WHITE HEAT

Really don't think I need too many words for this one.. ya'lls know how I feel about these boots. Love love love. One small note though: I thought they were bright white! They're actually more like cream. I'm over that hiccup now though and fully enamoured. I can't afford to eat for a few weeks now but they're totally worth it, right?

I also seem to have developed a thing for black and white striped tees. Actually, it's kind of an old thing of mine that's resurfaced, and I've dug some old tops out of storage. I feel like being a bit minimal right now. I KNOW RIGHT, this is actually crazy for me. The perennial maximalist goes minimal!

Celebrated my boots' arrival with a few pints of cider courtesy of Kopparbeg's pop-up bar on Spinningfields. The new flavours are fit; I like Cloudberry the best. And sometimes (sometimes), when the weather behaves itself (like it did the other night) being in Spinningfields is a bit like being in a beautiful holiday resort somewhere warm, and not like Manchester's financial district at all. Perfect escapism.

I'm wearing:

Chopped up Oasis t shirt

Waiste Cross My Heart dungarees

Topshop Arson boots

Fringed bag from Portuguese market

Urban Outfitters, Delilah Dust & Ibizan market necklaces

PS. Did you get paid today??? Don't forget to sponsor me to run The Colour Run in aid of Macmillan.

THANKS LOVE YOU X

Emu and Ewe

Two things I learned this evening: "ugg" boots are just a generic name, like "wellies" or "ballet flats", and that emus are physically unable to walk backwards. I'm not sure which surprised me more!




The first brand to create ugg-style boots were Emu - a genuine Australian brand, who have been making the "Rolls Royce" of ugg boots since 1994. The sheepskin is water resistant which surely equals immediate superiority over their woollen rivals and no more soggy socks! They're available in a variety of colours and styles - including very on-trend pastel shades - the boots are made out of superfine Merino sheepskin, which the brand have also made into apparel, gloves, earmuffs, and sandals.








This evening I was lucky enough to see the new collection at Emu's press event. Being a very tactile person, I spent my time stroking boots, putting my hands inside slippers and touching sheepskin jackets, and I can say first-hand (literally) that they feel absolutely lush! Their sheepskin coats and jackets are true investment pieces that you will be handing down to your little lambs in years to come.










I think I may have also found the pefect grey marl t-shirt. It's made of a heavier weight jersey than your average tee, and hangs beautifully. A luxurious piece well worth paying the extra few pennies for; wear tucked into a kaleidoscopic floral pencil skirt or with a pastel pink pair of jeans.




The final treat of the evening were these rather sheepish cupcakes!






I predict big things for the Emu brand: they've only been in the UK since 2010, when their website emuaustralia.com also launched. Look out for a big advertising campaign in Piccadilly Gardens, and get your feet into a pair of Emu boots, stat - you don't know what you're missing..!

The Birthday Blog

The past year has been a big one for me. I applied to university, volunteered for the British Red Cross, then left my well-paid full-time role as a veterinary nurse to work for them for a year, interned at Rare, moved to Manchester with my boyfriend, got a kitten, started a new job with Oasis and began my degree studies. Whew - that's more events in a year than in my entire life! Seriously, I'm from a fairly small town where not a lot really happens. You're expected to go to school, then college, then get a job, and go to Wetherspoons every Friday for the rest of your life.

One day, I was mopping the waiting room at the veterinary practice where I worked, and I suddenly realised that it just wasn't enough for me anymore. I felt that life was too short to not do something you loved dearly every day, and that night I went home and started researching university courses. Soon after I started volunteering for the British Red Cross, which provided me with some amazing opportunities - I became employed full-time by the Society, managed to increase the Northwich shop's takings drastically, gave presentations about fashion and merchandising, and met some amazing people. In fact, it was the friends who made it, and I doubt I could have survived those months without them. I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with such an inspiring, hardworking people. Of course I can't forget about my boyfriend, who held my hand throughout that time and reassured me during weak moments that I really was doing the right thing.

Now, I'm in the first term of my International Fashion Marketing degree, about to hand in my first set of assignments. It's been a long journey with many tears and tantrums along the way, not all of them in private (oh, hello, Manchester Met open day..). Whenever I feel tired, homesick, or just plain fed up, I think of how hard I've worked to get where I am, which instantly puts whatever's bothering me into perspective.

That's why this birthday has been less about presents, and partying, and more about spending time with those I love and reflecting over the past year, seeing how far I've come.

However.. you'll be happy to hear I've not completely given up on materialistic possessions. What kind of birthday post would this be if it didn't feature at least a few goodies?!

Remember the post I did on Miista shoes a few weeks back? Well, my mum - an avid reader of my blog (hello, mum!) - saw it and got me the Luanne boots as a present! They're even more amazing in real life, and also really comfy. I spent the whole of today walking in them with no aches. My parents also got me the cosy red knit dress. The bobble details are so cute.

Notice the difference in picture quality to normal? My super duper boyfriend went halves with me on a Canon 1100D. I've been driving everyone crazy by taking pictures of anything and everything, but usually just extreme close-up pictures of peoples' faces (it captures pores really well, in case you were wondering).

I spent the weekend at home in Cheshire, and as a treat my parents took Chris and I to Dagfields, near Nantwich. I don't know how to explain this place other than an antiques emporium. There are various halls full of antiques, collectibles, oddities - and some absolute junk. I love it! You just don't know what you're going to find; I remember seeing a false leg there once.

Nothing that exciting today, but I practised my photography skills by snapping vintage clothing and accessories. I find it interesting how people creatively merchandise their wares without using any fixtures or fittings.

Best Christmas jumper I've ever seen..!

This was my favourite concession - so bang on the heritage trend for this season.

Speaking of heritage, I wasn't expecting to get any street-style pictures in the heart of rural Cheshire, but I loved this chap's look: a real mélange, yet well put together.

There's a huge second hand bookstore too, which you could easily get lost in. Love that there's a fashion section.

If you'd like to visit Dagfields, there are directions and a map here. I'd thoroughly recommend setting a day aside to go for a rummage through the wares.

I'm off to drink a cup of tea, and enjoy the rest of my birthday in true Fashion Dotty style... reading Vogue and doing uni work!

Primark boots & bag

My mum came to visit Manchester city centre on Thursday, and just like any visitor from a small town, she wanted to visit Primark. Though not my preferred shopping destination, I decided to get into the spirit, grabbing a basket and adopting a brusque attitude.

Boy, am I glad I did! Their accessories section seems to be better than ever: on-trend satchels, oversized clutches and box bags, in cobalts, mustards, burgundies, and snakeskin print. I snapped up this cool medium sized satchel (a tenner!) in my favourite colours of the moment. I was also rewarded for taking a trip down into the fiery depths of the basement shoe department (whew, they desperately need AC) by these burgundy velvet wedges. Living in Manchester, velvet perhaps isn't the best of fabrics to choose for footwear, but I was so taken with the colour and the simple, wearable shape, that I had to have them (they're also available in camel, purple, and a really amazing vivid aqua).

I'm happier buying Primark accessories rather than the clothes. I realise they're only polyurethane, and may only last the season at best, but at least they don't shrink/stretch in the wash..! (And if they do... well, you shouldn't really be putting your boots in the washer, anyway)

The satchel has some interesting design details you wouldn't normally expect from Primark, like a mini fringe and brogue detailing.

Of course, with Friday just gone being #ILoveMCR day, I couldn't get away with avoiding the paraphernalia altogether...

PS. I'm dreaming of a burgundy velvet baby doll or shift dress. I'd really appreciate it if anyone could point me in the right direction..!