Finding The Words

Sometimes writing about fashion and beauty feels so wrong when arguably there are so many more important things going on in the world that we could be talking about. This has certainly been in the back of my mind these past few days as I've struggled to find the right words to accompany these photos that Karl shot of my outfit last Thursday. 

I could go into depth about how bitterly cold it was in Birmingham that day (hence why my hands are in my pockets in most photos) and they are slightly blurry in places from Karl shivering, or perhaps about how these boots rubbed my ankles causing them to bleed on the way to the bus stop, even though they're not new and they've never rubbed before.

I could tell you about how I wish this Pull & Bear belt was actually a Gucci belt or how I've been so obsessed with layering my summer camis with my winter polo necks but somehow it all seems irrelevant. 

What I'm Wearing | M&S Coat, Missguided Cami, Primark Polo Neck Jumper, Pull & Bear Belt (similar), Topshop Jeans, Office Boots (ON SALE)

But while talking about frivolous fashions feels wrong, I don't think we should stop. I like to think that my blog may provide at least one person a bit of light relief or a chance to escape (even if only for a minute) from the strange world in which we live, as I know that reading other blogs and watching Youtube videos brighten my day and inspire me. 
We can't let the tough times hold us back. Use the tough times to push you to do the best you can in anyway you can. Keep contributing positively and trust that together we can overcome injustice.

Eleanor xx

Dress Code: Smart Casual

So you receive an invitation to an event, you start reading it and all sounds good. You're free on that day and time, it's at a fancy hotel or an up and coming bar and it honestly sounds like this seasons hottest event. But then you see a small note at the bottom. Dress code: smart casual. Smart casual? Does anyone honestly know what smart casual means? 

What I'm Wearing | Celine New Audrey Sunglasses, Missguided Cami, Missguided Culottes, Coach Nolita Bag and Old Skool Vans

While when you read the words smart casual the first thing that may come to mind is a weird combination of a ball gown and trainers, I think of casual tailoring with a street style edge.

The first place I'd start is with culottes as they look smart (probably because they're not denim), but they're also super comfy and have an effortlessly cool vibe about them, making them perfect for the dreaded smart casual dress code. Dress them down with a pair of trainers, dress them up with a pair of heels, simple. 

For this outfit I've paired my Missguided culottes with this striped cami that is reminiscent of the men's work wear staple that is the pinstripe suit, then finished with a smart bag and statement sunglasses for the ultimate smart casual chic.

Eleanor xx

Bardot Chic

Ah the Bardot top; a summer essential named after the beautiful French 50s and 60s icon that is Brigitte Bardot. Designed to show off and flatter the collar bone, one of the most subtly sexy parts of the body, you can see why this effortless style has become one of the most popular styles on the high street this season. This top from Missguided is an example of the Bardot trend at its finest, a simple off the shoulder white shirt made interesting by these flowing flared sleeves and tie detail at the elbow. And the best it about it? This top flows over all your lumps and bumps hiding how much you ate at lunch.

What I'm Wearing | Missguided Bardot Shirt (similar), Topshop Jeans, Office Boots and Coach Bag

When paired with ripped jeans, heeled suede boots and a preppy bag, you get the right balance between 'good girl chic' and 'I'm not your average plain Jane', making it perfect for a lunch date or a day out shopping and therefore one of my favourite go to outfits of recent.

Are you all for the Bardot or is a Bardot a faux pas in your eyes?

Eleanor xx

Trying Out Trends

Seasons come and go, as do trends and styles that take their turn in a never ending cycle of fashion. But how do we sort the good from the bad? Or should I say the ripped jeans from the socks and sliders? Luckily that's where I come in, trying out some of this seasons trends and reinventing my wardrobe to help you decide if you should try it or if it's tragic. Today's trends? Chokers and wearing a Cami over a T-Shirt.

Now I love wearing lace cami's but over a t-shirt? I've seen it done before in a grungy 90's style so I thought I'd try it out. Then what better trend to pair it with than the revival of the 90's choker that we are currently seeing. But how do they look not only together but mixed with trainers and tailored trousers to give it that current edge?

What I'm Wearing | Zara T-Shirt, New Look Cami, Missguided Trousers, Vans, New Look Jacket, River Island Choker, Pull & Bear Bag

While I love chokers I'm still yet to be convinced by the T-Shirt over Cami trend. Part of me likes how it looks (I think pairing two similar colours together such as baby pink and white together really helped tone it down) but then another part of me couldn't get over the alien feeling of layering the two tops. I have to also mention my boyfriend wasn't keen on the Cami over T-Shirt situation, pulling a face when he saw me, so beware of this trend's man-repelling power.

What do you think of these two trends? Will you be wearing them?

Eleanor xx

I'll Stop Wearing Black When They Invent A Darker Colour

I've never been one to plan my outfits for the weather, so when I looked outside and saw that it was an unusually beautiful sunny day here in Birmingham I didn't give a second thought to changing out of my all black ensemble. While I may have looked like the queen of darkness walking around with my black sunglasses, black shirt... well black everything, I wasn't boiling hot. I think by wearing a combination of thin layers, light materials and this gorgeous pair of strappy sandals I've cracked the age old problem of how to wear all black in these awkward transitioning months.

What I'm Wearing - Céline Sunglasses, New Look Jacket, Missguided Shirt, Missguided Lace Bralet, Topshop Jeans, Public Desire Shoes and TK Maxx Bag 

I'm also so glad I've finally got a chance to style my new heels from Public Desire as I think they're the perfect transition piece! I love how they look with jeans and trousers but they'd also look great styled with a playsuit or skirt in summer.

How do you transition your style from season to season?

Eleanor xx

NEW IN - Missguided and Public Desire

I haven't done a haul type post in what seems like forever and I think that's partly due to the fact that I am trying my very best to save my money but also because I often spread out my spending rather than going on one big binge. But this week I had two very exciting deliveries of items that I have been eyeing up for a really long time.

I must admit the first thing in this post was not bought with my own money as I was lucky enough to win a competition on Public Desire's Instagram. I never ever win anything, so I was over the moon when Public Desire contacted me on Monday to tell me I'd won their competition and that I could pick whatever I liked from their Spring collection!

I immediately knew which shoes I wanted and asked if I could have a pair of their Julia Heels in Black. After seeing bloggers such as Hannah Crosskey from A Fashion Fix wearing the Julia Heels I knew I had to have them. They're the perfect height so that you can dress them down during the day but also wear them on a night out, the chunky heel and ankle straps also make them a dream to walk in.

So as you may know the internet nearly broke last Monday when Missguided announced that they were doing 50% off and their website went into meltdown. With Missguided being one of my favourite brands and there being a few items I wanted, I knew this was an opportunity I couldn't afford to pass up and I sat refreshing my laptop all day in an attempt to get onto the website. Finally I got onto the website and while a few of the things I wanted were out of stock I managed to grab this pair of trousers for only £12.50!

I've wanted a pair of cigarette trousers for ages, after seeing Victoria Beckham wearing a pair with some Stan Smiths and a polo neck jumper and these are the perfect pair for me. They're high waisted, tailored but still casual with the simple zip detail at the ankle. I was worried they wouldn't fit as I often find that trousers are too big in the waist and tight around the hips, but they're just right around the waist and there is still room to move my hips.

Did you manage to pick up anything in Missguided's crazy sale? I'd love to hear what you picked up or bought recently!

Eleanor xx