Outfit Post: True Religion Jeans and Vintage Military Jacket

I am finally in Whistler skiing with my family on the second part of our holiday. My children are so exhausted from ski school every night that they are in bed ridiculously early and so I thought I would share a new outfit with you! We had some quite major delays on our journey from Hawaii to Vancouver and ended up having an unexpected night in L.A. I decided to turn this into a positive thing and squeeze in a bit of shopping. We only had a few hours and decided to take our boys cycling along the spectacular beachside bicycle path along Manhatten Beach. This ended up at Manhatten Boulevard, an area of trendy restaurants, boutiques and hotels. I only had about half an hour and first of all popped into American Apparel, and unusually for me didn't see anything I liked. The shop next door was the original store for True Religion Jeans.

As I have been searching for a pair of boyfriend jeans for a while, I thought I would have a quick look, and immediately found the PERFECT pair.

True Religion Brianna Mid Rise Boyfriend jeans

They are a fantastic alternative to skinnies and are such a relaxed and comfortable denim option. There are so many different styles of boyfriend jeans out there, but these True Religion ones are just the right amount of bagginess (roomier on the hips and thighs, but fitted on the waist, bottom and tummy). This is what I have been looking for as the pair I currently have is slim fitting and are virtually cropped skinnies. I also loved the faded wash of the ones from True Religion and they have just the right amount of distressing.  I plan to wear them with sneakers and sweatshirts during the day and with heels and a jacket in the evening.

I also spotted this fabulous Vintage Military Jacket in classic army green - looks so great with skinnies or boyfriend jeans and I can't wait to wear it with a Breton top and a big colourful scarf.

Here are the True Religion jeans and jacket on their first outing out to dinner in Whistler after a long day skiing! I am wearing them with a neon and yellow stripe tee from the Gap  (SS14), silver circle pendant from Tiffanys and New balance trainers.

All in all, a very successful stopover in LA!

And finally, another Whistler evening outfit:

Indigo jeans - Mint Velvet (AW13)
Denim chambray shirt  - GAP  (SS14)
Grey sweatshirt - American vintage at Yard (AW13)
Snow Boots -  Mountain Warehouse (AW13)

Back to reality next week, and lots of posts coming up on what to wear this spring!

Abbi x

Dorset Fashionista goes to Hawaii

So I am on holiday in the spectacularly beautiful island of Maui in Hawaii and I really could stay here forever. We have been snorkelling amongst a kaleidoscope of coral and tropical fish, swimming with the turtles and have been lucky enough to see humpback whales breaching in front of our boat. Fashion has been very far from my mind all week as we have been living in beachwear and spending most of the time in the pool or the sea. I had started to think I might even be completely cured, until last night when the company Mr Dorset Fashionista works for left vouchers in our room to spend on a new pair of Oakley sunglasses.

Now, I associate Oakley sunglasses with being the brand choice of many sporting pros, so to start with I have to confess to not being overly excited. But as I hadn't been shopping or even looked online for about four days, I decided to have a quick recce on their website. This revealed that the collection of Oakley sunglasses for women feature a huge selection of designs ranging from typically sporty and lifestyle orientated to ultra fashion forward. Even better, if your style preference is more fashionable than sporty, the Women’s Lifestyle Oakley sunglasses include a number of sophisticated and fashionable styles such as chic oversized designs and timelessly stylish aviators, many of which are also available in bold and vibrant colourways.

I do own a pair of Oakleys for skiing (about 10 years old) and I already have aviators (my beloved Ray-Bans), but I was definitely in the market for some oversized sunnies and nearly bought some at Heathrow on the way out. 

The next morning there was a pop up shop in the hotel reception area with all the different Oakley designs for us to choose from and I was one of the first in line. Sure enough, there was a choice of two oversized designs nestling amongst the sporty ones. They were:

Oakley Beckon in Black

Oakley Changeover in Caramel Swirl

After much debating and trying on, I decided to go for the Oakley Changeover in Caramel Swirl. They were slightly more oversized than the Beckon style and I loved their 70s vibe and the different textures of the frame. They are incredibly lightweight and came beautifully packaged in a white leather case.

And here they are being worn this evening for a company dinner with a Whistles midi dress bought from Ebay last summer and Topshop toe post sandals available here. Also with black leather Nat & Nin bag available from Yard

I am hoping they won't be dropped or sat on like the most of the expensive sunglasses I have owned. The big question is - will I ever be able to wear them in Dorset? Has it finally stopped raining?

Finishing as always with an outfit - this one from my first day in Hawaii where I am wearing a very old Topshop denim playsuit, Havannah flip flops and a Cath Kidston bag bought for me by Mr DF for this holiday after he read one of my blogs. Next time can you please get the Mulberry one?

Back soon with more Hawaii outfits!

Abbi x

Outfit post: My new Karen Millen patchwork skinnies!

This is rather late as I have been finishing off other work this week in preparation for going on a two week family holiday. But last Sunday we were finally allowed to meet my brother-in-law's new girlfriend when they came over for lunch. I decided to wear my new patchwork skinny jeans from Karen Millen that I blogged about the other day. I love patchwork denim and although these jeans are definitely a 'Marmite' item, I am beyond pleased with them!

I teamed them with a Whistles knit from last summer - it has a big mottled navy blue square on the front and a white back and sleeves. It looks ok with the jeans but I'm not sure. What do you think?

I then added a statement necklace to pull the outfit together - this one is from Zara last autumn/winter.

We had a delicious lunch and it was a lovely to have a family meal before we head off this week. I am wearing my New balance trainers on the flight tomorrow and will definitely blog about them at some point. I can't believe I have snubbed them up until now but in true fashion victim style I have done a complete U-turn.

Hope everyone is managing to stay dry this week!
Abbi x

Another day, another jumper dress...

If it wasn't for jumper dresses I would live in my skinny jeans!  I do love wearing dresses but it's hard to find any that are suitable for daywear without feeling too formal. Jumper dresses are the perfect staple to have in your wardrobe as they bridge the gap perfectly between smart and casual wear. I especially love that you don't have to think about an outfit - just throw on with tights and boots and you're good to go! I like mine to be a bit slouchy for a more dressed down look and to be a decent length - a definite dress as opposed to a long jumper! Another bonus is that they are such a comfortable and cosy thing to wear on these endless cold, wet days we are having.

Top of my list is the Hush Rosie Dress which I have featured in a previous blog. I have it in the navy/marine colourway and it looks like a jumper over a little silky skirt but the skirt is attached. It is so easy to wear and incredibly comfortable but very chic at the same time. It is now reduced to £40 from £60.

Here are some other knitted dresses that I like:

Whistles Cashmere Dress

A knitted dress in a dark colour is such a useful item to have in your wardrobe and this one would be a great investment for next autumn/winter. It can easily take you from day to night as you can wear it to work during the day with a scarf and boots and then dress up with jewellery to go out in the evening. And this one is pure cashmere, reduced from £165 to £85.

Staying with darker colours for the moment, I love this one from ASOS with the elasticated waistband and textured design. Perfect if you prefer a jumper dress with more shape.

The monochome trend is huge this spring and I love this striking stripy dress below from Coast, which is perfect for the transitional season.

Coast Tabbie Knit Dress £75

The dress below from Karen Millen is stunning in the flesh and the fine knit means it's definitely one for spring. It looks very understated and I love the soft faux leather detailing at the shoulders. It can be worn in two different ways - the front drape can be fastened at the waist to create a soft draped knit dress, or you can leave it to fall for a more simplistic style. 

Karen Millen Modern Knit Dress £115

If you like bold colours then this fabulous knit dress below is perfect for spring. I love the rippled texture of the material and the three quarter length sleeves

Karen Millen Ripple Stitch Knit dress £130

And one to wear with tanned legs in the summer - the  ASOS Striped Breton Jumper Dress £35. I have already made clear my love for all things 'Breton' and this fine knit dress really caught my eye with the cute star patches on the sleeves.

Not many outfits to show you from this week as I have been mainly in gym stuff or zipped into my Parka trying to dodge the rain. Here is one from a couple of days ago when it was a freezing cold day and I had to wear a big fluffy jumper to stay warm on the school run:

Whistles Noemie jumper - available in the sale here
Karen Millen distressed vintage jeans - AW13
Grey layering top - Boden (old)
Ash Bowie Wedge trainers

Have a great Sunday!

Abbi x

Everyone should have a statement skirt...

Last week, while shopping in Exeter, I made quite an odd purchase. The moment I saw it, I knew I had to have it, confirmed two minutes later when I tried it on. It is this skirt below from Topshop:

It is utterly fabulous because:

1. The shape is amazing - more of a lantern shape than A-line
2. The muted pale pink colour is gorgeous and ticks the trend for pastels this spring
3. The material has a sort of quilted texture
4. Midi length means it can be worn now
5. It has a really retro 1950s feel to it, but at the same time feels very modern

Despite all of the above it also feels like an odd thing for me to buy because it looks too glamorous and impractical for day-to-day life in the country.

Obviously, I decided to get it anyway! I think the key is to dress it down with a grey sweater and ankle boots and switch to a simple tee and pumps when the weather gets warmer. I still don't know where or when I am going to wear it, but I am really bored of my normal look, so am trying to mix it up a bit. At the moment my uniform seems to consist of skinny jeans, ankle boots, grey jumper of some kind and scarf with stars on. Don't get me wrong, I love this look, but after months  of being permanently zipped into my Parka I want to wear something fun.

So, how easy is it to pull off a voluminous skirt look? I would say not easy at all! To avoid looking frumpy or swamped in a big ball of fabric you need to balance out your top half with a fitted sweater or T-shirt to show off your waist. You can wear a shirt with it, but it must be tucked in. And shoes should be heels or pumps.

Here are some other fabulous midi skirts out there at the moment:

Topshop Moto Denim Midi Skirt £35

Love this denim version which would look great worn now with a sweater and later with a white tee and pumps.

ASOS Full Quilted Midi Skirt

This one is reduced from £50 to a bargainous £35. Team with a simple top, statement necklace and heels for a night out.


ASOS Full Midi Skirt £20

This skirt is such a great price and perfect if you prefer a less voluminous look as the pleats make it more floaty.

Floral Jacquard Midi Skirt £55

I love this one as it has a similar textured fabric to my Topshop one, and florals are such a huge trend for spring/summer.

Topshop Diamond Jacquard Midi Skirt £48

Very similar to the Bubble skirt, this looks very designer and is perfect for the summer months.

So, what do you think? Do you like this style of skirt and would you wear it?

Finishing with what I am wearing today to go to a meeting. Trying to stay warm and cozy!

Hush Rosie dress in navy/marine (AW13) available in the sale here
Russell & Bromley Boots (old)
Animal print scarf - Zara (AW13)

Back later in the week with another trend I am loving at the moment...

Abbi x

Spring has Sprung at Yard

Yes, it might be cold and wet outside, but at Yard we have been making room for the new spring collection, which is arriving daily! I'm in love with most of the range, which features trends including bold colours, quirky prints and textured fabrics. It is very hard to pick my favourites, but here are my top five must-haves to update your wardrobe:

1. Summer Mozart Ribbed jumper, French Connection, £49

This French Connection jumper makes me feel like it's spring already and is the perfect trans-seasonal investment. Wear it now with black jeans and a white shirt underneath or later with white jeans. And at this price I think this will sell out very quickly!

2. Sahara Wave Texture Dress, French Connection, £110

Another fabulous transitional item, this tunic dress can be worn now with tights and ankle boots or heels and will look fantastic going into summer with tanned legs and pumps. Featuring an animal inspired print with a textured wave in the material and lovely lace detailing at the back. 

3. La Parisienne Ocean Jeans, Maison Scotch

My favourite brand of jeans is updated in a sun-bleached soft blue colour with a faintly distressed feel. Such a refreshing change from dark denim and basically the perfect jeans to take you through spring and summer. 

4. Printed blazer, Maison Scotch

The comfort of a cardigan but the look of a blazer, this slim fitting slub jersey jacket has an all over feather print. I would wear this with the jeans above and a simple tee.

5. Alanis shirt, Twist & Tango

I love the print on this silky blouse. It could be dressed up for work or would look equally fab worn loose with black jeans and heels.

The spring collection at Yard is still coming in, so I will report back over the coming weeks with more of my favourites!

Finishing with my outfits from this weekend. The first photo from Saturday night, out for drinks with friends. 

Navy Nell All Over Sequin Jumper - Whistles (SS13)

Black Coated Skinny Trousers - Zara (AW12)

Silver Bubble Necklace - Links of London

Grey Ash Jalouse Boots

And from today, invited to lovely friends for Sunday lunch

Vintage distressed jeans - Karen Millen

Grey Sweater - American Vintage at Yard (AW13)

Grey Knitted Vest - Gap (old)

Necklace - Zara (SS14)

Boots - Russell & Bromley (old)

Hope everyone has had a great weekend!

Abbi x