You could say this outfit is a little mismatched, but I like it all the more for that. I’m wearing my delicate lace roll neck sweater (AW13 and sold out, sadly) which contrasts nicely against the , and then I’ve teamed them both with very and army green trousers. A pretty, pouffy ponytail and candy pink nails (confusingly) add more femininity – but what I really love is the stand out colour of the Shinola leather zip pouch I was kindly gifted to style.
I went with an outfit that would provide a total contrast to its natural leather colour – I purposely didn’t want it to actually match anything else I was wearing. I guess it’s an all-purpose item, but I love it as a clutch and used it that way when we went out to see the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at a live concert last week. It’s perfect for your phone, money, tickets, keys and lip balm – and has the added bonus of that gorgeous leather smell.
I’m also going to be using it as a sort of posh “pencil case” for when I meet with clients. Together with my laptop it’ll look smart, holding my reading glasses, a couple of pens, small notebook and phone. Much nicer than scrabbling around in my handbag for those essentials you always need in a meeting…! The quality of this zip pouch is exceptional – you also get a little credit-card sized metal certificate with the name of the person that made your pouch: thanks, Eric Scott! Shinola is an American brand specialising in leather goods and watches and has recently launched in the UK. You can check out the rest of the Shinola range here.
Do you have any smart accessories like bags and purses that are dual purpose? And do you (like me) still like to use a grown-up pencil case or equivalent… Let me know in the comments!
Leather pouch: c/o Shinola, Jacket: (I also love ), Roll neck: c/o Oasap, Trousers: Asos, Boots: c/o , Pendant: c/o Venus With Love, Sunglasses: c/o Lulus (), Watch: Asos, Earrings: Asos, Gold rings: Asos, Nails: Models Own Pastel Pink
P.S. Like this outfit? You might like to see how I styled the same top and trousers with a leather jacket in October!
Photos: Silver Londoner | Linking up to: Visible Monday, Let It Shine, Share in Style, Monday Mingle, Style Sessions, Trend Spin Link-Up, What I Wore Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, Passion for Fashion Friday, Fashion Friday, Friday’s Fab Favourites
I have written this post in collaboration with Shinola. All content is original, however, and opinions are my own and 100% honest.
Even though turtlenecks are undeniably chic, dearest Catherine, I don't always think of them as being particularly feminine…but your lacy version couldn't be any MORE girly!! I think that's why it works so well with all the other tomboyish elements of your look; we do love a little contrast in our outfits, don't we?! P.S. Your new Shinola pouch stands in wonderfully well as a clutch substitute; I have a leopard-print cosmetic pouch that doubles as a clutch for me on a regular basis!! XOXO
http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.blogspot.com
It's definitely a piece I'm so glad I snapped up when I did, Monica – it's not too "on trend" so I think it'll look chic for many more winters yet. And funny you said about using a cosmetics bag as a clutch – I have a clutch that I use as a cosmetics bag!! Great minds…
Thank you hun for such a lovely comment as always xx
I have a big black leather shopper by Karl Lagerfeld (it wasn't as expensive as it sounds). And it is great for holding my essentials and my camera and still look stylish.
No pencil case.
Greetje
No pencil case, Greetje…?!! ;)) I like the sound of a KL shopper, though – I tend to need a bag big enough for the usual girl stuff plus camera!
Link up on my blog if you would like to come join us http://bit.ly/1vBWwqu
I'll try and remember for the future, Linda! x
your jacket is fantastic! I have a similar plaid jacket that my husband hates but i just love and it's coming to the blog soon 🙂
Chioma
C's Evolution of Style
You wear your jacket with pride, Chioma!!! hehe thank you my lovely x
You look fantastic dear! 🙂
Love your coat! 🙂
Isa M., Tic Tac Living
Thank you Isa, as always :))
You look stunning!
Love the sunnies!
kiss,
Maggie D.
Fashion Blog Maggie Dallospedale fashion diary
Thank you, Maggie! x
Now this is a very different outfit, but very nice.
http://fashionandstylepolice.com/
Stella thank you, I'm glad you think so! x
wow.. just wow! this outfit is absolutely perfect! the pieces are all so different; the top is quite regal and vintage-esque whilst the, jacket is quite countrylife and the trousers are quite street style, yet you had the imagination and to put them all together and they look like they were made for each other! That is some serious style skills missy! Bloomin' mavrellous and and a complete inspiration for pushing the boundaries and mixing styles up a bit.. LOve love love!!!!!
XXXXXX
Ohh Rachel you're so lovely, thank you so much… if I can be just a fraction as stylish as you hun I'll be happy, oh Style Guru!! xxxx
heehee.. you're so silly.. my friend let me tell you, out of this friendship you are most definitely the style guru xxx
Very cool outfit. I am particularly drawn to it because the pieces are not obvious choices to be worn together. The roll neck on that sweater is just so beautiful. The fact that it's kind of messy and slouchy makes it all the more attractive. I have a red, crocodile iPad pouch that I use as a clutch and as a pencil case/holder of bits for work meetings. It's been very versatile and useful.
That's so cool to use a red croc iPad case as a clutch… accessories can be so versatile!! Thank you Deborah for your lovely comments, I really appreciate them x
Catherine, this post made me think of how much I miss green color. I haven't worn it for a while nor have I seen it on fellow bloggers. Meanwhile, I do love green and think that this particular dark shade is so go gorgeous and it complements your hair color just perfectly. Love-love-love!
xx, Victoria, gone with 'The Wind of Inspiration'
Oh I definitely think of you as a Green Girl, Victoria – you look stunning in emerald green especially!! Thanks my lovely, hope you're well xx
The theme to this outfit is texture! You have it all and it is splendid! No words! Peace! Cheryl
Oh that's a lovely compliment! Thanks Cheryl :))
as my styling teacher (yes I have made a "stint" at studying fashion design) would say, all clothes are in the same tone, so no mismatching there!
the only item I've multi-used was a Longhamp pencil case (?). I've used it as a pencil case, mini beauty bag and my mum now uses it as a reading glasses case!
Haha I don't always do the "all the same tone" thing, so I guess I do different kinds of mismatching at other times, Anna…!! And come to think of it, I bought a clutch bag specifically to use as a make up bag once – nice cheap one from F21, nothing as nice as Longchamp, however 😉
Thanks sweetie x
I love that roll neck Catherine, so pretty
Lauren
livinginaboxx
It's becoming a bit of a go-to statement piece in my wardrobe, Lauren…!! Thanks hun x
I love this outfit and that rollneck… so sad that it is sold out, such a statement piece. You really rock the contrasts.
Aww thanks Linda – I'm always asked about where to get the roll neck so I thought I should point it out really clearly this time, so sorry to disappoint! Oasap always stock things for such a short time 🙁
Gorgeous colours here, a memory of Autumn in that coat, and a hint of the Spring to come in the lace. Very trans-seasonal! x
Oooh a lovely description, Sarah – thank you hun! x
I love mismatching, especially in the way you're doing it, classy and stylish ^_^ I love the cutesy ponytail and the feminine lace top!
I'm addicted to boxes, cases, everything that you can put crap in, so I love carrying around some in my bag! The pouch is perfect!
I'll take "classy and stylish" – thanks so much, Keit!! And I have to admit to crap-carrying myself… ;))