OOTD: Frilly Blouses, Red Lipstick & Embracing The Backpack

One of my all time favourite looks involves a pair of stretchy jeans and a slouchy top that can be dressed up or down, helping me to look like I've made an effort even when I've chucked it on with my eyes still closed. It's comfortable enough for a day of walking from meeting to meeting, while still keeping it semi-professional; working from home a lot of the time I flip between effortless fashion and full-on outfit coordination just because I see someone other than the Starbucks barista! Last week I spent the morning flower arranging with Pixi Beauty (read more here) and this was my outfit of choice, which kept me cool when the sun came out and warm enough when it dipped behind some clouds; we even sat outside and drank coffee - a real turn-up for the books considering the recent downpours!

THE RUFFLE BLOUSE

I have to admit that River Island are really killing it at the moment, and every time I step inside I seem to come out armed with at least three new things. This was a very recent purchase which appealed because of its boho vibes; I love the lace-up detail and ruffles, plus the little dots on the material which keep it youthful and fun. It's super comfy and perfect for this transitional time of year, while looking fab with a pair of blue denim jeans (if I say so myself.) As it gets colder I'm probably going to layer it up with a woolen waistcoat or a biker jacket, but it's one of those pieces that looks as great in autumn as it does in spring.

THE AUTUMNAL ACCESSORIES 

Although it's pained me to leave behind my summer sandals, shoe treats like these make the transition all the easier; Primark are always on top form this time of year, helping to keep your toes warm and on-trend all in an under-a-tenner package, and these bee velvet numbers are just the ticket. You wouldn't have thought they were from Primarni at all (I actually got asked a couple times while wearing them and people were genuinely shocked they were so cheap!) I rummaged around to find some of my old favourite accessories too and came out trumps with this brown jeweled statement ring from Accessorize, my dove grey Olivia Burton watch and a pair of gold drop earrings I picked up in the River Island sale. Great accessories make all the difference!

THE LEATHER BACKPACK

I honestly didn't think I'd ever be embracing a backpack again, unless it involved filling it with as much cheap cider as possible and traipsing off to a festival, but here we are! Earlier this year I badly damaged my rotator cuff (the muscle that basically keeps your arm and shoulder working) and I've been suffering with back, shoulder and neck pain ever since - even more so because I have a tendency to carry around huge bags with all my worldly belongings in them. My fiance has been trying to get me to swap my Givenchy and Vuitton for a backpack for months, but finally it got so bad that I seriously considered it. Great backpacks that actually have enough room to store my laptop, camera and essentials are hard to come by, but TK Maxx had a few that were well worth a purchase. This black leather number doesn't feel like a school accessory and keeps it subtle in terms of style, but has plenty of room for everything I need. Over the last few weeks I've been using it more and more and it's honestly made all the difference to my injury (while helping me feel a little bit hipster too. Who knew!) I've eaten my words - backpacks are cool.

THE BRIGHT RED LIP 

Hoorah for the berry lip season! Back in the drawer are the peaches and pale pinks, and out on the dressing table are the bold reds and 'just devoured a bowl of blackberries' purples. This was the first time in so long I'd embraced a red lip and I thoroughly missed it; it definitely helps to bring a look together, optically blur the rest of the face to keep your complexion looking fresh, and give you a little confidence boost too. It's even better when the rest of my outfit is quite understated - a flash of red makes you look like you've made a real effort! The rest of my face is entirely Fenty Beauty (read my full review and recommendations here,) which I'm currently obsessed with. 

River Island Dobby Blouse | £38.00 (Now £20.00!) | LINK

  George @ ASDA Jeans | £20.00 | LINK

Primark Velvet Bee Flats | £8.00 | SIMILAR HERE

River Island Gold Drop Earrings | £12.00 | SIMILAR HERE
  ASOS Retro Sunglasses | £20.00 | SIMILAR HERE  

Pandora Rose Gold Bracelet & Charms | From £35.00 | LINK

Olivia Burton Grey & Rose Gold Watch | £82.00 | LINK
TK Maxx Leather Backpack | £79.00 | SIMILAR HERE

Clinique Red Lipstick | £14.00 | LINK

Thanks to Kirsty from Fashion For Lunch for the photos!    

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