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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: 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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My 2014 Style Evolution

 
March – Floral Fancy
 
 

June – I Feel Blue

 
August – Countryside Chic
 
September – Pattern Practise
 
 
November – Autumnal Bliss
 

December – Norfolk Girl

This year saw my style change quite dramatically. Back in April I did a large overhaul of my wardrobe. I got rid of all the items I’d never worn, or only worn once. I focused on creating a collection of quality basics (and the odd rogue dramatic piece) that would be worn again and again. I decided to stop buying lots of cheaper “on-trend” items, and instead focused on higher end timeless pieces. That meant I could finally justify (and afford) my dream coat from Sandro. Gone are the loud, bright outfits from the beginning of the year. Instead they have been replaced with a more minimalistic, monochrome affair…with a dash of colour.
I hope to continue refining my style in 2015 – working with the same mindset.
Will I keep up with it? I guess only time will tell.
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OOTD: Autumnal Bliss

Scarf – Primark | Sweater* – Oasap | Jeans – Topshop | Necklace* – Parla | Ring – Tatty Devine | Shoes* – ASH
 
Like most bloggers (and just people in general), Autumn is my favourite time of the year. It’s that perfect balance between too hot and too cold. The jumpers come out again, alongside light jackets and scarves – oh scarves, let me count the ways I love you. I enjoy layering clothes, but every Winter I tackle with big coats and waterproof shoes. That’s why Autumn is not only my favourite season for food and weather, it’s also the time of year when I can enjoy playing around with the items in my wardrobe.
Last weekend I made a quick stop in Norwich for my dad’s birthday, so naturally that meant taking my dog out for a walk in the woods next door to our house. I grabbed my new cosy knit from Oasap, alongside my Primark blanket scarf and a light coat. It turned out I didn’t even need the coat 5mins into our walk, which was quite lovely. It was also time to break in my new pony skin slip-ons from Repertoire Fashion, which paired incredibly well with the blanket of leaves that greeted us. As I planned to do a little shopping with my mum after our walk I wore my Antumbra necklace from Clarice Price Thomas with my Tatty Devine x Rob Ryan ring, just to look like I’d made some kind of effort. I may have been wearing a thick sweater and the biggest scarf known to man, but I still managed to feel pretty fashionable.
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OOTD: I Don’t Do OTT

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Blouse – Primark | Jeans – Topshop | Flats – Primark | Sunglasses* – Playn | Ring – Tatty Devine x Rob Ryan

Minimal make-up (or none at all) has become a daily occurrence when I’m on holiday, as I opt for a more natural look. Of course it helps that pretty much all of the women in the South of France are sans make-up…or just know how to cleverly disguise it to look as if they aren’t wearing any. This time I took it a step further and let my hair keep it’s natural curls and frizz. It’s odd to think that only a few years ago I would never have left the house without styling my hair and throwing on some make-up. It’s empowering and kind of wonderful to feel so comfortable in my own skin.

Of course my clothing follows the same path lately. Minimalistic with clean colours. The old white blouse and jeans combo can never fail, take my word for it. Pair it with some ballet flats (a French favourite), an oversized bag (for all the cheese and grenadine you’re going to buy later) and some subtle shades (very mysterious, darling), and you’ve got yourself the perfect holiday look.

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OOTD: Countryside Chic

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Mac* – Red or Dead | Top – Topshop | Jeans – Topshop | Boots – Topshop | Bag – Primark

How do you dress for a rainy, cold weekend in Wales? Well! Thankfully, after visiting Wales more than a handful of times, I have honed my skills in this department. First off I make sure I’m wearing a decent coat that will keep me dry and warm, but not too big as I don’t want to be travelling with anything too heavy. Next up, a pair of decent boots and trainers because the Welsh countryside is certainly not the place for stilettos (when you walk as much as I do anyway). A good pair of jeans always comes in handy because they can easily be dressed up in the evening. Finally, a selection of cute tops that allow me to show off my personality, without losing any comfort or warmth.

Yes, it may not be very glamorous but sometimes you really do have to combine fashion and function.
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OOTD: Stay Sunny

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Shirt: Primark | Slip Dress – Primark | Shoes* – New Look | Sunglasses* – Oasap | Necklace: Tatty Devine

Wandering around East London can sometimes feel like you’re in your own personal fashion show, as you exhibit the latest addition to your wardrobe. I love that you can feel proud of what you’re wearing and that others won’t judge your clothes. That and the fact that you’re always going to find someone dressed more outrageously than you. Now I wouldn’t say my personal style has evolved into something that exactly turns heads, but it’s good to feel comfortable in your own skin and I thoroughly believe that East London allows me to do that. Some might think the area is pretentious, and at times it can be, but I’ve never once felt that I had to live up to others expectations…although I do sometimes wonder if that’s purely because of my mind set. Either way, I love this part of town and will continue to flaunt it until I can no longer do so.