Urban Outfitters

Look Du Jour: Winter Blooms

My love affair with all things warm and wooly is heating up by the day. This no doubt has something to do with the fact that the heating in my flat has decided to stop working (sob!) just as winter get’s into full swing but there is also just something so luxuriously and effortlessly chic about a good piece of knitwear. I scooped up this adorable floral number in Topshop the other week. The fact that it’s made from white angora and sheds all over absolutely everything is a tad annoying but it’s so deliciously soft I just don’t care. My only complaint is it’s three quarter length sleeves. I mean, who thought THOSE were a good idea?

Winter
Sweater: Topshop, Trousers: BDG, Shoes: Russel & Bromley,
Bag: Urban Outfitters, Hairband: Accessorize

Love Ella. X

Posted on by Ella Catliff in Look Du Jour 2 Comments

Look Du Jour: Christmas Jumper

Christmas

What: Jumper: Zara, Hat: Vintage, Skirt: American Apparel, Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs,
Boots: Urban Outfitters, Necklace: Anne Bowes Jewellery

Now I may have promised that I wouldn’t keep banging on about the weather but when the temperature plummets quite as dramatically as it has this week then frankly, I can’t help but bring it up. After spending several afternoons with a hot water bottle (cashmere covered, natch) clutched to my chest I decided that the time had come to unleash my intensive knitwear collection… Well, it was either that or go into hibernation but given the number of fabulous festive soirees I’d miss that really wasn’t an option. So in an attempt to battle the winter chill I dug out my trusty Christmas Jumper and topped it off with this snug-as-a-bug fur hat. Sadly their insulating effects were rather undermined by the skater skirt I teamed them with but hey, you can’t have everything.

Love Ella. X

Posted on by Ella Catliff in Look Du Jour 2 Comments

La Petite Weekly Wish List…

Now that it’s officially December, I no longer feel even the teeniest modicum of guilt about compiling frequent wish lists. After all, how else would my nearest and dearest possibly know what goodies I’ve got my eye on! Ok, so there will inevitably be a few additions to this list before the big day arrives but when the fashionable fancies just keep on coming, what else is a girl to do?

wish list
Gloves: £75, Hat: £100, both available at www.mulberry.com

1) I know I was bitching about plummeting temperatures last week and let’s be honest, they’ll probably crop up next week too. I can’t help but be endlessly fascinated/outraged by the constantly changing seasons. What can I say, I’m a Brit. Much as I loathe sub-zero temperatures the arrival of morning frosts provides an excellent excuse to indulge in brand new Winter warmers. Check out this adorable combo by Mulberry. Practical and good (looking) enough to eat!

wish list
Pineapple Playsuit, £150, available at
www.whistles.co.uk

2) Fashion is nothing if not contradictory. December is not only a month in which to pile on the chunky knits, it’s also time to start thinking about Spring… Or more precisely, “pre-spring”. The pre-collections landed in stores last week and before you conclude that I’m a complete idiot just take a look at this pineapple print playsuit. It may technically be designed for Spring but add opaque tights, killer heels and a luxe faux-fur jacket and you’ve got yourself a perfect ensemble for festive fun. Not to mention the opportunity to show off your fashion nous by rocking a new season style.

wish list
Harper Connect Handbag, £530 available at
www.DVF.com

3) I’ve never been the biggest fan of resort collections. They generally just serve as a reminder that some lucky so-and-so’s are jetting off to sunnier climbs whilst I shiver and sneeze back home in blighty. But all that might be about to change thanks to a certain Diane Von Furstenberg who’s won me over to the allure of jet-set style with this divine and oh-so-practical handbag.

wish list
Harry Jumper: £46, available at www.topshop.com

4) Tasteful? I think not. But in terms of warmth, comfort and amusement factor this Topshop sweater ticks all the boxes. Possibly not a joke my boyfriend will find funny but I just don’t think I can resist.

wish list
Creep Black Strap Heels, £145
available at www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk

5) There is only one word I can think of to describe these shoes: badass. I’m not sure how well they’ll fit in with my extensive blouse collection but God knows I’m willing to try.

Love Ella. X

Posted on by Ella Catliff in Shopping 3 Comments

Look Du Jour: Indigo Denim & Breton Stripes

It’s been a rather grey week here in London and I don’t know about you, but the dreary weather has made me severely disinclined to spend my evenings doing anything. When it’s so darned dismal outside the temptation to curl up in front of Gossip Girl (and, ashamed though I am to admit it, Made in Chelsea) in my pyjamas with a hearty cup of tea is almost irresistable but with essays to write and meetings, press days and parties to attend, hibernation is sadly not an option. So with the help of patent footwear, my trusty trench coat and a very large umbrella (perfect for poking other unsuspecting commuters with) I’ve battled the elements in an attempt to be a good student and blogger whilst retaining some semblance of a social life. Quite how successful I’ve been on any of these fronts is debateable but I sure as hell feel a damn sight perkier (if slightly poorer) after a sneaky trip to the shops.

Breton stripes
Skirt: American Apparel, Top: Whistles
Hairband & Handbag: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Tods
Necklace: Anne Bowes Jewellery

Personally I think there’s no better antidote to the rainy day blues than a spot of retail therapy and when I “stumbled” across this A-line, indigo mini in American Apparel I simply couldn’t resist. Teamed with one of my many Breton stiped t-shirts, Tods patent loafers, velvet bow hairband and a super cute pair of Pantherella knee-high socks it was simply the perfect pick-me-up.

Trench Coat: Comptoir des Cottoniers

If I’m honest, this little ensemble isn’t exactly disimilar to what I’ve already got in my wardrobe and worn on countless occasions. It most definitely wont compete with my art school peers in terms of creativity. But you know what they say, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it and when it’s cold outside, sometimes you just need a little sartorial comfort food. What’s YOUR failsafe fashion formula?

Love Ella. X

Posted on by Ella Catliff in Look Du Jour 4 Comments

La Petite AW11 Lust List: Autumn Edit

Just in case I haven’t made it clear enough yet, I am really, REALLY excited about the arrival of autumn. Ok, so I may have started my new season shopping back in July (it was cold in London!) but with less than a month to go until Fashion Week it’s now well and truly time to hit the boutiques and attempt to make AW11 our most stylish season yet. As much as I adore the summer months, by the time September rolls around I want nothing more than to wrap up in chunky knit sweaters, cashmere cardigans and soft leather gloves. The saccharine shades and neon hues that once felt so fresh now seem seriously outdated and if I have to so much as look at another floaty maxi-dress I might just scream. No, there is something about autumn dressing that it undeniably more elegant than letting it all hang out in the blazing heat. With heritage fabrics as far as the eye can see, ladylike 40′s style back on the catwalk and knee-length pencil skirts on the pages of every magazine the coming season promises to be chic beyond belief. So in the spirit of embracing all things autumnal here are a few of my favourite new season pieces. Now if these beauties don’t make you long for misty mornings, hot coffee and crisp golden leaves then frankly, I don’t know what will.

1) Topshop contrast bow angora beanie: £10, available at www.topshop.com
2) Aspen sweater by Paul & Joe Sister: £205, available at www.paulandjoe.com
3) Flared wool blended skirt by Carven: £195, available at www.net-a-porter.com
4) Suede platform Chelsea boots by Deena & Ozzie: £120, avaiable at www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk
5) Lace top by Irwin & Jordan: £235, available at www.start-london.com
6) Polly-Push lock leather gloves by Mulberry: £140, available at www.mulberry.com
7) Chain detail pumps by Pretty Ballerina: £139, available at www.prettyballerinas.com
8) Oversized Alexa in Conker: £925, available at www.mulberry.com
9) Wool tweed biker jacket by Markus Lupfer: £325, available at www.net-a-porter.com
10) J Brand mid-rise plum corduroy skinny jeans: £200, available at www.net-a-porter.com
11) Vintage Eidelweiss necklace: £375, available at www.annebowesjewellery.com
12) Whistles Naomi cable knit sweater: £95, avialable at www.whistles.com
13) Whistles suede leopard print pencil skirt: £225, available at www.whistles.com
14) Zara snakeskin high heeled courts: £59.99, available at www.zara.com

Love Ella. X

Posted on by Ella Catliff in Fashion 6 Comments