style

The writing’s on the wall.

I think a space doesn’t feel yours or feel homely until you have stuff on the walls. This could be anything from photos to a painting or a piece of art it can really bring a room together. If you don’t own much furniture hanging a piece on the wall can help fill a space which would other wise be bare and impersonal. Adding something with colour can bring a theme together or lift a space will lots of dark furniture.  In my eyes a space isn’t mine until I’ve hung something on the wall. But if like me your renting and banging nails into a pristine wall isn’t an option don’t you worry I will show you some great ideas.

4185caWkOWL._SX522_ (2)Command Brand Damage-free Hanging are an amazing damage free hanging system perfect for renters or anyone. Its an inexpensive sticky back velcro system. You stick them to the frame of a picture and stick them to the wall. You can then remove the picture easy and as many times as you like and put it back in exactly the same place by lining up the velcro and then to remove the strip completely from the wall you simply pull the sticky tab downwards and it comes straight off. It leaves no mark or residue on the wall and it’s the ideal system for hanging anything.

Another alternative is to rest frames against the wall either on the floor or on furniture or shelves. This creates a really minimal modern finish and it’s non damaging and a great way to display art.

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Framed Quotes At the moment I am really loving framed quotes. I think they look super minimal, super classy and they are a great way to fill you mind with positivity and really make a space yours. I am in love with this piece I saw on Pintrest. It’s such a gorgeous print that would look so lovely in a hallway near the front door. 15250e2d6669d2d115c20f5a58182fcd

A framed quote is also a super easy DIY project you can do yourself. In word simply type out a quote, phase or anything you like. Chose a font and increase the font size until you are happy with the composition. Print and put in a frame. Homebase, B&Q, Matalan, Asda and more all sell cheap minimal frames that look great.

word x 36d2734eeafa9a02f162a07324b00142.jpg

Minimal Abstract Art When it comes to Art abstract is where I am drawn to. It’s the style I like to paint in myself and the types of pieces I like to have around me. Something that plays with texture and shape in a limited often muted palette. At the moment I absolutely adore dusty muted pinks and neutrals mixed in with blacks and whites.

abstract art.jpg

For more inspiration check out my Pintrest board.

The Perfect Wearable Wardrobe.

The key to the perfect wardrobe is creating a succinct collection of versatile pieces you can mix and match to build any look for any occasion.

It all comes down to making considered purchases instead of buying everything you see or like -too much clutter only makes it harder to find something to wear.

It’s important to really know and understand your style and the look you are going for, so you can really know what to look out for when your shopping. This should help keep a theme running through your wardrobe allowing you to mix and match in so many more combination.

Next, have a sort out. The season has just changed so now is a perfect time to go through your clothes. If you haven’t worn it in ages, or you don’t think you’l wear it again then loose it -why do you need to keep something you never wear.

On the bottom: I think you need a classic pair of blue skinnys for the casual days a pair of black jeans to dress it up slightly and a pair of smart trousers. Also consider a couple of skirts, a simple mini skirt, a midi pencil and a button through A line skirt.

bottoms

On your feet I would say a pair of Nike Roshe runs, then a pair of Loafers, heeled boots and then the strappy heels/ stilettos will work with any outfit and take you from popping to the shops, to a lunch date, to night on the town.

shoes

On top the choices are more open but my advise is go for a selection of versatile pieces. Get a couple of camis, a sweater, a couple of long sleeve tops in different styles and a selection of vests and jumpers. Try to get a mix of different, lengths, sleeves, fabrics and colours. Try to avoid getting similar tops in the same colour.

tops

Dresses wise go for a fitted midi little black dress, this will work perfectly for any evening look then go for a couple of shift/ t shirt dresses that you can dress up or down with heels and a clutch or flats and a tote/shopper.

dresses

Accessories: Find a warm scarf that goes colour wise with everything a neutral colours works well such as grey, black or khaki works well for me, then find a large clutch for the nights and a tote/ shopper for the day. Then finally coats and jackets are really important, I would say invest is a smart coat shorter coat and a long warm wrap up coat,

acsessories and coat

Ta dah! that’s it.

Phew I know that seems like a lot and a bit complicated but I hope it helps. As you can see from my wardrobe I like simple shapes and minimal pieces. Tan, Khaki, denim and black are my autumn go to colours. I tend to stay away from patterns for some reason but create interest by mixing fabrics and textures so leather, croc, suede and patent which feature heavily throughout. All the pieces are very interchangeable and work from everyday casual to a night out.

Clothes featured can be found at Asos, Newlook, Pretty Little Thing, Missguided, H&M, Riverisland and Forever21.

For more details please leave me a question in the comments below.

Crisp White Sheets.

White sheets always remind me of hotels- an enormous comfy bed with freshly laundered crisp white sheets. I have always been a bit hesitant about putting white sheets on my bed at home -what if I spill my morning coffee on the sheets or what if my mascara smudges on to the pillow case. Well I have finally decided now is as good a time as any for those fresh white sheets to make an appearance. They make the room look so much brighter, bigger and more inviting.

White bedding can be expensive but I nabbed these up in the sale for only £7 for a king size set in B&Q -not the first place I would have thought to find bedding but these ones feels like good quality and are nice and soft.

White bedding goes with any decor and is modern and chic. I feel it looks best when it’s creased and a bit scrumpled on the bed, it’s very minimal and gives it a more living in cozy look. You can dress the bed with some soft accents to go with the colour scheme of the room, maybe a knitted grey throw, or a fluffy blush pillow, or anything that brings a touch of the colour to the plain canvas that ties in with the rest of the room.

Using different textures in a room can really add depth particularly when using a minimal colour palette. Contrast your cushions and throws against your plain white bedding for added coziness. From left to right we have George Home Purple chenille throw £7, George Home Hippo oxford edge cushion £4, Matalan Mongolian Cushion £8, George Home Smoked cushion in silver £5.

  Mongolian Cushion (48cm x 48cm)

Chartwell Easy Care White Plain Kingsize Bed cover Set from B&Q reduced to £7

Dress Down Khaki.

Yesterday I had the afternoon off work and my boyfriend’s family where down from Manchester. It was so nice to see them again, we met them for lunch in Kensington after some london site seeing we then got the river boat down the Thames to Cutty Sark for some delicious ice cream from Black Vanilla. It was such a lovely afternoon and the perfect start to the weekend.

I wanted something comfy and casual to wear so I paired a simple khaki cami from Newlook with Black rolled up Topshop Jeans, Asos leather sling back sandals, Newlook sunnies and my Pulsar watch.

dress down khaki

I really love these sunglasses. I picked them up yesterday after my old ones cracked. I never buy expensive sunglasses because I am forever loosing them, sitting on them or dropping and cracking them. These cost £3 in the Newlook sale. They are a simple black frame with black lenses, with a quilted texture on the arms and a grey inner frame. A steel for the price.

Check out the Newlook sale here: http://www.newlook.com/shop/sale/womens-sale_30082?intcam=INT-2015-16-WK16-HOME-ZBck-0027

A link to my post on Black Vanilla  https://katielouisaclarke.wordpress.com/2015/02/24/black-vanilla-2/

Work shoes.

You may have read in previous posts or seen on my Instagram https://instagram.com/katie_clarke94/ I have a new job; as a cover corporate receptionist, I travel around London filling in for leave and sickness at the large office buildings around London. I have to be well dressed and professional, in a black pencil skirt, jacket and blouse with a pearl necklace and earrings. The uniform is provided but I have to supply my own shoes. You don’t want to know how long I was looking and how many pairs of shoes I ordered and sent back until I found the right ones.

If you’re anything like me I wanted a comfortable pair of relatively high heels in black leather. Sounds standard but it was really hard to find what I was after. Turned out Newlook is the place to go for the widest range of shoes suitable for the office.

Here are my top three. Number one: Black Comfort Leather Platform Courts by Newlook originally £34.99 but reduced to £14 in the sale. The shoe is very comfortable with a padded sole, they fit true to size and being genuine leather they will soften and mold to your foot. The shoe has a rounded toe, small platform and an 11cm heel giving them a classic and sophisticated look.

Comfort courts

http://www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/view-all-shoes/black-comfort-leather-platform-court-shoes-_330611401

For the wider foot Newlook has come out on top again with their Wide Fit Black Court Shoes now £10 in the sale!! These shoes are perfect if you have a broader foot they again come with a rounded toe and discrete platform with a 10cm heel and have a elegant finish.

wide fit courts

http://www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/view-all-wide-fit/wide-fit-black-court-shoes-_342919401

Finally if you are tall or you really struggle in heels and are looking for a lower pair, why not consider these Black Comfort Leather Pointed court shoes again currently in the sale at £12 these have a lower 8cm heel in a soft leather again with a padded sole.

pointed courts

http://www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/view-all-shoes/black-comfort-leather-pointed-court-shoes-_330585701

So there we go Newlook has turned out on top when it comes to formal shoes for work. Obviously there are other places that sell black courts but I didn’t like the styles or shapes and they were no where near the price of these ones from Newlook especially as they are currently all in the sale. Happy shopping everyone.

Men in Sandals.

Men’s summer footwear can be slightly limiting. Most guys stick to their trainers and I am defiantly not saying there is nothing wrong with a good pair of chino shorts, white T, sunnies and a crisp pair of white converse or relaxed boat shoes. But when you are away on holiday and the weather is just too hot for shoes you have to turn to something lighter. So what are your options?

Fip flops- the classic beach shoe, really comfy and relaxed perfect for a warm day of doing nothing.

But what if you need something a little more sturdy but still light and airy. My solution; Birkenstocks. They are such a classic summer essential and round any outfit off. No blisters between your toes from flip flops, and a more supported sole an they are so durable being leather and cork. I know they ain’t every guys cup of tea but I think they’re great. You should defiantly give them a chance especially if flip flops are sore on your toes.

birks

Calvin Klein.

I adore a little bit of CK- If only I had the money to get to really enjoy their clothes! Their collections are always simply Clean cut, Minimal and Modern. But they carry a price tag to match.Main-Moss

More in my budget is their underwear range- So comfy and they look so good. Theirs nothing better to lounge around in the house in. Or for a casual weekend look keep it comfy with a loose over sized jersey top and jeans maybe show a little bit of that iconic branded elastic above your jeans or through a dropped arm whole vest.

On my wishlist next is this gorgeous set of Grey Dual Tone Bra and matching Briefs. Triangle bras are very in at the moment and that suits me fine- no uncomfortable under wire and unnecessary padding, they are so feminine and a splash from the past.grey dual bra set For me this Duel Tone set sits perfectly between aesthetic fashion underwear and sports underwear making it extremely versatile. A defiantly staple. The triangle shape frames the cleavage more so than the more traditional scoop neck sports bras, this means you can wear it under more as it doesn’t have those thick shoulder straps.
This set is still a lot to spend on two triangles of fabric but they are so gorgeous. I’m resisting the temptation to get them just yet. They are out of stock in a few stores but I’m waiting for a good student discount perk to come along so I snap them up for less.

Missguided Sale Haul.

Missguided have an extra 40% their sale items, ending soon! Before you dash off and bag yourself some bargains let me just show you what I found.
missguided

I was just after a few staple pieces that would lift the colours in my wardrobe to take me through into spring. Starting from the left I have Cerrie Zip Detail Waterfall Blazer in Grey- to help me ease out of the thick knitwear and into the more breezy tops, I love the grey colour making it very versatile and wearable with any colour. Next along is Avery Lurex Long Sleeve Top in Baby Pink- this is a lightweight top perfect to wear with jeans but it’s easy to dress it up because the lurex finish gives it a slight sparkle and is so pretty with its delicate texture at the same time- in my opinion you can never have too many boxy long sleeves tops; they go with everything. Then I have Taleasha ‘Basic T Shirt’ Slogan Top- I’ve seen a lot of these tops and normally I steer away from them but here I think you can’t go wrong stating the obvious in this oversized white T. And finally on the right I have Marrie Cropped Peg Leg Cropped Trousers in Black- These cropped trousers look great on this 5,11″ model but for me I was praying these trousers would be perfect ankle grazers- Fingers crossed. I love the high waist, most smart trousers are low rise but here they sit perfectly on the waist creating the illusion of longer legs which I can’t get enough of. These trousers could be paired with any of the other items I ordered as well as dressed up or down again very versatile.

There was one last piece I did resit from buying. It’s such a show stopper I was worried I wouldn’t get the wear out of it but just look at it!
missguided jumpsuit

Plunge Cut Out Tailored Jumpsuit in White. Its so gorgeous. I love the neck line and open back and the straight trousers keep it easy and clean. It would look stunning paired with a camel longline coat or go monochrome with some black stilettos and a black tote bag- I would have loved it but I have no where to wear such a stunner. It was originally £30 (which I don’t even think is a bad price) it then it dropped to £28 in the sale but with the extra 40% off it makes it £16.80. Such a bargain! If anyone has this jumpsuit or just loves it why don’t you leave a comment bellow- tell me what you think.

I am really pleased with my buys and hope you snap up some goodies too 🙂

And here is the link to the Missguided Sale. Happy Shopping!!
http://www.missguided.co.uk/sale

Frenchies.

I am absolutely and completely in love with French Bulldogs. I love everything about tthem from their wrinkly faces to their big ears, little legs and chubby bodies. Eeeekk- makes me all gushy just thinking about them! They are so cute.
I have managed to convince my boyfriend that we are going to get one some day. Maybe if I’m good he might surprise me with one sooner- a girl can only wish.
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French bulldogs are a cross between an English Bulldog, a Pug and a Terrier this adorable combination came about in the 1800’s to create small friendly companions for lace makers and ladies of the time but the bread was then popularized in France giving them their name.

Frenchies have the softest, glossy coat and big eyes and a snuffly nose. They are inquisitive and affectionate even though they are a little lazy and love to sleep. But for me its their endearing mannerisms that are surprisingly human that make them so charming to me. They have little tiny hips so they often sit cross legged and the large heads are heavy so they often prop it up on a cushion- too adorable. And they snore, but it’s a cute little snuffly snore you can’t help but love. Also they are the perfect pet for apartments and small living spaces as they don’t need too much exercise and they are quiet so won’t wake up the neighbours.

"Will you play?" French Bulldog

I can’t think of anything better than coming home to an excitable Frenchie who wants nothing more than to snuggle up in my arms for a cuddle some affection and play.
Frenchies come in white, black, fawn, tan, blue and brindle or a combination of these colours. For me it’s fawn and black which are my favourite, one of each colour would be my dream but let’s not get too ahead of ourselves.
But for now I’l just have to settle with following a few of my favourite Frenchies on instagram. little_rooney & THEO_THE_FRENCHBULLDOG & bear.the.frenchie. They are so adorable and lighten up my day every time I scroll past their beautiful snaps.

If you can’t get enough of Frenchies then why not follow my doggie pinterest board https://uk.pinterest.com/clarke1809/doggies/

Sticks n Sushi.

We love sushi. Sticks n Sushi just opened a restaurant in Greenwich, it’s sophisticated yet minimal dressed with walnut and floor to ceiling chocolate walls, gorgeous gold pendent lights and modern fixtures add to the warm while huge glass vases filled with delicate flowers reminding you of the oriental theme.

And now to the Sushi- it was amazing. It was the nicest, freshest sushi i have ever tasted. The menu is so vast filled with the most stunning looking sushi and fish but there was so much more to it- delicious skewers, steaks, salads and side dishes but the little red book in the centre of the menu is where the goodies lie. Completely blown over with the chose from the menu this red book is full of sharing dishes and platters giving you the perfect array of chose without spending hours making up your mind. Dinning as a couple or in a large party there are platters of all sizes combining the perfect selection of everything.

sushi

My boyfriend Zac and I shared the Mixed Emotions platter and Duck, Salmon and their Friends plate as well as the Beef Tataki coz it just looked so good. We defiantly order too much food but they neatly boxed up what we couldn’t eat and we saved it for later. The food is absolutely amazing and when paired with its’s gorgeous atmosphere your evening is going to be a night to remember filled with so many exciting flavours, fine wines and cocktails.