Summer Essentials

Blue Clutch: H&M, Silver Clutch: Zara, Woven Clutch: Primark, Scarf: Alexander McQueen, Necklace: New Look, Rings: YSL, Bracelet: Hermes, Sunglasses: Primark, Perfume: Eternity Summer, Hat: Matalan Men's

I hate packing so much! Trying to work out what to take on holiday is hard! I mean, what if you get there and you've left that top that goes perfectly with your favourite shorts at home! Queue over packing! But I always have a few essentials I put in the case! A hat or two, silk scarf, clutch bags which could go with anything, a statement necklace to jazz up any outfit, sunglasses (I confess I take around 6 pairs!) and a summer perfume. My favourite summer scent which reminds me of a lot of of my favourite holidays is Eternity Summer by Calvin Klein. It's such a clean light scent. 

Trends change so quickly, that if you can't afford designer accessories then it doesn't matter! I never buy designer unless I can see it being a forever item or unless its a good cost per wear! I think it might have been gok wan that introduced me to this concept BUT it is worth a thought before you go to the tills! If an item is cheap but you'll only wear once then its guilt free surely, but if there is something slightly more expensive that you'll have for longer i.e wear more then why not invest?!?  

Cost of item / Times worn = Cost per wear! 

K∆

Back More or Less...

Give me a playsuit, give me a jumpsuit, give me anything with a low back and I'll love it. Easy to wear, and a little bit cheeky! ASOS have some perfect pieces and they don't cost a fortune! 

We recently went out for a friend birthday in East London, which means flat shoes are completely acceptable and with all the weddings we have had lately, a chance to save my feet was welcome! Luckily the weather was lovely so was the perfect opportunity to wear my new wardrobe addition which came just in time...

Playsuit - ASOS, Bag - Zara, Jacket - Primark, Sandals - Zara 

Two Wheels & One Sunny Evening

Bag - Zara , Bracelet - Cartier, Hermes, Watch - Michael Kors, Sunglasses - Rayban, Top - Zara, Skort - Zara

I absolutely love London in summer, even more if its warm! We decided to explore it on two wheels. Even though I work in London I can't say I ever explore properly! So, we had a few drinks to start in the City and once we worked out how to release the bikes we rode up the Embankment, through Trafalgar Square & into the West End! We had a couple more drinks then made our way to Meat Liquor for some casual food and MORE drinks! Instead of getting a black cab back to the City we jumped back on the bikes! I'm not sure we looked like we knew what we were doing as some kind policemen helped us find the train station! 

The Folly, City of London

Barclays Bikes 

Planning a route!

The Budgétaire by the Thames 

Meat Liquor Artwork

Mykonos ... The Windy Island of Dreams

Dress - Mykonos Purchase, Gold Sandals - Office, Sunglasses - Rayban, Headscarf - Alexander McQueen Silk Scarf worn around hair bun

My mum and I have had holidays together for the last 3/4 years! It started as a last minute break away one summer and has become a little tradition! Our pre holiday ritual is to decide what to pack (it's not fun) then pamper and pack! By the time we get to where we are going we are ready to relax and enjoy the sun. Is year we chose Mykonos. Everything about it was perfect for a girls weekend away! The weather (minus the crazy wind!) was lovely and  the town was stunning and surrounded by the biggest yachts I have ever seen! The style is effortless and we took mental notes from the ladies. They oozed class and money but in a subtle way, nothing was branded or gaudy!

Another island of dreams. If your thinking about it go! & check out Semeli Bar in Mykonos Town! You'll dance till 4am! 

Jumper - Zara, White Dress worn underneath - Zara, Bag - Zara, Sandals - Zara 

Lunch by the sea 

Tshirt - Zara, Shorts - Abercrombie & Fitch, Sandals - Primark, Sunglasses - Rayban, watch - Michael Kors

View from our pool

Dress - Forever21, Sandals - Forever21, Bag - Zara, Watch - Michael Kors, Bracelet - Cartier

Psarou Beach

Shirt - Primark (worn tied round waist), Shorts - High Waisted White H&M, Sunglasses - Rayban

Psarou Beach

Dress - ASOS Jewelled Dress, Bag - Zara, Ring - YSL Arty, Bracelet - Cartier, Sandals - Forever21

The Famous Jackie O's

Stunning sea view 

Mirror Mirror

I don't think a mirror shot needs its own post so I have a few recent outfits, only documented by mirror photos at the moment, all in one! I normally take a photo to remind me how I wore something, so next time I can change the combinations or just to check I'm happy with how it looks OR just because..... I have realised lately how plain my outfits look, especially when they are put next to each other! I find that in the summer I go with the less is more approach! I get so hot so anything fussy gets too much! I really look forward to winter as I experiment with different fabrics and textures with layering!

K∆

1. Silk Tank Top - Zara, Skirt - Zara, Bracelet - Hermes (Worn for a wedding reception)

2. Yellow Wing Dress - Zara, Nude Belt - Zara, Bracelet - Hermes (Worn for an all day wedding) 

3. Red Silk Tank Top - Topshop Boutique, Shorts - H&M, Bracelet - Hermes (Worn on a casual Saturday)

4. Tshirt - Zara, Skirt - H&M, Bracelets - Hermes and Cartier LOVE (Worn shopping with flat ankle sandals)

5. Dress - Boohoo, Belt - Reiss, Shoes - Zara (Worn for a Birthday dinner)

6. Shorts - Primark, Top - Vintage Crochet, Bracelet - Hermes (Worn with heels for a smart casual night out)

Heaven on Earth

Fast forward a couple of months! For Elliot's 30th birthday I thought I would organise (my fav thing) a long weekend in the sunshine. We got to the airport and I handed him heart covered envelope number 1 - the destination - Santorini! After a 4 hour flight we arrived and got picked up by a driver who whisked us to our hotel (Rocabella Spa & Suites). We had been upgraded to a jacuzzi suite, our room was stunning and within 5 mins we were sipping a cold bottle of Mythos while admiring the view from our terrace.

Travel Outfit:White Linen Peplum Tee - Reiss, Printed Trousers with Dark Side Stripe - Primark, Mirrored Sunglasses - RayBan 

From then it was the most magical four days. Sunsets, amazing food, views, relaxation & will always be the most memorable trip to date. I could not recommend it enough! 

View from our room

Our Balcony at Sunset

Pink Slouchy Tee - Zara, Statement Necklace - Primark, Silver Clutch - Zara 

White Skinny Jeans - H&M, Silver Peep Toe Sandals - Forever21

Cocktails by the Pool

Hat - Topshop, Bikini - Primark 

Hat - Topshop, Dress - Forever21

Dinner Date, Jumper - H&M, Shorts - Topshop, Watch - Michael Kors

Black Sand Beaches, Printed Shorts - Primark, Black Bikini - H&M, Bag - Longchamp Le Pliage, Sunglasses - RayBan

Sheer Chiffon Print Maxi - Forever21, Silver Clutch - Zara, Bracelets - Monica Vinader, Sunglasses - Rayban, Simple Metallic Sandals - Forever21

Andronis Suites - Dinner location 

I WILL get married here one day! Heaven on earth.

K∆

Roman Holiday

I thought I would back track a bit and go back to the start of the year as iv done quite a lot so far and would be a waste to not show you!

So in the cold month of February, my boyfriend and I decided to head over to Rome (after umming and arring) and coincided the trip with Valentines Day. It didn't seem a huge deal over there but the City itself is romantic enough! 

The Trevi Fountain, a minutes walk from our hotel.

We touched down to amazing sunshine and a welcomed warmer climate and the adventure began! Our hotel was in a fantastic location, walking distance to everything and beautiful interiors, boutique chic. I won't waffle too much but everything is so stunning, breathtaking! The weather was perfect & the crowds weren't as intense as the summer months, what could be better?

Exploring! Jacket: Zara, Jumper: H&M, Shirt: Sheer Chiffon H&M, Trousers: Leather Look Topshop, Bag: Zara, Shoes: Ash ALEX wedge trainers 

We drank alot of red wine, so much we missed our first night out due to over sleeping! Hangover cured by breakfast and more exploring!

At the bottom of the Spanish Steps. Jacket: Primark, Jumper: Thin knit from H&M, Snood: Linen Tassle Snood from River Island, Jeans: JBrand, Boots: Leopard Print Zara, Bag: Longchamp.Le Pliage Sunglasses: Topshop 

Cheesy, but it was Valentines Day!

Outfit as before (minus the jacket)

Evening in the Hotel Lobby. Jacket: Primark, Top: Peplum black tee (hardly seen), Trousers: H&M, Bag: H&M, Shoes: Topshop, Snood: River Island

Our last day, outside the Pantheon

Breakfast taking in the view 

Jacket: Zara, Top: H&M, Necklace: H&M, Trousers: Leather Look Topshop, Bag: Zara, Sunglasses: Topshop

Would love to visit again. I loved our Roman holiday. 

K∆

I'm Katie and I'm a blog and fashion addict. There, I said it. I spend my time lusting over all the beautiful clothes, shoes and bags on my favourite blogs wondering if I would ever be able to afford even a snippet of those lucky ladies wardrobes! I have a good job in London Town, I earn a good wage, but it never seems to go fair enough! Sometimes I think it's more of a fashion challenge to look chic/on trend when your on a budget. The high street have some amazing catwalk copies, however, I've never wanted to be a catwalk copy, and I would like to think I have my own style. I think a lot of people feel the same way! So, this is where the idea of The Budgétaire was born. On a warm summers evening in August, sat with one of my oldest friends (fellow fashion follower & shopping addict), after discussing our favourite trends and latest lust item, why not have a blog for, dare I say "normal" girls, on good but not millionaire salaries who love clothes, makeup, hair and styling!? My camera is an iPhone 5 (no fancy gadgets for me....yet) and the outfits are from my existing but ever growing wardrobe!

I hope you enjoy The Budgétaire!

K∆

This photo was taken in LA shopping on Robertson.

Chanel was by far my favourite shop, however no purchases were made, only wish lists! 

Dress: H&M

Sunglasses: Rayban Aviators

Watch: Michael Kors