Trans-season

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

 

White on white (against white. Oops)

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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

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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

Transeasonal outerwear: Oversized Utility Jacket

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I love Spring. But choosing the right outerwear during this awkward season can be tricky. In London, the weather can vary so widely – sometimes in the same day – it’s easy to get it wrong. Which means you are either under-dressed and freezing or having to cart around an unnecessary jacket or coat. Layering is a great way of tackling this transeasonal dilemma but sometimes you simply want to throw something on and go.* Trench coats, macs, blazers, leather and denim jackets are obvious mainstays of a transeasonal wardrobe. My addition to this list? A carefully chosen utility jacket.

*Besides, there’s more to layering than simply throwing clothes upon clothes. Look out for my tips on “how to layer like a pro” coming soon.

Personally, I’ll wear a parka over anything. It not only adds a cool and casual edge to any outfit, it’s also practical. For the transeason look we are going for here, the style of utility jacket  – parka, boxy or safari – doesn’t really matter. Proportion is key. It’s got to be oversized (otherwise just go up a couple of sizes from your usual size) but lightweight. My beloved battered old US army surplus parka – in warm weather mode – gets a lot of wear this time of year. But, I’ve also fallen in love with this canvas safari jacket by MM6 which I recently thrifted from TK Maxx.  Just like my parka, it’s oversized with pockets deep enough to fit a brolly, hat and other awkward weather essentials. You don’t strictly  need a bag to be honest.  

Styling wise, the best thing about this look is that literally anything goes. A decent oversized utility jacket will go with just about any outfit and with any body shape and height.  I’m blogging my jacket here over skinny cut-off jeans but any style of jeans will work just as well. And, it’s equally as fabulous over a dress or tailored trousers. I’ll try and blog the different looks as I wear them! Colour wise I’d stick to the typical utility and workwear palettes of khaki, green and tan.  Hold out until you find something good and even be prepared to invest a little, it’s worth it.  (Tip: If you don’t come across any oversized versions simply go up a couple of sizes up from your usual dress size!)

Addie xx

I am wearing:

Oversized Safari Jacket (MM6)| Jeans (COS)| Boots (Pied A Terre) | Bag (Sandro)

Photos: UW Ugbenne