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

Aesthetic contradiction dark fashion blogger

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

August Bank holiday weekend

This August bank holiday, I mostly spent time with my family. On Sunday, I went out for brunch with my mum and her four cousins!

The weather was confusing, as it usually is in Manchester so I opted for a summery(ish) jumpsuit and shoes, teamed with some sunglasses and my favourite blazer. It was a good choice!

Manchester blogger Aesthetic Contradiction

You May also notice I’ve had a hair colour change. I loved the silver but I had had it for about 7 years and it was time for a change. I’ve had black in past so I knew that it suited me (or so I believe) and decided it would be a good choice, as the lack of bleaching should also help the condition of my hair.

Black haired blogger in Karen millennium blazer

OUTFIT:

 

 

Tuxedo blazer: Karen Millen

Jumpsuit: Topshop

Shoes: Miista

Sunglasses: H&M

Bag: H! by Henry Holland (similar)

Necklace: Richard Ayres 

Rings: Dixi

 

 

The majority of the items in this outfit cannot be linked as they are not current season but, I will link similar items wherever possible.

Manchester blogger

Aesthetic Contradiction blogger in black toyshop jumpsuitThe summers don’t last long enough in Manchester so I prefer to buy clothes that are a bit more versatile and can be carried forward from season to season. I love these items because with a few adjustments, they can be worn almost all year round.
Aesthetic contradiction Manchester Style blogger

We went to the Laundrette, a relatively new bar in Manchester, that was hosting an Ibiza style brunch, complete with sand and inflatables! There was a live saxophone player and a lady giving glitter makeovers. We enjoyed a selection garlic bread, burgers, haloumi flatbread and American style pancakes, washed down with prosecco and cocktails!

I hope you enjoyed your bank holiday weekend, whatever you got up to! Let me know in the comments!

S. x

Winter in the city

Last weekend I had the pleasure of taking my childhood best friend and her family for a tour around Manchester with my family. It was quite surreal seeing everyone together again after all these years and in such a vastly different setting. We grew up in Greece and 12 years later, we are finally living in the same country again.

People my age often talk about growing apart from friends they had when they were younger and no longer keeping in touch. I understand that people develop new interests in their teens, I certainly did, but I believe that there can be more meaningful bonds between friends than which elements of popular culture they enjoy at any given time.

Life gets in the way sometimes and I don’t always get to see my friends as often as I would like, but I feel blessed to have good, long-standing friends and as long as we still make an effort and manage to see each other occasionally, it feels like nothing’s changed.

Outfit:

Coat: Zara

Scarf: Oliver Bonas

Hat: Debenhams

Top: Ebay

Cardigan: M&S

Trousers: Witchery (similar)

Wedge trainers: Nike

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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.

aestheticcontradiction dark fashion blog

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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