Nan Knits and Charity Shop Tips

There's a coldness in the air...... but I don't care. 

'As the Rush Comes' Motorcycle (Armin Van Buuren Mix)

It's happened. Winter. Well I suppose if seasons behaved as they should then technically we are in Autumn, but in all honesty does it matter? When it's cold and wet, and only get's colder and wetter I don't think anyone really cares what we call it. All we can be sure of is we are going to wake up in the dark, and come home in the dark in a viscous cycle of absolute darkness.

Despite the weather, Winter does bring around a whole host of fashion opportunities, to name but two on the top of my list, tights and layering. Tights mean everything can get shorter without the risk of being arrested for indecent exposure, and layering means you can wear all of your favourite items at once. I'm pretty sure in fash-land this isn't what is meant by layering, but it does mean the indecisive dresser has it easy in the morning as if in doubt, wear it all...you'll need it! 

So what will I be buying? Knitwear. I love a good nan knit, and I am already scouring the charity shops to find the chicest of them all. Frequenting charity shops means I have noticed a change in the once haphazardness that was, in it's place I think I detect a subtle hint of fashion awareness? The knits are held back until the weather changes and the bikinis and second hand swimsuits (seriously?!) are placed in an unlit corner towards the back until we can face the fact, (post-Christmas indulgence) that the beach body of yesteryear will be required to make an appearance once more. *sigh* Anyone that has avoided charity shops until now, I urge to you to give them a try at this time of year. It's easy and cheap! Charity shop knitwear can often mean a higher quality garment at a fraction of the price you would pay for it from a store. All you need to do are follow a couple of simple tips:

• Don't be afraid to search in the menswear of childrens wear sections. Menswear jumpers are great for the oversized slouchy look, and can often be found in chunkier knits than the womens. Childrens jumpers often feature retro and kitsch prints that will look great worn with a shirt poking out of the bottom and sleeves rolled up.
• Think outside the box. If there's something about the jumper that attracted you in the first place, buy it. I can almost guarantee change from a fiver, which means you can afford to experiment. If it's too oversized, belt it, wear it off the shoulder or layer it over leather leggings as a dress. Crazy print? Clash it with a modern print like a punchy floral.
• Read the label. It sounds silly but this can be a great way to find a hidden gem, look for 100% wool, or Cashmere jumpers for the real bargains.
• Get a heads up, have a look at what's in stores at the moment for an inspiration on key colours, knits and shapes if you're a bit scared of free-styling it. Charity shops can be a great way to pick up trend basics like this genuine, surplus Military jumper I picked up in the mens section of my local YMCA.
• Lastly relax. We're not dealing with big bucks and a complete fashion investment, so if you get it home and it isn't for you, give it straight back to charity and the cycle can continue.

I'll be sharing some of my nan knit purchases in the next post or two, I'm hoping to amass quite the collection.

In the meantime...Happy shopping!

KDx

Let me catch my breath

Disclosure "Control" Ft.Ria Ritchie

Seriously suffering from a bad case of holiday hangover. I'm sure I am not alone. In fact I know I'm not as I can pretty confidently vouch for the other 7 girls I went with. I love being at home, but I'd like it to be more of a pit stop between holidays, opposed to a long stop between short holidays. But enough of the post holiday blues.

What did we learn in Ibiza? 

Well, the last time I went to Ibiza, when I say last that was the first time three years ago at the tender age of 21, fresh out of uni as a graduate, practically still clutching my 2:1 degree.... I've noticed things have changed somewhat. Not least of all the fact that food is more important this time around. I cannot live on the yummy mallowy goodness of a flump and a pizza alone on a daily basis.When you take the time to realise there are restaurants selling damn good food at a reasonable price, you wonder why you would let the crap cut it. (The flumps were still welcome though!). Definitely a sign that my head is closing the age gap between itself and my actual age.

Ibiza fashion has changed. There is definitely a distinctive 'look' that has developed, both for the guys and girls; there are a lot of cross overs. Here's a break down:

Sunglasses: Only wayfarers will do. Any colour, preferably real, but it's hard to tell amongst the plethora of fakes being thrust upon you at every opportunity. So if you are going and you haven't had chance to buy your Ray Bons, or Rey Bans (other versions are available) ebay is the place to go. Buy them cheap and don't get attached to them.

Footwear: The ladies tended to lean more towards Converse hi-tops, but a few low tops still made an appearance. And for the gents, Nikes. A hi or mid Blazer, or a Dunk high top, but preferably in tonal colours, I saw a few green on greens, blue on blue and red on burgundys. Whatever they were they had to be suede-which considering what people tend to get up to in Ibiza is crazy. But then maybe it was a good sign if they managed to keep them clean? I have no intention of doing a shoe analysis.

Shorts: Were short. Both men and women had lost a few inches off the hem line. Ladies were flashing a bit of cheek at every opportunity, irrelevant to the perkiness of the behind, but always in denim. Ripped, studded, adorned with jewels and tie-dyed, just make sure it's denim. As for the boys, brightly coloured running style shorts cutting more at mid thigh length to knee length, worn with nothing but a ripped torso.

Bags: The bum bag was the bag du jour for both sexes, wore low slung in leather leaning towards the more 90s style, opposed to tourist practicality.

Socks: The curve ball look of the holiday that couldn't go unnoticed, despite my concern over awkward tan lines they were white, calf length with two or three sports stripes in varying colours.

So with that in mind here's a little holiday shopping list if you're planning on making a trip to the White Isle and want to look part of the set as soon as your Converse wearing feet touch down:

Stripe Calf-High Sock £7 from American Apparel

Nike Blazer Hi Suede Vntage Aqua Green £66.99 from Office

BDG Studded Cheeky Short £45 from Urban Outfitters

Colour Wayfarer Sunglasses now £3 from Asos

Teal Swim Short £22 from Topman

Bum Bag now £12.99 from Amazon

Converse All Stars £45 from Schuh

What do you think to the 'Ibiza' style? Would you rock this look on holiday? Have you ever re-visited a place and noticed how the style has changed?

KDx

We could be the worst of all

Jessie Ware "Wildest Moments" (Zed Bias remix)

Holiday is only 2 days away. My earlier holiday packing fail has been completely rectified. I even have a few spare kilos knocking about, extra shoes, another dress... the possibilities are endless! This of course will go completely against my meticulous holiday planning that saw me try on all my outfits complete with jewellery and shoes so in the absence of a full length mirror I would be able to get dressed without a second thought-the ultimate in efficiency and prolonging my time in the sun. (Clearly I get-off on organisation. Meh! There are worser things I could be into to get my kicks.)

So besides packing, the other P's I have completed include preening, pruning, plucking and painting:

Holiday toes!

I used Barry M Ice Cream and No.17 Mint Choc Chip, and loosely followed the tutorial on 'Ombre Nails' from Sammy at The Nailsaurus here. If anyone knows how to artistically capture feet on a camera phone then I would like to meet them, so please excuse my prehistoric looking finger toes.

For fellow jewellery lovers, my holiday packing tip would be money bags. Bag your jewellery individually in money bags that you get from the bank for loose coins and this should hopefully stop it getting all tangled during travelling. It will also make it easier to see what  you taken with you when you arrive.

As I fly on Tuesday my intentions are to do a holiday post ( or 3) when I land in what I hope by then will be sunny ol' England. So a scheduled blogging break.

KDx

You say that everything sounds the same

The Streets "Let's push things forward"


Sometimes the simplest outfits are the best. Uncomplicated. Guaranteed to work. Functional. No brainers. 

New Look vest and patent peep toe shoes, Miss Selfridge bag, Topshop bra, Topshop Kristen jeans via ebay, River Island belt (just seen), jewellery various (Miss Selfridge, New Look, Topshop, Accessorize, charity shops and Dorothy Perkins)

This by no means should be confused with boring and/or nice. The addition of a couple of bright accessories in the same colour will pull the look together (note: this is not a case of bag and matching shoes-unless it's black it's a bit cringey and too try hard.) In this case I went for red; a hint of a lacey bra, lipstick and a big clutch, adding some pattern breaks the block colours up with my leopard print belt that can just be seen and heaps of interesting jewellery. Dressing up doesn't always have to mean a pretty dress and lots of flesh on display, sometimes you just need to think about the accessories and start with a good base.

KDx