Old School Satchel

The best stuff in life always stays in fashion or at least comes back often. I suppose fashion is a bit like natural selection, some stuff falls by the wayside and some stuff just keeps on going. When it comes to the Old School satchels, they are sturdy, practical and usually made from a good quality of leather. Their no nonense design also fits great with the nineties trends that are coming back in including minimalism and grunge.

This satchel by Renewal from Urban Outfitters is a real gem. I love the practicality, the chunky look and the colour. It has a lovely chunky closure and even pen holders inside. Renewal makes limited edition items that have been created from a collaboration of carefully sourced vintage trims, buttons and surplus or recycled textiles so not only is it a gorgeous option for a handbag in a kind of nostalgic way, it is also ethical and eco friendly.

Sales Shopping

I haven't been out much this week, I am starting to feel like a recluse and slipping into a comfort zone of dressing for warmth and slobbing, so when my new clothes ordered from the online sales turned up, I decided to try them on to cheer myself up (I know I still look pretty miserable but that's just me). I didn't actually intentionally buy them as an outfit, I don't think, but I think they go together quite well in grungey kind of way - Isn't all that coming back in fashion again? I would like to add a little bit of colour to the outfit so am now on the lookout for some pale lime green socks, don't know why but that is what I want.

The jacket was picked up in the Next sale for £14. I wouldn't usually go near a Next sale with a 10ft barge pole for fear of ending up with a load more boring tops just like many I already have or just been squashed in the scrum. But I spotted this jersey biker style jacket on my way to the childrens section and loved the washed out colour and seam details.

I loved the dress by Australian Brand Something Else (and posted about it a while back) so it was an obvious buy when I saw it reduced in the sale. I am constantly on the look out for new patterned leggings as for me leggings are the new jeans, so these burnout lave patterned ones (again from Urban Outfitters) were perfect.

The shoes (from Urban Outfitters) were compromise after a mamouth hunt, or should I say wild goose chase for that perfect pair of wedge shoe boots was a complete failure, I am hoping some might turn up as the spring colections appear. I settled for these shoes on the basis that I loved the punched out texture, loved the colour - I have never had a pair of grey shoes before, they were cheap and flat, so easy to walk long distances in.

All Laced Up - The Lace Bodysuit

picture from style.com

That Stella McCartney lace bodysuit keeps catching my eye. I have absolutely no idea why, as it is just so far from the realms of what I could or would want to wear. But I love the texture and intricate detail of lace, it contrasts so well with the body con style of the bodysuit.

Then I spotted this Lace insert jumpsuit from LCF grad Simon Preen's debut collection which is exclusively at Urban Outfitters. A much more affordable option than Stella's but again, far too daring for me and just wouldn't suit me. But it got me thinking about layering and this could work well for me if layered with some other clothes - actually though some lace leggings and a body would have much the same effect if not quite as streamlined but would cost a bit less.

Then I discovered these leggings again by Simon Preen - finally a great way for me to get in on this trend in a way that suits me and my budget. I think I am in love.

I think they would look great with this lace v body and this tulip skirt layered over them for a lace outfit that is not too bodycon. Hmm definitely a possibilty for my very limited clothes budget.

Style Eyes Autumn Wants

I can't believe that November is here already. Despite the unusually warm weather over the last few days, autumn seems to have arrived in style today with lots of wind and rain. I am feeling really cold and especially broke at the moment so in need of cheering up with a bit of sparkle, glamour and warm clothes. So here are my autumn wants.

Aztec Cardigan - Motel

Webbed Crew Tee - Urban Outfitters

Sequin Snood - Wallis

Velvet Bow Playsuit - Topshop

Feather Collar - Topshop

Emma Cook Boots -Topshop (again)

I am not sure why black features so much in these clothes. I am now frantically working out my cash flow to see if I might be able to get just one or two of my autumn wants.

So not bored of the high street

Knitted frill dress - Marks and Spencers

Something Else Space Dreams Tank at Urban Outfitters

Dress - Cos

How could I possibly get bored of the high street at the moment. In fact it just seems to go from strength to strength. With the current economic climate and a sever lack of pennies to spend, I don't think I will be needing designer clothes for the time being - not with so many lovely high street options.