Styled by Kimberley: Scarf

After a really colourful summer, I settled back into my black on grey on monochrome on black wardrobe a little too easily and this made me feel sad. A flurry of sequins to accompany the festive period brought back my sparkle (literally) and now I don't want to disappear into these dreich Scottish winter days. I find it pretty hard in January and February when there's no Christmas tat around. So I'm creeping towards the light in my style. Okay, I realise that what I have actually done is substituted the black for a navy colour block. I'm taking baby steps here, guys.

I've been talking about stepping out of my comfort style zone at the moment. When it comes to dressing I guess I'm pretty feminine. Feminine in a young girl/ old lady way, not necessarily an age-appropriate woman. I love androgynous styling but I'll admit, I've never thought it was for me. For two opposing reasons: my strong jawline and my curvy body.
My face actually works pretty well with androgyny. My cheekbones are unreal when I have short hair (and good lighting, unlike here) and I really suit a bowl cut. From a facial shape point of view, I mean. This does not mean I should have a bowl cut. I have in fact experienced a ginger bowl cut and it... is never to return. Let's leave that look to Helen.
To my mind, androgynous dress follows androgynous body shape. This has little to do with gender, I guess but the mod silhouettes suit a more petite, narrow body shape. I have hips and boobs and a bit more boobs to spare. There's no escaping it. However, I still really enjoy a narrow collar. While I can't really wear a fitted shirt to give the effect I like (even the best tailored shirts and a minimiser cannot hide dem boobs), wearing one under a shirt (or a faux collar like here) gives the same impression and adds interest to the look. And everyone should wear a bow tie!

When we discussed Scarf Week for the blog, I knew I had to give the Cleo Ferin Mercury animal scarf knot a go! How could I not? I adore this panda scarf and have been looking for the opportunity to get it out again. Having Helen on hand to expertly tie my bow again ensured a bouncy bow fit for any dapper gent or lady. It's such a cute scarf- and Cleo Ferin mercury have a big sale so these beauts are nearly half price!

Scarf | Cleo Ferin Mercury
Jumper | c/o Wear Eponymous
Collar | ASOS
Jeans | borrowed from my sister
Boots | c/o Ted and Muffy
Bag | Skinny Dip
Earrings | Dione Bowlt
Flower Ring | Runaway Fox
Bee ring | borrowed from Helen
Glasses | c/o IOLLA

Styled by Helen: Scarf

Every blogger out there will know the pain of trying to take photographs during winter. Daylight hours are limited and the weather is not to be relied upon. Sometimes you just have to put up with dodgy indoor lighting. These were snapped in a shopping centre shortly before it closed for the night. Talk about some quick pics. Perhaps if I actually knew how to use my camera properly these photos might have turned out better. It's definitely one of my goals for this year to improve my photography and actually get to grips with my camera. I had tea and cake with photographer Tammy of T Shawts the other day and her one piece of advice was to read the manual that comes with your camera. I have to admit, once I'd figured out how to switch it on I never really gave it a second look. That will certainly have to change. I've also been looking into some camera classes and clubs close by. These are certainly seem worth checking out:

• DCA Photography Forum
• Blue Sky Photo Club
• Stills - Intro to Street Photography

So, on to the outfit. I don't often go for all black but I quite like this combination. Granted only the base of each item is black. There are plenty of colour pops to stop it being boring. From the embroidered pills on the collar of the dress to the sparkly tinsley bits in the jumper, I wanted to bring all these multi coloured elements together. And everything is topped off with this Greatest Show on Earth scarf. I do love Lush's array of knot-wraps. I like the idea of wrapping gifts in something that isn't just going to be thrown in the bin. Of course, this was a gift to myself. I couldn't resist getting my hands on a Karen Mabon design for the bargain price of £4.50. While the print is only on one side and the edges are a little rougher, I do love the fact that the scarf is made using recycled plastic bottles.

Scarf | LUSH x Karen Mabon
Jumper | H&M
Dress | Coco Fennell x Karen Mabon
Shoes | Topshop via a Charity Shop

There are plenty other knot-wrap designs that I have my eye on. The Kissed a Few Frogs one is definitely on my list. If you're looking to build your own collection of scarves these are a great way to get started without breaking the bank. Other top scarf buying tips include charity shops and vintage fairs. They usually have lots of patterned goodness on offer. Scarf addicts unite! And don't forget to use our easy peasy scarf styling tips from earlier this week.

Top Five: Easy Scarf Styles

It's no secret that I'm a huge scarf fan. In fact, both Kimberley and I are partial to accessorising with something silky. I'm always drawn to illustrated designs and fun patterns. Bright colours also rank highly on my want list. My collection steadily grows with every Christmas or birthday that goes past and sometimes I decide to treat myself, just for fun. I'm always on the look out for new ways to style my collection. Especially during the winter, when I'm on the hunt for alternative ways to wear them. The neck area is usually taken up by something more knitted at this time of year but that doesn't mean I want to stop wearing my lighter options. I try to experiment as much as possible but it's safe to say it doesn't always work out. Sometimes you have to remind yourself of the basics before you start to get a bit more creative.

So, if your starting to grow your own collection, here are some simple scarf styles to get you started and to get me enjoying the basics again.


Turban
Scarf: LUSH x Karen Mabon
This is one of my favourite ways to wear a scarf, especially when I'm having a bad hair day. It's actually a really easy look but it still manages to look like I've made an effort. I'm trying to wash my hair less to make sure the colour lasts longer so this is the perfect way hide it away on the in between days. 

 
Bag 
Scarf: Claire Corstorphine
For when you're already wearing a scarf, this allows additional scarf wearing without looking (too much) like a crazy scarf addict. That's if using scarf 3 times in a sentence doesn't give you away. It's also a great method to get some colour into your outfit (or extra colour, if you're me). I always enjoy a bow but you can just knot it for a longer look.


Bow Tie
Scarf: Cleo Ferin Mercury
I love this more androgynous look on Kimberley. It's simple and and clean but the scarf adds interest and a whole lot of fun. This is a look that works really well with this Panda scarf. I love seeing his wee face and arms dangling down. It could also work with a shorter scarf for a more authentic bow tie look. But, you know, this Panda scarf is on sale right now so it wouldn't hurt to try that way first. And watch out for a better look at Kim's outfit later this week.


Bandit
Scarf: Naromode (now Dead Sleekit)
This is my go to scarf style. Incredibly easy to do, keeps my neck warm and I can pretend to be a bandit! What's not to love!? It's perfect when you just want to through on a scarf to complete an outfit but don't want any fuss.


Belt
Scarf: Karen Mabon
Add a bit of pattern to a plain dress while wearing a belt that is easily adjustable. Alway a bonus in my book. And as well as being easily resized, it can also be worn two ways. Bow to the front for a cute look or bow to the back to really show off the print. 

I've put together this little video which shows how I tied a few of the above looks. Unfortunately not all of them because making a video is hard when it's just me! Practice will hopefully make perfect  (eventually). In the meantime any feedback is always appreciated.

Top Five: Dundee Cake Stops

What's the best way to spend the afternoon when you're dressed in vintage florals? Why, going for tea and cake of course! To be honest, it's pretty much the best way to spend any afternoon, whatever you're wearing. Kimberley and I decided to test out the best places in Dundee for such a treat. We didn't visit all of these places in one afternoon (as much as we would have liked to) but I know my way around a cake break in my fair city. If you happen to find yourself in the city of discovery with a hankering for some homebaked goodness, you wouldn't go wrong with any of these fabulous cake stops:

The Palais
Cute, comfy and homely, this place is like hanging out at your cool Nana's front room. Packed full of local history and home baking. The counter is literally covered in sweet treats. It was a pretty hard task to pick something to pair with my pot of tea. In the end I opted for a slice of Bakewell Tart cake. As if a bakewell tart wasn't amazing enough, transform it into a cake and it's even better (and bigger).  I didn't think I'd manage it all but I persevered. Also, colourful knitted teacosies! What's not to love.





Folk Cafe
A place full of colourful art and even more colourful food. The cake table is always groaning and the paintings on the wall are always eye catching. All of this creates a fun and relaxed environment. The savory dishes are created with a health angle but the cake selection is quite the treat. Their sister establishment, The Parlour Cafe, is a smaller more rustic affair but still full of deliciousness.

Tea And Cake
It's all there in the name. This cute cafe is full of character and a tasty selection of food. It's the perfect stop for lunch and a great place for tea and a catch up. Just make sure you don't fill up too much as the cake selection is vast and varied. From giant meringues to mixed fruit muffins, sometimes it can seem like too much to choose from (if that's even a thing)! They also use a lot of nice local produce including some tasty fife lemonade.



Madigan's Food Emporium
Part book shop, part cafe - this place has a relaxed feel and some quirky Alice in Wonderland decor. I'm talking teapots and cups hanging from the ceiling, it's full on adorable. The cake selection is always solid and fits with the homely feel of the place. And if tea isn't your thing they do a mean hot chocolate.

The Flame Tree Cafe
That enormous slice of chocolate cake down there was found at The Flame Tree cafe. It was huge and tasted SO GOOD. I couldn't manage it all in one go but the lovely folks packaged it up and I got to take it home for later. A lot of their offerings are vegan and gluten free and their wee signs keep you in the know. This place has a more modern feel but is still super welcoming. They've got a refurbishment in the works and I for one can't wait to see the outcome of it.


CLOSE UP!!!

Styled by Helen: Vintage Floral

If at first you don't succeed: try, try and try again. I styled up this vintage floral dress last week, but looking back at the photos I decided I hated the outfit I'd put together. It's not often I hate anything, but I really did not do a good job of dressing myself that day. There was way too much going on, including navy tights and a green hat. Basically I just wasn't feeling it. So, after some time away from this dress, I decided to give it another go.

Take two feels much better - comfy and cosy, just the way I like it. It may not be the most fashion forward piece, but I do enjoy this dress. The print is pretty and colourful. Plus the fabric is slightly crinkled which equals no ironing. Win! Which is exactly the reason why I gave it a second chance. Like Kimberley said in her Vintage Floral post - it's all about experimenting and seeing what works for you. The jumper was an essential for a chilly day. I borrowed it from Heather Mac and I actually rally like the happy yellow colour. Heather and I a sister sleepover at the weekend, which we spent watching The Prestige and Dogma in honor of Bowie and Alan Rickman. We also ate a whole load of food, so this easy outfit really was required for the next day.



Dress | Vintage Kilo Sale
Jumper | Borrowed from Heather Mac
Boots | Zara
Necklace | Lucky Dip Club
Rings | Datter Industries and Jerome Dauphin

I've nicknamed this dress - my Sandra Bullock dress. I watched a lot of cheesy Sandra Bullock movies over the festive period. She always seems to be wearing a slightly old fashioned floral number but still manages to look pretty fabulous (in a girl next door approachable kind of way, of course). And her dresses usually seem to be paired with some kind of chunky knit. Which is probably the subconscious reason why I paired this dress with this jumper. Forget Unlikely Style Icons, I think Sandra Bullock may be the Subconscious Style Icon behind this whole look. Okay, I'm talking way too much about Sandra Bullock. What can I say, she is in some terrible movies, wearing some terrible clothes but she still has a place in my fashion heart. These films are my favourites ( in case you were wondering):

• While You Were Sleeping
•  The Net
• Practical Magic
• Premonition

So, what I'm trying to say is: it doesn't always have to be about wearing something super stylish. Sometimes it can just be about being happy with what you've got on and feeling a little bit like Sandra Bullock. 

Styled by Kimberley: Vintage Florals

Enjoying fashion means taking risks. You can have some uh-mazing looks and some real humdingers, and I am perfectly happy to say that I am one of these individuals who've worked all areas of the spectrum. Oh, the cringe. Like a honey bee I hover around the bright and the bold and I will fixate on things that are so good... but not necessarily good on me. It's a fine line between genius and ridiculous.
This dress is a (good) sort of example of this. It is one of the two pieces I picked up at the Vintage Kilo Sale when it came to Edinburgh in November. It is isn't my typical shape (i.e. knee length tea dress/ skater dress) but often I'm too excited about a print to consider the fit of something and will buy things just for the pattern. This can be a real mistake. Don't get me wrong: I know my body shape. I got the Gok Wan 101 and I have tried on enough outfits in my lifetime to instinctively know that something will cause double boob/ my waist to get swamped/ thunder thighs.
So let's look at this dress. It has a high neck, it is full length, it completely covers my curves in a blocky shape and offers very little waist shape, the skirt is A line from the hips. And it's polyester. Ick. It has a lot wrong with it for my body. But that damn print! Ugh, I'm in love.

Here's where styling comes into play. playing around to make it more comfortable for you. Unbuttoning the top to create a faux blouse V shape (there's actually no collar) and rolling up the sleeves has broken up the shape and it is nipped in a bit with the slim belt. Actually, I could do with a decent waist belt to properly sort that out. I also wore leggings for a sexy flash of ankle, again to break it up. The length isn't quite right with these boots but it's okay. Doubling up on the prints with the clutch was pretty fun and I actually felt pretty good in this statement look in the end. I owned it. What is most important is that an outfit comes together so that you don't feel like you're playing dress up. You need to feel comfortable. Hell, I felt excited to wear this! It's not the last outing this has had from my wardrobe.

Dress | c/o Vintage Kilo Sale
Boots | Topshop via ebay
Earrings | c/o Karen Smith Jewellery
Glasses | c/o IOLLA
Clutch | Topshop
Bow Ring | Alternate Normality
Brooch | The Sad Ghost Club

On a side note: if you look closely, you can also spot my The Sad Ghost Club pin haunting my lapel. It's a super cute sad ghostie. I got it as a reward for supporting their crowd funding campaign and I adore it. If you aren't familiar with them already, they spread awareness of mental health issues through their adorable range of zines and clothing. I'm in love with the Rainy Day Tee and the 'Still Sad' beanie hat.

Thinking about this dress again, I can also double this up by wearing it open over a plain outfit, as with my Monki shirt dress. So, there you go. Two very Kimberley looks out of one non-Kimberley dress. Sometimes it's nice to step out of your comfort zone with a different shape and see how you can work it in a way that still feels like you.

By the way, if you love Judy's fairs like we do, there's not long to wait! They will be back soon:

• Affordable Vintage Fair- Edinburgh 30 January
• Vintage Kilo Sale- Glasgow on 7th February
• Vintage Kilo Sale- Edinburgh on 21st February, 

Other UK dates can be found on their website. See you there!