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

First outfit of spring

Spring seems to have come late this year but the weather is slowly starting to pick up here in Manchester.

Manchester blogger edgy street style fashion

I decided to join my family for an afternoon drink and document my first coatless outfit of the year!

edgy fashion blogger chainmail jewellery

Every time spring come around, I feel like I’ve forgotten to dress in a way that doesn’t involve at least 7 layers and I realise, I really don’t have enough lightweight jackets.

Manchester blogger aesthetic contradiction casual style

One item I have finally managed to track down, are these check, tie waist trousers. I’ve wanted a pair since last year but hadn’t quite managed to find the right pair until this month, when I found two very attractively priced styles in the sale, I bought both and will most likely feature the other pair in my next outfit post.

mirrored marble print sunglasses, bun hair, black tee

I’m in desperate need of some t-shirts or casual tops for the new season, but I haven’t managed to get any yet so I paired the trousers with this black batwing style one from Topshop. I also added my usual chainmail jewellery to add some edge and these mirrored, marble print sunglasses from Quay Australia.

Rebecca Minkoff mini Mac bag blue velvet

I didn’t need to take much with me so I decided to go for this small Rebecca Minkoff bag. I wasn’t initially sure if it “went” with this outfit but I really enjoy contrasting textures and looking back on the pictures, I think it looks fine.

street style casual style Manchester blogger

I decided to wear trainers with this outfit for comfort and a casual look.

Tie waist check paper bag waist trousers

 

mirrored shades chainmail jewellery edgy style

I really enjoy the contrast of the silver tone chainmail against all the black.

outfit details cross tee tie waist trousers

I’m looking forward to more spring outing and subsequent outfits over the coming months.

mirrored shades edgy dark fashion look

 

 

OUTFIT:

Sunglasses: QUAY

Jewellery: Richard Ayres

Septum ring: Regal Rose

T-shirt: Topshop

Trousers: Shein

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

Trainers: Nike (similar)

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

Enchanted Ivy

With so many events and parties to attend during the autumn/winter season, it’s important to have a few go-to outfits that slightly more dressy but still keep you warm enough while walking from one place to another or popping out to the Christmas markets (I can’t believe it’s that time already!) for a cup of mulled wine.

Dark fashion blogger uk autumn style

A couple of weeks ago, we had our first windy, cold weekend of the season so I got the change to try out one of my more wintery party outfits. The only thing that was certain at this point, was that I would need a coat. I’ve had this classic black Zara one for years (I’m talking like 12!) and I find that it just works with things when non of the other options will.

Edgy fashion blogger UK autumn style black outfit

I was kindly sent this beautiful lace-trim party dress from wearable.com and I was desperate to wear it for my mum’s birthday, but unfortunately it’s getting a bit cold for spaghetti straps, so I decided to style it with something warmer underneath. I went through various sheer black items, before finally deciding on this lightweight, cold shoulder jumper with floral embellishment around the sleeve cut-outs.

aesthetic contradiction edgy style blogger winter style dress from wearall.com

Wearing a hat with this kind of outfit is not so much a style choice rather than necessity, my ears are very sensitive to the cold, so if it’s windy, I’m either wearing a hat or ear muffs!

edgy autumn style Over the past couple of years, I’ve started wearing heels less and less. I like to have the option of running and dancing if necessary, so I’ve started option for lower, chunky heels or brogue type shoes. They are smart and relatively comfortable.

details

blogger with wolf dog

Ziva came came out with us and enjoyed sitting in a pile of dirt while Rik took pictures of me. She knows the drill now.

chainmail necklace embellished cold shoulder jumper

 

OUTFIT:

Dress:Wearall.com

Jumper:Topshop

Coat: Zara

Shoes:Missguided

Hat: H&M

Necklace: Richard Ayres