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 ©

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 ©

All The Jewellery

"My heart is necklaces tangled in a forgotten jewellery box.

No one has the time or patience to untangle these chains.

But then you came along to undo this

havoc, taking each link, pulling it apart one by one.

And finally these chains can shine like they once did.

Thanks to you."

~ Unknown

Natalie B Coleman's old-school grey sweatshirt is casual coolness at its very best. A boxy style, it is boldly emblazoned with hand drawn and water coloured jewels, with a cheeky message about 'all the jewellery I never got' to the front. It is a versatile, contemporary piece that I know I will be wearing for a very long time.

This season, Natalie has teamed up with Plan International's global movement for change for girls. For every purchase of this great sweater, €5.00 goes directly to the Because I Am A Girl fund. A wonderfully stylish piece, and a very worthy cause, what's not to love?

I styled my cool sweater with my favourite old denim shorts, and a comfy pair of ankle boots, for an effortless transeasonal look.  

Get The Look:

Jumper: Natalie B Coleman 'All The Jewellery I Never Got' Jumper in grey

Shorts: Zara Denim Shorts (similar)

Boots: Topshop 'Ambush' Side-zip Ankle Boots in black (similar)

Photos: John Uwins Photography ©

It's A Wrap

"A cocoon of silk wraps the final breath of day

When feelings stir fantastically

Touching my dreams in mighty ways

Then softly clothing me"

~ Neva Flores Varga

I return to high street favourite Topshop time after time, season after season, and I always seem to find something special, without ever breaking the bank.

This adorable ditsy floral print dress is a case in point. It ticks so many boxes for me; vintage inspired, a figure flattering wrap-over style, flirty, feminine, frilly short sleeves. It's girlie summer dressing at its very best. The darker florals also make it a great transeasonal piece that will see me through Autumn and Winter; I will simply add some dark tights, cute ankle boots or brogues, and a cool leather jacket when the chillier days and nights arrive. Let's not wish the last of the Summer away though! For now, heels and a great bag is all I need. 

I styled my dress with a pair of 70s inspired shoes from Reiss. I bought them many seasons ago and they immediately became a staple in my wardrobe. They really compliment the vintage vibe of this lovely dress. I finished my look off with the lush 'Richmond' tote by handbag Queen Nadia Minkoff. It has become my go-to bag for everyday use. The perfect size for all my essentials, and a great colour that goes with absolutely everything; this arm candy is, quite simply, cool as heck!

Get The Look:

Dress: Topshop Ditsy Floral Wrap Dress

Bag: Nadia Minkoff 'The Richmond' Bag in cognac

Shoes: Reiss 'Cedar' Wood Platforms in cognac (similar)

Photos: John Uwins ©

Dress Up - The Best Of 2015

"Pearls & boas, dressed to the nines,

Lipstick on pursed lips, trying to stay in the lines.

Big wobbly high heels, on tiny, precious feet,

Little girls playing dress-up, aren't they sweet!"

~ Laura Taylor Mark

Photos: Kate Carpenter Photography ©
Anna Saverimuttu Photography ©
Mike Lawrence © 
Additional Photos: Phill Griffith & David Ufton