Tolly Dolly Posh

~ MERRY CHRISTMAS ~

I just wanted to write a little post to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I’m not going to be blogging very much (in fact, not really at all as I’ve scheduled posts), between now and the New Year because my family are over and I want to enjoy it. I have scheduled and written a few posts to go up on each Sunday between now and then, so you won’t have to miss me too much!

Then when it’s the New Year, I’ll pop up my resolutions and goals for 2015, and we’ll be back baby! I’m so excited to sit by the fire with a hot chocolate and tear open festive wrapping paper with all the people I love. We’re even putting carrots down for Father Christmas for the first time since I found out he wasn’t real… the joys of having a 1 year old nephew! I hope you have a lovely time too, no matter how little or many presents are under the tree. And for those of you who don’t celebrate Christmas, have a wonderful time during the holidays and celebrate ringing in the New Year! I can’t wait to share my stories with you in 2015… flipping heck, I’ll be 15! Half way to 30, and only a few more years until I can drive my own car. Yikes!

So, from me to you,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Another Sunday…. another Series Sunday post! Today, I have a post from my A-Z Fashion Guide series which I hope you guys are enjoying, and are finding helpful! Let me know what you think in the comments 🙂 We’re on #2 of letter ‘B’, which only means one thing… Burberry! May I just apologise if you have visited my site in the past week or so, and have seen anything offensive. We’re trying really hard behind the scenes to remove this re-direct. It’s been really stressful, but I will update you when it is all fixed. So sorry once again!

We all know about Burberry, do we know all know about Burberry’s history? Burberry was founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry when he was just 21 years old. He was a former draper’s apprentice who decided to open up his own store in Basingstoke, England. At the very beginning the store became known for it’s outdoor attire, but slowly started to introduce a breathable waterproof fabric called gabardine.

The shop started to grow, with a new shop being opened in the Haymarket of London in 1891. In 1941, Burberry was commissioned by the War Office to create a new version of their classic coat, which would be suitable for warfare. This later became known as the ‘trench coat’. Before this, in the 1920s, the classic Burberry check was introduced and is now recognised as a symbol of the global brand all around the world.

For me personally, I’ve always been more interested in the more recent collections from Burberry, but remembering that it all started in England is a nice reminder of how we should all appreciate designers and where they come from. Especially when they come from your home country! Talking of more recent collections, let’s take a look at a few of my favourite trench coats…

1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6

I’ve picked a selection of the classic trench coats from each of the different ranges. There’s Burberry Prorsum (1), Heritage Collection (5), and even a Bespoke trench coat which I quickly popped together (6). I’m actually starting to love trench coats. They’re so simple and are the style of coat which go with everything. They’re the striped top of outerwear. Whatever colour it is, it’s simply the style that pulls the outfit together. From this selection I can’t decide on my favourite… I love the burgundy colour of #4 and the cool statement that comes with the Prorsum number, but the idea of having your own unique trench coat is pretty darn cool. What’s your favourite?

I hope you found this helpful! I want to start doing these posts more frequently during 2015 so be prepared! We’re only on ‘B’ and I started in March (or May… I can’t remember)! Whoops! As usual, collage images are from Pinterest, and you can find all the original sources here!

Today, I have a very exciting post indeed. There are two reasons why it is an exciting one… firstly, it’s a fashion/trend/inspiration/outfit idea post, which I miss writing, and secondly, I’ve teamed up with ASOS *fan girls* You guys know how much I love them, so I am truly excited to be sharing with you a little bit of style inspiration. Not any kind of style though, I’ll be talking all about ‘Scandimania’ and those hip girls in Scandinavia…

Jumper – Bag – Leather Skirt – Jeans – Cropped Shirt – Blue Brogues – Flats – Wrap Skirt – Oversized Blouse

For me, Scandinavian style has always made me think of folk prints, but after a quick Pinterest session, I came to the conclusion that I was simply wrong. ‘Scandi style’ is all about simplicity, and masculinity… sorry to stereotype if you are actually Scandinavian… it’s all about getting that balance between chic and casual. Another bonus is the fact it’s the perfect style for travel, and holidaying. It has that comfort factor with the baggy oversized shapes, but you won’t look too under dressed when you pair a slouchy shirt with some patent brogues. It’s all about the finishing touches! I personally quite like the whole look and feel of the sorts of outfits that they can think up… I’m just not sure how well it would work on a small 14 year old like me!

I made the little grid above into a sort of mix and match board for some inspiration. It works vertically and horizontally so if you are in need of some ‘Scandimania’ outfit inspiration, ASOS and I have you sorted! My favourite combination is probably the ripped jeans and cropped shirt. It’s simple and sophisticated but has that slight masculine toughness the whole way through. What’s your favourite combo? Let me know in the comments 🙂 

(This is a sponsored post. I may have been paid/gifted by ASOS to write and publish this post, but opinions are 100% honest – you know they are, I am a crazy ASOS lady. Read my full disclaimer here.)

He sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake! He knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake! Oh… hello there 🙂 I won’t bore you with a whole rendition of that Christmassy tune, but I will bore you (or maybe not) with a Christmassy set of photos! Christmas is literally just around the corner… like just over 2 weeks right?! How crazy. I decided to get a little bit festive and start getting my wrapping done now, before it all gets a bit hectic. How excited am I for Christmas? I’m pretty darn excited.

~ THE JUMPER* ~

In the ‘Posh’ family, we’ve never really had a Christmas jumper tradition, but I am definitely a lover of the cosy, and cheesy feeling that they bring. This year I’m sporting a cute pastel blue number from New Look, which I am in love with. It’s super warm and soft, and definitely fits in with my adoration for all things pastel and kawaii. The Santa face also looks kinda’ retro, which I think adds to the classic feel of a Christmas sweater. I also love the sequins… it’s got me rather excited to wake up on Christmas Day and slip it on just in time for opening my stocking. Cute, huh?

 ~ THE PRESENTS ~

I know some people genuinely hate this part of Christmas Day, but I am SO excited for it… and that’s seeing people open my presents! It’s such a nice feeling seeing their plain faces change to huge great big grins when they see what’s inside the lovely wrapping. Obviously presents are quite hard to buy if you don’t have a list or have any clue as to what the receiver might like, but either way, most people are lovely enough to appreciate even a piece of coal 😉 But… if you do need any inspiration, make sure to check out my gift guide here!

Another gift which would be perfect is a pair of Heat Holders. I’ve always been a fan, and they kindly sent another pair to add to my collection but due to a little photography crisis I had for this post, I couldn’t fit them in, but please do check them out if you have a set of cold toes!

~ THE TRADITIONS ~

I think one of the most common questions asked when it comes to Christmas is, ‘What are your traditions?’. For my family, it’s waking up earlier than usual, grabbing our stockings (lovingly placed on the ends of our beds during the night… yes, I am 14 and my siblings are almost all 20…), and racing to our parents room to open them up. It’s always been something I’ve been excited for, because we all truly love Christmas. Not for the presents, but for being altogether. I’m also starting to appreciate that more and more as my siblings get older, as soon it will just be me on the end of Mama & Papa Posh’s bed… oh dear, don’t get the water works starting! 

(This is not a sponsored post. I was kindly gifted a New Look Christmas jumper, but all opinions are 100% honest. The mention of Heat Holders was just a little thank you for them sending me a pair my way… I just couldn’t fit them in photo form! Read my full disclaimer here.)

This year I decided I wanted to do a gift guide. I love reading and watching them, so why not do one here?! This post may come across quite stereotypical, and I know everyone has different tastes, but if you need some inspiration, or want to know that you are definitely getting the right kind of gift for a fashion loving friend, then it might be useful to you. Let me know if you have bought any of these kinds of gifts yet in the comments! 

Fashion Flakes

Let’s start off with a cheap and cheerful one… you maybe thinking, why the heck have I included a box of cereal? Well my friend, these are not any kind of corn flake cereal… these are fashion flakes. You may or may not know of the designer Anya Hindmarch, who’s AW15′ collection was food inspired. Some of the designs featured our favourite tiger, ‘Tony’, on them, so Kellogg’s have gone and collaborated with her on an actual box! Pretty cool huh? These are only around £3, so if you can get to a Waitrose, or if you can buy them online, get them! They’re a fab stocking filler too… and if your gift receiver is like me… they’ll probably just keep the box sealed!

New Look Gift Card – Topshop Gift Card

A fail safe option is the classic gift card. Usually covered in snowflakes and robins at this time of year, but packed with as little or as much money as you can afford. They’re perfect for anyone who likes to shop, because you don’t have to worry on choosing something that will fit, or even suit their tastes! Most let you put on a minimum of £10-15, so if you want a gift for a friend, or perhaps an additional stocking filler, these will be perfect. It’s also perfect because then they can spend it on sale items of which you may have bought yourself anyway… it’s a win-win situation! 

Mink & Stone Jewellery Sponsored*

Recently, the rise and demand for unique and personalised jewellery has been higher than ever! There is something so special about receiving a gift which is completely unique and one off, so when I heard about Mink & Stone, I was intrigued! I’ve always loved designing and making my own necklaces and bracelets, and this service just makes it easier. You can choose from hundreds of beads, lots of chain lengths and metal tones, and easily design it with the virtual designer. There are so many beads to choose from, so if you want a slightly different present for a loved one, definitely check out this new idea…

Alexander Wang  x H&M

Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t personally love this collection, but I know a lot of people do, and if you know somebody who does, they’ve probably already asked you for something a million times. The Alexander Wang collection has been one of the biggest collaborations of the year, and it definitely tops off this gift guide! The cheapest piece is a metal ring with a handy whistle (?!) and the more pricey and wearable items come in at around £150… so definitely be certain that your chum will suit the piece you buy! Plus, items are always going in stock and then out again, so you need to be quick to snap these up before they’re all gone!

(Sponsored Feature: Mink & Stone Jewellery. All opinions are 100% honest. You can read my PR disclaimer here)

When I think tweed, I think Chanel. But when I think pink tweed, I think Chanel A/W 14. There was something so magical about the A/W collection… it was full of texture but in a new, fun and modern way which I don’t think has ever been pulled off quite as well. Not only did I like the clothes, I also loved the whole aesthetic, and this is what today’s post is about. Double tweed, fun poses… and a floppy mop on the top of my head. It was fun to do and edit, so you better like it too… Let me know what you think of this post and if I should re-create any other designer looks! 

WHAT I WORE: Tweed Jacket (Jumble Sale) // Tweed Dress (Zara Kids – Very old!) // Zebra Top (Jumble Sale) // Spotty Skirt (Peacocks)* // Looney Tunes Socks (Primark) // Jelly Shoes (Supermarket)

Surprisingly enough, a lot of this outfit was incredibly cheap. In fact, I reckon you could fool some non-fashion lover that the dress and jacket are really Chanel… possibly. I picked up the jacket from a jumble sale, and haven’t worn it enough due to the fact it has that slight oversized feel to it. Looking at it now though, I should definitely wear it more often! It has that really nice, chic shape to it.The dress has been in my wardrobe for possibly half my life (yikes)! Mama Posh treated me to a Zara outfit once and only finally have I started to appreciate this dress’ (top now really…) beauty. I added the skirt for an added bit of length, and voila! Is it a convincing faux-Chanel? I would say so…?

Without sounding vain and blowing my own trumpet, I actually really like the way this outfit comes together. It’s just the little touches that look so cute together. I mean, who can say no to £1.50 Looney Tune socks?! The texture brings out the more mature side of my style, but the colour and mixed prints adds that fun pop. Sometimes using a collection or lookbook for inspiration can really help. I’ve been on a bit of an outfit choosing low, but this has definitely invigorated that eye for something special in me. Also… I can’t resist and excuse to wear a floppy bun on the top of my head… ‘It’s like the Chanel A/W 14 hair…’ is what I’ll say…!

 One last thing… there is actually a give-away up on my Facebook page! You can check it out here and a win cute A/W cape! Pretty awesome 🙂 Good Luck! Also, also, if you ever see on Twitter the link, ‘tdpf.co’, this is officially my new short link! It won’t take you anywhere unless it’s linked to a post… it’s basically my own version of ‘bit.ly’… just FYI!

This year has been super sonic. It’s flown by! I can’t believe I’m already doing my Christmas 2014 Wishlist! Yup, that’s right, today I’m showing you what’s on my list, and what I expect Santa* to be bringing me down the chimney. It’s not a very long list, but I hope it gives you some inspiration, whether it be for buying presents or even for your own list! Make sure to let me know what you want for Christmas in the comments! * – aka: family member…

Sunglasses – Sweatshirt – Book – Mug – Fizz Bar – Body Mist

 Sunglasses – I’ve been wanting these for ages… and I could get them myself, but I really want to save my coins, so even this little purchase would make a bit of a dent… I have to buy my own presents you know?! But they’re super cute and fit perfectly with my style. They’d look great for autumn, winter summer and spring, so for £6 they’re a bit of a winner? They’d be a great stocking filler too.

Sweatshirt – I stumbled across this jumper on Tumblr, and I adore it. It’s super duper cute and kawaii, and so up my street! I don’t think I’ll be getting it though as delivery takes too long 🙁 Oh well, maybe for my birthday? Super cute though, right?

Girl Online – Obviously, I had to put Zoella’s book on my wishlist! I’m actually interested to read it for two reasons 1 – it’s by Zoe (duhh) a fellow blogger and 2 – I need a new book to read soo… makes sense! It’s actually pretty cheap on Amazon at the moment (no doubt it will have changed price by the time this post goes live), so hopefully I do end up getting it!

Camera Lens Mug – Hell yes! HOW AMAZING?! It’s a mug that looks exactly like a camera lens?! I need this. In fact all bloggers and photographers need this in their life. I want to drink tea out of it every morning! *winks at Father Christmas*

Zoella Beauty – I must say I’m definitely intrigued into what the fizz bar is like. It looks like a very clever idea, so I’d definitely be happy if this is under the tree! Plus, who doesn’t love a good bath?

A FEW OTHER THINGS…

Recently, I’ve seen a lot of articles online which have really spurred people on about the whole fat vs thin battle. The whole ‘real’ women thing has really come to my attention, and I wanted to write about it. For me, it’s quite an important subject to talk about because I am… ‘thin’, so it makes sense for me to voice my opinions here…

I think I can finally say that I am fed up of this ‘vicious circle’ (as I like to call it). I’m fed up of brands and people saying that you are a real woman if you have curves and ‘junk in all the right places’. I am fed up of people judging people on their size. In fact, when I was still at school (home schooled now if you didn’t know), I was in a PSHCE – Personal, Social and Health Education – lesson, the teacher was talking about this very topic. I’ve never actually told anyone this before, but I came to tears because I know exactly how it feels to be ‘thin’. I’m not saying I have been bullied (definitely not), but I’ve been judged.

During a rehearsal at the same school, I went into the toilets to get changed and a few girls from the year above were in there with me… but they didn’t know I was there, because I was hidden by just a simple door. They were trying on their costume and one of them said (I quote this exactly), “Ergh, this jacket is ridiculous, it would fit an anorexic person… like Tolly.” This was followed by a bundle of giggles and can you imagine how I felt? Little Year 7 Tolly standing in the toilets wondering what on earth to do? I waited until they had departed, walked back into the assembly hall and said that I was fine when people asked if I was okay as I sat quietly looking upset. Like I said before, I have never been bullied, but when something like that happens when you’re young, it hurts. I remember thinking about it for weeks, regretting that I didn’t just step out the door and shut them up.

I’ve grown to realise that I am who I am though, and I know in my heart that I am genetically thin due to high metabolism, and not due to an eating disorder. One of the other reasons I’m writing this is due to Becca’s post, where she told a similar story. Just because somebody is thin, or thinner than the average, doesn’t mean they are ill, or don’t eat as much as everyone else. I eat the same as many people my age… at school I would probably eat more than most but the school still insisted that I was checked up on by a dinner lady. I know it was for good intentions, just to check nothing was wrong, but once again I was left feeling embarrassed and went home crying when they started doing it. I just want to clarify again, I was super happy at this school, it’s just the little jives and pokes that get you down.

The real point is, just because somebody is thin, doesn’t mean they’re perfect, and it doesn’t mean they’re ill either. Just because somebody is curvy, doesn’t mean they are real, and it doesn’t mean they are ill also. Why do people have to label us for being slightly bigger, or smaller than everyone else? Why do brands think it is okay to make campaigns made up by ‘real women’ (who are usually curvier than the usual model)? It’s not okay. We always go on about the fact that models in the media are a bad influence on young people, yet when we say that these curvier models are more real, we seem to think it’s okay? If we always say that everyone is different, then why do we go one sided? If I had seen an advert which said something about real women being curvy when the changing room incident happened, do you think that would have made me feel any better?

To add to this all, I thought that I would mention a photoshoot that VOGUE published online recently. I applaud them for it. They didn’t have to say much yet they made a huge statement. There was not one mention of being a real woman, it was simply a photoshoot about how to find pretty underwear for curvier women… yet it said an awful lot. I hope that one day these pictures will become normal to us all, and that cuvry and thin women (or men) will grace the covers of magazines, and strut down catwalks better than ever before.

No matter how thin or curvy you are, you are a real woman. If somebody could just say that to everyone, that would be great. I’m so grateful to be around the right people at the right time to be able to realise that I am who I am, and that makes me me. We forget that some girls don’t have that, some girls and women cave under pressure and end up in a bad situation, so we need these influences to be good ones, we need this vicious circle to change into a straight even line. Thin or curvy, you are real. 

WHAT I WORE: Jumper (Monki) // Shorts (Kenzo) // Floral Crown (ASOS) // Boots (Dr Martens) // Sunglasses (Topshop)

The other day I had a bit of a brainwave… why not share some creative people’s scrapbooks in my Scrap Social series? You guys seem to love the series so much so it only seemed to right to share the love! So today I have fellow blogger, Holly Cassell, from The Persephone Complex! I’ve asked her 12 questions to go along with some of her favourite pages, and some of the answers are pretty interesting! I hope you enjoy…

Why do you use a scrapbook? It’s cathartic, mostly. I make pages about people, things I’ve experienced, dreams I have, or even certain sub-sections, or mini characters, within my own personality.

What are your favourite methods? I find cutting paper and gluing it down really trance-like, and my method remains pretty much the same no matter what. I like to think of a concept for a page, choose a phrase or a lyric that is stuck in my head, and then look for images that suit the mood of what I’m trying to make. I have some cute craft materials and I always use acid-free glue so that my work won’t ruin over time.

You feature a lot of text in each page, why do you think that is? I find working exclusively in images or exclusively in words really limiting and frustrating. I always need both to express myself. Which is probably why I love blogging so much too! You can get so much more across by mixing mediums. The right words can completely change the meaning of an image, and vice versa.

Has your scrapbook inspired you for any ideas/projects (or are you going to start one because of it)? Definitely! I’m currently working on an ebook that should be available via my blog quite soon, featuring new material as well as some of the stories behind my art. It’s going to be a deeper, more explicit insight into my art journal and why I started making the kind of work that I do, which often focuses on some very dark themes.

Do you think each page represents a period in your life, or the mood you are in? I can sometimes make a whole collage about something as small as a text message that has been sent to me. Sometimes I won’t make one for months. I have a strange mind that sometimes chooses to focus on unlikely things, and see importance or beauty where there isn’t any. My pages are just the manifestation of this slightly off-kilter focus.

When and where do you create your wonderful collages? Always in my bedroom. Always at night. Always listening to music.

Do you think your scrapbook is a representation of your personality? I think most people have many different personalities that they inhabit at different times, or around different people. I use my scrapbook as a way of coming to terms with them all, or expressing something that I don’t get to in “real life”. We keep a lot of ourselves bottled up, and because of that, those parts are often the most beautiful and shocking when splashed across a page.

You’ve bought a new magazine which would be perfect for scrapbooking… do you chop it up straight away after reading, or wait a little while until it’s considered ‘old’? HAHA That’s such a good question! I usually wait for a while until I’ve read the magazine a few times, but sometimes I do get impatient. If a magazine doesn’t interest me very much I’ll be ruthless and gut it straight away. I’m not precious about magazines any more. I see them all as potential collages..

This top image is my favourite page, which is your favourite out of this selection? If I had to pick one I’d probably choose “This Is How The Story Begins”. As far as my aesthetic goes, this one really represents me. It’s quite dark and fairy-tale themed, and the words are menacing and hopeful at the same time. They were said to me by a real-life monster I met once.

Paint or Ink? Ink, just because I’m a better writer than I am painter.

Neat or Messy? Both.My collages are very precise, but I wouldn’t call them neat. Kind of like an organised explosion.

Glitter or Puffy Paint? Glitter paint. Glitter everything.

~ ABOUT HOLLY ~

Holly is a blogger and freelance creative-type who lives in a pretty white apartment she’s too lazy to keep tidy. Her work is mostly inspired by love, text messages she receives in the middle of the night, and archetypes from ancient literature that no one else remembers. Her floor is always covered in glitter.

 BLOG – TWITTER – INSTAGRAM – PINTEREST

This was so interesting! A big thank you to Holly for letting us take a dive into her scrapbook! I love some of the pages and they have definitely given me some inspiration for some of my own pages. Let me know in the comments what you think of Holly’s style, and if you’d like to share your own pages in your very own post! 

YAY! It’s time for another OOTD! You guys just love these posts, so I’m glad I get to post them! I’m quite happy with these pictures again which is a good thing, but the even better thing is the fact that very soon I will have my hands on a new lens! So exciting 🙂 You guys give me the opportunity to improve my photography, and I’m so grateful. If you’re wondering, I’ve purchased the 35mm lens (I currently use a 50mm), and I couldn’t be more happy! Anyway, I hope you enjoy this post…

WHAT I WORE: Teddy Textured Jumper (Glamorous)* // Grey Structured Skirt (Glamorous)* // Metallic Dr Martens (Mastershoe My-Shu)* // Black Floppy Hat (ASOS) // Gold & White Necklace (Claire’s)* // CASIO Sheen ‘SHE-3030GL-5AUER’ Watch (Casio)*

Ever since this skirt and jumper combo slipped through the door, I have been obsessed. They’re both very autumnal, but they are so versatile and I can see myself wearing them all the way through the year. The jumper is this weird fuzzy, teddy bear material, which I think adds an awesome layer of texture and dimension to the outfit. The skirt has actually been on my radar for a while… I am in love with structured skirts, so when I saw this, I snapped it right up! The lining is actually a deep burgundy red colour, and looks awesome when it sneakily flashes in the wind (how can I right that without it sounding weird?!). I knew straight away what I was going to wear it with, and I think I nailed it (can I say that?)… and yes, I know… I’m wearing navy and black in the same outfit… somebody call the fashion police!

I thought I’d whack in a mini review in this post because I’ve always been intrigued by Glamorous. A while back they emailed me asking if I’d be interested in working with them, and it was a bit of a hassle, but finally (I mean like 4 or 5 months later), I’m here now, and I’m pleasantly surprised! My items arrived ship sharp with free delivery, which is pretty darn awesome! They both came packaged well and fit perfectly, so I would have to say I would definitely recommend looking into them, even after the hassle I had with them previously. I like to be honest on this little old blog, so there you go!

Let’s talk accessories though… a while back I was sent a bunch of goodies from the Claire’s Katy Perry PRISM collection, and to be quite honest I have only really gotten round to wearing the pieces now! I knew that as soon as my beautiful new watch arrived (more on that later), that I would be wearing this necklace non-stop! The colours match perfectly, even though the watch is actually rose gold (I know… ROSE GOLD). I think it’s the little touches that really make an outfit come together, and this outfit is full of them! Oh and look at my gorgeous Dr Martens making another appearance… jeez, I love these shoes SO much! They’re just perfect and fit my style so well at the moment. Cannot rate them enough! Don’t forget my  floppy hat too! I’m so glad I purchased it, as it’s been the best thing as the weather’s got cooler, love love love!

And finally, we have the main star of the show… my gorgeous watch from Casio Sheen! I’ve never actually been that much of watch wearer, but after receiving this, I think I maybe converted. I think one of the main reasons is because I am very slim, I have to reach for the teen/tween style ones which are just a bit too young for me, and not really up my street, because they tend to fit a bit better. I was worried this wouldn’t fit, but to my surprise, it actually fits like a glove! It has a different clasp than usual, but it makes wearing it a whole lot more comfortable. Although it is a bit of a pricey piece, it truly has made me fall in love with the whole ‘arm candy’ thing. It’s just right, it’s not too showy, or too simple, and the rose gold just tops it all off.

Are you a watch person? Have you tried out Glamorous? Let me know in the comments! I love hearing your thoughts 🙂