The saffron skirt that radiates sunshine even when the sun isn't out

* I received a complimentary item for review purposes but opinions and love of pleated skirts are all my own!

"Lucy, do you need another black top?" one of my best friends asks despairingly.

Later that day I rummage through my wardrobe - which admittedly is filled with whites, blacks and greys - and I start to see her point.

It's not that I hate colour. On the contrary. It's just that I have never felt confident enough to wear bold colours. Black has always been fail proof for me in that it's classic, flattering and works for all occasions. As are whites and greys. Hence the predominantly black, white and grey wardrobe that I have accumulated over the years.

But times are a-changing people.

Ignoring the fact that I painted my bedroom grey (let's let that one slide), I am being much braver with colour around the house. I painted my lounge a beautiful deep teal colour (a far cry from its previous magnolia state), and have picked out a beautifully rich shade of aubergine for the home office. Not only that, but my wardrobe is coming along leaps and bounds too.

Introducing the saffron pleated maxi skirt of dreams.

And just some of the 1,456,745 reasons why I am loving this skirt:

• It radiates sunshine even when the sun isn't out (which is like, 90% of the time here in the UK)
• It's also a great autumnal colour - meaning it will still get plenty of wear post spring / summer
• It has a elasticated waistband - rendering it perfect for the sheer amount I eat
• It doesn't give you a bulbous waist / hips like some pleated skirts do 
• It's velvet and silky smooth - not that scratchy horrible feeling kind
• It's lightweight and has been the perfect thickness for the hot snap we've had here in the UK lately

I know what you're thinking. It's from that notoriously sought after online fashion brand where all the swoon worthy pleated skirts seem to come from. WRONG.

Introducing Fashion World. An online fashion retailer (a trading style of JD Williams) which stocks UK sizes 10-32, meaning there really is something for everyone. I have always had the greatest respect for fashion retailers who refuse to put a label / size limit on fashion, and who make fashion accessible to all.

I have had so many compliments on this skirt and people naturally (and wrongly!) assume that it is from that renowned online fashion brand that I alluded to earlier. Which is the greatest compliment to Fashion World as the skirt both looks and feels a lot more expensive than its £30 asking price.

Saffron pleated skirt* 

And know this: this skirt comes in two colours. 

And I opted for the saffron over the black.

My friend would be so proud.

NEW IN // Topshop lace-ups and skirt

When it comes to clothing, I don't shop much in-store these days. Not intentionally - it's just that I tend to have more luck online. But I stand corrected. The other day I went to Topshop and fell head over heels for two things: the lace up shoes that everyone and their cat has, and a white skirt in the prettiest embossed pattern:

Red lace-ups  //   White embossed skirt   //  Black lace-ups

Perhaps I didn't need two pairs of shoes. I just couldn't decide. What colour do you prefer? I went outside my comfort zone and picked up a pair in red as I have never owned a pair of red shoes before(!) And seeing as I live my life mostly in monochrome, these will bring a welcome pop of colour to my wardrobe!

And let's talk about the skirt. 

Not only does it have the most beautiful embossed detail, but it also has a rose gold zip. It's love <3

House of Fraser Style Challenge

When I first heard about House of Fraser's latest competition [competition now closed] to win an amazing £200 worth of House of Fraser vouchers, I knew my chances were slim, but I'm a glass half full kind of girl. The competition requirements? To pick out items from the House of Fraser website and blog about an outfit, beauty look, or room inspired by one of the following cities:

• London
• Paris
• Milan
• New York
• Tokyo

Try and guess which city I've picked...

The city I have chosen has one of the most striking examples of street style in the world. With this city, one word comes to mind - which I can't disclose or it'll give the game away! - this word describes a particular district in the city noted for its street style consisting of bold colours, clashing prints and textures, and feminine touches of frills, bows and lace for a doll lolitta look. This is a city I'd love to visit one day.

My look:

Rucksack  //  Wedges //  Knee high socks  //  Blouse //  Skirt

What I love about the pieces I've picked:

I love all the splashes of colour - ranging from the salmon pink ribbon to the electric blue wedges. Heels worn with knee high socks or stockings is a personal favourite of mine and can instantly transform your look. These knee highs from House of Fraser are bamboo ones - so you just know they'd be amazingly soft on your skin. The skirt and blouse are not only cute, but excellent value for money (both less than £20 each!). The rucksack adds another splash of colour (and print!) to the look and I love the contrast of the blue with the chocolate coloured buckles / straps.

Have you guessed which city I based my look on?

The early bird gets the worm

The Topshop sale is now on!

I must admit, I was a little sceptical about their up and coming sale based on yesterday previews. That email promising you exclusivity and to “shop the sale before anyone else” gives you a little wave of excitement. The reality: a very poor selection and any useful sizes had already sold out.

This morning however is a whole other ball game. They have flippy skirted dresses. They have lace. They have pleated skirts. They have knitwear left, right and centre. Here’s a selection of what I picked up:

Have probably ordered more than I should have done...

But I blame morning tiredness and it being so damn early. 

The tiredness can only explain the madness of why I also ordered these:

Everyone needs an obligatory what-the-hell-were-you-thinking purchase in their basket, right?! Whilst I probably wouldn’t brave these as shorts, I’d happily team them with a long tee. I love the foil effect and the I’ve-got-in-a-paintball-fight-whilst-on-acid feel to them!