Saturday 31 December 2011

2012


Happy New Year Everybody!!!

New Year's Resolution: Hats!


So, I've decided that my New Year's Resolution for 2012 is going to be to wear more hats. I don't really like to give things up, so I've decided to add things instead! I love hats and how they can totally transform your outfit. Unfortunately, I only own three hats at the moment so my task for next year is to build on my collection. I think it's going to be quite difficult because I have quite a large head(!) so I personally find it hard to finds hats that actually fit me. But I'm definitely going to try, and I've hand picked my favourites from what's currently available. Let me know what your New Year's Resolutions are going to be... 

The Bucket Bag

 Zara blouse and bag, Topshop jeans

I wanted to share this bag with all of you that I got as one my Christmas presents. It's so beautiful and absolutely huge! It's from Zara and I originally spotted it on Olivia Palermo a little while ago and thought I just have to have it. The leather is sumptuously soft and the shape is so simple and chic; it's also large enough to carry all my daily essentials for uni, books included.  

Friday 30 December 2011

December Edits

 Cupcakesandcashmere
 Cupcakesandcashmere
 Cupcakesandcashmere
 Fashion me now
 Fashion me now
 Fashion me now
 Fashion me now
 Fashion me now
 It started in New York
 It started in New York 
 It started in New York
Lauren Conrad

Here is a little inspiration to take away for December; from clothes to interiors to Christmas decorations. I love all the styles of all the clothes. For 2012 I'm definitely going to try and achieve a minimalist look, with clean lines, strong silhouettes and neutral hues. Maybe with a touch of 70's bohemian  to mix it up a little...

Winter Wedding

NW3 Hobbs dress, H&M blazer, Kitsch shoes, Accessorize headband

Firstly, apologies for the very severe lack of blogging in the last week or so. Christmas is just so busy and there are a good couple of hundred miles between my two families so a lot of time has been spent travelling. But I hope everyone had a magical Christmas and received everything you'd been wishing for. 
On Wednesday I went to a wedding down in Surrey. I adore winter weddings, there's something so magical about having them at this time of year and the only thing that could have made it more sparkly and perfect would have been a glisten of snow on the ground! Nevertheless, it was a really lovely day and here is what I wore (above). Sadly, I didn't buy a new dress for the occasion (somethings your budget just won't go far enough!) but I pulled out this beautiful dress that I already had in my wardrobe. I've had it a little while but only ever worn it once, for my 21st birthday party, so it was nice to give it an outing again. I think if you're going to a winter wedding the most important thing is to inject a bit of colour in to your outfit. At this time of year it's all too easy to go for something dark but a pop of turquoise can really bring your outfit to life. I've let the dress do all the talking and kept everything else simple and colour coordinated. A black tailored blazer creates a sharp look and pulls the outfit together, especially when wearing a loose and free flowing dress like I am here. I've rolled up the sleeves a little to show off the interesting lining and it's little details like these that really allows your outfit to stand out from the rest. 
I'm not a huge fan of wedding hats but I'm not really into fascinators either, so when I go to a wedding I usually opt for an elaborate head band. I love gold and think little touches in your outfit really adds an element of luxe, so I've given little hints of it in my headwear, shoes and jewellery. 
I hope this can be a little inspiration to any of you going to a wedding in the next few weeks, or evening those looking for ideas on what to wear tomorrow to bring in the New Year.

Wednesday 21 December 2011

Aspinal of London

Berkeley Bag

I'm sure you're all aware of Aspinal of London, the beautiful luxury brand focusing on home and living items. They have the most beautiful stationary, jewellery, luggage and best of all, handbags! They have everything from classic totes bags for the day to fabulous clutch bags for the evening. My personal favourite is the blue Libertine Evening Bag with removable tassel. Wear it with when you're feeling fun and sassy and without when you want to achieve a more classic and glamourous look.
The quality of these items is like non-other and the leather is so divine you'll want to use these bags again and again. Grab yours now just in time for Christmas and you'll be the belle of all the balls.
 Libertine Evening Bag
 Manhattan Clutch
 Mayfair Bag
 Midnight in Manhattan Clutch
Portobello Saddle Bag

Sunday 18 December 2011

Double Denim

 French Connection coat, Ralph Lauren shirt, Topshop jeans, Carvella at Kurt Geiger boots

I'm back home for the holidays now; it's lovely to be back in the comfort of the familiar, my mother is baking mince pies and other festive treats as we speak. Today we spent the day in our lovely town buying scrumptious food for Christmas. Forgive me if I don't post many outfit photos over the next week or two. Christmas eating and outfit photographs probably don't equal the most flattering results. 
Denim on denim isn't something I've ever tried before, or even thought of as something that would look good. But I tried it today for the ultimate laid-back look and I actually quite enjoyed it. I think the trick is to ensure you wear two contrasting denims, i.e. very light against very dark. 
I hope everyone is enjoying the build up to the big day, not long to go now...

Friday 16 December 2011

Festive Eyes




Beauty posts aren't usually something I venture in to, but I thought today I'd try something a bit different. Last night I had a night out with the girls and when doing my make-up I decided to focus all on the eyes (remember the rule, eyes or lips but never both). Usually I'm more of a lips kinda girl, and I love to experiment with new colour lipsticks. Eyeliner looks a bit strange on me for some reason but I decided I'd try it out last night and I'm actually really pleased with the results. It's a bit difficult to see the full effect in these photos but basically I've got lashings of mascara on and liner on my bottom lids. I'd definitely recommend trying eyeliner on the bottom, I think it widens the eye and creates a more dramatic effect. Here I'm wearing a No.7 blue eyeliner across my bottom lid and then over the top I've put on Urban Decay's Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in gold. It comes in other colours too, such as purple, silver and green and it's really great for achieve a sparkly, festive feel. I'd recommend going for gold or silver because then you can use it with other pencil eyeliners and create and interesting look with different colours. I use Clinique lash doubling mascara to lengthen my lashes and create a dramatic effect for the evening. I'm quite lucky because my eyelashes are very long and thick naturally and they're also really black so I can create quite a good look with my mascara. But, I also have really sensitive eyes that love to stream at the first sign of cold or wind which is a bit of a nightmare as I can end up looking like a panda with smudged mascara everywhere. If you're the same, my advice would be don't wear any mascara on your bottom lashes, if they're dark then you won't need to. Finally, if you do decided to go for a festive look and wear eyeliner, make sure that you don't put any over the corners of your eyes so your make-up stays firmly in place. Failing that, invest in a really good waterproof mascara.

Wednesday 14 December 2011

I Wish I Had Wings

Zara blouse and shorts, Asos belt

It kinda annoys me when people take pictures of themselves in the mirror, but I guess sometimes it just can't be avoided; my housemates aren't particularly early risers and no housemates means no decent pictures I'm afraid. But, getting more to the point, here is what I wore today. I did showcase this blouse at the beginning of last month and here it is again but this time I've gone for a more androgynous look. It's a look I love because it's so simple and minimal and, most of the time, really easy to create. All you have to do is button your blouses all the way up, wear brogues or Chelsea boots and make sure most of your wardrobe consists of black or white or some variation of that colour. I just think it looks so chic and stylish so I'm definitely making more a conscious effort to dress more and more in that style.
I do also really love the whole boho look too so I'm trying to think of ways to somehow combine the two; kind of amusing that auto correct wants to change boho to hobo, not a look I really want to go for!...

Monday 12 December 2011

Christmas with Aubin & Wills


So, I was doing some Christmas shopping in Manchester last week when I discovered there was an Aubin & Wills store here... I'm very familiar with their big sister brand, Jack Wills, and whilst I've been in the odd store here and there it's not somewhere I frequent. Anyway, their Manchester store is amazing and I basically want to hijack it and live there. But moving on from that, the clothes are pretty cool too. Think lifestyle brand meets preppy chic meets grown-up glamour in a laid back sort of way. If I'm not making sense then just take a look at some of their stuff above; I am seriously lusting after the Balsham jumper and I'm determined it will be part of my wardrobe very soon (it comes in black too!). They have everything from denim to evening dresses to silk shirts as well as appropriate festive items. They've also bagged Leigh Lezark and Carl Barat for a short film (below) to show off said items and add yet another ounce of cool to the brand. Oh, and in case you wanted your go to shop to have it's own cinema, they've got that too...

Aubin & Wills Christmas 2011 from Aubin & Wills on Vimeo.

Sunday 11 December 2011

Buddy

French Connection coat, H&M lace shirt, Zara shorts, Asos belt, Urban Outfitters scarf, Hunter wellies

Yesterday I spent the day dog sitting for Buddy, a lovely King Charles Spaniel. In the evening we went for a little walk around town; it was quite stressful actually and I'm not sure I could take a dog for a walk everyday in central Manchester. It was super cold so we both wrapper up, Buddy in his quilted jacket with fur trim hood! This really isn't a great photo (I had to take it on my boyfriend's phone because I didn't have my camera) so you can't really see my outfit that well; this coat is so cool. It's such a statement piece and I love to wear it because it has a big collar and the sleeves are quite wide so I can tuck my hands up in them to keep warm. It's also got really lovely ceramic buttons that are really big; sadly most of the detail is covered up by my scarf... I've also re-discovered this black lace shirt I bought from H&M last year, it's such a delicate fabric so I like to wear it with this coat which is much heavier. Wellies are a must in Manchester at the minute, it really never stops raining.


Friday 9 December 2011

The Little Black DAY Dress

H&M dress, Russell and Bromley shoes

We all love the trusty old classic, The Little Black Dress. But, usually it's something we associate with wearing in the evening with a pair of killer heals and perhaps a swipe of fabulous red lipstick. So today I decided to try it for the day, not exactly a fashion breakthrough I'll admit, but it was a welcome change from jeans. I got this dress from H&M and I love the leather panel across the top; it's all about the small details that makes your outfit more interesting and put together. I'm also a big fan of the exaggerated A-Line style, it totally skims over any parts you'd rather hide and perfect for going on a lunch date like I am today.
Enjoy the weekend everyone...

Thursday 8 December 2011

The Weather Outside Is...Dire


So, today the weather has been less than delightful. With temperatures moving into the minus figures, extreme winds and some serious rain, sometimes its difficult to focus on fashion as your entire mind is occupied by "how am I going to stay warm/dry/feet firmly on the ground"? But, as I'm sure all you fashion moguls are all aware, it's also difficult to turn our heads away from fashion completely. My answer to this dilemma is accessorize. Scarfs, hats, gloves, ear mufs, fur shawls etc etc etc... This is what I've done today; literally pulled all my warmest items from the deep depths of my wardrobe and snuggled up in them.
I'm sure you all know by now that I love this scarf and wear it a lot. It's warm, versatile, and chic. But I'm starting to get a bit bored now and think it's about time I invested in an alternative. Here I've picked out some great buys, both on the high street and designer labels, that'll be sure to keep you warm this winter without sacrificing your style. 

Topshop jeans, boots and hat, Zara trench, Urban Outfitters scarf, H&M mittens 


Monday 5 December 2011

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Image sourced from Vogue.co.uk
Apparently Rosie Huntington-Whiteley pulled out of the Victoria's Secret catwalk show this year because she felt her body wasn't in good enough shape. Seem's a little silly, she looks pretty great to me... I'm definitely crushing on her here at a Burberry event in Paris; the girl looks good in turquoise. If anybody needs me I'll be practicing my pout in the mirror. 

Sunday 4 December 2011

Alexa Chung

 Alexa Chung for Madwell jacket, Isabel Marant jumper

Usually, I'm not a huge fan of Alexa Chung... I think her legs are a bit too thin and she doesn't posses that allure of a real woman; she's a bit awkward. Nevertheless, she has stepped out in three very stylish outfits this week, what a busy girl she has been! I like her mix of laid-back cool and girlish chic, she certainly does know how to rock a pair of skinny jeans. I'm also really loving her new fringe. It makes her look more grown up, and gives her outfits a bit of sass. 
I'm not sure if its her that I dislike, or the fact that about a million girls seem to replicate her style which makes it seem less original, but I think she's definitely come a long way since we first saw her on our TV screens on T4. I particularly like her in Burberry (below) and love the way she's nipped in her waist and flashed a bit of her rather endless less. I think perhaps if she took the granny out of her chic she'd look a lot better and I think these photos prove how good that could look. Now, if only she'd let us in on how to get our hair so shiny...

 Burberry jacket

Christopher Kane dress
All images sourced from Vogue.co.uk

Thursday 1 December 2011

Geek Chic!

Jack Wills shirt, River Island jumper, Topshop jeans and pumps

In light of my previous post I've decided to try my hand at wearing a lovely winter jumper; one I already owned I must add, unfortunately not anything new. It's so chilly at the moment so I've layered up with a checked shirt underneath for a bit of added warmth. It wasn't really my intention, but I feel this outfit is a little 'geek chic'. Not a look I usually go for but I quite enjoyed it today; I'm not entirely sure it made me any smarter though, sadly. 

Tuesday 29 November 2011

Winter Warmers



So, the jumper. Pretty boring, right? Not necessarily... There are so many great choices out there at the moment, in all price levels too. Whether you're looking for something festive or one that will last you through, winter after winter, I guarantee you'll find what you're looking for. My personal favourite is the Pepe Jeans cable knit jumper and I'm desperately hoping it will be under the tree this year. I also love fair isle prints for the festive season and I love the colours on this juicy couture one. These are my pick of what's out there; variety is key so if you're investing in more than one piece go for plenty of different colours, textures, prints and thicknesses. I'd also advice buying something that's made of wool, having itchy fabric against your skin is not nice! I'm getting really excited for Christmas now and I'll definitely be investing in one or two of these pieces to keep me warm over the festive season. 

Sunday 27 November 2011

The Christmas Cardigan

 Zara cardigan, shorts and belt, Urban Outfitters cami, Topshop brogues and necklace

Usually I don't bring out any festive clothing until we've hit December but this year I felt like I really couldn't wait! Home Alone was on the telly yesterday and after going to the Christmas market my excitement levels are sky high. I don't really have much in the way of festive clothes; I got this Zara cardigan last year so I thought I'd bring it out again this Christmas. I really adore the heart shaped pockets and think it adds a sweet touch. I also like the cropped, boxy shape which I think is quite unusual for a cardigan and looks great with something high-waisted to balance out the proportions. If you're going to wear something festive than my advice would be to keep it fun and whimsical but still stylish and only ever wear one piece at a time. Whilst we all love Christmas, we all know what happens when we have too much of a good thing...


Friday 25 November 2011

All in the Detail...

Zara blouse and shorts, Topshop vest, Asos belt

I've gone for a monochrome look today, well for the most part; it's always a classic look and great when you're not in the mood to be too bold. I love an outfit that has lots of subtle detailing, it shows you've taken the time to put a creation together and focused on the small details as well as the overall appeal. I love love LOVE this Zara blouse. I got it in the summer and have just  not stopped wearing it. The collar has a different style to most blouses which I like and the little gold buttons have ridges all over them which fits in well for today's theme. I decided to leave the blouse mostly open to flash a bit of my pink belt underneath. It's always good to have a little bit of colour... I have accessorised with lots of gold jewellery (watch, ring, necklace etc) but I appear to have concealed it all in this photo. 
Have a great weekend everyone!

Wednesday 23 November 2011

November Edits

 The Sartorialist
Every month I must look on so many different websites, looking for different inspiration that I can use for my own wardrobe. These are some of the pictures I've collected during November; since writing my blog I've been moving away from the girly, vintage look and in to something more classic and minimal. I love all the looks in these photos especially how everyone makes their outfit individual with personal accessories. There's also a video on Zara's website at the moment about a women called Lucy Chadwick... Everything she wears and her apartment, to me, is just so perfect. I've got absolutely no idea how you put the clip on here (if anyone knows then please fill me in!?) but here's a link to it on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3gDnnTfE2E. Enjoy!
 Asos
 WearingItToday




Topshop Tumblr 

#
Topshop Tumblr