Winter Styling Edit

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you'll know that I'm not great when it comes to buying clothes. I'm never one to quickly add an item to my basket or to walk into a shop, find something and go straight to pay. I always end up deliberating over whether I will actually get wear out of the item, and if it will go with the very few clothing pieces that I have in my wardrobe. Yes, I am a nightmare when it comes to buying new clothes haha. Dressing for Winter is definitely my favourite if I had to choose between all seasons. Give me some pointy boots, an oversized jumper and a pair of jeans, and I'm ready for the day. There have been a few items of clothing that I have been loving and I cannot wait to wear them out and about when the time comes.

>This< jumper has been one of my favourite buys. I have been trying to add a couple more knitted jumpers to my wardrobe as they are a piece that goes with everything.. Jeans, work trousers. skirts, and leggings. The quality itself is lovely and it goes so nicely with a thick scarf, on a cold day. The cable knit design always makes a jumper look super cosy and this one is no exception. It's also currently discounted!

I have wanted a pair of leather look leggings for a while, but couldn't seem to find any with a quality that would last. I used to have a pair of leather look jeans from Topshop, but can remember putting them in the wash and the waxed, leather look, just disappeared. I ordered from BecauseOfAlice when Alice first launched collection number 1 and fell in love with the light wash mom jeans. She released >these< leather look leggings and my dreams were finally answered. They're not flimsy in their fabric and don't cling to the legs. They fit just right and the high rise design is beautiful. 

Lastly, the most incredible pair of biker boots you have ever seen. Boots are a love of mine, and >this< pair are just beautiful. Another item that I think will be so versatile - they could be worn with my pair of leather leggings, jeans, skirts, and dresses.. I cannot wait to be able to wear these out properly!

What fashion pieces have you been loving lately?

Amber X

New Garms

I'm not entirely sure what has been the case with me and shopping lately. Whenever I go shopping, there aren't usually many things, if anything, that I like and treat myself too. But this has been flipped on it's head the past couple of weeks. I have found a few things that I can't wait to wear, and I thought to share them with you.

>This< Zara Ribbed Puff Sleeved Top - Being on the thicker end of being a 'top', I'd actually style this one as a jumper. Potentially wearing a thin white strapless top underneath, as if you were to wear a dark bra, you definitely could see it through. The sleeves really drew me to try this piece on, and I loved the puffed effect it gives on the shoulders. If anything is long sleeved, I like it to be long in the arms, so I can wrap the sleeve around my hands to keep warm haha. This one is perfect for doing that. I think it would look cute, tucked into some jeans or a skirt. Or even to just tuck the front bit into a pair of jeans, so the back and sides hang out.

>These< Zara High Rise Slim Fit jeans - Something I have wanted to add to my wardrobe for a while are some mom style, slightly baggier jeans. I ordered some of the Farleigh jeans on Asos to try. I had to order 3 different sizes, and none of them fit right. Some were too tight on the leg, tight on my hips but then far too big on my waist. A belt didn't save them either. I thought to leave it at that - that there wasn't going to be a pair that fit me properly. Until I tried these ones on in the Zara store. They fit like a glove in all the right places and then are looser in the places that they are meant to be. I love the straight leg, they're so different to any other jeans that I own. I can't wait to wear these in the spring with the above, or a white blouse.

>This< Hollister skirt - This style of skirt is something that I wanted to add to my wardrobe last year, but I didn't come across any that caught my eye, or were an item that I could have seen going with any of the pieces that I had already in my wardrobe. I saw this one recently, and fell in love instantly. I am a massive lover of all black clothes - typically most things I do wear are black. So this one was a must. I can't wait to wear it when it gets warmer (yes I am going there haha) with some converse, maybe a denim jacket, a cute top, and my Raybans glasses.

What clothing items have you got your eye on at the moment?

Amber X

The Trousers You Need

Never would I have thought that I would dedicate a whole blog post on one clothing item. However, I have been so obsessed with >this< pair of trousers, it would have been silly of me to not give them their time to shine.

I have been on the hunt for a pair of wide legged, high waisted trousers for the longest time, but none never seemed to blow me away. My search started on Pretty Little Thing. Never have I ordered from the site before, but after seeing numerous blogger posts on Instagram wearing their items, I liked what I saw and so had to have a look for myself. I decided on a black pair of wide legged trousers. I was super excited for their arrival. However, I wasn't best pleased - they were super long in the leg, and quite see through. So I returned them. The hunt continued.

Not all that long ago, I was browsing Asos (as you do) doing the usual what can I add to my ever growing list of things I wish I could purchase, and came across this pair from Miss Selfridge. Again, never have I ordered from this brand before, but I had nothing to lose. I was pleasantly surprised when they arrived the next day to the quality of them. They're definitely made of a weighty material, and sit so comfortably on the waist. The pin stripe trend is something I'm down for, and they give the illusion of elongated legs - perfect. The search is over!

Now all I need is more occasions to be able to wear these beautiful trousers. I wore the outfit below for a close friend of mines 21st birthday celebrations. They could definitely be dressed up with a pair of heels and a crop top, or even dressed down with a cute slogan tee tucked in and a pair of trainers. I am smitten.

Now that I have found this perfect pair, I want them all. There are so many lovely trousers on Asos at the moment, I definitely will be trying a few more! It definitely makes a change from the 'nice top and jeans' combo.

What's your favourite item of clothing at the moment?

Amber X

Stepping Out Of 'The Comfort Zone'

When it comes to learning something new, meeting new people, accepting new opportunities, achieving a goal you've worked so hard for, and numerous other challenges, it's known that stepping out of your comfort zone may be one way you achieve it. That being said, the thought of this completely terrifies me. Leaving my little 'bubble' or safe place is usually my last thought. Why would I put myself out there, to only lead to rejection and vulnerability? But also, that same action could also provide happiness and newness? I find myself stuck in the in between almost always.

I have always been a person that isn't the biggest fan of change, even if it's small insignificant things. Having a routine is something I enjoy, so when something comes along that disrupts or alters my day, it doesn't make me the happiest of people. When change comes about, my moods can be terrible - even I know that. One minute I am on cloud nine and the next, I'm the total opposite. It's completely draining, and so hard to keep up with. Stepping out of my comfort zone or 'bubble' is definitely an idea that I think would slowly help coming to terms with change, and importantly, improve the sudden capsize of my moods.
How am I going to do this you ask? I think small steps in the right direction is the right place to start. No way am I throwing myself in the deep end right at the very beginning. When it comes to 'my style' (if I could even call it that haha), I am one for maintaining the same look. I'm 10000% the girl who has 12423 black t-shirts, blouses and jumpers, that get paired with black jeans, boots, and maybe a pair of Converse if I'm feeling it. Don't get me wrong, I love dressing this way, but recently, I have wanted a change.

On a whim, I purchased a pair of blue jeans... This may seem so stupid to most of you, but I'm breaking free of this 'style' routine, and stepping out of my comfort zone. I have always wanted to find the perfect pair of blue jeans that fit in all the right places. Being able to wear my new pair of blue jeans comfortably and not feel like I am cheating on the numerous pairs of black jeans hanging up in my wardrobe, is a small victory in my eyes.
Here's to accepting change one step at a time, regardless how big or small your achievement is.

What do you do to help yourself accept change?

Amber X

Top - Asos
Belt - Asos
Jamie Jeans - Topshop
Boots - Topshop (Similar)
Jacket - Topshop (Similar)

Asos Wishing

Everyone loves Asos. As do I. We all probably spend far too much time scrolling through the endless pages of garments and accessories. I've treated myself to some new clothing bits recently, which is something I never tend to do. I want to add more options to my wardrobe as the seasons change, so what better than browsing Asos and collecting pieces together that could be potential purchase. These are the bits I am eyeing up at the moment.

Since writing this post, I slipped.. tripped... and fell... onto the Asos website and did purchase the Ruffle black top (in the first row) and a belt. It looks even better in person, and goes so nicely with blue and black jeans (wait for next weeks post hehe). I will definitely be pairing it with denim shorts in the summer too.

Ruffle Black Top / / Pink Raw Hem Jumper / /  Black Long Sleeved Body 

Bardot Striped Top / / Black Wrap Blouse / / White Crop Top 

Timberland 6 Inch Boots / / Belt / / Scarf

What have you treated yourself too recently?

Amber X

*All photos are from Asos*

Autumn Appreciation

 There are many reasons why I want to experience and cherish all of life's little things when this time of the year rolls round. Not only are the changes in colours and tones of our scenery beautiful, it also can't help but make you feel cosy. With all of this excitement upon us, here are some reasons to appreciate the Autumnal months. 

Beauty 

Autumn is the season of the bold berry lip and gold, copper and cranberry eyeshadow shades. Palettes that contain nothing but these shades are right up my street, and I'm excited for all of the A/W releases. My dark lipsticks cannot wait to come out of hibernation and stop collecting dust. I am looking forward to not having to think my day through and ponder over which foundation will work best in the humid climates. Gone are the hot, sticky days!

Fashion

Dressing in the colder months of the year is so much easier for me. It requires no deliberating over whether a jacket is needed when leaving the house, and jeans can be worn on a daily basis.  Oversized or not, jumpers will always be an autumn staple. Soft, cuddly, woollen, scratchy, cropped, or thin, jumpers are made for the colder seasons. Scarfs are also another way of keeping warm and snug when in times of need. Being able to be comfortable and cosy without sweltering and feeling as if you're going to pass out, is a small victory in my eyes. 

Food 

Hearty, warm and wholesome meals are another reason why I really love autumn. Soups, stews, and cottage pie are some of my favourites. Nothing beats eating foods that make you feel warm within when it is sharp and cold outside. Also, cold weather means there are endless excuses for hot chocolates with all of the cream and marshmallows imaginable. 

Early Nights and Fairy Lights 

Early nights are great at the best of times, but now as darkness creeps up on the day earlier and earlier each time, I see it as even more reason to get into bed earlier. I am at my happiest when fluffy blankets and warm fairy lights are involved. 

Traditions

Bonfire night and Halloween are always days that I look forward too. Carving out pumpkins, buying all of the best sweets to give to 'trick or treater's', getting dressed up and having our faces painted is always something I will always remember from my childhood. There is such a contagious excitement that surrounds Halloween. Watching fireworks on bonfire night, especially when it is cold, and seeing the different coloured lights reflecting on people's happy faces is something I love. 

What do you love about Autumn?

Amber X