Frills 'n' Spills

This tan cloche hat is a long-term resident of my wardrobe and although it doesn't get worn very often, it sometimes adds the perfect finishing touch to an outfit. Cold weather often leads to pretty dull outfits from me (just check my Instagram for proof!) but although this one is pretty simple, I think it is just interesting enough. I didn't realise that a couple of the pieces from this outfit were c/o until I uploaded these pictures, I guess it proves that I don't just wear things that I am sent in the photos and then never again, this coat and these shoes are an integral part of my wardrobe. I look slightly sheepish in these photos, thanks to lots of nosy neighbours and keen dog-walkers, it is difficult to keep a straight face when you are hissing 'hurry upppp!' at Mark, haha! The 1920s and 1930s are not usually decades I am inspired by but I have been watching a lot of Poirot recently and they sure knew how to wear a hat... ;)

Since cutting my hair, there have been a few things that I have had more trouble wearing and this hat is one of them. When my hair was longer, the hat gave just a hint of 1920s style but it looked a bit costume-y when I was trying it on with various dresses from my wardrobe so I decided to go with a more modern outfit instead. Paired with MAC Vegas Volt, my favourite new peachy coral lipstick (it even suits my pasty pale skin!) it felt more modern than musty. This lovely necklace was a surprise gift from my lovely friend Jules a while ago and it is one of my favourites. The knot is simple but adds a bit of interest to plain tops and you know I can't resist a tassel! 

These shoes are also a few years old now, I originally wore them back in March 2012 and they get pulled out when I am looking for a little bit of height and a more interesting colour than nude to wear. These Jamie jeans have been neglected in favour of my ASOS and Warehouse jeans recently but they are ideal for if you want to flash a bit of ankle or show off your shoes which you have to when they are this jazzy!

Are you a hat wearer? 

Red is definitely my favourite colour, it looks really dramatic against my pale skin and dark hair and the majority of my favourite dresses have a scarlet hue! I wore this outfit a few weekends ago when Mark and I went to his parents' house for dinner and I got so many compliments on it. Believe it or not, this dress was from Tesco although it looks much more expensive in my opinion. I usually wear it layered over a top but I actually prefer this dressier look. I kept the styling simple with my beloved leopard print belt and pointed heels. For me, the focus was all on the gorgeous colour and that (universally flattering) square neckline... 

I bought Mac's Ruby Woo lipstick when I came back off holiday (I can't believe it has taken me so long to invest!) and this was it's first outing. I was slightly concerned about the matte formula but Lush's Mint Julips and some lip balm ensured that it applied flawlessly. I kept the rest of my make up simple, focusing on flawless skin and strong eyebrows (I promise I will be sharing my love of my Sleek brow kit very soon!) I rarely brush my hair but I was craving soft waves so dug out my hairbrush and brushed out my curls, resulting in a 1920s style bob.

I prefer my skirts swooshy so this one ticked all the boxes. I am a massive fan of anything that can skim over my ever-growing stomach and make my waist look smaller and the pleats make this look so elegant. I definitely need more 1950s style dresses and skirts in my wardrobe, I'm kicking myself for not picking up the black and grey versions of this dress!

What colours do you find flattering?

I was clearly looking to a slightly earlier decade for inspiration than I usually would here, I don't usually wear anything non-fitted or oversized but there's something about Monki that forces me out of my comfort zone, I love the cool yet accessible Scandinavian feel of their clothes, even if I'm not a tall willowy blonde! This is the cream Precious jumper dress which I really love, I am seriously tempted to get the blue version too... I really like the relaxed shape of it and paired with my string of faux pearls, it felt very 1920s inspired. I can imagine it looking really nice with some t-bars or Mary Jane shoes for a dressier look too which is always good. You can't go wrong with a good jumper dress in Autumn/Winter! 

When John Greed got in touch with me to ask whether I was interested in reviewing some Pandora charms, I was a little dubious - I have never liked the silver bracelets. But when this grey leather bracelet with this charm arrived, I fell in love and I have worn it every day since. I have even started a wishlist of the charms I want (*cough* this owl one *cough*) It is strange how the people who are most disapproving of something become the biggest converts ;)

Are you a fan of charm bracelets? Which charms would you recommend?