Casual Styling ft Acne & Mulberry

How to style | ft pretty polly socks AD

Socks. The wardrobe staple no one seems to write lengthy blog posts about but you can bet they can be found in everyones underwear draw. Although socks might not be the most glamorous items, worn the right way, they can add a playful twist to an outfit. I must admit, styling socks with an outfit isn't new to me but I rarely venture away from plain black. So when Pretty Polly got in touch and wondered if I would like to style a few pairs of their socks in difference styles and colours I jumped at the chance to see if I could come up with some everyday outfits.  Its really easy to stay within your comfort zone with fashion, hell, you are constantly being told to find out what suits you and stick to it, almost like you might melt if you venture to far from your regulars. But with that being said, you may never stumble across the next staple item if your not at least a little playful.
Now, onto the socks themselves. I must admit I have always opted for cheap pairs from Primark but after trying Pretty Polly I was very impressed. I did think that because the nylon is so sheer in some of the designs I picked that I would end up snagging them but they where surprisingly strong, if a pair of socks can even be that. Honestly, I only have to look at a pair of tights and they get a ladder in them. I hope you find my how to style video helpful, if you're thinking of giving it a try I would start with the simple fishnet. Okay, yes they're black but they are bold enough to change up your outfit without you getting it wrong and looking like an American cheerleader.

Hollie x

Look One 

Look Two

Look Three

Simple Summer Styling | ft Urban Outfitters

A Day out in Whitby ft Mulberry, Acne & All saints

This post seems a little over indulgent on the photo front, but I couldn't help it. The outfit pics looked so cool in front of the bright multi coloured beach huts and the scenery is just too picturesque not to post it. Of course, while there, I indulged or should I say, over indulged in the usual seaside treats of fish and chips and ice cream, it would have been rude not to. 

Hollie x 

Jumper: Urban Outfitters

Jeans: Topshop

Trainers: Acne Studios

Leather Jacket: Allsaints

Bag: Mulberry 

Age limit + Ark Giveaway

A while ago I read an article in a magazine that ran through all age ranges of women (not men... No shock),  and listed what you should and shouldn't wear at that age. To my horror it stated that, when you hit 25, you should no longer wear mini skirts (anything above the knee). This really confused me! Surely, when you are in the 'supposed' prime of your life you should be flaunting 'what ya momma gave ya', not shying away and covering up. I think it horrified me mostly because I am 25 next and it would mean I would be throwing away at least 1/4 of my wardrobe! The article then got me thinking, if the rule applies to length does it apply to colour also? For modern journalism the whole piece felt a little victorian, quite suppressive and rather silly. I mean, if Kate Moss had stuck to this particular article what would she wear? I suppose, actually, Kate (me and 'Kate' go way back... joke) is a prime example that you can wear what the 'F' you like at any age. Okay, granted she is a muse, style icon, super model but, she still is at an age which in societies mind means she cannot wear certain items, but she still does and I think the main reason for this is her taste in fashion and confidence. Your style, taste and sometimes confidence is something that is evolving and it should really be down to how comfortable you feel, not your age. So, with that article as my motivation I decided to stick two's up to its perceived view of age acceptable attire and wore a mini skirt and a splash of colour. Do you think there is an appropriate age to wear certain items?
Hollie x

Jumper- Urban Outfitters

Skirt- Zara

Boots- Topshop

Coat- Reiss

P.s My Ark giveaway is still running so don't forget to enter.  

Pretty Woman

  

 

 

  

 

The over the knee boot is this winters go to footwear, but how can you wear them without the pretty woman subtext? Aka; looking like a hooker! It is a real shame, as they so elegantly provide a sleek line to compliment your outfit while rather practically keeping you warm. They are sort of like a control pant for your lower limbs. Have I sold you on this trend yet? Really... The control pant and hooker spiel didn't win you over? I do actually really love over the knee boots and socks despite my previous jibes, they are incredibly easy to wear and they really can be worn with everything. The boots I am wearing with today’s outfit don’t quite come over the knee so I have simply added over the knee black socks to give the same effect. I think one of the main reasons I enjoy wearing these boots in winter is because it’s a change from tights which, can be less than appealing sometimes. There is really nothing I hate more, or is less attractive, than having to stop every five steps to hike your crotch back up into position and lets face it, we have all had to do the ‘tight dance’ at some point. Although recently, one of my friends commented saying 'You should always wear tights with these boots to avoid the pretty woman comment', but I think she is wrong the whole point of the boots is to add drama. Now, after preaching about not looking like a prostitute I should of perhaps not have taken these pictures on a street corner. For me the over the knee boot adds a hint of sex appeal in an otherwise oversized and 'Mannish' dominated season.
What do you think of over the knee boots or do you think they are slightly more street corner then high end?

Coat- Reiss

Jumper- H&M

Skirt-Urban outfitters

Boots- Garage shoes

Bags- Chanel 

Last of the Summer Wine

 

 

Contrary to the post title I am not talking about the British sitcom involving old men. I am more using the title to illustrate the fact that I will be taking these last few opportunities to bare my legs as much as possible... Well, before they grow their winter coat! Come on we are all guilty of it, especially with tights to cover up the evidence. Just think of it as an extra thermal layer. I think I am trying to hard to convince myself that other people do this... Oh well. So, if you hear on the news in the winter months that a Yetee has been spotted you know were to look. Okay, I think I'm exaggerating, its only a bit of hair on my legs!!  Maybe I should have called this post 'the extra winter coat'? 

Hollie x

Leather sleeveless jacket- H&M

Dress- Urban Outfitters

Boots-Topshop

Bag-Zara

Magazine Feature

I cannot believe I have been featured again in this weeks Look magazine, it's so cool. You guys might recognise the picture from a blog post I did a while ago.  
Hollie 

A very English Hollie

I think its fair to say you can tell I am English! For one; I have very pale skin. I also seem to suffer from an extreme stiff upper lip (in case you haven't noticed I rarely smile in my pictures). And finally, my love of talking about the weather. Honestly, all that is missing is a picture of me eating a Sunday roast (I would gladly oblige) with the good Queen herself.
So, in keeping with this very English topic I recently read an article in The Times fashion section, that quite rightly stated that the pattern trouser is a go to item for the English summer. Especially with the unpredictability of our weather. Well, as soon as they mentioned the weather I was hooked, in case you cannot tell I'm being sarcastic. More seriously after reading the article I couldn't agree more. Really, there is no excuse, they are in every high-street store, and can add a hint of sunshine to a very grey English day. Have I spoken about the weather enough yet?
Today's inspiration; the English weather and an article in The Times... I'm such a cliché (head in hands).
Hollie x

Jumper- Urban Outfitters

Trousers- Zara

Boots- Topshop