9-to-5 #Busy bee

Sometimes it's all run, run, run (without the slimming benefit) & I catch myself breathless - mostly trying to meet a deadline or remember what this little, oh-so-important note I made and highlighted 3 times actually meant.

The smart trousers with a sporty side stripe fit this scenario perfectly.
 
What gets me through those days is usually my shoes - the more colourful the better.

 

Blazer - Zara

Trousers - Dunnes Stores

Top - H&M

It's in the detail...

Heels - Penneys

Bag - Selected Femme 

Necklace - bought at a market

Ring (left hand) - vintage

Ring (right hand) - Topshop

iPhone cover - H&M

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHALIA BIANCHI

Alex and Ani

I could tell you many stories about St. Anthony and his amazing powers but it's probably not the place or time. I have to mention though the time my mom found her precious gold earring drove over by a car months after it was lost, after she had very clearly bribed St. Anthony in a local Church, I always had a lot of respect for the guy after that. He has since assisted me (or should I say this little silver statue of him) to every exam in my life and I am yet to fail...

As you can understand, he holds a special place in my books and he's been well written in to my family' history. 

You can imagine my excitement when I heard about Angela Scanlon's partnership with Alex and Ani. I've been lusting after their jewellery since and this St. Anthony's necklace seems like the perfect piece for me.. 

Check out their website for a story behind the brand which is really interesting and in case you haven't heard, they're now available in Arnotts! 

City life

As summer is nowhere to be seen and spring keeps on acting up, I have taken up a challenge and tried layering again. You might remember that it has never been my strong side and I have previously failed rather miserably at it.

As I grow older I think I recognise what's an appropriate length for me and what actually benefits my shape better and so, layering is somehow improved. I still think it's not where it should be but considering that here I am, wearing 4 layers on top and not looking like a snowman - it's time to celebrate!

The striped jeans surely help. There are lots of stripes around this season but beware - even vertical ones don't always look perfect. The width of the stripe is actually really important and going too thin or too thick can ruin the whole look (making you look times bigger).

x

Jeans - River Island

Top - H&M

Blazer - F21

Leather jacket - 7 For All Mankind

It's in the detail...

Heels - M&S

Bag - bought in Italy

Rings - vintage

Necklace - River Island

Snood - H&M

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHALIA BIANCHI

Candy girl

I rarely go for a sweet girly look but if I do, I tend to go all out!

The colours in this outfit make me think of fizzy straw candies (I actually have a few sitting on my kitchen table which possibly inspired the outfit). I can't wait to wear this coat on a proper spring day, I think it ticks all the boxes for this season's coat: 60s inspired, orange, with  THE sleeve of the season (in my humble opinion).

A prom dress like this is very versatile and I would encourage every girl (even not the very girly one) to get one as they're suitable for so many occasions: dinner with your boy, girls' night out or even a wedding (fancier belt + hairstyle + bag and you're set to go).

I reckon all I'm missing is a pink cadillac ;)

Dress - River Island

Coat - Penneys

It's in the details..

Ring - River Island

Clutch bag - H&M

Belt - River Island

Heels - Gucci

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHALIA BIANCHI

9-to-5 # Dungarees

I was 10 (maybe less..) when I read a book that seriously influenced my way of thinking. Since reading "Never say never" (I can't remember the author but it was long before Melissa Hill, which I shouldn't probably admit) I always thought twice before I said I'd never do something. Over the next 10 years I was regularly tested by somebody out there who usually ensured that I was proved wrong anytime I 'nevered' something: from eating mussels, through wearing skinnies, right to dating Irish guys.

Here I am again, even though I thought I've learned my lesson. Wearing dungarees was on my 'not a done thing, do not go back there' list. How did it make a move to my 9 - to - 5 list? I couldn't possibly tell you. What I can say though is that it's a fantastic way to move away from boring office wear and still look really smart. Paired with a crisp white shirt, black dungarees look classy and not a bit 90s. Although they're not new kids on the block (see what I did there?;) in 21st century they can still serve their original purpose - work-wear!

I say give them a go ladies, I promise you will not look back.

Dungarees - River Island

Shirt - Penneys

It's in the detail...

Heels - Christian Louboutin

Bag - H&M

Bracelets (top to bottom) - River Island, bought at a festival, Penneys

Rings - River Island and Penneys

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHALIA BIANCHI

Colour blocking

You might remember how I was easing myself into this trend before. I can't believe that it's actually been nearly two years! See the post from 2 years ago HERE. I can't get over how much I've changed since (I wish I was still the same size!).
What most importantly has changed though is my approach to colour blocking. Over the last 2 years I have lost any prejudice I might have previously had to mixing colours and I now happily go for clashing block colours or prints. I usually decide on what I wear by picking out the individual items separately and rarely think of them as an outfit until they're already worn together (which is when I usually just leave them).

The outfit below is a real summary of my current approach to this trend: strong colours, most likely including monochromes, simple / straight lines, contrasts and most importantly: a lot of fun.

Enjoy

x

Skirt - Dunnes Stores

Top - Penneys

Blazer - Selected Femme

It's in the details..

Heels - Zara

Bag - ebay.ie

Necklace - no brand

Ring - River Island

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHALIA BIANCHI