Monday 30 January 2012

January

 Alisonladolcevita
A little bit of inspo to take away with you this January...
Wear monochrome for a timeless look
 Cupcakesandcashmere
Mix different textures to keep your outfit interesting 
 Cupcakesandcashmere
Find quirky details for a homely home
 Heartychic
Studded pieces gives your wardrobe a rock 'n' roll vibe
 Itstartedinnewyork
Layering is the art of keeping warm these winters...
 Maje leather skirt/Joseph blouse/J Crew bag/Michael Kors shoes
A good leather skirt will take you a long, long way
 Marina
 Marina
Beautiful silk pieces in classic silhouettes are the ultimate luxury 
 Miranda Kerr
Look to Miranda Kerr for inspiration on timless and minimal elegance 
 NYC
Dream of going to New York....


 Olivia Palermo
Wonder how Olivia Palermo looks SO good ALL the time
 Seaofshoes
Dance... and wear beautiful  jackets
 Seaofshoes
Dress up like a princess
 Stella McCartney boots
Wonder if your wardrobe will ever be complete without these amazing boots
VannessaJackman
Aim to look really, really cool.

Thursday 26 January 2012

In With the Old

Topshop dress and boots, H&M jacket

Sorry for the slightly vacant expression in this photo, not sure what that's all about. Nevertheless, last night I went out with my friends for a relaxed evening of food and drink. I needed something chic to wear but something with a bit of give to allow for all that food! This Topshop dress is years old, so old in fact I think it could almost be classified as vintage. But, I saw it sitting in my wardrobe last night, untouched for a good two years and thought, why not? I'm always reluctant to wear it now because I think it's one of those pieces where EVERYONE knows it's from Topshop, therefore everyone will know how old it is. But I love its simple and timeless silhouette that's also really flattering and I adore the light grey, it gives it a very ethereal feeling. I've sharpened the look with a tailored blazer and flashed a bit of the lining on the cuffs to jazz it up a bit. I guess all I need now is a half decent smile and I'm good to go.

Wednesday 25 January 2012

Karl

It's officially here, everyone! Karl Lagerfeld's collection Karl has arrived on our computer screens at net-a-porter today; how exciting. The King of fashion has brought us a line of magnificent clothes at affordable prices whilst still maintaining that crucial element of luxury and it's totally Karlified. The collection includes fingerless gloves and stand alone collars, two pieces we never see Karl Lagerfeld without. It's androgynous, minimal and elegant but cool. I adore the pleated skirt and sequined shorts and seriously want to get my hands on a pair of those! Let me know what you think of Karl's latest collection and whether you'll be buying a bit of Karl today.






Tuesday 24 January 2012

Laura Ashley for Uniqlo


First off, sorry for no blogging in the last week everyone. I've been super busy now I'm back at uni but I promise to try and bring you more posts from now on! Over the weekend I read about quite an unlikely collaboration between Laura Ashley and Uniqlo, due to hit stores in February. I have to say, I was quite surprised and I wondered how a quintessentially English brand with all their prints and frills and feminine touches could successfully combine with a brand that's all no fuss and certainly no frills. But, as you can see below, the results are actually rather successful after all. Laura Ashley have dug deep into their archives, and have used a whole variety of their classic prints and put them onto simple tees. I love the range of colours and these little beauties will look divine come spring. Wear them with beige or navy chinos and brogues or with denim cut-offs when (and if!) the weather get's warmer. Add stack of gold bangles or statement necklaces for an edgier look and you're good to go. Prices start from £8.90; I'll definitely be racing down to Uniqlo stores to get my hands on one of these tee's next month.
Image sourced from isabelleoc.co.uk 

Wednesday 18 January 2012

Marina


Whenever I come across a new brand or product I think it's always important to share the love and so here I am, telling you all about this great new label I've come across called Marina. Debuting in A/W 11, Marina focuses around luxury silk pieces in neutral shades and classic silhouettes. It's modern and fresh and the pieces have a tailored edge and the advertising (above) is seriously cool. The collection is still quite limited as this is such as new brand but I think the label is just going to grow and grow. I've handpicked my favourite pieces below and they're all so elegant in that minimal, no fuss kind of way. Wear them with leather trousers or tucked into a metallic midi skirt or under a sharp, tailored blazer. If you like, vamp the pieces up with a deep red lipstick and plenty of gold jewellery to give your look that extra edge. Check out the brand and their full collection at http://www.marinalondon.com/


 Kossara Top £150

 Mar Top £160

 Rumi Top £180

Virgin Shirt £200

Sunday 15 January 2012

Something for the Weekend

H&M jacket and top, French Connection shorts, Topshop shoes and hat, Charles Tyrwhitt scarf, vintage bag by The Bridge

Here's a quick look at what I've been wearing today; I was aiming for that cool and quirky French chic look. Not entirely sure I've achieve it but hey, a girl can try. You may remember one of my posts back in December about how my new year's resolution was to wear more hats? Well, today is the first day! I have had this hat a while but don't really wear it very often, but one gentleman at the cash point told me he liked it so I think that's a good start. 
I really love having key tailored pieces in my wardrobe so I've teamed a couple together today. I like to go against the rule of not wearing navy and black together as I personally think it works well if you get the right pieces. I also think it works here because it breaks the outfit up, giving it a more casual edge and less like I'm wearing a short suit on a Sunday afternoon. I also adore this bag which is actually my mothers from the 80's (I know she reads my blog so I'm sure she'll be very pleased to see her lovely bag is still in use!). It's beautiful leather and totally chic and works really well with my cashmere Charles Tyrwhitt scarf; a gift I've had for a long long time but only seem to have discovered in my wardrobe very recently. It also feels luxuriously soft against my skin; the perfect indulgence for a relaxing weekend.

Saturday 14 January 2012

Feeling Foxy

 Topshop dress, jacket, belt and socks, Carvella at Kurt Geiger boots, Fox fur collar

Last night my friend and I had a few drinks out in Manchester which was the perfect occasion to showcase my lovely new grey dress from Topshop I bought a couple of weeks ago. I'm really into midi lengths at the moment and it's something new for my wardrobe which is always exciting. I love the simplicity of the dress, it makes it incredibly versatile without taking away any elements of glamour. I've decided to brighten things up a little with a swipe of red lipstick and, my favourite part, the fox collar. I have to confess, it isn't mine (sadly). I borrowed it from my housemate who bought it on a recent trip to Shanghai. It's so soft and it's dyed this amazing shade of berry. See below for a closer look. 
Have a great weekend everyone!

Wednesday 11 January 2012

The Harriet Bag


This season Mulberry have launched a new satchel bag called The Harriet Bag! Seeing as this bag and I share the same name, I think it would only be fitting that I got one. It's also been seen on the very stylish arms of Blake Lively and Olivia Palermo which makes me want it even more. It's a simple, classic and understated design that will carry you through the fashion seasons for years to come. I think my favourite is the cream, seeing as I favour anything minimal and neutral. I also think the gold clasp stands out that little bit extra. I'm dying to get my hands on one of these; it'd give me wardrobe and my name a whole lot of clout. 

Sunday 8 January 2012

Sunday Rest

Olivia Von Halle

Seeing as it's Sunday, and Sunday is the day of rest, I thought what better than to write about pyjamas! I must confess that I love being in my PJ's and most of my free time around the house is spent in them. They're just so comfy and if you get the right pair, they can be pretty glamourous too. I love sets, and I'm currently trying to build up my pyjama wardrobe with many more. I just bought a really lovely blue and white dotty pair in the Topshop sale and I've barely taken them off all week. Below are some examples of really good pyjamas. I think it's good to have a whole range of styles, from cotton shirt sets to silk shorts and printed teddies. I'd really recommending buying into this "trend"; once you have you'll never ever want to take them off. 

Saturday 7 January 2012

January Prints

Zara trench and top, Topshop jeans and boots

Today my new boots are having their first outing, which is very exciting. I'm not entirely sure how flattering they are on my not so skinny legs, but I love them all the same. It's still very cold outside, so I'm fighting the chill with plenty of layers. I've got a black vest top on under my printed tee and a black cardigan on over it. I really think that layering is the art of keeping warm in this country, especially for someone who is ALWAYS cold, like me. I bought this top in the Zara sale in the summer and I love to bring it out at this time of year to brighten up an otherwise dull January Saturday. It's a silk/cotton blend so it also feels really luxurious which almost makes going out in the weather bearable. Have a great weekend everybody!


Thursday 5 January 2012

Denim Pop


There's nothing like bringing in a new year with a bit of a colour pop and what better way to do it than in your jeans. I have to admit, when it comes to coloured denim, I don't actually own a pair but it's definitely on my shopping list for this year. Jeans are so easy and stylish and always give your outfit and element of cool, so I think injecting a bit of colour into them can only take that up a notch. What's also really interesting is to mix in different textures as well. I'm totally lusting after this Current/Elliott pair, but at £890 I'd probably have to sell my entire wardrobe before they could be mine. The burnt orange goes hand in hand with the smooth suede texture and with tan Chelsea boots and a cream silk blouse they'll look très chic. 
For something more laid-back opt for the Aubin and Wills cords in a delicious shade of raspberry. Team with a Breton tee and navy blazer with gold accessories for the perfect casual outfit. If you're looking for something a bit jazzier, or want a more rock girl edge, then try the amazing silver pair from H&M. I've seen them in store and they're really cool (they come in gold too) and they're perfect for adding an edge to your outfit. Topshop's burgundy pair will look amazing come autumn with the burnt orange leaves as your back drop; they're also an interesting alternative to the regular black leather trousers. J Brand is always great for denim so look here if you're wanting longevity. This purple pair will give you the subtle pop that you're looking for. Finally, be really daring with American Apparel's bright blue turquoise pair and whilst your in-store you can pick up a wardrobe full of luxe basics to team with your denim of choice. 

Tuesday 3 January 2012

Booties


Firstly, as this is my first post of 2012, I'd like to thank all my followers and readers for supporting me in my first year on the blogosphere. And seeing as we're on firsts, take a look at my first ever purchase of 2012. These little beauties (above) are from Topshop and at £36 (they're leather) a pretty good buy. I'm going to wear them with skinny jeans, maxi skirts and midi length dresses and I'm quite sure that they're going to be very dearly loved, and worn. I'm really loving ankle boots and chelsea boots at the moment and I also have my eye on a tan pair from asos (below). However, I do have a very similar heeled pair, so I'm wondering if they're totally necessary. I've also picked out a small variety of other boots that I'm really loving at the moment. They're all so versatile and chic; this would definitely be a great way to start your 2012 wardrobe.