Madrid made me do it

Holidays make shopping far too easy. It's a mix of "oh go on, you're on holiday Beth!" And "oh my god I won't be able to get one at home" leading to a single inevitable conclusion - the item's purchase. So I suppose it was obvious that taking a trip to Madrid, the fashion capital of Spain none the less, would lead to a few stylish purchases. I managed to control myself (partially) and didn't buy everything I picked up, but I made some stylish purchases that I felt were worthy of a blog post. 

Firstly - this coat. I mean, it's perfect isn't it? The deep red/purple felt in an oversized (I bought it in XL) boyfriend cut with hidden button fastenings makes it a fashion lover's dream come true. Adding to such a fairytale is the fact that it was €10. Ten Euros. Basically, I got a beautiful coat for what is essentially free. Plus it kept me toasty in the surprisingly chilled conditions of Spain in February, something I hadn't really planed for!

Another thing I didn't think about whilst packing was just how bright the sun can get in Madrid. It may have been cold at times, but the sun was literally blinding me by Midday. I think it's costumery to buy sunglasses on holiday though so I shan't complain one bit. Especially since they're a gorgeous tortoise shell frames and have reflective lenses, costing again just €10.

This is where I will probably be judged most heavily. 
"Oh, I didn't know you could read Spanish"
Well, I can't okay? 
"Magazines you can't read, really Beth?" 
Yes, I know.
Yet, I have no regrets. There's something about having a foreign and exotic issue of Vogue on your vast magazine shelf that makes it very high fashion. And they're basically grown up picture books anyway in most places so I can ignore the strange accents and unknown pronunciations. Or maybe I'll learn something from it. 

These will certainly make their way into my monthly magazine round up.

A final cute purchase was this little note pad which, although isn't fashion related, I felt was too adorable to miss out! It's a nice souvenir as unlike my other purchases it explicitly has the word "Madrid" on the front whereas the others have an implicit Madrid-esque nature about them. I'm thinking this will become my travel pad to take with me on adventures and holidays. A portable collection of my thoughts.

Despite the fact that these were bought under the heavy influence of Madrid's city air, I'm sure they will all be used or worn frequently and loved endlessly. Although, the sunnies may have to wait a few months. You can't win them all! 

Bethany Paige x 

OOTD: LFW style

Lipstick - Bourjois Rouge Collection 

Sweater - Primark 

Coat - Vintage 

Skirt - River Island 

Bag - Vintage 

Boots - H&M

Bethany Paige X

My third LFW - Day Four

Today's LFW rightfully belongs to the boys. They, even if only just, in my opinion beat us ladies in the style stakes with a mix of perfectly fitted suits, brightly coloured running shoes and a rather spectacular beard or two. They had outfits stylish enough to leave the most fashion concious f-row females envious. The boys seemed entirely at home in an area perhaps archetypally associated with women, waving the (pure silk, printed and perfectly sewn) flag for the modern day stylish man. I found myself unavoidably drawn to the leather brogues - no doubt more comfortable than the majority of the ladies' footwear choices, including my own - and the way that the Kodaks around their necks seemed to become a fashion statement. Men, I commend you.

Of course, the girls had their highlights too with a fair amount fur, a liberal spread of luxe beanie hats and a mix of scarily thin heels (on those cobbles) alongside chunky trainers. They ranged from absolutely insane to stylish with an undeniable wearability. Layering had its opportunity shine thanks to the bordering on Arctic conditions of Somerset House on this February day. Plus, ladies successfully showcased how to style almost every type of hat known to man, including those beanies as previously mentioned all the way through to felt floppy hats.

As usual, I couldn't resist visiting LFW - my spiritual home - this year to scope out the style that London has to offer and obsessively take pictures of my favourites to show all of you beauties!

Which outfit is your favourite? I must say I'm rather obsessed with that purple suit and the black on black looks in the first picture!

I'm already excited for next season's LFW to swing around, where the battle for best dressed sex can recommence! 

Bethany Paige X 

OOTD: Second birthday

If you had told me this time two years ago whilst I created Paige of Fashion on what was essentially a whim and as a cure for boredom, that I would continue blogging to this point, I wouldn't have believed you. It's not that I didn't love fashion. Trust me, I did. It's more the fact that a 14 year old Beth didn't have the greatest amount of commitment. I was in that stage where I would be utterly obsessed with something - Twilight, that sort of thing - in a really intense burst before it kind of burnt away into nothing much. So I suppose despite my own promises that I would carry this on, I never expected it to get this far. 

And yet, here I am. Here we are. My pretty little corner of the internet and me, as firm friends as ever on its second birthday. A whole two years of utter dedication bordering on long-term obsession. Over those 728 days a lot has changed over here on Paige of Fashion. My header has changed twice, my writing style has definitely changed and I feel like the girl behind the blog has grown into herself. Nevertheless, the reason I continue to blog is the same - I love fashion and I love writing about fashion. There's nothing better than being able to share such a passion with my fellow fashion bloggers and all of the wonderful people that read my posts. 

To celebrate two years of Paige of Fashion blossoming into what you see today, I decided to shoot a special birthday OOTD that I feel encapsulates where my style currently stands (if that's really possible).  

Crop top // Primark 

Shirt // Thrifted 

Skirt // Primark 

Boots // Boohoo 

Lipstick // H&M 

Bag // Thrifted 

Now it's time for the thank yous (award ceremony voice) - Thank you to every single one of you for reading, commenting on and sharing my blog posts. You have no idea how much you make me smile! Thank you also to all of my friends and family that have to put up with my fashion talk (no doubt boring to most people) and the huge amount of time I spend blogging. 

If you had told me this time two years ago whilst I created Paige of Fashion on what was essentially a whim and as a cure for boredom, that I would continue blogging to this point, I wouldn't have believed you. But now, I can safely say that in a year's time I will still be doing this and enjoying every minute! 

Bethany Paige X