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.

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

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

 

Urban casual

urban casual dark fashion look manchester fashion blogger

A casual outfit I wore on a quick trip into Manchester to buy some materials for my orders and have lunch with my mum.

 

Outfit:

Coat: Zara

Jumper: thrifted

Trousers: Zara

bag: H! By Henry Holland

Boots: Dr. Martens

Hat: Primark

antlerdragonfly