Smart-Casual Work Attire...

I'm not sure about you, but if I let myself, I could agonize for hours about whether my sheer-blouse and leather-skirt combo is appropriate for my office's 'smart-casual' dress code. However, taking into account the fact that I work for one of the top magazine publishing houses in the world, I feel like they expect our outfits to be a tad risque every now and then, so I try not to let myself think about it too much. Nonetheless, 'smart-casual' is something I have struggled with since school discos, so my general motto tends to be 'It Is Better To Be Over-Dressed Than Under-Dressed.'

A bit like what they tell virgins, 'If In Doubt, Don't' I feel like if I begin to question my outfit, it probably isn't right. At risk of appearing ever-so-slightly Bridget-Jones-in-a-too-tight-see-through-blouse-with-a-too-tight-too-short-mini-skirt I do my best to veer away from what I loosely define as being 'sexy' in the office. I also attempt not to stand out in any major way if I can help it, so jingly jangly loud bracelets are often out of the question. As I work with a headset, I try to keep my hair out of my face. I don't wear heels every day but as our office is carpet and I'm rarely on my feet I can get away with them on special occasions (like if the CEO casually pops in for a breakfast buffet of croissants and strawberries...) When it comes to work, I try to mix and match different items of clothing into different outfits rather than just wearing all of my clothes because I like to keep some things for the weekend you see! Last but not least, I keep an all important big thick knit cardigan hanging off the back of my chair because the office is always bloody freezing but I don't want to look like a sweatier version of Michelin man during my morning commute.

So those are my top tips on the mind-mess that is 'smart-casual'. As I love you, I have included some photographs of my daily outfits for a bit of fash-piration. Because sometimes all y'all need is a picture of me in the toilets at work...

*Lacy Topshop mini-dress, black ballet flats, hair pinned back into a messy chignon*

The ColorRun London 2013

When I first heard about The ColorRun back in April, I knew I had to do it. I have never been a huge fan of running (or anything cardio-related, for that matter) There's something about the sound and feel of my feet slapping against concrete/grass/treadmill which makes me stir-crazy. And yet, after hearing the the 'Happiest 5k On the Planet' boasts 60% of runners who have NEVER attempted 5k before, I felt like perhaps this was the run for me.

So my sister and I coughed up £25 for entry into the event (a share of which goes to Stand Up To Cancer... it's all about the charidee, man!) before donning our bright-white ColorRun t-shirts and pulling on our sneakers. We were ready. 

Forte's Ice Cream, Llandudno

Once again, I am here to pay homage to a delicious dessert provider which has been a family tradition of our since before I was even born!

You will find Forte's Cafe Restaurant on the main street of Llandudno which runs parallel with the beach. Easily recognizable as it is always full of people with smiles on their faces, Forte's has been around since 1926 (!) and once you step inside and try a mouthful of their yummy chocolate sundaes, it is easy to understand why this place has stood the test of time.

Snugbury's Ice Cream, Nantwich

It should come as no surprise to you that the sun has got his hat on in the UK... Finally! So I wanted to share with you one of my favourite places to go to grab a delicious cone of the most mouth-wateringly decadent ice cream on the market. I am of course talking about Snugbury's in Nantwich.

Why The Midlandette?

No matter where I am or what I am doing, I will always be a chick from the Midlands... The Midlandette. Here, you can expect to read posts and view pictures of all of my adventures, wherever they may take me.

If you reckon you might be interested in reading all about the fun things to do, places to go and things to see in the Midlands, the UK and anywhere else on Planet Earth, make sure you submit your email address to the right of this post. You can also find me on Twitter where I regularly share my thoughts. I have a Facebook page specifically for this blog so that you guys can find more exclusive updates and photos than you might find here. Speaking of photos, I'm a total shutterbug, so go ahead and follow me on Instagram and Pinterest. You can also follow my blog with Bloglovin.