Frills 'n' Spills

Since starting my new job, I have had to get back into the habit of wearing smarter clothes for work. Whilst I miss my more casual workwear, it has been good to challenge myself and push out of my (very literal) comfort zone. Life's too short to wear boring clothes so I have been wearing a lot of fun printed dresses (this geometric number and this blocky beauty were particular favourites) to make it a but more interesting. I have been lucky enough to find a few dresses in my favourite charity shop to add to my collection, including this beautiful printed one from Hobbs. The shape isn't one I would usually go for but the drawstring waist was able to cinch me in and it is so light to wear, making it perfect for the summer!

I love the slash neck on this and the print is really unusual, does anyone else think it looks like rain? I have been trying to be more inventive with how I style my hair and I was pretty pleased with this sleeker look, thank goodness for my GHDs!

I wear these Whistles shoes a lot and I am cautious abut wearing them out as they are just so darned comfy! Has anyone seen any interesting black blocky heels recently? I need to find an alternative to these but ideally with a pointed toe too... let me know if you have more luck than I do!

What do you wear to work? Where do you buy interesting workwear from?

I am someone who has a fair amount of clothes on rotation but there are some pieces in my wardrobe that I will probably never get rid of and this denim dress is definitely on that list! I've had it for 4 years or so already but it is such a flattering fit, that it is sure to be in my wardrobe for a long time yet. Let's face it, this outfit isn't going to win any awards or end up on a street style roundup anywhere but it was comfortable, fun and I felt cute in it, what more can you ask for?! I'm not usually one for Bardot tops (I have fairly broad shoulders that don't need emphasising) but I couldn't resist this ribbed crop top from H&M and I love it layered up with this dress. Crop tops have definitely been the surprise addition to my summer wardrobe, they are just perfect for adding layers without too much extra bulk. The time for bare legs has definitely been and gone for this year but I'm definitely going to be trying this outfit again with longer sleeves and some nude tights now that the temperature has dropped. 

I can tell that we took these photos in summer as I am covered in freckles! I have always had a bit of a confidence issue but something seems to have shifted in my mind this year. For once I wasn't bothered about not wearing foundation or going bare-legged and it is a really freeing feeling. I'm just hoping that this continues as it's nice to have that extra little spring in your step!

These shoes are another old favourite of mine, Keds are just perfect for when you have a lot of walking to do and these were my go-to pair when I was in Barcelona. They may well be the best £4 I have ever spent!

Even though I have a lot of clothes, I don't have much from the high end of the high street. A few Hobbs pieces aside, the majority of my clothes are from places like H&M or Tesco (I have absolutely no issue with picking up my clothes in supermarkets!) I don't tend to venture to the 'expensive shops'- even Topshop or Miss Selfridge are too expensive when it isn't sale time but I have been trying to add a few more hard wearing pieces to my wardrobe, Primark just doesn't cut it for me any more. I completely blame Gem and Sarah for my recent foray into the Jaeger sale, they are very good enablers and very bad for my willpower! ;) Strangely enough,  this outfit manages to combine Tesco, Hobbs, Primark and Jaeger in one. Not bad really, especially considering I didn't pay full price for any of them...

Do you ever venture into the expensive shops? Who are your enablers?

This outfit is made up of items that I wear all the time but haven't actually shown on the blog. I have had this wrap cardigan for years and years and despite being part of a La Senza pyjama set (!) it is one of the smarter cardigans I own and I have worn it nearly to death. I think wrap cardigans had a bit of a revival after Black Swan and when they are as cosy as this, you can see why! These photos make it look like it is the same colour as the skirt but in real life it is much more glittery- I think my black glittery boots would look amazing with this outfit! 

These photos were taken way back at the beginning of October, before I picked up my glasses but I don't know why I haven't posted it yet as this is an outfit I wear pretty regularly despite both the shoes and the skirt being impulse buys. I have to admit, I am awful for making impulse purchases, (especially if I happen to wonder into a supermarket clothing section) and this skirt definitely falls into that category. I saw it on ASOS for a measly £9.50 and figured that even if it did look a bit yellow, with change from a tenner, I couldn't really complain. Luckily, when the skirt arrived, it was gorgeous- the colour is more camel than yellow and the check print is lovely- I never can resist a checked skirt! 

A slick of red lipstick and my faux fur stole always make me feel glamourous, even when heading to work, definitely the perfect sartorial pick me up...

Yes, my legs really are that short! Cable knit tights are a winter essential for me and these match these NW3 heels nearly perfectly. These heels hopefully elongate my stumpy legs too, despite the length of my skirt...

For me, shorts are one of life's under-appreciated treasures. They are way more practical than a skirt but much more fun than a pair of trousers and finding a pair that were work appropriate has been on my mental shopping list for a long time now.  This navy pair were from my beloved NW3 by Hobbs and the length is perfect although I wish they sat higher on the waist as they just fall down on me. For work, I paired them with a plain blouse and simple accessories for a professional but relaxed look but I think these will also look awesome with my chunky knit tights and a jumper or two...

When it's grey and cold outside, I always go back to basics. Usually that would be a pretty dress or something bright but Mark bought me this grey marl t-shirt from Hobbs a while ago and I can honestly  say I have never worn a comfier t-shirt. It is the perfect slouchy fit which means it is comfortable to wear but the illustration elevates it to something a bit more special. 

Luckily, the owl print made it much more Maria friendly! ;)

Like Laura Ashley, Hobbs is one of those places that I really can't afford to shop at but I still do. The thing is, their clothes and shoes are so well made that they are worth spending a bit more on and also the designs and the attention to detail really are something else. Although I'm not snobby about brands, I do think it is always worth getting the highest quality you can afford along with only buying clothes that you really love and Hobbs fits both those criteria! I bought this top in the sale before Christmas and have been waiting for the weather to warm up so I can wear it properly. Although it is sleeveless, the higher neckline means that I can wear it to work and keep cool without flashing too much flesh, always a winner!