30.09.2011- Weekend Wishes

With the current heatwave we seem to be experiencing, there's only one thing I could possibly wish for this weekend- to make the most of this glorious weather!

Ulia True shot by Ross Laurence and styled by Vladislava Belyaeva, Fashion Gone Rogue.

What have you got planned for the weekend? Will you be enjoying the sunshine?

(Image credit: fashiongonerogue.)

29.09.2011- Be a Guest Blogger For Westfield London!

As if opening another massive shopping centre in Stratford a few weeks ago wasn't enough, those busy bees at Westfield London are once again hard at work bringing you the latest in fashionable fun for AW11. All this week (until Sunday), sees the return of their Car Bootique, which puts a super stylish twist on the traditional boot sale. With treats on offer and prizes to be won from brands including Coach, Ted Baker, Reiss and Twenty8Twelve, the event is one not to be missed.

As if that wasn't enough, Westfield London is also running an amazing competition, offering you the chance to become a guest blogger for their Style Notes blog. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this paid (yes, paid!) monthly blogging gig (and a Westfield giftcard) is compile a post on the Car Bootique event. Your entry can take any form you like, be it a video, trend report or even a piece of creative writing, but must be emailed to Westfield by 5pm on Sunday October 2nd to be considered. To find out more, and to read the full terms and conditions, visit the Westfield Guest Blogger competition page. Good luck!

Have you been to the Car Bootique? And are you planning on entering the competition?

(Image credit: Westfield London.) 

What I wore Wednesday 28/09/11

Hey honeys how're you all today? I've barely had time to sit and breathe the last couple of days let alone blog so appologies for my slight absence! I hope you're all well and good and if you're UK based - enjoying this beautiful 'Indian Summer' we seem to have been blessed with ;)

Now to redeem myself for blog absentness I have an OOTD for you all today that I wore to capitalise on the warmer air (yes my legs were out for the first time since... I dont remember it got cold agees ago) I hope their paleness doesn't blind you and that you like:

I wore:

1.Peter Pan shirt stolen from my sister ;) but originally brought from good ole Toppers

2. My 'Carrie Bradshaw' skirt which was from Primarni

3. My trusty New Look heels

4. Rings from ASOS
5. Chanel 'corramandel' nailvarnish + Barry M lippie

How have you been dressing in this cerazzy late summer weather?
<3

28.09.2011- What I Wore Today #1

This, I believe, is my first ever 'outfit post'! I've posted a few times before about what I've worn to events or out and about, but I think this is the first post I've put together featuring an outfit I've purposefully tried to catch on camera. I can't promise it will become a regular feature in the style of 'outfit of the day', but on the odd occasion I find myself looking half decent (and capable of pulling a normal facial expression) then I'll try and blog about it. I've been thinking about featuring this sort of post for a while (more as a way to help me to wear things from my wardrobe which I've forgotten about!), but knowing me I'll probably end up changing my mind and not carrying on!

Top- New Look

Jeans- Topshop

I saw this top on the New Look website a few weeks ago, and caved in and ordered it when they had a free delivery promo. I love the pale pink colour, and the sequin collar detail makes it a perfect transitional piece. It's really versatile too, and looks as good with jeans as it does with a smarter pair of trousers or a skirt. I think it would look amazing in different colours too, so fingers crossed for similar styles hitting the shops in the next few weeks.

What do you think? And would you like to see more posts like this?

(Image credit: Sarah Farrell, please do not reproduce without permission.)

26.09.2011- Monday Must-haves

Monday again! I hope you all had great weekends. I had a very busy day yesterday which involved being bombarded by sales staff left, right and centre at London Fashion Weekend, an impromptu picnic in St. James' Park and finally visiting the Glamour of the Gods exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery which I posted about back in July. You must go if you get the chance, it's wonderful, and every inch as glamorous as you'd expect (think Veronica Lake, Gary Cooper, Clara Bow and Cary Grant to name but a few). Anyway, back to business- my Must-haves for this week:

This week's selection is quite an odd mixture, but when I saw the bargain prices of some of the items I've had my eye on for a while I couldn't resist including them. I love this ring from Oasis as it really reminds me of the YSL Arty range, and at a mere £8 is a fraction of the price. I spied this Olivia Rubin top during London Fashion Weekend yesterday (their sales staff were lovely!) and really regret not buying it then and there. I've admired Olivia's work for a long time, and the print on this design is just beautiful and unlike anything I've seen anywhere else...thank heavens for online shopping! These boots from Office were at the top of my wish list this time last year, but as you can imagine I was reluctant to shell out nearly £100 for them. Now they've been reduced to £55 in the sale just in time for winter, so it would be rude not to snap them up! Talking of winter, how adorable is this jumper from Topshop??! I am thinking of getting it just to confuse my cats (and trust me, they are easily confused!) These Giles & Brother earrings are beautiful, and with the £50 Net-A-Porter voucher I got at Fashion's Night Out, would only be £15. Finally, this lace top from Warehouse is perfectly pretty- I adore the deep blue shade and doesn't it match the ring perfectly? Anyone would think I plan these posts!

What do you think of my choices for this week? And did you have a good weekend?

(Image credit: Warehouse, Oasis, Olivia Rubin, Office, Topshop and Net-A-Porter.)

Monday Must Have - 26/09/11

I. Am. So. Fed. Up. Of. My. Nose.

My cold has now tipped me into internet whining territory. Yikes. Better get redeeming myself with something gorgeous
(much as I'm sure you all love hearing about my nose)

This weeks must have/need now item is this baby:

Topshop £20.00
Clearly still sticking feeling a little rock'n'roll rebel theme from yesterday I'm so far into this top I can practically already feel it on... saddly when I come down from daydream world there's a distinct absense of it in my wardrobe.
I'm not quite sure what it is about this top that I'm feeling so much but I have a feeling it might just be the distressed style, asymetric cut and bleached out colour.
That and... can't you just imagine how good it'd look with leather leggings?

Sunday Snapshots 25/09/11

 Hello beauties I hope you're all well and good. I'm currently just about getting over a rather vile 'back to work' cold that snuck up on me mid-week and rather knocked me for six. Appologies for the lack of posting but I didn't want to infect you via the interairways... or maybe I was just hiding in my bed.

Anyway to cheer me up I've been'a browsing some gorgeous inspiration pics and here's my faves:

 

 

 

Judging my the snaps above having a cold obviously brings out my inner anarchist. Chains, slashes and leather all round.

Delicious.

Happy Sunday <3

25.09.2011- Sunday Style Spotlight #5: Alexa Chung

Alexa Chung's style is quintessentially English. Part school girl, part granny (her words, not mine!), Alexa's look has become extremely sought after and much replicated since she made her breakthrough hosting Popworld back in 2006. I remember tuning in to an episode and being amazed to see her wearing a smock from Primark identical to one I had hanging in my wardrobe (needless to say I was a very cool sixteen year old!) Alas said smock has now bitten the dust, but Alexa's appeal has not abated and she's now one of the most sought after faces in fashion, regularly appearing in Vogue, ELLE and Harper's Bazaar to name but a few. It's thanks to Miss Chung that Mulberry gave us the Alexa, and this week her second collaboration with Madewell proved so popular that it crashed their website. In fact, Alexa's come a long way since that bargain Primark smock:

Alexa's signature style has spawned a myriad of copy-cats (how else do you explain the sudden popularity of loafers?), but the thing I love about her look is its simplicity. She knows what suits her and she sticks to it, which is why she's regularly seen in mini-dresses, chunky knits and 60s inspired shapes. The 'school girl meets granny' vibe is the perfect thing to keep in mind whilst trying to emulate a slice of Chung style, so be sure to incorporate opaque tights, school uniform shades (charcoal greys, plum reds and navy blues) and of course the now globally famous satchel. Even if you can't stretch to the eye watering expense of a Mulberry original, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives about. My standout item from this 'Style Steal' is this gorgeous navy military coat from New Look- it looks so much more expensive than the £49.99 price tag, and the swing shape, cute collar and bright gold buttons all scream Alexa. Happy shopping!

Are you a fan of Alexa Chung's style?

(Image credit: Look, style.com, Google Images, New Look, Jane Shilton, Topshop, River Island, Mulberry and ASOS.)

23.09.2011- Most Wanted: Topshop Limited Edition Dresses

As we slowly but surely crawl towards Christmas and what has now become known as 'party season', thoughts inevitably turn to that age old conundurum- what do I wear? There is something about festive dressing which really frightens me- I put it down to an unsavoury altercation with a gold sequinned number from Primark a few years back- but it seems to me that there's a very fine line between looking glamourous and looking like you belong on the Christmas tree. Thank goodness, then, for Topshop's new collection of Limited Edition Dresses:

Scallop Embellished Drop Waisted Dress, £165

Embellished Bodice Dress, £185

Scattered Bead Maxi Dress, £150

With couture inspired details and sparkling embellishments, this lovely little lot are the perfect way to do classy Christmas dressing, and the fact that they don't scream 'festive' in the same way as my Primark number did means that they'll easily see you through next spring and beyond.

What do you think of Topshop's new Limited Edition Dresses? And have you ever had any festive fashion nightmares?

(Image credit: Topshop.)

22.09.2011- Fashion Week Top Five: New York SS12

New York Fashion Week flew by in a flash, and having spent most of last week sans internet, I've only just managed to catch up on everything. Surprise, surprise, I really struggled to pick only five shows to share with you as there was a lot about the collections shown at this NYFW that I liked. I really loved Thakoon's collection and the DKNY show, and the seeing magical creations of Marchesa is always a highlight for me. However, I've duly whittled down my favourites, and here are my top five fashion shows from New York:

 I loved the Great Gatsby inspired looks shown at Ralph Lauren, and in particular the effortless chic of the looks he presented as daywear. Wide-legged silk trousers in an array of sorbet colours hinted at the relaxed ease of a summer spent on a Long Island beach, and contrasting sherbet shades screamed summer holiday. For the evening, Lauren gave us glorious 20s opulence- metallic floor-length gowns with an array of embellishment and accessorised with skullcaps and feather shrugs.

I had high hopes for Jason Wu's SS12 presentation as I loved his AW11 collection, and he did not disappoint. I adored the embellished collar details incorporated into some of the more masculine looks, the experimentation with proportion, and the muted colours of my favourite looks spoke of an understated 'summer in the city' cool which is perfectly New York. 

Jenny Packham's collection was unashamedly feminine and elegant. White lace was a big theme throughout the show, as were signature florals and sequinned embellishments. I loved the uncomplicated way in which these looks were presented- minimal accessorising let the beautiful clothes speak for themselves. 

I adored the bold prints and pastel shades at Preen. Frilled waistbands and collars added a quirky edge to a very lady like collection. Sorbet colours made an appearance here too, so are sure to be big news for next season. 

Erin Fetherson's latest collection was a continuation of what she does best- cute, girly dresses with pretty details. The Mia Farrow inspired styling and mini hemlines more than nodded to the 1960s, and vibrant shades of pink and orange broke up the more retro monochrome looks.

Which shows were your favourites from New York?

(Image credit: style.com and fashiongonerogue.)

What I wore Wednesday - 21/09/11

Hi my loves, hope you're all well! Finally Wednesday so the weekend is half way here - thank the lord?! Today I've been getting back into the swing of working and whilst I've had a great time my brain has now degenerated into a pile of sleepy mush (yeah even more mushy than normal - shocking huh?!) 

I've got a cool little OOTD for you today that I wore sometime last week (saturday I think but uh... mushy brain syndrome) to see my best friend for a good old catch up. A lovely night was had and it was the perfect opp to try out my new favourite hairstyle...

1. Dress - H&M basic piece that I've worn 999 times in about 3 weeks

2. Tights - Primark absolute bargain £2.99

3. Headband - Actually a vintage Scarf (oh my creativismn knows no bounds... or my power at making up words)

4. Mary Jane shoes - New look about 100 years ago
5. Lipstick - Maxfactor Lipstain in '5' (can't remember the colour)

6. Earrings - Vintage

7. Nails - Chanel 'Corramandel'

Oh and for my regulars just a little note ;) I'm not pregnant or post boob-job I've just invested in the most wonderful padded bra from Primark. Currently walking into a room 10 minutes ahead of myself for the first time in my life and absolutely LOVING it ;)

 

20.09.2011- Fashion's Night Out 2011

This year's Fashion's Night Out in London was a busy one for me! I was up at 6.30am, rushed up to London on the probably the most packed commuter train this side of India, and struggled all morning trying to affix a silly hat to my apparently abnormally shaped head. Never fear, however, as this was not part of the FNO craziness, but instead my experience of graduation! I might pop a cheeky picture or two of the event up on here soon, but suffice it to say billowing robes are a look that only Gandalf can rock. After a panic phone call to my mum ('The hat won't stay on, I need your help!'), I made it across the stage without falling over and had a really lovely time, regardless of the sartorial challenge trying to look elegant whilst being strangled by acres of material presented. After the ceremony, my parents and I went to The Dorchester for their gorgeous afternoon tea (which I blogged about when I first went back in March) before I met up with my best friend Sarah and we began our Fashion's Night Out in earnest:

We kicked off the night by having a browse around Selfridges, where we spotted this beautiful display in the Tiffany window, and kicked ourselves for painting our nails the night before, meaning we couldn't get a free Chanel manicure!

Next up we headed down to Mount Street, where we were surprised to find Marc by Marc Jacobs empty. Compared to the mania of last year, it was eerily quiet. Not that we were complaining, however, when we got a free canvas tote bag each after making a purchase just after 6pm (when the event officially started). Bingo!

As we made our way along Mount Street, we stopped for some obligatory outfit snaps, and I once again proved that I am incapable of pulling a normal facial expression. 

Dress- French Connection

Jacket- Zara

Shoes- Carvela at Debenhams (in the sale!)

Bag- Urban Outfitters

Sarah's outfit:
Skirt- Topshop
Blazer- Zara
Shoes- Office
Bag- Mulberry

Along the way we bumped into our lovely friend Liz, who looked amazing in this monochrome outfit.

We then headed down to Net-A-Porter's Window Shop- a pop up shop front which was interactive! All you had to do was download a special app (or in my case borrow an iPad from one of the lovely team stationed outside) and you could be in with the chance of winning an item from the window display.

After scanning the window, we didn't win anything but as we were some of the first fifty people at the The Window Shop, we were given a goody bag containing a £50 voucher to use on Net-A-Porter.com! We were speechless!

After popping into Lanvin for some lovely macaroons, we headed over to Bond Street, where things were crazy. I have never seen things so busy, but there was a great atmosphere. Unlike last year, many shops had lengthy queues of people waiting to get in, something which seemed to go against the inclusive ethos of Fashion's Night Out. Nevertheless, it was great to see what all of the stores had going on, and I loved the window display outside Louis Vuitton and this NYC taxi outside DKNY.

Our final stop of the night was Mulberry. Although we had to queue to get it, the line moved quite quickly and it was worth it once we got inside and were promptly invited to enter a raffle to win a bag and a luxury holiday. After having a browse around the store and spotting Cara Delevingne (she is stunning), we had our photo taken against the woodland themed backdrop (along with a lovely girl we met in the queue outside!) and managed to get our hands on a goody bag each.

 Amongst the madness we also popped in to Diane Von Furstenberg, where they were handing out freebie fragrance samples, and where we starred in our own mini-movie:

All in all, this year's Fashion's Night Out was a great one. Although it was disheartening to see some of the bigger, more premium brands had invite only events/enormous queues outside, if you knew where to be then there was a brilliant time to be had. I still can't quite believe we were given the Net-A-Porter vouchers (I'm still deliberating what to buy!), and it was great to go to the Mulberry party as the atmosphere was amazing (as was the goody bag!) Much like last year, it was a case of being in the right place at the right time! Bring on FNO 2012!

Did you go to Fashion's Night Out? If so, what did you get up to?

(Image credit: Sarah Farrell and City Girl's Fashion Box, please do not reproduce without permission. Video credit: sarahjsandiford on Youtube.)