OOTD 17.10.2012

Here is my outfit of the day. It's getting pretty chilly outside now, but that doesn't mean our shorts become redundant. I bought this pair of velvet shorts last year from Topshop, I thought they were a bit overpriced at £32 but I vowed to myself they would see me through a few seasons. Luckily they did and so cost-per-wear they've actually worked out quite bargainous! The shorts have reappeared this season so you can still get your hands on a pair if you so wish. They also come in a gorgeous berry colour which is tempting me, but I think having one pair of velvet shorts in my life is enough.

I've been lusting after a Cambridge Satchel Co. satchel, but in the mean time, I'm wearing this satchel from New Look. It's a pretty standard satchel and does the job.

 I bought these earrings a while back from Laura Laura, and am still in love with them. They often get compliments and I like the originality of them, particularly when the buttons don't look exactly the same and have some variation on them.

This jumper I found in New Look on Oxford Street, (the one at the Topshop end) and is by a brand called Pink Boutique. I quite like that New Look now feature smaller brands as it means you can find things that are a little bit different.

The crucifixes give it a slightly edgy look, while the fact that it's as snuggly and fluffy as a Pomeranian puppy completely tones this edginess down. Whilst I like having my own style, my clothes have to feel comfortable too. What's the point in a jumper that looks good but is itchy as hell? I can't show you in these pictures, but I can assure you this is  one of the softest jumpers I've owned!

Velvet shorts: £32, Topshop

Jumper: £28, by Pink Boutique from New Look Oxford Street, you can find similar here, or check out Pink Boutique's knitwear here 

Satchel: £20, New Look

Boots: £20, Primark

Earrings: £5 for three pairs, Laura Laura, similar can be found here.

I must apologise for the bush/tree thing in the background of nearly all these photos, I thought it looked better than having more of the table though. I'll move it next time. x

OOTD 07.10.2012

This weekend was spent exploring shops and markets around town. The weather was glorious, crisp but sunny which is the best we can hope for in October in the UK. I went to Borough market for lunch, bought some fudge to munch on over the X Factor, then headed to Butler's Wharf for a little stroll before facing the crowds at Westfield at Shepherd's Bush to hunt for some inspiration for the wardrobe upheaval I'm planning on having. I'll start here with the jacket...

I am rarely one to jump on a fashion bandwagon, I like to dress for myself and wear things that suit my body type. I also prefer investing in pieces that could potentially see me through a few seasons, rather than trends that only last one season. Having said all this...I really needed a new jacket, we are in that transitional weather where it's not cold enough to dig out the winter coat but more than a light-weight jacket is needed. 

I saw the khaki jacket with faux leather contrast sleeves in Topshop and fell in love. I tried it on but it just wasn't meant to be, it seemed to bury me and was very unflattering on my figure. I know parka coats aren't designed for flattering but it just was not for me. I'm glad that other clothes stores have cottoned on to this trend and everywhere seems to have their own version of the contrast jacket.

I went into New Look, which for me can be very hit or miss but often has a few little gems that pleasantly surprise me. This contrast sleeve jacket was the surprise of the day. It differs to the Topshop version in that the main of the coat is made from faux leather, while the sleeves are a different material, in this case, black and white boucle.

Contrast Jacket: New Look, £44.99
Acid Leigh Jeans: Topshop, £40
Scarf: H&M, £6.99
Boots: Primark, £20
Casio Watch: Camden market, £6

 I love the "edgy meets twee" of this jacket. The body has an asymmetric zip which gives it a bit of an edge, while the sleeves are saying middle aged and I love this juxtaposition.

Hope your weekend has been fabulous ladies.

Tell me your thoughts on contrast jackets!
xXx

Some January sales finds

I wasn't expecting to find too much when I went shopping today. The best things from the January sales are usually snapped up on Boxing Day, but I had some gift cards for Topshop that I wanted to spend and was pleasantly surprised by how calm and quiet the shops were today, perfect shopping conditions compared to the carnage before Christmas. I stopped in River Island first. The sale was surprisingly good, they had lots of decent things left, although unfortunately there was a lack of any sort of size organisation, but I had time to sift through and found these... Stripy t-shirt with pocket detail: £3.50. I've wanted a stripy top like this for a while. I found one in the non-sale items which had light blue stripes that I preferred slightly more to this, but for the price (£15) it was a no-brainer which to choose. The stripes are almost neon-pink whilst the base of the t-shirt is cream, it has a very nostalgic 90s feel to it which I like.

I was glad I eventually found my size in this as I was prepared to buy a bigger size and customise it. It doesn't look right unless it's tucked into jeans so you don't get to see the bottom bit when I wear it, but I can't change my shortness so I'll deal with it. I don't own that many graphic t-shirts but they always catch my eye when I'm browsing. Next I popped along to Topshop and found a couple of items. The shirt is current season so full priced, but I fell in love with the silky feel, the smart yet casualness and the sheer luxuriousness of it. Silk and silk effect shirts are big news this spring apparently, but regardless of that, this will be a lovely key work-piece.

I also found this cropped rolled sleeved top with a vintage style pattern which reminds me of 1930s art deco. They have this top in a bronze colour which is current season priced at £35. This patterned one which I much preffered was marked down at £10, bargainous! It's made from a material called "cupro" which I have never heard of before, but apparently it is similar to viscose, again it has quite a silky texture. I could probably dress this up, but since I'm a total jeans girl, I will probably just pair it with jeans, it's just a smarter alternative to a t-shirt.