Tolly Dolly Posh

Q3. What are some things you admire about how other women present themselves?

You’d think as someone who loves fashion and style, that I would be immediately be drawn towards the sorts of people and women who dress in the most elaborate items. You’d think that I would be drawn towards colour and texture, but that’s not necessarily the case.

Don’t get me wrong, I love all of that. I love somebody who can put a fun and ‘wacky’ outfit together but believe it or not, its more about how they wear the clothes than the clothes they actually wear. I admire it when a woman walks down the street and just looks confident. Not in a ‘huge puffy tulle skirt’ kinda’ Carrie Bradshaw way, but a ‘I’m fine in these shorts and this cami, thanks very much’ kinda’ way. That’s something that I admire about other women.

What’s this all about? I’ve recently been reading the book, Women in Clothes, which is basically a huge survey taken by over 600 women. There are interviews, weekly shopping lists, life stories and many more interesting pieces on why women where clothes. There’s a lot more to it than that, and it’s such an interesting read.

I’d love to hear your answer to question 3… what do you admire in how other women present themselves? Let me know in the comments! 

BUY THE BOOK ~ TAKE PART IN THE  WOMEN IN CLOTHES SURVEY

I’m sorry I’ve been quiet for a few days, but it’s actually felt quite good to just let my blog sit for a while. I hope you didn’t miss me too much! 😉 Today I have the penultimate outfit in my mini fast food fashion series. Have you been enjoying it? I hope so! This is all about the drinks… well soft drinks, just to reassure you. I’m talking coke/coca-cola floats and all things yummy. Hmm yeah!

🍼 WHAT I WORE: Diet Coke T-Shirt (Truffle Shuffle) // Structured Grey Skirt (Glamorous)* // White Platform Heels (Vagabond @ Mastershoe)* // Sundae Socks (ASOS)* // Milkshake Clutch (New Look) 🍼 

This outfit is super, super simple, but I feel like when styled in the right way, it has a sort of minimalistic aesthetic to it. I received this t-shirt when I won an ASOS voucher over on Hayley’s blog (she’s an awesome beauty blogger if any of you are interested) in collaboration with Diet Coke and I knew it would be perfect for this segment. It’s very oversized but paired with my structured skirt, the bagginess of it is counteracted.

I never really wear simple outfits because I always end up “ruining” (well, not really) them with weird pieces like the accessories I choose. It works in my mind though, it’s a little bit of this and that, mixed and stirred with my usually random personality…!

Talking of the accessories, I went for that New Look milkshake clutch, and I love how it picks out the colours from the rest of the outfit. Again, it’s a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Much like how you would make a coke float actually… a little bit of Coca-Cola and a little bit of ice cream! Hmm, they always remind me so much of the unlimited amounts my family and I would devour on holidays to Greece. Always take advantage of unlimited things!

Finally, let’s talk shoes. You all probably know about my love for these chunky platform Vagabonds, but heck, why not talk about them again? They’re a dream okay. If you like the look of heels but not the idea, get these! So comfy, amazing quality and also… they’re on sale! I paired them with these cheeky socks which are just the cherry on top (see what I did there?!). What d’ya think? 🍼 

Growing up means growing up in size, which also means growing out of clothes you love. Sadly this means having to pass on my favourite ever pair of denim mom jeans to the charity shop. They cost me under £5 and were the most perfect fit and colour you could ever imagine. I loved them *sob sob*… and I am currently lost without them. I’ve looked in the shops but I think the online world might just be the answer. Here are 9 pairs of my fave mom jeans on the market!

1-3 : Washed and ripped…

As you can probably tell by all of the above (minus 1 pair) I’m on the hunt for a washed out, pale blue pair of mom jeans. I have come to realise though, that mom jeans usually have rips in them?! I’m unsure on how the two go together, especially in a pale blue shade. I found the Levi’s on House of Fraser… they have an awesome selection of women’s jeans!

1 – LEVI’S 501 RIPPED JEANS (HOUSE OF FRASER)* // 2 – MOTO BLEACH MOM JEANS (TOPSHOP) // 3 – MOTO ICE RIP JEANS (TOPSHOP)

4-6 : Plain and simple…

The next set of three are all very plain and simple. I’m unsure of the colour of these, but I would be interested in the fit. Another thing with mom jeans seems to be that the better the fit, the erm worse the price (#TeenLife)… do share any cheaper versions though, I’d love to know! 

4 – FRENCH CONNECTION JEANS (HOUSE OF FRASER)* // 5 – LEE SLIM JEAN (HOUSE OF FRASER)* // 6 – DONNA DREAM JEANS (CHEAP MONDAY)

7-9 : Something special…

The final 3 pairs are all a little bit different. There’s a slightly dark pair which I actually kinda’ love, and 2 pairs with a little bit of something special. Of course they couldn’t come from anywhere else but The Ragged Priest! I love the mix of sequins and frayed egdes. It’s a girly and edgy combo… what do you think?

7 – FARLEIGH MOM JEANS (ASOS) // 8 – SCREW UP JEANS (THE RAGGED PRIEST) // 9 – BEETLEJUICE MOM JEANS (THE RAGGED PRIEST)

(This post features sponsored content in collaboration with House of Fraser. All opinions are 100% honest. Read my full disclaimer here.)

Ah! My first outfit post as a 15 year old… how weird?! This post actually has a couple of my birthday prezzies in it, which I absolutely love (and obviously am very grateful for). Thanks for all the birthday wishes by the way, and all of your awesome comments on my 15 things blog posts… it really makes me smile when you take the time to leave one, so don’t stop, okay? 😉 Want to hear my thoughts on how to dress for spring? Carry on reading…

WHAT I WORE: Mesh Grid Top £18.00 (Blue Vanilla)* // Beige Top – Underneath – (Jennyfer) // Blue Skirt (H&M) // Apple Juice Bag (Accessorize) // Floral Headband (Accessorize) // Necklace (Accessorize) Suede Flats (Accessorize)

This an outfit which I’m actually really happy with. It’s pretty cutesy but then it still caters for my style and the simple elements of things which I’m loving right now. It also caters for the weather perfectly… it’s finally warm enough for my legs to be out without tights, and my arms to be (almost) sleeve free! YAY!

The top is a number I received from Blue Vanilla, and it’s actually surprisingly awesome. I do have to admit that the fabric is rather plastic-y and when I originally unfolded it from the packaging, I had to actually pull it apart. Other than that, the design is lovely and I like the mix between grid, mesh and florals.

One of my birthday presents was this absolutely adorable across-body bag in the shape and style of an apple juice carton… HOW CUTE?! I’d actually seen this on the Accessorize site before so when I peeled back the wrapping paper I was so happy to see it was underneath.

I also realised that the colours on the bag matched the rest of the outfit perfectly. The wording is dark blue just like the Changing With The Seasons, H&M skirt (you guys voted for it!) and the tiny little leaf detailing matches the mint from the top. The little details people, it’s all about the little details…

~ SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE ~

Finally, even more details. My shoes are my new favourite pair; another birthday gift which I am obsessed with. I’d say they’re my first pair of proper grown up flats, as usually they don’t fit due to my feet being so skinny mini, but luckily these fit like a dream with no rubbing. They’re also suede which makes them look super fancy. I just love them!

I also have this super cute necklace which was another birthday treat which I picked out myself. My sister has a similar one, so when I saw this blue version I knew it had to be mine! It matches all the colours once again, and I like how it compliments my floral headband too. Ahh, can you tell I like this outfit?

To top off the exciting week of “15 things” blog posts, I have 15 sneak peeks of my collaboration with Mooi en Lief! How exciting?! If you’re still not sure what this is all about, then I suggest you not only click here but also carry on reading… I’m sorry if I’m a little vague and mysterious in this post, but I can’t give away too much! 

1 – INSPIRATION: David Bowie – Oh You Pretty Things (1971)

You will soon realise why exactly this is an inspiration. There are 2 reasons, 1 of them you can probably guess straight away *cough* the decade *cough* but the other one won’t be so clear until the socks are released…

2 - INSPIRATION: Research Moodboard As part of my research into the collection (this was a long while back) I created a moodboard with original ideas, cuttings, swatches, photographs, patterns and all sorts of bits and bobs to share what the collection is really about.
	3 - INSPIRATION: Research Moodboard If you didn't already know, the collection is actually made up of knee high socks, so this is just a small snippet of some original inspiration...
4 - INSPIRATION: Photoshoot A really exciting part of the collection is the photoshoot! We're going to be shooting it soon, so I created another separate moodboard for how I think it should look. It's been really fun putting it together and I can't wait to see the results!
	5 - INSPRATION: Photoshoot Without spoiling it too much, the shoot is going to be quite laid back and have a fun, summery vibe. You'll probably be able to work out why with a few of the other sneak peeks in this post!
6 - IDEAS: Workbook As part of the creation process, I started filling up a humongous workbook (it's really big) and it's been so helpful. It's basically a book which documents the process of creating a collection of socks, from the very first rough ideas to the finished product. Here you can see a little glimpse of very rough branding ideas.
	7 - IDEAS: Workbook Here you can see a sneak peek of an idea for the photoshoot. It's actually quite an interesting process putting ideas together and seeing how things could work out...
8 - COLOURS: Pantone Pens If you don't do fashion design, or general designing, then you may not have heard of Pantone. Pantone are basically the go to designing pens... often designers use them as a starting point for their collections, so you can see a glimpse of the colours which I focused on.
	9 - COLOURS: Sock Swatch Now this is really exciting! Here you can see an actual swatch from an actual sock. How crazy! It really was weird getting the first samples through and being like... "That's MY sock!", so there you go. A sneak peek... oooh, blue!
10 - COLOURS: Sock Swatch Another glimpse into the collection. Black and yellow... that's all I'm saying! ...so crazy right? SO CRAZY. You'll soon be able to buy these babies... eek!
	11 - OTHER BITS & BOBS: Photoshoot Clothes I have to admit going shopping for the photoshoot was pretty fun. Browsing pieces to really emphasis what it's all about is actually harder than you think though. Are you getting excited?
12 - OTHER BITS & BOBS: Photoshoot Clothes Another little snippet of the photoshoot clothes. There are also props too which is another really exciting thing to shop for...
	13 - A FEW WORDS: Tolly Dolly Posh We thought it would be cool to sum up the collection process so far. For me it's been a huge learning curve; I've worked really hard and so have Mooi en Lief themselves. I'm so grateful for the experience and I don't think I will ever forget it. It's getting so exciting now... eep!
14 - A FEW WORDS: Jacquelina Deerenberg (Mooi en Lief) I like to talk face to face: explaining myself and understanding the other person better. Tolly and I had to work together from a distance which went better than I expected. We have emails which could fill a complete book and I loved that whole journey with her.

15 – LOGO: Mooi en Lief by Tolly Dolly Posh

Dah-dah! How exciting hey?! This is the official #MooiEnLiefbyTDP logo! You may recognise a certain font… yup! That is the font from my old blog design… it kind of just worked seeing as that’s when we started the collaboration. It’s like a mix of both TDP now and then, as well as bit of the boldness of Mooi en Lief. What d’ya think?

🌼 FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE 🌼

What has the “Queen of Never Finishing Blog Post Series” gone and done? Combined two series in one. Yes, today we have 15 new scrapbook pages for #ScrapSocial! Dah-dah! For those of you who want to see more of my scrapbook, carry on reading…

For these pages, I seemed to be loving red. I think there’s something kinda’ weird about red; It’s a strong and powerful colour yet it just doesn’t sit well with me personally. But for some reason, it just worked with these pages. I love how all of the colours clash and combine in a really funky way, and the shapes all blend nicely. As I haven’t looked at these pages in a while, it’s interesting to see what I disliked then and now.

These pages are totally different. The first two are very “me” in the fact that there are random features put together (aka. a cucumber tree?) and purple mountains, but the other two are actually directly from Tumblr. A long while ago, I decided to turn my Tumblr into a rainbow… so when you scroll it magically goes through lots of different coloured images. I then printed out each colour and popped into my scrapbook… so here’s white! It’s very minimalistic, but I kinda’ like it.

I experimented with this Tumblr section of my scrapbook by colouring the pages, scribbling and laying the pages out differently, as you can see with this grey and black spread. Also may I note that I am in fact, OK, and I do in fact have a small smidgen of a crush on Brooklyn Beckham. But, SHHHH!

Next up is navy to red. Yes, red again! I’m actually glad I did this colour scheme thingy-ma-bobby though. It’s a great source of inspiration for when I’m thinking about different colours (?!). I especially like this lilac/purple page that I created. What do you think? Do you like the idea?

Last but not least, the 15th page! This one was the orange segment of my Tumblr and I don’t know… I’m a bit ‘meh’ about it. It’s nothing special but then again that’s what scrapbooking is all about. It’s just about mixing lots of different ideas even if they don’t work out the way you had hoped. Orangggggge… 🍊

Recently I’ve really started to love Pinterest. It’s like a nicer, less stressful version of Tumblr. You can still find those grungey pictures that inspire you on a dark Friday night, but you can also find pastel doughnuts and lots and lots of tulle. It’s a winner for everyone! I decided to pick out a few gems that I’ve pinned recently in this “pins on Pinterest” post! Enjoy…

~ FOLLOW ME ON PINTEREST – ALL IMAGES PINNED HERE ~

1 – 3: Luxurious textures…

I’ve been loving textures that express all things luxurious recently. From organzas to satins, silks and marbles, I’m just in love! I’m actually going to be buying some organza for a DIY soon *cough* you can probably see what it’s for here *cough*…

4 – 6: Complimenting colours…

These three images really compliment each other but they also offer a lot of inspiration for either beauty, drinks or fashion. Plus, who doesn’t love a bit of Susie Bubble? She’s my style inspiration 24/7.

7 – 9: Deep and dark…

Getting slightly more grungey here but still pretty darn cute, I picked out this awesome pair of DMs with flowers through the laces and this poem that was created with a typewriter and receipt. Some really unique ideas!

10 – 12: Pinks…

I feel like I’ve been loving pink recently even if I don’t necessarily wear it a lot in real life. It’s just a nice colour and I love seeing it in different forms rather than just the normal girly-girl styles.

13 – 15: Shimmer and splash…

I will forever be a lover of sparkles. I also love stickers and the seaside so I suppose these 3 images portray a few of my loves. Now that I think about it, I’d love to do something with stickers… hmmm!

If you didn’t see on my social media, then you won’t know that this week I’m going to do a few posts which are lists of 15, to of course, celebrate my birthday! Woop! So, I thought I would write up a list of people who inspire me. I know the title suggests that they inspire me to be me, but alongside that, some of these awesome people inspire me to be creative too. I seemed to get asked the question of who inspires me a lot, so here’s a full list! In no particular order…

(via Instagram)

1. Helena Lester-Card – Blogger & Vintage Seller – Sassy World

Helena is a fashion blogger who just rocks. her. stuff! As well as running an absolutely killer vintage fashion shop (Sassy World), she also has her own personal style blog which is the most colourful thing I have ever seen. She inspires me to be myself whatever the weather!

(via Instagram)

2. Everyone in The Confetti Crowd – Bloggers

I’m sort of cheating here but Helena is also in “The Confetti Crowd” which is a group of 5 kick-ass fashion bloggers with the most crazy and eclectic styles. I’m obsessed with their stuff and they have an awesome message to spread!

(via Instagram)

 3. Paul Smith – Fashion Designer

Okay, so quite a big one here, but Paul Smith has always intrigued me. I find how he puts so much detail and intricacy into everything he does very inspiring. I think he shows us all that even when success hits, you don’t have to lose yourself in it all!

(via Instagram)

4. Laura Whalebone – Blogger – That’s So Yesterday

Laura is another fashion blogger (and mum) who’s style has yet to fade, and I’d hope it never does! Every outfit she posts inspires me to never stop being myself, which is rather simple but it’s also really awesome. Laura breaks all the “rules” and I love that!

(via Instagram)

5. Everyone on Humans of New York – Facebook Page

This kinda’ sounds weird, but when I check in on Facebook and there’s an inspiring story or some uber cool person posing on my screen, I instantly feel inspired to just carry on being me and do what I love. If there is one Facebook page you should follow, please make it HONY!

(via Instagram)

6. Katie Oldham – Blogger – Scarphelia

Another blogger but I don’t care! Katie is one of those people who just always has something amazing about to come out of her… fingertips? She’s another person who can just post anything and make me feel inspired. She also follows me on Twitter and her support is unreal.

(via Instagram)

7. Zoe Hellewell – Blogger – Zoe London

Oh dear, another blogger… but I’m a blogger myself so I have to mention some right? You’ve probably all heard of Zoe and her bright blue hair! She’s down right awesome. She’s a blogger who works her socks off and deserves all the success she has. She inspires not only me but all of her readers to be themselves because nobody else is better…. well, in a nice way!

(via Instagram)

8. Maria Grazia Chiuriand and Pier Paolo Piccioli – Creative Directors – Valentino

Fairly recently, Valentino as a fashion house has really intrigued me so I’m going to put down Maria & Pier for similar reasons to Paul Smith. Valentino is such an interesting brand and all of their recent collections have been so beautiful.

(via Instagram)

9. Susanna Lau – Fashion Blogger – Style Bubble

Everytime I go to my wardrobe, I genuinely ask myself “What would Susie wear?”… I know I love wearing what I want, and I promote that through and through but Susie has the most awesome wardrobe and I will always be inspired. PLUS, she is an incredible writer. Truly brilliant.

(via Instagram)

10. Cara Delevingne – Model & Actress

You might be surprised by this one! The only real ‘celebrity’ on the list and she’s actually a model. I don’t need to explain who she is but I just find that her out-going and care free way of doing things is pretty darn cool. Can I be her?

(via Instagram)

11. ASOS – Fashion Brand

Not technically a ‘person’ but ASOS do inspire me! They seem to have everything put together in just the right way. They’re the most awesome fashion brand there is right now. They cater for all budgets, styles etc. Can I be… ASOS too?

(via Instagram)

12. Frédérique Tietcheu – Fashion Blogger & Confidence Coach – SHE Unleashed

Freddie isn’t just another blogger, she’s also a confidence coach and I can see why. Freddie just expresses being yourself through out everything she does. Plus her style is uber cool too… and that hair? WOW.

(via Instagram)

13. Ashish Gupta – Fashion Designer – ASHISH

A fashion designer who has just done it all in such an awesome way. The “King of Sequins” who has the most epic runway shows ever. I love what ASHISH has to say as a brand, especially more recently with their choice of models… we need more of this!

(via Instagram)

14. My Family

Soppy soppy, get those tissues out, yeah? Haha! I had to mention them though. Ever since I started my blog they have supported me all the way and they just let me be me. I couldn’t ask for anything more. That’s my sister and nephew on the left, and my mum, sister and I all wearing stripes on the right!

(via Instagram)

15. YOU – Followers on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, BlogLovin and YouTube

Don’t put away those tissues just yet because I need to put you in here too! Yes, YOU! Anyone who reads my blog inspires me because they support me. You guys never (really) have anything bad to say and you just embrace what I do and I love that! Thank you, like seriously… thank you! Those two pictures were taken by a school in Texas… yes, that is me on the big screen!

(Featured image from TDP’s homepage via Confetti Crowd’s Instagram)

Today is my 15th birthday! 🎉 Yes little me is half way to thirty, crazy right? I was thinking quite hard for what to write for today, and then an idea came to me. Because you guys follow this blog and give it so much love, I want my birthday wishes to be for you. So here are my 15th birthday wishes, which I need you to make come true!

(I haven’t dyed my hair… just in case you couldn’t tell, this is a bit of funky editing because I couldn’t find any other pictures!)

1. I wish that you realised you are beautiful just the way you are 😍

One of my biggest dreams is for people to realise that being themselves is the most perfect thing in the world. If I can inspire just one person to do that thing for them, or dress the way they want to dress, that would be the biggest wish come true.

2. I wish that nobody was labelled for being like this or that 👐

This wish and the next are quite connected. I just wish people weren’t judged for what they are. 99.9% of people are who they are because that’s just how life works. No-body is perfect and if we all accept that, then everyone will be perfect.

3. I wish that people understood that skinny shaming is also a “thing” ☝

I don’t care how many people say that “skinny people are lucky”, I will always say that skinny shaming is just as big as an issue as saying to someone their fat. I’ve written about my own experiences with this before, and Zoe (Zoe London) recently commented on it too. Please read both pieces.

4. I wish that people would think before they type 💻

Some people online still don’t realise that even if you don’t show your face, nasty words and comments, still hurt. I don’t deal with this personally but I know so many people do. In real life too… words. hurt. 

5. I wish that everyone realised that comparison is the thief of joy 👭

In my 14th birthday blog post I put down this phrase as one of the 14 things I’ve learnt in 14 years, and it’s still in my mind. I’ve learnt since then that comparing people is just ridiculous because everyone has a completely different life and story, in every shape or form.

(Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind!)

6. I wish my favourite quote would be everyone else’s favourite quote too 🐱

Because even if The Cat In A Hat made it up (*cough* Dr Seuss *cough*), it’s something very special!

7. I wish that you would all go and support Fashion Revolution 👗

It’s a simple task; go support the campaign.

8. I wish that people would share the love more often 😘

I think this is truly important; not only because it’s just a kind thing to do, but because I believe what goes around, comes around.

9. I wish that the small things would seem beautiful to everyone 🌺

Life isn’t about great big, materialistic things. It’s about all the little details that are magical in their own unique way.

10. I wish hopes and dreams didn’t get crushed by one person saying “You can’t.” 🌞

Because YOU CAN.

11. I wish that you will do one thing today that is out of your comfort zone 👍

Whether you wear something you never thought you’d wear, or you tell someone something you’d never usually say. Do something to make yourself feel proud!

12. I wish that everyone would be creative 🎨

It sounds weird, but we all have the capability. If you create something, then you’re creative. Give it a go, go and make something magical!

13. I wish that you could tell me how my blog helps you ❔

It might not, but it’s worth a try? Leave me a comment and tell me why (ooh, that ryhmes)!

14. I wish that in 15 years you’re wearing a piece of my clothing 🎽

A wish for me and for you. I hope that you’re wearing something that I’ve created and that you feel good in it. Make a mental note for 2030, yeah?

15. I wish that you make at least one of these things come true 💃

Simple.

📷 SEE ORIGINAL (not so pink) OUTFIT PICTURES HERE 📷