phylecia

Not your average 2011 Spring/Summer trends post

I say ‘not your average’ not because the trends are different, but because the price is different. It’s all well and good knowing that beautiful cobalt blue and mustard yellow skirt will be perfect for Summer, but not if it’s £318.

I love this Spring/Summer’s looks because it’s colorful and loud. I don’t know if I’m having déjà vu but I’m pretty sure the whole ‘color block ‘ thing was on trend a few years ago in the US before I moved to England. Either fashion recycling has hit an all time low or maybe the new trend is just BOLD color-blocking. I’m happy either way. You don’t see many ‘loud’ colors here in Yorkshire, but I’m so happy they’ve come this way. Maybe I can finally dig my lime green Banana Republic pants out and too bad I got rid of my hot pink skinnies.

So we’ve got candy-colored blocks, bright blues from turquoise to cobalt, vintage florals and we’re ditching the stilettos for big chunky heels.

Here’s how I’ve updated my wardrobe on a budget:

I bagged these bargains at a Vintage Kilo Sale in Leeds. I got six items in a kilo, making each one of these pieces £2.50 each! I loved the blue skirts and the vintage floral linen skirt might be my favorite. The  turquoise jumpsuit is by Pierre Cardin—on trend, yes. Will I ever wear it?  hmmm not sure.

I think I prefer ‘charity shop’ shopping to vintage fairs. The finds don’t smell as bad, the prices are usually better and I don’t have to fight off messy haired teenagers to get to what I want. The town I live in is FULL of charity shops, which makes Saturday shopping a treat. I bought this gorgeous dress today from the local Oxfam shop for £5.99 and I spotted these leather, block-heeled beauties in the window at the shop for Age UK.

So if the sun decides to shine in Yorkshire, I’m ready to get the ‘pins’ out in style. Looking like a million pounds, but spending only a few (and helping a few charities in the process).

Have you ever seen a cat so ridiculous?

Probably not. This is Micah.

Recycled wrapping

I’ve always liked to use old newspaper for wrapping paper. When I was young, I used the comics section because it had lots of color. I  thought I would share a more recent version I did because I really liked how it turned out. I used one page from Stylist magazine and wrapped the gift so the main picture showed. The picture is of Prada’s summer dress collection. The ribbon is recycled as well.