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London Style, Quite Literally | Style (OOTD)

london styleTop: Marks and Spencer | Culottes: Warehouse* | Sneakers: Converse | Backpack: New Look*

Since my post on The London Look, it would seem that I’ve begun to take London style in the most literal sense possible. This top was one of those amazing finds you happen upon by chance – and it was in the sale too! I absolutely loved the colours, stripes (duh) and the cut. I had to have it! Yet however much I love this top, it’s fair to say that not everyone does. In fact funnily enough, it’s caused quite a bit of controversy. And I’m stuck in the middle of it all.

London Style, Quite Literally

First off, my friends think it’s weird I’m wearing a top with London written on it. They seem to think it’s not cool, because it looks too touristy. Heaven forbid you are mistaken for a tourist in London. We all know how painful that is. Which leads me on to my second problem – the mistaken tourist. This lovely lovely top has caused some confusion between me and the “locals”. It would seem that some people think I’m a tourist in London. Recently whilst out at the pub with friends, I had an East Ender try to talk to me in broken French. Coz French colours and stripes. Of course.

Sure I’m not one for buying tops emblazoned with the city I’m currently travelling in, but problems aside, I don’t see why I shouldn’t wear this in my own city. I mean after all, where will people return me to if I get lost?

Check out my previous London style posts here.

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An Urban Jungle at Kew Gardens | Style (OOTD)

Kew GardensT-shirt: COS | Jeans: Topshop | Shoes: COS

Continuing my natural Mori Gal vibe, I recently headed to Kew Gardens for the afternoon, with VA and Dodo. Kew Gardens is somewhere I’ve been planning to go and shoot for a year or so now. The gardens are vast, however it’s the conservatories that interest me the most. They house a variety of plants, big and small, and are absolutely stunning. I love stopping by the Prince of Wales conservatory, but the Palm House is my number one recommendation when visiting Kew.

The Palm House was designed by Decimus Burton during early Victorian times. The original structure is still standing now, and is the most important surviving Victorian iron and glass structure in the world. It’s difficult to explain just how awe inspiring it is, not only for architecture geeks like myself, but for anyone. I just couldn’t wait to do a photoshoot there.

An Urban Jungle at Kew Gardens

Finding a fitting outfit for the Palm House was difficult. Part of me wanted to go all out, and wear something overtly feminine and elegant. Something along the lines of an evening gown straight out of 1950s Hollywood. But let’s be serious, I don’t own anything like that. So I went for my new kicks, with matching t-shirt from COS. I actually bought these items separately, but my current love for dusky pink, and COS’s own colour palette meant I ended up accidentally coordinating. Maybe it was the relaxing atmosphere, or the way my off-pink outfit blended nicely with the wrought iron fixtures. I felt like I belonged. Well it certainly wasn’t the humidity, either way.

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

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It’s Graduate Fashion Week, Darling

graduate fashion week 2016Graduate Fashion Week 2016 | The University of Northampton – Tiffany Ruff

There’s something special about graduate fashion week. Maybe it’s the buzz surrounding up and coming designers. Maybe it’s the innovative use of cuts and fabrics. Or the innocence and naivety that comes from not being a fully fledged member of the industry…yet. I like to think it’s a mixture of all of these, and more. This year Weleda invited me to attend, as well as watch The University of Northampton’s catwalk show.

Why Weleda?

So why was I a guest of Weleda? Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m sure you’ve all heard of Weleda’s Skin Food. This natural cream has been a staple on the catwalk, and behind the scenes at fashion week for a few good years now. So to celebrate their 90th birthday they invited myself – and several other lovely ladies – along to The University of Northampton’s show, whom they were partnered with. I’ve been using Skin Food (and other Weleda products) for a couple of years now, and it’s always been comforting to know I’m alongside stylish fans such as Alexa Chung and Suki Waterhouse. The holistic natural products promise to offer inspiration to mind, body and soul.

Graduate Fashion Week 2016: Highlights

I live to be inspired, and graduate fashion week is just the place for it. Walking from stall-to-stall, university-to-university, graduates brought forward a variety of materials, textures, cuts, styles and more. I was intrigued by the creativity and imagination that so many designers brought to the show. The judges had a tough time on their hands this year. And whereas I would love to say everyone was a winner, I of course had favourites.

  • The University of Northampton – Alice Chambers
  • Manchester Salford University – Adeel Kaiser Ali
  • Nottingham Trent University – Chloe Jackson
  • The University of Northampton – Laura Budryte

I wish I had space to write more names, but I would be here forever. All I know is I’ll be keeping my eyes on the designers I came across at Graduate Fashion Week 2016, and crossing my fingers that I’ll be able to buy their pieces one day.

Check out my previous fashion posts here.

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Mori Gal | Style (OOTD)

mori galT-shirt: Delores Daywear | Trousers: New Look | Sneakers: Comme des Garcon x Converse | Sunglasses: Playn*

I’ve always been fascinated with nature. As a child I would beg my parents to let me explore woodlands, or dip my toes in a babbling brook. Whether it’s plants, animals, fractals…well, you get my point. Of course lifestyle choices often transfer over to personal style. That’s why I love the idea of the Mori Gal fashion trend so much.

But you’re not a Mori Gal?!

The first time I fell in love with the style and concept was with the character Shizuru Satonaka in Tada, Kimi wo Aishiteru. Mori Gal literally translates to Forest Girl. This fashion subculture originates in Japan, and often features earthy tones, natural fabrics, and loose fitting clothes. The style itself has never really found a foothold in my own wardrobe. Loosely permed hair (natural waves), and always carrying a camera around is about as close as it gets for me. Still, I find the concept incredibly romantic. Being more ethical in your fashion choices. Slowing down your daily life. Spending more time with nature.

True, I may not embody mori gal, but I can be inspired by it. I can be reminded of it; in my love for nature, quality fabrics, and ethical clothing choices. At the end of the day, mori gal is supposed to be whimsical. And we all deserve to have a little whimsy in our lives.

If you like the idea of MG, you can find out more and how-to with “Mori Gal Rules“.

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

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A Love Affair with Italian Leather Shoes | Style

italian leather shoesA Love Affair with Italian Leather Shoes | Sandals by Lorena Paggi*

My press trip to Italy last October was something I will never forget. Discovering Fermo and the amazing artisan shoemakers of the region was enlightening. Since my visit I’ve definitely gained a new found love for Italian leather shoes, and a variety of new designers.

Italian Leather Shoes: Lorena Paggi SS16

One of the designers I visited during my trip to Italy was Lorena Paggi. Producing Italian leather shoes, bags and accessories, I fell in love with a pair of their brogues, and that was that. The brand had certainly left an impression on me. So when their Spring/Summer 2016 collection popped up on my Facebook feed I immediately clicked through. Dusky pinks, chunky heels and minimalist looks to name a few. These are stylish sandals with a difference.

Where to find them…

This is the question I asked myself…Lorena Paggi…and every social network possible, after I saw these sandals. The dirty pink shade was so perfect, and so perfectly on trend. The style is very me – minimalist, comfortable, high quality and stylish. You couldn’t ask for better. Lorena Paggi luckily saw my pleas on social media, as I desperately tried to find out where I could buy their new sandals. I can’t wait to wear these in Barcelona at the end of the month. And hopefully in London, but I don’t want to jinx this gorgeous weather just yet.

Unfortunately Lorena Paggi shoes are not available in the UK…yet! However if you happen to be in Italy or Eastern Europe/Russia, you will definitely be in luck. Keep an eye on their Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts for more info.

Read more: Italy Travel Diaries

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Urban Research in Japan | Style (OOTD)

urban researchTie Waist Top: Urban Research | Trousers: Urban Research | Watch: Timex* | Sneakers: Comme des Garcon

When I visited Japan in March, one thing stood out to me. My personal style was miles away from what it was when I was living in Tokyo. It dawned on me that the stores and areas I once frequented during my time there were now alien to me. For this reason alone, I had resigned myself to the fact that I probably wouldn’t buy any clothes during my visit. However one rainy day, we decided to wander around the Sky Tree Mall – Solomachi. Filled with stores such as Punyus, Loft, and earth, music and ecology; I soon realised I was in good hands.

Urban Research

One store that stood out to me in particular was Urban Research. Sure the name might seem odd to English speakers, but the lifestyle element to the store intrigued me. It reminded me of my favourite London stores, but with a difference. However it was only when I went shopping with Renka that I properly investigated. I ended up picking up an ensemble that felt a little out of my comfort zone. Something I would admire on others, but would maybe be a little nervous to wear myself. Luckily Renka is a great shopping buddy. I knew I could trust her, and when she gushed at how much the outfit suited me I decided I had to have it. I had to admit, I felt kinda cool in it. And this is coming from the person who would never have considered wearing a matching two-piece outfit. As you probably guessed, that outfit was the one in this post. I mean, this story would have been entirely pointless otherwise, right?

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

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My Spring Colour Palette | Style

spring colour paletteMy Spring Colour Palette | SS16

Now I’m not one to follow trends, but every so often something comes around that fits into my personal style like a glove. In 2014 it was dip-dyed hair and patterned fabrics. In 2015 it was sleeveless waistcoats and fashion sneakers. This year – in 2016 – it takes the form of a colour palette. Put simply: trending colours in style and interior. Never in my life would I imagine that palette would include pink.

Shock, horror!

Yes I have finally succumb to pink. Growing up I’ve always favoured darker colours and shades, so you can maybe understand my aversion. However SS16 has seen pink come back…with an attitude. Dusky, darker pinks are popping up all over the place. Some have underlying hints of purple, others peach. And I for one love it. This is pink, but not as we know it.

My Spring Colour Palette

Now that we’re over the initial shock of me wearing pink, let’s talk about some the colours I’m loving right now, because it’s not all about the p. Some of the colours I’m loving have carried over from Winter, but the majority are Spring shades. It’s also worth mentioning that I love pairing a lot of these colours together, as they compliment each other pretty well. Anyway, enough chit-chat, let’s look at the colours:

So the big question here is: why does any of this matter? Of course Spring-Summer usually sees people opting for lighter shades, but you know me – the darker the better. Well it’s not earth shattering but it does mark a change in my own personal style.

Check out more of my style posts here.

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