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.

Faux fur jumper and snake effect boots

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snake pattern rd. martens

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This weekend saw a rare spot of sunshine hit Manchester, making it the perfect time to take a walk. I wore a casual outfit, incorporating a variety of black textures.

 A few years ago, I would not have worn, sequins, faux fur or any kind of animal print but seeing as I continue to wear a lot of black, I have been trying to branch out in materials and textures to keep my wardrobe varied and interesting.

The bag was a Christmas present but I’ve used it a few times and am finding having a small backpack quite useful, as long as I wear remember to wear something else with pockets to keep my phone in.

Faux fur jumper: Eustratia

shirt: Miss selfridge

jeans: Moto at Topshop

bag: M&S

Boots: Dr. Martens

Images by Richard Ayres

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Pre-fall shopping

pre fall shopping

 

We’re reaching the end of summer but the weather is still quite warm and I haven’t properly started thinking about my winter wardrobe yet (though I have done a small clear out to make way for new pieces) so this month has been about make up, lingerie and comfy shoes.

I desperately needed some new make up and there seem to be quite a few new palettes out at the moment. The ones I decided to go for are the illamasqua sculpting palette and the urban decay smokey eye palette. I was initially sceptical about the sculpting palette as the colours look a bit dark and warm for me but I went into selfridges and got them to try it out on me and decided it was just what I needed. I was immediately drawn to the naked smokey palette because of the greater variety in tone compared to the previous ones. I also love the larger mirror and the fact that the shades really compliment the  ones in the sculpting palette.

My love of strappy lingerie is no secret so I wanted to feature a couple of my recent favourites. The bra is from one of my own recent collection, Vanguard and the briefs are from a designer I’ve loved for a while, so I had to get a pair when they went in the sale. The colour probably seems like a bit of an odd choice but I have loads of black lingerie and am trying to branch out a bit.

Finding stylish comfy shoes is always a bonus and the brogues in particular, are a bargain. I also need some new docs and since I’ve realised black is really the most practical boot colour for me, I decided to go for some texture with the snake print.

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Current Obsessions: Style

This month I’ve been obsessed with re-defining my style and pin-pointing my new wardrobe staples.

I see style as something that constantly evolves as you mature and change circumstances and habits and I love that about it, but I also love those pieces you can wear year after year, without feeling they’ve become tired.

current obsessions- StyleI currently love easy but dramatic dresses, drapey cardigans,  printed sheers, harness bras, tight or harem style bottoms and leather boots and jackets.

I’d also love to hear what you’re wardrobe stapes are.

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