Feminine Androgyny

- - -  Coat: here. Top: here. Bag: here. Trousers: similar here. - - - I think you all know by now that I'm a quality over quantity kind of person. In an ideal world, I'd have a (still reasonably large) capsule wardrobe of things that can interchange seamlessly. Being a blogger, that's a hard feat to achieve. So, half of my wardrobe is made up of really high-quality, higher end items that I'll keep and wear for years to come, and half of it is more trend-led, disposable stuff that I know I'll have grown tired of by this time next year. 
I recently added a piece to the 'forever' side of my wardrobe; this coat. To me, it's sort of monochrome preppy. It reminds me of a man's boating jacket! I've always loved mixing quite androgynous pieces (structured, oversized jackets, bow-ties, suits) with the hyper feminine (ruffles, pussybows, bright red lipstick) this red jacquard suit paired with a seriously ott ruffled blouse springs to mind - feel free to take a look at that look here, although I was considerably more svelte then, sporting a misjudged dip dye and still taking photos in my back garden. So innocent. So pure. Treasure the mems. 
This coat really fits the bill in terms of my style and despite it being quite 'statement', I have plenty of ways to style this in mind.
What do you think? Do you prefer having a more 'disposable' wardrobe or are you someone who likes to invest in pieces with more longevity? Let me know!

A Day at Downton Abbey

Dress: The Jetset Diaries via ASOS (currently sold out, similar-ish here). Bag: c/o Radley. Shoes: Kurt Geiger. Earrings: Dior.

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I've recently come to the conclusion that my mother and I are actually a pair of 70 year old, National Trust property loving pensioners. There's nothing we like more than exploring a grand Stately Home and its gardens, identifying the flowers in the borders as we go, and if there's an afternoon tea on offer - we'll be on that like a seagull on a chip. I remember being embarrassed by my love of National Trust properties when I was in my teens - it's not really considered to be the 'coolest' of interests. But now, as an adult - naturally I've grown in confidence and don't care so much what others think -  I'm letting my love run wild and my mother and I are working our way through a list of properties to visit.

If you're a fan, or even vaguely familiar with the TV programme Downton Abbey, you'll probably recognise this location (it's not actually a National Trust property - it's privately owned). It is in fact, Highclere Castle, the country seat of the Earl of Carnarvon, and a Jacobethan style Grade 1 listed Stately Home surrounded by 5,000 acres of land. It's beautifully gothic and unlike any other building I've ever seen, and as mega fans of Downton Abbey, my mother and I had this outing (complete with afternoon tea) booked since February. We were that keen. My expectations were exceeded in the beauty of the property, both inside and out. However I was a little disappointed that photography is not permitted inside the building itself - although I understand why, it is someone's actual home of course - in some of the bedrooms you could even see half-drunk glasses of water sitting on the bedside tables!

In regards to my outfit, it was a warm but dull day, so I opted for this rather nautical number by The Jetset Diaries. I love how flouncy the ruffle is, but also the fact that it's made out of a very casual, thin material which makes it feel more daytime appropriate. It also has a very unique little cut-out in the back which I forgot to photograph in my excitement. I paired the blue striped dress with my Hepburn bag from Radley, which is inspired by the lady herself; Audrey Hepburn. The bag was created to emulate her iconic elegance - polished, simplistic and stylish. 

Do you like a good stately home? I'd love to hear any recommendations!