homemade

VELVET SPLASHES AND SIMPLE SUEDE

10 May 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
My 'splash dress' is one of my favourite dresses because it's unique to my style and wardrobe. I chose the fabric myself, and the style of the dress, which means it's highly unlikely anyone else will be wearing the same attire. I really liked the splashes of colour, and how they work really well with each other. They're also velvet juxtaposed with a jersey fabric which give them that extra shine. Velvet is one of my weakness fabrics because of it's unique texture and how it can highlight any assets of an outfit. My dress was made by my mum so it's made to fit, but I also had a dress made that has the extra 'splash' fabric on top, and on the bottom is plain black jersey so I have two to chose from. My coat is from Topshop, which I'm wearing due to the awful weather today - it's May but it's been raining nearly week! I'm carrying my everyday handbag from Next which I am back to loving, it just perfectly fits all my essentials in, without having to carry a large bag that is floppy because it's almost empty. My shoes are from Brantano, and the brand is Front. I have really gown to love these shoes because I can really wear them with any outfit. The simple suede means they're also formal enough to wear to the less-casual occasions but can still be styled with jeans or a dress. 

BACK TO BLACK AND BLUE

8 May 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
This week has been incredibly busy, to say the least. I've been out and about every day, from working to school work to meetings and so forth. Today, I have a whole day mounting the work from my graphics exam onto huge pieces of A1 sized card to be presented and marked, which means I need to be in a super comfortable outfit because I know I'll be working through lunch.
My jumper is a plain black one, my mum made for me which I originally wanted for an exam as I hate being uncomfortable in exams. Sitting in awkward clothing makes it harder to concentrate, so I wanted a really simple jumper that will keep me warm and comfy. My coat is from Dorothy Perkins, which is the only 'pop of colour' in this outfit, which does brighten up the whole ensamble on this gloomy spring day. My leggings are also 'homemade' and perfect for a colder day like today because the fabric is thicker than standard cotton and lycra leggings. It's almost disco-like as there is an element of shine but they don't have a plastic or leather feel which makes them ideal for walking or having to move around in. As I'm mounting huge boards, I chose these leggings due to their extra stretch and flexibility. My shoes are simple black and white hi-top Converse for Schuh, that I bought a while ago and are still reliable and my go-to shoe for comfort. Finally, my bag was bought when I was on holiday in Salou, Spain, and I'm carrying as I don't need too much with me today, but I am carrying a notebook so I need a larger handbag.

TINY BAGS AND SUEDE SHOES

3 May 2014

2 days 'til my birthday! I'm so excited I can't wait. The 5th is literally around the corner and I am thrilled to be turning 18. As it's Saturday, I'm heading out to Leeds for a spot of much-needed window shopping in anticipation for my birthday. 
My stripy jumper was made by my mum, and she actually made this for herself, but I decided it's better suited in my wardrobe. The white and charcoal striped jumper is made out of jersey so it's super stretchy and soft to wear all-day. It's also quite warm to wear to and walking between shops. My jacket is from F&F at Tesco which I originally bought for a formal, dressed up dinner but decided to wear it for more casual occasions like shopping because it's thin but extremely warm. The fabric is thin enough to fold down or carry as it's really lightweight, but it is lined with a wool-like material which makes it toasty for window shopping. My jeans are blue high-waisted jeans from Next which are so comfortable they're almost like jeggings. I have two paired of these in charcoal and blue - they are always my go-to for a day out in jeans where I know I'll be wearing them all day. They have that extra bit of elastic which makes them soft like Topshop jeans and durable too. My handbag is my everyday handbag, also from Next which I love for days out shopping because it doesn't weigh me down! I have owned a lot of handbags in the past that just get really heavy and I get tired of carrying them for a while, but this bag is light even though it's decorated with large buckles, and it has two modes as a bag on the wrist, or a shoulder bag. The adjustable strap also means I can put it around me rather than just carry it on one shoulder.
Finally, my shoes are from Brantano, however the make is Front. Suede, like real leather is durable for nearly every occasion, and I chose this hi-top style rather than a regular pump because I like the contrast of a formal shoes with casual elements. The thick sole on these shoes makes it easy to walk long distances and they are one of my favourite pairs!
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