LAYER PLAYER’S, STYLE RUTS & NEW LUXURY BABIES

*Please note this post was written a week or so ago, before what happened, happened*

I honestly, cannot tell you how hard I'm finding it to dress recently. 
I've mentioned it a fair few times in videos as of late but seriously, this has never happened to me before. 

Whilst I am by no means suggesting that I have previously never not known what to wear, I mean c'mon now, I'm a girl after all and we all regularly have those wardrobe meltdowns when nothing in our over flowing wardrobes are quite floating your boat. It happens each and every season, there is always a lull and it's normally always in that wishy washy period when what is in the shops isn't quite reflecting that of the weather. 

I feel that this spring has been the absolute worst spring in as long as I can remember, April-May are usually my upmost favourite months when it comes to weather, it's *usually* sunny and warm enough to go with just a thin top and an even thinner jacket that you will no doubt remove half way through the day. However, not this year. April and May have been complete and utter wash outs and as soon as the sun starts to rear it's beautiful head, the rain is back to remind us that, "yes, you do live in the UK fool, sunny days no longer exist"...

So with that kind of attitude coming from the weather forecast, my attitude towards clothing and styling has been pretty darn similar indeed. 
Getting ready in a morning has become something I dread, rather than looking forward to and I'm finding it increasingly hard to find the inspiration to create brand new outfits when I feel I've totally exhausted my beloved light wash denim, slogan t-shirt and leather jacket failsafe combination.

There really is nothing worse than not feeling yourself is there? And when you've built a world for yourself based upon personal style, things can get a little frustrating to say the least. When I'm not feeling myself how can I expect you guys to feel me. How can I expect you to engage, to like, to comment or to be inspired? So I usually drag myself out of it and force myself to banish the rut once and for all. However, this year it's not quite happening in such a way.

And with that, I've been trying out some fun ways in which I can layer up. I mean, we don't really have much choice seen as it's freaking freezing outside and all the shops are giving us are leg baring, midrif flashing, off the shoulder, florals! 
So styling up my spring faves or spring newbies in ways that are weather appropriate has been the only option of late. 

Take this absolutely GORGEOUS and oh so minimalistic (yeah I know, who am I?) tabard style, tunic dress with box pleat hemline, pretty awesome right? And something that will look oh-so totally wonderful on it's own in the summer time with a lace up espadrille and an ice cold beer in my hand (AMIRITE!?) however, right now, I'm giving it a little bit of a sophisticated, warmer touch through the good ole power of layering. 

I've always been a huge advocate for layering, especially during the colder months. I love mixing up different elements to make a truly unique look; something that is exclusive to you and tailored to meet your needs, whether that be a lack of desire for your arms or purely to keep you that little bit warmer, layering is your best mate for days like today when the weather is giving you jib. 

Shirts and polo necks are absolute layering genius' as we all know, they add that little bit of, often much needed androgyny and styling interest whilst doing their initial role of keeping us that little bit warmer.

Crap weather and layering aside, I simply must mention the latest addition to my bag collection and that of the beautiful Chloe Faye. 
Now, the Chloe Faye has been doing the rounds for the past two years or so and was never a bag that really interested me, other than the fact it had the same name as my baby sister Faye. 
However, when my sister pointed out this beauty I knew it had to be mine. 
The navy shade was something I've been looking to add to my handbag collection for some time now and the fact this beauty was in suede was something different for me and granted, a bold move, but I've been on the look out for the perfect summer suede number and this one ticked many a box. 
I also totally adored the oh-so unusual and totally retro patchwork design of varying blue shades in both suede and grained leather. The gold chain detailing is totally gorgeous and adds to the overall seventies vibe that the piece has got going on, which is essentially the exact reason why I was attracted to it. 
If you know the Chloe Faye well, you'll know that it's deceivingly HUGE with it's accordion fold design, meaning it really is the perfect everyday bag, despite being suede and currently totally babied. 

With that, this post was a little all over the place, but in all honesty, thats how my brain is feeling 80% of the time right now. 
I'm struggling with what to wear, but enjoying experimenting with layering, which you can see more of in my layer player dedicated video here, I'm just hoping this spot of sunshine that is gracing Manchester right now, will stick around a little bit longer than just a day in order for me to find some new, seasonal appropriate pieces to wear. 

But until then I'll keep wearing my all new and totally beloved Chloe Faye Bag, 'cause there ain't nothing a bag like this can't fix.

x M 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOPHIE TRAYNOR