Review | Eleanor Calder Exact Zara Lace Dress

I'm unsure whether it is viewed as strange to review clothing items as I personally have never seen it done before. However, I know many people out there are huge fans of Eleanor Calder (myself included) and often go hunting for "exacts" of the clothes she wears. I purchased this dress last year and thought that for anyone searching through eBay, Etsy or anywhere that sells clothes that are no longer in stock for this specific dress, a review may be helpful in deciding whether to pursue forward in purchasing the dress and how much to pay for it. 

Price

I purchased this dress for only £15 in the Zara sale last year. An amazing bargain as it was £70 beforehand. Don't be fooled by anybody trying to sell it for massive amounts on eBay as I have seen this done before and it is not worth that. 

Style

If I am honest, after seeing the price of this dress in the Zara sale, I couldn't help but to purchase it. One of those "I don't even care what I am buying, its reduced by £60" kind of moments. The style of the dress itself, I am not actually keen on. When I wear it, it makes me feel very top heavy as I have very big boobs! It looks brilliant on Eleanor Calder because she has such a lean, tall, slim figure. On me however, it looks like I am about to bottle over because I am carrying so much weight on top. As well as this, I feel it really exaggerates my arm fat. My arms are not big but the sleeveless style cuts into my underarms and creates skin rolls (that doesn't sound very pleasant but I am not sure how else to describe it). 

Material

My favourite thing about this dress is definitely the lace back. It is so pretty and adds a little maturity to a dress that would otherwise look like something a five year old might wear. The only fault to it, is that the lace isn't stretchy so can be very uncomfortable as it rubs against your arms. The yellow material is again, not stretchy. This isn't a huge problem as the skirt flares out but when you sit down, it can become very uncomfortable around the waste as the material digs in instead of stretching out with your size. 

Sizing

Zara sizing is always difficult for me. Sometimes, I will pick up a large and it is perfect fit and other times, I will need to purchase a small. I purchased this dress in a small and definitely should have chosen a bigger size. I would definitely say the dress is smaller than a usual Zara size small.

To summarise, if you are going to spend a few extra pennies purchasing an Eleanor Calder exact item of clothing, I wouldn't suggest this dress. She has such lovely style and I have seen her wear much more flattering, attractive dresses. However, I really think that this dress would look lovely on somebody who isn't top heavy like me!

If you enjoyed this post, let me know. I have many other "Eleanor Calder Exacts" and can do some more posts similar to this one. 

Susie Roo xo

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My Top Winter Coats

The summer seems to be passing like sand slipping through my fingers; inevitably ending as it began. So with every passing hour, I am reminded that college is fast approaching and with that, so are the endless winter days with nothing but rain and clouds. 

The silver lining in all this is that with winter, arrives coats and I looooooove buying coats. So, here is a short list of the coats I hope to be buying in preparation for winter. Highly doubtful that I will purchase them all as money doesn't grow on trees. 

 ASOS Fluffy Cocoon Coat - These coat has been in my ASOS saved basket for as long as I can remember. I bought a black version last winter and wore it non-stop throughout the cold months. As I am trying to venture out of my "all black" style, I thought a pink would be lovely. I can just picture it with a grey v-neck t-shirt, black jeans and some boots! This style of coat is also perfect for throwing a few extra layers underneath as they are oversized. 

ASOS Textured Biker Jacket - Again, trying to leave behind my "all black" style. This coat is a lovely mint green which will really brighten up the dark winter days. I already have a black leather jacket which is my most treasured possession; it is rare that I will go two days without wearing it at least once. Looking at the photos, the material of the coat seems thick which means I will stay warm. If, however, it is not, I feel a snuggly white scarf will look brilliant with it and add extra warmth.

ASOS Denim Jacket with Borg Lining  - I love my oversized Levi denim jacket but I find in the winter, the denim can get extremely cold and I can not bring myself to wear it. The borg version is a perfect alternative as the fluff inside will stop it getting cold and keep my warm. I have always lusted over denim jackets because they go with pretty much anything; trackies, jeans, skirts, trousers. They are the perfect coat when you can't really be bothered to spend hours in the morning planning a matching outfit. 

Zara White Boyfriend Jacket - I found this boyfriend coat on eBay a few months ago and it has recently sold. I very much feel regret at this point for not buying but I will keep searching eBay until I find an identical or similar version. This coat would be perfect for parties, when everyone is standing outside but it's miles to cold to even put my foot out the door. It's very sophisticated; will really compliment a little black dress and some gold jewellery. 

Zara Quilted Crossover Leather Jacket - I thought this jacket would be another alternative to my frequently worn leather jacket. I love the leather patches as it makes it a little less grunge and more classy. I have owned many khaki coats in the past but I always find they make my outfit look scruffy... I really don't know why I think that but I do. So, the additional leather patches are the perfect touch. I think it would look brilliant paired with a scarf, boots and a floppy hat. 

Topshop Camel Boyfriend Coat - Another boyfriend coat... can you tell how much I like them? I honestly fell upon this coat when I saw a friend wear it a few years ago. Since then, I have seen her wearing it very often and it always looks great. She pairs it with everything she owns and that really appeals to me as it's clearly very versatile. She told me it was from Topshop and since then I have searched eBay far and wide for the coat but they sell for such expensive prices, I haven't found myself bidding on one (such a sad story). Clearly, it's a very popular coat. 

Let me know what your opinions are as I need to make decisions on which ones to get!

Susie Roo xo

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Outfit Of The Day

I am surprisingly loving the weather forecast in England at the moment. It is cold enough that you can wear jeans but not too cold that you have to put on a massive, warm, winter coat that covers your whole outfit. If I am honest, I am planning all my outfits around my favourite Chelsea boots at the moment as I love them so much. So today, I paired them with classic black jeans, an oversized shirt and a patterned blazer to make the outfit a little more interesting!

Susie Roo xo

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What Can You Buy In Turkey?

This summer, I went on a two week holiday to Turkey. As well it being extremely hot  (which I love) there were rows and rows and rows of market stalls selling everything you could ever wish for at unbelievable prices: hats, bags, jewellery, decorations, shoes, clothes, scarves, ceramics, herbs. Everything. I honestly wish I had saved all the money I had previously spent on holiday clothes and just taken it to Turkey to spend it all there. With the money I did I have, I purchased a few bits and bobs and I thought I would share!

1. Silver Turquoise Stone Ring

I have wanted a turquoise stone ring for the summer but unfortunately, never found any pretty ones in the shops! This one is perfect and stone is great size to get noticed but not too big. As well as this, every single ring on the market stall was home made and unique, so there is something very special about knowing that no one else in the world has this ring!

 2. Embroidered Turquoise Purse

This was only 1 euro and such a beautiful pattern. My terrible IPhone camera does not do it justice. I thought I could use it to store bobby pins and hair bands in my bag so I could stop losing them! 

3. Ralph Lauren Bowler Bag

Brought this back hoping it would motivate me to go to the gym. If you have read my last post, you will know that it actually has! I choose a bright colour to add a little excitement to my wardrobe and though the quality isn't amazing, it was only 10 euros so I am not complaining!

 4. Michael Kors Bag

When I left for Turkey, my main aim of the holiday was to come home with a designer bag (and an amazing tan obviously). It took me the whole two weeks to decide which bag to get as there were so many amazing ones! I searched through every single bag shop and stall to find the perfect one. There were real leather Prada, Celine and Mulberry bags available which were definitely to my liking but they were a lot more pricey so I decided to go for a Michael Kors classic. Not real leather but it certainly looks authentic from a far and it goes perfectly with my style. 

5. Longchamp Bag

I brought this bag as soon as I saw it because I thought it would be perfect for college. My friend has a green one and it fits all her books and folders in it perfectly. As well as it being the perfect size, it was only 5 euros. Who could say no to that?

6. Burberry London Scarf

This is my favourite purchase from my whole holiday! I got a tartan scarf for Christmas which I ended up wearing for quite a lot of winter but it was very small. This one is massive - you can pull it apart to be the size of picnic rug! I love it and can't wait to wear it everyday of winter.

Small Summer Boohoo Haul

I visited Turkey a few months ago (sorry this is a very delayed post) and while I was "mentally packing" (deciding what to wear in my head) I realised I was lacking sunglasses, shoes and jewellery. So, I did as any girl would do - opened my laptop with a cup of tea and spent 10 hours internet shopping. A few weeks ago my parcel arrived, and though the shoes I returned, I am happy to say I love the rest of it. 

Gemma Cat Eye Sunglasses - Black 

I love these sunglasses. When they first arrived, I was a bit taken aback because the frames were much bigger than expected. Nonetheless, I wore them out anyway and all I  received was compliments. As they are black, they go with pretty much any outfit you put on which is wonderful if you are as OCD as I am and often waste time choosing an outfit that matches your sunglasses. I am sure I will be wearing them non-stop over my holiday: at the beach, walking around and in the evening - they can be dressed up or down. They have a black tint to them so really block out the bright, shining sun during the day. I love this as often the tint in sunglasses can be very weak and don't really do much um, sun blocking?!

Elle Round Frame Tortoiseshell Sunglasses

I ended up buying two pairs of sunglasses... wasn't really needed but they were so cheap I could not resist. This pair are just as brilliant as the last. They have a brown tint to them so don't block out the sun as much but still work well. I love these glasses as they feel tighter, stronger and more stable than the other pair. So they don't feel as though they will slip of my head and break! The tortoiseshell design is a simple classic and I have always loved it. 

Elvie Snake Arm Cuff

I have wanted an arm cuff for as long as I could remember but have never braved to buy one as I convinced myself it would make my arm look large or just look stupid. As I am trying not to care what people think this summer, I decided to purchase one. This one was cheap and simple; just what I wanted. The size can easily be adjusted to wear anywhere on your arm and it looks wonderful with anything sleeveless. So far, I can not fault it but as it was cheap, I am sure over time the colour will begin to fade but we will just have to wait and see!

Jessica Mock Croc Slip On Flats

I wanted to include these slip on shoes in this post as I did purchase them. However, I will be sending them back. It isn't that they were ugly, uncomfortable or unsupportive (though I didn't really wear them enough to judge for this) but they were miles too big! I ordered my usual size and pair that arrived looked like the green giants shoe size. I honestly wish they had fit as I love the design and they would have been perfect for holiday. I may reorder them in my size but I think a similar pair have just come out at topshop so I may have to pop down there instead. It's always sad when something you loved doesn't fit. 

I have done a lot more online shopping since these products arrived so I will be making a post about that. However, I have brought so much stuff (oops) it's proving difficult to take photos and review every product. I may have to attempt another youtube video. 

Susie Roo xo

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What's In My Gym Bag?

As much as exercising appeals to me, I think that the best part of the gym is the lovely gym bag and all the stuff in it that you feel the need to purchase. Don't get me wrong, sweating and losing breath on a cross trainer is enjoyable but what's more fun, is the interesting, snazzy cosmetics you have spent extra money on to wash yourself with after. Am I the only person that thinks this?

So, what's in my gym bag?

Polo Ralph Lauren Bag - I purchased this in Turkey this summer so it is most definitely a knock-off but who else knows that? It's a bowler shaped bag which is perfect for the gym as it can hold a lot of stuff. I chose a bright colour as I usually wear black to the gym so I thought it would add a little excitement to my outfit (not that going to the gym is a fashion show or anything). It also has a large strap which is perfect for throwing it over your shoulder when your arms ache after all your weight lifting... ha ha ha

Water Bottle - Usually, I just take any water bottle that I can find in my house. I am not picky as long as it doesn't leak and I don't have to remove the lid to drink it (those sorts of lids can be a pain when running on a treadmill). 

Cath Kidston Purse - Not always necessary but usually it has my gym card and locker key in it, so it is easier to take the whole thing!

Gym Clothes - Obviously. Would be a little bit lost without them!

Adidas Swimming Costume, Hat and Goggles - I always go in the swimming pool to do a few lengths after the gym to cool down or I go in the jacuzzi/sauna so a swimming costume is a must. I usually keep these items in a separate plastic bag so that when I have used them, they don't get everything else in my bag wet. 

Headphones - Can't do anything without Two Door Cinema, Macklemore or Bastille blasting into your ears. 

Wash Bag - As I said, the best part of the gym is the cleaning yourself afterwards with lots of lovely goodies. My wash bag is just a cheap Tesco one as I take it in the shower so more likely than not, it will get wet and ruined. 

So, what's in my wash bag?

Hair Brush - I would prefer to have a tangle teezer as they are smaller and can fit into a wash bag much more easily. However, I haven't found the courage to spend £12 on a plastic brush when I can buy one from Primark for a £1. Does everyone think they are really worth it?

Sure Deodorant - Always required.  

Impulse Very Pink Body Spray - I buy the cheaper, canned body sprays for after the gym as perfumes are so expensive and I go through them so quickly. The bodies sprays aren't brilliant as I can rarely smell them on me after half an hour of wearing them but I usually top up with perfume later on in the day.   

TRESemme Freeze Hold Hairspray - I rarely use this unless I am going out somewhere immediately afterwards but I like to carry it just in case!

Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo - The best shampoo. Smells lovely and makes my hair feel so smooth. 

Johnson's Baby Oil - This oil makes your skin so smooth. I find it the perfect alternative to moisturiser in the gym as it is so much quicker. You just cover yourself in it (minus your face) after the shower and dry yourself as usual. It leaves your skin feeling soft and silky. 

Simple Eye Make Up Remover - In case I forgot to take my make up off before the gym. The simple eye make up remover is great; it does its job and it isn't expensive. 

Simple Cleansing Wipes - I love the feeling of cleansing my face with wipes after a shower; it just makes your face feel so much more clean and fresh. I know make up wipes are "bad" but I don't scrub my eyes with them, I just give my face a wipe over. 

Hair Bobbles and Hair Clips - To tie your hair up during or after the gym. I usually take a larger hair clip for after the shower, this is for when I want to pull my hair off my face while it is wet and drying. 

- Susie Roo

A Weekend Of Outfits

As it is summer and it is warm, I am trying to wear outfits a little more interesting - no black jeans and no black coats. I find that summer is the perfect time to wear more exciting clothes as you usually go out with close friends or family who do not judge you... there aren't 1000's of college students watching and judging your outfit choice. 

Even though these outfits aren't extremely interesting or unique they are a little out of my comfort zone as I usually wouldn't touch a dress or a skirt with a 10ft pole for a day outfit. 

Friday

What I Am Wearing:

Top - Topshop

Belt - Newlook

Shorts - Vintage Levi 501

Shoes - Vans

Despite what I just wrote, this outfit is very "in my comfort zone" - a basic black tee and high waisted shorts. They are my favourite Levi shorts which I purchased of Ebay a few years ago and I have yet to find a fault with me. If you don't own a pair of Levi shorts, I emphasise that you go out and buy some as soon as possible! They are so comfortable, look brilliant and go with everything.   

Saturday

What I Am Wearing:

Dress - Urban Outfitters

Bag - Michael Kors

Shoes - Vans

When I brought this dress a few years ago, it was very much a "omg it's in the sale so I HAVE to buy it" purchase. It was reduced from £95 down to £15 or something mad like that so as any sane person would do, I found my size and sprinted to the check out. I have never had the courage to wear it because I was convinced it made me look like a grandma. However, since I had a tan and felt like wearing a dress, I thought why not?! 

Sunday

What I Am Wearing:

Skirt - Miss Selfridge

Top - Topshop

Every year, I go a little mad buying Topshop crop tops for my holiday but have never found the courage to wear them in England. I decided it was about time I wore one and I paired it with my favourite Miss Selfridge skirt - the most comfortable skirt I have every owned. I wore shorts underneath as well as you can never be too careful with the wind!

- Susie Roo