OOTN: Night Out in Manchester

Hi Dolls!

I've never really done outfit postings, because a) I don't consider myself very fashionable and b) I'm usually having such a good time I forget to take proper photos!

But I do love seeing 'real girl' fashion postings. Although I love glossy magazine shoots, the clothes and the model bodies are so perfect and untouchable. I find it so much more inspiring that overly-manicured magazine shoots, knowing that a normal person has put the outfit together. So I thought I would have a go at doing outfit posts myself for once. Apologies for the photographs, they're not the best quality as they were all taken with my iPhone, and after the shots had come out!

I travelled up to Manchester this weekend to visit one of my oldest friends, and another friend came up from London to join us. I've known these girls since I was at nursery school and that's so magic. Even if we don't see each other for ages, when we do meet up its like we've never been apart. We have such a bond and a shared sense of humour- I haven't laughed as hard for ages as I did this weekend. We went out for cocktails and dancing and had an utterly brilliant time, eventually crawling home at 4 in the morning...

I wasn't sure when I was packing how dressed up everyone was getting, so I tried to put together an outfit that would fit a few different situations.

Black leather leggings - Missguided

These have become such a staple in my wardrobe, they just go with everything, from oversized slouchy sweaters to floaty vests. As it was raining and pretty crap weather (despite being the longest day of the summer!), these were perfect.

Black bandeau top - eBay

I sourced this on eBay - where I get a lot of my clothes these days, actually- to go under low vests, but wearing under my shirt dress meant I covered up under the sheer fabric, while still showing a veiled hint of skin for evening.

Grey long-tailed shirt dress - River Island

I love this shirt dress, I got it a while ago in the sale and its one of the most quirky, 'fashion' pieces in my quite straight-laced wardrobe! Its great over leggings or over an LBD. I felt really comfortable and trendy in this, which is great because Manchester is one of those cities where a lot of people look extremely fashion-y, so I always feel I have to try harder there!

Black plaited double strand belt - Miss Selfridge

The shirt dress can be a bit shapeless if you don't cinch it in a bit at the waist, and this plaited, black leather belt gives a casual, undone edge just knotted and looped.

Black and bronze gladiator sandals -  Office

I have absolutely worn these sandals to death. Literally. They are actually starting to fall apart, but I can't bring myself to let go. They're so intricate and unusual but actually really comfortable. I love to dance when I go out and I can't stand my feet to hurt so unfortunately, comfort is one of my main considerations when it comes to clubbing footwear!

Black, white and gold multi-strand necklace - Topshop

This was an impulse purchase on the day. My friend lives near the Trafford Centre, so we couldn't resist a quick wander round. I'm a massive fan of Toppers' quirky accessories. This necklace spoke my name as soon as I saw it, I think it will go with loads of outfits in my wardrobe.