Out of my comfort zone...

Blogging is a funny old game, and one I didn't do much of in 2016. It was a very strange year for me and mine, we had some lovely highs (including celebrating a decade with Mark, being bridesmaid for my little sister, spending V-day with some of the best people I know, being made permanent at workvisiting Barcelona and even managing to feel more at ease with myself and my body thanks to semi-regular exercise) but I also had some really tough times, especially with my dad's accident. Luckily he is much much better now and will continue to improve but there's nothing like a big shock to push you out of your comfort zone! I'm not very good at asking for help but so many people stepped up to the plate this year so thank you, you don't realise how much it helped! Slightly maudlin but I'm hoping that 2017 will be calmer, there's plenty to look forward to but slightly less drama excitement would be nice! I have always been a great believer in the transformative power of clothes and this top was both a fun purchase and another step out of my shell. I tend to avoid drop waisted clothes but I loved the fun print and shape and couldn't bear to leave it on the shelf.

Top: Warehouse, jeans: River Island, shoes: Clarks
It was the perfect choice for a lunch date with Mark as it looks fancy but is actually mega comfy and easy to wear. It makes enough of a statement that I didn't have to hunt down any extra accessories which is always a win in my book!


I have worn much less foundation this year,  it's amazing how distracting a swipe of bright lipstick can be! This is my failsafe summery shade: Max Factor  in Bewitching Coral, it is one of those colours that looks good on everyone...


You can't beat a swooshy hem! 😍

Bag: vintage
I have had this bag for donkey's years but apparently I have never posted about it on the blog which is a surprise! I think I picked up on one of my charity shop trips at uni but can't be 100% sure without my handy wardrobe referencer (a.k.a my archive of outfit posts). I love the super soft suede and snazzy tassel and it is surprisingly roomy for such a small bag, I managed to fit my purse, massive keyring and all of my diabetes stuff in, not bad going at all!


A better look at that hemline and a repeat of the bottom half of this outfit... oops! I have missed sharing my outfit pictures over on the blog and whilst I'd love to promise that this is all going to change with the dawn of a new year,  realistically, I don't think I will ever get back to my old schedule of posting every other day like in the good old days! I'm hoping to spend more time reading (and commenting) on my favourite blogs this year so please do hit me up with your favourites!

7 comments

Gem said...

we should continue the tradition of spending Valentines together! Hope to see you more in 2017 xxx

Claire Ely said...

Great read,I really enjoyed it! You look fab xx

Gillian said...

This post has just reminded me that I have the same shoes and I haven't worn them in ages - maybe I need to step out of my comfort zone too and wear my trainers less haha!

Hope you have a lovely 2017 Maria! x

The Style Rawr said...

Oooh, this does look like a fancy top and I love that bag!!

T xo

Sherin said...

Looking good as always. I really like this top - I love the colours and the print.

Jo said...

Happy new year, Maria! Hope 2017 is a bit calmer for you as well.

I think you look lovely in the drop waist top. The hem looks fun and swishy and it also shows off your great legs!

LillianZahra said...

Love this top and the pink shoes are super cute! x