EARN YOUR STRIPES AND WEAR THEM TOO

Bonjourno and Happy Monday you crazy lot, I hope you had a great weekend indeed! I spent Saturday working with Clinique which was an absolute dream come true so I’m giving myself today off work to focus more on life stuff because I totally believe in balance when it comes to work… I worked the weekend, so like anyone, I’m due a day in lieu… Fair play right?

Balance in life is good, however sometimes balance in the outfits I conjure up aren’t quite as balanced as others.
I love nothing more than stepping into my walk-in wardrobe in a morning and channeling a different character, persona or vibe than that of the day before.
Some days I want to be oh-so comfortable so will opt for a pair of plisse trousers and a sweatshirt, other days I fancy being cool so straight leg jeans a slim fit tee and biker jacket are on the cards and on the odd occasion I want to be totally freaking girlie and adorn my craziest of pieces with a matchy-matchy dress, ‘cause why the hell not ey?

I’ve touched upon playing dress up in this post before, a post that was brought to fruition by people who doubted my outfit choices and questioned whether I actually wore said items on a day to day basis. Well, you long standing readers know that of course I bloody do. I’m a complete chameleon and LOVE dressing up depending on my mood, the occasion and of course the ever so temperamental Mancunian weather. I think it’s important to be varied when it comes to style, to mix it up from time to time and to be totally confident in the process, however, I totally appreciate this is easier said than done.

So now for the outfit.
When I rocked up wearing this kerazy get-up my photographer Sophie instantly brought up how confident I must be to step out in what is essentially an outfit that looks as though a unicorn has vomited on me, but in all honesty I felt great.
I definitely received a few strange looks from passerby’s but over the past few years I’ve learnt to totally deal with these looks and to take it as a compliment, something I never ever thought I’d be able to do. I feel that I’ve finally earned my stripes when it comes to fashion and styling so I’m going to wear them, and wear them with pride!

First up is the dress, an absolutely beautiful dusty pink bohemian style dress with drawstrings to tailor it completely to your body shape. It’s a piece by Loavies that instantly makes me feel great, especially as it is adorned with foiled stars… You know me and my star print collection (check out this video if you don’t believe me) I’ve worn this now with black accessories such as my beloved biker jacket and buckled ankle boots however, I feel the dress is totally brought to life when teamed with matchy-matchy pieces such as this uhhhhmazing faux fur gilet.
The gilet in question is by Urban Code, a brand that does the most awesome faux fur pieces. I had a gorgeous long line faux fur jacket by them last winter and am really excited by the new pieces they’re launching this season.
The striped pastel colours teamed with the mix of faux fur, from mongolian-esque to more shaggy textures, it’s a bloody belter and one I’m dreaming up further outfit combinations to rock with it this Autumn.
Tying this pink hued look all together with some rose gold boots by Office… The third pair of the Jazz boots in my collection, they’re the absolute comfiest of boots EVER but I’m sure you already know that as I’ve waffled on about them countless times already.

DRESS- c/o LOAVIES, FAUX FUR GILET- c/o URBAN CODE, BOOTS- c/o OFFICE SHOES, BAG- GUCCI

Alas it’s true, I’m addicted to this seasons rosy hue (check out my pink make up faves here) and I don’t think I’ll be giving up the gun on this any time soon. It’s a crazy look but one that makes me feel rather special indeed and I would LOVE to know what you think of it.

Now I’m going to go and sit with my book and have a coffee, because although I don’t always get the “balance” when it comes to styling, I sure as heck know how to balance work and me time, thats for sure.

x M

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOPHIE TRAYNOR