White Tea Blouse / Leather Trim Skater Skirt / Boucle Heels

Hello all!

My boucle obsession has extended from all types of clothing (minus underwear because that would not only be very weird but I'd imagine quite uncomfortable too..) to shoes. Yes, boucle shoes. You read correctly. I bought them in the sale a few months ago despite the fact that the heels are so high, they make me walk like a crippled T-Rex... so, not ideal. I feel like they definitely add a bit of character and eccentricity to what would otherwise be for me, quite a simplistic outfit. I picked up this 'tea blouse' yesterday when I was returning something to Oxford Street Topshop (did you know that it doesn't count as shopping if it's an exchange? Yup. That's what I tell myself) because I know it'll be super versatile and I love how the shoulders are so elegantly structured. I also imagined that it would go perfectly with this skirt from Krisp, which I love. It's definitely going to be my go-to skirt in autumn/winter to wear along with all of my madly printed shirts!

Skirt : c/o Krisp. Blouse & Shoes : Topshop. Necklace : ZARA. Earrings : ASOS. Bag : Vintage (belonged to my mother when she was my age!)

P.s. I'm blaming the sunny weather we're having but recently I've found myself browsing the Miu Miu section of Sunglasses Shop. I already have the tortoiseshell version of the one's below, but I think now it might be time to acquire the black version. You know what they say about finding something you like and getting it in every colour. It's very sensible in my opinion!

Gothic Dolly Dress with Exaggerated Shoulders / Gold Details

Hello all!

So, this is the second of the two pieces that arrived at my door from Ukulele Fashion a couple of weeks ago. It's called the 'Dolly Dress' - which fits it perfectly because of the tightly cut waist, full skirt and exaggerated shoulders (which remind me of a typical Disney Princess dress!). I've taken to referring to it as my 'gothic dolly dress' as it's definitely got something vampishly romantic about it, and since its arrival its been hanging on my steamer waiting to have the packing creases blasted out. To emphasise the vampy-but-still-cute theme I added a black net petticoat, a baroque style necklace with blood red stones encased in gold hearts and of course, some bright red lipstick.  

Dress : c/o Ukulele Fashion. Necklace : Topshop. Earrings : ASOS.

Vintage Style Sailor Dress with Oversized Collar

Hello all!

I must admit I was ridiculously excited to receive a long-awaited parcel, knowing what it contained, from a vintage clothing company from America, Blue Velvet Vintage. If you're a fan of Gossip Girl, you might recognise it as that sailor dress worn by Blair Waldorf. The brand of that dress is Bettie Paige, as confirmed by the costume director of the show - although Blair's version was shortened. I worship at the alter of the show's stylist Eric Daman, I've always said I could watch that programme on mute purely for the styling. In regards to the quality of the dress itself, its perfect. I can't give it anything other than top marks for its quality, uniqueness and flattering cut. I couldn't be happier with it. I'm also considering having it shortened to just above the knee to make it more daytime appropriate, but my mother insists it'll ruin the 'silhouette' - what do you think?

Dress : c/o Blue Velvet Vintage. Earrings : ASOS. Shoes : Next.

Pink Floral Jacquard Dress with V-Back / Chandelier Earrings

Hello all!

If you don't like pink, shield your eyes... 

The v-back on this Dahlia dress is such a pretty, thoughtful detail, and I'm so happy that more and more brands are cottoning on to the fact that there are lots of girls who like backless dresses, but who also don't like going braless... and as I've mentioned before, I'm one of them. When I was originally styling this dress I put it with some bright, cobalt blue shoes to try and add some different colours, then I thought maybe sticking with plain black accessories would be more traditional and safe - but as you can see, in the end I decided that the only sensible decision was to just wear all of the pinkest things I own at once, with some clashing red lips (is pinkest a real word?).

Dress : c/o Dahlia. Belt & Earrings : ASOS. Sunglasses : c/o ASOS Marketplace. Coat : ZARA.

Gingham Dress / Wide Brim Hat / Gold Vintage-Style Earrings

Hello all!

I've never really found the title 'smock dress' particularly appealing (mainly associating it with painters, pregnancy and small children..) so I was quite surprised to find that after seeing this dress on Lily's instagram - when I tried it on, I loved it. The black and white gingham makes me feel a bit like Tim Burton's modern/gothic take on Dorothy Gale. I specifically like the relaxed feel of it, and that really surprised me as you might have noticed, I can't pull off the 'slouchy' look. It's really a kind of 'I don't know what else to wear/I can't be bothered to think too much' outfit. Just add earrings and a big hat, voila. I also think in the winter I'll be able to add a collared blouse, boots and a long coat to make it cold weather appropriate. I feel like I must mention these heeled sandals, you might notice I've worn them a fair few times in recent posts - they are truly the most comfortable daytime heels I've ever worn, I can wear them all day with no problem whatsoever. P.s. If you'd like to see/hear me being interviewed at London Fashion Week A/W13 looking like an overly-smiley buffoon please click here. 

(This might look like a dog but it is actually my child. I am one small step away from putting a bonnet on him.)

Dress : The Whitepepper at ASOS. Hat & Earrings : H&M. Shoes : Next. Bag : Chanel.

Dungaree Playsuit / Pussybow Blouse / Mini Gold Chain Bag

Hello all!

I'm sure, like me, a lot of you will understand the pressure (and temptation!) of feeling the need to constantly update your wardrobe with 'new' pieces. If I see an item and I can create an outfit around it in my head, I want it create it in real life. I'm also pretty amazing at justifying why I should buy something; 'it'll go with everything' / 'it'll last forever' / 'it's a classic piece'. I've realised this really isn't a positive or maintainable lifestyle for me at the moment, so, I've made a vow to try and combine the items I already own to create new outfits, and that's exactly what I've done here. I'd never considered pairing my favourite short sleeved pussybow blouse with this dungaree playsuit, but when I did, adding a belt and this sweet little leather bag with gold chain handles (it doesn't count as new because I've had it for a week) I've found an entirely new summery outfit I completely love, using clothes I already owned.

Dungaree Playsuit : Warehouse. Blouse : c/o French Connection. Bag : Jane Shilton. Shoes : Next. Belt : ASOS. Earrings : H&M. Watch : Michael Kors.