Birds Flying High, You Know How I Feel.

A few weeks ago, I found myself standing inside the Convent Garden branch of Collectif. Always one to be dazzled by a sale sign in my favourite shop, I couldn't resist peeking in where I was delighted to discover they now stocked jewellery by Punky Pins.

In addition to a few items of clothing from the sale, I came away with the beautiful Flying Swallows Necklace.

Flying Swallow Necklace from Punky Pins. Purchased from a Collectif concession.

The Punky Pins tag. Purchased from a Collectif concession.

I just couldn't resist it's lovely Spring colouring and the two layers of swallows can really take a simple outfit from ordinary to wow. It's one of those items which makes a subtle sartorial statement, managing to be both bold, classic and pretty in one single swoop.

I can't wait to style it with some outfits, and am sure it'll be something which will reappear in an #ootd post soon.

Until next time,

Diana xx

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(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

Blue Wave - My 99p Dress from Yours Clothing.

I really cannot resist a bargain, so when I saw an email from Yours Clothing offering a selection of dresses for just 99p, I pounced on my laptop and clicked with speed. When I saw that one of the items on offer was a polka dot skater dress, I couldn't believe my luck and felt really excited for it to arrive.

Navy and White Polka Dot Dress with Red Patent Belt by Yours Clothing.

What I hadn't expected was to really fall in love with it! I'd brought it thinking it'd be a great dress to just run around in, but the shape and cut felt perfect. It's scoop neck, knee length hem and 3/4 sleeves make it an ideal dress to meet clients in, but it's also easy to dress up thanks to its skater shape. Even more of a shock was that the dress had a swing ticket showing it's £32 value! I cannot believe I managed to snag such an amazing bargain, and I feel so lucky!

Dress: Navy and White Polka Dot Dress with Red Patent Belt by Yours Clothing.

Cardigan: Jo Bluebird Cardigan by Collectif.

Necklace: Valentine Bunting Necklace by Tatty Devine.

Tights: Naturally Close by Fashion World.

Red Heels: Vintage.

Roses: Pearls & Swine.

Red Teardrop Ring: Vintage.

Heart Pinkie Ring: ASOS Curve Heart Pinkie Ring (worn as normal ring).

Teardrop Moonstone Ring: Thrifted.

I teamed the dress with lots of red to compliment the navy blue hue, and it feels like a really great and easy to wear Spring outfit. Now we just need some Spring weather to go with it! I love how the print and shape has a slight 50s feel which really speaks to my vintage sensibilities.

Until next time,

Diana xx

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www.fashionlovesphotos.com

(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

Modern Love: Modern Vintage, a guest blog for Simply Be.

Towards the end of last year, the lovely people at Simply Be saved my sartorial skin when I was on the hunt for a flapper style dress to suit my non-flapper shape. Hips and breasts are not a friend of the usual 1920s styles, so it was with great relief that I unpacked the above stunning dress for an art-deco event I was DJing at.

One of the things which came out of the swap was an article wrote about modern day vintage styles. I absolutely love shopping for vintage clothing, but the reality is large breasts often make for slim pickings, and it can be frustrating rummaging through rails to come away with nothing but disappointment. Although you'd have to drag me kicking and screaming for my favourite vintage haunts, I do love that there is has been a turn towards "heritage chic" on the catwalks, with a range of vintage inspired styles sailing down the catwalks and into shops. It was really encouraging to see that I could find a dress from every decade from the 20s to the 70s when pulling the article together, and you can read the whole story here on the Simply Be Blog.

It was really nice to be writing about fashion again, especially about vintage influences which is something very close to my heart.

Until next time,

Diana xx

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www.fashionlovesphotos.com

(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos (unless stated otherwise). Please do not reproduce without written permission.)