I like this outfit from Urban Outfitters.

I realised that I don't really have a proper, warm winter coat, so went on a little hunt for one that was classic, thigh length, an easy-to-cordinate colour and, of course, very pretty! 

I came across one in Urban Outfitters that I really loved so I took advantage of their 20% off for students and got it! I also grabbed a cool berry skater skirt and a lovely navy and lace top.

The Coat

I love this coat - it's soooo warm AND looks cool. I have defied physics and found something warm and cool haha. I love the mod style with a touch a class from the fur collar. 

I've worn it with trousers, skirts and shorts, dressed up and dressed down = versatile!







The Top

I love this top because it's pretty and delicate but also quite casual and cowgirl-esque so has a kind of tough feel. And it's really versatile, which you might be able to tell is a big turn on for me! It can be worn tucked in or untucked and look really different. 








The Skirt

I love the colour of this skirt. It was the one item I was most unsure of because I have a lot of skirts at the moment and it is quite plain but I think it could be a staple this winter... 










These are some ways I've worn this stuff so far. I'll add more as I wear them! Sorry the background is so rubbish =( I don't really have anywhere in my flat to take photos against unfortunately!

The first look is all three items worn with some black brogues. 

The second look is the coat above worn with a cool skater skirt I got this summer (on sale at ASOS, woohoo! Very glad I've been able to continue to wear it for winter), a simple but sooo useful and well-cut scoop neck top from Mango and some black suede ankle boots from tReds (not that easy to see in the picture =/) with knee-high black socks. This is a kind of style I've always loved - classic and girly. I haven't really tried it before but I liked it! I think it's pretty good for this time of year because it's a good for layering (watch out for a new post on layering coming soon!) and it's not yet too cold to go out without tights on!

Anyway, thanks for reading =)

Pretty things are everywhere!

X

I like these bits I bought from Topshop.

So, I've been back at uni for just over 2 weeks and I already feel in over my head and behind on work! Not so good. BUT the other day Topshop had a 2 day 20% student discount, so of course I took advantage of it. I managed to restrain myself and just buy 3 things, but I think they'll be really key in the next few months and I pretty much love them already. 

I'm definitely missing the sun already (it's so chilly now and I have a cold and I miss my summer of shorts and sandals!) but I'm really feeling grunge / punk since it's gotten colder and, as ever, I love classic 60s and mod style.

So this is what I got...


I got this bag.

Unfortunately it broke within just over a week =( but I guess that's because it's not really designed to be used as a proper backpack (unlike my Accessorize one (similar to this one), which has lasted amazingly well!). But it's a really cool and useful bag with a great Aztec pattern.




I got these amazing jeans.

I absolutely love these. They're cool and quirky without being gaudy and too in-your-face, thanks to the muted pattern. They're also super comfy (they're the 'Leigh' fit, which is soft and stretchy). I'm not an advert for Topshop =P I just love these jeans.


I've worn them with black suede boots and a leather jacket, with white Converse (with red trim) and a big jumper and with lace up boots and a navy blue mod coat.  


Lastly, I bought this comfy, cool jumper.

I like this one too. It's warm, comfy and it goes well with a lot of stuff but it's still interesting to look at (a lot of versatile jumpers can be a bit plain). It's also quite nice fitting and flattering for a big jumper.

 I wore it last over the sunny weekend with some white Converse, vintage Levi's, the backpack above and some frilly white socks and before that with a denim jacket, leather boots, velvet leggings and a navy beanie.

The other day I wore it with my new coat, the trousers above, an old beanie and my Converse.

You can view my looks on ASOS Fashion Finder here =) 
So, that's my little Topshop splurge =)

I like baking (and eating!) cheese scones.

I have made these delicious cheese scones many a time - they've become a family favourite! They are quick and easy to make and they always come out super scrumptious! They're also really fun to make because you can get creative both with the flavours and ingredients and with the way they look.

Here's my recipe for about 8 - 12 scones, depending on how big you make them.



Ingredients

225g/8oz self raising flour

A pinch of salt and pepper

55g/2oz butter

25g/1oz grated cheddar cheese

150ml/5fl oz milk

Optional:
Half a teaspoon of mustard power
A sprinkle of herbs
Cooked, chopped bacon



Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F or gas mark 7)

2. Rub the butter into the flour. 

4. Stir in the cheese and seasoning.

I often add bacon here - it is SO yummy. Just throw in some cooked and crispy chunks, add as much or little as you like.

Seasoning-wise, I normally add some mixed or Italian herbs along with a bit of mustard powder or a bit of chilli. Try adding some herbs you think will taste yummy.

5. Mix in the milk to make a soft dough. 

Add a little bit more milk or flour if it is too dry or wet.


I use my hands for all of this mixing because it's easy and it saves on washing up but it doesn't matter what you use.

6. Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface.

7. Cut out your scone shapes.

Now you can get creative. For simple triangular scones (the easiest kind) or round scones, roll the dough to about 1/2 an inch thick and just cut the shapes out (for triangles, do it in 2 or 3 strips then use diagnoal cuts to make triangles). Gently knead the offcuts together and cut some more. Or you can use a knife (or any fancy pastry cutters) and make some more unusual shaped scones, like the first letters, hearts or stars. You can even mould the dough into all sorts of shapes like you can do with bread dough. Just try not to handle it too much or it'll go dry.

8. Place your scone shapes on a greased baking tray (or silicone trays like I do) with a bit of distance between each one - they rise a lot!

9. Then either brush the tops of the scones with a little bit of milk or sprinkle on some cheese or do both.

10. Finally, bake the scones for 10-15 minutes until well risen and golden then cool on a wire rack and ENJOY! 




Yum yum.