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Autumn casual

There’s always a day that signifies the turn of a season; a day where that “transitional” period ends and the season is in full swing.

These outfit pictures were taken on such a day and ironically, I wasn’t’t dressed for it.

I had been meaning for a few weeks to photograph this outfit that I had been enjoying wearing while the weather was still quite mild

and on the day I finally had a chance to shoot it, it was really too cold to wear it, so I had to change straight after.

acne jumper chainmail necklace

I have been enjoying wearing this outfit in more casual situations where too many black floaty things may seem over the top or at times where I need comfortable footwear but boots may be too hot.

dark fashion blogger with dog

This little leather jacket was a great eBay find, I have been wearing it all summer and it only cost about a quarter of the price that it would have retailed for. I generally prefer the look, feel and durability of genuine leather over faux (more on that in a different post) but I try to keep is at ethical as possible by buying second hand items that have already been consumed.

acne jumper manchester blogger

My jumper was also an eBay find, I realised I no longer had any lightweight knitwear in my wardrobe and was lucky to come across this Acne jumper that was exactly what I was looking for.

It makes a change from the vast amount of black in my wardrobe (I do like to change it up occassionaly) and makes a great transitional piece.

silver rings and chainmail necklace

As usual, I added some edge to my outfit with my accessories, my usual silver rings that I wear all the time and my custom-made, Richard Ayres chainmail piece.

aesthetic contradiction blogger

I put my hair in to a half-up twisted top-knot; my go-to lazy style and added some neutral, warm-tone make up. After years of denial, I have finally accepted that warm tones are usually more complimentary to my colouring.

Shooting on a windy day was not all bad as a helpful gust of wind helped me to capture and show of the side slits in my jumper. The front can be tucked into trousers, while the back hangs long.

nike trainers

OUTFIT:

Jacket: Oasis

Jumper: Acne

Trousers: Zara

Trainers: Nike

Necklace: Richard Ayres

Some ring: Dixi

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Autumn pamper routine

As the weather starts getting colder and the nights darker and longer, there is nothing more comforting than taking time out of your busy schedule to unwind and pamper yourself. This year, I’ve realised the importance of looking after your body and have worked on perfecting my pamper routine.

I have been extremely lucky to have the opportunity to partner with Simply Be on this post and share some of my favourite products.

simply be slippers and pyjamas

An essential part of any pamper routine is the feeling of comfort. These cosy flannel pyjamas and mule slippers from simply be are perfect to slip on while you run your bath and put on your facemask and also afterwards, to snuggle up with a cup of hot chocolate (my current favourite is the peanut butter hot chocolate from Whittards).

style and grace botanique spa gift set

How beautiful is this “Botanique” Spa set from Style & grace? I wasn’t anticipating it would be quite so big when I ordered it. The products are great sizes, the box and illustrations are beautiful and includes all the pamper essentials, I actually think this would make a fantastic Christmas or birthday gift.

cowshed shampoo and conditioner

Looking after my hair is an important part of my routine and in recent years, I have tried to move towards haircare brands that share my values, rather than just buying whatever is on offer at my local supermarket.  Cowshed is one of my favourite brands, they are natural, cruelty-free, SLS and paraben free and made in England. They also offer a fantastic range of products in natural scents and beautiful packaging, that look great on the side of the bath and leave my hair feeling wonderful.

beauty blogger bathroom with plants

I have recently added a few more plants to the bathroom. I find greenery relaxing and aesthetically pleasing so having more plants around has really helped improve my bath-time experience.

style and grace spa

Another way of enhancing the bath-time (or any) experience is with scent. Bergamot, ylang-ylang, lily & sandalwood are some of my favourite scents and their combination is delightful.

oh K! k-beauty and cowshed

I was really excited to try my first K-beauty product, the Oh K! revitalising black sesame hydrogel mask. I hadn’t tried a gel mask before and it felt very cooling and nourishing.

 

8t85

The mask was in two parts so as to fit different face shapes and the remaining gel was massaged into the skin after removal to further revitalise the skin.

bath with candles and plants

Before running my bath, I always make sure to light all my candles, I love the warm glow against the white tiles.

Finally, I get out my body washing products out. These are the body wash and scrub from the style & grace spa set, with the same amazing scent as the other products.

style &grace spa collection body lotion

After my bath, I always make sure to slather myself in plenty of body lotion, I definitely find that moisturising makes a difference to my skin.

slippers from simply be

As a final step in my routine, I put on my cosy pyjamas and slippers and go to dry my hair. I hope you enjoyed an insight into my pamper routine, if you have any great steps you think I should add to it, comment below to let me know.

Stacey x

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Enchanted Ivy

With so many events and parties to attend during the autumn/winter season, it’s important to have a few go-to outfits that slightly more dressy but still keep you warm enough while walking from one place to another or popping out to the Christmas markets (I can’t believe it’s that time already!) for a cup of mulled wine.

Dark fashion blogger uk autumn style

A couple of weeks ago, we had our first windy, cold weekend of the season so I got the change to try out one of my more wintery party outfits. The only thing that was certain at this point, was that I would need a coat. I’ve had this classic black Zara one for years (I’m talking like 12!) and I find that it just works with things when non of the other options will.

Edgy fashion blogger UK autumn style black outfit

I was kindly sent this beautiful lace-trim party dress from wearable.com and I was desperate to wear it for my mum’s birthday, but unfortunately it’s getting a bit cold for spaghetti straps, so I decided to style it with something warmer underneath. I went through various sheer black items, before finally deciding on this lightweight, cold shoulder jumper with floral embellishment around the sleeve cut-outs.

aesthetic contradiction edgy style blogger winter style dress from wearall.com

Wearing a hat with this kind of outfit is not so much a style choice rather than necessity, my ears are very sensitive to the cold, so if it’s windy, I’m either wearing a hat or ear muffs!

edgy autumn style Over the past couple of years, I’ve started wearing heels less and less. I like to have the option of running and dancing if necessary, so I’ve started option for lower, chunky heels or brogue type shoes. They are smart and relatively comfortable.

details

blogger with wolf dog

Ziva came came out with us and enjoyed sitting in a pile of dirt while Rik took pictures of me. She knows the drill now.

chainmail necklace embellished cold shoulder jumper

 

OUTFIT:

Dress:Wearall.com

Jumper:Topshop

Coat: Zara

Shoes:Missguided

Hat: H&M

Necklace: Richard Ayres

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Windy walk

Last weekend, we had a shift in the weather that showed us autumn is really here! So much so, that my big coat made its seasonal debut! It hasn’t been as cold again since, but it has definitely got me thinking more about my autumn/winter wardrobe and what I need to add to it.

blogger with wolf dog

I decided to bring Charlie along because any opportunity for him to get out more is good, although he didn’t appreciate the slower walk, or the pausing to take pictures…

dark fashion blogger

dixi gemstone ring, asos fedora hat

aesthetic contradiction blogger

All the items shown in this post have been in my wardrobe over a year (some for 3!) and I’m still just as excited to wear them as I was when I got them, I aim to make most, if not all my purchases from now on, items that I will love for years to come.

cow skull necklace detail

dark fashion blogger in wool coat and fedora

I find that I prefer autumn fashion. The shops seem to stock items that are more to my taste and the need for extra layers allows me to indulge my love of contrasting textures. I actually can’t wait to start wearing scarves, but for now, a hat and coat in the same outfit was exciting enough.

edgy classic style blogger

 

witchery waxed jeans detail

A typical autumn, look for me, this outfit combines a more delicate, almost romantic top, with tougher “biker” style trousers, classic items such as the wool coat and the fedora with a contemporary design twist and accessories that add a bit of edge.

Zara wool coat

 

OUTFIT:

Coat: Zara

Hat: Asos

Top: Ebay

Trousers: Witchery

Boots: Asos (similar)

Belt: Asos

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Autumn Wishlist

aesthetic contradiction autumn Wishlist 2017

 

This year more than ever, I’m thinking about adding pieces to my wardrobe that will have longevity. Over the past few seasons, I’ve realised that I’m not really interested in trend pieces, unless they falls into the rare category of items that are staples in my wardrobe, but not most other peoples’ and need to be snapped up quickly, whenever the opportunity arises. I’m generally aiming to add pieces to my wardrobe that can be staples in my wardrobe but will also be interesting enough to be worn in seasons to come, without me getting bored of them. I realise this is a tall order, but I’ve managed to do this with a few items in my current wardrobe so I would like to find more like them and build a “capsule wardrobe” of go-to items.

I often struggle to find exactly what I’m looking for in stores but I have managed to compile a list of some of the types of items I’m interested in adding to my wardrobe this season.

  1. I have been thinking about investing in better quality knitwear this season and this grey mohair and wool blend jumper from “& other stories” seems like the perfect cosy item to wear both out and about and when working from home.
  2. In recent years, I’ve realised I don’t really like wearing heels for long periods of time, so I’m always on the lookout for cute but edgy flats that I can wear to go out in. Last year, I bought the perfect pair from E8 by Miista and I was overjoyed to see that they have brought out a similar type of style that I’m equally as in love with for this season! The Luna flats.
  3. Now that I wear less body jewellery, I have been thinking about adding some studs back into my  jewellery collection. These sterling silver triangles from AbigailjewelleryAu on Easy are perfect and would go with everything.
  4. I have multiple ear piercings so something a bit tougher looking to pair with the triangles would be good and I found another great pair on Etsy, from Formood.
  5. It has been a couple of years since I added a new coat to my wardrobe and I’ve been looking out for the next addition. I think it would be good have something slightly oversized and boyish but also smart and flattering. I haven’t had a chance to try any on yet, but this tomboy coat from Zara, looks promising.
  6. Over the past few seasons, my taste has shifted towards smaller bags, I find that I no longer need to carry my whole life around with me and I would love a neat, smallish cross body bag. I have worn my H! by Henry Holland satchel bag to death so I though a similar style might be nice and I have found one from Anu Tera that looks perfect.
  7. I have also been looking into ethical knitwear, trying to find more conscientious  brands to invest in. A lot of them don’t really suit my style but I have found the perfect grey polo neck from Siizu.

 

S. x