h&m | Vanity Claire

ClaireMarch 2, 2014

Outfit of the Day: Topshop Gingham Treggings

Top: Topshop / Treggings: Topshop / Boots: New Look / Hat: H&M / Bag: Primark / Watch: Casio (available via ASOS)

First of all – EWW could my extensions be looking any rattier? Thank the sweet baby Jesus and all of the animals in the manger that Dirty Looks have sent us new extensions to try out (review coming soon!) so hopefully this rattiness can be put to an end.

Secondly – oops, I went to Topshop! I’d had my eye on this pair of checked leggings for the last couple of weeks, but after trying on a few options in the shop I found this pair of treggings to be more flattering due to the thicker material. Also, HELLO, but gingham is so the new tartan anyway. Hair flick.

I also picked up this burnout effect ‘Berlin’ slogan t-shirt. I’m always a bit iffy when it comes to t-shirts; I hate when they have a proper Fruit of the Loom kind of neck on them as I feel like I’m being strangled by my own clothes – but there was something about this loose fitting one that I liked. Also as far as slogan tees go, ‘Berlin’ is pretty non-offensive, and I don’t feel like too much of a fraud because I have in fact been there (lovely place, lots of tall people and sausages).

What do you all think of this outfit? Have you seen anything you like in Topshop lately?

|| Don’t forget that you can follow us on Instagram, Bloglovin’ and Twitter! ||

ClaireJanuary 10, 2014

Outfit of the Day: H&M Crop Top & Split Maxi Skirt

HI GUYS.

It’s Friday afternoon, I’m buzzing for the weekend and nothing can bring me down…apart from the fact I look like an absolute lunatic in these photos pahaha. But ya know, sometimes your face doesn’t behave and your hair looks rubbish. It’s just something that we all have to deal with together, no dramz.

Anywho, this is an outfit I’ve actually worn about a million times in the past few weeks. I bought the top just before Christmas for a night out with my chums back in Cheshire (where we went cow tipping and engaged in other country pursuits). It’s not my usual style, but I’ve come to love the almost-stripey pattern, especially since it scanned as ‘Fancy Jersey Top’ at the checkout. Nothing will lure me in more than something that has the word ‘fancy’ in it. As you may have guessed, this bad boy is from H&M and has become quite the staple in my ‘drobe (Claire has introduced me to layering crops over skater dresses for work and it is brilliant).

I paired my crop top with a new-ish maxi skirt, which is incidentally from H&M too. It’s from their basics range and has a delightful split to the knee – not too saucy but saucy enough to say ‘HEY, we’re not Victorian, look at my ankle and shin’. There’s not too much to say about it other than that, apart from the fact that it is black and is a skirt. Huzzah.

After slinging on my Primark triangle necklace (which I’ve featured on our Instagram account quite a lot.) and my new Primark boots, I was ready to clomp around like a manic with wonky head.

I’m SUPER not happy with my nail varnish though, which is a Kelly Brook ‘matte effect’ one. It’s bloody useless and is no more matte than my shiny nose is right now. It’s more of a textured effect (with what appears to be bits of sand in it) and basically makes it look like a mollusc has done your nails. Thankfully, I didn’t actually buy this (I, erm, found it lurking around my fella’s flat so tactfully robbed it) but be warned – Kelly Brook cannot make nail varnish, no matter who tells you she can.

For anyone who is interested, my lipstick is Kate Moss for Rimmel in shade 16. It’s rather good and has brilliant pigmentation.

What do you all think about this little outfit?

|| Don’t forget that you can follow us on Instagram, Bloglovin’ and Twitter! ||

ClaireDecember 28, 2013

Outfit of the Day: Oh My Love Playsuit

Playsuit: Oh My Love via ASOS / Leather Jacket: H&M / Shoess: eBay

Hey there sexies! Just a quick OOTD to show you what I wore for a night out on Boxing Day.

It’s one of those outfits that looking back on, I’m not 100% happy with; while I LOVE the digital print of the playsuit, I think the shorts cut me at a bad angle and length, leading to a bit too much chunky thigh on show. It’s still a beaut playsuit though, and the elasticated waistband was MUCH appreciated after a few days of Christmas bingeing (potentially also to blame for the chunky thigh).

Rings: Primark and eBay

I had my hair in rollers for about four hours to achieve the bouncetacular ‘do that you see here, and about sixteen layers of St Moriz finished off the look by making me look nice and brown, like a coffee table.

What do you all think of this outfit?

|| Don’t forget that you can follow us on Instagram, Bloglovin’ and Twitter! ||

ClaireNovember 26, 2013

Outfit of the Day: Shearling Denim Jacket

Denim Aviator Jacket: eBay / Skater Dress: H&M / Wool Tights: Primark / Boots: New Look / Cross: Primark / Ring: Primark

Hey chicas! It occurred to me that I never really show any coats or jackets in my OOTDs, which is because I generally regard them to be a massive pain in the arse and cumbersome and outfit/life ruiners. But. I do like this jacket, so I thought I’d show it for once.

I bought it at the start of the year for around £15 from an eBay seller who had a job lot of them. It’s actually made by Denim Co, which is the brand behind Primark denim, so I’m not sure whether it was ever actually sold in store. It’s the warmest, cosiest thing in the world though, and I don’t even mind the fact that it makes me look bulky. Now that’s true love right there.

Kimono: Primark

Of course we’re all layering now it’s getting into chilly willy time, so this beaut kimono was worn underneath. I featured this in a Primark haul a few months back and I wear it more than is probably socially acceptable.

What do you all think of this outfit?

|| Don’t forget that you can follow us on Instagram, Bloglovin’ and Twitter! ||

ClaireNovember 20, 2013

Outfit of the Day: How to Wear the Casual Jumpsuit

Jumpsuit: H&M (old) / Cardigan: Primark / Chain: eBay / Shoes: Primark

Okay, so you know how basically winter comes around and we all just wish we could wear our onesies to work? Well I have cracked how to do this without receiving a disciplinary – a jumpsuit! Of course this is only really a useful tip if you own this exact jumpsuit, which I bought from H&M about two years ago, and I accept that the chances of this are unlikely. Sorry then, can’t help you there.

I can brag, however, that this was one of my comfiest days at work in a long while. The jumpsuit is a loose fitting cotton material – so not exactly as warm as a onesie, but with the help of my current favey Primark cardigan, the chills were kept at bay. I’ve had these gold studded pumps around 18 months now but I still see them popping up in haul posts sometimes, so I think they’re the sort of Primark wonder that sometimes re-appear in store.

Oh, and these photos also give you a little update of the current state of Operation Grey Hair. As you can see, a wee ~~disaster~~ mishap occurred where I accidentally dyed quite a bit of my hair purple. However, I think this just adds character. Yep. That’s what I’m saying.

What do you think of this OOTD?

|| Don’t forget that you can follow us on Instagram, Bloglovin’ and Twitter! ||

ClaireNovember 17, 2013

Outfit of the Day: H&M Galaxy Print Leggings & Oversized Tee

Hello earthlings,

After singing ‘I’m a space man, look at my space trousers’ for the past couple of days, I thought I’d share with y’all my new favourite space leggings. Looking like a planet (but hopefully not the size of one) is my new fave hobby, probably because there’s nothing more satisfying than saying things like ‘Oh no, I have just Saturn my lunch, I don’t know how I am going to get these sandwiches stains off of my space leggings’.

I bought these bad boys when I had a half day off work a few weeks ago. My day of fun was brilliant and if you were in Birmingham that day, you would have seen me running around like a shopping-crazed fool. I spent ages looking for these leggings and finally found them in H&M (anybody else finding everything in there brilliant lately? Nevermind Isabel Marant!). If I recall they were around £6, which is absolutely a-mah-zing and cheap.

I teamed my galaxy print leggings with an oversized black tshirt/dress type thing that has some excellent beaded embellishment on the shoulders, my trusty F&F boots and my beloved Topshop fur coat. Jewellery-wise, I kept it pretty simple with a silver chain that I’m pretty sure I robbed from my mum and a silver leaf ring from Topshop. I’m wearing Rimmel’s Lasting Finish in Your Majesty (sounds about right, AM I RIGHT?! Probs not).

I’m not sure why I look so simple facially, but unfortunately it was one of those days where my brain most likely fell out. It is happening a lot these days and I seem to have developed a stutter. I think I must be blocking out some kind of trauma. Potentially when Claire decided to sing me her ‘Bye Bye Bye’ *Nsync remix.

ANYWHOO. What do you all think of these galaxy print leggings? For £6 it’s genuinely rude not to. And also, think of all the space related talk you can have with people (although try and avoid things about the milky way, it just sounds creepy).

|| Don’t forget that you can follow us on Instagram, Bloglovin’ and Twitter! ||

ClaireNovember 16, 2013

Outfit of the Day: Mirror Edition #2

Merry Saturday, one and all! So, anyone who gives a tiny poo (i.e. probably nobody) may have noticed that I’ve been somewhat absent from the OOTD hype as of late. This is partly due to some technical problems at Stylingo HQ in the form of our camera finally biting the dust, and what can only be described as personality problems on my part as I’m too lazy to take photos at work.

But, just in case anybody is really curious about what I’ve been wearing recently, here are a few mirror snaps that I’ve uploaded to our Instagram account:
Black Dress – H&M / Kimono – Missguided / Rose Gold Cross – Primark / Brogues – New Look / Bag – Marc B

Remember when I said that I have a tendency to overload on black during the autumn and winter months? Well here is a prime example of me doing so. The lace kimono from Missguided is still one of my favourite items after I first wore it to the Bullring Ten event, and teamed with a simple black dress (which you can’t see at all, but is fitted and has a high mesh neckline) it’s the perfect way to pretty up an outfit. The Marc B bag that I got for my birthday this year is also still a firm fave of mine and rarely leaves the nook of my arm.

Leotard – Primark / Jeggings – Topshop

I’ve had this leotard for probably around two years now but have just brought it out of hibernation again after realising I still love it quite a lot. Worn with my Topshop jeggings it created quite a fun casual outfit – though I still wore this for work, God help me if I ever work in a strict office.

Dress – Topshop / Blazer – eBay / Silver Cross – Primark

This is definitely one of my more work-appropriate outfits, even with the paint-splattered effect of the dress. This dress is a really loose fitting swing dress that is a bit swampy on its own, so the addition of the cropped waterfall blazer (which I also have in mint, so keen I am for it) makes it a bit more fitted. I accessorised with my trusty silver cross, and seemingly some trampy hair bobbles on my wrist, which I always accidentally leave on (but I think they may become super fashionable soon, so it’s fine).

Crop Jumper – Topshop (old) / Skater Dress – Topshop / Necklace – eBay / Nails – Barry M ‘Duchess’

I actually tried to get proper OOTD pictures in this outfit the other day, but the winds were somewhat… shall we say whirlwind-esque? .. so I looked a state in all of them. Layering jumpers over dresses and playsuits is something I definitely plan to do more of this winter, and this cropped Topshop jumper that I’ve had for a couple of years is perfect for it. I’m still loving the Barry M nail polish from the Royal Glitter collection (I reviewed it in full here if you fancy a read) and tend to keep my jewellery quite minimal where I’m wearing it.

What do you think of these outfits? Do you have a favourite?

|| Don’t forget that you can follow us on Instagram, Bloglovin’ and Twitter ||

ClaireNovember 11, 2013

Style and Sweat: The Most Fashionable Gym Clothes

We all know that staying motivated at the gym is one of the biggest obstacles to getting and keeping fit – well that, and photographs of the ridiculously fit Lucy Meck, which personally just send me reaching for the cake in a fit of depression

This is a completely girly thing to say, but one thing that makes me actually want to go to the gym is having nice gym clothes. And yes, by nice I mean somewhat ridiculous and garish.

I’ve been scouring the web for the most unique, fashionable gymwear around and here are my favourite picks…

Trainers

Adidas / Nike / Nike

I used to have a friend who would wear ballet pumps to the gym. Ballet pumps. This would frustrate me beyond belief – as would the fact that she would proceed to take the slowest stroll ever on the treadmill while playing on her phone. Needless to say, I didn’t stay friends with such a ridiculous person.

Proper trainers are an absolute must at the gym to get the most from your cardio workout, and there are endless fun styles and colours to choose from. Trusty sports brand favourites Nike and Adidas are the ones to go for this in my opinion; and those peach ones actually make me want to weep little tears of happiness.

Leggings & Shorts

Sweaty Betty / Sweaty Betty / Nike / Adidas

I find jogging bottoms too hot to wear at the gym, so prefer leggings or (if I’m feeling brave and have bothered to shave my legs) shorts. I’ve recently discovered the website Sweaty Betty, which specialises in women’s activewear and have some really fun prints and patterns. It’s definitely out of my price range – those stardust leggings, for example, will set you back £65 – but oh, so pretty.

Vests & Sports Bras

H&M / Nike via Sports Direct / Adidas

I’ve got to confess, I wouldn’t actually wear just a sports bra to the gym. I know plenty of girls do, and to those girls I say ‘why must you parade your perfect stomachs in front of me while I’m sweating away like a hog?’ If I had one of those perfect stomachs though, then I admit I’d be tempted.

Brightly coloured sports bras still look great when worn under normal vests though, and Nike and Adidas have loads of pinks, purples and blues for you to choose from. My current fave for fun gym tops though has to be H&M. Some of their stuff borders on the seriously tacky… but I just kind of love it. This bronze metallic crop is one of the more subtle pieces – in store I’ve seen bright gold, plus heaps of leopard print (which of course I’m planning to buy).

What do you all think of this gymwear wishlist? How do you like to dress at the gym?

ClaireOctober 17, 2013

Outfit of the Day: Winter Pastels & Leather Leggings

Jumper: c/o New Look | Leather-Look Leggings: River Island (old) | Shoes: Converse | Beanie: H&M | Jewellery: Primark

I face many, many challenges as we head into winter, including how to avoid slipping over on the ice when wearing heels and how to go about sneaking my slanket into work with me. The biggest one of all though, is trying to battle my natural instincts to wear nothing but chunky knitwear, leggings and Uggs. My penchant for dark colours also comes out most strongly during the colder months, so if left to my own devices I would most likely be constantly seen solely in big, dark jumpers, as if in mourning for, I dunno, my fashion sense?

I therefore decided that this mint jumper from New Look HAD to be mine if I wanted a fighting chance of keeping some sort of colour in my winter wardrobe. How nice is the colour?! It’s perfect for the winter pastel trend, which I decided to make the most of by also wearing my lilac Converse. The jumper’s an Angora blend, so feels very luxurious, if a tad itchy (it’s the itch of rich people though, so you have to love it). It’s actually quite a slim fitting jumper, so I bought this in a size 16 for a slouchy, oversized feel.

The beanie’s also a new addition to my wardrobe. I can never really decide if I suit hats; I have a weirdly massive head and I think sometimes they emphasize that while making my face look even smaller, like a pea. However, beanies are just too comfy to ignore this winter, and this one cost just £3.99 from H&M so is an absolute bargain. They’re also superb for hiding roots – er, not that that’s why I’m wearing mine… ahem.

I like the mixture of prettiness and grunge in this outfit. Did I just say grunge? Yes, I unfortunately did, let’s just move on with our lives. It’s also ludicrously comfortable and so could perhaps be the sort of outfit to pull me out of my boring routine this autumn/winter.

What do you all think of this outfit? What are your tips for staying stylish in the winter months?

ClaireAugust 31, 2013

Outfit of the Day: Acid Wash Jeans and H&M Pork Pie Hat

GOOD DAY TO YOU DEAR FRIENDS,

This is an outfit I wore to work a couple of days ago and you may have seen Claire’s shocked tweet about my hat wearing adventures. Thankfully we work in an office where we don’t have to dress particularly smart, so outfit choices in the morning can either be tragic (like the day I wore double denim and didn’t straighten my hair) or a bit more fun. I’m putting this into the a bit more fun category and its one that I’m quite pleased with casual-wise. While, I got a few ‘…you’re wearing a hat’ comments throughout the day and one of the guys put it on and looked like a Victorian mill owner, on the whole I AM SOLD ON THE HAT THING. I can’t wait to invest in a few more when Autumn/Winter arrives. View Full Post