Belter

It seems like Gok Wan’s fashion solution to everything is ‘put a belt on it’. Now for the most part I am not mad on Gok and part of it is that I feel he relies on belts a little too much as being key to every outfit and shape, but with some things in my closet a belt is exactly what is needed.

They can instantly transform a dress that doesn’t do much for your waistline or in something patterned they break it up a bit, making the busy-ness a bit easier on the eye.

I have a ‘strictly for purpose’ plain black belt, which has reached a stage where it should really be replaced, to wear with jeans and trousers and a number of ‘fashion belts’. As pictured, one of these was removed from a pair of vintage trousers that I got in a family haul and the other has been featured previously as being a TJ Maxx, or TK Maxx, depending upon which side of the pond you are on, find. I have a few others that get used for nipping in various dresses – and I think pretty much all of these are from H&M (like the bow belt above). I also tend to use scarves or long chains as belts.

  

Dream belts...my mom has an amazing vintage brown leather belt from the 70s...you know the ones with a painted scene carved in that includes rainbows and snow-topped mountains...I keep contemplating stealing it. And I have also been keeping my eye out on Ebay for a reversible Hermes belt, preferably in turquoise and black or chocolate brown with a silver H buckle. I think both of these will remain a dream for a good while longer.

Holidaysical

My own personal portmanteau for that post-holiday feeling – in my case I am easily distracted, and want to spend as much time outside wearing sandals, dresses and sunglasses, while reading books and making general merriment. In fact, I am writing this blog, while sitting in Belgrave Square soaking up the sun in a dress purchased for, but not worn on vacation.

I am lucky enough to have a travel gang known as the Sardines, our first trip was to Sardinia hence the name. On this holiday we went to the Costa Blanca for just under a week – cheap and cheerful. We rented a flat in El Campello, a town about halfway between Alicante and Benidorm, and lay on the beach, hit Aqualandia, witnessed Benidorm and checked out Alicante town.

I wanted to wear colour on this holiday. I feel like I have been stuck in dark clothes for a while and it was time to throw some sunshine into the wardrobe. The day before departure, and conveniently enough the day after pay day, I went on a mini-spree to H&M and picked up three brightly coloured dresses for €60. These are my two favourite outfits from the holiday.

Benidorm Brights:

Dress – H&M - €15

Sunglasses – Vintage Polaroid from this Etsy Seller

Bangle – H&M (US) - $5

Sandals – Birkenstocks - €95

Alicante Awesome:

Dress – H&M - €30

Belt – Lauren by Ralph Lauren purchase in TJ Maxx - $20

Sunglasses – Chanel – Way too much, but have had them for 5 years.

Sandals – as before

Bag – Vintage and gifted

Bracelet – Coral – Gifted

Mo Rún

As some of you may or may not know I’ve been going to Irish classes for over a year and have finally taken the opportunity to go to the Gaeltacht for some intensive study and scenery.

Unfortunately I do not know the Gaelige for accessories, but hopefully I’ll learn it this weekend.  I’m keeping the fabulousness to a minimum as I’ll be sitting in a classroom most of the time, but am taking my Name Necklace, vintage Gucci bag, and a few pairs of earrings. The weather is meant to be great, but a mac, proper shoes and layers must be packed anyhow!

I don’t have any overtly Irish accessories, but I do have this amazing twee handkerchief that was amongst my Grandma Betty’s things and given to me after she passed away. Illustrated on the handkerchief are Glendalough, Blarney Castle, Ross Castle and the Hills of Donegal, where I’m headed this weekend. I must frame it and hang it on the wall as it's a lovely piece.

I won't be posting for the next few days, but let me know what you think of the refurb!