I am not a hasbeen. I am a will be.

Source: Swedish Hasbeens;

There's nothing more I love than a blast from the past, so the decadent feel of Swedish Hasbeens leaves me falling at their feet. You are certainly paying for quality here, it seems they will last forever and for something as beautiful as these - that's exactly what I want. They're made of completely natural material meaning they're kind to both the earth and your pocket when it comes to replacing elements and completely individual due to the nature of the materials so each pair have their own character. What's more, they're still made the old fashioned way; handmade in small traditional shoe factories carrying the intended 70's style and expression further into the 21st century.

When I used to think clogs, I thought of the white surgical ones my dentist wears or what my primary school teachers wore; now, I think Swedish Hasbeens.

A forever shoe providing you look after them like a baby - that, I would. 

'A great wind is blowing, and that gives you either imagination or a headache.'

Wearing: Shirt from Primark, Biker Jacket from New Look,  

Wet Look Leggings and Sunglasses from Tesco 

and Converse (full of sand);

Sucky 'I need a wee pose'- my own.

This biker jacket has me completely infatuated. It seems New Look have bunked up the price on it, I swooped it up when it was originally £34.99 plus a 20% off promotion meaning I got it for £27.99. I want to wear it all summer even though I know this will be virtually impossible in the heat. I try and keep it on as long as I can at the moment because it's my wardrobe staple and favourite item, but I get so hot and risk getting in a pickle like Ross in Friends. I wish this shirt was a little longer, I love the detail on the collar but I feel it could do with a bit more length- this is a replacement since the first I got had a jolly great rip in the seam. The leggings are amazing, I've been tempted by a pair of wet look/disco pants to satisfy my inner diva and have read reviews online of some being too short or too high waisted. Found these beauties in Tesco for a bargain price and they fit a dream; they're the perfect length and THEY DON'T SAG AT THE KNEES. A victory. 

Had a lovely day at the beach yesterday, popped back to Southwold to ride a killer 400bhp powerboat on a high speed half hour blast. One word - Wow. 

Today has only really been spent editing some photos, I've realised I have far too many on my mac and they are in dire need of a sort out. What a mare that will be. 

Now off to get some cross stitch lessons from my mum- I may document my progress for you all to see. Fingers crossed, ho ho.  

A week in Southwold

I've not been away since 2010, not even for a weekend, and my last family holiday was in 2007; so to have 9 days away at the end of June/ beginning of July was heavenly. I'm a sucker for exploring new places and my worst idea of a holiday is one where you lay around all day every day, so this was perfect.

Colourful cottages of Southwold

We stayed in Reydon which is not even two minutes from Southwold by car and a 10/15 minute walk. I've always loved independent and individual shops, while I do love a good chain store you get something much more personal and special from independent retailers. Whether it be a bakers, butchers or cafe/restaurant you often get outstanding service and homemade quality foods that have been made with love and not thrown off a production line. 

The Olympic Torch relay

I managed to catch the torch even though we were late down there (I missed the freebies- boo!). That aside it was lovely to see everyone line the streets, and you know what I noticed? Not a single loud mouthed chav; I didn't see one for the whole holiday- what a bonus.

  Vintage excursion bus Southwold and the surrounding areas really are a treasure as you can see from this adorable bus. The pier and the beach huts make it what it is too but I unfortunately didn't get any photos of them as every time I went to, it rained! Typical.    Handmade leather diamante dog collars

If I had a female dog, that white collar would be hers. I saw so many beautifully handmade pieces that I could have bought but I wouldn't have had anywhere to put them! Some things were incredibly expensive and I saw many fab brands like Mulberry, People Tree, Barbour and Acne. Talk about lust.

Aldeburgh beach and boats  Me, my mum and dad stopped at Aldeburgh for a couple of hours; a wander along the beach, a browse around the quaint shops a, yummy coffee and mint chocolate chip ice cream tub and being hailed at by a builder later we carried on to Leiston.    Classic 'admit one' cinema tickets from 'The Last Projectionist' documentary

We went along to Leiston film theatre which is a striking independent one screen cinema-come-theatre. They had a special one off screening of a documentary called The Last Projectionist with an introduction and Q&A with the Director Tom Lawes. It was aptly shown in the regions oldest purpose built independent cinema and documents the rise and fall of the independent cinemas and the making way from 35mm film to digital during critical periods of history from the early 1900's to just last year. It takes a really unique perspective and I recommend it to anyone interested in film out there. The director-come-producer-come-coffee maker is a genuinely lovely and inspirational guy who bought the Birmingham electric cinema and restored it back to what it is today. One thing he said in the Q&A after that really struck me is how independent is making a return- we see it in vintage clothing and accessories more than ever over the past year, but now the multiplex cinemas are offering an 'independent' experience like introducing gallery viewing, a bar and 'luxury' seats. I even noticed it in a Tesco store yesterday at the meat counter where they had written their special offers all over the glass of the cabinet just like the traditional meat markets and butchers do. Off topic but something to think about.

Olympic flags                                           Dotty Blue cafe     I'll be going back again for sure- there's just so much I still need to see, do and take photos of. Undoubtedly, this is one of my favourite places and beats the like of hugely tourist-y locations like Great Yarmouth. 

So Many Eager Young Bunnies That I'd Like To Pursue

Wearing: Rabbit playsuit inc. belt from Primark

Apologies for lack of blogging, I've just got back from a week away at the quaint Suffolk seaside town of Southwold. I've not had a family holiday in 5 years and my last time away was in 2010 so it was great to visit somewhere new and have a break. 

You'll hear and see more about my time away in a further post, but at the moment I'm having a slight stress with two poorly rabbits. I was supposed to be picking them up yesterday from holiday boarding but both had developed upset stomachs- one more serious than the other. I visited them yesterday but they aren't coming home just yet as Caroline is very kindly treating them for me- it was heartbreaking to see them so quiet, lethargic and nervous; I'm not sure if they even clocked who I was. I've had good news today that the meds seem to be having a good effect and they're more lively and eating, we're just taking each day as it comes so I'm not sure when I'll have them home.

Anywho, here's an outfit from my week- a gorgeous bunny playsuit & belt from Primark. It's also got a cute peter pan collar with a gold chain connecting each tip which you can't see because of my mane.

Cat v Mouse

Many celebs have been rocking the animal inspired flats, the two particular designers I have in mind are Charlotte Olympia and Marc by Marc Jacobs (sigh!). They've been boasted on the feet of Alexa Chung, Katy Perry, Emma Watson, Beyonce and even baby Blue! 

I'm not going to lie, I would love the black Kitty flats with their gold block heel and I'd also love the studded or glitter mouse flats; but prices range from approximately £190 to £560. Squeak. So I set it upon myself to find some high street designer inspired hotties so you too can give give your feet some character!

High Street Hot Picks

Mr. Shoes, Daisy Street, ASOS & Le Bunny Bleu

Top: 1&2 @ Mr. Shoes £14.99 // 3,4,5,6,7 Daisy Street £19.99 (Red £20.99) 

Bottom: 1 @ ASOS £50 // 2&3 @ Le Bunny Bleu £45

Similarly to the actual Kitty flats, the Mr Shoes and Daisy Street pairs are faux suede/velvet with the adorable embroidered feline face and sticky-uppy ears. Mr. Shoes are renowned for their fabulous designer inspired shoes at affordable prices and they've outdone themselves with these flats, £14.99! My toes tingle excitedly at the thought.

I couldn't find any mousey pairs but I found the cute cartoon-esque leopard flats and of course the AMAZING Bunny Motive Flats at Le Bunny Bleu (I had to bring in bunnies somewhere). If you get there in time they are offering a 20% off those little beauties. 

Which are your favourites?

Patriotic Picks

With the Queens 60th Jubilee round the corner, Euro 2012 in 9 days, The Olympics in 58 days and our shambles at the Eurovision song contest - I've been looking at all things patriotic!

The weather is either too hot or too cold, we complain, we complain about complaining, we have scripted reality TV (need I say anymore on that matter?!), we queue, we are too polite or too rude and we become overly patriotic only when it matters. But, it's ours - would I change it? Probably not.

1. Yumi £40 // 2. River Island £30 // 3. Ju ju Jelly at Mr Shoes £21.99 // 4. Kath Kidston at Asos £16 // 5. Mr Shoes £19.99 // 6. Next £18 // 7. Dorothy Perkins £16 // 8. Topshop £34 // 9. River Island £15

With patriotism you can be overt or covert. We don't always want to look like Joey from Friends in his giant plush union jack hat. I'll admit... I bought one when I was 12 on a trip to Alton Towers. 

Let it be known

I love the Yumi and River Island jubilee inspired dresses! Pop on a cute summer dress adorned with red busses, telephone boxes, teacups and teapots, taxis, umbrellas, crowns, english roses, flags and bunting. 

It wouldn't be Great Britain without the Union Jack so a t-shirt bearing the symbol is a classic and hugely versatile.

Celebrate the past and classic designs with Next and The Olympic Museum who combined to create a collection of tops inspired by artwork and photos of past olympics. A look to the past and classic adverts are a sure winner.

Let's keep it simple

Finish a look by going British with a pair of classic Brogues or a cute mini union jack heart necklace by Cath Kidston. 

Want something casual?  Scarf prints are hot this season and this scarf print crown tee is perfect if you don't want to look too in your face- I love the simplicity of the design. 

Swans are protected by the crown so take a unique twist on the Jubilee with this swan motif skirt from Topshop.

Jelly shoes! These cuties by Ju Ju Jellies remind me of all my childhood summers! Holidays were spent on the UK coast wearing the same pair; just a few sizes smaller.

Jeepers Creepers!

I don't find Creepers the most attractive shoes out there, I think they're far too gothic for me.

And admittedly, when I first saw flatforms I was sceptical (just as I was with the Slipper shoes) they looked far too clompy and like what I used to wear when I was doing my spice girls imitation when I was 7! But recently, I've seen some really gorgeous ones and I thought I'd share.

Izzel tassle brogue loafer creepers £29.99

These fab Loafer style flatforms/creepers are courtesy of Mr Shoes. They come in five great colours so you're spoilt for choice. I'm stuck between the black and the mustard.

1. Asos Vienna £40 Asos 2. Zeya suede £26.99 Missguided 3. Asos Verity Mary Jane £30 Asos 4. Asos Varsity £40 Asos 5. London Rebel Leopard £34.99 New Look 6. Asos Vera Pointed £40 Asos 7. Asos Vera Pointed £40 Asos 8. Monumental £45 Office 9. Monumental £45 Office

I really love the style of numbers 6 and 7, the sole is quite a bit bigger than the others and the suede follows throughout, they do them in a gorgeous black too and I'm tempted to buy! Any discount codes hanging about?