Melody

Tuesday, 17 November 2015

Pastels in the Rain

Oh, we are well and truly transitioning into our ever bittersweet British Winter here in London. I say bittersweet because while the wind, cold and rain is biting at my shivering skin, a huge part of me loves the city in the Winter - dark nights, Christmas pop ups, festive food markets, and an impossible amount of entertainment to try and pull us out of the Wintery darkness.

Whilst today wasn't spent enjoying any of the above and Charlie and I were pretty much working inside all day, we did pop out for a bit to take some blog photos and get some naaiiiiice fresh (and wet) air. These photos are a bit all over the place - we had to go back home mid-shoot to clean the camera lense, and as you can tell the cold seems to have numbed all my face muscles... still, it was the perfect opportunity to start showing off my obscene Winter coat collection. Another reason why Winter in London is great - you don't have to think about what you're wearing under all those layers.

This coat is a perfect example of how when my willpower makes a very rare appearance, it can pay off. A couple of years ago I was lusting over this pastel Miss Selfridge coat which unfortunately for my bank account was around £70, but after spotting it in the Summer sales I grabbed it for £20. YESSSS. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of a good bargain. For super cosiness I paired it with my pastel blue fuzzy fuzzy cookie monster muppet jumper from Brave Soul. Not a brand I normally go for, but their jumpers are so soft I couldn't resist. Throughout the Winter months you'll begin to see how comfort takes priority over any fashion sense I may have had....

Till next time xxx

Saturday, 7 November 2015

Welcoming Winter

Hi everyone!

Apologies for being so quiet the last couple of weeks, I've been busy recovering and now working three jobs (god help me). And double apologies for the quality of these pictures, we didn't have the SLR with us on our trip to Canary Wharf so iPhone photos will have to do!

Today was actually a bit of a work trip as I needed to write a review for Big Easy and The Breakfast Club in Canary Wharf (two of my favourite restaurants ever ever) but I got to see a couple of friends of mine who live in Devon so we rarely get to see each other, and that was super nice. Of course I couldn't review Big Easy without eating at this branch (or so I told myself) so it was a day of delicious food - popcorn shrimp, fried chicken, bacon and waffles in maple syrup, and pulled pork burgers. If I wasn't skint I'd have pounced on the Lobster Fest but that will have to wait till another time...

Anyway, I was feeling very Autumnal today. The weather is nowhere near as cold as it usually is in Autumn so I was making the most of this very flimsy but pretty Missguided dress, and even got the chance to break out my new cosy Winter headband from ASOS - because technically the Sky Garden is still sooort of outside. You know when it's too warm for a hat but your ears still get FREEZING? Yep. Of course, I had to wear poppies to commemorate Rememberance Sunday tomorrow, especially since I'd lost the pin from my actual poppy and had to leave it at home :( I'd also like to apologise for the massive great spot on my head, still visible through layers and layers of foundation. I've been trying quite a lot of new skincare lately, attempting to find a very mattifying cleanser and scrub, and I think all the trial and error is wreaking havoc on my skin a bit. So actually I don't apologise for the spot at all, but I am sorry that you do have to look at it because it is INESCAPABLE.

Tuesday, 27 October 2015

Welcome to Wanderdusk

Every once in a while I am lucky enough to be contacted by a brand that I genuinely love so that I can style and share some of their products. I only accept proposals where I have real love for the product and it is something I would wear daily and purchase on my own terms.

I was THRILLED when Wanderdusk Jewellery sent me this beautiful ‘boho trio’ to match my boho-esque Aumtumnal style. In this photo I’m wearing the suedette laser cut light camel coloured choker, a black thin choker with a shark tooth silver pendant, and a slightly longer black necklace with a silver coloured patterned spiritual hand pendant. I’ve been wearing a lot of layered necklaces recently (or just layering up individual ones) and I love how the differences in lengths and style when combined together can really jazz up an outfit that otherwise might feel a little plain. With this trio, there is even further variety added with the different textures and patterns used in the necklaces, especially the choker. The style of all three together created a really mystical, spiritual vibe which I loooove.

As you may know I love clashing patterns and prints, so wearing these three necklaces together was a must! I paired them with my favourite go-to bell-sleeved white top and a new floral patterned light waistcoat to emphasise the boho feel; an outfit which I plan to wear when I’m next enjoying a day out in town. However all three necklaces can create completely different looks when worn individually. I can definitely see myself wearing the suedette choker with a simple light coloured shirt or blouse for a smarter or more professional setting, and I’ve just been wearing the shark tooth pendant with an Allsaints printed jersey vest top and an open striped shirt whilst doing errands for a more relaxed look.

Which one is your favourite?

Check them out here.

Wanderdusk have given me a special discount code for all my followers to get a generous 20% OFF! Use the code ‘MELODY’ during checkout :)

xxx

Sunday, 25 October 2015

Best New Brands - Joseph Vintage Wear

So after spending a little time at Fashion Week and discovering some amazing new brands, I've decided to do a few little posts dedicated to my favourite up-and-coming, brand-spanking-new fashion companies. Joseph Vintage Wear claims to 'recover vintage fashion', and they do just that, giving classic vintage pieces an exciting modern vibe and tailoring their products to their consumer base. Although JVW stocks both Menswear and Womenswear, the brand also celebrates the idea of gender-neutral fashion with a 'his or hers' page - perfect for girls like me who love a baggy jumper or a boyfriend-cut denim jacket or shirt. There really is something for absolutely everyone. Gender-neutral fashion is becoming increasingly popular lately, particularly after the Selfridges Agender concept shop opened which has a collection that basically looks like it stepped straight off of one of this seasons catwalks - before it even happened.

With an online capsule collection compromised of retro block coloured jumpers, edgy denim jackets and bright bombers, it's super on trend for AW15 whilst still remaining true to it's vintage roots. Initially after browsing the website, the sleek, sophisticated design did have me worried that the gorgeous minimalist jumper that I had my eye on was going to break the bank - but literally everything online is under £25. EVERYTHING. Even genuine leather jackets and shoes! It genuinely makes me never want to shop somewhere like Topshop again where a faux leather jacket can cost upwards of £100. Scroll down for the links to these fab items.

Although in the early stages of it's fashion life, Joseph Vintage Wear is already blossoming beautifully and discovering it's own unique style, which is hard to do these days with so many retro brands around at the moment. As if you needed another reason to love them, they’re super eco-friendly and have a heavy focus on recycling clothing (naturally, being a vintage brand) as well as using purely recycled materials for packaging and gifts. They’ve also recently launched their own t-shirt designs which will be completely organic and created using re-processed materials as well. Ticking all the boxes here, guys.

I honestly can't wait till the collection grows and we can see some more from this ambitious and exciting brand - definitely one to watch. Bring it on, JVW! Check them out here.

Womenswear