Sneak peek at one of my first purchases...

Release Day! (and terms..)

Well, (and this is no April Fools) I've done it! One whole year of not buying clothes! Happy face (and Outfit Number 281):

Outfit No 281
Jacket - Zara (2012)
Shirt - Primark (2013)
Jeggings - Primark (2013)
Sunglasses - Ralph Lauren (2012)

The Challenge is complete. And for the last 18 hours and 53 minutes I have been ALLOWED to buy clothes, underwear, shoes, handbags, jewellery, sunglasses, socks, watches, scarves, headbands... the list goes on...

And what have I bought?  A flat white and a banana.

I bet you all thought that by now I'd be making a show of myself in Topshop: joyfully rolling around in a pile deliciously slinky kimono jackets...drunk on their silky goodness...mmmmm... 

But I'm not. 

(Although, on a side note, it has been somewhat agonising that my favourite thing in the world has become a raging trend.  Those babies are everywhere!  I would say I started it, but I don't think Anna Wintour has made a habit of reading this humble offering so I'd probably be lying.)

I wish I could say this show of restraint is due to my reformation: that I am changed woman; that a year of no shopping has left me a born-again sensible shopper and that you could let me loose in Urban Outfitters with complete and utter confidence, safe in the knowledge that I would come out carrying only the pumps that I had gone in for.    

But the truth is I'm terrified.  

Terrified that, if I start, I won't be able stop. The beast will be unleashed.

I'm really very proud that I've pulled this off.  I wasn't all that sure that I would.  And, not only did I manage to pull off 365 days of not buying a single 'wearable' item, I also managed to create 280(!) different outfits using the clothes I already owned (and occasionally borrowed, claimed and accepted as very kind and generous gifts...).  Pretty impressive going, I reckon.

I'm not gonna lie, it has been bloody hard. It's been a long hard winter and, despite my, admittedly rather excessive, wardrobe, there are still plenty of things that, after a year of fashion fasting, I could do with replacing.

It was with relish that I chucked my trusty but VERY well worn black pumps into the bin this morning (I intend to buy a replacement pair ASAP), pretty much every pair of boots that I own (and yes I own that I own a few) need a funeral or a trip to a very good cobblers,  moths have gotten the better of many of my favourite sweaters, my jeggings are starting to look faded and stretched, my ponchos have started to ball; my much loved faux fur is matted and worn, my favourite handbags have holes, and the last pair of glasses I can see out of have a wonky leg. 

So yes, of course, I am excitedly patting myself on my back for my fashion fasting achievement; I stuck it out! But at the same time I am giving myself a little slap... I might not have bought anything new but I have fallen pretty short on my promises of mending, making, selling and swapping (as well as, in recent months, my blogging).

You see, before The Challenge, when something broke or tore, I tended to simply buy something new to replace it. No 'make do and mend' for pre-challenge me.  Yes, of course, The Challenge made me 'make do' but it did little to kick start the 'mend' side of things. Nor did it do much to help me streamline my, frankly overwhelming, wardrobe (the sorting I did last Autumn was a start but nowhere near ruthless enough). 

So I've decided to use this opportunity of a new 'shopping year' to make a resolution or two... I'd like to think that my shopping habits have changed, that I would now go for quality instead of quantity, that I'd think more carefully before I buy and be much less impulsive than I once was, but I just don't know what is going to happen when I unleash the beast...(and oooooh I know how I have missed that feeling of wearing something new...)

In an effort to limit the potential damage of a shopping relapse, as well as to tackle my ridiculous wardrobe and hoarding tendencies head on, I am going to impose a set of rules (on second thought 'resolution' wasn't strong enough - who KEEPS those?) to get me through my first year out of shopaholics' rehab. The beast is still going to be unleashed, just fenced in a little... 


1. I am going to limit the number of purchases I am allowed to make this year (Help me out here? I originally thought 1 item a month would work... but I might need a few extra essentials this month following my year off... So maybe 4 items this month and then 1 a month from then on? Should I be allowed a 'roll over' if I don't make a purchase on a particular month?  Or perhaps it is would be easier just to say 20 items for the whole year?  What do you think? Also, I think I might not include underwear his time round.)

2.  Every fortnight I must dispose of (that is dump, sell or give away) at least ONE item from my wardrobe.

3. Before I go out on a shopping frenzy to replace sad looking boots or tired handbags etc. I will make sure they aren't salvageable.

4. For every new item purchased I must dispose of another old one.

Let me know your thoughts... I've got my debit card at the ready...

Over & Out

M x

January Blues

Outfit: 255

Day: Only 48 days left!

Well, it's now 2014 and, although I may not have been very good at keeping up with this blogging malarky so far, one thing I HAVE been good at in 2014 is NOT shopping... The Challenge is still going strong. In fact on the first of the month I hit the 8 month mark!  Get me!? Dead proud. 

My time at home in Ireland over Christmas brought me lots of yummy food, drink and lovely long and lazy catch ups, but, most importantly, it widened my wardrobe horizons considerably, thanks to a raid on the attic, my family's closets and, of course, some lovely Christmas pressies…

I spent days in this gorgeous Calvin Klein jumper of my dad's (I tried to sneak it back to London but unfortunately was intercepted at Leo Diamond customs…):

Outfit No 236 - Keeping Cosy in my dad's Calvin Klein

Jazzed it up for Christmas shopping with this scarf which I recently resurrected from a bin liner of old clothes and which has become a real 'go to' in recent weeks:

Outfit No 236
Scarf - Miss Selfridge (2009)

The scarf also had a starring role in this outfit which has become a night out staple of late:

Outfit No 237 
Lace Batwing - Never Fully Dressed (2012)
Scarf - Miss Selfridge (2009)
Necklace -Primark

Coat - Topshop from eBay (2013)
The mittens were a Christmas gift from my mama :)

And ANOTHER coat was dusted off… There really has been a bit of a red and black theme going on recently:

More Coat Love 

Coat - Motel (2008)

Boots - Schuh (2013)

I gave this rather festive looking dress its first whirl of the year on Christmas Day. If you can't wear a Christmas jumper then why not dress as a Christmas bauble instead?

Outfit No 238 - Christmas Day
Dress - Maisy (2010)

I'm gonna level with you, the last few weeks have not been easy... I'm tired.  Tired of winter and tired of my winter wardrobe.  Tired of finding moth holes in my favourite batwing sweaters and tired of the rain soaking my pumps. Tired of discovering new matted clumps in my fur and scuffs on my boots… Let's call it Fashion Fasting Melancholia (FFM), or just plain old January Blues...

Because without a shadow of doubt January brought with it a definite Fashion Fasting Rut in the form of a uniform of black leggings and jumpers:

Outfit No 247
Jumper - New Look (2012)
Boots - New Look (2009)
Socks - Topshop (2009)

I've been pretty reliant on outerwear to bring a little colour into my life:

Coat - New Look (2012)
Boots - New Look (2009)
Mittens - Topshop (2010)
Scarf - Zara Men (borrowed from my flatmate…thanks, Em!)

This FFM probably has a lot to do with why I have been MIA.  It's not much fun blogging about clothes that you are bored of wearing…

However, I did get a couple of nice little pieces for Christmas which have served as little rays of sunshine, brightening the dismal grey days of last few weeks. Not least this gorgeous cobalt blue cable knit jumper (Santa clearly read my last post) which has been given quite a few outings:

Christmas present joy for #therosewithnonewclothes

This beanie hat from Acessorize is also a new Christmas addition to my wardrobe and has been pretty much glued to my head as the only block between me and the curly Annie-esque hairdo that the weather INSISTS on trying to give me…

Outfit No 245
Jumper - Dunnes Stores

Beanie - Accessorize
Pumps - Office (2013)

This  skirt was a reject of my flatmate's (thanks Ais!) which, of course, I snapped up immediately… Well, you know what they say, 'One woman's tat is another woman's treasure.'  It is so cheery with the blue, I think. I do love a bit of trashtastic leopard print...

Outfit No 250

Tired of living in jeggings and skinny jeans, I unearthed my black harem trousers for the first time this season. 

Outfit No 253 
Floral Embossed Harem Pants - Zara (2013)
Silver Brogues - Steve Madden (2010)
Glasses - Gok Wan for Specsavers (2011)

I love how thrown together looking this outfit is.  Such random mixture of pieces but I think they really work together.  You might just think I look confused (I usually am) but I like it.

The embossed fabric of the trousers is actually pretty thick so they are really winter friendly:

Harem Trousers - Zara (2013)
Jumper - Dunnes
Shoes - Steve Madden (2010)

Also, been spending a lot of time wrapped up n the comfort of this fluffily collared leather jacket.  Definitely a current fave:

Wrapping up Outfit 253
Jacket - Zara 2012 

Santa also managed to kit me out with a nice new LBD.  A new dress for a new year.  Seemed only appropriate to rock it on NYE:

Outfit No 243 - NYE
Dress - Dunnes Stores

Bracelet - Topshop
(Another Christmas gift from my fab little mum)

But I'm really addicted to that gorgeous cobalt colour at the minute, relishing any opportunity to wear this silk number:

Outfit No 219
Dress - Topshop Boutique on eBay (2012)
Tights - New Look (2013)
Snakeprint shoes - Miss Selfridge (2013)

Gorgeous Cobalt Blue; the perfect cure for FFM...

Over & Out

M x

Jumpering for Joy!

Day 261

Outfit 233:

Wow! It has been a busy few weeks since I last updated but rest assured the rose still has no new clothes. However, I have been WEARING a hell of a lot MORE, I can assure you! 

The cold weather has resulted in the unearthing of my knitwear collection and I've found that this year my cardigans have been pushed aside in favour of the classic pullover.  I have been getting A LOT of wear out of my sweaters and jumpers, not least this festive number: 

Outfit No 221 - Feeling Festive
Jumper - Little Ealing Boutique (2012)
Jeans - River Island 
(these were a friend's unwanted pair that I inherited in 2007 - still going strong!)
Boots - Office (2013)
Coat - Anthropologie via eBay (2010)

Isn't it fun and fluffy? So comfy. I think it looks like lots of little Christmas trees. Good job because it's the closest I'm getting to a Christmas jumper this year I'm afraid. Yesterday's Outfit 232 was pretty much the same as Outfit 221 but with addition of a hat and jeggings instead of jeans. 

Outfit No 232 - Hats Away!
Jumper - Little Ealing Boutique (2012)
Coat - Anthropologie (2010)
Hat - Primark...I think (2012)
Jeggings - Primark (2013)

The colder weather has resulted in a lot of rehashes. This next outfit has become another staple. I'm a SUCKER for black in winter.  I just love the way it can really set off your wintery accessories (like this gorgeous owl necklace which was a gift from my lovely Spanish friend, Marta). It's also pretty great when you have got bright red hair...

Outfit No 212 - Twit-twoo...
Black Batwing Jumper - Never Fully Dressed (2012)
Aztec  Shawl/Poncho - Never Fully Dressed (2012)
Owl Necklace - A gift from the lovely Marta - I LOVE it!

The batwing jumper is a favourite because it's comfy but the cut and fine knit make it feel quite chic at the same time. The aztec shawl-come-poncho is great for added warmth under my fur coat and a delight to wrap around and keep me warm when I'm stuck working in front of my computer.  I have worn a variation of this outfit time and time again in the last few weeks, changing it up with a different necklace or scarf.  I also have this sweater in charcoal - SUCH a winner.  

Another black one that I'm loving at the minute is this bad boy which was a bargain purchase from New Look a year or two ago.  Just the perfect slouchy and oversized black sweater:

 
Outfit No 193
Dress - Couples, Coleraine (2008)
Jumper - New Look (2012)
 Pumps - Office (2013)

I have to say, despite the fact that I clearly have enough of them, the winter jumpers have been the BIGGEST TORTURE whist I've been doing my Christmas shopping. 

They just look so cosy, safe and inviting in the midst of all the Christmas mayhem.... I want to put on about six, as knitted armour, and then curl up and drift off in the middle of a fortress of neatly folded woolly stacks. The perfect escape from the hell that is Oxford Street in December.

And it is hellish.  Even for a shopper like me. Or perhaps PARTICULARLY for a cold-turkey-going-shopaholic like me?  

I'm drawn to the dark wintery green colours that Pull & Bear have loads of at the moment:

Pull & Bear - Aran Knit Sweater with Kimono Sleeves in Duck Green

Pull & Bear - Pearl Knit Jersey in Bottle Green

Pull & Bear - Basic Sweater in Bottle Green 

Topshop are also doing a nice dark green one (although if it contains Angora best to stay clear...)

Topshop - Knitted Cable Jumper in Forest 

Gorgeous aren't they? BUT I guess I'll have to make do with the green I already have in my wardrobe. I really like this little Missguided batwing sweater which I have in a dark sort-of-duck-green (I also have it in both black and grey). It is great to jazz up with jewellry or a nice collar like this crocheted one.  My friends have named this outfit my Pilgrim's Choice... but I like it!

Outfit No 213 - Crochet-tastic!

Collar - Etsy (2012)

Green Jumper - Missguided (2012)

Dress (worn as pencil skirt) - Primark (2013)

Here I have thrown the black version of the same over this cute little leopard print collared dress:

Outfit No 229
Dress - New Look (2011)
Jumper - Misguided (2012)
Boots - Office (2013)

I've really been loving a bit of a fluffy jumper recently!  So my other green sweater has been getting a lot of tender loving wear.  I got this for a pittance in a discount store that sells seconds (the rejects from normal stores).  I think it was in there because its shape is a bit wonky but that's what I love about it (apart from the fact that it is fluffy and green, what's not to love about that?)! - works really nicely with the batwing sleeves 

Outfit No 230 - Going Green
Jumper - Little discount store (2012)
Green Velvet Skirt - eBay (2013)

Outfit No 192 - The Green Green Grass of Home

Jumper - Ealing discount store (2012)

Denim Skirt - Primark (2012)

Here is another faithful fluffy number:  

Outfit No 205 - Fluffy!
Jumper - Missguided (2012)
Skirt - Miss Selfridge (2008)
Head Band - just an old ribbon I had about the house

There's no denying it, some of the best jumpers out there are those made for men.  Last year I picked a couple up in Primark's menswear department.  These are my go-to-comfy-cozy-day-sweaters but they get loads of compliments. Although I have had the odd comedy 'matchy match' moment with a few poor unsuspecting guys (worse for them than for me, I can assure you). What did I expect from Primark? Oh well, at least all the women in the UK aren't wearing the same as me; even if the guys are...

Outfit No 220
Jumper  -  Primark Menswear  (2012)

Outfit No 224
Dress - Great Plains (2009)
Jumper - Primark Menswear (2012)

Outfit No 216
Coat - New Look (2012)
Jumper - Primark Menswear (2012)
Necklace - Primark (2013)

ANOTHER Primark number (seriously, after this year, I am banning myself from setting foot in the place), this time from the ladies section:

Outfit No 218
Jumper - Primark (2012)
Waxed Cape - ASOS (2010)
Boots - Vintage from  Beyond Retro (2011)

What other sweaters have been catching my eye? Well, I've always got time for a bit of mint and this Topshop quilted baby would certainly brighten up my life a little on these dull winter days *sigh*

Topshop - Knitted Quilted Jumper in Mint 

And this ZARA oversized mohair is pretty special:

Zara - Mohair Oversize Sweater in Wine

But what I've got a real notion for is a cobalt blue cable knit jumper.  I just REALLY want one (This might have something to do with the fact I spent seven years of my life wearing a school jumper in that exact shade and, after a ten year break, I'm finally ready to wear it again).  BHS are doing a lovely little one for a steal at £12. 

BHS - Cobalt Long Sleeve Cable Jumper

I'd love to get my mittened hands on this! 

I'd wear it with black jeans, black boots, black coat and top it off with black woolly hat... Perfect winter outfit. 

Hey, a girl can dream... Right? 

Love the button detail on the back: 

A gorgeous real wool cable knit in that colour would be amazing.  Someone knit me one, eh? 

Have your jumpers been stealing the winter lime half-light?

Over & Out 

M x

The Tight Diaries

Day: 211
Outfit: 208

With the arrival of Autumn comes time for one of my favourite things: Tights!  

I have A LOT of these and sorted them out rather wonderfully during TGWSO. Couldn't bring myself to count  exactly how many pairs I own but somewhere in and around the 40 or 50 mark: patterned, fishnet, multicoloured, and floral - you name it, I've got it.  They used to all be shoved into a couple of massive bags, where I couldn't tell black from navy, opaque from sheer, patterned from plain, or footless from footed. Now, they are beautifully organised according to colour and style and hang in pride of place in my wardrobe:

My beautifully organised collection of tights

These Rosie ones have proven to be favourites for nights out:

Outfit 89: Shoreditch Saturday Night
Pink Sequin Dress - H&M (2010)
Tights - eBay (2013)
Silver Shoes - Steve Madden (2010)

Outfit 161 - Brixton Saturday Night 

- Bumblebird, LBD and Rosie Tights

Yellow Batwing Kimono Jacket - Once belonged to my mum

Tights - eBay (2013)

Shoes - Marks and Spencer (2009)

And, shame on me, I wore them to brunch the next day too:

Outfit 162 - Rolling Out of Bed on Sunday and putting on Saturday Night's Clothes
 Zara Kimono, LBD and Rosie Tights

I really have a thing for tights with an interesting thigh pattern going on: 

Outfit 95 - Friday Night
Tights - eBay

I really love tights for day wear too.  One of my favourite things, pre shopping ban, of course, was to rummage through the hosiery section in Tk Maax - always get gems in there. Like this lovely cosy grey woollen pair:

Outfit No 170 - Peach Leather and Grey Tights
Leather Mini - Topshop (2010)

Studded Denim Shirt - Primark (2013)

Charcoal Grey Tights - TK MAAX (2012)

Pumps - New Look (2008)

Cardigan - New Look (2013) 

Outfit  No 171: Green Velvet  & Grey Tights
Kimono Jacket - Couples (2011)
Grey Batwing Tee - Once belonged to my friend Emma (2013)
Green Velvet Skirt - eBay (2013)
Tights - As above
Boots - Office (2012)

I love these too - another great Tk Maax find:

Outfit 172: Grey Shorts and Nude Florals

Tights - Tk Maax (2012)

Shorts - Primark (2009)

Floral Tee - Tk Maax (2012)

Mint Sweater - Primark (2013)

Boots - Office (2012)

And these:

Outfit  No 194: Red Tights

Grey Tee Dress - Topshop / eBay (2012)

Cream Cardigan - Primark (2011)

Crochet Cream Scarf - Primark (2013)

Red Tights - Tk Maax (2010)

Brogues - Peacocks (2010)

They can also be pretty for casual wear: 

Outfit 198: Rosie Pink Tee and Burgundy Tights

Tee - New Look (2013)

Denim Shorts - Homemade (2009)

Fringed Boots - Miss Selfridge (2013)

Cardie - used to be my Auntie Maureen's (2013)

These checked/tartan numbers are great fun, although admittedly a little 'out there':

Outfit 203 - Checked and Shiny

Dress - Primark (2008)

Tights - Tk Maax (2009)

Sliver Brogues - Steve Madden (2010)

I made the mistake of throwing my tartan coat on over this outfit and got more than a few funny looks - a definite Helena Bonham Carter moment.

Yesterday I wore this great minty green pair, which can also inspire the odd raised eyebrow. Doesn't stop me! I think they are super pretty:

Outfit No 207 - Minty Green & Cowboy Boots

Tee Dress - Topshop (2013)

Tights (Tk Maax)

Cowboy Boots - Vintage - Beyond Retro (2011)

Necklace - Primark (2013) 

Today, I am wearing the same dress but with different tights, shoes and jewellery.  Monday morning makes for little imagination, yet a completely different look:

Outfit No 208 - All Green
Tee Dress - Tophop (2013)
Tights - Peacocks (2009)
Necklace - Dunnes (2009)
Brogues - Steve Madden (2010)

I'll try to keep you informed of my 'tightscapades'.  Fingers crossed I don't get too many holes or ladders! 

Over & Out 

M x