Autumn Style Picks

In what seems like a blink of an eye, summer has decided to make its way out. Yes, we might still have some sunshine, but instead of hot lunch breaks spent in the park, there's now a definite autumnal chill in the air.

Instead of mourning the loss of summer 2014 by mid-August, it means its officially OK to start planning, getting excited about and even purchasing some new autumn style essentials. Summer ending doesn't seem so bad now does it?

Here are a few items I'm lusting after for the approaching chilly months...

Parka - £70, Pull & Bear

Source: pullandbear.com

Personally I think the outfit the parka has been styled with in this picture kind of spoils it (fash ignorance maybe, but black socks with that skirt - really?), but believe me it is SO gorgeous. I tried it on in store on a recent trip to Westfield and the way the faux fur hood hugs your neck is just heavenly. Parkas are a timeless staple and at £70 a really reasonably priced investment. I can't wait to wear it.

Black ripped JAMIE jeans - £42, Topshop

Source: topshop.com

I can just hear my mum (and boyfriend!) shouting in my ear 'your knees will get cold!', but I'm all for a bit of impracticality when jeans look this good. Ripped jeans are massively 'in' for autumn, and I rarely buy them from anywhere other than Topshop, as they're great quality and fit my shape in a way a lot of other jeans don't. These ones are super tight but flattering, and have a bit of stretch in them which, let's face it, all of us need after one of mum's roast dinners! Teamed with some chunky boots and a big coat, these will take you from autumn through to winter.

Chunky heeled boots - £30, Boohoo.com

Source: boohoo.com

Just the sort of boots I'd be teaming with those ripped skinnies! Although they look quite high, the arch on these isn't too big, so would hopefully be comfortable for every day wear. Everyone enjoys having a bit of extra height, and at £30 it's confidence with only a small dent to your wallet.

Leather Jacket - £119.99, Mango

Source: mango.com

The price tag makes me wince a bit, but every girl needs a decent leather jacket. I lost my beloved Miss Selfridge faux leather number in a bar a couple of months back and have been on the hunt for a new one ever since. I'd never experienced love at first sight before, but with this Mango jacket, I think I now have. The leather is so soft and fits perfectly, I've now convinced myself that I NEED this jacket. It'll improve my life infinitely... right?

Paisley boyfriend shirt - £22.99, Missguided.co.uk

Source: missguided.co.uk

A vintage style, paisley print shirt livens up what is otherwise a fairly dark autumn wardrobe colour palette. Tucked into a pair of jeans paired with chunky boots, this works as gorgeous smart casual outfit both in and out of the office. And in a relaxed boyfriend style, it's perfect for lazy days and thrown over a pair of leggings.

Hope you enjoyed my picks, let me know if there's anything you're looking forward to wearing for autumn - I can't wait to wear all these!

-PB 

Autumn Style/Beauty Favourites

My blog has been a bit neglected for the past month or so since I've been back at Uni; partially due to the fact I've only just got wifi in my house and i've been a bit preoccupied by going out and shopping with my maintenance loan.

This does however mean I've got a fair bit to write about in terms of what I have purchased/will purchase style and beauty-wise for Autumn! So here we go...

Beauty

Maybelline Browdrama Sculpting Brow Mascara

I've been looking for an alternative to an eyebrow pencil for a while because I find they don't last very long and sharpening them pretty much every day is quite annoying. So when Maybelline brought this out I had to give it a go. I found it quite hard to get used to at first, but once I got the hang of applying it properly it's a really quick and effective way of doing your brows. It's lasted me much longer than a pencil and I think it was around the same price, if not only slightly more expensive. 

Nail Paint by Barry M in Red Black (115)

As Autumn closes in I felt it was time to leave behind my beloved pastel brights from the summer and move towards darker colours, reminiscent of blackberries and such like growing around the place (very in touch with nature, me). Most of my nail colours are from Barry M so of course this was a natural choice; this colour is absolutely lovely after a couple of coats and i'm sure it makes my currently shorter nails look longer?! Could just be me but i'm happy...

Rimmel Stay Glossy Lip Gloss in Non-Stop Glamour (120)

When I bought this I was after a subtle lip gloss for every day wear; this colour is a pale pink with a slight sparkle that looks natural but gives my lips a much-needed shine. To top it all off it's nice and moisturising which is essential for my Vaseline-dependent lips! 

Impulse Body Spray in Sweet Smile

I used to think Impulse spray was something you got in secondary school before you could afford decent perfume, but I gave this a try because I wanted something I could chuck in my handbag on the go without having to carry around my expensive perfume. I'm pleased to say this scent is actually really nice and so handy when i'm out. I think it was something like 80p as well, so an absolute barg. 

Style

Topshop 'Mom' Jeans

These are my favourite style of jeans at the moment, despite the fact my mum keeps telling me she had a pair just like them when she was my age! They're really great to wear with chelsea boots and a tee tucked into them. 

Chelsea Boots

A decent pair of boots are a must have as the colder weather draws in. I got a lovely slightly heeled pair from River Island that look great, but aren't the most comfortable, so once I get some more money, I'm going to get a flatter cut out pair i've had my eye on from Deichmann.

Shirts and Jumpers

Obviously this can be taken as wearing them separately, but I really like the combination of wearing a shirt underneath a cosy jumper with the collar coming through and the buttons all done up. A cute necklace also goes well with this as well as collar chains. 

Midi/Maxi Skirts

Praise be for an Autumn trend that is both stylish and practical. Infinitely warmer than a mini skirt, these look really cool with a pair of heeled chelsea boots. But to avoid looking like you're going to work, dress it down with a baggy tee. 

Slogan Tees

I'm a big fan of oversized black/white tees with a cool slogan on. Urban Outfitters are a pretty safe bet  for these and look great with pretty much everything

Beanie Hats

Shamefully i've kind of been looking forward to the weather getting a bit colder so it's acceptable for me to start wearing my beanie hat that I bought in August (don't ask why). They can be combined with pretty much everything, but I'll be wearing mine with a midi skirt, baggy tee and leather jacket with a dark red lipstick.