Thrifty Outfit: A Splash of Colour on a Rainy Day

In amongst the scorching days we've had in Tunbridge Wells so far this summer there have also been a few really hellish thunder storms. 

Since its not cold but it is rainy a light rain coat is a must for this time of year. Now rain macs come in all shapes and sizes but my favourite one for brightening up a rainy day at the moment is this blue number from M&S.

I believe this coat is Limited Collection from a few years back and I got it in a second hand shop for under £10 (just). Its shower proof, lined and it has a hood. I think its a slightly too bright colour, but I find that it goes with so many different colours (red/yellow/green/black) that it really isn't a problem.

The jumper was bought online and has a lovely bit of beadwork around the neck. The skirt if old St. Michael stock and is the best shade of green.

Obligatory I'm wearing a hood shot:

Rain Coat: M&S via eBay

Jumper: Unknown via eBay

Skirt: St. Michael via charity shop

Shoes: Clarks

A Monsoon Dress in London Town

I went on a visit to London a few weeks ago as my parents were visiting for the long weekend. Since we've been getting the first batches of warmer weather I chose to wear one of my favourite dresses.

This blue and white number of from Monsoon, and the blue and white print has always made me think of those china patterns on plates (which my mum had some of when I was young so there is probably a nostalgia thing going on there). The dress is a 50s style prom shape that was really in circa 2012. My favourite thing is that it has pockets too which is the best place to put your phone.

The scarf came as a sort of 'gift wrap' from Lush and the cardigan is Laura Ashley, its not quite the right colour for this dress, but you know occasionally too much matchy matchy is not a good thing.

The shoes are my old lady Hotter shoes. 

I think these are my favourite glasses at the moment, I love the slight cat-eye shape and I adore browline in pretty much any form. I have them in blue and pink but I think the blue is a bit more versatile, maybe...

Having a little fun with some perspective shots... not all shots worked...

We also went on the Emirates Air Line cable car across the river. It was an amazing view! Please note my hand clutching the side of the car. I don't do so well with heights...  

Dress: Monsoon

Cardigan: Laura Ashley

Scarf: Vintage via Lush

Shoes: Hotter

Have you been on the Air Line? Its definitely worth a go!

Dr Whitwood I presume...

Well hello everyone! It's been a little while. With good reason I'd like to hope, I have spent the last few weeks prepping for my PhD viva which was this month.

The viva is the final hurdle of the PhD where examiners read your thesis and point out all of the mistakes and quiz you on what, how and why you did what you did. I spent most of the last 4 months terrified of this event but when it came to the day I was pretty nervous, but somehow not as bad as I expected.

My PhD has been very draining mentally and emotionally and as the culmination of 4 years hard work the viva is simply a daunting prospect.

Anyhow, I have good news! I passed! The dream is realised an I am going to be able to call myself doctor *big happy face*.

I got a pass with minor corrections so I need to rework a paragraph here or there and adding a couple of extra figures to my intro. It was a better result than I dared hope.

Deciding on what to wear on such a day was an absolute nightmare but I thought I wanted to feel comfortable and confident so I decided on a black dress from Monsoon, it has a swishy skirt and lace around the collar and shoulders.

I wore my hair down during the day, but for going out celebrating I put it up into a 60s inspired beehive.

I know this is a fairly short post, but I hope to see you more often now!