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OOTD: The Caped Crusader

ootd-topshop-cos-clarks-london-fashion-5Sleeveless Duster: Topshop | T-shirt: COS | Jeans: Topshop | Heels: Clarks*

It’s safe to say I’m not a heels kinda gal. My feet ache just thinking about them. To think I wore them religiously whilst living in Japan – I don’t know how I did it. Despite my dislike for wearing heels, I love how they look…and how they make my legs look. This leaves me in a very awkward position. That position is usually staring at beautiful heels online, but never adding them to my basket. However when I spotted these beauties on Shoetique I decided to finally go for it. After all, Clarks are well known for quality, comfortable shoes.

Naturally I chose a pair of black and white heels, and I think they look damn good. I’ve become a bit of a monochrome master, if I do say so myself. I’ve even managed to match my outfits to my location. Did you spot that? Ok so I didn’t really do it on purpose, but I did actually scout the location beforehand. I’d seen a few photos of the new Crossrail Place Bridge, and I wanted to join in too. So me and V.A headed there last weekend for a photography afternoon. The whole area is shiny and new, and surprisingly quiet. We were able to shoot pretty easily, and get THAT shot of the bridge. For something that looks like it’s made of corrugated iron, it’s eerily beautiful.

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

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OOTD: Layers for Days

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Fashion bloggers will know the utter joy felt when you discover the perfect location for your next ootd. Actually this was an unexpected find, as I hurriedly took some snaps before meeting friends for dinner. The grey and white outer was the cold backdrop I had been looking for. I wanted to emphasise the lines and layers in my outfit, and this air con unit (?) just happened to be the perfect place to do so.

But why the layers when the weather has been so warm? Well firstly, I know full and well not to trust British weather. One minute it’s boiling hot, the next it’s like being in a wind tunnel. I prefer to layer up, so I can always strip down if need be. Also, have you seen how pale I am!? Even though the weather is gorgeous I have to do my utmost to cover up. Not even factor 50 sunscreen can protect this pasty complexion. That doesn’t mean I don’t get to enjoy Summer though. It just means I have to be more inventive with my outfit choices. White is a must of course, and I like to pair it with black, especially in the evening. This outfit was perfect for a casual dinner date…and I even managed to avoid spilling food down my perfectly white top.

 

Photos of me by V.A (chopstickpanorama)

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OOTD: Sakura Dream

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Blazer: Missguided* | Top: Cheap Monday | Skirt: Helmut Lang | Boots: Glamorous*

Isn’t cherry blossom just dreamy? You could put anything beside it and people would ooohhh and aaahhh. Luckily for me I spotted some beautiful (albeit fake) cherry blossom at my recent visit to Sake no Hana. My all black outfit contrasted well against the pink of the tree. I’m so envious of people who can layer black on black – I’m looking at you Alice. It’s almost an art form. It would seem I unconciously had this in mind when I wore this outfit. I didn’t really think of layering black items. Actually I just wanted to wear my new Cheap Monday top and Helmut Lang skirt. Still I left the house feeling content with my foray into the world of black ensembles.

Luckily for me there is a ton of inspiration in the London street style scene. Shoreditch is perfect for this. Tailored, minimalism is in, and it’s not going anywhere.  Just yesterday I saw a man wearing an all black outfit that made me stare. Clean, straight lines were accompanied by the simplest of accessories: a black briefcase. It may sound a bit odd, but he inspired me so much. Unfortunately I was too shy to ask him for a photograph. Why a photograph? Because whenever I see someone whose style inspires me, I constantly begin working on a street style photo series in my head. Who knows, perhaps fate will bring us together again and I can start that series. And maybe, just maybe, he will impart his wisdom upon me.

Photos of me by V.A (chopstickpanorama)

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OOTD: Greetings, from Berlin

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What do you wear when you go to a city known for it’s fashion? This particular question ran through my mind as I packed my suitcase for Berlin. I only wanted to bring 6 outfits for 6 days, so I knew I had to plan meticulously. Right down to the last midi ring on my little finger. This isn’t something I usually do when I travel. I’m a little haphazard and I end up throwing in half my wardrobe, as I want the freedom to “decide on the day” – but we all know how that goes. I end up annoyed with myself for bringing 5 jumpers and I only end up wearing 1 dress that I’m not even 100% happy with.

But you know what? I think I did pretty good for myself this time. With only a couple of key pieces (and a few accessories) I was able to put together several outfits that I was really pleased with.  This one in particular was comfortable enough to meander around museums for the day; but at the same time I still felt as though I had put an effort into my look. It probably isn’t anything new to most of you, but my mind has been blown by this little “life hack”. I will definitely be bringing a lighter, more stylish case next time I travel.

You can check out my Berlin Travel Diary series here.

Photos of me by V.A (chopstickpanorama)

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OOTD: Amongst The Palm Trees

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Shirt: Zara | Jeans: Topshop | Shoes: New Look* | Watch: New Look*

I’ve been so inspired by nature recently. The hidden patterns within leaves (shout-out to my boy Fibonacci). The varying shades of green, and the immense colours that I could never imagine recreating on a canvas. It’s amazing being able to find somewhere in the middle of a capital city where you can appreciate this. Despite what some may say, London is a pretty green city. Even in the middle of a concrete jungle like The Barbican, you can find a tropical oasis.

After V.A and I made a date to visit The Conservatory at The Barbican I knew I had to dress appropriately. I was thinking of cool fabrics (I don’t do humidity) and casually chic prints. During my weekly pilgrimage to Zara I spotted the perfect item – a striped blue and white cotton shirt. It was as if it had been made especially for this one occasion. It was so easy to pair with some plain denim jeans and tennis shoes. This is one shirt that I know I will keep coming back to this Summer.

 

Photos of me by V.A (chopstickpanorama)

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OOTD: Cherry Blossom Season

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Jacket: Primark | T-shirt: COS | Jeans: Topshop | Trainers: New Balance | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban*

Looking at me now, you’d never guess that my teenage years were spent mixing patterns and colours like an overly eccentric cat lady.  In fact I imagine 15 year old me would have detested the clothing I wear now. It’s funny really how our tastes and looks change. Just a quick peek at my Style Evolution post from a few years ago will show you how much my look has changed in recent years.

That doesn’t mean I’m unhappy with my current personal style at all though. In fact I love my more minimalist approach, as of late. It’s nice to feel stylish without having to worry about trying too hard. I like the idea of grabbing a t-shirt and jeans, and pulling on a leather jacket before rushing out the door (which is exactly what I did the morning these photos were taken). Knowing that actually you’re still going to feel pretty cool even though you didn’t stop to think about it. At the end of the day, I guess it says more about my wardrobe than anything. My resolution of “quality over quantity” (style AND substance) really is working.

 

Photos of me by V.A (chopstickpanorama)

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OOTD: Bookworm

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Jumper: Tokyo Laundry* | Trousers: Topshop | Antumbra Necklace: Clarice Price Thomas*

As a kid I would read 2-3 books a week at school. My dad would read the classics to me and my sister before bed, and I would buy a new horrible history book whenever I was given pocket money. Needless to say, my love for books followed me into my teenage years, and through into adulthood. When I had the chance to visit Hay-on-Wye this weekend I jumped at the chance. For those who don’t know, the small market town is famous for it’s bookstores (lovingly nicknamed The Town of Books) and the Hay Literary Festival. So I wrapped up in my new Tokyo Laundry jumper, ready for a day of rummaging through books. It’s a lovely Welsh town that I could easily spend hours wandering around. However I had my eye’s set on Richard Booth’s (the man behind the town) bookstore – an old, beautiful bookshop that any child would swear is magical. In fact I fell in love with the magic of it myself. Dusty old books sit next to shiny new novels – this store doesn’t discriminate – and comfy sofas and chairs are close-by for those who just can’t wait to get home before they start their new book. It truly is a book lovers paradise. I browsed the shelves for Murakami before grabbing myself a copy of Emer O’Toole’s Girls Will Be Girls. Eventually I was dragged away as I pleaded “No, just a little longer…”