A couple of weeks ago, my husband Mike and I treated ourselves to a night out in Harrogate, one of our favourite towns in North Yorkshire. It's only about an hour's drive from us, but we decided to stay overnight just to make it that little bit more special.
I've tried to capture a little bit of the town here, (some of it through our dirty car windscreen - apologies for that!) and it is well worth a visit if you ever find yourself in this part of the world. It has some lovely boutiques, art and antique shops as well as a great selection of the higher end high street stores, and loads of restaurants and cafes too. Betty's Tea Room is particularly famous, although we didn't eat there this time as we have been many times before. I also love looking at the townhouses here - they are beautiful.
Architecture and town amenities aside, this vlog also features food, (amazing pasta at Galo's Kitchen, totally recommend!) my outfits and a mini Get Ready With Me. You even get to see a tiny glimpse of Mike!
You can watch the video on my YouTube channel or right here. If you enjoy it, I would love it if you subscribed for more vlogs as well as fashion and beauty content.
Until next time!
Kate x
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Well, this isn't a blog post title I ever thought I'd be writing! UK summers can be many things, but long and hot? Honestly, sustained periods of properly hot, sunny weather just don't happen here. At least not since 1976, so I'm reliably informed, but I wasn't born then so it doesn't count!
So far, the summer of 2018 has been incredible, and I've been loving getting out and about and enjoying it. For someone like me, who feels cold at the faintest suggestion of a breeze in the air, it's been really refreshing to not have to think about taking some sort of cover up with me everywhere I go over these past few weeks. Dressing has felt so effortless, just like being on holiday!
That said, what I've been wearing at home is slightly different to what I would wear on holiday, even if, for once, the temperature is pretty much the same. While I might feel perfectly comfortable in denim shorts and a vest top in a beach resort, it's not something I would dream of wearing around a UK city. Perhaps it's just me, but at home, I feel much more comfortable in something a little more covered up and a little more polished.
Finding multi-tasking clothes - those that suit both a beachy holiday vibe and my usual environment - is always a bonus, and I've been lucky enough this summer to snap up a few pieces like that, such as this button down dress from Topshop and this lovely Zara Midi Dress too. However, I've also been enjoying putting together outfits for this unusual UK heat that I probably wouldn't wear on holiday. Like this one, for example.
The Top
What can I say? It has oversized tortoiseshell buttons! I have made no secret of my love for this trend and having seen this gorgeous Topshop blouse all over Instagram I just had to have it. The asymmetric fastening adds a touch of interest to an otherwise simple piece, the relaxed fit is perfect for the warm weather and it looks just as pretty worn loose over jeans as it does tucked into a high waisted skirt. Not only that, but it washes like a dream and doesn't need ironing, which just makes me love it all the more!
The Skirt
I've had this H&M denim skirt for a while now, and it has been so incredibly useful. Just like a trusty pair of jeans, a denim skirt works with pretty much anything and they have long been a staple in my wardrobe. I still enjoy a classic denim mini on occasion, but I love the longer length of this one, which makes it that little bit more wearable on a day to day basis for me, especially here in the UK. H&M currently have this very similar skirt in stock if you fancy checking it out.
First of all, I just have to mention this beautiful, delicate necklace* which I was very kindly sent a few weeks ago by Daisy London. I adore dainty jewellery, and this tiny rose quartz pendant on a pretty bobble chain is the perfect piece to complete any outfit and to wear every day.
Hand crafted in sterling silver, it is part of Daisy London's Healing Stones range, and, as well as looking beautiful, it carries a deeper meaning too. Rose quartz is a symbol of unconditional love, and has long been believed to promote the strengthening of bonds within relationships. How lovely is that?
Daisy London has a mouth-watering selection of Semi Precious Gemstone Jewellery to choose from, and each piece has its own particular meaning and its own positive energy to impart to the wearer. Definitely worth a look if you're in the market for new jewellery, or have a gift to buy.
In addition to the necklace, I'm wearing my Olivia Burton watch - a piece I'm still loving and which adds a touch of luxe to any look, my cream circle bag from Topshop (now sold out) - which I am sure you are all sick of seeing by now, and my H&M espadrille wedges. Again, these are old, but the same design is available in a different colour.
This outfit has had a ton of wear over the past few weeks, and I for one am hoping I'm not back in jeans and jumpers any time soon!
What have your favourite outfits been lately?
Kate x
The Finishing Touches
Hand crafted in sterling silver, it is part of Daisy London's Healing Stones range, and, as well as looking beautiful, it carries a deeper meaning too. Rose quartz is a symbol of unconditional love, and has long been believed to promote the strengthening of bonds within relationships. How lovely is that?
Daisy London has a mouth-watering selection of Semi Precious Gemstone Jewellery to choose from, and each piece has its own particular meaning and its own positive energy to impart to the wearer. Definitely worth a look if you're in the market for new jewellery, or have a gift to buy.
This outfit has had a ton of wear over the past few weeks, and I for one am hoping I'm not back in jeans and jumpers any time soon!
What have your favourite outfits been lately?
Kate x
*Gifted item. Some links may be affiliate links. This poses no extra cost to you, the customer. All opinions, as always, are my own.
If you saw my last video, you'll have seen me try on and buy this Zara midi dress. I love white dresses in the summer, and despite the fact that I bought this one less than two weeks ago, I already know it's going to be one of my most worn pieces throughout the warmer months. At just £29.99, it was a steal, yet its elegant cut and interesting design details mean it looks anything but. So why am I so obsessed with this dress? Let me count the ways!
There's just something about white dresses, especially in summer time. They always look so pristine and chic. Add to that the midi length, shirt style cut and clean lines of this one and you have a timeless classic on your hands. Yes, I do love a ruffle and a frill or two, but sometimes you need something a little more fuss-free in your wardrobe, and this fits the bill nicely. It's also subtly sexy, with the v-neck and asymmetric split.
So yes, this dress is white, but it's that kind of "just off white" that makes it that little bit less scary than pure white, if that makes sense. You still get the chic look, but it's just that little bit more forgiving when it comes to getting the occasional mark on it. It's also a nice sturdy fabric, while still feeling light and cool, and I find the cut of it very practical for the UK summer too - you have some sleeves, you're that little bit more covered up - it's definitely still very wearable even if the weather is slightly cooler.
Speaking of wearable, this dress is the perfect balance between smart and casual. You could easily wear this out to dinner yet you wouldn't look out of place running errands in it either. Definitely one to grab and go for all sorts of occasions.
I've made no secret of the fact that I'm obsessed with this season's button down trend. In fact, I wrote a whole post on button down dresses a few weeks back, so you should definitely check that out if you love them as much as I do! This is a gorgeous example of that trend, and I love the fact that these buttons are asymmetrical rather than running straight down the middle of the dress as you might expect. It just adds that little extra "something something".
Not only is this midi dress easy to wear, but it's an outfit in one. Just grab shoes, bag, shades and a bit of jewellery and you're good to go. I've opted for gold toned accessories to add a little touch of luxe, but tan or earthy tones would also work beautifully.
Did I mention that this dress was £29.99? That's definitely a bargain for a useful piece like this that will see you through the warmer months both at home and abroad! And if you like the idea of it in super on trend mustard yellow, that version is currently on sale for £19.99.
Have you found any gems in Zara lately?
Kate x
It's Elegant
There's just something about white dresses, especially in summer time. They always look so pristine and chic. Add to that the midi length, shirt style cut and clean lines of this one and you have a timeless classic on your hands. Yes, I do love a ruffle and a frill or two, but sometimes you need something a little more fuss-free in your wardrobe, and this fits the bill nicely. It's also subtly sexy, with the v-neck and asymmetric split.
It's Practical
So yes, this dress is white, but it's that kind of "just off white" that makes it that little bit less scary than pure white, if that makes sense. You still get the chic look, but it's just that little bit more forgiving when it comes to getting the occasional mark on it. It's also a nice sturdy fabric, while still feeling light and cool, and I find the cut of it very practical for the UK summer too - you have some sleeves, you're that little bit more covered up - it's definitely still very wearable even if the weather is slightly cooler.
Speaking of wearable, this dress is the perfect balance between smart and casual. You could easily wear this out to dinner yet you wouldn't look out of place running errands in it either. Definitely one to grab and go for all sorts of occasions.
It's On Trend
I've made no secret of the fact that I'm obsessed with this season's button down trend. In fact, I wrote a whole post on button down dresses a few weeks back, so you should definitely check that out if you love them as much as I do! This is a gorgeous example of that trend, and I love the fact that these buttons are asymmetrical rather than running straight down the middle of the dress as you might expect. It just adds that little extra "something something".
It's Effortless
Not only is this midi dress easy to wear, but it's an outfit in one. Just grab shoes, bag, shades and a bit of jewellery and you're good to go. I've opted for gold toned accessories to add a little touch of luxe, but tan or earthy tones would also work beautifully.
It's Affordable
Did I mention that this dress was £29.99? That's definitely a bargain for a useful piece like this that will see you through the warmer months both at home and abroad! And if you like the idea of it in super on trend mustard yellow, that version is currently on sale for £19.99.
Have you found any gems in Zara lately?
Kate x
Some links may be affiliate links. This poses no extra cost to you, the customer. All opinions, as always, are my own.
Sometimes an item of clothing just ticks all the boxes. For instance, this pretty summery top, which is a recent addition to my wardrobe. The vibrant pillar box red colour seems to be very fashionable right now, while the ruffle and cold shoulder details are still definitely in vogue - something I'm very pleased about as I'm a big fan of both!
This top is more than just fashionable though. For a start, it's incredibly easy to wear. The way it's cut at the top means you can show off your shoulders without having to worry about a strapless bra, as there's enough fabric there to feel confident that you aren't going to get any pesky straps peeking out. Speaking of the fabric, it's cool and cottony, and best of all, this top goes with absolutely everything. I've tucked it into a floaty skirt here, but it hangs really nicely when left loose too, and looks great worn this way with jeans for a more casual look. I also think it would work really well on the beach with denim shorts and flip flops, yet equally, I can see it tucked into tailored trousers and teamed with sky high heels for a formal event. It really is a great little multi-tasker.
Did I also mention that it's super affordable? At just £10.98 you'd recoup your cost per wear in no time!
It was a sunny day when we took these pictures, so I decided to pair the top with this H&M skirt. The detail on it is really beautiful - it has a very fine blue stripe with gorgeous broderie anglaise at the bottom, not to mention a concealed zip with button fastening - It definitely feels a lot fancier than your average H&M skirt. To complete the look, I opted for espadrille wedges (just for a change!) and my TK Maxx basket bag. Then we went down to the lake, and as you'll probably be able to tell from these photos, there was a gale force wind blowing. Ah, the good old British summer, eh?!
How would you style this top?
Kate x
*Gifted item. All opinions, as always, are my own.
As much as I'm enjoying the beautiful weather we've been having lately, we all know that summers in the UK tend to be pretty short-lived. As a result, I find that I don't spend as much on summer clothes as I do on winter wear, and often, I'll pull out the same dresses and tops year after year. But even if the clothes are still good, a girl likes to change things up a little every now and again, wouldn't you agree? I certainly do, and I always find that the easiest way to update an outfit is by throwing some shiny new accessories into the mix.
Now I'm the first to acknowledge that not everybody "gets" TK Maxx. I didn't get it myself for years. Their stores don't necessarily have the polish that other stores have - if you're looking for minimalistic, colour coordinated displays, you're going to be disappointed - but if you're prepared to embrace the treasure hunt experience, there are some real gems waiting to be uncovered. The presentation might not be the prettiest, but there are some genuinely good deals to be had if you just look a little closer. In fact, scratch that. There are some amazing deals to be had, and one thing I've discovered is that the more you look, the more you find.
Still feeling sceptical? Well, as part of their #RidiculousPossibilities campaign, TK Maxx challenged me to update a couple of my summer looks by selecting my five top accessories picks. And with the total price of all five coming in at £100 on the nose, I think it's fair to say that I've managed to do that without breaking the bank. That's got to be worth bragging about, right?! Well, call it bragging or call it sharing, I'm going to tell you what I got!
Look 1 - The Jeans And Blouse Combo
My daily uniform throughout most of the British summer consists of skinny jeans and some sort of pretty blouse or top. From working at home to running errands to popping out for lunch or a coffee, this is the look that sees me through pretty much all of it. And truth be told, it can get a bit "samey" after a while, but I've definitely been able to inject a little bit of interest with a couple of pretty new accessories from TK Maxx.
Accessory pick 1 - Backless Loafers - Super on-trend, super comfortable and made from the softest blush pink suede, the quality of these backless loafers is amazing and I can totally see why the recommended retail price is £95. TK Maxx's price? £24.99. It's hard to beat the feeling of glee you get when you land yourself a saving like that! Plus, I love the way the pink adds a little "something something" to my standard blue jeans and white top. Possibly my favourite accessory of the five, I can see these getting plenty of wear throughout the summer.
Accessory pick 2 - Stud Earrings - Delicate jewellery always makes the perfect finishing touch to an outfit, and these cute little
stud earrings are perfect. I love the mix of silver
and gold tones and the fact that they're slightly bigger than my usual everyday earrings. I also love the unusual shape, as you can vary which way up you wear them. These were an absolute steal at £14.99 - they look and feel a lot more expensive than that.
Accessory pick 3 - Espadrilles - Speaking of up to date, espadrilles are incredibly popular right now, and this dainty neutral pair from TK Maxx cost just under £30. They look great with jeans and shorts as well as dresses and have an effortless vibe about them while still being feminine and pretty. They're super comfortable too.
Accessory pick 4 - Basket Bag - I've spotted so many bags like this on my Instagram feed lately. I love everything about this one - the pom pom detailing, the rustic wicker look and the fact that it's large enough for everything but the kitchen sink, which makes it perfect to use as a beach or picnic bag. It cost just £19.99 which is a real snatch, especially considering the detail on it and the fact that it's handmade. I also think it compliments my white dress perfectly and brings it right into 2017!
Look 2 - The Summer Day Dress
When things get a little bit warmer, you just can't beat a pretty, summery day dress. This one was bought recently, but the classic cut and timeless broderie anglaise fabric mean I'll be able to wear it for many summers to come. By changing up my accessories, I'll also be able to keep it looking fresh and up to date.
Accessory pick 3 - Espadrilles - Speaking of up to date, espadrilles are incredibly popular right now, and this dainty neutral pair from TK Maxx cost just under £30. They look great with jeans and shorts as well as dresses and have an effortless vibe about them while still being feminine and pretty. They're super comfortable too.
Accessory pick 4 - Basket Bag - I've spotted so many bags like this on my Instagram feed lately. I love everything about this one - the pom pom detailing, the rustic wicker look and the fact that it's large enough for everything but the kitchen sink, which makes it perfect to use as a beach or picnic bag. It cost just £19.99 which is a real snatch, especially considering the detail on it and the fact that it's handmade. I also think it compliments my white dress perfectly and brings it right into 2017!
Accessory pick 5 - Pendant Necklace - To
complete my second look, I went for this dainty hamsa hand necklace on a
delicate gold chain. Just like the earrings, it feels reassuringly solid and the quality definitely belies the £9.99 price tag. I just don't think you can have too many dainty necklaces, and I love the way this one looks peeping out from the collar of the dress.
Are you a TK Maxx shopper? And do you have any plans to upgrade existing outfits with some of their amazing accessories this summer? If you do, make sure you come back and brag about it! It's all part of the fun, and I'd love to see what bargains you manage to get your hands on!
Kate x
*This post was sponsored by TK Maxx. All opinions, as always, are my own.
Do you ever feel like you don't own anything "smart casual"? Like your wardrobe consists of jeans and t-shirts or fancy dresses and nothing in between? This is a situation I often find myself in - particularly with shoes. I have plimsolls or I have party shoes. Well, perhaps that is a slight exaggeration, but what I am trying to say is this - when I saw these studded sandals in Topshop the other day, I knew that they were going to fill a gaping hole in my life.
They are the perfect in between shoe. Dressier than loafers (and definitely dressier than plimsolls), they're a lot more laid back than a skyscraper heel, not to mention infinitely more walkable. Which is good, because a girl doesn't always get chauffeur driven to every event, now does she? They're cute, comfortable and flattering, and the stud detailing, in my opinion, makes them look a lot more expensive than their £32 price tag. I can see them being useful on so many different occasions and I'm sure they'll be worn to death in no time at all. If you're not crazy about the black, they're also available in a soft grey colour.
As for the rest of my outfit, I went for this pleated white midi skirt from H&M which I've had for a while. You can see it styled up quite differently in this post. Pretty, feminine and easy to wear, it's a great option for a smart casual look. I've paired it with this light pink neck tie top from Shein. Simply cut and in a flattering, silky feel fabric, it's a great little multi tasking piece that will tuck into anything from shorts or jeans to culottes and any kind of skirt you can imagine. You can create a pussy bow with the neck tie or you can just leave it knotted like I've done here, offering you even more options.
Finally, I've added my trusty little cross body bag from Topshop to balance out the shoes and pull the whole look together.
What's your favourite way to do smart casual?
Kate x
*Gifted item. All opinions, as always, are my own.
It seems we have a new obsession on our hands. After extolling the virtues of blush pink in this post, here I am bringing it back again, but this time in an entirely new way. At least, new for me.
Wide legged trousers are one of those things I've always admired on other people but never felt suited me. After all, generally speaking, petite frames and vast expanses of fabric just don't mix. However, I don't like to be defeated when it comes to fashion, and if I love something, I'll try it on, even if I'm 99% sure it won't work on me. That's what happened when I saw these Zara culottes. I had to give them a chance, because, hello, they're blush pink.
Wide legged trousers are one of those things I've always admired on other people but never felt suited me. After all, generally speaking, petite frames and vast expanses of fabric just don't mix. However, I don't like to be defeated when it comes to fashion, and if I love something, I'll try it on, even if I'm 99% sure it won't work on me. That's what happened when I saw these Zara culottes. I had to give them a chance, because, hello, they're blush pink.
Beautiful
colour aside, I absolutely love the cut and fit of these. The poser in
me can't help but wish they had pockets, but at the same time I can see
how that might compromise the sleek silhouette they create. I know a lot
of people dress culottes down, and I think they can look fabulous worn
like that, but for me the heels are necessary as I'm so little, so I'll
probably be reserving these for formal occasions when I want an
alternative to a dress.
I've paired the culottes with this pretty white blouse from (you've
guessed it!) Shein. This is actually a body and very comfortable to
wear. I love the neck detail and the fact that it's semi-sheer - so
feminine and delicate. It also works beautifully with jeans, loafers and
a blazer.
I felt quite elegant in this outfit, particularly in this beautiful setting! It was nice to have a change from my brick wall and work with a photographer again. (And when I say photographer, I mean husband. Obviously.) The photos were taken at Easton Walled Gardens and you can read more about the place and our visit to the area here if you haven't already.
Any culottes in your wardrobe? If so, how do you style them?
Kate x
*Gifted item. All opinions, as always, are my own.
From "all black errthang" to pastel tones to striking brights, everyone has their own approach when it comes to the colours that dominate their wardrobe. My own seems to be "the more the merrier". While there are definitely shades that don't work well on me, I still seem to be attracted to a lot of different ones, and the result is a closet that resembles a rainbow! Perhaps I should streamline things a little, but on the other hand, colour can be a lot of fun at times.
This little red clutch, for instance, immediately stood out to me as the perfect partner to the pretty embroidery on this new Shein top. I've had the clutch for about a decade, but it's such a classic style I don't think I'll ever throw it away, and it's proven so useful over the years.
The yellow mules were a far less obvious choice, but for some reason they just seem to pull the whole look together. I'm pretty happy about that, because I'm still obsessed with these shoes. I picked them up from Topshop last year just before it got too cold to wear them, so I'm thrilled that I can break them out again now spring is here.
Finally, I'm loving the raw hem detail on these River Island jeans. My eye is constantly being drawn to the more exaggerated frayed hems, not to mention full-on embroidered denim (swoon!) but I'm trying to resist, as I feel like I might get sick of those pretty quickly. For the moment, these are fulfilling my current denim desires!
I'd love to know if there are any particular colours that dominate your wardrobe, or do you embrace the rainbow?! Let me know!
Kate x
*Gifted item. All opinions, as always, are my own.
I mentioned a while ago that I received a few different items of clothing from Shein recently, and at last I've got around to blogging about the final piece - this wraparound, paisley print maxi dress.
I'll be really honest - when I first received this, I wasn't sure it was actually going to function as an item of clothing. There is so little to it, and other than the single wraparound string at the waist, it has no fastening at all. As you can imagine, weightless fabric plus flimsy fastening isn't the greatest combination, especially if there's a bit of a breeze blowing, as there was when I was taking these photos!
That said, I do think there is a place in my wardrobe for this. It is so pretty, and so light, that I think it would make a great beach dress. It would be the easiest thing in the world to roll this into nothing and pack it into a beach bag, then slip it over a bikini for lunch or whatever. I'd definitely wear it like that, but as a regular dress to go strolling through the city in - not so much.
I do love the cut and print of this dress. Styled with tan shoes and red lips, it is really pretty, so I'm happy that I've thought of an alternative use for it.
Have you ever bought something, or tried something on in store, that didn't quite work the way it was supposed to? And have you ever had to re-imagine an item of clothing because it was too pretty to abandon altogether?
Let me know!
Kate x
*Gifted item. All opinions, as always, are my own.
So... another post about fun sleeves. It's official - I have a problem and need to be weaned off this addiction, stat. I mean, just look at me.
In all seriousness, I hope you don't mind another fairly similar outfit post so soon after this one, but Shein have very kindly sent me a few more pieces and it seemed like a waste of pretty clothes not to share at least a couple of them on the blog. And there's nothing worse than wasting pretty clothes... (unless you're my Dad, in which case wasting good wine is definitely worse.)
I also hope you don't mind this brick wall popping up as a backdrop again. I much prefer to do my outfit shoots out and about whenever I can, but my photographer (aka husband) is super busy with work these days and doesn't have as much time for them as he used to. I have my tripod, but unfortunately I don't live in London where I can just nip off and find a quirky little side street to take photos in without anybody bothering me. Let's just say that if I nipped off into a quirky little side street in this town, someone would pinch my camera before I had chance to strike my first pose.
However, I want to feature more outfit posts on the blog, not less, so while I will get to more interesting locations when I possibly can, I'm afraid you're going to be seeing quite a lot of these bricks. I hope that's OK.
Anyway, enough rambling. Let's talk about the clothes!
The top is from Shein and features these gorgeous balloon sleeves which I really love. Although it has a tweed-like appearance, the fabric is actually quite thin, but it's warm enough with a thermal vest worn underneath. Shein is cheap and cheerful, and I'm not going to pretend that the quality of this is the most sumptuous I have ever seen, but it is perfectly acceptable and I've been enjoying wearing it either like this or with jeans and boots. And for trend led pieces that you're probably not going to want to wear in a year's time anyway, I don't see the point in shelling out a lot of cash.
The skirt is years old. Every girl needs a black A-line skirt in her wardrobe and I've always liked the zip details on this one - they just add that little extra "something".
I bought these ankle boots from Zara at the same time I picked up the over the knee boots I featured in my Bow Sleeves post. I love this pair just as much. Sleek and smart, a great shape and with a practical block heel, these go with just about everything. Perfect for day to day wear.
What are you enjoying wearing right now?
Kate x
*Gifted item. All opinions, as always, are my own.
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