Saturday 31 May 2008

Work Outfit - Saturday.


The look is smarter and more polished today. I am starting to feel somewhat human again so I thought I would put a dress and heels on.
It has turned into a beautiful day here today and my tights are a little heavy for such a nice day. But, until next Thursday (waxing appointment) they shall not see the light of day!

Today's outfit consists of:

Printed Dress - Vila
Patterned tights - Tesco
Belt - Next
Black patent shoes - Christian Louboutin

Friday 30 May 2008

Work Outfit - Friday.


Friday again......... where are the weeks going? It is very nearly June!!

Today's outfit consists of:

Grey checked shorts - H&M
Black puff sleeve t-shirt - American Eagle
Black Pattern tights - Tesco
Black wedges - Faith

Thursday 29 May 2008

Work Outfit - Thursday


I am coughing like I smoke 40 cigarettes a day, it is taking a lot of effort from me to be here, but I am the boss (oh and the one and only employee!!) so I have to be here - in sickness and in health.

I thought I would put some heels on today and make a bit more effort to feel better, and it is working. I am not feeling so sorry for myself today.

Today's outfit consists of:

Skinny jeans - Vila
White cami - Primark
White full sleeve blouse - Vila
Brown glass bead necklace - Plume
Brown knee high boots - Aldo

Wednesday 28 May 2008

Work Outfit - Wednesday.

It is a cold, an early night did not help me get over it!!! I thought that I felt bad yesterday, but boy oh boy is today worse. I am now coughing, sniffing, blowing my nose, wiping my nose and generally feeling rather sorry for myself.
I can not believe I had a day off to do nothing last week and now that I am unwell I have to drag myself into work (and its not even busy).

So, I decided to wear my new shoes to cheer me up. They were carefully brought all the way from Dubai for me. They are a stunning pair of Tod's flats - I feel that I have to add in the reason that my boyfriend picked them. They are "Tod's for Ferrari" and they are Ferrari Red. He did not even have to enter a shoe shop to purchase them, he spotted them as he day dreamed about buying a Ferrari!!!!




I am heading out to a birthday meal for my sisters this evening straight from work, so I had to make a slight effort to look at least half alive! Thankfully we are just going for a casual curry, so what I have on is just fine!

Today's outfit consists of:

Black skinny jeans - Primark
Black long sleeved t-shirt - Primark
Red and cream striped cardigan - Vila
Red flats - Tod's
Cream belt - H&M

Tuesday 27 May 2008

Work Outfit - Tuesday.


My weekend has caught up with me.....
I have such a sore throat and generally just do not feel well. I am hoping that I am just tired and that I will be better after a good nights sleep, I do not want a summer cold!!

Today's outfit consists of:

Green Jeans - Next
White long sleeved t-shirt - Tesco
Green cardigan - Primark
Blue patent ballet flats - Primark

Monday 26 May 2008

Work Outfit - Monday (Bank Holiday)


It is a bank holiday today and I am hoping that the nice sunny day is going to bring some day trippers to our little seaside town!!

No post on Saturday as I was away on a Hen Weekend!!! It was great fun - we went pottery painting during the day and then at night we all got glammed up and went for a meal, some drinks and then clubbing!! I am now very excited about the wedding in 2 weeks time!!!

Today's outfit consists of:

Khaki cropped trousers - Diesel
White t-shirt - Diesel
Khaki cardigan - Topshop
Leopard print ballet flats - Primark

Friday 23 May 2008

Work Outfit - Friday

Tired + un-inspired = a black outfit!!!!
Today's outfit consists of:

Black wide leg trousers - Vila
Black blouse - H&M
Black patent t-bar wedges - Barratts
Silk Scarf - Tie Rack
Charm Bracelet - Thomas Sabo


My scarf can not really be seen in the first picture so this is it! Injecting (or trying to) some colour into an otherwise dull as dish water outfit!!

Thursday 22 May 2008

Work Outfit - Thursday.

I was not at work yesterday (hence the lack of post). My sister very kindly offered to give me a day off to prepare for my hectic weekend ahead - I jumped at the chance.
I had big plans..... first of all I planned a nice lie in, this however did not happen. I was awake at 7.30am 15 minutes later than any other morning!! For the rest of my day I had planned to do a lot of house cleaning, which I did do and I felt great for it.

I do not have a picture of my outfit as I left the camera in the shop and I did not get out of my pj's until 10.50am when I changed to go to the gym. The afternoon I wore yoga pants and a long sleeved white t-shirt.

I came across today's outfit while I was clearing up. I was putting washing and ironing away and I was looking for some more coat hangers when I came across a bag from the dry-cleaners. I very excitedly opened it to find this dress, some linen trousers and two of my boyfriends summer shirts. You can imagine my shame when I realised these were the things that I had put in to be ironed after our summer holiday to Cuba last JULY!!!!!!! (Do not tell anyone but I think I have too many clothes).

Today's outfit consists of:

Black cotton sleeveless dress - Topshop
Black glossy footless tights - H&M
Leopard print cardigan - Forever 21
Leopard print ballet flats - Primark
Cream belt - Primark




I think it is time for a clear out?!

I had some free time the other evening and decided to read my own blog from the beginning!! Straight away I noticed how much my styles have changed in the past 3 months. I know that we have moved from the depths of winter to a nice mild spring (not quite summer here yet), but that aside I am so much more aware of what pieces I am putting together in the morning!

Looking back at the post pictures some of the things that I have worn to work just do not work on my body shape/colouring/just me in general.
In my mind, this makes my blogging a very worth while exercise indeed!

I am over the next few weeks going to rid my wardrobe of the items that, I have now noticed, highlight my less positive areas and attributes!!!!
Wish me luck this could turn out to be a huge and very time consuming task!!!!

Tuesday 20 May 2008

Work Outfit - Tuesday.

Second full day of my temporary living alone.........
So far so good, no-one is getting in my way in the kitchen in the morning, the shower is not left soaking wet (anal I know but I like it to be dried after we have both used it), there are not wet towels and dirty underwear lying on the bedroom floor.

This morning I had a bit of time on my hands, which was just as well as I had not outfit planned for today. So, I had a rummage in the wardrobe and came up with this outfit. It is a bit wintry as the dress is Merino wool, but I love it and had forgotten about it (shame on me). I bought it for our trip to Paris last year! I think it has shrunk a little though.

Today's outfit consists of:

Grey merino wool Dress - H&M
Black Leggings - Topshop
Black patent jewelled ballet flats - Nine West
Star necklace - Plume



This dress has the cutest little bow on the back in between the shoulder blades. This is the best of a very bad bunch of pictures!!! Had fun trying to take this picture......

Customer Service!

As I mentioned before I had yesterday afternoon off, so I decided to have a wander around a few shops. Since I opened my shop, I have noticed a few other little one off shops that I had not managed to visit.

I had to go to a neighbouring town to run some errands and it just so happened that this town had two new shops that I was desperate to visit. So, I headed off a very excited person! The first shop was a fashion boutique, from the outside it looked lovely so I went on in. I noticed a stunning little top straight away and made my way over to it. I could not see a price so I asked the assistant for some help. She huffed, threw her magazine down on the counter and came over. I explained the size that I needed and asked to try it on. After trying the beautiful (but much more of a casual style on than I had imagined) top I asked what the price was. Again the assistant huffed and told me that it was £80. I thanked her and left - not actually knowing what I was thanking her for!!

Next stop was a cute little home ware and gift store. I love, love, love nice greeting cards and wrapping paper as well as cute little bits for the home. I entered to a very warm welcome and being asked if I needed any help. I explained that I was just looking at the moment. It was then that I spied Emma Bridgewater pieces - I made my way over and started looking. The next thing I know the assistant was behind me, not to help me with anything but to watch me!!!
Again I left without buying anything.

I came home very deflated, I was looking forward to my afternoon in the local boutiques. For me in my shop, greeting the customers and making them feel welcome and not pressured into making a sale, is so important. I want people to recommend my shop, obviously because of the beautiful pieces, but also because of the service that they received.

It would appear to me that customer service is just not as important to some people as it used to be.

Monday 19 May 2008

Work Outfit - Monday.


I had this outfit on yesterday, but as I was in a robe for more than 4 hours and then in bed very early I thought that I could recycle it! I think it looks quite cute!

Today's outfit consists of:

Black Skinny Jeans - Primark
Cream t-shirt with black satin bib and collar - Urban Outfitters
Cream and black ballet flats - New Look

My Weekend.

For a girl that only gets one day off a week, this weekend I managed to cram a lot in!
After finishing work at 5pm on Saturday night my boyfriend came in and collected me, we went across the street to a fabulous bar restaurant and had an early supper. We then had to head home to get his bags packed for his trip to Dubai. This did not take too long (he is not an organised person and usually getting him ready is a mammoth task) so we had a few glasses of wine and then an early night!

Sunday morning we had an early start as the boyfriend had a fight to catch, but we did manage to eat breakfast together before he headed off!
I then had an excellent day - my sisters and I had booked a Spa afternoon for our mum for her birthday and we had all decided to go along with her.
We used the sauna, steam-room and Jacuzzi for an hour to relax before being taken into lovely treatment rooms where we all had a full body "Hot Stone" massage and a facial!!!
It was the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon!!!


Afterwards (in a very relaxed state) we went for some dinner and then all headed home for an early night! I do not know about the others but i was in bed reading by 9pm last night!

Today my mum is giving me a half day in the shop so I plan to head into town and have a look around the shops for an hour!! What a treat!
I would like some gold accessories for an outfit that I have decided on for this coming weekend - I am going on a Hen Weekend to Edinburgh!!!!!!!

Saturday 17 May 2008

Work Outfit - Saturday.


Been rather a quiet day so far, after posting today I am going to touch up my lippy and brush my hair, as my lovely boyfriend is taking me out for a bite to eat before he goes off the Dubai to work for a week!!!! Jealous me never (42 degrees is a tad too hot!).

Today's outfit consists of:

White silk tunic - S'nob
Black ribbed leggings - Vila
Black shrug cardigan - Primark
Cream knee high boots - River Island

Friday 16 May 2008

Just To Stress Me Out.

I am sure that is the sole purpose of my local council!!! As I mentioned in
Things A Boutique Owner Sees: Slow Saturday.
we are getting new street lights, that is all very well. I am glad that my shop is in an area that is well looked after, but imagine my surprise when I came to work to find this on my door step (literally).






How are my customers to get into my lovely shop?? Also just to add to my frustrations and stress, the workmen do not speak any english!!!!!

Work Outfit - Friday.

Today is dull and rather windy, so I have dug out my tights (that is what I get for packing them away before the end of May). I also had to rummage about in the wardrobe for a jacket this morning.....

Today's outfit consists of:

Green patterned dress - Soo-Lee
Black patterned tights - Tesco
Black wedges - Faith
Black jacket - Forever 21



Thursday 15 May 2008

Work Outfit - Thursday.


I love, love, love what I am wearing today and it is so plain and simple. I am going out for dinner straight from work so I wanted to be smart. I have not had these shoes on for about a year and they are pinching a little!

Today's outfit consists of:

Boot cut jeans - Diesel
White shirt - Vila
Tan belt - Next
Tan Sling back shoes - River Island

Wednesday 14 May 2008

St Ives Whipped Silk Body Lotion


I am by no means a product reviewer of any sort, but I really had to share my thoughts and views on a product that I have been using for a month now - St Ives Whipped Silk Body Lotion.

I have suffered from dry skin and eczema most of my life, I would switch between thick, heavy moisturisers and prescribed steroid creams. I continually had dry and flaky skin, I had to avoid anything that was perfumed as it just proved to be an irritant......

A little over a month ago I was having a pre work wander around the shops when I spied the above mentioned product. It was on special offer so I thought I would give it a try.
The next morning after showering I applied the lotion to my arms (I have learned to try a product out on just the one area first) it felt fantastic to rub in, so light and not at all greasy the light fragrance was also amazing, so clean and fresh.

No irritation occurred so the next morning I repeated after my shower, but this time applied all over. All day I kept getting hints of the lovely scent and my skin felt moisturised all day. I have continued with the product everyday since and I can honestly say my skin had never been in such great shape, which is fantastic for all of the strappy tops and cropped trousers that this season brings. I know that this lotion is no the only factor that has help with my skins turn around, my skin does always improve in the better weather when the heating is not on.

At £3.99 retail price I think this product is great value for money. It is a 200ml tube and the one that I bought over a month ago is still going strong.

St Ives website says:

Whipped Silk Intense Body Moisturizer An indulgent moisture formulated with Hydrolyzed Silk proteins that leave skin silky soft, not greasy. Treat your skin to a whole new level of luxury and softness.
Specially formulated with Hydrolyzed Silk Protein to provide intense moisture without a heavy, greasy feel
Specially formulated with Moistureguard™, a patented blend that continuously binds moisture to the skin by forming an invisible barrier to prevent moisture loss.
Dermatologist Tested
Hypo-allergenic
St. Ives lotions are tested in Switzerland and provide 200% more moisture immediately.

How to use:
Smooth onto skin as often as needed for all over skin therapy. Daily use will prevent dry skin from recurring, leaving skin silky soft.

Work Outfit - Wednesday.

I have taken a side step with my outfit today, it is not the type of thing that I would usually wear. I wanted to try and create a smart look for some very basic casual pieces. I have a clothing agent coming to see me in the shop today and I want to give the correct impression!

Today's outfit consists of:

Black cotton capri length trousers - Vila
Black long sleeved tunic - Primark
Silver cropped waist coat - S'nob
Silver beads - H&M
Silver jewelled flip-flops - Primark

Tuesday 13 May 2008

Work Outfit - Monday & Tuesday.

After a busy Saturday in the shop my boyfriend and I headed out for a meal to celebrate a friends birthday. We went to a fantastic seafood restaurant and had a fabulous meal and lots of Champagne!!

Sunday we got up early as the weather was very nice and sunny. We got the the nasty job of the food shopping out of the way early and then had a lazy afternoon in the garden. In the evening we had our first BBQ of the summer!

I had another busy day in the shop on Monday (I am definitely not complaining) so I did not get a chance to post my outfit pictures......

Monday's outfit consists of:

Skinny jeans - Vila
Grey & white jersey top - Topshop
Silver sandals - Vila


Today's outfit consists of:

White wide leg cropped linen trousers - Primark
Green button front t-shirt - Blendshe
Black and white flip-flops - Dune

Saturday 10 May 2008

Work Outfit - Saturday.


I have heavy sore legs today - my shoes do not look the best with this outfit, but comfort is more important today. We are heading out this evening and I want to wear heels......

Today's outfit consists of:

Printed dress - Vila
Belt - New Look
Grecian shoes - New Look
Necklaces - H&M

Friday 9 May 2008

Work Outfit - Friday.

The weather has turned wet and a bit cooler (the good spell, as usual, did not last very long). I am not feeling my best today I have a slight stomach ache, so I went for a pretty simple but smart look! After work this evening I have a friend coming over for a bite to eat and a few glasses of wine, I think I will alter the outfit slightly but not too much - just a lighter top perhaps?!

Today's outfit consists of:

Black cropped wide leg trousers - Diesel
Black t-shirt - Primark
Black, white and red cardigan - Primark
Star necklace - Plume
Silver jewelled flip-flops - Primark


I have not worn these trousers in such a long time! It all came flooding back to me very quickly why this was the case. The trousers have an inverted pleat on the front (full length) of each leg. They are very nice but a lot of hard work to make them sit just right!

Thursday 8 May 2008

Work Outfit - Thursday.


What a lovely day it is again today. I have come to notice how nice it is to wake on a lovely sunny day and not dread the day ahead in a very heavy cotton work uniform (ah the old days!!).
I am not sure when I last got the chance to wear lots of summer clothes - probably the school summer holidays when I was about 8 years old!!

The top I am wearing today, I have been selling for about 2 months now - rather unsuccessfully. I decided to wear one today as the style is loose and airy and it always helps customers picture the item on themselves.
To prove how fickle my customers can be - I have sold 2 tops so far today!!

Today's outfit consists of:

Beige linen trousers - Vila
Patterned loose fit camisole top - S'nob
Necklace - H&M
Charm bracelet - Thomas Sabo

Wednesday 7 May 2008

Work Outfit - Wednesday.

Another glorious sunny day and my outfit is not very suited to a sunny day! I am wearing a top that I currently have on sale as people do not seem to be able to picture what it will look like on.

Today's outfit consists of:

Wide leg jeans - American Eagle
Over-sized jumper - Vila
Cami (not seen) - Topshop
Tan Wedges - Dune

Tuesday 6 May 2008

Work Outfit - Tuesday.

Yesterday was a bank holiday, working for myself I get no holidays so bank holidays are just another working day for me! My very kind mum let me away at lunch time to go to a BBQ at my boyfriend's sisters house!

The weather was fantastic and it was so nice to be there. Unfortunately I have no pictures of my outfit (which was very cute) as the morning ran away from me and as soon as I got to the BBQ I had a glass of Pinot Grigo in my hand!! The outfit was a pair of mint green vintage jeans, white ribbed tank top and a pale green cotton cardigan that I did not need until we were walking home at 8.30.

Today the fabulous weather has continued (my fingers are crossed that this will last). I had a few errands to do this morning before opening the shop so I picked a nice light and airy outfit. I hate being all hot and bothered before I have even begun my days work.

Today's outfit consists of:

Cream silk embroidered tunic - Vila
Black ribbed leggings - Vila
Cream and black ballet flats - New Look

Saturday 3 May 2008

Oh The Drama!

OK, so maybe I am being a tad dramatic here but the Laptop not working is causing major rifts in my life!! I have not posted for the last few days because of the Laptop! However, my wonderful boyfriend brought me another one from his office - it is great I am able to keep in touch with everyone that I need to during the work day (and I can read all of my favourite blogs). But, it is not the system that I am used to. It does thing just a bit differently to my trusty Sony. I think the one that my boyfriend lent me is more up to date.
Anyway, enough with the moaning, it is the weekend and it is dry outside!

Thursday's outfit consisted of:

Green printed cotton dress - Vila
Black patterned tights - Tesco
Necklace - Primark
Black wedges - Faith


Friday's outfit consisted of:
(This was what I wore to the family meal last Saturday, I loved it).

Skinny Jeans - Vila
Brown fitted Linen top - Skunkfunk
Brown gladiator sandals - Vila

Today my outfit consists of:

White cotton dress - Vila
Black high shine footless tights - H&M
Black belt - Next
Black patent T-bar wedges - Barratts

Thursday 1 May 2008

Work Outfit - Wednesday.



Yesterday my laptop decided to break!! I was rather upset for a few reasons. Firstly, I was 3 minutes away from finding out how much I had made from my Ebay sales, secondly I had not read any of the blogs that I usually read, third, I had not posted my own blog. And finally and the point I feel to be the most important, it was a miserable day I had very few customers and I was bored!!

Wednesday's outfit consisted of:

Straight leg jeans - Vila
Cream long sleeved t-shirt - Topshop
Cream and Orange cardigan - Vila
Boots - Topshop