A Hinterland Romance

Jen // Style & other Stories Boho Girl in love with Fashion & Nature Wild Heart, Romantic Rebel & Free Spirit Looking for the Magic in the Ordinary and the Beauty in the Mundane

[ahinterlandromance]

REMEMBER REMEMBER IT’S ALREADY NOVEMBER

There is no need of beating around the bush. This is a different kind of post to my usual fashion/outfit heavy entries on here, but indeed a pretty personal one - given well, the picture above. Partially that is due to the fact that I haven’t been able or in the mood to take new pictures, but moreso because a lot has happened within the past ten days so that in all honesty I didn’t think of this blog at all. Now I kind of feel the need however to maybe write some of it down. Not in the details, but in a broader sense. And as much as typing things out in hope it will leave me less anxious, there is another way that always helps me to unwind and that indeed is connected to the pictures in this post: nature.

I have always been an “outdoorsy” kind of person in the sense that I love to go on long walks (and sometimes taking my camera with me) and simply enjoy the calm and beauty that can be found in the woods, forests and fields - basically anywhere far away from people. Ever since lhe pandemic has started I feel my love and need to go outside and spend time in nature has even increased. It really is a bit of a cure-all. At the very least it helps me to clear my head. And there is no other way to say it, but my mind has been cluttered the past two weeks with way too many conflicting emotions and thoughts, so i really appreciate these tiny escapes that being outside allows me to experience.

As I said, I won’t go into depth here, but there has been a lot of changes arising these past weeks and even though a wise person - I cannot remember who it was that said it at the time being - once said “the only constant in life is change”, I’d be lieing if I said I am doing well with change. Of course it is an inevitable aspect of growth, but I am prone to overthink any- and everything, so as you may be able to assume: that’s what I have been doing for about 7 days now: Thinking, thinking, thinking (*insert a gif of Winne Pooh here saying that mantra and tapping his head*) and taking pictures during walks - I hope you’ll like them (I am actually contemplating whether or not to start an instagram account solely with nature pictures as I love taking them so much).

So yeah... change. I guess it’s true when people say “if one door closes another opens” and seeing it as a chance. But it’s tough to do when you’re like me: a pessimist. It’s of course useless to play out everything that may happen and everything that may go wrong from here on out rather than imagining how well things may unfold from here on out, but I can’t help that my head is wandering towards doubts and anxiety and feeling like making a mistake rather than in the direction of promise and excitement. That’s sadly just not how my brain functions and it’s exhausting, because it makes you feel so helpless and nearly incapable to make a decision. 

For me that falls together with an issue that I have been carrying around with me since I was a teen and had plenty of experience with bullying. I won’t go into details here, but that seriously - as I am only beginning to grasp now some 20 years later almost - has scarred me for the rest of my life. Mainly how these past experiences affect me in my life now is that I have huge issues to a) trust people in general and b) trust myself to make the right decision. You might see how this is a problem when it comes to change and specifically change that involves you making a decision. I feel I simply can’t or rather will always wait for the other shoe to drop once I made a decision.

It’s this uncertainty that is perfectly normal to feel a little anxious about that for me almost has a paralyzing effect in the way that I at some point completely shut down. And that’s the point when I tend to not feel anything anymore or probably too much so that I just go through the day by sitting in the passenger seat of my own life. Everything seems to pass you by, nothing seems real, it’s like sleepwalking. And one way for me to help me out of that is by getting fresh air. And actually doing something, being proactive about something.

That usually helps best - btw, can we appreciate for a second how tasty these apples look? I loved that pop of red in all of the green - they are proper ”snow white” apples if you ask me. That is until making a step forward and being proactive is met with an actual possibility - that I had never even thought would actually happen to be a possibility, because little pessimist me never thinks I could actually be lucky or wanted. Then this whole cycle starts up again and I am back in the hamster wheel. And really, that may only change when the change has happened and I have realized and experienced that the other shoe didn’t drop.

Of course I have had many experiences telling me it’s useless to live my life always waiting for the other shoe to drop as in many instances it hasn’t to this day, but sadly that doesn’t change the fact that I will overthink and be anxious. It’s funny how you can tell yourself or rather accept that on an objective level and even know it logically, but how it’s still impossible to “control” your emotions based on that. Well, I guess that’s why they are emotions... They just are.

Anyway, I hope you don’t mind this “mental health”-y post. You’re probably more confused now than you were in the beginning when you started reading. Well all I can say is: Welcome to the club. ;)

Leaving you with another picture from y walk the other day. Love how misty the background is. I hope you’re doing well!

Much love,

Jen

[ahinterlandromance]

GLOOMY DAYS

Though I would consider myself a summer child - which I guess is not too surprising given I was born in July - autumn is a close second favourite season. The colours are just the prettiest - all those warm orange, yellow and red hues really pop on those golden sunny days. That’s not to say thought that I do not also love the gloomy days with overcast skies, fog hanging over the tree tops and wind tousling your hair. The pictures from today’s post were taken on a day like that. And you can bet that I was excited about returning back home afterwards to get cozy inside with a hot beverage and some netflix.

The dress I am wearing here is from Mango and currently on sale. It is one of my favourite dresses of the season so far. One simply cannot go wrong with a dark floral print imo. Though it is more of a stylized floral print I would say - a bit paisley-esque and definitely reminiscent of typical elements of the Art nouveau era in the early 20th century. I absolutely adore that era of art history. Especially many of the graphic designs and illustrations from that time. One artist that will always stand out to me for Art nouveau is Alphonse Mucha. If you haven’t heard of him or are not familiar with his work be sure to do a quick google search, I’m sure if you see his work you might realize you have seen some of his most popular illustrations. But I am getting off track... Back to the dress.

I guess you could say that this piece is a typical Jenny-piece. First of all: It’s a maxi dress (well, it is on me anyway) and I love maxi dresses. Second of all: It is billowy and flowy (other may call it shapeless lol). And third of all: It features ruffles/volants.

So three checks! Pair all that with a gorgeous print in colours like these and I couldn’t be happier. I am a very feminine dresser in that regard, I suppose. Though I do love to toughen up romantic pieces as I said in my last style post. In this case I couldn’t decide what head piece I liked more, so I took pictures wearing two different ones. The hat is the same I wore in my style post from a couple weeks back. I think a fedora always gives an outfit a bit of a western-y and boho touch. The beret on the other hand - and yeah, that is probably a very chliché thing to say - imo makes the look a bit more “dressy” and “parisian”. The difference would have been bigger if I had swapped my cowboy boots for a pair of loafers or simple black pointed boots probably, but hey, didn’t think about it and also hadn’t planned on turning this style post into a “5 ways to wear”. Is that format overdone btw? Or are people still interest in seeing different ways to style up one main piece? Because I have been wondering about whether or not to include posts like that on here, but I am feeling conflicted. Especially, because of course I have no clue if anyone ever read any of these rambles lol.

Anyway... If you have read the previous entry. I think it’s safe to say with the dress/look I am fully embracing the pieces I collected on my small autumn moodboard. I am very predictable, I know lol, but I think when you have found a “style” that you like and that you just feel unapologetically you in, people will probably recognize patterns in your wardrobe. :) I certainly can in mine - nobody knows my wardrobe as well as me though of course lol.

That’s all, lovelies! I hope you are having a good start into the new week even though it seems the news are only getting worse each day.

Much love,

Jenny

[ahinterlandromance]

AUTUMNAL FASHION MOODBOARD

Hello lovelies,

today I decided to make a bit of a different post to my usual “Style File” or “Styling Story” posts, because the changing in the season and in weather now really has me really excited for autumnal dressing, meaning making good use of layering, wearing scarves and hats and beanies and all that good stuff. So I went on a “pinning” spree over on  my pinterest and afterwards decided to make a small collage of some of my favourite looks I found while getting lost in browsing.

For people who know me in RL this selection may come as no surprise, because ruffles and ethno/floral prints certainly are a go to for me all year round. I do however like all of the rich colours - the rusty oranges, the deep reds and tans - in autumn especially. There is just something about dressing iike fall foliage that resonates deeply with me. 

What I do love about the colder months in terms of dressing is to mix different materials such as lace and chiffon with chunky knits, beanies, scarves or leather jackets. I am all about the different textures and creating this “soft and elegant meets cozy”-look. I am a fan of maxi dresses at any time of the year, but in autumn/winter of course they add the extra bit of warmth. And I do really love how flowy boho dresses - no matter whether it is a mini, midi or maxi - look with combat or cowboy boots. It’s all about the  right mix of romantic and edgy/grungy elements to make an interesting outfit that - and yeah I think this might sound a little over the top - tells a “story” or at the very least sparks pictures in your mind. I have that all the time when I look at pictures (not just of fashion outfits but in general) - I immediately have a story in my head, a place where I see it being worn and a lifestyle.

All of the pictures above for example make me want to pack up and leave and just drive to a small cabin equipped with a fire place in the middle of nowhere, exploring, connecting with myself and nature alike, just getting away for a bit, taking a deep breath, let the wind play in my hair. And that while nature blooms in the prettiest fall foliage. Just writing about it, makes me want to escape the office and just head out without looking back. Can you tell I am yearning for something more? I feel very trapped at the moment - and it has nothing to do with the pandemic. Thought that certainly doesn’t help.

Anyway, hope you don’t mind this slightly different post.

Much love,

Jenny

[ahinterlandromance]

BLACK LACE, BLACK BOOTS

It’s already the middle of October and I don’t know how the time has flown by so fast. It’s truly almost Halloween, though of course this year nobody will celebrate it with a big party - hopefully. In times like these it’s simply too risky if you ask me. That said, I think this outfit would have made a good look for a Halloween party, Change the baker boy hat for a witchy hat, add a broomstick and a little bit of dramatic make up, I think this could be turned into a very stylish witch costume. And not going to lie: I kind of like these vibes sometimes regardless of whether it is Halloween time or not. Though I’d probably rather label this style” dark romance” or “dark fairy-tale” than “witchy”. 

In any case I am a fan of black lace for the darker and colder months of the year. When “dressing up” for these pics I was kind of inspired by all of the recent past collections of “Dior” - I just adore Maria Grazia Chiuri’s creations, especially the dresses paired with boots and a belted blazer or big belts cinching in the waist. You know, looks like these (1/2/3/4/5/6). I’m just a big fan of that aesthetic. It seems to always be the perfect combination of feminine and masculine. Pairing a flowy big skirt with a structured blazer and then add a pair of combat boots to the mix - I think it’s a recipe for a great outfit.

So those kind of looks served as my inspiration here. And my whole outfit is still just a fraction of the price of what just one piece from Dior would add up to. 

Probably the most “expensive” item are the combat boots - but they are real leather, and when I spent more money on something it certainly is footwear and especially boots - I got them a couple of weeks back at Zara. They are 79,95 euro and still in stock in most sizes online (I happen to btw also think they give the Dior look for  FAR less since they imo do not look too dissimilar to the Diorcamp Ankle Boot, which btw is only rubber material - so much for paying for the quality...). I would definitely recommend them. They look great with a dress and just as good with a pair of leggings and an oversized blazer. 

The dress is from H&M - like I said in my post from last week, I think they have been killing it for the past two years style wise at H&M - and it was a total steal as it cost only 24,99 euro. They have a couple more petty black lace dresses stocked atm - I am having my eye on these two.

To give the outfit a little more edge I added an old studded belt - I used to own so many back in the day... This one is not that old though, but too old to link it. I got it at Reserved, which also where the hat is from. I like the chain detail a lot. Imo it fits perfectly with the studs.

And then of course there is the bag, which of course is a dupe for the Dior book tote and again for a fraction of what the original is. I actually had sown another one myself last year, if anyone should actually be reading this and would be interested in seeing that one (it is bigger than the one in the pictures) and a “tutorial” or something like that, let me know. :) This one imo is amazing quality especially considering it was only 18!!! euro. I got it from Shein and as far as I can tell this one is sold out. They have a couple of similar ones online still though - I know it’s not the best of sites, but so far I have only had good experiences with what I ordered.

This is definitely an outfit that I will be wearing over and over again. Now that it is getting colder I might just throw over a chunky knitted sweater or cardigan or throw on a blazer for warmth. And of course I might then swap the hat for a beanie and throw a scarf around my shoulders. 

How do you like this sort of “dark romantic-slightly gothic and victorian”-style? Let me know if you do over on my instagram if you like. I try to upload a pic at least every other day. 

Hope you’re having a lovely day and see you soon!

Much love,

Jenny

[ahinterlandromance]

ON MY RADAR: THE COZIEST STATEMENT JUMPER

Is there anything better in autumn/winter than to snuggle up in the perfect knitted jumper? I mean sure, getting comfy on the sofa with candles on and enjoying a cup of tea and reading a good book is pretty great too, but it gets even better when wearing a cozy jumper imo.

Knitwear never goes out of style, but I especially love the shapes of this current season. A lot of retailers imo have been “inspired” by the infamous Isabel Marant jumpers with the broad and accentuated shoulders. And I absolutely love that, because no, I don’t see myself spending 500 to 800 euro on an original anytime soon or ever tbh. So getting the look for much less I very much appreciate. And all of the retailers that I shop at most often - Zara, Mango, Reserved and H&M (these are also the only brands I looked up jumpers at for this post) - definitely have similar versions to the designer jumper in store right now.

I will always be a fan of a chunky knit. Balloon sleeves and cable knit details are a beautiful bonus on top. I tend to stick to neutrals most of the time (in case you weren’t able to guess based on the selection, lol), because they pretty much go with anything. Plus, I think black, beige and grey always look chic and elegant even if the fabric is fluffy or the yarn used very chunky. I also adore the combination of ruffles and bows this season. It reminds me of the victorian era.

There definitely are a lot of statement pieces to find on the high street right now and at very affordable prices - I think almost all of the jumpers and cardigans I linked below are t most 50 euro. More examples of cozy statement jumpers behind the cut.

01 / 02 / 03 / 04 / 05 / 06 / 07

08 / 09 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22

[ahinterlandromance]

RUSTY ORANGE

I guess you could say about every shade of orange that it is “the” colour of october given it’s the Halloween-month with all of the pumpkins and pumpkin spice lattes and all that. :) I have to admit, I have never had one of those much beloved “pumpkin spice lattes”, because - unpopular opinion . I actually don’t really like the taste of pumpkins. I only eat the pumpkin seeds, but I guess that hardly counts lol.

That said, I do like the look of pumpkins and most of all their colour as you were probably able to guess. I actually do have a few orange pieces in my wardrobe, because I happen to think it suits me rather well. I have always been a fierce advocate for all of those warm golden colours of autumn, like the flames of a fire.

This particular dress (or tunic if you want to go by the description of it online) is from H&M. It’s from their Trend Collection - I think some of the best pieces are from that range. Though I think H&M in general has been doing amazing stuff for the past two years now overall. There is so much to love about this tunic. especially the puffy sleeves with the gatherings near the shoulders imo add such a cool touch. But I also love the dropped hem and slightly gathered skirt. And it is SO flowy. There is a LOT of material to this dress, I am not going to lie and many may consider it really unflattering , because it doesn’t give you any shape, but to be perfectly honest that I exactly why I like it.

It is massive though, I am well aware of that (but still I don’t think it drowns me - but maybe I am blind in that regard lol). Especially if you consider that I am wearing the smallest size available. I honestly think with pieces like this one H&M could probably do “one sizes” and only offer it in two different lengths, because I’d argue this piece could be worn by anyone from a size 34 up to a size 44. I am lucky enough to be able to wear most “tunics” as dresses given that I am not the tallest person around. But even if you’re like 10 or 15 cm taller than me I’d estimate you’d be able to wear this one as a dress as well. To be honest I am kind of hoping that this will go on sale at some point, because it’s also available in white. And even though I have wayyyyy to many white/cream/beige dresses, I’d definitely add this shape to my collection in white despite that fact.

I kept this outfit pretty simple. I thought this dress and its shape in itself does enough of the talking, so I only threw a scarf around my neck - you will rarely see me without one in autumn and winter - added some delicate gold jewelry and grabbed a hat to “polish” this outfit off with it. I am a bit of a hat lover and I own quite a few (all have been very affordable). This is the newest addition and I think it has one of the best shapes, because the brim is really stiff. One day I will order a hat from Lack of Colours, but they are pricy, so... Until then I am more than happy with my 10 to 20 euro hats. :) 

Oh, and I almost forgot the footwear. I’m wearing Marc O’Polo suede western boots here. Scored these for less than half of the original price and I am in LOVE with it.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the pictures (there are a couple more down below).

Much love,

Jenny

[ahinterlandromance]

HELLO AGAIN, IT’S BEEN A WHILE…

In all honesty I don’t know when I last published a fashion related post - not that anybody was reading anyway lol, but I did and am still doing this because I enjoy writing, I enjoy taking pictures and I need place to put both. Arguably you could say why does that has to be the internet and frankly I don’t have an answer other than that I have always loved reading blogs, so it only seemed right to take this route.

Now, as you can see there aren’t any of my old posts to be seen here - that small scribble/poem I posted yesterday is the first entry of this page now - and that is completely on purpose since I wanted to start fresh with this new season rolling around. Plus: There really haven’t been that many entries made that would be terribly missed. ;) Let’s see how well i can keep up with posting regularly on here this time around. I hope I will manage better than at the beginning of the year.

And what a year it has been... On one hand it feels like this year passed super quickly - can’t believe it is almost middle of October already - and on the other ever since the pandemic started nothing feels and is quite like it used to. I can’t complain tbh, so far my loved ones and I have been lucky about not having been exposed to this virus (or maybe we all have been asymptomatic - kind of don’t know if this is what one should be “hoping” to have been the case) and I dearly hope it will remain that way. And also, in contrast to many others I have continued working without any hiccups and now lay offs - so I can consider myself really fortunate in this regard, but still. Life kind of feels like it has been put on hold an it’s getting to a point where I cannot imagine that one day we all may walk out in public without a mask on again.

Anyway, the reason I am bringing this up in the first place is that I think even though for me aside from the lockdown for a couple weeks and wearing face masks and practicing social distancing and all that jazz not much has changed in my regular everyday life, I think it did affect me a bit with being in a “creative rut” which is why I stopped posting altogether on here. Though I am also well aware that blogging regularly is time consuming and I may run out of steam again at some point. I will try to push myself though. 

So this new first entry is meant as a sort of note to myself, to keep going, creating, posting, even if I am the only one knowing about this blog - I don’t mind. It’s about self expression and having a creative outlet most of all. Should you, dear reader, in some form stumble upon this entry and this page, thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed your stay however long it may have been. :)

Oh and last but not least, to get the basics out of the way: My name is Jennifer, but I am always called Jenny or Jen. I’m in my mid-30s and I am working as an editor/journalist. And my passions are fashion, design and music. Yeah, and that person in the picture at the top of this post - that’s me. :)

Much love,

Jenny

[ahinterlandromance]

when autumn comes knocking on my door in a gust of crisp clear air wrapped in a coat of  golden orange hues i will welcome its tender embrace with arms wide open like a long lost friend

ahinterlandromance