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 ©

Chasing Rainbows

"I'm always chasing rainbows

Watching clouds drifting by.

My schemes are just like all my dreams,

Ending in the sky.

Some fellows look and find the sunshine,

I always look and find the rain.

Some fellows make a winning sometime,

I never even make a gain,

Believe me,

I'm always chasing rainbows,

Waiting to find a little bluebird in vain"

~ Harry Carroll / Joseph McCarthy

Forget about orange being the new black; this Autumn/Winter it is all about pink, blue, yellow, green, violet, red; all the colours, all together, in big, bold, beautiful detail. Thanks to brands like Gucci, Missoni and Chloe, rainbow stripes are having quite a moment, and this colourful, cheerful trend is brightening up winter wardrobes all across the land!

I first became aware of the trend when I spied Gucci’s rainbow sweater of dreams in a magazine. Alas, at a £600 price point, I knew it would remain forever in my dreams! And so the search began for a cheaper alternative. I found one at a marginally more affordable £300 (the Madeleine Thompson 'Harewood' Stripe Cashmere Jumper). It is absolutely gorgeous, but still too much for me to justify spending on a jumper. So the search continued. And one night, while dashing through London to get to the Palladium, I saw it. There, gracing a muffled up mannequin in the window of a GAP store, was the most perfect Gucci look-a-like rainbow sweater.

At a very affordable £45, the GAP jumper is made from a super soft, fine ribbed Merino wool blend. Featuring their iconic holiday crazy stripes in 13 bright, bold hues, it has long sleeves with banded cuffs, a crew-neck, and the hugely coveted all-over rainbow stripe pattern. I love it, and I am so happy I chased this particular rainbow.

I styled my cheery sweater with my favourite over-the-knee boots, a matching bobble hat (how could I resist?), a classic satchel in a bright shade of red, and a new pair of skinny jeans. Yes, I finally got a new pair of jeans; I know, I know, I'm in shock too! I truly believed that my old, worn, torn, dilapidated skinny jeans were the only pair I would ever find to fit me. Frame Denim are an LA based brand with a cool London edge, and they have literally saved this denim lovers bacon. In the meantime, my other, old, beloved skinnies are with my trusty tailor. I'm hoping that a little overdue TLC and some serious patchwork will give them a new lease of life. I'm not ready to let them go just yet. Watch this space for an update!

Get The Look:

Jumper: GAP Crazy Stripe Merino Wool Blend Ribbed Sweater

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

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

Bag: The Cambridge Satchel Co Classic 11" Satchel in red

Photographs: John Uwins Photography ©

Silver Lining

"I painted myself metallic

until I was shining,

and shredded myself into fine tinsel

to be your silver lining"

~ Peyton Leigh Stille

I feel I really have, as the poem above says, painted myself metallic until I was shining, in this gorgeous silver skirt. Designed by Ireland's Emma Manley, it is made from the softest leather and features a scalloped hemline, a very flattering high waist, and is an Autumn/Winter friendly midi-length. It's a stand-out piece that shines brightly and makes a big, bold statement.

I styled my silver skirt with my all time favourite top, Bella Freud's iconic 'Je T'aime Jane' jumper. It is a modern classic that goes with everything I already own, and is, hands down, one of the best purchases I've ever made.  Manley's 'Maisey' leather bag (yes, my favourite Designer now does bags; gorgeous bags that are covered in Manley's signature studded embellishment. Blogged here), and a pair of cute silver flats, added an extra layer of cool to an already super-cool outfit.

Get The Look:

Skirt: Emma Manley 'Sue' Metallic Leather Skirt in old silver (similar)

Jumper: Bella Fraud 'Je T'aime Jane' Jumper in black

Bag: Emma Manley 'Maisey' Bag in silver/white

Shoes: ASOS 'Mambo' Flat Shoes in silver (similar here and here)

Photos: John Uwins Photography ©