Christmas Market | Diesel Doris Jean

Christmas Market | Diesel Doris Jean

Jeans: Diesel ‘Doris’ Style c/o | Jacket: New Look c/o | Jumper: John Smedley Mens | Scarf: Borrowed From Oli, Similar | Boots: Russell & Bromley | Bag: Russell & Bromley in Black

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?!!

| Shop The Look |

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. 

Little Black Tunic & Family

Little Black Tunic & Family

Tunic: Diesel Old But Similar And Cheap!, Trainers: Nike Old But Similar, Clutch: Monsoon Artisan, Watch: Casio Sheen c/o, Bracelets: Nadia Rabosio

I spent all of last week helping at my parents' Bed & Breakfast whilst my Mum was travelling and visiting relatives in Italy. Whilst I was stepping into my Mum's shoes, it hit me how immensely proud I am of the 'home away from home' my parents have built over the last 10 years. So many of their guests return each week/month/year proclaiming their love for my Mum, and Dad's, hospitality. Although I've done it before, every time I take on my Mum's role I am hyper aware of just how much HARD work running a Bed & Breakfast is; respect Mama. 

For me, my favourite moments at the B&B were setting up and serving breakfast - YUM - and seeing the bedrooms made up. Beds tucked in, towels on top, tea and biscuits ready for the guests' arrival; there is such a pleasure in (hopefully!) ensuring a guest's comfortable and pleasurable stay. When I finished my stint as head 'B&B-ress' on Monday, I took the whole day off for some serious pampering  - mani, pedi, shopping - the lot! - and allowed myself a full 'me' day. It is SO important to take rest, something I am especially aware of when owning your own business - it is easy to fall into work even on notional days off. 

Coming back yesterday to a backlog of emails was OK in the knowledge that I had recharged my batteries; and my pretty blue mani tapping away on the keyboard helped! In the evening my sister and her boyfriend visited and we spent a beautiful dinner with this view. 

Right now I feel as if I have two uniforms - writing 'home' wear, and my meetings 'work' wear. I am living in T-shirts, frayed denim shorts, comfortable dresses, trainers and sandals at home; and when it comes to meetings I am making more effort to dress up. This black tunic dress is one which I got before my trip to Calvi On The Rocks festival last year. The shape is divinely loose, allowing for me to work, and potter about feeling totally at ease. I have my eye on this oversized T-shirt dress too.  I massively under packed footwear for my stint at the B&B and was so grateful to slip my feet into my favourite pair of Nikes when I got home. When I'm staying local I tend to carry a clutch rather than a bag as I need so little with me. My Monsoon Artisan embellished number has become a perennial favourite, and I love that it dressed up my 'home wear' a little for dinner. I am getting my hair re-dyed this evening, but I've been playing with loose curls which show off the balayage - a ponytail or 'concentration bun' are my secret weapons for staying focused at my desk!

SHOP

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Asos £20.00

Asos £60.00

Asos £40.00

Asos £60.00

Asos £20.00

Nike £65.00

Casio £59.99

Asos £42.00

Nike £75.00

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It is good to be back into a normal routine, but I am so grateful to have a family where we can step in and help each other out when we need it. I think that growing up with self-employed parents made me hungry to start my own venture, and I will forever be thankful for their encouragement in the start up stages, through to current developments, with The Elgin Avenue and my ventures. SAME to you guys, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, and being an awesome support - TEA's extended family rocks too!

Who or what inspires you guys? What is your everyday uniform looking like right now? As always, leave a comment and let me know . . . !

Love, 

MB x

Diesel Leather Skirt

Diesel Leather Skirt

Skirt: Diesel @ Selfridges c/o, Blouse: Vintage but Similar, Slip Ons: Russell & Bromley c/o New Season Update, Sunglasses: GANT, Cross Body: Accessorize c/o, Gold Bracelet: Next, Silver Bangle: Wallis c/o, Long Necklace: Satya, Short Necklace: Accessorize c/o

Following a few of weeks away from home, I am SO happy to be back with all the little comforts which come along with it; Ols and I have a stroll together most days - fresh air keeps the creativity going. Yesterday I pulled on this little leather mini from Diesel's exclusive collection at Selfridges for our amble. Prior to this Summer I had leather pinned down as cool weather wear only, but after having spent time with some Spanish bloggers last year, I saw how they incorporated leather shorts and skirts into their wardrobes with lighter pieces. I love the simplicity of a billowy white blouse with a leather mini; it's a great look for when you want to dress up but not be too girly. Slip ons are my go-to runaround shoe, but I think that beaded sandals and a slouchy tank top would also look awesome with this leather skirt. 

Read on for my notes on Diesel's Selfridges pop up . . .

Diesel have teamed up with Selfridges for an exclusive pop up, selling Diesel collection alongside a few limited pieces. This sleeveless leather jacket, exclusive to Selfridges, is the perfect trans seasonal piece - ace over a white cotton dress with bare arms, and sweet worn over a denim jacket for chillier nights. Whilst you're at it stock up on Skinzee jeans (my favourite style) and this super cute logo sweatshirt.

Diesel undoubtedly embodies a rock n' roll aesthetic; whilst some girls work it gorgeously - hi Alice Dellal - I prefer to soften leather with fluid separates like this Diesel babe. The images below show the Diesel girl in all her tough glory, would you dare to go full rock n' roll?!

I would love to hear how you'd style up your leather; are you a Summer leather convert too?

Have an awesome day all!

Love, 

MB x

 - This post was created in collaboration with Diesel, check out the new Diesel campaign imagery in the cover image here -  

Checked ...

Checked ...

                                                                                       CLICK TO SEE MORE

                                                                                          boots: zara,
                                                                                          jeans: diesel,
                                                                                          shirt: thanks to Sheinside (here),
                                                                                          blazer: thanks to Choies (here),
                                                                                          scarf: koan,
                                                                                          hat: koan,
                                                                                          bag: mona,
                                                                                          bow tie: VT masne (here),
                                                                                          watch: michael kors,
                                                                                          ph. Maja


Masculine trend is one of my favorites for years. Tuxedo blazers and pants, strict shirts, leather gloves, doctor bags, ties and many, many other pieces will make you stand out. There are special occasions where you can were this type of style, but also, you can make it work on a daily base by taking one of the accessories that are predicted to be worn by guys before we stole it! ;)
So I decided to make a strange mix of everything. Flare old jeans, ankle boots, tartan scarf with gorgeous hat from Koan, and as a cherry on top I decided to add a cute polka dot bow tie which I got from VT (click here to view their page).
At the end, I really liked the final look, which can't be categorized. Still can't decide am I a hippie or nerd on heels! ;)
What do you think?

Diesel ...

Diesel ...

                                                                                            CLICK TO SEE MORE

                                                                                                     boots: zara,
                                                                                                     tights: non branded,
                                                                                                     dress: zara,
                                                                                                     blazer: zara,
                                                                                                     bag: bershka,
                                                                                                     sunglasses: Fossil,
                                                                                                     watch: Diesel,
                                                                                                     ph. Maja, Masa


Okay, third in a row is outfit with Diesel watch. Biker boots, studs, retro sunglasses and red dress as cherry on top.
Can't wait to hear your impressions!

p.s. last two days i was more than busy so i will try to answer all your questions during the day!

p.p.s. BPM News is online now, and you can check it here  http://www.bpmsatovi.com/images/katalog/bpm_news.pdf   and read the interview! :)