Tobi Warm Nights Bell Sleeve Sweater Dress / Primark Black Skinny Jeans / Handmade Faux Fur Jacket / Blonde + Blonde Lace Up Block Heel Boots / Curiology Necklace

Charles and I decided to brave the snowy, cold ‘Beast from the East’ yesterday and have a date day, starting with breakfast at our favourite local bakery, followed by a trip to the cinema to see Black Panther (which I highly recommend, by the way).  I wanted to wear something nice for our day out, but also stay warm, and I think this gorgeous sweater dress from Tobi is the right blend of both!  I absolutely adore the aesthetic of the bell sleeves and high neck, and it’s just so cosy.

I teamed the sweater dress with a trusty pair of black Primark skinny jeans (which come in a 34″ leg for all you fellow tall girls out there), and my Blonde + Blonde boots.  The block heel means they were really easy to walk in in the snow, but looked a little more ‘dressed up’ than my usual Dr Martens.

To finish the outfit I added one of my many Curiology necklaces, and a faux fur jacket (handmade by my mum!)

Tobi Checkmate Plaid Shift Dress / Primark Black Leggings / Sam Ryde Onyx Moon Pendant / Primark Nail Polish in ‘Rock Your World’ / Alexander McQueen Book by Claire Wilcox

When we got back from our day out we wanted to cosy down in the house with Netflix and some good books, so I changed into something slightly more casual.  This plaid shift dress is also from Tobi and is so loose and comfortable – perfect for lazing around the house in, but would also look amazing dressed up with a pair of skinnies and some heels.  I’ve been obsessed with red and black plaid ever since I saw Alexander McQueen’s Savage Beauty exhibition at the V&A in London, so I’m definitely going to get a lot of wear out of this piece.

Naomi x

I’ve always been more of an Autumn/Winter fan than a Spring/Summer one (which is probably just as well considering I live in chilly little England!), so although I’m enjoying the longer days, blue skies and lush landscapes of the current months, I can’t help but get a little bit excited about the up and coming Autumn/Winter collections from my favourite shops and designers.  Walking around the Highcross last week, I’ve already started to notice a slow trickle of thicker fabrics and darker colours coming in and, much to my delight, Alexander McQueen have also just launched their Pre Autumn Winter 2015, and Autumn Winter 2015 collections.  There are some absolutely stunning pieces in both collections, but unfortunately I’m far too poor to afford any of it!  So I thought I’d share with you my McQueen Autumn/Winter wishlist, so that you can see how beautiful it all is, but also so I can come back to it during the end of year sale to remind myself of what I want, in the hope that I will then be able to afford it!

Which is your favourite piece?

Naomi x

New Look Multi Strap Skater Dress / Everything5Pounds Waterfall Jacket / Alexander McQueen Cateye Sunglasses / Primark Tights / New Look Stud Pumps / Topshop Leather Stud Bag (Thrifted) / Accessories Boutique Heavy Spike Bracelet

The key for me has been light layers that can be added/removed accordingly.  A dress makes a great base for this kind of look, as it’s cool enough for the sun, but can be made rain and wind proof with a jacket and tights.  I went for this New Look Multi Strap Skater Dress that I bought in the last ASOS sale, and added a pair of basic sheer black tights from Primark to avoid flashing my undies in the wind, and a lovely waterfall jacket from Everything5Pounds.  I absolutely love this jacket as it’s really comfortable, and is perfect for warm weather as a cover as the fabric is so lightweight.

To accessorise, I wore my Alexander McQueen Cateye Sunglasses, that are an absolute essential when the sun is shining, and I also gave my New Look stud pumps a first outing.  Of course my trusty thrifted Topshop leather bag was a necessity too, and I added a heavy spike bracelet from Accessories Boutique to bring the stud theme of the outfit together.

What have you been styling during this stormy summer weekend?

Naomi x

‘But why not buy designer clothing and high street accessories?’, I hear you ask.  Well, you could, but fashions and personal tastes change, and that dress you love this year might not be your thing next year, and it might not even fit you then!  But you never grow out of basic sunglasses, jewellery, bags and shoes.

The key to choosing the right pieces is to save up, do your research on what is best for you, and spend savvily.  Not all of us, myself included, can afford to buy designer with every pay cheque, hence having to mix with high street, but if you put a little bit aside when you can and keep an eye out for a good deal, you can bag yourself a timeless piece that will last for years.  This summer I’ve been relying on two designer pieces in particular, both by Alexander McQueen.  I bought these zipped biker heels in the McQ online winter sale after eyeing them up for months, and they were reduced from over £500 to £159.  They’re made from very high quality leather, are surprisingly comfortable, and look great with anything from smart work outfits and going out dresses, to casual jeans and a jumper or tee.

My other go-to designer accessory this summer is a pair of stunning vintage-style cateye sunglasses.  I know a lot of people wouldn’t choose to splurge on a pair of sunnies, but think of it this way…  If you spend £15 on a pair of sunglasses, chances are that by the end of the summer they’ll be broken.  It happens to me almost every year because, quite frankly, cheap often means badly made.  But if you save up and shell out on a more expensive pair, made from higher quality materials, they’ll more than likely last a lot, lot longer, and eventually you’ll have saved money by not buying a new pair every year!

I adore these sunglasses, and have been wearing them almost every day for the past couple of months.  They’re very sturdy and come in a solid protective case so can’t be broken or damaged easily, and the lenses provide far better protection for your eyes than cheaper shades.  The classic cateye shape has been popular for decades, but the glossy eye frames against the matte brow, and gradient lenses, give them a modern, Gothic edge that really suits my personal style.  Alexander McQueen sunglasses don’t come cheap, and I’ve seen these on a lot of websites for around £220, but you can get them from Red Hot Sunglasses for £180, with free delivery.

Be sure to check back soon for a series of What I Wore posts featuring these designer accessories and high street clothing!

Naomi x

*These Alexander McQueen Cateye Sunglasses were sent to me by Red Hot Sunglasses for review and styling purposes.  All opinions expressed are honest and my own.*

Primark Stretch Tee / H&M Skater Skirt / Primark Shoes / Alexander McQueen Cateye Sunglasses / Eclectic Eccentricity Necklace

To finish the outfit, and add a bit of interest, I wore my Alexander McQueen sunglasses, which I love, love, love and have been teaming with everything this season (look out for a special McQ style post coming soon), and this amazingly cool necklace from Eclectic Eccentricity.

Eclectic Eccentricity is a British brand who specialise in creating quirky pieces from vintage components.  Their pieces are all so unique and unusual, and I have a wishlist as long as my arm of items from their website!  This necklace is their You’re On My Wavelength Einstein necklace, which features a gold toned geometric frequency wavelength, and a teeny tiny, but very detailed, figure of Einstein.  Who knew he could be so cute?!  I’m a big science fan, so this necklace is right up my street, and it’s definitely a talking point.  I love how it hangs as well and it sits perfectly, just where I want it.  You can grab your own here for £16.50.

What do you think?  Would you wear this necklace?

Naomi x

*This You’re On My Wavelength Einstein Necklace was sent to me by Eclectic Eccentricity for styling purposes.  All opinions expressed are honest and my own.*

ACNE Cypress Leather and Suede / Rag and Bone Classic Harrow Leather / Valentino Studded Leather / Chloé Folded Leather / McQ Alexander McQueen Pointed Leather / Ash Hello Wedge Leather / Tod’s Suede and Patent Leather / Camilla Skovgaard Flame Leather / Lanvin Lizard Effect Leather and Neoprene

Leather boots like these are just so versatile as, as we all know, black goes with anything, and the unusual details and designs featured here would make any simple outfit that little bit more interesting.  My particular favourite pair are the McQ Alexander McQueen Pointed Leather Ankle boots, which are the ones in the very centre of the grid.  Alexander McQueen is one of my favourite designers as his pieces are always so edgy and chic, and these are no different.  They’d look amazing this Autumn/Winter with tight black leggings or jeans, and big faux fur jacket.  Want!

All of the above ankle boots are available to buy on the Harvey Nichols website.  Which one is your favourite?

Naomi x

*This post is a collaboration.*