How to style PVC trousers 3 ways.

Testing Trends: Off the shoulder outerwear

Off the shoulder outerwear, or basically not wearing your coat properly, seems to be trend that has been floating around for a while. In fact, before I started writing this post I toyed with the idea of calling it 'The kardashian trend' because, lets face it, recently in nearly all the pictures of them they have forgotten how to wear their coats on their shoulders. In the end I settled upon 'Testing Trends'  because I will often see street style pictures and think 'yes' these off duty models running around after a fashion show look fabulous wearing something or styling it a certain way, but really, how wearable is it? So on Saturday, I decided I was ready for a fun filled day of not wearing my coat properly and getting cold shoulders (my Nana would not approve).

Feminine Grunge Ft Mulberry, Kurt Geiger & Whistles

Right Back to it ft Primark

Haul Lookbook ft Topshop, Kurt Geiger, ASOS & more...

December Haul ft Topshop, Kurt Geiger, Primark & more

The Internetless Challange

Thigh boots the new winter boots?

This winter I am all about the thigh high boots, especially when they make my life a little easier and double up as shoe/trouser 'thingys'. Having said all this I still managed to take my coat off while shooting this outfit so it sort of made the boots a little redundant on the warmth side of things. I only did it to show you guys what the dressed looks like, oh, the sacrifices we make in the name of 'fashun darling' (please insert Ab Fab voice over here!) 

Hollie x

Jacket- Reiss

Dress- Topshop

Boots- Matalan (similar linked)

Tartan Rebellion ft Topshop & Kurt Geiger

 

Daisies and Giveaways

Sometimes, somedays call for simplicity, and these are the days I usual wear all black. So when ARK clothing contacted me and asked if I would like to choose some items off their website I was immediately drawn to pieces that could add drama to an outfit, and this daisy shirt I feel does that perfectly. I also selected the Fedora hat I am wearing, mainly for one obvious reason... Bad hair days!  Although I already own a Fedora I really love the structure of this one and it is only £12.99! Which, when you compare it to Topshops £25-30 price tag, it really is a bargain. I hope that didn't sound to much like a sales pitch, but I do really think they're great items. All the pieces I chose I would have happily bought myself and that is usually how I gauge collaborations and working with brands. A few companies have contacted me about sending items, but I have declined if I wouldn't buy it myself. I won't take it, even if it is free!!  
Finally, sort of like a cherry on top, the lovely guys at Ark Clothing have given me some gift vouchers to share with my lovely readers so I am currently running a competiton (details in the picture above). Good luck 

Hollie x   

Coat-Topshop

Daisy Shirt- ARK

Jeans- Topshop

Boots- Kurt Geiger

Fedora- ARK

The borrowers

 

Before I begin my ramble I should point out that even though this post is related to clothes it is not related to the outfit above. Although the outfit is 'WIWT' I couldn't think of anything witty to write about it and since sometimes writing 'OOTD' is fine, I feel you, the reader, deserve a little bit more after putting up with my sulky face. Although now I have mentioned it you might not even find my writing entertaining and you are now at an even bigger loss... I apologise a 1000 times. 

So, if your onto the second paragraph you have read the disclaimer above and you are buckled in. I will begin with my point... If you read my blog regularly you will have realised a lot of posts come from day to day conversations I have with friends, or strangers to that affect, and this subject pretty much stems from the same source. I am the eldest of two sisters and until I went to university my wardrobe, much to my surprise, was apparently 'their' wardrobe. By this I mean; I would come across my favourite Jumper in the laundry basket with no knowledge of me wearing it. According to my youngest sister I must have been 'sleep styling'. Which we both knew wasn't true, as nothing can wake me, literally... I could sleep on a washing line. 

As a result, when I finally moved out and into a house with my university friends I was thrilled to find no one was 'borrowing' my clothes and I did not have to hide my favourite pieces any more. This was great for 3 years and surprise, surprise my so called 'sleep styling' condition never re-occurred. 

After living independently for 3 years I decided to move into a shared house with some friends from Uni while they finished there masters and I went out to the real world and got a job. And blissfully my clothes and I lived in harmony (I think it helps that I lived with guys), until one day a friend made a passing comment which filled me with dread... 'If I cannot find anything to wear I will just borrow something of yours' we haven't spoken since (I joke). 
I don't know whether its me or the fact that I have worked hard to build my wardrobe/collection (I feel 'collection' justifies the amount spent). But when it comes to my clothes I really DON'T share. I'm not joking I had a t-shirt made when I moved into the shared house so any girlfriends would get the subtle message. For me I think that's the line of friendship, some people may think I am sad and shallow and to extent I am. But they are my possesions and I don't like the idea that someone would think they can just walk in and play dress up with my clothes. There's also the whole messy politics that are attached. The friend I was talking to about this subject was telling me a story of how a very expensive piece of clothing was ruined by the usual culprit... red wine, and the girl who had borrowed the item did not even offer to replace or pay for dry cleaning!? Maybe its a manners thing? Or maybe, just don't borrow peoples clothes? On the odd occasion I have lent a girlfriend an item of clothing I instantly regretted it, knowing that, not only might you never see your favourite sequin charity shop find again, but you also might loose a friend over it. 

On the other hand the word 'no' is something I struggle to say and so I find myself doing the polite dance of 'erm I'm not sure. Erm I think I'm going to wear it' (I wasn't) and end up changing my outfit so they couldn't lend it. Maybe I should grow a pair and just say NO!! To be honest I am lucky enough now to have friends that feel the same about the whole wardrobe sharing/borrowing situation, so it has never been a problem. 

Like most things in life they often can be linked back to experiences you had as a child. So after years of unwillingly sharing my clothes who can blame me if I am a bit touchy now? 

What do you think? Do you share your clothes or do you ask to borrow clothes? 

Shorts- H&M

Vest- H&M

Boots- Kurt Geiger

Sunglasses-Vintage

Bag-Zara

Hat-Topshop

Painter and Decorator

Last night I decided to wear my favourite painter and decorator outfit (I mean overalls)and headed out for cocktails with my girlfriends. I honestly could wear my overalls all the time they are so versatile. I have to rein myself in when I'm shopping so I don't buy any more. Seriously, I would be walking around like an adult baby 24/7.  
I hope you enjoy your weekend.
Hollie x

Overalls- Riverisland

Plaid Shirt- Boyfriends

Leather Jacket- Topshop

Shoes- Kurt Geiger

The Races

Finally, I have the pictures from the races to share with you. The dress I am wearing is from Zara. I decided on this dress mainly due to the colour and the cut around the arms, which is the same front and back. Although I tend not to stick to rules when it comes to what you should, and shouldn't wear, because this was a more formal event I thought I would wear a higher neckline. To accessorize, I wore just a simple necklace, gold watch and my Raybans. The clutch is also from Zara, I chose this to add some contrast in colour and texture with bright yellow and snakeskin. Finally, my shoes are simple black heels from Kurt Geiger. I decided against a hat for two reasons; 1. I didn't want to wear a hat (probably the best reason) and 2. It wasn't ladies day, so you aren't technically obliged to wear one. I feel very grown up in this outfit and it made me feel very womanly as it created curves with the cut. When I bought the dress I was a bit saddened by the fact that there is going to be very few places I will be able to wear it. However, due to the cut I think I'm going to try and style it with a military jacket and some ankle boots and see if that works (I will keep you posted). I'm going to the new Leeds Topshop tomorrow to visit their new flagship store... god help my bank balance :P.
P.S The girl in the pictures with me is one of my besties, Stacey, her dress is from Topshop and comes in loads of colours. I think the colour she has chosen looks amazing with her red hair. 
Enjoy you weekends and the pics.
Holly x

Dress: Zara

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

Tweed Jacket: Zara

Clutch: Zara

Sunglasses: Ray-ban

Necklace: Gift

Watch: Gift

Stacey has everything crossed for a win.

End of the day flats where a must!!

We won the final race YAY!!

 

Final picture of the day amongst the sunset and lost bet slips

Afternoon Tea

On Saturday one of my BFF’s (old skool) took me out for afternoon tea and what a delight it was! Not only was I treated to some amazing cup cakes, but she also made me some as part of my birthday gift. I must admit, the picture of them was taken on Saturday and there is now only 3 left!! I wouldn’t class it as greedy deluded as they are so small, 3 is probably equal to one. When it comes to food and clothes, I feel no guilt 'tehe'. I decided to opt for a casual outfit, dressing it up slighty with my new tweed blazer.

Enjoy the Pics

Holly x

(Thanks BFF!)
Jacket-Zara

Leather Trousers-Topshop

Boots-Kurt Geiger

Bag-Topshop (Sale)