Primark Tartan Shirt / Primark Skinny Trousers / bonprix Long Sleeve Top / Dr Martens Crackle Suede Pascal Boots / Handcrafted Silver Bat Skull Necklace

My black and red tartan collection continues to grow, as I recently added this oversized shirt to my autumn/winter wardrobe.  I picked this up from the men’s section in Primark for a tenner, and it perfectly fits the slouchy grunge aesthetic I tend to go for during the colder months.  I actually do a lot of my clothes shopping in the men’s sections at this time of year, as I find that men’s jumpers and shirts tend to be better made than those designed for women, and are also warmer, thicker, and most of the time cheaper.

I also recently invested in my annual pair of Dr Martens.  I own quite a few pairs of Docs already, and this time I wanted some basic black ones, but I decided to go for a pair with a twist.  These Pascal boots are made of crackle suede, and though they’re black, from different angles they have a metallic petrol effect, shimmering purple and green in the right light.  They’re ideal for adding texture and a bit of colour to dark autumn outfits, and I managed to break them in in one (painful!) outing, so they’re ready to see me through the next few months.

The skinny trousers and bonprix long sleeve top are two of the core pieces from my wardrobe, that transition well all year round, as they can be paired and layered in endless combinations.  Finished with my handcrafted silver bat skull necklace, this simple outfit is quick and easy for cosy autumnal days.

You can see how else I recently styled black and red tartan here!

Naomi x

*This bonprix top was sent to me for styling purposes.  All opinions expressed are honest and my own.*

A relaxed weekend called for a relaxed outfit, and as there is finally an autumn chill in the air, and I was spending most of the day (and evening) outside, it had to be warm too!

New Look Leather Biker Jacket (Thrifted) / Primark Crew Neck Top / Blue Rags Red Ornate Embroidered Trousers / Dr Martens Lauren Boots / DressLink Cowl Scarf / Topshop Leather Bag (Thrifted)

These red embroidered trousers are a new purchase of mine.  They’re by a French label called Blue Rags, but I actually got them from Everything5Pounds.  Most of my wardrobe is black, but I like to add a splash of colour here and there, and these trousers are the ideal shade for Autumn.  They’re incredibly soft and comfortable and the detail of the embroidery is stunning.  I also ordered a pair in black and I’m so glad I did as they’re a real statement piece.

My Dr Martens Lauren boots are another new purchase.  They have that buckled biker look that I adore, so they match my biker jacket, but they’re not as clumpy as a lot of my other Dr Martens.  I’ve been wearing these a lot over the last few weeks, casually with jeans, but also with my work dresses, and I think they look great.  I walk to work so it’s essential that I have a warm, comfy, waterproof, sturdy pair of boots for the winter, and these tick all the boxes.

Naomi x

As April’s weather is usually unpredictable, I thought layers would be best, so I wore my favourite Primark skater dress (which is becoming a Spring wardrobe staple of mine), and teamed it with my trusty faux leather biker jacket and some basic leggings.  Over this I wore an oversized but light floral skull scarf which I thrifted last year, for an extra bit of warmth if necessary.  As it happens, the weather was gorgeous and the sun was shining, but luckily it didn’t get too hot.

Primark Faux Leather Biker Jacket / Primark Faux Leather Cap Sleeve Skater Dress / Primark Leggings / Dr Martens 1460 W Purple Shimmer Boots / Abandon Floral Skull Scarf (thrifted) / Topshop Leather Stud Bag (thrifted)

As I knew we’d be walking a lot, I thought it best to throw on my Dr Martens, which was definitely the right call, and I also took another thrifty find of mine – my Topshop leather stud bag.  The perfect size to carry my camera and picnic food.

I’m so pleased that Spring is finally underway as I love being out and about enjoying the nice weather, and today was a great opportunity to do so!  Have you been taking advantage of the sunshine lately?

Naomi x

Primark Black & Teal Lace Midi Skirt / Primark Pocket Top / Dr Martens Regina Heeled Boots / Alchemy The Raven Necklace / Juno Black Patent Grab Bag

For a slightly Victorianesque Gothic look, I finished the outfit with my lace up Dr Martens Regina brogue heeled boots, and my stunning Raven Alchemy necklace.  Alchemy are a company close to my heart as they’re based in my hometown, and I own quite a few of their pieces, but this is one of my favourites as it’s based on my favourite Edgar Allan Poe poem, ‘The Raven’.  Of course I also had to add my trusty Juno patent grab bag, which I reviewed here last week.

What do you think of this look?

Naomi x

Primark Purple Knit Cardigan / Primark Plain Black Vest / Primark Leather Look Leggings / Dr Martens 1460 W Purple Shimmer Boots / eBay Multi-Layer Leaf Necklace

I was really quite pleased with this Primark find as I’d been looking for a big cardi for weeks, but hadn’t been having much luck finding one I liked.  In fact, after a lengthy browse I was ready to give up on Primark, but as I was about to leave I spotted a sale rack with this gorgeous cardigan on it.  Admittedly, quite a few of them were cut weirdly and I had to try a few on to get one that fit right, but I’m glad I persisted, especially as it was reduced from £12 to only £5!

The cardigan is lovely and chunky, so I wore it over a plain black vest and my leather look leggings, and still felt cosy and warm.  Of course, I had to team it with my trusty purple Dr Martens, and added a multi-layer leaf necklace for a bit of extra detail.  A simple outfit for a chilled out day, which ended perfectly with nachos and quesadillas, doughnuts and Breaking Bad!

What did you wear this weekend?

Naomi x

Jennifer Hope Denim Wolf Waistcoat / Jennifer Hope Hope Hat / Primark Long Sleeve Top / New Look Black Skinny Jeans / Dr Martens 1460 W Purple Shimmer Boots / Primark, Gifted Stackable Bracelets / Rings & Tings Long Bar Necklace

For the past few months I’ve been looking for a waistcoat to wear over simple tops, but finding one was proving difficult, so when I was sent this denim wolf waistcoat by Jennifer Hope I couldn’t wait to style it.  I also received a Hope beanie hat, which is obviously perfect for this time of year.  My partner and I spent this afternoon browsing the local shopping streets and going for an Autumn wander around the park, so something casual and warm seemed suitable, and the waistcoat and hat are definitely that.

The waistcoat is made from thick, high quality denim, and is scattered with a few rips and tears for a more edgy look.  The back is what really makes a statement though, as it features an on-trend wolf print which is stitched onto the full length of the waistcoat.  I love having unique pieces like this in my wardrobe as they add quirky detail to plain outfits, and look effortlessly good.

I teamed the waistcoat with a basic black long sleeve top from Primark, a pair of black skinny jeans from New Look, my favourite pair of Dr Martens and the Jennifer Hope beanie hat.  I also added a simple necklace and a stack of bracelets for some extra detail.

To browse Jennifer Hope’s full range of clothing, you can visit her online shop here.

What do you think of this look?

Naomi x

*I was sent this Denim Wolf Waistcoat and Hope Beanie Hat by Jennifer Hope Clothing for styling purposes.  All opinions expressed are honest and my own.*

Dopper Water Bottles for my GIVEAWAY / A mini shopping haul from my Christmas shopping trip on Wednesday / Homemade Tempura Vegetables with noodles and sweet chilli dip / Miggley and Mog in their cuddle pouch / New nail varnish from Asda, which I reviewed and swatched here / Kisses with Mog the Rat / Snibston Discovery Museum in Coalville, where my fiancé and I spent the day on Friday / My new leather look leggings with heeled Dr Martens / Dad’s new Crested Gecko, Ylno Tixe.  He’s lovely!

If you’d like to follow me on Instagram and see more of my photos, my username is bewitchery_.  Please comment on this post with your usernames too as I’m always looking for new accounts to follow, especially fashion and beauty ones!

Naomi x

I have been wearing Dr Martens footwear since my childhood.  People always say that you never forget your first pair of Dr Martens, and they’re right.  I got my first pair in the early 1990s.  They were bright red shoes with yellow laces and big, colourful flowers printed all over them.  They were garish, but I loved them, and my love for Dr Martens never went away.  I currently have five pairs of Dr Martens in my collection, most of which I wear regularly, and these are them…

The styles you see above, starting at the top and going clockwise, are:

• Regina Heeled Boots
• Purple Triumph 1914 Boots
• Black Triumph 1914 Boots
• Purple 1460 Shimmer Boots
• I’ve had this pair for so long I can’t remember what they’re called!  Anybody know?

My favourite pair is definitely my purple shimmer boots, which are the latest addition to my collection and my only pair of classic 8-hole Docs.

So, why do I love Dr Martens so much?  Allow me to share my reasons…

1. They’re ‘Made in England’

Dr Martens’ air-cushioned soles were invented in Munich, Germany by Dr Martens and Dr Funck, but it was in England (Northamptonshire, in fact) that Dr Martens leather boots were first made for the high street, in 1960 by the Griggs family.  Dr Martens soon became popular within youth subcultures and this popularity has grown tremendously over the decades, giving Dr Martens’ boots an iconic image.  Dr Martens still manufacture a lot of their boots in England, which makes me proud to be English as they are a brand I have always held very close to my heart.

2. They’re Comfortable

I’ll admit, Dr Martens can cause you some pain when breaking them in (I suggest wearing anticipatory plasters to stop them rubbing), but if you’re willing to put up with a few days of sore feet you will have a pair of boots so comfortable you won’t even know you’re wearing them.  The insoles and leather soften, shape and bend with your feet and the air-cushioned (or ‘bouncing’) soles make them light and easy to walk in.  As you can probably guess, the specially designed soles contain air which makes them extremely durable and comfortable as they reduce the impact on your feet and ankles when walking.

3. They’re Versatile

Many people still hold the misconception that Dr Martens’ shoes and boots are all black, bulky and worn only by labourers, with the exception of cherry reds, but this is not the case.  As you can see in my photographs, and on the Dr Martens website, their range is vast and adorned with many different colours, patterns, styles and designs.  There’s a boot there for everybody’s needs, and they can be dressed up or down as you like.  I often wear my Dr Martens with girly dresses and tights, skinny jeans and slouchy jumpers or full on hiking gear when I’m out walking, and they look (and feel) good with everything.  You can really make a pair of Dr Martens your own, adjusting them to fit your own style and thus making the statement that you want them to make.

4. They’re Long-Lasting

Dr Martens boots are notorious for being hardy, and they really do last a very long time.  I’ve been wearing a few of my pairs for over five years, solidly so for two seasons a year, and they’re still going strong.  They haven’t split at the sides at all, there are no holes in the soles and they show no sign of giving up any time soon.  In fact, with a quick clean and polish they’d probably all look as good as new, but I prefer them to look a bit battered.  I used to know somebody who had owned some of her Dr Martens for over twenty years, and she was still wearing them.  Amazing!

Many people think that Dr Martens are expensive (mine cost between £75 and £110 each) but for the reasons above they are well worth the price you pay for a pair.  Cutting corners and going for a cheaper boot isn’t always a good idea as they rarely last as long as a Dr Marten boot will, so it’s worth investing in one good pair, rather than wasting money on several pairs of lower quality boots!  Whether you like them scuffed up like I do, or looking neat and new, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Dr Martens and never again will I stray from the beautiful, trusty brand – I’ve well and truly learnt my lesson!

Do you own any Dr Martens?

Naomi x