A Dress For Every Occassion

While I may have put my summer dresses away, I have had fun ordering a couple of new beauties that I know I'll wear religiously for the next couple of months. From dresses for big nights out & fab midis appropriate for graduations and weddings to black tie options, check out my top picks below! 

*Please note links on www.jodiewood.com are affiliate

Knitwear

Part three of my A/W fashion fix is covering my favourite thing about cooler weather, knitwear! Maybe it's because they hide a multitude but I love nothing more than oversized knits. I love the look of knitwear styled down for casual wear with jeans and leathers but also dressed up with skirts and as dresses. One of my favourite ways to style a jumper is over a long shirt with the shirt showing underneath and at the wrists, also a great way to style cropped jumpers when you don't feel like wearing something high waisted or a skirt. Hope you enjoy!

*Please note that links used on www.jodiewood.com are affiliated.

Get Your Coat On

The second instalment of my A/W wardrobe guide covers coats and jackets. Every girl needs at least two good winter coats, one tailored for work and dress wear and at least one casual coat or jacket that is easy to throw on with anything,

I have broken this post into four types of coats, tailored, Borg/Teddy coats which are a huge trend this season, faux fur which is always chic and lastly parkas. I live in parkas as I wear them over my casual wear and gym gear all season long. Hope you see something you like! 

Tailored Coats 

Teddy Coats

Faux Fur 

Parkas & Puffers

*Please note that links on www.jodiewood.com are affiliate.

Autumn Winter Shoe Haul

I am such a summer baby and I really dread putting away my pretty sandals and flip-flops at this time of year. One thing that does take the sting out of it is investing in a few pairs of new shoes for the season ahead. This A/W I am loving the animal print trend that nearly every brand has an offering in as well as feature heels, mules and woven flats. My favourite way to transition into winter across September and October is to still wear open back loafers with leathers or jeans and knitwear if need be. Check out my top picks below.

*Please note links used on www.jodiewood.com are affiliate. 

My Summer Wardrobe

Showing you my top picks for summer whether you are staying home or hitting the beach on holiday, these pieces need a place in your wardrobe! From cute dresses to summer sandals, shop my favourites below! You'll see lots of these items featuring on my Instagram over the next few weeks while I'm away! Remember to look for discount codes on each site as most of them have offers and sales on at the moment, links are affiliated. Happy shopping!

Shoes, shoes and more shoes, can you ever have too many pairs?

Accessories make an outfit so make yours bright, bold and piled up by the dozen! 

Love Cult Gaia but don't love the price? I'm there with you, I think their bags are fab and so on trend but not one I want to invest in as I don't know if I'll still be loving them this time next year. Here are a couple of dupes I've found where you can get the look without the price tag! 

Beach Essentails

I'm heading away next week which means I have been on the hunt for cute holiday outfits. I've rounded up my favorite things you need to look chic on the beach, all available on Asos which means free delivery and returns! Don't forget if you're a student you can use your UNiDays discount for 10% off to...the one thing I miss about college! Another top tip, always shops on the UK version of the site and in Sterling, works out way cheaper with the conversion rate than if you pay their marked euro prices! 

Please note my blog uses Reward Style and contains some affiliate links.

Day Dresses

I love to throw on a day dress to wear over a bikini or when popping out to the supermarket or shopping. I also like to put proper clothes on to eat lunch on the beach rather than sit up in my bikini so I always have a little dress or cover up with me. These are my favourites. 

Beach shorts are just as important, I like to have one good pair in my suitcase that I know will see me thorugh the holiday and only look better the more worn in they get! One Teaspoon are my absolutes favs when it comes to denim cutoffs, expensive but no comparison in fit and style, tehy will last you years.

Swimwear is something I think is quite personal as it depends on what you are comfortable wearing. In addition certain styles suit different body types better than others. I've picked my favourite pieces I everyone should find something in!

A great beach bag is an essential for me, I have about 5 on rotation, also great to fill and carry on the plane with extra things you can't fit into your case! 

Hats and headbands are top of my list when it comes to beach days, not only do they look chic but they protect my hair and face from the sun when it gets too strong!

Cute sandals are a must for every holiday, I like to get a couple of neutral pairs I can dress up or down. I also always take a pair of Haviannas Flip Flops, so comfy I can't be without them.

Finally, can you imagine turning up to the beach with no sunnies? I love coloured glasses and playing with fun styles so I tend to pick up a couple of affordable pairs in unique styles and then buy designer when it comes to classic shapes. Here are my picks from ASOS! 

What to Pack for a City Break

Spring is my favourite time to book cheap flights to Europe and head on a city break! With Easter and St. Patricks Day approaching I have a feeling lots of you may be heading away but even if you don't, these pieces can still be worked into anyone's wardrobe. It may be snowing right now but I'm thinking about sunnier climates, most European cities will start to heat up in spring but can still be cool in the evening. Unless I'm heading away for a longer period of time, I never check a suitcase in so I like to consider myself a master packer. If there is one thing that will make your life easier when putting together your outfits it's to make a Pinterest board or an album on your phone with your outfits in it. From head to toe including jewellery I like to plan my outfits for each day so I not only know exactly what I need to pack, but also what I'm wearing when I arrive.

For the purpose of this blog I am going to imagine I am heading away for a weekend in which I will be walking around sightseeing perhaps, shopping maybe and then out to dinners and perhaps a bar one of the evenings. In my mind I know I need to take three daytime outfits and two evening looks. If I know that one of the evenings I will probably be going somewhere casual for dinner I might just wear what I wore that day or just change my top but either way, I need to decide and only pack what I need as I never pack options. 

Daytime looks for city breaks usually mean jeans and a top for me two of the days and maybe a day dress on the third. I know I need comfortable shoes that I can walk everywhere in, this means either trainers or leather flats, cheap plastic shoes will rub and give you blisters when walking all day in them. Similarly, sandals offer little support to your feet and as cities can be filthy your feet soon become so too. See the outfits I put together below and how I mix and match pieces to prevent having to pack more than necessary.

Day 1: I love boyfriend or mom fit jeans for daytime, not only are they on-trend but they're super comfy too. Roll them up to show off your ankles for a more flattering fit. I have both pairs below, the Levis are definitely better quality but I've listed a more affordable option if you'd like to just dip your toe in first. This top is so cute and comes in pink or blue, both would work well with the jeans and the white loafters. Finish the look off with white sunnies and you're insta ready!

Evening 1:  Jeans and a nice top, as they say, pair with ankle boots for a smart casual look in a restaurant you stumble into because the pasta looks good. 

Day 2: Same thing as yesterday, jeans and a cute top with either flats or your ankle boots. 

Evening 2: If we go on a city break we usually go somewhere dressy at least one of the evenings so I pack one "going out" outfit. A dress or jumpsuit will take up less space than a skirt and top. 

Day 3: Rewear a pair of the two styles of jeans you packed and pair with a clean top and either your flat loafers or ankle boots if you've finished sightseeing and might just be heading for a chilled lunch. 

As you can see here, in total I would have packed seven items of clothing. Two pairs of jeans but you could cut down to one if need be. I also packed four tops and a dress and in total would have three pairs of shoes with me, two of which I would need to pack as one pair I would be wearing. Jewellery and sunglasses can make your outfit so pack pieces you can swap between looks, the same with belts. I find if I keep everything tonal and plan similar coloured clothing for each look it's much easier to mix and match accessories and if I need to only take one coat that will go with everything. You can see I chose a mix of blues, whites and pinks that all work together for this "weekend" look book. 

Whether you're heading away or not, I hope you guys like some of these pieces as much as I do. Happy travelling!

Spoil Yourself with a €100 One4All Gift Card

One4All gift cards are always my favourite to receive as they can be used in so many places, over 8000 retailers nationwide to be exact! I've teamed up with them to promote self-gifting, the idea that we should treat ourselves from time to time and not wait for others to do it for us! I took my One4All card to Dundrum shopping centre where I could use it in all my favourite shopping haunts from BT2 to Pennys, HM, Boots, River Island and House of Fraser. I too had €100 to spend on my card and decided to pick up a few fashion and beauty bits I wanted to share with you, all of which I have on in the photo above!

HM €27.99

First stop was HM, my go-to for affordable knitwear! I first fell in love with the colour of this jumper and then fell in love with the price! Under €30, bargain!

Next, I went into BT2, Charlotte Tilbury has released new lipliners I wanted to check out and I ended up getting the shade "Supersize Me" along with a beautiful pink lipstick called "Miranda May". 

Supersize Me, €22

Miranda May €32

This brought my total up to €82, meaning I'd €18 left to spend. Since I'm about to head on holiday I went next door to River Island to have a look at their new collection. I picked up a really cool pair of sunnies in for €17, a mirrored cat-eye style. That left me with €1 to spend...where else would I head to do so, no other than Pennys. I picked up a pair of gold flipflops that fit my budget and I know I'll get a lot of wear out of them next week! Honestly where else would you get flipflops for a euro, absolute steal!

River Island, €17

Pennys, €1

One4All gift cards can be purchased starting from €15 and up to the value of €500 in all your local Post Offices, selected Post Point Outlets and Topaz sites nationwide. They can of course also be ordered online at www.one4all.ie, you can even choose specialised occasion cards depending on who you're buying them for, an extra cute touch! Online you can also search a directory and find out where you can spend your card in your local area. If you've been gifted a card don't let it gather dust in your wallet-spend it and feed your shopping addiction like I do! 

To be in with the chance to win a voucher to spend yourself simply comment on my Instagram post to enter, the winner will be announced on Friday, February 23rd! Good luck lovelies!

Big thanks to One4all for working with me and sponsoring this campaign! 

What to Wear to a Spring/Summer Wedding

Finding an outfit to wear to a wedding can be stressful, especially if you don't really know anyone else going and can't consult with your friends about what they're wearing too. The first place to start is always the invitation, proper etiquette will always state a dress code. The dress code is important as it will determine not only the length of your dress but also the style you should opt for too.

Let's start with the most formal, White Tie. White Tie is as dressy as it gets and a long formal gown is required. Black Tie, on the other hand, can lend itself to either a long gown or a midi dress but never above the knee. Cocktail or Formal, to me, means you can either wear a long maxi that's perhaps flowy but not quite a ball gown, or a midi dress, jumpsuit or skirt and top. In my opinion, Casual or Beach Attire is the only time I would deem a short mini dress appropriate for a wedding. This is especially important if there is a church ceremony involved, bare in mind you must have your knees covered in most churches to be allowed in. A wedding is a special affair that the bride and groom have more than likely put a large amount of effort in to, your ensemble should where possible respectfully reflect this, no matter your budget make an effort. Had someone turned up to my wedding in a tight plunging playsuit heads may have rolled. Just saying. 

I personally love any excuse to dress up in a floaty maxi dress so that tends to be my go to but if you're not comfortable wearing long, go for a midi as a safe bet! It's also worth noting weddings can be long, very long actually, with lots of food and drink involved. Wear something comfortable that you can breathe and relax in. Don't wear something you may be conscious of your chest in and end up sitting opposite a stranger at a table, suddenly attempting to use your napkin to cover your girls in some kind of bib fashion.

Here are my top picks for the season ahead with options to suit all budgets and dress codes! Oh, and one last thing, shades of beige, cream, white and ivory are never ok.

Midi 

Maxi 

Spring Picks and My Top Tips on How To Save Money While Shopping!

I recently shared on Snapchat with you guys my favourite websites to use and shop via to save money online! It was so popular many of you requested a blog to have it permanently available to the universe. Considering I buy 90% of my clothes, beauty and even homeware on the internet it's worth following a few easy steps to make sure I'm always getting the best deal possible!

I am sick to death of knitwear, heavy coats and boots and seriously craving an injection of spring into my wardrobe. Below are my favourite pieces I have been "saving" to keep an eye on for promotion or picking up now on offer. All images will click through to the link!

Now for the fun part, similar to the way you "pin" things on Pinterest, there are 3 websites I love to use to save items I find and either don't want to purchase at that very moment or can't afford and want to keep an eye on until they go on sale.

Lyst is the first one, it does what it says on the tin. Here you can search over 9000 designers and 2000 retailers and make lists of your favourite items. You can also sign up for sale and restock notifications which I find so helpful as if something is sold out I know exactly when it lands again and can get it straight away.

Shop style is another favourite which I use in a similar way to Polyvore, these sites I like to use as almost a google for fashion. Say I have an idea in my head of the kind of dress I like, for example I can type in "strapless ruffle midi dress" and it will scan pretty much every retailer in existence and find me dress descriptions to match. I can then narrow my search down to not only the colour I'd like but the price bracket too. Again you can then save items to your account to watch them. 

On top of this these sites will show you every retailer that stocks the particular dress, I find this so useful as if it's a certain designer it may be sold on 5 different outlets yet at varying price points. I will then obviously choose the cheapest option or the retailer that does free shipping for example. 

To save even more money I highly recommend installing a coupon scanning browser button. I like to use Honey. You basically install it to your browser (safari or chrome etc.) and as it detects that you're on a retailers website it starts to scan the internet for active coupon codes available for the site. As you go to checkout it then automatically tries each code in the promotional box to see which one offers you the best saving. Not every website will have active codes but even if they don't you will often earn HoneyGold while shopping. These are effectively points that accumulate and can be redeemed as money when shopping in the future. Click this link and it will take you to the download link! 

One last tip, I always shop sites in either sterling or dollars, never in the offered euro price. It is always cheaper to do so thanks to the exchange rate! Happy shopping everyone! xx

What to wear on Christmas Day, St Stephens Day and New Years Eve!

My last dress post went down so well I thought I'd share with you the pieces I'm loving now that you need for the festive two weeks ahead of us! In our family we get dressed up for Christmas day so my staple is usually a dress, tights and over the knee boots. I've included a couple of my favourite styles including a pointed toe pair I'm obsessed with and have just ordered! My Topshop ankle sock boots are also below as I get asked about them a lot. Stephens Day racing calls for another outfit that's glam but day time appropriate while New Years gives you an opportunity to wear as many sequins as you like and for it to still be socially acceptable in 2017. All images are shopable! Have a lovely Christmas and speak to you all in 2018! xx

Mens Gift Guide

Men can be hard to buy for as 9 times out of 10 they offer little in terms of suggestions or hints. From your partner to your dad this list should have something for everyone as I've kept it classic but do remember, if in doubt concert or sports tickets are always a safe bet. 

1. Travel bags and accessories make fabulous presents. From wash bags and luggage tags to weekend hold alls if the man you're buying for likes to travel in style these gifts won't go unnoticed. I love this Barbour holdall, so classic it will never date. 

2. Mens Boxers. You cannot go wrong with buying them boxers, they literally have to wear them. This double pack is a steal on ASOS down from €40 to €28! Nobody likes a man in scraggly briefs!!  Lounge pants are also a nice idea. My husband loves nothing more than to lounge in comfy pants but doesn't always want something as bulky as a full on tracksuit. These are more like a fancy pyjama bottom that you could also dash to the shops in. CK is a safe bet and my favourite for this kind of gear but there are also a host of affordable alternatives online!

3. Grooming kits have become a thing for men, especially for those with a beard! Even if facial hair isn't their thing, an at home trimmer is something I know my husband uses religiously! 

4. Skincare is something most men are secretly into but won't purchase themselves. Several of my girlfriends have reported sightings of boyfriends, brothers, husbands and even dads helping themselves to their stock. Treat your male to a good moisturiser and face wash and I bet you he'll be happy.

5. Fragrance is always a safe bet, either buy what he wears or go find one you like the scent of and bobs your uncle. My personal favourite is Dior Sauvage.

6. Will's Bose headphones are his prize possession, the sound quality is unrivalled. The noise cancellation function is amazing for travelling and commuting. I can't get over how well priced they are in Selfridges sale. Click the photo below and run run run!

7. Can you go wrong with trainers? I don't think so. This blue Nike pair are such a gorgeous colour and would go with everything from jeans to trackies!

If your male is into training and running New Balance can't be beaten. Will always takes his away when we go on city breaks as they are the best for walking in,

Adidas trainers are a safe bet as they're not too flashy yet still look cool and casual. 

8. Leather accessories like belts, card holders, passport covers and diaries always go down well with my other half. Choose real leather and you know it will wear better, brands like Aspinal, Mulberry or Hugo Boss do great options.

9. Socks. They may be boring staples but they are a cool way to add a pop of colour to an outfit and for a man to express his personality. Sockfellas are an Irish company that do a range of well priced funky numbers but if traditional is more your style, choose a good quality cotton or wool blend.

10. Finally, dress him up. Choose clothes you know will flatter him and at the same time have him done up like your very own ken doll. Every man needs a good fitted shirt! Farah, available on ASOS is a go to.

Dress Me : The Black Friday Edit

Party season is officially upon us which means you need your perfect LBD at the ready. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday looming I've put together some of my top festive picks to cover your Christmas needs with discounts across the board! I tend to do the majority of my christmas shopping online this weekend as you can really save a fortune. 

I've picked dresses to suit all budgets with pieces starting from just €20! This being said, if you have a winter wedding or ball looming scroll to the bottom for my favourite extra special pieces. I've ordered the most beautiful Self Portrait dress to wear on Christmas Day as we are off somewhere a little fancy this year. Remember... the office christmas party is perhaps not the time to bare it all, aim to power dress and turn heads for the right reasons. You want to stand out and look your best while remaining chic at all moments. Keep your body-con mini for a night out with friends or your other half! Happy shopping! J xx

Autumn It List

Inspo Courtesy of FashionedChic on Instagram

It's September and while we may still be blessed with the odd glimmer of sun here in Ireland I have definitely felt myself reaching once again for jackets, jumpers and boots. Here are my top ten buys to help shift your wardrobe into autumn without feeling we're back in winter just yet. These pieces will form the foundation of your wardrobe and are the ten basics every girl needs now. As always you can click the images to link through!

1. These Tassel Suede Slippers from & Other Stories are my idea of heaven. If I'm going to buy suede shoes I buy them in a dark colour that won't show scuffs and dirt as easily as lighter options. These for me are the perfect transitional shoe to wear right now. Perfect with skinny jeans or work dresses, they're not as heavy looking as a boot so lighten up warmer looks. I will wear these all season long and can't wait to style them with my favourite ripped skinny jeans, oversized jumper and cross body bag.

2. I invest in a new black blazer around this time every year as I know from experience it's a piece I live in. I wear them to work, over dresses going out or dressed down with a v neck t-shirt and jeans. I always go for a long line style that will sit below my hips and something that's well tailored. I love this style from Karen Millen and am happy to pay for good quality. Shoes, outerwear and handbags are something I always save and spend more on as they have to face the elements and need to be well made. The cost of repeatedly having to replace items that fall apart after a month or two of wear soon adds up. 

3. Good jeans are the foundation of half my outfits, skinny will always be my style of choice but I do love looser fits too. My all time favourite brand of denim is Frame, their skinny jeans cannot be beaten. For a more affordable option look at HM 360 shaping jeans they come in a range of styles. Autumn must haves for me include a good mid wash blue, a distressed black and a dark grey. 

4. When I'm not in jeans I'm in leather pants. This is one place I save my cash and buy inexpensive faux leather pieces. Coated black jeans or leather stretch leggings, either will work. When I'm not in a dress these are my staple for nights out or dressy dinners. They should always be sprayed on and super tight, baggy leathers are not a good look. These Vero Moda pants are a great fit and do the job nicely. 

5. Good t-shirts are in my opinion hard to come by, the cheap €4.99 ones in Zara just don't do it for me but at the same time they are not something I want to spend my money on. By far the nicest fit, best quality t-shirts I've found so far are from Cos. At only €15 they are a steal and come in 5 different colours. 

On another note Cos is fantastic for work wear, beautifully tailored pieces at a good price point that reflects their quality. They have a flagship store in Dublin city but I personally find it easier to shop online with them as everything is better displayed.

6. I live in jumpers all autumn/winter long, as it gets cooler I reach for roll necks but for now round necks are my preference. I love neutrals, greys and beiges but bright coloured knits can make such an impact too. I love this camel jumper from Miss Selfridge with a cut out ruffle sleeve, I also love this red Zara knit that would brighten up any day. 

Cashmere knitwear is an investment I can't decide whether I think is worth it, I've bought them before and they end up wearing the same as my wool blends so I don't get any longer out of them. The feel is unrivalled but sometimes I wonder whether it's worth the cash when it comes to jumpers. Scarves on the other hand...

7. Scarves are ideal for this time of year as too often in Dublin your day can start out lovely and end in torrential rain. Not only do they add a layer of warmth but can be a lifesaver when you've no umbrella and need to save your hair. Cashmere scarves are a favourite of mine as they are super warm and so soft on my face, zero scratching. Buy one in a neutral tone that will go with anything. 

8. Jumper Dresses are ideal for this time of year when you can still bare your legs but want a little warmth, I love roll neck styles. Always look for a heavy knit that won't cling to all the wrong places. Asos have a great selection and I pair them with either flat over the knee boots or super high sock boots, see number 9.

9. Sock boots are everywhere this year, not all styles appeal to me. I just can't get on board with the cream and white versions, maybe if we lived in Miami but in our puddle drenched streets they just wouldn't work. I do love them in black however, super high and super tight on the ankle they look great with jeans, dresses and leather leggings. LOVE these from ASOS.

10. Pretty shirts and blouses are a staple in my closet. Basic white oversized shirts can be worn to work or with leathers and boots and add diversity to your wardrobe. Ruffle sleeves are still in and as impractical as they are I do love them. Choose brights to add colour to your neutral pallet on a budget and they will transform your look. I love the red leopard print shirt below!

My Holiday Must Haves

When I pack for a trip there are a couple of essentials I know I can't leave without. The foundation of any perfect holiday wardrobe; these staples should form the back bone to your looks. Let's start with clothing, I am an expert planner when it comes to what I'll be wearing at any given moment. When I buy pieces for my trips I always envision when I plan on wearing them, for example if I know I'm going to a fancy beach club I'll reserve my best beach number for said day. This helps me when packing as I only bring exactly what I need with every day and evening's look planned in advance. If you're extra organised, make a Pinterest board containing all of the pieces you are taking away, including shoes and accessories; I find seeing them all together on screen helps me put looks together. For me a holiday wardrobe is a fresh and feminine one that's made for making memories.

The Perfect Sandals

I generally take two or three pairs of shoes on holiday, a good flat sandal in a neutral tone that will go with everything, a neutral high heel and a fun perhaps coloured or embellished heel too. The studded Aldo flat sandals I'm wearing in the photo above went with everything I brought with me and were such a good last minute buy! I am still in love with anything fringed so I have ordered the beautiful fringes wedges from Revolve below for my next trip, perfect holiday shoe!

Dresses

I live in dresses on holidays, I rarely bother with shorts, tops or skirts, rompers make the occasional cut. I just find they're no fuss, easy to pack and light in my case. I usually spend money on a couple of really different and unique pieces and then the rest of them I'm happy to buy relatively inexpensively. I had been eyeing up the Alice McCall dress pictured above for months before I bought it, to me it's my summer wrapped up in a dress; bright, floaty and fun. White and neutral dresses are always in the mix with at least one special white number reserved for a night out towards the end of a trip when I'm hopefully tanned. Other than that, bright bold colours tend to be my favourite, check out my picks below.

Accessories

For me, accessories can make or break holiday outfits. Embellished, bright, tasselled pieces are everywhere this season and if you choose wisely you can pick quirky bits that although may be multi coloured will still go with everything! In addition a good beach basket is very important, pack everything in your suitcase into the basket and then place in your case flat on its side. I love my personalised one from Baal and Tanit, I used it nearly every day! Neve and Noor do some gorgeous woven clutches that would instantly dress up any look but could come in equally handy on the beach with a beautiful kaftan! Do not, I repeat, do NOT go away this summer without a pair of tasseled earrings! Betty and Biddy have the best selection!

Beauty

At this time of year I think it's safe to say most of us aim to look bronzed, toned and glowing. I might manage one or two of them on a good day but I've found a few products that help me on my way! Institut Esthederm's Adaptaspun body lotion is my new holy grail. It has a technology to help you develop a deep, intense and natural tan and enjoy all the benefits of the sun without the harmful side effects. Suitable for normal to tolerant skin, this sun-protection milk allows you to boost your tan with perfect cellular protection from a normal to strong sun. It's not a fake or gradual tan, it gives you no colour itself but I somehow change race when I use this before and after a day on the beach, obsessed. When it comes to SPF I love Reform Skincare's facial factor 30, super light yet hydrating. For my body I love Polysianes dry oil SPF from Klorane, you can choose the factor of your choice; heaven in a spray bottle. Let's talk makeup, I recently discovered Armani's Liquid Summer, drops you can use as a bronzer or mixed in with your existing foundation to deepen the shade, so pretty. I also love Hourglass Cosmetics powder bronzer in Radiant Light, gives me the perfect tan! 

As always I love to hear from you guys, let me know in the comments box or via my social media channels what yo can't live without this summer! 

Summer Sparkle; jewels, jewels, jewels!

Summer time is my favourite season to layer and stack on as much jewellery as possible. I think it's because we expose more skin and I guess in turn have more of a canvas to work with! I have a few pieces I never take off; my engagement and wedding ring along with a gold St Christopher medal my mother gave me the day I headed off travelling a few years ago. I am regularly asked where it's from; you can get a St Christopher medal in any good jewellers, just to note, mine is a child's size so the disc is smaller than average. 

Kate Spade

 

Tasseled Ear Candy

Jewellery can change an outfit dramatically, if I'm ever shopping for an occasion it's always something I factor in when planning my look. Statement earrings are the easiest way to add drama to a dress that on it's own perhaps may lack a little lustre. Oversized, tasseled chandelier style earrings are everywhere this year, I recently wore an incredible fuchsia pair from Zara to a wedding with a black dress and they made my outfit. See my favourites below. 

 

Fine Gold Layers

Jacquie Aiche

My favourite day time look is to layer thin gold chains, bracelets and stacking rings. Since I always have my medal as a base I like to add a shorter choker chain, I've linked one below from Asos. I then occasionally add a longer one too, I especially like this look with a low cut shirt or wrap top. Try and not have the three chains matching, try different chain links or beads to add to the look. I don't usually wear bracelets but when I do, I go for thin gold bangles or beaded bohemian vides such as the white gem stone bracelet linked below from Massimo Dutti. If you're going to wear earrings, a necklace and rings don't over do it by stacking your arms up too. Although it's about adding layers, with this trend less is still more. Fine gold hoops are my current obsession, I haven't taken them off in about 6 months. I buy mine for under €2 from Parfois as I don't worry about losing them then. I also wear smaller 9mm hoops in my second and third piercings up one ear only and love this look with my hair up especially. It's kind of boho but still looks pretty. Always opt for dainty over chunky with this look. 

 

Statment Rings

Although my left hand is pretty well decorated as it is I do love to wear rings on my right. I have two I am currently rotating, one from Emma by Jane that's a rose quartz gemstone beauty and my love lock ring from Heavenly Necklaces, the closest thing I'll get to Cartier. Gems are in this season and by the looks of it the more the merrier. Tanned skin pairs beautifully with crystal stones so don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and mix and match them. 

Jewellery is so personal and we all have different taste but I hope there's something for everyone here. As always please link me any pieces you love and think I'd adore too! Happy Sunday girls xx

Detoxed Designs

Deep Clean

At this time of year, all we hear about is detoxing; but let's face it, juicing is boring. One detox I can't live without is my bi-annual closet update. I don't know what it is but the minute Christmas is over I am suddenly sick to death of heavy jumpers and leather pants. Despite the fact that it's still only January all I'm thinking about is my spring wardrobe. I only buy pieces in the sales that I know will carry me through to the summer, no more bulky coats and definitely no more bobble hats. 

The minute I got back from our honeymoon I took down my summer clothes from the attic, partly to pack away the bits I had just taken to Mauritius but also in eager anticipation of the coming Spring. I wanted to see what I had that I could start incorporating into the outfits I'm wearing now.

What's The Expiation Date?

I first went through my current winter wardrobe and put aside anything I either (a) haven't worn in the last 3 months or (b) would not wear for the rest of the week if asked to do so. If I had a dinner this weekend would I be happy wearing this dress for example? Would I wear this jumper to work tomorrow? Editing does not however always mean throwing out, if you have clothes that are expensive or special pieces you have invested in I suggest putting them in a box, if you don't go to look for them within the next 6 months it's time to part ways. Consider reselling them or give them to a charity shop as I do with everything I no longer want.

For example, 3 years ago I bought a beautiful suede fur (faux of course) lined jacket from Pinko in Brown Thomas, it wasn't cheap and despite the fact I probably wore it 4 times that winter I haven't been able to part with it as it pains me to think of the amount in Zara I could have gotten instead. I packed it away last week and come September if I don't think I'll wear it that winter I'll wait and sell it then as the weather gets cooler. 

A Clean Slate

Ask yourself, if god forbid your house burned down tomorrow and you had to rebuild your closet from scratch, what would you start your wardrobe with for 2017? For me, the key to building a wardrobe is buying interchangeable pieces; I can think of 10 off the top of my head. A coat, a blazer, a good pair of jeans, leather pants, the perfect shirt, v-neck t-shirt, tank top, a black dress, ankle boots, cashmere jumper. However ask me again in 3 months time and I'd say; a blazer, a silk tank top, a good pair of jeans, a bikini, a pair of espadrilles, a v-neck t-shirt, a cotton dress, a strappy heel, denim shorts and a pair of sunglasses. You can see that some items change but about half remain the same. They are what I call 'interchangeable' seasonless pieces that I have in my closet year round. In addition, they are the type of pieces I will spend more on and buy multiples of if I find the perfect one; Frame denim jeans, Uterque leather jackets, Cos v-neck t-shirts. I'll spend a pretty pocket on a leather jacket that will look perfect over a summer dress or layered over cashmere in winter while the dress I may have picked up in Zara for €29.95. 

Choose Wisely

The key is buying pieces that will work together, instead of regularly dropping €50 on another black top to wear out that weekend, start saving your cash and buying pieces that are a little different or may have a twist but will still slot easily into your current collection. Buy affordable accessories such as belts and flat shoes to instantly change up an outfit you may have worn 20 times already.

Wardrobe staples should never be boring, they should always have a fashionable twist. When buying something you should be excited about wearing and styling it, otherwise it's not for you. Take a simple grey jumper, buy one with a pretty stitching detail, or a long line blazer with no lapels that you can belt and wear over pants or a shirt as a 'going out' piece and not just to the office. Aside from dresses which I personally only wear once and resell, I won't buy a piece unless I know I will get 20 easy wears out of it. I always ask myself can I layer that piece, especially if it's something I plan on wearing year round. Will that silk tank look pretty peeking out from under one of my knits as well as under my blazer? If you have a capsule of good solid pieces in your wardrobe they will act as the building blocks to your outfits and make dressing so much easier.

Organisation is Key

When it comes to storing your pieces thanks to shops like Ikea you now have no excuse for an avalanche to hit you every time you open a cupboard door. Take note of how different fabrics should be treated and they will thank you for it. Matching hangers are also an obsession of mine. You can purchase beautiful rose gold wire hangers like the ones shown above from Sostrene Grene. Another tip of mine is to place a diffuser in the back of your closet, it will gently scent your clothes and you'll feel like you're entering a spa everytime you open your wardrobe.

Fold: Always fold cashmere jumpers on a shelf in your closet, if you hang them they will become misshapen with time. Heavey pieces such as embroidered or embellished dresses should also be folded when possible as their weight will stretch them if hung. In addition, you run the risk if the embellishment rubbing off neighboring pieces and causing damage.

Hang: Coats and leather jackets are best kept on wide wooden or padded hangers to help maintain their shape. Silks should aways be kept on hangers and never folded as abrasions can damage the fabric. Try not to store long pieces such as gowns or coats in short closets.

Bag:  Keep leather handbags in cotton breathable dustbags, plastic will dry leather goods out over time and can cause it to rot.

Segregate: I like to segregate trousers, tops, t-shirts, dresses etc so that it's easier to locate what I'm after in the morning rush. Similarly keep all of your shoes and boots lined up in the base of your closet if you don't have a shoe rack or shelving. Keep your underwear organized in little drawer dividers so that you can easily grab what you need when dressing. Ziplock your tights into plastic bags to store until next winter if you're putting them away, the same when clearing out your bikinis. 

Unfortunately, this closet isn't mine, but I had fun browsing Pinterest for images for this article. It inspired me, even more, to get mine in top shape for S/S17. If you get to grips with yours please send me pictures! As always you'll find me on Snapchat @jodielawsonwood and Instagram @JodieWood_ xx

What I bought in the Christmas Sales!

Hey guys, sorry I have been quiet on the blogging front recently but I had a crazy few weeks with work and all of the festivities! I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas wherever you were! I spent mine at home in my parents house, Will was back in the UK...our last Christmas apart! I thought I would share with you what I ordered online in the sales this year. I was going to wait and show you when it arrives but I figure it may all be sold out by then. Sorry if any of it is already! I generally order bits I think I'll wear between now and spring but I also grabbed a few pieces for when it starts to warm up. I'll write the names of each piece as they appear on the sites along with their reference codes as some of them are gone from online already, they may still be in shops though! Happy Shopping!

Let's start with the mothership...Zara.

Sweater with A Roll Neck, €14.99 REF. 3859/132

I love this colour as it warms up the complexion and think this will be perfect with black skinnys or leather trousers! 

Basic Color Scarf €7.99 in taupe REF; 4219/229

I like having basic linen scarves in my wardrobe to dress up plain t-shirts or add a little warmth in spring when you are still a little chilly without a jacket or sweater. Zara do great ones as they're nice and long!

Long Tube Dress €25.99 REF. 5646/108

I love dresses this length, they create a beautiful silhouette and are super comfy to wear. I also adore anything that comes in grey as you may have noticed by now! 

Polo Neck Sweater €17.99 REF. 6771/124

I plan on wearing this over a white poplin shirt or maybe with a high wasted skirt... I'm not 100% on it but if it's not right at least it can go back!  

Mid Rise Coated Jeans €25.99 REF. 7147/223

I needed new black jeans and had been looking for a nice pair with rips that weren't too distressed and also weren't too black! I like that these are faded slightly and I love the zip detail on the ankle too!

Tie Up Leather Ballerinas €29.99 REF. 6444/001

I actually have a pair of these already and I adore them, I bought them in Spain in October. I grabbed a back up when they went on sale as I know I'll wear them to death in the spring! 

Grey sweatshirt €17.99 REF. 0264/581

I live in grey high neck jumpers, you can never have too many. 

Stripes and Poplin t-Shirt €9.99  REF. 0264/274

I love stripes, I think they look so fresh and chic. I also love that the bottom of this T is poplin, a shirt like material which will give it a little more shape. Perfect for spring!

Mango is my second favourite shop so I also purchased a few bits from them! Their sale is always amazing. I am dying for the day they open a proper shop in Dundrum, anyone who has been to a Mango in Spain knows the selection in House Of Fraser does not do it justice! 

Fine Knit Sweater €29.99 REF. 53060408

I love having fine knits in my wardrobe to layer as it comes into spring and pale grey is super fresh looking. They're also a great one to throw in your bag while flying incase you get cold onboard as they take up such little space in your handbag! 

Braided Cord Blouse €29.95 REF. 53073020

This looks so comfy and I know I'll wear this in the summer when I'm brown, I love white tops with blue jeans, something simple but fresh.

Flowy Blouse €24.95 REF. 51075522

I could easily wear this at this time of year with leather pants as I could in the summer with ripped skinny jeans or tucked into a skirt as shown. If I'm wearing something low cut I like it to be loose and flowy rather than poured onto me, sexy but still chic! 

Flecked Cotton Blend Sweater €29.95 REF. 53007659

I think I'll wear this with a white shirt peaking out underneath and grey ripped skinnys but I'll need to try it on, I'm worried it could be short and too boxy...we shall see. I love the black band!

Metallic Finish Sweater €29.95 REF. 53045693

I love metallics and I'm hoping this will be beautiful in person as it looks online. I think this would look fab in spring with white jeans too! I somehow managed to order 2 of these on Christmas day as I was doing my shopping so one will have to go back... hot port and online shopping do not mix!

I hope you guys can find some of these bits if you're after them, I know some of them are still available online! I hope everyone has a very happy New Year and let me know what you'd like to see next! Jodie xx

My Holiday Lookbook

If you follow me on Instagram you may have noticed that I have been in Spain for the last couple of weeks. As my family has a home in Marbella we know and love the area so have decided to have our wedding there. This trip was a little different to our regular holidays as we were running around meeting our wedding planners and visiting our venue etc. For appointments like such I wanted to look put together but comfortable at the same time. Hence I was reaching for cute day dresses and loose fitting items to try stay cool. Maxi dresses and skirts are my holiday staples and you may notice I'm also obsessed with anything white! I've also included some of my outfits from dinners and evenings out along with some of my favourite accessories! Enjoy!

Crop Top-Zara

Maxi Skirt-Mango

Shoes-Aldo

Jewellery-Parfois

Dress- "Laylah Dress" from Revolve Clothing

Wedges- Zara

Dress- Zara

Aviators- Aldo

Shoes- Aldo

Dress- BCBGmaxazria

Wedges- Zara

Dress- Mango 

Clutch- Sferia

Playsuit- Zara

Shoes- El Corte Ingles

Hat- Panama Official from El Corte Ingles