Fashion: Paisley prints and investment purchases

dress: Archive by Alexa for M&S | bag: Gucci | sandals: Topshop | watch: Links of London

I’m not going to lie, I had big plans for this week. With another trip lined up this weekend (this time to Ibiza for a few sunny days), I had hoped I’d get a chance to schedule some content. But in light of Friday, and with a stacking up work load, I just haven’t had the heart to write. I’ve had deadlines to stick to, packing to do, and birthdays and weddings to plan for. Yet I’ve been trapped in my own inertia. My good friend, nail artist (responsible for these beauties) and therapist, gets married this month. And I literally can’t wait to help her celebrate. It’s been so much fun to see all her planning, deciding whether to go for just miniatures for guests, and what little details that will make the day special. Yet here I am, barely able to string a few blog posts together… Pathetic much? Or just classic overwhelm when you’ve got a bit too much on your plate and you start to avoid doing anything at all?

I’ve been meaning to get photos and share this outfit for a while now. I know that Archive by Alexa Chung is kind of old news, but I’m still completely besotted with this dress. The print, the shape, the fabric. Every time I’ve worn it, I’ve always been inundated with compliments. Followed by shocked gasps from anyone who didn’t know about the Alexa Chung collection. It’s the sort of timeless piece that I know I’ll have in my wardrobe for decades. And after last month’s Feng Shui attack of my closet, it’s a good job, because I’m seriously lacking in staples. Paired with a classic black bag, and some cute sandals, it’s definitely my favourite sort of simple look for summer. When the weather will hold out.

This Gucci disco is something I’ve had my eye one for far too long now. I felt like it was classic enough to stand the test of time, while being reasonably enough priced to justify purchasing for everyday use (without living in almost constant fear that I might break, damage or stain it in some way). And after taking the leap the self employment (and finding that things are actually working out kind of great), I decided to treat myself. Sorry Dad. But it has been a pretty long time since I’ve treated myself to any designer goods. So maybe this one is justified? It’s the perfect everyday bag size, and while the leather is soft and supple, it’s hardwearing enough to resist scratches. Plus it goes with just about everything. And thinking about investing in items that work out cheaply in their cost per wear is a good enough justification for anything, right?