Cottage Core Dresses Under £120

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Although the weather is always up and down, over the last Bank Holiday weekend, I managed to take full advantage of the warm, sunny weather. I wandered around gardens, marvelling at the magnificent 100 year old Magnolia tree and twirling around under the falling cherry blossom, immediately perking up my mood and feeling a million miles away from the dark, dingy Winter days. 

'Cottage core' was a buzz phrase of last Spring and Summer, but it looks like it'll be having a comeback this year and I'm so glad about that as I finally feel like something sums up my warmer season vibe. Although floaty prairie, lace dresses are often the go-to, I feel like statement dresses are starting to get a look in. I sported this New Look Yellow Tie Tiered Dress* and the striking colour definitely turned a few heads, but I felt like a personification of a daffodil! This beautiful pale yellow shade is perfect for this season, but I feel like the easy to wear outfit will be a great pick for those long, Summer days. 

'Cottagecore' dresses don't always have to be saved for a special occasion as I feel like now more than ever, we need to wear out pretty dresses to every event. Below, I have picked out a few of my top finds. 

The Cottage Core Mushroom Bag

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Everyone make way for the dreamiest bag of all - the Olli Ella Mushroom Bag. Originally made for children, but thanks to the 'cottagecore' trend, it has now made it into a lot of peoples Spring and Summer wardrobes. I spotted it last year and told myself that I didn't need it, but roll on twelve months and thanks for A Clothes Horse for enabling me, I finally decided to treat myself! 

It's already semi-viral on Tik Tok, so I thought I'd give it it's own blog post too! It's pretty much what it looks like, a small mushroom bag where the lid comes off so you place your possessions inside and view them from the tiny windows and (working!) door on the front. Although not huge in size, it's still sizeable enough to fit in all the essentials. I personally will be saving this for picnics and special occasions, but I'm sure it'll be featured non-stop on my Instagram over the next six months. Olli Ella doesn't stop at mushrooms, they have a broad range of adorable bags that I've linked below: 

A Spring Wardrobe Shake Up

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Spring is officially here and I can now get excited for the lighter evenings, sunny days and warmer weather that will soon be upon us. Spring fashion is one of my favourites and I always feel like I reach for the gingham patterns and pastel tones. Last year I felt like I didn't really experience Spring at all, but I'm determined to make up for that this year. Today, I have put together a guide to the ultimate Spring wardrobe shake up, consisting of my favourite dresses, tops and accessory picks for the new season. 

I'm not sure if I'm alone in this, but I struggle in Spring and Summer when it comes to wearing tops. I love both mini and midi skirts, but when it comes to choosing what to wear on top, my mind goes blank. I try and steer away from t-shirts and instead opt for simple, one colour pieces that can be worn with a variety of outfits. 

Dresses for Spring? Groundbreaking. I know they're not the most exciting pick when it comes to the warmer months, but I do find myself wearing them most of the time and there's such a variety of styles, lengths and patterns out there, it can be a little overwhelming to know where to look and what to choose. I personally enjoy a midi dress for both Spring and Summer, but opt for the smock style in Summer when it's warm and I want to keep material off my body and the pastels for Spring when I want to brighten up my wardrobe.

I've learnt over the last year that I am actually quite the accessory lover, the accentuate an outfit and act as cute props for my Instagram too. I love straw hats (currently lusting after this designer dupe!) and hair bows, but when it comes to shoes, I get a little lost. I've always been a creature of habit when it comes to shoes throughout Spring and Summer, opting for my trusty wrap around sandals, but when they finally went to shoe heaven last year, I know that I would be on the hunt for a replacement and I think I've found some that I like.

Styling A Cottage Core Bedroom

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My bedroom has been a work in progress for some time now, but with the introduction of  'cottage core', I feel like my bedroom is slowly coming together and starting to feel more like my own style. Although it isn't as shabby chic as you imagine a traditional cottage bedroom to be, I think the boho and botanical vibes all work together perfectly. If you're looking to create your own cosy space, then I've got just the tips for you. 

Adding Houseplants 

I've spoken about my love for houseplants a lot over the past year as I finally learnt how to properly care for them and was no longer killing them all off within a month. Saying that, it's still been a learning process and many have gone to plant heaven. A healthy houseplant starts with how it was cared for before it came to you, so choosing a good place to buy your new friend is vital for a successful relationship with your houseplant. Below are some of my houseplant shop recommendations to check out: 

- Elephant and Cactus

- Stupid Egg Interiors 

- Gardeners Dream 

A Statement Wall 

My bedroom statement wall has been pinned on Pinterest thousands of times, so you've probably seen how I've grown it over the years and change it up for each season. I enjoy dressing my standing mirror with a garland depending on the time on year. Currently I've been hanging this Rose Garland and during the Autumn, I opt for a Rust Leaves one instead. 

I have the Urban Outfitters Ari Shelf on my wall which is where I have hung a battery operated lamp and framed it with a print secured with washi tape as well as my Macrame Wall Hanging. I want to switch out my print (which I stole from my statement wall downstairs) and switch it to this Mushroom A4 Print which I think is absolutely adorable and would fit perfectly with this space. 

My mirror corner isn't the only place that I have a statement wall as over our bed I have a variety of prints and my Urban Outfitters Moon Garland which I think keeps the wall looking busy and interesting - perfectly complimenting my bed and it's surroundings.

Cosy Elements  

I'm quite indecisive when it comes to soft furnishings in the bedroom and once I find a bedding set I love, I just want to keep it on forever. H&M Home have been great for enabling me to switch over cushion covers whenever I please especially when a new season approaches. Their cushion covers are affordable and if you already have their cushion inserts, they can be switched out easily. 

I have an area by my side of the bed with has a hook set up for fairy lights to be hung at any time that I want and it's absolutely amazing because when I want to feel extra cosy all I have to do is switch them on. If we were to get an at home projector for our bedroom, I feel like this would up the cosy factor even more! 

Personal Touches 

At the end of the day, you won't feel as cosy in a bedroom that doesn't feel like your own, so making sure to add a personal touch here and there is key. I feel like that's the joy of 'cottage core' styling, it's all about how you interrupt it and it really enables you to get creative. I have hung my own pressed flowers in a frame on the wall as well as stacked my favourite books  and hung dried lavender from our Summer trip so I'm constantly surrounded by things that make me happy. If soft lightning feels more personal to you, then why not grab yourself a Himalayan Salt Lamp or if you want to get creative and, then how about making your own macrame plant holder like this kit from Etsy. 

4 Things To Look Forward To This Spring

Spring brings us a lot of joy, the vibrant colours of freshly bloomed flowers, the fields full of lambs and the brighter, longer evenings. By the end of this month it'll sunset just before 8:30pm, so it's safe to say thats definitely something to feel a little happier about. Today I am sharing with you a handful of things that I'm looking forward to when it comes to the new season. 

The Blossoming Blooms 

I feel like Spring is waiting for us because aside from the snowdrops and daffodils, there aren't as many cherry blossom trees in full bloom where I live as there has been in previous years. One of my favourite thing about Spring is waiting for the flowers to come out and watching the season change. You've got Bluebells in April and Wisteria in May, on top of Magnolias and Rhododendrons making an appearance throughout too. I can't wait until the fields are a plush green and humming with the sound of tractors. 

No More Layers 

I'm quite a seasonal person, I love to see the positives and joy in every season that arrives. Autumn being my favourite, the jumpers and layers are welcomed with open arms, but by the time March arrives, I'm very ready to get them off and packed away again. Over the next few months, I shift my wardrobe the most, switching out the rust tones for pastels, long sleeves for short, the thought of leaving the house without a jacket is an absolute delight - although a little optimistic some would say. 

Seeing Family and Friends 

It's been an interesting (to say the least!) twelve months and not seeing my friends and family since before Christmas has been super hard. I am very excited to hopefully make the most of the sunny weather to have picnics and BBQ's outside hopefully full of smiles and laughs. 

Visiting New Places

I think the past year has thought me to really appreciate the places on my doorstep and although I'm very much looking forward to exploring the UK again, I'm just hoping that Spring allows me to explore further in my county and beyond. I've created a list of places to visit including country gardens, cute villages and castles fit for a princess - watch this space! 

What are you looking forward to this Spring?