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. 

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. 

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'

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

the love I sell you in the evening, by the morning wont exist

Dress - Topshop (Sale) // Hat - Henry Holland (thrifted) // Lips - Rimmel Apocalips in Luna (obsession) 

To say I've had a lazy day is an understatement, my life has somewhat been that of a cat, eating, sleeping and generally lazing around. I'm now enjoying a night in with the best ones watching movies eating soup, my life remains as mundane as ever, the best it can be in my opinion.

I have a busy weekend planned, joining the gym, vintage dress shopping and of course gin drinking. A new soul bar is opening in town tomorrow night, I am looking forward to having a dance with good friends. 

This dress is not weather appropriate I know but I found it in the Topshop sale a few weeks ago and had to share it. A whole five pounds well spent if I say so myself. 

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

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

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 

my name is Eileen, boy that's all you need

 

Shirt - Vintage St Michael's // Maxi Skirt - Primark // Belt - Vintage // Cardi - Vintage Auntie Shirley 

Lipstick - Rimmel Kate Moss 107

This last week has been a strange one, plenty of time to reflect. Not a drop of alcohol has somehow given me a clear head. I'm organising, rearranging and preparing and I'm excited. I'm on top of my Uni work, creating a regular blogging schedule and attempting to get fit, oh and somewhere amongst all of that, this year I plan to meet my future husband, someone pass me the gin, I'm delusional. January is always filled with good intentions, let see how long they last and how quickly I can bag Jason Segel.

Laurie Rose 

this should be enough to let you go

Having a little break from blogging over the festive season has left me feeling a little flat but now my brain is over loaded with ideas and a new direction. I love vintage fashion, especially dresses and as most of my nearest and dearest know I have a slight obsession. When people find out I don't actually own a pair of jeans they look astonished, I'm a lady and I wear dresses, everyday, so get over it. 

Comfort is key to me and a reasonable length teamed with classic hosiery is a winner in my book.

Dress - Vintage eBay // Cardi - Vintage Auntie Shirley // Lipstick - Rimmel Kate Moss 107

This has been my favourite outfit for the last month, I had posted a obligatory mirror snap of a night out in London on instagram and a few people had commented on it. I paid a little bit more than I usually would for this dress, but the minute I saw it on eBay I fell in love, it had to be mine. I entered a bidding war and by George I was not going to lose! It's warm and cosy for the winter but still quite dressy. Auntie Shirley's black cardi picks out the black in the pattern perfectly. The icy blue and purple aztec style is slimming too and after piling on the pounds I'm in need of something a little more forgiving. 

Happy New Year everyone! 

Laurie Rose 

I cried a tear because of you

I haven't done an outfit post for months and now I have my new camera I decided to share with you some recent finds. I instagramed this dress last week after receiving it from Ebay, you guys seemed to love it and lets just say it went down a storm on what's becoming a regular Friday Gin Night.

I'm forever scrolling through Ebay finding bargains, but this believe it or not only cost me 1p, I know I couldn't believe it either. Here I've just teamed it with a vintage cardigan from my Auntie Shirley and some zip detail boots. 

Retro Dress - Ebay // Cardigan - Auntie Shirley's // Bag & Scarf - Thirfted // Boots - Primark // Laddered Tights - DIY

Laurie Rose xo

Fujiyama Mama

Still feel too fat to wear trousers, but these are rather jazzy!

Laurie Rose xo

Gingerbread.

Superdrug Colour Vibrance Hair Dye.

Well what can I say, on my monthly visit to buy blonde hair dye in Superdrug, a wave of impulsiveness took over me and I couldn't help myself from buy Mango Copper Burst, as you can imagine, it's bright it's orange & I am totally out of my comfort zone. I needed to give my hair a rest from the bleaching after removing my dreadlocks and I have always wanted to be a true fiery red head but have always been too afraid that I would regret it. 

I found this product really easy to use, great instructions but the one down side were the gloves, I much prefer the tighter latex gloves you sometimes get in home dye kits, but that is just me being picky. Application was easy benefiting from a longer nozzle than usual. I usually find the smell of hair dye overpowering but this one was less noticeable. After the 30 minutes of developing time I rinsed the dye off, shampooed then used the intensive conditioner provided which I should just add last for up to six washes (depending on hair length) which I was very pleased with considering the price, all this was only £3.99 I bought two boxes so I was able to dye my hair extensions too which I definitely needed.
I wanted bright and vibrant & that's what I got alright.

The condition of my hair before application was brittle and fly away, now it feels smoother and a lot thicker, I am still unsure of the colour but it will grow on me in time.

I would recommend this product to anyone, the range of colours available is amazing, it's suitable for vegetarians and Superdrug are also protecting our wonderful furry friends, big thumbs up!

Laurie Rose xx