Sunday 31 July 2011

Investment Buys


Like most fashion students, I am a self confessed shopaholic! Regularly, I go out to the likes of Topshop or Zara to get my 'fix'. I love the feeling you get when you buy something and its new and exciting. However, this has resulted in endless amounts of clothes and shoes and very limited amounts of wardrobe space. Even after all my charity giving and ebay selling, I'm still left with rail upon rail of clothing, lots of it I don't really even wear.

But, as you may know, this last month I've been doing work experience in London. A long day combined with a long commute has meant limited shopping time as any spare time I have had has basically been spent sleeping! This means, apart from the gold Topshop ring, no purchases at all in July. Yes, you read correctly...

This has seriously made me re-think my shopping habits. I have come to the conclusions that it makes much more sense to buy little and buy well. And isn't the thrill so much better when you've bought a luxury piece? Buying classic and quality items that will stand the test of time is definitely the way forward, in my mind. So, I've taken a bit of time to look around and I've found some pieces that I really would like to invest in. Take a look at my most coveted items.

Friday 29 July 2011

A Fond Farewell


Today was a very sad day for me. It was my last day at my month long internship at Secretsales.com and I have to say it has been one of the best months of my life so far. Combine an amazing internship with an amazing group of people, I've also had the opportunity to spend a weekend away in France, have champagne at The Savoy and  seen my younger brother be Baptised. So all in all, it's going to be a sad moment stepping on the train tomorrow to go back home to Nottingham.
However, one of the things I have come to realise today is that you don't really realise how much people appreciate you. I feel like I've work very hard this last month, and made some new friends, but as the entire floor surrounded me to give me flowers, a card and a very warm hug, I realised just what an impact I had had. As I sat on the train home reading the messages people had written, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. 
Another thing I realised is that people really do notice what you wear! I've never been 100% confident in my wardrobe, and pretty much on a daily basis I question my outfit. But as I read my card I realised a lot of the messages mentioned my 'pretty dresses' or the 'topknot I always have on top of my head' that they were going to miss. Incidentally, you may have noticed this topknot from my photos, something I do out of pure laziness as I'd rather have an extra 30 minutes in bed than trying to tame my unruly hair! 
But it gives me that extra sense of achievement knowing that people see what I wear and it has an impact on them. 
So, I'd like to say a fond farewell to everyone whom I've worked with over the last month. It's been a real pleasure and you'll all be sorely missed.

Tuesday 26 July 2011

Dress Down Tuesday

Yes, that's right. Tuesdays the new Friday, don't you know? Well probably not, but my sartorial imagination wasn't at it's best today and I'm also making a conscience effort to be more casual. For work at least, seeing as everyone makes jeans and a tee look smoulderingly cool. So here are my attempts as dressing down and being casually. Not too bad for a first effort.
I adore this shirt as well. I love it when you buy an item that has attention to detail. This one has pink trim thread and contrast pink trim on the bottom and cuff buttons. Also, the inside button placket is contrasting to the rest of the shirt. It's also so soft and comfy that I felt like I was wearing my PJ's and nearly fell asleep at my desk!
Shirt: Jack Wills
Jeans: H&M
Sandals: Topshop

Monday 25 July 2011

Fun to be Young

Isn't it just? Especially when you can prance around all day in a ballet tutu... If only we could continue to bring this girlish element into our everyday dress as adults. From now on, this is my mission! I wonder if I would get strange glances on the tube if I stepped out in something like this...

Saturday 23 July 2011

Topshop Discount Store

Well, today I ventured out all the way to Edgware to check out the Topshop discount store, and it felt like I was going to the other end of the world. I've been so excited all week to visit having read some good revues but sadly, I was very disappointed. 
It was much smaller than I was expecting, and very limited by way of shoes and accessories. A lot of the clothes were damaged, not that there was anything worth buying anyway. A lot of the stock was very old, one season is fine but this is going way back. Also, the selection was very poor and it's clearly stock they can't seem to sell and they're trying to shift. So all in all, a wasted few hours. 
I did, however, go over to Topshop Oxford Circus, which was an entirely different experience. I love it there, so much! Although going on a Saturday afternoon may not have been my best idea. 
There was lots I wanted to buy but, somehow, managed to restrain myself and saved my money. I did come out with this lovely ring though, the perfect piece to add to my collection. 

Wednesday 20 July 2011

Today I wore...

Today I decided to go for something a little brighter whilst also following one of summers hottest trends, block colours. I've also noticed that red is set to be big for Autumn, so I felt rather fashion forward too!
I love this dress and its always my fail safe when I don't know what to wear.

Dress: Zara
Leggings: American Apparel
Bag: Longchamp
Belt: Asos
Shoes: Undecided at this point!

Tuesday 19 July 2011

Something about stripes

Here's what I wore for the office today... Where I'm interning at the moment, everybody does laid back cool with such ease. This, I have never been able to do! I've always gone by the mantra "you can never be too overdressed" so sometimes I feel like I stick out like a sore thumb. 
Today I'm wearing a striped shift dress, as I find that stripes always has quite a relaxed feel. Although of course, I've jazzed it up with my favourite statement necklace.

Dress: Topshop
Shoes: Russell and Bromley
Bag: Longchamp
Necklace: Accessorize
Ring: Miss Selfridge

Sunday 17 July 2011

Something a Little Extra

As some of you may have guessed from my style pictures, both of me and others, my dress sense is somewhat clean and simple. I often tend to opt for neutral colours and classic silhouettes and pieces that are timeless.

However, I often find all that beige can do with a little brightening up. Accessorising is often one of my favourite parts of dressing and it can transform any outfit, often giving it a completely different look.

Whether you're going for a statement piece like a cocktail ring or an oversized necklace, or something a little more subtle but just as striking like a sweep of red lipstick or purple nail varnish, it all has an impact.

Even when I accessorise I like to keep it simple, and I find just a few key details are the perfect finishing touches to any outfit.



French Fancies


Today I've decided that I'm going to write about something a little different.

I know the main focus of my blog is fashion and styling but, just this once, I couldn't resist but to share this with you all. 

I've just come back from a long weekend in France and, like a lot of people I know, I'm a huge lover of food, especially cake!  

Over in France there was the most divine selection of all things French and I must admit, I really did indulge. Macaroons, tarts, cake, cupcakes, ice cream, pudding, souffle etc etc...

So I've come back with an array of photos (plus about 5lbs added to my waistline) that I'd like to share with you. 

I've picked out my favourites, as there's far too much to even think about putting on here...

I hope you have as much fun looking at them as I had eating them!






Thursday 14 July 2011

Today I wore...

Brighten up a Breton tee with a fabulous jeweled necklace

Tee and belt: Asos
Shorts: Zara
Shoes: Russell and Bromley
Bag: Longchamp
Necklace: Accessorise
Ring: Collard de Mason

Wednesday 13 July 2011

Today I wore...

Dress and belt: Asos
Boots: Carvela
Bag: Longchamp
Hair band: Butler and Wilson
Ring: Collard de Maison 

Tuesday 12 July 2011

I'm currently in my second week of work experience with an online retailer based in London.  The main focus of my internship is around product writing and styling with a little social media thrown into the mix as well. So far, I'm loving every minute.

As an aspiring stylist, I've considered how sartorially challenging it can be to dress for the office, especially when the suit and shirt combo is not really required. Getting the balance between smart and casual, stylish but elegant and of course, office appropriate, can be less than inspiring. 

Therefore, I'm going to try and showcase a few of my outfits for the office each week. I hope to inspire those of you who are faced with the daily challenge of dressing for work in a fashion environment.

Today I wore

Shirt and Skirt: Zara
Sandals: Asos
Hair bow: H&M

Sunday 10 July 2011

The Week in Photos

These last few days has seen a whole variety of fabulous events happening in the fashion world; from The White Fairy Tale Love Ball to the Couture Shows at Chanel and Valentino, and of course everything in between. After endless amounts of time spent looking at huge amounts of photos, I have finally chosen my  favourite people and my favourite outfits of the week. 
There is a fair few of Olivia Palermo. As previously discussed, she is most definitely my fashion icon. Always dressed for the occasion and accessorising like a pro, each outfit she graces has pure style and elegance. 
Take what you like and leave the rest!

Anna Dello Russo at The White Fairy Tale Love Ball

Olivia Palermo at The White Fairy Tale Love Ball

Eva Herzigova at The White Fairy Tale Love Ball

Olivia Palermo in Valentino with boyfriend Johannes Huebl

Poppy Delevingne in Chanel 

Olivia Palermo in Armani

Olivia Palermo in Topshop at Giambattista Valli

Elisa Sednaoui in Chanel Haute Couture