MSH Backup

As I touched on in my last style shaped post, by the time the week is winding down, I can usually be found in various different combinations of jeans and jumpers. With the weather proving so changeable at the moment, I’ve had to put the brakes on fully embracing any sort of spring style, and have instead reverted to combining some of my winter essentials with some fresh favourites. Again, it will probably come as no surprise that most of my go-to pieces at the moment are more or less various different iterations of blue- but as a practical alternative to darker hues, I’m all for it: Jumper- Mango  Jeans- Whistles  Coat- c/o Very  Shoes- Adidas (c/o Spartoo)  Bag- & Other Stories  This jumper from Mango is a piece which I snapped up towards the end of last year, and it’s served me really well over the last couple of months. Not only is it really cosy, but the vivid colour makes it the perfect piece for contrasting with lots of other day-to-day essentials to...

I don’t know about you, but I tend to find that by the time it gets to the end of the week (and as the prospect of a two day work-free window approaches!), I get quite lazy in terms of style choices. At the start of the week, I’ll tend to reach for dresses and skirts, but by the time it gets to Friday and the weekend, it’s very much a jeans and jumper situation. Luckily, over recent months, I’ve amassed a pretty solid combination of styles which are perfect for more dressed-down days: Sweatshirt- Kitri  Jeans- Whistles  Sunglasses- Ray Ban (c/o John Lewis)  Bag- & Other Stories  Shoes- Adidas  I love this sweatshirt from Kitri as it’s full of character without being too in your face, and it makes a welcome change from some of the slightly less subtle sloganed styles in my wardrobe. I love the sentiment of the graphic too, and have already been wearing this piece on a more or less weekly basis since I bought it. Here I teamed it with some of my favourite jean...

Although I’m writing this post sitting outside in the glorious sunshine (without even wearing a coat!), I’m still quite cautiously optimistic about the arrival of spring- particularly as I remember it snowing in March last year! Having said that, I’m so happy to see the sun and to feel properly warm after far too many months of gloominess, and I’m really excited to switch things up in the wardrobe stakes over the coming weeks and months too- fingers crossed it won’t be too long before I can pack away my winter wardrobe in favour of some spring staples. Until then, however, I’m bridging the gap with some transitional essentials, which are proving perfect for the current climate:  Jumper- Marks and Spencer  Trousers- lululemon  Coat- c/o Very  Bag- & Other Stories  Shoes- Adidas  This knit from Marks and Spencer was a purchase which I made at the same time as buying their leopard print skirt of dreams which I featured a few weeks ago, and, for £20 it’s a...

Now that the weather seems to (at long last!) be co-operating, I’m really enjoying mixing up my day to day selection of wardrobe staples with some new favourites. Whilst it’s not quite warm enough to be leaving the house without a coat just yet, the fact that the days are getting lighter little by little each day is really encouraging, and has definitely given me a push in the right direction in the motivation stakes too. Over the last few weeks I’ve been adding some new printed pieces into my regular stash of essentials, and one in particular is proving to be a real winner: Coat- c/o Very  Jumper- H&M  Skirt- Marks and Spencer  Bag- & Other Stories  Shoes- Vans  This skirt from Marks & Spencer was a post-payday purchase which I made when I spotted it online at the end of last month, and so far it’s definitely proving to have been well worth the investment. I love the leopard print as it’s not too in your face, and ruffled detail adds the perfect fi...

With the almost instant arrival of winter last weekend (hello ten degree overnight temperature drop!), I’m sure that I’m not the only one now eagerly diving into my stash of winter essentials in an attempt to stave off the chill! It’s with a heavy heart that I’ve finally acknowledged that I can’t quite get away with leaving the house without a coat in the mornings now, so as well as having a good old sift through my wardrobe (and a few trips to the dry cleaners to boot!), I’ve also been keeping an eye on which pieces have been hitting the shops recently: Highlands 3 in 1 Jacket, £295, Sweaty Betty/Belted Wool Coat, £169, & Other Stories/Jersey Wool Coat, £175, Arket/Belted Wool Blend Coat, £169, & Other Stories/Single Breasted Coat, £89, Marks and Spencer  If you’re after something wonderfully warm and practical, then you’d be hard pushed to go wrong with this 3 in 1 jacket from Sweaty Betty. Complete with a fleece lining, it’s one of those sensible spends which I think wou...

Now that winter is creeping ever closer, and with a definite chill in the air, I’ve finally caved in and coated up! I’ve got a bit of a love hate relationship with winter coats, I think predominantly because they signify the end of the summer in what feels like such a final way, and for me are synonymous with feeling freezing cold and the darker evenings between now and spring. Luckily however, I’ve recently snapped up something which feels like the perfect halfway house between wrapping up and desperately clinging on to summer:   Jacket- & Other Stories  Tee- Hush  Bag- Zara  Shoes- Gap  This gorgeous jacket from & Other Stories was a lucky ‘back in stock’ purchase about a month or so ago, and is an investment buy which I’m really happy with, particularly as it’s such a versatile style. As well as being really warm, it also has a really classic feel, so is definitely a piece which I know I’ll get plenty of wear out of. Another new favourite is this Hush...

It’s not often that I get the opportunity (nor indeed show the inclination!) to get dressed up. Day to day, I much prefer reaching for comfortable staples which will see me through the day fuss free and with minimal need for maintenance. Having said that, it does always make a nice change to be able to switch things up a little bit and make an effort, and a little while ago a recent addition to my wardrobe well and truly came to the rescue: Dress- Olivier Bonas  Bag- Linea at House of Fraser  Shoes- & Other Stories  How lovely is this dress? I snapped it up at one of Oliver Bonas’ birthday events last month, and it’s definitely proven to be a worthwhile investment, especially as it wonderfully bridges a smart shaped gap in my wardrobe. The slightly looser fit also makes it brilliantly comfortable too, and as ideal for the daytime as it is for the evening. Here I paired it with some non-sporty footwear (miracle upon miracle!) in the shape of these much hyped buckle loa...

Whilst I’ve never really been convinced that the holiday wardrobe is a thing, heading off on a trip always affords a nice opportunity to treat yourself to some new style staples- especially if you’re in the market for some new additions to your wardrobe. I know that beach breaks are a slightly different kettle of fish altogether, but city trips and active holidays always present the ideal chance to bridge any gaps in any wardrobe, especially at the outset of a new season. So, for my trip to Ireland at the end of the last month, I snapped up some real hero pieces which will carry me through the next few months and beyond:  Cardigan- Marks and Spencer  Top- Dorothy Perkins  Jeans- & Other Stories  Trainers- New Balance (via ASOS)  Sunglasses- Accessorize  Picking up something in green for my visit to Ireland seemed almost ubiquitous, and this top from Dorothy Perkins was the perfect purchase, especially as it ticked all of the right comfort boxes too. Wit...

I think it’s safe to say that we’re easing into autumn now, and with the start of the new season comes the perfect opportunity for a bit of a reboot. I think it’s the habitual back-to-school feeling of this time of the year which affords the ideal chance to take a step back and remix things, in whatever capacity that might be. As well as taking stock of some other life bits and bobs, I’m thinking about making some strategic investment buys to see me through the coming months and beyond: Cable Slit Wool Blend Sweater, £59, & Other Stories/Ash Indigo Denim Jeans, £125, Toast/Merino Crew Neck Jumper, £55, Arket/Greyhound Jumper, £42, Warehouse/Oversized Structured Plaid Blazer, £129, & Other Stories/Kin by John Lewis Foldover Backpack, £55, John Lewis/Alex Monroe Gold Plated Alphabet Necklace, £135, Liberty/Pale Pink Mohair Sweater, £139, Whistles/Roman Coin Hoop Earrings, £26, Hush/ Get Your Sh*t Together Journal by Sarah Knight, £12.99, Oliver Bonas.  This boxy knit from ...

*Looks around tentatively*- I don’t want to jinx it but it seems like we’re finally getting a break in the heatwave, and some long overdue respite from the warm temperatures. Needless to say, I’ve scarcely anticipated a cold spell more- and am delighted to be able to go back to reaching for jeans and long sleeved blouses without the fear of dissolving into a sweaty puddle by lunchtime! Having said that, I was also lucky enough to get a bit of a break from the warmth during my trip down to Devon a few weekends back (coastal breezes- bliss!) - offering the perfect opportunity to embrace a bit of a wardrobe change too: Tee- Kitri  Jeans- & Other Stories  Shoes- Zara  Bag- ASOS  Sunglasses- Warehouse This tee from Kitri was a treat to myself the payday before last, and I love it so much that I’ve since picked up a second sister purchase- they’re just so easy to wear and perfect for fuss-free mornings, and the vintage-inspired holiday print felt perfect for a Saturday...

Tomorrow sees the launch of & Other Stories' latest collaboration- a very special team up with House of Hackney! Injecting an array of prints and patterns to & Other Stories' signature shapes, the collection is inspired by The Bloomsbury Group, taking Victorian florals and amping them up with a truly modern feel- a real marriage made in design heaven: Blouse, £69/Kimono, £79/Trousers, £69/Dress, £79/Swimsuit, £35/Bag, £59/Dress, £69/Scarf, £27, all & Other Stories If you're in the market for some summer holiday ready wardrobe hits, then you'd be hard pushed to go wrong with anything from this collection. This teal blouse is a great investment option, with the relaxed cut offering plenty of styling options, whether layered with a skirt for maximum boho impact, or teamed with jeans for a more practical look. I always find that kimonos are a great option for summer too, and this delicately printed style really captures the essence of the design era and aestheti...

And just like that, we're back to truly unpredictable weather! Summer was nice whilst it lasted, wasn't it?! Jokes aside, this sudden change in temperature has caught me in something of a spin- no sooner was I sure that I wouldn't need my knits again until the autumn, than I find myself fishing them out of the wardrobe again. With skies flitting between grey and gloomy and blue and bright, I'm utilising lots of spring staples, and layering them up for maximum efficiency:  Coat- Whistles Top- Comme des Garçons (via Dover Street Market) Jeans- & Other Stories Bag- Cath Kidston Shoes- Gap Eagle-eyed readers will recognise this Whistles trench as a real perennial favourite which I reach for every spring- since snapping it up over five or so years ago I think it's probably become one of my most worn items- and certainly testament to a long-term investment paying off. This top from  Comme des Garçons is a purchase which I hope will attain a similar status in my wardro...

Whilst the weather is still fairly topsy turvy, it looks like this week we'll finally have a little bit of consistency with temperatures and prolonged spells of sunshine- and not before time! With the skies seeming gloomier than usual for this time of the year over recent weeks, I've been seeking out alternative sources of brightness- namely, from some colourful additions to my wardrobe. One of the most recent is a purchase which is an instant mood booster if ever there was one:  Dress- Monki  Bag- & Other Stories  Shoes- Gap Rest assured that I've not quite packed away my winter coat just yet, but this dress demands to be seen in all its colourful glory! I'm always so impressed by Monki whenever I peruse their online offering, and this printed frock was something which I picked up last month, in need of something which was easy to wear but which was still full of character. The style is a relaxed shirt dress which is perfect for everyday wear and wonderfully comfor...

Now that it’s officially spring (hurrah!), it feels like the perfect opportunity to blow those wardrobe cobwebs away and invest in some new season staples. I’ve been merrily window shopping over the last few weeks, and now that payday has finally rolled around, I’m braced to invest in some new bits and bobs- after a long overdue declutter! It will come as no surprise to regular readers that & Other Stories is my current shopping destination of choice, and their spring styles are well and truly ones to invest in over the next couple of months: Striped Shirt, £27/Sheer Knit Top, £45/Tie Kneck Blouse, £49/Straight Fit Blazer, £89/Mirrored Round Flame Sunglasses, £23/Stone and Stud Ring, £13/Horsebit Buckle Loafers, £79/Leather Covered Diary, £23/Ribbed V Neck Top, £23/Trio Pocket Crossbody Bag, £89, all & Other Stories You can never really go wrong with a good quality striped top, and this style is a brilliant staple option, lending itself as well to smart dressing as to casual e...

At this time of the year, perhaps more than any other, I tend to find myself stuck in something of a style rut, especially as the chilly weather doesn't really lend itself to all that much variety or adventure. Having been living in a succession of jumpers (all with a varying itch factor!) for what feels like an eternity, over the last week or so (boosted by the sight of some sunshine!), I've been switching things up a little bit with a pop of print here and there, as well as unearthing some long neglected wardrobe heroes: Coat- & Other Stories Blouse- Vintage Trousers- Espirit (via ASOS) Shoes- c/o Boden Bag- & Other Stories This gorgeous blouse was a piece which I inherited from my beautiful grandmother, and, if I'm honest, up until now, I've really struggled in terms of knowing how to style it. It's one of those pieces which I've definitely grown in to, and over recent weeks has been something of a smart style saviour- ideal for incorporating into my ...

With the chilly weather showing no signs of abating just yet, I'm sure I'm not the only one living on a more or less constant rotation of knitwear, speeding from washing machine to wardrobe and back again. Although I hope I'll only have need of them for a little while longer, there's something very comforting about reaching for a really snuggly woolly- especially if you, like me, are always in something of a rush first thing in the morning and find yourself more often than not grabbing the first thing to hand. With my lack of preparation in mind, I've been very pleased with a number of knitwear purchases which I've made recently- chief among them is this statement style from Marks and Spencer:  Coat- & Other Stories  Jumper- Marks and Spencer  Trousers- Espirit (via ASOS)  Bag- & Other Stories  Shoes- Vans (c/o Spartoo) Comfort is the order of the day for me at the moment, and this statement block colour knit which I picked up back in October is a real w...

Final day of the year claxon! We made it! *Confetti drop* It seems odd to be celebrating the passing of time when I feel like all I do sometimes is worry about how fleeting it is, but I'm very glad to have made it through this year in one piece. Having said that, I've never really been one for celebrating on New Year's Eve, preferring instead to settle down in front of the telly and opt for an early night. 28 going on 82, but it's always worth making the most of some quality sleep hours when you can, especially if you, like me, are dreading the sound of your alarm going off on Tuesday morning. Even if you are having a quiet night it, that doesn't mean that a little bit of celebratory sparkle is off limits- and I've amassed a little stash of goodies to help see out the year in style: Over the last year, I've been pleasantly reminded of just how much of a lovely treat it is to get have your nails painted, and have made a few lunchtime trips to Cheeky for a spe...

Regular perusers of these pages will be well aware of the fact that, on the whole, my day to day wardrobe is more functional than anything else. In short, give me a comfortable pair of jeans and the chances are that I'll find myself living in them. Having said that, it's always lovely to have an excuse to break away from the norm a little bit and opt for something snazzy for special occasions. In celebration of my birthday last weekend, I snapped up something new which seemed perfect to celebrate in: Dress- Monki (via ASOS)  Coat- c/o Very  Bag- & Other Stories  Shoes- Marks and Spencer  How great is this dress? A new Monki design, it's perfect for this time of the year without being too over the top, and it's ultra-comfortable too, with the loose fit keeping things fabulously fuss-free. Keeping cosy, here I layered it under my staple Very coat, which I think is probably the most worn item of clothing I own, and a piece which I can't ever see myself getting tire...

Brr! I don't know about you, but this sudden chilly snap has caught me slightly on the hop- cue frantic scrabbling around at the back of my wardrobe to find the warmest items of clothing I own! I always forget just how much this time of the year zaps all of your energy too- with darkness setting in at 4pm the days feel so much shorter, and a serious lack of sunshine makes it very tricky to find the motivation to do anything other than hibernate. Luckily enough, I've recently rediscovered some comfortable winter style essentials which lend themselves really well to clasping onto that cosy sensation although it might be freezing cold outside: Coat- Ganni  Jumper- H&M  Jeans- & Other Stories  Shoes- Vans (c/o Spartoo) The return of the most slouchy, blanket-like coat in my wardrobe! This Ganni number is a piece which I picked up about three or four years ago in their post-Christmas sale, and it's one of those perennial favourites which is perfect for this time of th...

At this time of the year I usually tend to find myself more or less living in a steady rotation of knits (as well as fleecy pyjamas!), which, whilst being hugely practical, doesn't really lend itself to much in the way of wardrobe creativity. In an attempt to switch things up just a little bit, I've been keeping the cold at bay by layering some of my favourite fair-weather tops and blouses over thermals, and so far it's proving to be just the antidote to a woolly washout: Coat- Marks and Spencer Blouse- & Other Stories Trousers- ASOS Shoes- Vans (c/o Spartoo) Bag- Oliver Bonas This blouse from & Other Stories is a recent find, and is proving to be something of a staple at the moment, especially as it's such a versatile, easy to wear piece. I love the statement sleeves too, and I'm sure this will be an investment piece which carries me right through to next season. Here I teamed it with a staple pair of trousers from ASOS and another old classic in the shape ...