Don’t we all.

Jokes aside, I chose that title because something about this dress makes me feel a little bit like I’m in holiday mode. I bought it thinking that although it is clearly a holiday dress for throwing over a bikini as you wander into the Old Town for a few drinks, as it had fairly muted colours I might be able to wear it around the UK too.

Maybe it’s the frill and off-the-shoulder combo, but something about it just makes me feel a little bit Mexican or Spanish. Perhaps I should have accessorised with some maracas? Do they actually shake maracas in Mexico? Who knows. I’m saying this, but if you were too look really closely at the panel near the hem you’d see it’s decorated with Elephants in all their blanketed and head-dressed glory. So maybe I should call this The International Dress instead, as the design seems to be incorporating quite a few continents.

Another thing only the eagle-eyed amongst you will notice is that around the frill instead of a plain hem, it is finished with a row of platted threads in a rope-like effect. When I first looked at the photos on the camera screen I was a little worried that this trim had turned out yellow – but I can assure you this dress (a recent steal at Primark) is purely midnight navy and ivory. At one point not too long ago, I would have said black and white; but working with fashion fabrics teaches you a thing or two about the ever-so-slight shade differences, which before you never really gave a crap about.

Although it has an elasticated waist, the one row of shirring is pretty pointless to be honest. It makes you look like you kinda-might have a waist if you step back and squint a bit. As such I’ve teamed it with a fairly thick black belt stolen from good ol’ mum. Living at home still has some perks.

The wedges are from a past New Look collection, but let’s face it: tan leather wedges won’t be hard to find. As these ones have a massive platform at the front, it does mean you can walk for quite a while in them, even down gravelly paths to take outfit of the day photos.

Normally whenever I wear my hair up like this I feel all nude and like I’m missing an integral part of me. How is a gal meant to get through the day without playing with her hair? With this look, I guess we can blame the aforementioned holiday mode – because when it’s near 40° who really wants to straighten their hair? So if this Outfit of The Day post has inspired you to book me a free holiday, just drop me a line. And maybe some spending money too for good measure.

The sun has been hiding behind the clouds, but that’s alright because in these photos my legs are that pale they’re basically bright enough. Pale is interesting though, right?

I bought this outfit for a recent jaunt to York after falling in love with it as part of another blogger’s edit. Having a pleather skirt makes me feel oh-so-fashion, and that’s always a good thing. The fact it is in Burgundy is also one of my favourite things about it – I never really liked burgundy, however this skirt is dark enough to be fairly flattering and autumnal but isn’t a standard black, so it feels a bit more fun and modern. Part of me feels a bit like a pessimist rolling out the autumn outfits in late August, but then I remember I live in the North of England and suddenly feel less like a pessimist and more like a realist. Plus it was throwing it down when we took these photos (hence the brolly.)

Another thing that I like about this skirt (and probably shoes how old and boring I have become) is that it has pockets. Like actual pockets – not just decorative ones. Perfect for when you’ve got your hands full but cannot bear to part with your phone. (By the way, if you are a tiny bit addicted to your phone this post might be worth a gander.)

I did wear it to the office one day and FYI, if you sit down in it for a few solid hours you do end up with a crinkly bum. Sad times. With it being pleather I’m not too sure what the care instructions would be, however the Mum of the Office has told me that you can get stubborn creases out by using a hairdryer to warm it up then smooth it out. I haven’t tried it yet though, so don’t quote me on it. Also, if it looks like your skirts gonna melt, back off with the heat, obz.

The grey top is also from New Look (did I mention the skirt was from New Look?) but to be honest most places are stocking these style tops. This one is quite close fitting which is quite nice, because it seems that lately there’s been no middle-ground between loose and body-con. But this one manages to look close fitting without making you want to reach for Spanx and cry into your Instagram feed.

I paired this outfit with some plain, wedged black suede boots. I feel like I need to state that, just to clear things up, because it kinda looks like I’m just wearing black socks in this photo. So yeah, I am wearing boots, promise.

Lately I’ve been pretty chuffed with the state of my nails. #Justsaying

I say this, then went and chipped them the day of this blog post (bloody typical) – but I suppose the key word there is chipped, now I’m no expert but generally I would have expected trapping your fingers in a filing cabinet to break the nails not just damage the polish. Because trust me, it felt like I’d broken a finger or five.

Anyway, I’m putting my nails new super strength down to a few things I’ve started incorporate into my nail-care routine so thought I’d share them with you guys. Because let’s face it, who doesn’t love having their talons on point?

1. Sally Hansen

Normally when a product promises to change me in a week, I’m sceptical, then hopeful, and finally disappointed. I’ve never normally been a fan of base coats because, well to be honest, they seem like a bit of a faff. Even accidentally dying my natural nails a variety of colours couldn’t make be bothered with them. After trying this one though I’ve been converted; it doesn’t take long to dry but my nails now feel impossibly strong – and the actual polish lasts loads longer.

2. Greek Yoghurt.

Like anyone needs an excuse to eat more of this bad boy? (please say it’s not just me) beauty magazines, scientific magazines…basically all magazines have spouted how diary is needed for strong bones and nails. Those same magazines tell you that protein can make all the difference for nails and hair; apparently as nails are made out of protein adding extra to your diet can act as a (almost) instant top up. Diary and protein in one swift punch; what more could a gal want?

3. Blueberries

Who knew eh? We all know they are full of little pretty antioxidants but did you know they can protect your nails (and ya know; the rest of you) from the effects of stress? Stress can be a major contributor to the state of your nails, but blueberries can help reverse some of the weakness/flakiness and protect your nails for next time. Add the blueberries (and other berries – no need to be boring) to the Greek yoghurt for your breakfast and that not only is it like heaven on a spoon; it’s also two birds with one stone. This photo was taken first thing in the morning, so please excuse it being a little off centre… apparently it takes an hour or two for me to wake up. Oops.

4. Avoid Hand Sanitiser

Say wuuuut? I know, them little bottles are hard to give up, especially when you work in retail/health care/with the general public. If you do use them often, try to avoid getting it on your nails though as they dry nails out like nobody’s business. All soaps in truth act as devils when it comes to drying out things, but it shows mostly on your nails. If you can’t limit your use, try to apply it to your hands then use a wet something or other to give your nails a once over and remove most of it.

5. Get Edgy

By this I mean take care of all the edges of your nails – though feel free to overhaul your look to be a bit more punky if you feel like it. Anyway, try to file your nails regularly (it also makes been on hold to call centres a lot more productive) and always file the nail in the same direction, when the nail is completely dry. Filing damp nails can do more harm than good.

While still thinking about edges, keep your cuticles in good condition with a natural moisturiser. Also never, ever cut them… I know some cheap manicurists will try and cut you sneakily but cuticles are so important to healthy nails. Plus cutting them provides an entry point for infections: nasty.

Now I’ve come to the end of this blog post, I’m a bit worried I would have jinxed myself. If I break all my nails tomorrow; I’m blaming you.

There was two possible titles for this post, the one I went with and ‘The Blogger’s Cliché White Floaty Lace Top’ because it seems you cannot be a doing an outfit of the day post Spring/Summer 15 without featuring this kinda top at least once.

Possibly because they are so darn floaty and pretty. It makes you think that summer is on the way, even if your weather app tells you different. I wish the top was dazzlingly white because of the sun, but in reality it’s because a while back I decided a 5 bulb chandelier was obviously the way to go. Now everything is mega bright, even when you’re not stood directly under it.

This gem is from Peacocks, though Dorothy Perkins does do one that is practically identical, even down to the design of the lace. The only difference is the sleeves; this one has ¾ length sleeves that are elasticated around the elbow area – I’m not sure how better to describe the length than that. Whereas the Dorothy Perkins variation has sleeves that aren’t elasticated, so I guess there’s a version of this top for everyone.

Having a cheesecloth feel, it is oh so floaty… like you’re wearing a top spun by fairies. It also means that it can be a little bit sheer though, so if you’re wearing it to the office you may want to slip a vest top on underneath.

The trousers are the ye old faithful ones from Sainsbury – apparently when I pick up pieces of work wear; I turn into a middle-class mother of 2.5 kids. Who knew?

Although I love statement jewellery; I’ve teamed this with a simple gold Albert chain necklace because summer = simplicity, right?

Being a bit plain, it also means that you can throw on whichever blazer of jacket when you’re running late in the morning. Quick, simple yet smart(ish) – could this be the perfect summer work top?