Thursday 05.03.

So, we still have the snow - well it froze over night so we have piles of ice everywhere. It was an interesting walk to work this morning!! The sun has come out in the last hour or so, fingers crossed it starts to melt a bit by the time I am heading home!

As it is another cold one I went for layers today - and layers I have - lots of them! But it is a trick that does keep the chill out!

Today's outfit is:

Block colour jersey dress - Forever 21
Cami (not seen) - Topshop
Brown leggings - Forever 21
Brown cardigan - Forever 21
Grey knee high socks - eBay
Brown boots - Faith

So.....??

Was it me, two days ago, that said "Yay for March?" Hhmm, I think it was - well I take it back!! What is with the snow being back?? Now I love the snow as much as the next person at Christmas, or when I have no where to go, but when I have to walk to work and then rely on customers to be out and about and want to walk into my little shop?? Not so much!!

Ah, but even the snow making my day quiet and uneventful can not keep me down as I am just so excited!!!
Last night the bf and I finally got booked up to go to our very good friends wedding......... in the BAHAMAS!!!!!

Oh yes Paradise Island here I come!!!

In roughly 6 weeks time, so let the diet and serious beauty regime begin!!

Wednesday 04.03.

I thought that today I would get on the "pattern mixing" band wagon and while I was at it I though I would mess about a bit and see what fun stuff I could do with my pictures (bare with me I am technically challenged).

Well the collage thing that I created I like but it has come out too small - but I am going to have another go tomorrow.

As for the pattern mixing - I have to say that I am LOVING my unusual combination. I like this dress, cardigan tights combo the last time that I wore it, but today thought that a nice pop of pattern and colour would brighten a miserable snowy day!

Yesterday was great fun - I have picked out some FAB pieces for A/W 2009 and got some great insider tips about selling and displaying from the agents.

My bf and I did go for dinner we went to a bar that specialises in beers of the world - it has a great atmosphere (it is underground) and they do the most amazing stone baked pizzas and also have great deals on wine pizza combos!! Just my kind of place!

Today's outfit is:

Denim mini dress - Vila

Cami (not seen) - Primark

Leopard print cardigan - Forever 21

Scarf (used as belt) - Vila

Brown tights - Primark

Leopard print ballet flats - Primark

Tuesday 03.03.

This dress came into stock on Friday and I knew that I had to have one. I am LOVING the bright block colour! It is also such a fun and quirky shape.
I am not too sure about the teal tights and the black boots, so I have asked my bf to bring me a pair of black tights when he comes to get me. I think that the black will work a little better as I have my black mac on and my big black handbag!

I am heading off shortly to the last of my buying appointments. My bf is coming along with me and afterwards we are going to have some dinner and a few drinks in Glasgow before getting a late train home. I am looking forward to it - we have not had a night out just the 2 of us for a while!

Today's outfit is:

Block colour jersey dress - SkunkFunk
Teal tights - Primark
Black shoe boots - Armani Exchange
Necklaces - H&M

Review - E.L.F. Eye Shadow Brush

Specially sheered brush tip absorbs the perfect amount of eye shadow and provides long lasting color saturation. The comfort curved brush contours the eye with natural gliding strokes for easy and accurate eye shadow application.
All e.l.f. professional makeup brushes have been designed and tested by professional makeup artist Scott Vincent Borba. Each brush has been ergonomically designed to fit perfectly into your hand and facilitate a flawless finish with every application.

That is what E.L.F. have to say about their eye shadow brush. I have to say that for £1.50 this is the best value eye shadow brush that you are going to find!
It is rally full and beautifully soft. In the past I have used cosmetic brushes from little stocking filler sets that have felt rough and scratchy when applying eye shadow.

With the E.L.F. eye shadow brush being full of lots of lovely soft bristles you get a great coverage of product without any dragging or scratching of the eye lid.
Before getting this product I had been using my finger for application most mornings and I have to say that after a day at work my eye make up now looks as it did just after I put it on - I am sure that this is down to the application.

I would honestly order more brushes from the range that E.L.F. have on offer and I would gladly recommend the products to a friend. I have to say that the service that I received from E.L.F. is the best that I have EVER had from an online retailer!

Monday 02.03.

Yay for March!! Roll on some Spring like weather!!

I had a lovely (but way too quick) weekend with the "hen party" on Saturday and then a family meal at my parents house on Sunday. It was really nice, but so busy and tiring - I had to drag myself out of bed this morning.
I have quite a busy week ahead of me too - I have a few more appointments with suppliers this week and then the buying season should pretty much be over!

I have decided that from now on (where possible) if I am wearing jeans to work I have to try to wear a smart top with them. My black jeans are needing washed (I hate jeans after they have been washed) so I decided to get one more wear out of them before I do some laundry later!
I am ashamed to say that I found this top at the very bottom of the ironing bundle the other night - I had totally forgotten all about it! It is like having a new top on today! I also want to point out my new shoes. I got them when I was out with my sisters the other week, I did not need them but at £3.71 I really could not resist them! Glad I bought them as they look so cute on!

Today's outfit is:

Black skinny jeans - Primark
Black vest (not seen) - Tesco
Cream and black top - Topshop
Necklace - Ann Taylor Loft
Cream and black (Chanel Style) ballet flats - Primark

Saturday 28.02.

I am so excited today! It is almost March - meaning Spring is coming - very exciting! Also it is my very good friends "Hen Party" tonight and my very kind mum is letting me go home at 1.30pm!

It will not be a relaxing afternoon though. I am going to get balloons after I finish. I then ave to drop them and all of the other table decorations off at the restaurant. I will then be heading home to have a shower and do my hair etc. And then it is off to the Bride to be's house to help her get organised! It should be a fun night!

I apologise for the bad pictures today - my camera battery is dying and I was trying to be quick!

Today's outfit is:

Black skinny jeans - Primark
Black cami - Primark
Purple chiffon top - Topshop
Black patent ballet flats - Old Navy

It is my "Blog Birthday".

Birthday - by BoutiqueGirl on Polyvore.com

My blog is one year old today!!

I can not believe that I have managed to keep this up for an entire year - I am so proud of myself.
I started this personal style blog/project after being inspired by the FABULOUS Allie at My Wardrobe Today. Hers was the first blog that I ever read and through hers found lots of other great ones! I decided that I too was going to journal what I wore to work and I too was going to put it out there on the web!

I am SO glad that I did. I feel that my style has changed and so has my outlook! Now if I am feeling a bit low or not so hot I make even more effort to dress up and put on my best lip gloss. I make a real effort to accessorise and try not to repeat outfits too often. But importantly (for me) I feel well turned out each day!
I have realised that I am a girl that just loves to wear a dress. I feel me in a dress. But, I really like that people take me more seriously - like I really know what I am talking about as I wear dresses to work and advise people on what the should be buying and wearing.

Not only has this blog made a difference for my image and daily outfits - it has helped me be more disciplined in life in general. I have an exact 20 minutes every morning to dress, do full make up and style hair (well most mornings). I look after my clothes so much better - to the point where some items only need occasional washing/dry cleaning as they are not lying on the bathroom floor and I do not cook the dinner while wearing them.
My eating and exercising habits have become more disciplined too. It took a few months for me to see it but I was gaining weight. I now know that I have to be the one to make the changes and stick them out.

This little blog has also really helped me to stay focused at work. I have set myself some new rules. I now have to do all of my re-stocking, housekeeping, admin, ordering, invoicing etc in the morning before I have either a cup of tea or switch the laptop on. That way 90% percent of customers that come through the door find me working (or at least looking like I am working) instead of surfing the Internet. I like to try and make myself take the time to update my blog everyday too - as it has become part of my work day.

But, I have to say, I really LOVE the "friends" that I have made via blogging! I do, from time to time, find myself talking about "my friend" and then realising that no-one knows what I am talking about. In this past year I have had some of the best comments and compliments that I have ever had from you guys. I really want to thank you all for reading the rubbish that I write each day and for leaving me your comment on my outfits etc.

I am going to go now and get some work done.

On a mushy note Michael Bolton (oh the shame) came on my ipod when I was typing this and I thought I was actually going to cry!!! Oh dear!

Friday 27.02.

Yay - it is Friday!
Even better than that I am only working a half day tomorrow!! My family really are being kind to me at the moment with all of the time off that they are giving me!

I had my pampering night last night and it was lovely - tonight I am going to give myself a manicure (to match Saturday nights outfit) and get an early night. I am looking forward to heading off to bed as early as possible with my book!

Today's outfit is:

Green print dress - Vila
Black tights - Tesco
Black patent ballet flats - Old navy
Green glass necklace - eBay

Thursday 26.02.

Thursday already! It has been a fast and busy week so far, and next week is shaping up the same way!

My bf is away with work for a few days, so this evening I plan to get my chores done as quickly as I can (huge pile of ironing - ugh) then run myself a nice hot bath and have a pampering evening in preparation for my good friends "Hen Night" on Saturday!

Today's outfit is:

Tribal print dress - Vila
Cami (not seen) - Primark
Black cropped cardigan - Primark
Grey tights - Primark
Necklace - Ann Taylor Loft
Black and white peep toes - Nine West

Anthropolification Boyer Cream Cardi GIVEAWAY!!!! GIVEAWAY!!!!

Anthropolification Boyer Cream Cardi GIVEAWAY!!!! GIVEAWAY!!!!

Wednesday 25.02.

Well my week has turned out to be not quite as bad as I thought it was going to be. I found out last week that I had been called for Jury Duty at out local High Court. I had to call a number last night to get details etc and, thank goodness, I was not needed in court today!
I am so pleased about this as I was starting to imagine all sorts!

I am just loving my dresses at the moment - I really feel like I have found a style that is ME! On the days that I have a dress or a skirt on in the shop I feel that I am promoting a better more polished shop and I feel cheerier. I also feel ready to handle anything or anyone that comes along if I have frequently re-applied my lip gloss during the day!! Stupid I know but I really feel that it helps.
I now just can not wait for the milder weather so that I can start to get my legs out from under these tights!!!! I must start the tanning routine ASAP!

Today's outfit is:

Grey jersey dress - Vila
Cream cami (not seen) - Primark
Grey cardigan - Vila
Purple tights - SkunkFunk
Grey shoe boots - Armani Exchange
Necklace - Bakers

E.L.F. Promotion

This was in my inbox this morning and I thought I would share it with you all! I am not spending (well trying to) at the moment, so I will probably not get round to using the code.
This (I assume) is the UK promo code, but I think E.L.F. run the same or similar promos on both, the UK and US, sites at the same time.

Anyway, if anyone is going to be shopping with the site try out this code. I can say that from my order last month the service is fantastic and the products are good value. I have to say that they cosmetic brushes are AMAZING value for money and I plan to stock up on some more very soon!

Tuesday 24.02.

I had a busy afternoon of appointments with clothing agents yesterday - and even though it is only February I am very excited about the colours and styles that showing for Autumn winter 2009!

I have had this dress in my wardrobe for a few months now and I have never worn it. I got it for wearing in Florida in November and when we were there and I put it on I felt awful in it!
But since coming home I have lost some weight and I am feeling much happier about myself so I thought I would give it a winter look and I really like it. It is comfy yet the red print makes me feel bright! I just wish I had remembered to put a necklace on this morning!

Today's outfit is:

Black dress with red print - Mina UK
Black long sleeved t-shirt - Primark
Black tights - H&M
Black riding boots - Bakers

Monday 23.02.

Back to work after having the entire weekend off is not so easy (I am not used to so much time at home). I had a lovely weekend spending time with my my amazing bf and and catching up with some friends.

I am not feeling so great today - feel a bit icky, run down, tired and generally like I am going to get a bug or a cold! I am hoping that it passes. I have a bit of a nightmare of a week ahead of me (that at the moment I am not sure what of it I can blog about) and I do not want to be unwell on top of it all!

I am, however, feeling quite pleased with myself as the jeans that I have on today have been in a drawer for forever as they were too small and the t-shirt has been locked away also. It is nice to know that all of my healthy habits and exercise are working - it is so great to be able to see the results.

Today's outfit is:

Dark wide leg jeans - Vila
Ladybird sequin t-shirt - Boutique in Paris (2007)
Charcoal cardigan/jacket - River Island
Black patent t-bar wedges - Barrats

Friday 20.02.

I have had such a busy afternoon - I got lots of new styles delivered this afternoon and had to rush to get them all unpacked and displayed as I am not in the shop tomorrow! My sister has given me the day off. So in return I did not want her coming into a huge mess!

I decided to go with my more casual look today and I am pleased with how it turned out. This is the first time that I have worn these jeans and they are very comfy.

Today's outfit is:

Jeans - French Connection
Bow detail knit - Vila
Grey boots - Topshop
Silver jewellery - Tiffany

Yay for eBay!

Just I was typing up todays post - saying how it was, pretty much, a rubbish day - a parcel got delivered! As we all know nothing brightens up your day like mail that is not a bill!! :)

My package was the very cute orange leather wedge sandals that I bought from ebay at the weekend for £3.99 (plus postage).


I am happy to say that they are in FAB condition (the soles look like they may have een worn outside once?) and they look great.
I can not wait until it gets a little warmer to start wearing them - I have kind of got my heart set on March being when it starts to get warm enough for sandals and bare legs?!?

Thursday 19.02.

It has been a funny day today, it is dry and getting a bit milder outside yet there is almost no-one about, if they are out and about they are not shopping here with me! I find it really hard to keep myself motivated on days like this. Today I have spent most of my time looking at food blogs and websites - I am looking for easy meal inspiration.

Today's outfit is:

Pink and brown striped tunic - SkunkFunk
Brown leggings - Forever 21
Khaki cami - Topshop
Brown boots - Faith
Silver jewellery - Tiffany

And the winner is...........

Milly!!

Congratulations!

Send me an email (thingsaboutiqueownersees@yahoo.co.uk) with your address and I will get the earrings posted out to you!

Sorry to everyone that missed out this time and thank you all for leaving your comments - I am already planning what I am going to give away next!

Wednesday 18.02.

I thought it was time to break out my favorite skirt again. I love this skirt so much - so you can imagine my horror when I realised this morning that it is getting too big for me! At the moment they only thing that makes it look noticeable is the fact that it is sitting lower.

Today's outfit is:

Skirt - French Connection
Black vest - Tesco
Coral Cardigan - J. Crew
Patterned tights - Tesco
Black patent ballet flats - Old Navy
Necklace and earrings - made by Me

I am going to draw (using random.org) the winner of the earring giveaway at 4pm, so if you have not left a comment (and still wish to) please do it soon!