Christmas Charity Shop Challenge

One thing I embrace is recycling. I am an avid charity shopper and love a thrifty bargain. I often take my 10-year-old sister Arnelle (we've nicknamed her Annie) on trips with me to charity shops as she loves getting carried away in the book sections. I decided to pose a little challenge for her to get Christmas gifts for the family with a mere £20 and to give her a bit of responsibility and independence.

Seeing as I've passed on my spendthrift nature and pearls of wisdom she didn't fail to disappoint and rose to the challenge admirably.

This is what she picked for me from PDSA in our local Pinner branch:

She knows how much I love Lazy Oaf's clothes and jewellery and managed to bag this jumper which I know is worth £60 as I wanted one a few years ago. SHE GOT IT FOR £2.25 discounted from £4.00 so major hugs, kisses and kudos for that.

She also picked up theee most gorgeous belt: a steal at a ridiculously meagre 99p (not even a full quid *shock horror*).

It's vintage St Michaels and has a very Versacesque feel to it with the embossed gold lion heads. The heads were made in Spain and the belt itself in the UK. I have to also add it's real leather. REAL. Whereas most of my belts are PU leather from H&M, Primark and the like you can only imagine how much this thrilled me. My older sister Vanessa will most probably nick this as only sisters can next time she's home *grumble*.

For my mum:

Okay so it's not an item of clothing but my mum has an unnatural obsession with owls. Annie picked up this hooter for £5. It's abstract and creepy, quite frankly, but I know my mother will adore it.

For my grandma she bought a nice handbag from local charity shop chain St Luke's Hospice:

And lastly my aunt will be receiving a pair of gorgeous earrings, a bargain yet again at £1.99 from PDSA.

I was a little disappointed I didn't get them to be honest...I mean am I really to be held accountable if they just acquire legs jump into my handbag and find themselves travelling to Stoke with me? I hope you can keep a secret!

All in all she only spent £12.23. What do you think of my sister's loot? Leave comments below :)

P.S. and being the nice sibling I am, I let her hang onto the change before you ask haha!

ASOS Grey Pumpkin Heels

Where did you get it from?: ASOS
When did you get it?: February 2010
What's it's Wear & Tear Factor: 0
When was the last time your wore it?: February 2010 when they came in the post ha! (Terrible, I know)



These heels were from ASOS and I bought them early 2010 from a Spring Sale. They were a bargain at £36 reduced from £60, and Frankie from the Saturdays and Leona Lewis have been spotted sporting a pair. They look stunning on but are super high measuring at 6.8 inches and pretty uncomfortable.



The feeling of teetering around on my tiptoes during a night out would send me to despair as well as fear of the high likelihood of falling and snapping my neck. I've only tried to break into the beauties in my room so due to this their wear factor is a great big ZERO. My aunt used to cite the mantra "you must suffer to be beautiful" but I've never been one to succumb to it. Being the scatterbrain I am I couldn't find the return note (the A4 sheet I found only when I was moving out, just my luck).

The upper of the shoe is grey denim and the heel and platform is a patent grey. They always recieve gasps from people who survey my shoe collection, partially out of admiration for the design but mostly an awe of their staggering heel height.

Would you consider stepping out in these- what do you think of them? Comments below :)

Ten surprising statistics on British Fashion

80 billion
Number of garments produced per year worldwide

£23 billion
Amount spent on clothes and shoes in Britain in 1990

£32.5 billion
Amount spent per year on clothes and shoes in Britain alone today

1.72 million
Amount in tonnes of brand spanking new fashion items purchased in the UK every year

1.5 million
Amount in tonnes of clothing that Britons throw away every year

4.1
Average number of items of clothing a shopper buys in the UK each month

10%
Drop in retail prices between 2003 and 2007

3 weeks
Time it takes a speedy fashion retailer to imitate a design from concept to shelves

40%
Percentage of British clothes bought at value retailers

1 million
Items of clothing sold by Primark Oxford St in its first 10 days of trading

Battleplan!

Today I have come to the realisation that My room is a shit-tip (pardon my French). It's not fit for human nor animal habitation.

Not like I suddenly woke up this morning and had a grand epiphany about its state; it was it was more an acceptance of its horror when my foot connected with an upside down earring puncturing my foot. Blood was drawn and teeny tiny tears shed.

I survived.

Now my intense university newsdays have come to an end today (hurrah) I can finally focus on getting things spick and span in my room and start organising a thing or two.

No excuses

Tomorrow I am going to clean my room. There. I've said it. So now it has been ordained if the Gods of cleaning shine a light on me my room may just be livable by the evening. I'll keep you posted guys!

Famous last words...

Office Snakeskin 'Kiss' Platform Boots

Item on the agenda:

Purchased from: Office
When: February 2011
Wear & Tear Factor: 1

When was the last time your wore them?: June 2011 during a night out to my Students' Union

I bought them from an online Office sale. Their sale is infamous for being never-ending amongst bargain hunters with a penchant for discounted shoes. At their point of purchase they looked really cool but their unusual teal colour makes them quite difficult to match with an outfit. Perhaps it's simply my pedantic nature and slight obsession for elements of an outfit I step out just going together.



Their wear and tear factor is so shockingly low as I have worn these boots probably about 1 and a half times in the entire two years I've owned them (I say and a half as I put them on but in a slightly inebriated state just before a night out I decided better against it). They have moved between university houses with me but are being neglected.

The main reason I bought them is because they were on sale- a bargain at £10 down from £85: I was sold.

What do you think of these? Awful or amazing? Should they stay or go?

Vintage Sequinned Butterfly Cape

Purchased from: eBay
When: September 2010
Wear & Tear Factor: 3
When was the last time your wore them?: March 2011 during a night out to my Students' Union

I bought this ridiculously sparkly top when I was going through a seventies phase of wide legged trousers, big curls and platforms during Autumn 2010. I am a sucker for anything gold, sequinned or embellished and this cape top encompassed all three of those elements so naturally I was sold.

I remember seeing a similar styled top during a trip to Brick Lane (well an involuntary one I was dragged to by a friend who wanted company) a couple of years ago. It was in vintage flagship store Beyond Retro and cost a whopping £35. To most mere mortals who work that might seem like a meagre amount...but to a girl who was shelling out for driving lessons and saving for a car that was a hefty amount to pay. I left the store empty handed with my tail between my legs.

Turning to eBay I was determined to find a cheaper substitute. After days of watching and endless 'sniping' I finally bagged this one for a tenner.

The irony of this tale is I have worn it once. Despite falling absolutely in love the reality is that it's just a bit too much even for me, and I haven't had anywhere really suitable to wear it other than a SU night of Christmas 2010.

Being unlabelled and vintage they're quite a rare find but it's time for me to say goodbye as it's taking up space!

Do you think this cape is a hit or miss?

Maybe not getting my deposit back?

This morning I was due to be doing a spot of reporting at Clothes Show Live.

After I got out of the shower and attempted to get dressed I got on my clothes before realising in a post sleepy daze my trousers had acquired a life of their own and disappeared.

Tearing up my room frantically late I was going to make my friend Steff and myself late I began tearing up my already messy room in a vain attempt to relocate them.

After the clock had ticked 10 minutes away with only another 15 to spare before I was due to leave I thought: 'Why not check my drawer?!'

It would not open.

After grappling with it and trying to yank prise it open as I knew in my efforts to categorise and organise my room I had put all bottoms and skirts in the last draw.

Turns out the base of the middle draw had somehow fallen through under the weight of the clothes inside it.

That, or maybe my landlord decided to call on Ikea for the worst possible furnishing for our house. I don't know.

What I do know though, is that I now have a broken drawer which isn't as bad as the broken window handle debacle in my last uni room but that's for another day...

Oh and I was late.

Topshop Floral Culotte Shorts

Stats
Where did you get it from?: Topshop
When did you get it?: April 2011
What's it's Wear & Tear Factor: 2
When was the last time your wore it?: On a night out, possibly in June 2011

Thanks to an impromptu seventies revival on the catwalks this Spring culottes made a comeback. Initially I looked at the skirt-meets-shorts hybrid and thought against them, however eventually picked up a pair from Topshop earlier this year, simply because I liked the print and they cost a tenner.

I love anything floral with a dainty print and I had a blouse that I envisaged would go perfectly with them. Alas when I returned home and tried to couple them with things in my wardrobe their odd ballooning silhouette didn't really do me any favours! To make matters worse the high waisted style didn't seem tight enough to sit high and fell around hips looking sort of odd.

About four times since I bought them I have put them on, looked in the mirror and thought, "What WAS I thinking?" and put them away again. I can't even bring myself to give them to someone else as they looked so blah on me. Yes, most unflattering garment ever.

However my friend was in love with the style when I showed them to her. They may be practical but they look awful- even if you're slim they make your hips and bum look massive.

What do you think of these-a great big yes or a definite no no?

Sweet Sue Canned Chicken: Fully cooked poultry in a can?!

Would times ever be so hard for students or anyone for that matter to consume canned chicken?

Well somewhere in America this manufacturer thought it would be a grand idea. Personally it looks revolting and I'd far rather consume dirt before eating but each to their own. Note how on the back of the can the eloquent description features the word 'delicious' three times...

The general consensus of my Facebook friends was mainly negative, bar one brave man...

A blogger named Tracy has composed an in-depth step-by-step guide for all that which to know how chicken in a can is cooked

And in case you're curious this is how its 'sweet goodness' sounds coming out of its can. The plopping sound is delightful:

Would you ever eat this or try it just for fun? Leave comments below!

Drink the Rainbow: Skittles Vodka

A little off topic but alcohol is something I have abundance of in my room (I'm not an alcoholic, I promise), and it's not something I'll have to go to great lengths to get rid of but I thought I'd share this recipe with you regardless!

As a student two staples of many people's diets are junk and alcohol so what better way to combine them both I hear you ask...?

SKITTLE FLAVOURED VODKA of course!!

If like me you have a tad of a sweet tooth which can sometimes lead to you having packets of sweets in abundance this is the perfect excuse to put them to use.

All you need for this is:

• A bottle of vodka (schnapps is fine also)


• 5 packets of Skittles (or any other sweet that can be dissolved)


• 5 plastic bottles or empty jars (e.g. pasta or jam)
  

Instructions:

1) Separate the skittles or sweets into colour order. So using Skittles as a prime example split them into strawberry, orange, lime, lemon and grape. Put one of each flavour into its own jar or bottle

2) Pour equal measure of vodka into each bottle or jar

3) Now all you do is shake each bottle/ jar vigorously for about a minute and leave the mixture to settle and infuse overnight.

4) There will be a layer of white scum on top the next day if you're using Skittles- separate it out using a couple of paper towels sheets or a fine sieve to filter and leave you with just the flavoured vodka

5) Refigerate your bottles/ jars of Skittle vodka.

Et voila! Cheaper than a flavoured shot at Revolution I'm sure and tastes just as good, if not better. If you're not a straight drinker add mixers of either lemonade, coke or fruit juices for extra flavour.

If you decant your skittle vodka into fancy bottles with some decor they'd make the perfect stocking filler or gift just in time for Christmas.

Let me know if any of you have tried this method before or if you intend to!

Topshop Cat Eyes Sweatshirt

Stats

Where did you get it from?: Topshop

When did you get it?: January 2011

What's it's Wear & Tear Factor: 0

When was the last time your wore it?: February 2011 or thereabouts- it's tucked away far at the back of my wardrobe

I'm not particularly obsessed with cats and find them positively pointless animals (I shall not become a spinster cat lady by default, hurrah). However this sweatshirt is adorable and the intensity of the eyes drew me in making it quite an eye-catching garment, however odd that may sound.


Being the vapid shopper that I am, only looking for a bargain and not trying it on, I was more than happy to part ways with £12 at a Topshop mid season sale. I'll admit in hindsight I bought it on a whim. The lilac sweatshirt is cropped and slightly longer at the back and has the softest fleece lining ever. I only got round to wearing it in my house coupled with joggers and slippers as it proved pretty comfy lounging about gear.

As I don't really relax in tracksuits and own only two pairs of jogging bottoms I've hardly worn it...(I think you're beginning to get the picture here haha).

Would you keep it or chuck it- comments below please.

UPDATE- 25/12/11 The jumper was up for grabs here and made an impressive £17.70 to add to the kitty (pun fully intended)

Red Herring Dress from my Leavers' Prom

Stats

Where did you get it from?: Debenhams

When did you get it?: May 2009

What's it's Wear & Tear Factor: 2

When was the last time your wore it?: June 2009- always thought it was too special to crack out again for an 'unworthy' event :\

I bought this dress from Red Herring in Debenhams. I remember working endless hours at my part-time job at Tesco scrimping and saving pennies in order to buy it.

It hurts me to have to part ways with it but I've somehow lost the last nodules of prepubescent puppy fat and it is just collecting dust as it sadly no longer fits.

The slate coloured dress features a sequinned underlay and intricate beading around the neckline.

I remember feeling amazing shimmying around in it like a long forgotten girl from the 40s. In reality that wasn't the truth but I was young and a dreamer...

Now it's up for grabs here

Sfera Floral Print Summer Dress

Purchased from: Office
When: July 2009
Wear & Tear Factor: 2
When was the last time your wore it?: June 2010 during a holiday in America

This dress was bought on holiday when I went on holiday a few years ago. Spanish label Sfera is the sister brand to Zara- I saw this on a mannequin in a shop window in a mall and knew I had to have it. It's the perfect summer dress and the loud colour and bold ditzy print screamed volumes to me.

I practically live in this dress when on holiday and have worn it on a night out before paired with some cream lace up wedges. It is a bit on the short side however the volumised puffball skirt and pattern makes it more sweet than smutty.

Floral printed garments seem to be a timeless trend appearing on catwalks and high-street mannequins year after year. At this moment in time I don't think it'll be making an appearance any time soon on me.

Style Hit: LOVE IT? or LOATHE IT?

Cindy McCartney's tips on how to get started

In my frustration and to be honest uncertainty where to begin with my de-cluttering process I turned to my trusty confidante Google to seek professional help. While researching methods on how to declutter and clean out my wardrobe I came across this video from expert Cindy McCartney:



After watching I managed to draw these top tips:

1) Be HONEST- sometimes you can love something so much in the shop on a rail or mannequin however once you get it home you realise it's ghastly but somehow manage to hang onto it "just in case". If like me that "in case" moment never comes, it's time to let go

2)Be ECONOMICAL- when going through your stuff you'll realise you may have multiples of things e.g. 3 black skirts or two pairs of similar jeans. Do you truly need the same item more than once?

3) Phone a FRIEND- sometimes (and I'm the worst offender of this) you find it hard to let things go as you possess this irrational bond to each garment you own you need to drag someone in. The expert in the video advises to get someone 'brutally honest' which I think is good but I'd also get someone who is decisive. My housemates and good friends are pretty much the same as me when it comes to their clothes so I may need to draft in external help.

I'm going to definitely take advice from a pro and follow these guidelines to get me on the right track! Do you agree with what she's said or have anything to add? Comments below please :)

The Chaos

Most people who know me know how overly and weirdly protective I am over my room both
at university and at home.

My lair is my sanctuary. It's the one place I can always recuperate and chill out after a long day. Or sleep. Or eat. I love the ownership of a room. At home I've always shared a room with a sister -when I thought I had my freedom another one came along- for most of my life so having one all to m
yself has elicited a whole new sense privacy that I've never had before and frankly I LOVE IT (no offence to my siblings if reading).

Anywho with great power comes great responsibility, and by responsibility I mean: cleaning.

I'm usually brilliant at tidying my room but lately with the pressure of 3rd year I've just been letting it go. It's totally out of control if I'm honest and makes me ash
amed to reveal it to the world as being associated with me.

Here are a few pics to give you more of a visual and to let you all out there know exactly what I'm working with in terms of sheer amount of stuff.

I had to draw the line at photographs of the floor: can't have you judge me this early on as you never get a second chance at a first impression.

I'm in the process of tidying up...tomorrow.

Shellowooo x

Welcome to the room of Rochelle Owusu- Antwi: enter if you dare...

Ola,

Welcome to my blog which will showcase the plight of a girl seriously in need of a long overdue spring [summer, autumn as well as winter] clean. Over my last two years of studying, hoarding and shopping I have acquired more earthy possessions than most girls who realistically do have not enough wardrobe space should EVER own: shoes, bags, dresses, skirts, Red Indian headdresses, scarves, hats, coats, cardis. You name it, I'm sure to have it. My mother looks at my collection at our family home and groans. She has NO IDEA the amount I have tucked away out of her sight 300 miles away...

Part of the reason I have acquired the sheer amount of clothes I own is this due to this extreme thriftiness I have mastered.

My general rule of thumb throughout the years when it comes to purchasing any fashion items is never to go above a certain price for a certain item. For example: shoes- no more than £30, dresses- no more than £15...maybe £20 tops if it's really nice and I can buy anything on sale as long as it's at a reasonably discounted price.

Alas, unlike the fictional and incredibly lucky Carrie B I do not have a wealthy Mr. Big willing to buy a swanky apartment with a humongous walk-in closet...although truth be told, I would settle for an extra wardrobe from Ikea for any potential suitors *wink*.

People say a room is an extension of your personality and undoubtedly an intimate space and integral part of a person's life: why I thought it would be a great idea to open it up to the world wide web is beyond me, but I have so enjoy.

And thanks for joining me on this journey of self discovery as I walk through the chaos that is my bedroom and attempt to streamline my belongings into a manageable load. I am well aware it is going to be tough but with the constraints of time and my imminent graduation the time has come to sort it out: EVERYTHING MUST GO.

Shellowooo x