I love fashion . Let’s be honest I think most of us do! The thrill of finding the perfect outfit…

That doesn’t mean I know what I’m talking about. Hell no … I’m no fashionista. Far, far from it. I just like what I like be it in ‘trend’ or not.

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. 

When I heard about the second collection Alexa Chung was designing for Marks & Spencer’s  I must admit I got a tad excited. I didn’t however think I’d be-able to get my hands on any of it, expecting it to sell out more or less straight away.

So imagine my delight when I called into Marks last week and there it was sat smiling at me as I walked in. There was still a lot of stock available. Yay!

I tried on a few items but the one that stood out for me was the plain silk, oyster ‘Elland’ shirt . It can be yours for £35.00 and currently all sizes are available on-line. Perhaps there’s only me that likes it then!

Simple, pretty with a definite 70’s feel thanks to the slightly larger than usual pointy collar. It’s darling.

Bought …

Sold to the lady with the big cheesy “I got my hands on some #ArchivebyAlexa collection” grin.

So here’s how I styled it for  work today.

It wasn’t overly cold this morning (despite the forecast of snow) but I wanted to add some layers, because I’m nesh, but still keep it smart. This came in the way of a loose knitted tank top my mum had knitted for me some years ago , with my black H& M jacket over.

I wore it with my ‘god-send’ pleather leggings from Next ( I swear they’ll be walking by themselves shorty) and my trusty Dune Leopard heels both bought last year.

I kept my jewellery simple and quite ‘prim’ .

I wore a couple of pearl bracelets, my gran’s wedding ring  and my beautiful, chunky Rosefield Watch which I received as part of the  Sheer Luxe Beauty Box last month.

So what do you think?

I wore it on Saturday night (for its debut outing) by itself with just a pair of jeans.

Mum, dad , the BF and I  went to see The Elvis World Tour at the Sheffield Arena. It was a great night with 3 of the best Elvis impersonators performing all the hits…but that’s a story for another post …

I can see me getting a lot of wear from this shirt as its very versatile. A good plain base to work with and layer during the winter months.

I can see me teaming it with more tank tops . I do love a woolly tank top, they remind me of my granddad. I’ve always been partial to dressing like an old man.

I spotted this patterned knitted waistcoat  from Joe Browns  when Liz and I  attended the Autumn Winter Preview a few months ago.  It’s very Marmite – you’ll either love it (like me) or hate it.

I’d wear it with the Elland shirt, my dark denim River Island flares, tan boots and belt. Complete with my tan H & M mac over.

Pipe optional.

OR you could take the same shirt and tank top but wear it with a mini skirt , thick tights and knee high boots…

I’m thinking seventies styling like below (images courtesy of Pinterest).

I BLOODY LOVE THESE LOOKS /STYLING

It would  look great worn under this brown cord dungaree dress from New Look (below)which is currently in stock in all sizes and reasonably priced at £19.99.

Stick on a  baker boy cap , your  knee high boots and strut your funky stuff.

Perfect.

This is a look I will definitely be trying to recreate.

or this Corduroy dress below from ASOS £30.00 – it’s probably just a little too short for me, my flash your pants days are well and truly over!

For a smarter ‘work’ look this ASOS dress would be ideal. I’d just swap the shoes for a pair of ankle boots to toughen it up abit…

The options really are endless and I can’t wait to play!

Have you got the Elland shirt and how do you intend to wear yours?

Until next time, Tracey xx

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