Dino-mite - How to be a vintage loving nerd dressing for a walking holiday.

In a little over a week, I'll be heading out of London and visiting the beautiful Lake District for a relaxing week of swimming, boardgames and very long walks. It's been three years since my first escape there, and I fully intend to learn from my past sartorial mistakes. Packing some leggings to throw under dresses isn't the answer to keeping decent when attempting to shimmy over rocks, and ballet flats, no matter how comfortable, are never a substitute for a decent pair of walking boots. You can take the girl out of the city, but if that girl is me, she'll be useless at dressing for it. So this time I'm heading up, fully prepared, but attempting to put my own spin on things.

A Summer holiday within the UK normally means one thing - you WILL get rained on at some point! This year I decided to be prepared with a light weight rain ready duffle mac which was both functional and cute. I found this ASOS Curve number on eBay, and felt ready for any thunderstorms and puddle splashing thrown my way. I loved the bright red colour, but it was the polka dot lining which really made me swoon - part Paddington, part Little Red Riding Hood and completely up my street! I have to shout out to fashion guru Chattermonkey for letting me know of this coat's existence as it's been my go to choice as we've made that damp and chilly transition into spring. ❤

Cardigan: Primark.

T-Shirt: Velociraptor Dinosaur "Vintage" Print from WLCShop via Etsy. 

Shorts: High Waisted Denim Shorts from ASOS Curve.

Flower: Pearls & Swine.

Tights: Simply Be.

Walking Boots: Karrimor Womens Ladies Walking Boots via eBay.

In terms of "sensible clothes", I still wanted to put my usual vintage spin on things. I was over the moon when I came across these perfect high waisted shorts from ASOS Curve, although make sure you size up as they run on the small side. I wanted some cute tees to team with it, and being a massive dinosaur nerd, fell in love with this vintage style screen  print from WLCShop via Etsy. The boots were my final necessity, and found that eBay had lots of cheap options with my Karrimor ones being sold at £30 rather than their RRP of £80. Did I feel sad spending that money on ugly boots rather than cute shoes? Of course! But I know my feet will thank me later, and I've had a lot of fun breaking them in on Hampstead Heath. They really have made a difference, and the cushioned soles are like walking on clouds!

Whilst this incredible Dinosaur Clutch Bag from The White Pepper via ASOS won't be coming with me, I couldn't resist adding it to the post. A gift from my lovely friend Brutal Red, he was instantly named Herbert and works brilliantly as both a shoulder bag or clutch thanks to two sets of removable straps.

I am so excited to head off, and have a countdown until I can put on my out of studio email! If you'd be interested in seeing lots of pretty landscape photos and me looking silly, make sure you follow me on Instagram before we head off!

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Bloglovin and Facebook.
www.fashionlovesphotos.com

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

Dino-mite - How to be a vintage loving nerd dressing for a walking holiday.

In a little over a week, I'll be heading out of London and visiting the beautiful Lake District for a relaxing week of swimming, boardgames and very long walks. It's been three years since my first escape there, and I fully intend to learn from my past sartorial mistakes. Packing some leggings to throw under dresses isn't the answer to keeping decent when attempting to shimmy over rocks, and ballet flats, no matter how comfortable, are never a substitute for a decent pair of walking boots. You can take the girl out of the city, but if that girl is me, she'll be useless at dressing for it. So this time I'm heading up, fully prepared, but attempting to put my own spin on things.

A Summer holiday within the UK normally means one thing - you WILL get rained on at some point! This year I decided to be prepared with a light weight rain ready duffle mac which was both functional and cute. I found this ASOS Curve number on eBay, and felt ready for any thunderstorms and puddle splashing thrown my way. I loved the bright red colour, but it was the polka dot lining which really made me swoon - part Paddington, part Little Red Riding Hood and completely up my street! I have to shout out to fashion guru Chattermonkey for letting me know of this coat's existence as it's been my go to choice as we've made that damp and chilly transition into spring. ❤

Cardigan: Primark.

T-Shirt: Velociraptor Dinosaur "Vintage" Print from WLCShop via Etsy. 

Shorts: High Waisted Denim Shorts from ASOS Curve.

Flower: Pearls & Swine.

Tights: Simply Be.

Walking Boots: Karrimor Womens Ladies Walking Boots via eBay.

In terms of "sensible clothes", I still wanted to put my usual vintage spin on things. I was over the moon when I came across these perfect high waisted shorts from ASOS Curve, although make sure you size up as they run on the small side. I wanted some cute tees to team with it, and being a massive dinosaur nerd, fell in love with this vintage style screen  print from WLCShop via Etsy. The boots were my final necessity, and found that eBay had lots of cheap options with my Karrimor ones being sold at £30 rather than their RRP of £80. Did I feel sad spending that money on ugly boots rather than cute shoes? Of course! But I know my feet will thank me later, and I've had a lot of fun breaking them in on Hampstead Heath. They really have made a difference, and the cushioned soles are like walking on clouds!

Whilst this incredible Dinosaur Clutch Bag from The White Pepper via ASOS won't be coming with me, I couldn't resist adding it to the post. A gift from my lovely friend Brutal Red, he was instantly named Herbert and works brilliantly as both a shoulder bag or clutch thanks to two sets of removable straps.

I am so excited to head off, and have a countdown until I can put on my out of studio email! If you'd be interested in seeing lots of pretty landscape photos and me looking silly, make sure you follow me on Instagram before we head off!

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Bloglovin and Facebook.
www.fashionlovesphotos.com

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

Hot Hot Heat - Summer Chub Rub Saviours from Bandelettes

Whilst I love Summer, almost every owner of a pair of thighs has come across the problem of what has affectionately been termed the dreaded "chub rub". We've all experienced it - that sweaty friction which turns a sunshine filled walk into a long, spiky fall into hell fire. There have been many solutions offered over the years - sweating it out in leggings, unattractive "comfort shorts" and all manner of creams and pastes designed to form a barrier for your skin. Whilst effective in their own ways, there's nothing like feeling sticky or squeezed like a sausage to leave you feeling less than a summery goddess. Thankfully this is where US brand Bandelettes have stepped in, giving chunky thighs a bit of breathing space when the weather heats up.

Bandelettes are one of those items which as soon as I slipped on, I couldn't fathom why someone hadn't thought of it sooner. Not only do they look like sexy stocking toppers so instantly put a kick in your step, the thigh bands protect and provide comfort from chafing all day long.

Available in a whole range of colours and designs (I was sent the Red Romance style to review), the wide lace bands are backed with non-slip silicone to ensure they stay in place all day. You simply measure the circumference of your thigh and choose the size which your measurements fit closest to, with the recommendation that you size down if you fall in between two options. Having run errands in them for an entire day, they didn't roll down or slip for the duration. The silicone kept them firmly where they needed to be, and it felt lovely to waltz around without an extra layer of tights or leggings underneath my dress.

You can view the whole Bandelettes range here, and even with the international shipping, they had arrived in less than a week. I cannot recommend them enough, and will definitely be coming back to purchase more. They are a wardrobe essential to survive the summer, and you'll be able to happily kiss your tights good-bye until the Autumn.

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Bloglovin and Facebook.
www.fashionlovesphotos.com

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

Style Has No Size - A Body Confidence Campaign from Evans ClothingA

A few weeks ago, Evans Clothing played host to a room full of bloggers as they launched their #StyleHasNoSize campaign at London's Sanderson Hotel. Promoting body positivity, the movement came after Evans staged the first ever curvy catwalk show during London Fashion Week and the slogan was used as a mantra to instil confidence in their models.

What I love about the slogan is that it's all encompassing. It doesn't pit fat against skinny, it's all about loving yourself whatever size, shape or style you are.

As part of the campaign, Evans have released a Style Has No Size t-shirt and tote bag featuring the slogan boldly emblazened. And best of all? All the profits from the sale of the merchandise will go to the Rainbow Trust Children's Charity, a wonderful charity which supports families with very ill children.

In their own words,

We [Evans] believe that style is not about the size you wear; it’s about how you style your size. Our #STYLEHASNOSIZE campaign celebrates every woman’s shape and style - a message to challenge preconceptions and bring together women with a mantra that really matters.

The launch was filled with positivity, and it was a lovely chance to meet and catch up with some of my favourite faces, as well as meeting new ones.

(l-r) Myself, Murder of Goths and Chloe Pierre.

Of course we took total advantage of the event's photobooth! Here was have An Autumn's Grace, A Is For Abi and A Rose Like This.

Photo (c) A Is For Abi.

Photo (c) A Is For Abi.

I wore a red jersey and lace dress from Scarlett & Jo at Evans, teamed with a red flower from Pearls & Swine for the event. I had such a fun time catching up with everyone and meeting some wonderful new faces. I can't wait to see the effects of the campaign, and the incredible burst of positivity surrounding it.

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Bloglovin and Facebook.
www.fashionlovesphotos.com

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

Click Flash - Cara Camera Across Body Bag from Accessorize

So imagine you're a handbag loving photographer, and you stumble across the most incredible camera shaped design ever made. That's what happened to me recently when I walked past the window of Camden's Accessorize. I quite literally stopped in my tracks, gasped and handed over my credit card without question. Never had I needed to purchase something so badly in my entire life!

Whilst I'm a lover of frivolity, I try to avoid spending money on silly things for the most part but this bag was too adorable to pass up. Called the Cara Camera Bag, the cross body design is comfy and easy to wear. It's small enough to be the perfect size for crowded places, but big enough for your phone, purse and your key make-up essentials.

Whilst being utterly ridiculous, I cannot look at it without smiling. The soft colour palette make it a neutral choice for most outfits, and it opens and closes easily with a simply popper.

Have I mentioned how much I love this bag? Expect to see it glued to my side all Summer long!

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Bloglovin and Facebook.
www.fashionlovesphotos.com

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