One short-sleeved sweatshirt. But when to wear it?!

A sweatshirt with short sleeves falls into an awkward category of clothes – not quite pointless but maybe not far off. Like short-sleeved coats. And leather shirts. Because, let’s face it, if its cold enough to need a coat, you probably want that coat to have sleeves. And while a leather shirt might score high in the fashion forward stakes, when the chill has me reaching for leather, let’s make it a proper jacket please.So, back to this sweatshirt. It’s vintage AKU (c. 2005) by Japanese brand GDC.  As it happens, 1970 is also my birth year so it’s fair to say that I have a bit of an emotional attachment to it.  But even as much as I love it, I hardly ever wear it and sometimes years can go by. It’s neither a t-shirt nor a sweatshirt, so the weather has to be just right for it. Too warm and I’m sweltering. Too chilly and I want something with sleeves obviously, even if I’m wearing a coat over it.

So do you need a short-sleeved sweatshirt in your life?  I wouldn’t normally recommend something that only gives such limited wear but I will say yes. It’s a change from the typical trans-season staples of jumpers/cardies/jackets (and fully grown sweatshirts!) and I nearly always get compliments whenever I wear mine.  You’ll have to head to the men’s section for this one girls as you are not likely to find many styles, if at all, in women’s. You’ll also get a better fit as you’ll want it nice and loose. Go for decent quality. You might not get to wear it often but if you buy well it’s for keeps. Plain or with a logo it doesn’t really matter although I’m quite fond of retro logo versions.

Let me know if you decide to go for one. It might take a while before you find the right one for you but there’s absolutely no rush with this one!

Addie x

I am wearing:

Sweatshirt (GDC)| Jeans (H&M)| Espadrilles (Isabel Marant)| Bag (Acne Studios)| Sunglasses (Celine)| Loom band (Gift from beloved daughter UW Ugbenne)

Shop the look (sweatshirt): 

Shop similar here (Asos) or go proper vintage:  YSL here or A Bathing Ape here

 

Blue jeans and a white tee

The classic combo of blue jeans and a white t-shirt is tried and tested. By updating your cuts, you can to put a contemporary spin on the classic styles of the 50s and 80s.

*Scruffy chic: “Having the characteristics of style and lovable scruffiness combined. Stylish rather than fashionable. Classy without appearing to make an effort”  – Wikipedia

I’m blogging this look for its scruffy chic* vibe (yes that’s a thing, Wikipedia says so! 🙂 ).  It’s relaxed, effortless, practical and comfortable. The loose cut of these ripped ankle grazers plus the lightweight denim make them perfect for a sunny day and a fab alternative to cut-offs. These jeans are actually high-waisted but I’ve pulled them down to the hips for a relaxed boyfriend fit.

Scruffy jeans. Chic everything else!

The scruffy part should be limited to the jeans.  Try and go for a high-grade cotton tee. The cut doesn’t matter – round neck, crew neck or v-neck, whatever works for you – but it shouldn’t be too snug. I finished off my look with my favourite sliders but any slip-on flats will do. If carrying a bag, go slouchy so the longer the straps the better.

The best thing about this look is that anyone of any shape or height can carry it off – it is so forgiving.  Fancy giving it a go? Scroll down to shop the look!

Addie x

I am wearing:

Jeans: Primark (shop similar here)| T-shirt: Gap (shop similar here) | Sliders: HM x Moschino (shop similar here)| Sunglasses: Steve Madden

 

 

 

 

White on white (against white. Oops)

I’m never too sure about white on white. But I did wear this so I thought I’d blog it. Obviously, there are some rules to follow if you are going all white. Like avoiding very small children (not likely when they are yours) and any kind of densely crowded situation involving drinks. Deploying extra caution with your takeaway coffee. You may even want to give certain London public transport a miss. Ditto walking the dog. And picnics. Let’s just call it: wearing all white can be a bit of a faff.

I still don’t know whether I’m 100% down with this outfit (I do love the t-shirt though) but it seemed to work on the day. It was warm although not particularly sunny and Uli and I had spent most of the day at a local fun fair literally at the bottom of our road. So I was half expecting that I’d have to dash home for a quick change following an inevitable accident which thankfully didn’t happen.

 

I’m afraid you’ve got to make up your own minds on this one guys. I was happy with this outfit but if I’m honest I’m still not entirely convinced that all white works for me. Splashes of white are fine, but head to toe? Not so sure.  What do you think? Any views on this outfit or wearing all white in general?  Drop me a comment!

Thanks for reading,

Addie x

 

Bumper car fun at the fair!

I am wearing:

T-shirt: GBTwo| Jeans: H&M| Trainers: Primark| Sunglasses: Flying Tiger (yes THAT Tiger!)

Baggy leather trousers

This is the first time I’ve gone baggy with leather trousers. This one is faux leather and from River Island (available now in store and online). The qualify is decent – super soft and not too waxy or rubbery. I also love the paper bag waist which you don’t often get with leather trousers.  I had to go up several sizes to achieve the baggy look I wanted and I recommend you do the same if you decide to go for them. I wasn’t wowed by the fit in my usual size and I think going baggy definitely makes them a bit more special.

The cut is high-waisted and belted but because I’ve gone up a few sizes I can wear them lower down on the hip and cuffed for a relaxed and casual look.  Tip:  You don’t need to be a slave to “your size”! I never try anything on just in my usual size and will always also try one or more sizes up and down. Going for a different size is a quick and easy way of adding your own personal twist – which is never a bad thing with a popular high street purchase. So bearing that in mind, don’t be put off by the poor styling of River Island’s promo shots for these if you are buying online.  Trust me they don’t do them justice. The material looks and feels so much better than the shiny rubberiness suggested by those shots. On the plus side it shows what a difference a bit of savvy styling can make! If I hadn’t told you, would you have said those were the same trousers that I am wearing??

They are also superbly comfortable which was somewhat of a surprise as I was expecting to swelter in them. It was sunny but cool on the day we took these photos but I’ve also worn them on much warmer days. For the evening, I just add one more roll to the cuff and finish off with heels.  Definitely one of my favourite buys this Spring so far. And the best bit? They can go in the wash!

Thanks for reading chums.

Addie x

I am wearing:

Trousers: (River Island – Shop the look)| Sweatshirt: (COS)| Trainers: (Burberry)| Bag: (Victoria Beckham)| Scarf (Acne Studios)

Photos: UW Ugbenne