CHARITY CHIC!!!

THRIFTER ALERT!!

HEY KITTENS!!!

How is everyone doing? :)I hope y'all are well, enjoying the sun, staying stylish!

Sooo if you follow me on instagram (@anne.rose), you would have seen that I posted this picture a few weeks back...

I purchased this 'suit' from a charity shop and it cost me £7! Yes, £7! Now I know not all of you are probably big on hand-me downs, second hand, used, worn etcetera clothing...but let me tell you!!! Charity shops, thrift shops, vintage shops carry some of the most high quality, on trend, branded, unique pieces and for a LOT less money! Girl, I can shop wherever and whenever there's a bargain. 

So let me tell you the details.. I was working with a client in Hampshire in a little village called Grayshot. I had to tag along to a wedding and had nothing presentable to wear. I took a browse around the area and found that I basically had no choice but to buy something from the only 3 clothing stores they had, charity shops. The first shop Macmillan, is where I purchased the 'suit' and a few other items.

This blazer is a linen blazer with a box cut shape, almost structured like a boyfriend blazer. It also has thick shoulder pads and shortened sleeves giving it a slight 80's feel. This was £3.
The trousers were a beautiful heavy weight texture with a satin lining. The pleat on these trousers allowed for them to look very formal. These cost me £4. I didn't originally plan on wearing these items together, but it evidently worked. I wore them with a standard tan long sleeve top, carrying a simple black bag.

Whilst in Macmillan I came across a few other things.
Seen as the sun is still here, I have been out and about in my new charity finds, pairing them with other items.

I also got my hands on this pretty pink pleated skirt. I don't have many skirts or dresses and usually don't fancy anything too girly, but this skirt I really liked. Its a little on the granny side but it's summery and can be styled! I'll do an outfit of the day when I choose to wear it and post here for you on my blog!
In this picture below I teamed it with a washed out denim jacket that I customised.

Sorry about the picture quality..it unfortunately hasn't picked up the detail of any of the clothing, (which is the whole point of the pictures lol). The sun was shining messing up all my shots! That also explains why I appear to be looking a little angry lol.

STYLE TIP:Don't limit yourself... take a risk and shop in places you usually wouldn't be caught dead in...you'll be surprised at what you find!

BLVCK&WHITE

Hey beautiful people!! Hope you're well!


Do you mainly have black or white clothes in your wardrobe? Do you feel you're lacking some colour? Is black and white a little too plain for you? Well don't fret!! Monochrome is in!! 
Pieces that are black and white or just plain black/white are MUST HAVES! These are a good bases for any type of outfit. Especially black.

I believe a simple black quality tee will go a long way. Black tailored trousers, black comfortable jeans and a that little black dress. The same applies in white.

Lets start with a simple black t-shirt. Below, this model is wearing a plain basic black t-shirt. Now the fit of the t-shirt is the main thing you want to pay attention to, as well as the quality. Depending on your body shape, not all t-shirts will be flattering for your physique. 
As you can see below she is wearing a crew neck top. It sits on her neatly leaving a very laid back feel. She has paired this top with a floaty maxi skirt, a thick belt wore at the waist to cinch her in, adding femininty and some leather biker boots to put some edge. A simple black tee can be dressed up or down. Adding colour to something black...you can NOT go wrong. This subtle blue is great for summer.

Black tailored trousers are perfect for the formal affairs and more 'put together' appearances. Whether cropped, flared or straight cut, they make a girl look direct. If you look at the image on the left as an example, you will see that although there is a strong texture to her trousers, they have a structure in how they are made to fit. She has teamed them with a simple boyish, white capped sleeve t-shirt and some heels for a girly feel. 
Again, the fit is very important. These trousers could be dressed down with some trainers, sandals, or dressed up with a fitted top and blazer. All around trousers. The texture adds more style and attention. 
If you notice, the fit of her white tee is also what brings this outfit together.


Finding the right pair of jeans can sometimes be a pain when it comes to our shape and size. We are all built differently and struggle with sometimes the same things, whether it be the length, the fit around the waist or hip or not enough stretch for the booty. Either way, once you find that perfect fit, purchase one in black! Black jeans are just as timeless as standard blue jeans. Why? Because they work with everything. A snug fit will be ideal for date nights; when you want to look a little sassy but effortless, lunch with the girls; you want to feel comfortable but look attractive and nights out; when you have nothing to wear and don't want to look like you tried to hard.
This street-walker is wearing skinny jeans. They are very form fitting and flattering for her slim figure. The simplicity in her black and white outfit has come together effortlessly. The round neck white t-shirt appears to be slightly oversized in length, complimented with the boyfriend blazer. This combination works very well with the skinny jeans, keeping the look quite chic yet casual. With a fedora, clutch and 5 inch heel, you are good to go! This would also look just as snazzy with some patent loafers, a fringe side bag making the look a little more casual.

Monochrome is so timeless. I did a photo-shoot a few years back, styling my dear friend Shanelle. Here you will see how I paired a simple white and black striped jumper adding very few items, to give her look some life. The simplicity with adding very few statement pieces, created slightly different feels. These are unedited pictures so the detail and texture you may not see.

  
Top (worn as dress) - H&M
Thigh high boots- SCHUH
Black & White Scarf- From a friend
Orange Scarf- H&M
Earrings- Vintage
Make-up- Dionne Miller
Photography- Richard Battye

The Velvet thigh high black boots made this look more dressy. I chose to add dainty neon green earrings for colour. The scarves were just to give this look a little more life. The way I wrapped the orange scarf allows for Shanelle to look more regale. The black and white scarf was wrapped tightly like a snood to make Shanelle casual. We did a very smokey EYE  using neutral colours for her make-up and a bold purple lip-gloss was applied.

I hope some of these looks give you inspiration and ideas for future outifits. 

STYLE TIP: Remember, these cold colours and can be warmed up with any other colour from the rainbow. If in doubt, don't be. Black and white looks great together.

CONFIDENCE?

CONFIDENT ARE WE?

Hey kids!! hope y'all are well?! So I wanted to post on self confidence, simply because it can play a major part in how we choose to present ourselves to the world. WHAT YOU WEAR, is the probably the first thing people pay attention to. Whether it be a subconscious or subliminal thing, it usually is what you are judged on...unless you have a stank attitude or uber great personality!!

The definition of self confidence is, ''the feeling of trust in one's abilities, qualities and judgement''. For me, self confidence takes a certain level of poise, composure and huge amount of presence! 

I would say I'm confident when it comes to my appearance and not in a conceited way... I enjoy playing around in clothes, dressing up or down, experimenting etc, so I take pride in what I present to the world because, I am happy with MY exterior. So if I receive a compliment, I can confidently say thank you, because regardless of how anyone else feels about my exterior, I like me, I like how I look. Now I'm not superhuman lol...I'm flawed. I have genuine moments where I'm insecure, however, the insecurities aren't because of anyone else's opinion. Anything I'm not happy with, I change. For instance, my weight will fluctuate due to my eating habits...to the gym i go..  my wardrobe will constantly be updated with new clothes, thrift-wear, brands, charity shop finds; and I do this because sometimes I won't be happy with how I look (I'm also a shopoholic)...things you aren't happy with, YOU CAN CHANGE, which will ultimately enable you to become somewhat confident in yourself. It is a process lol

Confidence starts with accepting yourself. Accepting the way you look, accepting your abilities, accepting that you are different or unique and accepting that you are an ORIGINAL. The sooner that happens, the less you care about the acceptance of society.

It is so easy to compare yourself to the next person. It's pretty normal to do so. As women we sometimes want longer hair, smaller hips, clearer skin, bigger feet... well maybe not bigger feet lol and as men we probably want to be taller, richer, powerful etc. You can work towards achieving these things (maybe not the height sorry) but in general, be confident in who you are, your physical assets, the talents and skills you have and the potential to be great!! I feel like a motivational speaker writing this mini paragraph lol. If you have watched ''Cool Runnings'' you will know the scene I'm thinking of...when Yul Brenner tells Junior to look in the mirror and shout 'PRIDE, POWER' lol ...classic movie! Little things like that are confidence boosters!

Anywho...Here are a few people that inspire me, each for different reasons:

This is my dear friend Yasmin. She is a dancer, model, presenter, actress and super quality friend. She inspires me majorly!!! She has a go-getter attitude. She is fearless, shameless and so determined to live life. Yasmin is unafraid of challenges and grabs opportunity by the horns. What inspires me most about Yasmin is, she is honest with herself as well as others, she is vulnerable..especially with failures but never gives up. Yasmin is confident!! A phenomenal woman.

YASMIN OGBU (FRECKLES)

This show-stopper is Nqobile. She is 1/3 of an African dance group by the name of CEODancers and also a choreographer/creative director. Nqobile inspires me. She dreams BIG. I don't know her personally, (I follow her on instagram lol) but she has a contagious character. I can tell she enjoys her life, fearless of what others are doing. She has performed on numerous stages in front of 1000's of people. It takes a certain level of belief in ones self to be sure of your muscle memory, ability to execute a type of 'feel' when performing and confidence that you will hold stage presence. Nqobile is in her own lane. Her look in itself portrays a confident woman. Stunning! 

NQOBILE-CEO-DANCER

Amber Rose...SHE IS CONFIDENT. To shave all your hair as a woman is a big deal. In this day and age not so much, but not all women can or will pull off such a short hair cut and colour. Not only is it grade 2, maybe 1, it is dyed platinum blonde. Amber Rose's look is daring, and VERY eye-catching. She is bold and fearless in how she presents herself. She switches up her look and carries it well because of her acceptance of herself. I can't say for sure whether she is confident, but she sure looks it. From a boyish baggy, lose fit..to a figure hugging organ showing dress, this girl has confidence.

STYLE TIP: Self confidence is a journey for many, sometimes established at a young age or developed as we mature. Either way, take time to work on knowing who you are and what you are capable of. Start with the exterior, (its a little easier). Look in the mirror and accept yourself..flaws and all. 

I hope this post finds you well.

 Confidence is not JUST an exterior thing by the way! 

SUMMERS HERE!!!

Hey party people...the sun is shining!!!! Summer is actually here.

The weather has been real nice over the past couple weeks, especially today. I have been shopping as usual, but haven't found the time to post any of the items I've been purchasing. Anywho.. I will update you over the next couple weeks!
Today's outfit of the day is a real ''chilled'' look. I bought this men's jersey from COW in Birmingham for £16! For those of you that aren't familiar with COW, it is a vintage shop! I paired it with some high waisted jeans that I cut and ripped, to give them that ''dishevelled'' look. I wore my khaki green fedora (bad hair day) and white converse.  I through on some dainty/edgy earrings and my Ruby Woo (lipstick) to keep the look a little feminine. I wasn't feeling feminine in the slightest and wanted to be comfortable but still summery..the bright yellow oversized jersey did the trick.
To make this outfit a little more girly/sassy, a nice hooker heel and some hooped earrings will switch it up!

STYLE TIP-  Don't be afraid to 'DO YOU'... wear what makes you feel comfortable. Find the balance in androgyny! Keep it cool, calm and collected...don't try too hard. Effortlessness is the way forward! 

EASTER WEEKEND.

Hey guys :D hope you enjoyed your easter!

Bank holiday weekend was a chance for me to spend easter with my family. We went to have lunch with my Grandma. I don't know about y'all but, my Grandma throws doowwwn in the kitchen!

I opted for something light and comfortable. I wore a long transparent shirt with a blue shimmered (cropped) jumper and a pair of tartan (green) tailored trousers. I chose my comfy white shoes to wear with this outfit.

JUMPER- H&M SHIRT- Asos TROUSERS- Charity shop SHOES- Betty