After a fun but busy day at the Polo yesterday (pictures coming soon!) I’m more than ready for a blog writing session in my PJ’s today. This week I’m back with another look from Topshop Cardiff and it’s this gorgeous denim dress with a polka dot blouse layered underneath. It has a zip at the front so you just put it on like a jacket, which I love as it’s way easier than having it at the back. I also love pieces like this that you can layer up as it gives you more options for when it’s not as warm. I paired it with my sock boots, also from Topshop that I just can’t stop wearing at the moment. I think they’re about to fall apart but they’ve been so useful. I definitely need to find a replacement soon!
Outfit Post
Topshop Stripy Jumpsuit
Click to shop // Topshop Stripy Jumpsuit
Honestly I think May is my all time favourite month of the year. After two bank holiday weekends and a mini trip to Tenby in between, I don’t feel like I’ve spent much time at my real job recently. I have, however managed to squeeze in lots of work on this blog, including some pics of my gorgeous stripy jumpsuit from Topshop Cardiff. It’s the comfiest but also most trend focused way to update your wardrobe right now and those horizontal stripes do a lot to hide how much I’ve been eating recently.
“Florals linen for spring…. groundbreaking…”
If you guys follow Monikh on Instagram then I’m guessing you’re just as obsessed with linen as I am. Obviously it’s something that comes back around every summer but it’s getting a very minimal update right now and those muted tones are hard to resist. I’m especially loving all the two pieces along with absolutely everything from Mango this season. There’s something about picking up a staple piece that makes you feel a lot less guilty too. Kind of.
The jumpsuit also ticks another major trend with these brown buttons, which is why I feel like it’s a good all rounder. They’re absolutely everywhere! I’ve layered it with a tee for this blog post and my go-to platforms but I’d love to know how you guys would wear it. Let me know your thoughts, I’m always on the lookout for new styling ideas…
If It Wasn’t For My Blog I’d Go Crazy
“There are some days when I feel good, I’m really inspired and ideas just happen and then there are other days, when I’m not so good and blogging is a struggle”
I think we all get like this sometimes, stress piles up and we feel a little wobbly but it’s during those times that writing helps to keep me sane.
I’m in a slump at the moment but I always feel crappy around my birthday. It’s weird, it makes me feel like time is moving really quickly but I’m just a little bit too slow to catch up. I’m sure once the shock of being another year older is gone I’ll get back into the swing of being creative though.
It may sound dramatic but I honestly don’t know what I would have done with my life if I hadn’t have started a fashion blog. I’m just so grateful for wherever that idea came from. On my worst days it only takes reading a few comments or coming up with new ideas to make me feel better and on my good days I could not be more proud of how far this page has come.
I’ve always been one of those people who welcomes a distraction and to be honest I would probably still be panic attacking the shit out of life if it wasn’t for StyleRarebit. As much as I’m not where I dreamed I would be at 26 I’ve certainly come a long way since publishing my first post. For a start I now know the difference between your and you’re (took a while) and I’m definitely a little more self assured and a lot more grown up than I was back then. It’s funny how something as small as starting a blog can do that. The opportunities, positivity and friendships that have come my way since the beginning are unbelievable and just thinking about those makes me the happiest gal alive.
How I’m Falling in Love with Blogging again
It’s not that I’ve ever really fallen out of love with blogging, but in the past few months the community seems to be more concerned with followers than actual content. This shift is really annoying me and taking away from the fact that for the majority of us, blogging is just a really fun hobby.
I’ve had several people ask me recently if they think it’s still worth blogging, as so many people are doing it. It’s not that there is anything wrong with asking me that or talking about followers but I just feel like when I started I wasn’t aware, nor did I care about stats.
I created StyleRarebit.com because I thought it would help me to get a job in the fashion industry after my degree but it’s actually given me so much more. I’ve grown in confidence, made friends, learnt a million more skills than I ever did in school and have worked with some of my favourite brands. Those kind of experiences are priceless to me and whether 3 people read my blog or 3,000, it doesn’t take anything away from that.
To get me out of my little funk I’ve been making a lot more fashion content, which is where my main passion really lies. Putting together outfits, ideas and discovering new brands is something that I really enjoy and I keep reminding myself how lucky I am to have this page to experiment with. It’s my own personal style file and whenever I don’t know what to wear or am hating what’s in my wardrobe, I can look back here for ideas that will get me inspired again.
Blogging is whatever I want it to be, for as many people who want to read it and for as long as I want. There’s no rules here and if I’m still enjoying it, I’m going to continue writing and sharing the things that I love.
faux fur jacket: new look // blouse: somerset by alice temperley // culottes: toyshop // boots: jd williams
Winter Outfit Inspiration – Casual Sock Boots
Just before Christmas I had an email from JD Williams asking if I wanted to collaborate on a post and I was SO excited. Initially I was thinking of writing about party shoes (glittery heels included) and putting together some outfit inspo for you guys but then I stumbled onto the ankle boots section and completely forgot all about that. I’m a little bit obsessed when it comes to boots, in fact I already have way too many but there’s just something about a classic boot that’s so versatile, so they always seem like a good investment. These boots are from the Violeta range by Mango and are a casual nod to the sock boot trend that is very much hanging around. Just way more comfy than the stiletto kind! I love how chic they are too and really pull together this everyday outfit with very minimal effort.
“I think this outfit is very reflective of that too. This is everyday me, not too dressy. It’s just comfort paired with great accessories.”
Just before the new year I felt like I was loosing my creative juice a little bit and I’ve also been struggling to find time (as always) to create new content for this blog. Sometimes getting caught up in comparing yourself to other people can really kill your vibe too but I’m finally learning to zone that out and remember why I started Style Rarebit in the first place. Because I love blogging!
I think this outfit is very reflective of that. This is everyday me, not too dressy. Just comfort paired with great accessories which is pretty much my go to philosophy when it comes to getting dressed. I think we would all agree that the number one goal is to look totally polished without having to make much effort at all. This look is essentially jeans and a jumper but tying a satin ribbon around my waist and dressing it up with a blazer is the perfect way to cheat looking like you’ve made loads of effort. I think that’s why the boots work so well too, being structured they are the perfect day boot if you want to look put together. They also look super expensive and the unusual heel (that metallic is everything!) means they add extra interest if you’re wearing plain clothes. They’re also on sale right now so even more of an incentive to pick them up… I love them with my mom jeans too as they’re tight on the ankle they sit really well underneath and give the illusion that my legs are slimmer.
If you take nothing else from this post just get to investing in some good boots this season that will totally dress up a zero effort look. Maybe even two pairs?
Photographs by Sarah Barnes
How to style a Beret
“Championing small, creative businesses has always been really important to me”
In fact I’ve got a whole series of blog posts interviewing designers from my favourite fashion start-ups including Swag and Tassel and Xandra Jane. I think anyone who is creative and following their passion knows how important support is in keeping their art alive. As much as we would love to endlessly create, the reality is that we also need to pay our bills and put some food on the table. Before I get too deep though today’s post features a gorgeous beret from a new fashion start up right here in Wales. Andrea’s Closet only launched 3 months ago but they already have a RTW and bridal collection which they successfully showcased at Cardiff Fashion Week last month. Their gorgeous fascinators are the perfect wedding accessory but my favourite pieces are the knitted head bands and winter friendly berets. I think often hats are something you only think about when you have a special occasion or when it’s super cold but they’re such a good thing to invest in. This beret is timeless, it’s interesting but also really wearable and it’s something I’ll bring out year after year.
Here are some quick styling ideas to get you inspired to pick up a Beret…
1. Wear it back on your head and tilted to one side for a super casual look.
2. Wear it perfectly straight and back on your head if you want to channel classic Parisian chic.
3. Pair it with some sunglasses like the one in this post to instantly bring a beret up to date.
4. Pick one up in a contrasting or bright colour to add some interest to a boring outfit.
5. If you’re super edgy pop it straight on your head and puff out the shape for a very extra, runway inspired look.
6. Make sure you get one in the right size! If it’s too big you might still be able to work with it but too small and your head will be bulging out the sides. Not cool!
Once the new Andrea’s Closet website is live I will pop it here but until then please check out their social media pages to see their newest collection.
twitter // facebook // instagram
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The £25.99 Zara Mom Jeans
Recently I’ve really been into the idea of moving on from skinny jeans into some styles that are a bit more fashion forward and a lot more flattering. With this in mind two weeks ago I asked on my Instagram stories for some advice on finding a good pair of mom jeans. There was a pretty unanimous responce about a pair from Zara so I felt like I at least had to go and try them on.
At first I wasn’t sure if they were high waisted enough for me but I think it was just getting used to jeans that are cut very differently and without any stretch. I have 100% come around to them though, I love how they give me a nice shape and look a little more grungy than skinnies. I’m not going to lie they are nowhere near as comfy as my 80% stretch skinnies but it’s just something to bear in mind.
They’re the best pair I’ve found on the high street though, especially at this price point and in so many different washes. If you’re looking to try out a pair I would definitely recommend and they have honestly become a staple of mine already. This cut is perfect if you have a bigger bum and legs like me as it kind of skims over everything and creates that hourglass look for you. If you want some more inspo keep an eye on my Instagram because I’m probably going to have these on a lot in the next few months. Especially with some big fluffy jumpers!
jeans and a nice top
I’ve had to admit something to myself recently that I never, EVER, thought I would have to. However it’s very sad and so true that I’m a little bit of a ‘jeans and a nice top’ girl. I feel like this is the fashionably comfortable equivalent of wearing your pyjamas to Tesco. It’s just so good, the jeans are stretchy, it’s a well put together outfit but it’s so low maintenance. As if I had to iron a single thing, that’s the problem with pretty dresses. You don’t have to shave, tan, hold in the wind jeans and a nice top, it’s good as it is. I may be the worst Cardiff fashion blogger but at least I’m honest about it.
sunglasses : mango
vest : primark
mesh top : wakiki vintage
jeans & shoes : marks and spencer
belt and bag : vintage
Flower Shopping
My mum is a photographer (incase you didn’t know already, she takes all my outfit pictures) and has been working with the Flower Lodge for a while now. Just last week she brought home a huge bunch of Ranunculus (google them THEY ARE GORGEOUS) and it’s what gave me the idea to take some pictures there today. It’s the most beautiful shop in Rhiwbina and if your visiting I recommend having a look at their new gift range of candles and diffusers which are so lovely. A quick scroll through these pictures should inspire you enough to take a trip, so many amazing colours!
My look today is pretty much my go to outfit as of late. These gingham trousers, in terms of cost per wear, are probably about 1p. Too comfy to take off. I know that this is the season where I should be breaking out the colours but I like wearing monochrome and great basics and it’s nice to be comfy. Sometimes you just want to throw on what makes you feel good.
SUNGLASSES // VALENTINO
TROUSER // ZARA
SHOES // H&M
Here’s to 25
Here I am, finally recovered from my neck fiasco and feeling super pumped to blog. I have so much to show you, it really is amazing how much internet shopping you can get done on your sick bed. I’ve also just turned 25 and so I’ve got lots of beautiful presents and party stories to share too.
Equally it has rained so much in Cardiff this week it hasn’t been the weather for celebrating. I know it rains all the time here but it really, really rained… a lot. Therefore my outfits this week have been pretty casual and layered up and that’s kind of my everyday vibe at the moment. I really like wearing a hoodie underneath a smart jacket and heels, I like that it gives things a street wear feel and takes it away from looking too dressy. A hood also keeps my hair dry and my eyeliner smudge free, winner.
COAT : ZARA // HOODIE & VEST : PRIMARK // TEE : H&M
JEANS : MARKS & SPENCER // BELT : MARKS & SPENCER
BAG : MARKS & SPENCER // BOOTS : JUST FAB
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