Christmas feels extra special this year as I have spent the last three months travelling around south-east Asia, visiting Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, so it feels especially festive to be back on home soil, surrounded by all of the joy, celebration and decoration of the festive season, that I was longing for, and deeply missing, as I spent the run up to Christmas miles away from home.
There’ll be plenty of posts detailing my time away, full of lots of stories and adventures from my time visiting some of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever had the chance to set foot in, but for now I want to focus on what I’ve been up to since I got back home. Despite missing the obvious things (my family and friends, and Cadbury’s chocolate – I could’ve murdered someone for a selection box!), I also found myself desperately missing the ability to choose from a wardrobe of clothes that made me feel like me. Although I did find a lot of positives, and joy, from wearing a capsule wardrobe; I only took hand luggage for the whole three months, more on this in an upcoming post! I also found myself longing for all of my pretty outfits, accessories, and the chance to truly have fun with fashion.
So, what have I been loving since I’ve been home? First and foremost, I’ve been loving the colour of the season that everyone is obsessed with: red. Not only is it incredibly festive, which is very apt for this time of year, it also works so well with the pretty pink tones of lots of the pieces in my wardrobe, making it a very easy addition. I love a classic pair of mary-janes, you can see my most worn pair in this post, so a pair of burgundy red mary-janes made for the perfect touch of newness to my winter wardrobe. Plus, I managed to find a pair on Depop, making it a sustainable purchase! I’ve been styling them up with a red velvet bag that I’ve had in my wardrobe for many, many years, for a fun, festive look.
Red may be a trend-driven colour choice, but that doesn’t mean that you need to add it to your wardrobe in an unethical or fast-fashion way. I’ve scoured secondhand websites to find that little pop of red, without hurting the planet, and you can shop my sustainable red edit down below. Of course, creating an ethical wardrobe isn’t just about where you purchase the clothes from, it’s also about committing to keeping these pieces in your wardrobe for years to come. For me red made perfect sense; I love mary-janes, and red and pink is a combination I’ve worn for many years, especially around the Christmas season, so I know I’ll be reaching for these shoes for many seasons to come. However, if this is not the case for your wardrobe, and red isn’t a colour you see yourself wearing once the trend has had its time, why not give this one a miss and focus on what truly makes you, and your dream wardrobe, happy instead?
1. Red classic mary-janes // 2. Block heart earrings // 3. Red flared jeans // 4. Red slouchy bag // 5. Oversized crochet scrunchie // 6. Cross-over kitten heels // 7. Red chunky mary-janes // 8. Handmade heart earrings // 9. Oversized red coat // 10. Classic red satchel bag // 11. Bow detail socks
When incorporating a pop of red into an outfit the easiest way is through accessories, which is why the bulk of this edit is made up of bags, jewellery and shoes. I’ve also included another popular accessory of the moment – the oversized ‘big scrunchie’ that is taking the fashion world by storm. If I’ve got some spare fabric in the new year I might just make myself one! Alongside the one featured in the edit I also love this gingham one, also on Depop.
With a touch of red coming in from accessories it makes it a very wearable colour palette, as it can very easily be paired with neutrals in your wardrobe, or, in my case, fun Christmas jumpers and dresses, if you’re open to a more maximalist look. On the topic of maximalism, and committing wholeheartedly to a look or colour, I love the red flares I found on Depop, which just scream 70s chic; and in a year where Daisy Jones and The Six took the world by storm it feels apt to end the year with a very retro inspired look. Style with a lace detail blouse, cowboy boots and slouchy bag for a rockstar-off duty look, whilst still looking ultra feminine.
Another favourite outfit detail of mine, that I’m glad is finally getting the recognition it deserves, is bows. As a die-hard bow girly, who has been wearing them for many years, I’m loving the resurgence and love for them, and the hyper-feminine aesthetic – it makes my heart feel so full to see a world of such pretty things! The bow socks featured here would pair so nicely with a pair of red mary-janes, or even with trainers or boots for a more casual look.
With that little catch up posted, and a festive red edit shared, all that’s left to do is wish a merry Christmas to you all!
Love Chloe x
