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?!!

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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. 

Snug Stye | H&M Christmas

Snug Stye | H&M Christmas

Sasha Pivovarova and Joan Smalls in H&M's Christmas Campaign

It felt like it was taking forever, but we’ve finally had our first frost in town! A smattering of icy glitter makes everything prettier, and it makes me think that Mother Nature is on board with this festive dressing thing! Nothing’s more comforting on an icy morning than curling up with a roasting cup of coffee, snug as a bug in beautiful knitwear. H&M has nabbed a supermodel cast, plus Lady Gaga,  to show us just how great knitwear can be worn for the season. 

Read on for snug styling tips, and a very special Christmas pairing . . . 

Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett in H&M's Christmas Campaign

Whether like Gaga you’re going XXL on the jumper, and cosying up to Hollywood legend Tony Bennett (because duh! Wouldn’t he be the BEST Christmas carolling partner ever?!), or like Supers Joan Smalls and Sasha Pivivarova you’re nabbing H&M’s awesome OTK booties, there’s a myriad of ways to style up your knits. 

Oh, and thank you H&M styling team for OK’ing snug party coverups - how gorgeous does Miss Smalls look in her cream faux fur and white jumpsuit combo?! All. Over. It. 

In the spirit of, um, high spirits, here’s H&M’s awesome Christmas video featuring our favourite Supermodels, Gaga and Tony Bennett singing their hearts out. I defy anyone not to feel throughly festive and ready to party following this!

Have you guys got your party outfits sorted yet? Are you lusting after H&M’s cream knits as much as me?!

Hope you're having a great weekend guys!

Love, 

MB x 

This post was created in collaboration with H&M, thank you for supporting The Elgin Avenue's partners!

Blue Accents | NYC

Blue Accents | NYC

Leather Jacket (Worn Underneath): Karen Millen | Sleeveless Coat: Karen Millen | Scarf: Becksondergaard c/o | Jeans: Frame c/o + Similar | Trainers: Nike + Similar | Bag: Russell & Bromley Old + Similar | Hat: Similar + Similar 

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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KAREN MILLEN

Nike

NET A PORTER

Jack Wills

KAREN MILLEN

Asos

Reiss

KAREN MILLEN

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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

Looks for less - Guys: Vision of Green

Looks for less - Guys: Vision of Green

Green with envy takes on a real meaning this fall in menswear. All different shades of green are a big trend. While St. Patty’s day green is tough to pull off any other day of the year, its darker counterparts are much easier! Opt for darker and rich green tones that look polished and sophisticated for both day and evening.
1. The Look: Gieves & Hawkes Fall 2014  The looks for less 2. Khaki lightweight MA1 bomber jacket, TOPMAN 3. Slim chinos in dark green, ASOS 4. Slim fit suit jacket in dark green pindot, ASOS 5. Green twill long sleeve shirt, TOPMAN

Looks for Less - Ladies: Modern Mod

Looks for Less - Ladies: Modern Mod

A blast from the past, Mod made a comeback across several designer shows for fall. However, this 60’s inspired look had a slight face-lift while still keeping with the fun feminine attitude it was so famous for. Don’t over do it though, go for a solid instead of a print and opt for a shift or mini dress that hits above the knee. Pair your dress with a pair of knee high boots to make this look perfect for fall.



1. The Look: Valentino Fall 2014 The look for less: 2. Sanctuary zip Mod Molly Dress, Revolve Clothing 3. Mod Color blocked sheath dress, Forever 21 4.  New look dogtooth print shift dress, ASOS 5. BDG Collared chambray shift dresss, Urban Outfitters

Layering

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 

Looks for Less - ladies - Tightly Knit

Looks for Less - ladies - Tightly Knit

Warm and cozy knits are a big trend this season. And what’s not to love about that? Both warm and stylish, knits were seen in everything from sweaters to dresses. It’s a trend that can work for anyone and will never go out of style. Opt for an oversized knit sweater or dress for a bolder statement.


1. The Designer Look: Stella McCartney Fall 2014
The Look for Less: 2. Urban Outfitters Silence + Noise cool down v-neck sweater 3.ASOS knitted dress with raglan sleeve and tipping  4. Urban Outfitters Pins and Needles sheer-knit sweater 5. Zara high neck sweater

Curated by: Teresa Espinoza and Layout by: Sammy Sithipong

Looks for less - Guys - Black & White All Over

Looks for less - Guys - Black & White All Over

Black and white is as basic as you can get. But that by no means makes these colors dull or any less stylish when combined the right way. Menswear for fall features plenty of black and white combo’s that look ultra stylish and clean. Mixing layers works great for this and I can guarantee you have something in your closet already that will do the trick! But just in case, check out some of these options!



1. The Designer Look: Agi & Sam Fall 2014
The Looks for Less: 2. H&M Shoes in black 3. Zara Quilted Sweater 4. H&M linen blend shirt 
5. Asos oversized cut and sew rebellion print

Curated by Teresa Espinoza - Layout by: Sammy Sithipong