Cozy Autumn Outfit

Cardigan: Weekday

T-Shirt: H&M

Jeans: River Island

Scarf: Primark

Boots: Dr Martens

Necklace: Shop Dixi

This is my first ever, proper outfit post and man was it hard to do on my own. Turns out, those little Canon camera remotes only work at a certain distance which isn't ideal. However, I finally managed to get a few good shots of my go to autumn outfit (despite being the least photogenic person in existence, I have discovered).

This outfit is the one I reach for when I want to be comfy and warm. I'm not so much about trends and more about comfort, so I love a good jeans and tee combo. I am completely in love with Scandinavian street style however and I'm making it my mission to get as many stylish, yet basic pieces in my autumn wardrobe (hence the Weekday cardigan). 

Please give me some honest feedback on my first proper outfit post, I'd love to do more but there's always room for improvement. Also, let me know what your favourite, cozy A/W items are in the comments below. 

Virgin Holiday Cruises Competition | The Perfect Cruise Day to Night Look

Base Outfit

Top: Vera Moda Striped Cropped Top

Shorts: Monki Lana Shorts

Day

Shoes: Vans Canvas Authentic Lo Pro

Bag: Straw Bag from Amazon

Sunglasses: Ray Ban Original Wayfarer

Eyeliner: NARS Eyeliner Stylo 

Night

Shoes: Missguided Clara Suede Sandals

Bag: ASOS Envelope Clutch

Necklace: L'Amour Seagull Necklace

Lipstick: MAC Viva Glam Rihanna

Recently I was asked to participate in the Virgin Holiday Cruises competition to create the perfect cruise day to night look. Obviously when you think of cruises you think of boats, and when I think of boats and fashion I think stripes! Oh, how I love stripes and styling stripes. The best thing about this striped crop top from Vera Moda is that the cut is clean and can be worn in a formal or informal way. Paired with a pair of simple and comfortable black shorts from Monki, I created a versatile base look that can be easily changed from day to night. 

For the day time you want to be as minimalistic as possible. There is nothing worse than being out in the sun and carrying a huge bag whilst wearing so much jewellery you sound like a one man band. I've kept it simple with the bare essentials, a pair of classic Ray Ban Wayfarers, a beachy straw bag to keep your suncream in, a pair of simple and comfy white lace up Vans and topped off with a dash of NARS liquid liner. 

To transition into the night I've paired our base look with some gorgeous red sandals from Missguided, a black ASOS clutch bag, a cute seagull necklace and finally a matte red lip courtesy of MAC Viva Glam Rihanna. 

As you can see I've gone for a pretty nautical look, but also kept the cuts clean and simple. There is no room for fussy fashion on holidays, it's a time for relaxing and taking things easy, that includes your wardrobe. 

Please go over to the Virgin Holiday Cruises competition page and vote for my outfit under the name Catherine Crawford (if you like it that is) and let's get this outfit to number one! 

The Summer Kimono

Summer is always a tricky time for me, fashion wise. I like to cover my arms (an area I'm not too confident about) and in the summer this can be a little difficult when the sun is blaring away. Every year I say I'll have to invest in some light jackets and cardigans and I never get round to actually doing it. 

Recently, whilst browsing around my local H&M sale, I found this mottled grey kimono. It's knitted but very light and flowy so it is perfect as a summer cover up. I've been wearing it to death since I bought it and because of its light grey colour, it goes with most pieces in my wardrobe. I will admit that I may have bought it in a size too big, I am usually a medium, but I could only find this one and it's in a large. It's not too bad as it just hangs a little baggier, which also means it can be easily wrapped around for added chill protection. 

Kimonos are a great summer accessory, but they come in so many different arm lengths, hem lengths and materials it can be hard to find one that suits you. For me, a long arm is what I look for and I prefer sturdier materials like a light knit or cotton rather than the sheer or silk kimonos. 

Let me know in the comments below if you are loving the kimono for summer and whether you have added one to your wardrobe already, or if you have your eye on one. 

Fashion Friday: Cannes Fashion For All Budgets

 

Show Me The Money

Dress: Alexander McQueen Embellished Crepe Gown

Shoes: Brian Atwood Black Leather Stud & Chain Embellished Heels

Bag: Nina Ricci Satin Clutch

  

Cash to Splash

Dress: Badgley Mischka Embellished Draped-Back Jersey Gown

Shoes: Kate Spade New York Karolina

Bag: Tory Burch Fret Clutch

Tighten Those Purse Strings

Dress: Dresstells Sweetheart Bridesmaid Gown

Shoes: Steve Madden Stella Sandals

Bag: ALDO Bighorse Clutch

You've probably all seen the endless stream of gorgeous dress after gorgeous dress at this years Cannes Film Festival. There have been some truly stunning dresses this year (can we all bow down to the beauty that is Blake Lively for just one moment?) but it got me thinking, what would I wear to Cannes? 

Of course the majority, if not all of these glimmering starlet's outfits cost more than my house, and there is no way I'd be able to afford a Zac Posen or McQueen gown for the occasion. Instead I thought I would throw together three different outfits, all Cannes red carpet worthy, but all different budgets. You never know, I might suddenly become a world famous actress and get an invite for next year. 

My favourite of the three is the most expensive, that McQueen dress makes me want to weep a little. I do also love the other two, the soft yellow drape dress and periwinkle blue Grecian style dress are vibrant yet soft and feminine, something I don't usually go for but seems perfect for Cannes. I was initially going to throw some jewellery into the mix, but the embellishment on the dresses and clutches take care of any bling that might be needed.  It was fun seeing what I could get for how much and it just proves that you can give those stars a run for their money without making yourself bankrupt!

Give this a go over on polyvore and tell me what your dream Cannes outfit would be!

Fashion Friday: Plain White Tee

Top: Warehouse Boyfriend Tee

Jeans: Topshop MOTO Black Baxter Jeans

Jacket: Wallis Black Stripe Blazer (SOLD OUT)

Bag: Geo De Jour Cutout Gold Clutch

Shoes: ASOS Pensive Pointed High Heel

Necklace: ALDO Koartac Necklace

Another causal/smart night outfit from me. I do love to dress up plain t-shirts, like I say over and over, you need a mix of comfort AND style. The white tee and black skinny jeans combo is always a winner, pair with a few fancy looking accessories and you've fooled everyone into thinking you spent hours styling your chic look. Unbeknownst to them, these are all items you may very well already have lingering in the back of your wardrobe. It is time to embrace the plain white tee, find a good quality one and it will be your wardrobes best friend till the end of days. 

Have utilised the power of the tee yet?