That time I went shopping and it made me really hate shopping

Hi-de-hi, everyone. I haven't written a personal post for a while because there have been a few things going on in my little mind, but it's been my prerogative not to share them.

20 things that feel like the end of the world in your 20s

Yeah, yeah, it's a list post. So sue me! 

#TheBloggersMarket

Question: What do you get when you bring together fashion bloggers, their wardrobe overflow, and a bunch of excitable followers?

13 ways that being broke* changes you

Because the struggle is real...

Boyfriend shirts & Blazers.

It's cold at the moment.  Where I am in York is not only cold, but windy and rainy and generally a hostile place to be. Brrrrr.

Recently though, I have found a small sense pleasure in identifying clothes that will help keep me warm without making me resemble a caterpillar.

A word-of-mouth tip from a friend yesterday informing me of an "Everything for £5" vintage shop in town helped me come across a treasure trove of christmas jumpers and tat. However, something there was a lot of was SHIRTS. Shirts everywhere.  They were lacking decent stuff in the women's "section" (the shop was more like a glorified jumble sale, but beggars can't be choosers) so I gave up and went to browse the men's. Within minutes I'd found a checked flannel shirt that was clearly way too big for me and fit the bill exactly - I was going for cosy, not fitted.

I wore it today with the two bottom buttons undone, tied up a-la cowgirl, pairing it with a black flippy skirt, some gold jewellery and warm boots. There's something liberating about making a boyfriend shirt (okay, it's quite literally a boy's. shirt.) more girly. I like to think I looked more stylish than walk of shame, but you can't win them all...

Blazers, right. In the same shop the male friend I was browsing with picked up a long-line grey tweed blazer that was too narrow for him at the shoulders.  His loss was my gain. It'll be fab for the winter to spring weather cross-over when layered with thin tops/jumpers, and it manages to look androgynous without looking like I'm dressing up in my Dad's clothes.

The point of the article is, more petite girls - I'm running out of euphemisms for small chests here, sorry! - can get away with the androgynous look.  Even though I'm aware Agyness Deyn was successfully rocking this look years ago, I have only just decided to embrace it, and it's good fun.  With the right accessories it can really add an edge to an outfit without looking like you've tried too hard which is perfect for someone like me who's mantra at the moment is "If I can get away with it, that's enough."

NOTE: If anyone comes across a similar "Everything for £x" shop - STAY CALM. Lots of the stuff there will be absolute rubbish, but the fact it's all cheap as chips means you'll see everything through rose-tinted glasses. Be savvy.  Think to yourself: would I still like this if it was double the price? Lots of these offers are non-refundable; imagine how annoyed you'd be if you got home, took off the rose-tinted glasses and hated what you'd purchased. Fine, a fiver isn't a lot, but that's still a cheap bottle of wine from the co-op...

Christmas Cheer!

It's Chriiiiiiiistmaaaaaaaas!

With only 4 days until we get to unwrap what Santa has brought us, no one can deny that the Christmas spirit has well and truly descended upon society. Turns out it's not the end of the world as we know it...

I celebrated the non-apocalypse by bravely venturing into York to do some Christmas shopping (I couldn't really put it off any longer once I knew we were definitely having a Christmas this year, could I?)

As predicted, it was oh-so busy.  I quickly remembered that I tend to stick to online shopping for a reason - p&p is a small price to pay to avoid the hassle of avoiding crashing into irritable people and lugging around presents in the freezing cold.

I think my favourite thing about the festive season - apart from spending time with my family - is the Christmas knits.  It's the one time of year you can bring out all the Granddad jumpers and wear them in a non-ironic way.

If you're a skinny minny/not very busty, you can throw on a jumper and look more cosy than... rounded, so take advantage of it!  Whether they be plain, studded, sparkly or printed, there is something out there for EVERYONE. No excuses.  As a wonderful means of fashion advice (/procrastination - go away dissertation), here are my favourite Christmas jumpers around at the moment.

Duck Jumper - Miss Selfridge - for when you have York withdrawal...

Crystal Necklace Jumper - Topshop - The blush pink is pretty and wintry and the embellishment stops it from being too plain

Polar Bear Jumper - Topshop - It's a polar bear with a Christmas hat on... do I really need to say anymore?

 Skiing Jumper - Beyond Retro - Not hitting the slopes in Val D'Isere this Christmas? Not to worry, you can wear a skiing jumper instead.

Gingerbread Jumper - Modcloth - If Costa's Gingerbread Lattes don't satisy your gingerbread lust, here's the solution.

Boxy Jumper - Modcloth - Big, baggy and warm. Perfect for those afternoon naps after consuming one too many eggnogs.

These are all really cosy-looking and make you want to snuggle up on the sofa, stuff your face with Quality Streets and watch Christmas movies (or maybe this is just me?)

I've personally asked Santa for two jumpers for Christmas. If I can get away with a baggy jumper and leggings for the next few months, I'll be happy.

Keep Calm and Stay Warm, guys!