OOTD Fun on the Farm

One of the things that you may not know about me, my lovely readers, is my love of pigs.  It’s definitely not something that you assume about me, what with my love of fashion and the city, but I am slightly obsessed by them and I have been desperate to go to a farm and visit some.  Another new fact about me is that I am now a Godmother so I can have a trip to children friendly places with my beautiful Goddaughter Georgie without looking a tad out of place, so on a recent day out I was able to incorporate three of my favourite things; Georgie, Pigs, and of course Fashion.

I decided to go for farmer chic with a bit of inspiration from Made in Chelsea’s Millie Mackintosh; if anyone can look stylish in the country it’s Millie. I thought she looked amazing for a visit to the farm for a Christmas turkey, although not sure if Rosie the turkey agreed.

I am a huge fan of Wellies which is ironic for a number of reason, firstly that I am most definitely a city girl; I itch if am not within a mile of a local Starbucks and I live in Jesmond which for those of you who don’t know is a suburban bubble, where there is very little requirement for wellies.  I would love a pair of Hunter wellies, however I don’t feel that I can really justify the £80 price tag to walk through sodden leaves.  I have always preferred classic green wellies and I love how these wellies are not full length which avoids the dreaded calf burn. 

The perfect trousers to go with wellies have to be Skinny Jeans or Jeggings.  To be honest it’s very rare I wear Jeggings but they work a lot better if you are tucking trousers into boots, as long as they are worn with a long top, to cover one’s modesty.  I decided to go with navy Jeggings as I wanted my outfit to be classic country with a city twist.

A check shirt is a wardrobe staple and I will defy any girl that tells you she doesn’t have one.  They are ideal for a lazy day, a cover up on holiday or in my case a trip out into the country.  What is great about this check shirt is that the tie at the back so you can either wear it loose or nip it in at the waist for a more feminine effect.

I accessorised my outfit with a fur Gillet, my loyal khaki Fedora and a navy and white check Handbag.

OOTD Disney Cool

This outfit is made up of some of my favourite pieces so it seemed fitting that I wore this for one of my favourite person's birthday night out.  I wanted to wear something that was cool, fun and not too dressy.  It was also freakishly warm so I decided to wear my white blazer for one of it’s last outings of 2013.

This year I seem to have developed a fetish for all things white.  I have bought white Jeans, white Cigarette Pants and this white Blazer with cropped sleeves form Primark for £7 in the sale, and yes I am aware of the irony of the words Primark and sale being in the same sentence.  White is so simple, sophisticated and can add style to any outfit, but be wary if you are a klutz!  A stained white garment is not a good look!

I bought this Mickey Mouse T-shirt from Topshop a few years ago and I have to admit that it was a Carrie Bradshaw inspired purchase.  I saw her wearing a Mickey Mouse T-shirt in the episode where she introduces Berger to her friends; yep you remember it, and I had to have one.  This t-shirt is so versatile.  I can wear it with anything and dress it up or down.  I think this would look great with dungarees and a pair of bright stiletto heels.  Now if only I could get on board with dungarees.

My Faux PU Leather Skirt if also from Topshop and this was a craze that I developed last year and if I’m completely honest has carried on until this year.  I am on the lookout for a leather dress so any suggestions please let me know!  I love this skirt!  It is cute and edgy at the same time; looking great with either biker boots or kitten heels. 

These suede black loafers from Primark are probably one of the best ten pounds that I have ever spent.  They are super stylish, comfy and go with almost everything in my wardrobe.  They are Gucci inspired but unfortunately the £300 plus price tag for the Horse Hair Bit Gucci Loafer is a bit out of my reach!

My khaki Fedora Hat from Topshop needs no introduction as I'm sure you've seen it in many of my previous posts and I'm sure it will be in many more to come as I adore it and will wear this at any opportunity I get.

OOTD Tesco Tartan

I absolutely adore tartan and I was far too excited to see it all over the Autumn/Winter 2013 trends.  I was hoping to inherit my grans tartan blazer but unfortunately this has been given to the charity shop so I had no other choice than to purchase some tartan attire myself.

I have chosen this super cute tartan skirt from Tesco's F&F range at the bargain price of £18.  It is so comfy and I really love the length; just above the knee but not too short that I can't wear it to work.

I have teamed this with a black fitted top with sequin detail on the shoulders which is also from F&F.  I bought this years ago and it has served me very well.  It is my top equivilent of the little black dress.  If I'm ever having a 'fat day' or want to dress up a pair of jeans this never fails; sequins and black are a life saver.

My boots are from New Look and these are another trusty purchase.  They can be quite painful to walk in but they are totally worth it, and the buckles on the side add to the punky vibe of the tartan skirt.

 

My leather black bomber jacket is from Primark, and I do love when trends are recycled and I can bring out old favourites; it also makes my bank balance look a lot healthier.

I really wanted to find a black bag to go with this outfit, but I discovered on my most recent shopping spree (posts coming soon) I really don't like black bags so again I've brought out an old favourite.  This velvet turqoise shoulder bag is from H&M and I think, if my memory serves me correctly, it was about £25.  Not only is the bag perfect and it fits everything in, but due to the amount of compliments I get on it and the amount of family members that have tried to steal this, it is a great mood lifter.

Celeb Style - Gwen Stefani

The only introduction I can give this woman is that of being one of THE most stylish women on the planet.

Since blasting onto the mainstream music scene in 1996 as the lead singer and co-founder of the hugely successful NO DOUBT, with the super catchy Don’t Speak, Gwen Stefani has shown that there is nothing that she can’t do or wear.  Covering a diverse range of music genres with NO DOUBT including ska, rock and electronica, and then going solo to create unexpected, yet critically acclaimed pop albums; Love Angel Music Baby and The Sweet Escape. Stefani also created the clothing line L.A.M.B, stared as Jean Harlow in The Aviator alongside Leonardo Dicaprio, all whilst being a wife to Gavin Rossdale, the lead singer of British band Bush, and a mother of two to Kingston and Zuma.

Gwen Stafani’s clothes have been as eclectic as her career.  The famous check trousers and crop tops, beanie hats, the 'harajuku girls' inspired outfits, grown-up grunge, couture gowns; influencing her own fashion label L.A.M.B, and who could forget THAT wedding dress.  Designed by John Galliano and has since been housed at the V&A museum.  Only Stefani would manage to pull off a wedding dress with a dipped in pink hem and train.

Here are some of my favourite looks.

Check Trousers and Crop Top

Tartan AW 13 Trend

Grown-up Grunge

Glamming up a Beanie Hat

Fishtail Couture

THAT Wedding Dress by John Galliano - WOW

Who is your celeb style crush?

Winter Hats

This is my first requested post and I am truly honored that my opinion on fashion, something that I love so much, is appreciated.  Therefore I dedicate this post to Rosie Bain, the women who once dared to challenge me to a 'hat off'.  Rosie told me that she loved hats more than I did, although I'm still not convinced by her claim!.

I think hats are an all year round accessory but to some they are simply something to keep your head warm in the winter months.  Even if you think this I dare you not to fall in love with this seasons hats.  Beanies, Bobble hats, Floppy hats, Pork Pie hats, Bowler and my old favourite the Fedora are all over the high street, and they can be sure to add a stylish twist to your outfit and some cavity insulation for your brain.

Take a look at my favourites below.

Left to Right, Black Porter Hat £14 Next, Burgundy Mohair Mix Wool Bobble Hat £5.99 New Look, Faux Fur Cossack Hat £12 Next, Grey Bowler Felt Hat £14.99 New Look, M&S Tweed Baker Boy Hat £15 (My favourite), Catazari ASOS Colour Block Clouche Hat £35, Knitted Crown Clouche £29 Accessorize, Kate Belted Fedora Hat £29 Accessorize.

I have to admit I am most excited about the return of the Baker Boy Hat, very Dickensian; see Alexa Chung's most recent Vogue shoot.  It also reminds me of my first days at university where my obsession began.  It was freshers week, my loan had cleared and there really was no stopping me.  Off to Accessorize I ran (with money I am still paying back today) and bought a woollen woven blue, grey and cream baker boy hat.  Unfortunately after a few return stints living at home with my Mam I fear that the hat ended up in a charity shop bag; at least its loss was an accidental good deed.  It does however need replacing, and this is the season to do it.  I can't wait to wear this with high waisted wide-leg trousers, a shirt and braces.

So what will be keeping your head warm this winter?

Autumnal Saviours

It's that time of year again, the awkward summer/autumn transition. Too hot for your winter woolies but too cold for summer straps.  Knowing what to wear when it can be glorious sunshine when you leave the house, but a torrential downpour when you get to work can be a nightmare.  This is why I have put together my summer to autumn saviours and my favourites for this season.

Layering
This has to be the most valuable summer to autumn look.  You are guaranteed to be prepared for any weather eventuality.  Think vests, tees, camis with denim and check shirts, or cardigans.  Jumpers over dresses can transform an already seen dress into a deceiving jumper shirt outfit.

ASOS Fluffy Bomber Cardigan £40

Footwear
Ballet pumps and slippers are living on borrowed time at this point in the fashion calender.  An imminent downpour can give a very damp start to the day with wet feet.  It's now about covered footwear and this season has some great Loafers, Brogues and Chelsea boots on offer; all of which I intend to purchase!

Dark Red Chunky Chelsea Boots £54.00 New Look

Summer Scarves
Summer scarves can add a splash of colour to any outfit and are so stylish, think back to the floral scarf given to Princess Grace of Monaco by Gucci.  Also if you are like me they help keep the tonsilitis at bay; at least there is a stylish way to do this!

Floral Square Dark Scarf £16.00 Topshop

Denim Jackets
I often find this time of year can be too warm for a leather jacket so I find a classic denim jacket or blazer is perfect.  They will go great with summer dresses and Chelsea boots or with camel coloured chino's and a striped tee.

ASOS Denim Jacket in vintage with Boring lining and Collar £55.00

Dress/Smocks
I have mentioned before that I wear dresses more in the winter than the summer, which is a bit bizarre, but I do love to layer.  This year I am loving smocks.  I'm going to pair these with loafers and if I'm feeling daring enough knee high socks; and if the sun makes a rare appearance I can always whip them off.  I couldn't decide on my favourite

ASOS Smock Dress in Patchwork £36.00

ASOS Smock Dress in Check with Colour £36

 What will you be wearing this Autumn?

All Primark Outfit

Firstly I must apologise for the lack of posts recently, but I have been a very busy girl, however normal blogging service will be resumed as of now and I promise more regular posts!

I haven't done many outfits posts, I feel I am better suited to writing about clothes I like and what I would wear them with.  This may have something to do with my hatred of posing, it's just something I feel very uncomfortable doing.  I wish I was one of you many girls out there that felt at ease in front of the camera, but I'm not.

Still what sort of fashion blogger would I be if I didn't show you my different outfits, so I'm facing my fear and put together my very first outfit of the day post.

This outfit is all from Primark and not surprisingly costs under £50.

I bought this dress last year and it was an impulse purchase.  I wanted something to brighten up my wardrobe in the winter and this dress was guaranteed to do that.  It has a very ladylike vintage feel to it which is why it can be worn anywhere.  I have worn this to work with knee high boots or pumps and out for drinks in heels.

You all know how much I love hats; my floppy burgundy hat is one of my favourites and the 70's vibe of this hat is perfect with this vintage inspired dress.

In keeping with the vintage theme I've accessorised this with a floral fabric clutch.  I get so many compliments on this bag and people really can't believe that this is from Primark; they think that it is genuine vintage.  Others tell me it reminds them of Mary Poppin's.

You might have seen the platform peep toe shoes in a few of my other pictures and this is because they are almost perfect with anything and are so comfortable.

In the winter I often wear this with a fur gillet to top off the vintage look, feeling oh so glamorous but still warm!

Let me know what you think!
 

Stylish In the Rain

The weather in the North East is awful at the moment!  It is overcast, muggy and raining which I'm finding very demotivating for leaving the house, however it has inspired a quick blog post about umbrellas.  A strange choice some might think, but I've decided to take advantage of the weather to come and use my umbrella not just as protection from the rain, but as a fashionable accessory.

I've put together my top 5 on trend umbrellas for you and there are some amazing ones out there, think check, snake print and dark florals.  My favourite is without doubt the clear dome umbrella and has been ever since I  first saw Carrie Bradshaw walking the streets of New York; simple, stylish and goes with anything.

Topshop

Amazon 

 

 

 

 

River Island

Amazon

New Look

I hope these umbrellas will have you singing in the rain. Which is your favourite?