McArthur Glen Accessories Challenge: Part Two

Hello!

So, in my previous post I wrote about my trip to Cheshire Oaks designer outlet as part of McArthur Glen's spring accessories style challenge. I was tasked with finding two accessories under £250 which I could style up in different ways for the spring season.

Well here it is; the big reveal. I am so in love with the accessories I chose!

Lulu Guinness 50:50 Lips Hug and Hold Clutch*

Prada Poeme Sunglasses @ David Clulow Eyewear*

Before my trip to Cheshire Oaks, my heart was set on getting a bag from Lulu Guinness. I've wanted one of her acrylic lips box clutches for ages, though the one I got in the end changed my mind! It's an oversized clutch in patent leather and I love the classic design and neutral colours - with the signature Lulu Guinness lips motif, of course.

I wasn't planning on buying sunglasses but after trying on these amazing Prada shades, I couldn't think about anything else for the rest of the shopping trip!

I was so impressed that I was able to buy both of these designer accessories for less than £250. The Lulu Guinness clutch has an RRP of £195 but was just £78 in the outlet shop. The sunglasses retail at £250 and are available current season everywhere, including Selfridges - they were £143 which I think is a really great discount.

I've snapped five different looks with these accessories, below.

Look One: All Black Errthang

Longline black coat - Boohoo

High neck ribbed crop top - In The Style

Midi skirt - Banana Republic*

I feel like this look is a bit Kim K! This isn't really a trend; it's no secret that I love black and this is just a really simple but chic outfit that I'm totally comfortable in.

Look Two: Suede and Floral

Black suede fringed jacket - vintage, from Amsterdam

Floral cut-out dress - Forever 21

Suede-look thigh high boots - Public Desire

Something a bit more boho! I don't really do girly so if I'm wearing something like this floral dress, I'd normally throw a big jacket over it. This fringed suede jacket of dreams is a recent buy from my trip to Amsterdam. I picked it up in a really cool vintage shop for only about £18. I could have bought so much in there but had to think about my hand luggage space...

Look Three: Sports Luxe

Longline blazer - Monki

Cropped Ellesse tee - Bank Fashion

Jeans - Primark

Trainers - Adidas (Stan Smiths)

I wear this Monki blazer all the time; it has to be one of the best things I've ever bought. It instantly smartens up any outfit and is great to wear as a light coat for the spring. I picked this bright Ellesse top in the Bank closing down sale recently for just £10. I used to wear Ellesse clothes all the time when I was younger so the brand has a bit of retro nostalgia for me.

Look Four: Evening Out

Leopard jacket - vintage via charity shop

Velvet high neck crop top - River Island

Earrings - Susan Caplan @ ASOS

Gold collar necklace - Primark

Gold chain belt - Blitz Vintage

Riding pants - American Apparel

Heels - Vivienne Westwood X Melissa

This is the sort of thing I'd wear on a date night with Chris. This vintage leopard print jacket is another one of my all-time favourites - I picked it up for around £3 from a charity shop back home! I'm also wearing my new Vivienne Westwood shoes which I got in the January sales; I was praying that they'd be comfortable but sadly not, great restaurant shoes though.

Look Five: Glam Grunge

Leather jacket - vintage via Mum

Chokers - eBay (tattoo) and ASOS (tartan heart)

Checked shirt - vintage via Reading Fest

Ribbed crop top - Topshop

Moons and stars leather belt - vintage via charity shop

Ripped jeans - Ragged Priest
Boots -Vagabond

It had stopped raining by the time I got around to my fifth and final outfit (typical Manchester!), so I decided to venture outside for photos. This was my favourite outfit of the five so I was glad to get some good shots of it. My style (at least on the weekends) is quite grunge-y but I really like how my shiny new accessories glam this look up a little.

What do you think of the accessories I chose and which is your favourite look?

Last Day's of Summer: Coral Tones

Hello!

Summer is swiftly leaving us behind (where did it go this year?) as Autumn approaches. I'm actually not sad about that. Autumn is my time.

Autumn/Winter is undoubtedly my favourite season in the fashion calendar. I have friends who are all about the bronzed legs, cut-off shorts and strappy tops of the summer but seriously, give me fluffy knits, rich velvet and chunky boots over that every time.

That said, I am partial to a bit if sunshine, even though my complexion might suggest otherwise.

A few weekends ago, the sun seemingly came out of no where so me and the boy made the most of the nice weather by going out for a Sunday lunch at a pub down the road.

Whenever the weather's not grim (and it usually is in Manchester) and I have a bit of spare time, I always try and get an outfit post shot outside.

Black felt fedora hat- Primark

Sheer floral kimono- DivaDames*

Wu-tang Clan halter crop top- Forever 21

Riding Pants- American Apparel

Religion coral spike clutch bag- Psyche*

Cleated sole patent heels- ASOS

Kimonos have been my saviour for the past few months; they're so easy to just throw on over a summery top to keep the chill out when the sun goes behind the clouds. This one's from a new site I discovered called DivaDames who do lots of trend-led clothing at really good prices.

I found myself wearing lots of coral in this outfit. From the coral tones in the print of my kimono to the gorgeous colour of this Religion box clutch from Psyche. It's the perfect size for a night out for a bit of makeup, some money and your phone. Psyche stock lots of accessories including Michael Kors bags and watches, Olia jewellery and Ted Baker purses. I was pleased to see Religion in the lineup which has been one of my favourite brand's since I was about 13.

This clutch isn't really a colour I would usually choose but I'm glad I did as it adds a nice pop of colour to my typically all-black outfits. It also perfectly matches my new Loreal Colour Riche Intense lipstick that I picked up on a three-for-two offer a few weeks ago. It says that it's for blondes but who I am to be told what does and doesn't suit me!

Are you enjoying these infrequent bursts of nice weather?