Tests, tests, tests

Today I had a practise run through of my Theory Test booked at 11am, so off to Cardiff I went! Of course while i was there I couldn't help but have an ickle tiny browse (sadly my funds are severely depleted), and what lovely shiny things there are in the shops now they are finally putting out some new stock.

Normally, I think I'd be with everyone else on this one - I mean, what is up with the putting out of winter clothes in August people?! - but the summer has seemingly disappeared, and, well, I live in Wales. It's cold. Period.

Plus, I ADORE all the new stuff, it's all so fab! Especially the lace. I'm afraid I'm going to have to go for the very gothy black though, as the paler, nude shades look deathly on me. I think Warehouse lacy things are particularly nice, although everywhere I've been has managed to have lace that feels like actual lace rather than the itchy synthetic kind that normally appears. I especially love this top, which my mom bought. It's one of those things that look about 10 million times better on a real person than on the hanger. It even avoids the whole smockiness/pregnant look, of which I am heartily bored.

In the half hour I had before the test most horrid, I popped into Borders (as much as I long to hate this American chain store interloper - the magazines, oh the magazines *stares dreamily into space*), and TK Maxx. And low and behold, verily a vision of beauty me luds 'nd ladys -

Well, not quite, more like this -

In short, an extraordinary offering from Lulu & Red, a boutique I have previously drooled on from the comfort of my swivelly chair. Here is the particular version I purchased, a lovely ruffly sleeved wrap dress with very, very, very looooong tie. And a closeup of the pattern that made me so happy

On the other, mildly less impressive hand, this is what I wore today.

Briefly however, A Note on the predominance of hat wearing. I am rather fond of hats (you lose most of your body heat through your head) but unfortunately at the moment our shower is broke. And apparently I cannot wash my hair in the bath. It is a physical impossibility. No matter what I do, it stays mildly skanky. So after my futile efforts to be cleanly, I have now given up the good fight and am instead turning my efforts to bribing the builder into coming sooner with his toolkit. Any suggestions?

So, jeans (Next) Pink Scoop Neck Top (Cherokee/Tesco) Turquoise Swing Cardigan (Primark) Black Heart Ring (Topshop) Yellow Converse (er...) Pink Knit Beret (Wallis) and Pink/Purple Flower Brooch (CRiC Gallery)

A lovely closeup of my grubby takkies - seriously, are they not the best colour ever? I had a brief period in my life when i rather liked lavender. The colour. And I...well, there's no easy way to say this, I dressed myself entirely in that particular hue, from head to toenails, on at least one occasions. And yes, there is photographic evidence. ANYWHO, the point of the story iiiiis, I now find my self drawn to yellow in a similar way (it is my favourite colour), except now I am quite aware I will look like a giant banana (if I'm lucky), should I follow through with these self destructive thoughts. With these chilling thoughts in mind - do they really look quite so cheerful?

I thought not.

The lovely felt brooch my mamma bought me

This is the kind of meurgh outfit I usually through together if A) all my clothes are dirty, b)I've no time to dress, or c) i feel meurgh. But actually, as the day wore on, it rather grew on me. There's enough matchyness with the hat and top and badge to keep me happy, and enough clashy with the cardy and shoes to keep from looking too Doris Day. I REALLY like to match. As previously mentioned. Plus I still felt bright enough and cheerful to feel like a presentable me, while being relatively casual. Always good (I tend to dress up rather than down - unless I'm camping, when I bring a paper bag, just to be ready for the 3rd day, you know?)

Cardiff is actually a great place to go shopping. A lot of the shops have recently moved into bigger premises and you can really see a difference. Plus, the main highstreet is pedestrianised and wide, and has a really nice feel to it, with street performers, trees and benches people actually sit on. I've also found that the branches of the high street stores there are usually really well stocked - especially Primark. They have all the sellout items in their branch, and it's even relatively tidy if you go on a weekday. The only thing I think lets it down, are the lack of a decent range of shoes and bags, as in other branches.

The Topshop there I love. It's perfect. If I ever get to the one in London, i may have heart failure. So light, and bright and white and squeaky eeky clean. Well, at least less ingrained dirt than the previous shop. I got this top the same trip my mom got her floaty, lacy one, and isn't it great?! Okay, different Topshop, but this one has it in a bag!, and a bunny brooch, and Johnny Loves Rosie and the cutest polka dot tights and best ever black shoes with this pink ruching detail...

Okay, *loud exhale* it's out of system now. But really. Okay, okay. No more worship at the alter of Topshop, I get it.

I think Peacocks deserves an honorable mention here, Whoever did there new store deserves a big whohoo. They've incorporated these great antiquey wooden tables and armoires into the store design, so that the clothes and accessories are displayed in them. It really makes the shop feel more special. They even have these old suitcases uunder one of the tables. It's just enough and not too much.