Varnish

Tis the season to be jolly, so what better way to kick-start festive fashion than with pine green and burgundy! The unforgiving cold weather and seasonal decorations have marked the beginning of Christmas for me, and I cant help but give my outfits that little wintery touch.

 

 

Jacket - New Look

Top - Camden Market

Skirt - Internacionale

Shoes - Next

 

 

 

If you've visited my blog before, you'll know that I'm a sucker for anything tweed. In fact, I'm a sucker for anything that looks remotely agricultural and, well, 'farmerish'. That is the sad but true reality. This jacket it one of my favourites for winter, and I just couldn't resist adding a brown belt to emphasise the peplum cut. I made an attempt at using brown/oxblood accessories such as my lip shade and nails to make the look more festive - especially against this green corduroy skirt. Corduroy is seasonal and you know it.

 

 

 

 

As pretentious as it sounds, I'm not the biggest fan of repeating combinations. That's not to say that I would never repeat an outfit, but I would much rather experiment with new possibilities and use my imagination. However, this outfit is an exception. This Camden shirt will forever be my favourite item to wear with this skirt, as the colours are just so complementary. There's no shame in repeating outfits, and an easy way to create a different look with the same clothes is simply by trying different makeup and hairstyles! Since being at uni and having a limited wardrobe, I've come to the sudden realisation that a flick of nail polish and lipstick makes all the difference.

 

 

 

I hope you're all as excited about Christmas as I am! Have a w o n d e r f u l day!

 

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                                                                xx

Familiarity.

In September, I was thrown into a pool of unfamiliarity. I started uni, met new people, moved to a different town and generally experienced exciting and unfamiliar challenges. Although this new found independence can be quite the thrill, there's no shame in missing the familiar.

The earthy smell of the fireplace. Mum's homemade potato wedges. The annoying whine of your sibling.

 

Home.

 

 

Headband - H&M

Collar - (Gift)

Jumper - Primark

Skirt - H&M

Bag - Camden Market

 

On days when I'm feeling particularly homesick, I like to wear some of my old-time favourites. As ridiculous as it sounds, it is a genuine cure for my homesickness. Ha. This H&M skirt has been a staple part of my wardrobe for over a year now, and it's probably my most overworn item - along with my lil creepers. There's some form of comfort in slipping into my battered and worn studded babies as I remember countless days out, chilling with friends and family, Creepers on my feet. This is all getting a bit sentimental, isn't it.

 

 

 

 

I feel I need a trip back home, and with the Christmas holiday fast approaching, I couldn't be more excited. Uni life is amazing, but sometimes you just need some looking after.

 

Home.

 

 

Have a lovely day!

 

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Winter Brights

 It's officially winter, which typically means layers of wool and tweed in browns, burnt oranges, ox blood and greys. The same go-to winter colours can get rather repetitive and bland, so for this outfit, I made an effort to bring back the bright and the bold. Winter doesn't have to consist only of plain chunky knits and black trenches.

 

Fur shrug: Internacionale

T-shirt: TkMaxx

Skirt: Internacionale

Boots: Office

 

 

 

 

I've been lusting a die-dye tee all year, and I finally found the perfect one at the end of summer! I shamelessly purchased it from the male section of TkMaxx for a nice oversized fit, and pairing it with some fur and cut-outs keeps the look from being too summery!

 

 

I thought I'd try a subtle ombre lip with this outfit. I chose orange and a dark red as complimentary colours for this look, and I must admit, it was a pretty pathetic attempt at making my outfit somewhat festive. Ho Ho Ho!

 

As you can see, my hair is still blue! I've grown rather attached to my bright locks, but I might experiment with a different combination of colours this season. It's rather sad that the most difficult decision I'm making right now is deciding on what colours I should dye my hair. Gosh.

 

 

 

Cheesy penultimate line: keep your wardrobe bright, and your smile brighter.

 

Have a lovely day

                               xx

Print It!

Here's an OOTD for you this Thursday! Inevitably, with Uni comes a vibrant nightlife, but often I'm far too lazy to change my daytime outfit. Thus, I adapt my daytime clothes by adding heels and a bright lip! This autumn, I've been experimenting by transitioning summer clothes to my winter wardrobe, whilst attempting to incorporate current trends such as autumnal prints and cropped tops.

 

 

Top - Republic

Jeans - Matalan

Heels - New Look

 

This outfit is particularly simple, despite appearing rather vibrant and busy. I paired my trusty floral jeans with some coral heels, which I complimented through the addition of a coral lip. I am in love with the mesh sleeves of this top, and the white brightens up the whole look - avoiding too formal an outfit (come on, I'm a fresher)! I've been inspired by so many Fashion Week collections which incorporate typical summer prints to create that perfect, seamless seasonal transition.

 

House of Holland S/S14 Homegirls

 

My love for Henry Holland's designs seems infinite, and I must say, I fangirled so much upon seeing these cool candy-coloured prints paired with red lips and the ethereal strappy heel. I adopted the cropped top and bold print within my own outfit - despite the fact that this is evidently a Spring/Summer trend. It doesn't hurt to be a little early, huh!

 

Boots - Topshop

High Waisted Pants - Topshop

Knitted Jumper - H&M

 

These three items are definitely going to be added to my Winter wishlist - particularly those beautiful velvet heels! The colour pallet mirrors that of House of Holland's S/S collection, though use of a thick knit and velvet instantly make these items more winter-appropriate as well as great transitional pieces if, like me, you're just not ready to part with your summer prints!

 

Have a lovely day!

 

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                                                                        xx

 

Euphoric Intoxication

Vibrancy. Excitement. Passion. Joy. Euphoria. Inspiration. Celebration. Intoxication.

Beanie - Example Tour

Mesh Crop Top - Republic

Floral Trousers - Matalan

Cut-Out Boots - Office

Bag - House of Holland

 

A few weeks ago, I attended the Notting Hill Carnival in London. It was nothing short of spectacular. Feathered masses paraded down the streets with admirable confidence, irrevocable joy and eternal youth. They engulfed and consumed passers by with their music and dance, taking them on a journey of awakening - awakening from the slumber of mundane life. The explosion of colours, sounds and cultures shook the buildings and rid onlookers of any inhibitions. Like a lullaby, the carnival urged: "come and join the party". The street party.

 

 

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                                                                        xx

Let's go to the park!

Hello there!

Hopefully some of you are still enjoying beautiful summer weather and lots of time off, which I'm sure you're utilising well! Despite being notoriously discontented with the weather and our surroundings, us Brits are spoilt for choice when it comes to country parks and wildlife destinations. Sure, the feeling of being somewhere exotic is nice, but why not spend a day or two each week exploring the many local parks? Although I'm a city girl to the core, even I can't resist a family trip to the park!

 

These two parks could be considered 'regulars' for my family. After spending the day shopping, we usually end up here. This is possibly the flattest embankment I've ever visited, so I never forget to bring my roller skates (seriously)!

 

 

Top - Forever 21

Trousers - Uniqlo

Bag - Aldo

Boots - Camden Market

 

 

 

*Wow! I really need to clean these boots!*

 

In comparison to my usual ensembles, this outfit is particularly simple. There are sequins, studs and patterns but still I'd say it's a subtle outfit. I've become so used to eclectic print-clashing and goofy flamboyance that sequins have become - dare I say it - boring. Gah. Also, I think we can all agree that I look impossibly short in this outfit. Oompa-loompa short. I broke a rule that fashion gurus swear by: I 'cut myself up'. By that, I mean I wore both a long top and short trousers. Consequently, only 2/3 of my leg length is displayed - thus making me appear miniscule. I made it even worse by wearing high boots which cover the ankle, which when you're trying to appear taller, is a no-go! Obviously, I was aware of all this when I chose to put his outfit together, but I suppose I just thought,

"well, I'm only 5'1 anyway".

 

All talk of my ridiculous height aside, I'd now like to draw our attention to the top of this page, if I may. Scroll up. Up. Up. There you go, see that? New banner! What do you think? Although I liked my old one, it was far too blurry which really bothered me. I tried to recreate it, but with little success. So, I just went all out with a new design! I'm not entirely convinced it goes with my blog buttons or, in fact, the brick wall background, but I suppose I just thought,

"well, nothing matches anyway".

 

Have a lovely day!

 

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                                                                                 xx

Brighton rock, anyone?

Hello there! I have two outfits for you today - but unfortunately there's little variation between them. Earlier this week, my family and I went shopping in London, but instead of driving back home like any other normal family, we decided we might as well stay the night somewhere. That somewhere was Brighton. That's right, after a day trip in London, we drove all the way to Brighton in the early hours of the morning with nothing other than the clothes on our backs. Once the hotel had been booked, we desperately tried to find the nearest 24hour supermarket where we could purchase the holiday essentials that we had not anticipated needing. Although last minute and disorganised, my family's spontaneity does allow for some great adventures!

 

Before I share my outfits, I'd like to draw your attention to this glorious Henry Holland bag that I received as a birthday present from my partner in crime friend! I just love the bright detailing - and you must all know by now that I am irrevocably in love with all things House of Holland! Gaah!

 

 

 

Flower Crown - DIY (New Look + H&M)

Shirt - Camden Market

Jacket - H&M

Bag - House of Holland

Trousers - H&M

Boots - Zara

 

 

These pictures where taken in Richmond Park, which is where we ventured to after a busy afternoon shopping. If you've never been, I highly recommend it! The park is populated by deer who have grown accustomed to human interaction. However, they are still wild animals and rather timid, so I definitely wouldn't advise anybody to get closer than a few meters.

 

As you can see, this outfit is a mishmash of prints brought together by a soft pink - the colour of the season. There, I said it. By "the season", I mean AW13 of course. You only need to look as far as the new Topshop collection to witness the pink takeover. I must also admit that I am so happy that houndstooth, tartan and checks are all back this winter - but let's face it, plaid is back every winter! I guess I'll be wearing these trousers a lot!

 

Now, onto the second outfit! Because we hadn't planned on staying the night, we obviously didn't pack a change of clothes. When in London, however, I did buy a pair of Balenciaga inspired cut-out boots from Office! I really love them and couldn't wait to swap my two-toned Zara booties for some grunge leather. I also purchased this Star Trek tee, which initially I had intended to sleep in, but instead I though I looked pretty cool with my outfit.

"To boldly go where no man has gone before" - love a good split infinitive.

 

 

 

 

All in all, it was a good two days! If you're at all interested, I'll be uploading some photographs to my photography Instagram account which is here: @shesjustbored

 

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                                                                               xx