Stepping Out Of A Style Rut

Stan Smiths - Stripe Contrast Tee - Outfit 1 - Outfit 2 - Outfit 3 - Black Ankle Boots - Floral Dress - Outfit 4 - Outfit 5 - Outfit 6

So it's officially that time of year where my hair goes AWOL, my skin breaks out (probably all that 4pm chocolate I've been devouring) and I start to feel a bit meh about my wardrobe so instead of sitting in my loungewear binge eating tubs of forgotten chocolate and scanning Net A Porter for what if items (a bit like playing the Right Move game, but cheaper) I decided to focus my fashion obsessive energies on creating a lust worthy collage to ease me out of my I-only-ever-wear-knitwear phase. Now I doubt I'm alone in the jumper wearing club - it's January, it's pretty damn cold and hey I like to be warm but it's nice to mix things up at least one day a week right? Plus who doesn't start looking forward to Spring and the prospect of a bit of sunshine right about now? Hey we've all got to dream.

Whenever I find myself in a bit of a same old, same old fashion groove I head to three places: my favourite blogs, Pinterest and of course, the shops in order to refresh and most importantly reconnect with the type of style I aspire to achieve, my inner fashion inspiration if you will. I'd describe my ultimate style as laid back luxe with a smart edge and that could be in the form of a tailored jacket or a heeled ankle boot. While I love a touch of pattern (that floral Whistles dress will be my Spring Summer jam) I'm quickly realising the items I reach for the most, and the ones that work the hardest in my wardrobe are actually pattern free, 18 year old Hannah would literally be in bits by this revelation. 

With this in mind I've taken a not so fine tooth comb to the looks above and there's three pieces that I'm keen to add to my closet immediately. First up is a pair of taller than your average black ankle boots as championed by my favourite blogger Lizzy Hadfield. I love how these look teamed with straight leg blue jeans to make the most casual of outfits look that little bit polished. Secondly is the white trainer, I can't get enough of Stan Smiths paired with a smart coat to bring a real sense of balance to an ensemble. The final piece on my fashion radar (although I could easily name a few more because we all know I like to shop) is a navy blazer as sported by the serious babe with the most amazing hair in the centre of my collage. As I'm sure you'll have gathered I'm all about the high low mix and I think this, similarly to my camel coat could be an instant wardrobe elevator. Enough said.

How do you take yourself out of a style rut?

How I Style A Midi Skirt

Cropped Cream Round Neck: Topshop
Colourful Crystal Necklace: Zara
Pink Leopard Midi Skirt: Whistles
Simple Nude Sandals: Dune
Grey Faux Fur Bag: Anthropologie
Tortoiseshell Sunglasses: Tom Ford

No you're not experiencing deja vu yesterday Craig, Sadie and I headed off to another one of my school friends weddings, just like last Saturday although this weeks nuptials did include me jumping on a bouncy castle, don't ask. One thing I could easily get used to is getting my hair fixed up every Saturday, oh to be a famous and have an in-house hair stylist, wouldn't that be the life? I always feel like I could conquer the world, should I choose to, when I have fancy hair. Today things are looking decidedly less glamorous as I bring you this post from the chilly depths of my bedroom, I blame my cold. While we're on the subject of weddings can you believe the next one I attend will be my own? Where oh where did I put my wedding planner?

Now don't think I'm blowing my own trumpet but I'm pretty impressed with this ensemble. Why? Well my Whistles skirt is actually a pre-pregnancy number so to be able to wear it (albeit with the zip not entirely to the top) is something I'm feeling good about. Sadly all your pregnancy weight does not drop off once you've given birth, harsh right? Midi skirts can be an awkward one to style but as long as you add a heel, things can start to look a bit frumpy otherwise and a shorter top (this Topshop number was a winner) then you're good to go. As always it's the finishing touches that make or break a look so I wrapped up proceedings with a bejewelled necklace that looks far more expensive than its Zara price tag and a grey faux fur bag which holds a larger proportion of the kitchen sink than you'd imagine. The only thing missing is some arm candy, no I don't mean my other half but a watch or bracelet. After admiring my friend Scarletts Olivia Burton watch and Pandora bracelet combo for weeks I feel it's time to up my wrist accessory game, maybe by adding a leather strap watch to my collection? Watch this space.

Have you ever worn a midi skirt? How do you style yours?

A Summer Wedding

Short Loop Print Shirt Dress: Whistles
Willow Clutch: Mulberry
Tortoiseshell Sunglasses: Tom Ford
Simple Nude Sandals: Dune

It's the afternoon after the night before and you know what? I'm feeling pretty fresh. I've done two lots of washing and I've eaten a pop tart (yes the breakfast snack hated by all parents) - let's just say this not drinking malarkey isn't so bad. Yesterday was the wedding of one my close school friends so in true wedding style we donned our finest and headed to the church with a nearly six week old baby in tow. Sadie was an absolute babe - barely making a peep in church, gurgling and smiling for all to see and enjoying (I think) some serious partying on the dance floor with her daddy #toocute. The day was a dream from start to finish with the newlyweds absolutely nailing those all important details including a mobile crepe van, sandals in a basket for when the heels started hurting, lawn games and presents on each table for the children, not to mention the most idyllic venue, a marquee overlooking the countryside *swoon*.

As a new mum (and one that's breastfeeding) finding a wedding guest outfit that allowed for easy access was a challenge but I must say I'm pretty pleased with my Whistles shirt dress find. With it's carefree, oversized fit and loud leopard print pattern it manages to disguise a multitude of sins whilst looking pretty jazzy. As with all Whistles pieces it wasn't the cheapest but I love how it can be dressed up or down (just add flats and a worn belt) so think it's a great investment piece. Keeping things wedding appropriate I added my nude block heel sandals, ideal for navigating the grassy banks and finished the look with my large Tom Ford sunnies and Willow clutch. A special mention has got to go to my amazing plaited hair do which kept me feeling cool (in both senses of the word) all day long.

Do you rate my Summer wedding ensemble? What's your go to look when it comes to weddings?

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The Wedding Guest

Nude & Blue Lace Dress: Oasis c/o Debenhams
Nude Simple Strap Sandals: Dune
Embellished Box Clutch: River Island

2014 has newly been named the year of the wedding, those church bells haven't stopped chiming this year with the boyf and I attending a grand total of three I do's, definitely a sign we're getting older eek! With a few weddings already in the bag this year I think it's fair to say I've got this dressing for a seriously special occasion business down. For me wedding day dressing is all about the dress (or a super chic jumpsuit) this Three Floor inspired pick came from Oasis for a purse friendly price of £20 (no lie). I adore the mash up of cobalt blue, nude and lace (naturally) which means minimum jewellery is needed, lazy girl dressing at its best. Throw in the fact that the 3/4 sleeves equal no cover up required and how the super flattering cut gives the illusion of a tiny waist and this dress is a real all rounder. Kudos Oasis.

With accessories kept to a minimum, less is more at important events I decided on a pair of simple nude sandals with a block heel, perfect for all day wear and Irish jiving! Completing the ensemble is a pretty embellished box clutch which I'm dubbing the wedding bag, well when else can you get away with just cash, a lipstick and your iPhone? See it in action at my other friends wedding here. No wedding would be complete without my beau who doesn't half look dapper, note the choice of tie to compliment my dress #hesagoodegg. To say it was a Autumnal day the weather (and setting) couldn't have been better for Matt and Ashleighs nuptials and I'm sure you'll all agree my bud looks beautiful, plus how dreamy are those bridesmaid dresses? Our snaps were taken at Ansty Hall in Coventry, the wedding reception venue which was like a scene from Animals in Farthing Wood (nineties child reference) with squirrels and rabbits darting around. Perfect.

Have you found yourself at lots of weddings this year? What's your go to event look?