Jacket: M&S (old - alternative here). Blouse: here. Trousers: here. Skinny Scarf: here. Shoes: Russell & Bromley (old). Bag: here. Sunglasses: Miu Miu (sold out - can't find them anywhere online, sorry!)
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I think this outfit is pretty much a perfect depiction of my style formula; old pieces mixed with new, 'higher end' high street (Reiss/Karen Millen etc) mixed with more affordable offerings (H&M, Topshop etc), topped off with designer accessories. This is my favourite way to dress. For instance, the trousers are new-in from H&M, but the shoes are years old from Russell & Bromley. To me, it makes a lot more sense to splurge on classic pieces that you'll wear over and over again, and use high street shops as your means to stay 'on trend'; for things that you know are more of a phase (I'm looking at you old Topshop harem pants circa 2010).
I utterly believe that one does not have to be fitted head to toe in designer in order to look stylish - and more importantly, a designer label does not necessarily equate to a higher level of quality. For instance, this pinstripe coat. I honestly think it looks quite *premium*- the quality and cut is great, I've had it for about 3 years and it's free from signs of wear, and you know what? It's from M&S. Hell yeah. I once wore it to fashion week and when people asked 'WHO are you wearing?' and I replied 'Marks and Spencer' - people recoiled in a kind of confused horror, then asked me if it was still available to buy so they could grab themselves one. They loved it!
Alternatively, this frilly blouse with contrasting trim is a new addition. You all know I am simply incapable of resisting anything that even slightly resembles the uniform of a musketeer. I like it because it's sheer in a just-about-acceptable way.
I also realise I'm not wearing my coat properly again and in many of these photos I look like I've become detached from arms. WANTED: my arms. Reward if found.
But really, I think a lot of us have just kind of accepted that wearing your coat over your shoulders just looks more *fashion* in photos, but if I walked around like this in real life I'd definitely look like an arse.
Photos by the talented Paige.
