Lazy

H&M tee, Jack Wills leggings, Asos glasses

After what can only be described as a very busy day in London yesterday, I am spending the day having some 'lazy time'. Not that lazy as, really, I've got quite a lot to do. But I take comfort in the fact I can do it all in my 'comfortable clothes' which I thought I would share with you, lovely readers, as I suppose it's nice to know we don't spend all our time in a full face of make-up, hair done and outfit polished to perfection. Happy resting! Until next time catch up with me on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

P.S. A festive snap from London; Christmas is coming and I am super excited xx

Black and Green

Topshop cropped top, skirt, belt, fur and pumps, H&M cardigan

Some of you might be starting to think that I'm a Topshop hoarder, incapable of shopping anywhere else?! I think it's starting to look that way however, my justification is that working there means it really is just too hard to resist, especially when there are new things arriving daily. These are just a few items of my recent spree and I have told myself that they are all completely necessary. In my defence, I have needed a black belt for about five years and the fur it totally justifiable in the perishing cold. I'm still working on an excuse for the skirt...

Until next time stay updated with me on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

The Week in Photos

Most of the time I feel like I'm running around like a headless chicken; working, running errands, socialising (although this seems to be decidedly less frequent in recent times!) So I thought it could be quite fun to photographically document each week to catch up with myself at the end of seven days. This might be harder to regularly accomplish than I think, mostly because I forget to take photos of what I'm doing a good 95% of the time. But, for this week at least, I appear to have managed it and I have come to the conclusion I'm extremely good at taking photos of myself in the mirror and that really, that's not something to be proud of. Therefore, next weeks task is to be a little less vain! Until next time catch up with me on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

L-R: taking photos in H&M whilst I patiently wait for others to shop; my trademark fishtail plait; Christmas decorations; trying a little too hard to look "geeky"; the last of the autumn leaves; new glasses; John Lewis Christmas window display; wearing my new fur shawl for drinks with friends; my ever growing collection of winter ankle boots; new purchases from a Topshop shopping spree; a calming sunset after a long day of torrential rain. 

Festive Frost

Topshop playsuit, loafers and mittens, Zara jacket

Being up ridiculously early on a Saturday for work was a little painful today, however, as the sun rose before 8 o'clock this morning I realised the frosty backdrop was the perfect setting for some blog photos. Getting into the festive swing of things, I decided my angel print playsuit was the perfect option as, from a distance, it actually looks like lots of tiny little snowflakes and combined well with the white sheet covering the blades of grass. The prettiness of it all almost made the cold bearable! Until next time catch up with me on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

Stripes? Check!

 H&M striped jumper, Jack Wills shirt, Topshop jeans and boots

I'm not doing so well with photographs this week, what with my previous two posts and the first photo here being somewhat overexposed - and that's definitely an understatement. Still, it's kind of a cool effect and at least it masks the tiredness from my eyes! 

As someone who usually delves into a deep black hole during the winter months, every now and then I have a sporadic tendency to mix things up a little with colour and clashing prints. Well, I'm not entirely sure three shades of dark blue is really classified as colour, but it's certainly not black. I've always been an advocate of stripes and check together; it's always seemed like the perfect combination of fashion forward and preppy. By keeping the same basic colour in all your pieces ensures your outfit won't go overboard but the clashing prints still makes a statement. 

Until next time catch up with me on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.  

Casual

Topshop shirt and trousers, H&M cardigan, Converse

Everyone has those casual days, where you just want to incorporate some form of comfort into your style and avoid heels like the plague. Today was my casual day but, for me, there always seems to be someone at work who, on the days where I want to slack off just a teeny tiny bit, comes in looking absolutely fabulous and makes me yearn for my heeled booties with more than a hint of remorse. Well, there's always tomorrow...

Until next time stayed updated with me on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

P.S. apologies for the poor photos again; the weather is just too dreadful to even consider anything more right now!

Geek to Chic

Topshop jumper and jeans, Ralph Lauren shirt, Kurt Geiger booties, Urban Outfitters socks, Asos glasses, Louis Vuitton Speedy bag

Despite the fact I am frequently told by those closest to me that I apologise far too much, I have my fair share of apologies to make in this post; all necessary, of course. Firstly, for my lack of blogging in the last week or so. Sometimes life becomes overwhelmingly busy and the things you enjoy most get put on the back burner for a little while. Secondly, for how disgracefully dirty my mirror appears to be! Note to self, clean mirror ASAP (what was I saying about being overwhelmingly busy.......) And lastly, for the embarrassing nature of this sickeningly posey photo; generally I am no fan of the camera in hand pout at the mirror photo, but the weather is just so British (and by that I mean rain rain rain) at the moment, that, for now, this was all I could muster up I'm afraid. 

And so to the pressing issue, my new glasses! I'm not sure whether I should freely admit to the world that, in actual fact, I have rather good vision and glasses are not essential to the daily function of my life whatsoever. Initially, when these little beauties arrived on my doorstep, I was so overcome with excitement that such thoughts didn't even occur to enter my brain. But, I have been told (you know who you are) that, why on earth would you wear glasses if you don't actually need to? Err, because they perfectly combine both the geek and the chic elements of fashion and conjure up a look so divine that no one will even begin to think "hmm does she really need glasses?" but rather "OMG, where are those fabulous glasses from!?" Yes, the glasses that are so amazing that they lead people into saying OMG and fabulous, all in the same overly flamboyant sentence. I feel I'm digressing a little now, so I think it's time for me to tune out and go create some outfits to go with my new favourite accessory. Let me know what you think, readers. Until next time catch  me on Twitter and Pinterest. 

Black Lace and Tweed

 Burberry tweed jacket, H&M lace shirt, Vintage shorts, Russell and Bromley shoes, NW3 Hobbs belt, Louis Vuitton Speedy bag

I love a good English outfit and there's nothing more British than a bit of tweed and lace, especially when you're throwing Burberry into the mix! Now, don't get the idea I wear designer labels often (alas, if only I did...) This Burberry jacket was 'borrowed' from my brother's wardrobe and he is yet to ask for it back - although after this post that may all change rather swiftly - and I have teamed it with my trusty Louis Vuitton speedy for a rather upmarket look, literally. What a terribly luxurious way to start the week. Until next time stay updated with me on Twitter and Pinterest.

P.S. I am currently involved in a competition with Look magazine, where I upload style photographs. I need to get as many 'likes' as possible and will be uploading frequent photos onto their website which, of course, I will be sharing with you all here on HSW. Please support me by clicking here and liking my photo! xx

Another Day, Another Llama Print Dress

 Topshop dress and boots, Zara shirt

Sometimes I wonder if I can be a little slow off the mark when it comes to creating outfit ideas. Initially, when I first bough this Llama print dress, I thought the only thing you could really wear it with was a basic black tee, as demonstrate here. Slowly, I have been taking steps to gradually wear more interesting pieces underneath, see here. I must confess, I have taken some inspiration off others I've seen wearing the dress to be a little more creative; my next venture may have to be a denim shirt, the question is finding the perfect one! Until next time, stay updated with my on Twitter and Pinterest.    

Red Leather Peplum

 Topshop peplum top and shorts, Kurt Geiger booties, Accessorize necklace

Not literally. That would be a little...much, perhaps? But a combination of these three things to create a simple but classic outfit with a little flair (literally!) This season it's all about the peplum separates and I've bought into this voluminous trend with a simple Topshop basic, get it here. Until next time stay updated with me on Twitter and Pinterest.  

Midi Moment

Topshop jumper and dress (similar here), Asos belt, Kurt Geiger boots (similar here)

I must admit, I've never been much of a fan of the midi. As a style I've always liked it and admired those who make it look effortlessly seductive, but, on me, I always thought it looked a little awkward. As a die-hard fan of the mini since forever, I am now taking baby steps into this new length. I confess, over the last 12 months I have made a few midi purchases, all of which I have had altered into a shorter length! Like I said, baby steps... This dress has been sitting in my closet for quite some time now and fairly unworn but, with the help of my new winter knit, is helping me make the transition from autumn to winter with effortless ease. Until next time stay updated with me Twitter and Pinterest. 

Red

French Connection coat, Topshop tee and leather shorts

Living in Britain, it's hugely important to have an array of coats; it's always SO cold during winter so it's important to stylishly find ways to stay warm. Most of the coats in my closet are an array of black, navy and grey but from time to time I find my bright red coat peaking out from amongst the neutral hues. I do enjoy having such a statement item to lift a rainy day, such as today, and bring a little colour in to my world. Until next time catch me on Twitter and Pinterest. 

Khaki

Crew Clothing shirt, Topshop jumper, disco pants and boots

One of the perks of working in retail is seeing the clothes first hand on a daily basis - although, sometimes, this can also be classified as a bad thing, pining for things ALL the time that you just can't afford. I spend many an hour creating fantasy wishlists in my head, combining all the pieces I want to create spectacular outfits; I'd be a lot better dressed if I could afford to be, you know! 

Yesterday, I indulged in a little 'retail therapy' - not that I needed to - and invested in this amazing khaki jumper and these even more amazing black studded ankle booties. Autumn never seems to last more than a month here and the bitterly cold of winter seems to be well on its way, meaning it was high time for me to invest in a few key pieces. All I seem to own, shoes wise, at the moment, is flimsy ballet flats that don't last two seconds in the rain so I'm looking forward to fully embracing all these booties have to offer. Winter is-a-coming and now I'm ready to head straight into the coming season with both warmth and style. Until next time catch me on Twitter and Pinterest. 

Fishtail Plait

Hair and Beauty isn't a topic I often venture to write about on HSW (it isn't exactly my forte in life) however, I thought it about time I wrote about the fishtail plait as it's always an excellent way to stylishly disguise a bad hair day. It's a surprisingly easy look to achieve but has maximum impact; whenever I wear one I always get comments about how great it looks. It's also the perfect way to control mad, unruly hair just like mine! There are so many ways you can wear this plait and, usually, I choose a side plait which is a great way to expose any back details of your outfit - see mine here. Watch the video below to see how you can get this great look and be sure to stay updated with me on Twitter and Pinterest. 

How they wore it:

How you can get it:

The Classic Tee

Topshop tee and studded slippers, Asos belt, Vintage shorts

Having a simple tee (or ten) is must for any girl's wardrobe. It's the classic go to item on those "OMG I have absolutely nothing to wear in my jam packed wardrobe" days. Combined with denim bottoms and pumps or boots and you've got yourself a winning look every time. I'd recommend investing in the tee in a variety of colours and Topshop have a great selection, all available here. Happy shopping and be sure to follow HSW on Twitter and Pinterest. 

How they wore it:

How you can wear it:

Topshop tee, jeans, fur gilet, boots and necklace

Peter Pan Collar

 Topshop dress, top and studded slippers

Sometimes it's nice to dress up and pretend like you're a six year old going to a birthday party, no? Possibly not, but we need to get our inspiration somewhere, right! I adore my Llama dungaree dress from Topshop (first showcased here) and am forever thinking of new ways to wear it; this time with my lace peter pan collared top. Be sure to follow HSW on Twitter and Pinterest. 

Dinosaur Disco

Topshop tee, disco pants and studded slippers

For a very long time I have been pining after the American Apparel Disco Pants; I must confess that I do have them in denim, but have never fully justified spending all that money on the original pair. So I was utterly delighted when Topshop brought out a version for over half the price, here. The look is exactly the same and Topshop even have the meticulously placed pockets on the back. The quality of the fabric isn't quite of the  same standard as the American Apparel pair, but this is to be expected for the price you're paying. 

Earlier in the week I teamed mine with my favourite dinosaur tee for a rather jazzy looking outfit. Every now and then I do try to wear something a little more whimsical to inject some fun into my wardrobe and give it a lighter lift. Until next time be sure to follow me on Twitter and Pinterest. 

Always Dreaming Of...

New York! It has been my biggest wish to go there ever since I can remember. I have always dreamed that it is fashion fabulous and being there would mean your existence would be something like Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's and Olivia Palermo in her very stylish real life all rolled into one fashion heaven. As Michael Bloomberg said "no  matter who you are, if you believe in yourself and your dream, New York will always be the place for you". Until next time catch up with me on Twitter and Pinterest. 

Hallowe'en Feelin'

River Island jumper, Zara leather skirt and heels, Jack Wills hair bow, Asos flower ring, Vintage Dior earrings

I do enjoy a little festive dressing and I'm getting into the spirit of things fairly early this year. Halloween may still be nearly three weeks away but I'm already using it as outfit inspiration with this orange and black ensemble. I love the natural sixties feel to the whole look as it was quite unintended and seemed to happen quite organically but, hopefully, with successful results. 

For me, Halloween is all about extravagance and is the one time of year where I would wear things that I never normally would. I think this has come through in my Halloween inspired outfit - who says you can't wear a winter jumper with a leather mini skirt and heels in the middle of the British autumn?! 

Until next time catch up with me on Twitter and Pinterest. 

Aztec

 Topshop Aztec dress and studded slippers, Asos belt

It's official; I have become a Topshop fiend! Whilst I personally think that working there is a lot of fun I'm not entirely sure my bank account has the same state of mind. It's so difficult to resist when you're surrounded by so many lovely clothes that you want nearly every day. So I've decided it's really much less fun to resist and have gone full throttle into buying everything that I want, including this Aztec dress which I bought online here. It is yet another berry shaded dress to add to my ever growing collection and the Aztec print is right on trend. I also love to triangle cut-out at the back, a little detail I was surprised to see when it dropped through my letterbox but one that, I think, makes it even more perfect. Until next time catch up with me on Twitter and Pinterest.