Fashion

Winter Sales Try-On

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There’s a running joke in my family that my dad has never paid full-price for anything. His haggling is legendary and he can smell a sale a mile away. I think I inherited a little of my bargain-hunting ability from him, along with my height.

Today I’m giving you a run down of all the items I bought on Black Friday – most of which are now in the winter sales. This year I shopped Dorothy Perkins (Tall), Coast and H&M. Here’s what I got (and what I sent back):

First up: Dorothy Perkins Tall.

These trousers looked super comfy but they were enormous on me. I bought a UK 12 so they would fit my hips but it felt like I was wearing a size 14/16. If you’re in the 6 foot and up club they might work better on you, but the waist was super high and the leg length was more suited to a 36-38″ length really. They also had a ribbed texture, which was comfy but not as loose and flowy as I had envisaged. (Available in Tall only).

However, this black top with sheer overlay is a winner. The length was spot on, it fit true to size and it’s a total bargain!

This pleated skirt was also a real winner. It looks shiny/satin-like online but is a jersey material in reality. Similarly the picture online shows an asymmetric hemline, but it’s definitely A-line. Feels super-festive and elegant to wear though so no complaints from me! Fits true to size.

Finally, the most chic and cheap winter coat. Double breasted with a snuggly faux-fur collar this coat is just perfect. I could also imagine Cameron Diaz wearing something like it in The Holiday – so it gets extra glam points for that.

All in all (and despite my personal feelings about their CEO) I’ll be sad to see this brand go now that the parent Arcadia Group is in administration – the DP tall line has some real gems.

Next up: Coast

I’m always a bit disappointed that Coast is less size-inclusive than other high-street brands, but you can’t argue with the quality of their garments for the price. I tried just two items and sadly neither was a perfect fit but they both had some major plus-points.

This body-con dress is a Size M and almost fit my body shape perfectly – albeit that the arms were a tad short and gathered at the elbows. I also took issue with the belt which was much too large and sat very high (even for a person of average height). It’s available in 3 colours with limited availability.

I was gutted that this lace detail top was so small on me. The intricacy and detail of the design made it feel really special (for a high street item). Available in two colours.

Finally, I went a bit overboard with H&M while they had 20 percent off the site over Black Friday. Using their size guide I ordered most items in Medium and they were much too large. Everything in a UK10 fit perfectly but if you’re picking a generic size, go one lower!

This black top with twist-back detail felt thick and warm but as you can see – was much too big for me. As was the v-neck/back cream jumper (no longer available online) which was also too short on the body & sleeves for me.

I’ve always been a bit wary of dresses like this Belted Dress as I’m quite broad shouldered and feel this sort of neckline can have the unfortunate effect of accentuating that… but I got over that pretty quickly as the fit and design of this dress were just lovely. I wish my work didn’t have a strict navy-and-white dress code for officewear as this would be the perfect pretty dress for the office. I’m wearing a size 10 and it fits true to size.

I’m rounding off this try-on with another pretty dress. Sadly too large but I would go back for the next size down as this was a really unique take on the shirt-dress. With concealed buttons, pleat detail and a pretty print, it’s really rather lovely. Size down.

Leather-Look

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When I was re-launching this blog recently, I thought about re-naming it and making the tag line into the name. Since “Country Chick, City Chic” perfectly sums me up.

When I was in my first year of university, London seemed very daunting at first. It was a million miles away from the green fields of home, where wellies were my preferred footwear and “on foot” was my main mode of transportation. I shared a flat in halls with (amongst others) another girl who had also come from a small village, like me. One day she came out of her room wearing shorts with tights (don’t judge – it was the hottest trend at the time!) and I remember her saying to me “I could never get away with this look at home.”

She wasn’t wrong. Communities are smaller, gossip is louder and trends are slower to catch on in the countryside. Which is perhaps why it sometimes feels safer to blend in, than to stand out.

It’s not a mentality I like, but the longer you stay in the countryside the more you feel it taking root. So when I started thinking about experimenting with the leather-look, I was a bit worried it was too edgy for me. But then I found the perfect pair of leather-look skinnies and now I can’t stop thinking about ways to style them. (We’ll save that for another blog post though.) First of all let me take you through my search for the perfect pair of leather-look trousers…

First up is this pair of “Leather-look leggings” from New Look Tall via Asos. When these arrived the label on the packet actually described them as wet-look and that’s a much more accurate description for them. They fit true to size and felt like a second skin but they left little to the imagination and it was really the leather look I was after…

Next up was a pair of coated black skinny jeans from Missguided. I’d never shopped from Missguided before and found the quality left a lot to be desired. The material was very unforgiving on me and the fit wasn’t perfect on me either (as my hips are a dress size bigger than my waist) though I would describe it as true to size.

After that, I tried Next. This pair I absolutely loved. The quality is amazing. They’re a snug fit with just the right amount of stretch to be comfy. They’re also lined with a fleece-like material which makes them very cosy for these cooler temps. And they come with the added bonus that they look much more expensive than they are. Sadly though these were also true to size at the waist and therefore not a good fit for my pear-shape. I was gutted but with no way to alter them I opted to send them back.

I went for these coated jeans instead and finally found the perfect pair! I love the zip detail on these, the quality is great and they fit like a glove. No, actually, they fit like the perfect pair of jeans. (I’m wearing a 12 XL Tall.)

P.S. The t-shirt I’m wearing for this post was designed by a very talented friend of mine and it’s part of a much larger range for this streaming channel. You can buy the exact t-shirt I’m wearing here and you can see the full range here. I’ve found the sizing guide to be very accurate (I’m wearing an M) and was pleasantly surprised by the quality – as well as being a decent length and the perfect fit it’s also 100% cotton.

Nasty Gal Try-On

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I’ve never shopped with Nasty Gal before. Mainly because they don’t carry a tall line and that’s my go-to when it comes to finding the perfect fit for me. That being said, I’ve had lots of pleasant surprises from non-tall sections of other retailers over the years, and if you don’t try, you’ll never know. So I tried a lot of their clothes for you!

The Nasty Gal sizing was a bit hit and miss for me. (For reference I am a UK size 10 on my torso but a UK size 12 at my hips.) I used the sizing guide on the Nasty Gal website to select my sizes. However, I found that everything offered in a UK Size 10 came up too small and for other items I should have got a small instead of a medium. At least now I know what to order in the future and hopefully this will prove useful for you too!

Up first are these thigh-high boots. I’ve wanted a pair of over-the-knee boots for ages but haven’t been able to find a flat pair that hit the right height. Of all the items in my order, I thought for sure I would be sending these back but the height was spot-on. If you have narrow feet, I would recommend sizing up as the pointed toe makes for a snug fit. Not suitable for those with a wide fit but perfect for those with long legs!

This square neck top features split sides below the waist – which I guess are there to make it easier to tuck in but that’s not the real issue. The wide neck might be sexy but it leaves no room for bra straps to remain hidden. That wouldn’t necessarily be an issue but (although you can’t see it in the picture above) the top has an open weave to the knit across the chest – so a bra really isn’t optional here. You could go strapless – but either way your bra will be on show. I bought the size 10 and found it a snug fit.

It struck me recently that “girl in the pretty dress” hasn’t featured any girly dresses for a while, this dress was my attempt to rectify that and it wasn’t too bad on. Sleeve length was good and so was the hem length – it’s described as a midi and fit that way. It’s definitely more of a summer dress though as the material is very light and floaty. For me the waist sat too high and the consequence was that the wrap-over was also a little higher than felt safe. Fits true to size.

I ordered a size 10 of this polka dot top but it definitely runs small. The neckline is lovely but the sleeves were 3/4 length on me and the whole thing just felt much too snug and almost corset like. Perfect for petite sizes, but if you’re regular I would size up and tall ladies – avoid!

It turns out this fluffy cardigan isn’t Nasty Gal brand but is actually by Brave Soul – one of my all time favourite brands. They do also have a tall line (available on ASOS). So no wonder I loved it! The material (also available in black) is so soft and snuggly. I ordered a medium which felt really comfy on, but I think I could probably get away with a small. The button detail is lovely and it’s super cosy – the perfect winter cardigan!

I’m usually someone who likes a close-fit when it comes to tops, but I figured that since I was trying a new brand, I should also try some new styles. It turns out the saying “if it aint broke, don’t fix it” goes for personal style too. This statement-sleeve jumper was a disaster on me. Firstly, it runs big, so you’ll want to size down if you’re tempted to try this. Secondly, the colour is a little different in person (the cream is a little more mustard toned). And lastly it’s not tall-friendly. The sleeves just looked baggy on me, rather than stylishly oversized.

Ok, I loved this knitted hoodie. It runs quite big so again I would need to size down but as chic and cosy loungewear goes – it’s pretty great. I’m tempted to buy the set in fact. Again, the colour is a little different in person – it has a slightly more oatmeal tone – but that’s not really an issue. 10/10 would recommend for lockdown.

This ruffle detail jumper was just not for me. The sleeves were ok, but the body was so short it looked cropped and the ruffles did me no favours. I don’t know how this model is pulling them off so well – all credit to her because it’s not easy to make such an oddly proportioned piece look that good! Runs big – size down.

I got this button-down midi dress in a Size 10, which would have been ok, were it not for the gaps in between the buttons. Moving in this dress was a risky business and would be for anyone with curves. It was also knee-length on me rather than midi – but in spite of the sizing flaws I did find it very comfortable.

Lastly I tried this bodycon dress on and I was loving it right up until I noticed the seam across the chest – which sits neither above nor below the breasts and which I just couldn’t get used to. It’s a real shame as it fits true to size and was both comfy and sexy on.

1 Mini-skirt, 4 Ways

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This bottle-green F&F corduroy mini-skirt is a keeper. It’s long enough to be worn without tights, smart enough for an evening out and dressy enough for the holidays.

When I first tried this skirt on in my instagram stories, I loved the fit on me but wasn’t sure how it would fit into my closet. I’ve been trying to be more mindful of the clothes I choose and following the rule of 3 (in order for me to keep an item, I have to be able to make at least 3 different outfits with it from existing items in my closet).

It just goes to show why you should experiment with the items in your wardrobe more often. I made 4 outfits for this post, but I could have made even more.

LOOK 1

Breton Stripe Top by George (similar here)
White Lacoste Trainers (similar here)

LOOK 2

Chunky Jumper by Monsoon (similar here)
Shearling Boots from M&S (similar here)

LOOK 3

Cream Top from Ralph Lauren (similar here)
Next Boots (similar here)

Look 4

Black Roll Neck F&F
Black Knee High Boots F&F

Black Friday Rundown

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I’ve been absent (again) from the blogosphere for a bit but I am making up for it today with a rundown of the best Black Friday Fashion deals out there… I’ll be updating the list as the week goes on so remember to keep checking back.

You all know by now how much I like a bargain… but I find Black Friday is best when experienced online, away from the madness of the high street so here are my top tips:

Adidas – Up to 50% off in the sale + an extra 20% off on Black Friday + Free Delivery
Amalli Talli – Various discounts until 9pm. Use code ‘BLKFRIDAY’ for 15% off sale items.

And Other Stories – 50% off selected items

Anthropologie – 20% off with code ‘GIFT’

ASOS – 20% off everything with code ‘GOGOGO’

Avenue32 – 30% off selected items

Banana Republic – 50% off 5 regular priced items site-wide

Boden – 30% off and Free Delivey with code F6P8

Boohoo – up to 70% off + Free Delivery

Chicwish – An extra 25% off with code BLK25

Chinti & Parker – discounts on selected knitwear

Coach – 30% off selected styles with code ‘THANKS2016’ / 20% off wih ‘BLACK20’

Debenhams – Up to 50% off

Dorothy Perkins – Up to 50% off

Dune – Up to 30% off selected bags and shoes

Finery – Offering 30% off everything from Thursday 24th – Monday 28th November

French Connection – Up to 50% Off

GAP – Deals running from Friday 25th – Monday 28th November (details TBC)

Hbe Jewellery – 20% off with code ‘BlackFriday’

Hobbs – 20% off everything

Hollister Co. – 50% off selected styles + Free Delivery

House of Fraser – Up to 50% off

Jaeger – A range of discounts

J.Crew – 40% off with the code ‘HOLIDAY’ (thanks to thelondoner.me for the tip!)

Karen Millen – 25% off everything from Wednesday

Kate Spade – 20% off with code SKYLINE

La Redoute – 40% off absolutely everything
Long Tall Sally – 15% off everything + free delivery (UK, Thursday – Monday)

Matalan – up to half price sale

Matthew Williamson – Up to 50% off + gift with purchase with code ‘LONDONER’ (thanks again to thelondoner.me for the tip!)

New Look – up to 50% off all ranges (including Tall) in the Black Friday warm up

Net-A-Porter – sale items up to 50% off

Nike – Up to 40% off plus an extra 30% off Sale items with the code ‘XMAS16’ + Free delivery

Oliver Bonas – Up to 30% off selected lines

Prism – 70% off EVERYTHING (Friday only)

River Island – 50% off selected lines

Roland Mouret (a favourite of the lovely Duchess of Cambridge) – 20% off selected pieces

Selfridges – 20% off with code ‘SELFCCE’

Style.com – 20% off selected designers

TallGirls.co.uk – awaiting details
Tall Order Clothing – 40% off

Temperley London – 25% off with code ‘BLACKFRIDAY’

Topshop – up to 50% off everything from Thursday 24th – Monday 28th November

Urban Outfitters – Buy One get One 50% Off on all apparel with code ‘CYBER40’

Very.co.uk – variety of deals (not just clothing) – a different one launched each day at 8am this week

Whistles  – 25% off selected lines for a limited time

Young British Designers – 30% off everything

In an English Country Garden

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Summer seemed to run really late this year, but it’s looking like Autumn has decided to roll up her sleeves and get to work at last. So I’m saying Au Revoir to the warmer temperatures with a quick post featuring my favourite dress of the Summer.

This dress from Joy has everything. Pockets, pleats, a twirly skirt and that gorgeous floral pattern. I was in love as soon as I saw it. And even better it’s now on sale – snap it up here.

As usual, my little self-made photoshoot was invaded by animals. Shadow came to say hello, and was swiftly followed by Milo. In typical cat fashion, Milo mithered me for ages and then as soon as I picked him up he couldn’t do enough to get away. He likes me really… I think.

Tall Girl, Small Dog

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I promised a while ago to show you the miracle jeggings I bought at the TallGirls.co.uk pop up. However, that turned out to be a bit more difficult than anticipated – you’ll see why when you scroll down.

It’s been that long since I visited the pop up that they’ve already released the dates for the A/W pop ups – you can find more info on these here.

The jeggings are a brand called e d c and you can find them on the TallGirls.co.uk website here. They are not only a great fit for my hips/waist but the perfect length for my legs (which sit somewhere between 34″-36″ in-seam, depending upon where I shop).

Top: F&F
Necklace: HBE
Sandals: Primark

With one thing and another though this post became a bit less ‘Clothes’ and a bit more ‘Dog’. Or to be more specific, ‘dogs’ – two of them.

Shadow and Cali make the best double act. She has adored him since day one and he got a new lease of life when she showed up – it was like he became a puppy all over again. He though, is more content to chill out in the back ground, whereas (as you can see below) she likes to be the centre of everyone’s attention…

TallGirls.co.uk Pop-Up Shop

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*Update: A/W ’16 Pop Up Shop dates for your diary can now be found here.

Summer’s arrived… how did that happen so quickly?! Time seems to be flying by. I’ve been very aware lately that my poor blog has been a bit neglected this year (I blame the small fluffy one!) but I’m hoping to turn that around a bit now.

Several (oops) weeks ago I went to the TallGirls.co.uk pop up shop in Warrington. I wasn’t sure what to expect, I’d heard a bit about the brand but I’d never yet seen the clothes on my favourite tall blogs and no one I know had ever purchased from the site. So it was a bit of a shopping adventure into the unknown…

I’d also never attended a pop up shop before and wasn’t sure what to expect from the experience. While not everything was my personal style, the selection was huge and catered to so many different tastes.

I spent hours trekking to and from the changing rooms trying on different things. In the end though I behaved myself and came away with just a few items. (You can see one of them in this post)

I have to give a special mention to the jeans and jeggings – I’ve lamented before about the struggles of having a size 10 waist and size 12 hips – but Tall Girls provided so many different styles and fits that I now own 2 extra pairs.

I don’t have the usual shoe-woes of a tall girl but every now again I spot a style in a tall store that makes me wish I did (or that the store offered it in small sizes too.)

I am a bit behind the times with this post but many of the items below are still available online.
Happy Shopping! x

10 of the Best Checks

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The by-line for this blog has always been ‘Country Chick, City Chic’ – I came up with this because half of the time I can never decide what I like best.

Recently it’s a dilemma that’s affected more than just my wardrobe – but more on that later.

This post is most definitely for the the country bumpkins out there. I’ve rounded up 10 of my favourite checked pieces.

It’s a trend that I adore. It’s cute without being too young and has a fresh, clean summery feel to it. I always associate this style of fabric with summer picnics.

Sadly the weather in the UK is nowhere near warm enough for any of these items – but a girl can daydream right?

1st Row

Dress: Whistles / Dress: ASOS / Top: Warehouse

2nd Row

Dress: ChicWish / Crop Top & Skirt Set: ChicWish / Shirt Dress: Oasis

3rd Row

Dress: ASOS Tall / Shirt: Lee / Shorts: Mango / Dress: ASOS

3 British Jewellery Brands I’m Obsessed With

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Truth be told, I’m not the richest of girls, and those of us who know what it’s like to count the pennies know that sometimes the real deal isn’t necessary – imitation will do just fine.

For that reason I own very little in the way of precious metals or stones. Almost all of my jewellery is costume jewellery. There are 3 brands I absolutely adore for their unique items and I thought I’d share them with you today.

The first is Orelia – a brand I discovered in Topshop stores, but which is also stocked by ASOS. (I’m a bit obesessed with it as you can probably tell from the many photos below.) Their pieces tend to be dainty and delicate, there’s something very lady-like about them.

The second is Handmade by Emma. I met Emma at the Castlefield Market last Summer and she made me the silver diamond-shaped necklace below in the space of about 5 minutes. What I love about her designs is that they are all designed to work as single pieces or can be combined in layers. In addition she offers the option to have certain pieces personalised with a name or monogram.

And lastly, a brand I discovered just before Christmas: Mala London. She sources the most striking statement pieces, like the rose-gold-coloured necklace below.