MAXED OUT.

Maxi lengths have been one style category that I usually avoid when shopping, however I flirted with the idea a few weeks ago when I walked past a clearance fixture in Zara that screamed '6.99'. Five minutes in the fitting room and one stripey maxi skirt later and I was hooked. I think it was the thigh high slit that sold it to me. I also thought that the light jersey material and navy and white stripes would make this a great transitional piece and the longer length is deal for cooler days.

My favourite way to wear the maxi right now is by throwing on an over sized jumper and slipping into my Stan Smiths for a simple yet super relaxed outfit that's just about warm enough for the spring chill. For high summer styles and holidays I would swap the jumper (obviously) for a loose cropped tee. I found that the jersey material of this particular skirt was too clingy when worn with tights underneath so this is definitely best worn bare legged. Hence Sunday was the perfect opportunity to finally let my legs breath and wear my new ray bans thanks to the sunshine gracing us at the weekend. I love how comfy and wearable this outfit is, I think I may have even found my new off duty equivalent to jeans and a tee. 

What are your favourite off duty pieces at the moment?

Elle.x

Jumper | TOPSHOP (old) similiar HERE

Skirt | ZARA (sale) similiar HERE

Ray Bans | HARVEY NICHOLS

Stan Smiths | FOOT ASYLUM (in store) similiar HERE

Bag | URBAN OUTFITTERS (sale) similiar HERE and HERE

Thank you for reading this post.

Follow me on bloglovin here

ZEBRA.

Feminin sweatshirt- WHISTLES / white blouse- H&M / Ashby jeans- old season ALL SAINTS

Adidas zebra Stan Smith trainers- FOOT ASYLUM (in store)

Firstly huge apologies for the lack of posts of late- as if it's been just over a month since I last posted?! I put it down to the January blues catching up with me, catching flu for the THIRD time in 5 month period and just general lack of inspiration regarding anything fashion. Sometimes I get stuck in that transitional period of wanting to buy new things that are no way near appropriate for the current weather, so can't as I hate buying clothes hat I can't get use out of straight away. Anyone else get what I mean...?!

However never fear, with fashion week in full swing and Zara finally dropping their full stock package online (seriously lusting after everythang right now) I am starting to feel majorly inspired again by all things fashion. Hurrah,

For the time being though my most recent purchases have either been on super sale finds or shoes, like these amazinggg Stan Smiths that I am wearing above, which feature a zebra print on the back of the heel. It was love at first sight. I got them the other week when I went birthday shopping with the Madre. A  couple of days later (last Wednesday) me and the boy ventured up to Scotland for a few days and knew they would be perfect for the 4 hour car journey a head. Although it was super windy in Manchester that day as you can probably tell by the photos (and lack of), I was just happy that I was able to venture outside for a couple of minutes without having to wear a coat while we stopped off at the Trafford Centre en route.

I teamed my zebra stans with a Whistles sweatshirt which was a complete steal in the boxing day sales; pairing a cute peter pan collar underneath and throwing on fave comfy jeans for a super casual vibe. Btw how cute are these dino socks??! Whilst shopping with the Madre, my apparent lack of socks was pointed out (I didn't wear any that day, my bad) therefore these were a necessity and I got them on a 3 for £8 promotion so not too shabby.

Hope you're all having a good week and I promise that my next post will be here before the month is up!

Elle.x

PINSTRIPES & PONY HAIR.

coat- MANGO // polo top- HM // duster- ZARA // pinstripe trousers- MANGO // bag- ZARA // trainers- asos white x le coq sportif @ ASOS

I don't know about you, but I have definitely noticed a sudden drop in temperature in the last ten days, a weather situation that I am never prepared for. My wardrobe has always consisted of a higher ratio of summer and transitional wear in comparison to wintery garms. I think this is usually because in the dead of winter I tend to hibernate more and just want to cover up in the same items, because let's face it; in winter it's too dark and too cold for people to even notice that you're wearing the same cosy jumper and hooded coat for the fourth time that week. If there was a choice between being super stylish whilst freezing my arse off, as opposed to being unfashionably warm, I would choose the latter. Which thinking about it,seems ironic, as my 17 year old self would have rather frozen herself to a fashionable death. Anyway today bearing the current temperature in mind, I decided to layer up in items that I have gradually accumulated in the last four months including my beautiful duster/cardigan that I picked up from Zara at the beginning of Autumn, however have barely worn it due to how it looks better as an outer piece. I decided to try it under my fuzzy cocoon coat and to my suprise, the mixed proportions actually didn't look half bad. I'm loving the layers on layers look atm, so I'm going to continue to experiment with the pairing of items in my wardrobe that I don't usually wear together.

As well as trying out new ways to layer up, today was the first time that I let my new pony haired beauties outside. If you follow me on instagram, you will have noticed my sheer excitement of being able to get my hands on a pair of the beautiful asos white x le coq sportif trainers. Not only is this a unique collaboration between the two brands, there were only 100 pairs to get hold of. Hence why they literally sold out within 48 hours. I am still pretty smitten with my new sneaks, especially since I failed to get hold of the sweatshirt I wanted/needed from the wang x collection. The only down side right now is the fact that Manchester is well known for sudden and heavy down falls and learning from experience pony hair/rain do not bode well together.

Hope you've all had a lovely weekend & happy new year btw!

Elle.x

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD.

coat- WAREHOUSE, polo neck- H&M, biker trousers- ZARA, clutch- Micheal Kors A/W'13 @ SELRIDGES, boots- TOPSHOP, ring- MOTHSTYLE

After spending most of this morning cleaning our apartment, the boy and me decided to get some fresh air this afternoon so we went for a little wander around our West Didsbury surroundings. 

Now that I have come to terms with the fact that this cold British weather is here to stay for another couple of months, I found myself dressing a little more appropriately this weekend, with special thanks to my new favourite coat which I picked up yesterday after work. How fab is the colour of this quilted sleeve parka from Warehouse?! Available in three colour options, I was instantly drawn to this burgundy number, which contrasts nicely with the black faux fur detailing and compliments my dark features. I was also in favour of the huge fur lined hood which provides the perfect amount of shelter against gusts of wind and sudden down pours, which I am often subjected to living in Manchester. It also happened to be a mere £40 in the sale- not too shabby. Ultimately it is the perfect all year round 'go to' as it is light weight enough to wear during summer rain, but still provides enough insulation when teamed with layers, for the colder months. 

Today I decided to wear my new purchase over a simple all black ensemble, which I think makes the burgundy shade 'pop' and the sleek layers were ideal for partnering underneath the slightly voluminous silhouette of the coat. I packed light today and opted for my checkered clutch bag which I have been in love with ever since it was gifted to me last Christmas. I think a striking clutch is a great way to add interest to mono heavy and pared down outfits; they make a great conversational piece and also make the ideal gift! And of course I wore my trusty Margot boots, which I will be watching like a hawk on the Topshop website this boxing day as I really want to snap them up in patent as well, but only if they end up in the sale. Hope you all managed to brave the winter chill in style and warmth this weekend!

Elle.x