It is often the case that the most sought after treasures are found in unexpected places. Last week I was browsing in Primark for some sensible, renovation-appropriate attire when I saw a white lace sleeve poking out from behind a mass of asymmetric dresses. When I finally unearthed it from a tangle of hangers and held it up to the light I found that it was perfect in every way. Very simple cotton lace with buttons running up the centre of the back. The only downside was the size - three sizes bigger than I wear but I added it to my pile none the less. When I finally made it to the changing room with slightly aching arms, I was very pleased to find that despite the size tag it was a very nice fit. Just a little over-sized but all the better for it. I practically ran to the till.








I was pretty sure that my luck had hit a peak for the day so off home home I went, walking through the New Town and past all the antique shops, which is where my second discover of the day was to be found. Nestled in a window of a wee shop just by the Botanic Gardens, amongst tea sets and antique sewing books was the smallest leather suitcase I have ever seen. I nearly didn't but I knew I to make it mine or I would always regret it. I bought it with the intention of storing bits and pieces but with the help of a borrowed strap I think it makes a nice little bag. Albeit a rather unpractical one, just enough room for life's essentials - rose lip balm, a little card envelope, my phone and reading material in the form of Company Magazine. Their new size magazine fits with not a millimetre to spare which might just be fate because... Just as I was leaving the antique shop, with my new suitcase wrapped in tissue paper I received an email for none other than Company Magazine informing me that Wayward Daughter has been nominated for two Company Style Blogger Awards.

Best 'We Love Vintage' Blog and Best Blog for Highstreet Lovers as well as in the over all category. It's tough competition and I'm up against some of my favourite blogs but if you like Wayward Daughter, you can vote here. Voting is open until February 11th, you can vote as many times as you like and there is also an option to win £250 New Look Vouchers. Thank you for reading! x

There are many stylish ladies that I look to when I am in need of a little inspiration. I often mention the most obvious contenders - Bloggers, 60's models, Edwardian daughters and of course a certain television presenter/muse/model. Only up until now I have failed to mention the ladies who constantly inspire my winter wardrobe - The Scottish Granny. These wee old ladies are always neat as a pin, whether they are shopping in Jenners or walking their Westie in Victoria Park. Always sporting tartan, velvet or tweed expertly pulled together with a lone gilt brooch or a genuine Tam O'Shanter hat.




I admire their stubborn resistance to change, unlike so many generations. Staying true to their style despite constantly moving fashions. Adam is forever pronouncing my outfit Like a Nana's, while some might be offended by this I can only grin and correct him - like a Granny, not a Nana. So, when I was tapped on the shoulder in the baking aisle of Hobbie Craft by none other than A Scottish Granny and asked where she might find a coat like mine I was more than a little pleased with myself. Only I had some trouble explaining that originally it came from Topshop but I bought it on ebay (both were met with a puzzled expression) after missing out in my size the first time and searching for it ever since. When I told her that I finally found it for under £20, she seized my arms and exclaimed "Oh Hen, what a bargain. Good lass!" and bid me a good afternoon. Leaving me feeling like the cat who got the cream.

These pictures were taken weeks after that conversation but this is essentially the same outfit. I had some trouble keeping my hat on and my hair from whipping around my face in wind but it was worth it to take in the view and giggle at where this sleepy cat choose for her bed.

Has it really been two whole weeks since I blogged last? Ouch! I've missed it terribly but I've just been so busy making Wayward Daughter frocks that I haven't had any spare time. Amongst other things I've been working on a few bespoke frocks for Audrey Grace Boutique, which have also been illustrated by Caitlin Shearer. I'm a huge fan of her work so I cannot even express how elating it is to see her take on my designs.

In a fickle turn of events Mother Nature sent an Indian Summer to the UK. If you follow me on Twitter you will have heard cries of my distress at this sudden transformation. Long story short, I adore October and did not want to forgo my woollens. Thankfully (for me) Autumn has returned to Scotland once more, rain and all. When I awoke to a damp and misty morning, I quite gleefully rummaged around in my wardrobe for a woolly jumper. In bleak February when winter has dug its stubborn heels in, I will without doubt look ruefully upon this post. Hopelessly daydreaming of an Indian Summer but for now I am very happy to have October.



My colour of choice at the moment is a Mushroomy grey, just like this jumper. It was an impulse buy from H&M, after actively avoiding shopping there for the past few years all of a sudden my whole wardrobe seems to be stocked full of their basics. Since I've been spending all my time drafting and sewing, it calls for practical, comfortable outfits. This one has been a staple over the past couple of weeks, with sewing machine friendly loafers, or desert boots if I'm lucky enough to leave the house but always accessoried with this heart necklace which was a gift from Far Fetch. We stole a few pictures yesterday on my coffee break, when it promptly began to rain… that's October for you!

Exactly one year ago today, I posted this set. I've blogged many outfits over the past few years but this remains one of my favourites. After a long week of daily outfits I wasn't really in the mood for stepping in front of the camera again so instead, here are my favourites from the first time around plus a few that failed to make the original cut.

I'm busy putting the finishing touches to my winter collection for Wayward Daughter and this Sherlock/Fantastic Mr Fox inspired outfit has been constantly on my mind, which is really quite fitting as this post was where the whole idea began.





On an unrelated note, the winner of The Vintage Tea Party Giveaway is Nicola Semple. Enjoy the book and apologies for the delayed announcement!

Leather Jacket - Vintage, Dress - c/o French Connection, Shoes - Forever 21,
Nails - Models Own Grace Green, Belt - H&M.
All summer long I've been meaning to make use of the bright evenings to capture a 'going out' outfit. I finally found an opportunity this weekend on our way out for a few drinks. Lace dresses, stupidly high heels, big hair and red lipstick are always high on my agenda when it comes to getting dolled up. Only this rosy dress, a gift from French Connection, called for something a little more subtle.




I found my much neglected leather jacket at the back of the wardrobe, a bit dusty, unloved and in dire need of an outing. The mossy nail polish was an impulse buy in the epic Models Own sale which I though married quite nicely with the dusky rose lace (its actually paler than in these pictures). I was able to forgo scarlet lips and backcombed hair but there was no way I could give up my heels! As for the spectacles, don't believe I have ever worn my glasses in an outfit post (or if I have it was a very long time ago). I don't wear them all the time, mostly just for sewing but after a busy week making frocks my eyes were tired and needed a helping hand.

Car Coat - Topshop, Sweater - H&M, Umbrella - Orla Kiely, Leather Skirt - River Island,
Nail Varnish - Models Own in Moody Grey, Patent Satchel - Cambridge Satchel Co. at Asos.

Little by little autumn is creeping in ready to banish summer for another year. I love living in a country with such distinct seasons (well, maybe not in the case of summer) and watching them change around me
but the next few months are my favourite time of year. Blustery days filled with romantic expectations for the coming season without the dreary reality of the long harsh winter. Hopefully there will be a few more warm days before summer bids us adieu but this weekend has been distinctly chilly. Not that I am complaining, it has given my an opportunity to wear some of the autumnal pieces the I've been gathering.

Quite uncharacteristically I've been buying basic, especially these huge jumpers from H&M. The shape is so simple that they are easily thrown on over frock which is pretty handy for surviving the fickle temperatures of late summer in Scotland. I won't lie, they are pretty much a blanket with sleeves (see funny arms shot) and oh-so-cosy for it.

I'm not sure how the leather skirt came about but all of a sudden I needed one, my life/wardrobe just wouldn't be complete without it. Not exactly in keeping with the rest of my attire but it has settled in reasonably well. I think I'll fashion a Louis Vuitton style leather collar to wear it with next and a big grey jumper for a not-actually-going-back-to-school outfit.