I'VE MOVED! (New Blog)

Just a short note to let everyone know that I've finally set up my new blog over at: 

www.thecloakrail.com 

Obviously I'll no longer be using this blog, but you can catch all my stuff over at the new blog and there is access to all of my old posts under the 'blogger' heading at the top of the page.

Ev x

STEPPING INTO SPRING

Denim Pinafore Dress- New Look Petite (similar here, here & here), Camel Stripe Turtle Neck Top- New Look, Camel Slim Pocket Coat- Toyshop, Mini Velvet Backpack- La Moda, Skinny Belt- Primark, Taupe Suedette Boots- New Look, Sunglasses- QUAY @ASOS.

I've been itching to get this little denim pinafore dress out the entire winter season but I just haven't been feeling it until now. Maybe its because it was way too cold to be wearing a dress or maybe because I don't like light denim in the colder months...either way I love it so much and will definitely be wearing it more in the upcoming months. We're still not at the point of being able to wear short sleeves here, hence the roll neck and overcoat, but I figured I'd try to get my use out of these 'cooler weather pieces' before spring really kicks in. I'd say its fairly obvious that I'm experiencing an undying love for neutral colours at the moment- especially camel/beige they are just so timeless and classy but can also be very casual at the same time. 

This beauty of a coat has been my little investment for the spring season and needless to say it was worth every penny. I've wanted something like this for a while now and there are similar renditions across the spectrum of the high street but I just feel that the touches of grey on the cuffs and the collar finish it off perfectly and break up the mass of beige- also giving it an interesting detail. It is beautifully made, it's a happy medium between light and medium weight- so ideal for the upcoming season and if I'm really honest, I think £60 is really decent for a piece of this kind. It is available also in Petite-last time I checked, but Topshop are also stocking a range of similar duster style jackets all in beautiful neutral hues (check them out here), all of which are so perfect to throw over the top of a spring ensemble. I feel that everyone needs a staple coat or jacket of this kind because you simply cannot go wrong with this style/shape especially if you go for a very versatile colour, I can guarantee you will wear it non-stop throughout the next few months.

Sending out good vibes to everyone, heres hoping that the rain clouds move aside in every sense,

Ev

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MARCH '16 LOVE LIST

This months love list encapsulates everything I'm obsessed with at the moment; neutral/earthy tones, a hint of sportswear, a few distressed items all of which exude this organic, natural feel. As always, direct links to all items are below.

Plants Printed Tee- Monki, Jacquard Printed Scarf- Zara, ADIDAS Superstar Khaki Stripe- Foot Locker, Distressed Ripped Jeans- ROMWE, BARE Orange & Lemongrass Essential Oils Candle- Flamingo Candles, Ribbed Jumper- H&M, Khaki Leather Bucket Bag- Zara, Ray Ban Fold-up Round Lens Sunglasses- Selfridges. 

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MONOCHROME ft. QUAY

 Petite Ripped Black Jamie Jeans- Topshop, Adidas Black Mock Neck Top- ASOS, Collarless Wool Grey Coat- Missguided, Checked Duster Waistcoat- Primark, Black Tassel Backpack- (similar here), Chunky Knit Scarf- Zara, Mirrored Sunglasses- QUAY Australia, ADIDAS Originals Superstar Trainers. 

So currently in England, we're not quite at the point of being able to leave the house in just a t-shirt and light jacket because it's still bloody freezing even though we are indeed approaching 'spring'. I don't know what it is at the moment but I'm finding myself immensely drawn to muted and monochromatic shades rather than bold, bright colours- maybe my style choices are simply reminiscent of the colour of the sky (grey, grey, black and then some more grey)- who knows. All the pieces in this outfit are incredibly versatile and the thing I love most about spring/ warmer weather is the ability it gives us to layer. I love the depth and interest layering gives to what could otherwise be quite a boring and one dimensional outfit. 

Like the rest of the fashion world I too am pretty much head over heels for anything sportswear related and to be honest I am adoring anything Adidas Original, I feel like whilst being very 'sports luxe' (hate the phrase but it sums it up), these basic and simple sportswear inspired pieces give off a very retro vibe as well. I've completely lived in my Superstar trainers which is so bizarre because I'm not one for completely flat shoes at all but they're just so comfortable and they literally can be thrown together with any outfit- if you want that casual vibe. To be fair the outfit could probably have done with a bit of a pop of colour somewhere maybe in the bag but thats the beauty of hindsight- I'm enjoying the muted palettes regardless. I want to big up this sleeveless duster-jacket-waistcoat-thing that I wore under my coat. I picked it up in Primark and it is that staple piece that can be layered with endless outfit combinations and it is a lovely quality and fit for the 14 odd pounds that I paid. It will certainly carry me through spring and some milder summer days. 

Quay is the Australian eyewear brand that everyone seems to be lusting after this season and to be fair I'd been aware of them from last summer but had never bought into the trend until now. I do love their selection of colours, I am a huge sucker for a cat eye frame but in general I like to collect sunglasses. Some people collect bags, others shoes but I love my sunglasses. I think I paid about £30 for this iridescent pink pair and if I'm being totally honest I was expecting them to be slightly more substantial (heavier) but I love the colour and shape too much to care. I guess they could be the pop of colour in this outfit because a killer pair of shades can literally transform an outfit entirely and being realistic I can see myself purchasing another pair. 

If you don't already follow me on Instagram, then you totally should ;) @eenabeenaevelina 

I have been purchasing some beautiful and awesome new pieces for the upcoming spring season when it finally decides to show itself, so as always stay tuned,

Ev

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LATE FEBRUARY LOVE LIST

Pale Pink Bomber- Stradivarius, Powder Blue Suede Shoulder Bag- H&M, Artificial Succulent Plant- New Look, Pink Peg Belted Trousers- Toyshop, NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick- Boots, Blackberry Bath Bomb- Lush, Kreafunk aHead Headphones- Urban Outfitters, 101 Dreams Journal- kikki.K, Peony Large Pillar Candle- Yankee, Painted Peonies Optic Pen- Paperchase, Rose Gold Fiji Friendship Bracelet- Monica Vinader, ADIDAS Superstar w/ Rose Gold Metal Toe- Office, Saint Laurent Leather Cardholder- Net-a-porter.com

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BURNT BOHÈME

Petite Wrap Bodycon Dress- Topshop striped-similar here, black- here, orange may be available in store, Faux Fur Coat- H&M similar here, sleeveless alternative here, Silver Statement Necklace- New Look Premium, Black Leather Western Belt- ASOS, Black Cut-Out Boots- New Look Premium, Velvet Mini Backpack- La Moda, Grey Pom Pom Keyring- New Look.

Lips; Lip Pencil in Brown- Primark , Lip Bullet in Motel- Topshop. 

I figured I'd bust out the orange/black combination one last time before the end of winter because in a months time I won't be able to wear my heavy furs. I have absolutely been adoring orange this autumn/winter- see how I styled this coat previously here . I wore this outfit on an evening out to dinner and I haven't had a whole lot of chances to wear this pretty wrap dress as much as I'd liked so I made the most of it. I purchased it back in autumn in store and they had a few orange ones left yesterday when I went but there are now a new array of colours available like khaki, black etc. The shape of the dress is incredibly complimentary because of the cross over detail on the front, I would perhaps suggest sizing up because I picked up a size 8 and I could barely breathe- jersey can be very clingy, so I later went back for the 10. I have had so meany compliments about this dress and it's incredibly easy to wear and style plus for the 25 odd pounds that it costs- seems very worth it if we compare it to other Toyshop pieces. 

You may have noticed my silver/grey accessories that I've gone with for this outfit which for me is very unusual as I tend to stick to gold. I figured I'd use my beautiful new western belt and accentuate that silver hardware by bringing it out in my necklace, bag and boot buckles. These bold silver pieces give off a definite boho vibe thrown together with my masterpiece of a coat and there is a real contrast of texture, colour and styles.

I will soon be posting a new haul video so that you can all see my recent purchases, so as usual stay tuned!

Ev

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BEAUTIFUL BOMBERS

The bomber is a classic style of jacket that comes back over and over, originally inspired by pilot uniforms around the time of the Second World War- sorry to get all historical but some of the greatest pieces have been re-invented through the ages. It's similar to the aviator jacket in the sense that it is so timeless but can be so easily re-designed through colour , print and fabric. They've been prominent on the style scene since the start of autumn this year, where everyone and their cat seemed to own the khaki Topshop version, but now as spring approaches they're even more appropriate and wearable and the bomber is definitely one of my all-time favourite styles of jackets. 

1. Mustard Satin Bomber- H&M, 2. Yellow Beaded Bomber- H&M, 3. Khaki Quilted Bomber- Zara, 4. Jonathan Saunders Embroidered Crepe Bomber- Net-a-porter, 5. Baby Pink Suede Bomber- Stradivarius. 

I thought I'd go ahead and include some designer inspiration too because of course a lot trends on the high street are derived from high end shows plus these high-end pieces are just like works of art to stare at...To see all the full shows head over to Vogue. 

Fendi S/S 2016

Gucci S/S 2016

I hope I've inspired you to go out and find a beautiful and unique bomber or even a simple and plain style that can be paired with pretty much anything. Yu can invest in an expensive one or find cheaper options to try the style of jacket out, but for myself I find that bomber jackets are so incredibly versatile and can add a very casual and sport-luxe vibe whilst still giving the outfit a 'put-together' feel.

Happy shopping!

Ev

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