polly put the kettle on we'll all have tea

 After weeks of moaning about this weather I have finally embraced it, just as I'm getting used to it the sun goes in, but yesterday I enjoyed it for the first time. After a long and hot night shift I attended my brothers end of year farewell ceremony and then Mum and I headed over to Llangollen for a stop of early afternoon tea. The sun shone and we milled around the charity shops and second hand book shop, although I felt like my face was melting it was good fun to spend quality time with Momma Rinse.

it's been a long long time since I memorised your face

Afternoon everyone, well what can I say I'm melting. I'm not one to moan (little fib) but honestly I'm fed up of this heatwave. I heard this morning that it's the driest July since 1764? How is this possible, I'm long for a summer shower so I can head out in the down pour to cool down. The only good thing about all this lovely weather is the wonderful range of summer dress and accessories on offer to brighten me up.

I sense a feeling so strange as I'm watching you change

On Sunday a few of us headed for a glorious day out in the summer sunshine. The annual Llangollen International Eisteddfod was coming to a close and what better way to spend your Sunday than drinking warm beers with your best ones, listening to music and playing childhood games. We ate lunch, trotted around the local shops, and soaked in the beautiful sites of Llangollen (one of my favourite places on earth) The sun and I aren't really the best of friends, I get hot and bothered and if I'm not extremely careful I will burn to a crisp in a matter of seconds. Being pale isn't always interesting, just painful and a pain in the backside. 

this old routine will drive you mad

As you may know from my previous post and excessive posting on Twitter I attended the Company Magazine Style Blogger Awards last wednesday. It was so exciting to finally meet so many of my favourite bloggers and see some of them win well deserved awards. I thought I would share my outfit seen as the weather has most definitely improved over the last few days, just in time for my birthday too. 

I want to rock your gypsy soul

Over the next few month, I will be doing a series of unloved items in my wardrobe. I have chopped up my card and I am on a spending ban. In a bid to sort out my wardrobe rather than saving money, although the extra pennies at the end of the summer will be wonderful. I autumn weekend away would be nice.

She's honey all over

Dress - Vintage (Belt Included) // Scarf - Auntie Shirley's // Sandals - Primark (thrifted) // Lips - £1 Bargain from Primark

I've been having a little break lately (possibly the worst time, since I'm shortlisted to win Best Thrifty Blog at this years Company Style Blogger Awards) but I had to submit my final pieces of work for the end of my first year of uni, which I can now breathe a sigh of relief as it all over, that's me done for the summer. I have been a little down lately too, not sure wether that has something to do with the extra pressures of getting my work in on time (something I have never been very good at - time keeping) I have been attempting to de stress, but it's proven more difficult than I first anticipated. I need a holiday, somewhere fun and pretty, with plenty of adventures. Today I dusted off my 35mm camera and went out for a little walk to the stream, the sun shone and I felt relaxed for the first time in at least two weeks. 

and I hope you're satisfied your rascal, you!

Dress - Vintage // Cardi - Dorothy Perkins // Shoes - Topshop (Sale) // Lips - Topshop Lip Bullet in Covet

Whilst wandering through one of Cardiff's many quaint arcades I stumbled into Vintage Zizou, a vintage store with a twist, mainly specialising in occasion wear, their array of accessories, little trinkets and boxes of little extras made a great place to go rummaging. I bagged myself a few items including a vintage silk underskirt which I have been after for some time. I took the opportunity to get a few snaps of my outfit in this delightful setting. If you happen to live in Cardiff or fancy a visit definitely go and check this one out.

This dress was another eBay find, and the minute I saw it I fell in love with the cut and spring blue and white. I will most definitely be investing in a huge petticoat for this dress when the weather picks up.

Laurie Rose

I'm not asking much of you just sing little darlin' sing with me

 Dress - Ola Vintage // Lips - Rimmel Apocalips in Luna

The sun has been shining down on us this week, on me especially, I'm not one to boast but I have had an incredible week so far. Apart from the mountains of uni work I had to submit I PASSES MY FREAKING DRIVING TEST! Unfortunately I haven't got a car yet, which is most annoying as I want to take my best friend to castles and whiz around wherever I like whenever I like. I feel I have independence but I'm still unable to be free. I passed with only five minors, this is definitely the biggest achievement of my life to date. A few other exciting things have been going on but it's early days to be blurting that out, but there have been developments and I'm excited. 

Today I haven't been feeling so great, so I had a pretty lazy day, this mint green dress is comfy and it brightened up my day  lot. I got it from my friend Anna, who has been doing the vintage fairs for year up in the North West, she's great and her items are genuine and affordable, so exited to see what she has next time I go to visit, check out her Facebook page to see where she will be next.

Laurie Rose

bloglovin'

c'mon darling, let me steal this moment from you now

This look takes librarian to the extreme, my best friend recently gave me a bag full of vintage items to sell on Auntie Shirley's I picked this dress to keep for myself. The colours are perfect and the pattern is so delicate. I teamed it with this mustard cardi to pick out the gold detail. I've had an exciting week discussing a brand new project I have been working on. It's all hush hush at the minute but I am so excited to get my project under way! 

Dress - Vintage // Cardi - Red Herring // Bag - FOR SALE //Lips - Rimmel Apocalips in Luna 

I have been selling a few items on eBay but this bag is the only thing left, it's a perfect size for popping out during the day, or for a night out. Low starting bid so get your hands on a bargain! 

Laurie Rose

Don't forget to head over to the company website and nominate Blue Rinse for the Best Thrifty Blog award, It's really simple just follow this link and fill in a few details.

look at her with her washing line smile

Dress - Vintage // Lips - Rimmel Apocalips in Big Bang

Spring has sprung and I couldn't be happier, there is still a nip in the air but the sun is shining and I have been able to wear my favourite vintage sunglasses and a lighter jacket. I have all my uni deadlines due in during the next two weeks,four presentations, yes that's right FOUR! I am actually a shy person in person and the thought of standing up in front of people for 15 minutes make me feel physically sick! 

I already have a new favourite dress this month which I found hiding in the back of my wardrobe, this combined with the Rimmel Apocalips in Big Bang is perfect. I'm not usually one for a high neck line but somehow this just works. I am in need of a pampering session however, I need a day to myself so I can dye my hair and treat myself to a mani and pedi. It's almost the dreaded time where we have to expose our winter white legs and pasty arms. We should all devote our time to preparing for the chore of exposing this summer, time to slim down and tan slightly.

Laurie Rose

when the moon is round and full, gonna teach you tricks that will blow your mongrel mind

Dress - Vintage // Hat - Henry Holland (thrifted) // Lips - Rimmel Apocalips in Stellar

Spring was in the air today, I even got a chance to pop on a vintage pair of sunglasses as I had a brisk walk to Univeristy this afternoon. I have come to the conclusion that maybe Broadcast journalism isn't for me, I would like to specialise in Fashion and I really don't see myself in front of the camera or on the radio. It is a bit of a blow as I was so enthusiastic about uni and had so much excitment in me, I will of course finish this year and apply for more interesting courses, possibly further afield. The big city is calling this little country girl.

Paisley and I have been firm friends for many year, but when I saw this dress I fell head over heels, trippy winter colours give it a 70's hippy feel, throw on some fleetwood mac vinyls and dance like nobodies watching, unleash your free spirit.

Laurie Rose

there's nothing gentle about our stomach full of gin

After a long week there is nothing better than receiving a little gift to cheer you up. A week spent buried in books has left me feeling slightly more optimistic about my ability to pass my degree. Finally applying myself after encouraging words has given me free reign for the weekend, but instead of going wild I opted for a quiet veggie meal with momma rinse last night and the weekly food shop today, there is something so satisfying about a full fridge.

Dress - Handmade Vintage - eBay // Cardi - Auntie Shirley's // Glasses c/o Proopticals // Bag - Vintage // Lip Lacquer - Rimmel Apocalips in Luna

Many of you may not know but I am extremely short sighted and wear contact lenses most days but when I was contacted by the people at Proopticals I decided to give their VERY reasonably priced glasses a whirl. The selection  of retro inspired frames caught my eye and I have always wanted to try the Clubmaster style frame (as I own a variety of colours in sunglasses) Being so shortsighted proves a problem at times especially with a larger frame like these ones as you have to have the lenses thinned out a hell of a lot and that usually proves costly. But not at Proopticals the prices do go up slightly which is to be expected but they are reasonable and makes having different styles for ever occasion affordable. 

I look forward to trying more frames Proopticals have to offer.

Laurie Rose

all day long she's waiting, to be somebodies dancer

Dress - Vintage // Cardi - Red Herring // Lips - Rimmel Apocalips in Luna

Not long arrived back from Liverpool, I had a lovely weekend. Nothing productive at all but I enjoyed some yummy tofu with udon noodles and cheap wine. We wrapped up on the sofa and watched shite TV it was the perfect way to spend a Saturday evening. It has poured down all weekend it's been truly miserable which in turn is making me feel slightly blue today. The week ahead is looking to be a mundane one, mainly work and lots of uni work to be getting on with, what a great way to take my mind off the fact it's Valentines Day and I shall be spending it alone once again. The thought of the summer is keeping this smile on my face, adventuring keeps me sane and planning keeps me strong.

Laurie Rose

A little bird told me that you loved me

Dress - eBay // Belt - Vintage // Lipstick - Collection 2000 Valentine

After thinking we had seen the last of the snow, we had a little fall last night but by this afternoon it had soon disappeared and we were back to a down pour. Over the last week I have been pretty busy training and doing uni work that the spare time I have had has been spent sleeping, I have been exhausted. 

I have now filmed my first ever beauty video and I am in the process of editing it, I was really nervous to begin with but I soon settled into it, so I hope you enjoy it!

This dress was another late night eBay buy, it only cost me 3.99 with postage, bargain. 

This weekend I am heading over to Liverpool and I'm really looking forward to spending time exploring the city a little more so much has changed since I lived there, I have been looking at doing my masters there, I love a bit of forward planning. 

Laurie Rose

heaven knows, it's got to be this time

Dress - eBay // Belt - Vintage // Lipstick - Topshop in Infrared 

I have not long arrived back from a whirlwind weekend in Liverpool, some good friends of mine where heading off on an around the world trip and we had a gathering to say goodbye, it was so lovely to see everyone and enjoy some interesting coloured cocktails, my favourite had to be Aunt Edna's Blue Rinse, can't imagine why. 
The night was eventful to say the least, I ended up jigging to an Irish folk band, complaining about the rain, chatting with new friends and drinking in a back street pub which resembled someones living room. I also went for the most amazing but filling breakfast, to line my stomach for the evenings escapades, I'm heading back there tomorrow to do a review so keep your eyes peeled. All in all I had an exciting weekend, I had forgotten how much I had missed Liverpool and the night life has certainly improved. Not so hot on the charity shops but what do you expect from a city centre. I'm slightly excited and would definitely like to spend more time exploring what the city has to offer, someone take me to see pretty buildings, lets eat breakfast in animal themed cafes and dance in the presence of Sinbad. 

Laurie Rose

Beard+Bow

Dress c/o Beard + Bow // Cardigan - Auntie Shirley's // Lipstick - Collection 2000 in Valentine

What better way to warm up on a winters day than to brighten everything up. Beard+Bow promote, retail and grow UK design talent. They have a passion for creativity and individuality and they created Beard+Bow as a creative online platform to celebrate the UK's top talents. Creators Charlene and Jamie spend most of their time between Manchester's Northern Quarter and Shoreditch you will find them either at an underground gig or hunting out vintage gems in backstreet thrift stores. After years of searching they decided to scout out the talents themselves and create a place where independent designers and artists alike could express themselves and been seen. 
Beard+Bow are hoping to be the one stop scene for fresh UK design and with great designers already under their belts I'm really looking forward to seeing what their SS13 range brings, due to be launched in the coming weeks.

This dress is by one of the UK's most exciting retro inspired designers. Trollied Dolly was created by sisters with a passion for pretty dresses and wine, lots of it. Taking retro designs and giving them a modern revival. Their belief that life should be loud and vibrant echo's though their beautiful choice of materials and print. I instantly fell in love with this winter wonder, the colour of this dress is like no other red you will ever see, you stand out, it's sassy without being over the top, and the delicate robin print is perfect for the snowy days we have been having of late. 

If you like to be individual and not one to adhere to the masses or you're a budding designer head over to Beard+Bow and see for yourself the wonder that awaits.

Laurie Rose 

seven little number, baby I know yours by heart

 Dress - Topshop // Belt - Vintage // Lips - Brighton Rock (Topshop)

If you follow me on instagram you will know I was mentioned in COSMOPOLITAN magazine by the beautiful Estée from essiebutton I was so excited, I have now framed the page and it's hanging in my downstairs loo. I'm not one for new year resolutions but this year I am going to concentrate on making Blue Rinse a success, I have a passion for vintage fashion and I want to share my styling with you guys more often, I know we are still only in January but so far I'm keeping to my promise. I fell in love with this dress as soon as I saw it, the winter burgundy really compliments my hair colour and skin tone and best of all makes my waste look tiny! Since having my extensions I haven't really styled my hair like this, I've really missed it and I forgot how much I liked it.

In the last month I have put on half a stone and it's become really noticeable, it's time to get fit and motivated any diet suggestions welcomed, veggie of course.
Tomorrow I am recording my first ever youtube video, wish me luck! 

Laurie Rose

a little ice and gin

Coat - Vintage // Dress - Topshop (eBay) // Moccasins - Minnetonka // Lipstick - Rimmel Kate Moss 110

Everyone loves snow, right? Apart from the inability to get anywhere and the general panic everyone embodies as soon as the first flake settles, it's good fun. Seeing the children playing out all wrapped up is heart warming and takes me back to my childhood. The snow is able to turn a grown up into a big kid for the day.

My addiction to eBay is getting worse, they must have meeting for this sort of thing surely. "Hello my name is Laurie Rose and I bid until my eye balls fall out." Okay a bit extreme but sometimes I find myself browsing half asleep often mid-dream, I sleep bid, this is not always a bad thing. In one of my midnight bidding frenzies I bagged myself this 100% wool coat for just £8! Warm and a bargain, everyones happy, well just me actually.

Laurie Rose

I'm the queen of nothing, I'm the king of the world

Dress - Handmade Vintage // Hat - Vintage

This week has been pretty eventful, on a whim I applied for a new job, nothing too exciting just something part time to help pay the bills while I study. It's closer to home and only a short bike ride away, perfect for my get fit kick. Today I have already had a driving lesson and now I'm cooking up a storm in the kitchen preparing meals to include in my winter warmer series, which seems to be going down really well. Plenty of wholesome veggie meals to keep you sane through those winter blues.

But back to my favourite topic, vintage dresses! I picked this one up back in the summer. You will find some charity shops have now cottoned on to the vintage revival and are upping their prices, great for the charities but not for our lint lined pockets this January.

I wore this dress a lot during the festival season, the heavy material makes it perfect for chilly summer evenings and winter walks in the snow. It seemed to have been handmade for me, it fits like a glove and the whole outfit cost me less than £10. 

Laurie Rose 

I'm glad I found the truth is fake

Dress - Topshop // Scarf - Vintage // Belt - Vintage 

A beautiful vintage scarf can liven up any outfit, I picked this one up at my local charity shop for just £3.99 which is on the pricey side compared to the majority of my collection. I bought this a few months ago and fell for the autumnal colour scheme and paisley print. The plain midi body con dress in bottle green is something completely different than anything I usually go for, I had always thought the midi style only suited super slim models, but it hugs you in all the right places and is very flattering, even if you have a little pot belly like me.

Laurie Rose