3 Ways with Leather and Pastels

I really wanted to put myself out of my comfort zone when styling these 3 outfits. Leather isn't something I would normally go for whatsoever, but the high street have picked up the trend and run with it. If you hadn't noticed (are you blind ?!) it's everywhere, and being produced in extremely wearable styles. For my first outfit above I am wearing a full leather skirt from H&M, paired with a delicate pink cardigan. I felt very much like an off duty ballerina, I couldn't stop swishing around and was all ready to don my ballet bun and start my plies. 

Outfit no.2 is a bit more of a day outfit, with this cosy aran knit jumper from Topshop layered with classic Oxford and (slightly tiny) leather shorts from H&M. I like that they make the outfit a little bit more exciting than just your standard cut offs, while still keeping the overall look casual enough to pop down to the shops in without people thinking you're into S&M. 

This outfit was one that I was very unsure about when I was laying it out - the tight knee length pencil skirt made me a little bit scared. I am quite (*very) short so both this skirt and the one before were not lengths I am used to at all. There was something about it though when I put it on, I couldn't help but feel great, (god forbid) even sexy ? Now don't get me wrong, I don't think I could pair it with anything other than a casual knit like this - I'm not suddenly going to start dressing like a sex kitten, wearing it with sky high heels and a tiny top it would just feel alien to me. But the fit is just so spot on, and actually makes me  look slightly curvy (shock! horror! gasp!) that I couldn't help but feel a little smug at my new purchase. 

Could I get a little plate of spaghetti?

From Russia with Love

The first chilly day, of many more to come I am sure, called for the excavation of my favourite faux fur hat. I've had this for a few years now, and every time I wear it I can't help but feel instantly more glamorous, and just ever so slightly Russian. Oh and it keeps my head pretty cosy too! 

I also cannot stop wearing pinafores, particularly for work, they're just so easy to slip on over a shirt (slightly in love with the paisley print on this Urban Outfitters baby) and then pair up with heeled brogues and my Cambridge Satchel. 

Mid Morning Matters with Alan Partridge

I'm off up to Norfolk this morning to visit my Grandpa, which calls for layers, thick knits and a big coat. These check shorts are a new purchase from Topshop, and fast becoming a favourite in my wardrobe, though not sure how much good their going to be at keeping me warm! Oh and apologies for my chronic bitch face, it was far too early in the morning when these were taken.

Pinafore, Pumpkins and Paisley

So I may not have dressed up for Halloween this year, but I did get to carve some pumpkins with my boss's kids! Also a few other seasonally appropriate pictures from my instagram - dried flowers, and a pumpkin coloured Figaro.

Oxford Comma

I spent this extremely chilly Sunday meandering around Oxford, perhaps slightly unprepared for the wet and windy weather. We didn't really come for any reason other than to restock our coffee bean supply, and to admire some beautiful architecture, so it was quite a lovely day (until it started chucking it down). 

I recently rediscovered this Topshop blouse at the back of my wardrobe, and decided it would make an absolutely perfect pairing with my American Apparel chiffon skirt and camel coat that I managed to score in Topshop's sale last Christmas. These Asos heels are my new favourite thing, paisley, cut outs and a bit of a heel - yes, yes, and yes again.

PS. I am not a crazy person, and yes I am wearing tights. 

Burberry

This week has been a little bit hectic to say the least! As I've mentioned before we work quite a lot with Burberry Beauty, and to celebrate the launch of their new Brit Rhythm perfume, invited international press to stay in London to give them the chance to explore their latest addition. Not many of you might know, but Burberry have also recently launched their nail polish range, with the most perfect colour palette you can imagine. Reds to nudes to metallic coppers and greys. 

As part of their stay the press members were treated to a complimentary manicure, provided by our team. I had the absolute pleasure of coordinating this, and even managed to get my hands on one of the new polishes! 

Black and Gold

Red Riding Hood

This outfit was inspired by a multitude of people, Orla Kiely, Suzy Bishop, Red Riding Hood, Rupert the Bear... Yes, three of those are fictional characters, and what. 

To cut down on costs, and help me attempt to save a little bit of dolla, I've started taking a packed work to lunch, which of course meant purchasing a new lunch box and flask. Soup never tasted so good.

Well, that's okay, because that's why we bought a home with two kitchens.

I'm sorry, but who does not love Ikea?! It's one of my favourite places - how sad is that. Every time I go I have to reenact 500 Days of Summer (this time we went there actually WAS a Chinese family in the bathroom!), get my meatball fix, and of course come away with a load of 'stuff' that I didn't realise I actually needed until I found it after following the yellow arrows. Oh and didn't actually end up getting what we went there for!

I was feeling a little nautical when getting dressed this morning, as I'm sure you can tell by my sailor-esque get up! The coat was a sale find from H & M a few years back, and the bag is vintage from eBay (I like the fact it perfectly matches my brogues). I'm also wearing the 'Mom' shorts from Topshop - the first pair I have bought from there which actually cover my bum! And yes, another stripy tshirt, it's an addiction I just can't help myself.