Stories From The Dressing Room | Winter To Spring Style

Who else spent the past few months buying ALL OF THE THINGS online? Despite having literally nowhere to go and no one to see due to lockdown, it didn't seem to affect me craving some new looks.

As you may have seen, my major goal for 2021 is to buy less - so I feel like I need to point out that these items were bought before that, from the end of October. I just haven't had the chance to post about them before!  Instead of buying yet more things, I realised I had plenty to post about looking at the items I’ve added to my wardrobe and enjoyed over the past few months instead.

Winter fashion is my favourite. Any excuse to layer up and invest in coats, chunky jumpers and boots and I'm there. And as we are now creeping into what feels a little more like spring, I've invested in some transitional items that will carry me through the next season as well. 

Pearl and spike studded chunky boots | Zara

Chunky boots have had a major resurgence recently, and I'm definitely here for it. As a reformed emo teenager, the look of stompy boots and a short skirt has always been a favourite, I'm just trying to do it in a slightly more grown-up way this time! I loved the beautiful pearl and black crystal embellishments on this pair and have been wearing them non-stop. 

Rough cut diamond pendant | RoseandRabbit @Etsy 

I adore rough cut natural gemstones and my house is full of geodes and chunks of agate, so when I came across this stunning necklace it had to be mine. It's an unpolished Herkimer diamond with all it's natural occlusions. I like to think it's a little reminder that there's beauty in imperfect things. Etsy is such a great platform for finding unique accessories made by small businesses. 

Silk lightning bolt shirt | Whistles 

A big addiction in my wardrobe is the silk shirt. I find them so chic and versatile. Throw one on with a leather skirt and ankle boots or with some straight cut jeans and they just look incredible. They also work through a range of seasons. The most famous brand has to be Equipment, but I think Whistles do really lovely versions. This blush pink shirt with little black lighting bolts was too pretty to resist. 

Black leather mini pinafore dress | Warehouse

As well as silk shirts, leather look pieces are also a huge part of my style. I find them timeless - a little bit sophisticated, a little bit grunge. This leather pinafore dress has a great 60s mod look with the A-line cut and large square pockets. I thought it would be ideal layered over a breton top or one of the silk shirts, or even a chunky rollneck on colder days. 

Pearl and crystal ear climbers | Phillip Jones | 'Fleur' pearl chunky hoop earrings | Oliver Bonas 

Another accessory I picked up were these very pretty ear climbers, which have pearls and crystals that hug the ear lobe. I love them because to me they look delicate and pretty but also a little bit punk, and I love that combination. I have a few pairs of climbers now because I wear them a lot, but wanted a pair with pearls in. I've worn these a lot since purchasing, because they go so well with high necked knitwear just to add a little extra something. 

Also added to my jewellery edit this winter are these beautiful little hoops, which are covered over with tiny seed pearls. They're delicate but impactful and easy to wear, just giving that extra little touch to knitwear and jeans.  

Cream silk blouse | Mulberry

Well, I did say I had a big thing for silk shirts right now! This cream number seemed like such a classic thing to wear and enjoy. The silk is imprinted with tiny little mulberry tree emblems, and there's a beautiful curved collar, while the collar and cuffs are finished with gold metal buttons. Such a beautiful love-forever item that can be styled in so many ways. 

'Genevieve' button through leopard dress | Joules

In November, I also did a fairly large order with Joules. A lot of the kids clothes come from there - the designs are cute and they're made to a great standard and really stand up to a lot of washing and wearing. Although I've always liked their stuff, lately they seem to have gotten a lot more current with their designs. 

Things like leather and leopard print wouldn't have featured in their designs a few years ago, but they seem to be shaking it up and getting a bit more of an edge. I found myself wanting to order quite a few things!. The leopard midi dress seemed like a piece that would work equally well with flat sandals in the summer or boots and a polo neck in the colder months. 

'Hatton' burgundy leather animal print bag | Whistles

Cross body mini bags are definitely my favourite style. Whether I'm out in the evening or dealing with the children, I just prefer to be hands free, so a long strap is pretty much a must. The burgundy leopard finish just looked so cool- I like the fact it's not another black bag, as I have so many of those. 

There's also a short, chunky gold chain strap as a bit of extra detail. There are a couple of compartments and it's just big enough to hold my essentials. 

'Laney' black velvet devore dress | All Saints

A black dress is the ideal thing for winter days - it looks intentional but is also soft, comfortable and easy to throw on. I missed out on any of the pieces I liked from last years edit The Vampire's Wife did for H&M, but ever since then I've been searching for a vampy looking devore dress with long sleeves. Of course, All Saints have been working that glam goth aesthetic for years, so no wonder they had a great alternative. A flattering v-neckline and a draped front make this easy to wear. 

Leopard coat | Biba

Coat of dreams alert! A leopard coat is something I've been keen to add to my wardrobe for quite a few years, but hunting down the right one took time. Revived vintage label Biba know how to do high octane looks in a sleek, 70s way so no wonder they smashed it with this beaut. 

I went back and forth on buying this but I know I'll get the wear out of it to justify the purchase. I like the fact that most of the coat is sober black wool, but it has those fabulous faux-leopard panels down the front. The round collar and all the little details, from the beautiful silk lining to the chunky zip, are great quality and just make this statement coat look super expensive. 

Freshwater pearl and gold link chain | Baguette crystal and gold link chain | Luna

These necklaces really caught my eye - they are a completely different style to anything I own, but I loved them straight away. Each necklace is sort of collar length, like a loose choker. They would look amazing with a plain, round necked tshirt to add a bit of interest. Each has half of the necklace that's chunky, squared gold links and then half that's either pretty freshwater pearls or baguette cut crystals. They're fresh and easy to wear. 

'Eden' white high rise kick flare jeans | All Saints

White jeans are a bit of a love-it-or-hate it item, but being obsessed with a bit of French girl style means they're on my radar. Parisiennes seem to embrace white denim, even in the winter. In this kick flare cut, it looks a lot fresher and more current. 

White corset top | The Kooples

Are we ever going to be able to go ‘out out’ again? The days of a nice dinner somewhere or even a few cocktails with friends feel so desperately far away now. So it’s perhaps a bit silly I also bought this beautiful top, which would be ideal for all that. Paired with some vinyl or leather trousers I think it would look brilliant for an evening out on the town. Or if there’s ever such a thing as weddings again, it would also amazing with a smart pencil skirt. I love the delicate mesh overlay and the sweetheart neckline, so I decided to buy it and hopefully have somewhere to wear it before too long!

Blue leather A-line camisole | Topshop

I'm continuing my obsession with leather pieces in unexpected colourways here. This top has a really nice cut - a straight neckline and a gently flared, A-line shape. Plus I just love anything powder blue, its a favourite shade of mine to wear. I can see this making a great summer outfit with a pair of silk trousers or a ruffled skirt. 

Camel tailored trousers with black side stripe | & Other Stories

Tailored trousers are an item I used to love for rhe office, but now I'm permanently based at home for work, I'm trying to find ways to make them work a bit more casually. I thought these would work well with plain white trainers and a sweater or in the evening when we're finally allowed out again with heels and a silky vest top. I really like side stripe details on clothes as it brings that sports luxe vibe too. 

'Havana' grey cropped wide leg jeans  | Mango

A couple of things from Mango, which is a shop I always tend to overlook. I’m not sure why, because  I really like their aesthetic and the pieces seem nice quality. They will be more on my radar now, because I picked up these amazing jeans in the sale. I’m really fussy with jeans at the moment because I’m trying to wean myself off skinnies and go for straighter cuts that are a bit more classic. These are wider through the leg than I’m used it, but they’re a lovely denim that is structured but still feels soft and a bit worn in. This will look amazing with a shoulder-padded tshirt or a boxy blazer.

Nude satin '2750'  trainers | Superga

Satin trainers are something I've wanted to add into my collection for a while. I really lile the contrast between the functional sporty shoe and the luxurious fabric. The fact that these are neutral and will go with lots of outfits also appealed. These will have to wait until its less muddy and rainy outside, but I'm looking forward to styling them up as the weather improves. 

Powder blue knitted sweetheart top | Missguided 

There's something about a sweetheart neckline that I really like, they're so refined and flattering to wear. I had seen a few of these fine knit tops coming into the shops, so I went looking thinking it would be the perfect thing to wear with mom jeans and trainers. This one looked so pretty I couldn't resist ordering it, especially as its in my favourite powder blue colour as well. 

Tweed bomber jacket | Whistles

It seems like a lifetime since it was warm enough to wear anything but my huge Zara puffer coat, but I am feeling a little more optimistic after the past few days of gorgeous sunshine. Hopefully soon it will be warm enough to do jackets again! This tweed bomber can make an appearance then, because it seemed like a great little throw on and go over a basic tee or even a summery day dress. 

Cuffed silk joggers | Abercrombie & Fitch

Silk joggers are one of my summer go-to items. Relaxed, chic and easy breezy. I always wear them if I'm travelling or flying somewhere, because they're covered up enough for a chilly UK as well as being cool enough when you land on sunnier shores. They also are the ultimate compromise between comfort and looking pulled together. I have a decent collection of them now, but I liked the look of this cuffed pair with a delicate pattern. They're actually the first purchase I've ever made from Abercrombie and Fitch and I'm quite impressed with the quality. 

Lilac knitted cropped cardigan | George 

The fabled skill of finding amazing fashion in the supermarket while you pick up more milk never seems to happen to me! I'm constantly seeing great pieces in magazines from the ranges at Sainsbury's, Tesco and Asda, but whenever I go in they must hide them! However, on this rare occasion I ran into Asda to get some nappies and there in front of me was this rather fabulous lilac 'nana knit'. 

Cardigans are very au courant right now. The cropped style, voluminous sleeves, chunky buttons and sugary, 'Clueless' shade made it a must have - it went into my basket before you could blink! This would look amazing with high-waisted jeans, a lacy bralette and some layered necklaces. 

Camel ribbed halterneck top | Mango

I also got this simple, neutral knitted vest. I’ve been wanting something like this for a while because it's the type of piece that goes with everything, from pleated midi skirts to leather joggers. Anywhere you need a fitted top half, this will do great service, and the sporty halterneck style and fluid, knitted fabric make it a luxe looking basic. 

Paperbag waist leather midi skirt | Very

I do have far too many leather skirts and trousers, but I feel myself when I’m wearing something leather. I adore it's sleek functionality and the way it looks both sophisticated and a tiny bit edgy. It’s so easy to wear in any setting, and it also stands up to the changeable UK weather very well. That’s all the excuse I needed to add another piece to my wardrobe, anyway! This skirt is a little different from my others as it features a paperbag waist with a drawstring and some chunky silver hardware. I like the fact the tie waist gives some instant shape, meaning the skirt can pair well with kitted pieces and looser shirts - or you could style it up with some block heels and the knitted halterneck vest and have a perfect look for evening.

'Freddie' flat pointed loafers | Office

One item I have been wanting to add in to my collection for a long time is a pair of the almond-toe loafers that Everlane do so well. I love the modern addition of the toe shape to what is a really classic shoe, and loafers look brilliant with everything from A-line minis for a mod vibe to straight cut jeans. When I found this £25 pair from Office they went straight into my basket. The shape was just perfect, and I really liked the faux-croc texture on the front panel. I know these will be getting a lot of wear.

Pink satin maxi dress | Zara 

Finally, something completely and utterly different! I may be quite monochrome in my usual mode of dress, but I absolutely a splash of eye popping colour from time to time, and this hot pink satin maxi dress just stood out a mile. I loved the slinky fabric and the delicate covered button details, plus the demure longer length. 

Although the dress is a standout piece, it also meets my core criteria of versatility. A thin black rollneck and long boots underneath would work just as well as flat sandals and a straw hat in summer with this, not to mention how amazing it would look dressed up with heels for summer events. Plus, at such a grey, cold time of the year, what’s more likely to put a smile on your face than a dress of dreams like this?

Phew! So those are my key pieces that I accumulated over the early winter. I’m looking forward to styling them up in different ways and showing you the results. What looks are you loving lately?