Showing posts with label OOTD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OOTD. Show all posts

A New Year & A New Beginning



Yesterday I headed to china town with my dad, not only to celebrate Chinese new year (year of the pig) but also to celebrate my new start. I was ready to leave my broken controlling relationship, but then discovered that my partner of sixteen years and father of my children had been having an affair with my supposed best friend. This was the finally kick in the teeth, and a reminder to make sure I never took him back for the sake of our children. Your kids will get pass it, never stay for them never I wish I hadn't.

It's been painful mainly for my two boys, as we have to see this person if you can call her that as her children and mine are in the same class. But I've let go, you can't look ahead if you're filled with hate. I've grown in ways I couldn't imagine. My self-worth has sky rocketed, as now I see why I was being made to feel worthless because it was never about me or my actions. I've been crawling back to myself for a while, now I'm flying I can see everything crystal clear. Their actions are a reflection of their insecurities. This is all I will say, as I've already wasted enough time and energy on them. I've moved on,  and it's strange how something so vile and painful has actual been a blessing. I've spread my wings and feel happy, like I've woken from a horrid dream I've been living for five years.


I'm seeing friends and family, enjoying time with my beautiful boys and opening my heart to new love. I'm grabbing life with both hands, and it feels incredible. I have so much planned for this year, it's making my head spin. People have said I'm like my old self, but she's dead and gone too. I think it's so important to look forward, and not step back. I'm ready to soak in all that life has to offer. Where else to celebrate a new start than in China town, with a street filled with red lucky lanterns it's hard not to smile even in the rain. The atmosphere was electric, and there was so much to take in. The floats were so detailed bursting with neon bright and patterns, small children danced around with paper dragons as popper were thrown to the ground. 

There's a stand through China town, that's been there since I first started going back in the early 00s.  I think at one stage I recalled what it was for and possible signed it. But today I didn't want to just assume I had signed once upon a time. Dad and I stopped to read - 'the killing of (practitioners of Falun Gong peaceful meditation) for the purpose of selling their organs for transplant is a violation of the fundamental right to life. The words were filled me with complete sadness, sometimes we think the worst has happened to us. Then you open your eyes, and see actual there are way worst things happening.  As me and dad choked back tears, reading more details we asked to sign the petition and were horrified to know this stand was still here and that nothing was being done. The lady we spoke to was so sweet, and has been fighting this for well over a decade. She thanked us, I said that I hoped that everyone celebrating would take the time to sign. As it takes a minute for someone to put pen to paper, in hope of stopping this. She kindly gave me and dad a flower charm each - Which hangs by my desk to remind me of the good in others. It amazes me how kind and caring some people are in this world, sometimes it's easy to focus on those that fill it with hate. If you visit please go sign if you can.



After we went and took photos and enjoyed the dragon dance, the performs where amazing and it must have been overwhelming having so many people surround them. Dad and I were going to get some dumplings but as we hadn't booked a table everywhere was packed out. So I dragged him to Wahacca as he had never been. We talked about everything, and it felt like when I was young and he would pick me up and take me out on his Sunday. He wasn't the perfect dad growing up, and mine and his relationship went through a lot. But his changed and really making an effort now for me and the boys. I feel like some how, everything is falling into place and who knew that all I had to do was let go of everything I had been clinging onto for years. 

We picked up two paper dragons for my boys, who were at their dads. I wish they could have been with me, but I'm looking forward to them celebrating next year. They loved their dragons and had a lovely weekend with their dad. I think the most important thing now is making sure that they get the best out of me and their dad. I'm so excited for this year, and it's already kicking off to a great start. 

What do you have planned for this year? 
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Three Ways To Wear | One Gold Party Dress


I know, I know it's been a while. But I've had a lot going on, and honestly didn't want to fill this blog of mine with a load of old rubbish. I need to channel my energy back into something positive, to take my mind off everything. So today I decided to have a dress declutter, I watched a bunch of you Tubers going through and trying on all their pieces. Which I highly recommend, because I hate to break it to you but your special dress you have been saving may not even make you feel good when you put it on. Today I was happy to make three piles, one to sell, one for the charity shop and those special dresses I actual feel great in that I'm going to keep. 

But rather than bore you with photos of this process, you can watch the story on my instagram if you fancy. I thought how about a style one dress post. I picked up this gold dress from the charity shop for a whole £3! It fits like a glove, and makes me feel like a million bucks. I'm sure you have a dress like this, but if you don't get thrifting, everyone is clearing out party wear to make way for new so it's thee perfect time. So here's how I style one dress three ways.   

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What I've Been Wearing | August/ September


Vans California Poppy SK8- hi tops

As you have seen I took a bit of time out, as I just needed some time with my family and I would never post for the sake. So it's been a while sine I've posted what I've been wearing. Sadly I usually don't have time to take more in-depth outfit photos, because trust me I would love to find a great location and shot away as I love seeing other peoples lookbooks etc. Anyway moaning aside I still like to share with you what I've been wearing, maybe it will give you some inspiration. As rainbow (something I've worn for years) has gone all trendy, and I know some of you feel you can't wear it but honestly you can and should just go for it. 


I was a very lucky gal last month, and I think fed up of seeing me in my beloved falling apart converse Barry treated me to these gorgeous vans which are literally like wearing slippers! As he knows I'm extra he got me the ones with a pastel pink floral pattern, and I honestly love them. I worn them in some of these outfits, but because I'm clearing the house out of old crap my full length mirror currently has a bunch of clothing in front of it. So while you can't see them, trust me I have been wearing them non stop well worth getting if your after some new kicks this autumn. 



Thrifted Floral Trousers 

I love these trousers, they are really light weigh fabric so great for this not in-between weather. I styled them up with this fab tee from We Are Food Scouts, which my friend Jayne and her partner run together. Jayne designed this Catsuklub tee, and I love it I wear it a lot around the house as it's so comfortable. But I think it's great for dressing these trousers down, as I think the pattern is bold enough on it's own. Another fave of mine is this shaggy Boohoo cardigan, it just makes me feel like I'm in a all girl band andof course I wore my beret.



Rainbow Primark Jumper

I was so happy I got this rainbow jumper from Primark, as sadly when we were on our holiday to Portsmouth it rained and was cold. I think it was about £13, and it's really soft and has washed well so I've pretty much worn it to death already. I went for a small as it's a boxy cut, and I preferred it a little more fitted. It was worth getting and Primark have a heap of rainbow clothing, if you too are also are a rainbow hunter. 


Pastel UNIF Top

I've had this ages now, but I tend to wear my rainbow UNIF top way more. I've been leaning towards pastels a little more, as I have some really cute pieces that need to be loved more. also for the price, I want to get my money per wear. As I'm trying to mix it up more and the weather has been nice of course I throw it on with my beloved beyond Retro dungarees. These are one of thee best things I ever bought, they were £35 and I have literally worn them every summer and I've had them for about five years. I defiantly got my moneys worth out of them. I still need to get my denim jumpsuit fixed, as  I probably would have teamed it with that instead. So I guess it was good as it reminded me to that i need to get that fixed. 




SkinnyDip Rainbow Bag

So if you know me, you know I can't get enough of Skinny Dip London. Baz go me this bag, and it's just so cute. It was actual a clutch bag but I attached the chain to it myself. It's pretty roomy and I think looks so cute against my rainbow clothing. This shirt was off a seller on Etsy, and i think cost me £20 ... I'm pretty sure it was part of a costume but I honestly don't care as it's so bright and cheerful. Yes my battered converse again (this was before getting my vans) and some jeans that my friend gave me was the perfect outfit for coffee and a gallery trip with Baz. 




Monki Checked Dungarees 

My most worn to death piece in my wardrobe, I love them so much I also bought the red pair. They were £35 which usually I may have left as I tend to thrift most of my clothing. But honestly I've worn them so much that they were worth every penny. They are super comfortable and they have pockets. I got the large so mine are more over sized, they look so cute with all my rainbow tops and I love clashing the prints. They are perfect for the school run, as I can be lazy but still feel dressed up. Of course another day and another go to my beret. This flower bag I thrifted from the kids section in the charity shop for £2 or £3 quid. 


The Rainbow crop Jumper With Magical Sleeves 

While I love the design of this jumper, I wish it wasn't cropped. I always feel like I need to layer it up. Saying that I absolutely love the design, it feels soft. I think it will look cute layered over a dress so I'm looking forward to trying out different looks with it. I've been layering over this thrifted blouse that I got in the charity shop a while back ... I also picked up this Connie Francis record score! But rokoko have such cute pieces, they can be a little pricier then some other brands, but the quality is there so it's worth the money. 


The Last of Summer

So as I said when we went away it rained. Which was such a shame, as I had purchased a bunch of cute things (all very summery) to wear. But You know me I am a layer queen, so while it's still warm enough to wear some on their own as the sun is still warm in London. I'm going to layer my vest tops over my roll necks and polo necks, as the 70s are back and this is such an easy way to channel the decade. This rainbow one is from Topshop, and i picked up another. I also have a really cute more sporty yellow one,  I shared from monki over on my instagram - I'm @Law1sfab if you fancy seeing my outfits daily. 

So these are just a snippet of what I've been wearing, what's been your go to lately are you holding on to Summer still or are you ready for Autumn? 
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What I've Been Wearing | April



I don't know if you follow me on Instagram, but lately I've been trying to post all my daily outfits. I've done pretty well at keeping on top of it, as I think it helps me feel better about getting ready, as I can get very anxious about it and get stuck in my head. I feel it's pushing me a bit more, and I look forward to putting an outfit together. 

I'm trying not to wear the same things, and trying harder to fully enjoy my wardrobe. I have so many thrifted pieces, that I've not worn yet, so I feel like if they don't get worn then I'll be taking them back to the charity shop.  There's been so much going on lately, that I haven't been able to post my full outfits for a while now. It's not that I don't want too, it's either a case of having no time, or not having anyone to take them for me. So I thought just for now I would share what I've posted on there over here too, with a few extras as not everyone is on Instagram - shock horror I know and I've really been enjoying my wardrobe. So here's what I've been wearing, and maybe it may give you some inspiration for your spring wardrobe. 

 The thrifted outfit


I absolutely love green, but I've not found loads in the shops at the moment. And everything I have seen has not really been me. I was on eBay one evening and spotted these River Island leaf print jeans, I instantly full in love. I was all ready to buy them, but then I got distracted and forgot about them. The fashion gods were shining down on me, because I managed to bag these for a whole £1 at my local charity shop. I was so happy, as I was all ready to part with £20. 

Then on another trip I spotted this Mickey top, I love Mickey mouse and have a couple of tops that I've had forever. This one cost me £3 and I love it, I love the print and the big orange D. I've found some absolute gems lately, but I'm making sure that I drop some bits off as well as I'm still clearing out a heap of stuff. I paired this outfit with my Primark boots, I love these boots and they were well worth the £3 - Thank you january sell. You can't really go wrong with a tee and jeans, and I'm all about prints.   

The all pink outfit

That pink ruffled Monki top, when I saw it in the store I knew I had to have it. I hadn't treated myself to a new in a while, as I tend to thrift most of my wardrobe. I left it a while, but after going in for the third time and seeing it I decided it was worth it. I've worn it three times so far, and it makes me feel like a princess.

It's a stretch fabric and has all these ruffles, it's sheer but I prefer to wear a little tee underneath. It reminds me of Marie Antoinette you know the movie, remember back in 2006 when Kirsten Dunst looked like a bloody babe. Then I decided to team them with my £1 candy stripe jeans, also another charity shop bargain. I also managed to stick a chain on my Skinny-dip bag, so now instead of being a clutch that I'll only use once I have a across body bag I can use everyday. 




The will it be hot or cold outfit


Towards the end of this week I literally had no clue what to except, in London it has raining one second and and sunny the next. So jeans and a light top, were a good go too it wasn't too warm or cold so I threw on my rainbow cardigan and I had the perfect outfit. I love the lace on this top, and it had been a while since i had worn it. 

Of course I needed to add some rainbow into it, and my Tatty Devine rainbow necklace hadn't been out in a while. I love this necklace, it's so pretty the way each colour is cut and after doing a jewellery workshop with them I know how much skill and work goes into each one. My friend Emma give me these jeans, and I love them my last pair of ripped jeans fall apart as I wore them so much. I also made myself a earring stand, as I didn't realise just how many I had. It seems I have a pretty big collection, so this is so handy and I've started to wear them a lot more. I've had these star ones forever, but they are just so cute.   




The comfortable outfit

I have been living in these checked dungarees from Monki, I saw them on the sales assistant and literally fall over myself to go find them. I got them in a size up, so mine are a little loose but they are perfect and feel super comfortable. I know I look a little clown chef like, but hey clown realness is my vibe. I've seen a ton of people style these, and I think rainbow with them seems to be a winner. I think they are great for any weather, and are my go to when I want to look a little more put together without trying. 

I've had this pastel rainbow top a while now, and it's super soft. I go it from Aliexpress so it was cheap as chips, I try not to buy too many cheapy clothing as I know that it's not ethical. This is another big reason I love to thrift, and that way I know I'm giving a home to something that may have just been throw out. I know with tops like these, they will be in my wardrobe for years. So while cheap stuff isn't great, I know I will wear it to death and won't buy x amount because I have something i really love. 

Like I said I've started to wear my earrings a lot more now, since making the board. I think they are another way to dress this outfit up a bit more. Keeping it from looking super casual. Saying that I'm all about comfort, it's felt like thee longest week so it's a step up from pjs. 


The out shopping outfit 


It was so hot on  the weekend, and while I wasn't buying clothing I knew that if I was near a Monki I would go and try stuff on. Yes I know I'm obsessed with Monki, but honestly I feel like they are the only high street store that has stuff that appeals to me. I took a quick snap of my outfit that day, I was sweating like a pig - I know glamours right. But I finally wore my heart skirt, I got this back in January from Pretty little things sale and just haven't had the confidence to wear it.

I'm so glad it was roasting, as I knew I couldn't wear jeans. The top is by an old skull brand called Ringspun, which I managed to thrifted via eBay. I absolutely love it and wore it a lot last summer. I've been wearing all my old converse to death, and these pink ones are my go to at the mo. I really liked this outfit, and it feels good to tackle my BDD and not worry so much about what I look like.

Sadly I didn't have time to snap todays outfit, but I'm going to try and keep snapping until I can do a proper outfit post. I have some new bits and pieces, and I'm going to get back into sharing what I've thrifted for Spring. What has been your go to lately? I'd love to know.
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The New Valentines

Faith Natural 'kiss' trainers* from Debenhams    
  
Once upon a time, valentines use to feel like thee most depressing day of the year. That if you were single, you were doomed and even if you were in a couple if you weren't drowning in a mass of chocolate, flowers and locking lips non stop you were doing it wrong. It kind of sucked the joy from the day, and I think put most people off celebrating it all together. 

Baz and I have been together 15 years, and we have never been massive on it. We would exchange ideas on things we liked, and never went crazy on gifting. One special present,  and a home cooked meal have made treasured memories. Like the time I blow out candles, and blow wax on Baz and burned him. Or going to noodle time in greenwich, and almost eating my hair. But weather your with anyone or not, valentines has had a makeover. I love that now Valentines is becoming less about couples, and seeing more people go out and celebrate their friendships or treat themselves is the way forward. So if you haven't treated yourself this year, then now is the perfect time to give yourself some love and go for it. You don't and shouldn't feel bad, being on your own is better then being with someone who isn't right for you.

My rainbow  Skinnydip clutch that Baz got me, my rainbow Nasty Gal top I treated myself to last month.

If you are loved up, then enjoy it. Yes we have all year to love someone, but Valteines can give you that little reminder to maybe just do something a little more. It doesn't have to be something major, often I think just having some real time together with good food, a relaxed atmosphere can be the one. 

Baz and I had decided to no gifts, but we both broke it and picked each other a little something up. I usually surprise him, but this year he surprised me first and I'd had a rough week it was lovely. Yep we didn't wait till the day, but we both needed a little pick me up. We are going to do a simple popcorn and movie night, as were both a bit under the weather for a proper date night. It's freezing here in London at the mo. Also my boys have informed me,  that it's also there Valentines days too so they will make me cards if I pick them up some chocolates. Honestly I had to try not to laugh, but they better be some nice cards, if they are getting a box each they already had the bath bombs I had treated the too. Still I'm thankful that they want to get involved.  


So whatever you decided to do this Valentines, I hope you have a fun one. I have some great memories of hosting  movie nights with my girls, and we would watch all the sloppy rom coms slag they off for being completely unrealistic and eat pizza. Making  my mum cards, eating half her chocolates and buying a plastic rose when I was a kid. And the first Valentines card I ever wrote, which was to my dog Fred because I hated everyone and I was only six. What are you up to this Valentines? 
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My Last Thrifted Piece Of 2017


Welcome to 2008 style photos, at least you can see how cute this coat is! I spotted it looking all grubby at the charity shop, and left it. I'm the first to admit I have an unhealthy obsession with coats, ( Baz also got me one for Christmas) but then I couldn't stop thinking about it. I had been three times and each time told myself I didn't need it. But after seeing it a fourth time and dropping off a mother load of things I didn't want I decided enough was enough and it was coming home with me. It cost me £3! I took my flash wipes and give the whole thing a good wipe down, these literally kill any germs and   it looked brand new - it has a bit of mud on the front that took all of a second to remove.  I took the button hood off and added my big fluffy scarf, as it's been forever since I've worn this bad boy. 

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How I Wear: A Puffa Jacket


I haven't had time to take any real outfit photos, as I work my way through my hoard of stuff and try and clear out the last of it before Christmas. Time just hasn't been there, so sorry for these quick phone snaps. I'm really looking forward to having more time to blog and work on some new projects. But at the same time, getting my place sorted is a must. Space is slowly opening up, and it feels great to clear out things I no longer need. It has been a slow process, but if your going from a hoarder to a minimalist (trying to reduce your stuff down to what you actual like) then stick with it as it will be worth it in the end. 
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How I Wear: A Playsuit



I've been fully embracing the sunshine, and this year I've had my legs out nonstop. Usually I avoid showing them, as they're sensitive and hair removal leaves them in a state. This year I was too hot too care what anyone else though, I just wanted to feel the breeze on my skin and enjoy my days. I do love a playsuit, and it had been forever since I've worn one. I like being able to feel relaxed, and that I can eat what I like, sit how I like and not have to worry about adjusting my outfit. This denim beaut is super comfortable, and I like the fact the bottom half it's too short. I love that it's roomy, and the off the shoulder frill keeps from being too casual. 


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How I Wear: Clashing Patterns


Clashing prints is so hit and miss, but if you don't try it you will never know. It feels like forever since I had a good play in my wardrobe, and worn something different from my usual everyday wear.  I took a bit of time out this month, I've been struggling with my depression and been finding it hard to shake myself out of it. So rather than being excited to go out, take photos, I've been spending my days repeating the same routine, and just trying to get through the day. But I'm starting to feel more myself again, and bored of my routine which is a sign that my social anxiety is easing. On a plus of being indoors, I sorted through my wardrobe, and pieced items I had together to try and take the stress out of what to wear. 


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How I Wear: Frilly Jeans




I've been out enjoying the sun while it lasts, also before the half term madness begins. I love my boys to bits, but you need a whole lot of energy to keep them busy not to mention money. I try to keep a balance of treat days and than lower cost days. Museums and parks are going to be my best friends this week. But the house has been stocked up with ice cream and sweets, colouring books and those spinner things so I think it should be a great week. I also did a clothing shop for all their summer stuff, so that I can relax more on the bigger one to come (yep six weeks holidays). Outfit wise I'm keeping it more casual, it's been great not to have to wear a jacket. I do love all my faux fur for colder days, but sometimes it's great to have a break from them.  

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What I've Been Wearing

Rainbow Coat: Gift from boyfriend
MTV t-shirt: Mens Primark
Jeans: Primark
Trainers: Converse via JD sports* 

As life has been up in the air, and I've not been able to take any real photos of my outfits. I thought that while I could discard my quick 'what I wore' photos, actual why should I. Sometimes the blogging world sets the bar so high, which is great but also it can build anxiety (for me personal) and makes us feel like if it's not magazine worthy why even bother. But sometimes in life you have to throw the rules out the window, and go with the flow. While I've been struggling with my BDD, I had a great week and felt pretty cute which never happens. It's been a whole lot of rainbows - Nothing new there. I guess for me it's about feeling better about getting up and going out. 
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I May Wear Rainbows #mentalhealthawarenessmonth



I feel like I'm constantly playing catch up at the moment, I have so much I want to do but there's always something that I've forgotten. So fun gets pushed aside for things that have to be done, energy levels drop and the overwhelming 'meh' levels get me thinking what's the point. I push and push, I forget that I need to wash my hair, I forget that I've missed a meal. I don't sleep for nights on end, because I'm thinking about what I need to get done. 

I want to fill my days and be productive, but my anxiety is getting the better of me which makes even the smallest of tasks hard. I can already see that I'm getting sucked into things to distract my mind, from the constant over thinking. So I decided that I was in need of some self care and me time, Barry has been really supportive and took the boys out so I could have a day to go do what I wanted. I looked at piles of washing, and usually my mum guilt tells me get everything done than you can have fun. I decided that today she was going to shut up and take a seat. It was so nice to go out shopping, it's been forever were I've had the day to myself. I got up had a lovely bath, took my time getting ready and kept reminding myself that there was no rush today.

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How I Wear: Double Denim



So our computer is finally up and running again, I've missed blogging so much and have a bunch of posts to share. I hope you all had a lovely Easter, our house seems to have chocolate in every cupboard which of course the kids have loved. I was seriously ill, but after weeks of being in bed and not pushing myself as hard I feel a lot better. I'm still taking it as easy were possible, but it's been great to get back into routine. I've been charity shopping again, so will share my finds as I got a fair bit. I thought I would kick this week off with an outfit as it's been great not to be wearing pjs. London's weather is a bit of a mix bag at the minute. Rather than trying to work out if I'll be reaching for a jumper, or stripping layers off. I've gone for comfortable wear, and double denim is always a go to for me. 

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How I Wear: A Bralet



While I'm feeling a lot better, after having the flu for what felt like a lifetime it left me feeling limp. My sleeping pattern has been up the wall, and so eye bags have been a daily feature. I could of photoshopped them out, but I'm human I get tried I don't see the point of pretending I'm not. Hi I'm Laura, and I haven't slept properly for over six months but now you pointed out I look tried I've transformed into a Disney princess. * sings in high pitch voice 'I have to dash I'm off to tidy with birds'. 

It feels like more and more blogs are becoming like magazines in that way. I'm all for amazing shots and great content trust me. But when people lack pores and everything is heavily photoshopped it takes away what set blogs apart. It wasn't about looking like you stepped out of a shot, it was a step into the beautiful flawed realness that we all live. 


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How I Wear: A Sequin Dress (when it's freezing)



Happy New Year and all that jazz, this was my NYE outfit during the day but as me and my family and friends were ill we ended up having a pyjama party instead of slamming up. But with my birthday this Thursday coming, I know for a fact I'll be back in sequins flu or not. The only down side to wanting to wear pretty dresses in London at the moment, is freezing your bum off. I'm 33 and long gone are the days were I would happily say 'I'm fine' a billion times while rubbing my hands together and trying to generate any kind of heat for the sake of 'looking good'. Looking like a little shaking dog that needs a poo is not the one.


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How I Wear: Zebra Print



As you know I love a print, but sometimes I feel clueless of how I want to wear it. What I see in my head working, doesn't always happen in reality. But over the years I've worked out where I like to wear print, and what doesn't work on me. I've always loved a bit of zebra print, and after seeing some of my favourite bloggers rocking it I felt it was time to put aside my doubts and get it on my body.  I was thinking about getting a coat, but thought as I've got a heap a skirt would be more practical and wearable. 
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