Winter Light

At home, the light is at its most beautiful at sunset during winter. When the air is crisp and your breath floats all around you. When the ground crunches beneath your feet. The naked trees that provide relief from the sun in winter play games with it instead. The two flirt so that light dances all around, between gaps, under, over.

Comfort is important on these cold days. Ease of movement, protection against the elements. The surroundings and the setting influence how I dress. It's so quiet and other-worldly in its beauty that it feels like a different time here. Wandering through it on my own, with internet firmly behind doors and the rest of the world far away, I get this sense of calm. I breathe again. It helps recharge. So I put on a vintage coat owned by my mother before me and as old as I am, from our time in France. It is a timeless piece - navy wool, practical, reliable. Both light and warm. Voluminous enough to hide in but not so heavy as to get lost. Around my neck is a new Fat Face scarf from my aunt. Hardly a practical item, it is such a slip of a thing. But charming in how much it suits my tastes. Beloved for having someone who knows the things I like so well. Muted blue run through with many other colours so subtle that they are like speckles in tweed. Earthy. On my feet are well-worn New Look boots. Slightly cowboyish with a low heel. Enough to feel adult, adequately low for me to walk in with ease. The latest purchase from Zara encases my legs. Again in the blue family - navy pinstripes. Wide-legged. Elasticated waist. Casual today but always sharp and ready to be dressed up. Trusty Topshop sunglasses to help tame that playful sun. All together something a little Parisian in styling but traditionally Irish in elements of materials and tones.

Perhaps not the clothes for trekking around the fields in but something for wandering just a little with camera in hand and head in clouds. For basking in how lovely everything around me is. For embarking on something a little new to me. My first OOTD captured on camera but moving, not still.

Okay, so I'm super-nervous about this one. But I really wanted to show how I see home and winter how they inspire me to dress. I thought the combination of words and photographs and films went some way towards doing this. What do you think? 

Boy

Perhaps I'm odd but I often wonder what my life would be like if were a boy. Don't get me wrong, I'm very much glad that I'm female but being so aware of, and passionate about, gender issues, I can't help but wonder at how different things might be? How different I might be? Or not? How I might look? How I might dress?

Yes, dress is one of the main differences I consider as it is so important to me as a woman and I'm so conscious of the difference in expectations of men and women. Of the different limitations. Of the difference in access.

I think in most ways, I'd be very much the same person that I am now. I think this would be true, too, of how I dress. I mean, I don't wear dresses or skirts that often as it is. The colour palette I gravitate towards isn't particularly representative of traditional colours associated with any gender. I'm really all about comfort, ease, clean lines, pleasing textures and good fit.

So, I decided to put together outfits that I would rock if I were a boy...and realised they're basically what I wear now. I still love a lot of black and navy. There's a preference for solid colours over patterns, a love of knitwear and a good leather jacket. Pants like jammies are good as are brands like Cos, Saint Laurent, Acne, Zara. I'm still craving New Balances and the perfect weekend bag. Still the same Colette - although, according to my Mam, I would have been called Jamie.

This is how Jamie would have dressed.

Also, no way could I afford to dress the way I'd like to as a dude. Those clothes be expensive!

What do you reckon? Would I have been a chic-ass man?

Menswear//Outerwear

I've played personal shopper to many a family member and friend over the years. If people want to know where to buy a particular kind of garment they tend to ask me. I'm known to pick up ridiculous bargains - how many people can say they bought a pair of Stella McCartney heels for less than the retail price of most Primark heels?

See, shopping is kinda my thing. If it were a sport, I'd surely be representing Ireland.

And, charitable and kind soul that I am, I thought I'd share my skills with all y'all and help any dudes/people wanting to shop in the menswear sections (I know I do often enough) out there who might be looking to find the perfect coat on the high street. I've broken this down into categories and, if I'm honest, I think any well-dressed individual would be remiss in having a wardrobe without a least one of each of the following sorts of coats. But if you're only in the market for one of them, you're in luck too.

The Leather Jacket

Timeless, endlessly wearable and, if chosen correctly, durable. The right leather jacket can last a lifetime. But, if you're not yet ready to invest, a cheaper faux version can get you by (or if you're opposed to the wearing of leather). If you have the patience and time I would actually recommend trawling charity shops, thrift stores or vintage shops for this item. More often than not, you'll get a better quality, more inexpensive version than you will on the highstreet. For those short on time or energy, this is a less feasible option so feast your eyes on the beauties I've dug up below.

(From Left to Right: Zara, €89.95, H&M, €79.99, Zara, €49.95, H&M, €199, Zara, €49.95)

The Dressy Coat

Sure, you can't wear it with every outfit but clean lines underneath will immediately seem dapper. Hell, even sweatpants are a go if you want to do dressed-up sport luxe. Think of it as women do nice lingerie, the thing to make you feel damn good even on a crappy day. Plus, you can't really throw a parka on over a suit.

(ASOS, €177.73, Topman, €165, COS, €190, ASOS, €142.69, Religion, €284.64)

The Everyday/Practical Coat

You might not be able to just throw that parka over a suit but you still need it, or something similar. Something just a stylish but a little less sleek and a little more practical. This is the coat you get the most mileage out of, the one to keep you warm and dry - it's one to think on a little.

(Top Row: Topman, €82, Topman, €140, Topman, €88, H&M, €59.99. Bottom Row: COS, €225, Topman, €76)

The Trench

A classic trench is exactly like a leather jacket, timeless. There is a sad shortage of the traditional variety in camel or beige in stores at the moment but the options below are pretty damn good all the same. This is one purchase you won't regret as long as you ensure a great fit with room for layers beneath. I've an awesome trench but you can't get a thick jumper underneath which renders it infinitely disappointing.

(Topman, €115, Topman, €94, Selected, €89.57, Diesel, €355.45)


The Road Less Travelled

These picks are coats that are a little different, a little fresher, with a bit more flare or adventure. We're talking a-symmetry, vintage appeal, decadent fur trims, interesting silhouettes and material choices. Less wardrobe classics or basics and more something to try if you're feeling brave.

(Zara, €79.95,  American Apparel, €221.80, Zara, €159, Zara, €159)

Well, any particular favourites?

(Please note that all items were available going to press and this may not be the case if you try to purchase afterwards. Furthermore, all Topman prices are converted from pounds as this is the only price given online, the instore conversion may differ somewhat.)

Knitlayers.

Even though it's getting warmer (wooop) it is still Ireland, after all. So, I'm not quite jumping the gun like that one guy you always see on the first sunny day of Spring who cracks out the shorts while we all shiver and judge him silently. This in-between period of warm but not hot is a great time for experimenting. Here I'm wearing a cardigan over a jumper for the cooler evening but the jumper is cropped and worn as a top by itself. The pants are a light material and also slightly cropped so they work for Spring as well. A lot of print is going on, especially for me, but I think it's still rather restrained due to the muted brownish-red, blue and black tones. On paper, that sounds disgusting but I rather like the result. The whole thing is quite playful - messing with lengths and mixing patterns.

Cardigan and Jumper - Zara - Pants - Urban Outfitters - Sneaker Wedges - Topshop - Earrings - Cos

I'm really loving this jumper. I can just imagine pairing it with a pencil skirt for summer nights out when it's chillier in the evening. 

PLUS: I'm pretty excited by how long my hair is now! It's been a work in progress for years and is the longest it's ever been. I never blow-dry it so the nice wave going on here is purely from plaiting it when it was slightly damp still and leaving that until it was dry.

Luv from Luvocracy xoxo

So, I've mentioned Luvocracy briefly before - it's a unique online shopping platform that lets you organise your lust haves and share the things you're feeling (kinda like Pinterest or Polyvore) as well as shop online. And best of all, they find you the best prices online!

My latest Luvocracy Collection, "Spring Essentials", has been getting a lot of love. No surprises there, I've got great taste. But above is just a sample of what you'll find on there. 

I got a sample of Roses de Chloe a while back and it's the perfect flowery, delicate scent for Spring - definitely my fragrance pick for the season! The collection will make my obsession with Topshop nail polishes apparent and I've chosen my favourite colours as well as an iPhone case inspired by the bottle. SO CUTE. TanOrganic's Oil Arganic is THE BOMB. I recommend for keeping your skin and hair perfect for sun and sea. I'm still obsessed with Tony Moly's Bunny Balm Bars and want every flavour. EVER. The collection is home to my other beauty and skincare picks as well as the clothes I'm digging. Comfy pastels that are easy to style are so the way forward!

Luvocracy and I have teamed up to offer you the opportunity to win $15 Credit to shop their site (which can be paired with the $10 credit to use on purchases of $20 or more that you'll be given when you sign up)!

Here's what you'll need to do:

1. Sign up for Luvocracy but make sure to do so through the link to my collection: http://www.luvocracy.com/Wide-eyedandblind/collections/spring-essentials  (This is the essential part - you must make an account through this link in order to be entered into the draw!)

2. Sure, go ahead and find my account at http://www.luvocracy.com/Wide-eyedandblind/collections while you're at it and Trust me!

3. Follow me here on blogger and like the facebook page if you haven't already!

4. Share the competition if you feel so inclined!

Good luck xxx

*Giveaway ends Mon, March 24. Winners will be chosen at random by Luvocracy and notified via email on Tuesday, April 1 Giveaway rules. Non-US residents are now eligible (I made sure for you guys) but you must be 18 and a new Luvocracy member.*

Wide-Eyed and Blind Gift Guide VI - Stocking Fillerz - This time it's Personal.

And here's the final gift guide! The image above lllustrates a few items from the list but the full list is compiled on Luvocracy - which is basically the shoppable pinterest! Find my collection here and buy directly from it!

Wide-Eyed and Blind Gift Guide V - Fashion

So, this is the penultimate gift guide for this Christmas season. I'll also be doing some DIYs over the next few days so keep an eye out for that!

These items are all pieces of clothing and accessories. Some are typically gendered and some are unisex but I tried to give a range of options and price points!

Wide-Eyed and Blind Gift Guide - Fashion by fitzpac featuring Topshop

Royal Style.

I'm SO in love with The CW's Reign. It's just so gorgeous. And I totes just want to run around in gowns all day when I watch it. I have noticed, however, that the jewellery on the show seems very like pieces that Topshop does. Which gave me the idea to try and create looks on a similar vein from highstreet stores. Here they are!

Clutching at awesomeness.

How great is this clutch? I bought it to go with my grad outfit. Ah, grad outfits - what an ordeal! The perfect dress didn't materialise - I could find nothing minimal, black/white/both (dress code) and not overly girly. Then I thought about jumpsuits but fit and material got in the way. In the end I just went with my favourite skinny pants from Zara, a vintage cream blazer which is a real show-stopper and an opaque cami from Topshop. As I'd only bought a new top for the occasion, I decided to treat myself to a solid accessory as well. This Topshop bag is so perfect - neutral enough to go with anything yet shiny and awesome enough to be a pop. And also a nod to pieces by designers such as Stella McCartney. 

I thought I'd do a wee shoot with it to showcase its loveliness for y'all. What do you think?

Cosying up to Autumn.

I do love wrapping up for Autumn. The season is so beautiful both at home and in Dublin - at home it's all rolling hills sparkling with dew and frost and in Dublin it's nineteenth century housing sprinkled with a blanket of orange, red and yellow leaves. Nothing beats slipping on an awesome jumper to beat the beginnings of a chill in the air and being able to appreciate how crisp it is instead. Here's an example of great pieces for staying cosy and remaining chic this season.

Cosy by fitzpac featuring blue jeans