Simply Sparkling

13 August 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
Over the last few days and over my last few posts, I have really emphasized my love of simplicity in an outfit. Sometimes less is more and I think that can be the key to an effortless look. This dress is a new favourite of mine, which I recently bought in Next's most recent summer sale. I wasn't going to keep this piece at first, because I didn't think I could pair it with anything, and I wasn't sure when I would actually wear it, but it's much more versatile than I first believed. The fabric has a really subtle shimmer that is brought out in natural or artificial lighting which makes the outfit and the dress seem much more exciting and 'busier' rather than boring. I see this dress as a gigantic t-shirt, because it's so comfortable and has that similar shape to it. I usually go for the skater style because it's the dress shape I'm much more used to wearing, but I really like this straighter look. I absolutely love the pockets in this dress because they don't take away from the look and become a unique characteristic. I think the length makes this dress very versatile because it can be worn to formal and established events, but also dressed down to suit a casual day. I've paired this dress with some boots, also from Next that I bought earlier this year. I like the tiny heel which lengthens my legs and still compliments the dress.
Dress - Next
Shoes - Next
Bag - TK Maxx
Sunglasses - Primark

Composed and Casual

11 August 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
Although we are really only just into August, some schools are already going back to start the new year. I have completed my 'time' in the education system and luckily don't ever have to worry about 5,000 word essays and class presentations ever again. But I do have to work, which has it's positives and negatives. Today's looks is really casual, as the dress code at work is quite laid back but never sloppy. I also thought this look would be perfect for a school day if you're not in uniform because it's really simple and the bright blue acts as a staple piece for the whole outfit. For me, comfort is essential so I really like to dress in clothes that will keep me warm and cosy all day. I have to travel out and about a lot for work, visiting lots of centres as I work for a charity, so it's important I wear clothes that are durable and I can actually move in; rather than dressing in ridiculously over the top clothes that will just get in the way. I love charcoal jeans, if you've been following my blog for a while you will know I can't get enough of them because they're so versatile. The colour can be dressed up or down and pairs with absolutely everything. My bright jumper (which matches my nail colour this week) is made out of a knitted cotton I chose myself. I chose knitted because it's warm, but it also has a natural stretch which is crucial for a busy working day. I've become really fond of simple but put-together outfits because they're really easy to style, especially for English weather.
Jumper - made for me
Jeans - Topshop
Shoes - Nike
Bag - Next

Swingin' Saturday

9 August 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
I have actually become really fond on full and circle skirts. They  not only follow a flare style, which is one of my favourites, but they are so easily styled it's almost impossible to go wrong. The super simple style comes in so many different colours and patterns, they can conveniently become a statement piece for an entire outfit and are great for highlighting a really feminine silhouette and show of you body's best bits. I personally prefer to wear these skirts with either a cropped top, possibly showing of a little midriff if it suits the look I'm going for. Today I've paired this skirt with a top that's a little longer than an average cropped top but still quite short. I absolutely adore this top  because it's perfect throughout the year. The 'holes' in the pattern mean it's really cool to wear throughout the summer in the warmer temperatures and it can also be used in a layered outfit because it's a little oversized and one colour which is very versatile. I really appreciate the simple pattern in the top because it makes my outfit seem a little more exciting in comparison to a plain white tee. Full skirts come in so many different length and looks, but I really like the classic black skirt that started the trend. As it is a little colder today, I'm wearing boots but still going without tights; and carrying a canvas tote bag that was actually given to me at a university fair that I've been using a lot more after my bag in Monday's post.
Top - Next
Skirt - made for me
Boots - Brantano
Bag - free gift

Subtle Sheer

7 August 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
Sheer fabrics and pieces are a huge summer trend that I think may also carry on through autumn. There's a lot of sheer looks on the runway at the moment, and I've seen plenty of pieces in high street stores and on television. I think there's so much you can do with this fabric because it's versatile and comes in so many different colours and patterns. I think it's excellent for layering, and I quite like it with a lace pattern too. I bought this bomber in a huge sale Next had recently and I absolutely love it. I only own two bomber jackets and they aren't really thick and puffy but this one may be my favourite. It is black, which is a colour I have been trying to avoid but I can't help it. I love that this jacket has sheer sleeves because they're really subtle. The dark colour helps, but I think it's a great way to incorporate the sheer trend into an outfit piece and it stands out against most bomber jackets I've seen. This jacket also has an element of elegance, so it could be worn to a more formal even rather than just for everyday style. The dark colour is beneficial to making it so versatile because black goes with just about every colour in a wardrobe. 
Top - made for me
Jacket - Next
Jeans - Miss Selfridge
Shoes - Fred Perry
Bag - bought in a market in Salou, Spain

Quality Quilt

6 August 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
About two years ago, a huge trend broke out, especially in schools, where people were wearing quilted jackets. Most people chose the Barbour brand of coats which are waterproof and also really high quality. Eventually, high street shops caught on and they were all selling these coats. Being totally honest, I absolutely hated this trend. I hated quilt and the pattern just frustrated me. This may have been because I was going through a phase of going against everything that was on trend because it was 'out of the box' and 'unique'. Despite my total disapproval for the look, I saw this jacket in Next and it may have just changed my mind. I still don't think I'll be buying one of the waterproof and puffier coats any time soon, but this really cosy cotton/polyester/viscose jacket has gained my approval. I think what I likes most about it is that the quilt effect isn't as obvious, it's actually quite subtle but I do like how the quilt causes this jacket to stand out from any other bomber jacket. I cannot express enough how soft and comfortable this jacket is, and the colour is a lighter grey which means I can pair it with quite a few items in my closet. It has been the perfect jacket for the sudden change in weather as it's not cold enough for a coat, but not warm enough to go out without a coat. I really like that it has pockets and I actually bought this a size bigger than my size so that I could layer underneath if needed. This bomber is a new favourite in my wardrobe and isn't too think to pair with jumpers or long-sleeved shirts. I've found it really easy to style even though I'm not 100% sold on the fabric. What do you think of quilted jackets and coats?
Jacket - Next
Top - made for me
Jeans - Topshop
Bag - TK Maxx
Shoes - Brantano
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