Androgynous

When I say the words 'androgynous style' it conjures up the images of smart tailoring, blazers, cigarette trousers, heels and a bold lip. I'm a fan of women doing androgynous but what's to say it should stop at the classic image of a man?

Men nowadays don't often dress like they did in the Rat Pack days. It's a huge shame because it's one of my favourite men's fashion trends. So anyway, I thought I'd do a modern take on androgynous style. 

The wayfarer sunglasses, aztec sweater and plimsoles I'm wearing were all found in Primark's men's department. The men's section is a gold mine for loose, oversized clothes. Well, I say men's section, all you need is your boyfriend's wardrobe.

This outfit works on a man or a woman which really shows the versatility clothes can have.

Aztec Jumper - Primark

Wayfarer Sunglasses - Primark

Black Skinny Jeans (Hannah) - H&M

Black Jeans (James) - H&M

Plimsoles - Both Primark

Gold Chain Necklace - Forever 21

Mulberry Alexa Bag

A Proper Summer's Day

 

A few weekends ago something strange happened. The sun put his hat on and he seriously came out to play. I'm sure it was one of the warmest days we've had this year and it came in perfect time for the Gloucester Food Festival.

The lure of food is enough to make me leave the house whatever the weather but this day had it all going on. The minute I spotted The Wandering Teapot tea room with its higgeldy-piggeldy tables, mis-matched vintage china, colourful posies and cream teas, I knew I'd found what I was looking for.

 

Lovely ladies dressed up in war-time chic delivered ready sandwiched scones squashing out cream and jam along with pots of tea and a smile.

Once I'd licked the plate clean we had a bit of a wander around the various food stalls, bought some huge hunks of fudge and soaked up the sunshine. It didn't take long for James to announce that it was time for jerk chicken.

 So that's what happened. I think he liked it, don't you?

Thrifted Blazer

 I thrifted this blazer. I know right?! Six pounds well spent the day I found that baby. It's an instant outfit smartener and the neutral colour makes it easy to wear with most things.

I struggle when it comes to smart looks. I just don't like looking smart, it's no fun. That's where the accessories sneak in. Anything turquoise lifts an outfit and the belt just went so well with my bib necklace.

A bright lip always worms its way in when I'm attempting anything remotely neutral. I can't help it guys, it's all in the detail.

Oversized Blazer - Thrifted

Black Shirt Dress - H&M

Navy Boat Shoes - ASOS

Metallic Green Bag - H&M

Bib Necklace - New Look

Turquoise Belt - Primark

Wayfarer Sunglasses - Primark Men's

Lipstick - Papaya Punch by Sleek

Twenty Four

So this weekend just gone I turned the ripe old age of 24 *cry*. Yes, I'm being a little dramatic because 24 is still young and I'm sure if you're reading this and are, say, older than 24 you'll probably shout at the screen. You see the way I see it is that I'm now only 6 years off 30. By the next Olympics I'll be 28!

Well anyway, I don't ever plan to stop celebrating birthdays, some people don't even make it out of their teens, so don't be miserable about getting older. We're very lucky. Blimey, deep.

On my birthdays I like to get everyone around to our flat, put a SICK playlist together, drink from American house party red cups and then go out to dance in a cruddy club. This was the year that I forgot to eat properly thus meaning I only half got to the cruddy club. Gutted.

Still, I got these awesome pictures that my grandchildren will look at and see what it was like to party in 2012. They'll also see what a hero their dear old grandmother once was.

Do the Usain!

Sebz

Poised

 A few Sundays ago, after heading out for a sunny blog photo sesh, James and I wandered into town for a bit of a mooch and passed a place we pass literally daily. On a number of times we've paused outside, looking at the menu and declared 'We really should try this place.' So this time we decided to do it. What can I say? We were hungry and it was time! This was when we met Sebz.

We chose the tapas menu which is all you can eat and on a Sunday is only £13.95 each. Initially you order at least six dishes and then as and when you want more you order more. My favourite kind of dining.

Cogumelos com queijo stilton - Open mushrooms with spinach & stilton

Filo prawns in sweet chilli sauce

 The flat mushrooms with stilton, filo prawns and salmon bruschetta were my favourite of the first six dishes. Really well flavoured, simple but lovely food.

Brochetta com salmao fumado - Brochetta with smoked salmon & mozzarella

Almondegas em mollho de tomate e basil - Meatballs in tomato & basil sauce

Paella Valenciana com frango e marisco -Seafood rice, chicken, chorizo, salami

Tomate com feta, azeite & ervas mistas - Fresh tomato with feta, extra virgin olive oil & herbs

I had to limber up for round two, six dishes for two people was quite enough for lunch but we were here for a reason and that is to try it all.

Batatas bravas com tomato picante - Fried potatoes with a spicy tomato

Barriga de Porco com molho laranja & mustard - Belly pork with orange & mustard sauce

The second six dishes were much more up James' street, taste wise. The belly pork and ribs were really tender but not really what I normally go for.

Queijo frito em pao ralado e molho de tomate - Carrozza, deep-fried mozzarella in bread crumbs & tomato sauce

Entrecosto com molho barbecue - Spare ribs with garlic, white wine, barbecue sauce

Calamari a romana com lime mayonnaise - Calamari in Batter & garlic, lime mayonnaise

The calamari and lime mayonnaise were delicious. The batter was light but tasty and the mayonnaise was the perfect accompaniment. I could have eaten two plates but at this point there was some serious food prioritising going on.

All in all I was thoroughly pleased that we had finally decided to give Sebz a go. For locals, you'll know that Gloucester is not a great place for good, independant restaurants. There's only so many times I can endure Frankie & Benny's and whilst I try, I cannot quite convince myself that KFC is 'eating out' especially when you don't even get out of the car.

It was very quiet when we ate which was probably because the rugby was on, so our food appeared quite quickly. We were both pleased to find somewhere new to eat locally and will definitely be going back.

Check out the menus Sebz has to offer here.

The Maxi Dress

 

Do you remember when it was so hot, for a minute we thought we were living on holiday? This was then. I think I've only actually got three maxi dresses and that's not because I don't like them. Once I found the perfect black maxi dress, I just sort of didn't need any more.

This maxi dress is so flattering and such an easy thing to thrown on and be ready to go. It also works for virtually all seasons (just wait for my AW looks!) I really love the plaited detail neckline which goes around to the back.

I love boho style for the Summer, Vanessa Hudgens kind of thang. All I needed to make this boho was my jewellery. I have a real weakness for turquoise and gold jewellery and I think it looks gorgeous with a tan. I piled on some more necklaces and added a bracelett that fits more like a cuff.

Black Maxi Dress - New Look

Bag - Turkish Bazaar

Turquoise Stone Necklace - Turkish Bazaar

Feather Necklace - Primark

Long Jade Stone Necklace - Topshop

Arm Cuff - Primark

Team GB

 

This is my homage to the Olympics that we are oh so proudly holding in London currently. Note the Team GB colours. I probably should have gone for a red bag to really pack that St George punch but I am lacking on the red bag front. Note also that I am fully going for gold.

I am thoroughly enjoying the Olympics. Team GB are doing astonishingly well and as cheesy as it sounds, it really is hugely inspiring. It's certainly helped me when it's come to gym time.

The day I wore this it was incredibly hot. Yet again, I have a back-log of pictures that I need to get up here, so some of these outfits won't be matching the weather, which is, unsurprisingly, rain. Again. In August. Sigh.

Blue Bandeau Top - New Look

 Navy Polka Dot Skirt - Thrifted

Bag - Turkish Bazaar

Gold Necklace - Primark

Gold Boyfriend Watch - Turkish Bazaar

Wayfarer Sunglasses - Primark

Studded Sandals - Primark

Lipstick - Stiletto by Sleek