A Non-Viv Related Post

As the title implies, i'm going to show some outfits which don't contain any Vivienne Westwood or big designer names.
I have explained previously that i like to mix designer with other brands. Recently i've been moving away from this process due to the fact that i've only really been buying things with a name on them. Not intentionally, it's just happened that way.
So i've decided to show some outfits i've put together without using any designer names, maybe the odd high street store here and there, but mostly just clothes i've had for a while, picked up online or found in small boutiques.


I wore this outfit for school last week (minus the socks.)

They have a pretty casual dress code, even for teachers and assistants. I find it difficult sometimes when getting dressed as i have to contain myself from wearing anything a little too 'out there' at the school.
For those of you who don't know, i'm currently an English Language Teaching Assistant in a high school in the south of France.

The students are really polite, but i do get some stares from time to time. Even this outfit couldn't be further from the french style of jogging bottoms and a sports top.

T-shirt: All Saints

Dungarees: Diesel

Socks: American Apparel

Boxing Boots: A Christmas Present from Ben's Mum and Dad






For me, this is a pretty average look, it doesn't thrill me to the point of joyous dancing, but it's something i put together nonetheless.
I also tuck the top of the dungarees inside the trousers so they look like an everyday pair of black jeans. In a way, it gives you a second pair of jeans for the price of one.

Instead of a coat . . .

Lately, i've been getting bored of the two coats I have here in France, yes, two! They're not a necessity, because it's still fairly mild, but it's always good to have one just in case.

This is one of my newest purchases. An idea i had about 6 months ago, but haven't been able to find the right one until my trip back to England for Christmas.

Shawl, wrap, large scarf. Whatever you want to call it, it's a great thing to have.

This one in the picture is a £14,99 tartan shawl from H&M. It was perfect for what i wanted it for. A large scarf.
But if you want a particular pattern/material and can't find it in a shop, why don't you try fabric stores? A simple metre of cloth can be turned into a really cool looking scarf/shawl. Aslong as you wear it with the confidence like you're meant to be in it, no one will even second guess you. 

You can wear it over a coat, to add texture and layers. Under a coat as a scarf, again adding pattern and textures. Or even on its own over a t-shirt.
I pin it on one side (ignore the badges, i'm aware of the title of this post)
You can use a simple safety pin, even a paper clip, to pin the material in place.
Personally, i use pins and badges, as they give my outfit a bit more personality.

Girls get away with this look better than guys. It looks sophisticated and chic, when dressed up. Or even dressed down and casual, it's still a different and stylish accessory to own and wear time after time.


Laid Back/ Gymming it
These outfits are normally things i'd wear for the gym, or just lazing around in on a chill out day.

This outfit is literally theeee comfiest thing to wear on a lazy day. The top has a fleece/felty lining and is really warm, plus the bottoms are carrot cut and fit perfectly. I always tuck the socks over the bottom of the pants to 'seal them off'. It's like wearing a cocoon.

Jersey Top: River Island Sale





Jogger Bottoms: Topman





Socks: American Apparel

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This outfit is a little more styled up than the previous. I'd still wear it for a casual day or for the gym, but it's something that could easily be jujjed up with a few accessories for a night out.

The top vest used to be an XXL t-shirt before i took a pair of scissors to it. I cut down both sides and stitched them back together to give a baggy fit on the shoulders, yet fitted at the sides. I love the image on the front of the old movie poster for 'Faster Pussycat, Kill Kill.'

I double the vests to give more texture and pattern to the outfit. The colours tie in together and complement eachother quite well.

Under Vest: Topman

Over Vest: Vintage T-shirt

Jogger Bottoms: Topman

Socks: American Apparel

Shoes: Christmas Gift