Posts tagged OOTD
What I Wore: Witchy
2Thrifted Witch Hem Dress / Primark Metal Waist Belt / Primark Long Sleeve Top/ Primark Tights / New Look Strap Ankle Boots / Four Beautiful Keys Moon Necklace
I get so bored of wearing the same ol’ stuff every day for work, and though today’s outfit is simple, it’s nice to be able to wear something that feels more my style.
I have no idea where this dress came from. I certainly don’t remember buying it, and it has no labels in it, which makes me think it was either thrifted or gifted. Floaty dresses are perhaps more associated with summer, but layered over a long sleeve top with a pair of thick tights and boots, this one has a wintry feel to it. I absolutely love the witch hem and loose strings, which are made all the better by the fact that the dress is slightly oversized, so the fabric hangs and drapes nicely. It reminds me of bat wings, and it’s also great for spinning and swishing!
I wanted the dress to be the centre of attention, so I kept the accessorising to a minimum. I added my favourite metal waist belt to cinch the dress in and give a more flattering shape, my new New Look ankle boots, and my favourite Moon Necklace from Four Beautiful Keys.
What do you think of this look?
Naomi x
What I Wore: Rat Fan
1Have you ever found an item of clothing that is just so perfect it could’ve been made with you in mind? Well for me, this t shirt is one of those items. I love rats, I love Batman, I love black clothing, so what better than a black ‘Rat Fan’, Batman-style t shirt?!
ratsratsrats Rat Fan T Shirt / Primark Long Black Cardigan / Blue Rags Black Ornate Embroidered Trousers / Dr Martens Lauren Boots
I bought this t shirt for £14.99 from an online store called ratsratsrats, which specialises in rat-themed clothing, accessories and gifts. I’ve ordered a couple of t shirts from them now and I’m always really impressed with the quality. The fabric is really soft and comfortable, the fit is great and the print is always high quality. I also like the length of ratsratsrats tees as they sit below the hip, which I prefer.
I teamed the t shirt with my favourite winter cardigan, and a pair of Blue Rags black embroidered trousers, which are so warm and comfy. They’re also patterned with a beautiful embroidery-style damask, which you can see clearer on the red pair I styled here. My Dr Martens Lauren Boots make an appearance too, of course.
This outfit is pretty much my go-to outfit for cosy, lazy weekend days, and is perfect for nipping out to the shops, or slouching around the house in.
Naomi x
What I Wore: November Red
3The last couple of months have been ridiculously busy and stressful for Charles and I, what with us both starting new jobs and moving house. This weekend was the first in many that we had time to spend on ourselves, doing whatever we wanted, so that’s exactly what we did! Seeing as Friday was pay day, we spent Saturday shopping, eating in our favourite bar, and in the evening we went to the annual bonfire and fireworks display at the local park.
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
What I Wore: Stormy
2One of my favourite things about summer is the storms. The rain that cools the air down, the thunder, the lightning – it’s all so exciting! This weekend has been particularly unpredictable, with amazing storms one minute, and bright, hot sun the next, which though nice, makes it difficult to know what to wear.
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
Designer Accessories, High Street Clothes
4Though some people see it as an absolute cardinal sin to team high street with designer, I’m the opposite, and I think that mixing the two can be the perfect way to create high-end looks, without completely bankrupting yourself. In my experience, buying timeless designer accessories that will transition from season to season, every year, can actually save you money, whilst adding a touch of luxury to a variety of high street outfits.
‘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.*
What I Wore: You’re On My Wavelength
2My summer wardrobe is usually full of bright florals, but this year I’ve really been embracing basics, and sticking to my favourite polka dots and stripes. Most of my new summer purchases are black, white, and grey, which may sound drab, but I like to add a splash of colour here or there with a bold statement piece or a pastel bright, and a quirky item of jewellery. Today’s outfit is the epitome of that, and combines a cute black skater skirt from H&M, with a simple stretch tee from Primark. I wanted to wear this outfit without tights, but unfortunately it wasn’t that warm today, and there was a bit of a breeze!
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.*
What I Wore: Polly Peplum
3At the minute my wardrobe is full of dresses, skirts, jeans, t shirts and jackets, but for some odd reason I am seriously lacking in nice tops! I recently made the decision to rectify the issue, and one of my new additions is this gorgeous Polly Peplum Frill Lace Top from Missy Empire.
I usually shy away from peplums as they don’t always suit my shape, but the soft, flowing cut of the fabric and fitted waist means this one looks very flattering, and does a great job at accentuating curves in all the right places.
The fabric is textured, and studded with small black sequins, and the sleeves and chest panel are made from a pretty floral sheer lace, which is stretchy and incredibly comfortable to wear.
I adore everything about this top. The sweetheart neckline and delicate lace are especially elegant, and it looks and feels so sophisticated. It’s also a really versatile piece, and being black it’s easy to wear and style in a variety of ways. In the photos above I’m wearing it casually with leggings and flats, but it also looks great with skinny jeans. For smarter looks it can be paired with tailored trousers or a pencil skirt with basic court shoes, or for a night out, a shorter skirt and sky high heels.
Missy Empire’s Polly Peplum Frill Lace Top is available in a range of sizes and shades, and is available here for £16.99. You can also follow Missy Empire on Facebook on Twitter for news about giveaways, new products and special offers!
Check back soon to see how I style this beauty throughout the summer!
Naomi x
*This Polly Peplum Frill Lace Top was sent to me by Missy Empire for review purposes. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.*
Throwback Dress
1Not so long ago I was sorting through my wardrobe, working out what to keep, what to sell, and what to get rid of, and I realised I have one dress in particular that survives all of my wardrobe clear outs. I’ve had this black and white star print skater dress for almost half a decade, and since buying it from Matalan I’ve actually dropped two dress sizes, but I just can’t bear to part with it. It’s even been taken in at the back so I can still wear it!
This dress has become affectionately known as my throwback dress, as it’s seen me through many seasons, layered up or down accordingly, and many events, including christmas day 2011 and my 22nd birthday. It always reminds me of when I first met my fiancé too. It may not be the most breathtaking item of clothing that I own, but I treasure it and will probably always keep it.
My little sentimental encounter with my throwback dress got me thinking… what will be my throwback dress of the future? A dress that I currently love and will keep for years to come. There are a few candidates, but I think this Dolly & Delicious skater dress from New Look will be it.
I call this one my goth fairy dress, and I absolutely love the layered net skirt and cut out sides. I get the feeling it will become a staple wardrobe item this summer. I plan on wearing it to several gigs and events in the coming months, so it will undoubtedly become associated with fantastic memories that I just won’t want to get rid of.
Do you have a throwback dress? If so, why do you keep it?
Naomi x
What I Wore: Acid Wash
1I didn’t do much shopping during the recent spring sales, but I did place a little order with USC at the start of April. Unfortunately they use Yodel as a courier, who are notoriously unreliable, and it took over two weeks for my parcel to arrive – not great considering I paid £3.99 postage! At one point I was told my parcel was lost, but then it miraculously turned up the next day! Though I’m not happy with the service I received, the items I got were sort of worth the wait. One of said items is this gorgeous acid wash denim skater skirt, which was reduced from £22 to just £3.50. Acid wash was all the rage in the 1990s, the decade of my childhood, and though fashion wasn’t the greatest in those days, I do quite like acid wash denim, and this skirt makes me feel all nostalgic.
Glamorous Acid Wash Skater Skirt / Primark Black T Shirt / Primark Sheer Black Tights / Converse Suede Polka Dot Hi-Tops / Zatchels Gothic Lace Saddle Bag / Claire’s Spike Necklace
I really wanted the skirt to do the talking with this outfit, so I paired it with a plain black tee and sheer black tights. I was considering wearing heels too, but in the end I settled for Converse as I think they suit skater style clothing well, and my partner and I were heading to the cinema so I thought I’d keep it casual.
Finally, to pull the outfit together, I accessorised with a grey spike necklace from Claire’s, and my metallic silver Gothic Lace Saddle Bag by Zatchels, just to bring out the silver in my shoes and to match the grey in the skirt.
I also got a beautiful dress in my USC order which I absolutely love, so check back soon to see how I style it!
Naomi x