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It's fair to say that one of my favourite buys of last winter was my bias-cut satin midi skirt. In fact, back in January, I wrote a whole blog post about why everyone should add this particular skirt style to their wardrobe. But while they work beautifully with fine knits and knee high boots during the cooler weather, I've recently been discovering that they are equally fabulous with sleeveless tops and light summer footwear, adding a whole new level of versatility to this already hardworking piece. The satin midi skirt is officially an all-year-rounder.
It was (as it so often is with me) a case of love at first sight when I spotted this skirt on the Topshop website. The palest shade of pink with the most delicate of polka dot prints and a row of tiny buttons down the front, it is feminine without being overly girly, just a little bit sexy and absolutely gorgeous. At least, I think so. My husband thinks it looks like a petticoat.
I've paired the skirt with this simple black halter neck top (a River Island purchase from last summer), but I think that a camisole style in any neutral shade would look great too. To finish the look, I've opted for my trusty espadrille wedges and an oh-so-on-trend circular straw bag. My wedges are a couple of years old now, but you can still find styles almost identical to this in just about any high street store. The bag is a recent purchase from Topshop, and is embellished with sea shells - a design detail that is very much having a moment right now and one that I'm obsessed with!
Styled like this, I think the look is perfect for being out and about on a warm sunny day, but switch the shoes and bag for some strappy heels and a sleek clutch, and voila! You're ready for cocktails.
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Did you jump on the satin midi skirt bandwagon? And if so, are you still on it now that summer is here? I would love to know!
Kate x
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Having collected a few new clothes in the run up to/aftermath of the festive period, I thought I'd make a video to share them with you. Most are still in store, although a couple of the jumpers are only available in alternative colourways. If you like the ankle boots, you're in luck, as they are currently on sale for £40 - an excellent price for leather footwear if you ask me!
You can watch the video right here, or head over to watch it on my channel, which I would recommend doing if you're interested in checking out any of the links to the items of clothing featured.
What are some of the latest additions to your wardrobe?
Kate x
I finally got around to filming a haul! There are a few things here that I've bought with holidays in mind, and others that should see plenty of wear throughout the UK summer too. I've also filmed this video in a different location from the other sit-down videos I've done so far. I think the light is much better here, plus it's easier for me to set up and film in this room. On the other hand, there is a slight echo, and as I have already received some criticism for my sound quality in the non-echoey room, this might be somewhat irritating, in which case I apologise! Do let me know what you think. If the echo is a problem then I will see if there is something I can do about it.
I hope you enjoy the haul. Let me know what your favourite piece is and what you've been buying/looking for so far this summer. And if you like the video, I would love it if you subscribed to my channel for more.
Till the next time!
Kate x
Every season brings its own trends. Some are exciting, new and different, and some are subtle reworking of old classics. Right now, I'm crushing hard on one of the latter - button down dresses. Well, as a matter of fact, I'm loving button down everything right now - tops, skirts, even trousers - especially with those distinctive, slightly oversized horn buttons that seem to be popping up all over the high street. But with the weather having been so warm lately, it's dresses I'm most focussed on, so I thought I would put together my own little edit of the button down dresses I'm most loving on the high street right now.
Not least is this cute blue dress from Topshop. Perfect for summer holidays and just as useful for warmer days at home, it could not be easier to wear. The fabric is actually a very thin denim, but you'd never guess as it feels so soft, light and cool. The frilled sleeves and those gorgeous horn buttons add just enough in the way of design details, while the A-line cut and tie back ensure that it retains a flattering shape. I've accessorised with my favourite cream circle bag - I'm warning you now, you are going to be sick of the sight of this by the end of the summer! - as well as some lace up flat sandals and oversized sunglasses. Perfect for warm sunny days, whether you're strolling through a field of bluebells or not.
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I've also recently purchased the midi length, black linen bardot dress, another Topshop find, which you'll spot in the edit below. Again, I had summer holidays in mind when I bought this. I'm going away at the beginning of September and, as much as I don't want to wish the intervening months away, I can't wait! The black dress has such a chic and elegant vibe about it, yet it's effortless too. Definitely one to take you from day to evening.
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I will admit to being quite greedy when it comes to clothes, and there are so many more button down dresses I am lusting after right now - most of which you will find in my edit! Still on the summer holiday theme, the fresh white and nautical striped options would be ideal, while I love the idea of the sleek lemon dress with the buttons to one side for an evening out or even a wedding.
Looking well put together without having to make much effort is such a great feeling, and in my opinion, button down dresses are perfect for this. You could quite easily take any one of the dresses I've selected, add sandals, shades and a straw bag, and you'd have yourself an outfit that's both classic and bang on trend. Who knew fashion could be so easy?!
Are you a fan of button down dresses?
Kate x
Some links may be affiliate links. This poses no extra cost to you, the customer. All opinions, as always, are my own.
When the sun starts to shine and the temperatures pick up a little, I don't know about you, but I start getting pretty impatient to change up my look. Daffodils are starting to bloom, and I'm craving lighter colours and delicate fabrics... basically, and I think I may have said this last spring, I'm itching to run barefoot through a meadow in a floral sundress. Problem is, it's still only around 10 degrees Celsius on a good day. So how to inject a little spring into our wardrobes without freezing to death? It's time to embrace the art of transitional dressing, and because this is a subject that's been on my mind recently, here is my round-up of the best transitional jackets to wear this spring.
The Classic (Or Not So Classic) Trench
Trench coats will always be fashionable, and the classic beige trench is perfect for these awkward weeks that seem to fall in between seasons. Mid-weight and generally light in colour, the traditional trench always looks fresh after the thick wool and layers we've been used to throughout the winter. Trenches are particularly big news for spring 2018, and I've spotted a few variations on the traditional style dotted across the high street in recent weeks. Rainbow colours, checked prints, unusual fabrics and unexpected lengths, it's always interesting to see a new take on an old classic.
I'm loving this cropped trench from River Island. It's faux suede, although so soft and luxurious to the touch that you could easily mistake it for the real thing, and it combines some of the design details you'd expect from a classic trench with elements you might more easily associate with a biker jacket. The result is chic, interesting and a little bit different. It's available in several colours, but I decided to tick off another of this season's trends by going for this vibrant mustard shade - set to be huge over spring and summer. It gives me the extra layer of warmth I need over a jumper right now, but will also work beautifully over lighter blouses and dresses as the temperatures start to rise.
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The Light Wool Coat
Sometimes, especially around the beginning of March, it's grey, wet and windy and feeling almost as cool as it did in winter. On those days, we need a proper coat, but wrapping up in a full-on winter warmer just feels wrong somehow. That's when a little light wool number comes into its own. Often more streamlined that what you'd wear through the coldest months of the year, I've been craving one in a pastel shade, like this pink coat from Zara. Coats like this are also perfect for evenings out at this time of year - they'll keep you nice and warm and they look smart too.
The Military Jacket
I've been talking about light colours a lot so far, but I also love a navy or even black military style jacket in spring. There's something about the crisp cut of them, together with the eye-catching brass buttons that makes me excited about wearing one, even though they're a style that's been around forever. I currently have my eye on this Zara jacket. Military jackets also work beautifully after the summer is over and things are starting to cool down a little, so you get double the transitional usage out of these!
The Biker Jacket
Oversized, shearling lined, suede, cropped or classic, biker jackets come in all sorts of variations these days, all of them perfect for covering up in during the transitional weather. My classic black one gets worn to death, and I have a cropped, light blue version that I love wearing in the spring with jeans and a simple white shirt. I'm also a big fan of biker jackets over dresses - it's a look that always seems to work, and, for someone like me who feels the cold easily, it's a great way to get more wear out of those pretty pieces that don't always offer a lot of protection from the elements.
The Boucle Jacket
I love a boucle jacket! Super elegant and with all the Chanel vibes, they're something that Zara (again!) do really well, but I've spotted some gorgeous ones at River Island this season, including this white double breasted number. Jackets like this instantly dress up a simple jeans and t-shirt combination, but for real wow-factor, look for one that comes with a matching skirt. After all, the suit is another look that's going nowhere this season!
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Do you have many transitional jackets in your wardrobe?
Kate x
Some links may be affiliate links. This poses no extra cost to you, the customer. All opinions, as always, are my own.
I'll hold my hands up and say that I'm not very good at sales. End of Summer sales, January sales, you name it, they tend to pass me by. Either that, or you'll find me happily shopping New Collection while there's a rail of bargains on the other side of the store. This year, however, I've been trying to change my ways, and with Black Friday just a few hours away, I thought I would take a look at some of my favourite high street retailers to see what deals they have on offer. And of course, I'm going to share my high level research with you! Black Friday has become a huge deal in the UK in recent years, and I could probably have gone on forever listing bargains and discounts, but with time ticking away, I've narrowed it down to a more manageable selection of my favourites. All the below are available to shop now, so take a look and see if there is anything you like. Happy shopping!
Topshop - Up To 50% Off Selected Lines
River Island - Up To 40% Off Selected Lines
Miss Selfridge - Up To 50% Off Selected Lines
Feelunique - Various Offers Available On Selected Brands
Will you be taking advantage of any Black Friday deals this year? If so, I'd love to know what you're planning to snap up!
Kate x
*Some links may be affiliate links. This poses no extra cost to you, the customer. All opinions, as always, are my own.
I'll be really honest - I had some grand plans a few weeks ago that have kind of run out of steam now. Despite my dismay at the end of summer (did we even have a summer?!) I was also pretty excited by all the new season goodies arriving in the shops, and I decided to create a little blog series. My plan was that each post would focus on a different AW17 trend, and for each trend I would pull together some pieces currently available from a few of my favourite high street stores - a "get the look for less" type of deal.
But then, you know, life happened. Work got hectic. There was a family reunion, and a blogging event in London (a lovely breakfast at the Ivy Chelsea Garden with a skincare brand - definitely not complaining about that one!) And before I knew it, it was getting into the end of September and I hadn't even looked at my blog, never mind found time to start a new series. How does this even happen? And can we have an extra day in the week please? Or possibly two?
Anyway, I thought I would put together at least one post on one of this season's most eye catching trends - Red to Toe. And perhaps, if time allows, I might squeeze in another one or two. Preferably before next summer's trends start hitting the shops. (Insert "monkey with head in hands" emoji here.)
When it comes to fashion, red is a colour that seems to divide opinion. Some people love its warmth and vibrancy, others find it too loud and overbearing. I personally have always enjoyed wearing red, but I must admit that dressing head to toe in it feels a bit much, and while it looks great in editorials, I'm not sure it's something I want to replicate in real life! Nevertheless, the AW17 shows were full of these "red to toe" looks, in every shade from pillar box to burgundy, and the high street has certainly picked up on this, offering plenty of their own versions of this trend. Here are a few that have caught my eye.
Full On Red
For the seriously fashion forward. And brave.
For the seriously fashion forward. And brave.
1. River Island and 2. Zara - Suiting is another huge trend this season, so wearing a full on red suit is definitely one way to score extra fashion points, if you are brave enough! River Island have opted for softer tailoring here, while Zara have gone for a slightly more muted burgundy shade. As much as I think this look is stunning when done well and a real attention grabber, it's just not something I'd ever have cause to wear. If you work in a smart office though, I say why not?! This surely has to be the ultimate in power dressing.
3. H&M - This is a more casual take on the full on red trend, and I love the juxtaposition of textures - the soft mohair of the jumper against the silky skirt. The model is even rocking red lips and nails too because, hello, RED TO TOE. I love everything here, and would wear it all, but would I wear it all together? Hm. I'm undecided.
4. H&M - Now this get up I would absolutely wear. Yes, even the boots, which surprises me because I am really not a fan of the kitten heel. However, paired with this dress, they just seem to work, and there's also something about the amount of leg on show that makes this outfit more wearable than the previous three. It's still all over red, and it still makes an impact, but in a softer way. This is one head to toe red look I could genuinely see myself wearing for events, dinners etc.
Break It Up
These looks still kind of qualify as full on red, but don't punch you in the face with it quite as hard, if you know what I mean.
1. River Island - Confession - I think these boots are fabulous. I mean, pillar box red thigh high boots should be so wrong, but I absolutely love the statement these make. I also think they would probably be pretty hard to pull off in real life, but on the other hand, the introduction of the the black jumper dress tones them down and makes the red a lot more wearable. Basically, I am just dreaming about being polished enough to wear these boots without attracting the wrong kind of attention.
2. Zara - Isn't it amazing what a bit of print can do? For me, this is totally wearable, and the matching coat and boots pull the look together and elevate what could otherwise be a fairly ordinary printed dress.
3. Zara - Print works its magic again. For anyone who finds block colour red unflattering against their skin tone, something like this could be a great way to work the trend, as it's so much softer and more forgiving.
4. River Island - Now here is a way to work the red suit that I could actually see working for me. There's a little bit of skin on show, and that paired with the black top and animal print shoes really helps to break up the vast expanse of red. I like the relaxed cut of the jacket and on trend frill details on the trousers too.
5. River Island - Realistically it's probably already too cold to wear this in the UK. However, I love how effortless it is. White, denim and red is definitely a winning combination.
4. River Island - Now here is a way to work the red suit that I could actually see working for me. There's a little bit of skin on show, and that paired with the black top and animal print shoes really helps to break up the vast expanse of red. I like the relaxed cut of the jacket and on trend frill details on the trousers too.
5. River Island - Realistically it's probably already too cold to wear this in the UK. However, I love how effortless it is. White, denim and red is definitely a winning combination.
Wear One Piece
Still too much red? It can also work beautifully as a single, statement piece.
1. H&M - I love the fluted sleeves and subtle frills on this pretty blouse. Perfect for pepping up a pair of jeans.
2. River Island - Automatically, I would think of putting jeans with this t-shirt and blazer combo, but the red trousers instantly add a more on trend twist to the outfit. A nice casual way to work the red look.
3. Topshop and 4. River Island - Here's two ways to rock a red skirt. The Topshop look is more laid-back and features an oh so trendy asymmetrical hem. The River Island version - my favourite - is all slinky and evening appropriate. Lovely for date night!
5. River Island - It seems there is no getting away from kitten heels this season, and I must admit, I love the way this red pair gives the monochrome outfit a bit of wow factor. If I still had an office job, I would definitely be wearing something like this for autumn and winter.
2. River Island - Automatically, I would think of putting jeans with this t-shirt and blazer combo, but the red trousers instantly add a more on trend twist to the outfit. A nice casual way to work the red look.
3. Topshop and 4. River Island - Here's two ways to rock a red skirt. The Topshop look is more laid-back and features an oh so trendy asymmetrical hem. The River Island version - my favourite - is all slinky and evening appropriate. Lovely for date night!
5. River Island - It seems there is no getting away from kitten heels this season, and I must admit, I love the way this red pair gives the monochrome outfit a bit of wow factor. If I still had an office job, I would definitely be wearing something like this for autumn and winter.
Accessorize
When in doubt, add a red accessory to a neutral outfit as a nod to the trend.
1. Topshop and 5. Topshop - Red shoes and boots are everywhere at the moment. If you only want one pop of red in an outfit, footwear is definitely the most on trend way to do it. I personally love the idea of some red ankle boots to put a spin on my usual jeans, jumper and jacket combo.
2. Zara and 4. Topshop - A red handbag always makes a neutral outfit pop. This Zara version is more pink than red so I suppose I'm cheating a little bit with this one, but I love how cute it is, not to mention the Chloe vibes it has going on. The Topshop bag is gorgeous too and probably more useful!
3. Zara - Statement earrings are another big trend right now. I love the ones with all the fringing. These from Zara are absolutely stunning, especially paired with the clashing eye makeup. In theory, I love the idea of these for an evening out worn with a simple black dress. In reality, though, they are probably bigger than my head, but perhaps I will look for a toned down version!
What are your thoughts on AW17's red to toe trend? Will you be rocking a full on red suit this season, adding a splash here and there, or avoiding it altogether? I would love to know!
Kate x
Some links may be affiliate links. All opinions, as always, are my own.
Summer fashion is so much fun, isn't it? Pretty, feminine prints, delicate fabrics and the chance to show off a little (fake) tanned skin... but if you're anything like me, things can start to feel decidedly chilly when the UK weather disappoints. Which is often.
When you live in a country where you just can't guarantee warm weather in the summer, you have to get a little bit creative, because no one wants to a.) freeze to death or b.) cover up our pretty summer clothes with last winter's ratty old cardigan. So, if I want to wear a flimsy summer dress and the weather isn't cooperating, I'll opt for a midi or maxi length. Just having that little bit of extra fabric between my bare legs and the elements can make a big difference, and when you add a jacket into the mix, you should be well protected against all but the most miserable of British summer days. I've always loved the contrast of a biker jacket over a feminine dress, but if I really want to stick with the summery vibes, I'll go for a bleached denim one. In fact, even when I'm on holiday somewhere hot, I'll still throw a denim jacket over a floral maxi if a breeze picks up after the sun goes down. I have one a lot like this which has served me well over many years. I nearly always opt for a cropped style because I'm petite and I like that it shows my waist, but the oversized ones are pretty cool too.
Another staple you can always fall back on no matter what the time of year is a good old pair of jeans, and the ones you wear in summer don't have to be the same as your favourite winter pairs. White denim will always look summery and fresh, but this season I've really been enjoying this mid blue pair from H&M. Turned up at the ankle, they're perfect for showing off pretty summer sandals and shoes - I've opted for espadrilles again here - I'm obsessed! As well as being an absolute steal at £19.99, they're also made of really soft, comfortable denim and aren't too thick, so you won't suddenly start boiling to death if the sun does decide to make an appearance. Jeans go with everything like nothing else, so they're brilliant for pairing with just about every style of summer top you can think of. And, because you're covered up on your bottom half, you're not going to freeze. Pairing this lovely Shein blouse with jeans made me feel more comfortable in it even when the weather wasn't so great. (It looks bright in these pictures, but there was a cool breeze blowing that day!) By adding the red clutch to accentuate the detail on the blouse, as well as my new gold-toned sunglasses, I still felt summer appropriate.
Blouse* - Shein, Jeans, Espadrilles, Sunglasses - H&M, Bag - Zara
Conversely, if it's a pretty skirt you're desperate to show off, you can easily flip things around by adding some extra warmth on your top half. A-line skirts with beautiful prints or detail can look stunning teamed with a plain blouse and tailored blazer. I personally love white blazers in the summer, and have one a lot like this which I will wear over just about everything from evening dresses to jeans and a t-shirt. It's a great way to look smart and keep warm without looking as though you're ready for Christmas.
How do you like to cover up on chilly summer days?
Kate x
*Gifted item. All opinions, as always, are my own.
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