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?

Little Black Dress: the Perfect LBD

Hello!

I was recently invited to the very swanky Manchester House restaurant for an evening of drinks, canapes and dresses with online retailer, Little Black Dress.

I was really excited about the evening as with party season fast approaching, there's so many occasions that warrant a new dress!

Little Black Dress sell an array of branded occasion and party dresses (not just black ones either...) and the evening was to mark the launch of their first, own exclusive range: The LBD Collection.

The range is a capsule selection of timeless black party dress styles, inspired by fashion icons past and present.

I was so thrilled after the event when I was able to choose my favourite. I chose the beautiful 'Diana' dress, inspired by an iconic dress worn by Princess Diana in 1994. I was instantly drawn the dress on the night after seeing it on one of the lovely LBD ladies and one of their models.

I still haven't found a special occasion to wear the dress so had to resort to taking some photos during a lonely night in- such a blogger thing to do!

Orb necklace- Vivienne Westwood (gift)

Black off-the-shoulder dress- Little Black Dress*

Vintage gold chain belt- Blitz Vintage, London

Fluffy black heels- eBay

I can't stress how gorgeous this dress is to wear. The bodice is all boned and the ruching makes it super flattering.

I accessorised it with this uh-mazing vintage gold chain belt I bought in London recently. I'd been looking for a belt like this for ages so was chuffed to find it. Even though I like to wear black a lot (a lot, a lot), I do love my gold accessories and jewellery so I love that the belt puts a little personal spin on the outfit.

I can't recommend the LBD collection enough. The dresses average at around £100 each but based on the dress I chose, they are really beautiful quality- far better than most high street brands. They are all very classic too, meaning you'll get plenty of wear out of the styles.

Have you spotted a favourite?

Plastic Fantastic

Hello!

This is an outfit post from a date night the man and I had last week. It's our five year anniversary at the beginning of Feb but we decided to have a little early night out to celebrate. Mostly to do with the fact that the food at the restaurant we went to was half price throughout January- such the cheapskate that I am.

Cross necklace- Rock N Rose

Crop tee- Primark

Bangle- Ti Sento

Vinyl skirt- Love Sasha

Bag- Marion & Meredith

Shoes- ASOS (sale)

I decided that it was appropriate to wear a PVC skirt (why not). I ordered this skirt from Fashion Union and found it really small fitting so sent it back for an exchange. Long story short, they massively fucked up my order (will not order from them again) and it had sold out before I knew what was going on with my exchange. I was therefore chuffed to find it on Love Sasha who basically do the same stuff but cheaper- result! They have quite a few colours in these (like the new pastel ones) for £16.99 so would definitely recommend giving them a look.

My amazing and talented friend is one half of Marion & Meredith; she gave me this fabulous bag from their 'new' range for my birthday but they also have loads of awesome carefully-chosen vintage pieces at reasonable prices so go check them out!

I also wore my beautiful Ti Sento bangle that I got at their store launch. For anyone in the north west, they have a great new shop in the Trafford Centre- take your man and get Valentine's hinting! ;)


What are you celebrating at the moment?

Love,

Foxy x

Portugal Part One

Hello!

I got back from my holiday on Friday evening and thought I'd share some photos (there will be a 'part two' post as there are so many!).

Me and Chris went to Portimão, Portugal and stayed in the Praia da Rocha resort (where the huge beach is), a short walk from Portimão's old town and port.

This (and the next) post will be a bit of a mash-up between the outfits I wore and general scenery- enjoy.

Treated myself to some Ray Bans at the airport!

The port at Portimão town.

Sunglasses: Ray Ban; Twist back crop top: c/o Forever 21; Backpack: £1.10, charity shop; Skirt: c/o Forever 21

Exploring the old streets of Portimão.

Taking in the sights while getting lost.

Earrings: Gogo Phillip @ Tophop; Cord and fringe top: ASOS sale; Lightning ring: ASOS sale

Enjoying the local Super Bock (a little too much!).

The BEST cocktail. I can't quite remember what it was but they won an award for it! The strawberry 'caviar' in it was amazing. Hats off to the very talented bar men at Absolutely Lounge.

Dress: c/o Forever 21

Not the best view of a derelict hotel opposite but lovely to have a drink on the balcony before going out!

The rocky Praia da Rocha coastline at sunset.

I had an amazing time and have thoroughly got the holiday blues. I spent the first two nights back in the UK under a huge fleece blanket and developing a timely cold...

I will be bringing you part two soon!

Love,

Foxy

x