A little bit under a week ago, I posted this about a lovely cardigan I received courtesy of Merc. Since I got it, I've been styling the cardi in a number of different ways. Here are three I've taken some pictures of:
1. This is England '86. Ish.
Well, I guess its not quite really. I never wear jeans. I dislike them a lot. I find them uncomfortable and unflattering and I just don't like them. However, teaming some skinnies (£8 Primark) with my New Look pussy bow blouse and my Merc cardi made me feel a little more girly.
I love the colour of this cardigan and I think the royal blue makes it feel very classic and timeless. I love the 80s mod look that this outfit has. I feel very '86. I'm usually pretty girly, but although its very androgynous - taking inspiration from Lol and her love for checked shirts and Doc Martins - I might be tempted into something like this for a change, although to be honest with you, I think I'll have to lose a few pounds first. The whole male/female/which one is it? look doesn't go too well with the whole boobs and hips thing giving you away.
I made sure to add plenty of blusher and lipstick - with my hair being so short, and the outfit so boyish, its important to slap on the slap. Had I had a bit more time, I'd have liked to try out some make up looks with a bit more colour and a heavier eye. You can find some This is England make up look tutorials on Youtube, here for Kelly, and here for Smell.
2. Leather
To test the product I wanted to see if it could break the boundaries imposed on it by the styling of the collection. I tried the only thing I could think of which was as far from 80s' Mod as possible - and what did I come up with? 50s Tea Party. Much more my style, I must say. Here I'm wearing my navy and white polkadot dress which I bought from New Look this summer. I wore the cardigan open and added some cheap faux pearls - £2 at Primark for 2 strands. I'd pair this with peeptoes or pumps and a nice vintage handbag in the crook of my arm.
I found that one thing was essential for all these looks and that is make-up. I guess if your hair is longer, you might not need as much help but I found that because the cardigan is classic and plain, I needed some colour on my pale pale face to stop me from looking boyish.
Overall though, I love this cardigan. I think it is one of those pieces which will be a feature in my wardrobe for years, and I'll wear it time and time again. Its hardly groundbreaking, but its reliable and it won't date. It is of a good/great quality and I'll be turning to it through the winter months over and over again.
It's available to buy here at the Merc website.
