Pastels in Paris

 Top: ASOS. Skirt: Ted Baker. Shoes: Kurt Geiger. Necklace & Bag: Zara. Sunglasses: Miu Miu.

Hello all!

Your eyes aren't deceiving you. What you see before you is a selection of photographs from a good few months ago, featuring that large, fiery ball often referred to as The Sun. Oh, THE SUN. Where has he gone? With the evenings AFTERNOONS getting darker, I felt the need for a little escapism. These photos, I'll admit - are not particularly recent - they are from my summer trip to Paris. I intended to share these photos with you at the time, as the outfit is a particular warm weather favourite of mine. As I gaze out of my kitchen window into the black 5pm abyss (HOW IS IT DARK AT 5PM?) it makes me yearn for a lighter, less weatherly-miserable time (not entirely confident that weatherly is a word but we'll go with it.)  If I say 'hashtag throwback' does that make it ok?

As I've bombarded you with so many photos, I won't witter on - on this occasion I shall let the outfit and city speak for itself. Nosing through other people's holiday snaps or just enjoying photos of pretty destinations is something I love to do. There's just so much colour, beauty and incredible architecture in Paris, so despite these being less than current I hope you enjoy them nonetheless. 

and this is what I wore...

Graphic Paint Print Midi / Ruffle Bralet / Bouquet of Peonies (which are a completely appropriate accessory...)

Click to item; Skirt: Karen Millen. Top: c/o Missguided. Shoes: Kurt Geiger.  Sunglasses: Miu Miu. Earrings: Chanel. 

Hello all and Happy Friday!

Another midi skirt. I know, I know. I'm sorry. As if I needed another one. Do you ever see visions of yourself wearing an item somewhere and think 'I must make this vision a reality!' or even 'when I have this skirt my wardrobe will be complete.' Well, I tell myself all kinds of stories to justify a purchase I probably shouldn't make. I often try and talk myself out of it but in this case I was unsuccessful ...Oops!  Although, to be fair I have been a Lizzie McGuire style outfit repeater and worn this numerous times as I adore it beyond words. Although it's quite a statement print, I also think it's timeless and not obviously from anywhere in particular - in the sense that you don't look at it and think 'that's obviously from Topshop/Zara' which is nice for a change. 

I wore this for a perfect Sunday outing with my friend Bianca. First we headed to Columbia Road Market to peruse the flowers, and we both picked up a couple of bunches of peonies (so stereotypical blogger/so original) Then we made our way to the rather well known hipster haunt The Breakfast Club for brunch. Here is where I should be a good and professional blogger, by presenting you with copious photographs of pancakes laden with fresh fruit from several different angles. However, when the obligatory instagram photo had been taken I couldn't quite stop myself from devouring them like a wild animal, all before I'd had the chance to take out my camera. Oops again. Must try harder next time.

P.S. You might notice I've added a rather snazzy new 'Shop The Post' feature below, which I really hope you'll enjoy! I think it makes things a lot easier if you feel compelled to search for an item I've featured. 

Lace Bralet / Lace Pencil Skirt / Stella McCartney Sunglasses

Bralet & Skirt: Topshop. Sunglasses: Stella McCartney c/o Pretavoir. Shoes: c/o Daniel Footwear. 

Hello all!

It's a quick lace on lace outfit today! I was struggling initially to choose what to pair with this pencil skirt, and in the end I thought well.. why not a bit more lace? I'm rather happy with the result. I'm not sure if I'd wear this in the day, as the bralet is a little more skimpy than I'm comfortable with for day-to-day attire, but I'll certainly wear it on a warm evening this summer! 

This skirt is surprisingly comfortable and un-restrictive (is that a word?) thanks to the slit up the back (really, how ugly is the word 'slit'... but what else can I call it?) I also added a pair of beautiful pointed courts from Daniel Footwear, which I must say are supremely comfortable. I've started calling them my 'adult' shoes as they remind me of something you might wear to work in an office. That makes me sound terribly childish doesn't it? But honestly, who hasn't ever bought something and dubbed it their 'date dress' or their 'grown up shoes' - I feel like it's just a way of making what might be considered more 'basic' items seem more fun! 

I finished off the outfit with these beautiful dappled sunglasses by Stella McCartney which were very kindly sent to me by Pretavoir. I'd had my eye on them ever since seeing them on Miranda Kerr. Obviously I put the usual logic into practice; if I have the same sunglasses as Miranda Kerr I will likely become Miranda Kerr. Still waiting..

Tile Print Jacket / Fine Pleat Midi Skirt / Kurt Geiger Sandals - Coast's A/W Press Day

 Top: c/o Missguided. Jacket: Topshop.  Skirt: ZARA. Shoes: Kurt Geiger. 

Hello all!

Now, I'd like to give you a proper introduction to one of my absolute favourite brands for statement pieces, particularly statement skirts (and don't we all know how shamefully large my midi skirt collection is?). I'll be honest - a couple of years ago, Coast wasn't a brand that filled me with excitement. It mainly conjured images of bridesmaid dresses, and not having been a bridesmaid since I was about 8, I didn't really consider it relevant to me. However, around the end of the year I'd spotted a certain black and gold skirt in a few magazines, which turned out to be by Coast. After seeing this skirt, I knew it HAD to be mine. There was no question about it. It was everything I loved in a skirt; it was full, decadent, midi-length and perfectly over the top! I ended up wearing that skirt to London Fashion Week in February and you can see that post by clicking here. It really opened my eyes to how much Coast, as a brand, had moved on.

Ever since, I've been hooked on Coast skirts. Hooked on the designs, hooked on the flattering waistbands and hooked on the rustly sound they make when I walk. I now have four of their skirts, and you can see my wearing another one of their more colourful, floral skirts by clicking here. I also wore one of their evening dresses to the ballet a couple of weeks ago which you can see by clicking here! I feel like I've said the word 'skirts' too many times in this post but I have no intention of stopping. Skirts. Despite their prettiness, I fully appreciate that £65+ for a skirt isn't what at lot of people would call inexpensive. However, and I've said this before, the quality is SO fantastic, and the fits are so flattering that I really feel like they're worth the money - whether you splurge, save up for one or ask for one for a birthday present.

Happily, the lovely (and very friendly) ladies at Coast invited me down to their A/W Press Day a few days ago. I'm being completely truthful when I say, I've never been to a more beautiful or enjoyable press day! The venue was beautifully decorated, with a flower stand filled to bursting with real flowers and faux autumnal leaves scattered all over the floor, to keep to the A/W theme. As you can see, I've slightly spammed you with photos - I hope you don't mind, it was just all SO beautiful I wanted to share it with you! There are definitely a good few pieces I have my eye on for the upcoming months, I can't wait until the new pieces are released!

I should also mention that despite my clear obsession, this post is not sponsored by Coast. This is my own genuine recommendation, to you!