Tie It Up

Dress: ASOS

Bag: Michael Kors

Heels: River Island

Ties, knots, twists, whatever you want to call them - look out for them! Hot off the runway, this detail is one to watch next season. You're aiming for the "I threw a jumper round my waist on the way out of the house" look and I'm starting to spot it on other items too like this Missguided skirt, for example, so there's plenty of choice out there.

As for these heels, I've had them for a while now and have just sort of admired them from afar. I don't know why but sometimes I get this semi-anxiety over wanting to style items so perfectly that it just doesn't happen at all. I guess I'm a perfectionist but I'm working on it!

One thing I'd say about the shoes though is to not shy away from multi-coloured ones like these, especially if they're in neutral shades, because they go with a lot more than you'd think. Of course, I've only picked up on one of the colours here and kept the rest of my look natural but they can work with blues and pinks too as they bring this kind of grounding effect to a look. They're also amazing with jeans!

Finally, if you spot the cuts on my legs in this post, please don't be alarmed; I've had a very bad experience with some new boots and I'm sorting it out with the company concerned. I have been quite upset though as I thought I was going to be left with two scarred rings around my ankles and it looked such a mess but they seem to be healing now... fingers crossed the marks will disappear completely!

Have a great start to your week,

Jacqueline xx

Details

Hello!

Is everyone excited that it's the weekend? This week seems to have draaaaged!

I'm really getting excited about the start of a fresh, new month again on Monday; January's felt a bit weird this year and I've been super tired. Plus, I have so much planned for next month, I just can't wait!

I'm going to have a massive spring clean today and tick off a tonne of stuff on my to-do list.

As usual, my outfit details centre on neutrals, neutrals, and more neutrals this month. Oh, and a lot of texture. For me, the winter months are all about texture and it's my favourite thing about this time of year. I guess that's because, in summer, you're limited to lightweight fabrics whereas when it's colder, you can mix and match.

My fave detail here has to be the ruffled sleeve on the final pic. I got the blouse in Zara's Autumn collection but it's going to take me right through the year as well with high-waisted shorts and cute summer skirts when the sun's shining.

FYI: Ruffles are going to be HUGE this season. One of my favourite designers, Proenza Schouler, showcased them in monochrome whilst JW Anderson made us blush with his romantic, pink piece. So, if you're out shopping this weekend, keep your eye out for this instant way to update your wardrobe.

Jacqueline xx

All Grey

Gilet: Gold Getter

Blouse: ASOS

Bag: YesStyle

Jeans: Topshop - similar at Missguided

Heels: Missguided

Hi everyone!

I hope you've had a great weekend!

I had a wonderful brunch with a work friend yesterday, shot some outfits and watched a film.

This look has been on my mind for quite some time so I've been working on getting the tones just right. Like most, I wear all black a lot and, as you'll know, I love to wear all white, therefore all grey just seemed like the natural next step. As with most outfits, texture plays a big part in pulling it all together, especially when wearing one colour head to toe (literally - take a look at my toenails!) Being a soft pastel shade of grey, I kept the textures nice and delicate too.

You may have seen this bag around on Instagram a lot and it doesn't disappoint in real life. Of course, it's a dupe of the gorgeous Chloé Faye for a fraction of the price so you can't go wrong. I've worn it with the strap here but I'm going to see how it works as a clutch too.

My jeans are the famous Topshop 'Joni' jean. Sadly, they don't have them online anymore so I've linked a very similar pair that we have at Missguided and with summer coming up, I'd suggest buying some in this colour. I love wearing them with pastels and a nice, crisp, white top.

Chat soon,

Jacqueline xx

January's Instagram

In the same way that my Pinterest feature is going to look different this year, so will my Instagram monthly special.

All too often, the immediacy with which we can upload pictures to the fabulous app means we lose a little je ne sais quoi so I thought it'd be nice to share some of the stories behind my Insta pics with you.

Left to right, top to bottom:

1. I originally just wanted a snap of the socks and boots before I headed off to work but the photos looked quite good so I've used a few of them.

2. I love, love, love the shade of this MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer. I usually wear a nude shade on my lips so like to mix it up a bit with different tones. This is a definite pinky-nude colour and I can promise you that it actually does dry matte (unlike some brands that claim to and don't). They've got a 3 for 2 offer on the Luxe Range this weekend too so head over to their site and bag yourself a bargain.

3. I've recently started to become so much more interested in makeup than I used to be. As I'm sure you're aware, it's always been about the body and the outfit on it for me but I can't get enough of trying new looks on my face lately. I've got to admit, and I'm going to get a bit personal now, that I think it's because I've hit my late twenties and I'm becoming more conscious of my aging skin; it doesn't look how it used to and I'm really struggling with that. Not one to dwell on things, I've been experimenting A LOT and have found that using the right brushes on the right part of the face is key. These Sigma Beauty ones are on my wishlist.

4. You just need to take a look around this blog to understand the significance of black, white, grey, khaki, nude, repeat! They are my absolute favourite shades to wear and are undoubtedly the base of every look I create.

5. My go-to perfume and again, some new makeup. Chanel is my ultimate preferred brand for staples such as mascara, powder and perfume whilst MAC is somewhere I turn to for new looks. At the minute, I'm obsessed with metallic eyeshadows so their Faerie Whispers collection of foiled shadows is simply perfect.

6. I've wanted this bag for so long as it's one of the best Chloé Faye dupes around (buy it here). I love the shade of grey and if you want to see it in action before buying, it'll be up on here tomorrow. As for the sunglasses, I fell in love with them as soon as I saw them. Quay Australia has quickly become one of my favourite eyewear brands anyway but the design of this marble pair is just top notch! I bought this pair on ASOS where you can find a great selection available if you're a UK shopper.

I hope you enjoyed hearing a bit more about the girl behind the images and I'd love to hear your thoughts. To follow me on Instagram, please search 'A Style Is Born' or click the icon on the left of this post or at the bottom.

Jacqueline xx

Ombré

Jacket: Blue Vanilla

Turtleneck: ASOS

Gloves; Ralph Lauren

Bag: Michael Kors

Leather skirt: Topshop (old) - similar here

Boots: Topshop

After a blogger breakfast with Blue Vanilla in October (which you can read about here), I came back and ordered a dress and blanket wrap (here). I also returned obsessed with their Enna Ombré Ostrich Jacket but it immediately sold out leaving me heartbroken, naturally.

I tried to buy a similar one from H&M but it just wasn't the same so I returned it and waited for this. Does that ever happen to you guys by the way? I always see a piece I desperately want and when it sells out, I look for something similar, convincing myself it's as good when really it isn't. I never seem to learn that I'm just going to end up returning it and waiting for the original anyway!

Lucky for you guys, if you like this jacket then you don't need to wait as all sizes are in stock on the Blue Vanilla site and I've linked it twice above. It really is great, particularly for me as I wear all three of its colours a lot. It's also very warm without feeling like you're restricted and uncomfortable under several layers.

As usual, I've had a little play around with textures by adding a leather skirt and this works best when you keep the rest of the outfit all one colour.

Hope you've had a great start to week,

Jacqueline xx

January's Pinterest

So my monthly Pinterest feature is going to look a little different this year: instead of you having to scroll through pictures, I'm going to design mood boards so you can see all of my inspo/thoughts in one place. I think it seems a bit more personal and represents the point behind pinning but let me know how you guys find it!

I've definitely transitioned into Spring/Summer 2016 already (even if the weather hasn't!) I mean, have you seen these shades? Based on a mixture of three of Pantone's colours for Spring 2016 (Rose Quartz, Serenity and Iced Coffee), I've found the looks I'll be basing next season's outfits on. Oh, and continuing with my usual monochrome staples of course.

So far, I've picked up a few bits for SS16 and have planned tonnes of blogposts for you. I'm so excited for everything that comes next and to start wearing these looks under a bit of sunshine.

As usual, these photos aren't my own and their original links can be found on my Pinterest page here.

Jacqueline xx

Shearling Coat

Coat: Zara

Dress: Mango

Bag: Michael Kors

Boots: River Island

Love recycling my summer dresses in winter with boots and shearling, It somehow makes summer feel that bit closer!

Talking of which, I've taken some time out the past couple of days to start planning next season for you guys and I'm really excited about what's coming up.

Watch this space...

Jacqueline xx

This Month I'm Loving... Metallics

Models Own Colour Chrome Rose Nail Polish; Silver Reebok Classics; Metallic Leather Pelmet Skirt; By Malene Birger Lyndia Metallic Knitted Top; Giuseppe Zanotti Metallic Leather Sandals; Each x Other Silk Dress; Topshop Crackle Belt; MICHAEL Michael Kors Ava Small Top Handle Satchel; Shore Projects Abersoch Watch

Metallics aren't just for Christmas; they look great in Spring/Summer too so start filling your wardrobe now. I love a head to toe look but for something more subtle, simply pick one piece from the above selection.

If you follow me on Instagram, you'll have seen I've got the rose gold/copper nail varnish on this week and I'm really happy with the result. I got it in a pack of four with silver, indigo and gold, all of which you can find on the Models Own site. I also post my silver Reeboks a lot on 'cos they're just so cute! Username: astyleisborn.

For Christmas, I got the MICHAEL Michael Kors Ava bag in silver. I was a bit unsure about it at first because I love the colour but I already have two Michael Kors' bags and like to try different brands as well. Plus, everyone has MK bags now. You know what though? It's a great design and fab quality so I'm going to keep it.

Finally, my next metallic purchase is going to be the Shore Projects' watch. I was torn between black/gold or gold but I've made my mind up and it's shiny all the way.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend,

Jacqueline xx

Camel Coat

Hat

Camel coat

Turtleneck

Bag

Jeans

Boots

As you'll all know by now, camel is one of my fave colours so cloaking myself in it only seemed natural. I especially love it with white because you can then add more beige and tan tones from the palette.

Tying the two together is my hat from Poppy London. I got it last year and it's still going strong so I'd suggest investing if you're after one.

Anyway, have you all found some bargains in the January sales? I've bought a couple of things so I'll be sharing them with you this week along with a few more outfits.

Jacqueline xx