Looking Forward; A/W at Matalan

The sound of Matalan’s latest lookbook dropping through my door always fills me with excitement. They are one of those shops that go from strength to strength as seasons pass, providing high fashion pieces at affordable prices.
Pretty much everything in their Autumn Winter collection is something I’d wear, and I’m ready to say “so long” to Summer, such as it was.
Top of my list is the aztec shawl (£10), leopard print chelsea boots (£16) and pretty much the entire outfit in the first photo.

What are you looking forward to from the up-coming season? What trend will you be fully embracing? For me, I just want to work on my out of work style; more casual chic than “through a hedge backwards”. I’m not really loving my look right now and I want to streamline it…a late year resolution perhaps?

Oh Matalan,
you will be the demise of my bank account (and I wouldn’t have it any other way)

xxx

Lucky number eight

The return to England and it’s weather plus finding a whole host of new arrivals landing in stores has led to a rather strange excitment for Autumn/Winter. My bank account may be shaking in fear, but I’m ready to embrace the chill…
Number Eight Clothing may be on the more luxury side of things, but I wanted to share a little wishlist of what I like to call “investment” basics…invest well and they will last you for years!

1. Barbour Reversible Derby; a twist on the traditional style I am determined to own a Barbour jacket of some kind. Once, the idea of spending so much on a coat would have induced palpitations, but since my father purchased one earlier this year, I can attest to the quality and timeless style. I really love this checked version for a twist on the classic.

2. I’d not heard of Irish brand Dubarry before, but whilst browsing I was pulled towards the Somerset bag (medium). It looks perfect and substantial for time spent tramping around in the cold and wet…I think I am starting to err towards country-side chic, but I’ll cope!

3. Everyone knows Hunter boots by now, they need little explanation. I’m smitten with the magenta tones of this original short pair.

4. I’ve not long ago mentioned Ted Baker on the blog, and here it is again. Autumn/Winter means looking for the perfect LBD for upcoming festivities (mentioning no words beginning with C) and I adore the embellished collar on this otherwise simple dress.

5. Oh knitwear, my true weakness and the highlight of the colder seasons. This year I’m looking to invest in chic, classic pieces that will suit both work and play. This sweater with a scarf by Yaya is exactly what I had in mind!

Have you started planning  Autumn/Winter yet? Be warned, there may be an influx of wishlist blog posts!

Take a look at Number Eight, too, let me know what you think…I’m not very familiar with the shop, yet, but so far I approve!

grey days

 Oh British weather, how I didn’t miss you! Suitably grey attire for a very grey day! Dress, New Look c/o a friend, Tesco tights and bargain Miista boots…a bit of a change from the shorts and havianas I was living in…roll on two years time when I hope to be living in Spain!

Battled the blues with tea in my Espana mug, Hello Kitty biscuits (Thanks Trudi!) and Cookies and Cream Kitkats…operation get healthy/get some weight on is ON!

How do you battle grey days?
What’s your most recent snack discoveries?

Happy Friday folks

xxx

Daisy Chain Dreaming: Pretty Junk

As soon as I came accross The Pretty Junk I knew I had to feature them on the blog…I mean, just look! How amazing are the pieces above? The entire website just screams “buy me, I’m awesome”

They might have only launched last year, but this website is incredible. With their range of UK and USA handpicked vintage clothing and homewares there is something for all tastes and budgets.

Right now I’ll set my cat on anyone who tries to snap up this Cattitude tee at £25 before I do! Claws out ladies, I’ll fight you for it!

xxx

always and forever

Top c/o SinStar, Jeans from Next, Toms from Schuh

SinStar, another of those sites I would never have known about if it wasn’t for blogging. A cutting edge, up and coming fashion brand who are planning to expand to a wider UK market and take their brand international.  From indie cool to punk style, SinStar’s designs are specifically tailored to be edgy, unique and different. Better yet, they don’t break the bank.

With it’s Daisy print, this vest could not be any more perfect for me! The length is also ideal and if I were feeling brave, it would probably pass as a dress too. At £20.99 it’s up there with the more affordable of highstreet brands and the quality alone makes it worth every penny!
I’m also taken with their Aztec design tops and festival ready fringed vests. One word of advise is that the sizes come up a little small, the vest I’m wearing is a large and fits in a relaxed way…any smaller and it’d feel too constricted.

If your looking to dress up your Man, then check out their men’s range and explore the sale sections and accessories for something a little bit different!

Outfit worn for an afternoon of lounging post 7:15am start at work.

Have you heard of SinStar before? What would you have chosen?

xxx