8

T by Alexander Wang shirt; Helmut Lang blazer; ASOS envelope clutch; Marc by Marc Jacobs turnlock bracelet; T by Alexander Wang skirt; Alexander Wang heeled boots; Marc by Marc Jacobs katie bracelet

The above image sums up the sort of thing that I like to wear on a regular basis. Simple and clean, with minimal or no fuss jewellery. I've been trying to use clutches where possible, just to justify owning the few that I have, as I tend to play favourites with my purses (although considering some of my previous purchases, I would say this is a good thing) - that and I am too lazy to switch all the items floating around in my handbag to another one. I also tend to forget how much more pulled together a blazer can make an outfit look, as I love the comfort and slouchiness of a cardigan

The irony of these sorts of outfits is that it is very reminiscent of what I wore every day during my college years for my school uniform, bar the tartan and awful teal colour. Over those five years it probably became ingrained in me that this is the sort of thing that I should wear, even though I loathed having to wear that uniform and relished having a "mufti day" each term. Thankfully the same can't be said about the polo shirt and culotte style shorts I wore during my intermediate years...

7

Karen Walker blouse; T by Alexander Wang cardigan; Topshop jeans; Proenza Schouler bag

Whilst getting ready in the morning, I think it is fair to say that more often that not, we lean towards old favourites, a kind of uniform if you were so inclined to put a label on it. This combination of clothing is something that requires so little thought that it becomes almost an automatic response when standing in front of your wardrobe.

For me, this is usually one of three combinations:
1. Blouse worn with skinny jeans and a cardigan or a blazer
2. A blouse worn with a skirt and a cardigan or a jumper thrown over top
3. A dress and a cardigan, with numerous necklaces layered around my neck.

I guess these all follow a similar vein and are not typically exciting in that there is no interesting layering going on, but it's simple, and works for me. I've had very little luck in the past when trying to incorporate new style to my wardrobe, which only reinforces my feelings towards how I typically dress. I find trend-based pieces seldom mesh with my more basic and muted wardrobe, and have given up trying to follow them altogether (more or less to a larger extent at least).

It's ironic that something as simple as getting dressed could become so complicated, although it probably only becomes that way because, or if, we let it.

6

scarf from eBay; Witchery belt

Leopard print. It's one of those things that year in year out, always has a moment, and is arguably a timeless staple, as long as you manage to find the right pieces. My hunt for the right accents of leopard for my wardrobe has been a long one, and thrice have I found the perfect leopard skirt. Twice have I realised that what I had at the time considered perfect, became imperfect within a few months time. Here's hoping my latest leopard skirt purchase doesn't hold the same fate.

Accessories on the other hand, tend to stand the test of time, or at least in my wardrobe. Two recent additions to my collection are the leopard print scarf and belt pictured above. They make a nice contrast to an otherwise unassuming outfit, without coming across as too garish.

5

Karen Walker dress and rings; Acne cardigan; Chloe heels; Topshop necklace worn as a bracelet

I'm having a bit of a moment with fine jewellery, a complete turn-around from the more clunkier pieces I have worn in the past. My favourites are these "fine things" rings I've started to accumulate. I love the concept of stacking a number of them on each finger, and they're so delicate that I hardly notice I'm wearing them.

Wearing my Chloe heels for what feels like the first time in eons, has resulted in a discovery that perhaps my feet are no longer acclimatised to wearing such high heels in the way they once were. I guess this comes as no surprise; the other day I wandered into a shoe store, as I had spotted a pair of heels that bared a striking resemblance to these Charlotte Olympia pumps I had had my eye on. After trying them on I came to the conclusion that they were a) too high, and b) I could barely walk in them.

PS. had to throw in another one of Max - most of my early evening is filled with him either attacking my hands, or trying to shower my face with jumping cuddles.

4

Karen Walker dress, blazer, belt and rings; Pointer loafers; Triwa watch

Karen Walker had it so right, when she stated that for her, navy was the fundamental neutral. As the years have progressed, I've noticed myself shying away from a wardrobe that once consisted of too much black (although working in an industry where it was necessary was a likely catalyst for that trend), to one where navy is the dominant dark tone. It's incredible the things that you learn about your style and preferences when overhauling your wardrobe. I managed to identify that navy, blush, and light greys make up the base of my wardrobe, with complementing colours scattered in-between.

If you didn't manage to catch it on twitter the other week, the little black and brown tabby striped kitten pictured above is Max, who was the most loveliest of birthday surprises.

3

Topshop blazer; Creatures of Comfort shorts (similar here); Karen Walker blouse & necklace; Isabel Marant heels

I'm possibly obsessed with short suits. Just a little. Okay so that's a lie. I've spent most of the summer trying to grab any opportunity where I can pair some shorts with a similar coloured blazer, or, as luck would have it after purchasing a sample piece, a matching blazer and shorts together.

There's something about the way a fluid pair of cuffed shorts, paired with a blazer and silk blouse can look professional, yet is equally appropriate for a few drinks with friends apres work, that draws me to the silhouette. Or perhaps I'm just having a shorts moment.

2

Topshop heels, T by Alexander Wang cardigans, Karen Walker blouses

I recognise that purchasing in excess of what you need is not the best mentality to have when shopping, but one thing I find I can't help but do, is purchase certain items in more than one colour. I've been pretty lucky to nab things on sale, in particular both the burgundy and black pairs of heels above from Topshop, and also in the fact that I haven't neglected one or the other.

I've found that this usually works best when it's a staple item in your closet, one that is worn every day. For me, this is things like those T by Alexander Wang cardigans above, multiples of skinny jeans (I have converted!), or silky blouses. It probably goes without saying that this method has worked against me in the past, and prompted moments of regret, but what can I say, these things happen. Has anyone else had much success buying in multiples?

1

Givenchy sequined heels; Lover skirt

Back again. Initially I had thought that I wouldn't be returning to blogging, but to tell the truth, I've missed it. Over the last few months, I've been able to truly focus on the gaps missing in my wardrobe, with little to no distractions. I may still be buying things, but my attitudes towards shopping have changed, as has the height of the heels on my shoes.