Fashion Dress in The Present: Teen Vogue

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Christmas Market | Diesel Doris Jean

Hey hey lovelies! Happy hump day!

Every festive season, our neighbouring town of Winchester hosts a huge Christmas market in its Cathedral grounds, complete with ice skating rink, gift stalls and delicious seasonal treats. Oli and I hopped straight on the bandwagon when the market opened this season, and spent a gorgeous icy afternoon pottering around.

When it comes to dressing for the Christmas season, I am all for a little extra sparkle, novelty and fun. Christmas jumpers have their wonderful place, but there are other ways to easily nod to the festive cheer, whilst investing in pieces which will see you past December 25th.

Starting with great jeans will always make for an understated, stylish outfit. I opted to wear my new Diesel Doris jeans with a faux fur jacket, a couple of borrowed pieces from Oli, and a suitably festive beauty look, for our trip to the Christmas market. I felt comfortable, cosy, and just the right amount of merry.

Rings: Feather & Stone c/o

Warning this is a big picture post!

Read on for a tonne more snaps of our lovely afternoon, and my thoughts on Diesel's latest jean style . . .

I have been wearing Diesel jeans for years now, and can wholeheartedly attest to their quality. I like a jean with a mid-rise waistband, which has a touch of elastane in the fabric mix to keep the shape over washes. I have a generous bum and hips, and the Doris style, which I am wearing here, fits a treat. I would advise sizing up if you’re uncomfortable in skin tight jeans - the Doris lives up to its super skinny claim!

Currently I am trying to convince Oli that now is the time to buy our Christmas tree. I mean if we leave it much longer they’ll probably all be gone . . . ! Right?!!

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Have an awesome day all!

Love,

MB x

This post was created in collaboration with Diesel. Thank you for supporting The Elgin Avenue’s sponsors.

Blue Accents | NYC

With all the short-haul flights I've taken this year - and the prerequisite accompanying hand luggage only - I’ve become pretty savvy at packing light. Perhaps you'll understand my excitement then at the prospect of a long-haul flight with hold luggage for NYC! Packing heavy?! Bring. It. On.

Before Ols and I left for New York, I hunted around for NY-appropriate items. I wanted to look polished, and felt that if any city was deserved of dressing up, it's New York. One store in particular came up trumps: Karen Millen. Seriously, A/W perfection! If you haven’t visited Karen Millen recently, get yourself in to a store, or online, pronto. Karen Millen have been repositioning themselves for the past few years, and I feel they’ve come full circle. They are rocking it.

Some of my favourite Karen Millen pieces right now include the much coveted sleeveless coat, this sassy disco blazer and this snake print dress, all of which came with me to NY. Each of these pieces are easy mix n’ match items, and come in colours which are both fun and Winter friendly. Disclaimer: this is not a sponsored post, I’m just genuinely head over heels for Karen Millen right now! Total #BrandCrush.

If you should find yourself in London soon, you MUST visit the Karen Millen Brompton St store. The recently revamped space is one of my favourite destination stores in London. The interiors are beautiful, and totally remind me of what a shopping experience should be - luxe but not alienating. The Brompton St store also hosts a fabulous Karen Millen Atelier where you can have certain Karen Millen items custom made, or customised. I was lucky enough to become the proud owner of one of the Brompton clutch bags which was custom dyed in an evergreen hue for me. Unfortunately the clutch service is no longer available however there are new customisable items per season, and I can whole heartedly attest to the Atelier’s quality.

OK so Karen Millen fan-girling aside. I wore this grey and blue look on our penultimate date in New York. Oli and I walked from Soho, across the Williamsburg bridge, and on into Brooklyn. The day was perfectly sunny and the wind was cuttingly cold. I honestly felt SO invigorated by our entire time in NYC, I was just grinning like a madwoman most of the time. Given that it was so freezing on our visit, and we were walking every where, I ended up wearing my Nike trainers, and the sleeveless gray Karen Millen jacket most days.

Yes, despite the large hold luggage allowance.

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Now that we are back home, I am having a blast checking out all of our photos, and planning our next NY visit - we can’t wait to go back!

I’ve still got so much to share with you, but for now, I'm headed to a couple of early Christmas store events - back in London!

Have an awesome day all!

Love,

MB x

Layering

Jeans: Frame Denim c/o Similar | Jumper: Reiss Mens Similar | Coat: Three Floor Similar | Bag: Jimmy Choo Borrowed | Boots: Russell & Bromley

Ols and I are headed to New York next week and I am beside myself with excitement. I asked one of my good friends - a native New Yorker - what the weather would be like when we head over, and apparently it is pretty similar to the UK right now. I think this makes packing easier?!

I've said it before, but a camel coat is one of my favourite items for Autumn/Winter. The hue is so flattering + timelessly chic. My short sleeved coat is from Three Floor last season, however Mango have an awesome selection of camel coats. Have a peep.

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Do you guys have any tips on where to go/what to see/what to do in New York?! I am ALL ears.

Have an awesome day all!

Love,

MB x

Dress Code: Black Tie

Dress: Ted Baker 'Nelum' | Bag: Alice + Olivia 'Clee' Old but Love This Fluffy Evening Option | Lip Colour: Topshop Lip Polish 'Gallery' | Earrings: Next Old but Similar | Heels: Reiss Old but Super Cute Alternative Here

So, what to do when the invitation states Dress Code: Black Tie . . . ?! First: do a celebratory dance. Immediately. I mean, how often is black tie required nowadays?! This is EXCITING. And two: google Blair Waldorf. Nobody gives better gown game than Blair. Fact.

I have had my fair share of black tie occasions this year, from a ball, to the opera, to a handful of weddings, I have been spoilt with occasions to indulge my Gossip Girl fantasies. There is something throughly magical about wearing a gown and jewels, and if you don't already have an invitation requiring black tie, I'm going to help you out. More on that later.

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This beautiful china print Nelum dress from Ted Baker had my heart quickening a pace on first glance. The white felt unseasonably fresh for an Autumn ball, and I adore a touch of cobalt blue in whatever guise. I wore this look for the Next Charity Gala I attended recently, which raised money in aid of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. It was a stunning occasion; Venetian themed, complete with masks, gondoliers, acrobats, fireworks (indoors!) and a heaving dance floor. It was truly a 'pinch me' evening.

Read on for my roundup of the black tie occasions every one can attend, and the best evening dresses for every body shape . . .

| How To Find the Best Dress For You |

Given, wearing a ball gown is hardly an every day occurrence. The process of finding the perfect Blair-worthy dress (with room to eat, dance, get in and out of transport) can be daunting.

My top tip is to think about your silhouette. What is the most flattering shape for you?

I am an hourglass, and have learnt that a dress which nips in at the waist and skim past my hips is most flattering. I have learnt over time what suits me, but it wasn't always the case! True story: when I was 16 years old and shopping for my prom dress, I was obsessed with buying a silk bias-cut gown similar to Kate Hudson's gold dress in How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (because duh, she looked amazing). However, it was literally the worst shape on me. I persisted, but eventually caved when I realised how much more flattering an A-line skirt is for me.

See below for a few recommendations for different body shapes:

Hourglass:

Straight up and down:

Larger chest, smaller hips:

Smaller bust, larger hips:

Lean arms and legs, middle conscious:

Now, I truly believe every one should get the chance to have a princess moment, it's a right of passage for all gown-loving girls. If you should already have a black tie invitation sitting in your mail, or you know you have your prom, a friend's wedding, a boyfriend's work occasion . . . coming up, book mark this page! If not, here are three occasions to look in to:

1: The Royal Ballet in Covent Garden. There is no official dress code, however I feel it's the perfect occasion to many an extra effort. Pop in to Balthazar around the corner for a glass of champagne - you'll definitely feel appropriately attired in here!

2: The Grange Park Opera. Oli and I went this year and had the best time. Book up early for next Summer. If you are under 30 you can receive a special ticket concession.

3: Your very own soiree! Christmas is around the corner and I can't think of a better excuse to host a party with friends! Chip in for room hire in a lovely restaurant (it often works out more cost effective than you think) and make the dress code your own. Hotel Du Vin have many beautiful locations.

All of this talk of gowns has got me itching to swap my slippers for stilettos . . . OR binge-watch Gossip Girl.

Must. Remain. Productive.

Do you love an occasion to dress up? What would be your DREAM gown?! I think mine would be this.

Love,

MB x

OTK Boots + Sea NY

Dress: Sea NY PF14 Similar Here | Jacket: Karen Millen New Season Here | OTK Boots: Russell & Bromley Similar Here | Clutch: Karen Millen

Ciao bellissimas! Can we talk about these boots?! Stuart Weitzman at Russell & Bromley over the knee deliciousness to be specific. These babes are so popular, apparently they're like gold dust, and sell out almost every time they're re-stocked. Get them on your Christmas list now, and pray that Santa gets there in time.

Over the knee boots are definitely an item which have gained popularity over the past few seasons. The designs have developed and OTK boots are now easier to style than ever.

Here are three of my favourite ways to do so:

1: Cape + Knee Length Dress (like I'm wearing) + OTK boots

2: Skinny jeans + oversized knitwear + OTK boots

3: Cocktail dress + shoulder-robed jacket + OTK boots

Oh and I've got to tell you about SEA - a brand which is new to me - but one which I KNOW you'll love to. New York based SEA is one of those brands which makes you want everything on first look. Feminine, just the right amount of edgy, and pieces which feel both timeless and unique. Love, love love. I recently attended the SEA SS15 press day, and I can't even tell you how much better it gets next season. Almost all of the girls in the PR office were wearing the brand (they look after many other designers too) and they all looked ace. Like 'I really need to stop that girl and ask where she got that from' ace. I've got my sights set on this perfect trans-seasonal jersey. The price point of SEA hits mid-high, but I can absolutely attest to the quality, and know that the pieces are ones you'd wear for years!