Have I missed wearing leopard print?

I hoped that I’d end this challenge feeling inspired and looking forward to wearing my leopard print items again, but I’ve come down with a horrid cold - my throat feels like it’s been sand papered and I feel sick -so I’m just moping around in my pj’s.  

I did manage to pull together an outfit for my last day, but I think you can probably tell that I wasn’t really up for it.

Shirt from Asda, jeans from Donna Ida, shoes from Ash, scarf from Miss Selfridge, bag from Angel Jackson

Anyway, the question I need to ask myself is: have I missed my leopard print items? YES!  But that’s only really because most of my footwear is of the animal variety, so I’ve been left with a very limited selection of shoes to wear all week. 

It’s not until you take everything out of your wardrobe and really look at what you’ve got, that you can see what you’re repeatedly buying.  I’ve been through so many different wardrobes and know that most people get in to the habit of buying particular items over and over again (the most popular being jeans, black trousers or cardigans) but I didn’t think I was doing the same.  Well, it turns out I am.

So, while I’ve missed my print ever so much, I’ve been able to determined the gaps in my wardrobe that if I fill (bank account willing) I will be able to create an ever more versatile wardrobe… all in all, it was a very worthwhile exercise.

Is there an item you can't help buying...again and again, and again?

I'm, spinning around...

Things have been a bit rushed this weekend, so I’ve only just got round to posting my outfit from yesterday.  I’m wearing the maxi skirt from this post and have teamed it with a simple white jumper, tan belt and mix of bangles.  I wanted to wear something quite relaxed and comfortable and this just fitted that perfectly.

Following on from my last couple of posts, I wanted to try out a different shot.  Instead of just standing there I wanted to try an ‘action shot’ :)

Skirt from Warehouse, jumper from Zara, bangles from various places, belt for another pair of trousers and shoes from Ash.

Colour and print.

Days in the office are the perfect excuse to experiment with my outfits a little, but I’ve got to be careful as I can get a bit carried away and I’ve got loads to do today.  I bought this vintage dress about a year ago in York, when Al and I visited for a weekend.  If you’ve never been, it’s well worth a visit it’s crammed full with quirky shops and vintage boutiques. You'll probably notice that this dress is a little different for me as it’s quite a bright colour and is patterned, two things that I don’t wear a lot.   I’d normally team this dress with some leopard print loafers...I love the way they clash, but today that’s not allowed so it’s black flats instead.  I felt a little girly in it so added a studded waist belt to give the look some edge.

I managed to convince Hendrix to be in the shots with me again, I love him being in them with me, I think it makes the photos far more interesting than them just being of me.


Dress is vintage, belt is from Hennes kids department and the shoes are from KG

 Despite the loud print and colour, this is actually quite   a versatile dress, it looks great in the day with flats, but I can also swap my flats for some statement shoes and it’s great for something more dressy.  My favourite discovery though, is that I can wear a skirt over the top of it…


This skirt is from Joy

Day four and I'm trying out some different shots

I’ve been getting a little bit bored with taking my photo in front of a plain white wall so today I took the tripod around the house and tried out a few different locations.  I really want to start taking some more interesting shots, to think about the composition and the lighting and not just whether I should smile, look away or look at the camera.  I think I've got some learning to do.
How do you take your photos?  I don’t have anyone around in the day who can take my photo so I use Al’s grandpa’s old tripod and put my camera on timer.   I’ll set up the shot, press the button and then run in front of the lens and pose in one awkward way or another.  I’ll do this about ten times in the hope that there’ll be one decent shot, any longer and I just feel silly.  There must be a better way!  

I’ve heard that it’s possible to get a wireless remote to take pictures with, so I may have to invest in one of these if they’re not too expensive.  

Anyway,  my outfit.  Well, my morning was spent at Cribbs Causeway sourcing the last few bits and pieces for my next column in Folio.  It was a real test of my will power, the shops are starting to fill up with spring stock and it’s such a welcome relief from all the winter stock that’s STILL hanging around.

I’m wearing my old faithful black jeans (didn’t my last challenge teach me anything!?), a star blouse from Zara, vintage belt, cardigan from Mango and boots from Office.

My name necklace is from Tatty Divine and the skull necklace is from Tina Lilienthal. I'm a huge fan of her jewellery...check it out here 

Chunky knits

I know this isn’t particularly stylish, but this is what I wore today.  I had the wardrobe report to do for my client from yesterday so this, along with my next column for Folio magazine and pulling together my spring newsletter, pretty much kept me glued to my computer for most of the day.  I know it’s not too cold right now, but I got quite chilly in my little office so as the hours passed, I reached for more layers.



Sparkly cardigan from Miss Selfridge, polo neck from Oasis, Scarf from H&M, Jeans from Mimi Noor, Boots from Kurt Guiger

I love layering different textures up and when they’re chunky and warm it’s so cosy!  I’m pear shape and being smaller on the top than the bottom can sometimes make it tricky to work chunky knits, but by making sure that the under layer is fitted and can be seen, I think I can get away with layering chunkier looser items on top.
How do you keep warm and stay stylish?