Tuesday 25 September 2012

Matalan Style Project - English Heritage

A few weeks ago I was checking my email when I stumbled across one from Matalan asking if I would like to take part in their September Style Project!  Would I?  Of course!! I was grinning from ear to ear.

Matalan provided me with £50 online voucher (I chose to shop online because it's easier for me).  The theme given was English Heritage which I must admit scared me a little at first.  This was the brief: "Inspired by the lady of the manor and country pursuits, Heritage explores tartans, checks, leather and hounds tooth, mixed with alpine knits in sumptuous shades like wine and bottle green"  Sounds simple enough, doesn't it!

Well, I had a good look at the Matalan website and quickly found there was a lot of choice! I decided I wanted something that looked like I could be strolling around my estate, but I didn't want to go down the wellies or boots route, I thought it a little too obvious, so I decided to go for a look which could be dressed up or down to suit the occasion. Shades like wine and bottle green were easy to pick - they are some of my favourites anyway! I knew I wanted one statement piece, and as shawls are really 'in' this season, their dogstooth/houndstooth check shawl seemed the obvious choice. After that, I knew that I would have to go down the skinny jeans route because otherwise I'd look like a huge bag! I thought skinny cords would be perfect, a little more "country" than jeans, a little more sumptuous. I went for a teal pair. I know that's not bottle green, but it's in the neighbourhood!

Next, I needed something to wear under the shawl. It had to be something long sleeved to balance the look, but also nothing to "in your face" so I decided to keep it simple with a black long sleeved crew neck.

When I was browsing the Matalan website I stumbled across a skinny horse belt which I felt just screamed "lady of the manor" and country pursuits. I knew it had to become part of my ensemble!

To make this a smart look, I plumped for a pair of wine coloured block heeled ballet shoes - this heel type is all the rage this season, so I thought it an appropriate way to update a heritage inspired look. For example, I've just been out in my wellies walking the hounds, but I'm off out for lunch now, so I've slipped on my heels!! Haha...

I accessorised with a wine coloured satchel. When are satchels not in? Every lady of the manor needs a bag to keep dog treats in....

I was super excited when my package arrived - it was the moment of truth!! That's the trouble with compiling an outfit online (Matalan do have an "online dressing room" but unfortunately the items I wanted weren't available to "try on" there). All in all, I was very happy with the results. I would have loved to add some jewellery but I had to stick to my £50 budget and obviously for this competition we were only allowed to feature items from Matalan!



Well, the style challenge is now live and I am up against 3 other fantastic bloggers. I must say I'm hugely impressed with the looks they've chosen and it's nice to see we all look different! If you would like to vote for me (beg beg) then you can do so over here. I will be so so grateful if you can spare a moment to vote for me. It would be wonderful to win. I must admit I put a huge amount of effort into this challenge, even creating a peacock inspired eye make up look for my photos (not that you can tell that on the Matalan page of course, lol but I thought I would show it off here!). Of course, Peacocks are what I would have mooching around my mansion.. I enjoy being woken by their mournful sounds.

You wouldn't argue with this gorgeous Peacock, would you! Attitude!


Thank you so much for reading and again, if you vote for me, it will mean such a lot!!

Lately I've noticed my number of followers (now 65) climbing up which is wonderful. I feel I would like to say thank you to those who follow me, it does mean a lot. I've decided that when I read 100 followers I'm going to give away a gorgeous piece of Stella & Dot jewellery!

This post will be linked up with Transatlantic Blonde, Rae Gun Ramblings and The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday.

19 comments:

  1. You look fabulous, how on earth do you have such an amazing figure. I like the shoes! Nice touch with the belt too. Off to vote :) x

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    1. Thank you Karis! I wouldn't say it's amazing. Good maybe, though I've put on a bit of weight lately!! Thank you for voting! xx

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  2. Wow you look great,love your clothes and your make up :) I loved doing the Matalan style project...off now to vote :)great pictures...

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    1. Oo, you did it too? Cool! I've loved doing it!! I'm just concerned I won't do well at all considering the amount of followers the other ladies have! Thank you for voting! xx

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  3. The little horse on your belt is so cute, and I LOVE that caftan!
    XOXO
    -Daisy Nguyen from PS BANANAS fashion blog:
    http://psbananas.com

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  4. You are so good at putting outfits together. I love it all, but particularly a fan of the horse belt!xx

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  5. Super in love with that belt! You look great :))

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  6. Oh my god, I love that shawl!!! I must have it. I must have it right now! :)

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  7. great look, i think it matches the theme just fine!!
    love the shawl

    xo Jessica
    www.newlyloved.com

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  8. Loving your haircut and eyeshadow. I will be trying that look real soon. I found your site on What I Wore Wednesday and am now your newest follower. Come over and check me out at http://theserenasaga.blogspot.com.

    xx
    Serena

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    1. Thank you Serena! I'm off to check out your blog! x

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  9. Just voted! Good luck with your chic and gorgeous outfit!!! ~Sarah

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  10. Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.


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