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?

Shop boots here

Photographs by Sarah Barnes

 

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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

PHOTOGRAPHY : SARAH BARNES

MIA Rarebit

After the most positive start to 2017 and me making a dedicated effort to grow this blog and my content, I am so disappointed that I haven’t been able to get anything done this week. If your wondering whats going on, I currently have the neck of Hulk Hogan and in a pain I literally can’t explain nor kill with Nurofen. Why? Still no bloody idea. It could be my salivary gland (sexy) or  my lymph node (scary) but at this stage there’s still no answer. On a positive note I took some pictures over a week ago now, along with my spotty tight ones, that I still have to post. These were originally supposed to be titled everyday me and I was going to talk about my everyday uniform and wardrobe basics. For now lets just hope I get back to everyday me very soon.

SCARF : HOBBS

JUMPER : TOMMY HILFIGER

COAT : NINE BY SAVANNAH MILLER

JEANS, SHOES & BAG : MARKS AND SPENCER

PHOTOGRAPHY : SARAH BARNES

The Cheapest Wardrobe Update Ever

I don’t know why but I instantly fell for these tights and it’s so bizarre because normally I wouldn’t go for something like this at all. My go-to is a 60 denier black tight because it’s classic, covers my pale legs and goes with everything. I’ve just been a bit bored with my wardrobe recently and I’ve been looking for pieces that are more interesting and exciting to wear. It got me thinking about cheap and simple wardrobe updates and I feel like patterned tights are maybe just that. These polka dot ones are still pretty wearable, they are black after all and I like that they are quiet cutesy and playful. I paired them with a really basic outfit but I think that’s what makes this look so wearable and easy to recreate.

JUMPER, TIGHTS & SHOES : MARKS AND SPENCER

SUEDE SKIRT : BEYOND RETRO

BAG : VINTAGE

PHOTOGRAPHS : SARAH BARNES

Magazine Worthy Looks // Charity Shop Clothes

As a self titled professional thrift shopper, the opportunity to create looks with charity shop clothes for Wales Air Ambulance was a dream come true. They do amazing work and make 2000 missions each year to save lives, supported entirely by donations and their charity shops. So to inspire you to get shopping, I’ve styled some looks inspired by classic trends that will be easy to recreate with some pieces I selected from their Pontypridd store.

 

The Pleated Midi Skirt

The trend: Midi skirts have become a wardrobe staple and are flattering for so many different shapes. This season it’s about pairing it with a light jumper and comfy shoes, for an everyday autumn look.

What to look for: A pleated skirt thats a longer length, either printed or plain and a lightweight jumper. These skirts are always in charity shops, as they were popular many moons ago and most come with an elasticated waist so you can roll it to the right length.

How I’m wearing it: Both me and Alice (Media Officer and fellow Blogger) fell in love with this skirt and felt it was similar to a Whistles one this season. I paired it with a simple white jumper, boots and a backpack and I like that it’s really wearable, comfy and easy to recreate.

Cost: Skirt £2.50

Festival Babe

The trend: Mix and match, festival chic with lots of short shorts, crop tops and layers of accessories.

What to look for: Printed shorts, vintage t-shirts, jewellery and anything printed or colourful. Think about the potential in garments too, this is the one trend where customising is very much encouraged.

How I’m wearing it: I found these printed shorts and instantly loved them, they’re really comfortable, easy to wear and I love that they sit on the waist. I paired them with a simple black crop top and layered my accessories to finish the look.

Cost:  Top £1.50 Shorts £2

90s Grunge

The trend: 90s grunge is all about reviving the looks of the naughties in a contemporary way. One of the key looks is layering a tee under a dress, it’s really easy and adds an instant edge to something girly or dressy.

What to look for: Strappy, long line dresses, that aren’t too tailored or fussy.

How I’m wearing it: I found this dress in the store and felt like it had a lot of potential but I wasn’t sure how to style it. It was actually my mum who suggested the tee and I think it works really well. Layering is an easy way to update a look and adding a choker brings it bang up to date.

Cost: Dress £3.50

Oversized Vintage Shirt

The trend: Oversized vintage or inspired shirts which are loose fitting and in luxe fabrics.

What to look for: A shirt thats not fitted and either oversized or at least two sizes up from what you normally wear. If it’s available choose something in a silk or a luxurious fabric for a more high end look. Make sure to check in the mens rails too because getting the perfect size isn’t crucial and you might find some unusual prints.

How I’m wearing it: For some reason this shirt gave me SATC vibes, so I had to pair it with heels and really dress it up. I think this is such an easy and effective look, who doesn’t have a staple pair of jeans and heels in their wardrobe? And it’s totally effortless and comfortable at the same time. Alternatively you could pair this with trainers and a back pack for a casual day look.

Cost: Shirt £2.50

Italian Red

The trend: The italian Red dress is more of a classic look than a trend but it’s completely timeless. Think of it as the wild sister of the LBD.

What to look for: Anything in a bright but warm red, a dress is perfect but a shirt or skirt would also look amazing paired with black. If it’s a dress make sure it’s a good fit or could be easily altered, you want it to flatter your figure.

How I’m wearing it: I decided to try and dress it up with black and gold accessories as an evening look. Using on trend shoes and a statement belt helps to bring it up to date and look more expensive.

Cost: Dress £3.50

Military Girl

The trend: This look is all about strong, military inspired silhouettes and finishings layered with leather and hardware.

What to look for: Black, khaki or nude pieces with flap pockets or studs.

How I’m wearing it: I decided to wear this dress as is rather than layering it. I like that its form fitting but comfortable and works perfectly with leather boots and a statement bag.

Cost: Dress £3.50

Oversized Shearling Coat

The trend: An oversized, shearling or suede coat, combined with heavy layering.

What to look for: A suede, shearling or fur lined coat/jacket that is oversized or bigger than your normal size. If possible stick to warm tones, burgundy, brown or camel that has large pockets.

How I’m wearing it: I’m in love with this coat, it works perfectly with a chunky knit jumper and I decided to wear over the knee boots to try and dress up the look.

Cost: Coat £6

All the items used for this post will be going back to the Pontypridd store and will be available to purchase, if your quick enough! Please support your local store and share your thrifted looks via instagram @air_ambulance.

That time I dressed up like a red velvet cupcake…

What to Buy // The Mini Bag Edit

There is nothing I love more than a mini bag. It’s the one thing that encourages you to throw out all those receipts, downsize your credit cards and live a shoulder pain free life. So in light of my fondness I though I would select a few of my favourites this season for your shopping pleasure. I feel like a mini bag is also the perfect opportunity to add some colour and some crazy to your wardrobe in a little dose. So don’t be shy with your choices.

From left to right: Knot Cross Body Bag, £29.99 Mango // Mini Metropolis Bag, £250 Furla // Beaded Bag, £29.99 Zara // Mix & Match Mini Bag, £35.99 Zara // Double Baguette, £1,590 Fendi

From left to right: Shoulder bag, £1,250 Jimmy Choo // Mini Drew Bag, £1,230 Chloe // Dionysus Mini, £1,040 Gucci // Vixon Bag, £30 Skinny Dip // B-Rockstud Micro, £1,525 Valentino

Mango Mango

Hey everyone. So sales are pretty much ending now but I’ve been so busy recently, I haven’t had much time to share my purchases. The Mango sale was incredible though and there are still some really lovely pieces online. I first got this little bag which has been my favourite recent purchase. It’s not real leather which I normally avoid but I loved the style so much I bypassed my rule. I then went into town with my mum to buy clothes for her holiday and I ended up buying these stripy trousers. I love them! The glasses unfortunately were not sale but they are super cool and completely affordable, so justified. I’ve paired them with a long tunic here as I felt like a crop top would be too obvious and I like how relaxed it looks. Let me know if you’ve made any good sale purchases and make sure to catch up with my last post featuring Swag and Tassel. Happy Weekend!

SUNGLASSES // MANGO

TOP // M&S COLLECTION

BELT // VINTAGE

TROUSER // MANGO SALE (similar here)

SHOES // ZARA

BAG // MANGO SALE

The Little White Dress

 Summer is almost here and there’s nothing like a pretty dress to get you in the mood for some sunshine. This is my first piece of the season too and I never thought it would be a white dress, especially as I’m so clumsy but I just fell in love with this. It’s by Girls on Film at House of Fraser and it has the perfect combination of cool and comfortable that works perfectly in the summer. I love the crossover detailing at the neckline and the pretty trim at the bottom which adds a little texture amongst all the white. It has a really comfortable oversized fit which is lovely and cool and you can easily layer it up with a biker jacket or a crop jumper. I just need you all to pray that I don’t spill anything…

Dress by Girls on Film at House of Fraser *Gifted

To shop more dresses at HOF click here

The Johnny Sack Camel Coat

Before I found this coat, I had been binge watching ‘The Sopranos’ for quite a while. If there’s one person I love from that show it’s Johnny Sack and if you watch it, you’ll know he has a pretty killer camel coat.

Now this coat is not Johnny Sack status but it’s cool enough for me (a small town, non mobster gal). Since the day I found it I haven’t taken it off and I probably never will.

          

Coat: Vintage

Polo: Uniqlo

Jeans: Mango

Bag H&M

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