A Reminiscent Wish List*

I’ve been taking a few trips down memory lane recently, most likely triggered by my rapid approach to the big 3-0 [five days to go!]. I’ve been looking back at all areas of my life, and that includes some of the sartorial choices I made as I was growing up. I went through a phase when I was maybe 16-19 when I shopped almost exclusively at “skate shops”. Probably because my brother was well in to his skateboarding so most trips in to town involve a pit-stop in to one of these- as a result my wardrobe was mostly made up of logo tees, hoodies and ridiculously flared jeans.
I look back on these days with fondness, those were some crazy times and I had a lot of adventures and I think because of that there will always be a place in my heart, and wardrobe from some of my most worn brands at the time. With that in mind I decided to pop together a little wish list featuring some old favourites and new discoveries. Nothing wrong with a bit of nostalgia, right?

All items available from Skate Hut

Obviously style and fashions have come a long way in the last decade or more which delightfully means that whilst my old wardrobe would have very little place in with my current collection of clothes, these items are much more up to date and would work quite happily with a lot of what I own- especially my beloved denim pinafore (hands down the best fiver I’ve ever spent).

Do you ever look back at your past fashion choices? I do like to every now and again and now I’ve un-earthed this little phase of my life I’m keen as to get some of it back…I’ll start happily with the Vans sweater and Hype tropical print dress.

Questionable flared jeans no longer necessary!

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Introducing 100 Hail Marys

It’s been a good while since I last happened upon a new brand I’ve wanted to share on the blog, but when the press release for 100 Hail Marys landed in my inbox I knew that I wanted to do just that.

100 Hail Marys is an East London based brand that produces limited edition runs of apparel, art and accessories- all made by hand.

The brand is inspired by urban youth culture and street style. It’s founder, Christian Gould has 20 years experience in the creative industry- both in London and Stockholm. The launch collection is based around his combined passions for stencilling, screen printing, typography and tattoos to name just a few.

The clothing designs are first released in limited runs of 100, each screen printed by hand using environmentally friendly inks. Customers will receive with a branded certificate stating which number piece they own (and all pieces will be slightly different due to their handmade nature and the flow of the paint). Their art pieces, also limited edition are created using stencils and spray paint for an urban graffiti vibe.

Once the limited edition pieces sell out the designs are then released as conventionally printed pieces without the limited edition markings.

All pieces are available through the newly launched website . The clothing items are all unisex and cost £28 for a t-shirt, £40 for a sweatshirt and art prints cost £100.

I’d love to know what you think, I love anything that expresses individuality and I’m quite taken with this particular tee.

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The Details

I’m not entirely sure what to say about this outfit. It’s one of those that isn’t typical “Laura” style and yet it’s one I really liked. As I’m still working very much part time at the moment I’ve really been embracing the casual approach when I’m at home- it’s gone from being a bit of can’t be bothered kind of thing to something that I can relax and enjoy.

Tee: Daisy Street | Jeans: Noisy May at Very | Shoes: New Look

It’s a bit of an embroidery detail overload here but I’m rollin’ with it. The jeans were a bit of an impulse buy to be honest, not my standard skinnies by any stretch of the imagination. I was suckered in by the “sorry I’m late I didn’t want to come” slogan (despite I’m never late for anything, ever!) and when they arrived I was quite taken with the laid back fit. It’s good to change things up from time to time right?

I pretty much lived in this Daisy Street tee last year, on rotation with the three others I own and now the warmer weather is here I don’t see that changing any time soon. I’ve already declared my love of slogan tees so I won’t ramble on but they really can’t be beat.

The shoes were another impulse buy. Enamoured with the floral embroidery and pretty pink colour I couldn’t resist placing a sneaky New Look order a few weeks ago despite my preference for either ankle boots of converse. I’m determined to get the wear out of these though, they are just so pretty (and comfortable) and pretty perfect to bridge that gap between boots season and sandal season.

Ok, so essentially this is a post about nothing much in particular. I just wanted to share the outfit without really having anything to say for myself. I’m still in that re-adjustment period of being back in work, settling in to routine and building up a pretty nice life outside of it too. I’ll try and bring something more structured to the table next time and in the mean time…what have you been buying lately?

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How to Wear White Jeans with Trilogy*

I’ve only ever ventured in to white jeans territory one myself. Partly because I am a walking magnet for dirt and incredibly prone to spilling coffee over myself, but also partly because I’m clueless on how to wear them. They do seem to be a bit of a stylish summer staple though so today I have a post on some simple ways to style them.
1. With classic stripes A striped shirt worn tucked in to white jeans is an easy, instant chic outfit for Spring. Avoid full on nautical vibes by keeping it simple with minimal accessories. Throw on a denim jacket for a cool cover up and an easy on the eye take on double denim.

Striped Shirt from Trilogy | Jacket: L’Agence at Trilogy | Jeans: Paige denim at Trilogy

2. A touch of polish

The Hoxton cropped jean by Paige denim is a super flattering style that creates a streamlined shape with their high rise waist and skinny fit leg. They are a really easy style to dress up for an evening look or for the office- add a pretty blouse or a blazer/tailored jacket- check out Iro or Helene Berman at Trilogy for sleek and professional pieces.

Jacket: Iro at Trilogy | Jeans: Paige Hoxton Crop

3. Weekend vibes

Again, using the Paige Hoxton cropped style as a base you can create an easy laid back weekend look with the simple addition of a chambray or colourful flannel shirt (try rolling up the sleeves for an even more relaxed vibe). Make the most of the cropped length by pairing the jeans with simple ankle boots or some snazzy trainers.

Shirt: Rails at Trilogy | Jeans: Hoxton crop by Paige

Are you a fan of white jeans? How to you wear yours?

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Re-Visiting Stylewise Direct

Last summer I wrote a post about women’s fashion clothing wholesaler Stylewise Direct. They recently got in touch with me again and offered to send out a couple more items for me to style. I was impressed last time so didn’t hesitate in saying yes.

Dress c/o Stylewise Direct | Boots c/o George at Asda

I really like this dress as a more subtle take on the embroidery trend that I love so much. The fit impressed me, the dress hangs beautifully and I really like the subtle flared sleeves. I did order a size up when I requested this and I’m glad I did, it does come up on the small side but sizes are so variable these days that it’s probably a gamble where ever you shop from.

Blouse c/o Stylewise Direct | Dress: Primark | Boots: River Island

I really didn’t expect to love this blouse as much as I do. I picked it as it looked like a fun way to embrace the trend for all things pink whilst sticking to my “safe” florals print preference. I absolutely love it though, especially in this combination with the dress and the boots (and I don’t often declare love for one of my own outfits). I’m really impressed with the quality and fit of the blouse and would seek out more in this style without a doubt. I’m not usually a blouse person but this one has me re-thinking that stance.
To find out more about Stylewise Direct you can check out my original post. Although the items aren’t available for individual purchase the idea of this post is to highlight their existence- I know that several of my blogger friends have their own blog shops, or might be thinking about starting one and therefore when Stylewise Direct got in touch I thought it would be great to be able to attest to the quality of some of their items for anyone who might be looking for a supplier or taking the plunge in to setting up shop.

I might not be brave, or organised enough to set up a blog shop of my own but if I did then Stylewise Direct would be my wholesaler of choice. Is this something you would consider, or do you already have a shop of your own? I’d be really interested in hearing about your experiences.

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