Fashion Dress in The Present: Monica Beatrice Welburn

Showing posts with label Monica Beatrice Welburn. Show all posts

The Sweetest Things

Jeans: ASOS, Jumper: Iris & Ink @ The Outnet, Bag: H&M - I bought mine in store - online you can find it in blue and black, Coat: Similar Shape and Similar Vibe, Boots: Steve Madden ℅ Similar on sale, Necklace: Satya, Beanie: Accessorize on sale, Silver Rings: Claire Stratton, Friendship Bracelets: Monica Vinader, Gold Ring: Giles Deacon for Libertine

The weekend just passed reminded me of some the awesome little things in life. Following a week of 'having just moved' stresses I was so grateful for two days to step back and recharge. The following made for an awesome weekend, and helped kick start this week with a smile.

A super hot cappuccino from the best place in town.

This Iris & Ink cashmere sweater. The softest crew neck with a Spring time stripe.

A Winter BBQ with friends, complete with wood burning fire and blankets. Thank you hostess with the mostess.

Nonsensical conversations with Ols.

The sunshine. It happened.

Read on for more pics and my take on weekend dressing...

Notes On Styling: This outfit is probably my favourite weekend getup ever. I wore this coat almost two years ago to the day and it has been one of my soundest investments. At the time it cost me more money than I'd ever spent on a coat (which didn't take much as I'd previously mostly had School duffles), but cost per wear of this particular no showed true testament to quality over quantity. There's a similar shape available here but I personally love the colour block vibe of this one. Weekends and knitwear make for pretty great friends, and Iris & Ink's range of cashmere is divine.

Side note: divine is a great word!

Iris & Ink's cashmere hits mid-range in terms of price point, but I can attest to the quality and shape. I also love that they cover all bases with classic dusty greys as well as boxy stripes. My first forray into ripped jeans saw me give these ASOS babes a spin, the cut is great - flexible which is ace for curves - and the rips are subtle.

What little pleasures make for a great weekend for you?

What's your favourite weekend style?

Today I get to see some of my favourite girlfriends - under the guise (correctly) of work. Follow along on Instagram.

Have a super day all!

Love,

MB x

Overalls

Overalls: Forever 21, Jumper: Jack Wills (similar and love the logo), Trainers: Converse, Necklace: Similar, Ring: Giles Deacon for Libertine, Watch: Burberry, Bracelet: Annie Haak, Bag: Alice + Olivia (in blue)

Photos by Lea Salomone

Turns out, sometimes Mums do know best. In this case mine was the one to chose these overalls - and hey what a decision that was. Although I wouldn't have seen the potential in them had my Mama not pounced on me at the till point (true story - no time for negotiation) I was super grateful for such comfy new getup just in time to potter about my (then) local area, collect some flowers, and pack boxes in anticipation of my house move. Now that I'm someway settled into my new place I've picked up similar tulips, fresh flowers are always a pleasure.

I am so in love with overalls now, I have my eye on these bleached out babes too.

Side note: rediscovered my old Chuck Taylors - I had cast them aside when I left my waitressing job just before I graduated but now, now, they're back in rotation. I can't believe I ever put these fellas away!

More awesome overalls and cute rompers below:

Are you guys overalls fans?

Have a super day all!

Love,

MB x

P.S. Thank you to Avalon Flowers for the gorgeous backdrop and beautiful blooms!

Boilersuiting

Boilersuit: Topshop, Cross Body: Alice + Olivia, Heels: Similar, Watch: Burberry, Necklace: Similar

Photos by Lea Salomone

Having advocated jumpsuits and playsuits for years I am firmly in camp 'pro one piece'; this utilitarian boilersuit though takes the 'all in one' to a whole other level…

*Update! I have duly been informed that Kate Moss wore this jumpsuit to the Topshop Unique show yesterday. This news makes me very very happy indeed!*

Kate Moss in the jumpsuit!

I remember when I was at college there were two boys in the art department who would wear paint spattered boilersuits all the time, and totally, whole heartedly work them. I remember thinking at the time, how can this be? They look cute, and they're in boilersuits? Hey, how times have changed. Topshop clearly saw the potential and leapt on the trend before I could get my head around it. This hawaiian print number looks way more camo from afar than it does up close. I can't wait to see how it can work for later in the season, I have a feeling it'll take on a new lease of life with tanned limbs, higher cuffs and gladiator sandals.

Read on for notes on styling up a boilersuit, and options to buy…

Notes On Styling: this is no easy feat. A boilersuit is a tricksy little number, and as mentioned above, I feel will probably show its true worth come Summer. Cuffed ankles and high heels elevate it for evening, but equally polished ankle boots and a cropped jacket would make it day appropriate.

A Word On Sizing: I bought one size up - not a good idea. I ended up tucking, pinning and fidgeting all day to try and get the boilersuit to sit how I wanted. This wardrobe babe is best worked close to the skin or baggy 'on purpose'. This evening version is hot and will make the transition into boilersuiting simple and sassy.

Here are some of my favourite boilersuits and utilitarian jumpsuits available now...

OK so where are you guys weighing in on the boilersuit debate? Will you be giving this trend a whirl? Do you love one pieces or do you prefer your looks separate?

Let me know!

Have a super day all!

Love,

MB X

Princess Proportions

Skirt: similar here and here, T-Shirt: New Look, Heels: Similar, Jacket: Karen Millen, Watch: Burberry, Thin Bracelet: Annie Haak, Ring: Giles Deacon for Libertine

Photos by Lea Salomone

Hello there you gorgeous lot. Boy have I missed you. For the first time in a long time I have relinquished Elgin Avenue commitments for the bright lights of another role. For those of you that follow me on Instagram you'll already know that I've been working on a new TV show, and hey, if ever there's a role which can steal me away for a few days, you know TV has my heart. Still, it is good to be back, and on Valentines day nonetheless.

There is something magical about donning a full princess skirt. Remember this pretty tulle one from last year? With Summer weddings around the corner, not to mention prom season, dressed-up separates are a great alternative to classic cocktail attire.

Would you guys consider the princess skirt for S/S? How are you spending Valentines?

Have a great Valentines and start to your weekends all!

Love,

MB x

A Warm Welcome To Pretty Dress Season

Look 1: Dress: New Look, Necklace: Similar, Clutch: Similar

Look 2: Dress 2: New Look, Necklace: Similar, Lip Purse: Lulu Guinness

Worn Throughout: Heels: Super Similar, Ring: Giles Deacon for Libertine, Watch: Burberry, Bracelet: Annie Haak ℅

Photos by Lea Salomone

And so kicks off the season of L-O-V-E!
Following on from Valentines, this year is the first that close friends of Oli and I are getting married. I am trying to contain my excitement but it is hard, especially when - reason number one - one half of a couple is the gorgeous founder of Edenvale bakery - just think of the Wedding cake - and reason number two - there is an awesome excuse to stock up on gorgeous pretty dresses. Both of the dresses in today's post (1 & 2) I nabbed in New Look the other day for £22 each.
£22. Each.

Big occasions need not cost a fortune in outfits. Save yourself any last minute panics and get an early start now. There are a tonne of pretty wedding and party appropriate options available in the early Summer store drops. Below I've highlighted some of my favourites - all hitting on or below £50. Scroll through 'em all peeps! There are accessory options too.

Read on after the jump for more pics and my styling notes on Summer party season accessories…

A Note On Accessories: If you plan on buying a few dresses to rotate during the party season, investing in neutral accessories will save you hassle and £££. Since fangirling Ashley Madekwe's single sole heel collection I jumped on this pair of Topshop sale beauts when I found them in store the other day. They're not available online anymore but ASOS and Topshop have some rocking options which are super similar and affordable. This is one of my top tips for Summer dresses: invest in a slip. I wore one with both of the dresses in today's post and they make all the difference. Your dress will hang better (and thus look more expensive) and a slip will save you from pale colours which can be see through in the light.

So you lovely lot, are you excited for Summer dress season? Are any of your close friends getting married, or maybe you are on the hunt for your perfect graduation dress? Spill all.

I am starting work on a new TV show today so will be back to blogging next week.

*Update - we're filming a couple of extra days so I'll be back to blogging later this week.
Follow me on Instagram for behind the scenes sneak peeks.*

Have a super day and weekend all!

Love,

MB x

Monday Sparkle

Kicking the week off in full skirted sparkle is totally advisable.

After all, Monday blues look so much better if they come in the form of cobalt booties and a shimmering midi.

Agreed?

Agreed.

Skirt: Topshop (similar), Jacket: Dorothy Perkins ℅, Boots: ALDO, Clutch: The Outnet ℅ (similar)

Photos by Lea Salomone

This weekend I moved out of the flat I've called home for the past three and a half years.
Something I learnt about moving? The logistics are exhausting (how, how I asked myself did I accumulate so much stuff?!) but I also learnt that my parents are even more awesome than I thought. There's rolling your sleeves up to help, and then there is rolling your sleeves up to help.
Bold, underlined, italic style.
I'll keep you guys updated on home developments. Here's to unpacking.
Darn, I knew it wasn't over yet.