FRIDAY STYLE: RIVER ISLAND ERIN HIGH WAIST SCULPTING JEGGING

Today’s outfit is not an entirely new idea, I think I have done something more or less the same a while back but today’s post is not really about the outfit, it’s about the jeans. Let’s start with a quick rundown of the other items, before we get to the jeans, for anyone who might be interested.

The top is old and it’s from Vero Moda. Breton style tops always make a come-back for spring. I like that this one isn’t just a normal Breton; for starters it’s black and white instead of navy and the added strip of lace makes it a bit more interesting.

The biker jacket is also old and it’s from New Look. The Biker Jacket is another trend that pops up year after year, especially in the early spring.

The boots are a more recent purchase and they are also from New Look. Ankle boots are a great transition option; it’s getting milder so knee boots are a bit too heavy but it’s not quite warm enough to be out and about in ballet pumps just yet.

Now the jeans! Many of us spend a lot of time and money looking for the perfect fitting jeans. I like skinny jeans but I tend to have the same problem with most skinny jeans that I try. If they fit nicely across the arse and hips they tend to be too big on the waist, which means I need a belt or else run the risk of exposing a full cracking moon every time I sit down or bend over. Belts are great but if you are wearing a fitted top that you don’t want to tuck in then the belt buckle looks bulky underneath. I was looking for a high rise jean in the hope that they would sit better on the waist. High waisted jeans were not on my radar because I think I am too short and don’t want the Simon Cowell look. However, when I saw the Erin High Waist Sculpting Jegging on the River Island website, I decided to order them anyway. It was the word sculpting that sold me. I have to say, I love them. The waist is really high so I won’t be tucking anything in to them but the high waist means no muffin top pudges out when I sit down. Also I don’t have to hike them back up every time I get up because they don’t move or slid down. They really do sculpt, they are the Spanx of jeans (I know Spanx do jeans but they are over a €100 and these are €50 and you never want to admit to wearing Spanx). Last but not least they are really soft and stretchy (I love how tiny they look on the hanger); I could nearly wear these exercising. I can’t say enough good things about them; they need to come in more colours and denim washes.
What are your favourite jeans?

FRIDAY STYLE: WINTER AZTEC MINI SKIRT

Take a quick look around the shops at the moment and you will notice a lot of check and tartan mini-skirts. These kind of skirts make an appearance every winter. Pair one of these skirts with opaque tights, a warm knitted jumper and comfy boots and you have an easy and stylish outfit that is perfect for work, or smart casual at the weekend. Today’s outfit is a slightly updated version of this classic style.

This Aztec print skirt is from New Look. You know how much I love blue and orange together. The material is thick enough to make this a more winter appropriate version of the Aztec minis we saw everywhere during the summer.

The jumper is from Penneys. I have had this for a while now, but always felt that it was just too orange for me but pairing with the skirt and black tights seems to tone it down a bit. I have also worn this skirt with a plain black polo neck and it looks really good if you don’t want to wear too much orange.

The boots are also from New Look. I have been looking everywhere for black ankle boots that are comfy to wear when I have to do a lot of walking (i.e. shopping) but could work equally well when dressed up with skirts and dresses or dressed down with leggings or jeans. I think these tick all the boxes.

The necklace is from Carraig Donn. I do like my accessories, at first I was rooting through my stash for a chunkier blue necklace but sometimes it nice to wear something a little daintier for a change. I nearly always seem to be wearing chunky statement necklaces lately.

Which do you prefer the classic check and tartan minis or the Aztec print?

FRIDAY STYLE: SHADES OF AUTUMN

Um birr! Last week I may have hinted that this week would involve some chunky knitwear and I am sticking to my word. The temperatures are dropping and the evenings are closing in (cliché limit reached for this week). As we head into autumn and on to winter I love pairing the rich warm colours with cosy cream knitwear. I think strong rich colours and soft cream knits look so comforting together.

This swing dress is from River Island. I am really loving shades of burgundy and aubergine this season. I really have to stop myself from buying everything I see in these shades. This dress is so comfy and easy to wear. This would be a good outfit to wear on a day of shopping as it’s easy and quick to get in and out of, so great for when you will be trying on loads of clothes in all the shops, just swap the heels for some flats.

This hooded Aran style long cardigan is old and it was from boohoo.com. It’s a warm soft knit that works well with dresses or jeans. If you spot something similar to this in the shops I recommend picking it up because I wear this lot. A really easy outfit with this cardigan would be black top and black jeans, with tan belt and tan boots.

The necklace is from Parfois. I do always say a round neck needs a little something and this necklace is just perfect with this dress.

The ankle boots are Redz. I am on the search for my perfect casual black ankle boot with a small heel or wedge.
Are you wrapping up in the chunky knits yet?

FRIDAY STYLE: DUSKY PINK AND GREY

Hope you all have that Friday feeling and are looking forward to the weekend. It may be winter but it’s still fairly mild in comparison to previous years, so I can still brave the odd day with just a blazer. The best thing about this outfit is it can easily go from day to night, which may come in handy during the upcoming party season when heading out with colleagues after work.

You may think a dusky pink blazer should only be worn during the summer, but I think it’s perfect for this time of year when paired with blacks and greys. The colour adds soft warmth to these cooler days. This blazer is from Awear (lets all hope Awear is saved).

This beautiful grey blouse is from Vero Moda. The lace detail on the shoulders and down the sides is gorgeous and glams it up. You can’t see the lace under a blazer so you could wear it to work but then if you are heading out later, when you take the blazer off the top is dressy enough for a night out. There is also a cute bow tie. The black skinny jeans are from Dorothy Perkins.

The ankle booties are Redz.

What’s your go to outfit for going from day to night?

Friday Style: Work that Bomber

Ah the bomber jacket. It makes an appearance every spring. It’s an ideal staple jacket for the season. A leather(ish) jacket is perfect for filling the gap between needing a full winter coat and being able to head out in just a blazer.

This brown P.U. bomber jacket is from Forever21.

The navy dress is from Mango. I really like pairing a brown bomber and brown boots with navy. The cream stripes at the hem and sleeves are a nice addition to what would otherwise be a plain dress. This is a simple but versatile dress. I can dress it up with a blazer and court shoes for a smarter look or keep it casual like I have done here. It’s an ideal outfit for a day of retail therapy as it’s easy to get in and out of for quickly trying clothes on: no zips or buttons to be faffing about with.

This necklace is from Awear. I like the way it takes the bare look off my chest and adds a pop of colour to the outfit.

I’m loving these Marco Tozi boots. They are so comfortable and have been getting loads of wear all winter and will continue to feature through out spring (when it happens).