Pulling an Outfit Together - Orla Kiely for UNIQLO HEATTECH Top

There's no denying this week has given us a taste of the winter that's ahead. I'm trying to pretend I didn't read an article in the Daily Express the other day about the paralysing snow and sub-zero temperatures that are going to 'grip the country' until February but sensationalised headlines aside, it's time to dig out the thermals! My heat layer of choice is always UNIQLO's HEATTECH range and this year I was lucky enough to snaffle some of the Orla Kiely designed tops. Still cosy but a bit nicer to look at. But how to wear?

 First up, you must wear these tops as an accent item beneath a layer. This is not just because they are designed to be close fitting (mum tum disaster) but also because the repetitive and symmetrical patterns are generally a bit strong for most people to carry off alone.

So I'll build up my outfit to illustrate...first up, the top on its own with jeans and ankle boots. Full on pattern. Beautiful but too much alone:

Add a plain knit with 3/4 sleeves to pick up one of the colours but to still display a touch of the pattern. This brings a plain jumper to life and adds another cosy layer to the outfit. All day today, I've loved having a flash of OK pattern to look at on my wrists!

For heading out, I added a scarf, my monochrome M&S coat which I got on eBay years ago (so long ago, I used to wear it to work!) and my red Zara cross-body.

Orla Kiely HEATTECH Top - c/o UNIQLO
Coat - M&S (old but this is a lovely monochrome alternative)
Jumper - Warehouse (old - similar here)
Jeans - Maison Scotch (AW12)
Boots - Clarks (AW12 - similar here)
Bag - Zara (AW12 - similar here)
Scarf - TK Maxx

(If you're wondering - yes, my ankles are cold. I think the Maison Scotch's need to go into hibernation for a few months sadly)

You can check out the whole Orla Kiely for UNIQLO range of HEATTECH tops on this link. Also, for my Irish readers, the good news is that UNIQLO are now delivering to Ireland! Full details on this link.

But stocks are getting low so don't delay. You only have to look on eBay to see how popular these items are - many of the sold out designs are there for twice the RRP! 

As part of the launch, Orla also did a Google Hangout where she talks about why she decided to work with UNIQLO again and her favourite pieces, as well as taking questions from some fans and bloggers. It's about 17 minutes long and you can watch it below:

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