Fashion and Freedom exhibition // Manchester art gallery

Hi! Recently I went to the fashion and freedom exhibition at Manchester art gallery. The exhibition explored women's roles in world war one which inspired garments. They were inspired by the new liberation the women felt by working during the war and also the oppression they still faced. This was really cool to learn about. It featured designs by amazing fashion designers such as Vivienne Westwood and Holly Fulton, projects by university fashion design students.

The garment on the left shows how women began to show their knees during world war one. I absolutely love that idea and the little sections of embroidery on the dress are so adorable. I love the use of wood on the second dress, as it is a very restricting material, this shows how women were 'restricted' and had to leave their jobs after the war ended. It is such a unique idea and I love the strands of blue cotton on it.

This garment is an overflow of colours and textures and is so intricate. The big pink bows are so cute.

 This is such an adorable headpiece and has inspired me with my own DIY headbands!

 This dress has such nice detailing on it, such as the gorgeous ruffles and tutu sleeves. It's not one of my favourite pieces but it is still so colourful and creative.

The way this dress drapes on the mannequin is so beautiful and I love the big puffy sleeves.

Have you been to this exhbition? What did you think?

Melissa xxx

The 1975 concert Manchester

The other night I went to see the 1975 in concert at the 02 Apollo in Manchester. I've wanted to see the, for so long as I've been listening to their music for nearly 3 years. After all the anticipation they certainly didn't disappoint!

I really enjoyed the opening act, The Japanese House. I hadn't hearts of them before so now I've been introduced to one of my favourite bands!

They played mostly songs from their new album (which I am in love with!) when they played my favourite song The Sound, the atmosphere was incredible and everyone jumping up and down and singing along. They also sang some of their older songs such as chocolate, sex, heart out and you. These are the songs that made me a fan of them so it was amazing to finally hear them live. The saxophone parts of the were so amazing to hear live.

The backdrops of the where so bright and in pretty pastel colours. There was a lot of pink lighting used (they definitely know how to please me!) 

Melissa xxx

Valentine's Day outfits // casual and dressy

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I decided to put together some outfits that I think would look beautiful for any valentines occasion, whether dressy or casual. Pink is the perfect romantic colour and will make you look stunning and sweet.

// casual //

Dress: Glamourous / Scrunchie: Ark / Belt: Claire's / Strawberry bag: Primark

The dress is simple and oversized and can be styled for any occasion. I decided to pair it with this floral belt (actually a headband!) which looks really cute and jazzes the outfit up a bit. The dress could be paired with a denim jacket and some converse for a laid back vibe. It could also be paired with heels to take it from day to night.

Vest top: charity shop / skirt: topshop 

Sequins are a must for valentines and paired with this simple vest top, don't look to over the top. Make sure to have some breath mints! Have an amazing day / night and if you don't have a valentine this year, you can be mine <3

Melissa xxx

OOTD // liquid sarcasm and moon and stars

Crop top and skirt : Motel Rocks / Purse : Skinnydip London at Topshop

Most of my clothes are very colourful, so it is very unusual for me to wear black and white. I was really drawn to the moon, sun and stars print on this two piece set. It looks so magical and would be perfect for a summer concert or a night out. Now I just can't wait for the weather to get warmer!

The perfect addition for an evening outfit is this adorable Skinnydip purse. It's kitsch, quirky with a pop art vibe. It is perfect because very outfit needs something pink and glittery!

Melissa xxx

January playlist

Here's what I've been listening to this month...

Afterlife - Arcade Fire
This isn't a new song, but it is new to me as I have discovered it recently. This song gives me a melancholy feeling and is very atmospheric. It reminds me of car drives late at night.

Clearest blue - Chvrches
I love all chvrches' music, and this song is no different. It sounds like an 80's pop song and is really great to dance around to. Lauren's vocals are also amazing.

The sound - The 1975
I'm so excited to hear the 1975's new album, I couldn't resist playing some of the live versions on YouTube. I fell in love with this one immediately, it's such a fun, upbeat song with cheeky lyrics like, "oh baby won't you cum again?" This song has made me so excited to go to their concert next month! I've also loved somebody else and she's American.

Post blue - Placebo
I've only recently started listening to placebo, and I think I've found a band I can really relate to and makes me feel something. This song really stands out to me and has beautiful lingering lyrics like, "it's in the water baby, it's in the special way we fuck."

Hope, you enjoyed! What have you been listening to lately? Let me know in the comments!

Melissa xxx

New styles to try in 2016

As we go in to a new year and have a fresh start, I always want to change my style up a bit. So I put together some of my favourite unique styles and trends to get ideas from!

Mermaid/ fairy style

A really easy way to create a staple item for the summer would be to get a crop top, cut out a stencil in the shape of a seashell, and paint over it on to the top using fabric paint. Sequin skirts finish the outfit and look just like you have your own mermaid tail! I also love tutu type skirts for a fairy style.

Black and white / Gothic style

I usually wear a lot of colour, but I do like to wear black from time to time and embracing the gothic style. The essentials for this look are a black crop top, a pair of black jeans. I've been wearing a lot of black lipstick lately. Even though it is so different from my usual style, I fancied a change.

Kawaii Japanese style

Japanese fashion is so adorable. Most of the colours are pink, lilac and blue pastels with images of cartoon and cartoon characters and cute dainty shoes to match.

Seventies style

The seventies style is still going to be popular in 2016, I love silk 70's shirts from secondhand shops, hippie headbands and flowing, over sized dresses. You could try the 70's headband DIY I did back in the summer to get started!

Wearing every colour of the rainbow

If you usually wear neutral colours and black, why not experiment with more colours of the rainbow? Bright pastel colours are going to be a big trend for summer 2016 and I'll definitely be getting on the trend early! Something I'd really like to try this year is having multi coloured hair!

Hope you enjoyed and have an amazing 2016, can't wait to share my year with all of you!

Melissa xxx

DIY: Christmas tinsel headband and choker

When I made my tinsel Christmas dress, (see my earlier post if you haven't already!) I had plenty of tinsel left, so I decided to make some pretty accessories to go with it! It's so cute, unique and very simple to create!

You will need:

♡ tinsel in colours of your choice

♡ needle and thread
♡ fabric glue
♡ old headband
♡ ribbon


For the headband, cut of your desired amount of tinsel then use fabric glue to attach it to the headband. Wait until the glue has dried and then you can wear it!

The choker is so quick to make! Just measure the ribbon around your neck to find out where you want it to go. Then hand stitch the tinsel into the middle of the ribbon and wrap it round your neck. And you're done!

Have an amazing Christmas, lots of love from,

Melissa xxx