I’ve never been hugely fussed about designer clothing. When it comes to shoes, bags and jewellery, I can attempt to justify a designer purchase. But clothing? Sure, I like nice quality pieces… but I’m not really bothered about what’s in the label.

Late last year I did some work with evian, who have just launched their latest fashion designer collaboration in the form of a beautiful glass bottle (of evian, natch) created by Diane von Furstenberg. As a thank you for the work I did for them, I was sent a DvF dress.

 
Dress, Diane von Furstenberg c/o evian | Leather jacket, Michael Kors via TK Maxx | Boots, Bertie | Snood, Accessorize | Bag, Mulberry | Ring, Primark | Lipstick, All About Me by Topshop

… and just like that, my opinion on designing clothing changed. Because, well – look at it! It’s a classic DvF jersey wrap in a ‘tiger eye’ print – yes, those are hundreds of tigers’ eyes staring at you. The softest material, the most flattering fit, and it has LONG SLEEVES. I love dresses with long sleeves!

Wrap dresses can so easily stray into dowdy territory, so I chose a bright, unusual print (like I said, tiger eyes) and usually team it with leather accessories and high, high heels.

I’ve worn this exact outfit for so many smart/casual occasions – it was a lifesaver over Christmas and a few tweaks to the accessories mean it works for everything, from a Date Night dinner to a day in the office.

The original price of this dress was £335 which is rather eye-watering, but it’s just been reduced in the sale to a far more palatable £167.50. And now I’m trying to work out how many more I can buy under the guise of ‘building an investment wardrobe’…

What do you think – do you own a designer dress? Would you splash the cash or save it for Zara?

Cardigan, Cos | Blouse, Topshop via Charity Shop | Brooch, Etsy | Lipstick, All About Me by Topshop | Glasses, Jasper Conran c/o Specsavers

Sundays are designed for laziness. Snoozing in bed ’til 11, pottering around the house, snacking, cuddling the cat. Throw in a quick trip to see family and a delivery of logs for the fire and you have my day in a nutshell.

I’m pretty sure my cat’s not bothered if I have matching socks on, and the log man couldn’t care less if I’m wearing lipstick. So although I do like to get out of my PJs on a Sunday, it’s definitely not a day for leather trousers or stack heels. Well, unless it’s Fashion Week.

Luckily, there are a few simple things in my fashion repertoire that take a lazy Sunday outfit into slightly more stylish territory. A cute Peter Pan collar peeking out from an acid yellow cardigan, a tiny handmade brooch and a pop of fuchsia lipstick give my jeans and boots a much-needed boost.

I’m also wearing new specs here, courtesy of Specsavers. I visited their Tottenham Court Road branch for an eye test (only a tiny change in my left eye – high five for healthy eyes!) and was treated to these Jasper Conran frames. I’m very particular about my glasses – if you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you’ll know I have a pair of simple black Ralph Lauren frames and rarely deviate from them. But change is good every once in a while, and I’m loving this bigger, bolder style.

How have you spent your Sunday? Still in your PJs or up-and-at-em?

Way back in 2002, I loved me some flares. I was 16, had just started college and Avril Lavigne was my style icon. My outfit of choice was a pair of gigantic, baggy skater jeans paired with a pink Paul Frank t-shirt, striped sweatbands on each wrist and a pair of DMs on my feet. Sure, here in 2013 that outfit sounds god-awful, but honestly – back in 2002, I looked pretty fly.

Alas, the skinny jean soon took its rightly place as my denim choice du jour, and flares were banished to the back of my wardrobe and later given away to charity, never to be worn again.

Hudson Signature Bootcut jeans c/o Jeanography | Cos jumper | Antoni + Alison coat via TK Maxx | Topshop hat | M&S boots | Topshop long necklace | NW3 wishbone necklace | Topshop ring

As part of my ‘Jeans of the Week’ project with Jeanography, I was sent these Hudson bootcuts… which I’m renaming flares for the purpose of this post. When I first pulled them from the box, I was stumped. Flares? In 2013? Really?! But after trying them on (sooooo much more comfortable than skinnies) and prancing about a bit, I had an outfit in mind.

I went for a vintage 60s vibe, pairing my wide-bottoms (that’s the jeans, not my figure thank you) with a simple wool crew neck, a Studio 54 faux fur coat, a felt fedora and some layered gold chains. Trés Diane Keaton, I think you’ll agree.

I really love this look – it’s something a little different without straying too far from my comfort zone, and it feels good.

How would you style a pair of flares? 60s vintage? 70s disco? Or full on 90s urban? Let me know, please.

Well I’m hardly going to break rank, am I? Every blogger and their mother will be posting about the snow today… including me!

Cardigan, Topshop via charity shop | Jumper, c/o Barbour | Shirt, Topshop | Jeans, Topshop | Wellies, Hunter via TK Maxx | Hat, Primark

It’s a true Winter Wonderland in Leeds – Rob and I are working from home and we’ve been watching the snow fall uninterrupted all day. Worrying if you have to travel anywhere, but lovely when you’re cosied up at home. Just hope it buggers off before Thursday when I have to be in Birmingham…

For trudging through the powdery streets to secure provisions (bread, milk, soup, bright pink roses, all the essentials), I wore a simple, functional, all-black outfit with a pop of red. The Topshop flannel shirt is a favourite of mine for cold weather – it’s thick enough to keep me warm but fitted so I can layer a jumper over the top. And if you’re wearing anything other than Hunters in this weather, I worry for your feet.

I did add a coat and scarf for the walk – evidence here. Promise!

Funnily enough, Travis absolutely loves the snow and had a blast playing in it while we were taking these photos. Rob got some great shots of him… although I don’t think he quite understood the concept of a snowball fight!

Have you ventured out into the snow today? What did you wear to ward off the weather?