Bringing the drama! A statement blouse is a must-have piece in your wardrobe. This ASOS DESIGN smock shirt has a chic oversized fit, wrap front with tie fastening and stunning blouson sleeves. This piece works with almost any choice of bottoms, but I prefer combining the top with a plain block colour. Here I styled the blouse with a white denim mini-skirt and head-turning metallic gold Gucci platforms. Layer an autumnal coat to counteract the chilly wind.
AW/21 fashion is finally back! Move over sweatpants and relax-wear, I am here for Parisian Chic. Brown/Beige/Camel are all trending shades. Faux-leather is extremely on trend this season; this faux-leather pleated skirt in the colour ‘whiskey’ is an all round statement piece. The layered pleat has a luxurious look, complimented perfectly by the oversized white poplin shirt with neck tie; the most perfect piece. Accessorising is one of my favourite aspects of Autumnal styling; my Gucci bag is my go-to and the wool camel beret is extremely en-vogue this season. Zara beige leather boots finish the look.
BOOTS – ZARA (OLD)
OPTION 1 – & OTHER STORIES (GREEN)
OPTION 2 – ASOS (CREAM)
OPTION 3 – JARROLD (CAMEL)
OPTION 4 – THE HOUSE OF BRUAR (BROWN)
Bottomless brunch to a classy cocktail evening; the return of evening style. The exhilaration of trying booking the best restaurant/bar around is a stress that I can definitely deal with! Peeling myself out of relax gear and into this dress of dreams is a revelation. This Zara metallic silver cowl neck number is a keeper! The loose fit compliments the ‘mini’ length, while the cowl neck adds a fashionable twist. The low cowl effect and tie neck creates drama in the back. Paired with my Gucci GG gold heeled loafer and gold falling leaf earrings the look is complete. Now…PASS THE CHAMPAGNE!
Turn it up! An oversized turn-up gives a fashionable edge – a look that I am here for! These Zara straight-leg camel trousers with the wide turn-up hem fit like a glove. A piece that can be styled for work, brunch, lunch…the lot! I’m still grasping on to white pieces as the transitional fashion season edges in; this broderie backless top from Lost Ink is to-die-for. The puff sleeve and bow necktie are fab details. My go-to early-autumnal colour is beige; perfect with white, cream or black. While the weather has been grey for as many days as I can remember, at least the rain is currently at bay – although I may have just jinxed that one… While the weather behaves I am getting as much wear out of my mules as possible – the biggest footwear trend of 2021. Get your turn-up on!
The sweatshirt dress is a must for Spring! As the weather FINALLY begins to break into dress weather, a sweatshirt dress is a great transitional piece before the pretty Summer dresses take reign. Statement red is a non-stop trend for me; I always have one or two statement red pieces lined up, whether it be Summer or Winter. This New Look sweatshirt dress is an absolute winner. The American High-School Varsity theme is a VIBE, a look that I’ve always loved. While we are still adjusting coming out of lockdown the comfort of a sweatshirt dress is a great way of getting out of sweatpants and back into the world. Paired with white Zara high-top trainers you cannot go wrong.
Lace & Beads is your answer to darling, detailed pieces! Their top collection is to-die for. This tulle ruffle blouse in cream with black polka dots is a statement piece, exclusive to ASOS. The ruffled V neck and tie waist belt are such beautiful details. The flared peplum style is so figure flattering and looks great with leather-look figure hugging trousers. This fit is ideal for a yummy brunch, ladies lunch or cocktail evening. Here I styled an evening look with Topshop gunmetal silver stilettos.
At the beginning of each year I enjoy scoping out the trends for the forthcoming year. I explored the Spring 2021 and Resort 2021 of designers from Elie Saab to Comme des Garçons, picking out my favourites from each. Once I pick out my favourites I visually form trends. The most exciting factor of this for me is seeing the high-street shops release fashion items that correlate with the designer catwalks.
My 2021 trends start with bright neutrals; Oscar De La Renta, Elie Saab and Emporio Armani alongside a multitude of designers have celebrated bright whites, cream and neutral shades in the form of suiting, dresses, capes and jumpsuits.
The next trend is Monochrome; I’ve always adored a monochrome aesthetic and Saint Laurent in particular produced some iconic looks, beyond chic.
Iridescent materials, sequins and silk build the trend of ‘let it shine’. All year round shine can be styled for every eventuality. Who would have thought of styling sequins and sparkle with an oversized mens shirt; but its iconic and a look I desire to wear. The Attico is a brand that I hadn’t heard of but their striking design stole my gaze instantly, (the first two images) I will certainly keep my eye out for this brand in the future.
Pattern is not my choice of style, but oh my these designs are breathtaking. The Moschino yellow and pink polka dot number and Italian flag suit are incredibly distinctive. Pattern has certainly been done before, but this year is the year for REAL pattern. Unique, flashy and oh so Vogue!
Fashion has been toying with tulle for a couple of years now and it appears tulle is featuring in full swing for 2021. Tulle coats, skirts and tops are set to hit the high-street. I adore the translucent skirts and tops styled for high-summer.
Denim jeans, white shirts and heels has been a staple outfit of mine forever…It cannot be beaten. The simplistic styling is slick and sexy. Denim has featured on Victoria Beckham and Celine collections. Denim shorts are a summer must, while wide leg jeans with thick turn-ups are so in.
Red is always in. The colours suits any occasion and any season. Red demands attention, which I love. My favourite look featuring red is the No.21 look; red sweatshirt with white text and a formal black midi skirt. I will 100% be sporting this look this year.
Women’s suiting is powerful and provoking. Cropped blazers, wide lapels, even the addition of a harness; the possibility for modern feminine suiting is endless. Just a simple oversized suit dominated 2020, however 2021 is the year suiting branches out into a plethora of variations. Here Vivienne Westwood created an incredible look. The model wears a black oversized pinstripe suit which is iconic within itself. The suit is styled with a black harness, red fishnet stockings, red heels and a daring red lip. I am in adoration of this entire vibe; a look I will be recreating for the forthcoming years.
Happy New Year beautiful people! Thank you to each and every precious person that has supported my blog this past year, it means the world. Christmas & New Years provided a much needed feeling of escapism and warmth that was lacking from reality. Unfortunately, with things not looking up it feels merely impossible to think positively. Nevertheless we must keep calm and carry on (pardon the cliche)!
Unprecedented is a word we all heard repeatedly in 2020; no other word can better describe the circumstances. As I evaluated my 2020 I realised I had multiple major achievements, however I was still left feeling flat. Going back through videos and pictures from the start of 2020, especially my trip to New York just feels like another lifetime.
Although the start to 2021 hasn’t been the fresh page in a diary we all craved, we must push to save our sanity. Immerse yourself in everything you love. I find enjoyment in aesthetic visuals; Pinterest, Instagram, films and magazines are my haven. If you enjoy reading, select a new book and engross yourself in a dream world.
Getting a new diary is a highlight to the start of the year. I adore the excitement of what entries I will write in every day on the fresh pages. Although you may think in 2020 you didn’t do much, trust me when written down theres a whole lot more than you may initially think.
This year my Momma gifted me a slate grey Martha Brook London Diary with gold foil. It came in a stunning presentation box, which was a lovely touch. The soft-back design of the diary makes it easy to open fully and has plenty of sections to write notes and keep up-to-date. The diary starts with a ‘Year Planner’ section, followed by a monthly calendar style, day-to-day note space, specific ‘notes’ pages and an ‘achievements, reflections, goals and key dates’ section. I adore the personalisation on the front cover.
This year I downloaded the 1 second a day app where you shoot a 1 second video each day and end up with a time lapse of the entire year. Hopefully this year I will see a colossal change as the year progresses. I also write a daily diary and photograph entry to a private Instagram for ‘my eyes only’. Not only does this promote keeping busy, you can look back over your digital scrapbook.
One thing I did this year that I have never done before was a letter to my future self. I thought after the most bizarre and shocking year I would make an account of each and every major event. I poured my heart into writing a lengthy account, even shedding the odd tear as I typed. Upon review, I learnt who I cherish in life and how incredibly lucky I am and have been despite everything going on. I’ve scheduled the letter to be emailed to myself in 2030. If you love writing and need some time to reflect, I highly recommend.
I’m sending everyone a virtual hug, keep your chin up!
TWENTY TWENTY ONE PERSONALISED DIARY – MARTHA BROOK
WOWZA! This incredible Zara red toggle dress literally screamed CHRISTMAS to me. I’ve always adored Christmas Nutcrackers and Red Soldiers; this popping red maxi dress channels these traditional Christmas ornaments in a fashion forward way. The elongated length adds elegance, while the black toggles add a unique twist. The distinctive neckline is also a beautiful detail. I styled the remarkable dress with thigh high black faux-leather boots with gold stud details. The black faux-leather feather trimmed gloves and black faux fur pillbox hat are stylish accessories to keep warm, while the final yet VERY ESSENTIAL cherry on top is a Gucci red lip. I’m feeling very festive!
After the most peculiar year I can’t believe that its Christmas already! With the devastating tier announcements yesterday, my heart breaks for those who cannot be with their family over the festive period. I’m sending all of my love to everyone!
While I was feeling a complete lack of Christmas spirit my Mumma surprised me with the most spectacular Afternoon Tea. I’ve had Afternoon Tea in numerous places in the country and I have to say The Assembly House is nearly impossible to beat. The Assembly House has incredible grounds and a breath-taking interior. It really is a treat to dine there. They have added 2 incredible igloo style seating areas on the grounds for Covid safe dining, I didn’t dine in one this time but in the future will be sure to request it.
The Narnia themed Afternoon Tea was the perfect Christmassy twist. We chose the Assembly House Afternoon Tea Blend, which was delicious and treated ourselves to a Passionfruit Bellini. The highlights for me were the turkey, sage, onion stuffing and cranberry roll, Assembly House sausage roll, the frozen toadstool macaron and the Faun Gingerbread Cupcake. Each flavour ignited a nostalgic Christmas feeling. The finger sandwiches were made on the softest bread and the scones were delectably warm.
I wore Zara cream mom jeans and a Zara cream knit blouse with pussybow detailing. I styled a H&M cream faux-fur cropped jacket, cream Gucci bag, tan Gucci belt and ASOS neutral patent heels with ankle tie. It was truly incredible to dress up and have a small amount of escapism from reality.
Free range egg and cress/Smoked salmon, lemon mayonnaise and black pepper/Cream cheese and pickled cucumber/Norfolk baked Ham
SOFT FINGER ROLL OF ROASTED NORFOLK TURKEY/ASSEMBLY HOUSE SAUSAGE ROLL/THREE-CHEESE TOASTIE
CHEESE, COLMAN’S MUSTARD AND CHIVE SCONE
FRUIT SCONE
WHITE WITCH GATEAU OPERA – White Witch cake of coconut and lime, Turkish delight icing
FAUN GINGERBREAD CUPCAKE
FROZEN TOADSTOOL MACARON – blueberry and vanilla filling
SNOWY BLACK FOREST SHOT – with chocolate and cherry
JARDIS’ ICE WAND
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