A lighter look for spring

It’s no secret that I love winter fashion. Coats, scarves, boots and accessories are all elements I love featuring in my looks!

Now the weather has started to get a little bit warmer, it’s time to ditch some of the layers in favour of more streamlined looks.

Although I will miss my more complete outfits, I admit it’s refreshing to be able to step out with just a jacket on.

The focus of the outfit shifts from outerwear to the base garments and accessories become lighter and more decorative.

Aesthetic contradiction Manchester blogger all saints balfern jacket

A few days ago it was my birthday and I had a day out with my family to celebrate. It was a beautiful sunny day but also slightly windy so I opted for my trusty All Saints “Balfern” jacket. This jacket has become a staple in my wardrobe because of its versatility and style. It looks great styled with both casual and slightly smarter outfits and is the perfect weight for spring.

Spring fashion look navy jumpsuit leather jacket

For this blog post, I was lucky enough to partner with fashionworld.co.uk who provided the main part of my outfit. They allowed me to select a couple of items from their range that I would love to create an outfit with and I chose a gorgeous navy jumpsuit and a pair of cute and comfortable heels from Monsoon.

Navy Monsoon jumpsuit and guitar bag strap

I think jumpsuits are a great choice for a day out. They are practical and stylish and you can just put one on and be ready to go, without having to spend any time coordinating an outfit. This one was perfect for the occasion as the fabric is comfortable but not too thin. I also love the adjustable wrap over detail. It creates a beautiful silhouette by cinching the garment in at the waist but mostly hugs the upper part of the body and can easily be loosened after a large meal, if necessary.

Aesthetic contradiction spring look

Navy monsoon jumpsuit Rebecca Minkoff bag

I decided to pair the jumpsuit with a metallic gold mini mac bag from Rebecca Minkoff. I recently got this embroidered guitar style strap for it and I love the way that it looks. These straps are available in a variety of designs and can be attached to any bag with removable straps.

Rebecca Minkoff mini mac bag

Another element of this outfit I was pleasantly surprised by are the shoes. The heel is just the right height to look stylish but still be comfortable to walk around in. The suede is soft and comfortable and the ankle strap helps keep the foot in place. I think these will be my go-to shoes for summer weddings and parties where there is dancing involved. Although I love the look of tall heels, they aren’t always practical for events.

Aesthetic contradiction edgy fashion blogger

This year I have decided to change things up a bit by adding gold jewellery to my collection. I’ve noticed that certain outfits are complemented by the warmer tones and I wanted the chance to experiment with something different.

grey monsoon courts

Overall I had a great birthday and I was very happy with my outfit. How have you been enjoying spring so far?

edgy spring style

 

OUTFIT:

Jacket: All Saints

Jumpsuit: Monsoon

Heels: Monsoon

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

Bag strap: Rebecca Minkoff

Earrings: Dixi

Sunglasses: Specsavers

Bedroom decor update

Now that winter is coming to an end, I wanted to refresh my bedroom decor and make the whole space a bit more open, bright and airy.

I moved my makeup into my dressing room a few months ago and wanted to keep just my every-day essentials in the bedroom as it already has a few large pieces of furniture in it. I wanted to make the bed a focal point by adding some print and texture.

bedside table with jo Malone candle, floral bedding

I added some finishing touches, such as plants and beautiful smelling candles to enhance the atmosphere. The bold shapes complement the delicate, pencil-drawing-like print of the bedding.

maine coon clean herself on bed

Nymeria loves the smell of fresh bedding as much as I do and always comes to sit on it after I’ve changed it.

white bedroom with four poster bed

Against the window, I positioned the chest of drawers with with a plant and a vintage birdcage on it. I hope to get an other piece of furniture to put the vivarium on soon, so I can add some more plants.

white baroque mirror, Ikea botanical curtains

Next to the chest of drawers, I added a small ottoman stool, covered with a throw and some cushions to add some softness and texture.

ragdoll cat of floral JD Williams bed set

The monochrome, floral bedding adds a delicate, feminine touch, while still fitting in with the mood of the room and the charcoal throw, matches the bed frame. This bed set is reversible and features a larger print of the same flowers on beige on the reverse.

monochrome clothes on clothing rail, mother-in-law's tongue plant

On the side by the door, I have my clothing rail where I hang my most worn everyday clothing. These are definitely not my most displayable garments but they are the ones I reach for the most and having them in front of me when I get up in the morning helps me get dressed quickly. Next to the rail is my laundry basket and a mother-in-law’s tongue plant.

Silver Maine coon cat on bed with floral bedding from JD Williams

I don’t usually use the bedroom during the day, so it’s a good opportunity for the cats to enjoy it!

black satchel bag on grey tassel throw next to baroque mirror bedroom decor

I love these Ikea curtains that feature insects and botanical illustrations! They were originally pretty see-through so I sewed a blackout backing onto them. The same can also be done using iron-on bonding take if you would like to try something similar but don’t sew!

grey bog notebook, beauty products, succulent plant

On my bedside table, I decided to just keep my essential, every-day beauty products, a notebook for scribbling ideas while I’m in bed, a candle, a potted plant and a coaster for my glass of water.

Next to the clothing rail and laundry basket, stands one of our fish tanks. I always wanted one in the bedroom and this one has been here for a while now. I find watching the fish swimming around very relaxing. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look great in bright light but it is definitely much more of a feature at night! I’m currently on the look out for some pieces of artwork to complete this wall! I’m thinking line drawings in black frames, something monochrome or maybe with a touch of green.

 

FEATURED ITEMS:

Anything featured in this post that is still available will be linked below:

Reversible duvet set

Quilted throw

Marble coasters

Mongolian cushion

Clothing rack

Plants

Wardrobe

Jo malone candle

Round cushion (similar)

Tassel throw

 

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.
dark fashion blogger in fedora

fashion blogger in armani exchange jacket 3dark fashion blogger with fedora 2DARK FASHION FEDORA 1style blogger in maxi skirt and fedora 5

 

 

 

style blogger silver hair armani jacket 6style blogger with wolf dog

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 Open House.

In February I opened my showroom to the public for the first time and hosted the first Eustratia Open House Day. The event was co-hosted by my friends from Vauhaus and attended by many lovely models I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the last few years. IMG_8533I enjoyed setting up the showroom and showcasing my work in an environment that complemented it. It was also great to interact with people, show them the garments in person and talk about the details and shapes, something that isn’t really possible when, like me, you sell mostly online.

1900628_628110120609338_6317526186917491067_oAside from talking about clothes, we also drank champagne, posed for photos and finished of the day with the models having a pillow fight in the bedroom.

10295313_628110173942666_5973584393313483815_oCole Black from LatexGirlsHD put together an amazing video capturing the highlights and atmosphere of the day.

Thanks to my awesome models: Amber Dennett  Hazel Whittle Vivi Sterling Nina Terror Laura Powell Jo Juiceboxx Naomi Rose Pedersen Mai Walker  Georgina Ainscow Loren Faether Charlotte Anne MacGregor Zoe Harlotti Collinson

and team Toria Brightside Natalie Rose Wilde Richard Ayres.

IMG_8607IMG_8398IMG_8651IMG_8668IMG_8677IMG_8694IMG_8693Documentary photography by Natalie Rose Wilde.

IMG_1373IMG_1452IMG_1408IMG_1325IMG_1648Photobooth images by Toria Brightside.

On the 10th of May, we are hosting the a workshop at Eustratia house, featuring Vauhaus model Vivi sterling, you can read the details here.

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#MCRFW 14: The show

This season, I was delighted to be invited to showcase my collection at Manchester fashion week.

I was part of the “We are Manchester” showcase on the Saturday and presented my spring/summer collection, which can be viewed here.

My friends from Vauhaus came to help out and also co-hosted the aftershow party, which I will write about in my next post.

1Amber paired the mirror leggings and crop top with her horsebird varsity for a cool day time look while flyering and helping dress the models.

10Jen and Hazel, my personally selected models, ready for the show!

14Backstage shots by Natalie Rose Wilde.

1315The flower playsuit is one of my favourite pieces in the range and features over 100 hand-made flowers. Special thanks to my intern, Lindsay for helping me make them.

IMG_1717IMG_1689IMG_1740IMG_1684IMG_170023IMG_1706IMG_1747IMG_1753The models were provided by PHA models.

Catwalk photos by the official MCRFW photographer.

I walked on at the end to take my bow, something that was a first for me as most of my shows don’t take this format.

For information or to shop the collection, please head to the online store.

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