Spring/Summer

Blue jeans and a white tee

Leave a Comment

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

 

 

 

 

Bell-shaped fluffy frock and strappy ballet pumps

Leave a Comment

I’ll be honest, the bell silhouette is not for everyone. But if we choose wisely most of us should be able to carry off bell-shaped styles well enough. Unlike an A-line cut which flares out at the hem or the Tulip which tapers in, the bell cut flares out at the waist and falls in a straight line to the hem.  

How to wear it

This shape only works with a close-fitting bodice (upper half) – a voluminous or fussy top half will swamp you.  So skirts should always be paired with a fitted top. The style of top doesn’t actually matter – short or long sleeves, vest or T-shirt, even a fitted shirt will do – so long as you are working with your body shape and only going as “fitted” as you feel comfortable with.

Who can wear it

Most of us can wear this cut. It is particularly flattering on “straight up and down” girls like me as it adds curves where there aren’t any!  Very petite girls should look for dresses that are very fitted at the waist (the one I’m wearing here isn’t). Very tall girls should stick with short styles.

Where to? 

Bell-shaped dresses and skirts tend to be structured making them a popular choice for formal gowns (yawn). Personally, I’ve never subscribed to a strict code when it comes to which clothes should be worn where. If you are comfortable, not affronting public decency and using some common sense, I’m all for wearing whatever whenever. Half of my wardrobe would be out of action otherwise!

 

I wanted to dress this down but it’s far too chic for trainers or boots. So, I went casual-luxe with my strappy ballet pumps.  Tip: It is easy to “over dress” a bell-shaped piece with the wrong choice of accessories, particularly if it is a very structured style.  To dress it up all you need are barely there strappy heels or an understated pair of flat or kitten heel mules, finished off with simple jewellery. Just let the dress or skirt speak for itself! 🙂

Addie x

I am wearing:

Dress: Emin & Paul| Shoes: Isabel Marant| Bag: Givenchy| Sunglasses: Celine

 

 

 

Photos: UW Ugbenne

White on white (against white. Oops)

6 Comments

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

2 Comments

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