In The Nude

For over 3 years, my trusty oversized cream Zara handbag has served my day-to-day needs for both business and pleasure. Bought for £50 back in 2014, it fits absolutely everything in (including my laptop, charger, and the rest), but has been looking a little too over-loved for the past several months.

So, on my birthday I was completely overwhelmed to open this beauty of a Michael Kors tote. I’ve never really been one to spend money on bags, even though I know they should be considered more of an investment, but having been gifted one like this, I know it’s a timeless piece and will last for years to come!

 

Candyman, Candyman

As I’m sure you’ve gathered through reading, I absolutely love Zara – along with ASOS it’s absolutely my favourite store.

For my birthday I was gifted with some vouchers from my nearest and dearest, so went online to treat myself – que finding these candy stripe wide leg palazzo trousers.

I love the oversized sash at the waist – wide legs can sometimes (for obvious reasons) look too baggy, especially if you’re used to wearing fitted trousers. With the sash you can clinch the waist, which makes them even more feminine.

I’m thinking of first wearing these with a smart white plain tee, gold bangles, and ankle strap sandals – heels are a must with anything wide leg as they mostly come quite long.

xxx

Birthday Haul

Just over a week ago I turned 29, and entered my last year of this amazing decade. A scary age for me (I know, I know), I’m determined to do everything I can to make it count.

Usually I prefer giving rather than receiving – I love treating my nearest and dearest at Christmas and seeing their faces as they tear open the paper. However, birthdays are also amazing – an entire day to not feel bad about being spoilt!

I was completely overwhelmed with all the beautiful cards and gifts I received – jewellery, pretty bouquets, make-up and accessories, plenty of prosecco (!), Zara vouchers (of course!), and some extra cash, which I’m putting towards popping my GLASTO cherry at the end of the month.

I thought I’d share some of the goodies I received with you all –  including my lovely Michael Kors Jet Set Item Tote, a delicious smelling orchid and sweet coconut candle, flowers flowers and more flowers, and some lovely little make-up pieces…

 

Depop Love

I’ve been on a bit of a mission recently to clear out my overflowing wardrobe and give those unloved items a better home.

eBay is usually my go-to when it comes to selling, that is until I discovered Depop, which is slightly more fashion-savvy. The result? I’m officially hooked! I love it’s Instagrammy layout, and the fact you can sell using hashtags, too.

If you girlies want to take a look, my shop is jess_w79 – have a browse this Easter weekend and treat yourself! 💜🍫🐥🐣🥂🌸

 

Modern Ruffles

Once a must-visit on any shopping trip, it’s been several years since I ventured into Warehouse, or visited them online.

Over the weekend I had some time to kill whilst waiting for a prescription, so popped into Outfit to see if anything caught my eye (strictly sale-rack only during this time of the month).

There, I picked up a baby blue cap sleeve body by Miss Selfridge, for a minuscule £3 (!), and this stunning pale grey knit, £18 down from £40, by Warehouse.

I absolutely love the mini ruffles running along the neckline, which also give the cuffs its feminine detail. Perfect with lightwash ripped Daisy Dukes (with tights until about May, mind), or a pair of tailored dark culottes and an ankle strap heel, to glam it up.

No accessories needed, as the detail on this jumper is likely to set off any outfit perfectly…

 

 

 

Sitges Style

Following the new year I was lucky enough to enjoy a city break, to the stunning seaside resort of Sitges, just outside of Barcelona. My boyfriend’s parents treated us to an amazing trip for Christmas – after living out there themselves several years ago they have a whole host of friends from all over the globe who now live there permanently.

Although only there for 4 days, we managed to cram plenty in, including; two day trips exploring Barcelona, numerous Three Kings celebration parades, a drag dinner show (Sitges is the gay capital!), stunning restaurants each night, and not forgetting litres of freshly made sangria (our hotel actually did the best one I’ve ever tasted).

We enjoyed beautiful sunshine each day, but once the sun went down it was absolutely freezing, so I made sure to wrap-up warm with my fashion choices…

Most days I went for the chunky knit and leather leggings or ripped skinnies look, with a fedora and pea coat whilst out and about. I also picked up a gorgeous soft dusky pink scarf from Zara, for a little under 20 euros, perfect!

On the evening of the drag dinner I went for a summer revival; this lovely floral bardot top I nabbed from Matalan last summer for £12, with boho style hair and a dark nude lip. Paired with leather leggings and short ankle boots I was able to ‘winter’ up this usually summer ensemble.

Top: Matalan. Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury.

 

 

And some more beautiful snaps from the sights of Barcelona…

2016 Festivities

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And that means plenty of opportunities to eat, drink and drink some more.

Here’s a sneak peak of what I’ve been up to so far over the Christmas break, including an incredible afternoon tea at Kilworth House with the ma and sister, catch-ups with friends whilst debuting my new velvet bodycon, and some very festive meals out.

🎄🎅🎁

 

 

Wicky, Wicky Wild West

Over the past weeks my boyfriend and I have been gripped with cowboy fantasty series Westworld, and funnily enough when I popped into Primark for some stocking fillers last week I spotted this gem hidden amongst the blouses rail.

With the light denim, gathered front frills and a subtle high neck, it looked fresh out of an episode of Westworld itself. I thought it would go perfect with black skinny jeans, or a pair of leather leggings this winter. Alternatively, I could even go for full Western chic and combine with a full, midi skirt.

I love denim shirts; they’re so versatile and perfect to dress up or down. So when I saw this I know I had to have it! Of course, the £13 price tag secured my decision even further…

 

90s Chic

I wrote the other day about how unsure I was with the new velvet phase, however on a recent trip to Primark I managed to give in and make a purchase.

I nabbed this stunning midi dress for only a tenner (with low back, so on the hunt for a low-back bra! Any suggestions?).

Perfect for Christmas, my first thought was wearing as a top, complete with midi pencil skit and a simple silver necklace over the festive period. I may just have found my Christmas day ensemble! ✨ 🎄

I also invested in a £6 black velvet pencil skirt, I’m thinking perfect with a simple loose tee and heels (tights too, of course).

 

In Vogue: October

 

October: It’s cold, crisp, the nights are drawing in, and the thick knits and boots have been revived.

So, to celebrate all things fall, this month’s In Vogue is dedicated to two trends. The first, I’m familiar with in terms of chokers, but slightly more reluctant to try something more prominent: velvet. The second I can’t wait to get my hands on, silk.

Hot off the AW16 catwalks and set to continue into SS17, I can’t help but think back to days when velvet meant frilly frocks for school friend parties, circa ’94, or what WAGS based their interior design #inspo on (the crushed velvet variety, of course).

I’ve seen some incredible velvet pieces, ranging from mini dresses to culottes, but I’m thinking of investing in something simple to start off, like this stunning velvet clutch from ASOS. Whilst researching, I also came across this amazing green mini dress – a potential winner for Christmas parties with a sleek mid-height pony and simple silver jewellery.

Next, smooth as silk…

I’ve had my eye on this mini slip dress from ASOS for the last week or so. Teamed with a simple tee underneath, thick black tights and ankle boots for a chic daytime look.

Silk and leather is also a winning combo – I may explore the silk jumpsuit avenue…