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

Outfit One

George Sequin V-Back Dress / New Look Pony Hair Structured Clutch / Jeffrey Campbell Lita Ankle Boots / Zara Interwoven Chain Necklace

Outfit Two

George Peplum Bodycon Dress / Irregular Choice Stitch In Time Clutch / ASOS POETIC Platforms / George Bobble Bead Necklace

Outfit One features George’s Sequin V-Back Dress, which retails for an incredibly affordable £28.  Sequins and a V-Back would both make a huge statement at a glitzy Christmas party, so this dress doesn’t need a huge amount of accessories.  A simple structured clutch would be ideal to offset the sparkle, and a chunky chain necklace would add a bit more texture and depth.  It’s not always easy to find a pair of shoes to go with sequins, but I quite like the look of a chunky heel with this kind of dress, hence why I chose a classic pair of Litas to go with it.

Outfit Two features George’s Peplum Bodycon Dress, which costs just £30.  I absolutely adore this dress as it’s classic and feminine, but has a bit of an edge with its faux leather waist detail.  To enhance the waist, I chose a pretty floral clutch by Irregular Choice which has a similar black on black look.  An elegant pair of stilettos and a beaded necklace finish off this look, but I think it’d look just as stunning without the necklace.

Which of these two looks do you like best?

Naomi x

*This post is a collaboration.*

Work Christmas Party

A lot of work Christmas parties tend to happen straight after work, so I thought I’d put together an outfit that could be worn at work during the day, and effortlessly transformed into something gorgeous for the evening.  I love how pretty this Floral Scuba Skirt is.  It looks smart teamed with a black blazer, but remove the blazer to reveal a pretty top and you’re ready to party!

Meal with Friends

A Christmas catch-up meal with friends calls for something more casual, so I opted for this cute Gem Collar Skater Dress and leggings.  The sparkly detail on the dress is also really glam, so you can look fab whilst feeling comfortable!  A loose-fitting dress like this also enables you to eat more, haha.

Christmas Eve Party

For a Christmas Eve party I chose this beautiful red Strapless Tailored Jumpsuit as it’s suitably festive, and looks effortlessly chic.  Christmas Eve is a busy day for most of us, so to be able to throw on something this simple and still look amazing is always a bonus.  If you’re worried about getting a bit cold though, it’d look amazing with a Sequin Sleeve Jacket worn over the top.

Christmas Day

I like to look and feel good on Christmas day, so I always buy myself a fab new dress to wear.  This Floral Scuba Dress is just the ticket, and the classic cut would suit any age, and any size.

Boxing Day

Boxing Day is usually a lazy day spent recovering from the previous day’s antics and over-indulgence, so a Trumpet Top like this would hide any evidence of having eaten far too much!  I love the contrasting black leather-look panel on the front the top too, and it’s bang on trend.  Dress it down with a pair of Leather-Look Trousers, black skinnies or leggings, and you’re ready to go.

Sale Shopping

Once I’ve recovered from Christmas day, I like to hit the shops and try and grab a few sale bargains.  Wandering around the cold winter shopping streets calls for a coat, and this red Skater Skirted Coat is stunning!  I’ve always been a fan of red coats as they’re real attention grabbers, and this one is no different. Again, team it with some black leggings and a cute top and you’re ready to shop ’til you drop!

Last Minute Party

Ever been invited to a party last minute and not had anything to wear?  Panic!  Well, there’d be no need to panic with this blue Tie Waist Dress in your wardrobe.  You could put it on with minutes to spare and still look the belle of the ball, and who wouldn’t want that?  The colour is absolutely wonderful, and something a little bit different from the usual Christmas colours.

New Year Party

New Year is the perfect time to pull on your favourite LBD and work the room.  I’m a big, big fan of Little Black Dresses, so I found it hard to choose between these two beauties.  The Embellished Cuff Dress has beautiful sparkly cuffs, and a flattering tunic cut so would hide any lumps and bumps.  The Satin Ruched Support Dress is perhaps my winner though, as it’s simple, but still a show stopper.  I also really like the V neck.  Which would you choose?

Back to Work

Now, I know we don’t want to think about it just yet, but after all this celebrating we have to go back to work (boo!), so we might as well do it in style!  Again, the blazer makes an appearance, with a pretty camisole top and, for a bit of glitz to remind us of the previous weeks’ festivities, a Gem Embellished Pencil Skirt.

Which look is your favourite?  Check back soon for more #FFPaperDollParty entries!

Naomi x