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?

Shiny Disco Balls

Or rather, pants!

Yes that's right, I'm talking about the American Apparel Disco Pants that are literally everywhere at the moment.

I bought mine a few weeks ago and haven't had chance to show them off yet.

This is what I wore on Saturday night for a few casual drinks out.

Cross earring, handmade by me; Levi's denim jacket, borrowed from boyfriend, Sheer top, sale ages ago,  John Zack; Leopard bralet, £7.99, New Look; Belt, 50p, charity shop; Bag, £3.99, vintage Jane Shilton via charity shop; Trousers, £70, American Apparel; Shoes, £120, Jeffrey Campbell Litas

Everything you've heard about these trousers is true. They are incredibly flattering (trust me, being of the larger variety of woman, shiny spandex pants don't instantly scream 'wear me'!) and are worth every penny of their £70 price tag. Even though I've spotted plenty of girls wearing them on a night out, I get compliments every time I wear mine.

I'm wearing them with my boyfriend's Levi jacket and the ever-trusty Jeffrey Campbells. I have my own Levi's jacket, the stars and stripes one I customised, and thought about getting myself a plain one; though, I realised that me and the fella would never wear ours at the same time so why not pinch his whenever it's up for grabs!

Hmmm, probably should have hung that jacket up somewhere rather than dumping it in the frame of the picture...

I've had this sheer black top for a year or too now and it's continually stayed put as one of my favourites. I love wearing black clothing and sometimes it can be a bit heavy, especially when you aren't quite confident enough to get more flesh out- sheer therefore is the way to go! The leopard print bralet underneath was a recent purchase from New Look.

I love the batwing style of the top and how untucking it at the back makes it a little more interesting...

What's your go-to piece at the moment?

Love,

Foxy x

She works hard for the money...

Well, not the money, nor the love- just the degree!

As you've probably noticed, I haven't posted on my blog for a while; not because I can't be bothered but because I am literally drowning in a sea of uni work!

As a final year student, it's all getting a bit much at the moment but fortunately, it'll all be over soon- either via a triumphant hand-in, or death by stress.

As I haven't really had time to do anything for myself, I thought I'd give you a little update on my project (a creative fashion magazine- have a look at the blog!)

I've been all-over the place this week, out on location for the magazine's photoshoots (there's some behind-the-scenes posts on the blog)

Today I was in the studio, where we photographed the various fashion DIY's featured in the magazine.

I wanted to show you this one in particular, because I think it turned out really well!

It's my take on the AMAZING McQueen knuckleduster clutches. You'll have to get hold of a magazine for more details, but it was a hell of a lot cheaper than these beauties:

£1,140, Alexandermcqueen.com

£835, Net-a-porter.com

£1,157, zappos.couture.com

I got my makeup done at the shoot for my little 'Editor's' picture in the magazine- first time I've ever had someone else do my makeup! I don't think our MUA was too happy with me; I'm a bit funny with people poking things in my eyes and kept blinking, not to mention the watery eyes!

It was a bit heavier than what I'm used to, though I was assured it would come out lighter in the pictures!

The makeup was heavier than this at the time, I've smeared over it with several tissues and washed the lipstick away with a much-needed brew since!

I also posted this picture as I realised I haven't put one up since I dyed my hair red. And yes, it doesn't look very red in the picture! It's been red a few weeks and inevitably faded quite a bit; I'll be sure to post one as soon as I re-do it!

In other news...


I remembered something interesting I did which wasn't to do with my project- but someone else's!

The fabulous Purple Boot Media are creating a series of 'webisodes' on fashion bloggers and asked to do an interview with little old me! (have a look here). I'm quite nervous to see how it turns out; I hate how I look AND sound on camera (hideous voice, thank god I work with the written word!) so it should make for, erm, interesting viewing!

They've already filmed some awesome bloggers like Jack of Über Brum (a Birmingham street style blog) and one of my personal favourites, Jazmine of Jazzabelle's Diary.

Exciting!


Foxy

x