'You're a Wizard Harry'- London weekend; Harry Potter Studio's and Camden Market

Back at the beginning of August I went on a little weekend trip with my Mum, Meg and her Mum. We went to the Harry Potter Studio tour, then on the Saturday we went into London and went to Camden Market for a bit of shopping, and managed to squeeze in a cheeky show as well. I fancied doing a post about the weekend as it was so lovely. 

If you didn't know I loveeee Harry Potter, so finally getting to go to the studio tour was a massive deal for me, the word excited doesn't even come close. 

The gang- Look how excited we all were

Nicola, Meg and I 

Obviously I had brought a Hogwarts top prior to going, because what better place to wear your Hogwarts t-shirt from Primark than the Harry Potter Studio?? I also wore my Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets book necklace, and with the top I wore my black body con skirt from Topshop, with my black sandals from New Look. 

Loving life on the Knight Bus 

The studios were AMAZINGGG, I took soo many pictures, but I don't want to include too many because I don't want to spoil it if you haven't already been. But here's a few;

Outside number 4 Privet Drive 

On the Hogwarts bridge 

Mumma Drake and I with the model of Hogwarts 

Obviously while I was there I picked up a few souvenirs...

Programme- £9.95
Post cards- 95p each
Chocolate Frog- £7.95

I got a Chocolate Frog, because how could I not? I also got 4 postcards to put on my wardrobes, and a programme of the studios, as it has all the nice glossy pictures, as well as information about the sets and stuff.

Photo and memory stick- £37

While you're there you can also 'fly' on a broomstick, by fly I mean how they do it in the films with a green screen, so I obviously had to do it. We chose a deal where we got one picture and also a memory stick with a short video of you flying through London on the broom.

The next day we ventured into London and went to Camden to have a look at the shops and also the market there near the docks.
On our way to the market we found some fantastic street performers who had set up a tea party and were dressed as the Mad-hatter and the White Rabbit.

I brought some lovely bits from the shops and stalls there, so maybe I'll do a look book to show you? 

But while in the lock market we decided to have a break from shopping and have some tea in the cutest little tea shop/ cafe, (we also went here when we came to Camden for my 16th). It's just the loveliest little place, so quaint and sweet.  

I also opted for a brownie, cheeky cheeky.

Excuse my Rudolph looking nose, my allergies decided to
kick up a fuss that day.

 Then this was what I wore;

Skirt- Topshop
Strappy crop top and sandals- both from New Look

After a full afternoon of shopping we then headed over to Leicester Square in search for some theatre tickets, as we fancied seeing a show to finish the day off, and I also had a cheeky look in the Covent Garden Jack Wills.
We managed to  get tickets to see the musical Once, which is on at the Phoenix Theatre.
I didn't know what to expect as I knew nothing about the show, but it was funny, the music was very good, and everyone in it was very talented. The people in the show were also actor-musicians, which meant that they played the instruments on stage and sang, as opposed to having an orchestra, which was great to watch.

So that was my weekend in London! I had such a lovely time, have you been the the Harry Potter Studios? If so what did you think and what was your favourite part?

Cheerio!

Hannah

The Closet Confidential Tag.

So I saw EmilyOh do this tag on her Youtube channel and I thought it sounded like such a fun tag to do, so I gave it a go, hope you enjoy!

What is the oldest item in your closet? 

So the oldest thing in my closet is this hooded cardigan from Topshop, its also one of my most worn garments. I still remember buying this in a Topshop sale back in like 2007 when I was on holiday in the Lake District. Where its a light grey colour and basic its so versatile, and I always find myself just throwing it over outfits. 

What is the newest item in your closet? 

My most recent purchase is this gorgeous  flowery Asos play-suit. I brought it from a Charity Shop, but its brand new and still has the tag on, so a major bargain! 

What is the most expensive item in your closet?

The most expensive item I own is my Sixth form Prom dress. It was from Diana Vickers online Very range, and when she first brought it out I fell in love with it. Its covered in sequins and is gorgeous, but it was £99. I attempted to save up, but then we decided we'd buy it and I wear it for my Prom. We brought it in like October of 2011, and I wore it last Summer, so I was true to my word! 

What is the cheapest item in your closet?

It was really hard to pick an item for this question because I don't really break the bank with clothes, as in I don't spend a lot of money on one item (besides my Prom dress), I tend to buy in bulk from places like Primark, shop in sales, and Charity Shops. So this top that I brought from a Charity Shop, that is originally from Primark, is one of many cheap purchases from Charity Shops. I think it was around £2.99?

What item is the biggest bargain?

I have found loads of second hand bargains, but my biggest bargain from an actual high street store would defiantly have to be my sequin dress from Topshop. I kid you not it was £5 in the sale, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the label. It was the only one and I just had to buy it. Considering its covered in sequins its soo comfy, and because its peplum styled its very flattering, which is always good. 

Which item is the biggest waste of money? 

When I went to New York in 2012 I brought this skirt from a H&M out there and to this day I have never worn it. It still has the label and everything. It was $24.95, so roughly around £15, so not too expensive, but still a waste. I am determined to wear it, but I've never found the right occasion. Where do you wear a sheer black maxi skirt? Any ideas? Comment down below. 

What are your current 3 favourite items?

My three favourite items at the moment are my Henry Holland Poodle top, my floral tea dress from Camden and my floral jumpsuit which is also from Camden. I've been loving bright Summery colours and floral prints recently. 

What is your favourite gift in your closet?

My favourite gift has to be the dress that my Mum got me from Topshop for my most recent birthday. Its so pretty and has such a 60's vibe to it. But I do love all the clothes my parents have brought me in the past, they know me so well!

What is the most comfortable item in your closet? 

My most comfortable garment has to be this knitted/ crocheted jumper that was my Mums. I bust it out every Autumn/ Winter since she gave it to me. Its so funky and quirky, and easy to throw on, as well as comfy and cosy for the colder weather. 

What is the most uncomfortable item in your closet? 

It was really hard to pick an item for this question as I don't really own any uncomfortable clothes, because I either try them on in the shop, or return them if I don't fell comfortable in them when I get them home. So I really had to split hairs when I picked this garment. I chose this blue collared dress from Primark because the collar is a little on the tight side and stiff, but its bearable. 

Where do most of your items in your closet come from? 

Strangely a lot of my clothes have Topshop labels in them, but being honest a lot of them weren't technically brought from Topshop, as I picked them up from Charity Shops. But other than that a lot of my clothes are from Primark, surprise surprise!   

Which 1 item do you wear the most? 

I love this item, and I brought it like 4 years ago now, but I used to live and die in this skirt. I brought it from H&M for like £14 I think? Its hight waisted with gold buttons all the way down.  I haven't worn it recently but I'll hopefully be able to wear it soon, now that the Autumn is coming, because its quite short so I'll be wearing tights with it. 

So that's my version of the tag done, and I now tag everyone reading this to do it, because I had fun rooting through my wardrobe and picking garments out. 

I hope you've liked this, and maybe I'll do more tags in the future, but for now...

Cheerio! 

Hannah

'A few of my favourite things'- July Favourites

So I know we're already like 12 days into August, but better late than never for a favourites post, right? 

I'll start off with something I loved right at the beginning of the month, which was my MUA lip liner in shade- Red Drama, which is ironic because I used it for my Drama show, ha! My Drama group did our Senior Production in early July, and we did a play called 'Porridge', and I played the character Goldie and we had it that I wore red lipstick. Now I'm not one for red because I find that it comes off really easy, on me anyway, and leaves a gross lipstick outline, but my friend recommended that I wore a lip liner with my lipstick and I can tell you that gross lippy outline was averted on stage, which was fab! So this was defo a fav for this month, and has made me more confident in wearing red lipstick. 

Lip Liner- £1 from Superdrug 

 Second beautyish favourite has been my Tangle Teezer. This is basically a must have I'd say for most girls, especially ones with long hair or thick hair like mine, because while out in Spain; Sea water, mixed with pool chlorine and heat equals a whole load of tangles and knots. Not good. But with this little beauty it gets the knots out much quicker and easier than a normal brush. I usually like to use it after I've washed my hair and its all knotty as it makes my hair all lovely and smooth.  

Tangle Teezer- Compact Styler £12.25

My fashion favourite of July has to be the outfit that I wore to Bluewater just before I went on holiday. I was feeling really 50's inspired with this outfit. I wore my Henry Holland green Poodle tie front top with my pink Asos midi skirt. For shoes I wore my white plimsolls from Primark with little white ankle socks from New Look. I love the whole 40s- 50s style, and I loved this outfit. 

 I have been loving Charity Shops this month, and I have been really getting back into everything Vintage, which I am loving. 

If you love Charity Shops too be sure to check out the post I did about my recent Charity Shop gems and tips- 

http://hann31bann.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/one-mans-trash-is-another-mans-treasure.html

Clutch, broach and necklace all from Charity Shops. 

Everythings Peachy with me at the moment, I have been eating, drinking and smelling everything Peach. While in Spain I found the nicest Capri Sun ever it was Orange and Peach, but sadly I have yet to find it over in the UK, boo. I also love my Peach body spray from The Body Shop, its such a fresh and fruity fragrance, perfect for the Summer months. 

Body Mist- £7.50

 I have been obsessed with Smash season 2 this month. I watched it on TV last year and got the box set for my birthday and I've just been watching all the episodes back to back. I particularly love this season because you have all the 'Hitlist' songs as well as the 'Bombshell' songs. (For people who don't know about Smash its a show about the musical industry and Broadway). Plus Jeremy Jordan, who plays Jimmy, has become my main celebrity crush. 

I watched Forrest Gump with my Mum while we were on holiday and I remembered how funny and heart-warming it is. Tom Hanks is just amazing, as per, but the film is just so funny, and has been my film of the month.   

What would a month be without a little, or a lot, of Disney? I have been mainly listening to Disney songs this month, as well as the songs from Smash. But I have sooo many Disney songs, I've just enjoyed dancing around the kitchen with my Mum to them. Our favs include; 'Just can't wait to be King' from The Lion King, 'I wanna be like you' from The Jungle Book, 'Zero to Hero' from Hercules, and 'A friend like me' from Aladdin. I'm thinking of doing my Top 10 Disney songs soon, just for fun as I saw Trisha Paytas do a video of her favourite Disney songs on her Youtube.  

I have two favourite books this month and they are 'Where Rainbows End' by Cecelia Ahern, and 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' By J K Rowling. For those of you who don't know I've been reading all the Harry Potter books in order starting from January this year and while I was on holiday I finished reading the last book, and it was sooo good! I love all the Harry Potter books, but this one being the final one was just super good. 'Where Rainbows End' is one of my favourite books of all time, I actually read it a few years ago and thought I'd re-read it while I was away, and I fell in love with it all over again. The book is set out in a series of letters, cards and emails, and is a story about love and friendship, and I would really recommend this book, its funny, fast paced and touching, a must read.  

And finally, my last July favourite has got to be my holiday to Spain, with my Mum, Dad and Brother. 

That's all my favourites from this month, what have you been loving? Let me know down below. 

Cheerio! 

Hannah

Disney DIY- Mickey Mouse shirt

Hello and welcome to a new series of posts I'm going to be starting, and if you didn't guess from the title, they are going to be DIY posts! 

I took Textiles at GCSE and A Level, I have my own sewing machine, and I just really enjoy being creative and making things. So I thought why not share some of my creations? My skills are in no way as advanced as some people, so if things aren't totally perfect don't worry I know haha. 

Anywho moving on to the DIY! A few months ago I brought this shirt from Primark, its from the men section, but it was just too cool not to buy. It was £6 and I brought it in a size XS, because where it was men sizes a Medium would have been too big. 

As you can see it is a navy shirt with an old style Mickey Mouse print on. 

My plan was to take the sleeves off to make it more feminine, so that's what I did. I'm just going to take you though what I did step by step. 

These are all the things I used to take off the sleeves, and if you're thinking of un-picking things yourself these are the typical things you'll need. 

You will need; pins, scissors, an un-picker and thread that matches the colour of the fabric of the garment you are un-picking. 

I first got my un-picker and just started un-picking the stitching along the sleeve. I just pocked the end of the un-picker underneath the stitches and went round until all the stitches were un-picked. (I'm very aware I just totally overused the word 'unpicker' haha).

Once the sleeves where un-picked I got rid of the loose threads that were left. Because I didn't want the shirt to fray I folded the now sleeveless edges back and pinned in place, to then sew and hide the fraying edge. 

I turned back about 1cm, or just over. 

Once both sleeves were pinned in place, I then threaded my machine up with my navy thread, to match the shirt. 

My machine is a Janome make and I love it so much! I threaded it up with my navy thread and bobbin, and did a couple of tester stitches on some scrap material. I then adjusted it on my shirt sleeve and started sewing along, taking out the pins as I went. I repeated this for the other sleeve as well. 

Once I was finished I ended up with something that looked like this:

I'm very pleased with how it turned out and can't wait to try it with a few outfits. I'm thinking of having it buttoned up to the top with a necklace and a high waisted skirt, maybe even a denim pinafore dress. Maybe I'll do an outfit of the day with it soon? What would you style with this shirt? 

I hope you enjoyed this little DIY, and maybe its inspired you to give an old or new garment a makeover?

Look out for more DIY's coming soon. 

Cheerio! 

Hannah  

What did I wear in Spain?

I'm bacccckkkkkk! 

So I'm back from Spain (and I have been for like over a week now, oops) but I had the loveliest time! I went with my Mum and Dad, and my Brother also came out for a few days as well, which was nice. 

We had a great time we went to beaches, shops, restaurants and we had a BBQ, courtesy of my Dad and Brother one night. 

But this post is to show you some of the outfits I wore while I was away. My previous post was what I packed, and I can tell you now I packed WAYYYYY too much, I didn't wear everything, but this was my first hot holiday in a long time so I over packed majorly and had loads of cool Summer clothes I wanted to take. But these are the clothes I did where while I was away. 

On the plane I just wore some floral trousers and a plain purple top, but I have no pictures of that because our flight was at like 6:30 in the morning, wayyyy to early for pictures. But later on in the day once we had arrived and settled in we went out for dinner with our friends who were out in Spain  as well, and this was what I wore. 

This green Summer dress is from Primark, and it was only £5! Bargain or what? I also threw my denim gilet from Topshop over the top, and wore some casual flip flops from Primark. So a nice easy outfit to wear on the first night, and especially since I was soooo tired I didn't feel like dressing too fancy.

Night 2 I wore my new jumpsuit from Forever 21. It was such a nice piece to wear in the hot weather as the fabric made it nice and cool to wear. Then I wore my green sandals from Primark to match the green in the jumpsuit. 

I then managed to skip a night, good one Han,  but on our 4th night I wore this orange smock dress from Topshop, with some brown Primark sandals, and to match the dress I wore the scrunchie my Mum got me to go with the dress for my birthday. In the heat scrunchies were a great way to accessories an outfit, rather than wearing lots of jewellery and feeling sticky and horrible. 

During the day on Friday we went to Mahon, which I believe was the Island's capital, and did some shopping, and this was what I wore. The top, skirt and flower head band are all from New Look and I just wore my trusty Havaianas flip flops, as they are super comfy and ideal for walking around and shopping. 

This was my typical beach attire for the holiday, shorts with a baggy top and flip flops, with my bikini underneath. With this outfit the floral shorts are from Primark and the black top is from H&M. 

I've literally lost track of the days now? But this was another evening outfit. I wore a black strappy crop top from New Look, with my yellow floral skort and green sandals, both from Primark. 

This picture was taken on our last night, as you can tell I didn't really tan that much, oh the joys of pale skin aye? But in the flesh I look browner, well compared to how I usually look! But anyway this was one of my favourite outfits as its so simple and a little bit boho, which I love. So I wore my black maxi dress from Boohoo, with my cream Kimono from New Look. To accentuate my waist I wore this brown plaited belt from Primark, and to add a pop of colour to the very natural tones of the outfit I wore my teal coloured Peace sign necklace from Topshop, and it really matched the whole 'Boho look'. 

But they are all the main outfits I wore while on holiday, so like I said you can tell I over packed majorly, but oh well!

I'm planning on doing a Haul/ Look Book of the things I got from Spain, as well as other things I've brought recently as well, so look out for that.

I hope you enjoyed this post!

Cheerio!

Hannah