Five t-shirts and three dresses later

Dress, Coat and Boots | Topshop

It was only yesterday when my sister proceeded to ask me if I have bought anything new that I realised in the last two weeks I added two new striped pieces to my wardrobe. One being this striped dress that has me slightly resembling the Hamburgular from 1990s McDonald's ads and the other being a frilled number from Zara, which I'm sure will be making an appearance on the blog in the near future. 

This Friday in the office was named French Friday. We donned stripes and berets and enjoyed cossaints, jam and Brie. I instantly knew dressing for these newly named Fridays would be easy (last Friday was pleather Friday) due to the amount of striped t-shirts I own (5 to be precise and this doesn't include the 3 dresses hanging in my closet) 

There's just something that draws me to stripes. Most of my wardrobe is devoid of any other prints - I prefer plains. I'm guessing stripes just add a side to my plainer pieces, kinda like adding garlic bread to pasta (yes I'm all about the carbs - in moderation of course.)

EDITORIAL

I've been meaning to post this amazing piece of styling from The Sunday Times style magazine for some weeks now.

Miu Miu, clashing prints and luxurious textures - enough said!

P.S. Happy New Year's Eve and a big big thank you to all who have visited, read and commented on my blog this year, I am super grateful to every single one of you. Love Faye

All in the name of fashion

 Jeans | H&M. Boots | Topshop. Shirt | Vintage. Jumper | Primark.

 

Since I purchased this (what I think are an) amazing pair of over the knee boots last year I've been trying  to lower the cost per wear ratio drastically. This has been somewhat difficult, I've owned them over a year and have worn them possibly 9 times. You ask why? Well, they are a bloody pain in the arse, due to my unusually skinny ankles and calves they constantly fall down. 

I should have known better, before I purchased them I read about this on the reviews but ignored my instinct and went ahead anyway.  Since then I have been pulling them up everywhere which includes a week in Paris, shopping trips and nights out. If you see me wearing these you will no doubt have seen me bending down to pull them up!

This story does have a happy ending, however I am very embarrassed to admit this but I've succumbed to using extra strong double sided tape to hold them up. 

Although I love this quick fix it has confined me to wearing them with jeans (see above) and with tights and skirts. I'm not sure double sided tape on bare legs would make for a comfortable wear. 

I know I should probably just get rid of them but I just can't seem to do it - I love them and always will.

Moral of this story - I will do anything in the name of fashion - but don't we all, last Friday night I wore a beautiful pair of red shoes that made my toes numb for three days!!

Hopefully you will continue to see these boots on the blog as I gradually lower the cost per wear but remember it's only due to that amazing double sided sticky tape! 

P.S Happy Christmas, currently making my way through all the chocolate, cheese and red wine!!!

The Trans-seasonal Dress Code

By trans-seasonal, I mean it’s too warm for our bulky winter coats, but too cold to wonder the streets bare sleeved and I’m faced with this what to wear dilemma every Monday morning (at least until the frost sets in.)

My daily commute consist of a 35 minute bus journey, 20 minute – standing train ride (I almost never get a seat, think faced squashed against the train doors) and a 20 minute jaunt across the city centre. By this point I arrive at the office a flustered, sweaty mess. In four months I somehow haven’t mastered how to arrive the fresh faced employee I wish to be. 

That’s when it accrued to me I need a fool proof trans-seasonal dress code suitable for the office and my hectic commute. I’ve been so excited for autumn to arrive I’ve donned think tights, chunky knits and cosy scarves way too early.

I need an array of layers that are commute appropriate, i.e. easily taken off when squashed up against a stranger’s armpit whilst on the train. Also outfit planning the night before stops that 7am wardrobe battle. We’ve all been there, right? 

So here’s my list of must have pieces for perfect trans-seasonal dressing. 

Mules/Loafer (The flat is a must have this autumn) – much more foot coverage than sandals, but less than knee high boots.

Cotton Shirt – Light, comfortable and sleeves can be easily rolled up or down. (Try a men’s shirt from Gap or Topman)

Turtle Neck Sweater – Not a full on chunky knit but a thin ensemble does provide some warmth on those cooler autumn mornings. Dorothy Perkins have a great selection this season. 

Culottes – Worn bare legged with an ankle boot or add an ankle sock with those flats you love. 

Luxury T-Shirt – Plain or stripped the t-shirt is a must have during any season. I love Zara’s collection and there organic cotton V-neck tee starts at £12.99. 

A-line skirt – Easy to throw on and comfortable for the 9-5, plus they give that nod to the 60’s/70’s trend. Both Zara and Topshop offer these in an array of textures and prints.

Image Source - Zara 

Getting creative, or at least trying

Shirt | Urban Outfitters (boyfriends). Jeans (here), Shoes (similar here) & Bag (similar here) | Topshop 

I say getting creative what I mean is putting on a shirt backwards, but hey I'm always trying to differentiate the way I style up my/the boyfriends wardrobe staples. This is definitely different but I have to say I love it!

This weekend I also tried this look with a cotton striped shirt and skinny jeans which probably worked better due to the softer fabric but I just love a denim on denim ensemble. The look is finished off with these beautiful Topshop snake print platforms that give it that added (hot trend of the season) 70's vibe. 

March wishlist: Ankle Booties

Top Left to Bottom Right.

ASOS Red Church Kitten Heel, Report Signature Toby Leopard Mid Heel Boot, Topshop Almighty Suede Ankle, Topshop Almighty Leather Ankle, Topshop Magnum, Zara Flat Leather Bootie, Zara Shiny Print High Heeled Bootie, Zara Studded Leather Ankle Boot.  

So whilst I should be doing uni work I find my self procrastinating by surfing the web looking for shoes. Whilst scrolling that's when I realised - I don't own a pair of cute ankle booties! 

There's something about the ankle boot that makes me think - I need you. 

I have been justifying purchasing one of these pairs all afternoon. You know the usual, cost per wear, go with all outfits....the list goes on.

Military Mix-up

Shoes (here) and Shirt (similar here) | Topshop. Jacket (here) | Gap (boyfriends). 

Jeans (here) | H&M. Belt | TK Maxx

Enjoying mixing up mine (and the boyfriends) military wardrobe pieces today. Keeping the look tailored with skinny jeans and these gorgeous albeit difficult to walk in courts.

Practise makes perfect - but I am not the most elegant of people, I'm actually very clumsy. My evenings tend to involve me trying not to knock over too many drinks. As for heels, I can be pretty hazardous (honestly just ask my boyfriend). How I long to be Carrie Bradshaw hopping round NYC in her Manolo's. A girl can only dream!

costal walks

Coat | ASOS here

On a rather grey Sunday me and the boy jumped in the car and drove to beautiful Forby located on the outskirts of Liverpool. Not your average seaside destination - but a place filled with beautiful coastal paths, forest walks and amazing sand dunes. After a few stressful weeks of university deadlines a stress-free day was definitely needed.

 Recently I've become obsessed with outerwear and I've added this shearling number to my collection. I've been wanting my very own aviator jacket for sometime and was very excited when I found this perfect style on ASOS.

It was very much needed on that cold February day.

Blooming Florals

Skirt (here), Boots (here) and t-shirt (here) | Topshop. Coat | H&M. Scarf | Market. Clutch bag | Vintage.

Happy New Year!!

So its time for that new year, new me stuff....come on deep down does that really work?  I'm just gonna keep the faith and be positive - as much as I can anyway. This may be difficult with a university deadline fast approaching!

Most of my outfit posts lately have consisted of lots of grey, black and navy blue (boring or classic?) so my fashion mantra for 2015 is to get more creative with my style. Here's starting with a mix of old and new - quilted florals! I'm excited to mix some colour and print into my personal style this year.

My usual style mainly consists of classic pieces with a casual twist but I'm dying to try something new. I've not always been a follower of trends but this year I would love to try out a few - maybe the 1970's thing, florals or uniforms. People watch this space!!