Collaborative / Partnered Post - Taking Your Summer Wardrobe Into Autumn*

I don't know what the weather's been like where you are today, but here in my little corner of Co Durham the sun has been shining, but there has been a definite nip in the air. With pumpkins in the shops, and fallen leaves on the ground there is no doubt that we're now well into Autumn, and Summer is nothing more than a distant memory.

When it comes to Autumn in the UK the change in temperature can often be a gradual one, so in this era of cutting back, buying less, and wearing more, there are often ways and means of wearing at least some of those summer favourites, well into October and November. In this post I'm going to share with you just some of the clothing items that you can adapt for the slightly colder months, and if you can't resist the lure of the shops I'm going to talk about some the key items you could add to take you summer wardrobe into October, November and beyond.

1. Maxi Dresses

Now I've got to say that the only maxi dresses I own are very, very summery but if you have something in a warmer, toned plain colour, or in one of this summers popular nature and leaf designs, or even something in an animal print, then there is no reason why you couldn't continue wearing it into the autumn months, it's all about how you style it. By wearing a top underneath it or by pairing a maxi dress with a short, chunky cardigan or even with a leather jacket and boots, you'll definitely be able to get a few more wears out of it before the year is out.

2. Add Tights

Tights are a secret weapon for transitioning weather, and you can use them to make almost any summer outfit suited to the season. If you have a dress you still want to wear, adding tights will bring some warmth and also will allow you to add an autumn twist to a summer dress. There are so many colours and patterns in tights now that there really are no rules and no boundaries. Team a short floral patterned skirt with tights and boots, or even team up a denim skirt with tights and a chunky knit, for a cosy take on Autumn style. As well as tights, don't forget about leggings, yes you can wear them on their own but if a dress is too short to wear on its own in the colder months, add a pair of leggings to create another look, and to add an extra layer of warmth.

3. Layer Up

Speaking of layers, adding extra layers is the easiest way to turn a summer outfit into an Autumn and Winter one. As a curvy girl, especially, I'm a huge fan of layering, I don't really separate my wardrobe into seasons, I wear certain things like t-shirts and vests all year round, I just add an extra layer, be it a cardigan or a scarf or even another t-shirt. Layering is definitely something to think about when you're thinking about your outfits for autumn, you can layer a shorter dress with a chunky cardigan or a thicker jacket, and create a look that is in keeping with both new season trends, and the changing temperatures. As well as other clothing items like cardigans, and jumpers, also think about your accessories when it comes to layering and making an old item of clothing more relevant. I am a huge scarf fan, and they are great for layering and of course for providing a much needed layer of warmth when the weather turns. I have a lot of different ones in different fabrics, patterns and thicknesses and they can really add the finishing touch to any outfit

4. Get a statement jacket

Layering is such a huge part of autumn fashion and it is something you always want to consider in that transitional warm / cold period. Chunky cardigans and even coatigans are all well and good but sometimes only a jacket will do. Now sometimes a waterproof jacket is the only way to go, but on those bright but chilly days, you need a good jacket or coat to not only keep you warm but also to pull your outfit together Choosing a statement jacket or coat isn't easy though there are so many different style to choose from, but there are a few fail safes, that never seem to go out of style

• A military jacket to layer over skinny jeans and vests

• A leather jacket which will go over dresses, Tops and jeans, and skirts

• A trench coat to layer over a simple outfit for a protective layer

• A bomber jacket to layer over jeans and sporty outfits

• A cropped blazer - A twist on the classic for a formal look or perfect for the office

I can pretty much guarantee that you'll have at least a couple of these options already in your wardrobe, I know I do, but if you don't shop around, charity shops, and resellers are great for more classic styles, and you'll definitely find something suitable on the high street no matter what your budget. Even if you're trying to cut back and cut down on the amount of clothes that you buy, a good coat in a classic style, and colour is always a worthwhile investment.

5. Use deep colours 

When transitioning from summer to autumn style, the biggest difference that you will normally see on the high street is colour. Whilst, there will always be exceptions what was once a sea of yellows, pinks, greens, and blues, pastels and neons, is now a world of reds, oranges, browns, and purples. Yes, you can wear what ever colour you like when you like, but there is no denying that the traditional Autumn colour palette, that reflects the changing leaves, just makes you feel warm and cosy. Colour wise I'm a real Autumn girl, there are so many beautiful colours around at the moment ranging from mustard's, to terracotta, and wines, that adding even a tiny splash to any outfit will definitely give it that fall vibe. If deeper, warmer toned shades in clothing aren't for you though, don't worry, switch up your colours in another way, and add some warm bronzes, and coppers to your eye make up routine, and add a berry, or a warmer toned lip, and you're Autumn ready in a flash

Like so many people now I'm trying to buy less and wear more. Clothes don't have to be a one wear or one season wonder, it's all about how you style it and how you wear it. Treat your own wardrobe like you would a shop, pull out an item wear it differently, and experiment with your style. If you feel that your wardrobe is lacking something, go out and buy it, but think about what you're buying, how often you're going to wear it, and how you're going to wear it. I've bought a few items in Autumnal colours lately (outfit posts coming soon eek), that fit in with lots of other items in my wardrobe, I know I'll wear them, and they are different from lots of things that I already own. A change in season doesn't necessarily mean that you need a whole new wardrobe, add the odd piece and restyle pieces that you already own x What are your favourite fashion pieces for Autumn? Let me know in the comments x

*Collaborative / Partnered Post

A Late December 2016 Primark Haul

As I've said before I'm not really a one of making new years resolutions, but every year I promise myself that this will be the year when I rein in my spending and try and save a bit of money, and this year is no different. in 2017 I'm definitely going to try and cut down on my spending  and I'm going to try and be a bit more selective about what I do buy and obviously I'm going to try and cut down on the haul posts. Will I achieve it ? Only time will tell I guess x

Anyways back on point and what have I got for you today? Well a haul post of course LOL, to be fair though this haul is from last year, or should I say last month, and it's my final Primark haul of 2016.

I managed a couple of Primark visits in December and whilst i was good and mainly bought pressies for my friends and family, I did pick a few bits and pieces for me :)

I'm going to be honest and say that this jacket, come long line kimono, come over shirt, has no hanger appeal at all, it needs a body to fill it out. It's basically a long line lightweight crepe jacket, with no fastenings, or buttons, and slightly flared kimono like sleeves, and side pockets. I love the floral pattern and the flowing feel. You can get some trousers in the same print, to give more of a suit look, but personally I'm going to be wearing this over a skinny trouser, a skinny jean or a pair of leggings. This jacket was £15.

I don't know why it is, but ever since Christmas I've been in the grip of a pretty major Fibro / CFS flare, and all I've wanted to do is sleep :( I've had an awful lot of duvet days over the last fortnight or so, and I've spent a lot of time in my PJ's. I love my PJ's and even though Santa bought me several pairs for Christmas, I can't resist buying cute pairs of PJ's when I see them.

These are just cream, legging style, drawstring waist, PJ pants, with a pale grey / beige and pink Pusheen the cat print. I love anything cat related and this Pusheen is super cute. These PJ pants were £8.

Although I have seen a Pusheen t-shirt in Primark's nightwear section before, I couldn't find a top that matched these pants so instead I decided to get a toning, vest top.

This creamy, ivory vest top was also from the nightwear / lounge wear section, and it's made of a super soft fabric, it contains an internal bra shelf, and it features adjustable shoulder straps, and a cute lace trim. It was only £2.50 and I think that it will coordinate not only with these Pusheen pants but also a lot of my other nightwear pieces.

Next up jewellery and I make no apologies that this haul is about 80% jewellery. I love fine jewellery as much as the next person but cheaper jewellery pieces are perfect for buying the on trend pieces, or for trying something new or even for expanding your own jewellery wardrobe. 

Primark is one of the best places for buying on trend and fashion pieces, their stock changes so regularly you can pretty much guarantee that you can pick up a least one of two pieces that are right on trend. One of the biggest trends, at the moment, jewellery wise has to be the disc or circle pendant. If you love the look that the likes of Links Of London, and Thomas Sabo, are all championing at the moment, but you don't have that kind of budget, then Primark should be your first port of call,

Unfortunately this photo doesn't do this piece justice. It's basically a silver tone chain, which comes, with a silver tone, crystal studded disc pendant. It's is super sparkly and it was just £1.50. My Godmother has a Thomas Sabo bracelet which features small almost identical diamond studded discs and this necklace matches it perfectly for about a 40th of the price! Okay it's not silver, or white gold or real diamonds but the look is definitely there.

This Y necklace that I also picked up has a similar smaller disc at the top of the Y, and at the base of the Y, is has a filigree disc, that is surrounded  by a crystal studded disc. This necklace has a real designer look and it was just £2 - Bargain!

The next necklace that I got is a double layer necklace, and this time it is in a rose gold tone.

The top strand features, an initial, I think they had all of the most common initials, but obviously I went for the letter L for Louise :). The second strand features an almost identical disc to the previous necklace only this time in the rose gold tone. It has a filigree centre, and it's surrounded by a crystal studded outer ring. This necklace was £2.

My final Primark jewellery purchase was a pair of birthstone earrings, which were just £1.50.

I can't remember what the correct name for these earrings is but I always call them back to front earrings. I can never describe this type of earring properly but these particular ones feature a gold ball stud (which you can wear separately) which is the part that goes through the ear, and they have a round green, crystal drop which is slightly set back. Useless description I know but I hope you know what I mean LOL. These particular earrings are birthstone themed, and being a May baby, these ones have a green faux emerald crystal stone. I also got my mum a pair of these for Christmas - her birthday is in September so hers have a deep blue, faux sapphire stone. These earrings were just £1.50 and I think that they would make a lovely birthday pressie for anyone with pierced ears.

The final two things that I picked up last month were both beauty related bits, first up a duo pack of my favourite face wipes for just £1

and I also picked up a tube of this GWA Girls With Attitude Brush On Eyelash Glue which was reduced to £2.

I really struggle with false lashes, and I particularly struggle with the glue. I always end up squeezing way too much out and making a mess, so I'm really hoping that this brush on adhesive will make it a little bit easier - I really want 2017 to be the year when I master false lashes!

I've made a little You Tube video to accompany this haul which you can see below or via this link x 

If you have any questions on anything that I've bought, then please leave me a comment below, and if you've written a Primark haul post, or uploaded a Primark haul video recently, then please leave me your links below so I have a nose and see what bargains you've picked up x 

Ooops!

Well I have wobbled a bit, OK some would call it cheating, but I wouldn't, not really...

Since last summer I have been on the look out for a long line / boyfriend style cardigan in white and low and behold the Spring / Summer copy of La Redoute has one

I have therefore taken a mini plunge and ordered it - classing it as an essential item (probably because I searched high and low for one and I am so pleased to have found it - LOL)

I have ordered it on a buy now pay July basis, and I qualify for a free cowl neck jacket which I can always ebay if I don't like, so there is a bit of method in my madness - I just have to hope I like it when it comes - otherwise the search will go on !