#SONGOFTHEDAY

Well, it's been a while... 

JoJo - Agape Mixtape [2012]

If I'm honest, a lot has happened since my last post, but far too much to discuss right now. Perhaps in future posts? Who knows. Anyway, I'm BACK, and want to give this blog as much attention as possible, as it's such a great creative channel for me, and I love sharing the music I'm listening to right now, to others who may enjoy! 

So today's post is a little different, as it's actually a 13 track mixtape. I've always secretly loved Jojo (well, it's out in the open now!), and her debut album, Jojo, was a secure favourite of my 15 year old self. During college, when I started to explore the likes of Oasis, The Holloways, Kings of Leon etc, it's safe to say, I only saw my love for RnB as a early teen "phase." Turns out, this isn't the case. I came across this mixtape of Jojo only yesterday and have been listening to it non-stop. I think what I like most, as that it moves itself away from the generic, polished RnB album, and steps into its own genre. Agape is 25 minutes of uninterrupted musical mastery, snippets of Jojo speaking from various 'drunken nights,' acoustic numbers, and let's not forget her amazing vocal range. Unfortunately, like other artists in the game, Jojo seems to be one of the lesser known. However, with another mixtape #LoveJo released/leaked this year, there's proof that she's got more to give. 

Have it on in the background, whilst you're tidying, or revising, or writing, and let's see what you think!

Ciao for now!

Charlie XO

SONG OF THE DAY



Gallant - Die Young (Ke$ha Cover) Prd. Felix Snow

First of all: T.G.I.F!
Right, glad I got that outta my system! Anyway, back to the music...
I "Shazamed" Gallant, the first time I heard his track; 'Manhattan,' on Radio 1. It instantly gave me frisson. (New word I've learnt recently. It's a bit like when Cher in Clueless tells Tye to use "sporadic" in a sentence; there was my attempt of using "frisson"). ANYWAY... This Friday feeling has totally taken over my stream of conciousness!
There isn't much hype around Gallant yet, which is a shame, as he's such a talent and is my new favourite melody maker! The track I've chosen is a Ke$ha cover. (I know what you're thinking... Ke$ha?!) She's the kinda gal who "makes" music, which you'll normally hear, blasting from the speakers of a very sticky club, but Gallant has transformed her hit 'Die Young.' It's beautiful and haunting, which gradually builds to a crescendo of champions, and before you know it, it's over... It's great to listen to on my commute home; speakers loud, drowning out the drones of monotony.    

SONG OF THE DAY

Sam Brookes - James

One of the things I love most about writing reviews for websites, is listening to an album or single before it gets released (especially if it's a good one!) Sam Brookes' debut album Kairos hits iTunes on March 17th, but 'James,' can already be found on Youtube. I've only given the record one uninterupted listen from start to finish, but what I can say already, is that it could be one of my favourites. Sam Brookes toured with Emily and the Woods last year and I'd never come across any of his music before. Since then, I've been waiting until his new material filters through the web, and I can finally say it's happened! What's even better, is, this whole album came about with the help of funding from local communities. They knew good music when they heard it.

My review of the whole album will be posted on this site http://www.forfolkssake.com/ next week! 

Stay tuned!

But, for now, please enjoy the jolly, jumpy, 'James.'

  

"Here We Go Again"

Angus & Julia Stone - Here We Go Again

I've been a bit all over the place recently. Not in the literal sense, more in terms of where my heads at (cue Basement Jaxx's Where's Your Head At); particularly with what I'm going to do with this blog. I started out as a music blogger on Tumblr, but felt it wasn't getting much coverage, so decided to switch to blogspot. This opened up other doors for me, as I got inspired (and probably distracted), to write a fashion blog. I felt like the underdog (mainly 'cos in the photos I looked like one), but more importantly, I veered off from what I'd originally sought out to achieve in the "bloggersphere." It's imperative to try other avenues, but I always knew I wanted to write about music. I guess I felt lost in my own blog for a little while... (Getting deep right?)
Well... it took a combination of rediscovering Cocteau Twins, weeping at The Perks of Being a Wallflower, the new Bombay Bicycle Club album, and the incredibly inspirational Almost Famous to set my record straight, (pun definitely intended).

Consider this a much needed re-vamp for Reflect & The City. It's going back to its musical roots, just with a different name.
I thought this post would just help put the "Reflect" back into Reflect & The City. I've recently added a "Portfolio" tab, where I drop links of tracks/albums I've reviewed. Please take a look!

I hope you've been enjoying my "SONG OF THE DAY" posts. It allows me to keep my blog active. If you want help getting your band, or a friend's band out there, just send me an email (address is on the right-hand side) and I'll get back to you!

Thanks for stopping by

Charlie XO  

SONG OF THE DAY

Lykke Li - Love Me Like I'm Made Of Stone

*BRAND NEW* Lykke Li

Thoughts?

SONG OF THE DAY

The Roots - You Got Me ft. Erykah Badu

Well it's Sunday, the sun is out, and feeling more like Spring by the minute, so here's a song for those of you who are enjoying the first signs of warmer weather.
Chilled vibes. 

Apple & Blackberry Jam Recipe

 I felt so Christmassy at the start of November. Perhaps a little too early for some... (definitely too early, happens to me every year), and now I can't believe it has crept up on us so quickly and we'll be tuckin' into our turkeys NEXT WEEK. I did begin to worry that I'd used up all my festive fever too early, when my excitement faded slightly last week, but I knew what would get me back in the mood: 

Apple and Blackberry Jam.

Blackberries are the fruit I link most with Winter (well those and cranberries of course!)and I've always wanted to make jam so thought little pots of these would make great presents. I've bought my family other gifts but thought something homemade would make the present giving a little more special.

For me, Apple and Blackberry is the perfect winter combination so couldn't wait to get stuck in when I came across a recipe from Delicious Magazine online.

First things first; The Ingredients:

500g Blackberries

500g Cooking Apples (peeled, cored & chopped)

1 Small Lemon (juice of)

1kg Jam Sugar

Now, let's begin! Preparation Method:

1.Put the blackberries and apples into a preserving or large pan with the lemon juice and 100ml of water. Place over a medium heat and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes.

2. Pop a couple of saucers into the freezer to chill. Add the sugar to the pan and cook, stirring to dissolve. *IMPORTANT* Bring to the boil and boil rapidly for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. (Make sure you use a stopwatch, timing is key!)

3. Put a teaspoon of jam onto a chilled saucer for 1 minute. Drag your finger lightly over the jam. If it wrinkles, it has reached setting point, if it doesn't, boil for a couple more minutes, then turn off the heat and try again with another chilled saucer. Set aside to cool for 1 hour.

4. Once cooled, stir the jam, then ladle into each jar, seal and label.

 

"I'm Late, I'm Late, For A Very Important Date!"

Indulging in a scrummy cream tea!

I felt like the luckiest girl last week when my boyfriend treated me to Afternoon Tea at The Randolph Hotel in Oxford during our mini UK getaway. Those who know me, know I love love LOVE most cakes and going for cream tea is what I love to do with my girlfriends. I love hosting friends and always make sure we have something sweet in the cupboards for them. 

When Aiden told me he was taking me for Afternoon Tea, I was so excited, especially when I realised it would be at The Randolph, a 5* hotel! The interior was beautiful and the tea room carried an Alice in Wonderland theme throughout, (One of my other favourite things and definitely my favourite Disney film!) Cream tea for one and coffee were the only items in our price range, but I could've just sipped tap water the whole time as it felt like we had entered another world. It definitely gave Harrods competition, as we sat next to the most beautiful Christmas tree. Still continuing its theme, large, gold watches were placed on various branches and large playing cards hidden intricately alongside them. "We're painting the roses red," came to mind when the centrepiece for each table had a red rose with miniature playing cards around them, all contained in an elegant glass ornament. 

I really felt like we had escaped reality for a little while as the whole atmosphere was so relaxing and comfortable, and quite magical! I always think its important to collect some of those hard-earned pennies and take yourself away for a little while to experience something out of the ordinary, your very own Wonderland. 

Walking in a "Wimbledon Wonderland"

My first festive post:

Day one of Christmas shopping commenced this afternoon!

Might be too early for some and when my boyfriend and I trudged through Starbucks with our shopping bags for a quick pick-me-up, someone said "You know Christmas isn't till next month?" But what's wrong with being organised eh! Anyway, I came and met my boyfriend in Wimbledon after he finished work and brought my faux fur out for the first time. That Christmas chill is definitely in the air.

I'm so pleased to say that I've nearly finished my Christmas shopping now which I hope will mean that December will stay relatively stress-free! I've decided to make my family some home-made jam as one of their presents so had to buy all the necessary products for it and Lakeland took care of all my needs! I was one very satisfied customer.

 As you can see, I'm pretty kitted out! I love the little, cute labels and the gorgeous gingham covers for the lids. It will hopefully make my Christmas present vision a reality. (now all I need to do is make the jam, fingers crossed!) 

After taking this little excursion, me and Aiden got lost in a world of toys at The Entertainer, searching for presents for my little nephews and his little sisters, tempted by chocolates in Thorntons and spoilt for choice in Paperchase searching for Christmas cards. Overall, I'd say its been a productive and successful day! 

Have you guys started your Christmas shopping yet?

Thanks for stopping by!

XO

My Top Three Tracks of the Week!

I'D been fleeting between my music blog and fashion for ages, until I decided it would be best to combine both and condense them into one! Here's my NEW music post! What I'm listening to at the moment...

1) Metronomy - I'm Aquarius

2) Bombay Bicycle Club - Carry Me

3) Dum Dum Girls - Lost Boys & Girls Club

1)

I remember the first time I saw Metronomy. It was accidental. I was at Brighton Dome to see CSS and Metronomy were the support act. Just three guys, who me and my friend initially thought were the technicians tuning Lovefoxxx's microphone. How wrong we were. It was the first time I heard 'Heartbreaker' 'Radio Ladio' 'Black Eye, Burnt Thumb' and I was spellbound. Their sound was so different and they were definitely the soundtrack to my years at 6th form. Over the last couple of years, the band has evolved and grown (literally as well as musically) and their new track 'I'm Aquarius'shows they are still creating their distinctive, minimalist but magnificent sounds. 

2)

Firstly, I've got to announce that I will be seeing Bombay Bicycle Club next year in Brixton! Far too excited! I've waited far too long to see them. My advice would be if you like a new band, and can sense a huge tidal wave of hype and fans about to bombard them, trust your instincts and buy a ticket! I liked Bombay Bicycle Club way-back-when, before their first album was even released and stupidly never did anything about it. Luckily, my sister got two for their 2014 tour on the pre-sale so that's my Christmas present sorted! 'Carry Me' is their new track and I really love how they continue to produce more and more spine-tingling melodies. The chorus is infectious with its quick pace and high energy, it'll have crowds jumping, shuffling and I Can't wait to be in and amongst it.

3)

As soon as I heard the first few chords of this track, I know it was going to be special. I'm such a big fan of the garage rock/pop sounds of Frankie Rose and Dum Dum Girls so I'm always excited to hear what these artists come with next. Their music allows me to believe I'm apart of the 80's (for those of you who don't know, I think I was meant for the 80s) and 'Lost Boys and Girls Club' doesn't shy away from this at all. Losing its rockier edge, this latest release embarks on enchanting echoes and smouldering strums. It's a dream.

Hope you guys enjoy! Let me know your thoughts!

XO

REVIEW: Ellie Goulding 'How Long Will I Love You'

Since the release of her first single and bagging herself a BRIT award in 2010, Ellie Gouldinghas had everyone starry-eyed. With already selling out venues across the globe and performing at Kate and Will’s wedding, there can’t have been much left on Miss Goulding’s “bucket list.” Well, a Children in Need single could have been on the it… Originally sung by The Waterboys, Ellie will be taking on ‘How Long Will I Love You’ for Children in Need 2013 (strike that one off the list!)

It’s a softly-sounding, short and sweet ballad, which doesn’t showcase anything spectacular vocally, but sometimes less is more. Its love-enthused lyrics: “How long will I love you / As long as the stars are above you / And longer if I can,” illustrate a romantic rhyming scheme and brings a poetical innocence to the song.

‘How Long Will I Love You’ will also feature on the soundtrack of recent rom-com ‘About Time’ starring Rachel McAdams, and if that wasn’t enough, Ellie Goulding is releasing a deluxe album Halycon Days which will include all the tracks from her previous album and ten more…Looks like Christmas has come early for Goulding fans!

[You can also find my review on TheGirlsAre website! http://www.thegirlsare.com/2013/11/07/ellie-goulding-how-long-will-i-love-you/ ]

Handbags & Gladrags

Topshop (Snakeskin Effect) Handbag £40

We all have a "vice." For some its shoes, others could be scarves, polka dots, zebra print, floral, tapestry... you get the idea. For a vast majority of us, its bags. I've never seen myself as a "bag" or "shoe" person. For me, I think my vice is skirts.  Hipster jeans and skirts were the cause of many-a-breakdown in Topshop changing rooms, so when I discovered high-waisted, it changed everything. With this realisation, came many trips to American Apparel and a large dent in my bank balance. But that's another story...

What I'm trying to get at is, bags never really excited me. I mean sure, I love a good tan leather satchel or rucksack but I always saw them as a necessity rather than a "splurge" on a shopping trip. That was until, I met the bag.  (see in pics on right... you'll see what I mean.) I just popped into Topshop to buy some new office attire and there it was... the colour, the snake skin effect, the vintage, classic feel to it... Perfect for a working girl right? 

By this point, however, I'd already made a lot of sensible purchases in H&M (what I'd originally set out on this journey for: work blouses, skirts, dresses) One more thing couldn't hurt and it really would look good with corporate outfits...

So yeah, I caved. 

I took back a few other items which were impulse buys so the money was there... See how I'm continually trying to justify this purchase? It's because I normally spend less than £10 for a bag by rummaging through a charity shop. It even took me three attempts to actually buy it. 

Seeing it hanging from my wardrobe though, assures me I made the right decision. My logic is if I use it more than 40 times, it will be worth every penny. We all deserve a cheeky buy when we've spent that long month earning it!  

Hope you like it! It can be found in most Topshop stores and maybe it will have the same effect on you as it did me! 

Would love to hear your thoughts!

Speak soon! XO

SHE WORE BLUE VELVET…

… On date night. 

Missguided  Navy Velvet Trapeze Dress
Kurt Geiger Plum Boots

I made my first Missguided purchase a little while ago. I’d heard good things: 1) It’s cheap, 2) It’s good for the money, 3) You won’t be disappointed. So I thought, why not? I love velvet and noticed the “Trapeze” dress is a popular style this season, so was delighted to see a velvet version of it! All I needed now was an occasion to wear it…  So I thought me and my boyfriend’s dinner and drinks celebrating our four years being together was perfect! It’s the kind of dress that makes you want to put your lippie on, wear your best shoes and dust off  your favourite, boxed “special” necklace.

A glass of Prosecco at the ready. 

I really love this dress. It’s comfortable, you can throw it on and dress it up, however, you like. On this occasion, I decided to pair it with my Kurt Geiger boots which I bought a year ago but have always been too scared to wear them in case they get ruined! They’re suede and Kurt Geiger.. need I say more? I decided to wear them as I knew I wouldn’t be shotting tequila in a sticky-floored club at the end of the night. It was a much more civilised, romantic affair, so was shoe-appropriate. 

Missguided’s velvet trapeze dress now holds prime place in my wardrobe and is a staple item. Every girl must have one!

Would love to know your thoughts. Have you got one and would like to share your review? Spill all here!

Let Go...

I took a pretty big risk last week. I handed in my notice at a secure, part-time job for temping work in various different media and magazine environments in the hope to find myself “THE” career. I’ve only just moved up to London and found my current job highly unsatisfying and instead of doing what I usually do (MOAN), I decided to DO something about it. I was lucky to have a connection, a branch to which I’m hoping I can use to climb up to my dream industry. After having a meeting, I finally decided to go for it. Let go of my fears and take the plunge into unknown territory. I’m not falling into a safe, full-time job, I’m jumping into something a little less secure, but I don’t feel afraid. 

I realised when walking around London Victoria station while I waited for a train, that this was going to be the most selfish thing I have ever done in my whole life. But it was probably the most empowered I’ve ever felt. It wasn’t just me I had to consider. I had my boyfriend to think of who I am currently living with. The pressure is on but life is too short to constantly worry and fret about the “what ifs” of everything. (all those who know me will be thinking, “Ha, rich coming from her!”) I am a worrier. But I refuse to let it control my life and stay in a job which makes me miserable, just because I have bills to pay. I’m extremely lucky that I have the support of those around me who I love who at times gave their cautious opinions but in the end realised this was the best option for me. 

Michael Parkinson was the ambassador of my University and I always remember the last line of his speech at my graduation ceremony. 

"You’re at the threshold of life. Make the most of it."

So this is what I’m trying to do. 

The song choice for this particular blog post is taken from one of my favourite movies, Garden State. The final scene where Zach Braff’s character Andrew Largeman takes a risk himself and leaves his current responsibilities which made him sad and depressed for a new and enriching life with his love Sam (played by Natalie Portman). The lyrics which illuminate this moment are so poignant and what I use to remind myself that I’m making the right choice… A little reassurance never hurt anybody. In fact, I could do with some more of that from myself.

Imogen Heap really does have a point here:

"Drink up baby doll
Are you in or are you out?
Leave your things behind
'Cause it's all going off without you
Excuse me too busy you’re writing your tragedy
These mishaps
You bubble-wrap
When you’ve no idea what you’re like.

So, let go, let go

Jump in
Oh well, what you waiting for?
It’s all right
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown.”

Cause there’s beauty in the breakdown.

Here’s An Update On My Life So Far…

The PR Couture Guide to Breaking into Fashion PR
Crosby Noricks

…After all, this blog is called ‘Reflect and the City.’ 

Moving  to London and working on one of the busiest, most fashion forward streets, in an internationally acclaimed store is proving to inspire me as a part-time fashion blogger beginner &aspiring fashion PR/Marketing assistant. (Wow, that was a mouthful!) This is down to the different fashionistas I serve and advise 4 days a week. It is so refreshing to see all the different ‘looks’ and faces of fashion. Those who want to make a fashion statement on their weekends off, those who are keeping it fashionable and smart in their work attire, those who dress in timeless vintage pieces, designer, PVC, leather, woollen capes… you name it, I’ve probably seen it. 

I’m currently working part-time as a sales assistant for a concession in Topshop whilst I progress as a fashion PR intern working from home and occasionally in the studio of the designers. From this internship, I’ve recently been given a mini-assignment and feel like I can finally begin to really dive in and learn about the fashion industry, especially as I am now living in the country’s capital, taking it all in. It’s something you’ve got to know your way around first before considering a job in it. I admit, I probably don’t know as much as I should but that doesn’t mean I’m not as passionate and certainly doesn’t mean I don’t want to learn… So, I’m going to, and I can’t wait to see what I find. 

I bought a book/guide a while back (see pic below) and did a bit of research to see whether you can read up on PR or whether it is all just about what you experience. Turns out, there aren’t a lot of books out there but I found this little gem on Amazon. It had great reviews so I thought ‘Why not?!’ There may be some aspects which don’t apply to your current situation but I guarantee you’ll find something which does and you’ll be getting out your highlighters and writing  quotes in your diaries. I’ve still not finished it but will need this as a staple item in my satchel from now on. 

I do believe it is all about experience and gaining the knowledge yourself but there’s nothing better than someone who has done it all before, sharing what they have learnt. Have a read for yourself.

Until next time… XO

Home, Sweet Home.

Homewares never normally excite me. I guarantee I’d choose a vintage blouse over a vintage cushion cover any day. Well, that was until I realised I was successful in getting a job in Topshop Oxford Circus and will be moving up there imminently! My mindset has now transformed and all I can think about is wooden dressing tables, Cath Kidston floral kitchen essentials and the layout of my room. Sharing with my boyfriend might prove difficult as I may have to cut down on the floral but I’ll buy as much as I can get away with! Last night, sleepy and tired, I decided to staple two vintage scarves onto a plain white wicker basket. Productive Saturday evening? Well, it’s definitely going to save me money on buying a ready-made one and will certainly get used! 

What do you think?

XO

Ch, Ch, Ch, Cha… AGING

NIVEA 'Cleansing Facial Wash'
SIMPLE 'Cleansing Facial Wipes'
NIVEA 'Refreshing Toner'
NIVEA 'Anti-Wrinkle Cream'
NIVEA 'SOFT Moisturiser'

I love my “snooze” button. It allows me an extra 15 minutes in bed every morning and I love every second of it. It does, however, leave me in quite a rush and in the summer I find myself a flustered and sweaty mess far too often.

I had a bit of a wake up call the other day (literally) as I cut out 30 minutes of my “getting ready” time for an extra snooze with my boyfriend. I call him the ‘human radiator’ and blame him for my tardiness (well… I can’t blame him every time but definitely sometimes…) When I eventually teared myself away from my bed and the cosiest spoon, I tried squeezing in as many tasks as possible, only giving myself the time it takes to carry out one. Fixing my bed-hair (yes, it may look like bed-hair most of the time but trust me there’s a difference!), removing the remnants of last night’s make-up and re-applying today’s.

As you can imagine, I was unsuccessful. It was a half-hearted attempted and wasted anyway as by the time I got on the tube my face had melted (gross I know, but I learnt the hard way!) I caught a glimpse of my reflection and there they were… dark shopping bags under my eyes, engraved on my face. The panicked power-walk to catch the tube had aged me about 30 years!

I was literally a hot mess, but not in the good sense.

I always had a ‘beauty routine’ but sticking to it was the hardest part, especially not having enough time or rather being asleep. This moment, however, made me realise that I was 22, not 12, I need to look after my skin and live a healthier lifestyle. I love to keep busy and be here, there and everywhere but eventually it’s going to take its toll and I don’t want to be that girl people talk about saying “How old is she?! She looks much older than that!”

Call me over-dramatic. I call it organised.

So here’s a look into my new and improved ‘beauty routine’ which I MUST do every morning and every night:

1. ‘SIMPLE’ Make Up Remover Wipes - Perfect for sensitive skin and gets rid of those mascara marks which haven’t completely been wiped away the night before.

The rest of my routine sticks to one brand as I think it gives the best results:

2. ‘NIVEA’ Cleansing Facial Wash - Wakes me up and washes away all the dirt from the day.

3. ‘NIVEA’ Toner - Keeps my skin feeling re-vitalised and fresh.

4. ‘NIVEA Soft’ Moisturiser - I try to avoid the pot of just ‘Nivea’ as it makes my skin feel blocked and stodgy. ‘Nivea Soft,’ however, eliminates all of these issues.

5. ‘NIVEA’ Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream - Here’s the new addition. Dot around the “problem area” and it should diminish those dark circles (well, that’s what it says on the box… I’m yet to see the results… I have only just started using it, so need to give it a chance).

I will report back in a month to see if I have defied gravity and pulled those heavy bags from my eyes, up, up and away!

Take me back, ta-ta-take me back to the 90s

 I’m one of those annoying people who moan when its too cold, then long for sunny days in beer gardens and when Mr. Sunshine eventually decides to show up, I’m “TOO HOT.” I struggle with flip flops, due to me either losing one, or those bastard blisters so I needed a back-up plan and a change from my trusted gladiator sandals: jelly shoes of course! 

Now today, I’m here to talk about that cringey combination: socks with sandals. I’ve always said ‘I OBJECT,’ when seeing people walking around town wearing thick white socks with heavy-duty sandals or Crocs, but I may have to lift the ban on this where jelly shoes are concerned…

When I expressed my enthusiasm to buy a pair of jellies, there were quite a few gasps in the office and amongst friends but when I really want something, those comments are far from my mind, especially when I’m at the counter paying for them. Even after I bought them, a lady on the train laughed at me saying “Old school,” but I needed something which would keep my feet cool and comfortable and these black JUJU jellies were the perfect purchase! As well as that, I didn’t see the harm in making a little fashion statement…

I decided to turn this 90’s throwback up a notch and add some white frilly socks (I hear some more gasps) to the mix. I love having the chance to re-live old styles but relish this even more when the high-street decide they’re going to take on vintage fashion too. If Topshop aren’t afraid to rock socks with sandals, then surely that’s a sign that we shouldn’t either! So if you were like me and have been sitting on the fence for a while, just remember, when you wear something that catches the attention of passers-by, it won’t always be for the wrong reasons! Who knows, they might decide to divert their route to get themselves a pair too. 

"Forget about the Price Tag."

Some people assume that when you shop in Charity shops and look at a price tag which reads ‘£1.99’, its instantly not a desirable item. Why get something second-hand when you can find a cleaner and more up-to-trend garment on the high streets? Well, if I spent all my pennies on brands, my wardrobe would be a lot emptier, especially being a student for the last three years. The Charity shop has been my saviour. Don’t get me wrong, I am in love with Urban, Topshop, American Apparel and the likes but I can always count on Age UK to sort me out with a Granny chic blouse or Oxfam to feed my new love of lilac knits. 

Checkered shirts are another love of mine and I found this one in Salvation Army. I couldn’t resist.

I always like to buy shirts a couple of sizes bigger but have only just been able to find the right balance between ‘babe baggy’ and ‘bin-baggy.’ This one is a shorter length so can easily be tucked into high-waisted numbers or tied up without looking too over-sized. £2.99?! Well who could blame me? Especially as pastels are so in season. What a bargain. 

I  think I will always shop in second-hand stores, ‘cos just think; you are making yourself feel good as well as helping others: The best kind of retail therapy