OUTFIT | #11

I know it's been a while since my last post; so much has been going on that I've only just recently had time to sit down and have some time to myself. I've been to Berlin, lost my job, I got back from Rome last week and this weekend I'm flying to the US to stay with family over there. (Pictures of my trips are on my Flickr if you were interested.)

shirt: Topshop, shorts: TRF Zara, shoes: Dorothy Perkins

In between all that craziness, I've just been enjoying some time at home, not doing much of anything. Sometime it's the simple things that I enjoy best, which is often reflected in the way I dress. Lately, I've been wearing simple, comfortable clothes that (at the risk of sounding too much like one of those awful magazine articles) I can dress up or down, depending on how the mood strikes me.

blazer: Topshp, shirt: Topshop, shorts: TRF Zara, wedges: H&M

This is also something I bear in mind when packing. I travel fairly often, so I like to think I have packing down pretty well. Sometimes it's all about packing with simple outfits in mind, then adding different jackets, accessories or shoes to make it a little more interesting/more suited to a particular climate or occasion. And all with minimal effort required on my part, which pleases my inherently lazy nature to no end!

OUTFIT | #10

I went out to dinner for a friend's birthday this past weekend. I had a blast and ate delicious food, plus it was an opportunity to wear heels without feeling ridiculous! All in all, a very good time.

blouse: Pins and Needles (via Urban Outfitters), shorts: Topshop, wedge heels: H&M

OUTFIT | #9

top: H&M, high waisted shorts: Zara, nail polish: Barry M - Mint Green

I've probably been looking for a pair of high waisted shorts for around 3-4 years now. In the past, I never had a job so I bought clothes rather infrequently and while I liked the idea of high waisted shorts, I wasn't very comfortable with my figure so never felt confident enough to buy them. At nearly 18, I've had a job for around 9 months now and, thanks to eating better and exercising more, am far happier with myself so when when I spotted this pair of high waisted shorts in Zara I thought 'what the heck?'

blouse: Forever 21, shorts: Zara, hat: Billito

We've had pretty great weather in the UK of late, so I've had a lot of opportunities to wear them. I have to say, I'm becoming a big fan of Zara denim - it's very comfortable and fits my body-type well. (Being more of an hourglass, I always struggle to find shorts or jeans that aren't too baggy in the waist or too tight on the hips or thighs.)

Considering shorts are something I've never owned many of before, I'm starting to feel a little more ready for this summer and the travelling I'll be doing!

OUTFIT | #8

necklace: Topshop

This weekend, I made the hour long trip to my nearest Zara just to purchase these trousers after spying them during a recent trip to Covent Garden. I hadn't been able to buy them there sadly, as I had a train to catch and only noticed them as I was leaving. It was a love-at-first-sight thing (You know how it is). They are so comfortable and fit amazingly well; in my opinion, it was a journey well deserving. Plus, they're my last summer purchase as I'm now saving my money for the trips I'm taking over the next two months.

denim jacket: H&M, t-shirt: Zara, cropped trousers: Zara, shoes: Chinese Laundry, bag: H&M

OUTFIT | #7

I will openly admit that on days when I just can't be bothered, I typically dress pretty terribly. I'm all for tracksuit bottoms, oversized hoodies and slippers. However, with such muggy weather lately - my favoured comfort clothes are unbearable to wear so I've had to find a way to incorporate my laziness into my summer wardrobe.

Today I wore one of the few pairs of shorts I own (something I need to stock up on). I picked up this corduroy American Apparel pair at an outlet store around two summers ago now and they remain the only American Apparel item I own to date. I always find the stores a little overwhelming and end up walking out with nothing; I'm not really much of a hunter when it comes to shopping - I prefer to go in, get what I want and leave.

With a week left of exam leave and three exams still to sit, I'm spending most of my time revising of late so in the spirit of lazy indoor days, I threw on a cropped sweater and was done with it. Sometimes crop tops don't always strike my fancy, but this one not being too shortly cropped and not overly fussy suits me fine.