Wedge Trainers and Fur

In these arctic conditions it can be tempting to grab as many layers as possible and pile them on with no consideration of the potentially disastrous consequences. Teaming your dad's old fleece with an ill-advised, multi-coloured scarf acquired from an Aunt years ago may seem like a good idea at the time, but there are ways to keep the cold out without committing the fashion crime of the century!

For the winter months I have a checklist of 'must-have' items that provide much needed warmth whilst still looking glam. One such item is the fur gilet and whilst I will highlight the rest in my next post, here is my latest seasonal outfit. I have used a leopard print belt to add to the overall look and accentuate my waist. Note that I am not referring to the bright coloured, bomber jacket types (!) but the chic faux fur varieties worn by leading fashionistas such as Olivia Palermo.

In terms of jewellery, my latest obsession is this knuckle duster set of rings. After seeing Rosie Fortescue on Made in Chelsea wearing the amazing Maison Martin Margiela set BUY HERE, I managed to find a more purse-friendly option from Asos (link below).

Fur Gilet: Romwe, Jumper: H and M, Belt: Topshop, Black Jeans: Topshop, Watch: Michael Kors, Earrings: Topshop, Rings: Asos, Wedge Trainers: Primark similar here

Leather Sleeves & Bowler Hats

As the snow hit London I realised (a little late) that it was time to dig out my winter hats, gloves and general warm attire. Being a fan of vintage clothing, my wardrobe is littered with purchases I have picked up from various charity shops over the years, including this patterned jumper.

I love the bowler hat trend which is ideal for the colder weather. Injecting a bit of 'city cool' into your wardrobe can never be a bad thing and whether you wear yours to look edgy or smart, it works. I always get excited when fashions from the 1950s and 60s regain popularity and the bowler hat has undoubtedly secured its 'on-trend' status for the moment.  What I am wearing here is actually an old wooly hat that I have had for years-rolled up around the rim to look bowler-esque!

Leather sleeves are still huge. When it comes to fashion I think attention to detail is key and I love the texture contrast of this coat- wool teamed with leather. Black is timeless and below the knee coats instantly smarten up an everyday outfit.

Coat: ebay SIMILAR HERE, Bag, Hat and Jumper: vintage, Jeans: Topshop SIMILAR HERE, Boots: Missguided, Watch: Michael Kors

Studded Collar with a Touch of Vintage

If you are shopping on a budget and don't want to invest in an expensive studded shirt, there are DIY options! I found this silver shirt in a little charity shop and studded the collar myself using a set of Pyramid Studs that I purchased online HERE. It helps that one of my friends works in costume (!) but with a pencil aid and a steady hand, the studs are not hard to align.

My skirt is a recent Missguided purchase in a wet-look style. It is so comfortable and I expect to get a lot of wear out of. Although I have a similar leather skirt already, with the £13 price tag I couldn't resist. The blazer is an old vintage-style New Look purchase that I got in the sale and in terms of shoes, if you scroll down you will find them mentioned, my beloved studded pumps POST! I added the Oxblood (the AW 'IN' colour) bag to give my look a splash of colour and it came from a vintage market.

Enjoy x

Cut-off Shorts and Biker Jacket

Jacket: Zara, Scarf: old (!), Necklace: Asos, Shorts: Levi's, Bag: vintage, Ankle Boots: Topshop

This was one of my weekend outfits for an Autumn day out in London. 

I have blogged about this Zara jacket in the past as one of my wardrobe staples. It can be worn with pretty much anything. I love the contrasting fabric arms with leather lapels at the front and I also find it is warmer than standard PU biker jackets. Here I have teamed it with a plain black top, gold collar necklace and khaki printed scarf to complete the look.

My shorts are classic Levi's cut-offs that I purchased from a little vintage shop, and the tapestry bag is also vintage. My zippy boots are last season's Topshop. Shorts and skirts with heeled ankle boots is always on trend for Autumn/Winter and although they set me back over £70, I definitely find spending a bit extra on footwear pays off.

Barbour Coat & Studded Pumps

Barbour coats are often spotted doing the festival rounds on rainy weekends, or during the autumn months on celebrities such as Alexa Chung. As a lightweight smart/casual piece, the navy Barbour remains my staple autumn coat. I love the checkered lining and the oversized gold zip. The waxed version will set you back over £200 (Waxed Barbour) but the quilted versions are more modest in price (Quilted Barbour).

I have said it already and I'll say it again...still loving jumpers and collars *Post*; especially when teamed with a chunky collar-style necklace. For some similar looks click here.

My studded pumps are an old favourite but alas, they may need replacing soon due to over-wear. I can't count the number of times they have got soaked in the rain and I have endured a day of soggy feet. Studs are definitely here to stay for AW12 and the high street is still full of variations on the Studded Loafer Examples.

Coat: Barbour, Fluffy Jumper: H and M, White shirt: Romwe.com, Necklace: Accessorize, Bag: Vintage, Shoes: Topshop