Statement Pieces: The Embroidered Jeans
If you didn't catch the first post of my mini-series, you can catch it here. I wanted the statement pieces in this series to each be different (i.e not 3 statement jackets) so this time I'm focusing on my boldest pair of jeans. I know that these would go well with the jacket in the first post, but that would defeat the purpose of this series wouldn't it?
Don't Over Accessorise
Seems like quite an obvious idea for when you want your outfit to focus on one piece, but over-accessorising can be so easily done. I stuck to a simple belt and minimal jewellery with this look, but I could've quite easily layered up some chokers, added a hat and a brightly coloured bag and shoes combo. But the purpose of this series is making one statement piece of your outfit pop without everything else being too distracting.
I saw Emma with these jeans (I think it was on a snapchat haul?) a few weeks back, and until then I'd been watching the embroidered trend from the sidelines really. But these stood out and I just had to have them. They're from Glamorous (via ASOS) and they're fast becoming a favourite brand of mine, they have so many super pretty pieces that are just that little bit different. And I mean, how Gucci-esque is that snake? These look amazing with a pair of grey and red block heel boots I have (here), but again, I'm keeping things simple for this series.
Wearing: Jeans, Glamorous via ASOS - Shirt, New Look (sale) - Belt, Boohoo - Loafers, Topshop
Loves. Emma.
Statement Pieces: The Yellow Jacket
So I did a little mini-series a few weeks back (you can catch up here, here & here if you're interested!) and not only did I really enjoy doing it, but a lot of you seemed to enjoy reading it too. Plus, I think it's some of my best content too! Hence why I thought I'd do another mini-series. Whilst the last one revolved around styling up wardrobe basics (i.e white tee & skinny jeans) this ones gonna be about styling outfits around one statement piece. If you're not bold enough for print clashes and colour blocking to the extremes, statement pieces are great for being just a little bit out there but still reserved.
I picked this jacket up from Zara a few weeks back and am SO in love with it. They do it in blue and pink also, more pastel shades than bright, and I was torn between the blue and yellow until I tried them on. I didn't want to take the yellow one off! I had to of course, not only to pay for it but because we've had some unusually hot days recently and it's certainly not been jacket weather. I am so ready for Autumn.
Stick to monochrome
Bold, statement pieces like this jacket can be quite tricky to style if you find it hard to visualise outfits, but my number one tip is always to keep everything else simple. For this outfit, the jacket is so bright, I kept the rest of the outfit monochrome to really make it pop.
The first time I wore this jacket I wore it with my Nirvana tee and the yellow on it tied in perfectly, so coordination as appose to making it pop alone is another way to go. But I'm just obsessed with this outfit. With the jacket being cropped, I liked the combination of pairing it with a midi dress to elongate things, and the slip dress over t-shirts trend isn't going away anytime soon, so why not join in some more?
Wearing: Jacket, Zara (not online) - Dress, H&M (similar) - T-shirt, Primark - Converse, via ASOS
Loves. Emma.
Versatile, Transitional, Floral.
So as much as I love my high street shopping (and the occasional designer splurge) (and practically any shopping anywhere!) my favourite places to shop are independent stores. Whether it's boutiques online or hidden gems in town, I just think it's great not only to support small businesses, but finding items which are unique and a little bit different!
I came across Boutique of Molly on twitter, because hello, it's 2016 and everyone finds everything on social media now don't they. Not only is there a great selection of tops and dresses (among other things) (they've just brought out a new collection of bags which are definitely worth checking out!) but the deliveries come in pretty pink bags, and who doesn't want a pretty pink delivery through the post? It sure brightened up my Friday! Especially considering how quick it was to arrive, top service.
With it being that awkward transitional phase of 'is it autumn yet?' and not knowing what clothes are weather appropriate, it's all about finding pieces for your wardrobe which are both versatile and transitional. In comes this super pretty floral dress from BoM. Chokers/choker tops/choker dresses are everywhere right now, it's so 90's I love it, and this dress seemed like a perfect addition to my collection. It's a nice, lightweight material (perfect for transitioning and layering!) and is such a flattering shape. You can see how pretty it is, I don't need to ramble on about that, but it's one of those pieces that just fits perfectly as soon as you get it on and although it's a nice, thin material like I've said, it's not that crappy material that goes funny in the wash. It's the good stuff!
I've styled the dress 3 different ways here: with the off-shoulder top for a day look; with a tied belt for an evening look, and with tights and a jacket for a winter look. But there are SO many more ways you could wear it, with over-the-knee boots or lace-up's would be such a look. Why didn't I think of that sooner damn it. But you get the idea, versatile pieces are not only great for a capsule wardrobe, but for seasonal appropriate wear in general.
Along with the dress, I also picked up this black off-shoulder top because these are such wardrobe staples for me right now. Again, this is great for transitioning because you can add layers both under and over, and layering, for me, is the key to autumn style!
So what do you think of the dress? Gonna be hitting up BoM soon?
Loves. Emma.
When You Can't Commit To Colour
So I've mentioned multiple times before how simplistic and monochrome my wardrobe used to be, so I know how daunting it can be to brighten up your outfits if you're anything like me. (Not for everyone, obvs.) It can take a lot of confidence and a lack of caring what other people think, so it's always good to test the waters a bit, bridge to gap with small splashes of colour to see how you like it!
Obviously, accessories are a small and easy way to start. In particular, the whole pins & patches trend at the moment is a great way to do this. I keep wanting to add a selection of pins and patches to my favourite denim jacket to jazz it up a bit, but I just haven't gotten round to it yet, really! I did, however, find this little t-shirt in Primark which has readily sewn on patches and isn't it just super cute?
If you're brave enough for socks and sandals, there's so many cute and colourful pairs out there that can brighten up any outfit! This pineapple pair are obviously my favourite because who doesn't love pineapple?
Loves. Emma.