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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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Sorry but Christmas style ain’t my thing…

Christmas styleBiker Jacket: Zara| Jumper: COS | Shirt: & Other Stories | Trousers: Warehouse* | Trainers: Adidas

Every year I try to convince myself that I can do Christmas style. It’s either “buy that sequin dress” or “pop on that Christmas jumper”. But it always seems like I’m putting on a bit of a show for others. My problem is I get Christmas fever – it’s a real thing, trust me. I love the anticipation, the food, the mulled wine… And with the hype of the season – and all of the Christmas parties – my style is inevitably affected. I feel like I have to make the effort and dress up, otherwise I’m letting people down. And let’s be honest, my personal style is not exactly what you’d deem Christmas style friendly.

Sorry but Christmas style ain’t my thing…

This year was no different. I was searching for an outfit for the Christmas party, and of course I wanted to buy something new. But I took a minute to stop and think about it. The party was going to feel no more or less like Christmas if I came dressed in a glittery all-in-one or not. Let’s be honest, the only way it could be more Christmas-y is if I turned up in a sexy tree costume (how is that actually a thing?!). So I stuck with one of my favourite LBDs. And you know what? The party was amazing.

So no, you won’t find any Christmas jumper posts this year. Nor will you see me in sequins – as hilarious as that would be. I guess what I’m trying to say is, you shouldn’t feel pressured to “dress-up” or put on a ton more make-up than you would any other time of year. If you fancy going all out, then go for it. But don’t let anyone tell you that you have to “coz it’s Christmas”. You’re fabulous just as you are. After all, this is the time of year to reflect, chill out, and eat a ton of awesome food. And what better way to do it, than dressed in something that makes you happy.

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

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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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OOTD: Soul Mates

ootd-soul-mates-helmut-lang-marble-jacket-5Bomber Jacket: Helmut Lang | Top: Topshop | Culottes: Warehouse* | Watch: Swatch

There comes a time in everyone’s life when they find that one item of clothing they were meant to be with. Yes, it is true. I have found my soul mate, and it comes in the form of a marble jacket by Helmut Lang. I happened to spot this piece whilst walking around Liberty one evening several months ago. It was love at first sight, but I knew it was something I would need to think about. I’m an awkward shopper, and I prefer to take my time. That sometimes means thinking about a piece for a few days. A week or so later I just so happened to pop into TK Maxx, and guess what I spotted? Yes, the exact same jacket, with a hefty discount. Still, it was a lot of money so I needed to think about it. And think about it I did. I couldn’t get the damn thing out of my head for days! I kept trying to convince myself I didn’t need it, but like a moth to the flame, I succumbed to my instincts. And guess what? I haven’t looked back! This bomber jacket has become a staple in my wardrobe. It’s ridiculously cool and comfortably casual. The best part? Since I own mostly “basics”, I can pair it with pretty much anything.

I can see this love affair lasting for quite some time.

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

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A Date with the Style Doctor

westfield-style-doctors-review-2Westfield Style Doctors Lounge

According to my parents I have been trying to dress myself since I could grasp the concept. It’s true, I’ve always been very opinionated and expressive when it comes to my personal style. Therefore you can imagine that I’ve never really been one to consider a personal stylist. Sure I’ve wished that somehow my clothes would magically be laid out for me every morning, but that’s about it. However recently my wardrobe philosophy (yes that’s a thing) has changed. Late last year I decided to start purchasing fewer pieces of higher quality – I was left with a wardrobe that I used only about 1/3 of. So when I was contacted by the Westfield Style Doctors about meeting with one of their personal stylists, part of me was curious to see if they could help me with my new outlook.

When I arrived for my appointment, I was greeted by Kellie – one of the newer members of the team. She automatically made me feel at ease as we chatted about my personal style, and what I would like to achieve from our meeting. We both agreed on adding some colour to my monochrome wardrobe. Kellie had already hunted down around 10 items that she had in mind for me. Her research was based on my style and body shape, something which I covered in the questionnaire I had to fill out before my session. As we walked around Westfield we chatted about style, food, our jobs…it felt like I was shopping with a friend! The time flew by, however we still managed to visit Topshop, Mango, Warehouse, COS and Oasis.

Now I don’t want to bore you with a run-down of everything I tried on. Instead I want to summarise my experience, and tell you what I came away with. As I tried on the items Kellie had chosen, she explained why each one would work for me; how to accentuate my body shape, and compliment my skin and hair tones. Now I’ve always believed that you should wear what you want, regardless of whether someone thinks it suits you. But the Style Doctors think this too! At the end of the day I realised that Kellie just wanted me to go away with an outfit I was happy in. It’s her job to offer the best advice she can, and honestly she was pretty spot on (apart from maybe one outfit that I felt was “too mature”). I went away with five items, and a better understanding of the shapes and colours that compliment me. I love that I now know how to emphasise my waist and make myself look taller. It doesn’t mean I won’t still buy something if it doesn’t do this. But it does mean that I feel more confident and comfortable in my choices.

The Westfield Style Doctors are a team of experienced personal stylists. They offer appointments to anyone through their booking system. Sessions start at just £50 and can be held at either Westfield Stratford City, or Westfield White City. Find booking details here.

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OOTD: Cool Chic

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T-shirt: Zara | Culottes: Warehouse* | Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | Sandals: Fit Flop*

As a Brit, I do love to complain about the weather. Summertime is no different. Each year, at the beginning of Summer I find myself staring sadly into my wardrobe. What do you wear when it feels like you’re going to melt as soon as your step outside? It can be quite the challenge trying to look good, and feel comfortable. So when I find a Summer staple, I stick with it.

You may remember my current fashion motto: quality over quantity. That means I’ve changed my buying habits. Now I buy one high quality item, instead of several cheaper items. This new motto has transformed my wardrobe, and the way I style outfits. Not surprisingly it has also made it easier for me to find my Summer staples this year. Like these culottes. These are ridiculously comfortable, and perfect for Summer. Apart from being comfortable, they’re easy to dress up or down (these are perfect for the weekend, work, or an evening dinner). My current favourite is pairing them with a breton stripe top. I feel as though I could easily fit in on the streets of Paris in this outfit. In fact, if I squint hard enough, the streets of London can look a little Parisian.

I styled this outfit as part of a project run by think money.

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

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OOTD: Marble Marble On The Wall

Coat: Sandro | Dress: Warehouse | Boots: Topshop | Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Any trip to the V&A involves copious amounts of photos and the occasional selfie. V.A and I went one step further and took outfit shots alongside the beautiful interior of the museum…as any self respecting blogger would do.
I actually came down with a mild cold this past weekend, so taking outfit photos was the last thing on my mind. Nevertheless I layered up in my trusty Warehouse dress and Sandro jumper-coat combo. To be honest the whole outfit was a second thought to my new Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, which I had been dying to premier to the world. Thankfully V.A stole away my camera and decided to document it’s first foray onto the streets of London, whilst I awkwardly posed against marble backdrops, to the confusion (and amusement) of the odd tourist.
If you love all things marble (and decorative arts in general), I’d highly recommend a visit to the V&A.