modcloth joys...

I am beginning to get afraid... very afraid. Soon enough I will receive my very first big girl paycheck! Which, of course, is fantastic but it also means that I will have to force myself not to buy everything I see. This would be easy if only I could keep away from some of my favourite online window shopping spots. Spots like Modcloth, which is really not helping the whole situation of trying to be a good, responsible girl. It really is a danger for me to even venture onto their website. I can't help but want everything they put in front of me. This season is no exception. Their autumn-winter collection is to die for! The cuts are lovely, fitted and figure hugging while the colours are (as always) cute and vibrant. I think a treat may be in order but I will have to seriously think about my decision. 

It'll be like Sophie's Choice I'm sure...

easy days...

This is an example of the type of outfit I felt wasn't appropriate for the fashion world... But it's an easy crisp Saturday and I feel like chilling out in something cosy and casual. I enjoy these kinds of days, where scarves are needed, comfort food is wanted and people light their fires so there is a smokey smell in the air. On days like these you just have to have the best food. I indulged in homemade tomato soup for lunch a cheesy baked potato for supper (it was gooooood). 

Sometimes simple is better... and less is more

Top: Oasis

Cardigan: Dunnes

Jeans/ Bag: Awear

Boots: Office

Scarf: Vintage

inspired by...

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Well it's been one of those weeks where I feel like I've achieved nothing but I am okay about it. It's my last week off before I start work and it'll be a long time before I can lounge about again. Anyway, all this lounging about has lead to me feeling inspired about many things...

The weather has me wanting to walk in the autumn air and hear the crunch of the leaves beneath my feet (except on wet days like today). I feel like covering myself in wool and plaid and just going all country! My new job has me thinking about eventually moving out of my parents house and into a place of my own, this new home will be pale grey all over with colourful accents of red, yellow, babypink, blue and green. Even though I am miles away from a marriage of my own I can't help but indulge myself and let the mind wander when I see beautiful images online of weddings. I love the white heart tights and the little shoe boots, so unique. I have been browsing through vintage style typography for some work and I always love coming across some on shop fronts (makes me want to own a shop of my own)... Finally, ever since I had guacamole two weeks ago I have been dying to try avocado in something else. And since I looooove egg salad I thought that would be a fine place to start... I'll let you know how it goes.

What has been on your mind this week?

cosy cosy...

I'm beginning to indulge in more wooly items... Not buying any (don't be silly) but stealing from my mum's wardrobe and getting her to knit me cosy jumpers. I'll have to show you them, they are quite lovely and super duper warm! This cardigan is my mums, but is a bit big on me (as it is on her) and I think a purchase will need to be made so that I don't feel swamped all the time. Shame, because the cardigan is so lovely! And this woolen dress is a bit of an oldie, bought a few springs ago. Has kinda of an annoying cut on the bottom. If I'm not careful it goes up in the middle and down at the sides. Grrr!

I'm eyeing up some more lovely tea dresses at the moment (damn Modcloth!). I recently got sorted in the pants department and now I am making my way over to the dress side of things. I needed more trousers but I do not need more dresses, however, I do WANT more... One or two more casual dresses and I think I'll be sorted for the coming months. 

Cardigan: M&S

Dress: Oasis

Tights/Belt: Penneys

Boots: Office

Watch: Citizen

wishing and wanting...

Now that we are fully settled into this season I feel I can look for pieces to add to my existing wardrobe. To just update it that little bit... Practical pieces that can be worn with an arrange of items I already have tucked and shoved away in my presses. Pieces that can be used everyday, that will fit neatly into my lifestyle. Thankfully this list isn't as large a list as I might have suspected at first (but that probably won't stop me from buying other things not on this special thoroughly thought out list of mine).

The three key pieces as you can see are a pair of sturdy yet beautiful boots. Boots have become an important staple nowadays.... A quirky jumper, both comfy and pretty. A win win in my books! And finally a leather look bag from Asos. I love black and metal together and I think I could/would fit loads in it.

What are your key pieces you hope to buy this season?

selling myself...

I haven't actually been selling myself. Thank mercy it hasn't come to that. No, it's just something I get told by my parents/sisters/everyone when I am up for a job interview. I'm sure you get the same. The past few weeks I have been quite busy traveling up and down the country for interviews and I still find it a little tricky to figure out what is suitable to wear. Unlike a normal interview that my sisters/boyfriend/parents have been at, I'm not expected to be all suited up. One needs to be sophisticated and elegant, youthful but not sloppy. Neither overdressed nor underdressed. One has to be comfortable (I have travelled a lot recently) yet still sort of sleek. It's been tough, there's no doubt. I've been trying different things and donning a few pencil skirts but what I really feel is ticking all the boxes is this dress. It really is working a treat! It's comfy, stylish, fitted (but not vulgar) and can be paired with all sorts of heels, cardigans and jackets.

Today I teamed it with a lovely, muted cardigan (from my mum's wardrobe) and a cute and youthful pair of heels, which also make me super tall! Always a bonus... 

Dress: Dorothy Perkins

Cardigan: Monsoon

Heels: Dunnes Stores

Ring: Vintage (Gift)

woolen tales...

There is a definite chill in the air today. It's become that time of year again when you see the sun shining and you think that the weather will be 'crisp' rather than 'balmy'. Oh my friends there is indeed a change in the air. Thank God! I was growing beyond bored of my summer wardrobe (what little there is of it). However, even though I am glad to potentially see the back of my summer attire for a good few months, I feel that I am unprepared for the next season. I have not been shopping due to a serious lack of funds, so I am seeing what I can make fresh and new from the last few seasons. And of course stick to what I know best... 'Librarian chic' is always a winner in my eyes for these autumnal months. Knitted, buttoned up cardigans, cutesy loafers and tapered trousers in a rich colours (I picked plum this time). Oh and a trusty scarf (which can also double as a blanket) just in case! 

Autumn, I'm ready! Sort of...

PS: Look at me being all brave and outside. My neighbour thought something weird was going on (more crazies taking pictures on tripods!) and came out to investigate but relaxed instantly when she saw it was simply little old me. Nice to know my neighbours don't seem to bat an eyelid at me photographing the bejaysus out of myself. Makes life a little easier.

Scarf: Forever 21

Cardigan: Dunnes Stores

Jeans/Trousers: New Look

Loafers: Red or Dead

the slight change...

I know that for the past few days it's been lovely and warm. But I have noticed once the sun goes down or just when I've woken up it becomes a tad chilly. Chilly enough for me to require a slight wardrobe change by seven/eight o'clock. In my opinion you can definitely tell that autumn is here (not in a full blast of cold wind and swirling leaves but he's making his presence known- and yes autumn is a dude!) Like spring, autumn is a transitional period and can sometimes be tricky. I know it is for me at times. You are dying to burst into your new season of clothing but it's too soon, the world is simply not ready yet. So I decided to browse through the archives of The Sartorialist to see what those ever so stylish ladies of the world do when it's kinda chilly but still kinda warm. 

It seems the trick is balance (who would have guessed that). Wearing closed toe shoes and baring your ankles in rolled up jeans. Pairing a coat with a mini dress and ankle boots. Dark, muted colours and bare skin. Taking the best bits of both worlds and banging them together until they make something wearable. Problem is this could go horrible wrong. Worth a shot though since my toes are FREEZING!

But I don't think it's time for scarves just yet...

Has the cold weather snook up on you or are you still embracing the summer?

tomgirl...

I am going to TRY really hard this autumm/winter to include the masculine touches that I love so much into my day to day wardrobe. I have tried before unsuccessfully, it seems the curvy shape is quite hard to make boyish. So I am going to have use what I know work: fitted shirts, woolen coats, loafers (heeled and flat) and skinny/tapered silk trousers. These will keep me looking curvy (not dumpy) and still add a little bit of boyish flare to the mix. A tailored vibe that will enhance whatever feminine pieces I choose to wear with them because obviously I cannot completely give up on my love of dresses, diamonds and dark dark lace. But saying that I am really keen to show another side to myself. Like everyone, I crave something new to play with and that something new just happens to be my style. Like most of us ladies I'm sure!

Luckily I have somethings on my list (so I don't have to go on some mad shopping bender) but I will need to make a conscious decision to make the masculine pieces I desire the top of my winter shopping. Crisp white shirts, silk trousers, patent flat loafers... All these must be gotten. First up, is the hunt for the perfect white shirt. A simple task surely! I can see my bust being a problem here, I'll keep you posted.

What are your plans for your winter wardrobe?

Images via Pinterest