My 2016 Style Evolution aka The Year of Living Stylishly

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It’s the end of 2016, and I think we’ve all had pretty much enough this year. Still, some great things have come out of it too. And I prefer to look back on the good stuff, rather than the bad. So it’s time for my annual style evolution post. Or as I’m so aptly naming it – the year of living stylishly.

2016 Style Evolution

I’ve always wished for a time where I could feel stylish from day-to-day. Not for anyone else, but for myself. I love to play with fashion, and when I look good, I feel good. This year I’ve made a real effort to only purchase quality items. This means saving up for items I’ve coveted or simply found (luckily). On my recent trip to Copenhagen I bought a few staple pieces, and I’ve worn them at least once a week since I got back.

It’s safe to say, my wardrobe is now full of items I can easily turn into a smart-casual look. After all, you never know when you’re going to meet a friend for ‘a drink’ and end up at an after party with Richard Ayoade (this actually happened).

The Year of Living Stylishly

In last year’s style evolution post, I said my goal was to be happier in my style. I think I’ve done pretty well, and I really do feel it. My style has become slightly more refined – if I do say so myself. Black and stripes have been prevalent, oh and I lost my favourite Blake Ldn beanie. Obviously it’s been a year of fashion ups and downs.

To be serious for a minute though, it has actually been a tough year for me. Even so, I’m not letting it get me down. Fashion is a great escape for me, and I hope I can continue to enjoy it all the way through 2017.

Check out this year’s style posts here.

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New Year New Me… Oh Please! | Style

New Year New MeBiker Jacket: Zara| Shirt: Mads Nørgaard | Vest: Topshop | Trousers: Warehouse* | Trainers: Adidas

We all utter it at least once a year. Whether it’s New Years Eve, New Years Day, or maybe just after you’ve devoured all of the leftover turkey and trimmings. “New Year new me”. It can mean many things, and I truly believe that people have good intentions when they mutter it. I’ve definitely said it before. And thought it a million times. But have I ever done it? …have you?

After all, we all kinda know we’re lying when we say it. Aren’t we?

New Year New Me!

Well I think to a certain extent, we do all change and grow. Just not generally all at the same time. Can you imagine the carnage if we all suddenly discovered how to better ourselves at 00:01 on January 1st? As comical as the idea is, I like to think that we all learn from our mistakes. Even if it does mean making them a few times before we realise it. I definitely have a few things I need to teach myself in 2017.

New year new me may seem silly, or redundant, but it really is a heartfelt expression. However you phrase it, we’re (read: most of us) all doing our best to become better people. For some that may be cutting down on their guilty pleasures, for others it may mean taking more risks. I’ve certainly sat down with myself and had the talk. For now it’s personal, but I hope that I can share it with you all soon. And whatever your thoughts on ‘new year, new me’ are, I hope that 2017 will be a good one for you.

Check out my previous style posts here.
Photos of me are taken by Van Anh Le Thi

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Mads for Minimalist Style | Style (OOTD)

minimalist styleTop: Mads Nørgaard | Dress: New Look* | Chelsea Boots: ASOS | Open Ring: Jessie Harris

This minimalist style thing has been going on for quite a while now, right? I’ve actually managed to stick to a style I love for a couple of years now. That’s pretty impressive for me. My wardrobe used to be a garish sight to behold: predominantly black clothing, varying styles that didn’t match, and a bunch of unloved clothes I never wore. Now you’ll find complimentary colours and curated items that each get their fair share of love. It’s beautiful. Well, in my eyes anyway. But I get a lot of people asking me how I’d class my personal style, and when I reply they’re confused by the concept of minimalist style.

What is Minimalist Style?

For me, minimalist style is unpretentious. It’s basic, but not boring. It’s modest. It says a lot, without really saying much at all.

That’s not to say I don’t appreciate styles which are any less minimalist than my own. In fact I think you can see from my personal style evolution that I love a bit of eccentricity and pattern clashing. It just so happens that I’m at a stage where my personal style fits my lifestyle goals, personal beliefs, and outlook. I don’t feel anywhere near as stressed as I used to when having to put an outfit together. Actually I barely worry now (except for maybe big events) about what people will think of my clothes. For those that have grown up – like myself – sporting various styles and shapes of clothing, you’ll understand. It’s not easy to feel stylish, casual yet smart and confident in your style. Maybe that’s why this particular “phase” of my personal style has stuck around for so long. Which is all well and good really, because it feels right.

Check out my previous style posts here.

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Doing it Danish Style | Style (OOTD)

danish styleTop: Mads Nørgaard | Trousers: New Look | Sneakers: Converse

Danish style. What does that mean to you? For me it conjures up images of tailored clothes, layers, and white sneakers. Washed down with fresh sea air and delectable pastries. All of which – you’ll be pleased to know – I managed to make the most of whilst travelling in Copenhagen last week. Pastries and gorgeous landscapes aside, I was beyond giddy to finally be in the capital of my style-inspiration. I reckon 99% of my Tumblr and Pinterest combined are made up of Danish brands (homeware & clothing). Danish style is the ultimate for me.

Doing it Danish Style

As well as being the land of clean, minimalist style, Denmark has a few other tricks up it’s sleeve. The country is jam packed full of designers you’ve probably heard of/seen, but never realised were Danish. Wood Wood, Samsøe & Samsøe, and Baum und Pferdgarten to name a few. Yep, Danish designers have a pretty strong hold on the fashion industry, and they’re not letting go anytime soon. I just knew my trip to Copenhagen was going to be heavily influenced by my love of fashion, and these brands.

The Mads Nørgaard store was always going to be on my to-do list, whilst travelling to Copenhagen. I’ve been a fan of the brand ever since I discovered it earlier this year. It’s simplistic style appealed to my minimalist palette almost straight away. The Nørgaard store in Copenhagen is also the home of Nørgaard Paa Strøget #101, the award winning rib t-shirt with long sleeves. The t-shirt – which is made in Denmark – comes in a variety of colors and most importantly, in signature stripes. So it’s no surprise that this little number I’m sporting fell into my hands and onto the register…alongside 3 others.

Check out my previous style posts here.

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