You know when you see all these people on Instagram and they are in super popular places yet hardly anyone is around? Well it’s either down to editing or surrendering sleep by getting up super early. As I’m crap at editing you can guess which I chose to do when I wanted to get some beautiful photos in Brussels. What I hadn’t thought about for this shoot is just how god darn cold it would be! As the Grand Place is a large market square with high buildings all around the sunlight that crept in at dawn didn’t help to warm up the situation much!

I wanted to shoot this outfit from Unique 21, that I chose from their new Curve range whilst here and it was too cold and dark to wear it on our planned night out so whilst drunk on said night out set my alarm for 7am to catch the sun rise! Regrets I have a few… namely the first shots we got I look so so tired! Even my Tarte shape tape couldn’t rescue my under eyes! However after a little bit and a pit stop for some hot chocolate and croissant I was eating to go again and feeling much more lively.

I did think that the Glitter Pleated Midi Skirt (£30) *might look a bit too glittery in the day time but I think it works well. It’s got an elasticated waist and I’ve added my own black belt to it to finish off the outfit as it nips me in at my waist a little more. I’m wearing the size 18 in the skirt so would say it’s true to size, it’s not like a lot of elasticated pleated skirts as doesn’t have a lot of give in it (I’d usually size down in a pleated skirt).

To tone down the glitter I paired it with the Black Pussybow Neck Blouse (£25) *also from Unique 21, which has gold buttons down one side with a neat tie at the neck. It’s a lightweight blouse so I put a cami top underneath for warmth and to avoid gaping at the bust too. With the addition of a cami I think it makes it perfect for work with some smart trousers just as much as it looks chic with this skirt and boots.

Talking of boots I finally relented and bought the black version of my velvet ASOS ones, they do fall down more than my velvet ones but weren’t the worst and for £30 I’m not complaining a whole lot. Shop them here: ASOS Katcher Boots (£30)

And finally my handbag! I’ve had loads of compliments about it. I really like the Kurt Geiger Kensington style bags so always keep my eyes peeled on Shoeaholics to see if I can get any ones reduced. This cost me just over £40 after being at a reduced price and then getting 25% off on top! I’d eyes this version up for a long time but kept selling out so I was so excited to get my hands on it. If they don’t have a bag you want it’s worth checking back as this went of out of stock twice before I finally managed to get it.

Would you get up early to beat the crowds? If not for a photo for something else? Let me know below!

*Indicates item gifted for consideration of review. As always my thoughts are my own!