Moving On Instagram

Hi everyone,

I will be closing down this blog soon, along with my Instagram account zoe_fashion.

But do not despair as I plan to set up a new blog and Instagram page - watch this space for details!!

A new home has prompted a small rethink of my social networking accounts, that's all.  New homes often give you the chance to clear out your old junk and reframe your mind to a new purpose.

Check here one more time for the new details.

Zoe

A New Year, A New Home

It's 2015!  If you've been following me recently, you will have become aware that I am moving house soon and the date fast approaches - 15th January.  Unfortunately it also means I have to wait for my broadband to be set up, as it is a new property and it could take a couple of weeks to organise.

In the meantime, here are some pictures of the show home to tide you over until I am back on line and blogging again.

 

This shows the front of the property.  Our is 'handed', so the garages will be on the other side.

 

As you walk in, there is a beautiful dining room off the hallway.  We are going to use ours as a study.

 

This is the downstairs cloakroom,  Snug, but does exactly what you need!

 

This is the utility area, where the washing machine lives.  The central heating boiler can also be found in here.  This is where our cats will eat and this will be their night time sleeping zone.

 

This is the kitchen.  We're planning to have a dresser put into the space you can see behind the door, where the clock is currently situated.  It's going to be a fabulous space.

There are 2 photos of the lounge here.  This lounge is huge for a new build house, at 17 by 15 feet (or so).  Our TV is going where you can see the mirror and we'll have surround sound installed.

 

This is the hall, stairs and landing shown from both downstairs and upstairs.

 

This is Bedroom 2 with the option of an en suite bathroom.

 

The bathroom in this house is known as a 'Jack and Jill', as it connects between 2 rooms.

 

This is Bedroom 3, attached to the en suite 'Jack and Jill' bathroom.

 

This is Bedroom 4.  We're going to use ours as a gym room.  My spin bike and Pilates table will be a perfect fit in here.

 

This is Bedroom 5.  This is going to become a dedicated laundry space.

 

This is the family bathroom.  I will spend a lot of time in here as I love to relax in a huge bubbly bath.

 

This is the Master Bedroom, where my husband & I will sleep.  This room also has an en suite bathroom attached.

 

I couldn't get the best picture of the en suite bathroom, but I did manage to photograph the shower area.  It's a lovely big space and will make a perfect ending to a frantic spinning session!

 

This is the rear of the property.  It's very understated compared with the front of the house.  We are going to add a conservatory (subject to relevant permissions) and put in a dedicated patio area for entertaining in the summer time.

 

The house is situated in a beautiful location in Cheshire, England.  There is a field behind our garden and there are often cows grazing there - that is going to confuse the cats.

 

Once we have moved in and settled down, I will post some photos of the house and how the rooms develop, if you would like to see more. 

 

Happy New Year!

 

Has anyone noticed how, at this time of the year, everyone snuggles down and huckers up for the winter (unless of course you're in the Souther Hemisphere, in which case it's probably bikini season - lucky you).

 

I thought I would share a few of my 'furry' photos with you, to help everyone with that feeling of warmth and snuggleness that we all deserve.  Enjoy.

 

 

Furry effect lounge suit from QVC (UK)

 

Furry Jacket from Next (£34.99)

Furry Jacket from Dorothy Perkins (£59.99 less 10% offer)

 

£8 pyjama suit set from Primark

Leather & fake fur coat from Debenhams 2013/14 Winter season - half price at £64.99

My unbelievably fabulous River Island leather jacket with detachable furry collar, which keeps me mega warm every winter

 

While there's a lot of mention of furry items here, please note that I don't wear real fur.  I won't go into a rant about animals, humane treatments, vegetarians or anything like that as this isn't what my blog is for.  However if you do have a view, we can bring this up via my Facebook page - I'll set up a separate page and open up a discussion on the matter - just let me know if anyone would like that.

 

 

 

 



 

Shoes Fabulous Shoes

The next segment of my shoe collection is here.  As you can see from the photos, the composition has much improved from my earlier attempts and I am now much more able to showcase the shoes and how they look on your feet.  I've also experimented with a range of angles to get the best views and bring out any special features.

L-R: Grey heels from LaRedoute (UK), Purple heels from Marks & Spencer, Red wedge heels from Marks & Spencer, Purple ruffled heels from La Redoute (UK) and Black detailed shoes from Marks & Spencer

Star studded shoes from Dorothy Perkins winter 2013 collection, reduced to £7 from £15

Walking shoes from Primark, cost £10

Animal Print embossed sandals from Marks & Spencer, possibly 2012 collection

Sandals from George At Asda in 2012

Heels from H&M online collection Spring 2014, priced £34.99

Fabulous animal print pumps from Primark last summer, costing £4.00

Amazing strawberry red heels from Next spring/summer 2014 collection, costing £29.99

I am sure I will post more about shoes in the coming weeks. 

Please let me know what you think about the collection and how the images have been put together.  I would love to hear from you.

Shoes Glorious Shoes

I thought I would share a special Christmas and New Year treat with you - my collection of shoes!
These are a selection from my early postings on Instagram, starting way back in February 2014.  Each photo has a description of the shoe and where they were purchased.

As these were early blog photos, they are not all the best quality, but you can definitely see the improvements as I have learned more about photograph construction.

Animal Print Trainers from La Redoute (UK)

Hunter Wellington Boots, Christmas present from my husband

Buckled boots, purchased for less than half price in Kurt Geiger, Manchester

Topshop kitten heels bought for only £10 in the Selfridges franchise in Manchester store

Sandals from Laredoute (UK), had for a few years now and still look amazing

Nine West Flipflops with butterflies, bought from Canadian outlet store near Niagara Falls in 2003 and amazingly comfortable

Zara sandals bought in the Chester store, half price at £19.99

Snake print effect shoes from Mango store in Manchester, they were also on offer

Kurt Geiger shoes purchased for a presentation and barely worn.  I'd consider selling for the right offer as they're like new.

A friend brought these back from India (Chennai area) for me, aren't they delightful?

A further post on shoes to follow soon.  Keep your eyes peeled!

Show Me Your Rock Tee's

As a teenager I amassed a wide range of rock t-shirts,  unfortunately most of them were so worn out you couldn't see the band names on them any more.  I have tried to replace some of them over the years but I must confess I have not done so well of late.

Back in February, I showed off these three tees that I currently have in my wardrobe.  We have Sisters Of Mercy, Rage Against The Machine and the trusty old Led Zeppelin.  When it comes to styling these items, I probably have a bit of a uniform - skinny jeans, skinny jeans and skinny jeans.

 

 

The SOM tee is pictured here with some simple back skinny jeans, my studded loafers from Zara and my mini backpack from TopShop.  For cooler evenings I would slip on my black leather jacket with the fake fur collar.

 

 

This time, the RATM tee is picktured with grey skinnies from Primark, trainers from Zara and the mini backpack again.

 

My vintage thigh high boots had the RATM tee in the background, as well as my Leeds Festival tee and the Led Zeppelin number.

And finally, my most recent Instragram posting.  The SOM shirt is pictured with my River Island Print jacket, skinny jeans, the Zara studded loafers and a vintage Mikey Necklace with crosses - I've had this for almost 20 years and it's still a faithful item of mine!

 

In the photo below, I look back on some items of my past that I think have helped shape my current style.  I always enjoyed being a bit quirky and edgy; I hope it shows somehow in most of my outfits.

 

Ta ta for now.

Manchester Haul Details

When working in Manchester city centre, one must occasionally take a break and visit the shops!  Here's a brief of my purchases from my visit of 19th November.  Enjoy!

As usual, there is the customary trip to Primark, where I've picked up a good mix of neutrals that will go with anything.  I've also managed to incorporate my favourite texture of fake fur, as well as picking up something with animal print.  I've already styled up some ideas for these items and you will see them on Instagram over the coming weeks.

Accessories from Primark: Necklace £4, Bangle £3,Hair Clip £1.50

Accessories from Primark; Bag £3.50, Snood £4, Hat £1.50

Cardigan/Throw from Primark £14

Jumper with sparkles from Primark £14

Being in my 40's, sometimes Top Shop makes me feel old.  But this time I was in love with the place.  I think it is the time of year, all the beautiful sparkly christmas items are out now and the store just draws me in.  More animal print in here, plus I adore their jeans as they're so comfortable for my shape right now.

Top Shop; Jumper £35 Jeans £42

Finally I had been umming and ahhing about getting another pair of boots as I have 2 pairs already; my slouchy effect heels and my suede slouchy flats (see other photos).  But these had a bit of a biker edge to them, plus they were on offer.  I've worn them every day since I bought them, so they were clearly the best buy of the bunch.

Knee High Boots from New Look £26

Until next time.