Tartan and Teddy Bears.

How awful is the weather today? It feels like it could be mid-April rather than late June. I got up really early to get some errands done before work and was not impressed by the drizzle at all. I had planned a really cutesy summery outfit for today, but that had to be rethought because I can't bring myself to go back to black tights.

So instead I went for a really dressed down, casual look that I still feel has a little bit of quirk about it. I'm a huge fan of tartan, always have been (I think it's my familial Scottish roots creeping in) and so when I saw these trousers on eBay I had to have them. I saw a girl at work wearing a very similar outfit to this and that gave me the idea of wearing my Air Force 1's with these for a really casual look. And I read an article the other day - possibly on Company mag's website - that trainers are the new cool, which is an added bonus because I was going more for comfort.

Top: American Apparel, Trousers: Topshop, Trainers: Nike Air Force 1

The lighting was also terrible, I think because it's so overcast outside, so I took a couple of pictures inside before deciding it wasn't going to work and braving the rain!

As you can see the picture quality is less than desirable! So I donned my beautiful Teddy Topshop coat and went outside to try and get some better snaps of today's look...

Granted this isn't particularly a 'special' look, it is very casual, but it works for me today. And to me that's the point of fashion and personal style, wear what works for you. Nobody likes to see someone trying to wade through mud in stilettos, or doing the grocery shop in a party dress - well, we might find it amusing but practicality is important too, at least for me.

I hope you lovelies all have brilliant weekends, I'm very jealous of any of you that are off to Glastonbury... I'll mainly be watching it on the TV wishing I was there. I'm working strange shifts this weekend so may not get to post as much as I'd like but normal service will be resumed ASAP. Let me know what you think to this outfit and what you have planned for your weekend. I love reading all of your comments.

Em xox

Summer Loving

The weather today was so beautiful it really inspired me to create an outfit that felt almost beach ready but still wearable - even if the destination was only the local beer garden! I chose the Topshop lacy crop top as I felt it was a really versatile summer piece, and paired it with my vintage high waisted blue velvet shorts that I thrifted from eBay! Then I decided that if I was wearing this on holiday I would need a cover up, so decided to go with a recent purchase of this beautiful Topshop open knit jumper. It reminds me of cricket, don't ask me why!

Hat, Jumper, Shoes and Crop Top (Hidden): Topshop, Shorts: Vintage, Sunglasses: Cosmo Freebie

I went with a light eyeshadow, pink Illamasqua lips and defined eyebrows for today's look.

Clutch: Topshop

As you can see, I'm still not really making much progress with the photographing game. Tomorrow's pictures should be exciting though! I'm still not totally sure about this outfit as I don't feel particularly body confident in it, but I like the look overall I think. What do you think?

See... I'm not always miserable!

The sun really puts me into a better mood, and I've enjoyed a lovely evening with friends and laughs. Hope you lovelies have had a good Friday as well! Let me know what you think of the outfit and of the pictures, what would you change?

I'm also very excited about tomorrow's post, I've talked a friend into photographing for me, so prepare for some better quality pictures! I can't wait to share it with you all!

Em x

A bit dotty...

So, as promised I managed to grab a few snaps of last nights outfit before I went out. Choosing what to wear was tough as I wasn't sure how dressed up people were going to be - you know the dilemma, under dressed or over dressed? So I went for this Anthropologie dress that I've not worn yet. I absolutely love it but it's very short and I'm not the most dignified of people at the best of times! However I think I just about managed to end the night with dignity intact.

I love the fact that the dress is a drop waist, I think they're so flattering on, especially when going out for a meal.  And of course I teemed it with my current favourite Topshop boots. I seem to wear them with everything. I like that they add a bit of a quirk, I believe there is definitely a place for court shoes etc but my personal taste is to pair feminine pieces with chunkier accessories. I think it's because I'm not really a girlie kind of girl. 

I can't resist posing like an idiot for pictures - when you're not particularly photogenic it's often easier to pull faces as above. But looking back at these I do genuinely like the outfit and that's what counts right?

Jewellery wise I went with my current staple chains... 

I really need to invest in some more accessories. However I've discovered WonderLuk (if you haven't checked them out you definitely should) and the piece I'm absolutely desperate for is this beauty.

I'm definitely investing come payday. They have so many amazing rings and bracelets too. It's hard to pick a favourite but the Bond Necklace is so amazing I think I might have actually fallen in love with it!

So, despite my reservations about the night I actually had an amazing time. I'm a firm believer that your outfit makes all the difference to your confidence. I was asked to come up with a quote about fashion for one of my friends projects and in that I said I believed it was all about projecting an external image. (I'll post the quote at a later date). But my point is that by creating an external look you feel projects confidence you become that little bit more confident and self assured. There is absolutely nothing wrong with paying yourself a compliment every now and again. It isn't self indulgent, it's healthy. Try it out for a week... Every day write down one positive thing either about yourself or that you did. You'll be amazed how it alters your state of mind. A bit of mindfulness goes a long, long way. 

Anyway, lovelies, I shall leave you with a few more pictures from last night and shall be posting today's #ootd post later on tonight.  

X