Category Archives: outfits

Non-Girly Gingham

10th May 2017
As well as the embroidery trend there is one other that has really got my attention this season and that’s gingham. I’ve always had a soft spot for the print- as soon as I see it I instantly envisage summer days and picnics in the park. And that’s the trouble with gingham, if you’re not careful you can end up looking like a walking picnic blanket…and I’m yet to find anyone who can pull that particular look off.

Dress: Monki at ASOS | Shoes: TK Maxx

With picnic blanket potential at the forefront of my mind I set about a mission to find a couple of gingham pieces to save to my wish list for future purchasing. Naturally one of the first pieces I found was by Monki, and as luck would have it I was able to make my purchase within five minutes of setting eyes on it.

This dress ticks all of my boxes. Subtle print, pockets, decent length, smart/casual/layering potential…you name it, this dress has it. As with most Monki pieces it also comes nicely over-sized so it’s perfect for days when body confidence is crawling around somewhere on the floor.

The shoes were very much a random TK Maxx find, I don’t go very often and never seem to be very lucky at finding bargains but these brogue/loafer/creeper hybrids were a mere £6 and I really like how they make what could potentially be a very girly outfit take on a bit more edge.

How are you wearing gingham this season?

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Posted in brands I love, outfits, personal style, shoes, shopping

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Spring/Summer transitional style wish list*

09th May 2017

This time of year can be really tricky to dress for. Despite the fact it’s May it hasn’t exactly been the weather for bringing out the little sun dresses and yet wearing knits and ankle boots really doesn’t appeal.

There’s also the matter of under-pinnings. In spring and summer, we often wear lighter fabrics that can show up every lump, especially bra straps and hooks. Invest in a front fastening bra: not only are they easier to take off, but it gives a more seamless look from the back. With no hooks digging in either, they’re a much more comfortable option for warmer days.

I haven’t been inspired enough to start shopping for my Summer wardrobe yet- it’s hard to imagine myself wearing the camisoles and strappy dresses I’m coveting when I’m yet to shed my winter coat but nevertheless I’ve been browsing like a trooper and have popped together a little wish list of some (in my eyes) perfect transitional pieces from two of my favourite retailers.

Tee, Hoodie, Skirt and Camisole Dress: Monki | Loafers and Denim Jacket: ASOS

Layering is a life saver at this time of year and it’s something I’m trying to embrace myself. I’m absolutely loving camisole dresses at the moment and despite their flimsy appearance, with the addition of a t-shirt, denim jacket or even the humble hoodie you have the perfect way to wear it even when the chill in the air catches you off guard.

Midi skirts are also great at this time of year! I pop a pair of tights on with mine to keep off the chill- there is no way I’m braving bare legs right now (in fact, I rarely ever do). If the weather does suddenly hot up then you have a swishy, cool and laid back outfit ready to roll. Perfect with both a fine knit top or a pretty camisole and offering more coverage than the ever-popular mini skirt, for me the midi is a wardrobe staple.

Shoe wise I always struggle at this time of year. I’m sick of my beloved ankle boots by this point and not anywhere near brave enough for sandals. Loafers and trainers are good transitional shoes. Neither look too heavy but offer some toe protection against frostbite! Given that I’m a huge fan of the embroidery trend it’s no surprise that this ASOS loafers made it on to my wish list.

How do you combat the mixed weather at this time of year? It’s hard work when one day you have 20 degree sunshine and the first tan line of the year…and yet the next day it’s back to shivering and wondering why on earth you didn’t think to pack a jacket!

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Posted in fashion, inspiration, outfits, personal style, shopping, wish list

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The Details

12th April 2017
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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Posted in fashion, life, life stuff, outfits, personal style, shoes, shopping

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How to Wear White Jeans with Trilogy*

09th April 2017
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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Posted in fashion, inspiration, outfits, personal style, shopping

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Re-Visiting Stylewise Direct

03rd April 2017
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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Posted in fashion, lifestyle, outfits, personal style, shopping

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