[OUTFIT] Great Plains Bouclé Parisian Biker Jacket

A well chosen jacket can make an outfit. Just as the wrong shape, colour or length can completely ruin one. With this in mind, like shoes, a woman can never have too many jackets. In our opinion.

I am completely obsessed with jackets. I have many. The only one missing most obviously from my wardrobe is a leather biker jacket. But I have yet to find the perfect one. And despite my obsession, I refuse to own more than one leather jacket. So it needs to be just right.

Until then, I seem to be collecting biker style jackets in different fabrics and colours: my neon pink tweed jacket by Next and my green-mix Zara jacket are two favourites. Until now.

Great Plains have been kind enough to send me this gorgeous bouclé Parisian biker jacket. The fabric is blackest black, with the delicious addition of metallic thread running through it. It takes what might have been a pretty plain jacket and turns it into something rather special.

Even better, it’s now in the sale with 50% off. In fact, there are some really great deals to be had over in the Great Plains sale.

I’ve been wearing it in the office all week and for downtime too. The great thing about this jacket is that it can be worn for smart or casual. A bouclé jacket can seem a little to classic and stuffy – a bit too dressy for everyday. But the key is in the styling. We’ve come up with three ways to wear your bouclé jacket:

1. Wear your bouclé jacket with jeans. Skinny jeans work best. Layer it over a blouse and maybe a cardigan.
2. Match it with a bouclé skirt for a classic and smart Chanel-inspired look at the office.
3. Try it over a shift dress. Make sure to add a pair of ankle boots and a patterned scarf to keep the look more modern.

What do you think of my new Great Plains jacket? How would you style it?

[INSPIRATION] Christmas At BHS

What do you think happens in your local department store when the lights go out and the doors are locked at the end of the day? Watch this cute video to see what all of the Christmas gifts at BHS get up to after dark! It reminds me a little of Toy Story and the concept that the toys come to life when the children aren’t there:

http://spreaditfast.com/iframes/christmas-14-video-480×295-AdL2l0dg.html

If you head down to your local BHS store today you’ll be sure to find gifts for all the family. From cosmetics to clothes, biscuits to baubles, there’s something for everyone.

Do you still have all of your Christmas shopping to do? Or are you the organised type who had theirs finished last month? Or earlier even?

As much as I like to be organised and, in the most part, I am, I do love to visit the shops in December: the Christmas tunes are playing, bands are singing carols in the street, there’s a cool crispness in the air, everyone is cheerful despite the inevitable rush, there’s the interest of pretty Christmas wares which only appear at this time of year.

As everyone feels the squeeze, it sometimes seems frivolous to spend too much at Christmas but I do like to treat close friends and family at this most wonderful time of the year! Whether that’s with sweet treats or smelly treats or simply sparkly treats, I think there’s nothing better than plenty of presents under the tree come Christmas morning.

I also like the tradition of distributing gifts and visiting friends and family in the days before Christmas to spread a little festive cheer.

How do you spend Christmas? And the weeks before?

[HOW TO] Light Your Home This Festive Season

Tis the season of joy, festivities and decorations. From tinsel to baubles and paper chains to fairy lights, it’s that time of year when we deck the halls – and the rest of the house!

It is also that time of year when house guests descend. Prior to the arrival of friends and family maybe it’s time to think about how to spruce things up a little? And how better than a little thoughtful lighting to “brighten” the place?

Regular readers will know that we recently moved house. This is the second home we’ve owned together and it is definitely better the second time round. We both know each other’s taste a little better and we’re both a little more chilled out about letting it grow with us. Lighting is important in our home to make each room feel comfortable and cosy. In our living room we have a couple of side lights and a couple of free standing lamps – and right now, the Christmas tree fairy lights are adding a little festive cheer. In our hallway we just added a new table and lamp to take the edge off the rather harsher ceiling lights.

In the bedrooms, we’ve found that floor standing up lighters create a relaxed feeling which is just right for bedtime reading, or to chill out during the evening.

For Christmas, fairy lights don’t have to be restricted to the Christmas tree, try hanging them in a window to share the festive feeling, or winding a string up the banisters.

Over at BHS there’s a massive collection of lighting to choose from – with over 500 light options from as little as £12. Make sure to check out the video for inspiration – and a little warm fuzzy feeling from the cute concept!

How do you light your home? Normally and at Christmas?

[INSPIRATION] How To Style Your Scarf For Autumn/Winter

Autumn is definitely in the air right now, here in the UK. As I sit writing this, it’s suddenly dark and ominous outside and I find myself pulling my cardigan around me a little closer to keep the cold out.

Last weekend I unpacked my winter wardrobe from the boxes in the attic, including all of the scarves that I’ve put away for the summer, in anticipation of cooler temperatures that are already here.

There’s something rather lovely about pulling a huge knit snood on around your neck and the feeling of being all cosy and warmly wrapped up.

Likewise, a lighter silk scarf might not add too much warmth but it certainly adds a little chic to an outfit.

Scarves are also the perfect layering pieces – taking a simple jersey dress and cardigan to something a little bit special in one easy step. Even adding a scarf to my favourite weekend look of jeans and a t-shirt can lift it from couch casual to coffee shop style!

From tartan wool scarves to handmade snoods, I’ve got something for every occasion in my wardrobe. But finding new and stylish ways to wear your scarves is often a challenge.

Accessorize via Monsoon has created a video to give you some inspiration on how to style your scarf this autumn/winter:

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http://spreaditfast.com/iframes/fashion5-video-380×214-tJmFYo7d.html

How will you be wearing your scarf this season?

This post is sponsored by Spreaditfast

[HOW TO] Dress For Your First Day Of Sixth Form Or For Freshers’ Week

As the summer holidays draw to a close so teenagers everywhere look forward to their first day at sixth form, college or university and the age-old question of what to wear looms large!

A couple of weeks ago we discussed how to look good at the school gate for all of the stylish mums out there, this week it’s about student fashion.

Go for the quintessential student look with a pair of boy-fit or skinny jeans, a hoodie and a pair of your favourite battered Converse trainers:

If you’re looking for something a little more imaginative than the above, why not change out the jeans for a swing style dress:

If the trainers look isn’t for you, don’t fear. How adding emphasis to your swing dress with your jewellery? Paired with ballerina pumps and a light cardigan:

For more inspiration we’ve put together our top five pieces every student’s wardrobe should contain:

Parka jacket – will keep you warm throughout the cold winter months as you trudge to and from classes. And will easily cover your pyjamas when you want to make a late night dash to the corner shop for more chocolate/alcohol supplies!

Hoodie – a zip-up hoodie will go over pretty much anything you want it to. Need a light cover-up in the early autumn? Done. Need something cosy to snuggle into when the dreaded winter cold hits? Done. Need something to throw on when you’ve overslept? Done. Every eventuality is sorted!

Trainers – and most importantly a pair of beat-up old Converse trainers. They are an essential part of the British student uniform.

Rucksack – how else will you carry all of your papers and books to classes? But that doesn’t mean it has to be boring.

Scarf – will instantly update your look with a splash of colour – and will keep you warm this winter too.

For further ideas, check out my Pinterest Style Board and be sure to “follow” it for regular style updates!

How will you be dressing on your first day at sixth form/college/university?

[INSPIRATION] Winter At Barbour

It’s only recently that I’ve discovered online designer boutique, Sister. Sister offers a wide selection of designer brands – many at reduced prices – including Michael Kors, Day Birger et Mikkelsen and Barbour.

If you’re looking for a new coat or jacket this season, Barbour has plenty to choose from:

1. For autumn a trench coat is a must for every fashionistas wardrobe. This reversible trench coat offers a two for one option that will match your outfit and your mood. Try the plain side for work and turn it inside out, with the check print, for after hours cocktails.

2. For when the cold weather arrives a duffel coat will do the job of keeping you warm. I can totally imagine adding a lovely woolly hat – with a bobble on top – and a big knit scarf for a proper winter look.

3. If you’re after a classic Barbour coat, try wax jacket. This one with a fur lined collar, it is lovely and cosy too. The wax jacket is a fashion staple that never goes out of style and is the ideal packing partner for a trip to the country or an afternoon in the city!

How will you be keeping warm this winter?

[HOW TO] Five Ways To Update Your Look

Getting dressed seems to be one of those tasks that either goes swimmingly or makes me want to pull every piece of clothing from my wardrobe into a massive pile on the floor to then throw myself into and scream and wail like a two-year old! Yep, I’m not kidding. Sometimes getting dressed feels like one of the most difficult and frustrating tasks imaginable. So I’ve come up with a formula for getting dressed for work days (often the worst!): I have a series of dresses which take next to no thinking and throw them on and I’m good to go.

With a simple look though accessories are a key to making it go from dull to stylish in one easy move. We’ve picked our three favourite quick and easy ways to update your look:

1. Add a bit of colour with a neon belt;
2. How about a little juxtaposition with a big man’s watch to a floaty feminine dress;
3. Make a statement with your necklace;
4. Keep your look black and let your shoes do the talking;
5. A pair of chandelier earrings will make you centre of attention.

How do you update your look?

[OUTFIT] Changing Seasons

Have you noticed that the seasons have changed? What happened to summer? I am currently mourning the end of weather warm enough for bare legs and arms and bemoaning the fact that I now have to wear tights and sleeves!

But if I must wear sleeves, my Orla Kiely for Uniqlo dresses are amongst my favourite pieces to pull on and go. They’re so easy to wear and as an added bonus, they’re pretty too!

For work, I like to be able to open my wardrobe, pick out a dress, put it on and head out the door! I’ve got a nice little collection of dresses coming together for my winter work wardrobe.

I hate being back in tights already – definitely looking forward to a few days in Barcelona later this month when I hope I’ll be bare legged again for a bit.

That being said, black opaque tights have their benefits – they are immensely flattering and mean less leg shaving (always a bonus!).

Last week I threw on a pair of Pretty Ballerina flat shoes with my dress and tights. But this dress works just as well with a pair of heels.

Once the cold weather hits I’ll be wearing this dress with a pair of warmer ankle boots and a nice big scarf.

How are you dressing now that the seasons are changing? Have you got your tights out? Or are you still braving bare legs?

[FRIDAY'S FIVE UNDER FIFTY] Designer Desirables Dresses

If you’re after a new dress this Friday but don’t want to break the bank, look no further. We have five dresses from Designer Desirables, all under £50, for any occasion:

1. For something new to wear to the office on Monday, make your mark in smart peplum pencil dress;

2. For Saturday night out, this PU dress is sure to turn heads!

3. If you’ve got plans to catch some late sunshine this autumn, make sure you add this maxi dress to your suitcase;

4. A bold print midi dress will work for virtually any occasion. Add a blazer for the officer, heels for a night out and ankle boots for a cool weekend look.

5. This casual striped dress is perfect for a relaxed weekend – just add your favourite boots and a cosy gilet.

What are your plans for the weekend? Will you be shopping?

[WISH LIST] Joseph AW13

Autumn is nearly upon us and so it seems like a good time to look to the catwalks from earlier in the year to reflect upon the offerings for Autumn Winter 2013. Fashion brand Joseph presented a cool monochrome collection infused with splashes of bright oranges and pinks. It’s a palette that appeals to my simple tastes. If you hadn’t noticed already, I choose my looks based on ease and all black looks are a particular favourite of mine.

This time of year appeals to my love of layering too and so – in spite of the price tag – I am a little bit in love with the gorgeous sheepskin gilet (#1) which would keep you warm and stylish on a chilly day out.

This year I’m challenging myself to add accents of colour to my looks so that I can continue to wear my all black outfits but with added panache! A splash of neon pink is definitely on my wish list now.

I’ve picked out five of my favourite pieces from the Joseph AW13 collection that I’ve quickly added to my “if-ever-I-win-the-lottery-wish-list”!!

Shop the post: #1; #2; #3; #4; #5

What are you looking forward to wearing for Autumn Winter 2013?

Images via