Walk on the Wild Side

Photographs by Emma Dane

Hello again! I'm starting to blog more regularly once more now that I have the help of my fabulous housemate so you should be seeing many more outfit posts soon! As you might have guessed from my previous post, I have a bit of a thing for hats. I love how they add something extra to your outfit and on a practical note, they keep your head warm too. As a Made in Chelsea addict I generally want to buy everything those girls wear and Fran Newman-Young happened to be wearing this hat in a picture on her Twitter so I had to buy it. It's a gorgeous burgundy fedora from New Look. It's slightly more structured than my Topshop fedora but I love it all the same. It has a gorgeous black bow detail to the side and matches my Warehouse bag perfectly. 

Today I went for quite a simple outfit and opted for my trusty leopard print skirt. I bought this from River Island last year and stopped wearing it for a while, but recently animal print has been making a comeback (when doesn't it?!) and I decided to wear it with my new fedora. I added a simple black, oversized fine knit jumper from H&M to give the outfit a relaxed feel. 

The boots are Zara from last year and I love them so much. I always get compliments on them as they are so unusual. Although ankle boots are very much my thing, I'm on the hunt for a good pair of over-the-knee black boots, is anyone else? I think it could be a little to do with my obsession with Millie Manderson's wardrobe and Style Diary (click here) as she wears them a lot.

I'm also wearing my favourite bracelet at the moment- a leather, black and rose gold cuff from Whistles. They sell these on ASOS and you can buy them in a variety of colours, including burgundy- which I think I might need!

I hope you like this simple post. Do any of you share my love of hats? I think I'm addicted, I want to buy a black floppy 70's style one next! I hope everyone has had a lovely weekend- look out for more outfit posts next week! 

Hat- New Look 

Jumper- H&M

Skirt- River Island

Boots- Zara

Bag- Warehouse (link)

Necklace- Topshop

Cuff- Whistles at ASOS (link)

Love Bracelet- River Island

Watch- River Island

Gold Bangle- Holiday Purchase

OOTD: Easy Like Sunday Morning

I couldn't post this without showing you the amazing breakfast I had this morning!

Today my flatmate Emma and I decided to go out for breakfast so I thought it was the perfect opportunity to show you all what I have been buying lately! 

These gorgeous tartan trousers are from the new Zara on Market Street in Manchester. If you're from the area you'll know that Zara has been shut for months now but it's finally reopened, and honestly, it's worth the wait! I really recommend you check it out, it's one of the best Zara stores I've been in and everything is displayed so well. I wanted it all but managed to restrain myself and only buy these trousers. They are quite muted which I like and the colours work well with my new handbag. They are made from a thick, warm fabric so are perfect for this chilly weather, especially in Manchester at the moment! 

I paired the trousers with my new ASOS jumper. It's a simple navy sweater with 3/4 sleeves and a pocket on the front. I love the classic, understated style of this piece and I can tell I will get a lot of wear out of it. I'm also wearing my new loafers which are New Look but I bought them from ASOS. They were reduced to £12 and are worth every penny. They are a nice alternative to slipper style shoes or brogues and really give this outfit a smart feel. I love the androgynous style of this look, it's effortless, yet classic which is a look I'm really enjoying at the moment. 

I'm excited to tell you all that I am also wearing my new Kate Spade bow bracelet!* It's honestly one of the nicest pieces of jewellery I've received in a long time, it's really simple yet looks absolutely gorgeous on and I can tell I'm going to wear it a lot! I've also been loving my new Kate Spade purse* at the moment as well. It really matches my style and looks so classic, I'm really enjoying using it. You can now buy Kate Spade from Selfridges and I highly recommend taking a look online or in-store because all the pieces are stunning and would make perfect gifts for Christmas. I have my eye on a few more things myself that I'm hoping might be under the tree for me this year! 

After taking these blog photos Emma and I went to breakfast so I had to include the obligatory picture of my Sunday morning fry-up (vegetarian of course!). I hope you like this look and this different setting. We shot these pictures on a road near our house and I'm really pleased with how they turned out. I hope everyone has had a lovely weekend, mine's been a busy one but a good one!

xxx

Trousers- Zara (link)

Jumper- ASOS (link)

Loafers- ASOS (link)

Bow Bracelet- Kate Spade at Selfridges 

Purse- Kate Spade at Selfridges 

(there are no links for the actual Kate Spade products I have but check out the range at Selfridges HERE and I'm sure they will be adding the purse and bracelet soon!)

Necklace- Topshop

Bag- Warehouse

All products marked with an * have been gifted to me but thoughts and opinions are my own

OOTD: Shades of Autumn

I love Autumn, it's definitely my favourite season. It's so lovely to see all of the red, brown leaves everywhere and be able to cosy up in the evenings with a hot chocolate! I prefer the clothes in Autumn too, you get to play around so much more with layers and scarves and richer colours. 

This outfit is inspired by Millie Mackintosh. I'm not sure if she would wear it but she's a great lover of fedora hats and every time I put mine on I feel like her! This hat is from Topshop and I love it. I've got my eye on a burgundy one from Miss Selfridge but I'm not sure if I need two in my life.  The jumper is from Zara and I adore how luxe it is. I like the laid-back glamour look and the sequins on the jumper really add something to the outfit. 

The scarf is from Miss Selfridge, I like it because the tones are more muted than a lot of other leopard print items and I think it's more wearable. I've added a bit of colour to this look with my new favourite handbag. My boyfriend bought it for me from Warehouse for my birthday and I've used it everyday since. I've grown fond of Warehouse lately and have just put an order on their website that I can't wait for! This the perfect size and colour and has gorgeous rose-gold hardware which makes it very unique. It's particularly useful because it also has a shoulder strap which is handy for when your arms hurt after a long day shopping!

On another note, has anyone seen the Mollie King for Oasis collection? I want it all! Her style is so preppy and classic, I definitely need to invest in some pieces from her collection. 

Hope everyone is having a good week. I'm on a reading week at the moment so I'm back home, taking a break from university which is nice. I'm applying for buying placements to do in my year out next year which is taking up all my time but it makes me so excited to think that one day I'll have a career in fashion! Look out for some more outfit posts soon as I'm trying to get as many as I can photographed before I go back.

xxx

Jumper- Zara

Jeans- Leigh Jeans, Topshop

Scarf- Miss Selfridge

Hat- Topshop

Bag- Warehouse

Thumb Ring- River Island

Boots- Miss Selfridge 

Nails- Rapid Ruby, 60 Seconds, Revlon 

Back to School Makeup

A quick post for the 'Back-to-School' season. I thought I would share my everyday makeup with you all as it's so simple and would make the perfect 'Back-to-School' look. 

Base

For my base I used my Clinique Super City Block in SPF 40. I like to wear an SPF on my face everyday, even in the Winter as it really is going to help prevent wrinkles forming and this is my favourite one. It's also available in a lower SPF which I might buy for the colder months. To give my skin a healthy, glowy complexion I used a tiny amount of the Laura Mercier Radiance Primer on my cheeks. Although I think this is a good primer, something like Strobe Cream from Mac would work just as well- it's all about giving your skin that glow under your makeup. I used Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer under my eyes and the Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation lightly on the face, working it in well with a Real Techniques Face Brush for a natural finish. They have light reflecting particles for added illumination and last well. 

Eyes

I use a tiny bit of Mac 'Omega' Eyeshadow on an angled brush through my brows for a tiny bit of definition- nothing too 'Scouse Brow'! I washed a small amount of the shimmery shades from my Nars Alhambra Eyeshadow Palette over my eyelids and added a small amount of Bobbi Brown Bronzer into the crease of my eye for added definition with a fluffy brush. I line my eyes with the Maybelline Gel Eye Liner in Brown which is a great dupe for Bobbi Brown's Gel Eyeliner in Chocolate Shimmer Ink at a fraction of the price (and you get a handy brush with the Maybelline one too!). I used Make Up Forever Smoky Lash Mascara on my top lashes only for a more feline effect. I love this mascara, it's honestly the best I've tried- it adds so much volume and length!

Lips

On my lips I've kept it simple as this could be a school or everyday look so I don't think a lipstick is necessary. Instead I opted for a Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector which combines all the benefits of a fabulous vanilla scented lip balm with the pale, milky pinkness of a lip gloss. These are perfect to throw in your handbag or school bag and have a nifty squeeze applicator so you don't ever need a mirror to apply it!

Final Touches...

Finally I bronzed the hollows of my cheeks, my temples and my jawline with the Bobbi Brown Bronzer (I have the lightest shade!) and added a tiny amount of Mac Dainty Blush to the apples of my cheeks, for a pretty yet natural pink flush. If you want to highlight your face, you could dust a small amount of the light Nars Eyeshadows on your cheekbones, bridge of your nose and cupids bow for a pretty finish.  I don't powder until the very end, and I only powder my T-zone to stop my face looking oily- for this I use Maybelline Stay Matte in Translucent. It's amazing and super cheap too! 

So that's my everyday/ natural/ back-to-school makeup look for you all! If you like it I might photograph my usual smoky eye look and explain how I achieve that :)

xxx

OOTD: Highland Fling

September is my favourite month, I love the start of a new school term (second year of university for me- scary stuff!), the Autumnal clothes in the shops, and the fact that it's my birthday in less than 2 weeks. This year I can't wait to embrace Autumn by layering up and toning down the colour palette of my wardrobe. The first trend I will be championing is definitely the tartan trend. I'm sure many of you have noticed the tartan trend creeping slowly into the high street this season- I certainly have, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on some tartan myself!

This dress is from River Island and is only £25 so if you love it then make sure you get it before it sells out! At first I wasn't sure if I could work it, as I wanted to keep the dress preppy, rather than look like a 6-year old or too punky, and I think I've got it just right. The preppy 'geek chic' look is definitely making a come back this season and this dress captures both dress perfectly. I paired it with my Zara studded ankle boots from last year, a pair of frilly socks from Topshop and my beloved Cambridge Satchel. I think the accessories really pull the look together and I can't wait to wear this dress to my university lectures. A chunky cream cardigan would be the perfect addition to this outfit for when the weather gets a bit chillier! 

Will you be embracing tartan this season? I have a few more tartan purchases that will be making their way onto my blog soon so look out for them! 

xxx

Dress- River Island (link)

Boots- Zara

Socks- Topshop

Satchel- Cambridge Satchel Company

Watch- River Island

Screw Detail Bangle- Bought on Holiday

'Love' Bangle- River Island

Midi Ring- River Island

Thumb Ring- River Island

Pearl Earrings- Forever 21

OOTD: Is it Autumn Yet?

I spotted these floral cigarette trousers a week or so ago in Topshop and fell in love with them straight away. I've wanted a pair of floral printed trousers for some time but was never sure if they would suit me or just look unflattering and awkward. However these beauties are quite literally everything I could have wished for in a pair of trousers. The muted pastel tones of the print aren't too garish for everyday wear yet they could be dressed up with a cami and a blazer for a truly sophisticated evening look- something reminiscent of the outfits worn by Olivia Palermo I feel. 

The look I have chosen here includes a beautiful oatmeal/ cream jumper from Topshop with embellished shoulders. This versatile piece dresses down the trousers, and I think with a pair of tan brogues (watch this space- they are high on my wish list!) this would make a great outfit for wearing to a day of university lectures.

I styled my hair with my Babyliss conical wand and the result is this gorgeous wavy look! It doesn't last very long in my hair unfortunately- I really need to find a wavy style that does though, because I love the softness this look creates.

I hope you are all having a good week! I can't wait for it to finally be Autumn (my favourite season!) so I can wear my cosy knits and layer up with scarfs, hats and accessories- does anyone feel the same?

xxx

Jumper- Topshop

Trousers- Topshop

Bag- Zara

Heels- Topshop

Watch- River Island

Gold Bangle- River Island

OOTD: The Birthday (Play) Suit

Next month is an exciting month for me- I go back to University* to start my second year there and I will also be celebrating my 20th Birthday pretty much straight after. I love birthdays and I was looking for something really special to wear for my birthday night out so I was excited to stumble across this gem in the sales last week as it's perfect for the occasion!

This beautiful playsuit was reduced from £48 down to £25 in Topshop. I'm not very good at finding hidden beauties in the sale, so to spot something as perfect as this is somewhat of a rare occurrence for me. Lucy Mecklenburgh has the nude version and looks stunning in it, so I was surprised to see it in the sale. I love the cobalt blue colour, it's really on trend at the moment. Topshop still have nude, red and green versions of this playsuit at full price on their website and in their shops which is strange as to me, this colour is perfect for Autumn/Winter. On the reverse of this playsuit the blue fabric drapes down to create a backless effect with a piece of black lacing to cover the exposed part of your back. I think this playsuit is both classic and flirty at the same time and it great for those of you that aren't ready to embrace completely backless clothes- at least for now anyway!

If you're looking to purchase this playsuit I couldn't recommend it more. Try and get it on sale as it's an absolute steal for £25 but if you are looking to treat yourself for a special occasion  I think it could really be worth the £48 for a nude (or other colour) version! 

I paired the playsuit with a simple leather clutch I bought from Topshop before my summer holiday. I like the fact it comes with a shoulder strap as I'm always accidentally putting my clutch down and it makes it easier to dance if it's on your shoulder on a night out! It's also a fabulous bag for the day time too, and holds a surprising amount for such a small bag. The thumb ring and 'Love' bangle are both from River Island from their 'jewellery for under £5' which I love! The other gold bangle I bought from a market stall in Spain on my holiday and haven't taken it off since.

I hope you like this look, I have some more outfit posts lined up and also a special post showcasing my everyday 'back-to-school' makeup look and beauty recommendations- so look out for them. I can't wait for my birthday and university to start again, I hope I enjoy my second year as much as I did the first! 

xxx

Playsuit- Topshop (link to full price nude version)

Bag- Topshop

Thumb Ring- River Island (link)

Heels- Topshop

Watch- River Island

Gold 'Love' Bangle- River Island (link)

Gold Stone Bangle- Bought from a market in Spain

*for anyone that's wondering, I study Fashion and Textiles Management at university- it's basically the business side of the fashion industry and I hope one day to become a buyer! :)