One of the great things about being back in the UK is having more time to experiment with the blog. This year, I've really set myself the challenge of stepping outside my blogging box and trying some new things - and I thought why not try my hand at writing some more fashion posts? It's been a while since I wrote one and when I was asked to collaborate with Tobi, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to get back into it. I love to try writing about new things and let's be honest, travel and style go hand-in-hand. But after spending so in Asia where my wardrobe extended about as far as tie-dye and bikinis, and Australia, where it was much more laid back, I was excited to come back to the UK and once again really revel in clothes. I've always loved fashion, I get it from my mum who is a self-confessed shopaholic who always orders "one in every colour", but travel has meant my clothes often get put on a back-burner instead focusing on comfort and durability.
Clothes are creativity and my style has changed a lot over the years, but one thing that has stayed the same is my love of knitwear. As much as the eternal summer has been amazing while travelling, I have at times really missed wearing snuggly clothes - those thick jumpers and cosy cardigans. Living every day in the sunshine is amazing, but there are times when you just fancy being wrapped up in warm layers and knitted fabrics. I love the Cowl Does It Feel Sweater Dress from Tobi (available here) because it has all my favourite elements - thick, over-sized style to keep the cold out, a roll-neck top and my favourite feature - pockets! It's so hard to find a jumper or a dress with pockets and I really do feel that details like this really make them seem even more luxury, plus I can't get enough of this rich burgundy colour. Perfect for sipping on a nice glass of Shiraz by a roaring fire. Pictured with scarf and bag (Primark) and boots (New Look - similar available here)
I'm absolutely in love with this gorgeous little top, which you may have seen me wearing in this previous post for afternoon tea. With the weather being so cold at the moment, I'm all about my jeans and boots, so I'm always on the lookout for cute tops to pair up with them. The Lose It Self Tie Blouse from Tobi (available here) is just beautiful and goes perfect with my ripped jeans - I actually wore it out for a work dinner the other night and had lots of compliments on it. I love the rich combination of colours, the dark blue and the hints of gold, plus the textures of the velvet mixed with the sheer fabric is pure luxury. It works just on it's own with jeans, or you can pop a little top underneath for a more modest look, I paired it with a white cami top the other night. Pictured with the comfiest jeans in the world! (New Look - available here)
My favourite outfit from this haul has to be the Cosette Embroidered Tier Romper - as my friends say, I am the queen of the romper. I just love a little playsuit, they're comfy but practical and they look so cute in the summer. I love that you can dress them down with bare feet on the beach, or up with high heels for a night out, and you can even wear them in winter with a pair of tights. I actually wore this romper with a pair of tights and a blazer for afternoon tea with the girls last week and loved the outfit. Considering there is snow on the ground as I write this, I may be a bit overly-hopeful that I'll be wearing this with just a denim jacket (pictured - vintage) and bare feet on the beach anytime soon, but a girl can dream! Bring on the summer..
If you've been lusting over any of the clothes in this post, you should check out Tobi for some seriously affordable and really cute outfits. I'll be honest and say over the last few years, I've gone off the high street brands and have actually started to prefer online stores that offer much more budget-friendly but still great quality clothes. I find the clothes are a bit more unique instead of the same copy-cat styles, I'm really loving the more quirky designs, plus the feel that you're not going to walk past people on the street who have the same outfit on as you. Some of my other favourite budget website brands at the moment include Zaful and Romwe, although the delivery does take a while with these brands. What do you think of my fashion post - leave me a comment below with any feedback!
Also - nominations are now open for the Blogosphere Awards and I would LOVE if you would take two seconds out of your day to nominate me if you've loved reading my posts this year. Thank you.
What do you think of these outfits - which is your fave? What are your fave budget fashion brands? Are you loving all the winter knitwear or ready for some summer fashion?
