A little while ago Debenhams asked me if I’d take part in a blogger styling challenge for their amazing new Minizine. The ‘zine lauched today, and I have to say it looks fab – kudos to Lizzie and the team for putting together something so great! My challenge was to style up a Debenhams piece, the super classic black pencil skirt from Debenhams Collection. I decided to take on an Autumn / Winter trend – blue and black – but also try something new. I never button blouses right up to the top because it can look a bit frumpy on me, but I think with this look it works.

(Blazer from Forever 21, blouse from Primark, skirt from Debenhams)

I also wanted to share with you an ‘outtake’ from this challenge – I actually ended up doing a couple of outfits because I wasn’t sure how wintery the look needed to be. This is the other look, which is much more ‘me’, but probably not as seasonal. I’d just got back from a week in 32 degree sunshine, would you believe – my legs are still ghostly pale!

(Blouse and clutch from Primark, vest from Uniqlo, shoes from Faith circa 2005)

 
I was doing the rounds of a few outfit blogs the other day and I think I saw about six girls with variations on this Primark studded clutch in this colour and black with gold or black studs. It’s definitely an outfit pic favourite! I bought this for my holiday as it went with some pink and rose gold ballet flats I’d also picked up for the trip and it is the perfect size. The blouse is Primark’s much-loved answer to Zara’s animal printed blouses. This one has kangaroos which is apt given the number of Antipodean friends I have. The shoes I rescued from the back of the wardrobe. They’re copies of a Prada design from way back when.

The outfit is a bit ‘office chic’, but I was in the office so I guess that works. I’ve been a bit lazy with my clothes of late and have been trying to make a bit more of an effort to get back into my dresses and out of jeans and flats for work. I go through phases and right now my phase is ‘ten more minutes in bed please’. I’m hoping the Ways To Wear challenge and the knowledge I have to update this blog more than once a month will help. If there are any specific types of outfit you’d like to see from me, say the word. I’m in need of inspiration at the moment!