A Berry Daze

Berry Bobble Beanie: Primark
Tapestry Print Pull Over: & Other Stories
Denim Shirt: Paul Smith
Leather Look Skinny Jeans: River Island
Burgundy Ankle Boots: Schuh
Balenciaga Bag

How has it been ten whole days since my last post? *Slaps self on wrist*. These past few days have been a right ol' mixed bag, at first I didn't feel up to blogging due to a few personal issues and then when I decided to get back on the horse my MacBook refused to turn on! Life lesson? Water and laptops don't mix, even if said spillage happened way back in September - I'm now the proud parent of a new MacBook Air, she's a babe who will not be gallivanting anywhere near liquids. Life hasn't been all doom and gloom though, my bathroom is finally complete and I spent Wednesday down in London with my best friend and beau (he's a good egg) watching the laugh out loud Book of Mormon and participating in a teeny amount of shopping, well it'd be rude not to. Not forgetting the huge spree I went on last weekend in Leeds with Gemma...oops! Taking a short blogging break has made me realise just how much I love my little space on the Internet and that sometimes it's ok if life takes over, this must be the first time I've not blogged in a while and not beat myself up about it.

These snaps were taken just a couple of weekends ago when we actually had some sunshine, now it's just the weather that ducks enjoy. Does anyone else feel the need to eat warm stews and veg in their pyjamas when it's like this? One downside to no longer living with the rents is not having daily access to their rather dreamy gardens, don't they just make the most pretty backdrop? Beanies have become a wardrobe staple for me recently, they're perfect for keeping your noggin' snug in these chilly temperatures or for disguising a bad, I-refuse-to-behave hair day. This outfit is the epitome of dressed down Hannah, it's a pretty relaxed ensemble while still being a little fash' and that's largely down to my statement jumper which I picked up from & Other Stories just before Christmas - thrown together with the boys denim shirt I'm just a little bit in love with this get up and the mix of textures. The one component I couldn't live without? My leather look skinnys, I'm actually thinking of getting my mitts on another pair because I wear them so much. River Island, you did good.

What's your go to weekend outfit? Do you enjoy sporting cosy headwear?

Llamas & A Pony

Grey Embellished Llama Jumper: J Crew via Net A Porter
Faux Leather A Line Skirt: Oasis
Burgundy Ankle Boots: Schuh
Reindeer Scarf: Asda
Studded Sleeve Coat: Zara
Balenciaga Bag

I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to my hair (low maintenance can be defined as a messy bun and a pony are the only styles in my repertoire) and I'm ok with that. Life's too short to focus on my poor hair styling skills especially as I've always been a wash and go kinda gal so when there's a picture of me without my hair flowing free it's worth documenting, right? Sometimes a girl has got to rock a pony and who wouldn't want to throw a bunch of llamas into the mix at the same time? After staring longingly at my wish list admiring another animal inspired knit I was thrilled to find this under the Christmas tree. J Crew, you know how to make a good jumper.

Another item making it's blog debut is my newly purchased faux leather a line skirt from the masters of skirts, Oasis. Those guys know how to cut a skirt for a gal who's all legs and bum, unlike team Topshop who think it's ok for my butt to hang out (unless it's from the tall section) and nobody wants to see that! This is my third acquisition from Oasis in the last few months and I must say I'm impressed, especially since I've been on the hunt for a well fitting leather look skirt for what feels like forever. Get ready to see this cheeky zipped number make many appearances on Cagney and Lace.

Today Craig and I are making a trip to John Lewis to do some homeware research and possibly make a few purchases. It's crazy to think that this time tomorrow we'll be on a road trip to London (yay baby) to wave goodbye to 2013 and say a huge hello to 2014, I know everyone says this but it doesn't seem like two minutes ago since we welcomed 2013 - I can't wait to catch up with friends and watch the fireworks in Hampstead Heath. 2013 has been a real mixed bag for me but I'm going into the New Year with excitement and hope that it'll be one of the best years yet. Who's with me?

Are you a dab hand at hair styling or a bit of a novice like me? Will you be greeting 2014 with open arms?

The Joy Of Living Jumper

Joie De Vivre Jumper: Whistles
Tartan Scarf: Primark
Leather Look Skinny Jeans: River Island
Balenciaga Bag
Burgundy Ankle Boots: Schuh
Fur Collar Jacket: Warehouse
Blue Bobble Hat: GAP
Kez: Models Own

They say a picture is worth a thousand words but how about one that features a cheeky French phrased pull over? Now there's a question for you. 

When it comes to Whistles I'm the girl who is constantly eyeing up pieces online but only ever hovering over the checkout button so let's just say dreams came true when I saw a tweet offering 20% discount and a donation to Shelter, who doesn't want to shop for charity? This Joie De Vivre sweater has barely left my person since it arrived in the post and with good reason - I don't think there's a more fitting expression to sum up my outlook on life, I'm definitely a glass half full kinda gal in case you were wondering.

Hats, once the accessory of choice to keep bad hair days at bay my recently acquired bobble hat rarely leaves my noggin whether I'm having a questionable hair moment or not. It's beyond cosy, the little furry bobble is uber soft and it's ice blue making a nice change from all those typical Wintery shades. I seem to be having a bit of thing for ice blue right now, have you seen this bag which has found its way onto my Christmas list? I promise I've been good this year Father Christmas...

The final newbies to step up and be counted are my naughtily purchased, burgundy ankle boots aptly named YOLO. I don't usually venture into Schuh for footwear but after seeing the gorgeous Faye chat away about these very boots in black I just had to investigate. A quick stop in town later along with some fantastic customer service from team Schuh and I had a pair waiting at another store with my name on. I've never been one for buying sensible black goes-with-everything footwear so these burgundy babies are my interpretation of a smart purchase.

This get up served me well last Sunday as Craig and I went Christmas tree shopping which is actually a tougher task than I thought it would be, who'd of known there'd be so many different types of festive tree to choose from? After a near mishap with the decorations (let's just say moving house with Christmas decs is not the one) we finally trimmed the tree much to Kezs delight who decided to lick most of the lower baubles. Kez your secret is out, sorry pal.

What's been keeping you snuggly this Winter? Do you dig Whistles as much as me?

Lumberjack Love

Red Tartan Oversized Shirt: Zara
Grey Angora Jumper: GAP
Faux Fur Tippet: H&M
Leather Look Skinny Jeans: River Island
Balenciaga Bag
Shearling High Top Trainers: Converse c/o John Lewis*

If I sat and dreamt about the perfect cosy, Autumn meets Winter outfit it wouldn't be a far cry from this ensemble - although the colour palette is muted the combination of textures from angora to leather, shearling to flannelette and even a dashing of faux fur just makes it. This outfit couldn't be more off duty Hannah if it tried and although it's some what thrown together I heart how it gives a cheeky nod to this seasons dominant trends. We should also acknowledge a moment of silence for the poor fallen tree in my parentals garden, even if it does make a fitting background. Damn you storm!

My oversized, looks-like-it-could-be-borrowed-from-the-boyfriend shirt is a new find which I spied in Zara just a few weeks ago when I visited the newly relaunched store in Manchester. No purchases could be made on the press morning so snaps for my mum who recalled my swoons and turned up at my place of residence with this baby. Under this lumberjack style number is my new favourite angora jumper from GAP, a shop which I haven't frequented since my part time working days - the staff discount was pretty awesome so it pains me to buy anything at full price so big love to Grazia for offering readers a 30% discount. This is literally the softest jumper I own and I'm now craving the mint shade too.

John Lewis are my go-to store for all things home related and have you seen their Christmas department? Dreamy. That said I rarely peruse their fashion offering so you can imagine my surprise when the lovely Hannah got in touch asking if I'd like pair of Converse from their rather lux selection. My first thoughts, John Lewis do Converse? After umming and ahhing for days I finally decided on this grey leather and shearling pair* which are beyond comfortable and can only be likened to wearing a pair of slippers outdoors. Winning!

Do you enjoy clashing colours or mixing textures? What do you think of my new kicks?

If you love Origins don't forget to check out my thank you giveaway here. You've got to be in it, to win it!

*My new Converse trainers were kindly sent to me by John Lewis, all thoughts my own.

Disney Meets Camo

Bambi Jumper, Black Patent Brogues, Cosy Tights & Jewelled Necklace: Primark
Berry Knit Scarf: Missoni from mywardrobe.com
Camo Print Skirt: Topshop
Balenciaga Bag 

I'll let you all into a little secret - Bambi is the most heartbreaking Disney film around and as such I've only ever watched it once (yes once) and let me tell you that was one traumatic, heart wrenching experience. That said Bambi himself is a seriously cute character so when I heard rumours that Primark had taken inspiration from Givenchy, producing their own version of that sweatshirt I had to get my glove-wearing mitts on one. After a couple of fruitless Primark trips I was thankful for one rummaging extraordinaire by the name of Scarlett (thanks bud) who managed to track me one down in record timing.

Sweatshirts with animal prints are one of my go-to pieces so instead of teaming this with a simpler bottom half I decided to go full on and introduce some camo into the mix, Disney meet Camo. You may remember my camo skirt from such posts as this, snaps for you if you got the Simpsons reference. As darling as this would look with a plain angora knit it looks equally as sweet with my Bambi sweater don't you think? Keeping accessories in a similar colour palette I opted for a mixture of textures and tones adding black patent brogues, a chunky knit *whispers* Missoni scarf and a jewel statement necklace to bring that extra pizazz. Not ignoring my moss green carries-all Balenciaga bag - now all I need is someone to throw a bucket full of russet leaves onto the ground for extra Autumnal kudos.

This weekend is already a goodie as after working a ten day run I've been treated to a four day weekend, hell to the yes. Yesterday I crossed the Pennines with my mum to visit the newly improved, swoon-worthy Zara in Manchester which quickly made me doubt my entire wardrobe and wonder why it can't be entirely replaced with Zara garms. Today I've been catching up on household chores, drinking cups of tea in bed and chowing down at Fancie with my pal Lauren and tomorrow? Well I'm off to see Jake Bugg and have a night on the tiles with three of my faves. Watch out Doncaster, here we come.

What do you make of my Bambi sweater? Do you adore mixing textures in the Autumn Winter season?

The Tartan Pyjama Party

Black Chiffon & Cotton Tee: H&M
Gold Band Necklace: Warehouse
Wide Leg Tartan Trousers: Zara
Black Slipper Style Shoes: Topshop
Black Ceramic Watch: Michael Kors
Balenciaga Bag

Sunday evening you cheeky minx, where did you creep up from? This weekend has been a goodie - I've enjoyed wedding dress shopping and purchasing with my future sister in law (you look dreamy Em), burger eating and Gerard Butler watching with my fave and organising shelves in chez Hannah and Craig - cottage you're looking damn fine. I'm now putting finger tips to MacBook after devouring the boyfs lovingly created Sunday roast, he's not just a pretty face ladies. Not only am I likely to develop a food baby this eve but I'm planning on being glued to the television for the return of Homeland, best show ever.

Todays outfit is proof that I dress for myself, and myself alone after having a few giggles this morning when the boy thought I was genuinely going outside in my pyjama bottoms! These babies may be man repelling but hey, they're beyond comfortable, give a huge nod to the tartan trend and feel so silky. I actually bought these trousers back in August but haven't got round to wearing them until now - in all honesty I think that's down to not knowing which shoes to wear and although I still don't think these slipper style shoes are the one it's all part of the fashion fun, I think these wide legged creatures would look much better with a simple block heel. For organising at home and running errands I chose to complete the ensemble with a simple black tee, which feels much more expensive than it's £7.99 price tag with it's sheer front and cotton back. Finishing touches come in the shape of an old faithful, my gold band necklace and not forgetting my moss green Balenciaga bag which is perfection for the Autumn Winter season, non?

A notable mention has got to go to todays lipstick which is one of the new Colour Crush beauties from Body Shop in shade 115* - not only is this red absolutely stunning but the finish and feel of this lipstick is second to none, no drying or smudging need apply.

What item in your wardrobe is your man repeller of choice? Do you have a penchant for tartan?

*PR Sample, all thoughts and opinions my own.

It's A Pugs Life

Pug Print Skater Dress: ASOS
Beyond Bed-Head Hair: Models Own
Python Jazz Shoes: Just Ballerina from mywardrobe.com
Black Ceramic Watch: Michael Kors
Embellished Bracelet: A Kefalonian Find
Balenciaga Bag

So I may be a tad late to the pug party but I'm pleased to announce I've finally arrived, is anyone else just a little into everything and anything with a pug print right now? I think it all started when I spotted that Primark duvet cover and ever since I've been hankering for a piece of clothing with the cutest dog around slapped all over it so kudos to ASOS for making my pug shaped dreams come true. This skater style dress fits like a dream and works just as well with flat jazz shoes and bare legs (as modelled by yours truly) as it will with black opaques and ankle boots come Autumn. 

Although the sun was taking part in these snaps it's been a little hit and miss recently, one moment you're cracking out the calippos and the next it's time to run inside for fear of getting Monica hair because the rain is falling like a woman possessed. For this schizophrenic weather I've been calling upon my beloved jazz shoes to ensure no wet tootsies, is there anything worse? Accessories worthy of a mention include my black ceramic wouldn't-be-without Michael Kors watch and the moss green hunk of leather that is my Balenciaga bag, which is finally making it's first appearance on Cagney & Lace. This old friend is one that I'll be getting seriously reacquainted with this Autumn Winter, isn't she a beaut? 

Yesterday things got a little spendy as I found myself in Meadowhall for a spot of brunchopping (brunch + shopping) with my mum who FYI celebrated her birthday the day after Cagney and Lace turned one. As the original partners-in-shopping-crime one thing lead to another as we found ourselves in Zara, let's just say a few purchases may have gone down...oops! Sundays are my fave and I'm more than excited to devour a roast at the boys parentals, get some more al fresco blogging under my belt and maybe take another trip to the mecca that is John Lewis. Watch out home department, I'm coming.

Are you a pug print obsessive or do animal patterns make you run for the hills?