OOTD | 50 Shades of Grey

ootdCoat: Topshop | Culottes: New Look | Sneakers: Luca Verdi* | Backpack: Sandqvist | Beanie: Blake LDN

Grey slowly started working it’s way into my wardrobe late last year. But after New Year it made itself a permanent fixture. I’ve always stuck to darker colours (read: only wearing black), and my clear-out at the beginning of the month pretty much proved that. But the addition of this grey coat (which is as warm as it is stylish) to my wardrobe has changed all of that. It’s a happy medium between black and white, and it pretty much always looks great with a smart casual ensemble.

Now that the introduction is done with, let’s not avoid the elephant in the room. Yes, I did go and buy another pair of culottes. As ugly as some people may find these oversized trousers, I adore them. You know me, if something is comfortable and stylish, I’ll wear the hell out of it. They work with a variety of shoes, but since the weather was looking ok I decided to test drive them with my Luca Verdi sneakers. I couldn’t get enough of these pointy-toed beauties when I was in Italy; I almost cried when I came back to the UK and found that Expool & Luca herself had sent them to me. These will always be a reminder of an unbelievable travel adventure.

It’s a wonderful thing when your clothes tell a story. Even better when they make you feel good.

Check out my previous style posts: OOTD
Thanks to V.A (Chopstickpanorama) for the photos of me.

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My Style Evolution | 2015 Highlights

ootd-soul-mates-helmut-lang-marble-jacket-3My Style Evolution | 2015

I think it’s pretty fitting to end 2015 where I began – comfy in my Kenzo tiger jumper. It really shows that my style has not evolved as such this year, instead I like to think I have honed it. I am happy with my wardrobe. I won’t lie, it could still do with a little tidy up (but that’s just reality). However I have started investing in pieces, and I no longer care for fast fashion. This has made me happier in my wardrobe, my style, and ultimately myself. Because when you’re a fashion lover, nothing is better than being comfortable in your own style.

So I’ve curated a selection of images from my 2015 outfit of the day (ootd) posts. I’ve also included links to some of the posts below. I love seeing how my style has changed over the year, so hopefully you will too.

January | J’Adore Kenzo
February | Marble Marble on The Wall
March | And It Was All Yellow
April | Cherry Blossom Season
May | Amongst The Palm Trees
June | The Caped Crusader
July | My Dream Vintage Dress
August | Soul Mates
September | London Fashion Week SS16
October | An Open Letter to Cereal Magazine
November | Winter is Coming
December | Kenzo Kool

ootd-kenzo-sandro-new-balance-asos-bloomzy-japanese-paris-fashion-style-blog-blogger-5 outfit-of-the-day-ootd-style-fashion-blog-zara-oliver-bonas-topshop-columbia-road-flower-market-bloomzy-4 ootd-outfit-of-the-day-style-fashion-zara-topshop-blogger-blog-3ootd-topshop-cos-clarks-london-fashion-4ootd london fashion week zara bucket bag 1ootd-primark-topshop-asos-fashion-miss-selfridge-2ootd-beyond-retro-my-dream-vintage-dress

 

OOTD | Kenzo Kool

kenzoJumper: Kenzo | Culottes: Warehouse* | Sneakers: Converse | Backpack: ASOS

Since I put my Kenzo jumper away for the Summer, I’ve been dying to get it out again. Of course the British weather likes to tease us all, so I had to wait a little longer than usual. But last week we finally started seeing some colder weather. So I dusted the old gal off and threw her on with my faithful culottes (thankfully it’s not too cold).

I really do adore this jumper. Why? Because it works for itself. I don’t need to dress it up at all. I could pop it over a dress, or with a pair of jeans, and it would still look just as awesome. For me this is the ultimate in smart casual. We all have those days where we wish we were in a movie. You know the kind; the female lead wakes up, grabs whatever is lying on the floor, and hops out of the door whilst tying her hair in a top knot. She hasn’t made any effort whatsoever, yet she looks effortlessly beautiful. I can’t say I look beautiful in this sweater, but it definitely gives me the confidence to feel like a strong female lead.

Check out my previous style posts: OOTD
Thanks to V.A (Chopstickpanorama) for the photos of me.

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OOTD | Land of Liberty

ootdShirt: Liberty | Vest: Uniqlo | Trousers: Topshop | Trainers: Nike

I love the fashion that pops up around the party season. For some reason we all feel that we can ever so slightly more eccentric than we usually would with our style. I’m talking about dresses made entirely of sequins, glitter embellished skirts, and novelty sweaters. As soon as Christmas hits, these main offenders start to pop up all over the place. However as you all know, my personal style is a little more minimalist. That means I have to be creative and look elsewhere for my seasonal inspiration.

Since I can remember my mum has been a fan of Liberty. We would wander around the Victorian department store during our visits to London, in awe of their wares. However it was their prints that my mum always went back to. Even now she calls me and tells me how she simply “must visit Liberty” next time she visits. This year she has her eye on one of their many scarves. I personally have my eye on their new collection of shirts.

Liberty has brought their prints to 2015, with a contemporary range of shirts. I can’t say I ever imagined myself wearing a Liberty print shirt, but I fell in love with the almost monochrome Eloise Print Selena Shirt. I just love the length and cut of it. It certainly doesn’t feel like something my mum would wear, but if she did she’d definitely be way more stylish than me. In true Emma fashion, I went for a smart casual look, and paired the shirt with some trousers and my trusty Nikes. After all, dressing it up would be way too easy.

Check out my previous style posts: OOTD
Thanks to V.A (Chopstickpanorama) for the photos of me.

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OOTD: Winter is Coming

ootd-primark-topshop-asos-fashion-miss-selfridge-2Coat: Primark | Scarf: Miss Selfridge | Bag: ASOS | Boots: Vialactea*

As of late, it’s been pretty grey in London, which can only mean one thing. It’s time for everyone to start making 2 year old references. Yes, Winter is coming. In England that means grey skies, rain and wind. I live in such a beautiful country. Seriously though, it can make taking outfit photos a little bit tricky. But life would be boring without challenges, no?

Luckily for me I don’t mind wrapping up in layers and a big ol’ scarf. Actually this year I feel pretty prepared for the cold weather. In previous years I’ve found myself with only one pair of water-proof shoes, and a lone coat. 2015 has seen me take a different approach to fashion, and being more considerate of what I buy. However that has actually meant that I’ve ended up with everything I need, such as the items I’m wearing here. I’m content in not having to worry about whether I’ll be in trouble if I get stuck in a downpour, or if it suddenly gets chilly. In fact I’m pretty certain that with just a little bit of thought, fashion can also be functional.

Check out my previous style posts: OOTD
Thanks to V.A (Chopstickpanorama) for the photos of me.

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OOTD: More Than Basic

ootd-finch-norwich-wood-wood-topshop-7Wood Wood T-shirt: Finch Norwich | A-line Suede Skirt: Topshop* | Scarf: Ffion Griffith

My friend and I love the phrase “basic bitch” at this time of year. It sums up all of our silly little pleasures; top down shots of our morning flat white, the Starbucks pumpkin spice latte, Autumn…I could go on and on. Joking aside, recently I got thinking about the term “basic”. People love to use it as a dereogetory term, meaning boring or unimaginative. However in recent years basics have taken the fashion world by storm.

Only last year my wardrobe was full of clashing patterns and prints. Whereas I still love a good print, I have found a new confidence and clarity in my style since I introduced basics. Recently I made the decision to switch to timeless, high quality items that I can easily interchange with other pieces in my closet. It’s safe to say I haven’t looked back. Items like the Wood Wood cotton t-shirts I bought from Finch Norwich a few months ago have become staples. A plain t-shirt may seem boring, but I feel anything but when I pair it with a high waisted a-line skirt and scarf.

So I suppose what I’m trying to say is, even the most basic of items can become something special when they’re paired with the right person.

Thank you to V.A who took the photos of me.

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OOTD: London Fashion Week SS16

ootd-london-fashion-week-zara-bucket-bag-6Sleeveless Duster: Topshop | Draped Top: Zara | Chelsea Boots: ASOS | Bucket Bag: Zara

How do you stay fashionable and comfortable during London Fashion Week? Honestly I thought it was impossible. I spent a good 30 minutes trying on outfit combo after outfit combo on Saturday morning. I was feeling bloated – thanks for visiting at such a great time Mother Nature – and wanted something I didn’t feel rubbish in. For me that solution was layers, and lots of them!

I’m currently in the middle of having another love affair with Zara. I’d gone off the brand for a while. But now they’re back on form, and bringing out products that are better than ever. This draped top is equal parts fashion and function. Paired with a waterfall sleeveless duster I almost look like I’m trying. Then there’s the bag. THIS BAG! Oh my god. I fell in love at first sight (thanks to V.A for pointing it out). Yes it does look like THAT designer, but I think Zara have actually one upped the original. Funny anecdote, I happened to be walking next to someone with the original, during LFW. People actually thought mine was the original, and commented on how much nicer it was. I managed to fit my DSLR, phone and purse in here, with plenty of room to spare. This bucket bag is magical. It just goes to show you that designer does not always trump high street.

Thank you to V.A who took the photos of me.

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