Monthly Archives: September 2018

Here’s What Happened When I Tried The Socks and Heels Trend…

SOCKS AND HEELS

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Photos by Michaela Efford

There are some trends that you know you love, and some trends that you know you hate. Then there are there are the trends that you think you hate, but you could potentially get on board with. Socks and Heels was one of those autumn winter 2018 trends for me. At first, I couldn’t handle the concept at all, it was too reminiscent of socks and sandals for me. As time went on, I had more and more of you asking me what I thought of the trend, and some of you even wanted to know how I would style it. That’s when I realised, I had to give socks and heels a try. Here’s what happened.

I didn’t totally hate it. Trust me, I was incredibly surprised by this. I realised, like with any trends, there are a few ways to make it work for you and to really elevate it to a new level of chic. So if you’re looking to try the socks and heels trend, or you’ve already discovered you love it and want to up your game, here are three tips for really making this fad, something to rave about:

1. Choose the right pair of socks
Don’t go for your white socks and definitely put the Christmas-esque ones away. If you really want to get a chic high fashion look, go for sheer socks. Think your favourite glittery kind, or sheer with a fun pattern. I opted for my glitter socks, perfect for the autumn winter parties! You could even make this work with fishnet socks. Free People have a fabulous selection of sheer socks that I am currently crushing on and this is something I saw done at New York Fashion week as well!

2. Choose the right pair of heels.
This is so crucial for making this work! As you can see I went for a pair of strappy, open toe shoes. I would avoid wearing closed or pointed toed shoes with a trend like this. Instead, go for open toe and strappy!

3. Keep the rest of your look classic.
If you’re going to really rock a trend like socks and heels, make sure that the rest of your outfit is classic. I went for a chic little black dress, an elegant choice when going for a trend like this one.

So would you give this trend a try? Comment below and let me know!

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Madison on Peddar Black Dress

Prada Heels

& Other Stories Glitter Socks

If you really want to get a chic high fashion look, go for sheer socks.

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Madison on Peddar Black Dress

Prada Heels

& Other Stories Glitter Socks

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What Is A Jade Roller?

THE
JADE ROLLER

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This post contains affiliate links. This means that I make a small commission if you shop through my website. This does not affect the amount you pay at all and all thoughts and opinions remain my own.

Over the past year, the crystal face roller has blown up on the beauty scene. From jade rollers to rose-quartz and amethyst, there’s something for everyone no matter whether you’re battling acne or simply looking to get the good energy flowing. I will admit that at first I simply didn’t understand the hype behind this ancient Chinese remedy but after trying and testing a jade roller for myself, I am a convert. If you’re wondering what is a jade roller exactly, and how do you even use it, then you’ve stumbled across the right page! I’m sharing all the benefits of a crystal face roller and how you should be using it to get the most out of it in your skincare routine. I use the Yu Ling jade roller but I’ve linked to countless options below as well!

WHAT IS A JADE ROLLER?

Jade rollers are a facial beauty tool made of a solid jade crystal. You can also get rose-quartz and amethyst rollers. Jade rollers have been used in beauty routines since the 17th century in China and not only are they said to reduce puffiness and improve circulation but are also used to help cleanse any negativity in your energy. Each crystal roller has different purposes so it’s about finding the best one for you. While Jade is better for contouring and lifting, rose quartz is even more beneficial for soothing tired skin while amethyst is for helping clear the skin from overstress. While I cannot guarantee that your crystal roller will cleanse your aura, I have seen the benefits of using it in my skin care routine.

THE BENEFITS

There are countless benefits to using a jade roller in your skin routine, such as:

Jade rollers are a great way to help your skin absorb the product you are applying every day without any wastage on your hands.

They are great for lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness, and for improving the blood circulation in your skin, allowing for your skin to look fresher.

They work the muscles on your face for a gentle contouring and lift. Of course, the result of this is not instant but over time I started to see some result and change.

The smaller side of the jade roller is perfect for under eye bags and dark circles, helping to rejuvenate tired skin.

An easy way to pamper your skin and get a beautiful glow!

HOW TO USE A JADE ROLLER

The best way to use a jade roller is after you’ve applied your favourite serum in the morning or evening. Roll away from the nose, sending your toxins towards the ends of your face and jawline. Go over the areas of your face with up and down, and side to side motions but always rolling away from the centre of your face. Higher pressure on the upward motion will help to tone muscles over time.

The smaller tip of the jade roller is perfect for under eye circulation. For a real refresh, put your jade roller in the fridge and then use. The cold jade will help to make your skin look even more refreshed.

Always use a jade roller on clean skin after you have cleansed and wash your face. You can clean your jade roller with a baby wipe.

Do you use any crystal face rollers? Leave me a comment below!

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How You Can Wear One Of The Most Trending Pieces for Fall Winter 2018

LEATHER LOOK

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Photos by Alise Jane

When you think of leather shorts, there are a few questions that come to mind. Firstly, how do you wear leather shorts in the autumn and secondly, how do you wear leather shorts casually? If there is anything to take from the autumn winter 2018 trends, it’s that leather dominating the season. Think leather jackets, vinyl skirts and best of all, leather shorts. We saw them come down the runway everywhere, my favourite being the way Saint Laurent styled them for an 80’s boho feel. Today, I’m showing you how to translate this runway trend for your next casual autumn outfit.

The key is to style your leather shorts down. I paired my high waisted Mango leather shorts with an oversized silk blouse. I love how that combination was so reminiscent of the Saint Laurent looks that I love from the runway. A quick note about this silk shirt; its machine washable. Yes, you read that correctly! It’s beautiful quality and you can stick it in the washing machine and wear it as much as you’d like! I got it at Marks & Spencer and like all good purchases, my mom discovered it. Thanks mom!

To really achieve a casual autumn outfit, I finished my outfit with my Saint Laurent bomber jacket. A bomber jacket is a great touch to any look if you’re looking to dress a piece of clothing down for the daytime. It has a fun, sporty feel to it, while still being classic.

If you wanted to dress your leather shorts up for the night, I would pair with an oversized blouse and stilettos with a gorgeous statement red lip to go with.

If you live in India or any other hot country and are looking to style your leather shorts, go for a faux pair like these, and style with a plain white or black t-shirt! Accessorise with layered necklaces and a pair of kitten heels for a classic look.

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Mango High Waisted Leather Shorts

Marks & Spencer Silk Shirt

Saint Laurent Bomber Jacket

Prada Kitten Heels

A bomber jacket is a great touch to any look if you’re looking to dress a piece of clothing down for the daytime.

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Mango High Waisted Leather Shorts

Marks & Spencer Silk Shirt

Saint Laurent Bomber Jacket

Prada Kitten Heels

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A Peek Inside My Shoe Closet: Isabel Marant Cowboy Bootst

COWBOY BOOTS ARE HERE.

If there’s a shoe that’s trending for autumn winter and with the street style crowd its cowboy boots. As the western trend takes over for the season, I’ve found myself embracing cowboy boots like never before. I actually spent a majority of my summer hunting for the perfect pair, from the high street to my favourite designer stores and after searching high and low, trying on all the pairs, comparing fits and so on, I settled on these beauties. My Isabel Marant cowboy boots with the embellished heel are probably my favourite boots in my closet right now.

So, for this month’s sneak peek in my shoe closet, it seemed only fitting to share with you guys why you need these cowboy boots in your life and to share the alternatives I tried on that would have made the cut if I could buy more than one pair!

Quality

The whole point of investing in luxury accessories is the quality. Especially when you’re looking to buy a pair of leather shoes, you want shoes that are durable and that will age well. So far, for wearing these boots every day, I’m really happy with how durable they are. They have minimal scuffing and are still shiny and gorgeous. The leather is ageing well and I like how it bends with my feet.

Design

One of the reasons I went for this pair was the design. I love the embellished heel on these boots and the faint stitching detail on them. They have a very cowboy aesthetic while still being very high fashion. The heels are a total show stopper for me. They are also not super high which means you can wear them with anything!

Comfort

I have wide feet so I was a bit nervous about getting a pair of cowboy boots initially because I felt they would hurt my feet. These were so comfortable and the leather stretches with time giving me enough room to be able to wear these all day, day in and day out. The heel is low which also means they are super comfortable. Literally living in them.

Care

Leather shoes like these are easy to care for but make sure to help your boots retain their shape by stuffing them. I either stuff them with the tissue they came with or I get soft tissue and make little balls and stuff them. I also keep them in their dust bag so that the leather and heels stay in good quality. You can invest in a black leather shoe shine and a leather cream to clean them. A good trick though is to use non-scented lotion to clean your leather shoes.

Comment below with any questions you may have and your request for next month’s shoes!

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My London Fashion Week Diary; September 2018

LFW
SEPTEMBER 2018

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London Fashion Week September 2018 has been my most eventful one yet. This season I found that I was attending more shows and presentations than before and I was so excited to be able to support brands that I genuinely care about! It was amazing as always to see the beautiful collections the designers had put together, identify the trends for the next season (If it’s autumn winter trends for 2018 that you’re after, click here), meet other bloggers and friends who I don’t always get to see and of course admire the amazing street style! I’ve put together a little journal of my experience at London Fashion Week to share not only the amazing highlights but also a few parts that didn’t go according to plan.

Day One

My first LFW event kicked off with one of my favourite designers; Markus Lupfer. I was so excited to be able to attend the Markus Lupfer presentation this year, especially since it’s a brand I love so much. The space had been transformed into a beach dune and the models all wore beautiful sorbet shades. There were beautiful 80’s prints and one of my favourite outfits was a striped co-ord set. I also loved how the models were wearing mismatched earrings and the mix of feminine pieces with masculine hardware was gorgeous!

That evening I attended the Julien Macdonald runway show. The dresses were gorgeous and all so drool worthy and getting to see Winnie Harlow in person was amazing too! She is such a talent! I wore a Kooples Blazer dress and Louis Vuitton combat boots.

I wore an asymmetrical-hemmed white shirt dress from an Indian designer called Deme by Gabriella, with my Saint Laurent varsity jacket and my Prada belt bag. I was so excited to see how many of you loved this look and I’ve linked to my pieces and some similar more affordable options below.

Day Two

So, day two did not go according to plan at all. I

It was the Sunday at London Fashion Week and I had a standing ticket to the Ashish show. I’ve admired Ashish for a long time and I was very excited to finally have the chance to go see his collection first hand. When I arrived to the BFC show space I patiently waited in line to be let into the venue only to see that everyone with a standing allocation was being turned away (after our 45-minute wait!).

At first, I was feeling quite low and embarrassed about it but I quickly realised that I was surrounded by other bloggers and members of the industry who were far more established than I was and they were in the same boat as me. What happened was nothing personal and I was just thankful to be able to be at London Fashion Week at all and to be able to cover these collections for you. I’m sure one day I will be able to attend the Ashish show and we can all celebrate that moment together but till then I am so thankful to be able to attend any shows at all!

Plus, I got some wonderful shots of my outfit. I wore a pink & Other Stories knit with a pink slip skirt. I love the contrast of the knit and the skirt and I of course dressed down the look with a pair of white sneakers. For my accessories, I placed my Chanel bag inside my clear bag from Shop Girl LA.

Day Three

On Day 3, I had a catwalk show for Paul Costelloe. The collection was dreamy as it always is with lots of oversized outfits, beautiful maxi dresses and gorgeous pairings of fitted masculine blazers with flared mini skirts. A few of my favourite looks can be in the slideshow! Also, don’t miss the gorgeous pairing of the fishnet socks with the boots; totally a style trick to try right now!

With all my outfits for London Fashion Week, I wanted to focus more on dressing for myself rather than dressing for any street style photographers. I always find that everyone can see when you’re uncomfortable in what you’re wearing and there’s so much more to be said for being comfortable and confident in your own style! I was so glad that I decided to do that because I felt great in all my outfits!

To this show, I wore a ribbed white knit with pleated white trousers, my Dior embroidered flats, my Prada belt bag and a plaid blazer. Yes, I did wear the same bag to fashion week, twice, but I did style it in two different ways!

Me and my dear friend Kim (@kimboutyang)

Day Four

My last and final day of London fashion week kicked off with a show at the BFC Showspace for Roberta Einer. I love her collection with it’s use of colour and embroidery and I particularly love her styling. One of my favourite looks was a printed hoodie paired with a slit skirt; the contrast was fabulous.

My final presentation was with Rixo London! It was their first time showing at LFW and I was so excited to be a part of this fantastic moment for the brand. Their new prints are actually available to shop on Net-A-Porter next week and I loved the diversity of models. One pair of models was actually a mother daughter duo!

I wore a cropped Zara blazer which I paired with my favourite maje pleated skirt. I always love to create contrasts between masculine and feminine pieces. This look also had a lot of details in it, including the hair clips in my hair!

With my cutie @chiarasatelier

What was your favourite part of LFW? Comment below!

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The Luxury Edit: The Designer Pieces Worth Investing in This September

What To Invest In This Month…

It’s the fashion pack’s favourite month; September, otherwise known as fashion month! Why? Because the four major fashion weeks of the year (We’ve just wrapped up London Fashion week and are moving on to Milan Fashion week now! Stay tuned for my London Fashion Week Diary!) are all going down and the trends for spring summer 2019 are about to be determined. Now, that’s still month’s away and instead, it’s time to see how you can update your wardrobe for autumn winter 2018. Trends’s come and go, but as Coco Chanel has always pointed out, style is eternal. With that being said, let’s make that if you’re ready to splurge post-pay-day this month, it’s on pieces that are exactly that; eternal.

As always, I believe that your luxury items should be classics, the pieces that are going to last you a lifetime and beyond. This month, I think your wardrobe needs that autumn update with a pair of boots no shoe closet is complete without, a jacket that if you haven’t invested in already you need to, and so much more. Scroll for September’s top picks!

NANUSHKA CROC EFFECT BELT BAG

I love that this is croc effect; it look super luxurious and it’s a look that will never go out of style.

I also love that it allows you to be hands free, and it can be styled in so many different ways. This is a luxury investment that will just keep giving.

Remember, if you can only invest in one luxury area, accessories is your way to go!

Get It Here

APC CLASSIC DENIM MINI SKIRT

I am obsessing over the fact that this piece is under £100. Yes you read that bit correctly, a luxury item that is under £100.

You can’t have a complete capsule wardrobe without a denim mini skirt. This particular shade of denim is also timeless and will stop your outfits from looking “too high street” and will instead make them look more refined.

Plus good denim lasts forever so you know it’s going to pay off in cost per wear.

Get It Here

STAUD WOOL BLEND SWEATER

Another luxury item that is more affordable than you might think, this time from cult brand Staud.

I love the balloon sleeves and the ribbing detail on this sweater. Both such timeless silhouettes and so easy to style.

You can wear it in the day with light denim or your favourite trousers, or in the night with skinny jeans and heels.

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ISABEL MARANT BIKER BOOTS

Biker boots, Combat boots, call them whatever you like, no shoe closet is complete without one pair.

They are a great (and classic) shoe style for winter and are super versatile no matter what you are wearing. Add a touch of cool to your jeans and sweater combo or really mix it up by pairing with your favourite slip skirt or dress.

Again, I wear my combat boots on repeat, so much so that I have more than one pair now!

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MAJE LEATHER JACKET

Okay, I know that it’s easy to go on the high street and buy a leather jacket but if there is any luxury item that is worth the splurge, it’s a classic, good quality, leather jacket.

A leather jacket from a premium to luxury brand like Maje (this one is Maje and the one that I have is also Maje so I can vouch for it!) will last you for far longer than anything on the high street, will fit you far better and will age better too. That’s how you see people with those super beautifully aged leather jackets.

Trust me, this is worth saving up for. You can see how I’ve styled mine recently here. Just note, my jacket is four years old and I still wear it like it’s only a few months old.

Get It Here

Do you have any questions about luxury shopping? Comment below!

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So You Bought The Designer T Shirt, But How Do You Wear It In Autumn?

T SHIRT LOVER

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Photos by Alise Jane

So it’s no surprise that the slogan t shirt is taking over the street style scene right now. I still remember when the Gucci T shirt was the it piece to have in your wardrobe, but if you remember from this post, I actually think that another designer t shirt is a far smarter long-term investment than the Gucci one; this Saint Laurent t-shirt. So you’ve picked it up, you’ve worn it all summer long and you’re just not ready to put it away for autumn. Sound familiar? That’s definitely how I feel about all my favourite slogan t shirts! That’s why today I’m showing you how to wear your favourite slogan tee for a few months longer!

I paired my Saint Laurent tee with a heritage houndstooth print skirt. Prints like check and houndstooth always dominate the season and it was no different for the autumn/winter 2018 collections (See all the trends worth knowing for the season here!) Adding that autumn touch already makes your t-shirt more season appropriate. I also stuck to a very seasonal colour palette, opting for warmer shades of brown and red.

The real secret to wearing that slogan tee in the autumn is layering. I layered this beautiful maroon leather jacket over my pink t shirt since pink and red is one of my favourite colour combinations! The final touches came with my beautiful gold Jimmy Choo shoes which I’ve had in my closet for a few years now and one of my favourite Louis Vuitton handbags, the Pochette Metis. I love how the monogram doesn’t clash with any of the autumn/winter prints I love!

How are you styling your slogan tee? Share with me in the comments below!

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Saint Laurent Slogan T Shirt

& Other Stories Houndstooth Mini Skirt (similar)

Deme By Gabriella Leather Jacket

Jimmy Choo Heels

Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis Handbag

Prints like check and houndstooth always dominate the season and it was no different for the autumn/winter 2018 collections

Get My Look

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Saint Laurent Slogan T Shirt

& Other Stories Houndstooth Mini Skirt (similar)

Deme By Gabriella Leather Jacket

Jimmy Choo Heels

Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis Handbag

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3 Tricks for Taking Better Instagram Photos

INSTA READY

Instagram; everyone’s favourite social media platform. As everyone from your mom to your friend’s cat makes their way onto Instagram and IGTV, standing out can seem harder than ever. If there’s anything I’ve learnt about the Instagram algorithm, it’s that it favours good content above all else. So, how do you take your Instagram level to the next level with better Instagram photos? Today I’m sharing three tips to think about every time you open your camera app to capture that perfect insta-worthy moment.

I would love to hear if you use any of these tips already and how they’ve helped you, or if you have any other questions about Instagram! Leave me a comment below!

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram here!

I also did a special story on all the apps I use for my Instagram stories to take them to the next level. You can read all about that here.

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Ciao Bella 💋 I currently have an obsession with this skirt that I can’t stop wearing! What are you obsessed with right now? 💫

A post shared by The Silk Sneaker (@thesilksneaker) on Aug 20, 2018 at 10:18am PDT

TURN ON YOUR GRID

When taking a photo in the camera app (or any camera app for that matter), the key to taking a good Instagram photo, and a good photo, in general, is to use the rule of thirds. To put it simply, the camera app will have a grid function which shows you a 3×3 grid on your screen. The key to a good photo is to have the point of interest be in any of the intersections in that grid. That is where your eye naturally draws to first.

I also like to sometimes put myself in the centre of the image, as long as my background allows for that. For example, in this photo here, I was standing on a corner. The pavement on either side was moving inwards to meet in the middle, so your eye is naturally drawn to this point.

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Hey September, I see you 🍂 Enjoying the last bit of summer this weekend before fall really sets in! 💕 • • • • #fashion #ootd #outfitoftheday #styleblog #chanel #chanelbag #styleblogger #styleinspiration #outfitinspo #lookoftheday #hairsandstyles #wearitloveit #lookoftheday #outfitinspiration #instastyle #citizenfemme #instafashion #whatiwore #londonfashion #personalstyle #currentlywearing #fblogger #whatiwore #realoutfitgram #lotd #fashiondiaries #outfitgoals #wiw #wiwt

A post shared by The Silk Sneaker (@thesilksneaker) on Sep 1, 2018 at 3:13am PDT

TRY FOR NATURAL LIGHTING

Natural lighting is always best for taking better Instagram photos. It’s always more appealing to the eye and the balance in the photo will turn out better than you having to go through and fix it later. As you get better with natural light, you’ll notice that when there is too much light the photo can be too harsh, and if there is too little light, there isn’t enough depth. It’s about finding the source of light and trying to face it the best you can.

For example, in this image here, I found a window in a department store and I loved the way the light was coming in. By perching on the window and looking out, the natural light lit my face and created this image.

As you get more confident with lighting, you can also start to experiment with shadows and creating interesting imagery around that.

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My shiniest friday favourites ✨ I’ve been so into hoops recently, what about you guys? • • #jewelry #jewellery #earringaddict #earrings #MVEveryday #isharya #earringsoftheday #cartierlovebracelet #chloegirls #hoopearrings #fashion #styleinspo #instastyle #fashionblogger #fblogger #flatlaystyle #beautiful #wiw #wiwt #flatlay #love #darling #onthetable #pursuepretty #personalstyle #momentslikethese #flatlaylove #morningslikethese #fromwhereistand

A post shared by The Silk Sneaker (@thesilksneaker) on Aug 31, 2018 at 1:06am PDT

DON’T BE AFRAID OF COLOURS

It’s always nice to have a pop of colour or a dominant colour in an image, no matter how monochrome heavy it may be. Having that pop of colour in your Instagram photo adds another layer of interest and depth and can also help you when you are thinking about how to put your Instagram feed together.

For example, in this image here, my colours are mainly black and white with gold but I added in that extra touch with the orange earrings and orange bracelet. That small change and detail really made the difference to this photo and gave it a new point of interest.

(Also note the use of symmetry in this photo, my grid was super helpful! But flat lays are a whole new story, would you want me to do a post about them?)

How do you get the perfect insta shot? Share with me in the comments below!

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How To Transition Your Wardrome From Summer To Autumn: The Jumpsuit

CLASSIC JUMPSUITS

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Photos by Michaela Efford

For the third part in my summer to autumn series (for part one click here and for part two click here) I’m showing you how to style another popular piece that is also trending for autumn winter 2018 with the street style crowd; the jumpsuit. Jumpsuits are, in my opinion, one of those pieces that every capsule wardrobe needs. They are classic and effortlessly chic and great pieces to layer with.

If you know how to layer with a jumpsuit, you’ll know that you can wear your layer over or under, making styling the jumpsuit really interesting. I wanted to achieve that typical yet classic Parisian girl style. I layered a white ribbed turtleneck underneath my sleeveless black jumpsuit for an ultra-luxe look. The contrast of black and white, a classic combination, really made the outfit feel more classic and sophisticated.

For my accessories, I added in my leather baker boy hat. The baker boy hat started trending last year and is still on trend for autumn winter 2018. Leather is also a huge fashion trend for this season. I added in my chain belt for that extra touch and my favourite Chloe boots from last season. Although these boots are almost a year old, they are always in style because of their classic design. That’s why investing in good quality and beautifully designed luxury pieces are worth it.

Would you try this look? Have you enjoyed this series? Let me know in the comments below!

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Black Sleeveless Jumpsuit (similar)

White Ribbed Turtleneck (similar)

Leather Baker Boy Hat (similar)

Chain Belt (similar)

Chloe Boots