Outfit: Cape and Leopard Print

"I really want a cape for Christmas?"

"Why would you want a cake?"

"It's so nice and limited edition!"

"What's a limited edition cake?"

"Nooo, a CAPE from River Island!"

"Like with string around your neck?"

The perks of loving both fashion and a boy who doesn't know the difference between a heel and a wedge, a skirt and a skort and a super hero cape to one of the biggest trends this winter. Regardless, I got my wish and tearing at the paper on Christmas day, I revealed the mismatched patchwork pattern and fur trim-oh, Saint Nick you know me so well. 

Whilst my wardrobe consists of the bog standard, popular, statement pieces, I'm also drawn to the slightly obscure, 'friends only tell you they like it because they have to' kind of pieces. Hanging, central on the display, the gorgeous cape literally shouted, "Mollie you need to try me on!" and within seconds, I was wrapped up, stroking the faux fur already allocating it to different outfits from my wardrobe.
Now it is in the sale for £35.00 and with the weather turning that extra bit colder, I highly recommend.

I couldn't resist teaming together an outfit made up of some of my new favourite pieces. I'm not your usual leopard print girl but I fell in love with this gorgeous Topshop crop top, the moment I saw it. Don't get me wrong, it clearly is leopard print but due to the toned down base colour it isn't so in your face. It has a slight high neck (of course)! Teamed with this gorgeous Topshop denim dress that has two pockets on the front and a low back. It is such a brilliant item to have because it can be worn all year round. I love the shade and overall fit.
Of course I couldn't break conventions with my footwear. All welcome another pair of black boots to my wardrobe. I would like to take this moment to justify them: they're suede...simple as. The thing is, you can never have too many pairs of black boots, they go with everything! To complete the look, I accessorized with this gorgeous, three layer dreamcatcher necklace and lovely John Rocha box bag.

Another blog done in my favourite location. It is normally so peaceful and quiet, as though the whole ground is my own personal studio. However on this fine, cold wintry morning I felt slightly over dressed and under-dressed at the same time as I passed numerous people, clearly out for their mid morning walk. Over dressed in the sense, I was wearing heeled boots, strolling in my cape and swinging a handbag in my stride, walking past appropriately dressed people in wellies, hats and gloves. As I carefully placed my feet through the mud, I realised why wellies were a good idea. Under dressed in the sense people looked cold but cosy, I looked uncomfortably cold. My hands bright red to match my nose and abnormally rosy cheeks. Shivering back to the car, it made me think, the outdoors just really isn't for me. Not in the summer, not in the winter, not in the autumn and not in the spring...

Mollie Isabella.

Cape- River Island Was £65 Now £35
Leopard Print Top- Topshop £20
Denim Dress- Topshop £35
Black Boots- New Look £24.99
Dream Catcher Necklace- New Look £7.99
John Rocha Handbag- Debenhams Price Unknown

Inside My Suitcase.

Now that I have worked full time, I can fully appreciate the whole idea of having a 'relaxing' holiday. Spending all day, every day, floating in the blissful pool, escaping into a Gillian Flynn book. There is something so pleasing and satisfying about laying on your back, ears dipped into the water so all sounds are muffled, eyes fixed on the gorgeous clear blue sky, just letting time pass. Of course until, a vicious looking wasp or a strange looking bug the size of a 'bird' dive bombs at your face causing you to splash around in a complete panic, all relaxation lost for those split seconds as you debate whether being abroad is really for you (okay, slightly extreme but I have a huuuuge fear of bugs!)

Dotted around the outside of the villa are gorgeous fuchsia flowers, those trees that look like giant pineapples (as you can tell by my descriptions, I'm not exactly a gardener) mixed with my favourite of all, CACTUSES (or cacti if you would prefer). The perfect scenery for a blog. However, and I am not complaining, the heat was just not right for posing and instead I have resorted to simple outfit pictures to show you the items that I wore, a little insight into my summer wardrobe.

The first outfit is this beautiful cobalt blue dress with a crochet top detail. This was originally from the Christmas collection in H & M, however they restocked it again around spring time, unfortunately for double the price! Paired with my ever so comfy tan sandals, simple gold beaded choker and some over sized red shades for a casual evening look. I love the look of the dress, despite it being such a simple and classic shape, the detailed top makes it a wonderful piece for a night out. Cobalt blue also looks lovely with white, a perfect look for a summer wedding.

 Cobalt Blue Dress-(Originally £12.99, being sold more recently for £24.99) H & M

Red Framed Sunglasses- £5.99 H & M

Gold Beaded Choker- £1.50 (Sale) Matalan

Tan Sandals- £15.99 Forever 21 (SERIOUSLY RECOMMEND)

The next outfit is almost fully Primark and was quite a gamble as I mixed different patterns/textures together. It was far too hot for a short sleeved top, however with tender burnt shoulders it was a must. I love this red crochet crop because it works with so much and these scallop shorts were the perfect material for the heat, allowing the more autumn monochrome look to still work in the summer. These lovely lace up espadrilles, were yet again a wonderfully comfy pair of shoes. Paired with a black crop top and some 'dangly' earrings this was an oddly thrown together outfit, that seemed to work- I hope you think so too! 

Red Crochet Top- Primark £10.00 (SERIOUSLY RECOMMEND)

Monochrome Striped Scallop Shorts- £8.00 Primark

Lace Up Espadrille Sandals- £14.00 Primark

Black Crop Top- £4.99? New Look

Gold Dangly Earrings- £1.50 (SALE) Accessorize

Outfit number three is my favourite of the holiday. It is just so different to what I would normally wear. I mean who has ever seen me in a floaty, midi skirt? No one. Until this very day. This gorgeous leaf print skirt was a BARGAIN from H & M and is such a great length for petite people who still want to wear this length without looking silly. The skirt is the statement piece, therefore accessories were minimal- a simple black cami top, gold metal detailed belt, square black bag and my black laced espadrilles! I am so eager to find this exact skirt in plain black-just think of the possibilities! Thank you H & M for this wonderful creation! 

Leaf Print Midi Skirt- £12.99 H & M (SERIOUSLY RECOMMEND)

Gold Metal Belt- Originally from a dress from River Island! Bonus aye!

Black Square Handbag- £8.00 Primark

Sandals as Above

Black cami, available in almost all clothing shops!

Outfit number four also included a gamble piece, as I went for yet again another midi length piece. The thing is, this piece also included a lot of light shades, something I tend to avoid because of my skin tone. However I instantly fell in love with the relaxed fit and split sides by the legs. It has such a gorgeous pattern on it as well, not the classic summer prints. Teamed with my wonderful white leather gap sandals, it all matched pretty well! I am of course gutted to see the dress in the sale now as I have only worn it once! I really recommend that you try different lengths that you may not usually feel comfortable in. I have been so pleased lately and feel like I have opened a whole new door, roll on my midi length wardrobe, haha. 

Pink Patterned Midi Dress-£19.99 (Now in sale but unsure of price) New Look

White Leather Sandals- £29.95 Gap (SERIOUSLY RECOMMEND)

Clashing patterns is never really something I have done before. However due to the blue element that both pieces have I decided to try it out and I was pleased with the results for outfit number five. This top has gold chain straps and is such a wonderful material. I love the striking pattern. The A line skirt, with popper buttons is a piece that I originally regretted pulling the tag out of. As it sat in my wardrobe I wandered when I would wear it (it is slightly shorter than I would like). It worked so well with the top though, I let the top of my thighs see some sunshine for once! Paired with a simple anchor necklace and my tan shoes to complete the look. 

Blue Floral Top- £5.00 Primark (SERIOUSLY RECOMMEND)

Blue and White Striped A Line Skirt- £17.99 Zara

Tan Sandals- £15.99 Forever 21
Anchor Necklace- From a stall in Spain

It is the return of the fringed maxi skirt that was featured in last years summer blog. It is a piece that I keep falling back in love with each year. I do not tend to keep clothes for years but this is a piece I refuse to throw away. I mean, it might just be me being paranoid but I am sure people stare at me and question what on earth is she wearing but I refuse to care because I love it. Paired with this cute summer hat (which was far too hot to keep on), a simple black cami, the metal belt featured previously and those recurring tan sandals this is one of my favourite holiday looks! 

Sandals as above
Black Cami avaliable in most clothing stores
Belt as mentioned previously
Fringed Skirt- £9.99 (a long while ago) New Look -(SERIOUSLY RECOMMEND)

The final outfit featured on this blog, made me feel rather girly thanks to this white, red and green floral dress. It has a low-ish back and a tie along the top to add some extra detailing. I loved this floral range from H & M and also own the layered crop top in this print. There were so many lovely pieces including a backless jumpsuit and some side split flared trousers! Paired with some striking red lips and this gorgeous green wicker bag, this was a lovely cool evening outfit for the 30-40 degree heat! 

Green Wicker Bag- Purchased from a stall in Spain (SERIOUSLY RECOMMEND)

Floral Dress- £12.99 H & M

If there was something I learnt this holiday in terms of fashion it is to experiment and gamble more and not care what people think. At the end of the day it is you wearing the clothes and feeling comfortable in them-so do it! I really hope you enjoyed this post!

Wear what you want and feel great in it!
Thank-you for reading!

Mollie Isabella

xxxx

Stocking up for Winter...

Fluff, foxes and collarless coats were the vibes I received from shops on my recent outing. Yet again chunky boots have made an appearance alongside a lot of wool-wool blend hats, coats and dresses, meaning this is going to be one cosy Autumn and Winter. I'm glad to see the back of neons and the entrance of the deep, rich, earthy tones. This is the season of sophistication with the added cuteness of winter animals. Layering doesn't just mean a cardigan-layering means the full 'shabang'-think hats, scarves, gloves, jumpers, tops, vests, coats, why be cold when you can have layers? The textures make everything more interesting. The soft velvets and fluffs contrast the rougher wool and sequinned options.

Indeed I have been on a little spree, to stock up on some winter warmers. To make sure that although the weather can be dull, my clothing will not reflect that- to make sure that I am cosy, comfortable and my clothes reflect my love for this time of year.

Blue, baggy zip jumper- £10.00 Primark

Thick fox print tights- £3.00 Primark

Chunky soled, patent shoes- £14.00 Primark

Burgandy, velvet Kimono- £14.00 Primark

Super soft, super skinny jeans- £11.00 Primark

Raccoon print jumper- £12.00

Fox print, over the knee socks- £2.00 Primark

Chunky biker, ankle boots- £24.99 New Look

Collarless, wool blend coat- £49.99 New Look

Deep tartan scarf- £5.00 Primark

As you can see I have got a bit of a variety there, from animal print items to some very staple pieces. The thing is with winter, things come back every year so as long as I don't grow (considering my petite height of 5ft) this shouldn't be a problem. Thank-you very much for viewing my blog today. 

Mollie Isabella

xx

Swimwear Sensation

Here is a little fact for you- my biggest phobia is flying. So as much as luxurious sunshine, cocktails by the pool and sandy beaches sounds divine- I do not look forward to my holiday one bit until I have touched down on the runway. It sounds so ungrateful, I know but to me flying is so in humane.

To get me through the dread I turn the nightmare of going away into an excuse to buy a whole new wardrobe of clothing-those bright neon tops, funky shades and that oversized beach bag. I flick through the stuff I have and realise my swimwear collection is non-existent-time to start the swimwear shopping which is never usually a treat. This year do I dare to bare and wear an itsy bitsy teeny weeny bikini? Or do I get a swimming costume? What about the tankini option?

*breathe*

As I enter River Island I assume that the day is going to be stressful. I'm looking for a swimming costume, something suitable but stylish. As I walk through the store, I spot out the corner of my eye a costume that to me looks like perfection. I hurry over there crossing my fingers, my toes, in fact anything that can be crossed in a hope that they have my size. 

I pick up the swimming costume in a size 8 and glare at it in disgust. I literally couldn't even fit one knocker in there. Size 10 isn't much of an improvement but I take it into the fitting room along with a 12 hopeful that one of them will fit. I always find it hard with a swimming costume. If you’re top heavy and have a tiny waste you have to try and squeeze them in or if you’re blessed with curves but no boobs then you have to hope that they don’t pop out. 

I squeeze into the ten-yeah this isn't going to work. I slip into the 12 and a tear forms in my eye- IT FITS. IT FITS.

I do the wiggle test- it passes. I do the jump test-it passes. I look side on-it passes. I look for hidden features- detachable straps and under wire. I look at the price tag- gulp. £30! £30 for a swimming costume?!

Okay, pull yourself together Mollie. I evaluate the situation. It’s stunning, it passes every test possible and I do have the cash in my purse. Okay, I need no more persuading- SOLD.

So here is the result. It’s a gorgeous white swimming costume with black detailing including a mesh panel around the middle. I have gone against everything I ever believed 1-never wear white in general because I'm too pale 2-never wear a white piece of swimwear due to the fact they’re prone to go see through. 

The black panelling down the side causes this amazing illusion and the under wire and tightening straps offer full support. Putting this swimming costume on made me feel amazing and in my eyes it was definitely worth the (gulp) £30 price tag that was hanging from it. It also comes in a gorgeous bikini version if you prefer a two piece to a one.

Here I've paired with some cute baby pink jelly shoes coming it at only £9.99 from New Look and a pair of black and subtle gold sunglasses from Camden Market priced at £7.50 all that is missing is a beach bag but I'm awaiting to find the perfect one.  

New Look- £9.99

Camden Market £7.50

Okay, so once I get passed the whole flight situation I can not wait to get into this outfit and sunbathe woo!

Thanks for reading, 

Mollie Isabella

Take your pick, casual or dressy

As I sit here staring at a blank screen, it has suddenly become apparent to me what writers block is. As I longingly want to turn my passion into something more than just a couple of saved documents on this old battered laptop I attempt to start writing a blog. Five days later I'm still attempting to kick start a blog. So here I am staring at a blank document again. 

***

As I search through my wardrobe and listen to Bastille’s Bad Blood album for inspiration, a light bulb moment occurs, causing this massive brain wave kind of thing that draws me to the fact I have nothing to wear next Saturday for an evening wedding party (well I'm sure I do have something I could rustle up but seriously it’s an excuse to purchase a new garment-eeeee!) However with only £6.42p to my name it’s looking like I will only be able to afford a new pair of socks-sigh-another light bulb moment, have no fear, tomorrow is pay day meaning I can shop to my heart’s content (within reason).

Below I have selected 5 different pieces from different stores that could really work for an evening wedding party. With questions a brewing in my mind- Will it be casual or smart? What’s the overall feel of the night? What kind of look do I want to go for? I've gone for an approach and picked items that can easily be dressed up or down to ensure they’d work perfectly no matter what the turn out might be. 

Very- £49.00

Fearne Cotton’s clothing range for Very never fails to amaze me. With the unique prints and shapes the items are right up my street-with the option to pay monthly as well, it sounds so appealing. As soon as I came across this magnificent playsuit I fell in love. I couldn't work out whether it was due to the musty grey base colour, the clashing of the burnt orange, the exquisite detail or the relaxed fit-whatever it was it made me want this item immediately. Now the playsuit in itself is a massive statement piece and can be worn either smart or casual-considering I will be on the dance floor I want to go for comfort on my feet and would pair this playsuit with a pair of caged black pumps. However for a more dressy night out, black platforms would turn this classy, gorgeous item into a stop and stare, luxurious piece. At £50 it is quite steep in price but it is gorgeous, so I can compromise. 

Miss Guided- £24.99

Miss Guided this summer is spot on especially with the dresses- there’s every shade of pastel, bursts of neon and style upon style of unique fashion statement dresses that will tailor to your every need. I've had my eye on this dress for ages now-drawn to it due to the bold asymmetric detailing. I cannot wear white due to my skin tone which resembles, let’s put it blankly, milk. White washes me out and this always causes me to go for dark colours. However I want my clothing to reflect the gorgeous bright sunshine that we have surprisingly been getting lately. The length looks respectable and the high neck adds a sophisticated and classy touch. Due to the dress being extremely feminine I would pair with some ‘barely there heels’ either black or white or to clash tie in another pastel colour-mint blue for example. At £24.99 it’s a bargain. 

River Island- £45.00

Jumpsuit + Jade Green = extremely hot. This is a classic item that I could see entering each and every season- imagine a Christmas party, add some sparkle and heels, imagine on holiday with a pair of gladiators and clashing nail polish-worth it, worth it, worth it. The simplistic design allows this outfit to be versatile- minimal jewellery and flats means you can wear it casually. However paired with a chunky gold necklace and some black platform heels and you've transformed the outfit into a whole new look. For the wedding I would mix up both casual and dressy, combing the statement jewellery with a pair of flats-painting my toe nails a bright clashing colour. The outfit is so simple yet smart and with the many ways it can be worn, definitely worth £45.

New Look -£29.99

Here I welcome you to my favourite colour of the moment-mint green which New Look has smashed with the floral sequin embellishment to accompany. The cross over spaghetti straps and the wider opening at the bottom add a feminine feel-no detail is forgotten with this item. Again I have chosen an item that can be put with many other garments- the top in itself is a statement piece, so do what you wish with it, whether you pair with a pencil skirt, smart trousers, jeans or even a maxi skirt for a more relaxed feel. This glamorous item is bang on trend-hitting the pastel shade, cami style and the floral pattern all in one. At £30 it is within my price range; an item that I am definitely interested in buying. 

Pretty Little Thing- £22.00

The final item comes from Prettylittlething.com and is this gorgeous chiffon floral dress which has a racer front, leading to it being tied in a bow at the back. This is a dress that speaks for itself. It doesn't need jewellery to jazz it up. With its classic shape, expensive looking material and on trend floral print this is a dress that is definitely going to get you compliments. If like me you love to wear heeled boots all year round, then this is a dress that would work with them. If not you have endless options, this is a dress that would work with both flats and heels. At £22 you don’t even need to have an excuse to purchase- it is by far great value for money.

So there we have it, my first ever blog and five stunning items that can be both smart and casual.

Thank-you very much for reading. 

Mollie Isabella