If I was a Festival Girl...

Dress: c/o Mee Mee. Belt: Vintage. Bag: c/o Freestyle Xtreme. Hat: Topshop. Boots: c/o Daniel Footwear.

If I was a festival go-er I think this is would be exactly what I would wear. Unfortunately I'm not, but we can pretend right?

Festivals are like my idea of hell - I don’t deal too well with large crowds, I hate not being able to shower every day and I really really don’t think I could stomach the portable loos that go hand in hand with festival season! I know that I’m massively missing out on a fantastic atmosphere and experience though, so perhaps I’ll try attending for one of the few days next year.

Anyway this dress is bloody lovely isn’t it? The open back takes it from being a standard maxi-dress to something far more interesting and pretty. I usually hate not wearing a bra with clothes (as there is pretty much nothing going on in the booby department) but I think wearing anything underneath this dress would really take away from the design. I think the bag matches the dress perfectly and is the newest addition to my ever growing collection (when you move house you realise how much you really have, eek). I am not a fan of small bags, I much prefer being able to store my life in one place and carry it around. I also love yellow and this mustard colour means it’s not too garish and over the top – plus it’s got scalloped edging which is always a good thing.

So as I wasn’t going to a festival, I wore this for Father’s Day. It was so strange going back to my Mum and Dad’s and just ‘popping by’ to celebrate rather than it being home – but it was lovely to see them and spend some time together before going out for dinner with Daniel’s family.

We’re starting to get settled in the house now and it’s gone from being majorly manic to calm and homely, which is amazing! I’ve already started taking some snaps to show you guys but it might be a few weeks yet before I share any...I quite want everything to be in it’s ‘place’ before you guys see it :)
I was also far too excited to take these snaps in our garden, it's the simple things eh?

Are you going to any festivals this year or are you like me and just fancy playing dress-up instead? 

What makes you a Big Blogger?

Today I find myself feeling overly miffed about the 'big blogger' status. Usually I'm not one for participating in  negative activity on online platforms but I like to share my feelings with you guys and today I need to get it off my chest. 

I feel like this is a bit of a taboo subject but as we love to state: this is my blog and I write about what I feel passionately for. 

What makes you a 'big blogger'? Numbers? 
I completely understand that it is difficult to respond to every comment or reply to every tweet. Hell, I sometimes find it difficult with my lovely little following to get back to people straight away so I can imagine that bloggers with thousands of followers find it tricky. But do you know what I do find odd - that you can write to a 'big blogger' with a simple tweet and never receive a response, yet at exactly the same time they can be tweeting fellow big bloggers or bloggers they deem 'bigger' than themselves with clear access to your query, or the time to reply to others. And yes, I completely appreciate that if you receive a thousand tweets saying 'I WANT TO BE YOU' that it's probably not practical to reply to each one, but with a genuine question it really grates on me. And what's the response to this? 'I love all of my followers, but sometimes I miss tweets and don't have time to read and reply to absolutely everything' - but you manage to catch the names that are important - non?

Can we just determine where this status even comes from? What ever happened to equals and sharing the love? 

Image Source

Personally I feel like there are groups and cliques and if you're not apart of it then you're made to feel inadequate or not worthy of acknowledgement - it reminds me of the playground at school. Perhaps it's not the bloggers directly who are creating this void, but somewhere someone or something is segregating what should be a fun, caring community. 
I am also not tarring each blogger with the same brush. There are heaps of big status bloggers that don't do any of the above or give the impression of superiority.

All I really want to get across is that I wish there weren't statuses, I wish that each and every blogger treated others as they would wish to be treated and I wish that brands and PR companies alike would help share the love a little more. At the end of the day, when you click on to 5 big paid bloggers sites and all of them are talking about the same product it starts to feel a little unbelievable - if everything was evened out a little more perhaps the void would decrease slightly? I am not at all slating gifted products or paid posts, I have and will continue to participate in both, but it's how you present yourself that counts.

I also understand that numbers means business, it's completely fair that if you work hard at your blog and readers follow along that companies will look to you before bloggers with less readers (that's just life) - however you are still a regular person, why is there this odd air of greatness that goes hand in hand with a large 'following'? 

I am so proud of my blog and personally feel so overwhelmed and grateful by how much it has changed and grown over the past year - there is nothing wrong with being proud!!
On a similar note, I went to the Company Style Blogger Awards recently and it was the most refreshing lovely experience. Every single blogger that I spoke to felt like a long lost friend and pretty much every single one I'd spoken to before on social platforms. There wasn't any intimidation or 'cliques, it was just us, celebrating blogging. Funnily enough I don't think there were any bloggers there that had tens of thousands of followers. Perhaps this is the start of good things to come in the blogging community - everyone as an equal.

I hope that this isn't received negatively and that people can see where I am coming from. Blogging is meant to be fun, whether it's a hobby or your full time job it shouldn't matter, we are all one and the same and should support each other.

Image Source

Crop Tops & Cowboy's

Hat: Topshop. Crop Top: c/o Ark. Necklace: Vintage. Belt: Vintage. Skirt: Primark. Boots: c/o Daniel Footwear

Firstly, apologies for my horrendous face in these pictures. I was hideously ill but I knew that moving house over the weekend would mean this was the only time I would be able to get a few snaps before being denied access to all things bloggy...i.e. Wi-Fi.

Last Friday was such a beautifully hot day and even though I was snotty and coughing up part of my lungs I still wanted to make a little effort to go and collect the keys to our FIRST HOME!

Before I gush everywhere about that, let’s have a chat about this outfit. In the summer I’ve established crop tops are my friend - they are so comfy, easy to wear and help to add a little more definition to a simple outfit. I’m particularly fond of this one with longer sleeves, it means even if the sun goes in you’re still going to be warm. I also picked up this steal of a silky maxi-skirt from Primark a few weeks ago, I just love the colour and it’s so light and bouncy.

Okay, so these cowboy-esque boots are simply the best thing ever – you know how much I love my booties and these have to be my favourite pair I own. They’re made by a company called Daniel Footwear (how fitting, being my boyfriend’s name!). I find that ankle boots can be a little un-comfy when wearing them for hours upon end but these are literally like heaven for feet. The soft suede and tassles to the zips make them pretty yummy too.

SO moving house is stressful – I was ill, there was heaps to do and it’s been really quite tough, but I am in love. It feels so amazing to have our own space and Daniel along with both our families have done an amazing job to get us moved in and settled within just a few days. I’m thinking I will write a few posts based around the move, or perhaps on the bits of furniture we’ve picked up (of course a haul will be carried out as soon as I have time to set my camera up!!) – let me know if that’s something you’d like to see :)

Happy Wednesday lovelies!

P.S. EXCITING NEWS!! The Daniel Footwear booties are now in the sale half price - whoop!

Oh, hey MOM!

Crop Top: c/o Ark. Mom Jeans: c/o Ark. 90s scrunchie: c/o Kiss Like Daisy. Jelly Sandals: Topshop

At present crop tops have been purely for nights out, let’s face it it’s definitely not been warm enough to wear them during the day...until now! Finally we seem to be having some much needed sunshine, however I feel the cold pretty badly and unless it’s 40 degrees outside my legs are staying covered.

I’m not usually one to jump on a clothing bandwagon but as soon as I spotted mom jeans were on the scene I needed myself a pair. These, teamed with this super soft crop are literally the comfiest things to grace my body. I love the fit of these jeans, and is it just me or do I look like I’ve got a bit of a tooshy (usually non-existent) going on? No? Just me then.

You and I both know that I’m probably too fond of my ankle boots, but I was a little bit excited when I was able to pull out my trusty jelly sandals! Now I know they’re not for everyone and some of you may have been a tiny bit sick in your mouth, but I bloody love them. They are super comfy and the brightness makes any old outfit ‘pop’.

Since taking these snaps on Monday I’ve been stricken down with god awful flu. Please feel free to feel sorry for me and send me lots of sweets and biscuits for comfort. I’m hoping that I can shake it off before Friday, as we all know what that is...MOVING DAY!

How is your week going – any exciting news? I’m also keen to know what you lovely lot think of mom jeans, are they something you’ve tried out?

Fantastically Wonderful Advertisers | May 2013

*insert major cliché here* Is it seriously already June? It is absolutely crazy to me that we are almost half way through the year. In 6 days time Daniel and I will be moving in to our first home (aaaaaaaaah), excitement is starting to brew and bank balances are crying! But more on that later. 
After my last (rather self-indulgent) post I couldn't think of a better way to end a perfect month than by introducing to you the wonderfulness that is perched on my sidebar....

Grace of Beauty
Grace only started blogging in January this year which I can't quite fathom..her posts are detailed, her photography amazing, let alone her amazing blog layout and beautiful face! She's the kind of girl you look at and think, I wan't your skin on my face immediately (it's impeccable) and on her blog I feel instantly at home - from chats about her gorgeous doggy to her new favourite lipstick or must have nail polishes you'd be a fool not to stop by. I think this girl is going to be big in the blogging world!

Olive & Frank
Are you in need of vintage inspired jewellery? Or a cream tassel bag? Or even a Cat face dress? Of course you are - and you've come to the right place. This beautiful shop has been with me for a few months now and I hope they never leave. It's honestly one of my favourite online boutiques and whether you want to treat yourself or find an individual gift for a loved one - you need to shop here!

Stand for Style
Not only do I absolutely love this lady, Charlotte you're a total babe - but her blog is so refreshing. I for one totally get lost in my ramblings but Charlotte is so fresh and to the point which is something I really love. You'll find recent hauls, beauty reviews a plenty and she's also recently posted about a QC Fashion Styling Course, which sounds very interesting indeed. You'll have to hop on over to find out more!

A Brew of Blessings
I frickin' love this blog. Tara is originally from Southern California and recently made the big leap to the UK for a married life with her husband (how romantic is that!). Her blog is her way of sharing what she's been up to with her friends and family - but of course we're all totally nosey parkers and not only does she have a wonderful life, she's literally one of the most beautiful brides I've EVER seen. Go, go look!!!

I hope you enjoyed stumbling across some new lovely reads and purchasing the tassel bag from Olive & Frank ;). These bloggers deserve a gazillion followers and I'm so happy they wanted to share their sites with you lovely lot.

I've been so busy with the move that I haven't had a chance to completely sort out the new packages for June. I think I'll probably have it sorted next week and if people want to purchase then, for an extended month then that is what we shall do! 

Happy June 1st everyone :D have a fab weekend.

Company Style Blogger Awards 2013

Source

Source

Dress: Virgos Lounge. Hat: Topshop. Boots: TK Maxx. 

Last night as I’m sure you’re aware, was the long awaited Company Magazine Style Blogger Awards. I was so nervous travelling down on my own but thankfully the beauties Katy (Little Winter) and Robyn (Robyn Mayday) were there to meet me at the station and we scurried around London for the best part of an hour trying to find the venue – which turned out to be the cutest little bar just off brick lane.

I don’t think I’ve ever felt so overwhelmed walking in to a room filled to the brim with amazing bloggers and fashion professionals - I was scared to say the least. Of course there was nothing to be worried about, every single person I spoke to was wonderful and so friendly. It's great to finally meet people in 'real' life!

Company had put on such a wonderful event with Paul Mitchell hairstyling, a D.I.Y sunglasses station and of course the trusty photo booth. Then it was time for the awards presented by the amazing Victoria White and Oonagh Brennan....

I only went and bloody won!!! I felt my face go as red as a tomato and my ears burn to about 500 degrees as I headed up on stage to collect my award, thankfully no-one booed! I actually can’t believe that Wonderful You was even considered for short-listing let alone winning, it’s honestly made me feel so happy and proud of this little blog and to be recognised by you guys is so amazing – really, thank you x100000000000. I quite hate being gushy but honestly I’m so grateful to anyone who voted. AND a huge congratulations to Katy for receiving highly commended in Best Duo, Victoria from In The Frow for winning Best Personal Style Blog – Newcomer and my fave Becky from milk bubble tea who won best use of Photography! You guys absolutely rock my socks!

I went on to drink probably far too many cocktails and danced the night away on our imaginary dance floor with some bloomin’ lovely ladies.

Thank you Company Magazine for hosting such a lovely evening and thank you again to YOU amazing people's for giving me the opportunity to even be there. 

LOVE YOU xxx

p.s. I totally got a fringe ;)

Ombrelicious

Jumper: c/o The Hut. Boots: Urban Outfitters. Hat: Topshop.

I’m not the girl who has embraced the ombre hairstyle – I think it looks great on other people but for me I think I’d just look a bit stupid really. However the ombre theme in every other sense of the word interests me immensely – oh how I wish I was talented enough to put together an ombre lip...alas I cannot so of course when it comes to clothes I’m all over it. 

When the Hut got in contact letting me know they’re re-launching their women’s wear section ofthe website, I picked this lovely jumper out of their samples and it is literally the comfiest ever, ever. The material is so soft and well made and from the looks of the website it’s hugely affordable too. Unfortunately this jumper isn't yet available to buy but they’ve got a cheeky 20% off to celebrate the launch when you enter TREAT at checkout, so go have a gander – I’ve personally got my eye on the daisy print crop, it’s so pretty!

This weekend I'm going to Oxford to spend time with my nan :) I can't wait - I've missed her loads! What's everyone else up to?