is perfect for a crazy night out! This beautiful sequin shift dress is definitely a statement, so in this outfit I decided to keep accessories rather minimal, just adding a black skinny waist belt and black T-bar platform shoes.. Oh and of course classic red lipstick.

Dress: Rare through Fast Fashion
Belt: Primark
Shoes: Ebay
Rings: The Accessory Stand

As i said before, this dress would be perfect to wear on a night out to town, which is what I plan to do! I love how eye catching it is, it really does make a statement! And all of the sequins are individually sown onto the dress so if one falls of, it's not the entire line which could be disastrous! It is quite short, so I do like that my top half is nicely covered and there's not too much skin on show. This dress also has added shoulder pads which makes it feel more expensive as well as highlighting the upper half of the body and taking some attention away from your legs. The only problem I've had with this is that it clings a little bit to my tummy which makes me feel a little self concious, so it does help to add a waist belt.

In other news, do you guys like the new effect I'm using on my pictures? I'm just playing around with different effects at the moment and i'd love your feedback. I really love this look on them though I think it makes the snaps look more.. seductive ;)

Also, recently I've joined up with motel to give you wonderful ladies a generous 20% on their website. All you have to do it use the code "katiefhowell". There's a link in the sidebar so go treat yourself!

How would you wear this dress? Hope you have a great weekend!

Wishlist: RI Sale Top Picks

A little bit different to my usual wish lists, simply because I found some super cute picks in the River Island sale online at the moment. Here's a low-down of my top sale picks.
1. Crazy as it may sound, but I don't actually own a make-up bag. All the one's i've had in the past have gotten so grubby that I've ended up throwing them away, so I just take minimal make-up with me on the go nowadays! However, now that i've finished school and i'm working, travelling and going out more, I feel that it's time to invest in a pretty but practical way to carry my make-up around with me and i think the river island make-up bags are just too cute! The print on this one reminds me a lot of Cath Kidston.
2. You can probably tell from this list that i've been more into comfort over style lately. I think it's mainly due to the weather being poor as well as being so busy! But i love these laid back styled tee's which would look good with leggings or jeans.
3. River island have some awesome jewellery in their sale at the moment! I totally love this skull ring, and it's only £2  so you can't really go wrong!
4. I've definitely hopped on the coloured jeans wagon, i'm totally in love with my mint coloured jeans and i really want to get a cute pink/coral pair. I just feel that they really add a bit of fun to an outfit and instantly make me feel brighter and happier, these pink ones would be perfect.
5. How adorable is this rose-gold kitty cat? Rose-gold has been so hyped about lately as you all probably know and I just think this is the cutest little thing! I don't see myself wearing it much, but it's on here for it's fun-factor!
6. I'd really like to get my hands on some new sandals so i'm prepared for the sun when it finally makes it's appearance! As i said before, i've been getting more into bright colours lately and i think these pink sandals are really pretty. I also like that they have a very small wedge because sometimes totally flat shoes can wear down and become uncomfortable. 
7. Another comfy top, white tee's like these look really great with coloured jeans so i need to get my hands on some. I actually quite like the colours in the picture too, very summery and pretty.
8. Finally, I've included these RI button style earrings. I don't know what it is about them, but I just think they look quite classy and expensive? I wear cheap studs in my ears most of the time but these look like they're big enough to make a classy statement, but not too big that they over crowd your ears!
Anyways, that is my current RI Sale wishlist (summer addition!) Fingers crossed for a heatwave!


What's on your wishlist at the moment? Have you bought anything from the RI sale?

Introducing: 3BrokeGirls

Just a quickie today, this week is manic for me, I literally have a jam-packed schedule from appointments, exams, prom and birthdays so blogging will have to take a back seat. I'll be back on Saturday. For now it would mean the world to me if you checked out my first ever venture into Youtube land with my 2 besties, Grace and Alley.

I've been wanting to start up a Youtube account for a little while now, but have been too nervous and also i don't have a good enough camera! I also thought my video's might be too boring? I don't know. So when we came up with the idea to create a collaborative channel, 3BrokeGirls. I was so excited because it would appeal to people with a wide range of interests. You've got Alley with her musical showbiz and GAY WEDNESDAYS! and Grace who's got an extensive interest in video games, books and films etc and of course myself who will be coming at you with more fashion and beauty related videos. 


I'm really excited to start this up because not only is it a lot of fun for us and you guys, but also because the three of us are going our separate ways this year with university and all, so this is going to be such a great way to stay in touch and interact with each other! So far we only have the one video up, our little intro if you will.. But new video's will be coming out really soon. Please hop on over, take a look, like, subscribe, comment! And just have fun really. 
Do you have a youtube channel? Leave your links below!