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Surreal home

Over the bank holiday weekend, I got the chance to shoot some new latex pieces for the Eustratia Core Collection. The core collection is all about flattering fit, versatility and options. It is based around 10 key silhouettes and aims to cover all latex basics, while maintaining a unique look.Eustratia latex lingerie

I shot this set in my living room, as with the 3 previous ones, but I wanted the images to have a slightly different look so we opted for slightly more moody images and busier compositions.

Eustratia latex lingerie high waist high leg briefs, latex lace suspender belt, bra, stockings

The first outfit is a lingerie ensemble, like many of the previous looks. None of the items in this outfit are new, it was just an opportunity to showcase some more of the pieces in black, as it is the most popular latex colour.

latex lingerie, stockings, fringe shoulder pads

We shot this in the chesterfield armchair in the “Jungle corner”. I really enjoy the look of the latex next to all the plants but I’d love to hear what others think about it too.

Outfit:

Fringe shoulder pads

Curvy cup bra

High waisted high leg briefs

O-ring latex lace suspender belt

Thick latex lace suspender belt

Banded latex stockings 

Australia latex bondage strap dress

The bondage strap dress is my most recent design for Eustratia  and I’m very happy with the way it turned out. I wanted to reintroduce a strappy design to the range (I discontinued all my previous collections at the beginning of last year) but also wanted it to be something that felt fresh. I tried a few different ideas before finally settling on this one and I think I made the right choice, I think it looks striking in the images and it was comfortable to move around. I also think this design would look goof on a variety of body types, which isn’t true for all latex dresses.Eustratia latex bondage strap dress and fingerless opera gloves with Valentino rocketed heels

I decided to shoot this look against the white side of the room, as it was a bit black-heavy and I thought the contrast would help. I also paired it with my nude Valentino Rockstuds to keep the emphasis on the dress.

Eustratia latex bondage collar dress side view

This side view is one of my favourite images from the set. It feels quite witchy, with the hair moving back but also provides a great view of the side strap which would normally be hard to photograph.

eustratia latex bondage dress back

I was initially planning to add a zip to the back of this dress but I actually really like it as it is and the back is low enough to get it on without too much trouble. I’d love to hear your feedback on this, do you prefer dresses with or without zips?

Outfit:

Bondage strap dress

Fingerless opera gloves

Eustratia latex dress and latex lace waist belt

The final outfit comprises of some of the most popular core collection designs, the high neck cup top, high waisted mini skirt and latex-lace waist belt. I’m wearing the top and skirt as separates here, but I have also listed this item as a dress. Separates are more versatile and can be split up to create more combinations (such as this outfit here , which is one of my favourites) but a dress can be a more streamline and easy option to throw on before an event. The core collection is about options and creating the ideal garment for you so I wanted to make both available. All skirts and dresses are also available in custom lengths (3 to choose from as standard, or you can send a measurement) and can also be made to measure at no extra cost!

Eustratia latex dress witchy candle gallery wall

I have been making these latex-lace waist belts for 7 years but I recently changed the lace to a thicker and more detailed one.

Eustratia sitting at table in latex editorial

For the final shot, we decided to get creative, I have wanted to create an artistic and slightly surreal dining room image for a while and Rik, helped me achieve just that. See more of his work on his Facebook page, Richard Ayres photography.

For more from Eustratia, check out their instagram!

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First outfit of spring

Spring seems to have come late this year but the weather is slowly starting to pick up here in Manchester.

Manchester blogger edgy street style fashion

I decided to join my family for an afternoon drink and document my first coatless outfit of the year!

edgy fashion blogger chainmail jewellery

Every time spring come around, I feel like I’ve forgotten to dress in a way that doesn’t involve at least 7 layers and I realise, I really don’t have enough lightweight jackets.

Manchester blogger aesthetic contradiction casual style

One item I have finally managed to track down, are these check, tie waist trousers. I’ve wanted a pair since last year but hadn’t quite managed to find the right pair until this month, when I found two very attractively priced styles in the sale, I bought both and will most likely feature the other pair in my next outfit post.

mirrored marble print sunglasses, bun hair, black tee

I’m in desperate need of some t-shirts or casual tops for the new season, but I haven’t managed to get any yet so I paired the trousers with this black batwing style one from Topshop. I also added my usual chainmail jewellery to add some edge and these mirrored, marble print sunglasses from Quay Australia.

Rebecca Minkoff mini Mac bag blue velvet

I didn’t need to take much with me so I decided to go for this small Rebecca Minkoff bag. I wasn’t initially sure if it “went” with this outfit but I really enjoy contrasting textures and looking back on the pictures, I think it looks fine.

street style casual style Manchester blogger

I decided to wear trainers with this outfit for comfort and a casual look.

Tie waist check paper bag waist trousers

 

mirrored shades chainmail jewellery edgy style

I really enjoy the contrast of the silver tone chainmail against all the black.

outfit details cross tee tie waist trousers

I’m looking forward to more spring outing and subsequent outfits over the coming months.

mirrored shades edgy dark fashion look

 

 

OUTFIT:

Sunglasses: QUAY

Jewellery: Richard Ayres

Septum ring: Regal Rose

T-shirt: Topshop

Trousers: Shein

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

Trainers: Nike (similar)

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Snow day

 

 

Manchester blogger enjoying the snow in style

For the past few days, the UK has been covered in a thick blanket of white snow. Although we are used to seeing a dusting every now and then, it seldom gets this deep or stays long enough to be enjoyed for more than a day. I’m not usually organised enough to get outfit pictures in the snow before it turns to mush, but this time it settled for long enough to give me a chance!

Mango cocoon coat Oliver bonas scarf

I often walk the dogs in the cold, but I usually wear waterproofs and thermals for that and I wanted to try out a  casual but put-together, weather-appropriate outfit, that could be worn to go shopping or even to work )if there isn’t a strict dress code).

doggy kisses in the snow

Ziva came too as she always loves an opportunity for another paddle in the reservoir, even if it is freezing! She’s always eager to be helpful and can be seen here, licking snow off my face!

mango mohair coat

The wind was cold and kept blowing snow into my eyes but I was pleased with my choice of double mohair (jumper and coat) as it did keep me warm, despite the lightweight look and feel.

I played with Ziva on one of the fishing bays, she loves to run around and catch snow in her mouth! I was also impressed by how suitable these boots were, this was my first time wearing these in the snow and for some reason, thought this style may be less hard-wearing than the classic ones (softer leather), however that doesn’t seem to be the case. They have plenty of grip and my toes didn’t feel cold at all for the hour that I was out walking.

grey coat and pom pom hat

I feel the item that really finishes off this outfit, are the long, fingerless gloves. I prefer fingerless gloves so I can touch things without getting wet gloves and use my phone and I love the fact that they are long, because they allow me to make certain style choices that would normally be unwise for the weather, such as bunching up the sleeves on my coat. I prefer the way they look like this, but I definitely wouldn’t like to have cold arms!

I really enjoyed seeing the familiar reservoir looking like a complete new place, the snow covered ice changed the landscape and make it look like snowy plains, divided by icy rivers. The swans and ducks seemed to like it too.

As I have gotten older, I have really enjoyed making sure I have appropriate clothing for all weather and finding items that make me feel comfortable in each situation but still fit in with my style.

OUTFIT:

Coat: Mango, unstructured mohair blend coat (similar)

scarf: Oliver Bonas (similar)

Jumper: & other stories (similar)

Trousers: Zara

Boots: Dr. Martens

Hat: gift

Gloves: Next

Images by Richard Ayres.

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Bedroom decor update

Now that winter is coming to an end, I wanted to refresh my bedroom decor and make the whole space a bit more open, bright and airy.

I moved my makeup into my dressing room a few months ago and wanted to keep just my every-day essentials in the bedroom as it already has a few large pieces of furniture in it. I wanted to make the bed a focal point by adding some print and texture.

bedside table with jo Malone candle, floral bedding

I added some finishing touches, such as plants and beautiful smelling candles to enhance the atmosphere. The bold shapes complement the delicate, pencil-drawing-like print of the bedding.

maine coon clean herself on bed

Nymeria loves the smell of fresh bedding as much as I do and always comes to sit on it after I’ve changed it.

white bedroom with four poster bed

Against the window, I positioned the chest of drawers with with a plant and a vintage birdcage on it. I hope to get an other piece of furniture to put the vivarium on soon, so I can add some more plants.

white baroque mirror, Ikea botanical curtains

Next to the chest of drawers, I added a small ottoman stool, covered with a throw and some cushions to add some softness and texture.

ragdoll cat of floral JD Williams bed set

The monochrome, floral bedding adds a delicate, feminine touch, while still fitting in with the mood of the room and the charcoal throw, matches the bed frame. This bed set is reversible and features a larger print of the same flowers on beige on the reverse.

monochrome clothes on clothing rail, mother-in-law's tongue plant

On the side by the door, I have my clothing rail where I hang my most worn everyday clothing. These are definitely not my most displayable garments but they are the ones I reach for the most and having them in front of me when I get up in the morning helps me get dressed quickly. Next to the rail is my laundry basket and a mother-in-law’s tongue plant.

Silver Maine coon cat on bed with floral bedding from JD Williams

I don’t usually use the bedroom during the day, so it’s a good opportunity for the cats to enjoy it!

black satchel bag on grey tassel throw next to baroque mirror bedroom decor

I love these Ikea curtains that feature insects and botanical illustrations! They were originally pretty see-through so I sewed a blackout backing onto them. The same can also be done using iron-on bonding take if you would like to try something similar but don’t sew!

grey bog notebook, beauty products, succulent plant

On my bedside table, I decided to just keep my essential, every-day beauty products, a notebook for scribbling ideas while I’m in bed, a candle, a potted plant and a coaster for my glass of water.

Next to the clothing rail and laundry basket, stands one of our fish tanks. I always wanted one in the bedroom and this one has been here for a while now. I find watching the fish swimming around very relaxing. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look great in bright light but it is definitely much more of a feature at night! I’m currently on the look out for some pieces of artwork to complete this wall! I’m thinking line drawings in black frames, something monochrome or maybe with a touch of green.

 

FEATURED ITEMS:

Anything featured in this post that is still available will be linked below:

Reversible duvet set

Quilted throw

Marble coasters

Mongolian cushion

Clothing rack

Plants

Wardrobe

Jo malone candle

Round cushion (similar)

Tassel throw

 

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Boho Fade

Autumn has the most beautiful sunsets. The warm colours hitting the leaves contrasts the chill in the air in the most wonderful way.

edgy blogger, faux fur trim leather jacket

The lighting makes it look quite warm but it actually wasn’t and I was very glad I decided to wear my padded leather jacket.

Manchester blogger aesthetic contradiction

I have been looking for existing autumnal pieces in my wardrobe and have fallen black in love with this pleated maxi skirt I bought a couple of years ago, I love wearing it in winter because it’s easy to layer warm tights under it, without compromising the look of the outfit.

edgy autumn style pleated maxi skirt leather jacket

Wet Manchester weather and walking through grass always call for water-resistant footwear and Dr. Martens never disappoint.  These are not current season but they have a new textured version, which will be linked below.

edgy autum style velvet top grown up goth

I paired my skirt with this cropped grey velvet top from H&M. I love the slit details on the arms and fact that it’s quite warm for a thin top.

details dark boho look jade pendant and feather necklace

I finished off the outfit with some accessories. I emphasised the dark bohemian vibe of the outfit with a black feather necklace from Richard Ayres, a jade pendant and some long earrings. I also wore my usual ring assortment.

dark bohemian style grown up goth alternative

OUTFIT:

Top: H&M

Earrings: H&M

Jacket: ASOS

Jade pendant: bought from stall on holiday

feather necklace: Richard Ayres

Skirt: Ebay

Rings: Dixi

Boots: Dr. Martens