Happy New Year! We made it through the first week of January which is always a dreary time of year for me. The transition from sleeping in and eating with abandon, to getting back to business as usual is quite a gear change – and not one that happens overnight. It’s fair to say that it’s taken a week to regain my equilibrium. From now on we can look forward to more daylight and the shops being full of Easter eggs – it’s happening already!
I don’t really make New Year resolutions for two reasons: mainly because it can set you up for failure if you go off track early on, but also because if it’s important, why wait until the new year? Start when impetus strikes and resolve is strong. January has to be the hardest time to start something that’s going to be a challenge. However, one thing I AM embarking on for 2017 (that definitely doesn’t require deprivation) is a brand new link up! Starting my own blog link up has been on my to-do list for ages, and finally I’ve got my act together. Finding a name wasn’t easy, but as looking good and feeling good go together hand in hand, I decided to call it Style With a Smile. You can add your outfits at the bottom of the post 🙂
Now on to what I’m wearing. As unlikely as it may seem, the starting point for this outfit was actually the beautiful crystal necklace from Eternal Collection. You may remember the stunning Akoya pearl necklace that I wore in this post back in October (I’ve worn it lots since then, including on Christmas Day). Well, the lovely team at Eternal have wowed me once again with this elegant Aurora crystal necklace. It’s in sale at the moment along with many other amazing pieces of jewellery, so if you feel like treating yourself (or someone else) pop over to Eternal for a browse.
I love the elegant design of the Aurora crystal necklace, and how the toggle clasp and heart charms are the focal point. It was only when I came to write this post that I noticed I’d fastened it with the T-bar back to front…and my husband made such an effort to photograph it looking just so! The crystals are midnight blue/black with an aurora borealis (AB) coating, which produces an iridescent effect and looks particularly beautiful when the light catches it.
It would have been easy to just wear the necklace with a black outfit but I was craving something more colourful. Looking through my wardrobe I was drawn to the deep inky tones contrasting with the neutral snake print in this blouse. I think it compliments the necklace well. The Asos mustard trousers provided the punch of colour I needed. They’re surprisingly versatile and I’ve worn them several times before on the blog (with black, purple and even pink!) The outfit needed another colour accent so I added a burgundy crossbody bag…and has luck would have it, I picked up these shoes in the exact same colour in TKMaxx for £15 a couple of months ago. They are incredibly comfortable with a cushioned insole. The RRP on the label was £110 so I guess I got a good bargain there!
At the last minute I decided to wear the hat, which prompted my daughter to shout from the doorway “You’re a cowgirl mummy, shout YEEHAW, go on DO IT, DO IT!” So, of course I had to do it in order to finish the photos. The neighbours probably think I’m crazy!
Trousers: Asos (similar)| blouse: Mary Portas (similar save or splurge) | shoes: Geox (similar here and here, and I love the heels on these) | bag: Paul Costelloe (similar) | hat: Zara (similar) | necklace*: Eternal Collection
Disclaimer: I was gifted the necklace but all my opinions are completely honest and unbiased.This post contains affiliates links which means I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps towards the running costs of the blog and is very much appreciated.
Yeah congretulations on your first linkup! And what a great name for it! I love your outfit, what a fabulous blouse and so perfectly styled with those trousers!
Thanks Nancy!
Wonderful outfit – I love the color mix and the fab accessories. Thanks for sharing at Vis Monday, xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thank you Patti!
Such a fun top!!
Jaymie
Thanks Jaymie!
Congrats on having your own linkup, Emma! So exciting. Resolutions are tough. A friend told me she prefers to look for inspiration in the world, rather than making resolutions. Her inspirations drive her to do better, be better, and drive her to achieve her personal goals. I love it! So that’s what I’m doing this year.
–Roxanne
http://glassofglam.com
Thank you Roxanne! That’s a lovely idea 🙂
I love this color combination- this gives me an idea- thank you!!
Thank you Joi! So glad you linked up your fabulous outfits 🙂
How weird is that? Just signed up to do a linky too! We can support each other! Re tweeting now xx
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
Great minds think alike hey? 😉 Thanks for the RTs 🙂 Looking forward to joining in your link up!
Such a pretty piece!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thank you Ashley 🙂
I love this outfit! You are so creative with color combinations – very bold! I’m not sure I could pull it off, but you look fabulous! xx
Thank you Tianna! It was one of those times where I just tried something to see if it worked…and to my surprise I liked it 🙂
The necklace is so pretty and sparkly! I love the pieces from Eternal; they have SO MANY THINGS it is hard to choose! xx
It is VERY hard to choose – but it’s a nice problem to have 🙂
Hi Emma
I LOVE your pretty delicate necklace from Eternal. With many large jewelry pieces out there, it is nice to also see and own some more delicate styles. Love the irridescent effect too. The top is a great choice and I love the purple, mustard combo with your magenta shoes and bag. I love seeing different color combos on ladies as it is a great inspiration! Haah! What the kids make you do! 🙂 Happy to join in your linkup! congrats
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thanks Jess! Yes, although I am a huge fan of the statement necklace it is nice to have some classic pieces, and Eternal do those so well. Thank you for linking up 🙂
Yay!!! So happy to link up with you beautiful!! That necklace is darling and you shine, so pretty!
Thank you Andrea! It’s lovely to have you link up 🙂
I love your bold colour choices mixed with the animal print!
bisous
Suzanne
Thank you Suzanne 🙂
This is such a pretty necklace. Love the blouse too.
Nina
Nina’s Style Blog
Thanks so much Nina!
Great necklace! I love crystals!
Xx
Molly
http://www.trendychickadee.com
Thank you Molly 🙂
Nice pants!!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: SHOPPING OUTFIT + 6 RULES FOR TAKING YOUR MAN SHOPPING!
Thank you Monica! I have them in four colours 🙂
These colors pair so well and the hat is the perfect touch to this outfit!
Thank you Fonda!
Pretty necklace, and I like your blouse!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thank you Amy Ann 🙂
I love this color combo! So bright and fun. Thanks for linking up for The Weekly Style Edit. xo ~ Megan The Fashionista Momma
Thanks Megan! Hope you have a great weekend 🙂
What a fun outfit! Love how you styled it 🙂 Happy weekend!
Liz
http://Www.lizzieinlace.com
brilliant color combination and you’ve put together a very striking look. thank you for sharing your style inspirations with my Fine-Whatever link up.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
Stunning outfit, and Eternal Collection are fab aren’t they, love the necklace x
Thanks Vicki! Yes Eternal is a treasure trove of stunning pieces 🙂
Oh, congrats on the new link-up! I just love the name and will definitely add it to my list.
Your necklace and shoes are just divine. I like how they compliment your look wonderfully! Thanks so much for linking up with Fabulous Friday!
Thank you Jennie!
Your bold mix of colors and patterns really works and looks gorgeous! I feel crystal pieces can be so subtle yet stand out with their simplicity at the same time. Your hat is beautiful and of course, I adore the hat band! Bravo on your ensemble; thank you so much for sharing your fabulous style with Hat Attack!
Thank you so much Judith! See you again soon at Hat Attack!