Old faithfuls

I wanted to post this a few weeks ago when I first started noticing them, but work has been crazy busy and taken up every waking hour. So today, with a spare 15 minutes on my hands I wanted to give you a heads up on a neat, little trend I’ve been spotting everywhere.

I don’t know if it’s just this time of year where everyone is in relaxed, casual mode after the summer OR if they are making an appearance for yet another big comeback, but I have been seeing Converse all over the street styling blogs and on the streets of the North East too.  Worn of course in a casual manner, the look I love the most is with favourite jeans and a simple tee. 

It’s one of those looks that when I see it, I instantly like the person wearing it.  To me, Converse are my old faithfuls.  They are what I wear for Sunday afternoons in the pub, going to a gig, taking my mad and fearless dog Andy for a walk in the park. So when I see someone wearing them, I like to think they’re off to do one or all of those things too.

My Converse are on the brink, they are truly battered and secretly that's how I like them.  Seeing them worn out doesn't mean ‘buy new shoes’, to me it says ‘wardrobe favourite’, and I like that.

Here are a few of the pictures that started this all off.  Of course if you’re interested in buying a pair of Converse I'd say that's a wise choice - they are so easy to wear with jeans, skirts or even smart/casual trousers.  My go to store for Converse is always Office.  If you’re buying them for the first time try the next size up, as you would when buying your regular sports trainers.  I have always gone for white, purely because they are easier to accessorise with most outfits, but I also love them in the red because they’re a bit more fun.

All images are from TheSartorialist.com




Noreen xx

Bel

Final pictures from my shoot with model Bel Elwood and photographer Anna Victoria Best.

Noreen xx

Saturday wear

I saw these Grenson boots advertised in last week's Sunday Times Style magazine and really loved them.  I was thinking about ways to wear them this morning and had I not been working with clients today, and instead spending with friends or even heading for some pub lunch, this is how I would choose to wear them.

Grenson ankle boots £209, my-wardrobe.com, Jeans approx £135, A.P.C Store online, Top £310, Stella McCartney at net-a-porter.com, Tan duffel bag £45, Snood £20, both Topshop

Hope you have a good weekend!

Noreen xx

A very warm welcome to new viewers from Norway, Canada and Germany!! Hope you're all having a good day and enjoying the blog!

Noreen xx

Menswear for women

Menswear for women is my favourite trend for the A/W season.  Most designers focused on classic tuxedos but I preferred the looks that could be worn for day.  Taking men's styles of clothes, creating a man's style of outfit and wearing it with confidence.

I've put together my favourite looks and outfits from the designer who I think showcased this trend the best.  Paul Smith A/W ’11.  If you're interested in pulling together a few 'menswear' looks of your own I've added in a few styling tips along the way.

Oversized shirts with the sleeves rolled up will add an instant boyish charm.

When looking for tailoring with a feminine touch, go for suit jackets in shorter lengths and keep the trouser legs a straight or slim fit.

Overcoats and blazers in charcoal grey or black will add the finishing boyish touch.

Roll up your trouser hems for the casual look.

Smart belts with trousers add a classic finishing touch. Go for simple black and slim widths.

With the right style of overcoat this trend can work for work and casual wear.

Add a dash of colour to keep it feminine.

If you're feeling brave maximise the look with your boyfriend or husband's tie

A sheer shirt will keep the look feminine. Try pairing it with a pair of wider leg trousers with a higher waist for a touch of 70s chic.

My favourite looks - #lovelovelove the spotted trousers with grey shirt and rust cardigan.

Office geek-chic.  Try this look with layers. Always start with a white shirt and build on the look from there.

 Chunky knits drapped over the shoulders is a stylish finishing touch.






Noreen xx

Everyday pieces

When it comes to my everyday style, I'm all about keeping things simple.  This is especially important for my jewellery.  I tend to wear simple pieces, usually vintage, with no-fuss, no jingles, no dangling chains or charms - something that adds the finishing touches to my outfit without getting in the way when I’m working.

Earrings are a must with every outfit and admittedly I tend to wear the same styles over and over again.   It keeps the job of accessorising my outfits straightforward, helps me to save time, effort and money and it's a sure fire way to show off how good you are at picking up timeless pieces.

If you’re inspired and on the hunt for your WWE (wear with everything) earrings, have a look at these House of Harlow 1960 (Nicole Richie’s brand) pieces below.

 House of Harlow 1960 available at www.shopbop.com -  Earrings priced from left to right $30, $45, $45 (approx £18.50, £28)

They have a fashion-edge with a timeless touch - delicate enough for work, special enough for evenings out.  Prices are excellent too and www.shopbop.com have decent delivery and returns policies for the UK.

Noreen xx