Sunkissed Field

Aesthetic contradiction dark fashion blogger

 I love it when well-known brands reach out to work with smaller bloggers,
particularly when they launch projects that celebrate style diversity.
On this occasion, I was approached by River Island , to be part of their “shape my style” campaigne,
in which bloggers with different styles, choose their favourite item
from the current dresses collection and style it to fit their individual look.

River Island style project

 

 

 

 

  The current collection includes dresses for every occasion and to suit any body type, but one really stood out to me as a piece I could wear for many different occasions,

styled in different ways and would have longevity in my wardrobe.

I try to make each addition into my wardrobe considered and don’t tend to go for things that are “too” trend led, unless I consider them a staple.

River Island black midi dress

The dress that I chose is this black long-sleeved midi dress with shirring and tie details to the neck, wrists and waist (also available in other colours!).

I have recently noticed I have a preference for midi dresses over shorter styles, I find them much more elegant and flattering.

The top half  of the dress features a wrap stye front, with a tie closure that can be worn open or tied in a bow to show varying degrees of skin. Features like this make this dress extremely versatile, which is one of the things I really loved about it.

River island dress details

I like the floaty, feminine style of this dress but I wanted to add a bit of edge to my outfit so I paired it with some of my signature accessories with silver hardware and a harness bra with a choker detail.

I love the brightness the flashes of silver bring to this all black look.

Aestheticcontradiction edgy style blogger

The rouched waist makes this dress very flattering, but also forgiving and helps it remain comfortable, even after a long night of dinner and drinks.

The fabric feels good quality but is also easy to wash so it’s not a dress you would have to worry about on a day out with the family.

River Island blogger style project

I wore this dress on quite a warm summer’s evening and it was the perfect weight

but it could definitely also be worn in colder months with tights and boots and a jacket.

I will definitely be featuring it on here again, styled up for winter.

Dark fashion blogger Aestheticcontradiction in black River Island dress

We have been enjoying some gorgeous weather here in the UK this summer so I took the opportunity to shoot this look

at golden hour,in one of the sun kissed fields by the golf course. They are always filled with long grasses and wild flowers

at this time of year but look particularly impressive after two months of solid sun!

dancing in the sun

Dress: River Island

Necklaces: Dixi

Earrings: H&M

Belt: Asos

Bag: Givenchy

Shoes: Miista

 

 

Photography by Richard Ayres

dark fashion blogger in field

Birthday shopping in black Acne dress

Black leather jacket, acne maxi dress

Today is my birthday and I celebrated by going for a bit of shopping and lovely lunch with my mum and grandma. The weather was very spring-like indeed and gave me the opportunity to test-run my new Acne dress, which I musta say, I’m a bit in love with! I often try these long, draped garments, imagining I will like them and end up returning them after feeling like I’ve been swallowed up by a creased rubbish bag… This however, is different; it has a boned Basque in the inside, that keeps the dress in place and also makes sure all the folds fall beautifully. The leather straps around the neck also add a unique touch.

dark fashion look acne dress chainmail necklace

I paired it with my usual mix of accessories. I love the silver chainmail against all the black and I also decided to take my Givenchy pumpkin bag with silver hardware to match. The leather tassels mirror the leather cord on the dress and its shape compliments the folds of the fabric.

dark fashion blogger black acne maxi dress Givenchy bag

I decided to go for comfort with my black, wedge high-tops, although I think this dress would also look great with boots or sandals, both heeled and flat.

edgy fashion look chainmail necklace Givenchy pumpkin bag

My trusty H&M sunglasses finish off the look. I think they are probably the last ones standing now and I need to add a new pair to my collection!

edgy style blogger long black acne dress

 

dark fashion blogger

I think the images of the back of the dress really show how the internal barque really helps the dress stay in place and affects the way the garment hangs.

dark fashion blogger

edgy fashion blogger in acne dress

I’m looking forward to wearing this again in Berlin next month for my best friend’s hen do!

edgy fashion blogger aesthetic contradiction

OUTFIT:

Dress: Acne

Bag: Givenchy

Jewellery: Richard Ayres

Trainers: Nike

Sunglasses: H&M

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.

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

Sun in the field

I usually feel inspired to take pictures of my outfits when I’m going “out” to an event, for a meal, to a party or shopping but my day-to-day life doesn’t actually involve much of that. I spend the majority of my time working in my home studio and would probably be glued to my desk all day, if I didn’t have the dogs to walk!

street grunge urban style blogger

Manchester is known for its many weather so in a lot of cases, dog-walking attire consist of waterproofs and the field I’m standing in is a swamp, so I though I’d take this opportunity to feature my  outfit on a sunny day, before the weather gets too cold!

health goth grunge style blogger

I’m wearing some black sports leggings, which, if I’m honest, is what I wear most of the time. (I have about 5 pairs in different thicknesses to suit every type of weather!) I’ve paired them with a slouchy, ripped sweatshirts from wearall.com , my beautiful cap from Ace Vestiti and some black Nike trainers that I would definitely not be wearing if the ground was wet. Then to finish off the look, I added my custom made necklace from Richard Ayres.

grey grunge ripped jumper from wearall.com

My rings and septum ring don’t really ever come off, not all are linkable but some are from Dixi.

black nike trainers

The field I am standing in is probably the only large, wild open space in my area (we have a large park and golf-courses but that’s not the same) and is currently under threat of being developed into a housing estate. We are flighting to achieve “village green” status but I’m not sure if we will and I find it sad how few people appreciate a value of such a space in the city, for the people who want to enjoy it and the wildlife that has little remaining natural habitat.

Ace Vestiti hat wearall jumper Richard Ayres chainmail necklace

If you would like to see more Casula, every day looks, please let me know in the comments!

dark fashion blogger

 

*Cap: Ace Vestiti

*Sweatshirt: Wearall

Leggings: TK Maxx

Trainers: Nike (similar)

*Necklace: Richard Ayres