Fashion - Wardrobe Essential: The Blue Shirt

Just like a LBD, black tailored trousers, perfectly fitting jeans and a breton stripe, a classic blue button down cotton shirt should be part of every woman's capsule wardrobe.  They work brilliantly for the office tucked into tailored trousers or for evening worn with leather pants, a crystal earring and some strappy high heels. You can even pair the shirt with jeans, black, blue or white, styled with a rolled sleeve and trainers for the weekend. It's such a versatile and hard working wardrobe item. 

While I own a classic style from J Crew that I wear frequently, I recently found this blue shirt with a design twist from Zara. I love the cropped side waist detail coupled with the long front and back that at first glance could be mistaken for a shirt dress. Plus it's an incredible price point.

Shirt £22.99 Zara BUY HERE

Here are a few other blue shirts with a twist that I'm coveting.

Balenciaga from Matches Fashion £605 BUY HERE

Boden £79 BUY HERE

COS £55 BUY HERE

Images: Pinterest, COS, Boden, Matches Fashion

Fashion - Fabulous Fringing

I picked up this little black skirt in H&M recently. It's a great transitional item, working now with a bare leg and ankle boots and when the weather gets colder I'll put it with dark tights and a flat knee high boot.

Skirt £39.99 by H&M BUY HERE, Jumper £24.90 by Uniqlo BUY HERE, Hat £19.99 by H&M BUY HERE, Boots by Topshop BUY SIMILAR HERE

The skirt is in a knitted fabric and has tiers of fringing making it look far more expensive than it is. The 70s are a massive inspiration for autumn/winter and fringing is a subtle and easy way to tap into the trend. 

There are lots of great options on the high street including the below.

Bag £55 by Nine by Savannah Miller from Debenhams BUY HERE

A cute little across body bag in suede with metal fringing from Savannah Miller's excelleny new range for Debenhams.

Earrings £10 by Accessorize BUY HERE

Don't just limit these earrings to night time wear, dress up a simple daytime outfit with them too.

Boots £82 by Topshop BUY HERE

These versatile block heel boots in the softest leather with statement side tassels would look great with cropped trousers, skinny jeans or skirt.

Jacket £59.99 by Mango BUY HERE

This indigo jacket is a perfect buy as the weather gets cooler.

Jumper £119 by Gestuz from ASOS BUY HERE

You could be wearing the plainest jeans or simplest skirt and by adding this statement jumper you'd immediately elevate your look.

Images: ASOS, Mango, Topshop, Accessorize, Debenhams

Fashion - Bargain Buy

After seeing the image below on Instagram a while back I've been on the lookout for a pair of loose, slouchy, wide leg, relaxed trousers that I could wear with sandals, trainers or a pair of pointed toe flats should I need to dress them up.

Image: LittleSpree

I was recently prepping for a job, rummaging through the rails at TK Maxx when I came across these trousers by Maison Martin Margiela for the bargain price of £39.99! They are super slouchy, in a heavy cotton/silk blend and they fit my comfy but stylish trouser criteria perfectly. I wore them rolled up (as they are extremely long) on the weekend to meet a friend for coffee with an old Dries Van Noten khaki sweatshirt and Russell & Bromley snakeskin plimsoles.

Trousers by Maison Martin Margiela from TK Maxx BUY SIMILAR HERE, Sweater by Dries Van Noten, Plimsoles by Russell & Bromley, Watch by Rolex

This style of trouser are ideal for the weekend/school run/lounging around at home. I've scoured the internet and found some others that fit the bill.

Trousers £360 by Y's by Yohji Yamamoto from Matches Fashion BUY HERE

Trousers £54 by Sister Jane From ASOS BUY HERE

Trousers £59.50 by Banana Republic BUY HERE

Fashion: Blooming Beautiful Boden

The lovely people at British brand Boden very kindly sent my lucky lady a big bag of beautiful things recently. 

Pretty packages filled with beautiful clothes

She's still a little bit too tiny to wear the clothes, but is already getting great use out of the blankets and bibs. Here are some of the gorgeous items we received.

Dribble Bibs BUY HERE

Super soft cotton and towelling bibs in a delicate star and forest animal print perfect for mopping up baby dribbles.

Denim dress BUY HERE

This adorable dress comes with a super sweet striped top. I plan on putting this with some navy tights in the winter.

Pyjama set and blanket BUY HERE

A cute bed time outfit with the lovely forest animal print. I especially like the gender neutral colours of cream, grey and yellow, perfect for a little boy or girl. This reversible blanket (one side stripes, one side forest animal print) is ideal for a cot or pram and would make an ideal gift for new parents.

Pyjama set BUY HERE

How adorable are these pyjamas! These are so soft to the touch and I love the pale blue with pink bow colour-way. I'd actually like a pair myself!

Body suit BUY HERE

With the sweetest collar, ruffle shoulder detail and picot lace edging this body suit will look great layered under a dress or dungarees. 

Body suit, hat and blanket BUY HERE

I love a stripe and I've got a feeling my little lady will too! This little body and hat in grey and cream are perfect for layering.

Cardigan BUY HERE

This cute cashmere blend cardigan comes in four different colours. I love the patch pockets and the contrasting velvet trim.

 Thank you Boden for being so kind!

S&T x

Fashion: Mad For Mango

Mango has been a favourite with the fashion set for a few seasons now, largely due to the Spanish brands' ability to execute catwalk designs with great attention to detail and at reasonable price points. I've never had much luck in store, however now that I no longer have the bump and in search of some summery pieces to add to my wardrobe (although summer seems to have ended now...boo!) I thought I'd flick through the sale online. Unexpectedly I discovered so many gorgeous pieces that my online shopping bag was soon full to the brim.  Plus there's free shipping when you spend over £50 and free returns making the experience very calm and pleasant. This week is the last week of the sale and there's still loads left so go forth and shop!

Here's a round up of what I purchased. 

Dress £13.99 from Mango BUY HERE, Sandals from Next BUY SIMILAR HERE, Bag from Anya Hindmarch, Necklace £35 from Whistles BUY HERE

A flattering loose fitting dress with a dropped hem and front pockets. I wore this on a job recently and 2 ladies at the shoot purchased it! It works in summer with bare legs and sandals but when the weather gets colder I'll pair it with tights, ankle boots and a khaki jacket.

Blouse £17.49  from Mango BUY HERE, Jeans from Topshop BUY SIMILAR HERE, Shoes from Marks & Spencer

This blouse has delicate embroidery details and fine fringing. It works perfectly with khaki and denim.

Dresses £13.99  from Mango BUY HERE, Sandals from Zara

This dress was so good I bought it in 2 colours! I can imagine myself slipping it over a bikini before heading to the beach for a day in the sun. That's probably not going to happen this year due to the new baby, but I'll be packing these dresses away in my summer box ready for next year.

Skirt £17.49 from Mango BUY HERE, T-shirt £12.95 from Gap BUY HERE, Sandals from Next BUY SIMILAR HERE

I felt my wardrobe was missing a short summery skirt. I didn't want anything too flowy or too feminine so this geometric print in jacquard is ideal. It's a flattering height, sitting just a few inches above the knee and is slightly a-line in cut. When the weather cools a little I'll wear it with a grey sweater.

Let me know if you score any bargains!

Pregnancy Style: Outfits Recently

Today I am 29 weeks pregnant! Yipee only 11 weeks to go if the baby sticks to its schedule! I'm still feeling blurgh and have resigned myself to the fact that I'm just not going to get that 'pregnancy glow' that other more fortunate pregnant ladies speak of.

 The bump is growing at quite a rapid rate now which is good for the baby but bad for the wardrobe. I'm just about squeezing into some of my pre-pregnancy tops, but dresses that were once oversized are now tight on the hips or too short (cellulite on my thighs is another joyful side effect of my pregnancy made worse by the fact I'm not supposed to exercise as I've been so ill) and if trousers and skirts don't have elasticated waist bands then they just don't work. My various Topshop maternity jeans, which I've been wearing since about 4 months are worn almost daily and I'm pleased to report they recently started selling a boyfriend style which make me happy as they remind me of pre-pregnancy me. 

I'm also discovering the joys of wearing lycra as anything restrictive just increases my daily discomfort. However seeing clothes that are tight fitting on my changing/growing form is something I'm not entirely comfortable with. I was prepared for a growing belly, but hips and butt expanding is taking some getting used to!

Here is a little round up of what I've been wearing recently.

Shirt Zara, Jeans Topshop BUY HERE, Sandals Stella McCartney, Sunglasses Miu Miu

Here I am marvelling at the size of my bump and the valley that my belly button has become (it's yet to pop out). This linen blend shirt is an oldie from Zara that still fits (hooray!) It's super comfy and light, perfect for the warmer weather. I'm also wearing the aforementioned Topshop boyfriend jeans. They have expandable pockets and a real zipper fly, unlike all my other Topshop jeans which have a pull up elasticated waistband. I was a bit worried that the button fastening would press on my belly, but they are wonderfully comfortable. If you're pregnant go and buy these jeans, I cannot recommend them enough!

Dress Topshop, Jacket Gap BUY SIMILAR HERE, Bag Miu Miu, Sandals Next BUY HERE

This full length maxi dress is a pre pregnancy buy that I've had for years and keep in my holiday clothes box as it is backless. I wouldn't dream of venturing out without a bra now and so I layered the dress with a black vest for decency purposes and my pre-pregnancy denim jacket which is a little tight, but still wearable. I did feel a tad exposed in this dress as it's quite tight on the bump and bum; form fitting clothes just aren't my thing. To be honest I felt a bit like a Kardashian, but I think that's me just being slightly mental and weird about my growing body. A full length maxi dress is super comfortable and I've recently ordered a few from Zara so will let you know if they become part of my pregnancy wardrobe.

Jacket Topshop BUY SIMILAR HERE, Jeans Topshop BUY HERE, Top Finery London BUY HERE, Sandals Birkenstock BUY HERE

This khaki jacket has proved invaluable to my pregnancy wardrobe. It skims my hips and covers just enough of my rump, it's light enough so that I don't overheat on the tube, plus it works with jeans and dresses. I've paired it here with my boyfriend jeans (I told you I was in love with them!) and a relatively new purchase from Finery London. I purchased this cotton sleeveless top adorned with white ruffles at around 3 months pregnant thinking it would spice up my summer pregnancy wardrobe. I was a little concerned the ruffles would bulk up my belly, but weirdly they kind of conceal it. It's a super flattering top and was a great price point to boot.

In My Bag

For a plethora of reasons I haven't been buying many clothes recently but have made up for it with new footwear.

Here's a little round up of what's made it into my bag.

Black lace up sandals £24 from Next BUY HERE

After trying on the Mango gladiator sandals that every blogger and their mother seem to have purchased recently, and being quite disappointed at the fit and quality, I found these brilliant bargains from Next. Yes Next of all places. I often pass Next by, regarding it as the place where people camp outside overnight just to bag a branded t-shirt in the Christmas sales, but it is filled with treasures all reasonably priced and of excellent quality. In the last month I've purchased 3 items, all of which I am incredibly happy with. So back to these sandals...They tick the shoe of the summer gladiator style box, they come in black and chocolate brown, they are real leather and super comfy due in part to the rubber sole. And the best bit, they are a bargain £24! That's not a typing error, they really are £24. If the boyfriend wasn't monitoring my shopping habit I would go back and get the brown ones too. I've already worn mine with a maxi dress (back when we had 2 days of warm weather) and will be wearing them with denim dresses and summer shorts when summer arrives.

Pom pom tunic £45 from Next BUY HERE

Another find in Next is this cotton, tassel trimmed tunic. A-line in shape (so it disguises the fact I've eaten too much ice-cream recently) it works perfect with khaki trousers, shorts and denim. Pair it with skinny jeans rather than boyfriend ones though to balance the volume. It also comes in indigo which is rather tempting...

Nike Air Huarache £80 from Size? BUY HERE

I've been wearing my beloved Stan Smiths non-stop and even recently purchased another pair in a different colour as I love them so much (the frugal/voice of reason boyfriend made me take them back though!) Thinking I'd never find a replacement for my Stans I then saw a super chic lady wandering around Shoreditch, pushing a buggy, wearing the above Nikes with skinny black trousers and a duster coat, and she just looked so cool that I knew I had to have these trainers. They are incredibly comfy, making them perfect for a day at work, and the pop of teal adds a welcome pop of colour to my grey/black/navy wardrobe. Word of advice, go up a size when buying as they are a very snug fit.

Wide leg trousers from Topshop BUY HERE

Trousers in black with a navy stripe! It was love at first sight. These trousers are actually 4 inches longer, but I took them up as I wanted them to be culottes rather than trousers.

Caged sandals £49.99 from Zara BUY HERE

While prepping for a job last week I spotted these in Zara and instantly knew they had to be mine. These statement flats will work with a daytime jean and just as well with an evening ensemble. I love the combination of leather and patent straps and gold and silver studs. I also like the way you can see a little bit of toe through the straps so I'll be wearing these with a brightly coloured polish on my nails.

What's made it into your shopping bag recently?

Festive Dressing

No doubt you've already been to at least one Christmas party, but hopefully you have a few more invites in between now and New Year's Eve.

Here's a round up of 3 party outfits fit for the festive season.

Dress, Charlie Brear, BUY HERE

Earrings, Lulu Frost for J. Crew, BUY HERE

Shoes, Saint Laurent, BUY HERE

We all know that every woman's wardrobe should include a failsafe LBD that makes her look and feel stunning wear after wear. I used this Charlie Brear dress in a photo-shoot recently and instantly fell in love with the pocket and cape detail. If I only had to buy one more black dress this would probably be it. Pair with these delicate crystal earrings and these super sexy heels from Saint Laurent (love the slope at the back, total shoe porn!)

Skirt, £50, Oasis, BUY HERE

Top, £35, Oasis, BUY HERE

Shoes, £58, Topshop, BUY HERE

Ruby Woo Lipstick, £15.50, Mac, BUY HERE

This outfit may look like a dress but it's actually a skirt and top combo. It's this season's modern way to do the LBD. Buy this and you are shopping clever as you could wear the skirt with a cashmere sweater, tights and ankle boots and the top over a white shirt and jeans for daytime. I adore these feather shoes so much so that I've already bought them. Add a slick of Mac's classic red lipstick Ruby Woo and you're ready to hit the dance floor.

Jumpsuit, £135, Whistles, BUY HERE

ZAC Zac Posen from TheOutnet.com, £151.25, BUY HERE

Shoes, Lucy Choi London, £195, BUY HERE

This has certainly been the year of the jumpsuit so I had to include this beautiful lace one in my party dressing round up! Plus it's just gone in the sale so snap it up and wear it for Christmas Day or New Years Eve. This clutch bag is super chic and would work with all the outfits I've selected. And Christmas time is the best time to wear sparkly shoes and these by Lucy Choi London are exquisite.

Merry Christmas!

Images: Charlie Brear, Net-A-Porter, J.Crew, Whistles, Lucy Choi London, TheOutnet, Oasis, Topshop, Pinterest

What I Wore

Here's a little round up of a few outfits I've worn recently.

Topshop shirt BUY HERE, Gap jeans, Zara shoes, Louis Vuitton bag BUY HERE

Doing double denim and wearing my new dark denim shirt from Topshop with some old ripped up Gap jeans (Gap do the best high street jeans!) with a dash of leopard print in the shoe for a day of press appointments.

Uniqlo sweater, ASOS trousers, Miu Miu trainers BUY SIMILAR HERE

Wearing a monochrome look for a day working from home. As much as I'd like to just wear pjs when I'm at home, I find I'm much more productive if I get dressed properly.

M&S jumper, Mango skirt, Topshop boots, Anya Hindmarch bag

Styling one of my favourite people for his next TV commercial I wore a chunky knit with leather skirt and my fringed Anya Hindmarch Bicester Village bargain bag I scored a few years ago.

Hope you all have a great week!

Sx

Fun Fur

Helen Moore Scarf £120 BUY HERE

Now that the Helen Moore faux-fur scarf of my dreams is part of my wardrobe and attracting complementary comments wherever it comes out to play, I've started looking at other furry accessories to add to my stroke-able collection.

Eugenia Kim beanie £215 BUY HERE

I love a beanie hat in winter and this cosy wool version with colourful fur pom pom will ensure you are easy to spot in a crowd.

Topshop sandals £58 BUY HERE

An easy way to add some fur into your life with these budget buy fluffy high heeled sandals.

Jigsaw pom pom keyring £19 BUY HERE

For a little while now I've spotted fluffs of pom pom dangling off of bags. Attaching a little puff of fur is a simple was to do the faux fur trend.

MissGuided Scarf £15.99 BUY HERE

Now I haven't seen this scarf in real life so can't vouch for the quality, but it is a pretty good looking scarf at an incredible price point. I love the mix of burgundy, grey and white.

Whistles Mittens £45 BUY HERE

These cute mittens also come in pink and leopard print, but being a lover of all things grey I think the above are the chicest colourway. I love the mixture of textures and would happily sport these on a freezing day with a navy or black coat.

Zara sweatshirt £29.99 BUY HERE

I know a sweatshirt isn't an accessory, but I tried this on in store when the weather was warmer and instantly fell for the strip of fluff running down each arm. It's a really easy way to wear the trend and would add instant fun to a weekend outfit of jeans and trainers.

Shrimps Pablo Clutch Bag £185 BUY HERE

Oh yeah! I adore this colourful clutch. The mix of orange and baby blue is just perfection and I'd love to give this bag a cuddle on a night out.

Images: Shrimps, Zara, Whistles, Miss Guided, Jigsaw, Topshop, MATCHESFASHION