Collaborative / Partnered Post - Taking Your Summer Wardrobe Into Autumn*

I don't know what the weather's been like where you are today, but here in my little corner of Co Durham the sun has been shining, but there has been a definite nip in the air. With pumpkins in the shops, and fallen leaves on the ground there is no doubt that we're now well into Autumn, and Summer is nothing more than a distant memory.

When it comes to Autumn in the UK the change in temperature can often be a gradual one, so in this era of cutting back, buying less, and wearing more, there are often ways and means of wearing at least some of those summer favourites, well into October and November. In this post I'm going to share with you just some of the clothing items that you can adapt for the slightly colder months, and if you can't resist the lure of the shops I'm going to talk about some the key items you could add to take you summer wardrobe into October, November and beyond.

1. Maxi Dresses

Now I've got to say that the only maxi dresses I own are very, very summery but if you have something in a warmer, toned plain colour, or in one of this summers popular nature and leaf designs, or even something in an animal print, then there is no reason why you couldn't continue wearing it into the autumn months, it's all about how you style it. By wearing a top underneath it or by pairing a maxi dress with a short, chunky cardigan or even with a leather jacket and boots, you'll definitely be able to get a few more wears out of it before the year is out.

2. Add Tights

Tights are a secret weapon for transitioning weather, and you can use them to make almost any summer outfit suited to the season. If you have a dress you still want to wear, adding tights will bring some warmth and also will allow you to add an autumn twist to a summer dress. There are so many colours and patterns in tights now that there really are no rules and no boundaries. Team a short floral patterned skirt with tights and boots, or even team up a denim skirt with tights and a chunky knit, for a cosy take on Autumn style. As well as tights, don't forget about leggings, yes you can wear them on their own but if a dress is too short to wear on its own in the colder months, add a pair of leggings to create another look, and to add an extra layer of warmth.

3. Layer Up

Speaking of layers, adding extra layers is the easiest way to turn a summer outfit into an Autumn and Winter one. As a curvy girl, especially, I'm a huge fan of layering, I don't really separate my wardrobe into seasons, I wear certain things like t-shirts and vests all year round, I just add an extra layer, be it a cardigan or a scarf or even another t-shirt. Layering is definitely something to think about when you're thinking about your outfits for autumn, you can layer a shorter dress with a chunky cardigan or a thicker jacket, and create a look that is in keeping with both new season trends, and the changing temperatures. As well as other clothing items like cardigans, and jumpers, also think about your accessories when it comes to layering and making an old item of clothing more relevant. I am a huge scarf fan, and they are great for layering and of course for providing a much needed layer of warmth when the weather turns. I have a lot of different ones in different fabrics, patterns and thicknesses and they can really add the finishing touch to any outfit

4. Get a statement jacket

Layering is such a huge part of autumn fashion and it is something you always want to consider in that transitional warm / cold period. Chunky cardigans and even coatigans are all well and good but sometimes only a jacket will do. Now sometimes a waterproof jacket is the only way to go, but on those bright but chilly days, you need a good jacket or coat to not only keep you warm but also to pull your outfit together Choosing a statement jacket or coat isn't easy though there are so many different style to choose from, but there are a few fail safes, that never seem to go out of style

• A military jacket to layer over skinny jeans and vests

• A leather jacket which will go over dresses, Tops and jeans, and skirts

• A trench coat to layer over a simple outfit for a protective layer

• A bomber jacket to layer over jeans and sporty outfits

• A cropped blazer - A twist on the classic for a formal look or perfect for the office

I can pretty much guarantee that you'll have at least a couple of these options already in your wardrobe, I know I do, but if you don't shop around, charity shops, and resellers are great for more classic styles, and you'll definitely find something suitable on the high street no matter what your budget. Even if you're trying to cut back and cut down on the amount of clothes that you buy, a good coat in a classic style, and colour is always a worthwhile investment.

5. Use deep colours 

When transitioning from summer to autumn style, the biggest difference that you will normally see on the high street is colour. Whilst, there will always be exceptions what was once a sea of yellows, pinks, greens, and blues, pastels and neons, is now a world of reds, oranges, browns, and purples. Yes, you can wear what ever colour you like when you like, but there is no denying that the traditional Autumn colour palette, that reflects the changing leaves, just makes you feel warm and cosy. Colour wise I'm a real Autumn girl, there are so many beautiful colours around at the moment ranging from mustard's, to terracotta, and wines, that adding even a tiny splash to any outfit will definitely give it that fall vibe. If deeper, warmer toned shades in clothing aren't for you though, don't worry, switch up your colours in another way, and add some warm bronzes, and coppers to your eye make up routine, and add a berry, or a warmer toned lip, and you're Autumn ready in a flash

Like so many people now I'm trying to buy less and wear more. Clothes don't have to be a one wear or one season wonder, it's all about how you style it and how you wear it. Treat your own wardrobe like you would a shop, pull out an item wear it differently, and experiment with your style. If you feel that your wardrobe is lacking something, go out and buy it, but think about what you're buying, how often you're going to wear it, and how you're going to wear it. I've bought a few items in Autumnal colours lately (outfit posts coming soon eek), that fit in with lots of other items in my wardrobe, I know I'll wear them, and they are different from lots of things that I already own. A change in season doesn't necessarily mean that you need a whole new wardrobe, add the odd piece and restyle pieces that you already own x What are your favourite fashion pieces for Autumn? Let me know in the comments x

*Collaborative / Partnered Post

A Little Primark Haul And A Video

Last week I braved the half term hoards and headed to the Metro Centre for a little shopping trip with Mummy Lou. Thankfully we went early enough to avoid the worst of the crowds but Primark predictably was crammed.

I didn't buy a lot in Primark and in fact I had one of those frustrating visits that you get every now and then. Lots of things caught my eye but the size selection was awful, pretty much everything I picked up was only available in size 8 or a size 12! It was so disheartening and it certainly does nothing for your self confidence :( It always seems to be the same when the schools or off so I'm planning to a return trip next week, when hopefully I'll have a bit more luck size wise

Enough of the whinging though I still managed to pick up a few things - I only got one real clothing item though which was this jumper

I love polo and roll necks at this time of year, and this burgundy, wine coloured number was only £6. It came in a few different colours, and the skinny rib knit is really stretchy. It's warm enough on it's own but it will also made a great layering piece under either a cardigan, a poncho or a cape.

Sticking with winter warmers I also picked up some tights. Black opaque tights are a real wardrobe staple for me, and I was stock up when I find some that I like. I normally a George at Asda devotee but I thought I'd give these ones a try. You get a 3 Pack of  80 Denier Black Opaques for just £3.90, they feel soft and quite thick so they were well worth trying.

I had a little look the hats and scarves and although I was pretty tempted by the new tartan scarves I managed to stay strong - Mummy Lou however did not and bought a lovely pale pink, cable knit bobble hat for just £2.50! I couldn't persuade her to model it for me so Jake kindly stepped in :)

How cute is he :) I love his markings and how it looks as though he's wearing a necklace :) Alas us humans don't have built in necklaces so we have to buy them and I couldn't resist this zodiac necklace duo.

I tend to take horoscopes with a pinch of salt, but characteristically I am a typical Taurus, I'm greedy, jealous and really stubborn, so this set of necklaces were a must have. One fine gold chains, one necklace comes with a gold tone disc with the Taurus zodiac symbol on it, and the other one contains a square, faux marble type pink stone. This necklace set comes in all the star signs and it's just £2, and they also sell the matching earrings.

From jewellery to home wear and as you know I'm a huge fan of Primarks home selection, and it just keeps getting better and better. The Metro Centre store doesn't have the biggest home selection but I usually manage to pick up a few bits and this visit was no exception.

Coat hangers - we all need coat hangers, but I hate the plastic hangers, that you normally get in shops, and as nice as they look padded and wooden hangers are just too bulky. Many moons ago I first discovered these velour covered, slim, non slip hangers on QVC (read my very, very, early post here) - I tried them and I loved them. The clothes stay put, and because of the slim width you can fit more of them in your wardrobe. The one drawback was the price but thankfully though this amazing idea is now available at a more budget friendly price.

You can normally pick up a pack of 3, black or grey ones in Poundland or Poundworld, but if you can get yourself to Primark. They do a wide variety of colours for around £3.80 for a set of 10, however if you have a look in the sale containers you can sometimes pick up a bargain and this set of Primark Home Hang In There 10 Non Slip Hangers was just £2. The pink shades seem to be the only ones that were reduced strangely enough but I was happy to pick up a bargain.

The next thing I got is technically a Christmas decoration but I think you could easily have this little guy out all year round.

This cute ceramic Christmas Reindeer Tea light Holder, was just £1.50 and it even comes with a white, wax tea light x I think he's adorable and he's going to be living in my bedroom. There was also a sweet little Santa option too.

The final two things that I got were both beauty related - I stocked up on my usual Oil Balancing Face wipes, and I picked up another one of these.

I have mixed feelings about these polish remover pots but this P.S. Love Your Nails Nail Polish Twist Pot is pretty good for the £1 price tag. It's quick, it doesn't smell too bad, it's non drying and it takes the polish off with ease. I think that these are a real time saver, and they're great if just mess up the one nail -  you can just remove it without taking off the rest of your polish. I still love my favourite Superdrug remover but this little pot has definitely made it's way into my regular manicure routine.

Not the biggest Primark haul I know but I've picked up a few essentials and a couple of things that I love, so it wasn't all bad. Another trip is definitely on the cards in the near future but in the meantime why not watch the accompanying You Tube video below or you can watch it here x



Have you been to Primark recently? Leave me a comment below and let me know what you got x

Yesterdays Goodies and Spending Diet = Fail

OK as I said yesterday I went shopping with Godmother to a Boundary Mill Stores close to where I live. For those that don't know Boundary Mill Stores is an huge outlet store located in various location throughout the UK, my local one is in Shiremoor. They sell fashion, shoes, homewares, and some beauty items. The clothes aren't always geared toward the younger generation but you can sometimes find a few bits. Anyway I received a little bit of cash from my Godmother and my mum so I didn't have to break into my own money too much. My generous contributions paid for a few bits including a lovely Yankee candle, and some candle plates, a piggin figure (yes I still collect my piggy's), a lovely chunky cream scarf and some black Pretty Polly opaque tights and also a couple of tops from a company called CMD Womenswear I hadn't heard of them before but on reflection I've noticed I do have a couple of thing by them already. First of all I got this sparkly grey sequin detail vest / tunic - I like the random distribution of the sequins as much as it won't matter if they start to come off because the pattern is so random (sorry it's a bit blurry too sparkly I guess)



I also got this long slinky tunic style top with black sequin detail on the shoulders - it looks blue in the pic but its actually a gorgeous royal purple - oh and it also comes with a skinny black patent belt - I'm not to keen on the belt so I might cut the loops off but I'll have to wait and see


Both of these tops were just £5 each which was a bargain x What was a bigger bargain though was something I bought myself - they had a huge box of By Caprice bras which were only £3 each - after pulling virtually half the box out I eventually found a gorgeous black and white floral one in my size - alas I couldn't find the matching knickers but I am sure plain black will look fine - see as it was originally tagged at £20 I was super happy with my bargain but then I got to the till there was another surprise - there was another 10% off it meaning I got if for £2.70 result :)
I also bought another ickle thing - you've guessed it make up :) Now my local store doesn't usually have that many beauty goodies but I was delighted to see that they had a few NYX palettes :)Well I had little look and I decided to get this - it was £6.99 and it's the Smokey Look Kit


It's a super cute little compact which is ideal for on the go - it contains 9 little eyeshadows ideal for doing various smokey eye looks not only that but in a little drawer underneath you get two gorgeous lip colours in a pale milky pink and a peachy nude - I am super happy with this kit x



So as it's now blatantly obvious by those last two little purchases my spending diet for February is now an abject and utter fail - so what did I do I made it worse and placed a couple of orders one with ELF who were giving away a free lipgloss set with any purchase and Littlewoods who offered me a lovely £10 discount on my next purchase -sod! I've always said I am sucker for an offer -I'll stick pics etc, up when they come - so what do I do in the meantime try and reign myself in for the rest of February or do some more shopping - we'll see xx