OOTD: Striped maxi dress

Outfit

White and red striped maxi dress: ASOS (similar)

Pink sunglasses: Phase Eight* (similar)

Black sandals: Birkenstocks via ASOS

Red canvas backpack: Fjallraven Kanken via ASOS

I was debating whether I should post this outfit given how sweaty and flustered I felt that day. But looking back, they're not actually that bad and this was one of my favourite dresses of the summer. Although look at the frizz in that hair! Not very seasonal but that's what you get when you're not a consistent blogger anymore... I don't think I've ever experience heat like I did this day and if I'm honest, it's put me off forever from visiting hot countries in the future. It was absolutely relentless and sightseeing was a little dramatic in 36 degree heat. But we soldiered on through and managed to enjoy Krakow. Just.

This was an ASOS sale buy in spring and proved to be a very savvy buy. The thin material is breathable, the two slits up the side help to keep your legs free and the little poms poms around the waist keep it interesting. Paired with my favourite backpack that's seen better days and my trusty Birkenstocks that never leave my feet on holiday, it was a great outfit to try and keep me cool. RIP these Birkenstocks though as they well and truly gave up in Poland and never made it home. Next I want a classy silver pair. Oh and a patent black pair please.

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A catch up: October 2017

House news
I hope you're not bored of hearing about that house because I still have so much to talk about. It's now been nearly eight months since we had the keys and we're at the stage of being about to have sleepovers at the weekend. Can I get a hell yeah? HELL YEAH! The bedroom is done bar the floor which can't be done until we can afford to buy a new boiler next summer. Why are those darn things so expensive?! The kitchen is painted and the tiles are laid on the floor. Next the cupboards and the worktops are due to be fitted. Then we can order the fridge so we can actually keep food in the house. Revolutionary! I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to have my very own Belfast sink. It will be glorious! Yes, I've now reached the age where I get excited over a sink. Is this what your late twenties are all about?

Learning to say no
This house business has been tough on my finances. In fact it's been something I have really struggled - and am still struggling - with. I like to go out with friends, stuff my fat face and update my wardrobe frequently. But my disposable income had dropped dramatically. I know it's all for a good cause but sometimes I can't help but feel a bit bitter and resentful towards the house. But then I visit and realise just how silly I'm being and how incredible it is to say that I'm a homeowner. I've been making a really conscious decision to scale things back. I'm only saying yes to doing things a couple of times a month, starting to clear through the sheer amount of junk I own to make some extra money and trying to spend more time locally rather than running off to London every chance I get. It's still very much a work in process. And very hard work.

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OOTD: floral heels

Outfit:
Black cold shoulder ruffle dress: ASOS (similar)
Black and white pattern clutch: Primark (similar)
Floral embroidered heels: LOTD.com*

So here we are, in October again. I have to admit this really is my favourite time of year as cliché as it may sound. I'm not one for the heat and winter brings with it too much rain for my liking. But this season the weather is still pleasant, fresh with a slight bite in the air. It's warm enough to only have to wear a thin mac and the skies are still blue.

LOTD.com got in touch to see if I wanted to update my wardrobe and among the things they kindly gifted were these pretty heeled sandals. I love the detailing on the heels and they really help to jazz up a simple outfit. One of my favourite things about the colder weather is dipping back into my winter wardrobe. I last wore this dress to a wedding in Glasgow over the festive period last year and am glad to be giving it another outing.

This week is going to be taken pretty easy. I'm finally off to my friend's new baby tonight who has to be the most beautiful little girl I've ever seen. As someone who is a self-confessed baby hater (slightly OTT), I never thought I would be this excited over a newborn. But I suppose it's different one they're one of your squad. I can't wait to give her a big cuddle and teach her lots of bad habits. I'll also be helping Hannah celebrate her birthday with the rest of the crew. An evening of giggles and good food is just what is needed after feeling a bit under the weather.

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