Summer Originals

(I'm wearing: White lace top from French Connection, 1969 jeans from Gap and Frieda sandals from Clarks)

My shoe collection is approximately 40% desert boot, I'm not exactly sure what it is about them but I've had quite a passionate love affair with them since I got some for a tenner while I was at uni.

When Clarks got in touch and asked if I'd like to review something from their site I instantly went for a perv at the desert boot wedges but a little voice in my head told me to opt for something different for a change. To be fair, I didn't go that different as the sandals I picked are basically desert boots but still, it's a step in the right direction!

I love these Frieda Sun sandals in black suede, they're Clarks Originals and are possibly the comfiest sandals I've ever worn. The suede, wedge and the crepe sole mean I can cling onto my desert boot love but also embrace summer. I'm sure you'll be seeing these a lot more over the summer!

Clarks have plenty of sandals for Summer, you can see their trend edit here for some inspiration!

Project Bikini

I'm one of those people who buy bikinis with such good intentions, with a plan to slim down, tone up and bare all on the beach. Unfortunately I usually buy said bikini, try it on when I get home, look at my squishy bits then have a little sob into some ice cream not before banishing the bikini to the bottom drawer.

But this time is different, the lovely people at Panache sent me this gorgeous Hattie bikini from the Cleo Swimwear range (pictured above, sadly sans the inflatable dinosaur accessories!) and I am determined to wear it with pride this Summer.

Unfortunately for me this means actually making an effort, I am the queen of sitting down, a veritable expert of not exercising and a massive advocate of pork pies, so this may not go to plan...

For the past couple of months I've made a start by changing a few things, like switching from sandwiches to salad for lunch and from brioche to bananas for breakfast. As well as joining a gym (with some encouragement from the Man) and attempting to cut down my wine intake, which was going really well until recently when I have failed spectacularly.

I've lost half a stone over the past couple of months and the aim is to lose another half a stone before the end of June (hopefully before or more!) by keeping to the below:

• I'm aiming for a minimum of three gym visits a week...
• Eat less and better - think fruit, salad, veggies, nuts, berries etc
• Drink less alcohol (though the odd bottle of wine at the weekend is absolutely acceptable)
• More opportunist exercise - going out for a walk at lunch, taking the stairs instead of the lift and so on...

They're not drastic changes and are generally very sensible/boring but hopefully they'll make a difference. Who knows, maybe one day I'll wear that bikini outside of my bedroom...

Let me know if you have any hints, tips or recipes for healthy weight loss, I'd love to hear them!

Wish me luck...

Monochrome

I refuse to accept the fact that the fleeting sunshine we had last week is over, I'm fully ready for summer and cannot wait for unadulterated sun. Since the very first bare leg day of the year I've been longing to get my pins out again, they enjoyed being free of tights!

So trying out my new Boohoo.com treats seemed like the perfect excuse for pretending it's summer already! This monochrome print skater dress is just shouting to be taken on holiday but for the time being I'll be dressing it up with massive wedges and jackets. I can't find the dress on the site anymore but there are plenty of other dresses to choose from to brighten up your Summer wardrobe!

I absolutely love these shoes, they look a little bit mental but they're actually really comfy and light. Pretty sure they're going to become a staple this summer. I can't wait until we can start dressing like it's not going to rain any second, it will happen one day right?

Thanks to my lovely Nan for taking these photos! I had to take a cheeky one of us together too, isn't she a delight?

Kelly Love

As much as I love that Summer is starting to shine through, I can't wait for Kelly Love's A/W collection. The monochrome floral prints,  burgundy fur, deep tone and flowing fabrics all make me go a little weak at the knees.

You can see the full lookbook here. Get ready to fall in love.

Spring in your Step

The sun’s finally started to shine and temperatures are on the rise, so it’s time to adjust our wardrobes for spring and summer. Now we can ditch those winter boots (hopefully!) and slip into something a little more comfortable, breathable and oh-so-stylish for those long afternoons in the park. From perfect pumps to the sandals of the season, here’s our take on the freshest casual shoe looks for spring.

Trend Converse

There’s no more versatile a sneaker out there. From the basketball court to the punk scene, Converse All Stars have become a truly iconic casual shoe since they first launched in 1917. Hi or low top, everybody needs a pair of these in their wardrobe, and this year you can give yours a fresh update with Converse’ latest release. The Converse All Star Dainty Ox is a new slimmed down, more feminine version of the wardrobe classic. This daintier take on Chucks makes the shoe even more versatile, making it really easy to team with girly spring skirts and dresses. Check out the full Converse Dainty Ox range over at BANK to see all the colourways available.

Pointed pumps

Keeping things casual doesn’t mean you can’t slip into a little heel. The heel of the season for spring sees the return of a retro-sexy shoe shape that’s just a little bit Mad Men. The single-sole, pointed toe pump is one of the most versatile and comfortable heels around. Team it with jeans for that relaxed lunch date, add a touch of height to spring dresses, or doll it up and go all out glam for a party. On the catwalks, pointed pumps cam in every colour under the sun, so don’t be afraid to experiment with day-glo shades and animal skin prints (or both), but for ultimate wardrobe versatility stick to the season’s nude hues.

Metallic edge

Flat pumps and sandals are an easy way to introduce one of the season’s hottest accessories trends – metallics. Lashings of bronze, silver and gold peppered the runways for 2013, with designers adding metallic accents to looks for a futuristic vibe. Rather than go all-over metallic, keep the look really current by going for just a splash of high-shine metal. This Chloe pointed sandal is spot on, and shows you just how easy it is to instantly update a look with just a hint of sheen.

Glam gladiators

Gladiator sandals are back this season, so if you’re looking for a new pair to bare those tootsies make it a strappy leather gladiator number. The Roman sandal look is one that’s been around for a few seasons now, and this year it gets a bit of an image overhaul to keep the look fresh. Eschew lots of buckles in favour of a more minimalist take on the gladiator, and don’t be afraid to go for statement strapping that works its way all the way up to the knee – just remember the suncream first!

*Sponsored post

Wanderlust

Everyone around me seems to be jetting off on adventures, two of my friends are moving to Australia this year, two have just moved to Canada and one is settling down in New Zealand. I'm staying put in Manchester, a city which I love, but I'm in desperate need of a little escape from the nonsense and rubbish weather that it so often contains.

These images by photographer Julia Robbs are making me want to escape even more, I love the colours and sense serenity in these sets. I'm plotting a little trip to the beach this weekend with my Mum so that should keep my itchy feet at bay for at least a few days!