Fashionably European

Less than two weeks in Swansea and I'm already in love with the fashion here.  It's this crazy mixture of dressy and casual, carefully planned yet thrown together.  I've been fortunate to have multiple opportunities to people-watch, so I've noticed a few trends I want to try out while abroad.  First off, boots are a must (I think this is a sign that I chose the right place to study!).  Good thing I brought my thigh-high riding boots from home!  Due to the rather amazing City Centre in Swansea, I have already picked up an adorable pair of black ankle boots with tarnished gold accents for only £8.  Boots are the footwear of the season, and tights/leggings are the perfect compliment to them.  Girls wear them with shorts, tight skirts, and even just blouses.  I used this style as an opportunity to pull out my cuffed shorts (in January!), wearing them over my black patterned tights with my new boots.  I love that wearing leggings and a shirt is not only acceptable here; it's popular!  Along with the tight and leggings craze comes the jeggings.  In the States, I was rather leery of this new clothing item, but as the saying "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" goes, I think I'll give them a try while in Europe!  Of course, cardigans are a must for the cool weather in Swansea.  And a great addition to any outfit, of course, is the scarf.  Scarves are practical as well as fashionable; they're a must-have accessory!  Again, I've already picked up a new scarf to add to my collection.  It's tan and blue with fringed edges and was super cheap (the best kind of fashion!).  I guess this blog post will commemorate my first day of rocking the European style!  I'm excited for an entire semester of dressing like this; I may even have to bring my Swansea style back to Iowa.