Earning My Style Stripes

"Driving fast on the highway

I just want success to come my way

In that manner

But life isn't that simple

If it was, everything would feel reasonless

We have to earn our stripes to become zebras"

~ Peter Robert Hamilton

Some people hate to see summer come to an end, while some people long for the onset of cosy knitwear season. I love sweater weather, and I don't believe you can ever have too many great sweaters in your closet.

I'd had my eye on the violet version of this Kitri jumper of dreams for a while, but when push came to shove, I opted for the black, more pared-back version, as I knew it would go with absolutely everything. A mohair/wool blend knit, it features a contrasting, somewhat skewed stripe print that is a very modern take on the classic Breton style. Add to that an unexpected splash of violet at the cuff, a super-soft fluffy texture, an oversized fit, and you have a very cool sweater that takes cosy to a whole new level.

In keeping with the monotone colour, I styled my statement knit with black skinny jeans, and then dressed it all up with a sequinned patchwork pouch bag (glitzy drawstring pouches are the chicest bags for the upcoming Christmas party season, you'll see them everywhere) and the coolest black studded boots in Christendom. The end result is a simple, stylish look that can take me from day to night with absolute ease.

Get The Look:

Jumper: KITRI 'Karla' black mohair striped jumper

Jeans: J Brand 9326 Low Rise Crop Skinny Jeans in silencia (similar here and here)

Boots: Christian Louboutin 'Ariella' Studded Boots (similar here)

Bag: Zara Evening Sequin Patchwork Pouch Bag

Photos: Jason Connery ©

It's Da Bomb!

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening”

~ Coco Chanel

The iconic bomber jacket first appeared in the 1950s as military clothing, designed to keep Pilots safe and warm in their cockpits. In fact, it has had the most successful crossover to civilian wear of any utilitarian piece of clothing ever.

It has been through a number of evolutionary stages over the years and even became a style emblem for many youth movements, Skinheads in London, Punks in America, and the Americana subculture in Japan in the 60s and 70s. Legendary actors such as James Dean, Marlon Brando and, more recently Tom Cruise, and Harrison Ford wearing the style on the silver screen, has helped seal its fate as a timeless wardrobe essential.

A light bomber jacket is the perfect Summer cover up and whatever your budget, whatever your style, there is one out there for everyone; embroidered, sequinned, leather, plain, colourful, there are a myriad of different styles to chose from. This vibrant, tropical print one by Irish designers, Rant & Rave is, hands down, the best one I’ve seen all season.

Get The Look:

Jacket: Rant & Rave ‘Jacinta’ Bomber Jacket

Shorts: Zara Denim Shorts

Belt: Gucci Leather belt with double G buckle

T-shirt: Whistles Seam Back Tee in white (similar)

Boots: Chloe ‘Susanna’ Boots in Black

Photos: Photos: Jason Connery ©

Queen Of The Underground

"I know you think you're the Queen of the underground

And you can send me dead flowers every morning

Send me dead flowers by the U.S. Mail

Say it with dead flowers in my wedding

And I won't forget to put roses on your grave"

~ The Rolling Stones

Anita Pallenberg was the undisputed, original rock chick; she was an actress, model, style icon, and muse to The Rolling Stones, indeed she played a crucial role in honing the iconic bands mystique. She was the baddest of the bad girls, the original Queen of the underground.

Fashion designer Bella Freud says of her late friend, “If I’m slightly lost about where I want to be with a collection, I think about her and there’s an immediate electricity which happens.”  She designed a t-shirt and a jumper (here) dedicated to Pallenberg, a beautiful gesture to acknowledge her influence. The very cool 'Anita' t-shirt is made from soft white cotton and features a round neckline, short sleeves, and a multi-coloured screen print to the front. It is the perfect tribute to the late, great Anita. I wear it with jeans, shorts, long skirts, short skirts, over dresses, under dresses; it is a fantastic piece, with endless styling potential.

I styled it here with a simple pair of flat shoes by Ops & Ops. Based on an original 1960s design, the retro inspired shoes add to the rock and roll vibe of the tshirt. The No. 10 flats are handmade in Portugal from the finest leather. Made to fit like a glove, they are unlined and mould to your foot with wear. They come in every colour you can imagine. The soft metallic shimmer of this bronze pair, was achieved by rubbing the coated leather. They subtly change colour depending on the light, making them neutral enough for day, and sassy enough for night.

A old pair of worn denim shorts and dramatic cats-eye sunnies complete my Anita inspired look to perfection.

Get The Look:

Tshirt: Bella Freud Anita Tshirt in white

Shoes: Ops & Ops No. 10 Bronze Flats

Shorts: Zara Denim Shorts (similar)

Sunglasses: Target Cats-Eye Sunglasses in black

Photos: Jason Connery ©

T-Shirt Right There

"T-shirt right there

Your hair messed up like a Guns-N-Roses video

Ooh ooh so hot

Still got it up in my head, you were moving around in the TV light

I ain't ever seen anything like, your dress, my floor, the way you wore my t-shirt"

~ Thomas Rhett

The easiest solution to off-duty dressing is a great white t shirt; nothing beats it for style, comfort, and versatility. A white tee can be worn all year round, with shorts throughout the summer months, or with a sleek blazer or chunky knits when chiller days kick in. It is the perfect tran-seasonal piece.

Finding the elusive perfect white t-shirt is no easy task though. I had thought for a long time that it might actually be an impossible task! Thanks however, to one of the coolest brands out there, my search is finally over. PSC Brand (previously blogged here) is known for its witty and clever slogans, and they have very quickly become the go-to place for cool-girl fashion.

This particular t-shirt is now sold out (Sorry! You have to be quick to nab a PSC Brand tee) but fear not, they have a cornucopia of many other perfect t-shirts on their website. Don't dilly dally though, grab them while you can, I promise you won't regret it!

Get The Look:

T-shirt: PSC Brand 'The Brunch Shirt' T-Shirt in white (similar)

Shorts: Zara Denim Shorts (similar)

Earrings: Allison Bryan Gold Fan Earrings

Photos: Jason Connery ©

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 ©