My Current Favourite Dress

 

 

Dress- New Look

Jacket- George at Asda

Shoes- Topshop

Fedora- Asos

Rings- Empty Casket and random market stall

Bag- New Look

 

Hoorah an outfit post, it's been way too long. I'm trying to incorporate more dresses into my life again as I'm living in jeans as always. Now everyone knows I am a tartan and shirt lover so when I saw this dress I fell in love. It's loose and a decent length, I just hate a dress that just rides up. Plus its made up of a lovely dark shades of blues and reds. I feel really fashionable when wearing it and it's so easy to just put on add a leather jacket and you're ready to go.

My newest purchase is my navy blue fedora, the hats I'm loving are getting bigger and bigger. At first I was a bit scared to wear just caused its really wide brimmed, but I absolutely love it. Plus navy is a classic. The witch ring is an absolute gem, from my favourites at Empty Casket it just adds a hint of my personality without being over the top.

 

And my shoes, showing my love for burgundy, seriously I am obsessed at the moment. They fit in perfectly with the reds on the dress. I bought these thick soled brogues from Topshop as they reminded me of the Dr Marten brogues that I would love to get my hands on but a fraction of the price. Plus it makes a nice change from the mountain of black shoes I own. They are really well made, not the comfiest but I need to break them in a bit more. My small bag is something I always reach for. I call it my gig bag as its perfect for taking in London, its has a zip and folds over so there is no way my belongings are going anywhere out of my site.

I really like this outfit and think its perfect for the Autumn/Winter weather we're experiencing. It makes me feel girly, stylish and a bit grungy, so everything I like then.
Apologies about the bin in the background, not the best thing to look at. Honestly annoyed me so much when editing these. Well I'm off to work for the afternoon, the retail world is getting so busy in the weeks leading up to Christmas, help me!!

Boutique Candy by Next

 

 

After having a pretty stressful couple of weeks with juggling so many things at once, I felt like it was time to do a bit of retail therapy with my mum! So on my payday I hit the shops and well may have spent a little bit of money (I think it's what girls do best). 
Perfume is something I always ask for as a gift but don't really buy for myself I have no idea why. I mean I am obsessed with perfume as knowing I smell nice gives me a boost of confidence, is that weird??... Meh but some of them are just so expensive and I don't want to wear something that cost me more the my weekly food shop. But I got to a point where I had no perfume left what so ever.

Whilst shopping in Next the mother and I came across their Boutique fragrance range and decided to have a sniffing session (sounds dodgy but couldn't think of what else to call it). And I really liked a lot of them. There were three in the range and immediately I knew which one I wanted. Plus with only one box of the scent I wanted left, it was sign that I had to have it in my life.
I went for Boutique Candy. As soon as I sprayed this on my wrist I fell in love and it just had to be mine. The description of fruity and floral sums it up perfectly. It's sweet but not overpowering and it's just really refreshing to wear. And for the price of £6.50 you can't go wrong. Hello stocking filler fro Christmas.
The packaging I really like as well. The bottle is small and dainty. Now with a name like Candy, pink would somehow be involved but I think it they have kept it from looking like a tacky perfume aimed at young girls by added the hints of rose gold.

I couldn't rave enough about these scents, so perfect for a present. A beautiful scent at a beautiful price. You can't  go wrong really. I'm actually considering buying another bottle already...

Fall/Autumn Wedding Inspiration

Recently I came across The Black Tux, a tuxedo rental company, and decided to come up with some inspiration for an Autumn/Fall wedding.

Being my favourite season by far I jumped at the chance as if I were to get married I would want it to be around this time so I felt it'd be interesting to see which direction I would take it. I'm a long way off from getting married but it's fun to think about it and what I would like. Come on girls we all think about it a little bit...

I think my choices are kind of obvious but the leaves really are the main inspiration for this beautiful time period.  I picture a very rustic and warm feel to it, even with the terrible weather we experience in England. Plus I live with a very busy lifestyle of travelling to London a lot so I think it would be nice to escape to a more chilled rustic atmosphere for the day then the suburban hell we face most days.

The Holden Outfit

 

I had to start with what the bride and groom would wear as it's the main focal point. I don't know what it is about a navy suit but I just fall in love with them constantly. I picked the Holden Outfit from Black Tux as I think it just looks very polished with the hint of edginess I love. The rich navy with black accents and crisp white shirt. Match made in heaven! The perfect thing about this is you can rent the whole outfit from Black Tux including the details like the shoes and cufflinks you literally don't have to worry about buying the extras.

 

 

Now for the bride immediately I thought about lace and sleeves. They're are both things I've always envisioned myself wearing but for Autumn particularly in England I just think you need a sleeve for practicality as it will be freezing. It also fits with the gothic Victorian lace trend that being seen in many high street stores. This dress is just gorgeous!

 

Burgundy, Oxblood, Berry whatever you want to call it seems to be everywhere and in particular featured a lot this year. Therefore it was the obvious colour scheme choice for me as I am lusting after anything in this shade currently. It's such a rich and sophisticated colour and just adds that vampy edge to everything. They are all traits I like to portray in my style choices and I would definitely want them shown on a wedding day. Plus I think it is a shade that suits all skin tones so would be perfect for bridesmaids. I think the key with this colour is to keep everything else pretty simple seen with floral arrangements this colour is the focal point keep everything else neutral like with the boquet above.

Check out the Black Tux website here

All images sourced from Pinterest unless stated otherwise

An Instagram Update

 

 

@katielmales

 

 

Instagram pretty much shows my life so thought I'd share with you some of the snaps taken during October :)

 

1. Check out my pumpkin carving skills... Yeah not that great eh. I always leave it till the day of Halloween and I of course did this again. Fyi a couple of parents of trick or treaters said my pumpkin design was their favourite, just saying.

 

2. Best film ever was watched multiple times, if you haven't seen it. No I just can't... The boyfriend hasn't seen it before this will be changed soon!

 

3. Last Friday consisted of Camden, alcoholic beverages and seeing Nothing But Thieves. I urge you if you're looking for an album to buy, please buy theirs its so damn good! My 4th time seeing them this year and I just can't explain the love I have for their music.

 

4. I bought a new fedora from Asos, it's even bigger and I love it!

 

5. The selfie where I look like the female version of James Bay

 

6 & 7. Costumes I've been working on from a voluntary project I'm currently involved with. They are actual originals from the 18th and 19th century. Simply beautiful

 

8.Always catching trains to London, lately have been experiencing the early morning rush hour. It's um not fun. I actually nearly fell asleep standing up on a train last week...



 

I miss writing on here, I really do! But do you ever feel like you've just hit a brick wall and literally have no idea which direction you want take something in next?? Yeah that's how I feel currently. I have all these amazing ideas of what I want to do on here but need to be realistic in how I can achieve them.

Hope everyone had an amazing October and Halloween!! :)

Its Been A While...

I'm the girl who absolutely loves Halloween yet of course has not done one single Halloween related post or post in October for that matter. Things have been dare I say a bit wild over the last few weeks. I've started volunteering with a costume company in London, so I've been balancing that along with work and taking on freelance costume work, argh!
This October has really not been eventful in terms of fun things to do to get me in the spirit for Halloween. I can't quite believe my favourite day is less than a week away. Am I doing anything for it?? Currently sod all :(

The other day I decided to go for a walk with my dad as I said I wanted to take some photo's for my blog as I miss posting! What better way to experience Autumn with a bit of the outdoors. Plus I really don't go outside enough, I've decided I need to start taking up walking its just so good to escape home sometimes.

 

Playsuit- Asos

Cardigan- New Look

Boots- Primark

 

I wore my new playsuit from Asos as the colours are perfect for Autumn. I only wish I got some more shots of my outfit but trying to explain what I want in the photo's my dad takes is hard. He really doesn't understand the concept of outfit posts, but I'm so grateful that he at least took these photos. I'm trying to branch out of wearing just jeans and band t-shirts all of the time. This is quite smart for a piece I can wear every day. And it's a kimono style so is perfect for covering the tops of my arms, result! My favourite Primark boots= bad idea to walk through the mud in. Seriously what was I actually thinking. 

 

 

 Finally a post that has got a little bit of an Autumnal feeling. Needed to showcase my love for my favourite season somehow.
And yeah there's not really a reason why I haven't posted except I haven't had a lot of time lately. So yeah work work work woop. Oh and well I guess I could quickly mention what I've somehow ended up in a relationship, I know me. I guess miracles can happen sometime eh :)

Going on a Clean & Clear Frenzy

My skin at the moment is well to put it nicely not happy at all. I've needed to up my skincare as I want a bit of life back in my face. So whilst going on the dreaded food shop with the mother I came across a load of clean and clear products. I've been using the dual action moisturiser for quite a while as my daily moisturiser for my face and I absolutely love it.
I picked up three more products and thought I would give them ago. Firstly I was running out of a face wash so I chose the deep action cream wash as it described as cleaning down to the pores for really clear skin., something which I'm wanting so bad. I really like the creamy texture of this face wash and it feels really fresh on my skin. It always tingles slightly but not in a bad way, I guess it just awakens me. So far I really like it. The deep cleansing lotion I thought would be good to use particularly just before going to bed as my skin never feels fully clear at night. I literally put this on a cotton pad and wipe all over my face. I'm trying to remember doing it every night as this all new for me but yeah I like how it feels on my skin. Also its for sensitive skin so doesn't irritate it at all. The final product I got was the advantage spot control treatment gel as I've been breaking out a lot on my chin lately. Hoping this will work some wonders on my face.

I'm obviously becoming a bit of a fan of Clean & Clear at the moment. I'm enjoying using new products, just hope my skin enjoys it too!

The Handbag Essentials

 Bag- Asos from a couple of years ago. As its Burgundy I immediately associate it with Autumn.

Right be honest, hands up if you carry way more then you need in your handbag. *guilty as charged*. I've always been a big handbag kind of girl, I don't know I just like to have a lot of stuff particularly if I'm venturing up London which is quite often lately. Let's just say its mainly for freelance costume related work which is exciting. Please someone give me a full time costume making job, I'm desperate here. Seriously I hate the retail life.

I mean you have the usual stuff like my phone. Actually side note I'm quite disgusted with how reliant I have become on my phone, I check it all the sodding time. Katie you gotta leave it alone you don't actually have that many friends. The purse for obvious reasons, buying stuff you can't afford. The house keys that have so many pointless and annoying key rings. Believe it or not I have one key amidst the mess that is my keys. Why do I need all the key rings I don't know. And my iPod as this music junkie needs her fix, yeah I know it's cooler and more up to date to use your phone but I love having an iPod.
I don't know how I've gone without a compact mirror for so long. Since I bought one for Reading festival it's constantly in my bag as I just have to check if I look like I should be allowed out in public.

Lipstick and lip liner seem to be the two make up items that wonder into my bag, I seem to be becoming more of a woman as I have started to redo my makeup whilst I'm out. I've turned into one of those women who sit on the train checking their make up and reapplying their lipstick. I used to sit and stare and wonder why they bother. But now I'm that person. My how times have changed. Also that just made me sound like such a creep... moving on! Either Crosswires or Kinda Sexy by MAC are the two lipsticks that are always in whatever bag I take out along with an Essence lip liner in the shade Wish Me A Rose.
A small bottle of perfume as I'm always paranoid I don't smell nice. Plus getting on  the tube equals warmth mixed with crowds of body heat so you got to freshen up. Now do all the judging you like but I carry a bottle of Avon perfume from the Strictly Come Dancing range called Strictly fabulous. It smells amazing. I'm so excited Strictly is back on the TV, another reason to love Autumn.
Finally my trusty notebook. I'm terrible at organising things. I'm the girl that always has a diary that never gets written in. My bat notebook from Ikea is an obvious favourite due to its gothic/ Halloween vibes and the memory of my first trip to Ikea. I write notes to do with work such as costume fittings and blog ideas if I'm ever on a longish train journey.

I feel like I need to read up on my photography skills, they are lacking something recently...

Autumn Wishlist- New Look

Black Chunky Lace Up Pointed Shoes

Dark Purple Suede Fringe Side Duffle Bag

Coral Check Fringe Hem Scarf

Purple Ribbed Trim Blanket Wrap

Black Placket Long Sleeve Bodycon Dress

Black Corduroy Button Front A-Line Skirt



I think I have a problem as I am seriously addicted to New Look currently. I've found a few pieces on there lately that I really want to get my hands on. So I thought I would share them with you lovely lot. Oh and I have a feeling there may be quite a few wish list posts as Autumn/Winter is my favourite time of the year.
The shoes are everything I love... black, chunky, lace up like a dream. Also being pointy I really feel they give off witchy vibes which you know I am obsessed with. They're currently on sale so I think it's inevitable that they'll be purchased soon. The suede duffle bag I am in love with. Purple is my favourite colour and this is very different to any bag I've bought in the past. A tartan scarf because it's essential to buy at least one every year :/. The purple blanket wrap I think is perfect for Autumn its not too thick but it'll be nice to throw on with any outfit. On the website there is a grunge style section which I was immediately drawn too. And from that range I loved the black long sleeved dress. It'd be easy to wear and I love the placket detailing on the front. I don't own enough skirts so I feel the black corduroy one would be a perfect addition adding a  bit of texture.

I can see the outfits emerging!

I've Somehow Graduated

So this really means the end to university life. Yesterday I went back to my university (Rose Bruford)and had my graduation. Its weird to think right at the start me and my housemate were literally saying we don't think we're going to be able to do it. But here we are three years later having a degree and having to wave goodbye. It's sad to think that part of my life is now over and I can't go back and relive them. If I could I would happily do the course again even though I stressed and cried a lot. Its cause I cared. The girls in my class (known as the stitch bitches) are just incredible and they've just bought so many happy memories into my life. I mean what am I going to do without our gossiping sessions and saying tune to when a classic song comes on the radio.

I'll miss Lucy's Nigel Thornberry impression, Sade's laughing fits when to the point where she cries, Becca talking about weddings, Anna getting excited about anything to do with Phantom, laughing with Lou if someone burps, Caroline going on her rants I could go on and on really. Lets just say I'm gonna miss all of the girls!!
It was an amazing day spending time my family. For the first time in my life I can say that I'm actually proud of myself. I'm leaving with a BA Hons in Costume Production.

 

I of course wore all black as my tutor thinks I'm a bit of a goth, she isn't wrong to be fair. Tested out my new shoes from New Look I love them but damn my feet hurt now. But enough about my outfit check out my little nephew Alfie's outfit, by far the best dressed person at the whole ceremony. 

 

MAC Diva The Perfect Berry Lip

As Autumn is approaching (cue me getting really excited) I have decided that I need to switch things up a bit. I plan to apply this to all aspects of my life. But for now lets begin with make up. Lately I've been well lets say lazy with beauty, practically wearing the same look for months now. Well no more Katie you need to branch out a bit more. And to start with I'm finally trying out an Autumn trend that has been popular for years, the berry lip. Plus I purchased another MAC lipstick, three and counting guys, check me out!

 

MAC stores kind of terrify me. The staff have always been pleasant whenever I've ventured into a store but there's just always so many people and it's a tad overwhelming at times. Plus half the time I have no idea what I am looking for and all I want to do is simply browse. I had a sudden spontaneous moment went into the store in Covent Garden and found the perfect berry shade to begin experimenting with. I'm a sucker for a matte lip so I just had to try out Diva. It's a beautiful deep berry red and let's just say ladies and gentleman I think I may have fallen in love. I never thought I'd ever like a dark lip colour on me. But you know what I don't think it looks that bad. To make life a bit easier when applying I've been using the detailer brush by Real Techniques to apply an outline to the lips and then filling it in. I'm not skilled enough to go freehand! It's soft, has amazing colour and isn't drying at all.

 

Even my dad complimented this lipstick and to get a compliment is a rarity. Seems everyone loves a bit of a Diva, pun fully intended.

What other berry lipsticks would you recommend?? I can see a dangerous obsession beginning.

My First Pay Day Treats

 

 

So I experienced my first payday a couple of weeks ago and it was a glorious feeling. I feel like I should really be saving at the moment but I just felt like I wanted to experience treating myself with money I'd earned.
I can finally start celebrating the fact Autumn is well on it's way which means one thing, my favourite time of the year is fast approaching (Halloween, Bonfire Night and then Christmas). And of course its going to be coat weather soon, hell to the yeah. New Look are always on point lets be honest but I've found some real gems lately. So I just had to share two items I've got recently.
A camel trench coat is something I have wanted for months. I was randomly people watching whilst waiting for a train c'mon we all do it. Going off topic I saw a girl walk past wearing a trench coat and I just instantly wanted one. Camel isn't a colour I wear a lot but it's something I want to embrace more. I feel like it's a classic piece that will make me look like I've put more effort into throwing together my usual attire of a t-shirt and jeans. I will have to do an outfit post with this soon.
Black shoes, like I don't have enough in my wardrobe. I don't buy heels too often as quite frankly I don't go out anywhere... the most boring 21 year old right. But I saw these shoes on the website with vampy in the title. Now if I could pick any word to describe myself in a perfect world vampy would be it even thought that's not true. But just look how pretty they are man! Peep toe, leather look, chunky heel everything I want. I cannot wait to wear these to my graduation!

September is here, the leaves will start falling. Whilst everyone has the summer blues I'm hopefully going to start to get a little happier.