Smart casual

I have always envied people like Danni who look utterly chic and cool without even trying. I think I am much more high maintenance and like things to look 'just so' but I have tried to embrace the casual look more these past couple of weeks with long days on campus in the library...
This is my 'casual' leaning pose ;) 


I was really frustrated when I saw these photos because the outfit looks so much nicer in real life (in my humble opinion!) and it just didn't photograph well at all! :(  I loved the muted colours together and the subtle print mixing with the spotty top and stripy trousers but the light is always rubbish at the moment- sorry guys!


This was the outfit I wore to do the grocery shopping this weekend- I think I may have raised a few eyebrows in Sainsbury's!  ;) Originally I was going to wear these socks but they kept falling down  and it was too cold for 15 denier tights so I swapped them for the Pretty Polly suspender tights, seen here



I felt like this didn't photograph very well either but what do you think? I try and shake my style up occasionally as I think it is all too easy to get trapped into a 'style rut' and this is something I try and avoid where possible. I gravitate towards dresses but sometimes my day calls for something slightly more practical and this is where shorts and trousers come in. I still don't own a pair of jeans (I am yet to find a pair that suit me and are comfortable!) but I am embracing the practicality (occasionally) :D


I never thought I would see the day when I would be wearing ankle boots either! My legs aren't very long and I am wary of making myself seem shorter but these boots are just so comfy and fab to throw on when my outfit looks too prim- does anyone else do that or is it just me?!  The boots are also on sale now at Peacocks so get yourself there! Whilst I prefer dressing up slightly, I am learning to embrace casual dressing- so much easier when I have essays to write... 


I had my hair cut recently too, it's not too much different but it feels so much nicer. I always love getting my hair cut, I find it so therapeutic...I think I was a cat in a past life ;) I can't wait to style it up though, bring on the rollers! :P

 (♥)
Tonight though, I will be reunited with my two favourites, Seth and Ryan (swoon) I know I'm about 8 years late to the party but The O.C. is my new favourite show <3

Do you prefer dressing up or dressing down? Do you think I can pull off a more casual look?

P.S. Would you be interested in me doing a tutorial on how to use rollers?

17 comments

Emilie said...

oooh la la, love the outfits!!

xxxx

lifeisroyalty.blogspot.com

Steph & The Spaniels said...

LOVE the 2nd outfit :)
I find socks always slip down on my unless I wear tights underneath then-so I;ve started doing that a bit more.
Love the pretty pollys (rip mine!)
xxx

daisychain said...

LOVE your trousers in the first outfit!

Dani said...

I'd love a tutorial on rollers! I am useless at doing anything with my hair, I can't even blow-dry it! I'm the same when it comes to dressing 'casual', I like to plan my outfits and look like I've made an effort and I have so much difficulty dressing down, it just doesn't work for me! Love the second outfit with the suspender tights, it looks lovely, and I love how you've matched the colours! xx

Paola said...

fantastic!!!!*_*
www.paolinasspace.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Love the red cardigan!


http://voguishblog.blogspot.com/
x

Unknown said...

Aww, I miss the OC!

You look gorgeous in both outfits, but I think the second is my fave! I fail at casual outfits too generally, but there's nothing wrong with lookig dressed up I think!

Maria Fallon said...

Emilie- Thank you :)

Steph- Aww thank you chick :) I just find socks impossible to control, haha!

Laura- They are so comfy but they're absolutely huge on me :(

Dani- I have only just managed to do mine so I will have to share my wisdom :P I figure dressing up can be no bad thing though :)

Paola- Thank you :)

Ire- Thank you, it's so cosy! :D

Harriet- The OC is amazing, I am watching it now :D Dressing up is the way to go!

Maria xxx

Ellie said...

I love those first trousers on you! I've neevr mastered the smart casual, so this is a real inspiration!

I would love a tutorial on rollers please! I can never use them! x

Maria Fallon said...

Aww thank you Ellie! I do like them, I just can't do casual! I think I am going to have to enlist my boyfriend to help me film a tutorial methinks :)

Maria xxx

Sherin said...

I love your dress down look. The trousers are pretty cool. Love them. You are wearing them really well.
And the Sainsbury's outfit is amazing. Love the red cardi.

And enjoy The OC. It really was a brilliant show.

Maria Fallon said...

Thank you Sherin they are so comfy and so is my red cardi, I've bareky taken it off :P As for the OC, I am OBSESSED, I seriously want to marry Ryan ;)

Maria xxx

daniela kate morosini said...

so much hair envy, i love dark glossy hair! and seth from the OC...xx

Maria Fallon said...

Thank you Danniekate, I am lucky that I can control my hair with a bit of effort :) And I LOVE the OC :D

Maria xxx

Winnie said...

I absolutely adore those PP suspender tights on you! They're amazing. I totally know what you mean about not being able to wear 15 den under those knee highs (and it's a total pet hate when they keep rolling down!) it's far too cold isn't it?

Also know what you mean when something photographs differently than how it looks in real life. I think you look lovely in these though!!

Maria Fallon said...

Thank you Winnie- I do love wearing socks but I just get frustrated when they keep falling down :( Taking photos can be so frustrating, I definitely need a better camera!

Maria xxx

jazmine rocks @ jazzabelle's diary said...

i love those trousers on you (are they cords or just stripey?), you look great! looking forward to seeing how you style your hair with rollers! i've never used them in my life, hehe.

xx