The End

Today is my final post on the blog. It has been a great 10 months documenting some of wears and cares to you all. Having started out as a side kick hobbie with no expectations and only as a platform to document my own musings, I was surprised at the interest beyond the scope of my friends and family. I have realised that a blog deserves dedicated time to deliver quality posts to its readership and just like many of you I lead a normal low key life juggling work with domestic duties. I keep a little journal of post ideas that seemed to get longer with few to none getting ticked off, which made me realise I am not giving the blog the time and dedication it needs to remain interesting.

I became intrigued at the volume of you checking in day and daily from far flung locations with no advertising or endorsements, reaching more than 35 countries and having hit over 65,000 views in these few short months and I can't thank you enough for your support and interest.

My philosophy is simple. Wear clothes that make you happy and feel good. A happy woman is a beautiful woman. And if you were to wear one thing, make it a smile. Everything else will go in and out of fashion!

Without the blog I am looking forward to spending my free time running after my niece and nephews, planning treasure hunts, baking cakes and getting back to the day job.

You can still catch me over on Instagram @wardrobe_wears and @treiseb

It's been fun.

Thank you and love to you all.

Treise xxx

 

Molten Metallics

Taylor wedge pump @ L K Bennett £185 -£145 in the sale.

Spring has sprung and as the evenings lengthen the trouser hem's are preparing to shorten casting all relic of winter boots and woolen socks in exchange for full exposure of the ankle. The flat is the perfect transition shoe for spring. It allows us to bare the first flash of skin after a season of thermals and tights but should you be caught by April showers they can still be accessorised with a stocking for those unpredictable days. The sheer functionality and fit of a flat will never be overlooked. They allow for fast dressing and fast feet when comfort and style are required. Metallics are a huge trend for spring/Summer. If you are looking to adapt the trend in a more subtle manner, accessorising with molten metallics is the easiest way. Shimmering shoes have been seen everywhere but my favourite store to adopt the trend this season has been L K Bennett, a high street hero that delivers on luxury and quality. Their 'Quality Street' inspired hues have me tempted but with such a choice I have been struggling to pick just one.

1. Irani £165

2. Patsy £165

3. Paige £210

4. Taylor £ 185 -£145

5. Morgan £175 -£125

6. Tia Saffiano £185 - £145

7. Taylor £185 - £145

8. Patsy £165

9. Paige £210

My favourite tone is the mad metallic blue and I am lusting after the Tailor in that colour as featured in this weeks 'Wardrobe Want' which would make the perfect everyday flat but I adore the block heel detailing of the Tia Saffiano in the same colour. Luckily both are on sale!

Log on to the blog tomorrow for a little announcement.

Treise xxx

 

Belfast Fashion Week

River Island jacket, Next silk T-shirt, Reiss trousers, LK Bennett pumps, Hobbs necklace and Marc Jacobs bag

Last night I popped along to the opening night of Belfast Fashion Week for a night showcasing local designer's and boutiques at The Ulster Museum overlooking the city's Botanic Garden. Entering its 10th year there was a sense of celebration as the occasion is now an established event in the city's social scene.
 

I went for an Emmanuelle Alt of French Vogue look, queen of black tailored pants and statement topcoat. Simply accenting black with beige and a touch of gold hardware.

Style icon and Editor in Chief of French Vogue, Emmanuelle Alt.

 

Bag packed with the essentials, prescription sunglasses, tickets and some red lipstick. Don't worry I didn't go all Anna Wintour with sunglasses on in the front row.

 

After a tasty bite in my new favourite Belfast eatery Conor, we made our way over to The Ulster Museum where sponsors West Coast Cooler provided a drinks receptionist on arrival. We were allowed early access to the venue and treated to reserved seating in the front row with possibly the best seats in the house at the end of the catwalk.

 

We were each gifted a goodie bag including make up and hair care products along with discounts and vouchers for Andrew Mulvenna Hair and the Make up Pro store.

We were treated to designs from Nor Lisa as well as miliner and jewellery designer Grainne Maher and collections from Cruise, Harrison, Blush and Jourdan. The piece that really caught my eye came from jewellery designer Rachel McK. I feel in love with her finale piece, this large white ruffle necklace £410. I think this is one lady to watch. A little gift of a Perspex ring from the designer was also included in our goody bag. It was a fun night shared with good friends, good food and fashion. The week continues with the High Street Edit tonight, a charity challenge hosted by make up pro Paddy McGurgan on Friday in Stormount, Fashion High Tea sponsored by Cruise in Saphire on Saturday and finishing with food and fashion with Style Sunday in Shu.

Treise xxx

High End v High Street

 

Payday may have just hit but if your hoping to update your wardrobe, here's my guide to some budget buys that won't have you sacrificing for style.

Handbag

Anya Hindmarch v Next

£450 v £23

Anya Hindmarch is my ultimate handbag heroine. I love her detailed designs, carefully labelling and monogramming her bags. They are classics and will stand the test of time. Her Carter range first designed two decades ago is a favourite of mine. This version from next pays homage to it. Perfect if you are looking a hangs free bag for shopping or keeping your camera safe sight seeing or at summer festivals.

 

Sunglasses

House of Holland v Le Specs

£150 v £60

I love sunglasses. Maybe it's an occupational hazard being surrounded by them at work or the practical need for them for prescription purposes. Either way they are a wardrobe must for me. I love classic styles like the Wayfarer by Rayban or the Baroque by Prada, iconic designs both in my collection but there has been a revolution of quirky patterned styles making a comeback. I love the nautical striped pair by House of Holland but Le Specs are becoming the go to brand for channelling that 60's vibe. Their price point makes it easy to buy into this trend without comprising on quality, which I often feel is the difference between high street and designer sunglasses.

Waistcoat

DKNY V Next

£345 v £35

This is one of my favourite items in my wardrobe. I have been on the hunt for the perfect sleeveless jacket and found it in this Next piece. I love wearing it to work instead of a blazer with ankle grazers and heels and at the weekend I pair it with faded boyfriend jeans and white t-shirt. It is the perfect spring addition to my wardrobe.

Total spend

Designer v High Street

£945 v £118

With a saving of £828 it's easy to see who wins this round.

Treise xxx

 

Bomber Jacket

Topshop jacket & bag, J brand cargo pants, Moda in pelle pumps

Some trends I know are just not for me. I know my style and my body shape, so establishing what will suit me when my idle fingers flick through the monthly subscriptions isn't an exact science. One trend I mistakingly by-passed was the rise of the bomber jacket. It's unfitted form and general masculine appeal didn't appeal to my fashion senses. However the re-style of this fighter pilot staple with abstract prints to floral patterns has me re-engaged in its form. It is the perfect update for the new season when you are looking for that top layer to take you into spring. There are plenty of fun floral patterns out there so you can have fun adding colour and texture to your wardrobe.

Topshop jacket, Current Elliott jeans, Tory Burch bag, L'wren Scott for Bobbi Brown lipstick in wine, Gianvitto Rossi pumps.

I have worn it with utilitarian cargo trousers and a simple white t-shirt and flats for a casual off duty look. I love the deep pockets of this Topshop version, making it an ideal run around. To give a lady like look I would simply pair with turned up jeans and a pointy toe pump and finish with a swipe of your favourite lipstick. Add a pair of Ray Bans and you've got the all American military look complete.

Some of my favourite bomber jackets

 

1. Mango £29.99

2. Maison Scotch £124

3. Sandwich @ House of Fraser £145

4. Oxygen boutique £68

5. Sister by Sibling @ Netaporter £280

6. Topshop £50

7. Mango £29.99

8. Erdem @ Mytheresa £1,410

9.Oliverbonas.com £55

10. Anhhan @ coogles £350

11. Mango £29.99

Treise xxx

Pink & Blue

Whistles top, Accessorize necklace, Oasis jeans, Reiss pumps, Anya bag

I was on double duty on Saturday night with two birthday's and an engagement celebration. It was a low key affair so I slipped on one of my favourite new season purchases. This oversized crepe blouse from Whistles is the perfect transitional piece to update your wardrobe. With a colour clash necklace and heels or boyfriend jeans and sneakers, this piece can take you from day to night all year through. I was surprised how it's colour impacted my cheekbones, with it's cheery colour immediately brightening my mood.

 

I love the girl meets boy colour combo of pink and blue.

 

 

am: Topshop jeans, Tory Burch shoulder bag and Whistles trainers

The crepe top is an ideal piece to see you from am to pm. This is how I would wear it for a lunch date with the girls, then onto cocktails in the evening.

Treise xxx

 

Simple layering

 

Work wear has to be practical. With a chill factor still in the air, layering is my default choice. My new Peter Pilotto for Target top became my starting point. With a flower bomb base I layered with simple conservative basics for work with a little sleeve exposure to reveal the under layer. A simple palette allows the pattern peaking out to come into focus. Just finish with accessories in a colour tone of the layered pattern and your ready.

 

 

A statement necklace glams up workwear basics.

Treise xxx

Peter Pilotto for Target

 

While the fashion mob are currently sitting Frow (front row) at New York Fashion Week, we can all get our own little Sunday fashion fix as we prepared to worship at the fashion alter of Netaporter this morning for the launch of the Peter Pilotto collection for Target. Sunday morning snoozes where postponed as ladies this side of the pond got their fashion fingers ready to grab a little piece of the designers collection without having to forgo food or rent for the coming month.

 

Log on now, before it sells out. With prices starting at £15, your sure to find something from this power print collection. I've managed to grab all my favourite pieces at 9am this morning. All to be delivered in a sought after little black box.

.

Frugal Fashion with all the frills.

Treise xxx

 

Don't give up the day job!

 

I have been quieter on the blogging front of late. My diary has been full of daily appointments this past two weeks with brand and eyewear representatives, selecting new season collections for work. For those of you that don't know, I work for an independent optical boutique and purchasing is perhaps one of my favourite tasks.

It is always exciting to see full collections as I appreciate the form and flair of more adventurous designs which might not always be relevant for our customer. With buying new collections, the biggest task is to evolve patient's style, taking them in a new direction from their previous purchase but still remaining true to their style. Buying seems simple but it determines the success of a brand or collection. Form, fit and function are my three buying philosophy's.

Beyoncé has been spotted in these two sunnies

With a myopic prescription long established, I have a personal interest in the collections. Since a child, my eyewear has been an important and integral part of me and I have always felt the impact a good frame has on my style and confidence. So some personal shopping always gets factored in.

 

These new Gucci's will be perfect at keeping the perspective summer sun out.

Back soon

Treise xxx

 

Bake off

You've heard the news updates. Today is the most depressing day of the year, better known as Blue Monday. Perhaps it's the failed New Year's resolution's and diet attempts, or the financial implications of splurging on the credit card over Christmas. Privileged to be on my day off, I decided to beat the blues and keep busy with all things that make me happy.

Contrary to a post dedicated to items of clothing or purchases to help perk your mood, I believe true happiness that lasts only exists from within. Granted, finding the perfect handbag or little dress that slims you down and makes you feel like a better version of yourself can rise the happy hormones but today I'm settling for much simpler joys.

With the midst of winter in full flurry this morning with frosty fog and glistening blades of grass greating me at my window, I waited for the sun to scale the sky and thaw the trenches and went for a walk around the farm inhaling the cool crisp clean air. I always find nurture in nature.

A routine savoured for the weekend, I find comfort in the bottom of a bowl of home made porridge to get the day off to a good start.

My favourite pastime to cheer my winter disposition would be to bake. I often find peace and solace in the battering of the mixer against the steel bowl. Perhaps it allows me to hear my thoughts when all other sounds are drowned out with its clanges.

With a recent request for some chocolate cupcakes, I scavange the cupboards for the ingredients and tighten the strings of my apron.

I often bake for family and friends and love gifting someone with a box of baked goods. I feel they embody all my love and is the greatest and simplest gift you can give someone.

Having watched The Food Network for numerous years, notably East Hamptons resident Ina Garten and Londoner Nigella, I have perfected my chocolate cupcakes through tried and tested variations from books and receipes, which I have included below. Everyone needs a chocolate cupcake in their resume.

Treise's Chocolate cupcakes

250g room temperature butter

250g granulated sugar

175g self raising flour

50g plain flour

50g Cocoa powder

3 large room temperature eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract ( never essence)

175ml milk

Using a K mix paddle, cream the butter and sugar. Start adding some of the dry ingredients, alternating between wet and dry until all is incorporated. Finally add 2 teaspoons of coffee to enhance the chocolate flavour.

As well as store cupboard staples I always have a collection of cases and cupcake accessories at hand for baking. It allows you to whisk something together instantly that will look pretty and presentable.

Using an ice cream scoup, place the batter into the cases and bake at 180 c for 25 mins.

Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack to let the air circulate before decorating with buttercream.

The perfect way to cheer up the 'Monday Blues'

Time to share the love with family.

Treise xxx

 

Shoe Special - Day 5 - Classic Court

Next Shirt & Jumper, Oasis trousers, LK Bennett courts, Michael Kors bag, Hobbs necklace, Prada eyewear

I'm the sort of girl who could happily live in flats. If my feet aren't happy, my mood will reflect that. So I am always in search of footwear that will boost my height and my mood. An everyday footwear essential is a court shoe. It's closed in toe and simple form give it an everyday appeal and will see you through your working week in a suit to your jeans on the weekend. To avoid an overly conservative look, search for a pair with a little hardware like this LK Bennett pair. Its block heel is its key to comfort.

 

 

Ankle grazers and a carmel knit with a sharp white shirt make for today's casual Friday look.

 

 

Add a small clutch with gold detailing to update for Friday night.

 

Treise xxx

Shoe Special - Day 4 - The Stiletto

 

 Cos jumper, Next waistcoat, Warehouse trousers, Reiss heels, Topshop bag

Today's choice is the classic stiletto. You may have seen me sport this Brina heel from Reiss on previous occasions. It was my star buy of last summer and always gets a weekly outing. They manage to create a little bit of magic. Lifting me to the perfect height off the ground, give a leg lengthening effect and always look flattering on the foot. I think this is due to the form fitting design of this pair which cut away and expose certain point's of the foot. Who knew a simple heel could do so much?

 

Brina Court @ Reiss

 

Rather than stick to the safety of a black heel, I've opted for a textured blue suede pair. It is a versatile colour as it can be matched with both black and navy trousers, along with whites and can be used as a colour block base. A perfect addition to any wardrobe.

 

 

They are ideal for today's masculine outfit. Their asymmetric form works well against the two tone block jumper and waistcoat combination which is another alternative to the work suit. With an over sized top half, the slim fitting trousers and fitted heel manage to create a balance of proportions.

Treise xxx

Shoe Special - Day 3 - Leopard Print

 

Reiss blazer, Karen Millen shirt, Baxter jeans, Whistles heels, Anya Hindmarch bag

 

I wish I had a job where I could trot round in fancy footwear, the type magazine editor's wear when they pose for their self portrait for the editor's letter in front of their desk with arms folded standing tall in next season's laced up Louboutin's or Manolo's. However as powerful as a good heel makes you feel they can kill my stamina and my feet after a long day. This week I am charting my go to footwear. Whilst I dream of daintily dancing around in candy striped Sophia Webster's or glistening canary pumps from J crew in this weeks triple treat of Wardrobe Want, I find refuge in comfy, stylish, wearable everyday footwear to take me through the day. Next up is my trusted leopard print pony skin heels. They are my go to shoe when I'm dashing out the door. Perfect with jeans, tailored trousers or a little black dress. Second to a black stiletto, they are my 'must have' shoe.

 

 

 

 

 Kurt Geiger Buckingham £295 £75

 

 

A street style serene shows us how to wear with a skirt.

 

 

My top tips for picking the perfect pair.

 

Material - Where possible find a pair made from a natural material such as pony skin. The texture adds richness.

 

Tone - Pick your perfect shade of carmel. It will provide a neutral base for matching up.

 

Height - A kitten heel works best and can be worn as a day time staple. Avoid a very heel in the print as it may look out off place in the office or running after the kids.

 

Treise xxx

Shoe special -Day 2 The Pump

Zara blazer, Topshop shirt & bag, Reiss trousers, M&S pumps

Some days just call for comfort. Enter the classic pump. We all have accumulated a collection in our wardrobes and they will always be called upon when the feet get weary. When I'm buying a pair I always consider material and quality. I like them to hold their structure and ideally I like a little block heel just to give me a few extra inches and give a more dressier appeal.

I found this little pair in the back of the shelf in Marks & Spenser's before Christmas. They are everything I have been looking for in a pump with a slight Mui Mui influence with the block heel and some sparkle.

This is my version of a work suit today. Playing up the embellished look with some sparkle in a bottoned up blouse and a little box bag keeps the whole look paired together.

Treise xxx