Saturday 30 November 2013

today i love… rachel boston jewellery

rachel boston jewellery

1. Rachel Boston tiny stag ring / £80 at my-wardrobe
6. Rachel Boston stag stud earrings / £95 at my-wardrobe

When it comes to jewellery, it's safe to say that I've pretty much given up on the high street. Too many times have I bought something only to have it turn from gold to silver, or silver to brass, within a matter of days (seriously, I got one wear out of my ASOS stacked silver rings before they were completely unrecognisable). The worst is rings that leave you with green fingers: seriously over that. All of my once-favourite bracelets ended up consigned to my drawer never to be worn again after just a few weeks. Contrast that with my gold-plated Dogeared necklace and Jordan Askill for Topshop ring, both of which I'm never without, and both of which look (almost) the same as the day I bought them. They weren't ridiculously expensive, either. Cost per wear it actually works out much cheaper to go for gold plating or sterling silver. Plus when it comes to my everyday jewellery, I love pieces that are very subtle and simple but with a little edge to them. So you can understand my obsession with my latest jewellery brand discovery, Rachel Boston. This UK-based designer creates stunningly simple pieces inspired by nature: stag beetle rings, insect leg earrings, spine-shaped bracelets and lizard-effect collars. The results are stunning, eye-catching pieces, all made from quality materials but without jaw-dropping prices. My top pick is the stag ring, which I also featured in my Christmas wish list, but I am pretty much lusting after everything. In any case, I'd take one of these beauties over the whole of Topshop's jewellery stand any day.

PS, Until 8th December you can get 30% off at my-wardrobe.com on all stock except sale items and those marked "New Season" or "Classics", using the code BLACKFRIDAY. Get shopping!


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Friday 29 November 2013

today i love… black friday


I've never been quite sure what Black Friday actually is since it's definitely an American concept, but as with so many other things, it seems the UK has decided to jump on the bandwagon in recent years. From what I can gather it's something to do with Thanksgiving and basically means that shops slash their prices over this weekend (most discounts are from today to Monday). There aren't as many sales on over here as there are on the other side of the pond, but there are definitely a few not to be missed (including Whistles, Mango, Topshop, Benefit, House of Fraser, Kurt Geiger and more.) So if you've been putting off your Christmas shopping, now might be a very good time to get started. Personally I think I'll use this excuse to snap up a few lovely things which have been on my wish list for a while, starting with some if not all of the above. Happy shopping!


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Wednesday 27 November 2013

today i'm wearing...

Isabel Marant pour HM tuxedo jacket

Zara patent ankle boots

Topshop cream aran knit

Zara white skinny jeans

Topshop black leather satchel

I know I was a little less than bowled over by the Isabel Marant pour H&M collection, but I have to say when this beautiful jacket arrived it was love at first sight. It looks really well made and the thick wool fabric means it's a cut above most blazers and winter appropriate to boot. Now I just really wish I'd ordered the lace-up leather trousers as well… Did you get anything from the collection and if so what do you think of it? I'd love to know!

Isabel Marant pour H&M jacket /
Zara jeans /
Topshop bag /




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Monday 25 November 2013

today i love… the monday wish list

Whistles comme ci comme ca sweatshirt Zara leather peplum top Clinique superbalm lip treatment

As a total lip balm addict (ask my delightful friends who decided to hide my stash of lip balm and hand cream on a flight once and laughed at the way I scrambled around frantically for them like a junkie for about half an hour...), I am always on the lookout for one that can really deliver. I'm a big fan of Lucas Pawpaw Ointment which I stocked up on while in Australia, but it's more of a quick fix than a real solution. Guardian beauty columnist Sali Hughes recently posted about this Clinique balm, revering it as able to fix even bleeding chapped lips in a matter of days. I am ever a sceptic but I will put this to the test and let you know the results.

These aren't a new drop on Mango's site (and hardly very weather appropriate anymore), but I haven't been able to get them out of my head since I first saw them. I'm a total sucker for anything perspex, and these definitely have more than a shade of the Louboutin about them. One for the post-Christmas sales, perhaps?

There was a lot of hype surrounding the launch of this sweatshirt last week and it's easy to see why. It manages to have a chic slogan, which in a world of "Lol" and "Geek" emblazoned tees is no mean feat. It's also a perfect everyday staple. I very much suspect this might make the transition into my wardrobe all too soon.

Jewellery, I'm learning, is one thing that it's worth investing in. I've had enough green fingers from cheap high street accessories for one lifetime. Besides, these days I find myself leaning towards classic pieces that I wear everyday, rather than changing things up all the time. So it pays to go for sterling silver or gold-plated pieces. I adore these little studs because they manage to sidestep all the potential pitfalls of stud earrings (looking too "done" or "cute") without making too much of a statement.

Reiss has a beautiful selection of bags which sit perfectly between high street pleather and blow-the-budget designer: pricey enough to be special but not eye-wateringly so. I love this classic little bag for its simple, timeless design with a point of difference: croc effect and in an ever-chic shade of navy.

I've got a couple of Christmas parties to go to and I've spent the last few weeks trying to decide what to wear. Where the hundreds of too tight, too sparkly, too short dresses spilling from every corner of the high street right now would have delighted me as a student, 5 years on I'm so wary of how easy it is to get it wrong when dressing for a party. How to look sophisticated, fashionable and yet still after-dark appropriate? It's certainly a conundrum, but I think this Zara bustier might just be the answer. Simply team with a sleek midi skirt and swept back hair for an ensemble that's pretty much the opposite of New Look's bulging bargain rail.


See what else is on my wish list here.


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Saturday 23 November 2013

today i'm wearing...

Whistles Lennox longline leather biker

Topshop leather croc tote

Topshop Baxter blue ripped jeans

Zara patent ankle boots

& Other Stories white t-shirt

If you follow me on Instagram you might already have seen that to celebrate my new job, I decided to finally treat myself to this amazing Whistles jacket. It's a big investment but I'm absolutely sure I'll be wearing it and loving it for years to come. Needless to say I'm in love.

Topshop bag /
H&M hat /

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Thursday 21 November 2013

today i love… my christmas gift guide


under £25

Christmas gift guide under £25 COS Zara La Bruket ASOS

1. COS lace bra / £19
8. H&M candle / £3.99


under £50

Christmas gift guide under £50 Smythson Tom Ford Diptyque Apivita Whistles



under £100

Christmas gift guide under £100 & Other Stories Eve Lom Reiss Le Labo Laura Mercier


I don't know about you, but at this time of year I just love leafing through the endless gift guides in every magazine and browsing them online (my favourite so far is Never Underdressed's, which by the way is a great site if you haven't come across it yet). Given that I'm shamelessly materialistic, in an ideal world I'd quite happily buy every single beauty gift set and seasonally appropriate candle there is, and have a very merry Christmas indeed. Sadly, money is an object, so instead I'll be settling for one or two for myself and a few for my nearest and dearest. Selfish as I am, this gift guide is just pretty much everything I want, but I'm betting that if you're reading this you've got pretty similar taste to me and so will also be lusting after a good few of these beautiful items for yourself and your friends. Personally when it comes to gifts the only mantra I go by is to try to get something they wouldn't buy for themselves: a candle that's a bit out of their ordinary budget, a notebook from an online shop they might not have discovered, a set of brushes they didn't know how much they needed or an indulgent silk kimono. Best of all is something with a personal touch; my top pick from these gifts is the Le Labo scent, which can be personalised with the recipient's name on the bottle to make it really extra special. As for my friends and family: yes, this post is essentially one giant and very optimistic hint; just don't get me the Laura Mercier brush set as I already have it. Ha.


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Wednesday 20 November 2013

today i'm wearing...

Current Elliott leopard the Stiletto jeans

Zara patent ankle boots

Cambridge Satchel Company navy satchel

River Island cream oversized bouclé coat

And Other Stories white tee

IMG_8117

You can't really see it, but I'm wearing my new favourite t-shirt from & Other Stories under this fluffy monster of a coat (which, by the way, is proving to be as warm as it looks in this wintry weather). I always have to pop into & Other Stories whenever I'm near Oxford Street because it's pretty much my idea of heaven in a store (and at all times full of the most well-dressed people ever, incidentally). Couldn't resist taking home this tee the other day because it ticks all the boxes for a perfect basic: just the right amount of oversized, great off-white colour, just the right amount of see-through, and only £17.

River Island coat /
Current/Elliott jeans /
& Other Stories ring /




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Tuesday 19 November 2013

today i'd love to wear...

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Saturday 16 November 2013

today i'm wearing...

Topshop black Baxter jeans

Zara ponyskin loafers

H&M velvet box bag

H&M leather gilet

ASOS checked fluffy snood

Just about managed to go sockless today, but admittedly I wasn't outside for very long. Sadly I think these loafers will be restricted to "with tights" outfits from now on. Still, I love this time of year. Frosty mornings, Starbucks red cups, orange leaves carpeting the ground, lots of Christmas lighting everywhere… Worth an extra layer or two if you ask me. Especially when you have a lovely cosy new snood around your neck.

H&M leather gilet /
H&M jumper /
Zara shoes /

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Friday 15 November 2013

today i bought… asos checked fluffy snood

asos checked snood

ASOS checked fluffy snood /

As any regular readers will probably know, I've been looking for the perfect checked (or tartan, or plaid, or whatever you want to call it) piece for quite a while now. In lieu of that perfect Stella jumper and those amazing Céline slip-ons, I've been scouring the high street for something that looks suitably of the moment. As I explained in my 5 of the best plaid post, this print comes with a plethora of pitfalls, and until now I hadn't seen anything which made me want to shell out. But when I came across this snood on ASOS' site a few days ago, I didn't hesitate to click it home and I'm pleased to report that it's a keeper. It's an accessory (god I hate the word snood, but I guess that's what it is), meaning you can just throw it on top of an otherwise boring outfit as an easy update; it's not a bad price, so if this trend disappears in a flash I won't be too bereft; it also looks and feels just lovely. Super soft and fluffy, totally warm and cosy, and definitely more than a hint of the Céline about it which belies its high street origins. In other words: the search is over.


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Wednesday 13 November 2013

today i want… isabel marant pour h&m tuxedo jacket

isabel marant pour h&m tuxedo jacket


I haven't posted about the Isabel Marant pour H&M collection yet, but since it finally lands in stores tomorrow morning I thought it was time to add my two cents on the subject. Like most fashion fans I was so excited when I heard back in the summer that the French designer would be the next to grace the high street stalwart with her designs. To be honest H&M's collaborations have been a mixed bag, in my opinion, and largely forgettable. Margiela this time last year was hugely hyped but nothing tempted me enough to part with my cash. Marni was definitely one of the better collaborations, and Lanvin produced some really pretty dresses. But most of the others have been underwhelming - Karl Lagerfeld, Versace, Anna dello Russo… I can't even remember any others. Compared with JW Anderson, Mary Katrantzou or Kate Moss for Topshop, which have all been both true to the designer (or model) and of very high quality, they don't measure up in my opinion. Still, I held out hope that Marant's quintessential brand of French chic would manage to translate to the high street. So when the first pictures came out, I'll admit, I was disappointed. It seemed to be largely just churning out cheaper and undoubtedly worse quality copies of her previous designs. I don't know about you, but to me this seems like a copout on a few levels: firstly, I would have killed for those Navajo jeans two years ago, but now? Not so much. Secondly, if I were a Marant diehard who'd shelled out for the real deal, I'd be somewhat annoyed at the prospect of a load of teenagers walking around in the same design for a fraction of the price. And I just feel like it's missing a trick. JW Anderson's collection for Topshop was a collection in its own right: it had its own motifs, its own character. It doesn't feel like Marant's has the same. But, that said, I am keeping an open mind because I could be wrong; the pieces could be beautiful and after all, for a lot of us it might be our only chance to get our hands on some Marant, and that's not to be sniffed at. And while most of the pieces aren't wowing me, the above jacket has definitely caught my eye and made me determined not to miss out on a slice of the action. (I'm tempted by the lace-up leather trousers, too, but they are hard to get right on the high street). So what are your thoughts? Will you be queueing for a piece of Marant pour H&M, or giving this one a miss?


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Monday 11 November 2013

today i love… the monday wish list

Whistles Carin cashmere knit, Kate Bosworth for Topshop Pistol stiletto boots

Welcome to a new feature on my blog, the Monday wish list. I don't know about you, but Monday feels like the perfect day to do a little sneaky online shopping to me. When Friday feels so far away, clicking home a lovely little treat is the perfect pick-me-up, plus then you can spend the rest of the week looking forward to its imminent arrival. So every other Monday I'll be putting together six of my favourite pieces available to shop now for your perusal pleasure.

My hunt for the perfect Céline checked piece continues, but this cute pouch is my current pick. A simple and inexpensive way to buy into the trend and add a little interest to all your outfits. I like the idea of teaming it with white skinny jeans and a cream knit for a pop of colour.

I don't know about you, but around this time of year my skin starts crying out for hydration and I start frantically scanning the shelves for luxe, rich moisturisers aplenty. I'm still in love with M&S' beauty department (such a great selection of brands) and I've heard good things about Skyn Iceland, so I'm very tempted to give this a try.

Whistles' newly launched cashmere collection makes my inner knitwear addict go a little giddy. It's hard to narrow down my wish list to just one as they are all sumptuously soft perfection, but this dove grey textured version is my current top contender. Probably the ultimate wardrobe staple.

Purveyor of tough jewellery Dominic Jones recently launched his cheaper diffusion line, DJ by Dominic Jones, which combines gold plating and enamel in a very covetable and affordable collection of accessories. I'm slowly getting back into earrings at the moment, but they've got to be the opposite of girly, and these thorn-shaped beauties certainly fit the bill.

This is the time of year when I have to admit that my open-toed heels won't be getting much use anymore, so it's time to invest in some winter-appropriate (yet still nice and impractical) boots. I wasn't 100% sure about this nude Kate Bosworth for Topshop pair initially, preferring the classic black version, but actually I'm starting to love them. Paired with jeans and a slouchy knit I think they'd suitably sex up any ensemble.

COS, that purveyor of perfect minimalism, never throws up any particular "wow" piece that makes my jaw drop and my debit card itch. What it does do, however, is consistently produce classics that subtly whisper style without making a song and dance about it. This burgundy coat, utterly simple yet oh so chic, is a case in point. A timeless investment if ever I saw one.


See what else is on my wish list here.


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Sunday 10 November 2013

today i'm wearing...

River Island cream boucle coat

Zara leopard tote

Zara patent ankle boots

Ray-Ban Clubmasters

Topshop black skinny jeans

Was intending to wear my ponyskin loafers today, but sadly I think the time for no-socks footwear has passed and I chickened out owing to the (almost) freezing weather. So I fell back on these patent beauties once again, I'm afraid. Still, I'm not going to apologise for how much I love them. I never quite understand the fashion bloggers who wax lyrical about an item only for it to appear a mere once or twice on their blog. Hopefully you're not too bored of them and you'll let me off…

PS, If you happen to pick up the December issue of InStyle (UK), check out the shoot with Irish actress Katie McGrath which I assisted on (see a picture here). It was such a fun day, mainly due to the fact that not only is Katie totally stunning, she's also incredibly lovely. Total girl crush.

Topshop Boutique jumper /
Topshop jeans /
Zara bag /

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Friday 8 November 2013

today i want… whistles lennox leather biker

whistles lennox longline leather biker


I posted about almost this exact same jacket around this time last year, although back then it was called Jamie instead of Lennox (see it here). Ironically in that post I was bemoaning the fact that I let a similar jacket pass me by and that I was determined not to do the same again with the Whistles beauty. Of course, given that the price was £450 and I didn't ever see it go into the sale, I did indeed do just that, and I've been haunted by its vision of outerwear perfection ever since. One of the girls at the Telegraph had it, and whenever I saw her wearing it I felt a pang of envy and regret. But it seems that Whistles have deigned to give me one last chance to bag this beauty. Of course, this year it's £45 more (not quite sure that's the right rate of inflation), giving me another financial conundrum. So what do you think I should do? Relent and finally make this beauty mine at a jaw-dropping cost to my bank balance? Or wait for the sales and risk losing out on it all over again?


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Wednesday 6 November 2013

today i'm wearing...

Topshop Unique khaki bomber jacket

Topshop cream aran knit

Zara leather trousers

Zara patent ankle boots

H&M velvet box bag

I love when the seasons change and you can start to rediscover some much loved items that have been lurking in the back of your wardrobe. This Topshop Unique jacket was arguably my favourite purchase of last A/W and I'm still feeling the love for it in a big way. It's just so oversized, chunky and awesome. Teamed it with my favourite accessories right now (kind of wearing these boots into the ground) to bring it up to date a little.

Topshop Unique jacket /
Zara trousers /

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Tuesday 5 November 2013

today i'd love to wear...

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Sunday 3 November 2013

today i'm wearing...

Whistles Lara slate print skirt

River Island cream textured coat

Mulberry black Alexa satchel

Isabel Marant black Dicker boots

Sorry for the lack of outfit posts lately. It's been hard to find time to take pictures in the daytime. Managed to take these today of an outfit I wore on Tuesday for a lovely day of sitting in a pub in Islington with my two best friends, eating ridiculous amounts of food and playing cards, followed by my first taste of Chinese bubble tea (yum). Note to self: in future do not wear a high-waisted skirt when there is a 2 for 1 lunch offer on...

H&M jumper /

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Friday 1 November 2013

today i love… 5 of the best plaid

5 of the best plaid


Or tartan, as we prefer to call it on this side of the pond. Or even checks. Whichever moniker you choose, the fact remains that this print - thanks to those two rather influential British ladies Stella McCartney and Phoebe Philo - is one of the hottest to be seen in at the moment. The dream is that Stella McCartney knit (be still my beating heart), but since the price tag makes my jaw visibly drop, I thought I'd scour the high street for some slightly more budget-friendly alternatives. There are a few pitfalls to watch out for with this print though, as with any trend that's been done a thousand times before. A couple of key pointers to keep it looking more 2013 and less 2003: 1) stay away from plaid shirts. There's no easier way to look more lumberjack than lovely. Blouses, however, in organza or silk rather than cotton, are a whole different story. 2) Keep the colours soft, pastel and generally Céline-esque. Stay away from harsh colour combinations like red and black, or black and white. 3) Keep textures soft where possible: angoras and silks are perfect. Above I've picked a few of my favourite pieces around at the moment, but I'm still keeping my eyes peeled for a worthy alternative to the Stella jumper. Let me know if you come across a suitable contender…


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