Do my shoulders look broad in this?

Topshop Dress (here) and Shoes (similar here)

It's taken me 29 years to learn how to dress for my size and shape - yes nearly 3 decades! Over that 29 years my size has changed but I'm sure if you're a female over the age of 25 you will know that  entering your early twenties causes weight to creep on easier and becomes much harder to shift. 

Although I have gained a few pounds, I don't think that my body shape has changed that much - I'm rather big boned and maybe somewhat broad and it's only really dawned on me in the last few months what actually flatters my figure and shape. I've noticed that broad shoulders and bigger boobs require much more thoughtful dressing.

I love fashion and clothing but I've come to understand that not all pieces suit my figure. I own so many oversized clothes that I love, but I've recently noticed they make me look broad. 

It took a striped long sleeve T-shirt (that I have been wearing regularly for months) to make me realize that oversized sartorial doesn't always suit me.  

So I've now got a new fashion rule which is working so far and that's buying tops, dresses and jackets that cut at the shoulder. At last I've found the cure to a top heavy body! and what's even better is this actually gives me a much more slimline look. 

This is such a simple idea which has affected the way I've been buying clothes over the last few months. However, the high-street has left me with little choice when it comes to garments that cut at the shoulder. Due to this not being something I've ever thought about I've never noticed how many items are oversized and cut off the shoulder. So far I've purchased this amazing leopard print dress (and a denim jacket and black ruffled top) - please note this is the first ever piece of leopard print I've ever owned and leopard is now my new floral.

With such little offerings on the high-street I'm wondering if I'm the only broad shouldered gal on this planet?!

You can wear ruffles without looking like a flamenco dancer.

top (here) | Zara. jeans (here) and scarf | Topshop

Ruffles are everywhere this fast approaching SS16 season. Way back in September when the spring/summer shows took place the likes of Mary Katrantzou (a long term favourite of mine), Marques Almeida and Roberto Cavalli all created amazing pieces with ruffles at the heart of their collections. Fast forward a few months and ruffles are all over the high street, letting us all show our love for the trend no matter what our budget.  Back to the catwalk though - because let's face it the originals always do it the best! Marquez Amelda went for dramatic, shredded ruffles while Mary Katrantzou went for a more laid back minimal look with structured layers. 

And here is my (off the catwalk/ on the street) version, not looking too much like a flamenco dancer because come on that's what we imagine when we think Ruffles, either that or 1980's wedding dresses!

Five t-shirts and three dresses later

Dress, Coat and Boots | Topshop

It was only yesterday when my sister proceeded to ask me if I have bought anything new that I realised in the last two weeks I added two new striped pieces to my wardrobe. One being this striped dress that has me slightly resembling the Hamburgular from 1990s McDonald's ads and the other being a frilled number from Zara, which I'm sure will be making an appearance on the blog in the near future. 

This Friday in the office was named French Friday. We donned stripes and berets and enjoyed cossaints, jam and Brie. I instantly knew dressing for these newly named Fridays would be easy (last Friday was pleather Friday) due to the amount of striped t-shirts I own (5 to be precise and this doesn't include the 3 dresses hanging in my closet) 

There's just something that draws me to stripes. Most of my wardrobe is devoid of any other prints - I prefer plains. I'm guessing stripes just add a side to my plainer pieces, kinda like adding garlic bread to pasta (yes I'm all about the carbs - in moderation of course.)

EDITORIAL

I've been meaning to post this amazing piece of styling from The Sunday Times style magazine for some weeks now.

Miu Miu, clashing prints and luxurious textures - enough said!

P.S. Happy New Year's Eve and a big big thank you to all who have visited, read and commented on my blog this year, I am super grateful to every single one of you. Love Faye

Knitwear and Loafers

Jumper and Shoes | Topshop. Jeans (old) | New Look. 

I've been pretty much living in this ensemble at the moment, winter has finally set in here up north (we were even greeted with snow this morning) and its all about Layers. 

Minus the ripped jeans this outfit keeps me pretty toasty and as for flats they have become a season must have and provide much more comfort than my favourite heels. However that has taken time - don't you just love how new shoes put your feet through hell. As for the jumper - which I'm sure will be making many more blog posts appearances, is just delightful for those not sure what to wear days. Not that you can tell in these photo's but it's in my favourite colour of the moment - NAVY BLUE. 

The Trans-seasonal Dress Code

By trans-seasonal, I mean it’s too warm for our bulky winter coats, but too cold to wonder the streets bare sleeved and I’m faced with this what to wear dilemma every Monday morning (at least until the frost sets in.)

My daily commute consist of a 35 minute bus journey, 20 minute – standing train ride (I almost never get a seat, think faced squashed against the train doors) and a 20 minute jaunt across the city centre. By this point I arrive at the office a flustered, sweaty mess. In four months I somehow haven’t mastered how to arrive the fresh faced employee I wish to be. 

That’s when it accrued to me I need a fool proof trans-seasonal dress code suitable for the office and my hectic commute. I’ve been so excited for autumn to arrive I’ve donned think tights, chunky knits and cosy scarves way too early.

I need an array of layers that are commute appropriate, i.e. easily taken off when squashed up against a stranger’s armpit whilst on the train. Also outfit planning the night before stops that 7am wardrobe battle. We’ve all been there, right? 

So here’s my list of must have pieces for perfect trans-seasonal dressing. 

Mules/Loafer (The flat is a must have this autumn) – much more foot coverage than sandals, but less than knee high boots.

Cotton Shirt – Light, comfortable and sleeves can be easily rolled up or down. (Try a men’s shirt from Gap or Topman)

Turtle Neck Sweater – Not a full on chunky knit but a thin ensemble does provide some warmth on those cooler autumn mornings. Dorothy Perkins have a great selection this season. 

Culottes – Worn bare legged with an ankle boot or add an ankle sock with those flats you love. 

Luxury T-Shirt – Plain or stripped the t-shirt is a must have during any season. I love Zara’s collection and there organic cotton V-neck tee starts at £12.99. 

A-line skirt – Easy to throw on and comfortable for the 9-5, plus they give that nod to the 60’s/70’s trend. Both Zara and Topshop offer these in an array of textures and prints.

Image Source - Zara 

Weekend Inspiration #10

 

Last Sunday (post cocktail the night before) I snuggled up on the sofa and watched what can be only described as the best classic romance ever - LOVE STORY. If you haven't already seen it then I suggest you do, if not only to see the beautiful Ali MacGraw wearing some super stylish, preppy, 70's fashion.