Burgundy jeans and a striped tee...

I have always found that clothes are the best indicator of my mood, whether that is bright and exuberant or more restrained. So much of our confidence is tied up with how we look and blogging has made me a much more confident person (just look how far I have come since one of my first outfit posts!) but recently I have been feeling all kinds of rubbish. I realise that most people won't want to know about my self esteem issues but I have always been honest about the lows on this blog as unfortunately life isn't always sunshine and flowers! Since starting my job last April, I have put on a lot of weight and much to my dismay, some clothes are now off limits as they are too small. As a result of this, I have been quite self conscious of my problem areas (hello hips and torso!) and so have been looking for ways to disguise them. I am working to lose my weight gain, replacing crisps and cake with  salads and more exercise *sob* but as anyone who has lost weight knows, it can be a slow process! Despite all of the above (!) I really love this outfit and am looking forward to recreating it when I want some cosy layers...

TL;DR- I put on weight which is bad because I can't fit into some of my clothes and my self esteem suffered as a result...

Top: Laura Ashley c/o Matilda, t-shirt (underneath): Mango, jeans: Miss Selfridge, boots: c/o Spartoo
 I think this striped tee/jumper is supposed to end on your hips but as I am not particularly tall, it has ended up looking more like a tunic on me! I really loved pairing the navy top with my burgundy jeans and these jeans felt a lot more dressy than my usual dark denim. I imagine the top would work with some jazzy shorts in the summer too, watch this space...
  

I also love the fact that the jumper is a nice thin layer so you don't end up looking too bulky when you are all wrapped up to go outside or cause you to boil alive when you reach work and find that someone has turned the heating up too far. I would usually avoid such a boxy shape but I think with skinny jeans it works quite nicely...


This nail varnish is part of the rather wonderful Nails Inc set that I picked up in TK Maxx recently (along with this Rouge Noir inspired shade) and is a gorgeous pinky burgundy colour. It is the little details that make all the difference and I always feel much more pulled together when I paint my nails. I have also been trying to appreciate the little things in life; there's nothing nicer than scented candles or fresh flowers

How do you stay upbeat? What makes you feel more confident?

14 comments

Gem said...

I wouldn't worry too much Maria, my weight changes a lot and I always lose a bit in the summer when I'm out walking more. Try not to focus on it too much, it took me two years to lose some weight and I'm still not at goal.

A flick of eyeliner and a huge handbag usually make me feel very glam xx

Sarah said...

You look lovely as always Maria! I find the cold, gloomy weather so demotivating so it's always tricky to find the time to keep active, especially when balancing work and everything else. Roll on the summer!
xx

The Style Rawr said...

This is such a cute and comfy look! Those jeans are yummy and so are your nails, I honestly think you look great.

I know how you feel, I've gained a stone over the past 9 months and I've started to dress differently. I made a decision this week to start eating better and exercise more! We can do this ;)

Tara
www.thestylerawr.com
xoxo

Sherin said...

I love those coloured jeans! I'm definitely inspired to wear some of my ones.

daisychain said...

You look lovely Maria- I hadn't noticed any weight changes in you! When I want to feel better I stick on killer shoes :) xx

Anonymous said...

I feel your pain (I'm still trying to shift Christmas weight) but I think you look great! x

Unknown said...

You look BEAUTIFUL Maria, I hope you never ever have any confidence issues. I honestly don't think you have changed over the past few months, but I can relate that having an office job does make me feel like a bit of an unfit pudding too. Being a grown up is rubbish! Love you, ♥ Claire @ Jazzpad

The Girl said...

YOU are beautiful.

I should know I've actually seen you IN REAL LIFE.

Not just anyone gets to have their photos taken in the gardens at Chatsworth by a renowned photographer you know. I don't just lunge for anyone.

Kat said...

You look beautiful here Maria! I can relate to how you feel though - I put on a lot of weight just before xmas and even though to others I looked fine, I didn't feel myself. Keeping active, eating right has given me more confidence and when that fails, I wear my favourite flowy top over a dress and stick on some heels :)

xx

Sarah said...

I think you look fab Maria! Sometimes when we gain a little weight it's all we can think about but it's never noticeable to anyone on the outside. Plus, don't we all gain a little over the cold winter months? (Ive certainly taken a liking to MULTIPLE American-sized hot chocolatey beverages with whipped cream a day just to stay cosy against the cold!)

Loving this color trouser on you. Burgundy is my favorite!

Keep your spirits up, you look beautiful

Sarah xx

aki! said...

Good luck on your weight loss. Don't do anything too drastic. I found counting calories to be really helpful.

7% Solution​

Peet said...

You look great, babe!! I like the navy with burgundy, great outfit.;) And good luck with your plans too!!

Shes Dressing Up said...

Love the colour of your jeans! I think you look awesome, but I totally know what you mean about how crappy it is when clothes stop fitting. I had this realisation about a year ago, when I went to put on a going-out dress I'd not worn since university and it didn't even zip up halfway, haha. Good luck with the diet, I really need to start eating more healthily, eek! :)

Style Eyes said...

I know how you feel. I have put on some weight over the last few years and despite loads of excercise, it is proving difficult to shift. It really annoys me when I can't fit into my clothes. I do hope spring will arrive too and I can get out in the fresh air more. You look great! loving the striped top, always such a classic piece.