tapestry print

Photos by Josh Gooding

Tapestry print dress, c/o Dahlia

Nude blouse, Republic

Berry bag, Primark

Patent chelsea boots, my Mum's

Eye ring, Topshop

DIY Aztec Nails using Barry M in Peach Melba and Mint Green + Topshop Nail Art Pen.

As soon as I opened my package from Dahlia last week, I fell in love with this tapestry print dress. The tapestry style is everywhere this autumn and it is definitely one of my favourite trends. I paired the dress with my infamous sheer nude blouse which manages to go with anything and everything. The dress is excellent quality and a perfect shape and looking it it sat on a coathanger right now makes me want to put it on again! It seemed somewhat appropriate for me to wear Chelsea boots as these photos were taken in a beautiful location in Chelsea. I've worn this pair of my Mum's almost everyday since being in London. 

I'm anticipating Autumn greatly. I can't wait for the leaves to turn orange and crispy and fall from the trees. Although I'm less looking forward to the dark evenings.

I started my new job at Oasis today! It lovely to work in the retail environment and I'm looking forward to the opportunities it may bring. 

I painted my nails in an Aztec pattern this week. I'm terrible with things when it comes to beauty, but I do enjoy doing my nails when I have enough time - although waiting for them to dry is painfully boring. It may look complex, but its really easy - believe me. I simply used a coat of mint green, followed my lines of peach and then topped the look off with black patterns using a nail art pen. A coat of clear and you're good to go.

x

flashes of white

Photos by Josh Gooding

grey speckle tee, Primark

white floral skirt, Topshop

burgundy hat, H&M

tan belt, Zara

aztec bag, vintage

white socks, Primark

tan heeled sandals, Primark

necklace Romwe

tan strap watch, New Look

nails, Barry M in Blue Moon

I feel my dress sense has become very subdued lately. I've been wearing lots of grey, white, black and khaki, partly reflecting the grim weather and partly my moods. This t-shirt has become my wardrobe staple and I find myself wearing it with pretty much everything. Its a great shade and texture and I think it matches perfect with my statement skirt. I bought the white floral skirt from Topshop (sale!) last month and although it is a size too big, I'm extremely happy with the purchase. I accessorized with a tan belt, watch and heeled sandals - keeping it casual. 

Last Friday (the 21st), I turned the big 19. Being 18 was probably the best year of my life and now I'm another year older, but I guess we all have to grow up! My best friend Ryan came down to visit me in London and we went for Afternoon Tea at the Savoy and then topped off our wonderful evening by going to watch Phantom of the Opera at the theatre. We then went cycling in Hyde Park a did a spot of sightseeing and exploring in the city the next day. Perfect Weekend! Check out my photos via Instagram.

A special thank you to my good friend Josh Gooding for helping me out with photos. He's a Fashion Photography student at London College of Fashion and his work is pretty impressive - check it out here!
One last thing, what do you guys think of my new header?

x

LFW SS13

 One of my favourite bloggers Anouska, myself and my friend Anna.

 Myself and fellow blogger Tori

 Anouska and I

 Just some impeccably dressed girl. 

 Myself and Carrie

vintage sparkly top, charity shop

silk midi skirt, my mum's

aztec bag, vintage

sunglasses, H&M

necklace, marketplace

watch, New Look

It is safe to say I'm loving London life! My BA Fashion Management course at London College of Fashion doesn't start until October, so I've been spending my days exploring the city with friends, browsing department stores and hanging out at the coolest spots. Whilst exploring, my friend Anna and I stumbled across the hottest place in town, London Fashion Week. Incredible is an understatement. I could spend all my time there just lusting over the latest collections on the big screen and people watching - so much fun. As well as seeing a number of models and a few famous faces (including Kelly Brook, Laura Whitmore, Kate Nash and Jameela Jamil), I also spotted a fair few bloggers at the event. Its so lovely to meet people in person who I admire so much. One of my friends spotted Olivia Palermo (MY HERO) at LFW today, I could have cried with jealousy!

London definitely feels like home already. It is much a great city, so much history and so much culture. I think I'm heading to a few museums tomorrow in Kensington which I'm pretty psyched about, I love things like that! 

Regarding the outfit, the top is probably my favourite charity shop find. I love the embellishment detailing and the style, although I kinda wish it was long enough to wear as a mini dress. My mum gave me the skirt whilst having a clearout (good news for me!) a few weeks ago. I think it is meant to be an underskirt, but underwear is the new outerwear, right?! I wore this outfit with my Jeffrey Campbells (not pictured). They're the most amazing shoes and are 100% worth every penny I paid for them, not to mention they're surprisingly comfy.

Hope you've all had a great week, keep up by following me on  Twitter and  Instagram!

x

leather sleeves

khaki jacket with leather sleeves, vintage

leather bralet with DIY studs, eBay (studs from eBay too)

denim levis, vintage

leopard print belt, Primark

burgundy fedora hat, H&M

skull spiked necklace, Romwe

round sunglasses, H&M

tan leather backpack, Primark

black socks, Primark

black suede creepers, eBay

Hello from London! I moved down on Saturday from North Yorkshire and shall now be calling the big city home for at least the new four years. So far, its safe to say I'm loving city life! My flatmate and I went to the Thames festival last night and went to see the Team GB Olympic parade in central London today, followed by a spot of vintage shopping in Covent Garden. There is so much going on and so much to do, I can't wait to settle in and explore the city over the next couple of weeks before my course at London College of Fashion starts. 

These photos are the final ones taken back home, expect the scenery to change a lot in my coming posts! As soon as I saw the khaki jacket with leather sleeves in the 'new in' section on Topshop's website, I knew I had to have it. However, being a top bargainer and all, I couldn't justify paying the £65 price tag that came with it, so instead I bought this Mac re-worked one for £30 (!) from a little vintage store. Not bad going! i've paired it with my leather bralet and tan leather backpack  - triple leather... CONTROVERSIAL. 

Hope you're all alright, looking forward to keeping you all updated on my new life! 

Remember to follow me on Twitter (@helloomonica) and Instagram (@monicabarleycorn) for updates!

Monica x

pearly white

white dress with pearl detailing, Topshop (via eBay)

black belt, Topshop

berry bag, Primark

black leather jacket, H&M

black socks, Primark

heeled boots, Jeffrey Campbell Lita in Black Suede

rings, Primark/Topshop

This may very well be the last blog post I post from home in Whitby. I move down to London this Saturday (where has the time gone!?) and this last week has been spent packing, preparing and purchasing things I'll need for the next chapter of my life. I wore this outfit when I went to London last week for my interview at Topshop - still yet to hear. The interview went well, but I was very intimidated by all the other confident and fashionable people competing for the Sales Assistant positions. My outfit seemed appropriate for the interview, this dress is great to be worn smart or casually. It retailed for roughly £50 in stores, but I bagged the beauty for £13 on eBay, being the top bargainer that I am! I'm still loving this Primark bag - one of few that fits my iPad in! 

Hope you're all having a great week so far,

x