Watch Marc by Marc Jacobs // Brogues Hobbs both c/o McArthur Glen
Regular readers will know that I love a bargain, and last Monday morning I was thrilled to be up early and off to the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet in Swindon. Just under an hour by train from Bristol, this beautiful reformed train station houses big brands at outlet prices, with an up to 60% discount all year round!
I was very kindly invited down by McArthur Glen to take part in a styling challenge. I was able to select two accessories for the spring season, with the idea being to style them in several different ways. Now, I love a challenge like this and the idea of investing in two items, which could really give rise to several different looks, was one too good to pass up!
After strolling through the pretty mall (and after a quick refuel at the coffee shop!) the serious shopping could begin! I had no idea what I would choose as my multitasking accessories, but I knew they would have to be pretty special in order that they would work with my current wardrobe. First up, I spied a gorgeous patent Marc Jacobs watch at the Watch Station store. It was reduced to £95 and the square face made it look fresh, premium and contemporary, and after trying it on I knew I would be able to work this into several of my favourite looks!
For my second item, I had hoped to find a bag but instead as I wandered through Hobbs, I spotted the most beautiful pair of navy leather brogues, finished with a metallic silver toe-cap. I love metallics for spring as they are such an easy way to add a lift to an outfit, especially if pastels or bright colours aren’t your style. After trying them on and ascertaining that they fit like a glove, I knew they would be coming home with me! At £120 they were well reduced from the original RRP and will become a cornerstone of my shoe-drobe!
I have worn these accessories across five outfits which I believe showcase my own personal style and how I have interpreted some springtime trends. First up is preppy chic; a gently rolled peg trouser, slouchy tee and lightweight duster coat is the perfect daytime look for spring and the brogues and watch add a polished and smarter element to this outfit.
For the second look, I’ve chosen to look at another favourite trend of mine: slouchy tailoring. The playful print on the loose fit trousers, coupled with the boxy vintage blazer, gives a great juxtaposition of proportion and here the watch and brogues lend to that cooler, edgier feel, whilst also modernising the vintage elements of the outfit.
For the third outfit, I chose a relaxed androgyny with a maxi coat, boyfriend jeans and simple jumper. The casual jeans and sweater combo are amped up a notch by the mix of smarts the coat, shoes and watch give.
For outfit four, I have picked one of the pieces of the season, the jumpsuit. This culottes jumpsuit ticks several style boxes and is a gorgeous relaxed piece, but is grounded with the smarter shoes. This look would be totally different worn with heels or trainers, but I love the refined element the brogues bring.
The final outfit incorporated a flash of springtime print and colour with the classic and traditional, the brogues and the trench really ensuring this was a look of ‘muted colours.’ I don’t wear a lot of colour and when I do, I like to pare it back with neutrals to avoid feeling overwhelmed. I added ripped skinny jeans to add to the relaxed feel, a variation of dressing up vs dressing down.
I loved both the pieces that I chose and I know I will get so much wear from them for seasons to come. Investing in classic pieces such as this helps to build the foundation of a traditional wardrobe, that won’t date, meaning you can turn your hand to trends as you wish without spending out on pieces that you won’t wear in the future. I'll be featuring all the looks in separate outfit posts to come with all the details and where to buy the pieces so keep an eye out for those!
XO Amie
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