3 things #8.

1) So I can't be bothered with cartilage piercings and how long they take to heal (not being able to sleep on my side in bed? No thank you) but this is almost enough to make me reconsider.

2) Okay, I think I need to buy my dogs bow ties.

3) THE most perfect spring nail polish. I'm going to go and do this like, now.

Top 10 fashion rules you should blatantly ignore - part 2.

Here's part two of my rant against fashion rules. To read about double denim, green and pink, black and navy, horizontal stripes and bra straps, click here. 

6) Don't wear patterns on your bottom half if you're a pear.

Curves are acceptable again ladies, big bums are ace. Get your patterned trousers on and highlight that arse. Just take a look at Kimberley (second from the right, keep up) and how amazing she looks - she's as pear as they come and she looks incredible here. If you're too self conscious for something high waisted, try pairing patterned skinny or peg leg trousers with a long peplum top.

7) Don't wear midis or maxis if you're petite.

This is my fellow blogger Jodi, her blog's here (she has incredible style, take a look). She's 5ft1, and she lives in maxi and midi skirts. And she pulls them off better than anyone else I know. If these photos aren't proof enough that you little ladies can wear longer styles, I have no hope for the world. Topshop has a nice range of them in their petite section too - if Topshop says it's okay, it's probably okay.

8) Don't mix prints.

Today, I wore a blue floral snood, a black and grey lace pattern skirt and leopard print shoes. Not even kidding. Clashing prints is cool now. It makes your outfit look so much more interesting, and when you have lots of patterned pieces of clothing in your wardrobe (or on your floor) it stops you from feeling limited on what can go together. Start with something simple, like patterned shoes with a checked shirt, and work your way up to different patterns on the top and bottom half. I have my eye on this striped peplum top to wear with my black and white polka dot skirt.

9) Always match your shoes to your handbag.

The rule to match your shoes and bag is the most stupid thing I've ever heard. I literally use two handbags - a big mint green one, and a burgundy satchel. I don't own any mint green or burgundy shoes, what on earth am I meant to do? Clashing bags and shoes are normal.

10) Don't wear socks and sandals.

Do you see how cute that is?! Plus, it'll keep your feet warm and you don't have to bother re-painting your toenails. Topshop have a great range of ankle socks in their 3 for £8 offer - I need these mint green ones more than I need food. Try some of the pretty patterned ones, or even better, frilly ones like in the photo. Go black on black if you're a little bit scared, or try contrasting them - coral socks with turquoise heels would look AMAZING. Go on, I dare you.

What I did in Barcelona.

I have a ridiculously big post for you today, showing you about a million photos of Barcelona, and telling you all about what I did. Because it's so picture heavy (still only about a 20th of what I took), just click on the jump to view the rest of the post! 

In short, I had an amazing time. I've been to some really amazing cities, but Barcelona is easily the most beautiful. I've never been so tired either - we only went for 4 days, and felt as though we needed to cram in as much as possible! There's so much to do, and I'm already planning another trip. We stayed in Hotel Peninsular, which is just a small, very basic hotel right in the centre. The location was fab, couldn't have asked for more, and we got breakfast so it did the job nicely. I'd recommend going for something a little fancier if you can afford it, but if you're on a tight budget it's really fine!

We arrived at Barcelona airport sort of mid-afternoon, so we had time for a bit of exploring. We wandered round the market, which is absolutely AMAZING. So many incredible fruits and vegetables, about 5 times the size of anything Sainsbury's offered. Seafood and meat and spices I've never even seen before, and don't get me started on the chocolate stalls, I could have stayed there for hours. 

Just look at these amazing ice lollies! I didn't get any because it was cooooold, but they were only €2. How tempting does that mojito one look?

3 things #7.

1) I swear tights like this were in fashion years ago. I don't care, I need some again.

2) Oh Dita, you beautiful, wise lady.

3) Cookie dough truffles. I've made these before, there is nothing better. You can even cheat and use a boxed mix, just roll them in melted chocolate.

Top 10 fashion rules you should blatantly ignore - part 1.

I don't like fashion rules. Fashion's about self expression, and how on earth are you meant to do that with a load of different rules to try and abide by? As far as I'm concerned, you should intentionally try and break them, because most of the time they're a load of rubbish. Here are my top 10 which should be ignored at all times. Read the first 5 here, the next 5 will be up in a week!

1) Don't wear black with brown or navy.

I'm really surprised that even now, people won't wear black and navy, or even black and brown together. This is a particularly old fashioned rule. Would you avoid using your expensive tan leather handbag just because you're wearing a black dress? Or not wear a black top because you're wearing - shock, horror - dark blue jeans? Thought not. Black and brown are both neutrals so they go together, fact. And black makes navy look modern.

2) Don't wear horizontal stripes if you don't want to look fat.

Er. Someone needs to tell this girl that horizontal stripes make you look fat. I'm KIDDING, guys. They don't. Yes, they draw the eye across the body rather than up and down, but that doesn't make you look fat - eyes aren't stupid. The style of clothing matters a lot more than the stripes - if you're wearing a tight fitting dress or top which highlights any lumps and bumps, and it happens to have stripes, I'll give you one guess which part is making you look bigger. A good fitting, flattering piece of clothing will look great regardless of the pattern.

3) Never wear double denim.

Don't try telling me double denim doesn't work because I won't listen. It's like saying you can't wear a cotton skirt with a cotton top. There are so many different colours, weights and styles of denim that it's easy to make this look great - your main trick is to make sure you use two different colours, and then it's simple to go from there. Accessorise with contrasting shoes, and try a belt to break it up a little.

4) Pink and green should never be seen.

I just bought a dark green satin dress, and I fully intend on wearing it with fuchsia court shoes and a matching flower in my hair. And there's no denying mint green and pastel pink look brilliant in the summer. If watermelons can pull it off and look ridiculously appealing, so can you.

5) Don't show your bra straps.

Why should good lingerie be restricted to the bedroom? Answer: it shouldn't. A cheeky flash of bra strap - as long as it's not your manky, long overdue a wash nude t-shirt bra - is harmless, so don't shy away from it. Especially if it's a pretty bra strap. Mimi Holliday's current range is gorgeous but expensive, or try New Look for something cheaper, they have some really pretty bits and bobs.

Hang around for a week, and you'll get to see part 2. Even better, follow me.