Jackets, jeans and trainers

As it’s the beginning of a beautiful bank holiday weekend (hallelujah!), this post is all about the casualwear. And, though the rain, hail and snow finally seems to be giving it a break, it’s still not exactly balmy out there. So my focus is jackets, of every shape and size.

I’ve noticed that jackets are having a real moment right now – particularly the printed silky bomber. You can’t move in Zara for them. And what better to pair them with than your favourite jeans and trainers. Here are three looks to try…

1 The Bomber

(pics from Pinterest)

As I mentioned above, if you’re a fan of a printed bomber, you need to head to Zara. My favourite is this one…

It’s £39.99, which is pretty reasonable. I just love the blue.

Or if you’re feeling a little print shy, how about a sleek black number?

This one’s £29.99 from New Look.

It’s pretty clear from the ladies in the Pinterest pics above that what the bomber needs most is skinny jeans, and I particularly like the way Poppy Delevingne has styled hers with ripped knees and white trainers.

I think these jeans would do the trick with both of these bombers…

£42, Vila at Asos.

Then finish the look with some bright white Converse.

I love the Chuck Taylor All Stars II style, which are £59.99 at Office, but we all have our Converse preferences, so go with yours!

2 The Blazer

(pics from Pinterest)

These light-coloured blazers are looking super fresh for summer (and I love the rolled cuffs on the black blazer).

This blush blazer is really pretty and simple…

£65, Oasis

Or, if you’re feeling a little alternative, I love this pyjama style number…

It’s £65 from Topshop.

I particularly like blazers styled with boyfriend jeans and slip-on trainers. It’s a nice way to dress down a more formal jacket.

I think Uniqlo’s slim boyfriends are a great style…

A bargain at £34.90, and not so baggy that you lose the tailored-ness of the blazer.

Then I’d add a blast of fun to the look with these printed Vans…

Now reduced to £31 on Asos.

3 The Leather Biker

(pics from Pinterest)

The final style is an enduring classic. I’ve had my black leather biker from Oasis for five years and I always look forward to the weather finally being warm enough to wear it.

I think Mango’s range of classic leather jackets is great.

This black one’s £119.99 – very reasonably priced for real leather.

Or, if I was feeling the need to make a statement, I’d choose this green faux-leather style…

£49.99 from Zara. Hello Kermit jokes! I think it’d be worth it though – I love a bit of bright green.

The big appeal of leather jackets is that they look great with everything, but I’m particularly fond of them worn with a true black skinny jean and New Balance running-style trainer. I think it’s a classic look, and you can add a bit of colour with your NBs if you want to avoid wearing all black.

I have these Ridley high-waisted jeans from Asos, which are £25, and they’re basically as comfortable as leggings. They wash really well and they’re keeping their true black colour, so win win all round.

And my choice for trainers would be these grey ones…

£65 at Asos. But then I might also be tempted by a bright blue or purple pair.

Hmm, decisions decisions.

Bethan x

White tops and denim shorts

Last week’s post was all about throwing on the colour. This week, I’m saying the opposite. What can I say – I’m fashion fickle. Because, while I do truly love beautiful bright clothes, the other look I’m coveting for summer (if it ever comes) is classic denim shorts and white tops.

Here’s a whole lotta inspiration from Pinterest…

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Chances are, we’ve all got a well-loved pair of denim cut-offs in our wardrobes, so there’s no need to rush out and buy anything there. Though, if you are in the market, you can’t go wrong with a classic…

Levi’s 501 shorts in Echo Park wash, £45.

Or, for a budget option (and a little more leg coverage), New Look has a great selection of denim shorts…

These turn-ups are £19.99. And I may have to buy them right now…

Now for the white tops. The possibilities and styles are endless and, what’s even better is that you probably already have at least three white tops in your wardrobe. But if you can’t resist a chance to shop, here are some of my favourites in the shops now…

The shirt

Staying with New Look for this one. This linen shirt is £14.99. I was in New Look the other day and was so impressed with their range of lovely linen shirts at brilliant prices. This is such a lovely simple style, and there’s no fabric that says summer more than linen. Wear it with your denims, and then take it on holiday to wear as a beach cover-up – very Kate Moss!

The sweater

This brilliant cotton cable knit is just £9.90 from Uniqlo in the sale. Sound the bargain claxon! I love how it’s styled here with a shirt, which would look perfect with denim shorts and white trainers for those days when it’s warm enough to get your legs out, but you still need knitwear.

The off-the-shoulder

This cute little bow-sleeve number is £29.99 from H&M. I’m a sucker for anything with a bow, and this is an easy way to pretty up your denims. Or, if you prefer something more fitted with an off-the-shoulder look, this Asos top is now just £6 in the sale…

The cami

I love the delicate strap details on this Asos cami, for £22. It’s a nice, simple number for summer, but those pretty little crossover straps mean it will work for day and night. Just swap your denim shorts for skinnies and heels and hit the bar!

The T-shirt

I am faithfully a Gap T-shirt girl. This crew neck number is £12.95. I love these 100% cotton T-shirts. They’re a nice loose-fitting shape, and they keep their shape wash after wash. Can’t ask for more from a T-shirt really.

The blouse

Bit of a cheat on this one, because I totally couldn’t choose between so many of H&M’s brilliant white blouse range. So instead, here’s a selection to feast your eyes on. And, at these prices, it’d be rude not to buy a few, really…

Short sleeve, £14.99

Lace trim, £12.99

Fringed, £19.99

Sleeveless with tie neck, £19.99

Ruffled chiffon, £24.99.

I mean, seriously, how is a girl meant to choose?

Bethan x

 

 

Colour me beautiful

On a spring weekend that’s been so chilly I’ve resorted to putting the heating back on and retrieving my winter coat from the cupboard, I think adding a little cheer to your wardrobe is pretty much a necessity.

So I’ve been enjoying browsing online for lots of happy, colourful clothes to take the edge off the slightly disappointing climes. We all have our favourite colours and combinations (hello, 80% navy wardrobe), but I’m going to try and make my next few purchases a little sunnier, in the hope it can inspire Mr Sun to put his hat on, too.

Here are some colour combos I’m loving…

1. Ice-cream pastels

£38, Asos. This gorgeously girlie number is good enough to eat! I’ve been eyeing it up for weeks, and I think I might need to make it mine.

I’d pair it with these cute little pumps…

£7.99, New Look (bargain! Maybe buy all three colours!)

And, because this is England, best to top if off with a cardi…

This one’s £24.90 from Uniqlo. I bloomin’ love their knitwear. This is 100% cotton, comes in a range of colours, washes really well, and is just generally a great thing for spring.

I’m pretty obsessed with this pastel outfit – would you be daring enough to wear pastels top to toe?

2. Yellow and blue

This zingy number from Oasis, £50, is the perfect way to wear colour if you’re a bit scared. Yes, it’s loud, but it’s a chic, simple and flattering shape. You could tone it right down and wear it with opaque tights and a black or cream blazer, but in the spirit of this post, I’m going for primary colour perfection…

These loafers are £62 from Office and I think they’re pretty spectacular. Worn with the yellow dress they’re a beachy, sunny dream, but they’ll also be perfect with skinny jeans and a simple Breton top for those days when you’re feeling a little less ‘look at me’.

3. Teal and orange

This slightly unusual colour comco is inspired by this image, taken from the Rock My Wedding blog, and shot by Marianne Chua…

Just how great do these colours look together?

And, brilliantly, M&S has gone and made a dress in some pretty damn similar colours…

It’s £39.50, and a serious mood lifter on a dull day. I’d play up the orange and wear it with these…

£14, Asos.

4. Hot pink

I couldn’t resist the opportunity to showcase this brilliant blouse from Asos, £32. The perfect remedy to any dull day, this is just so fun and pretty.

It’s jazzy enough to wear with any staples – jeans, black work trousers, white linen trousers, a denim skirt, but I think pink and khaki are a great and underrated colour match.

These are just £14.99 from H&M, and come in a whole load of other colours if you’re feeling adventurous.

So there are my hot tips for spring/summer colour, even if the sky remains decidedly grey. How will you wear yours?

Bethan x

Luxe espadrilles

Happy April everyone!

It’s lovely to feel that the weather’s finally getting warmer and the days are getting longer. My knee-length boots are back in the cupboard, and this week I finally braved bare ankles and open shoes. The sandals aren’t quite out of their boxes yet, but it’s only a matter of time!

Which leads me onto thoughts of a different type of summer shoe: the espadrille.

For such a shoe fanatic, I’m surprised myself that I’ve never owned a pair. I’m not sure why – they look super comfortable and chic, and are usually pretty affordable. Here’s a bit of inspo I’ve picked up from Pinterest…

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They come in all shapes and sizes, but I’m particularly drawn to the slightly more luxe styles: I’m thinking black leather, silky ribbons, neutral colours. I’m usually such a fan of patterns and embellishment, but for my espadrilles, I think I want to keep things chic.

These are £28 from London Rebel at Asos. I like the chic black leather look, and the flatform sole makes them a bit sturdier than some of the flimsier single soles.

These Zara numbers, which are £39.99, also win on the sturdiness front. There’s a bit more to them than the previous pair, but the colours are muted and chic, and I love the black ankle ties.

These satin lovelies from Penelope Chilvers are at the top of the luxe scale, at £129. They’re super cute, with their satin upper and Mary Jane style fastening. An investment buy for espadrille fans.

These Steve Madden espadrilles are half price in the sale at Dune, now £27. The nude colour is great for pairing with dresses and making legs looks longer, and there’s that trusty flatform for sturdiness again!

And finally, for those heel fans out there, you can’t miss Russell & Bromley‘s lovely range of espadrilles in lovely neutral colours. So pretty with a summer dress. These are £115.

Happy summer feet everyone!

Bethan x