A New Project

I'm Harriet, your average 20 something gal from North East England.

I've finally bitten the bullet and gone ahead with this blogging idea. I'm not 100% sure what this will turn in to, so bare with me.

Here goes...
For the past 10 or so months, I've been living in Lyon, France on an Erasmus study abroad program as part of my degree and have been truly inspired by French style and although my year may be coming to and end in the next couple of months *sniff sniff*, I plan on taking everything I have learned with me, including that "Je ne sais quoi" French style that all the woman seem to carry so effortlessly. 
During my time spent in France, my personal style has evolved into what I feel is a truer reflection of myself now, and the person I want to become. I have tried to restrain myself from pointless, spur of the moment buys in the usual, cheaper mainstream shops. Now don't get me wrong, I love a good splurge in Zara and our other high-street favourites but, my main issue is that, with certain things, after one wash things have shrunk, deformed and changed colour so I'm forced to run out and repurchase. So my aim (and please hold me to this), from now on is to think, save and invest (only when appropriate)! Which my family and bank account should be happier with due to current space and money situations... 








I'll tend to opt for more structured items, favouring tailored trousers and beloved basics teamed with a pair of trainers or smart lace-ups. Although, you mustn't be mistaken, I very much enjoy slobbing about in my joggers (with a co-ordinating jumper of course) but living in France, you do feel a certain pressure to maintain a high standard of dressing. Those hungover morning metro runs back from my friends house do draw in a few disappointed glances from fellow travellers... But despite this shame, in a positive way, I have began to take more pride in my clothes because lets face it, we do base our opinions on first impressions, and a well dressed first impression is a decent one! They do say "Dress for the job you want, not the one you have." As a current student, I'm attempting to dress for that head buyer job!

Here are a few of my recent fav outfits and daily go to's:
(Please excuse quality and phone "selfies", I don't have my proper camera here in France but as the blog progresses and once I've moved back home, there will be an improvement, thanks!)

T-shirt: &OtherStories | Trousers: Pimkie | Shoes: Vans old skool 

A favourite for sunny days. This t-shirt is definitely a beloved basic. I bought it in Barcalona last summer and it's still serving me well. It's the perfect oversized fit, grey goes with everything and it washes well, even in the hard water here in Lyon! The trousers were in fact one of those spur of the moment cheapy buys but I had been searching forever and a day for a smart part of white pants that wouldn't break my bank and honestly, they've served me better than expected.

Polo: Urban Outfitters | Waistcoat: Whistles | Culottes: Mango | Shoes: Doc Marten 1461 | Socks: Muji

This was actually my Christmas day outfit, I had finally caved and bought these perfect DM's after cooing over them for months. As a lover of a sturdy shoe, no matter how my style changes, I just can't fault Doc Marten. These are not clumpy, they're a reliable pair of plain, black lace ups and I am very pleased with them, my bank maybe not so much that close to Christmas! The waistcoat was a sale bargain from Whistles which although I don't wear it too often, it is great from smarting up a basic top!

Polo: same as above | Jumper: Zara | Leather skirt: Zara | Shoes: same as above

This outfit was worn for a gig/ night out in Paris. It was the perfect combo! This skirt is ideal for an occasion and is definitely a most loved item on my rail. I really enjoy mixing it with other textures and dressing it up for a night time or down with a basic tee and sneaks for the day time.

Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star 1970s | Trousers: Zara | T-shirt: Brandy Melville 

So, my boyfriend bought me these converse for my b'day this year and they are just marvellous! A nice subtle change from the original hi-tops now donned mostly by your nieces and nephews, they feel more sturdy, look cooler and are just, well, nicer! These trousers are the most worn item on my rail. They were a £7.99 Zara sale bargain a couple of years back and I can't believe how well they have served me. They are very much like a formal jogger, with an elasticated waist they are perfect for smart dressing that's still uber comfy! I'm currently searching for their replacement; a massive struggle.

Shirt: Barbour | Jumper: H&M Studio | Trousers: same as above | Shoes: same as above

This jumper is beaut. I bought it from last summers H&M Studio collection, which is now the main reason I still shop in H&M. Its got a perfect mock neck, is slightly cropped with oversized long sleeves and the inside is a dream! Teamed with a selvedge shirt I stumbled upon in the Barbour outlet whilst exchanging a christmas gift, and my trusty black pants. Perfect for your average day, dressing smart, staying comfy!