Playlist
:: Bombay Bicycle Club – Evening/Morning :: The Weakerthans – Plea From A Cat Named Virtute :: Pavement – Cut Your Hair ::
Every year, I look forward to the Manchester Christmas markets. I love the hot pork barms with sage and onion stuffing,the Glühwein and the many sweet pastries on offer. Best of all, it reminds me of visiting Christmas markets in Berlin only a few years ago. So, with a Christmas shopping trip planned to Manchester, it was inevitable that we’d end up at the markets.
You’ve probably noticed that it’s got a wee bit nippy out there today, unless you’re lucky enough to be living in warmer climates. I always find it difficult to choose practical, yet warm, clothing. “But we’re only going shopping!” is a comment often passed by my other half. I absolutely adore my floral Henry Holland dress, but so often it sits in the wardrobe, neglected, because it’s too thin for winter yet too dull for summer. Over the summer, I bought two basic cable knit jumpers from H&M. I really begrudged paying £30 for jumpers in summer. However, I knew they were a bargain and would go with everything! Now I love them! Layered over my dress, it has meant another item in my wardrobe is not going unworn anymore!
I didn’t want it to look too delicate, so I added my Topshop patent boots, grey socks over my green tights and voila…I felt less girly. The coat is Topshop (via eBay). I bought it recently as a work coat, but I couldn’t resist wearing it today. It is black and subtle green tweed with a peter pan collar.
Green tights. I know. I can’t help feeling like an elf today. Ah, it’s nearly Christmas…who am I kidding? These were a Primark 80 denier pair for £2. Impressed as always with Primark tights.
My Cambridge Satchel is also out in force, it’s a little too matchy matchy for my taste but it has become my staple as it’s so practical. Everything fits in it and it matches most outfits. I’m sold.
Outfit details
:: Floral dress – Henry Holland at Debenhams (ages ago) :: Cable knit – H&M (summer) :: Burgundy patent boots – Topshop (recently) :: Elf tights – Primark :: Ammolite necklace – vintage (60 years or so) :: Tweed coat – Topshop via EBay (last week) ::
As always, the markets never fail to disappoint! My recommendation of the day? Gingerbread strudel. If the stall wasn’t kitsch enough to melt any vintage loving heart, the strudel was like heaven in my mouth!
Will you be going to the Christmas markets this year? If so, what will you wear? What are your favourite market buys?