On Repeat #1: James Vincent McMorrow

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of James Vincent McMorrow (I've already spoken about my love for his first album in this post) so safe to say when he graced the world with his follow-up, Post Tropical, I was more than a little bit excited. Since then, I've been listening to it pretty much non-stop; it's been promoted to my 'getting ready in the morning music' slot, which is always a privilege because those precious 15 minutes don't go to just anybody. In some ways, it's a bit of a departure from Early in the Morning, less folk-heavy and slightly electronic in places but at the same time still underpinned by his signature falsetto that gets me every time. It has a little bit of an experimental, James Blake kind of feel about it, but with the added checkered shirts and facial hair of the JVM we all grew to know. It's seriously good stuff and I think, however bold this may be, that I might love it even more than his debut. Yep, I said it.

Top tracks: Cavalier, Red Dust, Gold, Repeating.

The Coffee Table Stack #3: Design

In order for a book to be coffee table worthy in my eyes, it needs to be filled with some amazing, eye-catching images and the next one on my list definitely succeeds there. Things Come Apart by Todd McLellan does exactly what it says on the tin; everyday objects are dismantled into their smallest pieces and set out before your eyes so that you get to see every inch of their inner-workings. This will obviously appeal to anyone who has any kind of interest in the design of objects, taking things apart and (attempting to) repair them. But to me, the aspect of this book which really appealed was the images of perfect, uniform patterns Todd creates using the disassembled objects - that part of me which feels the need to beautifully arrange my stationary at the end of the day and lay the dinner table with the precision of a Downton Abbey employee, was in heaven.

Other images show objects caught in a kind of mid-explosion freeze frame or captured in a sequence of pictures showing the process of them being epically destroyed (see: grand piano). There's a total for each object which represents the number of pieces they contain and that in itself is enough to get you thinking. The book is mainly photos, but does have a few pages here and there written by the author as well.

So if you've ever wondered what the inside of your toaster/hairdryer/ipad/retro typewriter looks like, or like me you just love a bit of order and symmetry, give this one a go. 

The Trend #2: Tartan

River Island black and white checkered dress / New Look slouch sweater / Topshop purple top / River Island black leather jacket / River Island oversized patterned jacket / Mango beige coat / Warehouse white jacquard skirt / Topshop checkered leggings / Office peep toe platform shoes / Office blue sandals / Forever 21 pouch bag / Topshop Boots / Olivia Burton watch

Something happened to me in the lead up to Christmas. I don't know if I was just feeling festive or what, but I started an epic search for the perfect tartan scarf like a woman possessed. I'm the first to admit that when I have an image of something in my head, I can become pretty fussy when it comes to finding the real thing, so unsurprisingly, my mission was unsuccessful and I saw my tartan dream disappear before my eyes followed by a trail of highland dancers (no more Scottish stereotypes, promise). That was until Christmas day, when I received the one - a classic tartan scarf in the ideal shade of red that has scarcely left my neck since. After dipping my toes into those tartan waters I've become quite the fan, and it looks to be a trend which won't be going anywhere any time soon.

A pair of tartan trousers may be a bit reminiscent of golfing attire for some people, but there are so many good options out there that there has to be something for everyone. I really like these checkered leggings from Topshop which would look great with a slouchy, oversized jumper for a casual look. Keeping everything else simple, I'd finish off with a tailored coat and boots to really let the bold check make a statement.

Having said that, just because you're wearing one pattern doesn't mean you have to stop there; a monochrome print jacket paired with this colourful tartan top and a plain a-line skirt is eye-catching without being overwhelming. Add huge, chunky heels for an unexpected take on smart casual with a nod to the '60s.

The final outfit is for those of us who can't quite imagine a tartan evening dress being quite right for us; if you're going a little more understated, this monochrome checked dress with a classic slip shape and lace detail is perfect. I'd sling on a leather jacket, grab a white clutch and finish it all off with some electric blue sandals for a pop of colour.

If, like me, you spend your evenings internet shopping (and being generally successful in resisting the urge to buy anything) and your weekends shopping...in shops (and generally failing at resisting the urge to buy anything), you will no doubt have seen enough tartan to last you a lifetime recently, but it has to be said that there really are some gems out there. Now I won't be rocking a Vivienne Westwood tartan suit any time soon but I may have purchased those checked leggings a couple of weeks ago and definitely have my eye on that dress too...someone please restrain me.