OOTD | GREY, FLUTE SLEEVES & KOKO COUTURE

I’m grey obsessed, anyone that knows me can tell you this. When it comes to fashion, grey (and black) is the colour of the majority of my wardrobe so it seemed fitting to talk you through how I styled my new favourite grey pieces.

Frills and flute/bell sleeves are everywhere at the moment and it’s a trend I have completely fallen for. Moving on from bell sleeved winter jumpers for the transition into Spring, I’ve picked up a few lovely pieces recently such as this blouse from Topshop. It’s grey of course, with a slight lilac tint which makes it perfect for this season. Unfortunately, this blouse is no longer on their site but I’d urge you to have a look anyway because Topshop are killing it with this trend and there are some very similar tops to purchase! I think I’m even away to add some into my basket after I finish writing this post…

Black jeans are my go-to and it’s unlikely you’ll see me in anything else. I’ve always been a Topshop jeans kind of girl but recently I’ve been trying to move out of my comfort zone and try some from other stores. I found this black distressed pair from New Look and instantly knew I had to have them. Ripped knees is a trend that has been around for a while now but what I love about this particular pair is that they also have ripped hems, which renews the style and brings them straight into ’17.

I’ve gone metallic mad in the last few weeks so these boots were a must-have! They are heeled but I find them incredibly comfy and can walk in them for hours and they jazz up any average outfit. Again, I picked these up from New Look and even better in their sale! There are a few different styles to choose from here so grab them before they run out.

Now for the star of the show – my bag. When it comes to bags, I’d say I was pretty snobbish and would only buy one if it were designer as I was all about the quality. That was until I had the opportunity to try out the Zoe Large Faux Suede Clutch bag in Grey from KoKo Couture. This bag is only £20 and it’s completely changed the way I view bags, which my bank balance is incredibly grateful for! It also comes in White or Tan if those colours are more up your alley.

This bag is perfect for a night out and is large enough that you can fit everything you need in it – purse, phone, keys, makeup – plus plenty room for more. It has a detachable silver chain strap making it versatile for different occasions and metal embellishments on the fold over closure adding a little extra oomph. The quality of the bag seems to be great and for the price I’m insanely happy with it.

If you are after this bag, you can purchase it from KoKo Couture‘s website but what’s even greater is that they are being stocked in Topshop stores so these beautiful bags are now even more accessible, along with more of KoKo Couture‘s line.

Have you ever tried KoKo Couture bags? What do you think of them?

Thanks for reading,

 

OOTD: A Day in the Sun

Last week, Aberdeen actually had some great weather for a change so I had to make the most of it while I could.

Prior, I had worked a draining nine hour shift at work and having started at 5am, all I wanted to do after work was sleep but I’m glad I pushed myself through the tiredness as I had a lovely day catching up with my close friend, Ryan.

We decided to take a walk to a nearby park by the river. We’re so lucky to live close to such a lovely place.

After a long day, I wanted to throw on something quick and comfortable so this is what I chose to wear.

Top – This ribbed high neck top is from Primark. Although I’m not sure of the exact price, I’d say it was roughly £4. An absolute steal! There was a range of colours and is exactly what I need for my summer wardrobe. Cheap pieces like this are perfect for taking on holiday and it won’t matter if you ruin it with suncream.

Jeans – These are cropped Leigh jeans in a light denim  from Topshop. These are a staple for my spring/summer look. They are mid-rise which is not a style I tend to wear anymore but I will never not love these jeans. I have had these for several years so unfortunately Topshop no longer sell this exact pair. However, these are the same style in a slightly different denim. You can pick these up for £38.

Bag – I’ve spoken about this Karl Lagerfeld bag in previous posts. If you want to know where I got it, you can find out here.

Shoes – These slip-ons are from Matalan. . When these came back in fashion last year, I jumped right on board. Did anyone else live in checkerboard slip-on Vans? Throwback to my 15 year old self.  This pair has a crocodile pattern and are very comfortable. Instead of forking out £52 for a pair of Vans, why not pick these up here for only £10. You can also purchase these in a nude pink.  

After a lot of photo taking, we decided to have a little fun cartwheeling and doing handstands. I felt like a kid again. 

…even though I’m not quite as good as I used to be.

The aftermath of a failed handstand

If my spring/summer is anything like my day in the sun with Ryan, then I am in for a great time.

Do you have any spring/summer staples?

Thanks for reading,

 

Motivation Monday

Last week my fitness and health was put on the side line. Due to my demanding work schedule, it was tough finding time to catch up on sleep, household chores and, unfortunately, finding time to head to the gym.

This meant I had one session at the gym the whole week. We focused on legs and I’d say it was one of my best sessions yet.

As usual, I started out with 10 minutes on the treadmill to warm up and completed 5 minutes on the stair-master.

Then we moved onto machines:

LEG PRESS – 3 sets

8 x 85lbs

8 x 100lbs

7 x 115lbs

CALF PRESS – 4 sets

8 x 100lbs

8 x 115lbs

8 x 130lbs

8 x 145lbs

After that we did some weighted squats with a 12kg kettle bell for a couple sets and finished off with an ab routine, which included planks, sit ups, ab bikes and leg raises.

So here is what I wore to my only session of last week. Everything I am wearing was purchased from Sports Direct.

Nike Victory Reversible Sports Bra – £16.99. If you want to see what it looks like, check it out here.

Nike Tank Top – £13.99, also comes in white, pink or royal blue. These tank tops are perfect for throwing on over your sports bra. I find mine incredibly comfortable and its loose fit means it covers any lumps and bumps with ease. It has a muscle back, which is great for wearing with a colourful sports bra to give a pop of colour to your outfit.

Puma Leggings – £23, also come in grey or purple. Aren’t these gorgeous? As soon as I saw these, I knew I had to get them. If I had to describe my favourite colour, it would be this blue. They are full length leggings that have the longest waist band I’ve come across, I’d even go as far as saying they are high-waisted, to provide extreme support. They hold everything in and make you feel great. And last but not least:

Nike Trainers – £44.99. If you want to see exactly what these look like and where you can purchase, check them out here.

It’s Monday again so I won’t dwell on the past. This week will be better in terms of workouts and my eating habits are definitely improving, minus my huge Domino’s pizza last night, but you are allowed a cheat meal, don’t forget that.

I’m heading to the gym tonight so that will set myself up nicely for the rest of the week.

How are you getting on with your fitness routine? Is there any particular fitness posts you like reading by others or any you want me to write? Let me know.

Thanks for reading,

 

May Wishlist

I planned my whole day around taking photos for a blog post on my April Favourites, only to find out my camera battery was flat. Blogger problems? So instead, I thought I would give you a glimpse into the beauty and fashion products that I would love to get my hands on in May.

Let’s just jump straight in:

Gerard Cosmetics Hydra Matte Liquid Lipstick – Iced Mocha, £9.50. Like everyone else, I am a huge fan of matte lipsticks, especially those in liquid form. They are easy to apply and very ‘Kylie Jenner’. They are said to be hydrating on the lips, long-lasting and cruelty free. I have several friends who have a couple of these lipsticks and swear by them so they are definitely something I want to try. The Iced Mocha colour looks right up my street.

theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer Luminizer – £17.50. Again, I have heard such good things about this little beauty. This highlighter appears to something in between my MAC Mineralise Skin Finish (Lightscapade) and BECCA Skin Perfector (Champagne Pop) which is perfect as I would then have a highlighter to cover all bases. This product is said to be highly pigmented and the packing is quirky and fun.

 

Urban Decay Alice Through the Looking Glass Palette – price to be confirmed. When I heard about this launch I was so excited. I am a huge Disney fan so Disney themed make-up is exactly what I need in my collection. In this palette, there are a mix of 20 shimmers and mattes in a whole array of colours ranging from day-to-day colours, such as Dutchess, to fun, out-of-this-world colours such as Hatter. Even the box is fun but I will let you discover that yourselves.

Too Faced Sweetheart Bronzer – Sweet Tea, £22. Too Faced is a brand that I have always wanted to try but the price has always put me off. With a little shimmer, this bronzer looks perfect for summer to make your skin gleam. I like that there are two shades so you can either use them separately or take a large brush and swirl it around the two. I know that Make Up Revolution have a bronzer very similar in style to this so I may try it out instead as it it only £4.99. If you are interested in a bronzer that won’t break the bank, you’ll find it here.

 

Whistles Matte Croc Rivington Clutch – Pale Pink, £85.  I am a handbag fiend and would buy a new handbag every week if I could. I’ve wanted a Whistles clutch for quite a while now and when I saw this one I just knew it could be the one. It is the perfect size to hold all your essentials on a night out while still looking dainty. I mostly wear black, grey and white clothes so I think this nude pink clutch could be exactly what I need to inject a little colour into my look.

ASOS TEMPT Lace Up Heeled Sandals – £30.  Being a little on the shorter side, I’ve been on the hunt for a pair of heeled sandals for my trip to Thailand in June to give me some height. I came across these and I think I will definitely be ordering them. They are black, chunky and incredibly ‘me’. The laced up detailing makes them very on trend too. Even though they are heeled, I think they will be comfy for days where I want to do a little walking but still look fashionable. I’d team these during the day with a pair of denim shorts and a baggy white t-shirt or wear them in the evening with a floaty skirt and camisole.

I had better get saving!

What is on your May Wishlist? Let me know.

SimplyKirsty

 

OOTD | St. Andrews

If I was only allowed to wear one outfit for the rest of my life, this would be it. As soon as it’s dirty, I’ll throw it in the wash and wear it again as soon as possible.

So when my family decided to take a trip to St. Andrews, to visit the university my sister got a place to study at, this was the outfit I had to wear.

If you’ve never been to St. Andrews before, it is a beautiful town in Scotland. It is a small place but there is plenty to do (aquarium, beach, castle, cathedral, botanical gardens, great restaurants and bars to name a few) and caters well for students. While I was here, I took the opportunity to catch up with an old friend who studies here over tea and cakes. We went to the Old Course Museum cafe and it was lovely.

But that is enough about St. Andrews. Let’s talk about fashion.

So here is my go-to outfit. I will wear this for any occasion – from food shopping to going out for drinks with friends. I find it very versatile.

 

I’m wearing:

ASOS Roll Neck Long Sleeved Body – £18. This is probably my favourite part of the whole outfit, even though it is hard to see in this photo. I am obsessed with roll/turtle/high neck tops. I own so many but I find this one is very flattering. It is skin tight so gives you a lovely, feminine shape and is true to size. The neck is tight and that’s no exaggeration. This nearly made me send it back but with a little perseverance – I’d also advice putting this on before make up – it is perfect for wearing with skirts and jeans as you will have no lumps and bumps of material. Also say goodbye to having to keep tucking your top in whenever you stand up. I wish I had these in several colours.

Topshop Boucle A-Line Skirt – £26. Over Winter, all I wore was black skinny jeans but recently I’ve been starting to venture into skirts again. Because I wear a skirt to work, it’s so easy to just slip on a skirt and t-shirt after work to lounge about in. This particular skirt is high-waisted  and along with being A-line helps show off your slim waist and flares out over your stomach, which after all the food I consumed while I was here was beneficial! I purchased a size 6 which is my usual sizing and it fits perfectly which is a nice change as I tend to find skirts are too big for me in the waist and too small over my bum.

Black Leather-look Faux Fur Biker Jacket – £40, currently. This lovely piece is a staple every girl needs. The gold hardware is a win for me as I rarely wear anything else so goes with all my jewellery and bags.  The faux fur collar is also detachable for those times when you want to make your biker ‘more biker’. I chose to go for a size 8, which is a size up but I think this works well because it will be layered over other articles of clothing. If like me you are petite, you may find that the sleeves cover your hands – but honestly, I prefer this as my hands are always cold.

Black Buckle Strap Block Heel Ankle Boots – £15. These are not the exact boots I am wearing but the only difference is that these have a soft finish and are roughly £10 cheaper! These give me a great amount of height and with the thick block heel, I feel comfortable to pop these on for a long day of shopping or a walk around town. The cute gold buckle on the side of each shoe and the gold plate at the back of the heel really finish these off and separate them from other black heeled boots out there. I think it gives the boot a more expensive feel.

Finally I want to talk about my bag. I’ve had this beauty for a few months now and it is exactly what I’ve been looking for.

Karl Lagerfeld Handbag – £220. This bag is a cross body bag that also has a gold chain handle for handheld use. It is the perfect size so stop you from carrying around everything you own but still holds everything you will need – phone, purse, couple make up items, hair brush. This is the main reason I bought this bag. Once again, it has gold hardware, which is right up my street. I plan on doing a What’s In My Bag so I won’t go into much more detail but just know this has been worth splashing out on.

Do you have an outfit that you cannot stop wearing? Would you like to see a What’s in My Bag post? I’d love to know.

Also, to all you students out there – a reminder that all the shops mentioned are featured on UniDays. Don’t forget to get that discount!