Stripe Up Your Life

There are those that

Are more influential than gold medals.

Certain ones have an instinct for satire,

Some are able to reincarnate themselves.

Their power is in shifting perspectives,

There is beauty in stripes

~ Alison Riley

Breton, nautical - call it what you will - stripes are a quintessential Spring/Summer look that will never go out of style. Inspired by sailors uniforms, Coco Chanel first introduced the look to the fashion world in her 1917 nautical collection. Since then the Breton stripe has endured to become synonymous with chic Parisian style, and is a wardrobe staple for men and women alike.

This stripe top is by French online-only brand Sézane. A firm favourite with Bloggers and Fashionistas alike, Sézane has a simple but very effective format, they have a permanent collection that runs through the seasons, and a monthly release of limited-edition collections that once gone, really are gone. 'Oscar' is one of their classics; available in red or navy stripes, it is a very lovely take on the trend. The addition of a tie at the back, that reveals a sneaky peek of flesh, makes it a real stand out piece.

The joy of the simple but chic Breton stripe top is its versatility. I styled my stripes with a pair of skinny jeans, my old Jimmy Choo Hunter Wellies (it's Lambing season here in the Scottish Borders, so these are currently my go-to footwear), and the cutest Baker Boy style hat that I found in an off-the-beaten-track store in Brooklyn, New York. This cute, sailor inspired outfit is the perfect off-duty look.

Get The Look:
Top: Sézane 'Oscar' Stripe Top in ecru/navy
Jeans: Frame Le Skinny De Jeanne Cropped Skinny Mid-Rise Jeans
Wellies: Jimmy Choo Hunter Wellies (similar)
Hat: Baker Boy Hat (similar here and here)
Photos: Jason Connery ©

Seeing Stars

“You've got me seeing stars brighter than ever

Shining just like diamonds do

I know that in time it could be all ours, brighter than ever

Your love is such a dream come true

I know, I know, I know I need you”

~ Borns

I’ve been waiting to get my hands on Manley’s Autumn/Winter collection since the middle of Summer! It’s finally here, and oh boy, was it worth the wait. The collection is Manley at its absolute finest; colours abound with a rich palate of aubergines, oranges, and hot pinks taking centre stage. The classic Manley styles are back and have been reimagined in these dramatic new shades, and with bigger, bolder prints. New styles steal the show, with longer length skirts, matching twin-sets, and embellished bags I want in every single colour. It wouldn’t be Manley of course without leather and studs galore. It is a magnificent collection.

The ‘Sadie’ shirt is my first purchase, and it’s not hard to see why I love it so much. Made from woven silk, with a buttery soft metallic leather bodice and collar, it is covered all over in the most beautiful celestial star print. I am quite literally seeing stars!

I styled it here with my favourite skinny jeans and a pair of Chloe boots I have wanted for the longest time. I hummed and hawed over the rather hefty price tag, and the sizing being more than a bit off (I went down two full sizes to get a perfect fit) but I have to say, I will never ever regret investing in the now iconic ‘Susanna’ boots. They go with absolutely everything, they are so comfy I could be wearing slippers, and they are quite simply cool as feck.

Get The Look:

Shirt: Manley ‘Sadie’ Star Print Shirt

Boots: Chloe ‘Susanna’ Studded Ankle Boots in black

Jeans: Frame Le Skinny De Jeanne Cropped Skinny Mid-Rise Jeans 

Photos: Jason Connery ©

Studio 54

"At studio 54, they’re waiting at the door

Can't get in - just can’t win.

This is New York by night, this is New York by night

So get ready for the time of your life"

~ Dennis Parker

Donna Ida Thornton’s 1973 Collection was inspired by the year she was born, and features retro styles with Californian vibes and soft, feminine styling. '73 was a pivotal year; it was a time of technological innovation, unique styles featuring bright, bold colours and patterns. It was a time of change across the political landscape, and great diversity in popular music. It was a time of individuality, when beautiful people partied the night away at the now infamous Studio 54.

Vibrant colours, inspired by the 70s disco look, feature on this aptly named 'Studio 54' noir cashmere knit. The fabulous sweater, with its loose fit, subtle balloon sleeves, and 6 colourful lurex stripes on the right arm, is a great modern take on a retro look. The off-the-shoulder detail gives it just the right amount of sexy and sweet.

Have fun styling the 'Studio 54' sweater with skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans, leather trousers, and cute skirts of all shapes and lengths - it goes with everything. I teamed it here with my favourite denim skinnies, and dressed it up a notch or two with great heels, and a beautiful embellished bag.

Get The Look:

Jumper: Donna Ida Studio 54 Cashmere Knit in noir rainbow

Jeans: Frame Le Skinny De Jeanne Cropped Skinny Mid-Rise Jeans

Shoes: Valentino 'Rockstud' 100 Leather Courts in black/beige

Bag: Manley 'Parker' Bag in wine python

Photos: Jason Connery ©

The Grass Is Greener

"I want to move faraway

Faraway from everyone

Where the grass is greener

Where the sky is softer

The rivers will stay calm

And the birds will sing my song"

~ Unknown

I have a few of these leather Tees by Emma Manley (see here and here). Paired with jeans in Winter, and shorts in Summer, they have become a wardrobe staple for me, and I couldn't resist adding another one to my ever growing collection. This one is especially gorgeous; it's leather, and it's green! Maybe it's the Irish in me - whatever, I had to have it.

Green leather is unusual. Green leather is cool. It's just not something you see every day. Made from the softest nappa leather, this simple design is effortlessly stylish. It has a boxy fit, dips longer at the back, where a full length zip runs all the way down the centre, and a contrasting white panel takes it to a whole new level of fabulous.

I styled it with skinny jeans, my favourite over-the-knee boots, and the the most gorgeous bag by Lulu Guinness. The 'Marcie' bag was a birthday present from my wonderful boyfriend. He said the iconic Lulu doll face design on the front reminded him of me. I adore my bag, it is a perfect mix of practical and fun.

Get The Look:

Top: Emma Manley 'Boxter' Leather Tee in apple

Jeans: Frame Le Skinny De Jeanne Cropped Skinny Mid-Rise Jeans

Boots: Stuart Weizmann '50/50' Over-the-knee Boots

Bag: Lulu Guinness Doll Face 'Marcie' Bag

Photos: Jason Connery ©

To Winter

"Blow, blow, thou winter wind

Away from here,

And I shall greet thy passing breath

Without a tear.

I do not love thy snow and sleet

Or icy flows;

When I must jump or stamp to warm

My freezing toes"

~ Eugene O'Neill

I've been spending a lot of time in Scotland in recent months, and at the moment, the temperatures there are gloriously Baltic! Such cold weather calls for a pretty hardcore jacket to keep a girl warm, and you simply cannot go wrong with a classic Puffer jacket. This wasn't always the case however; once upon a time, a Puffer jacket, despite being impossibly warm and snug, was a great big fashion no-no. These days, thanks to high-end brands like Canada Goose, and fashionistas such as Olivia Palermo and Emma Stone donning the out-doorsy cover-up, the humble Puffer has been catapulted to iconic status.

This one from high street favourite Topshop ticks all the boxes for me; it is affordable, warm, practical, and surprisingly chic. The jacket has a linear quilted detail, with heavy-duty zip and popper fastenings to the front. The fit is sleek and flattering, and the removable faux fur trimmed hood adds further comfort, and a rather luxurious touch.

Dropping temperatures and Artic conditions simply don't stand a chance against the cozy, insulating powers of the mighty puffer jacket!

Get The Look:

Jacket: Topshop Quilted Puffer Jacket in navy

Jeans: Frame Denim Le Skinny De Jeanne Cropped Skinny Mid-Rise Jeans

Bag: Cambridge Satchel Company 11 inch Classic Satchel in red

Boots: Stuart Weizmann '50/50' Over-The-Knee Boots
Photographs: John Uwins Photography ©