Post-Christmas Layers
Necklace: COS
Dress: & Other Stories (similar)
Trousers: COS
Shoes: ASOS (similar)
This is a funny week. I have no idea what day it is, how to function or how to eat a meal that doesn't involve Christmas day leftovers, but then sometimes we need those weeks for our brains to completely shut down and come back again refreshed.
I have to say blogging has left me feeling slightly uninspired recently. I'm seeing a lot of the same from a lot of bloggers - the same style, the same pieces, the same backdrops - and trying to figure out my own direction (not easy with the emotional rollercoaster that is the new Instagram algorithm). I admit, I'm the first to produce the same when it comes to personal style, never deviating too far from my layering-and-anything-oversized formula but then this is what I genuinely wear on a daily basis, so to showcase anything else just wouldn't feel right.
With that said, we enter a new year in a few days' time. I'm hoping to get my inspiration back.
Navy on Navy
Top: Reiss via lovethesales
Trousers: Gestuz
Heels: Mango
When it comes to dressing, I've been drawn to tonal outfits that give me a break from the usual all-black uniform. Navy is the next logical step of course, meaning I'm not deferring from the norm too much, plus it's still a classic but in a softer way.
I got this oversized tee from Reiss through lovethesales (I'm currently trying to refrain from buying a load of the shoes in their Converse sale and adding to my collection...), which I've been pairing with these cropped knitted Gestuz trousers from The Hut (also on sale - go, go, go), breaking up the navy with dark mustard-coloured kitten heels.
Masculine Tailoring
Coat: & Other Stories
Shirt: H&M
Trousers: H&M
Shoes: ASOS
I've been gravitating towards masculine pieces more and more this winter. There's something about the tailoring, the slightly boxy shapes and non-fitted styles that draws me in and it helps that this kind of clothing comes in my favourite colours: white, black and grey.
This shirt is actually from the men's collection but the women's is killing it too with these light wool grey trousers (a steal at just £19.99). I've paired them with my & Other Stories coat for extra length - and of course, my new favourite slipper-style shoes from ASOS.
Woollen Layers in Amsterdam
Hat: ASOS
Jumper: Zara
Top: COS
Coat: McQ Alexander McQueen
Trousers: Zara
Converse: Coggles
This is another look from my trip to Amsterdam, where the only way to dress was to layer up in thick, warm pieces and the comfiest pair of shoes for walking around in. These Zara trousers are a year or two old but this winter they've become one of my staples, with their relaxed tailoring and light woollen fabric. I've been pairing them with everything, like this COS tunic (roll neck jumper underneath for an extra layer), McQ boyfriend coat and new Converse '70s that have barely left my feet since I bought them.
The McQ Boyfriend Coat
Scarf: Pieces at ASOS
Coat: McQ Alexander McQueen
Jumper: Zara
Trousers: COS
Converse: Coggles
Last week I spent an incredible few days in Amsterdam for a little pre-Christmas break. We spent most of our time discovering the different neighbourhoods, walking along the canals and diving in and out of coffee shops (not that kind). It was a beautiful city (travel guide coming soon) but it was bloody cold, so I spent my days wrapped up in lots of layers and this incredible new McQ Alexander McQueen coat. Long, pure wool and with that oversized relaxed tailoring that I love, it's safe to say that this is one of those pieces I'll have in my wardrobe for years.
Styling the Woollen Trouser
Coat: & Other Stories
Scarf: ASOS
Jumper: COS (similar)
Trousers: Zara (similar)
Trainers: Vans
I feel like winter makes my style more and more masculine. Big coats, thick jumpers, woollen trousers and trainers built for navigating various weather conditions. I'm not complaining though, I'm a sucker for oversized shapes and relaxed tailoring so this look is right up my street.
Christmas Gifts for the Minimalist
Vase: Menu c/o Amara
Bowl: Broste Copenhagen
Jewellery: c/o Felice Dahl
Well, December came around far too quickly. The past few months have been a bit crazy so the festive season seems to have crept up on me - as has the time for Christmas gift buying. More and more I tend to do all of my shopping online, mainly because I can't stand the crowds at this time of year and I can easily do all my shopping in just a couple of hours.
At Christmas, being excessive is fun and all (especially when it comes to champagne consumption) but when it comes to gifts I prefer to receive (and give, of course) a few quality pieces that I'll love than a lot of things that will end up at the bottom of the wardrobe. These are the gifts I'll be focusing on this year; my Christmas gift guide for the minimalist, if you will.
Heels: Mango
Aesop Facial Cleansing Masque: Mankind
Jumper: Mango
Teddies: Menu
Candle: Broste Copenhagen
Boyfriend Jeans and Thick Knits
Blazer: Zara (similar)
Jumper: Mango
Jeans: COS
Loafers: Zara (similar)
You can tell it's winter when your outfit pictures consist of pale skin, thick jumpers and windswept hair but being able to bundle up is one of my favourite things about this time of year. This Mango jumper has become one of my staples this season, with its loose shape and soft grey colour making it really versatile. This is a look I go to for real ease; those big boyfriend-style jeans, comfy loafers and thick jumper acting as one big comfort blanket.
Slimline Blazer and Oversized Culottes
Blazer: Zara (similar)
Dress: Theory
Trousers: COS (similar)
Shoes: ASOS
This time of year is really busy for me (as it is for most people). Working in ecommerce means my weeks are filled with Black Friday/Cyber Monday and Christmas, while weekends are spent getting ready for the festive period and various social activities. I'm not complaining but it is a bit non-stop, so when it comes to style I like to keep things as simple (and comfortable) as possible.
At the moment I'm all about volume and creating new shapes, balancing big pieces like these COS trousers with slimline dresses and blazers. Paired with my new slipper-like shoes from ASOS, this outfit ticks all of my sartorial boxes.
What to Buy this Black Friday
Black Friday is back; the phenomenon that has pretty much dominated the retail calendar over the past few years in the UK. I'm not complaining - new season pieces at a discount? Great - plus it's the perfect opportunity to stock up on Christmas presents. The thing with Black Friday is it's easy to get carried away (I'll be the first to admit I've been getting Black Friday panic) and buy things just because they're on offer and you don't want to miss out. To get around this problem I've put together a curated list of wardrobe staples that will give me the best deals this year.
Chunky Knits and Kitten Heels
Jumper: Mango
Necklace: c/o Felice Dahl
Jeans: ASOS
Shoes: Mango
The kitten heel was a style I never thought I'd really buy into but this season I've been drawn to them more and more - especially when I saw this pair from Mango was only £35.99. I love the shape, the slightly elevated height and the fact that the colour adds a pop to my otherwise dark outfit. This jumper has become a new staple for me too, with a looser fit yet much-needed warmth for this time of year - plus it becomes that little bit more special when worn with this chunky gold necklace from Scandi brand Felice Dahl.