[Self] Conscious

I bought these trousers back in April from the 2014 H&M Conscious Collection. They almost slipped through my fingers due to technical difficulties on the website but after taking to Twitter to vent my anger, H&M quickly got in touch and managed to put a pair aside for me. Made from recycled polyester, the material is really silky (read clingy) so they feel like quite a statement piece to me, especially as they tend to cry out for a crop top, something that sits firmly outside of my comfort zone, holidays being the exception.

rêve en vert

After experiencing my annual pre-summer wardrobe meltdown I’m taking it back to basics with a boyfriend shirt and skinnies, made all the better with my new clunky summer 'slides' (sorry). After years of trying to persuade me to buy a pair of Birkenstocks, my Mum had just about given up. Now here I am buying them of my own accord, well, with a little help from Instagram... They’re doing that great (and right now much needed) thing of bringing in a new dynamic that helps me see old clothes in a new light. I’ve had my eye on them for a while but it was this article on The Distillerist that had me racing to the shops. Who knew Birks were eco?

Those of you who follow me on twitter might already know, but for those of you who don’t, spot the obvious visual clue above by way of an official introduction. I’m really excited to be interning with sustainable e-tailor rêve en vert over the summer! I’ll be getting to know more about the workings of the ethical fashion industry through REV founders Cora and Tash and will have lots of exciting things to share on here so stay tuned..

Second hand GAP shirt

Old Zara jeans

Birkenstocks

Boyish Blues

I’ve just got back from 4 days on the Kent coast where my current boyish favourites were in their baggy element. I bought these vintage Levi’s at Cow in Nottingham a few weeks back and although the low-slung style is admittedly taking some getting used to, they make laid-back summer dressing suddenly seem very easy. Being in such close proximity to the sea, I couldn’t resist pairing them with second-hand nautical stripes. A classic combo that was topped off nicely by new Ray-Ban Aviators I was given for my birthday, which enjoyed their sunny debut this past week. I’ve been looking to invest in some for a long time and their classic style and guaranteed quality guarantees I’ll be wearing them for many years to come.

Doubling up on comfy basics makes me so ready to throw in the dissertation towel and enjoy a summer that seems fast approaching, but unfortunately I've still got one more frantic month to endure until that happy day arrives. Hope you all enjoy the Easter weekend break and get to soak up some sunshine!

Photos by Jamie Biles

New (Old) Additions

Apologies for the long silence, Paris unfortunately signalled the last few days of freedom before end of semester madness descended, but I thought I’d quickly share some second-hand bits and pieces I bought back in February.

A gingham smock dress that saw me through what appears to have been a very fleeting dip into spring.

A blue shirt for a slightly subtler alternative to double denim, which I’m still not brave enough to attempt.

Finally, a leather rucksack that came very handy in Paris. Although the small bag/big coat combo didn’t quite go to plan, hands free made snacking on French treats a whole lot easier.

   Anyone else found some good second-hand buys recently?

French Fancy

This Thursday I’m off for a fleeting two-day trip to Paris, my favourite city in the world. I’m so happy to be heading back across the channel, particularly as I’m going with friends who haven’t been before. It’s always lovely to rediscover somewhere through new eyes. Our visit also coincides with some of Paris Fashion Week, which makes it extra exciting. No shows for me but I will find some time to hang around outside and ogle the outfits. I’ll be looking for lots of inspiration from that effortless French styling we all admire so much and will hopefully squeeze in a visit to a vintage shop or two over the weekend.

In anticipation, this look is a little homage to the French; a classic trench that I actually bought two years ago in Paris styled with blue jeans, Kurt Geiger boots and a beautiful black Outsider blouse. My bag is second hand Chloe, a belated 21st birthday present - more on that next week.

If anyone has any recommendations for Paris, send them my way, I’d love to hear from you! 

Photos taken by Jamie Biles

Skirt Three Ways

 

 

Speaking of long skirts, blue shirts and loose camis, see my post from last week on John Patrick, here are some photos of me taken a few weeks back. Apologies for the slightly DIY feel to the photos, the weather wasn’t on my side as it was pouring with rain in London and I only had a few hours before catching a train back to Nottingham.

As far back as last November I put up an inspiration post themed on the midi-skirt and after weeks trawling the internet with no luck, I somehow managed to stumble across this one in my favourite vintage shop in Nottingham, which has since closed down (sob). Unbelievably, this was almost the exact skirt I had in mind and what's more, fitted pretty perfectly. Another great find that helps justify the hours I spend perpetually riffling through second-hand rails - you just never know what's waiting for you!   

I’m looking forward to wearing this skirt come spring, cue the sunshine... I’m not quite brave enough to step out with bare legs ankles at the moment or risk the temperamental high winds that are lurking around. 

So, in anticipation of the warmer months ahead, I’ve teamed it with an assortment of wardrobe staples, a men's shirt, casual stripes and a slouchy cardi, all of which attempt to balance out the somewhat bold statement that is a midi-skirt and prevent me from looking like an Edwardian school teacher. Each look is topped off with a brown belt and trusty Supergas.

Photos by Jamie Biles