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

 

September sun

On Saturday we went on a family day out to celebrate my grandma’s birthday. We visited Bent’s garden centre, before sitting down for a lovely meal at Albert’s, one of the few restaurants that everyone in the family can enjoy equally.

Black haired blogger in mesh panel leotard

While we were waiting to be served, I took the opportunity to get a few snaps of my new outfit, that was kindly sent to me from wearall.com

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I have been on the lookout for some comfortable yet stylish transitional outfits and this one was just perfect for a day out where I wasn’t to feel like myself, but still be quite casual.

Aesthetic Contradiction blogger from Manchester

I paired the outfit with my go-to accessories, H&M sunglasses, H! for Henry Holland satchel and Asos boots. In recent years, I have noticed I gravitate more towards items that have a certain practicality to them, instead of just wearing things because they look interesting.

Dark fashion blogger in sunglasses

For the finishing touches, I added some silver gemstone jewellery. I felt that thin necklaces complemented this outfit better than by signature chainmail so I opted for a more delicate look this time.

 blogger in black paper bag waist trousers

lace panel bodysuit and paper bag tie waist trousers

 

 

 

 

OUTFIT:

 

Mesh panel bodysuit: Wearall

*Paper bag tie waist trousers: Wearall

Boots: Asos (similar)

Satchel: H! for Henry Holland (sold out)

Sunglasses H&M

Some rings from Dixi: wishbone, little luna, crescent moon

All black on a grey day

On Saturday evening we went out to celebrate my best friend’s birthday. It was quite a grey day but I managed to fit in some quick outfit shots, just before walking the dogs.

stacey black fashion blogger

aesthetic contradiction fashion blog

I am making an effort to be more strict with my blogging schedule this year and aiming to take outfit pictures every Saturday, or at least once a week. I have tried this previously and managed to keep it going for a few months but I always end up getting swamped with work and giving up at some point.

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Fitting in blogging while running a business and a household can be tricky, but I’m trying to change things around to give me more time for blog posts and videos. I also filmed the “furry friends” tag for my youtube channel on Saturday so keep an eye out for that!

stacey Black fashion blogger and Ziva

Outfit Details

Jacket: ASOS

Jumper: Topshop

Trousers: Zara

Shoes: Miista

Bag: Givency

Necklace: Richard Ayres

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Fedora and pleated maxi skirt

Going for lunch at my parents’ house gave me a fun opportunity to walk the dogs in a maxi skirt and heels, which certainly amused the other dog-walkers we passed on the way. Luckily my Dr. martens heeled boots have a sturdy and can withstand a bit of gravel and mud.

This was also my first time trying out my new Armani exchange jacket. This is quite different to the styles I usually wear but I wanted to add a spring jacket to my wardrobe that wasn’t a blazer or made of leather and I think I quite like it.
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Jacket: Armani Exchange

Fedora: Asos

Skirt: Ebay

Boots: Dr. Martens

Necklace: Richard Ayres

Top: Topshop

Images by Richard Ayres Photography 

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Eustratia Lingerie

I don’t often feature shoots on here that I have not conceptualised myself, but I also seldom shoot in black and white, and thought these images were sufficiently different from anything I would normally post, to leave room for you to admire them and the lingerie, as well as whatever I decide to do with it next.

The set was shot as part of Alexander Bather’s “Night diary” exhibition last year and was arranged in collaboration with Vauhaus model agency, who also allowed their HQ to become the backdrop.

Some of you may remember, I released several bras with my Vanguard collection last year. I initially intended them to be worn more as tops but soon decided it would be better to make bottoms to go with them, so they can also be worn as lingerie, in a set.

I didn’t have much time to design before the shoot so I made two out of three styles on the day. Hazel had already ordered a set from me and had requested something that matched the bra with lots of straps, which I think I delivered. Lia wanted to wear a high waisted brief so just used the same fabrics and details as the bra and created something in that style. For the third set, I decided to make a thong for variety, without knowing who the model would be at the time.

I was quite pleased with how the came out for a first attempt, though I have now made adjustments and changed some of the details. I look forward to showing you the final versions in a photoshoot at some point soon. 9Q4A5214

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Images by Alexander Bather

Models Lia, Laura and Hazel 

mua Demi Skinner

Lingerie by Eustratia

If you like what you see, you can get 20% off with code: EUSTL20, perfect for a Valentine’s day treat 😉