Handbag Heaven

I am not someone who needs more handbags, but really I feel like when it comes to hand bags the word need shouldn't even be mentioned. Ok we all obviously need handbags to carry our stuff about but picking a handbag is like picking a partner they need to be dependable but you also need to have that passion, you need to want them... right? 

So this week I have been lucky enough to browse through the LYDC Autumn/Winter 2015 collection. LYDC is a brand with something to temp every woman on the planet, they have such a wide variety of styles I dare you not to find a piece you love.

My Autumn/Winter 2015 Wish List

1. Metallic Clutch - The perfect christmas party bag, the black detailing along the top caught my eye against the contrasting silver. Definitely a go with everything kind of clutch. 

2. Embellished Cross Body Bag - The detailing on this bag is stunning, from the embellishment on the front to the quilted texture and the chain strap. I can imagine pairing this bag with a simple jeans and top outfit and it really bringing the whole thing together. 

3. Leopard Cross Body Bag - I love the print on this bag, when you are feeling a little bit feisty animal print really is the only print you need. 

4. Colour Contrast Cross Body Bag - The first thing I thought of when I spotted this bag was how the shape of it reminds me of the Chloe Drew bag. The monochrome colours are perfect for the Autumn/Winter Season and the gold detailing really gives this bag that something extra. 

5. Winter Floral Grab Bag - I adore the winter floral print on this bag, it is very sophisticated. The navy colour makes it very versatile and easy to pair with all styles of outfit from shopping to dinner and a show. 

6. Snakeskin Cross Body Bag - Snakeskin is definitely my texture of the moment, I love how it adds to the beautiful nude colour of this bag. If I was to style this I would leave it long on my shoulder with a black dress and a fur coat, perfect for the winter months. 

7. Tartan Chain Shopper - The tartan gives this black shopper an extra edge, perfect to express your own style while rocking that office ensemble. 

8. Lazer Cut Shoulder Bag - Even though the pastel shade may seem more suitable for spring (this bag comes in other colours by the way) I feel like this is such an all year round bag. The Lazer cut outs make this one unique. 

9. Faux Fur Shoulder Bag - What is winter without faux fur? The deep purple is also perfect for the festive months as it goes with everything!! 

So what is on your Autumn/Winter wishlist? 

The Autumn/Winter collection will go live on the LYDC website from MONDAY so make sure to check them out, enter GEMMA10 at checkout for a 10% discount... you are welcome!!! 

The type of shoes you make plans for

Now and again a pair of shoes come into your life that you want to make plans for, which is exactly what happened when I stumbled across these beauties on the new in section of ASOS.

They are certainly no average autumn heels, blue snakeskin with a pom pom on top just like the cherry on top of a cake! I am loving the pointed toe at the moment and the triangle shaped block heel looks a bit different as well as providing a comfortable height. 

How would you style these wonders? 

I Love Autumn

No honestly, I know every blog you read right now is probably saying the same but I actually mean it...I love autumn. A chance to feel cosy all the time, the different coloured leaves on the ground, the build up to Christmas whats not to love. 

While we are talking about things I love, Brandy Melville. Alex introduced me to Brandy Melville a couple of weeks ago and ever since I haven't been able to walk down Carnaby Street without picking something up. They have the best quality T-shirts that are so hard to resist. If you haven't been in there before I forewarn you that 'one size fits all' which is probably not that true but it seems to fit me. 

You might recognise this bag, that is if you read my Christmas wishing post last week and you will also now know that I am not a patient person. In my defence there was ONE left in the Zara in lakeside and basically a necessity as it fitted my blogging camera in without any struggle. 

So mesh socks are apparently a thing, I picked up these ones that you can see peeping out the top of my boots last week from ASOS I love them by the way, and then last night my friend Xanthe uploaded a Primark haul video and she had picked some up from there, probably for less money than my ASOS ones. What do you think of these mesh socks? I sort of dig the way it looks. 

If you happen to have watched a few of my youtube videos, especially the makeup ones, you may have noticed that I am a huge advocate of the Top Shop lipsticks. Last week whilst binge watching Autumn essentials videos I stumbled across Sarah LouLou's channel and she recommended boardroom a Top Shop shade I hadn't seen and perfect for the season, I just had to have it. I have been wearing it ever since.

Outfit Post - Start Of Autumn Style

Last weekend Alex and I spent the day getting lost in London town. This time of year it is difficult to decide what level of warmth you will need, the answer to this is layers and that means an excuse to finally wear this Primark poncho.  

I am a woman of little colour, so this monochrome shirt from ASOS called out to me.... loudly! "Buy me Gemma, Buy me!!"

My Olivia Burton watch always gets so many compliments, even though the strap shade is so perfect for spring I like adding the pastel colour into my autumn looks for a touch of colour. 

How will you be layering this transitional season? 

A Meander Through Kensington

Autumn is my favourite time of year. It's chilly enough to layer up and there are still the occasional sunny warm afternoons perfect for wondering around parts of London you are yet to discover. 

I decided to go for a navy/ black/ maroon combo for our day in London. All of the tones I associate with this time of year. Plus I wanted to wear this hat with my new navy blue roll neck so it had to work!

Hat - H&M

Jumper - New Look @ ASOS

Jeans - Topshop

Bag - Zara

Boots - Similar Here

 

 

I usually stick to a cute little bobble hat when the weather deteriorates but this hat had been hanging on the back of my door just waiting to be worn. Luckily for me the weather was beautiful so it didn't get ruined in any potential downpours. We stumbled across this crescent in Kensington and it was the perfect location for some quick snaps before I embarrassed myself in front of anyone.

The new love of my life, my mini maroon crossover bag from Zara obviously came along too. I thought it would be handy on keeping my days out light but it is actually a Mary Poppins bag so naturally I made use of the room and took extras I didn't need with me.

I found these little heeled gems in Topshop three years ago and I still reach for them on days when I want to feel a little dressier and also for going 'out out'. They aren't too high, although five hours worth of shopping in and any heel, no matter how small, starts to niggle.

What is your go to outfit for a day of shopping?

Love,
Alex x

P.s. Thank you to Gemma for these lovely shots!

Wonderfully Warm

Autumn is definitely my favourite season. It comes with a few drawbacks like the short days - getting home from work at 6:30pm in the dark isn't ideal and the UK's severe lack of coping with snow but I love nothing better than a sunny, fresh weekend so I can wear a big wooly jumper, snug socks, cosy boots and my Ray Ban Wayfarers.

I feel like the last few months of the year means I can look put together when in reality I'm normally wearing my favourite pair of jeans and one of my millions of aran jumpers which will finally come out of hiding.

For me, the above collection of Autumn goodies is my ideal ensemble for those nippier climates. I absolutely love the high neck jumper from New Look (which is winging its way to me right now, thank you online shopping) and I think it looks far more expensive than the £19.99 price tag. I massively bought into the roll neck trend at the beginning of this year and I'm so pleased it's stuck around for another cold season.

Ripped jeans weren't part of my wardrobe until quite recently so I am still clinging onto the style hoping they will transition me into winter. My black jeans always get more air time from September to January as I think they look smarter when I'm wearing a casual knit on top.

I have been eyeing this Whistles Verity Backpack up for months now and although it will probably stay in my fictitious wardrobe rather than me being able to wear it proudly on my shoulders, I still would like a black leather backpack of some description. I have been wanting one all summer and never got round to it so maybe I'll find a perfect Verity dupe soon.

I already own some tan desert boots very similar to this which I wore at the end of last year and also this summer with a denim dress. They're not everyone's cup of tea but they're comfortable, practical and come in so many different colours - If you can't decide on one colour it's ok to buy numerous pairs, right?

To double up on warmth and add a splash of colour you can never go wrong with a check scarf. The warm burgundy and navy work well with the dark grey jumper and also the light boots, tying it all together perfectly. I would wear my large black felt fedora with this outfit but I can never say no to another bobble hat and in my defense I don't currently have one in this particular shade of nude. Finally, the ear cuff is a touch of glam and a nice clash to the off duty look. I'm not a particularly glitzy person so I think I would feel more comfortable wearing this when paired with a more relaxed combo.

As much as I'll be sad to say goodbye to 'summer' I'm giddy with excitement at the thought of not having to bare my pale pins for a while...

Love, Alex x