Fashion: New Freddy Purchases

My Freddy obsession seems to be continuing as I recently took full advantage of their mid season sale and purchased two more pairs of super comfy and flattering trousers.

The first was an eco leather high waist legging with a metal zip closure. I'm not really the kind of girl who wears leather trousers, but these are so easy to wear! I love the high waist as it makes them super comfortable and flattering.  The eco leather is also really stretchy so it moulds  to your shape, without feeling restrictive. If you are not a fan of the high waist style they also have a low waist version or a fun patterned style.

The second pair was from Wr.Up Sport. These are technically made for working out, but they definitely fit within the realm of sports luxe activewear as they are structured enough to wear outside the gym. Although they feel just as comfortable as leggings the proper seams, pockets and zip closure ensure that they can be worn alone. The white stripe down the side is also a fun little detail that helps to elongate the legs.

I love the innovative Freddy designs and their use of super stretchy fabrics, which makes them extraordinarily comfortable. As I have become more interested in fitness over the last few years I have found myself becoming somewhat of a lazy cliché wearing workout clothes most evenings and weekends (even when not working out). However, I do find Freddy to be a good compromise as their activewear is structured and a little smarter so it can take me from running errands and seeing friends to Pilates comfortably and looking like I have made more of an effort (and actually got dressed rather than putting on yoga pants again)!

Have you tried any Freddy Wr.Up styles? Which would you recommend?

OOTD: Dinner Date

Happy Easter! I hope everyone is having a lovely long weekend and enjoying a few hard earned days off work :). I just wanted to do a quick fashion post with an outfit I wore for a dinner date with my hubby (to be).

 Jumpsuit: Miss Selfridge (£59 here), Shoes: River Island (a few years ago), Bracelet: Disney Couture (similar here)

I love the statement necklace that comes as part of this jumpsuit. It just makes dressing that much more effortless! It is also removable if you wanted to wear your own, or wear it alone with a different outfit.

To show off the detailing I put my hair up in a little chignon, though I definitely need a little more practice in doing this. Does anyone have any tips?

Have a lovely Easter! xxx

OOTD: Black Lace

I purchased this lace jumpsuit quite a while ago, but only recently had the occasion to wear it for a friend's birthday drinks.

 Jumpsuit: Lipsy Kardashian Kollection (oh the shame) £75. Shoes: Manolo Blahnik (10 years old).

I have to say that I am slowly coming around to jumpsuits! As a tall girl with some curves I have always struggled to find playsuits that fit, but this one is super comfortable as it has a lot of stretch. I figured if Khloe can wear it so could I as we are the same height, though I don't quite have the Kardashian bottom to fill it (sadly).

Who wore it better? ;p

Back to Red (and lace)

You may have noticed that after a brief flirtation with brown locks and a few honey highlights this summer I have now gone back to my preferred hair colour. The red is back and here to stay... or at least it's here till I get bored again ;).

This post however, is about red of a more vibrant hue!

I love the vibrant tone of this playsuit mixed with the delicate detailing of the black lace. It's definitely a bit of a show stopping evening number, especially as it is so short (on me), and a cute alternative to a dress. However, I would say that the fit of this leaves a lot to be desired. The pleats create a lot of volume in the front, which as you can see in the picture below makes a rather unflattering little pouch when looking from the side or sitting down. I just wish it either had more pleats all the way around to create a more flared short, or else had none so it lay flat to the body. 

 

I noticed that even the gorgeous Laura Whitmore had this problem on the XtraFactor, which makes me glad that I'm not alone in my phantom poof!

Even despite this I still think it is a gorgeous piece and looks so much more expensive than it's £50 price tag! If you are interested in checking out this playsuit you can find it on the Topshop website here. They also have a similar style in cream here.

What do you guys think of this little red number? Since these photos were taken I have found a way to tame the pleats with a wide belt to keep the front in place, but if you have any crafty suggestions I'd love to hear your tricks! :). xxx

KM Polished Workwear Edit

The last look in my Karen Millen accessory edit is Polished Workwear.

Although the length of this skirt wouldn't be wholly appropriate for my office I absolutely adore this monochrome look! I decided to keep it simple and stylish by adding black accessories in a range of textures. The waist belt combines black pony hair and leather, while the bag has a gorgeous patent finish to contrast the muted suede of the simple black court heels.

If this look is not quite glitzy enough for you there is still time to enter the @KarenMillen competition to win my edit of accessories for the after dark look here.

Good luck my lovelies! xxx

*Sponsored post*

Boss Nuit Pour Femme

I may not be Gwynnie's biggest fan, but I do have to admit that she looks sensational in the new Boss Nuit Pour Femme advertisement campaign! Wowsers!

BOSS Nuit Pour Femme is the sophisticated new fragrance for women from BOSS Fragrances. The alluring and feminine scent is inspired by the most iconic symbol of feminine style – the little black dress and the confident reassurance it gives to women. Featuring a modern composition of feminine florals blended with sparkling top notes, BOSS Nuit Pour Femme is the perfect complement to the little black dress, serving as the uplifting finishing touch to the BOSS woman’s evening preparation.

Top Notes
The top notes express the BOSS woman’s sense of excitement and anticipation as she prepares for her special occasion. The juiciness of the white peach combined with the thrilling radiance of the wet aldehydic accord provides a fresh and sparkling effect.

Heart Accord
Beneath the modern top, the heart accord represents her feminine sophistication, featuring a feminine
jasmine and white flowers bouquet, while violet adds a sensual softness.

Base Notes
The base of the fragrance is laced with a seductive edge that grows ever richer as the evening unfolds,
mirroring the BOSS woman’s sensuality. In the dry down, vibrant crystal moss echoes the dazzling character of the top while warm woods and creamy sandalwood bring a soft and gentle quality.

The little black dress in the advertising campaign will also be available to purchase from Hugo Boss stores while the perfume is out this week!

*This is a sponsored post*

OOTD: Fantasy Peplum

I do love a bit of peplum, so much so that I decided to double up on the trend. I have been eyeing up this Chanel-esque blazer in Zara for quite a while and am surprised by how well the shape fits with one of Zara's classic cream frill waisted tops. 

To toughen the look up and add some contrast I paired the super girlie top with my favourite black disco pants and some patent leather ankle boots.

 Fantasy blazer - Zara (£89.99 here), Peplum top - Zara (£29.99 here), Disco Pants - American Apparel (£70 here), Boots - Dorothy Perkins.

Are you a fan of the peplum shape? What do you wear yours with? I am yet to try it with a pencil skirt, but I am sure a 'work it out' post will follow when I finally do! xxx

OOTD: The wedge trainer

After posting a pic of my new purchase on twitter I had lots of lovely responses requesting an outfit of the day post featuring my new shoesies.

 

If you are a regular visitor to this blog you may have noticed that trainers are not exactly a wardrobe staple for me. This may stem back to the fact that I absolutely lived in the trainer/ jeans combo in my teens until I discovered fashion and the fact that actually I could wear anything I wanted, not the same uniform as all my friends. I will be the first to admit that the wedged trainer is a bit of a ridiculous trend, but as soon as I saw the Isabel Marant number I was immediately lusting after them, quite despite myself. So after much umming and indecision I finally decided to purchase the next best thing - meet my new love The Ash Cool Suede Strapped wedge trainers in clay!

Excuse the awkward pose and face in this photo. We were on our way to the cinema and running late so a quick iphone snap on the stairs was all I could coax from the bf (after the dismal attempt below).

I paired my new super comfy trainers with an equally comfy pair of American Apparel disco pants, a vest from Zara and an oversized boyfriend shirt from Topshop.

I got my Ash trainers from Asos for £139 here, but you can also find them on the Ash website here.

Have you given into the wedge trainer trend? What will you be wearing yours with? xxx

OOTN: K Middy

If you can't beat them, join them! That's always my philosophy when visiting the glamorous capital of the north - Liverpool.

So for a bank holiday night out I knew that big hair and heels would be a must! I chose this lace overlay bubble dress from Zara (as worn by Kate Middleton), which I was able to track down, despite it's instant sell out in the UK, while I was shopping in Hong Kong.

The wedges are from All Saints, which I had packed to wear with another dress, but given the freezing weather I had to pair them with black tights and hope that in the dark no one would notice the dreaded open toe shoe/ tights combo. Shhhh... I don't think anyone saw...

The makeup was a fail safe brown smokey eye, lashes and pale lip. To show off the deep v in the back I pulled my hair into a low side ponytail, which was super easy to style and made sure that the volume stayed put all night. 

 

I hope you are all having a fabulous bank holiday weekend! xxx

Monochrome Disco

Being blessed with a pair of pretty hefty thighs (thanks to my mother whose was all sorts of an athlete) and a 36" inside leg I didn't think that Disco Pants from American Apparel would be a viable choice for me. However, I was still curious to give them a try and after wrestling them on in the AA changing rooms I have not looked back!

Studded blazer - Zara (£89.99 here), Leopard shirt - Zara (£29.99 here), Disco Pants - American Apparel (£70 here), Shoe boots - Kurt Geiger.

 

So what do you guys think of Disco Pants? Are you brave enough to squeeze into a pair? xxx

Work It Out: Karen Millen Colourblock

My love for Karen Millen dresses is one of my worst kept secrets, but I had never really considered their knitwear! I recently picked up this super cute Karen Millen Colourblock dress on sale in Selfridges. The lovely girl working on the counter actually recognised me, which pretty much sealed the purchase lol.

Despite being form fitting this dress is super soft and comfortable. I actually purchased it in a size up as I wanted to wear it for work and was worried that it was a little short. Luckily, it's very stretchy so you can pretty much adjust it to the length you need!

Unfortunately it is no longer featured on the KM website, but I did find it on sale for £85 here (I have never purchased from this website, so I have no idea how reliable it is).

OOTD and Competition: London Boy

Don't be confused by the title of this post, I haven't quite embraced masculine tailoring, but I am getting a taste of River Island's new London Boy collection!

To show off the wonderful shape of this tube midi skirt I decided to keep my look monochromatic and set it off with some ah-mazing turquoise suede boots that have been sitting in my bedroom waiting for an outing for months. Although stripes are not always the most flattering of patterns, especially on the hips, this skirt creates a beautiful, feminine shape with curves in all the right places ;).

 Leather jacket: Reiss (similar here)

Black vest: Zara (£15.99 here)

Tube skirt: River Island (gifted, £18 here)

Patent leather belt: ASOS

Tights: M&S

Boots: River Island (£100 here).

 Wool Felted Fedora Hat: New Look (On sale £6.99 here).

If you have been lusting after River Island's new London Boy lookbook why not enter their facebook competitioon here to be one of five people who will win the entire trend collection? All you have to do is click on 9 items on the postcard that inspired the collection.

I've already entered, so I'll give you a clue... the tube skirt I'm wearing above is one of them. Good luck my lovelies!

What do you think of River Island's London Boy collection? What are your favourite pieces? Do you dare to wear stripes? How much do you love those boots? I'm pretty obsessed with them ;p. xxx

Birthday OOTD

Last Friday was my birthday and though a lady never tells I can let you in on a little secret... it was quite a special date! In the evening we went for an amazing meal at Roux at the Landau in the Langham hotel so I decided to dress up a little for the occasion. As if I have ever needed an excuse!!

 Dress: Hobbs Fulham Dress (on sale here), Shoes: Manolo Blahnik.

For my makeup I kept the eyes very neutral with just black gel liner and false lashes. I then used a bright pink on my cheeks and lips - MAC's fuchsia blush and Barry M's lip paint in Shocking Pink (no. 52), which is  a great dupe for MAC's Girl About Town lipstick.

I had such a lovely birthday. Thank you to my mama and bf for making it so special! xxx

Work It Out: Classic Colour Block

Not a particularly adventurous outfit for the workplace, but I rarely feel inspired on a Monday morning! I picked up this cute little colour block, pussy bow blouse from New Look about a week ago. This is definitely a staple piece as it goes with just about anything - skirts, trousers, and even under sleeveless dresses when it gets chilly. What I particularly like about this blouse, apart from its purse friendly price of £22.99, is that it isn't see-through like so many other overly 'sheer' blouses currently in the shops, so great to wear in the office without a cami underneath.

 Blouse: New Look, Skirt: Zara

Another point to note is that this blouse offers quite a generous amount of space in the decolletage area. I often struggle to close the top button in shirts (I wear size 10), but due to the slight ruching detail at the shoulders it creates a little extra volume where you need it most ;).

What staples are you investing in this Autumn? Are you still wearing colour-block pieces?

Work It Out: Fit and Flare

Taking advantage of the 20% off offer at Dottie P's on VFNO I popped in to pick up a couple of dresses from one of my recently discovered brands - Closet. I absolutely adore the deep, crisp purple shade of this dress and the cute fit and flare style. A more wearable (in the length) and ladylike version of the skater dresses that have been replicated by a number of brands in a rainbow of colours.

 Dress: Dorothy Perkins (£42), Patent Belt: Ted Baker, Patterned Tights: M&S, Boots: DP

As much as I like the colour and cut of this dress the fit wasn't as I had hoped. The waist sits much higher than I would like, which makes the little pocket flaps stick out, rather than fall flat on the hips. This does look a little unflattering as it makes you appear wider rather than creating a 'cola bottle' silhouette.. you win some, you lose some. So to create a better shape (and make it more work friendly) I paired this dress with a fitted, single button black jacket from Zara to cinch in the waist.

During the day I paired this outfit with patent and suede heels from DP. These are high, but comfy due to the t-bar strap, and at only £35 (here) they make a great bargain ;).

This is a fun outfit to take you from day to night - happy Friday my lovelies!!

Are you wearing flared dresses this season? What colours are you adding to your winter wardrobe? Have you tried Dorothy Perkins' Closet range? Any pieces you would recommend? xxx