Frills 'n' Spills

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery right? Because when I saw the beautiful Nicole Ocran in these jazzy flared trousers, I couldn't help but copy her. If you're not already following her, you should be, she has an awesome eye for an outfit and is as lovely as she is stylish. Yes, I may have a slight crush! I was a little unsure of how to style these trousers but decided to embrace the 1970s vibes and incorporate these earthy tones to match. This top is actually a dress I have had since 2011 (!) and it matched perfectly. It's always fun to dig back into your own archive and I still have all but the coat and scarf from that outfit post. I'm not sure whether that's impressive or tragic but let's go with the former! It's not often this happens but this trouser/shoe combo has made me look relatively tall which is always a win in my book!

I can't resist a good lipstick and this is Nars Giusti satin lip pencil, it's a gorgeous rosy brown and  the perfect 'your lips but better shade' if you are pale like me. I really rate their lipsticks and this has been on repeat for when I just want to look slightly more polished. Over the last year I have also become obsessed with earrings. I have never had my ears pierced (and I probably never will!) so I have been enjoying clip on styles from people like the lovely Julia de Klerk or adapting non-clip on styles with some clip backs and superglue. That way, I still get a jazzy fix without having to resort to anything more permanent.

A slightly better look at the shoes. I usually would avoid slingbacks (I have weirdly narrow ankles!) but they are the perfect summer-y shoe and as they are leather, they should last for a long time. I love a block heel all year round so these are a nice way to 

Who is your style crush? How would you style these trousers?

Long time, no speak! It feels strange to be back here writing when it has been so long since I last posted (and even longer since I was posting regularly!) but I guess that's what happens when life gets in the way! We took these photos a long time ago but as I style this dress the exact same way every time I wear this dress, I figured it was still worth sharing! I never used to be one for either midi lengths or trainers but this dress was my first step into a whole world of comfort. I love pale pink and grey together and the grey sweatshirt element of this makes it super easy to wear and cosy to boot!

I have spent a lot of time (and money) trying to find a skincare regime that works for me and Caudalie seems to be the holy grail! I don't know what magical ingredient it is in their products that suits my skin but it has made me a lot happier overall, even without make-up. All I am wearing here is a swipe of Glossier's Boy Brow (another favourite of mine) and some tinted lipbalm, younger Maria could have never...

I do love a dramatic ribbon! 

I spotted these rose gold Converse in the Office sale a few years back and immediately fell in love. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I like shiny things so it was inevitable that they were coming home with me. They made trainers feel much more accessible to me and for that I will be eternally grateful! They are also proof that basics don't have to be boring!

How do you jazz up your basics? Which colour combinations so you always come back to?

Bright colours have long been a staple in my wardrobe and this candy pink Whistles dress was a fun workwear addition. The shape was boxier than I would usually go for but paired with some fun shoes and a jazzy necklace, it was much more firmly in my comfort zone. I am a big fan of sleeveless dresses (I am always warm!) and I can't wait to layer this one up with some stripes and a polo neck!

I have had this necklace for nigh on 7 years (!) and although the attached leaf is long gone, it is still one of the pieces of jewellery I have on regular rotation. It is simple but so unusual, not bad for a Topshop sale bargain! My hair has got so much longer recently and I have really been enjoying brushing it out into soft waves. It does have a mind of its own so I sometimes have to use my GHDs to help tame it. I really should do more with my hair as it does hold a style when I bother but I am just too lazy, I would much rather have an extra 20 minutes in bed...

These shoes were another Topshop bargain a while back and I love them They are ridiculously comfy and make a real statement without being completely impractical. I am always a bit wary of wearing heels with higher hemlines but I think the chunky block heel and the straps helps to stop them from looking too much, what do you think?

Where do you buy your workwear?

Little white dresses are always my go to in the summer; sunshine just calls for something light and breezy and this pretty broderie anglaise dress from Warehouse fitted the bill perfectly! I love the oversized sleeves (re-reading Anne of Green Gables has definitely reignited my appreciation for puffed sleeves!) and it is so light to wear. Paired with my beloved coral shoes and bag, it's perfect for these last few sunny days before we slip fully into Autumn!

I don't look very impressed but I promise I wasn't feeling as miserable as I look here! Someone needs to tell my face to cheer up! 😂 This Max Factor lipstick (Bewitching Coral) is one of my favourites and the bright pinky-coral matched my shoes and bag perfectly, I love it when a plan comes together...

I have been trying to use more of my accessories recently and this teeny bag is more practical than you might first think. I can't carry the kitchen sink around like I usually would but actually that's no bad thing, I always lug far too much stuff around with me!

I did worry that this dress was a little bit short as I have been conscious of wearing clothes that are too young for me but I'm hoping I can get away with mini hemlines for a little while longer yet?! 

What are your summer staples?

P.S. Did you know that there is a whole series of books about Anne Shirley? I didn't realise until recently but I did enjoy reading more about Anne growing up!

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?

BIBA is one of those brands where subtlety is in short supply. I love all of their jazzy prints and they always look so luxurious. I spotted this top in the House of Fraser sale back in March and I fell in love, the peacock print is beautiful and I love the swooshy sleeves! I have been trying to focus on quality over quantity with my clothes buying and this was an ideal candidate: it wasn't cheap but the standard is so much higher than anything I buy from H&M or Primark and I know it will still be in my wardrobe  years later. 

Eyeshadow has always been out of my comfort zone but I have been trying to wear it more recently and I was pretty pleased with the result here. Paired with my favourite nude lipstick (Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips in Liv it Up) I was hot to trot! I treated myself to Liv it Up and Pink Venus when I got my new job and I absolutely love them, I will definitely be treating myself to a few more shades come next payday...

The back detail on this top is fab too, the tie allows you to adjust how wide the neckline is which I like. I always get a bit paranoid that the sleeves will keep slipping off my shoulders but this helps to keep them firmly in place. My hair has grown a lot recently and I have been able to coax it into soft waves which is fab. I have always been very low maintenance with my hair so it's nice when it cooperates!

These River Island jeans are so comfortable and due to the stretch in the denim, they stay comfy even after a large meal (which let's face it, is the whole point of going out!) I really want some new berry jeans this Autumn, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they bring some out in this style.

Are you a fan of BIBA?

Owning cashmere is such a luxury and I feel very lucky that I have some in my wardrobe. Mark bought me this ridiculously soft sweater for Christmas and I absolutely love it! The pale grey colour is pretty classic but the shape of this jumper is decidedly modern, especially with the boxy shape and slightly higher neck. I prefer the look of it with skirts rather than jeans, mainly as it gives me a reason to dig out my jazzy skirts and fun tights!

My hair is getting so long recently and my hot brush is getting a lot of action! It is so easy to use (even if you are as clumsy as me!) and helps to give my hair a bit of a boost. Mark also treated me to the Charlotte Tilbury mini lipstick charms for Christmas and 'Very Victoria' is a gorgeous soft nude shade. (I also got Amazing Grace and Red Carpet Red which are equally gorgeous!) I was a little bit worried as I tend to go for brighter lipstick shades but this one is surprisingly flattering and wears really well. I will definitely be treating myself to a full size lipstick once I have picked out which shade to try next!

I have raved about Max Factor products a million times before and this nail varnish (shade 20 in silver FYI) is one of my favourites, I never could resist some sparkle!

This jazzy skirt is an old favourite of mine and was the perfect match for such a plain top. I may have been slightly too hasty to pack away my trusty opaques but it's definitely feeling more like Spring out there!

What is your favourite Charlotte Tilbury lipstick shade?

Basic is a pretty loaded term but even I have to take a break from dressing up; and when I need a break from pretty dresses, I head for simple pieces like this jazzy shirt and jeans. River Island have had some really nice casual pieces in recently and this shirt is a very welcome addition to my weekend wardrobe. I love the longer length of it and the soft cotton is thick enough to wear without a jacket which is ideal for this time of year. 

The real highlight of this outfit for me though was the shoes. I've never really worn Converse but I saw this metallic pair and fell in love. I will always love anything rose gold and these shoes are just so shiny! 😍 

I mean, how can you not have a smile on your face you are wearing these?! They are proof that basics don't have to be boring!

What are your wardrobe basics? 

Red dresses have long been a staple in my wardrobe and this smock number from good old M&S is a fun addition to my collection. I am not a fan of sleeves on dresses (although I've worn a few recently!) but I fell in love with the relaxed shape of this dress. Smock shapes are not the most flattering on me but they are very comfy and the gorgeous crochet detailing on the waistband meant I was sold! I wore this for a family meal a few weeks ago and it was ideal, especially for my postprandial snooze on the sofa! I may have gone a little overboard on the red front here (yes I do have red dress, nails and lipstick) but it is my favourite colour...

I love block heels and this slimline Whistles pair are so elegant. I just need to keep scouring eBay until another pair turn up in my size!

Recently the high street has been making clothes that are as good, if not better than many designers. Warehouse is one of my favourite brands and they are consistently creating beautiful clothes that look much more expensive than their price tag. This dress was a total bargain and I absolutely love the mix of prints and the shape. I usually don't go for long sleeves but this dress shape is one of my favourites and is mega flattering on. I have worn this dress out for dinner a couple of times and it is absolutely perfect, it looks fancy but it is mega comfortable to wear, especially with its swooshy skirt...

Mixed prints can be tricky to pull off so I kept it simple with some velvet opaque tights and my favourite pair of wedge heels. I'm not particularly tall so anything that can make my legs look longer is a winner in my book!

Are you a fan of Warehouse? Where are your favourite places to shop on the high street?

After you have been blogging for a long time, it is inevitable that you will start repeating outfits or keep styling them in the same way. I absolutely love stripes and I usually end up pairing them with a swipe of red lipstick. This outfit is no different but I guess if it ain't broke...! This Warehouse denim dress is a fairly recent addition to my wardrobe and I absolutely love it. It is a completely different shape to my Hobbs denim dress (and I did size up as my usual size was sold out) but the oversized fit makes it perfect for layering up with chunky jumpers and boots. 

MAC make the best lipsticks and Lady Bug is a great everyday red, especially if you are as pale as me! The lustre finish is great and means it wears evenly which I like. I can't be dealing with topping up my lipstick every time I eat or drink something...

Mark got me this delicate silver necklace for my birthday and it is beautiful, I love anything with my initials on!