Abigail's party

jumper - Popjulia

coat - Stylewe

trousers & shoes - Primark

jewellery - Depop and H&M

bag - Kadell

Unable to quite believe that another year is almost up. Whilst we're currently in that in-between leftover mince pies and wrapping paper under the sofa stage, last minute resolutions, excessive champagne and existential crises will soon  be on the cards.

It's been a whirlwind and a half, that's for sure, but what's next? At least, that's the question we're so often asked.

And the New Year is certainly no different. Whether you're at a civilised family affair or sticky floored bar, questions tend to circle like vultures and the air suddenly turns sour. 

Rather than focusing on the present, the topic of conversation shifts to the future - to expectations and plans for what's to come.

Of course, it's never a bad thing to think about the future and set out ambitions for the year ahead. But when it gets to the point where anticipation for what's next takes over enjoyment of the here and now, it's questionable how beneficial it really is.

In short, I'm hoping for 2018 to bring more time with my favourite people, another New York trip and of course, more clothes. But, in the mean time, I'm going to spend some time enjoying this hot chocolate and back of the bread bin mince pie. 

Wishing you all a wonderful festive season.

xxx

Keeping it "real"

top & shoes - Primark

jeans - Zara

coat - Zaful

top - Zaful

skirt - StyleWe

bag - Zara

shoes - Primark

"Real woman" is one of my least favourite phrases. Emblazoned on the front of magazines, make-up packaging and lingerie ads, the terms has seeped into everyday life, much like ironic hashtag overuse and the ever expanding emoji encyclopedia (both of which I am fond of I must admit).

The word 'real' is usually put before a subject which you may question the authenticity of  e.g. lemon juice or that murder drama you've been binging on Netflix. By all accounts, by using the word 'real' to prefix something that very much is real, is tautologous. It makes you doubt whether the thing is real in the first place. As well as outlining certain characteristics as essential to achieving "real" womanhood, it's divisive. Rather than being allowed to exist freely, the hypothetical "unreal" woman becomes what we all need to aspire to. And yet, as we all know, she doesn't exist.

My mum is an avid fan of the home shopping channels, so much so that I have found a special place in my heart for them too. It's almost therapeutic hearing people talk so positively about a product you definitely don't need, as well as providing a welcome break from other current affairs, both nationally and globally speaking (Donald, I'm looking at you.)

However, what is one of my least favourite phrases actually seems to be rather popular among the presenters.Whether it's an anti-aging cream, cellulite serum or floral bomber jacket, it's always a product for "real women". That tailored coat will always help to cover those "problem areas" and those shaping jeans will always cover "the bits that you want to hide."

OK, so maybe you think I'm overreacting a tad. They're only phrases, right?

But when you're told the same thing on a continual basis, they become more than just phrases; they become thoughts.

Being told that your body or your face is a "problem area" tells you that it is a problem. It tells you that it needs to be changed to conform to something else.

I realise I'm not breaking new ground - far from it - it's this self-perpetuating rhetoric that underpins the beauty industry as we all know. But being told that we have "problem areas" goes beyond simply convincing us to buy that extra bottle of cleanser; it tells us that we need to correct ourselves, whether there's any kind of "problem" or not.

What's your opinion on these phrases?

xxx

I know the sound of your heart

jumper - Primark

skirt - Stylewe

shoes - Primark

bag - Gamiss

A simple ootd with some old favourites and new ones. 

Although going bare legged is probably not the best idea at the moment, this is the outfit I would very much like to wear. I am so guilty of putting together hypothetical looks for my hypothetical life; this one would be casual brunch on a sunny day in NYC.

Please reassure me that you also do that from time to time..

I saw this jumper on the lovely Olivia  and was instantly infatuated. 

From the neckline to the soft grey tone, I knew I had to find it. And I did - on Depop. However, I was so keen to get it, I ended up purchasing it twice. You know when you're awoken by a buzz on your phone and, half asleep, you end up clicking 'buy' like the consumerist zombie you almost definitely are? 

Anyway, now it's up for sale on my Depop, which you should definitely visit - mainly so I can buy more things I certainly don't need.

Have you used Depop?

P.s. Is the faux bob still a thing?

xxx

Somebody else

bodysuit - Boohoo

skirt - StyleWe

bag - Zara

heels - Zara

I'm so feeling that Friday feeling right now. All dressed up and hopefully somewhere to go. Talking of going places, this StyleWe khaki skirt has been an absolute dream. You know those pieces that you think you might wear occasionally but you actually end up living in them? 

The tone has lifted me from my usual black comfort zone, but as a neutral, it goes with the rest of my muted wardrobe; ideal to pair with a plunge bodysuit or a basic white t.  Strong block shades that act as a statement by themselves, much less hassle (and less hand luggage if you're jetting off somewhere nice.)

Would you wear this skirt?

xxx

White Christmas

Jumper - StyleWe

Scarf - Sammydress

Coat - H&M

Bag - Gamiss

Heels - Primark

(Is the faux bob still a thing? Regardless, for me it still is very much a thing. Mostly by accident, but that definitely does not matter.)

I've never really been a day dress person, but when that dress is knitted in nature, I can make an exception. This high neck bodycon is quickly becoming a go-to piece. 

 Keeping true to their name, Stylewe never fail in the style stakes, offering just about everything you could ever want. The knitwear has to be my favourite section however; my layering dreams are always heartily satisfied.

Did everyone enjoy their Christmas (if you celebrate it) and New Years? I was lucky enough to return to beloved Liverpool with one of my favourite people. Prosecco and presents all round.

xxx

Fashion fades StyleWe is forever

jumper - StyleWe

jeans - Zara

coat - H&M

bag - vintage

jacket - StyleWe

trousers & top - Primark

boots - Lightinthebox

Remember when I got that skirt? That was all courtesy of a little website called StyleWe, or more accurately, a little slice of fashion heaven. An Aladdin's cave of designers with an absolutely huge range of styles. 

So obviously, when they offered to collaborate, I couldn't wait to dive in and pick out some pretty pieces.

This jumper very quickly became a staple within my wardrobe. So simple, but that little pop of green on the back adds just enough to make it a really interesting piece. I'm really enjoying little touches of colour in my desaturated wardrobe to give outfits that much needed lift.

Oh my word, I cannot get enough of this jacket. I spotted a velvet blazer in Primark when I was hunting for Halloween attire last week and so have been ahem, crushing on velvet ever since. This jacket is one of those throw-it-over-your-most-boring-outfit-and-make-it-instantly-amazing pieces. A true statement gem and it's black so I obviously am infatuated.

Would you wear either of these pieces?

xxx

Freetown Sound

shirt - Lightinthebox

skirt - StyleWe

boots - Primark

bag - Vintage

When your week has left you with little time to sit down, returning home to parcels is always a welcome greeting on the doormat. Especially when they contain one of the prettiest skirts you've ever seen.

Delicately packaged in a dustbag and glistening through the tissue paper, I knew this was love at first sight. A pleasing alternative from my favoured black mini, yet still neutral and muted with flashes of silver, this Style We skirt is bound to be a keeper this summer.

What's your summer (or "summer" in the UK) staple?

xxx