Plenty of Parentheses

Playsuit - Asos
Nails - Barry M
Socks - Primark
Shoes - New Look

I have a somewhat troubled past with playsuits (in the sense that the last time I worn one - a strapless denim thing - I was innocently bopping along to a Nero performance at our students union when to my horror, said playsuit fell down BRINGING MY BRA DOWN WITH IT. Cue insurmountable levels of horror and embarrassment.) Unsurprisingly I've resisted buying playsuits since then, that altogether rather mortifying memory brandishing all playsuits as the work of the devil. That was until I came across this little number on Asos. I know what you're thinking: it has untie-able straps Jade, who's to say you won't accidentally bare your chest again? (God forbid). I'll admit, the thought did cross my mind but the loose fit, the floral-but-not-too-feminine pattern and the versatility all outweighed the fear. I love how flattering it is despite not being fitted. I'm quite self conscious about my legs but the dress-like hem gives the illusion that my thighs are far more toned than they actually are! The only pitfall is that I bought a size 8 to fit my chest and waist but in terms of length I probably should have gone for the 10. It's not so short that it's indecent but my personal preference is to have just a tad more material covering the old quads. (Oh and I went for the sock combo and I actually think it kind of worked! Props to J Law for the inspiration.)

The event I wore this for was my last Summer Ball as part of the Dance Club at my university. It was such a lovely (and slightly emotional) way to round off my time at uni, as dance has definitely been a big part of it. I'm pretty sure there have been weeks where I've spent far more time rehearsing than reading for my course! To top it off, I was lucky enough to win an award for the Best Dancer in my ballet class although I think everyone in the class was just as, if not more deserving of it. I've blogged a lot about my love for ballet before though so it was a special moment for me and it really will be treasured. And even better, my opinion of playsuits has definitely improved! I'm so glad I opted for this and not a dress, with no SPP, no flashing unwanted flesh and so easy to dress up and down this was definitely a winner! A perfect outfit for what was a pretty perfect night.

Jade x

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Since being back at uni, it feels a bit like I haven't stopped: lectures have kicked off and final year is well and truly underway. The workload isn't a shock to the system (yet!) but I've definitely found my work ethic has improved since last year. Whether this lasts or not.. well that's another question!

I keep meaning to compose OOTD posts for this week's lectures but I've been so nervous about getting back into the swing of things, I always forget to take photos before I leave and by the time I get home, I'm either sweaty from a gym session or I'm so tired I get straight into my onesie! So in the meantime, I thought I would do a little post in honour of one of my favourite ever programs returning to the telly this Sunday.

For those of you who don't watch Homeland (why on earth not?!) Morgan Saylor plays Dana, a somewhat rebellious teen Dana - the daughter of ex-Marine Nicholas Brody. She was recently featured in Asos magazine which in itself says a lot about her fashion sense: in short, I want to steal it.

(source)

1. This black number is one of my faves - for starters, it's black which already means I'll likely love it. I also love sophisticated looking up-dos, mostly because I just cannot pull them off - I have the unfortunate attribute of an oversized, melon-shaped head!

(source)

2. Bang on trend is this monochrome dress. I love the unusual pattern - it's not quite geometric but it's far from boring, everything you want in a dress. I'm penning a monochrome post for later in the week, so keep your eyes peeled for that!

3. Lastly is this cute lace dress, featured in the aforementioned Asos magazine. It's no secret that I love Asos - these days I'm sure I spend more time browsing Asos than I do Facebook! I'm also a fan of the floral crown, it gives just enough of a burst of colour to really enhance the otherwise delicately pure ensemble.

So there we have it. Not quite what I envisage Dana will be necessarily wearing when Series 3 airs this Sunday (eeeeek! Can you tell I'm excited?!) but Morgan Saylor's style is definitely one I'd like to steal.

Jade :)

The 21 one year old me should be revising right now. The 21 year old me should also be taking more of an interest in world politics and environmental issues and a whole host of other grown up things you're meant to do when you turn 21. But the 18 year old in me (who, I have to say, never really went away) is actually far more intrigued by the new series of Skins coming back to E4.

I have fond memories of Skins. I remember seeing the trailer for the very first series and being simultaneously horrified and captivated. I was under strict instructions not to watch it (with good reason) but I remember joyously hatching up a plan to watch it anyway. I would have my TV volume at the absolute minimum, ready to crouch with my ear as close as possible for the full hour it was on, my duvet half pulled back ready for the superhero style leap back into bed if footsteps began to ascend the stairs. It was, in my eyes, the perfect plan and executed effortlessly. Looking back, the plan was probably futile and my parents were probably aware of what I was doing but safe to say, I got hooked. It wasn't until the 2nd Generation of Skins that I became (borderline) obsessed though: I fell in love with Cook and never looked back. In terms of style however, Effy was always the one I wanted to emulate.

Effy is the teenage epitome of soft grunge. In short, the type of style I wish I was cool enough to pull off. Think baggy tops, dark make up, ripped jeans and chunky boots. These pictures give a bit of an idea of old school Effy, though if the new trailer is anything to go by, the dark and mysterious ensembles are long gone. (Sob.)

Lots of black, lots of leather, lots of jewellery and printed tees. Is it any wonder I was a fan? Shops like Urban Outfitters, Fashion Union, Top Shop and (if you can afford it) Black Milk are great starting points for a bit of stylish soft grunge.

1. Stripes are an easy way of dipping your little baby toe into the soft grunge pool. This oversized vest top from Asos is great because of the dropped sleeves: Effy has a penchant for baggy tops, bandeaus and bras.

2. I'm not the biggest fan of gummy bracelets but they are a little less macabre than a skull encrusted bracelet.

3. I am however a massive fan of this 3 pack necklace set, also from Asos. Pile on the neck-wear if you're looking for a quick and simple solution.

4. This printed tee (surprise, surprise) is from the male section of Urban Outfitters but to be honest, both the male and female sections boast some very Effy-like creations. It's my number one stop for graphic tees.

5. Finally, if you want to have a hand at trying Effy's intricate eye make up, try creating a smoky eye combo with the help of this Jemma Kidd Eye Crayon.

For some extra inspiration, see these stylish sale items (can you tell I enjoyed this post a tad too much?!)

1. MeeMee

2. MeeMee

3. Top Shop

4. Fashion Union

5. Asos

I'm awaiting judgement on the new Skins - I wasn't a massive fan of the 3rd generation (but I watched all the episodes regardless) and I can't decide if this is a last ditch attempt to get back its former glory or not. Either way, I'll probably be watching and if you fancy checking out the trailer yourself, you can find it here.

Enjoy!

Jade :)

Firstly, you might be aware of how much I raved about British band Bastille all the way back in April 2012 (click for full-on fangirl-ing) and now, almost a year on, I think I love them even more. If you haven't heard any of their stuff yet (if not, why not?!) go and find them on Youtube. The first song of theirs I heard was Flaws and it sounds just as flawless (sorry) as it did then.

Moving on from flaws to claws, it is no secret that I'm a fan of all things animal print. And though I'm currently feeling a little depressed from days of job hunting and CV sending, I'm not going to let a little thing like the lack of money stop me from lusting after things I probably will never be able to buy.

1. I like, foolishly, to think that this America ram tee from New Look is a bit of an edgier take on animal print (and yes, I'm applying the word edgy because there is a skull involved. It's been a tought week, let it slide.) Plus it's in the sale at a bargain price of only £4. Not to be missed.

2. As for this swimsuit, there are no words that I possess in my vocabulary to describe just how much I want this. But thanks to my lack of money, a holiday seems unlikely and since the British weather isn't known for being swimsuit friendly, I can't currently justify buying it. Sad face.

3. I also really like this zebra tee from Zara. It's cute, bright and perfect paired with anything denim.

1. Another great find from Zara, I love the colourful tribal print on this rainbow giraffe tee and is perfect to brighten the bland British weather.

2. This is a white tee with black print AND it's a cat with a moustache. Perfect if you: a) like white tees, b) like cats c) are a hipster wannabe or d) just really like moustaches. Asos, I think I really like you.

3. This final tee from Asos is also very nice, with its almost tye-dye base and cute tiger overlay.

In my opinion, Zara currently have the best selection of animal-enhanced tees and they're so bright and lightweight that it's making me even more eager for summer. As you may know, I also have a petite penchant for wearing men's clothes and I'm happy to report that boys can get in on the animal loving too (which is good to know as my brother has got to the age where he's started to wear printed tees. And I for one am not keen on him parading around with scantily clad women on his tops. The bro should have better fashion sense than that; he's related to me. I KID.)

I'd definitely wear this black tiger jumper - it would be great layered over a collared shirt and thrown on with a pair of skinny jeans and black boots. A standard lecture outfit of late.

As for this wolf tee, I perhaps wouldn't personally wear this but I do have a wolf tee of my own from (the female section) of Zara and I love it. Wolves are cool.

This last item intrigued me because it's quite an odd design to have such a large animal form a print on a shirt but I kind of think it works. Check it out on Topman for a few similar items of animal print goodness.

So there we have it, a few takes on one of my favourite trends and of course not forgetting my band of the moment, Bastille - seriously worth a listen!

Jade :)

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