Sunday Style: Out in the wild

Escaped from the zoo.

This is the phrase that undoubtedly sums up my winter wardrobe. I'm quite literally a mash up of animal prints waiting to happen.

My style is girly meets classic. Nothing too daring. Leopard print is a flirt, a dash of wild that I can't resist. Polished up nicely with my trusty wardrobe staples, I can't get enough.

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Hat - Gap ∙ Cashmere Scarf - Warehouse ∙ Jumper - Banana Republic ∙ Coat - M&S ∙ Jeans - Zara ∙ Bag - Whistles ∙ Pom pom - Accessorize ∙ Boots - Topshop (last season)

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I've got the bag, the belt, the shoes. Enter the leopard print coat that turned out to be the gateway drug to filling my wardrobe with yet more animal print. 

A sleek and stylish, relaxed overcoat - I snapped up this printed perfection from none other than M&S. Soft to the touch, it has that snazzy M&S quality that promises to stand the test of time / when you can bare to shell out for the dry cleaners. Not only does it have pockets (winner!), it doesn't have the tackiness of the poppers showing right in yo' face. Which is a serious pet hate of mine. 

And the handbag. Well. That was a Whistles addition that somehow became a birthday present to myself. Coupled with a 'ball of fluff' as Matthew so aptly calls it, who can resist a soft grey pom pom? Not me sister.

Stay tuned for my Christmas gift guide coming this week!

Style: City Summer Days

There are exactly 24 days until I jet off on holiday stateside and in that time, I've worked out in true girl maths that every gym class equals an extra burger (with fries, and a milkshake) and each penny saved totally justifies the J.Crew bag that's captured my full attention (damn you, shady exchange range).

Having been in full on house saving mode from the get-go this year, this summer it's been all about diving into the deepest depths of my wardrobe and digging out forgotten pieces, recycling past loves and switching it up with well chosen new season bits 'n bobs.

Blouse - Topshop ∙ Jeans - Gap ∙ Shoes - Topshop ∙ Bag - Reiss

First in line was this peachy suede bag from Reiss that I sneakily picked up in the sale at the end of last summer. Having never actually seen the light of day (um), it was a fine moment when I discovered this little beauty stashed away. Fast becoming my go-to daily bag, it brightens up any outfit and makes me feel polished in a Pinterest kinda way. Also, can I please just declare that I'm definitely a dedicated convert to the small handbag now - more on this to come.

Pairing it with a new recent wardrobe addition, this super pretty cotton blouse from Topshop is a an absolute DREAM BOAT when the temperature suddenly soars. It's unbelievably light-weight, slightly oversized but has a flattering with a peplum cut and longer sleeve length to make you feel swish, enough to ignore the fact you are secretly melting. Plus you can throw it on with jeans and hey presto, you're good to go. Basically my ideal wardrobe winner.




ALSO, mega shout out to these Topshop sandals that are actually blimmin' comfortable and they even have A HEEL. Granted it's only like an inch and I still trip over every freakin' curb, I feel pretty fancy mastering the art of a heel during the day. Plus they are now reduced to £15, alas sold out online - but hunt these out if you spot them in store!

Finally, I just want to say a thank you to the lovely heartfelt comments and messages I received on my last post. It honestly made my year and completely reminded me that I am not alone when it comes to anxiety. x

Style: Groundbreaking Zara Discoveries

Following on from my major Zara lusting earlier in the week (damn, all those sale snips killing my bank balance). Here I am dressed head to toe in the Zara purchases I made pre-sale, that obviously all got reduced a few weeks later. Despite this mega eye rolling situ, I made some rather ground breaking discoveries. You ready?

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Frayed Cotton Coat ∙ Gold Flat Sandals ∙ Embroidered Sleeve Top - all sold out online, but available in store! 

Skinny Jean - Zara 

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The hunt is officially over. I repeat. The hunt for the perfect pair of jeans is over.

Whilst my hips (and thighs) do not lie, the Zara premium jean line have finally answered all my denim woes. Fitting like an absolute dream, after trying on approx. eight thousand pairs in my local store, I did not have to size up (-mic drop) or grunt furiously whilst jumping up and down to get them on. Thank you, god bless.

With frayed hems, a little distressing and a summer blue hue, these mid-rise style neither dig uncomfortably or having me frantically pulling up every other step, they have a fair amount of stretch and they look a hella lot expensive than they were. I'll take every pair.




Next, we move on to the blouse trend of the moment. Giving the bardot blouse a run for it's money, the cold shoulder trend has become my latest love. They cover up my niggling hatred of my upper arms all whilst being super pretty and dainty. Coupled with the sweet embroidery on this Zara addition, I'm smitten. Currently swooning over this Topshop number.


And finally, this pale blue tweed-ish summer coat is everything to me. It makes me feel super sophisticated and with jeans and t-shirt, I can chuck it on and hey presto - I look like I've attempted to make an effort. A massive winner in my books.

Style: Victoria Secret Bikini Wants

Crochet Trim Racerback (from £26.68) ∙ Flounce Bandeau (starts from £18.75)

It wasn't until last year when I popped into the 5th Ave Victoria Secrets store did I 'get' the hype. Glossing over my initial fear that with one flick of a lighter, the entire shop would be a satin, bejewelled flame - their pink cotton striped pjs are in fact a DREAM and something every girl should have the luxury of. And their sassy 'don't kale my vibe' slogan workout tops definitely motivate me to exercise more than they should.

Fringe Cover-Up Dress (from £22.05) ∙ Tassel Cover-Up Romper (£24.09)

Stumbling across their swimwear however (and mentally calculating how many gym classes, lettuce leaves and bottles of St Tropez it would take to transform me into a VS goddess) their whopping 40% off swimwear sale got me hook, line and sinker.

Banded Hottie Halter (from £31.99) ∙ The Getaway Halter (from £19.85) 

Both a bikini top and bottoms under £20 with a flat rate shipping fee of £6 to the UK, it's a freaking good deal. With or without a summer holiday booked. And you can use the code SAVE40SWIM on both reduced and full priced swimwear here. The prices above are before the extra 40% discount - yup! If you wanna switch it up, give the bikini mixer a whirl to find your dream combo.

Now, what's a girl gotta do around her to get a peachy behind like this? Buy the bikini bottoms? Sold.

Style: Back In The Game

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Linen Shirt - Topshop (bargain price!) ∙ Jeans - Hollister ∙ Bag - Kate Spade ∙ Flats - Topshop∙ Lipstick - Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Sunset Orange
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The irony of starting every single blog post this year with a 'hello stranger' is certainly not lost on me.

This year has truly been testing, in more ways than one, things of which I have never shared on my blog or social, but I'm slowly starting to bounce back with a fresh outlook on life - including my blog. I must sound like flipping mysterious meg over here, and tbh I might touch on it here and there, but mental health is a funny old thing and I'm not sure how I feel about splashing it over the internet. 




Drawing a line under all of that and returning to my love of nattering on about all things materialistic, fashion and beauty related, here's a run down of shit I keep meaning to type:

1. The most cliche way to start afresh?

Letting your hair dresser finally whip off 6 inches and caving to the long bob she's so desperately wanted to cut for so long. Pretty major shock to the system, one that I'm admittedly still trying to get used too. Cry face emoji.

2. So far this year I have bought 42 pairs of jeans.

And returned approximately 38. Yep. These hips definitely do not lie, and so far I am yet find a pair that fit perfectly that aren't low rise.

3. These Topshop silver flats are basically my go-to wardrobe staple.

Surprisingly comfy, a steal at £18 and wearable with just about every outfit in my wardrobe - winner!

And without sounding like a mega twat, I'm feeling pretty inspired to get my blog back on. I'm kind of over trying to replicate the insta perfect images and editorial poses, this blog really isn't that profesh. Just snippets of my undying love for Topshop (so predictable) and my never ending dedication to buying lipstick. Back in the game!

Style: The Camel Coat

This week I finally ventured outside and snapped this beauty of a camel coat, I had only been meaning to do it for five long months. Snigger. In the mean time however, before I badger on about the slick camel tailoring that has taken over my winter wardrobe, I have two sideline notes:

1: I finally plucked up the courage (excuse the pun) to have my brows tinted and waxed at my local Benefit counter - well, consider my life changed, the woman can basically work miracles and I'm currently sporting the fiercest (unwonky) brows I've ever had.

2: This week I also stumbled across a British stationery brand that produces the most swoon-worthy personalised note cards you've ever seen in your life. I did a ginormous gasp, squealed and stamped my name in capitals over the beautiful cards on offer. Watch this space, they are currently en route.

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Coat - Zara (similar here) ∙ Roll Neck - Gap ∙ Skirt - River Island ∙ Bag - Kate Spade ∙ Slippers - J.Crew

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And now onto the the coat. Answering all my of pinterest dreams (and clichés), this Zara caramel offering is finally hanging in my wardrobe. So whilst I did pick it up over five months ago (FYI it's still lingering in store) it certainly deserves it's 'air time'.

Picking it up on a whim whilst frantically running around Heathrow duty free before making my way across three American states - this bad boy was worth it. Slickly tailored with soft wool and a pleasing longer length, I feel so swish. Either paired with my work wardrobe or thrown over ripped skinnies, Nike air max's and an oversized jumper - it's like a beautiful love affair, so much so I can even overlook the dry cleaning bill. 

Thrown together with my little Kate Spade pillarbox red bag that was a STEAL in an outlet in New Jersey, I think something along the lines of forty quid, yes - forty whole British pounds - it has become a handbag saviour for just bring my 'essentials' and not the 6 lipsticks I was accustomed too. 

Enough of me, what's new with you?

Photos snapped by Nat, blogger at Le Blow. 

Sunday Style: In Check

Check Shirt - J.Crew ∙ Jeans - Gap ∙ Silver shoes - J.Crew 

Oh hey there stranger, it's been a long time since I've seen you around these parts! 

After gallivanting off on my big USA adventure, the shock of returning to the daily grind resulted in being a stroppy cow (jet-lag is my nemesis), endless cups of tea and depressingly flicking through my holiday snaps grieving for New York sunshine and American breakfast potatoes (my one true love). Finally back on top form and ready to unleash the new J.Crew wardrobe I accidentally managed to shove in my suitcase home, let's be having you October, you autumnal dream.

So tell me, what did I miss?

Sunday Style: Get In Line

Cream Striped Dress - Warehouse ∙  Sunglasses - Ray Bans ∙ Heels - River Island 

With a summer of exciting dates in the diary, dressing for the occasion had never been so suitably stylish until I came across this lined shift dress from Warehouse. Complete with the timeless tailored cut, I simply couldn't resist the candy coloured grey stripes and figure flattering a-line skirt. Paired with a recent wardrobe addition (a congratulations - you got the job! present to myself - from myself), were the darling nude pink leather block heels from River Island. Serving up a relatively low heel, they offer both comfort and style for those of us who haven't quite mastered the art of walking in high heels.

Now's all that's left to do is find a lipstick to match the coral stripe! Any recommendations much appreciated.

Trend Talk: Zara Pearl Earring

Raise your hand if like me you simply couldn't resist the temptation of the Zara summer sale? Well that makes two of us. Not being able to pass up on the chance of moving my most coveted pieces in and out of my basket, I finally settled on these dainty and darling pearl earrings. Offering a stylish spin on the timeless pearl, their unique nature captured my full attention. Without causing to much of fashion scene (I don't really do statement earrings), they are rather simple and sophisticated - just as pearls should be!

Pearl Earrings - Zara 

Here are a few other earring offerings that play on the two part trend:

Fashion's Essential: The White Tee

Come the warmer weather, summer style for me is all about mixing key wardrobe pieces with a fresh injection of colour and print. Taking things back to basics however, one stylish essential my wardrobe calls out for is the effortless crisp, cotton white t-shirt. Completing the foundations for any capsule wardrobe, there's nothing quite as timeless as a white tee thrown over your trusty denim skinnies with a slick of red lipstick - the words of a true self-confessed Pinterest addict.

Linen T-shirt - Banana Republic

Having pursued the many offerings from the high-street, Gap was a near winner and as was J.Crew with their famed vintage linen range, burdened with the pesky exchange rate - not so much. It wasn't until my (not so little) brother step foot into Banana Republic to try on a jacket (student life is so sweet), did I chance upon their take on the perfect white tee.

As Gap's slighter refined, more preppier older sister Banana Republic is brand I rarely find myself perusing. Capturing my full attention however were their neatly stacked piles of linen t's. Sheer without being too revealing, loose fitting without being too oversized, incredibly soft with a marl light textures - sure they might be hand-wash, but these t's deserve all the care and attention for being such a trusty staple.

So much so, I couldn't resist snapping up three. Originally priced at £25 (ouch), they were reduced to ten bucks with an additionally 25% off. Making that the grand total sum of three perfect t's for less than the original price of one. With the dark marl grey only available online, hop foot to your nearest branch to take a peek! I picked up mine in the quaint Sloan Square branch.

Tell me, where do you pick up your trusty wardrobe basics? 

Sunday Style | City Break Essentials

Before we begin I want take a moment to apologise in advance for the endless holiday countdown updates I will unashamedly and enviably post. I am that person. Just for the record it's 67 days. After much scrimping and saving, I cannot wait to jet off to the city that never sleeps and spot the bright lights of NYC. Whilst planning my five day trip (mostly around burgers), my thoughts have already turned to the essentials: packing for a city break.

Khaki Skirt - M&S  ∙ T-shirt - Gap  ∙ Jacket - Topshop  ∙ Bag - Mulberry  ∙ Suede Lace Sandals - Courtesy of M&S 

Unlike most beach holidays, where essentially a gazillion bikinis and summer dressers are haphazardly thrown in my suitcase. A city break calls for a more refined approach. A capsule wardrobe of looks that can be effortlessly be mixed and matched. Which naturally of course, leave me with masses of room to bring back American treasures (I'm looking at you J.Crew).

First on my agenda were a pair of Chloe inspired lace-up sandals. Perfect for stylishly stomping the concrete jungles of Manhattan, they needed to be high in comfort but pair perfectly with all the outfits I have planned. Say hello to the M&S Suede Cuff Lace Up Sandals. For true bohemian seventies luxe, these have fast become my ultimate must-have for summer.

With a discreet zip, a neat little heel and adjustable laces, these babies offered casual cool comfort from the get-go. Available in a soft blush hue or a rusty tanned shade, it was the softer pastel colour that I knew that would team well with almost any outfit. Whether with jeans and trusty t-shirt for city exploring or paired with a dress and clutch come roof top drinks in the evening.

Taking in the warm weather on the Kings Road earlier this week, I stopped by the Saatchi gallery to get snap happy. Teaming my new wardrobe sandals essentials with another M&S beauty of buy, the silky khaki green midi skirt that has quickly become another new found love. And a few forgotten favourites from last summer, my trusty Topshop striped jacket and my ultimate grey tee from Gap.

Tell me - what are your city break essentials? 

The kind folk at M&S also kindly whizzed over their beauty essentials for summer, I couldn't resist painting my nails with the Leighton Denny polishes!