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

The Carrie Bradshaw Skirt

Ever since I saw Carrie Bradshaw in her green layered tulle skirt when she went to Paris, I had to find my own wearable version. Thankfully, H&M answered my prayers last year with this dusky pink version. As soon as I saw it I knew I'd found my Carrie skirt and this one even echos the opening credits outfit too. Bonus.

Because of its colour this very much has a ballet feel to it and if I'm honest, I do feel a little bit Swan Lake when I wear it. Not in a bad way, I hasten to add. What I love about this skirt, is that it can be dressed in so many different ways. With heels and a strapless top this skirt instantly creates an extravagant dress but equally, worn with a t-shirt and flats and it's brought into casual territory.

This look definitely has a 50s style vibe to it and had I worn it with a halter neck top I wouldn't be far from fitting in as an extra in Grease. I like to take vintage looks but mixing in modern twists is what creates new looks. I bought the t-shirt from a grungy, alternative stall at a music festival and I doubt they would envisage such a look with one of their designs but I like the surprise of it.

Carrie Skirt - H&M

T-shirt - Entirety Clothing

Boat Shoes - ASOS

White Ankle Socks - Primark

Skull Necklace - Topshop

Oversized Gold Watch - Turkish Bazaar

Mulberry Alexa Bag

Wayfarer Sunglasses - Primark (Men's)

Lipstick - Infrared at Topshop

Festival Fashion: Budget vs. Blowout

 My total outfit cost: About £60 vs. Amy's total outfit cost: About £280

 Festival season is truly upon us and finally the weather has followed suit. This is my little sister, Amy. Unlike her wise, older sister, Amy is partial to a pricy item or two and really doesn't bargain hunt quite like me. So we thought it would be a good idea to do some blog posts featuring similar looks, one that's cheap and the other more expensive.

Annoyingly, I didn't put a lot of thought into my festival outfit and far prefer Amy's outfit, thus defying my point a little bit. However, you can still see the basic similarities and idea that you can get the same look for less.

Hunter Wellies - £70 Jack Wills Socks - £12.50

Jack Wills Jacket - £100 Jack Wills Tartan Shirt - £60 Tommy Hilfiger Vintage Denim Shorts - £10

Primark Shirt - £10? Internacionale Shorts - £15?  Shoe Zone Wellies - £10 Primark Sunglasses - £2

Diana Mini Lomo Camera

Fake Ray-Bans (Real ones would be about £120) Topshop Head Band - £10

Amy showing up my hair. (Seriously, how are we related?)  

Miss Minty Nail Varnish by GOSH

Obligatory festival arm candy.

 

Followed by some pratting around...

 

Then we found this little guy!

 

 

 

It was such a nice day we stayed in the park until the shade arrived.

Ladylike

 

 My favourite thing about this look, surprisingly, is the white tee. Everyone needs one in their wardrobe and somehow I have got through life, until only very recently, without one.

The polka dot midi skirt I found some time ago in a charity shop, I'm um-ing and ah-ing about whether it needs taking up a little. What do you think? Too long?

I often find with my style that I dress very young and while 23 isn't old, I think there's no harm in getting a bit ladylike now and then. That said, my need for chunky hi tops isn't going anywhere. I didn't want to look too mumsy so I balanced it all out a little with clashing leopard print ballet pumps.

Plain White Tee - H&M

Polka Dot Midi Skirt - Thrifted

Leopard Print Ballet Flats - Peacocks

Blue Cardigan - Mum's Wardrobe

Belt - Primark

Metallic Bag - H&M

Watch - Turkey

Bike Necklace - Accessorize