September 10, 2018

The Clothing Items That Could Push You Out of Your Comfort-Zone

Arm yourself for autumn basics, with a twist

Good Monday morning to you! Who doesn’t want to start the day off with a close-up of my wonky tattoo that I got with my friends when I was 18, after we all drunkenly decided to get matchings tatts over a Chinese all-you-can-eat buffet one night, eh? Blurry tattoo disclaimer out of the way, I hope you all had lovely weekends. Mine involved a two-hour nap on the sofa yesterday, so I’m feeling GRAND right now. You might have spotted yesterday that I uploaded my autumn capsule wardrobe video, which featured no new purchases, but instead showed you how I turn my capsule offering from summer to autumn-appropriate. I was very, very excited to make the transition as autumn is by far my favourite season to dress for. Jumpers so big that they double-up as blankets and an excuse to wear ankle boots every single day? SIGN ME UP. I feel like over the years I’ve really nailed my basics, but have a couple of wild cards on my rails that spice things up. Here I’m going to share the details of the items that might be able to do the same for you…

A STAND-OUT ACCESSORY

Whilst I understand the practicality of a black tote, or an over-the-shoulder bag, ever since I purchased the Alienina Woven Bucket Bag at the beginning of summer I now LOVE a little holdy-with-your-hand, crook-of-your-arm bag. There’s something about how you wear them that makes them a little more statement than your usual tote and I’m really into a bag that’s a bit different. I know that being rope this bag is perhaps more suited to summer, but I’m just not ready to let it go yet. Similar styles that I feel will have a bit of oomph and impact for minimal outfits include this tortoiseshell Mango Methacrylate Bag, which looks like something that you favourite fashion blogger would wear, but also looks like you could have made it in year nine DT class. Something perhaps a bit more practical is the Mango Leather Tote, which is cute and dinky, but comes with a shoulder strap should you want to throw it on.

SHOP THE EDIT

STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS

From chatting with my friends I realise that straight-leg jeans are something that a lot of us still aren’t 100% sold on. I completely get the allure of the skinny jean still and I’m sure that they’re a style that we’ll always have in our wardrobe. They’re flattering, they hug your arse in a complimentary way and they have incredible leg-lengthening abilities; however the same can be true for straight-leg denim too. It’s all about finding the right fit. In fact out of three of my best mates, I’ve managed to convince two of them to take the plunge thanks to visits to the Topshop changing rooms. You lot know that I love the Raw Hem Straight Leg style, but the Levi’s Reclaimed Vintage Range has some absolutely BEAUTIFUL fits and the & Other Stories Straight High Rise Jean is a good option if you want a hemmed style that’s long leg.

SHOP THE EDIT

A COLOURFUL COAT

This past spring, I bought a mustard yellow Topshop coat which was well out of my comfort-zone, but ended up being a great addition to my wardrobe. I mean, I felt like everyone around me needed sunglasses whenever I wore it and whenever I paired it with an all-black outfit I felt a little like a bumble bee, but it did a really job of just brightening up my pretty boring basics. I don’t think I’m ever going to be one to have a shitload of colour on my rails, but a few nods here and there from a similar palette doesn’t give me heart palpitations. If mellow yellow sounds up your street as well then the Mango Unstructured Wool-Blend Coat is pretty similar, although this & Other Stories Wool Blend Long Coat is the perfect mix of blush and rust and is catching my eye. I don’t think you can go wrong with a royal blue either, and this River Island Longline Teddy Coat ticks that box.

SHOP THE EDIT

ANIMAL PRINT SHOES

I am a sucker for anything leopard print, and have been for the past 10 years which was detailed by the fact that my University bedroom featured leopard print clothing, pillows, artwork and a laundry bag. These days my Whistles Leopard Print Ankle Boots are some of my favourite that I own and a pair that I get an absolute tonne of use from every AW season. Now here I’m being a bit broader and suggest animal print in general, because right now there’s a huge selection available on the high-street; from the classic leopard, to zebra and even snakeskin. All of these constitute a neutral – with their earthly tones – so are easily paired with what you already own in your wardrobe. The Stradivarius Leopard Print Sling Backs are a good option if you fancy more of a shoe, like I’m wearing in this post. Boot-wise I’d recommend the Mango Zebra Leather Ankle Boots and the & Other Stories Leather Cowboy Ankle Boots, which I ADORE the shape of.