Frills 'n' Spills

Living where we do, there are a lot of cool things on our doorstep and the International Centre for Birds of Prey is one such thing. Mark and I had been planning to go since my birthday last year but I was so overexcited about my birthday that I cried when he mentioned it and he thought it was best to postpone (yes I like my birthday!) We finally got round to visiting this year and it was such a great day out, even if you are not as crazy about owls as me. We arrived as a flying demonstration started and wowee, can those birds fly! They swoop down really low above the benches and apparently have been known to catch people's hair as they swoop around. Luckily my hairdo remained intact but it was breathtaking to see these beautiful birds up close...

I know it's a total blogger cliché but I love this time of year. The horrible heat of summer is gone (can you tell I'm not a fan?!) and I love that I can wear cute jumpers and Autumnal tones again. I spotted this jumper when I was doing my shopping in Sainsbury's a couple weeks ago and promptly placed into into my basket; there was no way I was leaving without this baby! Unfortunately I am having to take my photos early in the morning before I leave so the light is a bit weird in them all :( any tips for evening the light out? It's such a shame as I loved this outfit, especially the dark lipstick. It is another supermarket bargain- who knew Tesco had so many gorgeous lip shades?

Aren't these little guys just the cutest?! I love their little faces and the burgundy makes the whole look much sleeker. Not bad considering I am basically wearing a cartoon jumper! I got lots of compliments on this outfit and no-one could believe that it was from Sainsbury's. I am a massive fan of supermarket clothing and all of them have come on leaps and bounds in recent years. It's not often that I can leave them empty-handed, put it that way! ;)

Any tips for taking blog photos in the winter?

Once again though, my love is reserved for my shoes. Since I bought these black ankle boots, I have been wearing them with everything. They are like the more wearable version of these and ridiculously comfy, I didn't even have to break them in...

I think it might be love! They have the perfect size heel to give me a bit of a lift (avoiding the dreaded stumpy leg syndrome) and the black suede is gorgeous. Considering these have barely left my feet for a month and have been subjected to water, mud, grass and slippery leaves, it is also incredibly hard wearing. Definitely considering buying a back up pair of these...

Cheesy I know but is there a more apt title for an outfit post featuring this wonderful cardigan?! A long grey cardigan has long been a staple in my wardrobe, ever since I got this grey one as a 16th birthday present it barely left my body but unfortunately I lost it a while back (to this day I still don't know where!) and I have been searching for a replacement ever since...

 Ever since I first got my hands on my first pair of Doc Martens, I have been unstoppable and I spied these boots in their sale. Funnily enough these boots are also replacing old favourites, my beloved Nine West biker boots (which I can't believe I have never blogged) as they have worn beyond repair :( They weren't cheap but I know they will last forever and I would rather spend my money on something that can actually withstand the winter weather! 

These are a gorgeous rough suede which feels really luxurious and makes these feel a bit less utilitarian, despit their practicality, definitely a win from me! 

I love the cardi, it is just the right thickness and the length is near perfect. I bought it a size down but it is still quite roomy so size down unless you like an oversized fit! I am also quite tempted by the jumper too, I may be taking another look on payday...

The elbow patches can't fail to put a smile on your face! 

Originally I put my boots on as it was really windy and rainy but they were just far too warm for the weirdly warm weather so I switched to some cute patterned socks and my trusty loafers instead. I'm not actually sure which version if the outfit I prefer, I usually avoid socks but I think I will be investing in some cute patterned ones for Autumn now I'm wearing jeans again!

Just to show off the bouncing soles, I really am in love!

What items in your wardrobe have been replaced time and time again? Do you prefer the boots or the loafers?

I also like the fact it is long enough in the body to wear with this pleather skirt. Pleather is a bit of a contentious fabric but I think as long as you keep the rest of your outfit simple, then you can't really go wrong... it's definitely a lot more fun than denim!

This outfit is a bit of a departure from the norm for me, I wouldn't usually wear anything this slouchy (or colourless!) but it was fun to break out of my comfort zone... 

An owl in loafers and cat eye glasses is potentially quite creepy but I actually think it is pretty darn cute!

Would you wear (p)leather? What are your basics?

 The last time I wore this skirt it was much warmer, so this time I wore longer sleeves to combat the winter chill. I thought the dove grey of this blouse added a more wintry feel to the skirt which I loved, even if I am wearing all Topshop!  I can't wait for the warmer weather though, I think this blouse would look fab with the green for Spring...

The detailing on the front of this shirt is absolutely gorgeous and handily makes it much more wearable as it is less sheer on the front, meaning that I will be able to wear it for work too! 

I bought these shoes with a Christmas voucher in the hope that I would have a pair of party shoes that I would actually be able to walk in! ;)

For me, the best part of wearing a maxi skirt is how freeing it is, especially in such a vibrant colour, it just demands that you have fun! Hence the 'flying' being done whilst perched on a rock...

I  leave you with what has to be my favourite Christmas present, a cute crocheted phone case in the shape of an owl from Mark. What more could you ask for?!

How would you wintrify this skirt? What was your favourite Christmas present?