Well, we made it through January! Between the current state of world political affairs (which I just can’t, and won’t ignore) and losing my beloved Uncle to cancer, it definitely goes down as one of the most emotionally taxing months I’ve known for a while. But no matter how trying the times, there’s always a way through. For me, that means reverting to my most introverted tendencies and taking it one day at a time until the storm passes; temporarily eschewing anything not immediately urgent or essential in favour of quiet hibernation, familiar comforts and small pleasures, and doing what I can to help make things a bit better for others worse off than me (as my readers so wisely reminded me, there’s no shame in admitting that life isn’t always Instagram-perfect, and the world is definitely not perfect right now).
While the January might be the most depressing month of the year in the Northern Hemisphere when it comes to the weather, those cold, dark nights do make for the perfect guilt-free excuse to embrace cosy hibernation and battery-resetting JOMO (the joy of missing out, or not having to fill your diary with important events and exciting adventures).
So while I could quite happily tuck myself indoors until winter is over with a stack of books, a Netflix queue of old movies, and a coffee table laden with Diptyque candles, the reality is that I have an office to go to (and a heaving workload to go with it), political causes to rally behind, wedding plans to make, and friends to see (who probably think I’ve gone and fallen off the face of the earth).
And if I can’t literally wrap myself in a furry blanket indoors, I’ll be wearing the closest thing I can (on days when a duvet and/or pyjamas are not socially acceptable). This outfit is pretty much the lazy girl’s guide to cold-weather glamour: a fur jacket that looks polished but feels like a cosy bear hug, a pair of black jeans that go with anything and require zero thought, red lipstick (to give the appearance of having made an effort), and a couple of fun accessories to make you smile. Fact (according to me): it’s scientifically proven your day will be 20% better when accompanied by sparkly shoes (that you can walk in) and a whimsical bag (that can still fit all the essentials).
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to need another flat white and a blowdry to face February front-on.
Wearing: Cambridge Satchel Co cloud bag (plain navy version here) c/- // Unreal Fur jacket (past season but similar style here) // GAP jeans c/- // Self Portrait top (just seen; on sale here) // J.Crew heels (past season but similar style here) // Chanel brooch // Z by Accessorize rose gold crystal ring // ASOS gold horseshoe ring // Alex Monroe gold love ring.
Beauty: Charlotte Tilbury ‘Carina’s Love’ lipstick // NARS ‘Gaiety’ blush // Deborah Lippmann ‘Naked’ nail polish.
How are you making it through winter? Please send all your loveliest hibernation tips my way!
Love, Miss B xx
Photos by Joe Galvin.
Ah man, I love these images! The coat and the bag are both to die for! I’m having a huge faux fur moment at the minute and the cute star print is just gorgeous!
Beautiful photos!
Ruth // ruth-writes.co.uk
Your bag is absolutely adorable!
Feel the need for a cozy bear hug with you – I’ll don my leopard coat to make it extra snuggly! Hope I can treat you to a Flat White soon. I’ve been in hibernation for too long. S x
Gorgeous photos! Your outfit and that cafe look super cozy. 🙂
Nora / http://dreamerachiever.com
Fabulous as always, love and huge hugs xoxo
Okay, I need this bag, it’s the cutest! Love your look and your lipstick, you look gorgeous. I love your lighter hair, suits you perfectly. Netflix is always a good idea and I know what you mean. We are actually always on the road on weekends for the blog and I have to say doing that makes you almost ignore the cold and get used to it. Love, Kirsten xx
http://www.thelifbissue.com
These photographs are stunning. I hear you on the big snuggly bear hug coats – I have one in my collection but am desperate to add more. It makes going outside that tiny bit less daunting. Never really looked into the Cambridge Satchel Company but having scrolled through their site inspired by your gorgeous bag, it now has a wish list dedicated entirely to it. For me, when the weather is dreary and life gets hard I like to throw myself into my blog. I know it’s cliche but it’s my escape, and it’s seen me through the good times and the bad. Failing that, there’s always Breakfast At Tiffany’s and a cup of tea ☺️
Your jacket is everything! I am looking for a faux fur jacket currently, yours is everything that I want! Thanks for the share.
You look gorgeous! I love that lip color on you.