Tag: Outfit

Simply Styled – The Black Shirt Dress

It’s November, time to dress in head to toe black – just kidding. Although this is my second outfit post in a row in which I am actually wearing all black, adding just a hint of colour with my shoes. Sometimes all black styling simplifies life just a little bit though, and it can allow you to play with coloured accessories instead, like I have done with these shoes.

These heels have been featured on my blog numerous times, they are those sturdy staples that seem to go with so much and have a quality that doesn’t seem to wear easily. I’m trying to purchase more items like that these days. For example my bag is a recent purchase and those of you who may have watched my most recent YouTube video, will know that it’s one of my new favourites. Like the shoes, you’ll be seeing a lot more of this bag in my future outfit posts. I plan on slowly introducing more good quality pieces into my wardrobe that I can wear and use time and time again.

With a piece like this black shirt dress from Ark, it’s also a great item to wear time and time again. On this occasion I was heading to the cinema but it could easily be worn for work, or styled casually with a pair of trainers. It’s currently been quite mild here in England, so a jacket wasn’t needed on this occasion, which is just as well because I’m yet to find the perfect winter coat.

What I wore – Shop the look
Dress – Ark (here)
Shoes – Urban Outfitters (old)
Bag – Whistles (here) – (or on sale in burgundy, here)

At the moment I’m really enjoying simple styling. Owning several items that are mostly interchangeable makes getting dressed so much easier.

Samio x

Some of the items may have been sent to me for review purposes, however this does not affect my opinions – check out my disclaimer for further information.

November 2, 2015
Hugo Boss The Scent Fragrance Launch

Earlier this month I went along to the fragrance launch of The Scent, a new fragrance for men by Hugo Boss. I was rather excited for this event as I was going along with fellow blogger L’Oréal and it was at Manchester’s Hotel Gotham in their private members bar, Club Brass.

As soon as we entered we were served with cocktails that were perfectly fitting to the theme of the event, with ingredients similar to those in The Scent and small squares of leather clipped onto the straws to give the leathery essence.

We were given a fragrance master class by fragrance scientist William Andrews, who helped develop The Scent. It was really interesting to learn about the process that goes into creating a fragrance. I had no idea how long it took to create the finished product, which can often be a few years.

The Scent is all about seduction. The fragrance has a sweet yet masculine scent; There’s a tingle of ginger, fresh lavender scent and then the leather smell comes later. So did the fragrance seduce me? Well it’s like William Andrews said ‘It’s the scent plus the man that makes the seduction’, so it’s a good job I got a bottle to take home to my boyfriend.

What I wore:
Culotte Jumpsuit – (Similar Here)
Sleeveless Jacket – (Similar Here)
Heels – (Similar Here)

Samio x

A perfect Christmas gift for the other half, shop The Scent here.

October 28, 2015
Taylor Morris Eyewear

Let’s talk about designer eyewear… If I’m being completely honest I’ve never been one to obsess over eyewear, unless you count that one time when I was around five. I cried when the optician told me I didn’t need glasses because it meant I couldn’t have the rainbow rimmed spectacles I’d been dreaming about… When I think about it, that was probably the last time I strongly desired a particular pair of glasses. Whilst as a teen, some of my friends couldn’t wait to purchase the latest designer shades, I was rocking the same one pound pair that I’d had for about three years and it never really bothered me…

Eventually vintage designer sunglasses became my thing, as I always love the idea of recycling fashion from the past. Although my eyewear collection had somewhat evolved since my teens, it wasn’t until very recently, when I was introduced to Taylor Morris eyewear, that I really started to appreciate the fascination with well designed and crafted eyewear.

I was invited along to the Taylor Morris Spring Summer 2016 Collection Presentation, along with a small group of bloggers and press for a champagne breakfast at Harvey Nichols in Manchester. Hugo Taylor and Charlie Morris, who founded the brand in 2013, talked us through their new collection and gave us an insight into Taylor Morris Eyewear.

I was truly fascinated by all the detail that goes into designing each pair of sunglasses to the highest standard. Even the name of each pair of shades has a story behind it, which is something I particularly like.

I bumped into the fabulous L’Oréal again.

I got the chance to pick out my own pair of shades and after trying on a few different styles, I then went for the Vivien shades in half Havana & half Amber acetate. I tried them on and fell in love with them. They are a different shape to what I’d normally go for but the style just won me over, as I love the brown gradient effect with the beautiful gold detailing inside the rim.

You could see that both Hugo and Charlie have a real passion for eyewear, which is something that is translated in their designs. There is something very classic yet unique about each piece and although new designs are set to come and go each season, there is certainly a sort of timelessness in their collections. I’m sure I’ll get plenty of wear out of my fabulous Vivien shades, especially when I go on holiday next week.

What I wore:
Blazer – Zara (Similar here)
Jeans – tophsop here
Heels – Pretty Little Thing (similar here)
Bag – Zara (similar here)

Shop Taylor Morris Eyewear here.

Samio x

October 13, 2015
Clarks Anniston Vale Outfit – Competition

Recently I’ve been talking a lot about how I’ve been wanting to downsize my wardrobe and invest in good quality items that I can get plenty of wear out of – less is more as they say.

These jeans were a recent purchase and so far I’ve been getting plenty of wear out of them but the star of the show with this outfit were definitely my Clarks Anniston Vale loafers.

I’m no stranger to Clarks shoes and over this past year I’ve accumulated a number of different styles, each which I am glad to say I’ve been getting plenty of wear out of. I think there is often a misconception with Clarks, as many people are often surprised after they compliment my shoes and I tell them where they are from. Yes Clarks are known for their comfort and quality but they should be known for their style too. Whoever said you can’t have style and comfort.

I’d been eyeing up these particular loafers since I spotted them at Clarks A/W press day earlier this year. I’d spotted them in black and a gorgeous burgundy shade and knew I’d have to have a pair. I was over the moon when I was given the opportunity not to only have a pair but to choose my own unique colourway for them too! I’d spotted the brushed animal print on another pair of shoes, so chose that to go on the top part and there’s something so classic about patent black, so that made up my mind for the rest of the shoe. I excitedly ripped open the box when they arrived and I could not be more pleased with them.

What I wore:
Shirt – Zara (similar here)
Jeans – Topshop
Shoes – Clarks Anniston Vale loafers

Win a £200 Clarks Voucher

Clarks have been even more amazing and given me the opportunity to spread the shoe love with you guys by giving you the opportunity to win £200 in Clarks Vouchers! All you have to do to enter this fabulous competition is follow both me and Clarks on Instagram – @clarksshoes and @samiorenelda – Then comment below on this blog post with your Instagram name to let me know you’ve entered. The competition ends at midnight on Friday 16th October and the winner will be selected at random and announced on my Instagram on Saturday 17th. This competition is open to UK residents only. Good luck!

Samio x

Some of the items may have been sent to me for review purposes, however this does not affect my opinions – check out my disclaimer for further information.

Check out my other outfit post featuring some of my favourite Clarks shoes:
Clarks X Orla Kiely
Boyfriend Jeans & Hotel Bustle
Matching Florals

October 6, 2015
French Style & Taste – Balsamik Launch at 63 Degrees

There is something about French style that is so simple yet chic and so when I was invited along to the UK launch of online French brand Balsamik, I was excited to go along and see what their new A/W collection had to offer.

For the event, myself and a few other bloggers were invited to 63 Degrees, French fine dining restaurant in Manchester. We were treated to a delicious two course meal (and plenty of wine), after being shown a few of the key pieces from Balsamik’s newest collection.

There was a lot of monochrome in the collection and staple pieces that you can build lots of different outfits with. I like this sort of thing as it reminds me of what I’m currently trying to do with my own wardrobe.

I really liked how the theme of the event ran right through with the food and I was pleased with my choices of starter and main. I went for the Organic poached quail egg to start, followed by the pan fried sea bass and mashed potatoes with basil.

I soon got chatting to a couple of lovely bloggers (L’Oréal on the left & Ellie in the middle) and after our meals we took the opportunity to try on some of the items from the collection.

I had instantly been drawn to this simple yet elegant wrap coat and so I had to try it on. I have to admit I was quite surprised by the garments when I saw them in person. From what I had seen online I felt that the brand represented a slightly older age range than myself. However, after having the chance to have real look at some of the garments, I could definitely see that a lot of these pieces could be worn by a wide range of ages, old and young.

It’s pieces like this coat which I feel are timeless in your wardrobe and could easily be worn by a 40 year old or a 20 year old as it really has no age limit, which is something I really liked about a lot of their pieces I looked at.

In terms of my own style, for the event I went for quite a simple yet chic outfit. I wore a white oversized shirt, black biker jacket, high waisted ripped skinny jeans and a pair of red suede heels for a masculine meets feminine look… It’s also quite coincidental how well the Balsamik wrap coat went with my outfit, I may have to invest! I’m currently trying to simplify my own style and so I definitely appreciated the French inspiration.

Shop my outfit:
White shirt – Gap (similar here)
Biker jacket – Zara (similar here)
Jeans- Topshop
Red suede heels – Aldo (similar here)

Balsamik items featured in this post:
Wrap coat
Monochrome jacquard cardigan
Ankle boots

Thanks to L’Oréal for the outfit snaps.

What are your thoughts on French style?

Samio x

September 21, 2015
Planning a Capsule Wardrobe

I’m currently in the process of downsizing my wardrobe… I say this but my actual wardrobe storage space is due to expand as my our plan for one of the rooms in mine and my boyfriend’s new house is to create a closet space (or walk in wardrobe if you like). This is an absolute girlhood dream come true for me, having a room dedicated to clothes! However, since starting to plan the space and trying to figure out what I want to do with it, I’ve realized one thing I don’t envisage is clutter.

For as long as I can remember I’ve loved to shop and accumulating new things is something I’m very good at. What I’ve noticed recently though is that quantity over quality is not always the best thing and I’m starting to re-evaluate my shopping habits and want to really think about the items that I buy and own. I think that moving to a new house is forcing me to think about the items that I really value and want to bring into a newly refurbished and uncluttered space.

I’ve been toying with the idea of creating a capsule wardrobe. This is something that’s still very new to me and people who know me would laugh at the thought of me surviving with a minimal amount of items in my wardrobe (hello, self confessed shopping addict over here). However it’s just something I feel I should at least think about. I’m already beginning my much needed clothing/shoe/accessory clear out and so whilst browsing online the other day, I thought I’d put together a sample capsule wardrobe that I’d maybe like to create (or take ideas from) for this coming Autumn…

1. Light grey T-Shirt, Topshop Here.
2. Black T-Shirt, Topshop Here.
3. Halter neck crop top, Asos Here.
4. Fred Perry polo shirt, Asos Here.
5. Stripe sweatshirt, Asos Here .
6. Stripe turtleneck, Asos Here.
7. White shirt, Topshop Topshop.
8. Denim shirt, Topshop Here.
9. Fred Perry polo dress, Asos, Here.
10, Stipe bodycon midi dress, River Island at Asos, Here.
11. Black side split dress, Asos, Here.
12. Black A-line mini skirt, Asos, Here.
13. Black midi skirt, Asos, Here.
14. Moto Jamie jeans, Topshop, Here.
15. Moto black Jamie jeans, Topshop, Here.
16. Camel coloured coat, Asos, Here.
17. Tripp NYC leather look biker jacket, Asos, Here.
18. Isle Jacobsen rain man, Coggles, Here.
19. Black knit cardigan, Asos, Here.
20. Oversized square scarf, Asos, Here.
21. McQ Alexander McQueen Chelsea boots, Coggles, Here.
22. Clarks burgundy tassel loafers, Here.
23. Senso Sara heeled boots, Asps, Here .
24. Vans croc slip on trainees, Asos, Here.
25. Dr Martens, Coggles, Here.
26. Purified woven block heels, Coggles, Here
27. Black heels, Office, Here.
28. Ballet pumps, Asos, Here.
29. Aspinal of London, My Bag, Here.
30. Eastpak black leather backpack, Asos, Here.

I feel that the more I plan, the more I’m starting to think seriously about permanently downsizing my wardrobe, it would certainly help me a lot when getting dressed in the morning.

Have you ever thought about creating a capsule wardrobe for each season? What are some pieces that you would include?

Samio x

August 21, 2015
All Black Attire & Nike Air Max

There once was a time when you had to pick style or comfort and rarely did the two things go hand in hand. I also remember a point in my life when I wouldn’t allow myself to wear anything but heels (I actually don’t know how I coped looking back) but now I feel a lot more relaxed about being, well, relaxed. It’s probably partly got something to do with the current trends and the fact that the more casual look is currently being embraced.

For a while I’ve been seeing trainers becoming a part of everyday outfits. At first I wasn’t quite sure if it was for me but then when you’ve endured many days in the likes of London, running round to castings all day, you see why people have adopted this trend and suddenly you want to jump on the band wagon.

Now I finally own a pair of trainers (that aren’t just my gym ones) and I cannot stop wearing them. I love rocking them with an all black look and I feel that wearing them with a more fitted jacket, like this sleeveless blazer I picked up recently in Primark, gives them a smarter edge.

These trainers make the perfect footwear for day around the city and they kept me comfortable last Sunday when I wore this outfit round Hamburg whilst exploring the city before jetting home.

I can finally say that I have been converted to the ultimate comfort shoes. I’m not about to throw away all of my heels just yet but I’ll be keeping my trainers to hand for those for those days when I’m doing lots of walking, that’s for sure!

What I Wore/Shop The Look
Jeans – Asos
Tank top – Primark in store only (Similar here)
Sleeveless Blazer – Primark in store only (Similar here)
Bag – H&M
Trainers – Nike Air Max

Samio x

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June 26, 2015
Tie Top & Mom Jeans

The weather has been glorious in England this week! I know that I often talk about the weather in my posts (how very British of me) but when you come from a place like England, where the weather can determine your outfits on a daily basis, it’s hard not to mention it when it’s being particularly fabulous for once. And by fabulous, I mean sunny!

Okay so it’s rarely hot, hot in England but it’s still so satisfying when it gets warm enough that you can wear your summer pieces and step out of the house without taking a jacket or coat.

Crop tops are some of those cute summer items that I love to wear. I especially love the cute tie top ones like this one that I’m wearing. I originally got this as a two piece which I previously posted here and this time I decided to switch it up by pairing the top with a casual pair of Mom Jeans. I’m a little late on the Mom Jean tred but I am loving these as they are so comfy, making them a nice and relaxed changed from super tight skinnies.

What I wore:
Sandals – Clarks
Cropped shirt – H&M (Similar here)
Jeans – H&M (Similar here)

What items of clothing do you love to rock in the summer weather?

Samio x

June 12, 2015
Matching Florals -Tie Top & Mini Skirt

I’m loving how more and more bright colours and pretty summer prints have now worked their way back into my wardrobe. We’re not doing too badly, weather wise here in England and other than the expected odd few rainy days, the daily forcast had been pretty decent. This has meant being finally able to wear short skirts for the first time, in what feels like forever and being able to go bare legged too. Not to mention being able to wear sandals again!

This cute matching floral two piece was a recent purchase from H&M. They actually did this set in different prints and colours. Resisting the temptation to buy every set available, I went for this one, as I love the gorgeous summery print and the pop of bright pink on the flowers.

My sandals are from Clarks and I’m pretty much in love with them. I always struggle finding sandals that I like and that feel comfortable and for me these tick all the boxes. The fact that they are white means that they go with pretty much anything and I love how the silver sole makes them stand out.

What items of clothing do you love wearing when it’s Spring/Summer?

Samio x

May 15, 2015
That Special Occasion Outfit – The Jones and Jones Dress

Oh how I love to dress up. If I had the choice I’d dress up everyday (although some say I already do to some degree) but unfortunately normal life often gets in the way and heels and a girly lace lined dress aren’t always deemed practicle. But of course there are times when it is seen as acceptable to go all out and dress up for that special occasion. It may not be quite right for popping to the shops in but as the season is approaching, I think that this look that I’ve put together, would be perfect for prom or if you’re wanting to make a special effort as a wedding guest. Unfortunately I’m too old to attend prom (The film Never Been Kissed springs to mind) and the next Wedding I’m going to be attending is over a year away… But, in the mean time, it’s fine for a girl to play dress up right?

I recently picked out this gorgeous pale pink and navy blue baroque print dress from Jones and Jones and instantly knew I’d have to team it with what I like to call my ‘Mrs Kennedy’ jacket, from Zara. I went for a matching pale pink belt to synch in the dress at the waist and slipped on a pair of pale pink heels. I went for a small navy blue clutch purse to tie in with the colour on the dress and a pair of retro style sunnies completed the look perfectly.

What I wore
Dress – Jones and Jones
Belt – Primark
Jacket – Zara (last season)
Heels – New Look
Bag – H&M

How about you, do you have any special occasions coming up this summer? What would be your perfect outfit to wear to a wedding or to prom?

Samio x

April 28, 2015