Round and retro

I love these round sunglasses. Having only purchased them last week, I have been trying them on every day since. Match them with a white shirt and my housemate's cowboy hat, and I come across as a Wild West villain. Or if I team them with a black shirt, coat and tie, I look as if I have hopped out of The Matrix.

VINTAGE ROUND SUNGLASSES / ZARA SHIRT / TOPMAN JUMPER

The style featured here, on the other hand, is far from gimmicky and closer to my typical attire for this time of year. The Zara shirt was a better-than-half-price purchase during a previous Fashion Week, which I bought mostly for its sharp collar. Perhaps I could buy some collar clips for emphasis? The Topman knit has a definite 90s-esque air about it, reminiscent of ski jumpers.

 

On a side note, I would like to thank my housemate, Joshua, for taking my picture today. It beats having to shoot the photographs myself with a tripod and self-timer, whereby an absence of automatic focus means I often have to estimate the correct distance between the camera and I. I do envy those fashion bloggers whose other-halves or best friends are photographers by trade. I suppose I could do with a personal assistant and photographer, although I could only repay them with hugs and biscuits.

Lennon and the teacup

Tea is much like a reliable friend - always there to solve the little problems in life. Though I wouldn't be surprised if tea were the true elixir of life. If there is anything that'll help me through the day (read: dissertation research, hangovers, all-nighters in the Media School, photo editing), it is a cup of tea. And a big one at that.

Often, I will return from the Boscombe and Pokesdown vintage shops with a new bow tie. Yesterday however, I came back with the ultimate vessel for the ultimate beverage. This five-inch diameter teacup came from an adorable place called 'The Crooked Book', which combines a bookshop with a café and vintage boutique. I had to resist buying a few other things while I was there, including retro kitchen utensils and mahoosive teapots. Once I have a place of my own, I will be raiding shops like The Crooked Book for their delightful homewares, as to decorate my house with a vintage quality.

The John Lennon-esque sunglasses were a cheap find from 'Clobber', down the other end of the street. I had always felt reluctant to buy round sunglasses, since I was never too sure if the style would complement the shape of my face, but this particular style appears to suit me well. (You can judge for yourselves in an upcoming outfit post.) I love finding quirky accessories to make my personal style a little more intriguing, especially when I cannot afford to buy a new jacket or such like.

Christmas gifts and accessories

When it comes to birthdays and Christmas, my family have often found it fairly difficult to buy me gifts. Gone are the days when Power Rangers toys would keep me entertained; I am now a collector of fashion. However, buying the correct size has always been tricky. Depending on the garment and the retailer, I range from XXS to S. Therefore the items which are guaranteed to suit me regardless are accessories.

For Christmas, I was fortunate to be treated to a number of fashionable gifts, including a John Lewis leather wallet, ASOS satchel, stripy socks from Next, and yet another pair of Spitfire sunglasses. I was also gifted a fantastic book - The World's Top Fashion Blogs. Published in November this year, the book will not only be of strong interest to me personally, but also of great benefit to my dissertation.

Today, I'm wearing...

I told myself that any birthday money I received would not be spent on house bills or university necessities; it's for me to treat myself and buy new clothes. So I did just that. Yesterday, I bought a pair of mirrored aviators and a navajo polo shirt from River Island. I very much love the mint-green colour, which is what drew my eye in the first place.

Suffice it to say, it's a good combination to be wearing today in the sunshine, so that's exactly what I'm doing. I'm also donning a pair of pinstripe UniQlo shorts and green Converse trainers. Most of my coursemates have completed their exams now, so I think we'll be hitting the beach. Again. The perks of living and studying in Bournemouth, eh?

Spitfire babet sunglasses

I couldn't help myself. In preparation for summer, I treated myself to a second pair of Spitfire shades from ASOS. It's a risk buying sunglasses online, since I can't tell properly if they would suit me, but having tried on all sorts of sunglasses in high street stores, I'm beginning to figure out which shapes and designs work with my visage.

The decision to purchase this design in particular was influenced by Italian personal style blogger Filippo Fiora, who owns a pair himself. I thought they were pretty cool, especially the blue-purple tinting of the lenses.

Spitfire Sunglasses

An ASOS package waiting on my doorstep could only mean one thing yesterday - my new Spitfire sunglasses had arrived. With a clear plastic frame and removable lenses, their design is somewhat unconventional, but it's a style I am excited to experiment with.

Although having only discovered the Spitfire brand last week, their selection of eyewear are now must-have accessories for me. My next purchase from them might well be the green lensed sunglasses featured on the blog only recently. Winter sun, anyone?

Shades of black

Back in Sixth Form, my friends voiced much dislike for these sunglasses, but quite recently, friends at university actually remarked that they were cool. Even a stranger on the university bus commented they look "suave" and expressed wanting a pair for himself. Personally, what I would love is a straw boating hat to accompany them, which is the only hat I've found that suits me. Then I suppose I'll need a stripy t-shirt, pale chinos and a pair of boat shoes... Though I reckon I'll do fine without the boat.

Although only £12 from Topman, these sunglasses are still good quality and they even look great on girls too. Typical summer shades, but a trendy accessory even in winter sunshine. I love to wear them whilst taking strolls along the beach.

And that, my friends, is all I will say on my sunglasses, as I honestly cannot think of anything more to babble on about. So don't be afraid to put on your own shades when the sky is blue and sun is shining, and watch out for more personal style posts coming soon!