In/Out

Zara. A store that every time I enter, I feel like I should then walk out into a hot, humid street in Cyprus. This, I'm sure, was the place that I first I went into a Zara store. I'm a little worried as to how or why I even remember my first Zara experience - not that I bought anything in there at 11 years old, but in the last couple of years it has been raising higher and higher on my top high street stores list. At 13 it was New Look, 16, Topshop, and now at 18, I think Zara is reigning. 

So as you can imagine, a Zara sale certainly excites me. And when I snatched up these couple of items for £24 in total (rather than a whopping £90) I was beyond happy. So proud of my bargain, I think I have told most the people I work with, regardless if they find interest in it.

This leather skirt was definitely worth picking up. It has leather and sheer pleats on the sides which gives a unique, modern take on the average leather mini (please ignore the fact I wore the pleats at the front in the following shots, I was tired and didn't even realise I had put it on wrong. Oops.) 

I kinda fancy replicating how they've styled this skirt on the website and rocking it with a chunky, orange knit this autumn.  

And these shoes. Would you say they are mules? I thought they were. Well, six months ago I was dissing them, absolutely rejecting this trend. And look who has now gone and got a pair. Which she loves! Even if I am the only one in my household that does. 

Skirt - Zara (SALE)

Shoes - Zara (SALE)

You may think that you aren't sure who Dan Croll is but I bet you've heard this song - From Nowhere. If you have and love it, or if you haven't and are intrigued to listen to him, here is another song from his album Sweet Disarray -  In / Out. It's a good one! 

Enjoy! 

xoxo

Sol.

Is that an army truck? Yep, it's an army truck. This, for some reason that is beyond me is the new addition to our back garden so I've taken the opportunity to use it as a background for my monochromatic outfit post. I'm liking the vintage look it has going. 

This outfit may be simple but I still love it - I think simplicity is kinda my style and this jacket I snatched up in Topshop a month ago is a perfect addition to my wardrobe. It is a little on the big side but an over sized fit paired with the frayed denim effect adds to the androgynous style. Although, an androgynous fit means I have to search for a top that counteracts that slightly, at times limiting choices to style it with. I wouldn't say I have the frame or personality to pull off tomboy. 
But wait. With a jacket like this one - which I totally bought because it reminded me of the Chanel jacket has many images to inspire thanks to The Little Black Jacket exhibition that was created by Mr Lagerfeld himself and the former editor in chief of Vogue Paris, Carine Roitfeld. 
Here's my personal fave - Clemence Poesy and other images from the exhibition. 

Shoes - Zara

Top - Zara SALE

Sunglasses - Accessorize

Jeans - Topshop

Lipstick - Mac (All Fired Up)

Jacket - Topshop

And for the song of the post. 

It may not be all sun and fun outside right now but I have found one great summer song. I came across this band, Mausi at a Foxes gig in Brighton in March, and honestly I had never heard their songs before but I seriously enjoyed their music, they had great stage presence and their music is just so easy to get in to. 

Mausi – Sol. 

I would recommend having a looksy at their YouTube channel for a little more of their stuff too - MausiVEVO. 

Enjoy! 

xoxo

What Took You So Long?

It's been a while now that I've fancied myself a nice pair of leather shorts, and the current Topshop sale brought them to me. Ever since I saw the following photo of Miranda Kerr effortlessly rockin' a pair, I was bought. Don't you think they are the perfect alternative to a pair of black denim cut off's? A perfect alternative that not every girl on the high street owns either. They are a basic worth investing in, unless of course you snatch them up in a sale and then you're all the more happier.
I reckon regardless of how you style them, paired with a breton top or denim shirt or even just a simple plain white tee jazzed up with some red lipstick like Miranda Kerr, they somehow, I think, still make you look like you've put in some effort - even if you did rush out the house after waking half hour late. 

Necklace - Topshop (SALE) 

Top - River Island

Leather Shorts - Topshop (SALE)

Bag - Zara

I found this Courteeners song recently, and thought the title totally fitted. It's catchy aswell, making it all the bit better for summer drives to the beach. The Courteeners – What Took You So Long?

xoxo

Brushstroke

Celine - a brand with a minimal aesthetic that one day I dream of affording disappointed and excited many with Phoebe Philo's colourful, modern take on minimalism with the Spring Summer 14 collection. I loved it. So much so that as soon as I got my eye on this Zara dress, that I'm taking a wild guess was inspired by the collection, I had to snatch it up. It may not be the most versatile dress, the boxy shape doesn't fit too brilliantly with many jackets but on a nice day like this, you can rock it without worrying about a jacket.

For the song of the post, I've picked this Paulo Nutini song that I am absolutely loving at the moment Paolo Nutini – Fashion feat. Janelle Monáe. Hope you enjoy it. 

xoxo

Black And White Town

Due to the monochrome trend this season and my personal admiration for the colour combination it seems that this trend is the one reigning my spring/summer wardrobe this year. 

I picked up this playsuit today bikini shopping - by far the worst form of shopping, changing room mirrors are not the most forgiving, wouldn't you agree? 

Similarly to many products at the moment it is made from that thick, elasticated, lycra type of material making it incredibly comfortable, although it was the pattern that drew me in more than anything. 

And the shoes. The shoes. I loved them since the moment I saw them and finally gave in to temptation and decided it was completely necessary I have them. They are very versatile after all, and the fact Zara only seem to stock their products for roughly six weeks enticed me even more. I didn't want them to become the shoes that got away. 

These heels have also become my alternative to the strappy sandal, a wardrobe staple (those A line midi skirts don't look the part without them) that I will never buy into - I'm not someone that likes shoes that reveal my toes. 

Shoes (Zara) Playsuit (Topshop)

In fitting with the black and white outfit and title of this post here's a song; 

Black And White Town - Doves  Doves – Black and White Town

xoxo