Everyday luxe...

Recently we lent our camera to Mark's parents for a wedding so spent a week or so without it. Whilst they had it, I wore an outfit that I really loved and that has definitely been one of my most recent favourites. Originally I was just going to rely on my phone but I remembered that my iPad mini has a camera and I was pretty pleased with the results even though they now look massively blurry on this size screen. Although in itself, stripes, jeans and a snazzy necklace is hardly groundbreaking (!) the fact that I have found one of each that I love, is. Paired with the beautiful camel coat that Mark bought me for my birthday (you can see a glimpse of it here), I felt very French (bien sûr!) and very luxe. It's amazing how some good quality basics can lift your wardrobe! I have been in a bit of a style rut recently, on the one hand I still want to wear fun things but my taste in who makes them has certainly moved more upmarket (I can't be the only one who stalks Whistles dresses on ebay, right?!) whilst my budget has stayed the same. I guess this is an inevitable part of growing up but navigating through these two halves of my wardrobe has caused some headaches of a morning recently! 

Top: H&M, necklace: Accesorize, jeans: Gap, shoes: Clarks
I have a real thing for stripes and H&M have the best striped tops on the high street. This style is a shape I really love and although I would never usually go for a light stripes, this one feels and looks very luxe - good job H&M! (They currently have their blue and white one on sale too if you are in the market for a new Breton top) I was lucky enough to get an Accessorize voucher for my birthday this year and I have been on the lookout for a neutral statement necklace (is that even a thing?!) ever since my beloved white floral one broke so was pretty pleased to see this beauty in my local store! It is the perfect length to wear with higher necklines and has received more than a few compliments every time I have worn it, mainly along the lines of 'ooh, so shiny!' ;) I have been straightening my hair a lot more recently and I love how different it makes me look. I prefer the lived in look I get after sleeping on it but would love to be able to do that with products too, any recommendations?


These are the perfect pair of jeans that I was talking about a few posts ago, and although I was initially a bit dubious about the straight rather than skinny leg, I have worn them more times than I can count. They do have a bit of 'give' in them but they feel like proper denim rather than that weird stretchy material that jeans seem to have been made out of recently (jeesh, I sound old!) so are much more forgiving... I can even cope with the mid-rise as it does cover my tummy which has always been my problem area so thumbs up all round here!


Any tips for getting that tousled hair look with minimal effort? Where do you buy your 'basic' pieces from?
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9 comments

Sophie said...

Totally agree with you about good quality basics Maria!
Sophie
X

LillianZahra said...

I love this stripey top! x

Helen said...

There is something about a Breton stripe that makes you look and feel instantly stylish! I have a lovely one from Muji which I got in the sale. The jersey cotton is so soft.

Gem said...

Tres chic, I'm all about Boden and Joules now. Turning into a little old lady from the country ;) xx

Unknown said...

Its such a good feeling when you finally find a pair of jeans that look great and are comfortable too! Your hair looks great, I totally know what you mean about straightening hair...I don't straighten mine much, but when I do I much prefer it when it has some texture. I use Kms California,
Hair Play Dry Wax to give mine some movement. Niki xx

Matthew Spade said...

I have an IPad Mini too, the camera is great for when the light is nice and bright but i struggle in low light with it. Great though.

Classic stripes and denim, easy!?

Buckets & Spades

SJ said...

You can't go wrong with a Breton stripe :) love your new (ish?) hairstyle!

char said...

I may have to do a Maria inspired outfit challenge because you always do the perfect stripe outfits!

Vintage Reflection said...

I'm always on the hunt for the perfect Breton stripe and this looks like it! Love the causal outfit and the girly necklace. Great look! X