Car park chic

Well, its fair to say it's been a little while! I've been meaning to get back into the flow of blogging again, but work life has just been quite hectic. That being said, i'm soon to start a new chapter in my career and of course that called for a lil shopping spree, 'cause any excuse really! 

I just purchased a few basics and some summer staples as even though we've had some nice summer days so far, there hasn't been enough heat for a proper update on my summer wardrobe, until I get a holiday booked that is.

I'm dying to get in the sun and near the sea.. wishing I could just been whisked away to a secluded island free of charge... a girl can dream.

But until then here's me enjoying some summer greenery, keeping it chic in leafy car park, wearing one of my recent and fave basic tee's (outfit details below). As well as this I also purchased a dressier striped over sized tee from & other stories. Because I truly believe one can never have too many stripes.

Striped Tee - Zara (basic)

Skinny dark denim wash jeans - Zara

Trainers - Adidas Gazelles

Baker boy hat - Asos

Suede bag - Florencia in Barcelona 

Pics to come of the VM in the Florencia store and my trip to Barcelona.

Never look back

 

Slogan shirt - H&M

Raw hem Jamie jeans - Topshop

Suede yellow boots - Zara

Fish net socks - Primark

Fedora - H&M

 

Hello spring!

We are now in March and spring has officially arrived, although at times I don't think Manchester is 100% sure on what season it is, there has still been some wet and chilly days lately but I'm hoping it starts to warm up soon. I am sooo ready for summer, I mean aren't we all!

So last week I got the pleasure of shooting with an old friend, she kindly got some outfit shots for me using her camera. So we headed over to Northern Quarter in Manchester to get some good shots. Unfortunately the Manchester weather wasn't on our side, so we did have to hurry before the rain returned. We're hoping to shoot again soon when the weather warms up, so watch this space.


                           

I love the transitional pieces that are available at this time of year. I had my eyes on these suede yellow booties, and when I walked into Zara and there was one size 6 left I knew it was a sign! Plus I'm a sucker for a statement shoe. I must admit I was on edge wearing them due to Manchester's rainy weather, so I think they may have to wait to be worn again until its dryer. I think they will really compliment my new gingham ruffle mini skirt, which is also from H&M.

Its all about gingham this season and I am loving it, a pattern that you can truly carry through from a day to night look. I've already got three new gingham pieces and we're not far into spring. I just need that sun to make an appearance so I can show them off.


                             

Mixing multiple trends is something I often like to do and that's why this particular shirt caught my eye. As you will have noticed from recent posts, I have been showing my appreciation for bell sleeves which were seeing on at the runways shows and in stores at the moment. Which led me to get another bell sleeve item, bell sleeves, slogan and pinstripe all in one.. win win.
 

To finish this look, I teamed my shirt and boots with my failsafe Topshop Jamie jeans.
 

Finally the fish nets are still around whether you are going for a cool day time look, or adding a touch of grunge to your night out outfit, there are some great options for fishnet pop socks and tights available on Asos and for bargain prices head to Primark.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday people!

A x

Spring... I'm ready for ya

                 

• Bell sleeve jumper - Zara
• Suede skirt - Topshop
• Love heart tights - Topshop
• Suedette boots - Primark

So this weekend has been a delightfully chilled and leisurely one I must say. Filled with wholesome food including my mums delicious roast and also a little spa treat as an early birthday pressie. So nice to relax with the mother hen which included a swim, jacuzzi, sauna & steam room. I also did a spot of shopping with the parents and got a couple of early birthday treats.. which I will post soon. Zara and H&M have some great bits in store right now.
                             

                                

                                

                                

I'm loving big sleeves at the moment, especially bell sleeves which are really in this season. See image below for one of my fave looks from London Fashion Week.

                
                                         
                                           • Hellessey at London Fashion Week - LFW17

                           Stripes, satin and big sleeves - all in one look... it's a yes from me!

As well as the bell sleeve knitwear number I'm wearing above, I treated myself to a bell sleeve pinstripe blouse which is just fab and getting me ready for spring.

I think I'm getting better at posting more regularly. However I would usually be at work right now, but I've been stuck to my bed/the couch all day with the worst throat and swollen tonsils. *insert sad face* just hoping I'm better in time for my birthday.

Happy hump day!

A x

A Sunday well spent

...Brings a week full of content.

 

  

• Fave biker jacket: Zara
• Ruffle blouse: Primark
• Black jeans: Topshop
• Western buckle boots: River Island
• Black satchel bag: Calvin Klein 

So this weekend I had the pleasure of my lovely Mumsy coming to stay over. She secretly organised an early birthday surprise to see Swan Lake in the Manchester opera house & theatre! It was amazing, the sheer talent and coordination of the dancers was mesmerizing! And the costumes were fabulous!

After the theatre we went to one of Manchester's gems for wine, the building has been around for years and has been renovated inside. Situated at the heart of Manchester's Oxford Road, named ' The Refuge' with the Principal hotel upstairs.

The interior is gorgeous, from the tallest olden walls and beams, to bohemian patterned tiles and rustic themes within each room. It gives off the right mix of an old and modern feel. Not to mention the huge trees covered in little fairy lights, creating such a nice ambiance, a great place to go for tasty and homely food and drinks or both!

Today we went for brunch, visited the art gallery and did a spot of shopping. Here's some pics of my delightful weekend. If only every weekend could be spent watching the ballet, drinking fine wine, looking at art and eating the best food.

Enjoy your Sunday evening!

 A x

                                  

                    

                                      

                      
     
            

            
                                       
                                              

City chic

                                  


                                                         Faux Fur biker jacket - Zara 
                                                         Bell sleeve jumper - Zara
                                                         Culottes - Topshop 
                                                         Authentic leather boots - Zara 
                                                         Lace choker - H&M 


                               

                                

And i'm back!

So admittedly it's been a poor effort from me on the blogging front since summer! However one of my new year resolutions is to focus on my career goals and what I enjoy doing, and blogging is one of them, even if it is just something I like to do in my spare time for now.

I can't believe Christmas and new year has come and gone, but what a fab one it has been!

With January blues hitting us all hard, I decided to take advantage of the January sales of course with this gorg knitwear number from Zara. And of course my amazing biker jacket which has hardly been off my back since I got it for Christmas! It's still full price too thankfully! For anyone who is after a coat that keeps you truly warm but also makes you feel fabulous then it's got you covered. As well as the January sales I've also been enjoying some January deals, don't we all enjoy a 50% off menu, that we do! So this weekend I had the best time with my best friend indulging in food and drink and being city tourists, appreciating Manchester's art galleries and China town. Not to mention the fabulous bottomless brunch at Manchester's Neighborhood restaurant in Spinningfields. I've included some snaps below of my fun filled weekend in the city, enjoy!



 


                  
     
                
                                 

                                                                    Steph is wearing:
                                                                    Pleated dress: Zara
                                                                    Patent boots: Boohoo
                              Strappy lace bra: Asos (great for under v neck tops and dresses or mesh)

                       

Sunday Style

Khaki shacket: Topshop 

White tee: Zara

Strappy cami: New Look

Cullotes: Topshop

Gazelles by Adidas

Tote bag: Primark 

So yesterday I had a lovely relaxing Sunday, breakfast and blogging in bed - catching up on some of my fave bloggers and a bit of Pinterest for weekly style inspo. Then I finally got round to visiting the Vogue 100 years of style exhibition at The Manchester Art Gallery, which I throughly enjoyed and will definitely be going again, and to purchase some merchandise from the gift shop. It was a fabulous exhibition, showcasing fashion of the era's and some very iconic designers, models and famous photos.

I've included some sneaky pics below. After the gallery, me and my friend went and bought a baguette followed by a coffee and pain au chocolat - feeling very Parisian indeed. 

Kate Moss 

Alexander McQueen - will always be one of my favourite designers/fashion artists 

Winona Ryder 

Fashion in the 80's - 'speed of life'

Kate Moss during the beginning of her career in the 90's 

Maudie James looking absolutely fabulous in a long sequin dress and matching pink scarf and trousers so chic. I particularly like this image, as it shows the young man painting the image behind them and Maudie seems to be delighted by his sense of style, looking cool and hipster, how he would easily fit in today - proving fashion does come back around. And the chap who is admiring Maudie sat on the floor. I would love this among many of the others featured in my new flat!

Alex Turner - Lead singer of the Arctic Monkey's 

Fashion on film 

A/W16 has landed

Leopard print Jacket: Zara

Ruffled top: Primark

Wax coated jeans: Topshop

Pointed boots: Zara 

Suede bag: Zara

Silver chain choker: Next

Western belt: Asos 

Sooo new season Zara has landed and they never fail to disappoint. With their new A/W lines looking classy, cool and bang on trend. They have really nailed leapord print for next season, as we know leapord print always makes a come back in the autumn/winter seasons, although it can be tricky to get it spot on. I personally can be quiet fussy about it, but Zara never let me down. 

The jacket and boots are two fabulous post graduation treats that my wonderful nan treated me too. We do love a little wonder into chester for some shopping and a bite to eat when I'm home. I teamed them with a summer appropriate top - only £10 from primark! And ruffles are still carrying through summer. A fave over the shoulder suede bag and new silver choker, which I like as its quite dressy. 

Even though it's still (supposed to be) summer, I couldn't resist and had to take my jacket and boots out for a whirl. However I paid the price at the end of the night with my first outing, the boots are paaaiiinful, but they are authentic Italian leather and are soft so I'm hoping they stretch on the next wear! You know what they say, no pain no gain.

 

I need to attempt to get into a routine of posting every Sunday, but it's hard now I've started my new job... First graduate job as a fashion import merchandiser and it's going well! I'll post some of the ranges I've been working on later in the year.

Happy Sunday! Xo