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: 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: Vivix

Last season's love of the midi dress has stayed with me this Autumn. I just love the long, lean and sophisticated silhouette that a midi paired with heels creates.

Dress and Belt: Ted Baker (£169 here). Kurt Geiger patent shoe boots (similar here).

This dress is one of my favourite recent purchases, so much so that I chose to wear it for a celebratory brunch with the in laws-to-be. The soft cowl neck draping creates some beautiful curves to an otherwise well structured dress. I also love the contrast of the angular double buckle belt against the fluid colour palette.

Are you a fan of the midi trend? What have been your favourite pieces this Autumn? xxx

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

New Shoes!?

Even though I am currently trying to control my spending (trying being the operative word) I can never let a Kurt Geiger sale pass me by without at least one iddy biddy purchase. After my friend made me count the number of shoes I own that I have either never worn, or only worn once, my shopping guilt has trippled, but when I saw these beauties I decided that it would be a credit card kind of day. Ooops!

These are the Kurt Geiger Assemble stilettos (now £85 down from £120 here). I love the high, elegant heel, the bow detail and the deep cut.

My justification was that they are perfect for work and go with all my little office ensembles... but unfortunately I am now staring in lust at the glittery white and blue versions too. I need professional help!!

Am I alone in my shoe obsession? Have you got your eye on anything in the Kurt Geiger sale this season? Do you know a shoe addiction when you see one? 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

Belinda OOTD

Although I do love a bit of leopard print I sometimes feel like it has been 'overworked' in all too many a store. Nevertheless, I was immediately drawn to this dress at a recent Motel blogger event! The Belinda dress (£52) offers a more sophisticated leopard print pattern paired with an (almost) full sleeve, longer length and a very deep v neck... so much so that I had to pin mine to protect a little modesty ;).

My dress had it's first outing a few weeks ago when the bf and I went on a double date. However, as well as being comfortable enough for long winter evening it's equally work friendly with a little camisole or vest worn underneath. I chose to keep it pretty simple with patent black and brown Kurt Geiger ankle boots, my Michael Kors rose gold watch (£199) and Les Nereides ring.

Have you seen Motel's new collection? What are your favourite pieces? Are you a fan of leopard print? xxx

Take Me Baby.. Or Leave Me

With the gorgeous sunshine we have been blessed with this bank holiday weekend a few drives around the countryside with the latest Glee album on repeat were a must. I haven't even seen the musical Rent, but while humming along to the lyrics this morning.. "a tiger in a cage can never see the sun, this diva needs her stage, baby lets have fun" I decided that it was time my inner leopard was set free ;).

The jumpsuit and belt are both from H&M, and were purchased in anticipation of Spring a few months ago. As I'm tall I always struggle to find jumpsuits that are long enough in the legs, but this one was easy to customise as it is already quite loose fitting. I decided to pull it up a little (baggy bottoms are never flattering!) to create a 3/4 length trouser and wear the top off the shoulder.

Tan leather shoes are from my beloved Kurt Geiger.

This gorgeous nude patent Barbarella leather bag from Aspinal of London was a very recent purchase. I decided to treat myself after finishing my exams and thought this would make a perfect splurge for the Summer!

Accessories were kept pretty simple. I wore sunglasses from Dior, a bangle from Disney Couture with the inscription "Think of a wonderful thought" and a cream leather and gold cuff sent to me by the lovely Elizabeth from Lash Royalty.

For makeup I stuck to natural peachy tones. I used MUFE HD foundation, NARS laguna bronzer, MAC Ripe Peach blush, Estee Lauder Pure Pops Creme Eyeshadow (sadly no name or number on the tube, but it's their only warm gold colour), Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Whiskey,  L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes mascara (waterproof) and Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfecter in No.2.

As the title of this post suggests, leopard print jumpsuits will not be for everyone! I spent most of my teenage years dressing like my friends and was never without my jeans. Now I just wear whatever makes me feel happy. I think if you feel confident and comfortable, no matter how outlandish or simple your outfit, you can carry it off with style!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend my lovelies! xxx