Green Corduroy

Each season both new and old trends return to the catwalk, high street and ultimately our wardrobes. At the moment corduroy seems to be having a moment. Yes corduroy, often seen on elderly gentlemen and Steve Braidy in Sex and the City. If you're a fan of the show you'll remember Miranda's yuppy guilt scene when she invites her new boyfriend to a 'fancy' work event and after asking him if he owns a suit he declares 'Its really nice, it's gold, yeah Corduroy'.
My reaction was somewhat different to Miranda's when I spotted this amazing green pair of cropped, flared corduroy trousers in Zara. I'm currently in desperate need of new clothing and this brilliantly fitting pair have been the perfect edition. I find a cropped trouser often creates a difficult styling challenge.They can sometimes sit awkwardly on your lower leg, but these have been a dream. They fit like a glove and look perfect with slim ankle boots, pumps and heels and work for both a day or night look. They come in Green, Navy and Rust but I felt the green colour-way suited my skin tone better and even though a striking colour, they are still safe if wearing for work with an oversized jumper.
Today I've teamed them with this overtly loud candy-striped shirt from Monki, heeled ankle boots and a trench coat because it's the North and obviously its raining.

Zara Cords | Moni Skirt | ASOS Trench | Topshop Boots | Zara Bag

The Life Story of the Suit

Before Christmas I purchased this suit from the charity shop. I'm sure to some the idea of wearing a second hand suit seems strange, but I love that I'm giving these pieces a new lease of life. It's a men's suit, but even though it fits like a glove. The jacket is a little oversized but that's just what I wanted and the trousers are high on the waist and finish just above the ankle, another perfect styling detail.
Buying this suit from the charity shop made me think about the life of this suit. Who has worn this suit? And where? Maybe to a wedding or job interview. I love knowing my suit has travelled and possibly made one individual a proud owner. On the other hand though maybe it was just a suit that sat in someones wardrobe for many years going unused. Who knows? Since I've owned it I've thoroughly enjoyed giving it a new lease of life by styling it in different ways. Wearing the trousers under floral tunic dresses with white pumps, with block heels and a shirt and here the full two piece with a raglan top, gold heels and bright pink earrings.
We are often too quick to buy new clothes when sometimes there are perfectly good second hand options available to us. Plus it's better for the environment and money is also going to a great cause. Dont' get me wrong some charity shops don't have the greatest sartorial offerings and you have to be ready to rummage. Sites like Depop and eBay are also worth scrolling through for reasonable priced high-street pieces. I've also recently discovered the Vestiarie Collective which sells amazing  vintage designers pieces - from Chanel bags to jimmy choos.

I am wearing a charity shop suit, Topshop top, Asos shoes and vintage earrings.

You can wear ruffles without looking like a flamenco dancer.

top (here) | Zara. jeans (here) and scarf | Topshop

Ruffles are everywhere this fast approaching SS16 season. Way back in September when the spring/summer shows took place the likes of Mary Katrantzou (a long term favourite of mine), Marques Almeida and Roberto Cavalli all created amazing pieces with ruffles at the heart of their collections. Fast forward a few months and ruffles are all over the high street, letting us all show our love for the trend no matter what our budget.  Back to the catwalk though - because let's face it the originals always do it the best! Marquez Amelda went for dramatic, shredded ruffles while Mary Katrantzou went for a more laid back minimal look with structured layers. 

And here is my (off the catwalk/ on the street) version, not looking too much like a flamenco dancer because come on that's what we imagine when we think Ruffles, either that or 1980's wedding dresses!

The jamie jean

Jeans | Topshop. Coat | ASOS. Trainers | Nike. Hoodie | Razors (Boyfriends)
Ask any man or women and I'm sure they will say jean shopping is probably the hardest shopping task (besides bra shopping - that's just a whole other ball game.) Whether you're tall, average or petite sized, there's something incredibly difficult about finding the right pair. Sometimes you can search the high street for hours and not find a jean that suits your height, shape and size. Come on retailers, its 2016 - Is it really that difficult to create that perfect pair of jeans that fit? Unfortunately it is and I'd say I currently only own one pair of jeans that fit, don't fall down when I walk and are not too short. Behold, the Black Jamie Jean from Topshop - (featured above.) These came to me on an after work shopping trip when I'd tried on everything in the shop and felt totally deflated and shit (we all have those shopping days). I thought they called it retail therapy- sometimes I leave needing therapy (slightly dramatic) or at least a glass of wine. But once you finally find a great pair of fitting jeans the fun really does begin, so far I've teamed these with heels and a blouse for dancing, trainers and hoodies for casual/lazy/hangover days and with anything else that creates that in-between look. I often wonder if I should have bought two pairs but then the high street has far too many other goodies to enjoy, don't you think?

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.)

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!!!

Knitwear and Loafers

Jumper and Shoes | Topshop. Jeans (old) | New Look. 

I've been pretty much living in this ensemble at the moment, winter has finally set in here up north (we were even greeted with snow this morning) and its all about Layers. 

Minus the ripped jeans this outfit keeps me pretty toasty and as for flats they have become a season must have and provide much more comfort than my favourite heels. However that has taken time - don't you just love how new shoes put your feet through hell. As for the jumper - which I'm sure will be making many more blog posts appearances, is just delightful for those not sure what to wear days. Not that you can tell in these photo's but it's in my favourite colour of the moment - NAVY BLUE. 

Are Navy, Green and Oxblood the only colours we need for autumn?

Jumper (here) and Boots (here) | Topshop. Skirt (here) | Zara 

Are navy blue, bottle green and oxblood red the only autumnal colours we need this season? 

Autumn has arrived and we have finally said goodbye to our summer wardrobes and pulled out our autumn favourites. Whatever colours they may be, a flick through this mornings Sunday Times Style and a trawl around the high street yesterday show these three colours are going to get your style on point for Autumn Winter 2015.  

No matter what your style is, darker colours and a multitude of textures are something we turn to when the days grow shorter, nights turn longer and the weather feels colder. 

Yesterdays jaunt showed the great British high street has endless offerings this season - see robe style, floor length wool coats at Topshop and Primark. Leather, suede and denim skirts at New look and H&M and bohemian floral printed dresses at Zara. 

For on trend and on price stylish pieces hit Primark and Dorothy Perkins. 

Happy Autumn Folks

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. 

The shirt dress

Dress (here) and Sandals (here) | Topshop

First of all I must appologise for my lack of posts recently (and lack of tan in the above photo's), I say recently its been over a month!! I think a full time job (placement), the gym and having my own place has literally taken over my life. But tho shalt promise from today to blog more often. I have all the content or at least post title's wrote down in my little note book, but don't seem to get the chance to actually finish them. 

Anyway back to today's agenda - THE SHIRT DRESS!! 

Since purchasing this somewhat brightly coloured shirt dress a few weeks ago I haven't been able to remove it from my body. There's something about a one piece that makes life feel much more easier. 

No mess, no fuss dressing is officially my new fashion moto! Or at least till I get my life in order! 

The midriff saga

Shirt | Zara. Culottes | Primark. Sandals | Topshop. 

Yes its finally summer so time to bear the midriff, right? 

This is possibly the first time I'm trying this - both on the blog and in real life. But I have to say I'm loving it - but only with high waisted trousers, I'm still working on those rock solid abs (Yeah sure!)

After reading a variety of fashion fulled websites on how to bear the midriff  -  I decided to ignore them all and opted for that 'Baby' from dirty dancing look. 

Next up culottes or cropped flares, whatever you want to call them I can't stop wearing this navy blue pair. Comfy and flattering what else can a girl ask for in a pair of trousers!

Man Repelling

Shirt | Next. Jeans | Topshop. Shoes | Marks and Spencer.

I say Man Repelling due to my current obsession with Leandra Medine aka the Man Repeller. If you haven't checked out her blog Man Repeller I suggest you do - she's definitely on the money concerning all things current and she gets top marks from me for style.
 What is a man repeller you might ask, well according to the blog -

'she who outfits herself in a sartorially offensive mode that may result in repelling members of the opposite sex. Such garments include but are not limited to harem pants, boyfriend jeans, overalls, shoulder pads, full length jumpsuits, jewelry that resembles violent weaponry and clogs.' 

If you are already aware of Leandra and her impeccable style you will note her inspiration of the above outfit. Oversized shirt, check, flared jeans, check, clogs, check! I don't think anyone can carry off personal style the way she does but we can all try - I know I am! 

Seeing BLUE

Top | Topshop. Jeans | H&M. Shoes | Topshop Unique. 

I've been searching for the perfect denim top for some while however after finding it I didn't think of the reaction I would get from my boyfriend. We literally laughed our way around the super market aisle - apparently I resemble Robinson Crusoe. I'm guessing that has something to do with the frayed denim which I happen to love.

That's what I love about fashion though, it's a way to express yourself creatively and who cares if it's not to everyone's taste - it's about being you. *cringe inspirational rant over

This post has also alerted me to how much blue I own, I never knew it was my favourite colour!