I got this term ‘core aesthetic’ stuck in my head and couldn’t remember why or where I’d gotten it from. Then I remembered it had something to do with letting Pinterest find your specific look. I typed ‘Chrissie core aesthetic’.
Here’s what it came up with for me…
Alternative and urban things like neon signs, a skull, tough but feminine style, a little bit of bling and even a bee – the symbol of Manchester.
Pinterest has well got me sussed!
I’d love to know what you get and if you agree?
My feet are the softest, most un-resilient feet that you can imagine so I’ve always worn soft leather shoes….or Docs, not quite sure why those are so comfy!? But I’ve had enough of buying leather shoes and vegan Docs are really expensive!
This is when I came across Koi vegan shoes. They’ve a reasonably priced brand that always have loads of sales on. These are obviously vegan with the black PVC fabric being very matte and thick. They are a lot lighter than chunky soled shoes and boots I had in the 90’s. Think hip-hop and goth street-wear, not Spice Girls, ha!
I’ve bought footwear from New Look since I was a teen, as they are always so comfy and affordable. So much of their footwear is now vegan too, like the boots below. You’d never know that the New Look boots are vegan as they have a slightly shiny leather-look finish. These also feel lighter than you’d expect.
I bought the batwings from Koi as soon as I saw them and then got the black boots from New Look a few weeks later. I bought boots to go with my wings! Nah, I’m joking, I’d been wanting plain black ankle boots for years, after I wore my old one’s to destruction.
The wings I attached (from Koi) have exactly the same finish as the boots (hurray!) and are padded for a quality look. I’ve been able to bend them around the boot slightly so I can walk in them properly.
I know having pale grey laces with hiking-style-boots is a trend that’s trickled down from the catwalks but I hate it. I replaced the grey laces with black ones from a pair of the Bloke’s old army boots.
I squashed the lace hooks closed with some pliers so they wouldn’t catch on the laces of the other boot and send me flying. Much betta!
I was impressed with the Koi packaging as each shoe came in a protective bag and the box had a hole and lots of silica packets to keep the shoes dry and aerated. The New Look shoes just came in a plastic bag, which I thought were a bit shite really.
I love both of my boots and the wings so much!
Rating 5/5 for everything!
My memory is so crap for these type of posts, I need to start writing this stuff down everyday.
Check out these eyebrows! I’ve fully grown them out so I can tweeze them back into a coherent shape easily. I‘ve given this top to charity as I constantly had to lint roller fluff off it. Ain’t no one got time for that!
Carrying on with trying to minimise my impact on the planet, I bought these Sustainable Essentials from Ecologue.
Me pissing around and doing The Dolly Parton Challenge.
After 1 wrong order (and a correction) and 2 stunning deliveries with flower delivery company Bloom and Wild, I ordered Lillies and white roses. The roses died long before the lillies even opened. I’ve learned my lesson and shall be buying from Tesco…or the garage from now on!
The most effective deodorant I’ve ever used is Ohii, Charcoal Natural Deodorant (which I like to think is pronounced ‘Oh, eye?’). It’s vegan, yay! But not refillable, boo!
Glycolic Acid is my friend once again in – the incredibly effective – Pixi, Glow Tonic. Cleanses, brightens and smooths without being too drying.
I’ve noticed that if I don’t pressure myself to go to bed and wake up at a reasonable time, I sleep much better. I go to bed around 1.00am when I’m actually tired enough to sleep and anytime I’ve had enough sleep is when I get up. That’s reasonable for me.
I’m also stressing less about what is supposed to be happening when and tend to just be content with what is happening now. Not caring about being in control of everything and just letting stuff play out is a lot less stressful!
I tried to get some style basics in the sales and had mixed success but I like these posts because they give you an idea of various brands sizing and quality etc.
Having three meals a day and eating a small breakfast before my body desperately needs fuel, so I have a clear head and the energy to put together something nicer later on.
I’ve gotten back into salad/deli type foods like humus, pickles, roasted peppers and tomatoes, crackers, seeds, nuts, stuffed vine leaves, chilled tofu (fried in toasted sesame oil and then chilled makes it taste like chicken breast for some reason) and so many condiments. There’s half a shelf full of them in the fridge lol BUT I’ve discovered my fave noodle place has stopped doing sushi! 😱
Greggs have launched their Vegan Stakebake and Vegan Sausageroll, so although I’m cheating with the gluten in the pastry, I still HAD to try them. Sadly I ran out of change and could only afford the stakebake, which was Delicious!
I couldn’t get my head into reading books over Jan so I’ve been reading blogs including Roses Have Thoughts , Square One Notes , Mae Polzine and Cosmopolitan, Red, and Vogue, which was in a two-for-one deal surprisingly. I’ve read some great interviews, features, tips and reviews.
Better than Human (with English subs) – this was similar to, but better than the Humans. Not as preachy and waster pacing and more relatable characters I thought.
Black Mirror series 2 – I really enjoyed this because it wasn’t as heavy as the first but still very poignant.
Black Lightning – Pop corn for the mind, with extra cheese. The quality of the fight scenes, the character arcs, the editing and the pacing of the story were all wildly uneven. The characters were likeable and the soundtrack consistently good though.
Santa Clarita Diet – featuring Drew Barrymore as a zombie and a wife and Mum. Once you get passed the clunky acting and awkwardly timed jokes in the first series and it just gets better and better. Brilliantly bizarre!
Cotton Vest from White Stuff – Generous fit, soft, pretty colour/style. Too expensive at normal price, plus the stitching detail goes a bit wonky above the buttons. I actually bought this to wear as a breathable, loose pyjama top.
Maroon Tee from Newlook – Lovely rich colour and so soft! I bought this to wear under jumpers or zip through hoodies.
Mustard and Pink Jumpers from H&M – Accurate fit but they are shapeless and feel like cheap 1970’s school jumpers but thinner. I love the colours and the length though so I’ll be wearing them with a short-sleeve flannel shirt underneath.
Cotton Rich Joggers from M&S – Generous waste, medium leg length (I forgot to get some from the ‘tall section’ lol). I have thick thighs, and what I call an ‘arse-extension’ as all the fat is on the top and back, rather than the sides of my butt and these are still baggy at the back!? The material has a yoga pant feel not a traditional tracksuit bottom feel but they are quite light and soft. Perfect for chillin but still presentable enough to go out in with ankle boots.
Shaggy Hot Peach Jumper from M&S – Flattering colour and so snuggly soft! Unlike the too-big trousers, M&S think this jumper is XL but it fits like a 14! Shockingly the seam of the arm half unravelled after an hour but I’ve sown it back up as its the last one in stock. So cozy, I’m going to be living in this for the next few months.
Jazzin Jane Trainer from Rocket Dog – Most of Rocket Dogs shoes are naturally wide fitting. These are breathable, soft and light, even though they have protective rubber soles. The chunky buckle is so easy to fasten.
Faux Cowboy Boots from Nasty Gal – Rubber sole is much softer than traditional wooden soled cowboy boots. Easy to walk in and I can wiggle my toes but the fit is slightly snug across the width of them. I could do with a 7 and half these days really. Bought more for posing, than walking in though so I’m not bothered.
Conclusion
Although people leave reviews online about fit and quality, I always thought that it’s mainly items on rails in shops that get put in the sale because they are low quality. I’ve changed my mind, and next time I’ll read more than just a few reviews!
I think sales are a good way to try out basics from brands that you’ve not bought from before.
Overall, I think I did well to get such huge bargains on the items that I’ll get a lot of wear out of. I know that at 5’8 I’m a bit leggy and that a shoe size 7-1/2 or 8 is difficult to find in fashion shoes, so I’m chill with that too.
Here are all of my style related posts from 2019. I hope they serve as inspiration if you are a little stuck for ideas or where to buy something.
80’s Alternative Urban Hoops – Claire’s; jumper EMP; Skirt EMP; Boots – Clark’s
Chillin Love Your Bones Tee – EMP.co.uk; Bootcut jeans – charity shop (originally Topshop); Dusky pink trainers (not shown) Nike custom Air Force 1’s
Pirate Wench Earrings – EMP; Blouse – Hell Bunny; Skirt – EMP; Leggings – Matalan; Boots – Ebay
Modern Vintage Blouse – Hell Bunny; Shrug – Joe Browns; Skirt – EMP; Boots – Joe BrownsSwing vests can create a more flattering shape than tucking in your tops, if you have narrow hips and/or a podge.
Urban Casual Vest – Boohoo; Utility pants – ASOS; Trainers – Zara
Tee Bloody Nora Pam
Autumn Smart Casual Shawl – Matalan; Leggings – Matalan; Boots – Lands End
Winter Smart Casual Jumper – Matalan; Jeans – ASOS; Over knee ridding boots (not shown) Shuh.
Alternative-Casual Tee – The Mountain; Arm warmers (worn under stripy top) – Forage; Boot cut jeans – Charity shop (previously Topshop); Chunky PVC ankle boots (not shown) Shuh
Pins Old English Company; Jenni Fairy W on Etsy; Punky Pins
Penguin Pin Kate Elford on Etsy
Christmas Tree Earrings Marks and Spencer
Mixture of classic 80’s and alternative 90’s. My style often crosses over the too these days. Both elements have come back around in various ways, as fashion always does.
❤Chrissie❤
I don’t always review single items of clothing, unless I’m really happy with them and want you to know about them too and I absolutely love this Lime Green, Snake Print Swing Vest £5 from George.
How Summery is this!
It’s such a bargain at £5 with adjustable straps, a soft jersey material that doesn’t feel like it will bobble, a decent length and a really flattering swing cut. Unusually for me, I got a size 10 as I knew it would fairly roomy from the reviews but they go up to size 24 (my Mum was a 20-22 and she always loved George clothing).
This is me and my podge (after having four cans of non-gluten free larger the night before) and as you can see, when the vest isn’t pulled tight it just skims over it perfectly! I also have deep stretch marks above my boobs but by raising the straps slightly the neckline covers them, while still looking sexy.
This would be a great day-to-night top if you added gold statement earrings or bracelet and heels. My only niggle is that it’s more acid yellow then a true lime green but everything else about it makes up for that.
❤Chrissie❤
Casual
Fancy
‘Knife edge’ Hoop earrings – Matalan
Faux Leather Biker Jacket – River Island
Badges – Charity Shop
Studs – EMP
Cardigan – Next
Checked Flannel Shirt – Charity Shop similar here
Mini Skirt – EMP (last season) EMP
Tights – Next
‘Vonda’ Boots – Dr Martens
❤Chrissie❤
I’ve been a bit of a nomad these past few months going between home, my blokes flat and his Dads. No wonder I haven’t been sleeping, my body doesn’t know where ‘my own bed’ actually is anymore! Here is a two month round-up for you.
October (a fair bit)
I reviewed this Maleficent tee which I bought from Pop In A Box who sell Funko Pops! but also other alternative pop-culture things.
I was lucky enough to get gifted some products from my one of my fave natural brands Yaoh to review. Total skin saviours in the crazy changing Autumn weather.
With Halloween coming up I put together a Modern Witchy OOTD. I’ve found that this style of dress is perfect if you want something over-the-knee and strappy but have a bit of belly as they emphasise the right curves and hide the ‘I’ve eaten way too much pizza’ kind. I also love this style of boot because they look stylish, don’t cut across legs mid-calf (which is never flattering) and the heel is low and chunky enough to support a wobbly wench like me.
It was my blogs 6th birthday! I’m so glad that I’ve stuck with this particular blog for six whole years and that you’ve all stuck with me too. Thank you so much!
Dyspraxia Awareness Week (7th-13th Oct) celebrated 30 years. For any posts I’ve written relating to Dyspraxia just type the word into the search bar on the lower right side of this blog.
I reviewed Ciate Dewy Stix in Gleam Gold and had mixed feelings about it.
I bought some seasonal and creepy-cute pins from Little Lefty Lou and Em & Sprout (the cat I’d previously bought from Punky Pins and it tends to spin around upside-down unfortunately).
I put together 6 Simple Autumn Style Essentials as we all want to be stylish and warm!
For Halloween I also treated myself to these pre-loved Monster High dolls from ebay which were about a quarter of the price they would have been new. One is a punky vampire and the other is a goth looking ghost. #stylegoals
I reviewed Ciate polish in Paradise Lost – part of their Gelology collection as it’s perfect for Autumn and the upcoming party season.
I compiled a list of Spooky TV Shows to Binge Watch – old and new.
I was so happy to be gifted these beautiful Moonstone rings from Gemstone Silver Jewellery to give my thoughts on.
I bought the oversized bat-wing jumper from Boohoo and lived in reviewed it. Why I look like the actor Ron Perlman in this particular photograph I don’t know.
November (not so much)
My hair was very happy that I reviewed this Shampoo and Conditioner from Yaoh but I begged to differ at one point!
10 Cozy Ideas for Autumn & Winter. I love doing posts like this each year as it makes me feel all cozy and optimistic for the months ahead.
I was gifted an Exercise (resistance) Band by Care Co. and had a lot of fun and some mishaps reviewing it.
When Hunkemoller asked my to choose something from their range of PJ’s and loungewear range I knew I wanted these velour joggers immediately. Here’s what I thought of them.
I thought it only fair to share My Autumn and Winter Skin and Hair Saviours with everyone.
I’d say this photo pretty much sums up my October and November lol
❤Chrissie❤
Well this is a bit late as the very end of August caught me by surprise for some reason.
Style
I bought this Rick & Morty tee from EMP and it’s a slim but flattering fit, soft material and a good length for tall gals.
I reviewed some gorgeous iridescent trainers by Hype.
I was prepared for the weather changing (before the resurgence of the British heat wave) and picked out some easy Autumn fashion ideas.
Food
As a vegetarian with a wheat and dairy intolerance, I often get asked “Then what do you eat?” I decided to show everyone what’s in my fridge (items in door included).
Beauty
I bought two two products from two different ranges by Nip and Fab, that compliment each other really well. They also look a little different too! Here’s my review.
It took me a long time to realise I was defeating my hair just by washing it the wrong way, before I even started styling it! Here are my tips for turninig thick frizz into shiny waves.
I think this is fairly self explanatory, here it is.
Random
The Bloke mentioned that I tend to look very serious in a lot of my selfies so I took some silly one’s when we were having a laugh.
❤Chrissie❤
