In Monday’s post How to get Killer Statement Sleeves I introduced you to a marvellous white top from Finery. Incidentally the top also comes in black if you find the white too stark. Basically it’s the ideal top to layer underneath pretty much anything & give you a go at the ubiquitous trumpet sleeve trend. I have more examples of outfits to show you this hack but first I want you to see what a showstopper the top is all by itself!
I paired the top with my shark grey leather pencil skirt as I was keen to wear my new shoes again. Do you remember them from this post? When they first arrived from Zara I wasn’t 100% sure about the elasticized leather which looked a lot less Celine-like in real life than on the Zara site. Since then they’ve completely won me over, mainly due to the funky wood/white laminate heel but interestingly I’ve warmed to the gathered edge too! I’m a fickle crowd teeheehee – Another obvious reason is they colour block perfectly with the clothes. Colour blocking has made yet another comeback this season thanks to Ms VB which I’m extremely happy about. I adore the colour block for its strong look but there’s something about matching colours of different pieces that appeals to my aesthetic eye. Even in home decorating I prefer my skirting boards to match my wall colour rather than contrast. Have a look at some of the images I pinned to my FASHION board & you’ll see what I mean. Colour blocking doesn’t necessarily require only two colours however I prefer to stick to that number for maximum impact. The whole point is be bold not a patchwork so the fewer colours the better effect. As for which particular colours to go for, well that’s entirely down to you. Mixing brights with pastels is a stunning new way to colour block so I say just go for it & use what you already have in your wardrobe. Speaking of which, typically I have struggled to find the same skirt I’m wearing to add to my shop links so I chose 3 leather pencil skirts of outstanding beauty instead. Whenever I try to duplicate my outfits for you to shop I will always choose the best quality & price over a perfect match look. Therefore it could be a different colour although still achieve the desired result, for example the first & second skirts in the link are black not grey but have beautiful button details.
Shop the Look
This old leather pencil skirt
It’s crazy thinking back about it now but I almost didn’t buy this fabulous skirt. I was looking for a grey leather pencil skirt to add to my wardrobe collection when I found this one from UrbanCode London on sale. It’s a much lighter grey than I was after but because the price was incredibly low I decided to buy it just in case, I could always send it back. Well when it arrived I hated the colour! I thought it was too insipid for my skin tone & I’d have nothing to wear with it. The thing is though, when I tried it on it felt unbelievably soft & instantly moulded to my body. No gaping at the back & more movement than I expected from this length pencil. So the dilemma. Would it be relegated to the back of my wardrobe, rarely worn? I found one top that I thought looked ok with it but still, to me that’s not good enough. I need proper action from every piece I own. So I slept on it. Nope that didn’t help, in the end the low price persuaded me to keep it. Boy am I glad I did! Not only do I wear it often & always get compliments but it still looks as new as the day I bought it! See more outfits here & here the second post is one of my very first which is quite interesting to see for the improvement in my photography. Perhaps I should re-shoot it, what do you think?
In the end it’s the skirt itself that inspires the styling making even my flat pancake butt look good! hahahaha…
Wear Red Lipstick in April
Red My Lips is an inspirational organisation fighting sexual violence against women. Until this week I hadn’t heard of their campaign for awareness but thanks to our friend of RCM Nancy, I’m now sharing them with you. How it works – by wearing red lipstick in April you are showing support for survivors, combat rape myths & victim-blaming. In addition you can register on their site to create your own fundraising page. So by rocking a red lip you raise awareness & get a conversation started! Take a look at some of these fearless & fabulous images by supporters of the cause known as Warriors. As this is a creative campaign & so well set up to contribute artistically online, I think it’s a brilliant project for secondary school kids to get involved in.
Have a marvellous week! Mx
Comments ( 20 )
No Fear of Fashion
You have a flat pancake butt? Neve would have known. You do disguise it well. I love the skirt, thought it was the grey version of Nikki’s Finery skirt, but it isn’t. I think you look great in it and that Finery top with the lovely sleeves: very good. I read that the opinions in the 40+group differed about that. I am in the Yay camp.
The heels of the shoes are indeed fab. I still have to get used to the gathering. But you came round, so why not me?
The bag is too good. I love it. Would love it for myself too.
I have a beautiful black leather pencil skirt, a wrap. Never wear it. Because it needs something fitted on top and I have a bit of a belly and stomach I never feel comfortable in it. Also the shoes is a difficult matter. As I have progressed in the modern shoe department I am going to give it another go. Oh and I found some tiny holes fishnet stockings (hold ups/thigh highs) with a black seam, after you came with fishnet tights. My colleagues at the bank went wild haha. Wore it with a perfect LBD and a big green statement necklace. And black high heels.
Greetje
MT
Yes I was surprised to hear some of the girls didn’t get on with this top I think it’s awesome. The crisp material that the flared part of the sleeve is made from is what sets it apart! Glad you like it too Greetje. The shoes are definitely an aquired taste, it’s good to try something different occasionally yes? As for the bag, well that was a stroke of luck from Tkmaxx. A One off although there are very similar with the cartoon style face out there that I found in this previous post if you’re tempted.
I am super impressed visualising your sexy fishnets Greetje, you go girl! xx
Janey Dick
Gorgeous look. So chic and fresh for spring. Love it.
MT
Thanks Janey!
Nancy Baten
It s great that you mentioned the Red My Lips month! Let s all wear red lipstick in April and support abused women!
I love leather pencilskirts. They make you feel so very sexy and feminine! This color of yours is fantastic!
MT
Well it’s down to you Nancy, thank you for introducing me to them! Yes let’s all wear red lippy xx
sequinist
I love the mid-grey (or shark grey as you call it) tone of this skirt. It makes it much softer and a bit more versatile for daytime. I also adore your trumpet sleeve blouse. It looks great in photos, although having felt it in person, I can see that it doesn’t feel like a traditional ‘fabric’ to some people. Still, it is one of Finery’s best-sellers for a reason!
Love the red lip on you; I’ve never heard of this cause, so thank you for bringing it to my attention. I like how your red lip matches your bag too!
The whole outfit looks glorious bathed in sunshine; stunning photos, lady! xx
MT
Funny thing about this grey how it’s grown on me Lisa but that just proves a quality item always has a place. And the bag…what a classic that’s turned out to be! xxx
Abby@Midlifecrisisnut
You got me with your “pancake butt’ comment, Michelle! Haha But honestly, all I could see was a hot babe in a leather skirt and Katy Perry lipstick. ❤️ xx Abby
MT
Teeheehee Abby I blame my son who said it first! Kids are so honest right? 😉 Yeah right xxx
Samantha
Hahahaha..pancake butt made me laugh! I hardly think so…you have such an enviable figure.
Your red lippy is a knockout!! Va Va VOOM.
I love it and am going to wear mine tomorrow for work… I love being inspired by your style!
XXX
Samantha
http://www.fakefabulous.com
MT
Hahaha I’m so happy I made you laugh Samantha! Thank you for the lovely compliment xx
Rozanne Swift
Hehe, yup, I got one of those pancake butts too…. Although since I gained a little weight, it is erring more towards American waffle than traditional crepe. Love this leather skirt, I’ve been tempted to invest in one for ages but wondered if I would ever actually wear it, given that I work from home, plus I fear it would get covered in dog scratches like my old leather sofa! Grey is such a wearable shade, though. I suspect I wouldn’t like the feel of the Finery blouse either but I love the look of those extrovert sleeves, especially with the fun clutch and red lippy. Lovely understated colour-blocking too. I feel inspired to look through my wardrobe and seek out colour-blocking options x
MT
Bahahaha YES waffel is right! I don’t even care anymore which is the best part 😉 You are right about the dog jumping up & scratching the leather. You should have seen me when I walked in the door & Blue came running towards me STOOOOOP! I screamed with both arms extended, bloody hilarious. I think wearing the leather skirt lifts my spirits as well as my butt so go buy one & make dinner plans lady! xx
jacqui
Super skirt, and again those fab sleeves! Love ’em! I’m rather liking the shoes, wasn’t at first, but they’re growing on me. Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
MT
These shoes are funny like that Jacqui 😉 x
Stuart Forster
Nicely written! I wish there were more blogs for guys offering the equivalent kind of advice.
MT
Hi Stuart, thanks for saying that I appreciate it. I wonder if you found me via Silver Londoner??
No Fear of Fashion
Testing.
Greetje