Three statement pieces, three stories attached to them. I might as well start at the top (literally)!
If you’ve followed me on Instagram for at least a few months you may have seen this top appear in my feed in about February time, where I asked the question “I absolutely love it, but will I wear it…?”. My willpower turned out to be strong at the time and I decided that a sleeveless tunic with an embellished panel (that was also fully lined) was very beautiful but impractical, it being sleeveless… It was winter, after all.
HAVING SEEN IT POP UP A SECOND TIME AROUND IN THE SUMMER SALE AND REDUCED EVEN FURTHER, IT WAS TIME TO TRY AGAIN. THIS TIME I LOVED IT EVEN MORE, AND IT WAS FINALLY THE RIGHT WEATHER FOR IT.
Having seen it pop up a second time around in the summer sale and reduced even further, it was time to try again. (Designed by Central Saint Martins graduate A V Robertson for ASOS, there are several pieces in her range she designed exclusively for them that I absolutely adore, like the black funnel neck dress with embellished panel. Love.) This time I loved the top even more, and it was finally the right weather for it.
Moving down: Cropped flared jeans. I’d actually had my eye on these dark wash cropped flared jeans from Topshop because I wanted jeans with a raw hem, but just before I ordered them I had a brainwave about an old pair of Levi’s sitting in my charity shop clothes pile. These jeans are at least 15 years old but still fit me perfectly – it was the length that bothered me somewhat. They were either too long or too short.
SHOP THE LOOK:
So that meant… Scissors, meet jeans. They’ll look even better once the hem frays a little more.
AND FINALLY: WHAT I’M NOW DECLARING AS THE MOST COMFORTABLE PAIR OF HEELS KNOWN TO MAN(WOMAN)KIND.
And finally: What I’m now declaring as The Most Comfortable Pair of Heels Known to Man(Woman)kind. I saw the caged heel mules on Daniel Footwear’s Instagram feed (that bloody thing’s dangerous for your bank balance if you follow brands you like) and fell in love with the style, but not the price tag. However, they were so classic with such an awesome statement heel that I decided to give them a go and just see.
Ordered them, received them, tried them on… Fell into a deep, heavenly state of shoe BLISS. I am not exaggerating when I say these were heaven in a heel. (This post is not sponsored BTW, I bought them with my own money.) So comfy, in fact, I just wore them round the house like slippers. All day.
Therefore, if you need a pair of heels that are flattering (nude, leg and ankle lengthening), comfortable (with the world’s softest leather) and more than your average boring nude heel (they had me at ‘gold cage’) – go for these. That’s it, nothing more to say. They are pricey, but worth EVERY penny. AND they come in black, too.
Tip: Use code JULY10 to get 10% discount off at Daniel Footwear this month. (You’re welcome. Or, I’m sorry 😉
HAVE YOU EVER BOUGHT AND RETURNED SOMETHING ONLY TO BUY IT AGAIN? OR HAVE YOU EVER FOUND THE HOLY GRAIL OF HEELS LIKE I HAVE? COMMENT BELOW, OR TAKE IT TO TWITTER @NOTLAMB!
ASOS embellished panel tunic top (less than £30 down from £95!!) | Levi’s jeans (old, DIY cropped) | Daniel Footwear caged heel mules | Jennifer Hamley clutch, part of the Model KT Workbag c/o (love this magenta envelope clutch) | Olivia Burton watch c/o | MAC ‘Morange’ lips | Models Own ‘Pastel Pink’ nails (Butter London ‘Twist & Twirl’ looks the same)
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | BLOGLOVIN | YOUTUBE | NEWSLETTER
Linking up to: iwillwearwhatilike, Visible Monday, Shoe and Tell, Turning Heads Tuesday, Brilliant Blog Posts, My Refined Style, Passion for Fashion Friday, Fun Fashion Friday
Now don't you think it all works out? You saved money on your jeans (I know, not a lot) but I believe our feet are the most important part of our body to take care of. I've definitely started spending more money on my shoes because my feet are precious and need my care! And that top is heavenly!!! Great outfit!
A big fan,
Brenda Kinsel
http://www.brendakinsel.com/blog/
Love, love, love love, love. Love everything about this from your hair to your toes! xxxx http://www.whatlizzyloves.com
Love all everything about this! Your top is fantastic, your DIY jeans just gave me great inspiration and those heel, WOW!
I think that was very economical to make your own cropped jeans with the raw hem—and thus with all the money you saved, you shouldn't feel guilty about the shoes, right?
As for returning items…I rarely do that. Usually I've ordered them because i love them, and thus will somehow make them work!! Strange but true.
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
What a fabulous top Catherine, I love it! It is truly a piece of artwork and so so unique. You styled it perfectly. Love to take a pair of scissors to my denim, amazing how easy you can transform and old pair of jeans. Those mules!!!!!! Thank you for hosting!! Come on over and link up your great look on Style Nudge – The Shoe and Tell Fashion Link UP!!!
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
STYLE NUDGE
Such a lovely look, Catherine! I love the embellished detail on the top and couldn't you layer a long sleeve body suit under it for colder weather? You wouldn't want to layer over it and cover that beautiful detail on the pocket. And these jeans turned out so, so good! And the heels are indeed fabulous! I love this entire outfit…all of the pieces separately and paired together. I would love for you to come link it up On the Edge of the Week!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com/on-the-edge-of-the-week-link-up-4-and-tee-shirt-giveaway/
Once again you have taken a bodyshape "rule" and just chucked it in the bin!
I love that about you, Catherine.
A high-necked, sleeveless, embellished on the bust, top shouldn't work…but it DOES…you are a clever cookie!!
{Did you go with your usual size? I had a look at one of their dresses and wondered whether to order an 8 or a 10?}.
AND those DIY cropped jeans and a nude mule are the perfect leg lengthening, ankle flattering combination.
Great styling, as always.
XXX
Samantha
FakeFabulous.com
Such a pretty look. I have a bit of shoe envy going on, but I'm almost positive that they wouldn't fit. I have THE slimmest feet on the face of the planet. My feet usually slip straight through open toe shoes 🙁
I love the detail on the top, it's a bit mesmerising.
Michelle xx
http://www.thebarefacedchic.co.uk
Your shoes are beautiful, Catherine – and what a bonus they are so super comfy!
I just love your top, great with your jeans and I am sure it also looks fabulous dressed up for a party.
xx
Annette | Lady of Style
I'm in love with this whole outfit, Catherine! Artistic top, cool raw edge jeans, and cool and comfy shoes? How could it be more perfect! Thanks SO much for joining in the Fun Fashion Friday party!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Those shoes are SO desirable – especially if they are as comfortable as you describe. Definitely going on my wish list (and Pinterest shoe board).
Those shoes are SO desirable – especially if they are as comfortable as you describe. Definitely going on my wish list (and Pinterest shoe board).
Oh that blouse!! You've made it yours (but now I must have one too : > ) You look fabulous, C! xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Lovely outfit. Just my style. Must dig out some old jeans now.
Lovely outfit. Just my style. Must dig out some old jeans now.
Very nice indeed.
happy weekend, dear catherine
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I've loved this top since you first instagrammed it, and I'm thrilled to see it on your blog (swoon!). It is gorgeous and unique and wearable and best of all… sparkly! I'm off to check out the other things this designer sells on ASOS. These photos and those shoes are so beautiful. I'm transfixed by the close-up of the sparkly pocket detail, hahaha! Gorgeous, Catherine xx
Hi there my dear! I just want to ask if we can follow each other on GFC?
Please leave a comment on our blog!
http://kstylick.blogspot.com
You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
https://www.facebook.com/Kstylick
https://instagram.com/kstylick/
we will follow you back! XOXO
Korean Fashion
Hmmmm seeing as GFC was killed off for non-Blogspots in 2012 and completely for EVERYONE earlier this year that may be a bit difficult?!!
Haven't had a Follow for Follow spam comment for so long, it's amused me so I've left it up for others to have a chuckle (and a wonder) at…!!
Thank you for leaving this comment Catherine…funny!
Love this look so much and now lusting after those mules-that heel is everything. You look stunning as always x
Love this look so much and now lusting after those mules-that heel is everything. You look stunning as always x
Aww Vicki my lovely thank you!! Sorry to make you want the heels, hehe 😉
All three of these pieces suit you so perfectly! Definitely worth it. I've been wanting to try the DIY on a pair of jeans but I'm looking for just the right charcoal color which is not so easy to find apparently!
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
Oh gosh yes I can imagine charcoal jeans ARE hard to find, Heidi…! Thanks sweetie x
First off, I need to DIY a pair of frayed jeans – fabulous! I happen to have a pair in the recycle bin that I a going to grab this minute and give it a try! And yes, I have bought, returned and re-bought more than once! It usually happens for me, when I find a piece I can't live without – to early in the season to wear it. I return it and then realize I really loved it once it is time to wear it. I have lucked out in the past and even found it to be on sale when I go to re-buy it! Great post, oh and those mules look like they are worth every penny!
xx
Suzanne
http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com
Not just me then, Suzanne?! It's a great feeling, isn't it, when you see something you loved and it's even cheaper. And yes to chopping your jeans – I don't know why I didn't do it earlier…!! Thanks my lovely x
The top is gorgeous, I love the embellished panel. I rarely have shoe guilt, it's not in my DNA! Besides, comfort is worth paying for, especially when the shoes are that nice! Great idea about chopping old jeans – I might give it a go, hopefully I won't end up with one leg longer than the other!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thank you, Emma! No guilt over here, haha! 😉 x
Love how you waited to buy the top and then DIY'd the flared crop jean sitch!!!! Splurging on the heels was obvi a win!!! Some splurges are worth it!!!
I didn't plan to buy the top again, but I'm so glad I did! And yes, this splurge absolutely was worth it!! Thank you sweetie x