OOTD: That Last Summer Hoorah (And A Self Portrait Copy)

Despite my best efforts, so many cute summer dresses are hanging unworn (most still with labels on) in my wardrobe thanks to the fact that the season has been and gone. I've been more likely to have worn jeans and a tee than a sassy summery number - and I'm already in jackets and jumpers, whether I like it or not. During an especially treacherous day last week, I thought 'screw it' to myself and popped on one of the dresses I was saving for a special occasion anyway; it may have been chucking it down most of the day, but it didn't stopping me from getting one last summer hoorah. It did, however, leave my hair looking like a mess and most of the waves limply hanging by the side of my ears wondering what on earth was going on. In the words of Monica from Friends: "It's the humidity!" So please excuse the random shape my barnet is making... Sometimes a girl has just got to look for the rainbow and ignore the clouds.

THE SELF PORTRAIT TRIBUTE

Ever since I first saw the Self Portrait dresses pop up on Instagram, I was utterly in love. Way back before they became mainstream I wondered whether I could justify the price tag, and spent far to long theoretically picking out the one I wanted; when they all of a sudden became seen on every celebrity and every blogger, they lost their shine a little - you don't want what everyone else has, you know? This lemon number from Joanie takes all the elements I love from Self Portrait (the lace-inspired material, elegant length, simple lines) but wraps them up in a £45.00 alternative that's far easier to swallow! It's really comfy, easy to dress up or down, and looks far more expensive than it is. The only downside is the fact it doesn't accommodate big boobs very well, thanks to the random detail right across the breasticle area... But a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, i.e. put up with it. Unfortunately there was a lot of little threads popping out and random bits of lace that hadn't been finished, so if you're unlucky you may have to get happy with a pair of scissors and a needle, but because of the style you can't even tell from a distance.

THE OVERSIZED TRENCH

When the weather is like it is (one minute super sunny and the next there's a torrential downpour) there's only one jacket that will do: a classic trench coat. I've had my trench coat for quite a few years, which I love popped over anything from a fancy dress to a jeans-and-tee combo, but I kept getting frustrated that I couldn't really do it up as soon as I wanted to wear a big chunky jumper in the winter. Step in an oversized and almost full length number I picked up in Next during their latest sale, which is so roomy that I could comfortably wear two jumpers and a scarf and still get all the buttons done up! It almost goes round twice, which is just what you need when covering up from the wind and rain, and even has room in the arms for a chunky knit - something that I often struggle with, when the arms are so skinny I can barely fit a naked one down there. Hoorah for trench coats!

THE CLASSIC YSL BAG

Nearly a year later and I'm still utterly obsessed with my cream YSL bag. It's the biggest amount of money I've ever spent on a singular item (car and wedding excluded!) but seeing as the price has already increased by nearly 20% since I bought it it's definitely been a wise purchase. The classic shape, style and shade ensure it goes with everything and will never go out of style, while the chain detail allows you to wear it cross-body or doubled up on the shoulder. It's super roomy but also quite lightweight considering, plus it takes a cracking photo. There's something about carrying this that instantly makes me feel special, and I've no doubt I'll love it until I'm old and grey.

THE ROSE GOLD ACCESSORIES

'When will your thirst for rose gold ever end?' I hear you ask... I really don't know, but right now I still can't get enough. Ballet flats should be a fundamental part of any wardrobe, and these rose gold slippers from Office have been such a handy pair of shoes to have over the summer and into autumn. They're so blooming comfy and keep out the puddles (which seemed to be everywhere this day,) without looking too chunky or out of place with a delicate outfit. Paired with pinky toned shades from Quay Australia (seven pairs and counting!) and my usual rose gold jewellery, including a new ring and necklace from the Accessorize 'Z' range (every time I pop in for a look I come out with at least three things) and it's a rose gold party for one! I finished the look off with my new fave pearl drop earrings from ASOS which make a statement without being too much, and an Olivia Burton watch that's so pretty I've barely taken it off... And yes, those are little bees inside that move around with your arm movements! So unnecessary, but so cute.

Joanie Kezzy Lace Dress | £45.00 | LINK

Next Trench Coat | £48.00 | SIMILAR HERE

Office Rose Gold Ballerina Flats | (WERE £58.00) NOW £35.00 | LINK

ASOS Pearl Drop Earrings | £10.00 | LINK
  Quay Pink Sunglasses | £40.00 | LINK  

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

Olivia Burton Busy Bees Grey & Rose Gold Watch | £200.00 | LINK
Saint Laurent Bag | £1495.00 | SIMILAR HERE
 

 SHOP THE LOOK

Thanks to Kirsty from Fashion For Lunch for the photos!  

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