Cold winter days are all the more tolerable when the sun is strong enough to melt a dusting of snow and when the sky is azure. Of course, there’s a long way to go yet, but days like this make me feel full of the joys of an impending spring. Ian and I went for a run by the canal first thing this morning and is where we took the photographs below. We’re doing Couch to 5K and today marked the end of week 4. It’s invigorating and uplifting running in the open air- the pleasure of which had eluded me until I started this particular personal challenge. We decided that a post-run brunch was in order and went at a rather more sedate pace along the canal pathway.

Leopard print will always be my first love but snake-print has a place in my heart too. Here, I’m wearing both, a combination that works because of the tonal colour palette. (I bought my leopard faux fur from Boohoo last year and my bag was a gift from Shoeaholics, also last year).

My bobble-sleeved aqua sweater is from Next. I bought it recently but can’t find it online so perhaps it’s out of stock. It’s as cosy and easy to wear as it looks. And, although I’m tough, I’m not tough enough to go bare-ankled in sub-zero temperatures… I’m wearing sheer tights under my jeans.

The Perfect Pair

This outfit has a soft silhouette; it’s undemanding and comfortable. But that’s not to say it’s boring. It has texture, courtesy of the bobbled sleeves and subtle shine from the gold metallic sneakers. Eyewear should complement the overall look and this frame, a gift from Feb31st, is perfect. It too has a soft silhouette and by that I mean one that isn’t too angular or geometric. It too has texture because it’s made from wood. And, the colours of the frame and the sweater are harmonious and cohesive, so the outfit looks pulled together but not too “done.”  Perfect for an easy-going, leisurely weekend brunch.