THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS OTT

Here we have the very first outfit post of 2017 and I must say, I am very happy to be kicking off the year with this look. 

It's a look I conjured up in my sleep... No really, that's where the majority of my looks come from. I'll slowly be drifting into the land of nod when BAM! a perfectly styled outfit will come into my mind, usually based around a piece in my wardrobe that has been somewhat neglected for quite some time, but other times it's a look that I need to go out and purchase from head to toe... The mind is a strange place indeed!

So yes, whilst nodding off one evening I thought up this look, this time based around this Primark skirt I picked up a few weeks back but still hadn't aired.
The next day I wore it and flipping loved it and simply had to share it with you all. 

It's a look of many levels, definitely not one that falls under the "less is more" category, but then again when do any of my looks fall under that category hey?
Maximalism is a HUGE trend for AW16, with everyone from Gucci to Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and Miu Miu, amongst others, all opting for the more is more effect. 

I spent 2016 finding my feet with accessories and really feel that the power of the humble accessory is that of a big one!
I upped my jewellery game, investing in a variety of weird and oh so wonderful chokers, neck ties and more recently earrings. I went from 0-100 when it comes to ear-wear having had my ears pierced years back, but never gracing my lobes with anything other than a set of headphones. 
Roll on 2017 and my ears are forever emblazoned with bling; OTT studs, hoops and eighties style drops, I'm a sucker, as you can oh-so clearly see from this look.

I'm a huge advocate for having fun with fashion, and whilst I lack confidence in some areas of my life sometimes, I know, deep down that when people are eyeballing me in the street, it's usually due to my outfit... Good or bad, it doesn't really matter, I'm wearing it and loving it so what does it matter to others?

Fashion is the one thing I am 100% comfortable and confident about, I know my style, I know what I like and I am truly confident each and every day with my sartorial choices. I've spent many years doubting myself and truly felt that 2016 was the year I really learnt not to give a shit about what other people may think about my outfits. Confidence in other areas of my life couldn't be further from that, but more on that in another post ey?

Fashion is here to be played with, to bend the rules, throw caution to the wind and to truly make your own vibe. It's all about self expression and that is one of the many reasons in which I love it oh so much. 
Someday's it's cool to be caje, but sometimes you've simply got to throw on all the textures all the prints and ALL THE ACCESSORIES and own it something chronic! 

HAT- c/o ACCESSORIZE, EARRINGS- ASOS, COAT- c/o REVOLVE, BLOUSE- c/o SISTER JANE, SKIRT- PRIMARK, TIGHTS- PRIMARK, BOOTS- ASOS, 

Clashing is a vibe I am totally on board with. 
Whether it be prints or textures I'm happy to champion it all. I mean, it's no surprise is it, I mean 99% of the style posts here on PBM features clashing of some kind. 
Take this look for instance, I've clashed striped faux fur with leopard chiffon. Throw in ruffles for extra texture against the faux fur and of course some PVC and heck why not add in a lurex tight... On paper it's not something that sounds all that appealing, however when the colour palette is muted as such is this and you top it all off with some badass ascending pearl drop earrings and a beret combo for the ultimate eighties touch, well who can argue with that ey?

Look to the likes of Marni, Dries Van Noten and Givenchy for ways to truly nail all things clashing and all things maximalism whilst your at it too. And to be completely frank, stop giving a hoot about what others think, wear it all, all at once, every single day and watch em stare! 

x M

P.S if you'd like me to conjure up a post or a video on how I style myself on a daily basis, including half asleep style epiphany's  then do let me know. There's also a new video on my channel all about my 2017 New Years Resolutions too, go have a peek.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOPHIE TRAYNOR