Autumn/Winter

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

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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

 

Cosy (and very smug) in my H&M Oversized Puffer Jacket

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Introducing my best buy of the season! With its oversized proportions and architectural silhouette you might think this stylish puffer jacket is Comme des Garcons? Martin Margiela? ACNE Studios? Well, you’d be wrong. It’s H&M and the best part? It costs less than £40. It’s THIS season (so I’m not just blogging it to be smug?) and also comes in red and khaki. It’s out of stock online unfortunately but still available in many stores (on sale for £31.99 reduced from £39.99) so it’s not too late to bag one for yourself. I would suggest doing this if you can, even if you already have a puffer coat. The proportions and minimalist finish make this jacket a bit special* – a chic and more polished alternative to your every day puffer – and a definite forever buy.

Here I’ve styled it with an oversized sweatshirt and boots but you can also go super casual with a jumper and trainers. Here are other fun facts about this fab jacket:

#1. The hood can be flattened and turned into a wide collar for a different look.
#2. You can have fun with the silhouette thanks to the proportions which you can exaggerate by leaving the bottom half press studs undone.
#3. It’s light, super warm and water proof.
#4. It’s £31.99!

Convinced yet? Thanks so much for reading!

Addie x

*There’s also a coat version but it just doesn’t pack the same punch as the jacket.

I am wearing:

Coat (H&M)|

Photos: U.W. Ugbenne

Black Against The Wall. A Jumper Over A Dress.

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I wore this a couple of weeks ago when we were still basking in all that glorious Autumn sunshine. I’m blogging it because it’s a super easy transitional outfit – a jumper over a cotton tunic with sturdy boots (simples!) – plus, if you’ve read Hi-Lo Pick ‘n’ Mix. I like a bit of everything you’ll know how I love a high street/high-end combo.

It was a busy Saturday and I needed something suitable for a swanky brunch but comfortable enough for the usual weekend errands afterwards.  You can achieve this look with any dress and “statement jumper” combination. Colour doesn’t have to be black but for a polished look I’ll keep it muted, sticking to the same tones for the jumper and dress.  Understated colours like camel, any type of grey or even blush pink will work fabulously even with black accessories.

So here’s the breakdown of this Hi-Lo mix and match:

# Black tunic – several years old (GAP);  # Jumper with fabulous sleeve detail – this season’s purchase (Primark); # Kick-ass boots – going into it’s second Winter (Primark. Yes, believe it); # Bag – can we take a moment to adore please? Also a couple of years old (Givenchy and worth every hard-earned penny); # Sunglasses, my absolute favourite that go with everything I own – also a couple of years old (Céline). 

Thanks to nifty accessorising, my fairly basic outfit is chic’ed up for zhu-zhu brunch but not too precious for the Saturday shop.  Hurrah.

Thanks for reading.

Addie x

Brave the chill in a kilt.

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Worn right a kilt can be very flattering and chic – the ultimate trans-season piece. However, it’s easy to be put off by the quality on offer on the high street which isn’t always great. Then there’s all that tartan! Still, if you are prepared to channel your inner Braveheart, scroll down for tips on how to nail the look.

Kilts are traditionally made to measure however most kilt makers will also offer a limited range of ready-to-wear. While it’ll be more expensive, I would suggest going for the made to measure option if possible. My gorgeous skirt is by London-based label Susy Harper. It was made to measure so it fits perfectly and I got to choose the fabric (an added benefit for those not so keen on tartan!). 

Nailing the look:

#1.  We are aiming for chic and prim not skater girl so avoid the mini versions. Knee length or thereabouts is ideal.

#2. Traditional fabrics for kilts like wool or tweed are best for this look.  Whether or not they are in tartan is up to you!

#3. Girls, this look calls for bare legs. Add thick socks (or fake tan!) if you must but absolutely no tights.

#4.  Going casual? Pair with a chunky knit and some stomping (ankle) boots. If you need an extra layer add a chunky scarf or a leather jacket.

#5. For a more polished looked or for work, swap the chunky knit for a slim-fitted polo neck and the ankle boots for heeled pumps or Mary Janes (heels or flats).  Slim-fitting knee-high boots will work well too. For an extra layer add a tailored knee length coat.

#6. Be prepared to invest* a little for quality, it is totally worth it.

*What you end up paying for a made to measure piece will ultimately depend on your choice of fabric, style, etc. but you should be able to get a premium quality kilted skirt at around the £150-£200 mark.  The price range for men starts from around £300.  There are also high end ready to wear options for those really looking to splash out (Christopher Kane, Alexander McQueen, Burberry and Opening Ceremony have all featured kilts in recent collections and fashionistas’ favourite Le Kilt has them all year round) but I don’t much see the point. Given the choice, I’ll go for a made to measure artisanal piece every time!

Need help sourcing good kilt makers? Drop me a comment and I’ll be happy to help you out with some names!

Thanks for reading.

Addie x

 

 

 

 

 

I am wearing:

Skirt (Suzy Harper)| Jumper (H&M)| Boots (Primark)| Bag (Givenchy) |Sunglasses (Céline)