Style Trunk

I love a good jumpsuit - after all, what's not to like about a ready-made outfit?! Party season is fast approaching and this jumpsuit from Missguided (only £29.99!) is an easy way to work the 70s trend. 

Hat: H&M (similar)

Jumper: Whistles (similar)

Trousers; ASOS

Shoes: Zara (similar)

I think Halloween must be seeping into my subconscious...orange and black? Check. Big witch hat? Check. 

In all seriousness though, I'm loving that 70s is a big trend this season and that big hats and high-waisted, wide-leg trousers are popping up on the high street (perfect for petite girls like me as they give the illusion of longer legs!) By pairing the two with a simple (but oh so soft and cosy) knit, it keeps the look modern whilst still giving a nod to the trend. 

Last week I was invited to Laura Ashley The Manor Hotel in Elstree, just outside London. After meeting a bunch of other bloggers at King's Cross, we hopped on a vintage bus and made the short(ish) journey up to the hotel.

I wore an ASOS polo neck jumper (similar), ASOS culottes and Kurt Geiger boots - brightening up the look with my favourite red lippy from Mac - Russian Red.

The hotel is an old Tudor house which dates back to the 16th Century - inside is all old wooden beams (some of which came from ships involved in the Spanish Armada) and big ornate fireplaces, and is all entirely furnished in Laura Ashley; the company bought the hotel in 2012 and have really encapsulated the brand in building-form. 

Upon entering the hotel we went straight to Afternoon Tea. It had everything you'd expect - cucumber sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, a selection of cakes, and good old English breakfast tea served in delicate blue and white Laura Ashley teapots and teacups. The room where it was served was equally as gorgeous - high ceilings and large windows made it really light and airy, with thick velvet curtains providing that warm, homely feel. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of the room as the food was far too distracting...just look at that spread!

After tea we were taken on a tour of the hotel. Each room is furnished differently, but they're all given the same attention to detail and of course, everything is Laura Ashley. It's a real traditional English hotel but still manages to be stylish rather than twee and chintzy, plus they've managed to incorporate both feminine and masculine touches throughout so men shouldn't be scared off! 

Image courtesy of Laura Ashley

Image courtesy of Laura Ashley

Following the tour, we went outside to enjoy a bit of the country air (a novelty for those of us living in London!), the giant chess board and the view of the city below. After all that hard work, we settled down to a glass of prosecco before getting back on the bus and heading home.

When can I go back?

Faux fur is everywhere this season - and what better way to embrace the trend than investing in a faux fur jacket? This vintage-inspired one from Story Of Lola will become a real staple in anyone's wardrobe and is one that can be worn for winters to come. Plus, it has a hood to give it that extra cosy factor!

Editor's note: This coat is no longer available but you can find a similar one from Story Of Lola here.

Coat: ASOS

Scarf: Gift (similar)

Boots: c/o Missguided

I've taken inspiration from Burberry AW14 for this outfit, and tucked my scarf into my coat belt. I love how this season lets us create outfits solely with our coats and means we can be creative in different ways (and I can wear my sweats underneath and no one will realise!) 

Jacket: Boohoo (similar)

Scarf: Zara

Dress: Whistles

Jeans: Topshop

Heels: ASOS (similar)

It's been a pretty busy week for me this week - as well as various work commitments, I went along to see Kele (he of Bloc Party fame) with Jack Daniels on Monday, and Friday afternoon was spent at the Laura Ashley hotel for a bloggers' afternoon tea (I'll blog about this properly next week). This weekend I've been entertaining and trying to find time to squeeze in outfit photos - I love autumn but it can be quite difficult to find good light! 

I've been eyeing up Zara's blanket scarves ever since they hit the shop floor back in the summer. This one is so big and warm - I'll definitely be wearing it as a poncho-esque jacket in the coming months. I'm also loving pale blue and khaki at the moment so the colours of this scarf are perfect.

Military is a big trend this season and I love how the high street is embracing it in an un-fancy dress kind of way. These joggers from Topshop also tick the box of the ever-present sports luxe trend and are a great alternative to your skinny jeans. 

Jumper: Selected

Clutch: Etsy

Culottes: Warehouse

Boots: Kurt Geiger (similar)

I'm so glad culottes are sticking around this season - I love the silhouette they give and they're a lot more practical than midi skirts (especially when that gust of wind blows when the tube leaves the station... I hate to think how many of my fellow commuters have seen my bum cheeks). 

For Autumn/Winter I'm swapping the crop tops that I paired with culottes throughout Summer with chunky knits for an oversized, season-appropriate look. 

Top: c/o Missguided

Skirt: c/o Missguided

Heels: Kurt Geiger

My love for all things knitted continues with this co-ord from Missguided. Making the crop top and pencil skirt autumn-appropriate, this two-piece can be worn with a pair of statement heels for evening or dressed down with ankle boots for day. 

The temperatures in London seem to have dropped overnight and we can finally wrap up in our autumnal garmz! I'm loving all things knitted at the moment and am finding myself drawn to all things woolen. This dress from River Island (also in navy) looks so cosy and would be great paired with some over-the-knee boots.

Coat: New Look

Dress: ASOS

Jeans: Topshop

Boots: Kurt Geiger (similar)

Hat: H&M (similar)

Bag: H&M (similar)

An (almost) all-black outfit for our second day in Brussels. I am obsessed with this hat; I've been looking for a wide brimmed hat for absolutely ages and finally found the one in this H&M baby. They also had a similar one in bright blue...I'm trying to see if I'll work up the courage to buy it and actually wear it! 

Coat: ASOS

Dress: H&M

Boots: Kurt Geiger (similar)

Clutch: Zara 

I wore this outfit for our first day in Brussels - these pictures were taken in the botanical gardens, a lovely little oasis in the city. I love playing with proportions when it comes to clothes; wearing a super long coat with a short dress makes both pieces stand out in their own right and is slightly unexpected. 

Coats are pretty much my number one obsession at the moment; I can't seem to pop into a shop at the moment without falling in love with at least two. Of course, coats aren't exactly the most bank-balance-friendly so I'm having to do some serious research and refine my lust list to just a couple I can splurge on (very hard work indeed). 

This collarless blanket coat from Topshop is a high contender. It's classic, yet the oversized shape is chic, modern and oh-so-now, and I can see it working for the next few winters.