OOTD: Country Wedding

A few weeks ago the hubby and I attended a lovely country wedding to celebrate the union of our university friends! The wedding was very sweet with lots of homemade aspects and family members arranging flowers and baking cakes to make the newlyweds' special day unique and very personal.

Dress from Reiss (Marte in blue), bag from Chanel, fascinator from TK Maxx, shoes from Melissa.

I wouldn't normally choose jelly shoes for a wedding, but as there was a mile walk from the church to the reception in a marquee with a high likelihood of rain I decided to be very sensible (and waterproof)! They were also super comfy so I could dance into the early hours... and we did!

Being May the evening was very cold so I definitely brought lots of layers - cardigans, scarf and this pretty (also waterproof) laser cut cream trench coat from Warehouse.

 

Such a lovely day!

OOTD: Chelsea Ivy Garden

This weekend the hubby and I visited the Chelsea Ivy Garden for a spot of afternoon tea! In keeping with the garden theme I thought this would be the perfect time to dress up in my new floral number. The sunshine in London was glorious, but it did make photos a little bit of a challenge so I apologise in advance for my squinting.

 Dress: Chi Chi London Shauna (mine was from Asos)

Shoes: Roberto Cavalli

Bag: Chanel

Sunglasses: Tom Ford Celia

This dress is so much fun to wear. The off the shoulder cut of the top gives it a really vintage feel while the high low hem makes it fun and a little more modern. This kind of bandeau/ bardot neckline is so popular right now and while I think it looks lovely it is a little restrictive (especially if you have been working hard in the gym getting your arms toned). The fabric is quite stiff so it keeps its shape well and gives a lot of volume to the skirt!

We had a lovely champagne afternoon tea at the Chelsea Ivy Garden. The service wasn't the best, but the food was good and it's definitely a fun place for celeb spotting. The location is special for us as it's very close to the church we got married in so I am sure we will return for a Sunday post service brunch soon! :)

OOTD: Meeting Christian Louboutin

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending a lecture by the fabulous Christian Louboutin as part of the Vogue festival. Christian is an amazing character with real vivacity and passion for life. He is incredibly charming, inspiring and his energy is just infectious! I would definitely recommend meeting him or attending any of his talks if you get the opportunity to do so as he is just wonderful and gave me all the more reason (as if I needed any more) to love the brand that he built through his talent and hard work.

Since my Saturday mornings are usually spent at the gym this was a rare chance for me to dress up so I decided to try something a little different! A little nod to the festival theme, despite being set in central London in the rain...

I paired a heavily beaded sheer tunic/ dress from Karen Millen (worn with a slip underneath) with some grey suede boots from Russell & Bromley. Sadly I couldn't wear any of my Louboutins as it was raining and I just couldn't bear to ruin any of my precious pairs! As beautiful as they are they do need a lot care!

I have had these R&B boots for years and honestly they are the most comfortable pair I have ever owned. Despite being suede they have lasted really well. I was running about in these from 10am till late, which I very rarely do in heels! I am currently lusting after their over the knee version as they have a very similar structure and look absolutely amazing! I need to start saving!

OOTD: Date Night

This week my usual 7pm Friday conference call (love working across time zones!) was rescheduled so the hubby and I celebrated my unexpected evening freedom with a long overdue date night!

Dress: Roland Mouret for Banana Republic

Shoes: Christian Louboutin

OOTD: Easter

 

 Dress: Whistles (on sale on Asos)

Shoes: Melissa

Bag: Chanel

Hair: curled in small sections using the Babyliss Curling Wand Pro

I hope you are all having a wonderful Easter break!

OOTD: A little Alexander McQueen...

Many of you have messaged me to request a few more OOTD posts in addition to the myriad of stream of consciousness photos I upload on my Instagram (@NatalyaFGM). So, I thought I would start with this fun one from last year on my Birthday! Since I'm not getting any younger I thought I would put together something a little more different to celebrate turning 25... again ;p.

It all started with the dress! I spotted this Alexander McQueen envelope dress in an outlet mall near Florence of all places. Despite it being heavily discounted I needed some convincing as I didn't think it was particularly flattering (there are about 600 folds of fabric at the waist, enough to make a tent), but in the end I decided that it was a piece of art worth investing in!

A few months later I still hadn't found an occasion to wear my first Alexander McQueen purchase. It was a little too short and eye catching for a wedding and the UK was getting colder by the second!

In the meantime I had come across these fabulous Carvela Kurt Geiger Gylda lace ups that I like to think of as a grown up gladiator. With their sharp high heel and cut outs the hubby instantly got excited and offered to purchase them for my Birthday. He rarely has any opinion on shoes, other than ranting that I have far too many (which is true), but given his enthusiasm I knew these must be pretty special.

So when my Birthday finally came around at the end of October I decided that it was time to try out the two most adventurous items in my wardrobe... despite the cold and rain! As Miley so wisely put it... it's our party and we can do what we want!

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

OOTD: Cropped

As I haven't done an OOTD in quite a while (and quite honestly I haven't had the opportunity to dress up in a while either) I thought I would share a few photos from a friend's bday party a few weeks ago. Please be kind!

Laser Cut Crop (with cut out back): Topshop £36, PVC pencil skirt: Topshop (sold out), but similar on Etsy. Booties: Kurt Geiger. Rose gold monogram necklace: Anna Lou.

 Hair was styled using my favourite Babyliss Big Hair (£44.99).

I always find it hard to wear neutrals without a tan so I used another of my favourites to give myself a bit of colour - SiennaX Q10 Bronzing Mousse £24.95.

OOTD: LK Bennett Cranley

This little spotty number from LK Bennett is one of my absolute favourites for that illusive day to night transition, especially as it can be worn in two ways! During the day it can be teamed with a fitted jacket and worn with the straight neckline at the front, while in the evening I usually reverse it with the v-neck and draping at the front to create more shape (as in the photos).

 

 Dress: LK Bennett (on sale for £60 here), Shoes: Kurt Geiger (on sale for £35 here).

What are your favourite pieces to take you from day to night? xxx

Win Karen Millen After Dark Elegance Accessories!

Something very exciting begins today! I have partnered with Karen Millen to accessorize their autumn collection and to give you all the chance to win my selection of accessories for their After Dark Elegance look.

The After Dark Look features the Ultimate Prom Dress (£140). I absolutely love the vibrant blue and the fifties style flare fit. I paired this dress with some fun and festive accessories to give it a more modern edge and create some contrast.

To be in with the chance of winning the first prize of an edit of coveted accessories from my After Dark Elegance look, or the second prize of a £100 Karen Millen gift card, simply enter here. For more news and competitions you can also follow Karen Millen on twitter @KarenMillen.

Check back later in the week to see the final photos of my accessories for off-duty luxe and polished workwear. I would love for you to let me know what you think of my choices!

*This is a sponsored post.*

OOTD: Under the Sea

Oh I do love the Zara sale! A few weeks ago I picked up another of their amazing tulip dresses, this time in the fish print. The aqueous theme somehow seemed appropriate with the sudden downpours of rain as evidenced below...

Dress: Zara (on sale for £17.99), Clutch (shown below): Ted Baker, Shoes: Melissa (£85 here)

 

I may be a little too old to wear jelly shoes, but these were love at first step. Aesthetically they are not my favourite wedges, but they are oh so comfortable as they literally mould to your feet while supporting and cushioning.

Have you ever tried any of Melissa's designs? What do you think of jelly shoes? xxx

KM by Karen Millen Capsule Collection

You all know how much I adore Karen Millen, not only for occasion wear, but also well structured and flattering work dresses. I have a number of their shoes in my closet, but have never embarked on purchasing their other accessories, though they always catch my eye. I was therefore excited to see that they have launched a new capsule collection KM by Karen Millen.

This is a cute mini-collection that offers affordable luxury accessories including tote bags, purses and even ballet flats.

The classic totes retail at £99 while the small totes are £65. 

 This durable metallic effect leather purse is £40.

My top pick of the collection is definitely these cute ballet flats (£85) that will go with everything!

KM are running a competition on the Karen Millen website where one lucky winner will be able to own the entire collection. I'm keeping my (selfish) fingers crossed! xxx

*Sponsored Post*

Work It Out: Printed Pretty Pleats

Uh oh! I promise this will be the last post featuring a Reiss sale piece, but you all know I can't control myself when it comes to a bargain. So when I saw this Nico pretty midi skirt down from £125 to £37 I couldn't resist. It's 100% silk... it's pleated... it has a graphic mint print and sexy side splits. Need I say more?

Cami: Zara, Jumper: Mango, Skirt: Reiss (here), Shoes: Gucci.

Have you picked up any special pieces in the recent sales? xxx

OOTD: Wag

I am fully aware that this outfit is a little footballer's wives... but it was hard to resist pairing huge sunnies with a bright dress and nude heels on a gorgeous summer day.

 Dress: Closet at Dorothy Perkins, Shoes: DP (£29.50 here), Sunglasses: Prada.

As I was home alone this weekend I didn't have my usual 'photographer' to take photos, so excuse the weird poses caught by the self timer. I haven't featured a jumping shot in a while ;).

Is this peplum frill dress and nude heels combo too wag-tastic? Are you a fan of peplum detailing? xxx