Bad in Plaid - OOTD

'Is that a some red and blue I see before me?' I hear you ask. YES! Don't have a heart attack, but I am actually wearing something colourful. I know it's not all the colours of the rainbow, but for me, red and blue is a breakthrough. 

Fax Fur Coat - Ark
Plaid Shirt - Vintage
Leather Skirt - Pretty Lavish
Heart Motif Tights - Accessorize
Boots - Dr Martens

I've actually had this shirt for years. I bought it from a vintage store in London when I was 18, and it's been a timeless addition to my wardrobe. I was worried that it wouldn't work with my hair and that I'd have to banish it to a draw for a time when I could wear it again, but I think it actually works quite well, especially with this leather cut-out skirt from Pretty Lavish .

I've never really been much of a skirt person. I think being quite curvaceous makes it hard to find skirts other than pencil skirts that are flattering for your shape, but I thought I'd give this ago seeing as it was in the sale. I love the detailing, and it's the kind of skirt that can be dressed up and down.

This outfit is a bit mish-mash, but it works and I don't really know why. I feel like it shouldn't. There's a lot going on, but I feel the textures and patterns contrast but compliment at the same time.

The heart motif tights have become my new favourite accessory. I also bought some polka dot ones too. The sheerness of the tights give them a grunge edge, whilst the heart / polka dot motif adds a touch of feminine kitsch.

This outfit is a prime example of why you should play around with what you've got i your wardrobe. You may be surprised as to what items work well together. You could end up with a whole new outfit.

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The Velvet Underground

 I find dressing up at this time of year so difficult. It's so hard to look elegant and sexy in something that keeps your entire body warm, so we resort to attempts at refreshing dresses from warmer months in the hope no-one notices the raisin-smuggling situation. 

Velvet Choker Dress - Oh My Love London

Faux Fur Coat - Ark
Satchel - F&F at Tesco 
Block Heel Boots - Public Desire

I've had this dress from Oh My Love London in my Pinterest wishlist for months now, and when I saw it was reduced massively in the January sales, I knew it had to be mine. 

I suck at compiling a capsule wardrobe, so there are many moments in my life when I simply don't have an appropriate outfit. 

I bought this knowing that it would come in handy for meals out or trips to the theatre;  those kind of events that require you to add a little more formality to your style than you're used to. 

This dress is so simple but so elegant and ceremonial. The velvet does all the talking, making it a definite evening piece, whilst the sequin and pearl embellished choker-style neckline gives it quite a regal edge. 

I feel this is a garment you can dress down to a certain extent. I found it went really well with my shabby coat, the tufts of fur contrasting with the sleekness of the velvet. I tried it with my Dr Martens and they looked really out of place, but my slightly less casual patent boots from Public Desire worked a treat. I think this dress would look stunning with some Mary Jane flats or t-bar heels. 

P.S In case you're wondering, these pictures were taken at Hadleigh Castle in Essex. There's not much left of the castle, just some ruins, but it's a great place to see some spectacular views of the Essex countryside if you're ever near by!

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Black Crow Queen - OOTD

 

Textures! With the temperature dropping, we're wrapping up in as many layers as we can carry. But the only way to avoid looking like a giant ball of cloth is with contrasting textures. 

Choker - Regal Rose

Lace Dress - Ark

Fur Coat - Ark

Satchel - F&F at Tesco 

Boots - Miss Selfridge

As someone who's addicted to wearing black, it's so important for me to invest in textures. It's the only thing enabling me to tell where one item of clothing ends and another begins. 

I'd noticed lately that my wardrobe was lacking not only in textures, but warm outerwear. With the weather dropping to -10 C, my leather jacket just isn't going to cut it. So I went on a search to see if there were any goodies leftover in the January sales, and I wasn't disappointed. 

I bought this crochet dress for £15 and the fur coat for £22 , both from Ark. I've loved Ark for so long. Not only do they stock some awesome brands, but their own stuff is so reasonable and trend-lead. The crochet dress has amazing detailing and I'm thinking it will make an gorgeous beach dress in Summer.Crochet is going to be everywhere next season so I might as well start stocking up early. 

I thought the strong detailing of the crochet would contrast well with the messy fur of the coat, whilst maintaining a soft and feminine feel. 

The Regal Rose choker I'd had my eye on for a good few months. I'm so happy the choker trend has had a bit of a revamp and a revival and seems to be making more of a fashionable mark than its 90s debut. This choker is so different from the generic ones that are out on the high street at the moment. The design is really unique, and the use of gunmetal gives it a grunge element that contrasts well with the shimmer of the crystal. 

This shoot was nowhere near as cold as the last one, or as windy, but that coat kept me ridiculously cosy. I like to think I look like a disheveled raven. CAWW CAWW. 

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Snug as a Bug in a Primark Jumper - OOTD

The windiest Outfit of the Day shoot yet!

Beanie - Primark 

Roll-Neck Jumper - Primark

Woolen Tights - TK Maxx

PU Leather Jacket - Missbehaver.com

Mini Satchel - F&F at Tesco

Gloves - Asos

Boots - Public Desire

The weather's taken a bit of an aggressive turn hasn't it? 

On Sunday, I finally got to see the Southend seafront (after spending most of my weekends in Essex for a year and a half now, it was about time), but underestimated the weather conditions. 

From the confines of my boyfriend's cosy house, it looked like a sunny albeit slightly windy day, so I got ready for what I thought would be a good Outfit of the Day environment. 

I don't think I've experienced wind like it. I had Davy Jones style hair tentacles the majority of the time, and the only respite was behind the scattered shelters and shops along the mile-long pier. 

It was cold, but the only part of me that really felt it was my face, thanks to my layering skills and woolen tights. 

This Primark roll-neck jumper has been a Winter lifesaver. I think it's meant to be a jumper anyway, but on short little me it works perfectly as a dress. It's so cosy, and despite its baggy shape is actually quite feminine. The looseness allowed me to wear a t-shirt underneath without it bulking me out. 

I'm definitely getting my money's worth out of my Public Desire boots. I've worn them non-stop since I got them. They go with EVERYTHING! 

My ears would have frozen off if it wasn't for my beanie (really need to get some earmuffs). Another Primark bargain, for only a few quid it's really good quality. 

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OOTD - White Noise

Maxi Cardigan - Primark

Cami Top - Topshop

High Waisted Jeans - River Island (Ripped at home using this Ripped Jean Tutorial)

Boots - Public Desire

Leather Jacket - Missbehaver.com

Scarf - Asos

Antler Ring - Rebel Ocean

Another Outfit of the Day post for you guys. I've kinda set myself a goal of doing 
more of these. Styling is something I really enjoy, and I've been following other people's style inspo for ages now and have really wanted to get involved myself. 

I've been spending the New Year at my boyfriend's in Essex, and there's some gorgeous countryside around here. We regularly go for walks, and considering how monochrome my outfits have been as of late, it makes for a perfect backdrop. 

This maxi cardigan is my new best friend. I always used to think that because I'm so short (5'2) I couldn't pull off maxi things, but over the years I've figured out which maxi styles suit my height, and how to wear them. I'd been eyeing up this particular style of cardigan for a good few months (my Pinterest page is full of them), when I saw this beaut in my local Primark. For £8 it was a steal. I'll tell you a little secret though: it scanned at £3 and I didn't say anything - MAJOR BARGAIN SNEAKS! 

Another Christmas sale bargain were the Black Block Heel Boots from Public Desire . For me, when it comes to fashionable and stylish footwear, Public Desire are a brand I can rely on. I've got a crazy long wishlist consisting of practically every black boot they have to offer, so when I saw they were having a huge sale on Boxing Day I was probably one of the first in there. These boots are still on sale at only £17.99 so be quick of you want a cheeky New Year treat. 

I also just want to mention the gorgeous Antler Ring from Rebel Ocean. It was actually one of my presents from the boyfriend. I've got an ambition to have a monstrous silver ring collection, and not only am I in love with this new addition, but Rebel Ocean's collection is stunning and timeless. Can't wait to own more of their stuff!

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