Inspiration Time

I've been away from blogging for a few months. Simply because, for a while I lost the inspiration to blog. Aside from that my personal style altered quite a bit in terms of the way I shop. I'd have days where I just want to get up and throw on a pair of jeans and a T. I was getting really bored with my wardobe and cleared out about 60% of it. I threw away clothes that I would take one look at and feel, not ill as such, but sometimes I felt so deressed about some clothing choices I had made that it made me want to cry a bit. And as much as I love clothes I never really realised until recently that a persons wardrobe choices could make you feel that way. Even down to a simple t-shirt or a pair of denim shorts. I am still picking things out every couple of days that I throw in a bag, destined to never be worn again. I discarded of about 30 pairs of shoes and quite a few bags as well. I took some time to ajust or fix the things that I wanted to keep that needed repair. I lost a bit of weight as well so some things either had to go or needed taking in. At first I thought looking into a fairly empty wardrobe would scare me but instead I saw it as the perfect blank canvas for rebuilding a closet that would enspire to be happy with whatever I decided to wear on any given day of the week. 

I then made a long list of peices that I needed to make looking into my own wardrobe more ispiring to me. These things included bright coloured blazer jackets, different colour and printed jeans, smart cigarette shape trousers, large scarves in different patterns and fabrics and statement necklaces. Sounds easy right? However I got into a bad habit of thinking that if I didn't have it I wouldn't bother wearing it. For example; for work I don't really wear any nice pieces of jewellery, a chunky bangle or a big neclace, because they get damaged. So becasue I wouldn't wear them then why  bother buying them? So when I deleted that large chunk of my wardrobe that was holding me back I took the plunge and went and bought some big, bright, fun necklaces. And when I go out for anything other than work, I put one on.

I've also spent quite a bit of my spare time flicking through magazines and looking at street style blogs. I am back to shopping like an addict but this time round my wardrobe looks so different and even thought I am happy with it, I could still do with more. More lux t's, more flat shoes in different colours, more belts, just more. So here are some of the pictures that have not only inspired my to change my style but change the way I shop and look at clothes.....

 Chiara from The Blonde Salad

Christine Centenera

Emmanuel Alt

Karla from Karla's Closet

Miroslava Duma

 

 Olivia Palermo

Viviana Volpicella

Cas
XXX

(photo credits; style snooper dan, the blonde salad, karlas closet, tumblr, random google searches)
 

Obsession: ZARA BAGS

While it may have taken me a whie to realise it, I have come to the solid conclusion that I have a serious obsession with bags made by Zara. In all shapes, sizes, colours, for any occassion. They are easily dressed up or down and some have the capability to carry your whole world (trust me I know). I can spend hours pouring over photos on the website and popping in store when I am having a down day to have a good look at them. Don't get me wrong I am actually obsessed with Zara as a shop in general. Evey payday carries a lunch time dash to the nearest Zara shop with a mental list of things to grab. The thing, I think, about the bags though is that while some of them carry quite large price tags (for my pay packet at least) they make really similar but cheaper versions of them. With this in mind and also considering that since I was a child I always had a great love for bags, usually with my last £30 pound in the bank and a week to go until I get paid again, I spend it on a packet of cigarettes and a little something from Zara to brighten up the day.

Having said that, towards the end of last week, this purchase was made....

Took it home, removed the stuffing and the next day threw it on with a pair of blue jeans and my new trench coat. Simple. It has a long strap as well and cost £23. Like I was going to say no to that. My mum always said I would rather spend my last money on bags and shoes than being able to eat. 

At the moment I have a sizeable list of Zara bag buys so I thought I would just show you  few of them, all of which are still available online or in stores at the moment (yes I checked).

I hope everyone is having a fanstic weekend, despite the cold weather and snow here in England!! I'm still going shopping today though, and i'll probably waltz into Zara like it's an extension to my house!

XXX

Decisions, decisions: RED OR BLACK?

When the new ASOS magazine landed on my doorstep the other day I was eager, as always to start flicking through it. I came across a pair of wedges in a shoot that I instantly fell in love with and after learning that they cost only £45 I went straight online to start my quest of owning them. That was for the silver metalic pair... when I got there I found that they also came in red and black. 

Dilema time. What pair shall I treat myself too? The Red? Or the Black? I even have my eye on the silver pair!! I've had to give it some serious consideration and have come to the conclusion that it's only "my right to shoes" to own all three colours. However the bank account harldy allows me to order all three in one go so what colour should, or needs to come first? 

While I have lots of black, at this moment in time it goes more with what I'm wearing than both the red or silver. But when I think about the sort of clothes I will be wearing as spring and summer finally arrive the red AND silver speak volumes!! Considering the height of the wedge and the t-bar style of the shoe these things are going with everything from floaty dresses to light cigarette pants. I'm gonna need help!!!

XXX

New in: STUDDED COLLAR SHIRT

 

I found this little gem on ebay. It doesnt have a brand or any labels or anything it just fits so well. It arrived in the post and I spend the rest of the evening when I got home from work pairing it with nearly everything already hanging in my wardrobe and imagining what it would look llike with other things on my shopping wish list. 

I have gone a bit crazy with blouses, tops and shirts with amazing collars recently. so wearable now and so wearable in 6 months!!! Throw it on over a white bandau with jeans or tuck into cute shorts... easy peasy!!

XXX

Mind change: OLIVIA PALERMO IN TOPSHOP

When I first saw the photos of these Topshop trousers go up I must admit I wasn't sold (see previous post about trousers and pink) but Once again Olivia Palermo has managed to change my mind about a piece of clothing....

Much prefer the bottom half of this outfit to the top half though. Although admitidly I've had my eye on that sheer cream beaded peplum Topshop top for quite some time. I think I'd pair the trousers with similar shoes, but with a slightly oversized white jumper and a thin black patent belt to bring the waist back in. Hey presto a simple spring outfit!!

XXX

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Milan Fashion Week favourite: EMILIO PUCCI A/W13/14

I always find during Milan Fashion Week that Emilio Pucci ends up becoming one of my favourite shows to look at. The textures and colours and variety from the A/W 13/14 show make for beautiful viewing. I won't lie I want to own quite a considerable bit of it. Here I have selected some of my favourite looks and details from the collection.

It's typically Emilio Pucci. Strong shapes, embellished shorts, Over the knee boots, lace panels, sexy bodycon dresses, structured collarless jackets and THAT coat.....

Well I can dream..... can't I?

XXX

Vogue.com