Boyfriend Jeans #2

 

Slouchy is definitely the way to go for any problematic ‘smart casual’ dress code. A pair of strappy ASOS heels and a bright Pull&Bear clutch help to dress up the look, whilst the distressed denim keeps things from looking like you’ve tried too hard.

 

Boyfriend Jeans #1

If you’d have told me a year ago that come autumn, I would have been reaching for my boyfriend jeans over my trusty Topshop Leighs, I wouldn’t have believed you. After all, we’ve all been scarred by denim disasters (boot cut jeans anyone?) so I tend to play it safe and stick to cuts that won’t make me cringe in years to come. However, fast track a few months and boyfriend jeans are proving themselves to be an exception to the denim rule. These MANGO ones look put together without looking like you’ve gone too overkill with the distressed look and the comfort of them is definitely an added bonus. I must admit, they are still a bit of a danger zone for me; go too boyfriend baggy and you run the risk of looking a little too MC Hammer for my liking. The slim fit of this MANGO style however still manages to keep things relatively snug and far, far away from any unwanted ‘can’t touch this’ references. Sounds like a winner to me…

 

Perfect for a lazy Sunday, the distressed denim and t-shirt keeps the look still in touch with that laid-back vibe, whilst the pumps and Mini ZARA City Bag help to dress it up a notch. Much more ‘slouchy chic’ and a little less like you’ve literally just rolled out the door in your boyfriend’s clothes.

Autumn Wish List

1.     Pull&Bear Leather Biker Ankle Boots- Pull&Bear is always my go to when looking for the perfect pair of booties and with winter just around the corner, it's just another excuse to pick up a new pair! Since my last ones from Pull&Bear have literally not left my feet throughout both summer and winter, I’m very tempted to see if these could live up to my suede pair in comparison.

 

2.     Miss Dior Eau de Toilette- I’m a bit fussy with scents, so when I smelt this one, it was a nice surprise to find that I actually loved it. Too many times I’ve spritzed myself with hundreds of fragrances in duty free, only to sit on a plane for the next few hours with a pounding headache. However, the floral scent of this one is really nice and girly, plus the packaging is just too cute to resist. Definitely one for the Christmas wish list (it’s never too soon).

3.     Michael Kors Tri-Colour Layered Ring- I’ve really being loving the look of layered rings recently, so much so that these ASOS ones have definitely had their moneys worth! However, the small price tag means that my finger does have a habit of turning slightly green everytime I’ve worn them so I’ve been on the look out for something a little better in quality to replace them! This Michael Kors one caught my eye as the  accents of silver, gold and rose gold means that it can be worn with loads of different types of jewellery or can easily be worn to make a statement on its own.

4.     MOTO Blue Vintage Wash Jamie Jeans- I’ve gotten so much wear out of my Black Ripped Leigh Jeans that I thought it would definitely make sense to pick up a pair in a different colour. I spotted these on Barbara from The Persian Babe’s Instagram and absolutely loved them. Here's hoping that they’ll end up in my own wardrobe sometime soon!

5.      ZARA Nude Blazer with Zips- Pastel pink has been my go to shade recently, especially when paired with an otherwise simple, monochrome outfit. I’m a sucker for a blazer and I thought this would look great put together with faded black jeans and a white shirt for a smart, day-to-day look.

6.    Topshop TIPI Black Croc Skaters- I think these are a bit of a love/ hate item but I personally love them! Obviously anything comfy is right up my street anyway but I think the croc- skin effect on these ones looks really cool and would look great paired with the jeans to the left for an easy to wear, weekend outfit.

Head Over Heels

I’ve definitely been having a major girly moment with these ZARA Court Shoes over the last couple of days. I’ve been after a classic style like these for a while now, so when I saw these looking all glorious in my local ZARA for no more than THIRTY POUNDS, I was all over it. Although they’re quite a simple style, the metal detailing on the back of the shoe adds a little understated something, something, without being overkill. Plus, they look great with everything and have been seen to make quite a pair with my River Island Skinny Leather Trousers (voilà) over recent weeks. A definite match made in heaven.

Summer to Autumn: Blazers

Anything striped is always up my alley so when I saw this H&M Striped Blazer a few months ago, I couldn’t resist. It looked great paired with my favourite ZARA Skort, especially alongside these Lace Up ZARA heels. I think the look of a short skirt with higher, ankle length shoes is super flattering and these heels are surprisingly really comfortable too! The colours of this outfit are also really fresh and summery, especially against the gold hardware of the necklace. However, with autumn around the corner, the option of a mini skort definitely becomes reserved for a few very scarce, brave nights out so I decided to pair the blazer with my trusty River Island Faux Leather Skinny Trousers as a warmer alternative.  They’re so easy to dress up or down and are a staple in my wardrobe . Together with my ZARA Court Heels, the monochrome look of this outfit is a winner and, paired with a red lip, you can’t go wrong.

Rose Tinted

Everything’s turned very rosey since the arrival of my Michael Kors Rose Gold Plated Bradshaw Watch. It’s definitely become my most loved possession with its rose gold-iness possibly being the most flattering shade ever. Since then, more and more rosey pieces have been collecting, including this ASOS Mixed Stone Fine Ring Set that I found in the sale and this Forever 21 Faux Stone Ring (came as part of a 3). From as little as £2.5o, they look lovely stacked together or individually and the stones/ gems help to break up the rose gold theme that may have been sent a tad into overdrive. Paired with my favourite pinky-nude Topshop ‘Nice N Neutral’, everything is definitely coming up roses.

Sixth Form Outfits: Friday

 I love a good blouse, especially ones as pretty as these! I picked up this H&M one almost a year ago but for some reason, it’s sat at the back of my wardrobe for the majority of the year and hasn’t been shown nearly enough love. It’s definitely sure to make an appearance this autumn however, as I’ve read that classic white blouses are apparently a trend for this season. I’ll be pairing mine with ballet pumps to keep in touch with the floaty, feminine look of the blouse.

Sixth Form Outfits: Thursday

Accessories can be a really easy way of dressing up a simple outfit. A statement necklace (such as this Forever 21 Crescent Bib Necklace) can be layered on top of a plain grey t-shirt to keep things from looking too casual whilst still being a step that only requires minimal effort. This type of outfit is usually right up my street on a daily basis, especially as the end of a long week approaches! Throw on under this Topshop cardigan and you’re good to go.

Sixth Form Outfits: Wednesday

This is the jumper that makes winter a not so daunting prospect. The thought of snuggling up in this Forever 21 Retro Grid Cropped Sweater makes me actually look forward to a cold snap so that I can finally whip this beauty out. Not only is it cosy, but it can easily be smartened up for school by slipping a crisp, white shirt underneath (extra layers are always a good idea anyway for people like me, who still manage to get chilly in July). Paired with an oversized watch, this is the perfect winter warmer for school.  

Sixth Form Outfits: Tuesday

This River Island Wrap Front Sleeveless Blouse definitely served me well over the summer. Its versatility makes it one of my wardrobe essentials and one that has bailed me out on multiple occasions! Either dressed up with heels and a red lip for a night out or thrown on with a blazer and ASOS trousers for school, I've without a doubt got my money's worth . This simple Forever 21 Crescent Bib Necklace adds a bit more glitz to an otherwise quite simple outfit, whilst also keeping in touch with its minimalist look.

P.S. Sorry for the very over exposed images, I could have sworn there was a blouse in there somewhere in amongst all that white space! A lot of my wardrobe it either white or very neutral, something that is not ideal well when photographing against a white background! Hope these B&W close-ups make it a little clearer.

Sixth Form Outfits: Monday

This week marks my first full week of school (*groan*) so I thought it would be a nice idea to upload the outfits I plan to wear over my first week back. Although the novelty of wearing my own clothes always seems appealing at the start of term, I actually find it quite a challenge as the weeks drag on- especially at 7am when I’m barely awake! Finding the right balance between smart and stylish is sometimes easier said than done so I hope this gives you some ideas!

Comfort is always my number one priority but no more so than when the alarm blasts on a Monday and I just feel like burying myself beneath the covers. This Free People Stripe Top is definitely a dream come true at this time as its unusual, peplum fit keeps it comfy whilst being a little more interesting than a standard stripy top. Paired with simple Topshop VIBRANT Tumbled Ballerinas, the whole look has that kind of laidback, Parisian feel whilst still being really easy to achieve- perfect for when that snooze button has been getting some serious attention.

Put a Ring On It: Stones

My love of any stone jewellery is no secret, especially anything faintly turquoise! This Urban Outfitters turquoise ring is a firm favourite of mine and adds a splash of colour to any outfit. I’m currently on the lookout for some of those stackable stone rings (something along these lines) that I’m seeing everywhere at the moment. I’m sure they will become a new addition in the weeks to come!

Nail Varnish: Barry M Gelly Nail Effects in Blueberry and Satsuma.

Put a Ring On It: Statement Rings

 

Statement rings are an easy way to jazz up a plain outfit, especially when you don’t have the time or energy to put that much thought into it! H&M is my go to when I’m on the hunt for some bold pieces at really affordable prices. I reach for this banded silver ring on a daily basis. The simple, minimalist look of it means it goes with virtually any outfit and I just love the way it looks! If I’m looking for something a little more delicate, midi rings are another great choice and have become super popular recently. The thin bands make them looking really feminine and, stacked with a few other different styles, they can be also be layered up to create an even more dramatic style.

Nail Varnish: Barry M Gelly Nail Effects in Blueberry and Satsuma.

Put a Ring On It: Hand Chains

Definitely having a ring moment over here on On My Sleeve. A run through of some of the styles that I’m loving is to come over the next week!

I LOVE hand chains. Although the whole fingers-chained-to-wrist aspect can prove a little challenging when going about your day to day business, they just add something different to an outfit without being too girly. The little details on this H&M gold hand chain are really unique as each ring has a different design, varying from tiny turquoise studs to simple gold bands. This silver River Island one also makes a nice alternative if you’re looking for something slightly simpler. I usually pair mine with some sort of bangle (got to slip some turquoise in there somewhere) just to dress it up a bit, however the minimal look of this hand chain looks equally as pretty standing alone.

Nail Varnish: Barry M Gelly Nail Effects in Blueberry and Satsuma.