Check mate

Top: New Look// Skirt: New Look// Shoes: Nike// Clutch: Fashion Union// Necklace: vintage
Photos c/o Mae Reddaway

I started my new job as an Account Executive for a Marketing Agency this week. Barr the 6am starts, I've been loving the new Manchester life, the work and the working week. Now I'm officially an adult, I've been drinking fresh juices on the morning commute, doing smart/casual office wear and trying to grow up. It's going well so far, I'm trying to model myself of Carrie from SATC although I guess that means I'm building myself up to fail. 

My only problem is the cost of travelling in each day, so if any of you know anyone living in Manchester who needs a flatmate, let me know. After a few months I'll be starting the 'flat hunt', but I'll have to find somewhere with a big enough wardrobe for all my clothes! (just kidding)

This is an outfit the lovely Mae snapped for me before I left uni (sob) and although it's pretty basic, I think it's spot on for evening wear with all this hot weather we've been having. The skirt has been a staple for me since May, but I think it can work from day to night, just make sure you contrast its close style with a long shirt or tunic style top. I've been wearing it with a drop vest style top in the day and sling back espadrilles (which I'll feature in my next outfit post).

I love the trainer trend which has stubbornly stayed on trend since last year, I've been wearing my beloved Nikes when I can, they go brilliantly with dresses, cut offs and ankle grazer jeans. I'll keep you updated on my work wear diary, I'm looking for a photographer in Manchester to snap me once a week, so if any of you out there know any lovely DSLR-using photographers, please let me know! 

Sportswear chic for Spring

Tshirt: Adidas// Jeans: Topshop

Trainers: Nike//Leather Rucksack: vintage

For a suitably casual Saturday I opted for a simple take on the sportswear trend which has stubbornly refused to budge since SS 12. Even if you're a fan of the more traditional, feminine look, I'm afraid to tell you that simple shapes, masculine accessories and trainers *gasp* are here to stay. I've not donned a pair of trainers for casual wear (excluding Converse of course) since my neon trainers, which doubled as football boots for a day at the park. Those days, thankfully, are long gone, however I could not resist these trainers, initially bought for netball, but not the permanent home for my feet. Supportive, stylish and light as a feather, they have changed my whole perception of footwear. I promise I've not turned into an OAP overnight but hey, who says we have to wear uncomfortable shoes day in day out?! I am a big believer in stuffing my size seven soles into a variety of shoes in the hope that one day they'll appear dainty and when shoe shopping, "they'll stretch" is always on the tip of my tongue. Now I'm a trainer convert. No, this doesn't mean I'll be ditching my array of more feminine footwear anytime soon, in fact I've just bought some army green stilettos with heels to kill, but think about it, no bloke would buy a pair of uncomfortable shoes, so why should women ALWAYS opt for the most impractical in the shop? My Adidas v-neck is another more masculine purchase, I promise I'm gradually introducing a little more colour to my otherwise grey day-to-day wardrobe, but I couldn't resist this top which reminds me of the old England kits of the '80s. Paired with my good old ankle grazers from Topshop, I think my look is casual enough to wear during the week, without looking like I'm off to the gym! Accessorized with my denim jacket and leather rucksack, I'm also ticking off the double denim trend, another stubborn style, and the penchant for travelling chic this season.

I've been buying a few little feminine pieces this week, so the next outfit I share with you will be more colourful I promise!

Boux Avenue Press Preview!

Good lingerie is like a pair of classic Jimmy Choo's, elegant, image-changing but incredibly hard to come by. The perfect lingerie changes your whole body shape, lifting you up and holding you in, in all the right places. I love lingerie shopping, but my room is literally bursting with bras, knickers and the like that I've never worn, due to it being ill fitting, too showy or just sitting badly under clothes.

So I was very excited to be invited to the opening of the brand new Boux Avenue store in Liverpool One. As a northern lass, I've never ventured into Boux Avenue, Dragon, Theo Paphitis' brain child and prominent lingerie shop primarily in the South. 

Liverpool One's branch was the fourteenth store in the U.K, sending me signals that there was something special about this brand - a company which is seemingly successful during a difficult economic period. 

Greeted at the door with smiles and some yummy drinks, I wasn't disappointed. The store radiates elegance and glamour; the design, with its delicate chandeliers and chic furnishings reminds me of the glitz and opulence of the roaring twenties. 

The lovely Jade from the Style Rawr & Jess from Holy Tightss

The shop was split into numerous areas, with the front of the store dedicated to pretty designs and ever-changing lingerie which I had to be dragged away from! Nightwear came next, with really cute PJ  sets and the most gorgeous shearling dressing gown (which I really wanted!). The centre piece to the store was a gorgeous tiered stand with loads of different perfumes, lotions and potions, mirrors, makeup bags and little trinkets which would make perfect gifts!

The back of the store was reserved for occasion-lingerie, such as wedding sets (which were so beautiful that I'd want them anyway!) and more basic bras and knickers. 

I was so impressed with the quality of all the lingerie - even the most simple of t-shirt bras was lined with gorgeous fabric and the fact that every item I looked at was reasonably priced. Many of the bras on show, if bought, entitled the customer to a free pair of knickers - a really good deal and something that a large of number of lingerie companies don't tend to offer! 

The staff on hand were so lovely and attentive. I spoke to the fabulous Stephanie who told me all about the amazing fitting service that Boux Avenue offer; an old-fashioned approach to this awkward practice. I remember when I was younger, I was taken for a 'fitting' at a high street store, where the attendant simply threw bras through to me and showed no interest. Boux Avenue seems very different. Their fitting rooms have fully-trained staff members to talk you through sizing and style issues along with a concierge service so there's always help on hand. The fitting rooms also use alternative lighting, allowing you to see what your lingerie will look like in the morning, afternoon or evening! 

All in all, I had an amazing time at the Boux Avenue Press Preview morning, meeting two lovely bloggers, Jess from Holytightss and Jade from the Style Rawr and actually seeing a lingerie brand which actually cares about its customers. I honestly believe that Boux Avenue offers a different standard of service to other stores and I'll be throwing out that misshaped, ill-fitting lingerie and paying them a visit very soon! 

Have you shopped at Boux Avenue, what did you think?