Showing posts with label Luella. Show all posts

Defining your personal style: what an afternoon in my wardrobe taught me...

My wardrobe is somewhat of a talking point within my friendship group; it is quite very expansive and yet I still have days where I don't know what to wear. The other day, after reading through Elle, I was inspired to finally sort through my wardrobe and get rid of stuff that I never wore. Anyone who has met me will testify to my love of colour and prints, I can't think of anything worse than wearing black from top to toe! After sorting through all of my clothes it was clear to see what is important for me in my wardrobe.




♥ CLASSIC SHAPES: As I like to experiment with colour and print, a fairly classic shape is essential, for example; a pencil skirt in a dark purple is more versatile than black (in my opinion!) whilst adding an element of interest to your outfit. This is probably the least risky way to buy clothes that are flattering but not ageing; I figure that I will have to 'tone down' my look slightly as I get older so I might as well have fun with it whilst I have the excuse of 
naivete and youthful exuberance, right? 


♥ COLOUR: Whilst I am a fan of bright colours like coral or red, I also love dusky pinks and purples and gorgeous jewel tones of amethyst and emerald.... basically any colour but black! I find that having such pale skin and then such dark hair, if I wear black, I look like one of the undead and not in a cool dishevelled kinda way! Colour, however subtle helps to lift your 
spirits and there's nothing more attractive than a smile right?! 


♥ PRINT: I would say that at least 60% of my wardrobe is composed of prints, mainly floral but spots and stripes put in a decent showing too. My go-to-outfit is a printed dress and cosy cardigan and a tea dress can be dressed up and down with a few choice accessories. 


♥ QUIRKY DETAILS: Whether this is a ruffle on the sleeves of a blouse or a heart shaped cut-out in homage to Luella, the importance is in the details... Some suspender tights can add an edge to even the most demure outfit and bows make everything better. 





What are the key elements of your wardrobe? Are you a fan of black or colours? 

A very English Style...

After reading Kristabel's post about some of the lovely presents she got for Christmas, I promised myself that I would treat myself to one book I have had my eye on for quite some time; Luella's guide to English Style. I had gazed at it longingly when I was searching for Christmas presents for other people but no-one picked up on my (not so subtle!) hints. Finally then I bought it here, whilst I was browsing Amazon for DVDs- I promise it's for my dissertation! Now Luella is was probably my favourite designer brand and I think this is because of the dreamy silhouettes and bright pops of colour and pattern- basically my ideal wardrobe
Dress: Luella, blouse: Miss Selfridge from charity shop, shoes: New Look
Now I am lucky enough to own a genuine piece of Luella, just before the label folded and the website was taken down, I was having a sneaky browse (does anyone else do 'dream shopping'?!) and clicked on the link to the 'Rebecca' dress. The only one left was in my size and before I knew it some Luella loveliness was winging it's way towards me... I have only worn it a couple of times, one was to a student night (what WAS I thinking?!!!) but it gives me the fizzy feeling that I think is so important with clothes.  But this post is not just an ode to Luella, but rather to my new coat, part of the bloggers challenge with Tesco. I love the belted waist and the buttons are so cute! It reminded me of the book as there is something quintessentially English about a brown check, do you agree? 


I decided to choose something that I wouldn't normally choose myself and saw this beauty on the websiteIt is gorgeously warm and fits like a dream. The one quibble I have is the fastening at the top can make me look ridiculously busty if I have a lot of layers on underneath so watch out for that! 
Cardigan: Tesco, top: Gap, skirt; Primark (about 3 years ago!), belt: Primark, tights: Sainsbury's, shoes: Kurt Geiger.
I first put together this outfit in the summer but of course it was far too warm to wear it then so the weather today was just perfect. I felt with the topknot (trying to keep my hair out of my eyes!) it was an outfit worthy of Luella and it was an outfit that put a spring in my step; a necessity as I didn't get the graduate scheme that I really wanted :( I guess I just have to keep positive and move on to the next one now! 

Do you have a favourite designer? What outfits do you wear to perk yourself up?