Pale Blue Trench: Cool-Toned Hues for Spring

Trench: here. Top: River Island (old - alternative here). Bag: here. Trousers: here. Shoes: here. Sunglasses: Miu Miu (sold out). Earrings: Chanel.

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Spring is officially here, and so I thought I would welcome the new season by creating an all blue-hued, fresh looking outfit. Spring for me, conjures images of blue skies and blooming flowers - blue is certainly a spring colour, but this more frosty, cool toned blue I thought would be acceptable for the current weather situation; COLD. I paired this pale blue trench with my blue lens Miu Miu's and silver Chanel earrings with blue stones. I wanted to continue the cool toned theme so my silver Saint Laurent bag seemed the perfect choice!

I particularly love the rough, unfinished edges of the trench and the black contrasting details; I think it's a perfect 'throw on and go' piece - it looks quite slouchy and 'chill' whilst also appearing structured and put-together. I think it's a really interesting piece and different to anything I already own. It's light and oversized enough to allow for layering underneath, but also the cool blue hue means this will still look spring-approriate when the milder weather finally arrives. I can't wait to mix it up with the rest of my wardrobe! 

What do you think? Are you a fan of coloured trenches?

The Statement Coat - 3/3 Black

Coat: here - c/o Marks and Spencer. Blouse: here (in the sale!) Shoes: here - c/o Dune. Trousers: here. Red Stole: old, alternative here. Bag: Chanel - alternative here. - - - 
Black; the final installation of my statement coat series. I'm sure you don't need reminding that a black coat in any form is one of the most timeless, classic pieces you can (and should) own. This particular one is M&S's take on the classic, with a military style and maxi length. The quality is impeccable and the understated but detailed military accents mean that this can be thrown over almost any outfit - day or night! (I must also be honest and mention the fact that when I refer to this coat as maxi in length, I mean it. I'm 5'9 and wearing heels here, and it's not too far off the ground. So - if you're a lady of little proportions, this particular style may not be for you.)
I also paired with it a piece that belongs to one of my more recent obsessions; fun/coloured faux fur accessories. This red and purple ombre, stole had been sitting in my wardrobe for a couple of years until it tumbled out whilst I was rearranging a few things, so I decided to resurrect it. Although it's old, fear not - I've linked a few alternatives below if it takes your fancy. 

It seems strange writing this whilst looking at the photos of me all bundled up in London, as I'm currently writing this to you from sunny Singapore! If you'd like to see what I'm getting up to you can  take a look at @arabellagolby on Instagram and Twitter.
Are you a fan of fun faux fur? Do you have a black coat that goes with everything?

Sleeveless Trench / Striped Trousers - Lunch on Brompton Road

Is anyone else feeling as though their wardrobe is thoroughly unprepared for Spring? I am. My summery dresses, skirts and sleeveless tops are still folded stuffed in perspex boxes in the spare room. A few weeks ago, here in the UK we had a good few days of what is by our standards, tropical heat, and now we seem to have settled into a sunny-but-chilly weather situation, and I can deal with that, for now. Every time a new season comes around I seem to entirely forget how to dress for it. I was only just getting into the layering swing, now all the clothes are coming off.
 This was a last minute 'oh my god I have no spring clothes, all I have are jumpers and leather trousers' outfit that I put together the morning before I headed to Knightsbridge for lunch with Becca and Rupert the pug. This sleeveless trench has quickly become one of my new favourite pieces. It's so well-made and heavy, but not in a way that'd make it too warm. It's so easy to throw over a multitude of dull outfits.  I was quite pleased with this outfit in the end, I feel I look a bit like a spy or a detective. Or both. A spytective. I'm not really sure of any discernible differences between a spy and a detective in terms of job responsibilities, although I imagine a spy is more tough to get a hold of. 
(Oh, and these beloved shoes of mine have just been marked down in the sale! Click on the photo below to take a look.) 

Black Cape / Graphic Print Trousers / Embellished Point Courts

Cape: ZARA (New Look alternative here.) Trousers: River Island. Shirt: Urban Outfitters (old). Shoes: Dune. Earrings: Dior (ASOS alternatives here.)

Why, hello!

Continuing my resolution to make more use of clothes I already own, I'm wearing another trusted but slightly neglected favourite today - this ruffled white blouse from Little White Lies. My favourite features are undoubtedly the frilly, old-fashioned style collar and the frill-heart across the front of the blouse - which proved hard to photograph without me holding my cape open like an unusually demure flasher, so you'll just have to trust me on that one. It's unusual and lovely. 

I'm also wearing one of my more standard outerwear choices, this black cape from Zara. I've worn this cape to utter death, usually combined with some kind of bow - but on this day I threw a few blouses around my room and settled on the frillier option. I do enjoy a good frill!

I recently picked up these graphic print, monochrome trousers from River Island. The fact that they're monochrome means that they're easy to style and pair with colours, but the modern pattern also serves to 'edge-up' my outfits that might otherwise look a bit too... prim? Not that there's anything wrong with looking prim at all. What do you think? Do you enjoy mixing old and new styles, or do you just stick to one? I'd love to hear! 

P.s. You can also see my Cape Lookbook on YouTube here. I put it up about a month ago and completely forgot to 'advertise' it here - I'm thinking I should, seeing as I'm such a cape ambassador!