Style By Portobello Second Unboxing

Hey,

Today I've got the second unboxing of my monthly Style by Portobello vintage accessory subscription boxes!

So for those of you who don't know, I am testing out these £35 a month boxes of Portobello Road Market-sourced vintage goodies for three months as a style ambassador for the brand. You can learn more and see what I received last month in my earlier blog post.

So, let's get to the big reveal.

Seriously, wow! I think I love this month's contents more than the last.

I think the belt is my favourite piece. In black and gold, it's classic but also really unusual with the little figures adorning the full width of the belt. It's quite small but is perfect as a waist belt - I've already worn it several times and got loads of compliments.

I love a good vintage scarf and have amassed quite a collection over the years. Just my style; I'm always drawn to the ones with Versace-esque chain designs like this one. I think these kind of scarves are really versatile accessories - worn traditionally around the neck, as a headscarf or even around the handles of your bag as I've done, below. It's a really easy way to update a plain bag.

Faux fur patchwork gilet - River Island*

Jumper - Warehouse

Cord Disco Jeans - New Look

Chunky 70s style Suede Boots - Topshop

Bag - Vivienne Westwood

Vintage Scarf - Style By Portobello*

I mentioned that I bought the River Island faux fur gilet above with the voucher I got from the recent Premier Inn Shopping Event. I have such a ridiculous collection of faux fur coats that it was high time that I got myself a furry gilet too. I didn't think I'd get much wear out of this but it's already become a weekend essential.

What are your go-to pieces this season?

In The Pink: Summer Casuals

Hey,

Here's an outfit I threw on after work; seizing the opportunity of the warm evening to walk down to a close by beer garden for a few drinks in the sun.

It was so sunny, I couldn't even open my eyes without my sunglasses! Also shadows galore in these photos...

Clubmaster sunglasses - Rayban

Faux septum ring - Elisha Francis*

Colourful beaded choker - Primark

Pink orb tee - Vivienne Westwood Anglomania @ Repertoire Fashion*

Blue skinny jeans - Jailbird Jeans*

Chunky patent mules - ASOS

I was seriously lacking in cool, casual tees so when Repertoire Fashion got in touch to see if there was anything I'd like from their huge collection of designer brands, I immediately went for this colourful orb tee from Vivienne Westwood's Anglomania line. 

I'm not necessarily a pink person but I thought this bold colour would look wicked for summer.

I've casually paired it with my new skinny jeans from Jailbird. These high-rise blue jeans are amazing value at just £23.99 (currently in sale). The denim is really thick with a slight stretch, and I like that the cuffs have contrast binding so they look good when turned up too.

I made the look a bit more pub-friendly with some chunky mid-height heels. I also popped in one of my new faux septum rings from the Elisha Francis Bomani Woman collection. These are great for adding a bit of edge if you don't have the bottle or maybe an appropriate job to be able to sport a real septum piercing. 

I've met Elisha before and she has real talent for jewellery making and a fantastic creative eye. As well as making gorgeous pieces of jewellery with crystals and semi-precious gemstones, she also has an incredible line of customised trainers.

What's your go-to finishing touch to your casual outfits?

Banana Republic AW14 and a Birthday Night Out

Hello!

This post, like many others it seems at the moment, has been horrendously delayed. A few weeks ago, I was invited down to Banana Republic's store at Manchester's Trafford Centre for an introduction to the brand and their Autumn/Winter (or Fall/Winter as they might say across the pond) 2014 collections.

The Trafford Centre store is actually only one of two in the UK which are based outside of London. Even though the store's position in the Trafford Centre is really prominent, on the upper floor more or less opposite Selfridges, I'd often walked past but never been in.
  

Above: some of my favourite looks from the Banana Republic FW14 lookbook

The brand was founded  in 1978 and was bought out by Gap a few years later. Perhaps a little guilty of standing in Gap's shadow, Banana Republic has been continually growing and expanding its reach across not only America, but Europe too.

Recent developments have seen the brand gaining attention and kudos in its own right such as the recent appointment of former J.Crew designer, Marissa Webb as Creative Director back in April.

The Autumn/Winter collection is the first to have seen her influence. The result is an edgier, more fashion-led look for the brand and I'm excited to see what the future holds for SS15 which will have much more of her design input.

Back to the present, I was really surprised by what I found in-store. The clothes are exactly the sort of thing I'd wear for work; minimal, clean silhouettes in neutral shades and a range of textures like silk and faux leather.

There's lots of clever, flattering design details across the collections and the introduction of the new petites range was particularly good to see. I'm not necessarily petite myself but it was great to be talked through the garments which have been carefully chosen for inclusion in the line. My mum is petite and I know that choice can be limited if you don't want to tolerate clothes which are too long in the arm and leg.

I was invited to choose a few pieces from the store and as well as falling in love with the 100% Silk Popover Blouse so much that I bought it in two colours, I chose a beautiful black midi skirt.

I was waited for the right occasion to wear it, with its first outing being for my 25th birthday meal.

It's made from a really lovely thick fabric and is perfect for Autumn. I also love the pockets at the sides.

Vivienne Westwood orb necklace- birthday present

Black sequin mesh tee- Ragged Priest (online sample sale)

Black midi skirt- Banana Republic*

Fluffy roll top clutch bag- Topshop

Patent cleated sole chunky heels- ASOS

I teamed my skirt with this cool sequin and mesh tee from Ragged Priest. They had an online sample sale recently and I got a massive haul. A disadvantage of living up north is missing out on all the great brand sample sales in London so I was so happy to see them doing one online. I'm also wearing my new Vivienne Westwood gold orb necklace which I LOVE- a birthday present from the boy, he did good!

Have you taken a second look at any established brands recently?

Afternoon Sunshine

Hello!

A quick outfit post.

This is an outfit I wore to a friend of mine's (baby's, obvs) christening that I went to just after we got back from Brussels.

 Clubmaster-style sunglasses- New Look*

Off-the-shoulder floral crop top- New Look*

Belt- charity shop

High waist trousers- ASOS

Bag- Vivienne Westwood

White court shoes- Dorothy Perkins

I'd had this floral bardot-style top for a couple of weeks and was been looking for an opportunity to wear it. It's quite girly for me but I was glad it was there hanging in my wardrobe- can hardly rock up to the church in my usual uniform of ripped jeans and a baggy top.

I was so surprised by the weather! I was expecting to return from Belgium to the usual dreary Manchester skies but it was so gorgeous the weekend we got back.

I had a white blazer with this outfit but couldn't bear to keep it on for these photos. The shoes are also horrendous to walk in, worst pair I have by far; I don't know why they're so uncomfortable! I walked down to my little outdoor blog photo 'spot' in my Nike sliders and threw on a big T shirt with an ice cold drink when I got back in.

The things bloggers go through for a photo opportunity...

Have you had any nice weather where you are recently?

A Very Special Sale Buy

Hello!

This post is to introduce you to a bit of an extravagant buy I made in the sales.

Let me introduce you to new Vivienne Westwood handbag!

Isn't it amazing! It's from the cameo collection and although it isn't the one I originally wanted, I really love it's classic design, shape and gold hardware (very me).

I would never usually spend so much money on one item- I think it's the most expensive thing I've ever bought. In terms of fashion anyway...

It wasn't a purchase I made lightly though. I've wanted a Vivienne Westwood for probably as long as I've loved fashion. I saved for ages to get it which makes it all the more appreciated.

I'm sure you'll be seeing much more of it on my blog!

Have you made any grand purchases recently?

Love,

Foxy x

Very Special Sale Buys

Hello!

Wow, I haven't posted since last year! Last year was only a few weeks ago but still, it's pretty atrocious.

One of my New Year aims (I much prefer this term to 'resolution'- makes it seem less of a big deal if it doesn't work out!) is to kick my blogging up a notch; posting more, enhancing the look of my site and I'd like to do more actual writing.

I started off blogging as an outlet for writing and I think I've developed the notion that to succeed, I need to constantly post pictures of myself posing in new outfits. While personally I LOVE trawling through outfit posts for style inspiration, let's face it, I'm hardly a supermodel like some of my favourite bloggers seem to be! I'll still do outfit posts, but I'm hoping that to enable me to blog more frequently, I'm going to bring you more posts on cool brands I come across or just general musings about what's influencing my style.

Anyway, onto the matter at hand.

It's a New Year and I must say, 2012 has been pretty good to me. I started a new job which pays a good deal more than the last and now that I'm living more comfortably, I don't feel as guilty about treating myself every once in a while.

With that in mind, I'd like to introduce you to a little something I picked up in the sales...

hkkkfgdhjhfsetttq!!! A Vivienne Westwood purse!!!

I've wanted a Vivienne Westwood bag for as long as I can remember and while I'm not quite there yet (maybe next year), I decided to splash out on a little bit of luxury and get myself an amazing purse.

Purse: Vivienne Westwood (Chancery Wallet Grey 4733); Camo Jacket: Army Surplus Shop with DIY spike shoulders by me; Denim Shirt: Oxfam Originals, Manchester; Black Jumper: H&M; Gold Triangle Stacker Rings: Topshop (sale- old)

Those who know me are probably more than aware that I'm a bit of a scruffy individual- check the chipped nail polish and authentic bed hair chic for further evidence- but that's not to say that I don't appreciate nice things.

As I went sales shopping yesterday (only for last reductions, high street cheapy bargains) I thought it might be fun to do a sort of 'bottomless bank account' sale pick feature.

So, if I had the funds, here's what I'd pick up in the Matches Fashion sale:

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8

1 // Charlotte Olympia Lunatic Bag: I absolutely love this evening bag by Charlotte Olympia, it feels quite 80s- I have in a knitting book (which I bought from a charity shop for the photos) which has a design based on a Matisse painting which it really reminds me of.

2 // 3.1 Phillip Lim Zip Front Leather Skirt: A classic leather skirt never goes out of style. The zip detail on this one gives it a bit of an edge.

3 // Terry de Havilland Zia Lightning Shoes: I'm a sucker for lightning bolts (plan for my next tattoo!) and a good platform shoe. The metallic silver and cobalt colours make these an excellent choice for the new season.

4 // Alexander McQueen Floral Silk Cape: Who doesn't love a bit of McQueen? I loved all the kimono-style capes of AW12 and sheer, oversized layers will still be big for spring.

5 // Acne Mape Stamped-Leather Jacket: Acne is one of my all-time favourite brands (hence two Acne items on my wishlist!). This cropped leather jacket will last forever.

6 // Diane Von Furstenberg Olga Sunglasses: A great bargain to pick up now for the summer holidays; I'm missing some round-frames from my collection!

7 // Mara Hoffman Beaded Swimsuit: Another summer holiday buy. The monochrome graphic beading means it'll be on-trend come summer.

8 // Acne Magenta Long Dress: I love Acne for luxe basics and this black oversized maxi is just perfect.

What would you buy if money was no object?

Love,

Foxy x