Columbo Goes Gingham: Spring Trench

Hey,

I sit typing this up on a gloomy Easter Sunday. While I'm far from glum about sitting on my arse eating ALL the chocolate, I'd held out a little more hope for a sun-soaked Bank Holiday weekend.

The weather recently has been difficult to predict - one minute it's glorious sun and the next, a torrential downpour. Well, that's just Manchester for you, generally.

Traversing the constant dilemma of 'what to wear', one item of clothing has been my saviour - the classic trench.

I decided some weeks ago that I needed some kind of light jacket; semi-smart, easy to wear and goes with everything. I settled on a trench coat and, resisting my usual safety blanket of black, I opted for this classic stone coloured mac from Next.

I think it might be my best purchase of the year so far!

Sunglasses - Moschino

Trench coat - Next

Cross-front body - ASOS

Deconstructed gingham midi skirt - ASOS

Boots - Vagabond

I'm also really loving this gingham skirt from ASOS, it's ideal for the transition from spring into summer. I'm considering getting it in the new red version too!

This post is a great example of the ever-changing weather. I didn't know whether to keep my jacket on, take it off, remove my sunglasses... at least my new trench is light enough not be be a nuisance when the sun comes out.

What's been your favourite buy of the season?

Roses are Red: Romantic Wrap Dress & Market Days

Hey,

As it's Valentine's Day, I wanted to post about this romantic look featuring a red rose print wrap dress from Joy.

Not everyone is such a fan of Valentine's. Personally while I'm not a fan of the commercial side, I really like the sentiment it can bring out and I think anything which prompts a bit more expression of love and makes people appreciate and celebrate the love they feel for others is fine by me!

Valentine's Day will now forever be of a greater significance to me as on this day last year, I got engaged! It's now just five months (tomorrow) until we get married which has come up soo quickly.

Fedora hat - Primark

Floral wrap dress - Joy the Store

Boots - Topshop

I wore this for a stroll around Altrincham market on a crisp Saturday morning.

I think this is the first time I've posted about the market. We moved to Altrincham in May last year and I honestly feel so lucky to be able to stroll up the road and find all this on my doorstep!

When we moved, we were looking to move somewhere a little nicer (we'd been living in Manchester student central a.k.a Fallowfield for nearly five years!) where it was easy to pop out for a nice drink or meal. I was a little dubious about moving further out of the city but with us being at the end of the tram line, going into Manchester city centre is just a short ride away.

I'm a big fan of a market in general - but Altrincham's is next level! It's won various awards and has put this little South Manchester town firmly on the map.

My favourite vendors at the market have to be Honest Crust (the BEST wood-fired pizzas), Wolfhouse Kitchen (where the dreamy lattes and hazelnut chocolate cannolis above are from), Merri (for cute illustrated stationary) and Chloe Robinson Flowers.

Have you visited the market - which stalls are your favourite?

White Hot and Shredded Denim

Hey,

Where has the summer gone?

I took these shots a couple of weeks back when the weather was (a little) nicer.

Boohoo recently got in touch to see if I wanted to style up some items. I was actually going to wear my choices to one of the nights at Manchester International Festival though in the end I couldn't make it, *sad face*. Thankfully it was for good reason - Chris' band got into the final of the Midlands heat for a slot to play at a festival, beating 18 other bands so I had to be there for the big night! Sadly they didn't win in the end but they did amazingly well to say they've only been occasionally playing together around a year and a half, with the final in the competition being just their sixth gig!

I wore this for to go for a few alfresco drinks.

Coloured choker - eBay

White shirt - Warehouse

Ripped denim dungarees - Boohoo*

White cleated sole platform sandals - Boohoo*

I've worn these dungarees so much since I got them; the knees are probably a bit more busted open than when I got them! They fit like a dream, are comfy and such great quality for high street denim. I love the vintage wash and shredding to the lower legs.

I wanted to add some white to my outfit to complement the badass cleated platform shoes. My Warehouse white shirt is classic and has become a bit of a go-to if I'm short of something to wear when my brain is frazzled and my room has become a chaotic floordrobe.

Just peeking out is a cheeky sale purchase from Agent Provocateur. The set was a bit of a treat to myself that I couldn't resist with their sale being so good. The Liza bra has such gorgeous strappy detailing, it's difficult not to want to show it off. Writing this post, I've seen it's gone down in price again since I got it - always the way!

P.S. I got my purple hued ombre (which hasn't picked up so well on camera) at new Manchester salon, Red Angel Hair; highly recommend these guys.

A Wax Jacket in the Yorkshire Countryside

Hello!

Most of you will know me for being a Manchester girl - the city that's been my home for the past four years. What you may not know is that originally, I'm a country girl. My family's home is hidden away in the depths of the Yorkshire Dales, in the middle of the three peaks (you've maybe heard of the three peaks challenge?) - a small hamlet in the absolute middle of nowhere!

While I love living in the city, I do like to head back now and again for a bit of R&R; it's a great place to wind down away from the hustle of Manchester and to do some much-needed head clearing.

On a recent trip home, I took my new wax jacket from Country Attire* and thought the Yorkshire countryside would make the perfect backdrop for some photos.

Black wax jacket - Country Attire*

Roll neck jumper - Label Lab @ House of Fraser

Ripped jeans - Ragged Priest

Boots - Vagabond

My dad took these photos - how good?! And a photographer he is not. His best bit of kit is his Fuji point and shoot digital camera, circa 2005.

This location is 5 minutes down the road from my parents'. In the background is Ribblehead viaduct - the longest on the famous Settle to Carlisle railway line with 24 arches. The mountain behind the viaduct is Whernside which is the largest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks - pretty cool!

Anyway, onto the jacket; which was kindly sent to me by Country Attire. This online designer destination are known not just for their country clothing but sell a huge range of top brands including Calvin Klein, Lacoste and Vivienne Westwood. Country Attire have recently launched their own branded range which is made in England. The range is really classic and in line with their roots, with a great selection of women's wax jackets.

I chose this style as it's a little more biker-esque; it reminds me of a Belstaff jacket I used to have when I was younger. The quality is impressive for the price, with a waterproof waxed cotton outer by British Millerain. I love the breathable checked cotton lining too and especially the ability to personalise it with the sharpie marker Country Attire provide - such a lovely touch!

I haven't really got a proper waterproof jacket so this is definitely a welcome addition to my wardrobe. I love how the belt cinches the jacket in at the waist for a more feminine shape and the cord-lined collar fastens high on the neck to keep out the wind and rain.

What do you think of this look?

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?

Thigh High Boots and a Spring Knit

Hello!
A quick outfit post from a recent chilly spring day.

Black fedora hat - Primark

Gold chain - charity shop

Gold digital watch - Casio

Leather & suede backpack - Oasis

Grey fine knitted long cardigan - Shelikes*

Black cut-out shoulder dress- Motel

Thigh high chunky boots - Public Desire

I always find this time of year the most difficult in terms of deciding what to wear. Once February hits, I always want to buy tons of new spring clothes - problem is, it's so cold at the moment that I can't even contemplate wearing most of the new season arrivals outside!

I've been wearing this oversize fine knit cardigan from shelikes.com all the time recently. It's perfect just to throw on as an extra layer when it gets a bit chilly.

My new thigh high boots are great for keeping my legs a little warmer too. I've seen loads of over-the-knee styles around recently and these ones are so comfy due to the platform and chunky heel, plus they stay up well thanks to the elastic panel in the side - I've seen quite a few bloggers find that some of these boots go baggy around the top and fall down.

What are you wearing most at the moment during this period of unpredictable weather?