More Self Love

"Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size

But when I start to tell them,

They think I'm telling lies.

I say,

It's in the reach of my arms

The span of my hips,

The stride of my step,

The curl of my lips.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me."

~ Maya Angelou

PSC-brand is the gift that keeps on giving. I recently blogged about one of their perfect white t-shirts (here), and their pink 'Buy Me A Drink' sweater (here). When I saw the brands similar 'More Self Love' version of the sweater, I couldn't resist snapping it up!

As cosy as it's pink counterpart, the cream jumper has already become a staple in my wardrobe. It looks great teamed with short skirts, jeans of all shapes and styles, and is absolutely perfect worn with cool denim cut-off shorts on a cool summer evening.

I love the message on this sweater; 'More Self Love'; it is my new moto, my end-of-year resolution, and I will wear it emblazoned close to my heart, so that I don't forget it.

Get The Look:

Sweater: PSC-brand 'More Self Love' Jumper (similar)
Jeans: Current Elliot 'The Roller' Boyfriend Jeans (similar)

Shoes: L'intervalle Nukin Flat Slipper Mules in black

Earrings: Allison Byron Gold Fan Earrings

Photos: Jason Connery ©

Frilled To Bits

"White edge cool wave frill

Floats over Aqua's Blue-Green

Deep Blues Penumbra"

~ Unknown

Etro is a brand I thought I could only ever dream of wearing. But thanks to my wonderful fashion Fairy Godmother, I am now the proud owner of this dreamy, frilly Etro shirt. The brand was founded in 1968, and the Etro name is now synonymous with bold Italian elegance. The swirling Paisley motif used in their very first collection was set to become their mark of identity.

Featuring that iconic paisley pattern, this printed blouse is made from the most delicate silk georgette. The beautifully draped, frilly front instantly softens anything it is worn with. It is the most feminine piece of clothing I own and I adore it!

I styled my blouse with a pair of boyfriend jeans; I love how the soft, ladylike elegance of the blouse is juxtaposed with the laid-back, boyish look of the baggy jeans. I clashed things up further by adding a pair of leopard print heels. I love everything about this look. My friend hit the nail on the head when he remarked, "that really shouldn't work, but it just does".

Get The Look:

Top: Etro Front Frill Paisley Shirt (similar)

Jeans: Current/Elliott 'The Roller' Boyfriend Jeans (similar)

Shoes: Alexander Wang 'Natasha' Shoes in leopard print (similar)

Photos: John Uwins Photography ©

The Picture Fails: Blog Outtakes

"She would have her picture taken.
She came dressed beyond description,
Dressed in jewels and in satin
Far too gorgeous for an empress.

Grand, heroic was the notion:
Yet the picture failed entirely:
Failed, because she moved a little,
Moved, because she couldn't help it."
~ Lewis Carroll

Photos: John Uwins Photography ©

Kate Carpenter Photography ©

Mike Lawrence ©
Phill Griffith ©

Buy Me A Drink

"Drink to me only with thine eyes,

And I will pledge with mine;

Or leave a kiss but in the cup,

And I’ll not look for wine.

The thirst that from the soul doth rise

Doth ask a drink divine;

But might I of Jove’s nectar sup,

I would not change for thine"

~ Ben Johnson

No matter how sophisticated and polished your style might be, a relaxed, off-duty, slogan t-shirt or jumper has become a staple in every girls wardrobe. The brand all the cool fashionistas-in-the-know turn to for this laid back look is UK based PSC-brand. Known for their tongue-in-cheek, witty, and often irreverent slogans and prints, PSC avoids everything that is stereotyped, focusing instead on personality, attitude and culture. Their pink 'buy me a drink' jumper has to be the most Saturday appropriate jumper of all time!

This pink beauty is a piece that will never go out of style. It is a throw it on, wear it anywhere sweater that is as cosy as it is chic. I styled it here with a pair of girlfriend jeans (formerly boyfriend jeans I stupidly had altered for a tighter fit), a super cool pair of leopard print shoes, and a gorgeous Nadia Minkoff cognac toned tote. It's the perfect transeasonal outfit for the glorious Autumnal weather we are currently enjoying in dear ol' Blighty.

The Silent Pool Gin Distillery was an inspired location to photograph my pink drink sweater. It sort of found us rather than the other way 'round. We drove past it on our way to another location and couldn't resist popping in. Huge thanks to the lovely staff who allowed us to shoot at our leisure. It's a fascinating place, and well worth a visit.

Get The Look:

Jumper: PSC-Brand Pink Drink Jumper

Jeans: Current Elliot 'The Roller' Boyfriend Jeans (similar)

Shoes: Alexander Wang 'Natasha' Shoes in leopard print (similar here and here)

Bag: Nadia Minkoff 'The Richmond' Bag in cognac
Photos: John Uwins Photography ©
Location: The Silent Pool Gin Distillery 

Oh Be-Hive!

My lovely Husband treated me to this gorgeous Manley jumper when we were last in Dublin. We were browsing in a beautiful little store called Bow, in my favourite shopping mall, the very picturesque Powerscourt Centre when I spotted it in the sale. Oh I can smell a Manley piece from a mile away!

The silk 'Hive' jumper features a round neck, 3/4 length sleeves & sits shorter at the front and longer at the back. The patent leather collar, hand cut with a scalloped edge, is such a standout detail. Big and bold, it is a talking point whenever and wherever I wear it! I have variations of this jumper in different colours; it is the perfect easy to wear piece that I can just throw on and I'm good to go.

I styled it here with slouchy boyfriend jeans, my trusty black satchel & a very cool pair of Brogues from online favourite ASOS. The two tone brogues add a touch of drama to a very laid back look.

Get The Look:

Jumper: Manley Hive Patent Jumper in black (similar)

Jeans: Current/Elliott 'The Roller' Boyfriend Jeans (similar)

Shoes: ASOS 'Marky' Two Tone Brogues (similar)

Bag: Cambridge Satchel Co. 11" Classic Satchel in black

The Colour Purple

I'm going through a very laid-back, almost tom-boyish phase at the moment fashionwise. It's all about slouchy Boyfriend jeans and casual tops, dressing it up just a little with heels & a structured blazer.

This jumper is typical of what I'm wearing and loving right now; the Manley 'Erin' top is a baseball style jumper in a beautiful, regal shade of purple. It features raglan sleeves with darts on the shoulder for extra fitting. The wool and linen mix sleeves are elbow length and the main body of the jumper sits shorter at the front and longer at the back. The silky material adds a touch of glamour and luxury to a very casual piece.

The boyfriend jeans are the only pair I've ever owned that fit me perfectly (blogged here); they are a great replacement for the much loved denim shorts I live in during the Summer months. I dressed the outfit up just a little with a great pair of black & white Mary-Jane style shoes from iconic brand Chanel.

Get The Look:

Jumper: Manley 'Erin' Jumper in purple

Jeans: Current/Elliott 'The Roller' Boyfriend Jeans (similar)

Shoes: Chanel Mary-Jane Shoes in black/white (similar)

Photos: Kate Carpenter