The Ruffled Everyday

We've all had those realisations when our days start to blur together and getting up/going to work at 8am is never going to end. (At least not in our near future) When I was a student, I craved for consistency in daily routines because as you know, one week of easy lectures can quickly turn into a week of all nighters, finishing those awful 20,000 word essays. I may not miss those lengths of writing, but I do miss the easy mornings in my pj's, reading the newspaper and enjoying a freshly cooked breakfast waiting for the creative juices to kick in on full blast. I've now switched out my pj's for sneakers (best for running through the tube) and settle for a quick scan of the BBC News App instead of the morning print. But hey, life's all about compromises. 

Even after a long day at work, I still crave to create. Whether it's a delicious meal or finding the perfect look for the next blog posts, my drive and creativity is still with me even after a long day at the office. I may have standardized my days, but I always let my creativity come out in my wardrobe. Working in the East side of London, my everyday staples are way more laid back than a city slicker. Think booties, jeans, sweaters, easy tops - no suits. (Thank goodness) I've always been a huge ruffle lover but I've always been conscious of looking overtly young so my first instinct is always to stay away. However, thanks to the fashionable runways of Gucci, Chloe and Cushnie et Ochs, the ruffle trend has come back into our lives and I couldn't be happier. And the high street has never been more on point with their affordable dupes costing a fraction of the real stuff. This ZARA sweater is easily the comfiest sweater I've ever bought and at just £15.99, this beauty was a steal. The ruffled sweater look is the perfect everyday staple for keeping the office vibes comfy and stylish. You can pair this trend with a pair of leather leggings or tuck into a high waisted skirt. I've also found some other options here, here and here. 

Sweater | ZARA
Jeans | 7FAM
Boots | Office
Necklace | J. Crew (old)
Bag | Rebecca Minkoff

xx Christie 

Off Duty Chic

Move over bomber, the military jacket is here to stay. 

Off duty chic can be so much more than a pair of levis, addidas sneakers and a bomber jacket. The crisp, strong shoulder and delicate brass buttons of this Banana Republic jacket instantly caught my eye. Banana Republic season after season creates a modern twist of the classics and it's clear to say I'm a big fan. Most styles of military jackets are either super cropped or on the lengthy side below your knees. Being on the shorter end, neither suit my shape but this hip hugging style makes just the right catch. The khaki colour is a staple for Autumn/Winter and compliments an all black attire to go from casual Friday at work to drinks with the girls. 

Jacket | Banana Republic
Sweater | Zara
Jeans | J Brand
Boots | Dune
Bag | Rebecca Minkoff

All For Monochrome

This Autumn Winter season, I've been all in for monochrome. Clean lines, delicate details and sharp silhouettes create an essence of power through the most conventional colour palette. I've always felt a sense of strength while wearing monochrome. But isn't that what fashion is for? Spreading our wings, trying something new and expressing our inner artistic self beyond what meets the eye. Striking yet demure, the power of dressing is one to never forget. 

I've always loved a mix of high and low so adding the signature Louis Vuitton Eva crossbody adds a simple touch of luxury to an easy to wear look. 

Jumpsuit | ZARA
Sweater | Similar, Similar
Crossbody | Louis Vuitton
Boots | Steve Madden
Sunglasses | Gucci (Similar)

xx Christie 

Something Old, Something New

There's something magical about fall in Bloomsbury. The mixture of the leaves starting to change colours contrasted against the old, traditional English background is like no other. I loved living in Kensington, but we craved for city living with historic appeal and Bloomsbury was the clear winner. Tucked away in the heart of central London, you'll find quaint Edwardian & Georgian townhouses, beautiful green squares and the many remnants of the Bloomsbury Group. The British museum attracts the tourist, but exploring little gems like this area is definitely the locals appeal.

With the sun shining through the trees, there wasn't a better day to bring my new Steve Madden "Edit" booties out. These babies were absolute love at first sight and I knew they would be the perfect addition to my fall wardrobe. Like Carrie Bradshaw used to say, "the higher the better." The 5 inch heel may scare some people off, but their comfort and wearability makes the height worth it. And don't worry about the price - At just $89, these are a complete steal. 

Something old and something new, just the way it should be. 

Sweater | Miss Selfridges
Dress | Oh My Love
Boots | Steve Madden
Purse | Rebecca Minkoff (Similar)

Christie xx

Hello Fall

Hello Fall! Bring on the hot cocoa, pumpkin patches and all those fall feels. But first I wanted to bring you up to speed on the blog. 

The past eleven months have been nothing less than pure chaos - between getting a visa, starting a new job, being extremely busy with the job, traveling every month, moving into a new flat and numerous friends/family events... you can say the blog has taken a back seat. All that changed when I came back from a holiday in the French countryside that allowed me to see the world in a different light and give me the time (and space) to figure out what I wanted. For months I had been running the midnight oil, always pleasing someone else rather than putting myself first. I always just thought that sometimes life gets in the way of the things you love and you just have to wait it out. I'd like to say after long hours of relaxing under the stars and even a couple bottles of red wine later, I knew what I had to do. Change was in the air. 

For me, blogging isn't about getting another follower on instagram or making another paycheck. It's feeling free with my words, seeing another perspective on the world and sharing this crazy adventure I call life. It's not always easy to write the perfect things or show you what goes best with that new zara shearling coat, but it's showing your vulnerability to those you may never even meet. It's being real and being yourself. Not everything will sound as evolutionary as I may like, but it's giving it a go even when all the odds may be against you. (i.e. the instafame craze)

It's getting back to what I do best: writing. It's always been a passion of mine to freely write, but something I don't always give myself the time to do. This blog will not only be about my latest fashion style, but culture, traveling, art, history.... all the passions I share will be shown in this space. It's back to what I do best and sharing my life abroad with you. 

Stay tuned for more #CAHashtags

  Jacket | Mango
Jeans | Zara
Boots | Steve Madden
Handbag | Louis Vuitton

Christie xx