are you trending?

For a long time I have been looking at the current trends, crop tops, bralet and ridiculous slogans. Showing off your midriff is certainly the new black on the high street. But what about us plus size girl, what are we meant to do? So I took to the charity shop in search for a flattering alternative, month of searching finally paid off. I pick this crop top up at my local salvation army for 99p it's a size 10 but fits perfectly. It's light and airy perfect for the humid storm filled skies over the last few days and I'm hoping it doesn't look too dreadful on me.

I picked up this skirt in the sale from Vintage Style Me and although it's a little bit big I am head over heels with the pleats and nautical theme, and it's about time I ventured away from the dresses now and again, spice things up a little bit.

 

Now I'm all about recycling, I am an avid thrifter and love a good up-cycle. So if I was to tell you this beautiful bracelet was once used as a weapon of destruction you'd probably tell me to bugger off. But it's true, this bangle is made by Clem and Chantha using recycled bomb casings collected from the war in Cambodia over 40 years ago. In their mini home workshop, the pair work with disabled and impoverished artisans affected by war, poverty and HIV/AIDS. These harrowing works of art are only available at Eighteen Rabbit who have been working closely with Craftwork Cambodia, building up a new partnership and creating opportunities for the people that the war has effected. The fact that this Leaf Bangle has a story only makes it that little bit more special.

Cropped T-shirt - Thirfted
Skirt - Vintage Style Me
Scarf - c/o Mille n Mae 
Leaf Bangle - Eighteen Rabbit
Sunglasses - Vintage

P.S Millie n Mae are offering you guys a HUGE 20% off with the code BLUERINSE20 

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. 

if you give a little love, you can get a little love of your own

After hibernating over the last few days after working nights, I am back in the swing of days and back out and about in the sunshine. Today I even exposed my legs for the first time in years, I felt somewhat liberated. 

You & I

After a little break from blogging I am back, I needed some time out to organise myself and settle into my new job. I have also finished my first year of University and I'm feeling a lot more relaxed. In my previous post I showed off the outfit I wore for the Company Style Blogger awards and as you are all aware I am obsessed with eBay. A few months ago I stumbled across the most incredible eBay store and since then I have had to restrain myself every single Sunday evening.

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. 

Company Style Blogger Awards!

Last night I attended the Company Style Blogger Awards and I have to say what an event!! I obviously didn't win but to have been shortlisted to just eight in our category was such an achievement and everyone there should be so proud of themselves. 

I was so nervous to begin with but I met up with Cassie, who was also shortlisted in the best thirfty blog category and we hit it off straight away, she is brilliant and super fun, why do we have to live the opposite ends of the country, oh well we always have Skype. Anyhoo that enough swooning over my new best friend, lets get down to the event itself. 

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.

I could never dance with another one

Dress - Thrifted (£3) // Sandals - Atmosphere but thrifted  (£1.99) // Lips - (£1) Primark

This is by far my all time favourite summer dress, you will probably see me in this a lot over the next few months. I picked this up at a local charity shop this time last year and I instantly fell in love. My love for inanimate objects i.e dress is now becoming obsessive. I am worried I have a serious problem. Oh well some people spend their money on make up or partying, mine just so happens to be all three, oooops! 

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

If you took to me like a gull takes to the wind...

Spring has finally sprung, for sure this time and I couldn't be happier. I get to wear pastels and open toe sandals at last, I'm not a huge fan of summer but this year I am very much looking forward to the exciting adventures my friends and I are cooking up. I have a pretty busy few weeks lined up what with Focus Wales and Creative International as well as starting my new job and having a mini break to Cardiff with my best girl Christy to see Ludovico Einaudi, I am officially fully booked. I love a good bargain and I managed to bag a hotel for £67 between us and cheap rail travel (this never happens to me usually) SO any sightseeing suggestion welcomed!

"Cathy I'm lost" I said, though I knew she was sleeping

 Dress - Vintage Local Salvation Army // Belt - Vintage // Cardi - Auntie Shirley's // Sunglasses - Vintage 

The minute I dug out my favourite pair of vintage sunglasses the weather decided to take a turn for the worse. Rain has poured for days now and it's back to the frizzy hair and soggy feet. I wanted to jazz up myself today and cheer myself up a bit. I'm back at uni and the work is suddenly piling up again, this year has felt a bit of a cop out really, I'm not sure I'm getting my monies worth this year, lets hope next year improves slightly.

I have exciting things in the works which should keep me occupied over the summer (if it decides to make an appearance.) Festivals, conventions and hopefully a little holiday somewhere new and exciting.

I picked this dress up from my local Salvation Army in their sale for about 99p I wasn't really intending to wear it really, I wanted to use the material to make some cushion covers as I thought it was a little big for me and not flattering at all. But once I'd given it a wash and a good iron (the material is hard to work with) I realised it was a lot better than I had first anticipated. 

I chucked on my VERY favourite vintage belt, which is my all time favourite item in my wardrobe and voila, instantly nipped in at the waist. I will probably wear this outfit more in summer, as its a great length (I'm certainly not a fan of anything above the knee with bare legs)  

I'm sure you guys are fed up hearing about the Rimmel Apocalips but I have to mention it because it is my favourite lip colour ever. I am addicted to the shade Luna, which is a creamy peachy coral. I wont leave the house without it, it looks great with everything and really suits my complexion. I purchased them all as soon as they were released and like them all but the one I always reach for is Luna. Well done Rimmel for creating another product I can add to my holy grail list.

Laurie Rose

take some time out to resuscitate my soul

 Dress - Cow Vintage Manchester // Cardi - Primark // Lips - Rimmel Apocalips in Luna

After what has been the longest winter ever, the snow is finally beginning to clear, the snow drops are making an overdue appearance and the sun has been shining. After months of wearing autumnal colours I was excited to brighten up my wardrobe with this minty combo. I have been absent of late, this is a combination of work, uni and spending time with a special someone. 

I have been over worked and definitely under rested but the hint of sunshine and the lighter nights have made me smile, along with a few added quiz nights with great friends and dancing my pants off at local gigs. 

Tonight I plan to drink gin, sing excessively and make my rather embarrassing dance moves look cool.

I picked this little beauty up last year at Cow Vintage in Manchester but haven't had a chance to wear it until today, I added the mint green cardi to pick out the delicate floral pattern on the dress. I also have a fresh head of hair (weave) which always gives me a confidence boost, the little things in life eh. 

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.

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

one last time in the darkness, let's lie still as the night

Dress - Vintage // Cardi - Auntie Shirley's // Lips - Rimmel Apocalips in Luna // Pimple c/o My Hormones!

I have taken it upon myself to become more proactive when it comes to all aspects of my life. Forget what others think and generally enjoy the here and now, I'm such a worry wart at times. We each have things we would change about ourselves and I'm sure there are plenty of things others would change about me, but right now I enjoy my life, being alone suits me just fine, I have the rest of my life to be an adult and I certainly have plenty of time to enjoy 'me time' and the quality time spent with my nearest and dearest, you guys mean the world to me. 

For years the bad relationship choices and the wondering what could have been consumed me, I would over think situations, how I would have done things differently and then it dawned on me, there is nothing I could have done, you can't make someone love you no matter how hard you try. A close friend who just so happened to be the love of my life once labelled me as a 'serial dater' at the time I was outraged, the thought of being perceived in such a way made me realise, he was right. I was never without a relationship and the majority of the time I wasn't truly happy I was merely settling. Needless to say I messed up big time and we no long speak. If I could offer one bit of advice, never let the good ones go, no matter how tough it gets, don't be scared to fall in love. And then if like me you mess it all up, spend your life alone with a few cats drinking gin, jobs a good un. 

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