ootd | Vanity Claire

ClaireNovember 16, 2013

Outfit of the Day: Mirror Edition #2

Merry Saturday, one and all! So, anyone who gives a tiny poo (i.e. probably nobody) may have noticed that I’ve been somewhat absent from the OOTD hype as of late. This is partly due to some technical problems at Stylingo HQ in the form of our camera finally biting the dust, and what can only be described as personality problems on my part as I’m too lazy to take photos at work.

But, just in case anybody is really curious about what I’ve been wearing recently, here are a few mirror snaps that I’ve uploaded to our Instagram account:
Black Dress – H&M / Kimono – Missguided / Rose Gold Cross – Primark / Brogues – New Look / Bag – Marc B

Remember when I said that I have a tendency to overload on black during the autumn and winter months? Well here is a prime example of me doing so. The lace kimono from Missguided is still one of my favourite items after I first wore it to the Bullring Ten event, and teamed with a simple black dress (which you can’t see at all, but is fitted and has a high mesh neckline) it’s the perfect way to pretty up an outfit. The Marc B bag that I got for my birthday this year is also still a firm fave of mine and rarely leaves the nook of my arm.

Leotard – Primark / Jeggings – Topshop

I’ve had this leotard for probably around two years now but have just brought it out of hibernation again after realising I still love it quite a lot. Worn with my Topshop jeggings it created quite a fun casual outfit – though I still wore this for work, God help me if I ever work in a strict office.

Dress – Topshop / Blazer – eBay / Silver Cross – Primark

This is definitely one of my more work-appropriate outfits, even with the paint-splattered effect of the dress. This dress is a really loose fitting swing dress that is a bit swampy on its own, so the addition of the cropped waterfall blazer (which I also have in mint, so keen I am for it) makes it a bit more fitted. I accessorised with my trusty silver cross, and seemingly some trampy hair bobbles on my wrist, which I always accidentally leave on (but I think they may become super fashionable soon, so it’s fine).

Crop Jumper – Topshop (old) / Skater Dress – Topshop / Necklace – eBay / Nails – Barry M ‘Duchess’

I actually tried to get proper OOTD pictures in this outfit the other day, but the winds were somewhat… shall we say whirlwind-esque? .. so I looked a state in all of them. Layering jumpers over dresses and playsuits is something I definitely plan to do more of this winter, and this cropped Topshop jumper that I’ve had for a couple of years is perfect for it. I’m still loving the Barry M nail polish from the Royal Glitter collection (I reviewed it in full here if you fancy a read) and tend to keep my jewellery quite minimal where I’m wearing it.

What do you think of these outfits? Do you have a favourite?

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ClaireNovember 13, 2013

Outfit of the Day: Primark Clashing Prints

BONJOURNO.

In my eternal bid for being a bit more interesting when it comes to my very own (slightly crap) personal style, I decided to go a bit wild for work yesterday. I’m very much the type of girl who wears a boring array of plain things on a day-to-day basis. Occasionally I might go a bit mad and don a garment that is a bit out there (i.e. when I went out for Claire’s birthday dressed as the Sistine Chapel, which you can see right here if you wish), but for the most part I’m lurking around in black like a pervert in mourning.

To shake things up a bit, I decided to go for some clashing prints to throw myself into the deep end of not looking like a snore. I bought these trousers quite a while back and they are SUPER comfy and super useful. The jazzy monochrome shirt was also bought a while back now and it’s another one that is comfy but can be worn for work/evening/dancing with leprechauns.

Chunky Knit: Primark, Monochrome Shirt: Primark, Printed Trouses: Primark, Heeled Boots: c/o F&F, Gold Chain: Primark

Once again, it appears I have revealed that I am a troll that doesn’t shop anywhere but Primark. I have to say that only the other day I was wearing an outfit that had no Primark items in it whatsoever. It happens very occasionally, but it does happen DON’T WORRY. But anyway, it’s a cheap and cheerful outfit and I actually felt like I’d made an effort for once.

Until today. I’m wearing a grey midi dress and black tights. Lets all lay our heads on our desks and have a little nap.

What do you think of my Primark clashing prints? YAY OR NAY?

If any of you beautiful ladies have any blog posts about your clashing prints, send them my way! My mission for an interesting wardrobe continues…

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ClaireNovember 5, 2013

Outfit of the Day | Fluffy Jumper & Acid Wash Jeans

Good afternoon huns,

We had a very exciting morning: Claire bought a car last night and we drove to work (if by we, I mean she did) for the first time. WHOA WHOA WHOA. Her car is a beautiful Fiat 500 in pale pale blue and I think I may have become one of those strange humans that fancies automobiles.

In my role as supportive housemate, I chose my outfit very carefully this morning. It had to be something that said “hey, I’m here for you. If you need a mid-journey hug, I am a viable option”. Obviously, the only thing that would say this successfully was my new fluffy jumper from Forever 21. Which I did not just wear because it’s new and I love it. I wore it purely because my pal might need some fluffy delight during horrifying rush hour in Cov. Wink wink, nudgey nudge.

I paired my beautiful new fluffy jumper with my Topshop acid wash jeans (big surprise there), a Primark peach blouse, a Primark gold necklace and my tan brouges from New Look. My lipstick is Collection Mango Tango, which I reviewed here. This was the result:

Needless to say, I’m cosier than a cosy thing at work today. I’m not usually a big fan of Forever 21, but there are SO many nice things in the Birmingham store at the moment. If you’re based in the West Midlands, I thoroughly recommend popping in and checking out what they have in. I feel like a wooly mammoth, in a good way.

What do you think of my Tuesday outfit? I really want to start planning my day outfits a bit better and this is the start of looking a bit more put together (I hope…)

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ClaireOctober 17, 2013

Outfit of the Day: Winter Pastels & Leather Leggings

Jumper: c/o New Look | Leather-Look Leggings: River Island (old) | Shoes: Converse | Beanie: H&M | Jewellery: Primark

I face many, many challenges as we head into winter, including how to avoid slipping over on the ice when wearing heels and how to go about sneaking my slanket into work with me. The biggest one of all though, is trying to battle my natural instincts to wear nothing but chunky knitwear, leggings and Uggs. My penchant for dark colours also comes out most strongly during the colder months, so if left to my own devices I would most likely be constantly seen solely in big, dark jumpers, as if in mourning for, I dunno, my fashion sense?

I therefore decided that this mint jumper from New Look HAD to be mine if I wanted a fighting chance of keeping some sort of colour in my winter wardrobe. How nice is the colour?! It’s perfect for the winter pastel trend, which I decided to make the most of by also wearing my lilac Converse. The jumper’s an Angora blend, so feels very luxurious, if a tad itchy (it’s the itch of rich people though, so you have to love it). It’s actually quite a slim fitting jumper, so I bought this in a size 16 for a slouchy, oversized feel.

The beanie’s also a new addition to my wardrobe. I can never really decide if I suit hats; I have a weirdly massive head and I think sometimes they emphasize that while making my face look even smaller, like a pea. However, beanies are just too comfy to ignore this winter, and this one cost just £3.99 from H&M so is an absolute bargain. They’re also superb for hiding roots – er, not that that’s why I’m wearing mine… ahem.

I like the mixture of prettiness and grunge in this outfit. Did I just say grunge? Yes, I unfortunately did, let’s just move on with our lives. It’s also ludicrously comfortable and so could perhaps be the sort of outfit to pull me out of my boring routine this autumn/winter.

What do you all think of this outfit? What are your tips for staying stylish in the winter months?

ClaireOctober 13, 2013

Outfit of the Day: Motel Bardot Dress

I look like I’m about to topple over in this picture. I have no idea why I thought the Leaning Tower of Pisa was an appropriate inspiration for a pose, but it happened so we all need to deal with it.

Dress: Motel Rocks | Shoes: eBay | Rings: New Look & Primark | Bag: Forever 21 | Lipstick: Sleek ‘Cherry’

This was what I wore out for my 23rd birthday last weekend. As I was pretending to be sophisticated I made everyone go out for a meal first, so chose a skater dress so I would have the freedom to wolf down carbs. And wolf I did – oh lasagne, men will come and go but you will always be my one true love.

And you, eBay shoes, shall always be my second. Mwah.

What do you all think of this outfit? Have you bought anything from Motel recently? Or visited the Pisa? Anyone?

ClaireOctober 8, 2013

Outfit of the Day: Baroque Missguided Tshirt Dress

Hello ragamuffins,

As you may have discovered if you read our blog a lot, it was Claire’s birthday over the weekend and we had a whale of a time drinking Lambrini and lurking about like the lunatics we are. Thankfully, she received lots of lovely presents to keep the blog going while I have been in a pit of sadness over my lack of stuff (sob sob).

We went out on Saturday night for a jolly old knees up and I can safely say, making hash browns at silly o’clock in the morning is a sign of a great night – no jokes. I would like to stress that these were potato-based hash browns and not made from wacky baccy, before you all start thinking I am some kind of hoodlum. Whilst stressing about what to wear (it’s been so long since my last night out that I had forgotten what on earth you wear to bars. I almost went for the middle-aged option of a nice pair of black work trousers and kitten heels. Thankfully Claire slapped me out of it before things got out of hand), I ended up buying what can only be described as a cathedral.

Maddie Missguided Baroque Dress | Garage Nude Wedges | Primark Gold Necklace | Black Primark Bag

Some might say that a bright gold dress with what I think are cherubs printed on it would be enough bling to be going on with. I say NAY. I piled on a statement gold necklace, curled my newly weaved locks and glued on a pair of double eyelashes. Subtle? No. Magnificently dope? Probably not either. But anyway, I was happy with the general look and popped on my favourite nude wedges (after Claire instructed us to wear our comfiest shoes because we would be drinking £4 Lambrini with a straw) as well as a new Primark box bag/satchel. HUZZAH AND THANK YOU TO THE QUEEN, it is the only recent new purchase that I have made but I love it – a useful little number to stash my vast array of things in.

Keep your eyes peeled for Claire’s outfit of the night, which will be on its way soon! What do you all think about this Missguided tshirt dress? It’s very loud but I can’t help but have huge amounts of love for it. My descent into garish madness begins!

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ClaireOctober 7, 2013

Outfit of the Day: Winter Floral Swing Dress & Primark Brogues

Hola amigos and amigettes. We had a SUPER busy weekend here at Stylingo HQ; what with it being my birthday on Friday this of course meant that the celebrations had to carry on into the weekend. That’s what birthdays are basically about after all, isn’t it? Just stretching out for as long as possible the amount of time that people have to be nice to you and buy you food? Here is my OOTD from Saturday afternoon, when I went out for lunch with a friend. Nothing says ‘happy birthday Claire’ quite like free bubble tea and chicken fajitas. I was a happy egg.

Floral Swing Dress: Cameo Rose c/o New Look | Tights: Primark | Brogues: Primark | Bag: Marc B

Not to toot my own wardrobe’s horn too much, but I’m quite in love with this outfit (dishevelled left shoelace aside). I wasn’t sure whether swing dresses would be flattering on me or not due to their swampy nature, but I actually think it sits really nicely – and allows for chicken fajita bloat, which is an added bonus. I had to wear a bandeau underneath because it falls quite low at the back and I didn’t feel like flashing the world the back of my bra, but I think that’s mainly down to my lack of boobs making it fit a bit baggier on me.

My favourite part of the dress is the print; it can be hard for florals to look winter-appropriate but I think the colours in this dress work perfectly. The orange in the dress also help the brogues (which appeared in my birthday haul post) to work with this outfit – I used to be a passionate hater of wearing brown with black, but I think when there are other colours thrown into the mix like with this outfit then all is fair in love and fashion.

I’m waffling now, I literally have no idea what I’m even talking about. But let me know what you think of this outfit!

ClaireOctober 5, 2013

Outfit of the Day: Birthday Marc B Bag!

Hey loves! As you may know from Lauren’s very kind Twitter proclamations, yesterday was my 23rd birthday. I’ll have a full birthday post including all the lovely goodies I’ve received coming soon, but for now I thought I would quickly share my OOTD, including one new very special piece of arm candy… MY NEW MARC B BABY.

Cardigan – Primark / Cami – Primark / Jeggings – Topshop / Frilly Socks – Primark / Ankle Boots – New Look / Necklace – Tiffanys / Bag – Marc B

I just had a very casual day for my birthday yesterday, which involved popping into town for some lunch and – of course – a bit of shopping, hence my very casual outfit. I don’t know about all of y’all, but making an effort to dress nice-ish for work each day (which we don’t have to, but ever since I accidentally ended up getting VIP tickets to Rihanna and had to go dressed like a tramp, I like to make more of an effort in case anything else is sprung on me) means that when I get a day off I just enjoy slouching around.

A huge thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday on Twitter! I’ve had a brilliant one so far, and the fun is continuing over into the weekend – HUZZAH. Maybe being 23 won’t be so boring after all.

ClaireSeptember 29, 2013

The Show: Ten | Celebrating the Bullring’s Birthday

Hello ladies and gents!

Claire and I officially had a Day of Fun yesterday, in the form of hitting up the Bullring’s 10th birthday party. I don’t know about you, but most of the tenth birthdays I have attended have involved screaming children, deflated balloons and bits of birthday cake squished into unmentionable places. Not many have involved Mollie King and male models sitting down in front of me on a catwalk. Safe to say, you can guess which I prefer…

Us Stylingo gals have big love for the Bullring. Our days at the University of Birmingham were often spent lurking around Topshop debating whether a dress was a better use for our loans than buying the latest edition of the Canterbury Tales. In fact, when Claire and I first met during first year, we bumped into each other in the Bullring and realised that we were two kindred souls…mostly because we both like shopping alone like the antisocial weirdos we are.

So needless to say, we were mega excited when we were invited to attend The Show: Ten, which was a catwalk show giving everyone a headsup on autumn/winter trends and hosted by the insanely beautiful Mollie. We donned on some jazzy outfits, hopped on the train and here is a little sneak peak of what our day was like.

Tribal Dress : Your Eyes Lie | Black ankle boots: F&F | Gold chain: eBay

And here are a few of our favourite outfits from the show. The idea was that they showcased 10 autumn/winter trends, which as you would imagine included lots of tartan, PVC, pastels and animal print. It was most excellent. Oh yeah, and just in case you hadn’t noticed – we were FROWING. Huzzah!

If I am ever this close to Mollie again, it will probably be because ~~I’m violating a restraining order~~ I have become the sixth member of the Saturdays. We then obviously went out for Saturday afternoon cocktails, because what would a Day of Fun be without a few fruit based alcoholic beverages?

And finally, like the classy birds we will always be, we bought 99p baguettes and legged it to Primark. You can take the homegirls out of Coventry but…

Happy birthday Bullring, we love you with all of our tiny hearts and will continue to give you money until we die or you decide that Pilot is a shop worth including in your vast array of establishments.

ClaireSeptember 26, 2013

Outfit of the Day: Burgundy Jeans and Leather Look Tshirt

‘Ello you big weirdos.

In my tiny little mind, autumn/winter has properly arrived and I flat out refuse to believe that the weather still has the capability of being nice and toasty. How wrong I was. Yesterday was actually really nice in Stratford and my work outfit choice wasn’t quite appropriate. Nevertheless, I ploughed on and went for a look that I’m planning on emulating time and time again when we finally are allowed to let go of spring/summer trends.

Ah burgundy, you rogue. I used to have very bright red hair and it meant that all berry colours were banned from my wardrobe. Since moving to the dark side, I have been more excited than anything on the history of earth to get my body in some purpley shades. And this is precisely what I did, in the form of a nice pair of jeans.

Burgundy jeans c/o F&F, Leather look tshirt c/o F&F, Heeled ankle boots c/o F&F, Gold chain Primark.

I paired these badboys with a pair of heeled ankle boots, a leather look tee and a chunky gold chain (some call me Lauren two chains). I love these jeans with a fiery passion, they’re a teeny bit baggy on me but I’m in that annoying in-between stage when it comes to clothing sizes – a size 12 is a bit big but a size 10 is a bit small. But at least this way, I can eat around 10 pies and not have to worry about my trousers having to be surgically removed from my legs.

I have a big love for this top too. I’ve been keen to get some leather into my wardrobe but I’m still a bit on the sketchy side when it comes to PVC. This is a fab alternative, it incorporates everything I love in life – animal print, sleeves and leather. It’s actually long enough to wear with leggings too, so we can all get together and shout huzzah for merry England.

As a girl who occasionally gets in rages, I like having shoes that I can stomp around in. These are perfect for stomping and make me look just that little bit taller, which is something that I desperately need in my permanent stage of midget. The gold accents make me feels mega fancy and these bad boys have genuinely become a staple in my daywear wardrobe. I plan to wear them everyday for the rest of my life (exaggerating…NEIN!).

Well guys, gals and any woodland bears that may be reading, what do you think?

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