Posts tagged Top
What I Wore: Grunge
0Primark 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.*
Alexander McQueen Autumn Winter Wishlist
0Folded Drape Mini Skirt / Ladder High Neck Dress / Rouched Knit Crew Neck Jumper / Long Handkerchief Skirt / Silk Chiffon Creased Roses Scarf / Studded Heeled Bootie / Legend Bag / Draped Sleeve Flare Dress / Petal Sleeve Double Breasted Coat / Studded Continental Wallet / Folded Drape Mini Dress / Studded Heroine Bag
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
What I Wore: Mandala
5Per Una Crochet Long Top (Thrifted) / Primark Basic Vest / Primark Black Skinny Trousers / Blonde + Blonde Lace Up Block Heel Boots / Four Beautiful Keys Moon Necklace
The last few days have been warm enough to go out without a coat or jacket, so today when Charles and I headed out for lunch, I decided to wear something with a bit of detail that wouldn’t be covered. I’m still not quite over my winter passion for layering, so this long crochet top by Per Una seemed like the perfect transition item. I picked this up for £1 from a carboot sale a few weeks ago, as you probably saw in my latest thrifty finds post, and it’s so comfortable and light. I adore the long bell sleeves with their mandala-type crochet patterning, and the length of the top is really flattering.
I needed some new black skinnies for Spring, but wanted something lighter than denim, and these Primark trousers are ideal. I found them in the jeans section, but they’re actually made of a soft stretchy fabric. They fit really well too, which is a big thing for me as I have long legs so usually struggle to find trousers that are long enough for me, but these are fine!
The lace up boots are also new, and were an amazing find. I was strolling through the local shopping centre a few weeks ago, with no intention of buying anything, but happened to spot them in the window of BANK. The shop was having a closing down sale, and these babies were discounted from £38 to just £7.60! Lucky for me, despite the shop being almost empty, there was one pair left in my size, so it was meant to be, especially as I’ve been after some laced block heel boots for MONTHS. Winner!
Naomi x
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: 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
Collective Haul: Thrifted, H&M, La Senza, Primark
4As my regular readers will know, a few weeks ago I was offered a new job, which I start on 8th September. Such good news was a great excuse for me to go shopping, especially as I don’t really have many work-suitable clothes, so over the last week I’ve been buying quite a few new bits. I haven’t done a haul post in a while, so I thought now would be a good time to do one, featuring purchases from a local carboot sale, as well as the stuff I bought yesterday whilst shopping with my mum, from H&M, La Senza, and Primark. Most of what I bought is for my new job, but I’d actually wear most of it out of work too, and I also have a few non-work items. So without further ado, here is my latest collective haul!
Thrifted Papaya Polka Dot Peplum Top £1 / H&M Black Super Stretch Straight Leg Trousers £7.99 / Primark Black Suedette Flat Shoes £6
Primark Long Black Lace Shirt £10 / Primark Black Skinny Jeans £7 each (I bought two pairs, one of which I plan on customising) / Shoes as before
Primark Polka Dot Cardigan £8
Primark Stripe Long Sleeve Top £4
Thrifted Zara Flying Squirrel T Shirt 50p
La Senza Knickers £1 each
Total Spend: £54.49
I also recently placed an order on DressLink.com, but I am going to do a separate post about those purchases (possibly a YouTube video) as I want to share more details about my experience of the site.
What do you think of my new haul items?
Naomi x
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.*
What I Wore: Victorianesque
6I’m not usually one for wearing skirts, but for some reason today felt like a skirt day, so I decided to wear one out for lunch with family at my favourite country pub. I recently picked up this lace midi skirt on sale at Primark for just £3 (yes, £3!) It’s lined with a silky teal fabric which contrasts beautifully with the black lace, and it’s so pretty and intricate it only really needs a basic top to go with it!
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
F&F Paper Doll Party Looks – Part 1
1Having been off work for Christmas for over a week already, I’ve had a lot of time on my hands, so earlier this week I decided to play around with my personalised paper doll from F&F at Tesco, and put together some party looks for the #FFPaperDollParty competition. I even created a little catwalk for my mini-me to pose on! I’ve created an outfit for every festive celebration I could think of (plus one for going back to work in the New Year), so I thought I’d share them all with you.
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