OOTD: A berry nice £8 Primark dress

No, my technological devices aren't fixed, but I have managed to borrow a Macbook for a small amount of time!

I am a terrible human being and have only just started my Christmas shopping! Here's what I wore when we ventured into York to start our present-buying today...

Dress: Primark £8/ Coat: ASOS last year/ Tights: Primark £3.50/ Boots: Topshop £42

Friday was payday, and with it came the obligatory wander into town, including Primark since we don't have one in York. I was impressed that other than "essentials" (lots of fleece-lined tights like these, and loads of fluffy socks), I only bought one thing- this dress. I love paisley print (though I only have one playsuit in it other than this), and the colours just spelt Autumn to me. In fact, there's something so pleasing about burgundy and navy together. The dress has elbow length sleeves, which is great for me because I'm pretty nesh and can't stand sleeveless/ short-sleeved dresses in winter, even around the warmest of fires. I still think I'll always be wearing it with a cardigan over the top though! The fit is nice, with a tight top and flared skirt (it flashed up as tea dress on the till, but I'm not one for understanding dress types). I would say though (and I'm sure you can see from the photos) that it's a little too tight, and I had to undo the zip to be able to reach the back of my head when straightening my hair. Definitely quite scared of ripping it. Nonetheless, for £8 I'm not really complaining.

I couldn't decide whether to go for burgundy or navy tights with this (spoilt for choice, right? black and grey were options too), and I went for burgundy even though it's slightly the wrong shade. I live in these fleece-lined £3.50 thick tights from Primark, though they don't really wear very well on me.

These days no pretty dress is complete without a fur coat on top, and my black hooded faux fur one from last year is still going reasonably strong, thank goodness!

Do you like our freshly painted dining room?! Haha. Decorating is such hard work!

Jess

Favourites lately: I smell honey

As I jotted down a list of items I wanted to write about in a "monthly favourites" type post, I realised I must have turned into Winnie the Pooh without noticing. At the top of the list were five items, with a common theme: HONEY.

What with all the save the bees campaigns, I suppose it's not a surprise that honey-mania has swept the beauty world. What IS a surprise is that, despite the summery vibes and smell of honey, this is my MID-NOVEMBER favourites.

The first of these items that I bought, was the perfume "Honey" by Marc Jacobs. I'm another cliched sucker for the pretty bottles, and I absolutely love love love love "Dot"... when I first saw that Honey was being released I couldn't help but think about how great they would look together on my dressing table.

 I must confess, I didn't even bother smelling the perfume before I bought it, and to begin with, I wasn't so sure. But it's been a grower, and is now everything I want to smell like. A little bit floral, a little bit sweet, and a cute bottle to boot. As with the rest of the products in this post, the scent isn't quite what I think honey actually smells like, but maybe I eat strange honey as they all smell quite consistent!

The next three products are from the Herbal Essences (feat. Nicole) "Bee Strong" range. I was in the market for a new shampoo and conditioner, having never really settled on one and becoming bored of going for shampoos "for oily hair". They were half price in Tescos and I'm so glad I've tried them. I completely abuse my hair with straighteners, and now it's growing the damage is becoming much more obvious. Since using this stuff my hair looks so much less broken, and smells amazing, plus it's a lovely creamy texture to apply. The third item is a "leave in" strengthening cream, which left me feeling a little nervous as I've always had oily hair and to me that just means adding grease. I'm not completely convinced this stuff actually does anything, but it's nice to use several products in a range together, and this combined with a finishing cream does make my hair smooth and manageable.

Finally- I can never resist a good old body butter (though I try to avoid buying them at full price!), even in winter... I sort of like the feeling of putting a onesie on before the butter has had a chance to sink in, is that weird?! Anyway, I can never turn down a scent I've not tried in The Body Shop before, and this "honeymania" version was exactly that. I don't think there's much to review, other than to say that, like most of the Body shop butters, the smell doesn't linger for more than a couple of hours, though the non-fruit versions are slightly better for that, and also thicker too, meaning that you need less and yet feel like they're more moisturising!

I really like all of these products and will be sad if I find out they're all "summer specials" that I won't be able to repurchase! Is there really such a thing as a "summer scent", after all?

A fox, some birds and a great big failure...

Evening. To say it's "blog every day in November", well, the three days I haven't blogged look particularly bad.

The thing is, whilst I started off enjoying #BEDN, it's actually too restrictive. Yeah, okay, I should have been creative, should have used tenuous links to the themes... hell, should have scheduled posts far in advance. But I didn't. I was busy, working hard, decorating our house, playing dodgeball. Time is of the essence and I don't want to spend it mulling over things I don't actually want to write about!

So, I've failed #BEDN. I might use a couple of the remaining themes if I think they're interesting, and I might actually remember to tweet that I've posted on my blog twitter account... but I probably won't. Nonetheless, I've learnt to do what I want to do, and I've learnt the balance between posting too much and not posting enough. I'll write more often than once a week (I sincerely hope!), but I'm not going to push it.

Anyway, less of that... the failure has been introduced, but where, I hear you ask, is the fox, and the birds?

Well, I'm still waiting for the postman to bring my new camera, so in the meantime all I can muster is a few outfit photos on my rubbish smartphone (really selling it, right?). Last week we went for afternoon tea for my granny's 85th birthday... and as I snuck into the (beautiful) toilets I couldn't help but snap a quick picture of what I was wearing, because I loved it.

The dress is one from Ark that I mentioned in my "wishlists" post, and I really love it. It's the simple chiffon style that I really like... this type of dress is really my staple, for work, for casual, and even for going out! Plus the colours and the birds are so pretty. I'd wanted a khaki cardigan for so long when I saw this one in H&M for a fiver. I actually wanted it to go with floral dresses, but I think khaki really is a colour that goes with everything. The fox bag is one of those cute ebay purchases from a while back, having seen it on a few blogs. When I first bought it I thought it was too quirky and didn't like that it had no inside pockets, but I'm wearing it quite a lot now. I couldn't resist bringing out the noughties Primark necklace too, and these Topshop boots.

Afternoon tea was nice but a little dry and not enough fruity cakes! What would you wear for afternoon tea?

#BEDN: My workspace?

I read the theme, "your workspace", and laughed a hollow laugh. When we planned out the rooms in our house a year ago, we didn't really give much thought to workspace.

"I dont need any" I said.

"All I need is a decent quality notebook".

And whilst my love for a good notebook remains, I really do wish that I had somewhere at home to work from. Somewhere to sit with my laptop and a mug of tea, reading blogs/ writing emails/ finishing off a spot of work. Instead, we have one desk in our (open plan) living space, and Ted's laptop is firmly upon it... and I never feel like I can throw him off.

So whilst I rack my brains for a location for "my" workspace (I'm thinking of a super space-saving fold-down desk attached to the wall, or something), I'll leave you with a few of my favourite pretty notebooks:

 (Clockwise from top left: Cath Kidston, Paperchase, Waterstones, Ocado)

#BEDN: Two places to visit in York

Everybody loves a good day trip to York. A walk along the walls; tea and cake at Betty's; a peek inside the Minster. But what do people who live there do at the weekends? Well, I can't say I "know" as we seem to be away most weekends... but I've lived in York for just over a year now, so I thought I'd share my two favourite places.


The Restaurant: RUSTIQUE

When me and Ted first came to look round houses in York, we walked into the city centre, exhausted, in search of somewhere to eat. When we go somewhere new we like to avoid chains etc as we could go to them anywhere, so we were only looking at independent restaurants. We happened upon this little French restaurant, "Rustique", and whilst they were very busy, they could squeeze us in on a table by the door. The interior is so, erm, rustic (!), and makes you feel like you're in Paris. The service was amazing, and the food?! The creme brulee is to die for, as is the beef bourguignon. And the price is great too... all night Sunday-Thursday, and before 7 on Fridays and Saturdays, they do an amazing set menu for just £15 for 3 courses. I wholeheartedly recommend this place if you are staying for dinner in York (though do book if you can... but there are actually two of these restaurants now).

The Vintage Shop: YORK PURPLE HAZE

I'm funny with vintage shops; even though I love (and own some) vintage clothes, I still feel a bit like I don't belong. So, after months of walking past the beautiful front of York Purple Haze, and admiring the pretty dresses and the amazing vintage bicycle in the window, I finally ventured in. I'll be honest, all I've bought so far is a pair of sunglasses, because I do find the dresses and jumpers a little bit pricey, but soon I really will take the plunge as they are just so pretty! If you are ever in York shopping, definitely try to find this place!


...sorry that there are only two recommendations here, but the truth is, I haven't explored York enough myself yet. If I could give you one other tip, it would be: don't go to Betty's, you'll always queue, there are millions of other lovely cafes, and the original Betty's is in Harrogate anyway!

#BEDN: Blog Chat

I'm not very on top of things lately. Last night, I got home at 2am after getting lost following A1 diversions and spending 7 hours in the car getting increasingly stressed... and thus didn't get chance to post. This morning, I looked at the BEDN topics list and realised that I've got mixed up somewhere... late Saturday night (technically Sunday morning), I posted "Something Different"... which should actually have been Sunday's post. Oops.

So, here's my delayed "blog chat" offering.

As I'm new to blogging, I don't have too much I can say about what blogging has "done for me", and I'm not entirely sure what I want to get out of it other than a chance to voice my opinions and meet new people!

So instead I thought I'd list the bloggers who have most inspired me... the blogs I first followed, or the blogs that have never failed to entertain me from day 1.

1) Victoria's Vintage
 Victoria's blog is the ultimate lifestyle blog in my opinion... cupcakes, homeware, fashion, beauty, competition wins, days out. If there was one blog that I could say I would like to emulate, it would be "victoria's vintage". If I could be half this thrifty/ creative/ stylish, and yet still seem so lovely, I'd be well chuffed!

2) Paige Joanna
I've always thought of Paige as someone I'd love to meet... she seems so real, and down to earth, despite being incredibly talented and creative. She's great at the compromise between current high street trends and showing off cute vintage items, and isn't afraid to use a clothing item more than once, reminding me that not all fashion bloggers have unlimited budgets!

3) Milkteef
I have long since considered Emma to be the expert on all things beauty. If she loves it, chances are that I will too, apart from the pricetag. She also happens to have amazing hair and be able to pull off just about any outfit.

4) What Olivia Did
Admittedly I have been following Olivia for less than a year, but I'm forever blown away by how elegant yet cool she is! Commonly sporting the beehive, her photos are just perfect and she has a figure to die for. I get pretty jealous when reading her posts... baking amazing cakes, travelling all over, she pretty much has it all!

I love discovering new blogs, but I really hope I'll be reading these four in many years to come!

#BEDN: something different...

For me, the hint "something different" meant something out of my comfort zone. First, I thought about experimenting with fake tan, as thats really not me, but I couldn't risk turning up to my dodgeball tournament tomorrow with hilarious legs.

Then, I remembered that I've done three mud runs. Yeah, me. Mud and run are two of my least favorite words. I hate all things dirty/ smelly, and compared with other forms of exercise, running is boring and I find it makes me feel sick. But two years ago I I found myself volunteering to take part in "the major series" run with some uni friends, for charity.

 It was a 10km run, but all the way through there are obstacles (most of them involving wading or crawling through mud!), so you only actually have to run for max 1km at a time. Everyone taking part is really supportive and not too serious, and with enough planning about how to deal with being filthy afterwards, I found it so much fun that I've entered again twice since! There is also a 5km run if you aren't sure you fancy the full whack, and its pretty cheap compared to other mud runs... Take a search and enter as motivation for reaching a fitness goal!

#BEDN: Ten things... you need in your work wardrobe!

I started my graduate job a year ago now, and the biggest issue to me at the beginning was "what do I wear?!". I can't ever see myself in a full suit, and I'm petrified of looking too frumpy, but my office has an awkward "wear whatever you want, though we'll judge you if you're TOO smart or TOO casual" vibe.

Therefore, I decided the way around this, whilst still feeling stylish, is a good set of separates. Blazers over casual dresses, cardigans over smart dresses, smart jeans with a printed blouse. You get it. To start you off, here's ten items that I couldn't function without for workwear.

1) A black blazer

This is the key item for me. I feel like I can wear any dress or pair of jeans I want, and they're instantly smartened by a blazer, but particularly a black one as it literally goes with any colour. It's perfect for layering too... I also wear them over jumpers, or cardigans when it's cooler. And team with black bottoms/ skirts for a much smarter suit-like look. Finding a black blazer is easier... I guarantee every clothes store stocks one... but make sure it's right for you and fits well. Do you want it cropped or longline? Full sleeves or 3/4s? Shoulder pads? Jersey material? In fact, there are so many variations that it could be worth having two!

2) The perfect white blouse

An ultimate basic, but it shouldn't remind you too much of your school years... it needs to be flattering, and suit your personality. For me, the perfect white blouse isn't a straight cotton button up number, it's a little bit different... like a pussybow front or a subtle all over print. It will look great with jeans and a blazer but could really go with anything for any occassion.

3) The perfect floral all-occasion dress

Talking of any occasion... the dress below is the most overused item I own. Black blazer or cardi, coloured blazer or cardi, cropped jumper, it literally goes with anything, all year round, and because it's mainly black but with hints of most colours, it's so versatile. I also find the shape flattering on most women, plus I like how well chiffon washes.

4) Brown loafers

I wore heels on my first day of work but I haven't worn them since. If you have to walk around your office you'll see why... the discomfort just isn't worth it and they can easily make you feel overdressed. A decent go-with-everything pair of flats is essential in my opinion, and loafers like these are just the right level of smart/ casual. I have them in black too.

5) A black satchel

I only really wear across-the-body bags, but they're the most convenient for work as I like being hands free where possible. The perfect black bag goes with everything and is the smallest size you can get away with whilst still fitting in all your stuff.

6) A coloured blazer

A floral or striped dress and a statement bright blazer is an outfit I commonly go for. It's that bit more stylish than a black blazer, but doesn't look over the top. Just make sure you don't have too many colours/ patterns going on if your office is that bit more conservative, and choose a colour that really complements you; my favourite is a dark green.

7) The peplum dress

Peplums are a life-saver, hiding any size of flat tyre. They're also pretty smart and work-suitable as dresses, providing they are long enough, and they seem to come in a great variety of colours and prints.

8) Cobalt jeans/ trousers

If you're going to steer away from black/ grey at all on the bottom half, go for cobalt. Just like blue jeans, it looks good with most other colours, and I guarantee it makes you look happy! Ideal with a floral printed blouse.

9) A touch of animal print

If your office isn't super smart, animal print is a great way to naturally "tone down" smart outfits. For instance, a leopard print shirt with tailored black trousers, zebra print pumps, or an animal print cardigan over a smart dress. I love pencil skirts too, and I'd wear this one with a plain black jumper.

10) A breton top

A breton top isn't only an essential when it comes to an everyday wardrobe, you see. They look amazing with bright coloured pencil skirts or trousers, or to make suits look that bit more casual.

 Links:
black blazer
white shirt
floral dress
loafer
satchel
coloured blazer
cobalt
animal
peplum
breton

Fifteen minutes late.. oops!!

Jess

#BEDN: Remember, remember...

I'm away at a conference tonight, so we haven't really celebrated Bonfire Night. Yesterday we tried to buy sparklers, but strangely nowhere near us seemed to sell them. So instead, we got the marshmallows out, and decided to toast them on our "bonfire" (...from our fondue set). I'd forgotten how much I love melted marshmallows...

How are you celebrating?

Jess

#BEDN: How light makes you look

You know when you try something on in the changing rooms and it looks amazing... But when you try it on back home you aren't sure what you saw? Or when you put your make up on at home in the morning and it isn't until you go to bathroom at work mid-morning that you notice the incredible brown tide marks?

Light can play serious games with our looks. Some companies cotton on and use it to their advantage. Some, on the other hand, just don't. I can never decide which I prefer... To feel conned and yet momentarily look stunning? Or to know what you'll like to most people most of the day in that outfit? Either way, I really must buy more lighting for our house!

#BEDN: An introduction to Moneylessjess!

So, I've taken up Rosalilium's challenge of blogging every day in November. 23:30 on day one doesn't look promising for me, does it? But, the point is, I need the kick up the backside to get me posting, and I quite like the idea of being given a topic a day to give my spin on!

Without further ado, then. Day 1's title is "Introductions", which perhaps seems silly when I'm pretty new to blogging and my own introductory posts were only a handful of posts away. I was short on interesting ideas, but I found this photo (apologies about the flash!) and it inspired me to think back through my life so far and give you some facts!

** I broke my left wrist when I was 8, wrestling some boys in the playground; I was winning so one of them tripped me up! I broke my right wrist two years later as I crossed the finishing line of a skipping race in first place! **

** All through school I was a big tomboy but an even bigger goody-two-shoes, oops **

** I loved drama and writing when I was younger, but for some reason I picked numerical subjects instead and wish I had time to write plays and poems again! **

** I went to Warwick University to study Maths, and now I have a graduate job and live in York with my boyfriend **

** I'm always cold... I wear thick bedsocks even in summer and scarcely leave the house without a hat for my poor ears **

** I'm probably just about one of the most long-winded people you'll ever meet... so twitter doesn't come naturally! **

** I'm opinionated and like to say exactly what I think, which can sometimes land me in trouble! **

** I could eat camembert and raspberry sorbet forever **

** I love watching football more than most guys, but "my sport" has to be dodgeball **

** No matter how much I earn or how little I spend, I never seem to have any money... hence the name of this blog! **

Thanks for reading, and I will be back tomorrow, and the 28 days after, I promise!

Jess