Category Archives: outfits

The Brighter Side

17th November 2014
Sometimes it’s easy to fall in to a rut when it comes to winter dressing, gravitating toward a palette of black, grey and navy just because the sun isn’t shining as much. I know this is something I am very guilty of- last winter I actually made monochrome my “thing” and as much as I do love it this year I want to make more of a conscious effort to embrace bold and bright colours; if nothing else it’s bound to help keep S.A.D. at bay and brighten up those shorter days.
I can’t for the life of me remember where this dress is from. Mum passed it on to me, brand new with tags after it had sat in her wardrobe unloved for a while and I’ve binned the tag and the dress is in the wash…Where it’s from isn’t important though, it’s such a HAPPY dress, the bright colours make me feel instantly cheerful and I do love a simple shape like this.

The photos were taken near Ben’s studio in Stokes Croft, our usual weekend daytime haunt, or base for further potterings around the city. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- this is such a vibrant area full of personality, the perfect place to wear such a busy dress.

The boots came via Shoe Zone last year and have lasted well, they are looking a little worse for wear here though thanks to them getting a thick coating of mud at a fireworks display the night before and a hasty sponge clean! I’m always amazed that I overlooked Shoe Zone for so long, they once again have some really gorgeous boots in stock at super bargain prices- don’t be put off by the cheap price though, I’m yet to have a problem with the quality of a pair from here…

Which clothing ruts are you looking to break out of? No doubt I’ll be back in monochrome before long, old habits die hard and all that…

end

Posted in life, life stuff, outfits

Permalink 5 Comments

The Pink Coat of Joy

12th November 2014
Another reason why I have been super excited about the recent colder weather is that it’s FINALLY time to bring out the winter coat I bought from Joy right back at the start of September. I can’t help but feel instantly cheered when I pop it on, the bright pink colour and super snug collar put a smile on my face.
At £125 this is hands down the most money I have ever spent on a coat and I felt very grown up in making such an investment. I know, pink isn’t the same as a classic camel or basic black but it’s subtle enough to remain classy and the faux fur collar brings a touch of glamour. I just know I’ll be wearing this for years to come, and given the price of some of the coats I’ve coveted lately (like this one) it really isn’t all that expensive.
Joy left me spoilt for choice when it came to coats and I tried on several of their fabulous styles in a whole rainbow of colours but in the end it was this one that stole the show- I’ve been coveting a pink coat for years now, way before they became the “in thing” and this one does the job perfectly.
Have you seen any “must-have” coats yet this year? What’s the most you’ve ever spent on one?

end

Posted in life, outfits, shopping

Permalink 9 Comments

Co-ordination Is Key

10th November 2014
I’ve had the outfit in this post saved in my wardobe, waiting impatiently for it to become cool enough to wear to work, and given that the temperatures are now dropping by the day I’d say it’s finally time (ok, so it was probably time way before now if we go by outside temperatures, but my work place has it’s own micro climate at times!).

Co-ord: Primark (skirt and top) | Tights: Primark | Boots: Jonak at Sarenza

I think it was July/August time when I first spotted this co-ord set in Primark and decided I needed it. I can’t remember exactly but I think it was £20 for the two pieces, both of which work really well on their own with a plain top or bottom added so you got real value for money. Unusually for a Primark piece this is really well made and fits like a dream, I hope they bring out similar styles in the future as it makes for such an easy work outfit with mix and match options too.
I’m not sure if these boots will see me through the entire winter. I own so many pairs of ankle boots but these are the ones I keep returning too and they are starting to look a little worse for wear. I should probably force myself to wear some of my others to give my feet a break, but these are just so comfortable and go with everything…I’d never heard of Jonak before getting these, and I’ve just checked out some of their latest styles- these are now calling my name- but with plans to move in the new year as serious spending ban must start, and shoes are the first thing to stop buying!
Are you a fan of the office co-ord? I’m thinking a trouser suit may be a good way to go- after my spending ban ends, of course!

end

Posted in life stuff, outfits, sarenza, shoes

Permalink 8 Comments

More Black & More Bright

07th November 2014
Can you tell that teaming black with a super bright colour is one of my current favourite combinations? I also seem to be having a moment for lurid green/yellow shades as I couldn’t resist this jumper in Primark, especially at just £10. I bought several of their fluffy jumpers last year and they wear and wash so well that I couldn’t pass by another addition to the collection.

Jumper: Primark | Jeans c/o Celeb Look | Boots: I still can’t remember!

I’ve been after a pair of black jeans for ages, I have my ripped ones from TTYA x Long Tall Sally but I was also really craving something more solid. For £18.99 this pair from Celeb Look are excellent value- as is everything on their site. I love the textured knees and zipper details, they add a little extra edge to a wardrobe staple. My only gripe is they come up a little small, I’m sort of inbetween sizes and I probably should have gone for the larger option for a little extra comfort, still they are really comfortable and well made so I can live with a little less circulation!
It’s been yet another mad week here in my little part of the world, between now and Christmas I don’t expect much in the way of rest and relaxation- I’m just glad that because of the way Christmas falls this year I get four days off rather than two- bring on the pudding coma!
I hope everyone has had a great week, did you go see any fireworks? Or perhaps you’re off to a display this weekend? I love wrapping up snug and waving sparklers around like a lunatic. It’s also the perfect chance to get a final fix of barbecued food before next Summer- bring on the bangers!

end

Posted in life, life stuff, outfits

Permalink 6 Comments

In the Morning Light

05th November 2014

Last week gave us one of those rare mornings, where thanks to the change in the clocks the garden was bathed in golden sunshine at just 7:15 in the morning. Never one to waste an opportunity (and running early for work for once in my life) I set up my tripod and grabbed some photos of a dress I’ve been itching to share.

Clearly I hadn’t had quite enough coffee yet as upon reviewing the photos I was a little disappointed that things had come out a little blurry and I’d failed to get the settings quite right, live and learn eh?

Dress: Marks and Spencer | Boots: New Look | Bracelet: New Look

I first saw this dress in a preview e-mail of the A/W collection from M&S and fell in love with it, everything from the dusky blue colour to the delicately embellish collar screamed “buy me”. A trip in to town a few weeks later saw me fall further in love as the dress looked even more perfect in real life. I didn’t buy it that day though, for whatever reason and buyers remorse kicked in. A couple of weeks later I was back in town and saw the dress again, this time in the sale reduced from £35 to £22…looks like shopping karma strikes again! It might look super simple, and really it is, but this is such a lovely dress for this time of year and the collar means accessories can be kept to a minimum. I’m a big fan of a pretty collar and they don’t come much prettier than this!

I wasn’t really sure what shoes to pair with the colour of the dress if I’m honest, black seemed to harsh and my grey Zara ankle boots didn’t really work either. In the end I settled for these brown boots from New Look which I just can’t bring myself to get rid of, they are so very comfortable even if they aren’t the most attractive shoe in the world. The outfit still didn’t feel quite right though so if you have any shoe suggestions then do send them my way!

It’s bonfire night tonight and I am so tired after an event last night and an early start at work that any plans to go for a walk to watch other people’s displays have long since vanished- last year resulted in Ben and I playing with sparklers in the park, this year will be more of a cup of tea and glance out of the window type affair! I’m not massive fan of fireworks anyway, unless they are part of an organised display. I live in a really residential area where people insist on setting off industrial sized rockets- Mae is a cowering wreck for the days leading up to and days after the 5th of November and that makes me all kind of mad.

Are you off to any displays over the next few days? I can’t wait to see some photos…

end

Posted in life, life stuff, M&S, Mae, outfits

Permalink 6 Comments