Zara Treats | Messenger Bag & Apple Juice Perfume

So, I hopped into Zara the other day, as you do, and came out with a couple of treats for myself.  I'd tell you it wasn't planned but that would be a complete lie - I'd been daydreaming about the pastel blue Messenger Bag ever since I saw it on the lovely Julie's blog a couple of weeks or so ago.  I have a bit of a thing for anything blue - I wear it on my nails all the time and my favourite blazer is a bright cobalt colour - just anything blue I'm instantly drawn to when it comes to beauty or fashion related stuff.  Therefore, I had to have this bag. Purchase fully justified.  It's quite small but it will fit in all the essentials for a shopping trip or evening out. If I'm ever feeling particularly ruthless with what clutter I'm taking with me I may get away with it for uni on the odd occasion.  Either way - I needed it in my life.  The colour is just stunning and it will add a lovely, subtle pop of colour to any plain outfit - I love the gold chain against the pale shade and its minimal appearance on the whole. Yes, I'm in love. It's love. I could sit and gaze at it's beautiful gold detailing all day *swoon*

I also picked up some Apple Juice. No, not of the beverage kind ;)..ffs. Zara have an array of perfumes and every time I walk on by I always catch a whiff of the gorgeous scents.  There has always been this particular fragrance that has caught my attention but I'd never been able to find out which one it is (spraying perfumes on every inch of your limbs results in a bit of a muddle). However - I finally cracked it and worked out which one it was! Apple Juice is the perfect fragrance for this time of year as it's light and fresh without being too soft. I wouldn't even say it smells incredibly like apples - just a nice, fruity scent with sweet top-notes that aren't so sweet they become sickly (there's a tiny hint of apple-y goodness in there).  If you've ever tried the DKNY 'apple' perfumes then you'll love this one! It's a great deal cheaper at just £9.99 and smells just like any high-end perfume would smell.  Even though it's a lighter scent I think I'll be wearing this well into the Autumn or maybe even all year round - its just my cup of tea for a lovely daytime scent. I highly recommend you give it a sniff if you're a fellow perfume-addict like me and like a clean, fresh scent now and again.   Zara, you have impressed me with your absolutely smashing perfume selection...

Apart from treating myself, I've been interning at a design agency the past couple of weeks.  It's safe to say I'm feeling slightly worn out tonight so I'm just spending my evening having a little browse on the t'interwebs. I'm currently bidding on a Topshop dress on eBay that I really want in my wardrobe... However, it seems someone else is also equally determined to get their grubby mitts on it... Grrr! Keep your fingers crossed for me ;)

Have ever tried Zara perfumes? What's your favourite one? I'm tempted to get another...

Summer Haul | New Look, Primark & H&M

So. I promised myself that I would not go shopping until late August.  I'm trying to save the pennies for a rainy day and just recently I haven't exactly been to kind to the purse strings. However, that little promise to myself flew well and truly out of the window when I decided one morning last week to have an innocent little mooch around town.  5 hours and 2 achy feet later and I found myself back in my hallway, a little dishevelled, surrounded by an array of shopping bags.  Oops.  When I was on holiday, I spent a great deal of time sat on a sun lounger, pouring over magazines and reading blogs on my iPhone.  Of course, this is never a good move when you're trying to be kind to the ole' bank balance is it? I practically burst out of the aeroplane doors, brimming with new outfit ideas and a shopping list as long as my arm. Here's the results of my naughty little shopping mission...

First things first - welcome to my back garden! Wheyheyhey! The sun was out in force, it felt like I was melting and the last thing I fancied doing was manoeuvring myself around my house attempting to get good photographs of clothes. The garden seemed a very appealing place to take some blog photographs - much to the fascination of my neighbours - never before has a washing line and a rockery been so handy!  One of my favourite purchases is this gorgeous office bag from H&M.  A while back, I treated myself to the ever-popular Zara Office City Bag in Tan, and it's been glued to my arm ever since.  As soon as I saw this black tote bag in H&M I dashed up to the shelf to grab it.  It was love at first sight.  It has the exact same finish to it that the Zara bag has, and is pretty much the same size, just without all of the sections.  As much as I love my Zara version, I figured that a black one would come in very handy for when autumn/winter roll around - the style is so classic and simple.  For £24.99 it's so worth the money and I cannot wait to wear this to uni with my blazers and midi skirts - very 'office chic'.  Of course, a trip to the shops is never complete without a scout around jewellery sections, and I picked up these two necklaces before I went away on holiday to go with various outfits.

It was my lucky day, as when I walked into New Look I discovered it was the first morning of their sale. Fat kid in sweet shop comes to mind... I spent ages trawling through the rails, and grabbed some lovely things (everything above from New Look wasn't anymore than £9!) I bought the white cropped jumper to wear with my maxi skirts when it's a little chillier, or to sling over my summer dresses and skirts. It's one of those lovely loose fitting ones that are so easy to style - I almost spent £36 on one in Topshop so I was really chuffed to find this one! Next I picked up the dungaree skater dress.  As much as I love the denim dungarees that seem to be everywhere right now, I've never seen them as quite 'my thing' - so when I saw this pretty little skater dress/pinafore I snapped it up.  It's a girly little nod to the trend and I will be wearing this over my cropped tshirts throughout the summer - I adore anything with daisys on it! I've also been after a black midi skirt for what seems like forever now!  I'm quite petite and struggle to find midi skirts that actually fit me and flatter my pint-sized little frame. This one is just the right length - finishing at the knee rather than a few inches below it - so it doesn't make me look like a hobbit and yet still looks classy.  

Primark have really been banging out the summer skirts this year! I stocked up on some lovely midi/pencil skirts before I went to London last month, and went in there with the purpose of finding some more maxi skirts for my wardrobe.  It occurred to me on holiday that I only have 2 maxi skirts - both of which are quite dressy, and I wanted something a little more casual for the daytime.  The spotted skirt is one of my favourite buys - I'm in love with anything polka-dot at the moment, so I rushed over to pick this up before anyone else got their mitts on it!  I will most definitely be wearing this with the New Look cropped jumper when the weather cools down a little - with a little flowery headband I think it will be the perfect outfit!  The black tube maxi is another lovely skirt for the daytime.  It has a split up one side but only to the knee so it's perfect for the daytime and more casual wear - it's a very versatile little piece to have in my wardrobe.  Last year, Primark bought out some lovely little summer dresses in a variety of colours and I got so much wear out of them on holiday.  When I spotted they had a similar version in green this year I snapped it up.  They're perfect for wearing over bikinis on the beach as you can whip them on and off really quickly! The colour is just so beautiful - the camera doesn't pick it up as well but it really is the most intense green - I can imagine it will look amazing with the tan I'm sporting right now!  And last but not least, I picked up this aztec pencil skirt from H&M.  It's not long enough to be a midi but it hits just above/at the knee - it looks really flattering on and the pattern is really on trend this season.  Again, it's such a versatile piece and I can see this lasting me well into winter.  You can never be without a little pencil skirt in your wardrobe!

And so there we have it. A little haul for you to sink your teeth into ;) I really don't have an ounce of willpower whatsoever, but I'm so pleased with what I managed to pick up.  I left the shops feeling rather chuffed with myself to say the least - a dose of shopping really does help to take post-holiday blues away, doesn't it?

What have you found in the summer sales this year? Any of these things float your boat?

Bird's Words has been shortlisted in the 2013 #CosmoBlogAwards in the 'Best Established Beauty Blog' category. If you enjoy reading my blog, it would mean the world to me if you voted for Bird's Words - You can cast your votes here.

Large Clothing Haul | ASOS, Topshop, New Look, Primark & More

Hiddely-ho my little rays of sunshine.  Just recently, I think it's fair to say I've been a little slap-dash with the ol' purse strings.  I'm usually pretty good, but I've had a bit of money saved up for a while and all the new season bits and bobs have been tempting me.  I've not yet booked any holidays, but I'm hoping to get a late deal with friends or family some time soon (I'm 22, but if there's a spare seat going on the family holiday plane then you can be sure that I will happily take it...) As always, I thought I'd show you what I've picked up recently.  I go to London with uni next week for 5 days, so I've also been stocking up on clothes for that. Any excuse to go shopping...

Crop Tops | Spotted & Striped - New Look / Striped Black & White - Topshop / Cropped Crochet Jumper - Primark

Well, I've gone cropping mad haven't I ;) Everyone is wearing tops of the cropped variety just recently and I certainly hopped on that bandwagon a while back.  I've built up quite the collection now.  These are the newest additions to my cropped-family... The ones from New Look are such a bargain and are the perfect length to wear in the daytime without flashing too much tum.  I pair mine with high waisted shorts or skater skirts, or my Topshop Joni jeans or trusty American Apparel disco pants.  The Topshop number is very, very short - and I'm currently after a white or black full-circle skirt to go with it - I love stripes at the moment so it had to be mine! The Primark jumper was a bit of an impulse buy.  They only had one left in my size and I couldn't quite bring myself to leave it (always happens in Primark..once they're gone they're gone!) - I'm unsure about what to wear it with currently and debating whether or not I can actually make it work so if you have any suggestions please help a brother out!  I'm thinking it would look nice with my high-waisted jeans but I'm yet to try out the combination...

Spotted Backless Cami - ASOS / Floral Floaty Cami - New Look

Cami tops are essential in my wardrobe.  They're simple, versatile and go with anything; whether it be worn loose and floaty over skinny jeans or tucked into a skirt or shorts.  I'm in love with dotted things at the moment so I picked this little top from ASOS - I always feel like Minnie Mouse when I wear it and it just makes me want to reach for the red lipstick! It has a low back, so it's very summery and I tend to just wear mine with a bandeau top underneath if I'm not feeling like going bra-less (flashing a bit of side-boob at college would be deemed inappropriate I'm sure..) The floral cami is from New Look and will go perfectly with my skinny jeans.

  | Lace trim shorts - House of Fraser |

I don't often buy denim shorts.  I love them but often don't get my wear out of them for some reason but this year I've really been loving the lace trimmed trend.  I spotted these in House of Fraser and had to have them - they're just long enough to be able to wear without tights and they look lovely on - the lace trim at the sides adds a pretty detail and I will definitely be bringing these out as soon as I have a tan on my legs!

 Playsuit - New Look / Yellow Floral Skater Skirt - ASOS / Lace Pencil Skirt - Missguided / Joni Jeans - Topshop

I have gone crazy for anything yellow at the moment! The brighter the better! I was so drawn to this skirt from ASOS and swiftly popped it in my basket. The pencil skirt from Missguided is beautiful but I'm going to have to send it back. I'm usually a size 8 but I reckon I need a size 6 in this. It's currently out of stock so I'm gutted, but I'm keeping my eyes peeled as it's such a lovely, classic skirt.  And of course, the Joni jeans. I've been eyeing them up for ages and finally gave in to temptation.  I get so much wear out of my disco pants and I figured these would come in handy for when I don't want to look overly dressy.

Orange Bodycon Dress - Topshop / Black & White Bodycon Dress - H&M

Everybody loves a bodycon dress, right? They're staples in my wardrobe and I often dress them up or down depending on the occasion. The H&M one looks so much better when worn than when on the hanger - it really sucks you in and the contrast of the black and white really accentuates your figure.  I will be taking these 2 down to London for the week as I'm sure they'll come in handy if we end up going out for a few drinks... Dresses like this solve the problem of wondering what to wear!

Lace & Chiffon Dress - Missguided / Cut Out Floral Dress - Primark

Every girl needs a floaty princess-y dress for her holidays. This is mine. Yes, I haven't booked a holiday yet but it will most certainly be first in my suitcase when it comes to packing if I do.  It's so summery and the blue is so bright and pretty.  I cannot wait to wear it!  The Primark dress was such a steal (I reckon it was £12) - it has lattice cut-outs at the side so will look amazing with a tan! I don't usually buy Primark dresses as they're often too long for me (I lack in the height department) - this one is just right though and I'm so happy I found it!

 Studded Jumper - H&M (sale)

I wanted this jumper ages ago so when I saw it in the sale for a tenner I had to grab it!  It has little gold stud details on the shoulder and is just the right length for me.  It's still pretty chilly sometimes in the UK so I know I will be getting a great deal of wear out of this over the next few months regardless of whether it's summer or not!

So there we have it - my most recent purchases from the past few months or so! I seem to accumulate a lot of stuff yet it never seems like a lot at the time... I have a few more bits to include but I'm going to do a separate post on those as I'm sure there's only so much haulin' you all can take in one post! 

What have you been buying just recently? Anything here tickle your fancy?!

Big Clothing Haul | River Island, ASOS, Topshop, Primark & More

Hiddely-ho ladies! I do hope you've all had lovely weeks - you may have noticed I've gone a little bit 'off schedule' with my blog recently (I usually post on the same 3 days each week).. I do hope you can forgive my higgeldy-piggledy-ness (hows that for a mouthful?) the past couple of weeks or so but I'm currently doing my Final Major Project at uni and it's taking up a great deal of my spare time. I shall be sure to post some photos and a link to my 'graphic design-y' blog when I'm all done and dusted for those of you who might fancy a nosey! Anyway.. excuses and explanations aside, I thought I'd kick off this week with a clothing haul - because, lets face it, who doesn't love a good nose through people's shopping bags?! I know I do...

I was online shopping on Topshop recently because I needed a simple little black cami (i haven't photographed it but I picked up this one) and before I went to the checkout i spotted this little 'bunny ear' styled scrunchie. I thought it was so cute and I always shove my hair up in ponytails and buns when I'm around the house so this will add a touch of girlie-ness to my hair when I want to wear it up.

I've been after some more jewellery for a while to wear with t-shirts and high necked tops - this little pack from H&M was a bargain (around the £10 mark) and there's something there for every occasion and outfit. H&M do some fabulous jewellery - and I can't wait to head back and grab a few more pieces from there.

I'm in love with this little red number! I have no idea where I'm going to wear it yet - I think it's quite a versatile piece and it can work for day or night. I might wear it to uni soon with a little black cami underneath and some patterned tights. The colour is just so pretty - such a vibrant red.. (think Mac's 'Lady Danger' lipstick in clothing-form!) and I shall be adorning this for a night out in the near future I'm sure!

I picked up the lace dress a few weeks ago now - they were out of stock of my size everywhere but I was determined to get it. Luckily, one came available on ASOS and I put it in my shopping basket sharpish! I haven't worn it yet but as soon as the sun comes out I'll be wearing this everywhere - I'm just completely and utterly in love with it.  The v-neck bodysuit is also from ASOS, and I've bought this to wear on a night out in the next week or so with my disco pants and killer heels! The shoulder pads add some statement detail and make it perfect for a night out on the tiles - i'm always wearing dresses out in the evening and I very much fancied a change!

H&M had a cracking sale on! So i picked up a couple of blazers - this hot pink one being my favourite! I've wanted a fuchsia blazer for ages now and I was superly-duperly chuffed to grab this one in the sale for just £7! I get so much wear out of blazers - they just add a bit of 'professional chic' to any outfit.  The shift dress is such a staple item in my wardrobe and I also have it in black (if you like something you must buy it in every single colour after all!) It's one of those items that will take you from 'office to bar' in the blink of an eye and at £19.99 it didn't break the bank either.

The bird jumper from New Look just had to be mine... I have no excuse or justification for buying it really..apart from the fact it has bird print all over it and therefore it would have been criminal if i'd not took home to the safety of my wardrobe where nobody else could get their little mitts on it...  I saw the 'eyelash cardigan' on LLMLRS's YouTube and knew I had to have it. It looks amazing with leather trousers and a plain top and just adds a bit of texture to an outfit. It's really snuggly and warm and will take me through to Spring. It was also reduced to £25 in the sale - fandabbydoozy if i don't say so myself!

And last but not least, no shopping trip is complete without a shuffle around Primark! I picked up the selection of jumpers a while back now as they were only £6 each and I get so much wear out of things like this - they're perfect for wearing with disco pants or leggings, or with jeans on my 'slobby days'. The peplum top is my favourite buy - seeing it on the hanger just doesn't do it justice though and I must make a point of doing an Outfit post with this pretty soonish! It's so figure-hugging and flattering and looks lovely with my Topshop Leigh jeans (and was a complete bargain at just £7!)

What have you been buying lately? Anything here take your fancy?!

January Sales Buys | Clothing, Accessories & Jewellery

| Jewellery |

Maroon Stones - £4 £2 Primark / Triangles £4 £2 Primark / Stud/Spike Bracelet £3 Primark / Gold & Black £4 Primark / Blue Gems £8 £3 New Look/

| Accessories |

Belts - £2.50 each Primark /  Bobble Hat - £4.99 New Look / Leopard Beret -£16 £7 Topshop /

| Photos 3 & 4 |

Floral Cami £15 (sale price) - Topshop / Studded Body £6 Primark / Bird Collar Shirt - £10 Primark

| Photos 5, 6, & 7 |

Blue mini - £8 (sale price) Topshop / Dalmatian Shorts - £39 £12 Motel Vintage at Topshop / Jack Wills V Neck £39 £15 - Jack Wills / Aztec Jumper - £24 New Look /

|Photos 8, 9 & 10|
Studded Hotpants - £40 £15 Topshop / Bird Slouch Tee - £18 Topshop / #Awkward Tee - £7.99 New Look / Geek Tee - £18 Topshop / St Tropez Gradual Tan Medium/Dark - £20 £10 - Boots /

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I must admit, every year, the thought of shopping in the January Sales fills me full of pure dread. There's nothing I'd rather not do after Christmas than battle the crowds in the hope of finding bargains I don't really want. I think working in retail around this time of year puts you off going shopping! However, this year, I decided to take to the shops shortly after the New Year & over the past couple of weeks I've picked up a few things..

I'm so excited to have finally found a slouchy bobble hat that looks decent on me! A while back, I owned a lovely little black bobble hat and I was completely in love with it. Until I lost it on a rather snowy winters evening, have no idea where it tottled off to.. and as a result spent a good while sulking that I would never find one the same ever again (so much so I refused to wear any other hat until I'd replaced THAT one). Ohh how good things come to those who wait because a year or so later, I've found my perfect replacement in New Look for under a fiver. Spiffing.

I'm addicted to casual t-shirts at the moment, which totally goes against my usual dressy/girly style but I love wearing them with jeans when I'm having a lazy day or when one simply can't be bothered to put together an outfit in the morning. I don't usually go in Jack Wills - as much as I love their stuff I often feel as if its full of 11 year old 'Mummy, buy me a horse' types...(ahahaa you know the one's, fellow Wills shoppers..i'm sure they ruin your shopping experience too). This was reduced to a rather purse friendly £15 down from £30-ish so I was quite chuffed with that as I get a lot of wear out of slouchy tees like this..

And of course, the Primark shirt had to be mine - simply because of the birds on the collar! How CUTE?! and I also adore the little dalmatian print shorts from 'Motel Vintage' in Toppyshoppy - they were around £12 down for £40 which is just bargainous in my eyes and it would have been criminal if I hadn't took them straight to the tills... I also stocked up on another GEEK tee - I have the bright blue and love it to shreds! (& the #awkward tee is for wearing to bed..i love a good hashtag, me...)

What have you been buying in the sales?
Please forgive if i have priced things wrongly here.. I've been collecting stuff for ages..

♥