Outfit de-tales, my favourites from last year
Every outfit has a tale to tell! Sharing my stories, and styling, behind these favourite looks of mine (which I will B repeating!)
I shared a post the other weekend on Studio B’s Instagram showing some of my outfits, made up of my sale best buys from over the years, don’t worry I haven’t gone back too far! Latest 2020, which weirdly now sounds forever ago. Apparently Saltburn is classed as a period drama, as it’s set in 2006, WTH!
Anyway! It was one of my most seen posts in a while (don’t get me started on Instagram, I was about to declare I’m over it!). But, actually, that post brought in quite a few new subscribers to here, which I’m so happy about 😊 HELLO!
If you’re new here, welcome! Feel free to comment and ask me anything. There’s lots more on our homepage here, and if you’d like to know a bit more about me, my buying career, and the online store I previously founded (Studio B, this is why I’ve continued that name over here), you can see these articles below (if you’d like to!):
Okay, back to this outfit post I was talking about. I know seeing how people style their wardrobe is the ultimate inspiration, and there really is such a difference between just throwing clothes on, and styling them into an outfit you LOVE. Surely style is a DNA thing! It just seems to come so naturally to some people, that it never looks try hard or over thought.
I’d say I got it from my Nana - not to say everyone loves my style, obviously it’s subjective, but I would say I have a strong sense of what I like / how I wear things. Back to Nana, who we never actually called that, but Paddy, which strangely wasn’t even her name but everyone called her that (full title, Zeta Patricia Mavis, bizarre I know!).
Again I digress! But I loved dressing up in her wardrobe, she was still wearing leather trousers aged 80+, changed her full outfit at least twice a day, was always late for everything (another trait I’ve somehow inherited) and I still have some of her pieces that I wear now. Must get that drop waist polka dot dress, with the side splits and scoop back, out again this summer!
My god I’ve gone off on such a tangent already, but this has been so easy to write as it’s come from the heart, and I guess that’s how I dress too. Always wear what you love! More is more, less is a bore and don’t give a damn what the people say!
BUT as much as I don’t believe style can be taught, mainly as everyone is individual and beauty is in the eye of the beholder (some people’s most loved outfit might be another person’s version of fancy dress / a snooze fest / a living nightmare), outfit inspiration is always very helpful. It’s exciting to get ideas, and then translate them into your own style.
Always do what works for you, but I thought I’d share some of my favourite looks from 2023. All of which I’ll still B wearing this year, and beyond!
Okay, in no particular order, let’s get started. I’ll tell you where everything is from in here, and a bit of a story about each one (which wouldn’t fit in an Insta caption / no one would read anyway!). I hope you enjoy and maybe get some ideas. 😊
1) My Kermit Dress - Faith Rowan Leeves
Oh how I love this dress, it really is just so me! My favourite green, well a bit brighter than so, but I love a bright. Kermit on crack! 🐸. As soon as I saw this fabric I knew I had to have this, and I knew the occasion(s) it would be perfect for.
The dress is from a GREAT made to order brand I’ve known for a while, Faith Rowan Leeves. I have a feeling a few of you might have heard of her, but basically she does fabric drops every couple of weeks and usually they’re deadstock fabrics, so very limited (often only about 12, or so, pieces can be made from each fabric drop).
You can pick from a selection of Faith’s designs to have made in the fabric, and it’s then made to order for you, with custom measurements if you’d like. She does have a ready to ship section on her site too, but if you want something from one of her fabric drops you’ve got to be on it, once the fabric is gone, it’s gone!
I do love this, just keeps things so unique and special… wouldn’t you hate to see someone else in the same dress at a wedding or something? Actually it could be quite funny and sweet, twinning is winning and all, but you know what I mean!
I wore this dress to a 3 day wedding in India, at the end of October 2023 (sounds forever ago when you write 2023 now, but actually this was only 3 months ago!). I bought it in July planning ahead for this and did that weird thing of saving it until then, which I don’t normally do, and wouldn’t advise!
But I LOVED wearing this dress, the colour was perfect for the morning Mehndi (had to add a photo of our henna below). And the shape is my go to, a voluminous, oversized dress! I cannot wait to wear her this year as soon as summer hits, and she’s coming on each and every holiday… forever! She’s a love for lifer 💚
2) Always Love Me A Set - Ganni Leopard Print Co-ord
Ahh the leopard Ganni co-ord, I bought this for my birthday last year (a to-me-love-me, treat. Always my best presents!), and I have worn this so much! All last year, for any season, and I’ll continue to wear this all of 2024, and beyond.
I did toy with buying both mind, as bought together, in one go, this seemed pricey (if you’re going for just one I’d say the jeans feel better value). But, they do make great separates too, so really loads of looks can be formed from this, that’s one reason why I love a set! And leopard is a classic (or a neutral 😉 ask Erica Davis). And I’ve got to say, worn together as the full set really does take this look from kitten, to BIG CAT!
Just a small example worn as separates - The green check quilted jacket is years old Resume Copenhagen (maybe 4 years old now). And the denim blazer was bought from a vintage market in Biarritz last year.
I actually went in store to buy this set, which I rarely do if I’m honest, I love clothes but kinda hate shopping… unless it’s a lovely little independent I’ve randomly come across, or a vintage pop up, something like that. Generally trawling round department or high street stores in London kills me (my soul and my energy levels). Even Liberty, I still get lost every single time and the amount of brands, but with small selections, just never ignites my flame!
BUT, Ganni in Soho was a delight on this occasion last March. I’ve always liked that store design, and the staff were SO good (a revelation!). We had Mabel with us too and they loved her; treats and a chair for her to sit on, as she wanted a nap (to clarify Mabel is our whippet, not a child!).
I just remember this being a lovely day, we had lunch at Andrew Edmunds first, then did a mass Ganni try on (me, not we… although dogwear please Ganni!) and then went to our fave (iconic) Soho pub, The French House, for a few vinos. Delightful!
I also took this outfit away with me when we went on our roadtrip last year, end April - start June. Something we’d wanted to take time out and do for years; I can write a whole other article on this, but clearly I packed sensibly. 😂
But, like I said in my last post, a capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to mean basics! Wearing it here in Barcelona in May, at one of our favourite places, Casa Bonay (really simple, really well designed hotel in the Eixample district. With a great bar may I add). This was a bit of a treat after staying in multiple Airbnbs along our trip… some more questionable than others.
3) The Girl With The Sequin Legs - Stine Goya Markus Trousers
Mentioning Casa Bonay above just reminded me (how could I forget!) about my favourite trousers. These have to B one of my most worn items!
Honestly, they’re so comfy and I wear them for any season, day or night. Sequins for sunshine, sequins for starry nights, sequins for salsa (dancing, or a night in with crisps n dip), sequins for… going to get a sandwich.
Seriously, I do wear these Stine Goya trousers that much. And I must admit, I do have the same snazzy pair in green and in silver, but they are a wardrobe staple to me!
Love ’em teamed with cosy knits and chunky boots for winter (how I mostly wear them). Or, worn for dinner out, with an equally sparkly shirt or a fitted top tucked in. OR, in summer with a loose linen shirt (printed or plain) or a crop top (I have a lurex fabric feather trim Oseree one I like a lot).
*Also that Sea NY knit top has been a very versatile wardrobe wonder. Love it layered, like so, for colder months too (please ignore the mess in the background, this was one of the Airbnb’s from along our trip. Île de Ré, in April, it was freezing!).
In case you want to try searching resale the style name was the Olina Ombre Knit Turtleneck Top.
4) Most Worn Dress - Sea New York Annika Dress
I may use the phrase ‘my favourite dress’ more than once in here, but, as dress people will know, we are entitled to have more than one fave!
I would say THIS is, probably, one of my most worn items. So much so, that last summer I had to force myself to break up with the dress for a little while (it may have needed a wash 😂). It’s just so easy to throw on and always makes me feel great - if you’ve got an item like this don’t ever let her go!
It’s just the best bright blue, and you don’t get much of that blue around. Plus, the smocking, the sleeves, the shape… I loved it so much I may have the matching blouse too. Which is, 100%, one of my most worn tops, along with that Stine Goya organza frill collar blouse. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll have seen the collar a million times, I layer the blouse under so much! It’s about five years old, but in case for anyone searching, the style name is Stine Goya Tabatha Shirt - comes in Ivory and Rose.
Sorry, the dress! She is Sea New York, one of my favourite brands, which I know is higher price, but I do say is worth investing in - pieces to treasure forever!
I think I’ve had this 2 years now; the dress was a sell out, as was the blouse! I remember as I sold both on Studio B at the time (when it was my online store) and desperately tried to get more from the team at Sea, but it had been a HIT everywhere, and they had no more fabric to reproduce more. Sort of nice really, that it was limited, but I would still love to get my mitts on fabric just like this, even now, years later.
In case you want to try searching resale the style name was Annika (for the dress and the blouse).
5) This Barbie SPARKLES - Stine Goya Amelia Dress
Of course Stine Goya was going to have more than one mention in here, forever one of my favourite brands! And one I have a very personal affliction with, after working with them for so many years. I was one of the first UK stockists of Stine Goya, back in, ooo, 2018!
From the moment I saw this brand I instantly fell in love - the prints, the colours, the flamboyant fabrics, the voluminous shapes - oh, it was me in a collection HA! This love grew, as did my business, and theirs and their collections (now it’s incredibly inspiring where they’re at), and we’ve always had such a good relationship along the way. They were one of my bestsellers, the fashion week shows in Copenhagen were amazing and I miss them (the brand, the people, and the shows!) but have some future ideas…
See I told you there’s plenty of tales in these outfit de-tales! But, sorry, this is getting lengthy and I’ll speed up (not my forte I know).
THE DRESS! I mean look at her? It is the dress I bought for myself (paid myself with I should say, this was on my online store too) as my B MORE CARRIE dress! Carrie Bradshaw would wear this to get milk, or a martini, right? (Does she ever actually buy milk? I can’t imagine it)
This is my ultimate feel good, scrap that, feel FABULOUS dress, that I feel wholly me in. And this was such a happy summers eve, July 2023, on the way to one of my best friend’s 40th’s for a private pub party (with piñatas, bingo, karaoke, cake and crates of prosecco = a great night).
I wear it for party princess, adding socks n sparkly heels. And also for daytime darling, layering under a sheer printed long sleeve top, or a white shirt/blouse, and adding cowboy or chunky sole boots.
In case you want to try searching resale the style name for this Stine Goya dress was Amelia (I have it in a matte black crinkle fabric too).
6) The Lemon Babygrow 🍋 - Aha a secret, read on!
The lemon baby romper! As I called this last summer; I know from posting this on my Insta that this outfit had a lot of love… and it’s something I can’t wait to tell you more about!
Now, I may be lacking, slightly, in information for you just yet, but as I told people who asked at the time (from the Instagram post) I bought this on holiday from a tiny store and it was handmade - no label, no name - KEEP READING!
Oh this was a DREAM day! In our forever favourite place, Formentera, shhh, don’t tell anyone about it! We’ve been going for the past 6 years.
Last year (June 2023) I happened to pop in this little local boutique, you know, for shade, and fell in love with this jumpsuit, and a dress, from the same no name maker… high on sunshine (and mojitos) I had to spontaneously buy both. I wore them on repeat last summer, and am so excited to see them both again this year, as soon as we get some warmth! I do love lemon for summer.
I’ll fast forward, I have now managed to discover the wonderful woman who made these pieces; she makes everything herself in Spain, making only 20 of each piece! We’ve only recently been in touch and I’m hoping to have more of an update for you soon… BUT, I am really hoping we can get just a few pieces made, as an exclusive for you on here. Wouldn’t that be a treat 😉
Plans in the making for some other summer collabs too. Watch this space.
7) Shanghai Dreams - Another small Spanish brand!
This one just creeps into ‘outfits from 2023’ as it arrived about the 18th December, but it quickly became a favourite! I knew it would as I had a blouse by the same maker in summer, which I LOVED (added below too, another most loved!).
I’ve always loved this style of jacket, and the framboise colour just hooked me right in, obviously! I think if you’re here, you’ll know by now I’m a dopamine dresser / colour lover / wear what brings you joy kinda gal. And I’ve said before in here, how I love a top / jacket hybrid, or an indoor jacket, so this was fit for my needs!
I think it’s a dream for any season; I’ll be wearing it with wide leg denim too, and my Sleeper feather party PJ bottoms, and be styling it open over a light, but big, midi dress or a frilly blouse. Now I’ve just seen Poor Things tonight it’s sort of giving me Bella Baxter vibes too… if she had happened to go to Shanghai that is.
So, yes, it is made by another lovely Spanish brand (there’s so many we don’t see / know about here in the UK!) and I do have more to tell you. They are one of my ‘Shopping Secrets’ that paid subscribers will get to know about sometime soon(ish)… and we may have a little something for you (just in discussion right now).
And here’s the blouse I mentioned from summer (2023). Every time I wore this someone asked me where it was from! It’s so simple, but so special I think. I’m hoping they’re coming back for this summer... and it’s something I am discussing with the brand 😉 perhaps some new colours may appear.
Feels weird to end on a seven, I guess I like an even number! But, I think I’ve rambled on enough for you there… I could go on and on (and on), there’s so many more outfits I could add, but I wanted to stick to my uttermost favourites!
It’s been so nice reminiscing writing this (and to get a mention of ‘Nana’ Paddy in there). As most of these seemed to be summer outfits, clearly in winter I hibernate, or just wear statement coats (which I think I’ve already showed you plenty of photos of), you’ve now got me longing to book a holiday… and get a Pomada!
I can’t wait to start looking ahead to spring, then summer, and show you all my new finds… I already have more secret brands in my summer repertoire for you! 🌞
8) Okay just to end on an even number I’ve added a grid with some more. THE END!
Thank you for indulging me and my outfits, and I do hope it helps for some ideas 🌈 I’ll still B wearing all these this year (who knows, even some until I’m 80!).
Happy weekend! x
You're killing me with the ideas here. I already had the jozey jeans and really fancied the matching Ganni top but never got it - seeing yours I had to go and have another look! Have bought the cotton one to try but they didn't have my size so have ordered one size either side to try. Did you size down? and did they do a jacquard version as well as poplin? I feel like one version I saw was 3D!? Love Stine Goya but never tried the Markus. Well they had 20% off sale items last week so I bought a couple of colours to try...hooked! They are the most sparkly trousers ever! Wore the lilac out last night and a random old man came over to compliment me on my dog and my sparkly trousers, haha! Bargain for £50-70!
I love the Shanghai top, any way you could share the brand name?