Glorious Chic

17.3.17 It's All Down To Individuality... And The Accessories

There's such a difference when it comes to style and fashion. One is broad and refers to a whole industry of clothes, influencer's, brands, designers... the list really could go on forever. However the other is personal and is a reflection of you and how you want to be seen. Style is all about individuality, how you put together the pieces in your wardrobe to reflect the real you. It's all about what you feel most comfortable and yourself in NOT always the latest trends.

We are often quick to jump on the bandwagon of a new trend, simply because everyone else is doing so. But we have to think. Do we even like this trend? Does it represent us an individual? Or are we simply just following the crowd in order to 'fit in' with what's supposedly 'cool' at the time. It's really not so much about the trends anymore and the so call 'must have' pieces but instead it's become about dressing yourself in a way that defines your character and mood.

On this particular day I was feeling a little more expressive, I was in London, meaning I could dress completely myself without feeling self conscious; something I kinda feel in my hometown. Gingham trousers, a white leather jacket, silver space heels and my new and beautiful Koko Kouture bag which to me is KEY to my ideal wardrobe, it's chic and timeless which is what my style is about a lot of the time. Recently I have been a HUGE fan of gingham, in particular tailored gingham, I honestly feel like it's a long lost friend, something that is very me, yet for some reason I don't own a lot of it. But all in all individuality is what makes the outfit, anybody can throw on an outfit, but it's how you make it your own that speaks confidence and personality. This isn't something I always knew how to do, because truthfully time has taught me that I should be confident in what I wear, how I go about styling myself and showing people the person I am deep down... the crazy, bubbly girl who likes to appear slightly introverted in the way that she dresses yet stand out in a subtle way.

'It takes nothing to join the crowd. It takes everything to stand alone.'

I used to FOREVER seek validation from people, sometimes a little too much. I'd ask my friends and family of their opinions on my style 'Do you like this top?' 'Does this go together?'... often forgetting that the only validation I really needed was from myself. I think we are quick to put something down if others don't like it, or quick to hide away behind clothes that don't really define our true sense of style, just because it's not everyone's cup of tea, instead of putting on what the heck we want and feeling good about it.

'Don't wait for others approval. If you think something is beautiful, say it out loud.'

I've learnt that there's really no need to feel stupid if you don't like what others love, because diversity and individuality is beautiful and shows a strong person deep down. Accessorise your outfits with the pieces that you feel most yourself in, the Koko Kouture bag that you have fallen head over heels for, the heels that you don't want to take off your feet and be confident that you have the choice to choose the individual that you want to be.

What I'm Wearing:

Trousers: Zara *similar

Top: Zara

Jacket: Zara

Bag: Koko Couture

Shoes: Primark
Necklaces: H&M

Caitlin x

My Love For The City

I've forever been a fan of big cities. The type of cities that truly never sleep. The type of cities that have charisma and hidden depth lying in side streets of untouched buildings and quirky shops that speak a thousand words to the lost minds. I've always been a little bit of a lost mind, not in the sense that I am clueless of my surroundings bus instead the idea that I really don't know where I am meant to be, or what I am meant to be doing. I'm lost in the sense that I am unsure of what life has planned for me, I'm searching for what It is I want to do, where it is I want to be and for some reason in amongst feeling like this the city speaks to me in ways that I never even thought was possible.

“For those who are lost, there will always be cities that feel like home.”

You're heading down a busy street, let's say you're in Notting Hill. Every couple of blocks there are side streets with beautiful town houses stretching a couple of yards back before you find yet another side street of similar houses, and fancy cars. The side streets are quieter, less touristy yet they feel more like the true city than any of the main streets and main attractions. They have personality, they have quirk and you find yourself getting deeper and deeper into them. You're lost yet you aren't. You're in a neighbourhood you've never been in before, yet for some strange reason it feels like home, you feel safe in it and you feel like you can truly be yourself in it, maybe even more so than your actual hometown.

The thing with big cities to me is that they allow you to be diverse, they allow you to choose each day the person you want to be. You feel less judged when you are in the city, you feel like complete strangers are more friendly than half the people are where you live. You can dress up, and change styles each day. One day you want to go crazy and pattern clash and colour block, the next day you want to channel your inner rock chick; leather biker jacket, graphic tee and frizzy hair you attempted to tame in the morning. You can be the real you in a city, you don't have to attempt to hide who you are in order to fit in, because the truth is no two people are the same in the city, people behave less like sheep and more like individuals, they feel accepted, like they belong.

I've never been a fan of where I live, there isn't much to do, or much to see. I want to live in a city that has endless possibilities, where each day can look different from the last, where there is so much to do that you really can't get tired of exploring hidden gems and unique cafes and shops that you just can't find anywhere else. You can wonder round on your own, sit in a cafe and do some work while watching the hustle and bustle of the outside world passing right in front of your eyes, you can watch the people go about their day, no two the same. You can sit and be in complete awe at the fact that you are at one with the city and with life itself!

What I'm Wearing:

Skirt: Asos

T-Shirt: Urban Outfitters

Jacket: Mango *similar

Bag: Zara *similar

Boots: Office *similar

Caitlin x

Photos by Faye Fearon: Instagram/ Twitter /Website

The LFW Street Style Edition: AW17

All photos taken by me.

Street style has been an obsession of mine for a while now, and something I've previously talked about on the blog here and here. There has always been something about it that appeals to me so much; seeing the personal styles of the off duty models, bloggers and fashion elite somehow fills our head with sartorial inspiration that is enough to last us till the next fashion week. As much as I adore watching clips from some of the big runways, there has always been something about street style that seems more intimate and relatable. It's the chance to actually celebrate some of best dressed women and men around the country and to see the trends that are set to arise in the next few months.

For me, heading down to London to shoot street style for the first time ever was pretty crazy to say the least. Running along side some of the top photographers trying to get the perfect street style shot as well as getting up close and personal to some of my favourite women in fashion. There were so many perfect transitional outfits this year, with practical pieces styled against OTT prints and colour schemes (which I loved!) Some of my favourite styles included mustard yellow outfits toughened up with black mesh or leather, belted dresses and mini bags, statement graphic hoodies, PVC detailing, corset belts, white cowboy boots and the red and denim dream combination.

So, here are my favourite looks from the streets of LFW...