Running into something unconventional

I'm not usually one for practicality. When it comes to clothes, although it is something I take in to consideration, if an outfit looks good and I like it, I'll wear it. So today when I woke up, I didn't consciously decide on wearing trainers due to the comfort and respite they would give my feet, I choose them because I think they're gorgeously unconventional. There's just something about them; they exude high fashion. The fact that I use them whilst out running, which happens rarely by the way, is irrelevant, because I think they work really well out of context. It's seemingly effortless.

I paired my running trainers with a black, midi pencil dress, an oversized blazer coat and simple sheer black tights. To complete the look I added silver accessories - my large clutch bag and hair cuff. The finished product was something slightly different from my normal look, that still encompassed my style, and everything that I love about clothes. I felt great in this, and isn't that what fashion is all about?

 

 

 

Dress - Select, coat - thrifted, bag - H&M, hair cuff - H&M, trainers - gift

 

All photography credit goes to Katherine Gray, who is so talented it's unreal! So, a big thank you to her.

 

Let me know what you think of today's outfit in the comments!

 

Thanks for reading,

Bethany Paige X

That new clothes feeling

In my opinion, nothing can quite compete with that new clothes sensation of stepping out of the house in something you've never worn before. Don't get me wrong, I still completely adore pieces that I bought years ago, but wearing them out for the first time will always be slightly better than wearing them out for the second, third, or twentieth time. This feeling is what made today's outfit so amazing. As mentioned in yesterday's post, I bought some gorgeous things in the H&M sale, and today simply couldn't resist wearing them! I went for my new PVC pencil skirt and chunky black heels. I also found in the bottom of my draws something I "upcycled" in the summer. This top was originally from Primark and was a dark grey colour, but I bleached the top half to give it an ombre effect and cut in some shoulder holes. I think it works really well with the futuristic looking skirt to give it a more grunge feel. I also wore my new black Casio style watch which can't be seen in the full outfit photos but is pictured bellow.

 

 

 

 

(Excuse my baby sister's toys in the corner!)

 

In the end, I spent most of the day indoors anyway, but it still felt pretty amazing lounging around in this! Although, it did become apparent that due to the length and fabric of the skirt, it isn't extremely practical. The fact that it stops just bellow the knee makes wide strides impossible and caused a few stumbles before I got used to it. As a good friend of mine never fails to remind me though - "no pain, no fashion gain" The beauty of the skirt means that my opinion of it was in no way tarnished.

I hope you've all had a lovely Friday! Let me know what you think of today's outfit.

Thanks for reading,
Bethany Paige X



Sale rail

Did anyone else see the news reports on this year's record breaking Boxing Day sales? Well, although I didn't fancy fighting the crowds to the same extent as the those shoppers, I did hit the sales today with my friends and my Christmas money. It's become a sort of annual tradition, the day after boxing day I head off to Bluewater shopping centre in search of some bargains.

I was surprised with the result of this year's trip. In previous years I've come home with numerous bags filled to the brim, however, today I had only one, although rather large, bag. This particular bag was from H&M. I have to say that I don't think I've given H&M the fashion credit they deserve, in fact I've never been a big fan at all. That is, until today. I bought 3 main items, and am absolutely, without a doubt, in love with each and every one! Not only that, but the sale reductions were immense, and even the non-sale pieces I bought were very reasonably priced, as well as stylish. I had a £20 gift card given to me for Christmas too, which was a bonus when it came to the check out.

Here are my purchases:

PVC and cotton midi pencil skirt:

 

I saw this skirt whilst out Christmas shopping and just fell in love. Luckily for me it was in store today and for just £7. What a bargain! The front of the skirt is thick shiny PVC-like material and the back is a plain black cotton. It finishes just bellow the knee, which is currently my favourite skirt length. It's also really versatile, much like a normal black pencil skirt, but well, shinier!

Metallic silver oversized clutch:

 Another shiny item here, my new oversized clutch. It's studded along the bottom and has a bright pink zip and trim. It's slightly bigger than A4 and can fit probably the majority of my makeup collection! I've wanted an oversized clutch for a while now, and so the futuristic feel of this one pulled me in. And the best part is, it was only £2 in the sale!

Chunky black heeled ankle boots:

 

 

 

This was my most expensive purchase of the day at £29.99, but just look at them! I think I have a bit of a soft spot for black heels in my heart. When I think about it, I've spent quite a hefty sum of money on just black boots these past few months - Lita boots, Chelsea boots and now these beauties. Either way, I know I'll wear them all the time. They have silver zips on both sides and quilt detailing on the fronts. I also love the fact that the heels are so chunky, they're almost industrial! I can't even explain how excited about these gorgeous boots I am.

 

Expect outfit posts using these new pieces very soon. Let me know what you think, which is your favourite of my purchases?

 

Thanks for reading,

Bethany Paige X



Have yourself a merry little Christmas.

This is just a post to wish each and every one of you a very merry Christmas! I hope you've had the chance to spend the day with those you love and, obviously, stuff yourselves full of turkey and roasties. I'd go as far as to say, that this has been my best Christmas yet. Not only did I get to spend the morning with my Dad, Step-Mum and beautiful baby sister, but I also got to see my Mum's side of the family and Step-Dad in the afternoon. It's been truly fantastic.

Up until now its been rather noisy, as tends to be the case with most of my family gatherings, but now I'm on the sofa wrapped up in new PJs with a hot water bottle and watching Christmas specials. I don't think there's a better way to end such a day is there? I'm also lucky enough to be typing this blog post on a brand new laptop, given to me as a gift from my Dad and Step-Mum. It's absolutely perfect, and I can't express how much nicer it is to be working on this one than my old one, which had several broken keys! It's pretty snazzy really. My Mum and Step-Dad also got me a new, much more advanced, camera. It's so cute and it's a lovely cherry red colour, which as you'll understand, I appreciate. The pictures are so clear, and it's just amazing. I haven't got round to reading the instructions to either yet though!

I'm looking forward to using both of these amazing presents to improve Paige of Fashion in the new year. I'm hoping to do a lot more outfit posts, since the photos will be much better quality. I'm also going to start blogging regularly again soon. I've been super busy recently, but will certainly make more time in the next few weeks.

Here are some pictures from the day:

 

Foamy snow! I don't really know what I'm doing in the second picture...

 

Three Christmas trees (from left to right - Mum's, dad's and Nan's)

Odd socks, of course. I got them as a gift - a pack of 6 with no pairs!

Again, I hope you've all had a superb day!

I'll be back soon, I promise.
Bethany Paige X

The Clothes Show live 2012

There’s nothing better for someone who loves fashion as I do, than being in a room full of people that love fashion just as much. This year’s Clothes Show Live was thriving with undeniable style and beautifully clad ladies, so provided the perfect opportunity to liaise amongst some of Britain’s most stylish for the day. Being a Clothes Show virgin prior to yesterday, I didn’t know what to expect, but it was better than I could ever have imagined.

Outfit of the day:

Leaving the almost sub-zero temperatures of Birmingham and entering the NEC was like stepping in to a completely different world, a heaven of sorts. As odd as it may sound to some, the whole building smelt of style. The smell of leather, musky furs and new shoes, mixed with the occasional waft of perfume and acrylic nails. Imagine that scent, if you can, and now imagine the addition of hundreds of stalls selling amazing products at prices that make your heart race with happiness. Feeling excited? Well I was.

Stalls included the likes of Oasis, Barry M, Helen E and Lee Stafford, as well as smaller boutiques with some stunning one off pieces. The prices were simply jaw dropping! Whilst I was there I bought a pair of Truffle Lita boots for £25. They’re a gorgeous soft black suede with the classic wooden heel, and although they aren’t real Jeffery Campbells, I still absolutely adore them.

I also ventured to the Helen E stand after getting some of their makeup brushes for Christmas last year. I just had to purchase the £10 gift set they had on huge discount down from £50. It contained an eye pencil, a wet look lip gloss, blemish concealer, a lip crayon in “beauty queen”, two emery boards, pink facial glitter, and my personal favourite – a skin smoother compact.

 

 

Being the magazine addict I openly am, I jumped at the chance to buy cut price Elle and Company. With two issues of Elle, for £3, also came £28 worth of free gifts. A St Tropez gradual tan moisturiser and a Jemma Kidd eyeliner. With Company, also £3, amongst perfume samples and coconut water, I got a gold shatter OPI nail lacquer and a Rimmel lipgloss in "Pop your Pink". Bargains, bargains and more bargains!

 

Obviously, the highlight of my day was the fashion theatre. I don't want to ruin it for anyone who's yet to go, but the show consisted of the perfect mix of dance and fashion, with the theme "a day in the life a magazine editor". Not only that but the hosts were Grace Woodward and Henry Holland! You may know if you're a regular reader, just how much I idolise Mr Holland. Seeing him in person made me so emotional, and I felt that I was fulfilling one of my life ambitions.

 

Our seats were also amazing, and we were in the perfect position to see the models float down the catwalk, in some simply delicious outfits. The whole production was oh-so-glamorous, and truly exciting. Daisy Lowe, ambassador of The Clothes Show, looked fabulous, and once again made me quite emotional. I really didn't want it to end. It was 40 minutes of completely sensational fashion.

 

 

Just before we left I got the chance to bag my self two pairs of House of Holland for Pretty Polly tights, meaning I now have 3 pairs. Again, they were a total bargain at just £10 for both. I decided, after much thought, to go for the Alphabetights and All over bones - tricolour. Not only that but the bone print pair are limited edition! I honestly can't wait for he opportunity to wear these.

 

 

 

My total spend was £50, which I'm sure you'll agree is impressive for all the amazing products I got. If you get the chance, I urge you to go to The Clothes Show Live next year, you will not regret it in any way. Who knows, maybe I'll see you there.

 

This has been a mammoth post, which is only right for such a mammoth event. A fashionably dressed mammoth that is. I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend.  

 

Thanks for reading,

Bethany Paige X

Festive frocks

So, we're officially in to December. Now that my tree's up, I'm really starting to embrace the fact that Christmas is just around the corner. Apart from the fact that I currently haven't bought any of the presents I need to, I'm getting in to the festive spirit. The undeniable glamour that is associated with Christmas in terms of dress has started to come in to full force, and is obviously, one of my favourite parts. It's the season of the office party and family get-togethers, so is there a better excuse to dress up a little? I think not.

Here are my top 5 favourite festive frocks:

Number 5 -

Heidi Velvet Knot Front Midi Bodycon Dress - boohoo.com £15

 

Number 4-

 

 

Oasis Rococo lace insert shirt dress - ASOS £65

 

Number 3 - 

 

 

Dusty pink and grey fish tail maxi dress - River Island £60

 

 

Number 2 -

 

PU Ballerina Dress by Oh My Love - Topshop £60

 

 

 

Number 1 -

 





limited edition metallic Peplum Maxi Dress - Topshop £195

 

I just can't get over the Topshop metallic peplum dress. I think it's one of the most beautiful pieces I've ever seen. If anyone would like to buy it for me, then please don't hesitate!

 

What are you going to be wearing to the Christmas party this year?

 

Thanks for reading,

Bethany Paige X

The British Style Awards 2012

Being possibly one of the biggest dates marked on the calenders of anybody remotely interested in fashion, The British Fashion Awards caused a flood of style icons to descend on The Savoy Hotel yesterday evening. It was one of those events that make me jealous beyond belief at not being there, due to the collection of simply amazing fashion names either wandering, or being worn on, the red carpet. Guests including Alexa Chung, Alice Dellal, and of course Stella McCartney who went home with a stylish two awards - Designer of the Year and Designer Brand. Imagine having the opportunity to whiteness such huge fashion influences, and watch as style history is made.

 

Unfortunately for me, and probably most of you, going to The British Fashion Awards is out of the question. At least, it's out of the question for now! As a result I settled for what I see as second best- gazing in awe at the huge amount of style contained in one Hotel through press photography, and reading the list of winners. I also decided to share with you all some of my favourite outfits from the evening, and my high street interpretations of them. After all, the possibility of being able to afford any Burberry dresses is out of the question for now too!

 

 



Alice Dellal:



 

V neck pencil dress - Topshop £46, Contrast heel shoes - Topshop £55, Lulu Guiness bag small black eyelet bag - £265

 

Eddie Campbell in Christopher Kane:

 

 

Metallic Maxi Skirt by Rare - Topshop £35, Textured Peplum Top - River Island for ASOS £25.00, Skinny clean Metal belt £18, Truth or Dare by Madonna Emylyna Platform Court Shoes - ASOS £110

 

Salma Hayek in Stella McCartney:

 



Fringe body - Topshop £45, Black pencil skirt - Topshop £30, black shoes - Miss selfridge £39

Lily Collins in Mulberry:

Phoebe Dress by Motel - Topshop £55, ear cuff - Topshop £7.50

Alexa Chung in Simone Rocha:

Black embroidered dress- Topshop £65, Heart me lace shoes - Miss Selfridge £59, Ted baker satchel - £99

Cara Delevingne in Burberry. My favourite outfit of the evening:

Metallic seam shift dress- Topshop £55, Plasma premium pointed heels - £95, French connection box clutch - £42

Which of the outfits is your favourite?

Thanks for reading,
Bethany Paige x

Winter wrapping

One of my favourite parts of winter is heading out and just walking, with no real purpose. I love the look of frost on windows, the white mist that appears as you breathe, and especially admiring the Christmas decorations as December approaches. One thing I’m not such a big fan of however, is cold fingers and toes. That means wrapping up warm before going for a winter wander. Of course I’m not complaining, why would the prospect of layering up in fabulous clothes be a bad one?

Winter opens up a whole host of fashion opportunities, from woolly accessories to leather cover ups. So, I think everybody should take advantage of the cold, and treat the snow clad streets like a catwalk in some of this season's best warmers.

Monster furs:

 

 

Funnel neck in Burgundy - Topshop £85, Ombre faux Mongolian fur coat - Topshop £89, Oversized stripe fur - ASOS £85, Faux fur coat in brown and white - ASOS £56

Leather ankle boots:

Alexy Platform chelsea boots - Topshop £75, Biker boots by CJG - Topshop £165, Modern vintage carina leather boots - ASOS £75, Cowboy ankle boot -Zara £99

 

Androgynous blazer coats:

 

 

 

Mid length check coat - Topshop £110, Wool contrast boyfriend coat - Topshop £98, Dark grey oversized boyfriend blazer - River Islan £70, Short military jacket - Zara £119

 

Lady like gloves:

 

Pin stud leather gloves - Topshop £24, Dent keyhole driving gloves - ASOS £31.50

 

Geometric jumpers

 

Handknit cross jumper - Topshop £295, Clean check jumper - Topshop £42, Zig zag fairisle jumper - River Island £35, Minkpink domino tex jumper - Urban Outfitters £85

 



 What's your favourite winter warmer?

 

Thanks for reading,

Bethany Paige X