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Frock Off Friday

Friday 18 February 2011

Work is a bit stressy at this time of year. So much to do, so little time to do it in. I've got to go in at 8am tomorrow as well. GROAN. Ffion and I decided to cheer ourselves up today by instituting Frock Friday.





Dress - via New Life
Blouse - Dorothy Perkins
Tights - Marks & Spencer
Shoes - Next via charity shop

I enjoy the mystery of a New Life purchase. For those of you that don't know about it/haven't been, it's a sort of giant charity shop/warehouse near Cannock which is full of end of season High St clothing and accessories donated by the likes of River Island, Monsoon, New Look, Office etc. Very fun to rummage round in but they chop the labels out of the clothes so you have to play a guessing game as to where the stuff has come from. Easy if it's something you've just seen in store like the New Look swallow print dress I got from there last year or the obviously Monsoon beaded type things. Not so easy for something plainer like this. I'm guessing that it's not the cheaper end of the High St because the fabric is really nice and it's quite well made (care label says Made In Italy) but really I have no idea. Anyone recognise it? Haha, watch it be from Primark now!

Anyway, I love it. I feel rather like a classier version of a schoolgirl in it. Everything is covered up but I still feel a bit cheeky. If only I'd actually looked like this when I was at school. Nerd alert!!


Traumatic fringe and glasses interlude is now over.

To return to Frock Friday...


Ffion was looking lovely in a Cath Kidston dress and vintage cardi. There would have been more nice outdoor pics of us both but it was chuffing freezing today. I took my coat off with great reluctance and then practically had to do star jumps to keep warm, so all the photos of me outside are ridiculous and not for public viewing. It was back to the landing this evening instead. Maybe next week will be warmer.

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49 comments:

  1. Alice18 February 2011 at 20:26

    I have never heard of that New Life, but it sounds like a good way of sourcing good stuff. The guessing game is kind of part of the fun too, almost like finding something vintage. Not quite knowing exactly where it has come from x

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  2. Chloe18 February 2011 at 20:27

    The New Life thing sounds awesome- and a lot of fun to have a rummage through!

    Loving the dress, having serious dress lust and loving Ffion too!

    I had a fit of "must make an effort after wearing jeans and v-neck jumper all week" today. Make an effort Friday just doesn't sound the same though, does it?!

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  3. Hannah18 February 2011 at 20:32

    New Life is new to me but it's sounds really interesting especially the no label part! I love the lace detail of the shirt and the dress is lovely. Grown up school girl haha


    Bow Dream Nation xx

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  4. Anonymous18 February 2011 at 20:37

    I'm definitely heading up to explore New Life! Sounds amazing!
    Those shoes are gorgeous, too. I really want some strappy block heels.
    PS your cat in the first school pic is the spit of my Georgie! Awww.

    xxx Maddie

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  5. Unknown18 February 2011 at 20:43

    Ooh, your cat's striking quite the pose! We did a bit of a campaign at my work this year and the shoes all went to Newlife. I kind of want to pilgrimage to the shop as it sounds awesome!

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  6. Please may I?18 February 2011 at 20:53

    Wow you look fab!

    I've been to Newport a few times. You can get some great stuff from there you just need to furtle! Dislike my photo on my card though! Never mind eh!

    Think I shall have a look next week. Know how your feeling about work, I've got to go in tomorrow too.

    Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

    Much love Trayci. X x

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  7. Please may I?18 February 2011 at 20:54

    Sorry ment Newlife not Newport!

    X

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  8. Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms18 February 2011 at 21:14

    New Life sounds like my sort of place - must check if there's one near me. I think you look sweet in your school photo.

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  9. Candycane18 February 2011 at 21:47

    Beautiful dress - and I especially like those shoes!!! Your friend looks gorgeous too!!

    I've not heard of New Life before sounds amazing - I want to go now....

    Have a great wkend!!

    Sal x

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  10. Emily18 February 2011 at 21:55

    That dress is fantastic. It looks great on you. I'd not heard of New Life either. I thought it was a computer game. Must go and have a look at it!

    Emily x

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  11. elegancemaison18 February 2011 at 22:16

    I am constantly pleasantly surprised and delighted by your fashion choices. You always look great, and very much UK street style which makes me feel proud. Those were my days circa 1960s-70s! But as a slightly (!) older wannabe fashionista, I am often inspired by your choices: fabric and colour combinations to add some 'zing' into my outfits. I wish you could come and meet me at Frock Me! in Chelsea. Any time you want tickets, just email me.

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  12. FoodPilgrims18 February 2011 at 22:18

    New Life sounds like a fun and bargainous shopping experience!
    I love those shoes, too, what a great charity shop find :)
    Beth @ Baking and Brogues
    xx

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  13. Christina @ Fashion's Most Wanted18 February 2011 at 23:05

    Dearest Alex, I'm loving frock Friday. You look great.

    Ah bless you in the school pictures - I daren't post mine. The hairstyles were too shocking!

    I'm going to dress Tallulah up and send you some pics tomorrow. I'm comatose in front of the TV tonight. I'm such a coach potato at the moment. I'm gearing up for Fashion Week mentalness.

    Have a great weekend. Love, C xx

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  14. Natasha18 February 2011 at 23:14

    That blue dress is utterly gorgeous! You look stunning. I need to look for a new dress for my friend's birthday party on the 26th so you've inspired me to get going on it! And Ffion's dress is very pretty too. xxx

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  15. Helga19 February 2011 at 03:49

    Feck,I love that frock and those shoes and the way you're wearing it all! Hurrah for Frock Friday!
    You were so pretty as a schoolgirl!!(still are) Trauma or not,you just didn't KNOW you were hot!
    Ffion looks like a sweet pretty garden bed!!
    XXXlove!

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  16. Sophie in the Sticks19 February 2011 at 09:05

    love your dress and the shirt detailing. That charity shop sounds amazing!
    http://cgdn.blogspot.com/

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  17. topchelseagirl19 February 2011 at 10:34

    Frock Friday is a great idea! You both look great.

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  18. Emma x19 February 2011 at 10:36

    That dress fits you beautifully Alex. I've never heard of New Life before but it sounds brilliant.

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  19. Anonymous19 February 2011 at 10:38

    Thats a lovely dress you have there, I'd really like a pinafore type dress so I can wear blouses under it just like this! Never heard of New Life before but sounds like a great idea, I'm thinking Cannock isn't near Liverpool? Will look it up, my geography is terrible :) Ffion's dress is so pretty too, I always check out the Cath Kidtson dresses but they're generally a bit pricey :( have a lovely weekend, once you escape from work!

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  20. Ellie19 February 2011 at 11:19

    Love the idea of NewLife!! Totally fits in with my manifesto thing :) Wish there was one near me. That dress is really cute, but I don't recognise it! x

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  21. Ella19 February 2011 at 12:12

    alex i adore this outfit, the heels are so sweet. it looks like i need to get to New Life asap! those pictures of you from years ago are so sweet! id never brave mine on here xxx

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  22. Vix19 February 2011 at 13:16

    You and Ffion both look gorgeous! That dress you're wearing is lovely. New Life used to have a fair bit of Diesel stock, it looks quirky enough to be one of their designs. It's been an age since I went despite it being about five miles away.
    You were a cute kiddie and the black and white cat looked a bit of a flirt. xxx

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  23. heartshapedbruise.19 February 2011 at 16:49

    I think Frock Friday is a fab idea - I really like your outfit. The dress is gorgeous with that pretty blouse underneath.

    Loving the 'New Life' concept - pretty sure it doesn't exist round here - which would just be typical to be honest. Oh well!

    www.heart-shaped-bruise.blogspot.com

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  24. Penny Dreadful Vintage19 February 2011 at 17:22

    aww Alex, look how cute you were! I had to wear glasses from 12-16 (then I switched to contacts) but REFUSED to wear them anywhere other than class, I hated them so. Certainly not in photos. And I was always 'snubbing' people because I hadn't seen them. I think this is why I walk in such a daydream nowadays still. However, my photos were always terrible because I always used to manage to lose teeth and get coldsores before photo time. So unattractive! xx

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  25. Nicola19 February 2011 at 18:20

    New Life sounds great. I think the dress looks like one of those small brands that Topshop stocks, but I can't remember which. It might be Love. A year or two ago I bought a plaid one that was just that shape, with the buttons on the front, but I sold it on eBay so I can't check whether it was made in Italy!

    Ffion looks lovely too, I really like her cardigan!

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  26. Rachel, Cold Knees19 February 2011 at 18:45

    Wow New Life sounds amazing- wish there was one near London! love your dress, and the shoes!! xx

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  27. daisychain19 February 2011 at 19:35

    Is New Life the place you and char went before you visited me? I want to go!

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  28. Victoria19 February 2011 at 20:59

    That dress is so lovely and very flattering, it does look good quality too...That new life store sounds very interesting....xxx

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  29. Ellinor Forje20 February 2011 at 02:10

    I'm inlove with the first outfit. Thanks for sharing the photos and drop by me too, soon.

    Cheers sweetie.

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  30. Prutha Raithatha20 February 2011 at 06:44

    lovely blue color i say

    http://www.donotshoeme.blogspot.com/

    follow if u like what u see?

    xoxo

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  31. Pearl Westwood20 February 2011 at 11:08

    I'd never heard of New Life, how fun! Also not knowing the label is great as you will only focus on quality!

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  32. Natasha20 February 2011 at 16:59

    It's good that you picked the jobs you love over lots of money, I'm very much like that so I don't see myself going for a large salary for a sales jobs or something...and I have to say again that this dress really is beautiful, I love the navy colour. xxx

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  33. Filipa20 February 2011 at 21:03

    I haven't heard of New Life thing before! Is it just at that one place or are there more? it's the best concept ever!! :) Though I'm pretty generally rubbish having to deal with large quantities of clothes at once without any particularly obvious organisation.. that's why i'm completely rubbish at shopping in charity shops :P

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  34. Hayley20 February 2011 at 23:30

    I *love* New Life, have only been a few times, but its just amazing (and a bit scary when the bell goes to show new stock out!)

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  35. Arianne21 February 2011 at 04:37

    So Regency. I need to try this P&P 2005 look out.

    Arianne from A + B in the Sea

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  36. char21 February 2011 at 11:01

    i love the idea of Frock Friday!! :)
    you both look fabulous :) xx

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  37. Francesca21 February 2011 at 11:02

    If you wore those glasses now they would be stylish again haha! Pretty shoes :) let me know if you want to follow each other :)

    http://opinionslave.blogspot.com

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  38. Alison Cross21 February 2011 at 12:47

    You look GREAT and I love the idea of Frock Friday. I may follow suit :-)

    Ali x

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  39. Elise21 February 2011 at 13:58

    Haha great old pics - I too had the dodgy glasses and fringe, what were our mothers thinking?! (altho my mum also had those glasses, not cool...) Loving the outfit, totally excellent shoes! :)

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  40. dannithegirl21 February 2011 at 15:14

    That dress is gorgeous! You look fantastic, I agree with the whole naughty-without-actually-being thing!

    My nickname at school was 'fringey' and if it wasn't for the hairdresser accidentally cutting me one in again years later (no I have no idea how you accidentally cut a fringe either) then I never would have gone back to one because of the trauma!

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  41. Heart Charlie21 February 2011 at 16:36

    Adorable photos!!!!! And i love that dress ;)

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  42. Sangu Mandanna21 February 2011 at 17:17

    Oooh Alex I love love LOVE that pinafore dress, it's gorgeous! And Ffion's dress is so pretty!

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  43. Lisa Lisa Lisa21 February 2011 at 20:05

    Umm we need one in the US stat!! Seriously, what an amazing adventure a visit to New Life would be! I really really love the frock, it is so flattering, chic and adorable at the same time.
    I love your shared pictures lol you were such a sweet, cute kid!

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  44. WeShop21 February 2011 at 20:12

    Frock Friday is a great idea - what a fab way to get in a good mood for the weekend. Love the school pic - v cute! xx

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  45. Anonymous21 February 2011 at 21:33

    I just wanted to tell you that I agreed 100% with what you said over on randomdaydreaming! You sound a very nice person (just wanted to let you know).

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  46. Helen21 February 2011 at 22:41

    Ahh that shop sounds amazing! Wish it was closer! I love ffion's dress too.

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  47. the ineffable soul22 February 2011 at 03:41

    that shop sounds awesome, love the dress but not a clue where its from! hope you had a nice unstressful weekend :) x

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  48. maggeygrace22 February 2011 at 05:53

    I loveeee that dress and especially those shoes! SOOO cute!

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  49. giddynici22 February 2011 at 13:21

    Love Frock Friday. The 2 of you look just gorgeous. Both very pretty dresses. And your shoes are fab. x

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