26.12.2011- Monday Must-haves: Sale Steals Special

We're just one day after Christmas, and it can't have escaped your notice that the sales are already well underway. Call me a traditionalist, but I'm a firm believer that Boxing Day should be reserved for seeing family, tucking into turkey sandwiches and devouring a selection box of chocolate, and after working in retail at Christmas over the last two years, I can think of nothing worse than battling my way to the bargains currently on offer on the high street. However, I've been browsing online and have come across some amazing finds, so thought I'd share the cream of the sales crop in a special Monday Must-haves post:

The Mulberry sale kicked off online on Christmas Eve, and there are still some bargains available. I've long admired the Tillie from afar (even my Mum's a fan!) and can't quite get over how good the reduction is on this style- I might just give in and treat myself. I adore Alex Monroe's jewellery, and this heart design ring has been on my wish list for ages. At virtually half price, it really is a bargain that has to be snapped up (especially as I've still got a £50 Net-a-Porter voucher to use!) This blouse from Boutique by Jaegar is a beauty, and a real investment buy as it looks like collars are going to continue to be big fashion news as we move in to 2012. Paul & Joe's lipsticks are lovely, and I really like this vibrant pink shade- the perfect injection of colour for a gloomy January. You might remember I featured this lace blouse from Warehouse in a post back in September, and since then I've been waiting for it to be reduced- I eagerly ordered it in blue and pink as soon as I saw it was on sale! I adore this Mavala nail varnish trio from Debenhams, and at under £10 for three shades you really can't go wrong. Finally, this Michael Van der Ham design for Topshop is stunning, and ideal if you're looking to treat yourself to a designer item at high street prices- the sorbet pink is perfect for SS12 too.

Have you treated yourself to anything in the sales? And did you brave your local shopping centre today?

(Image credit: Mulberry, Net-a-Porter, House of Fraser, ASOS, Warehouse, Debenhams and Topshop.)

20.11.2011- Sunday Style Spotlight #8: Zooey Deschanel

I've been a fan of Zooey Deschanel's style for as long as I can remember. She's perfected a look which is unmistakably her own, consisting predominantly of cute, vintage inspired dresses, often with a nod to a classic 50s silhouette. As well as having a serious case of hair envy, I love her approach to fashion as it's unashamedly girly- she's a big fan of cute accessories, flowers and bow details, and her style borders perfectly on the conservative side of kooky...

 

This look is all about the dress. Anything that emphasises the waist and incorporates an A-line skirt is a sure fire way to evoke some of Zooey's sartorial charm. Colours are simple and sophisticated, and a cute flower detail here and there keeps things youthful and fun. And, if you're a fan of Zooey's music, be sure to complete the look with a copy of A Very She and Him Christmas!

What do you think of Zooey Deschanel's style? Are you a fan?

(Image credit: Look, Google Images, Topshop, Accessorize, Warehouse, Miss Selfridge and Rokit.)

14.11.2011- Monday Must-haves

Monday again! I really can't get my head around how quickly this year has flown by- and, with only a few weeks until my 22nd birthday (aaah!), this week's Must-haves post is dedicated to lots of lovely things I wouldn't mind receiving as pressies!

I was browsing ASOS over the weekend (whilst cheekily snapping up some lovely pieces as part of their special 10% off promotion!), and came across this beautiful blouse by Sister Jane. I adore how simple it is, and the embellished collar detail is the perfect touch of sparkle now we're heading into 'party season'. This ring from Accessorize is so cute, and the shopper from Warehouse is just about big enough to fit all of my essentials in- I love the metallic touches too. I spied this jumper in Zara last week, and fell in love as soon as I tried it on- the photo really doesn't do it justice. The only thing which put me off snapping it up on the spot was the 'wash factor'- I think one blast in the machine at 30 degrees and it'd be finished. I'm happy to be proved wrong though, so if you've bought one and it's survived a spin in the wash then please do let me know! These ballet pumps from H&M are very reminiscent of Chanel, and a complete steal at £12.99. Finally, this beautiful burnt red beret was another item I spotted in Zara last week, and I think it's the perfect festive touch as we head into December.

Have you bought anything in the last week? And what items are on your wish list at the moment?

(Image credit: ASOS, Accessorize, Warehouse, Zara and H&M.)

24.10.2011- Monday Must-haves: Warehouse Special

Believe it or not, this month the fabulous Warehouse is celebrating its 35th birthday (looking good, no?) I've always loved their sophisticated approach to style, and the quality of the designs they produce is second to none on the high street. So, with this special anniversary in mind, this week's Must-haves is dedicated to a selection of Warehouse's lovely offerings for this season:

I spied this coat whilst having a cheeky browse in store with Sarah last week, and have been contemplating buying it ever since. I think there's something really classic about it (excellent cost-per-wear justification!) and it taps into the androgynous trend perfectly. Warehouse always create the most beautiful blouses, and the three I've included here are no exception- I'll be looking to snap each one up in the January sales. I've always loved their bags too (I own a good armful as it is!) and I've been debating adding to my collection ever since seeing this patent number online a few months back. Finally, I mentioned in this post that they have some lovely jewellery in stock at the moment- these earrings and this friendship bracelet have shot straight to the top of my wishlist.

Warehouse are running a range of special events and competitions to celebrate their 35th birthday, and you can find out more on their website.

Also, if you've picked up a copy of ELLE this month, then there's a lovely 25% off voucher on page 368 which is redeemable both online and in Warehouse stores nationwide. I know I'll be putting mine to good use before it expires!

(Image credit: Warehouse.)

14.10.2011- My Month in Pictures: September

The last month has flown by, and I'm struggling to believe that we're now slowly creeping towards the end of the year. As the mornings get darker, evenings draw in and the weather starts to worsen, it seems appropriate to look back on an unexpectedly sunny September:

8th September- Graduated from university (aaah!) and went for celebratory afternoon tea at The Dorchester (I think it's safe to say that I did not 'work' the hat!)

14th September- Picked up this lovely bag from BHS, a bargain at only £9 in their sale!

22nd September- Baked some lovely scones.

25th September- Went along to London Fashion Weekend with Sarah and enjoyed the sunshine in a very autumnal St. James' Park.

27th September- Bought these lovely earrings from Warehouse, they have some beautiful jewellery in at the moment!

30th September- Treated myself to Givenchy's Eau De Moiselle perfume- it's already becoming a favourite!

What did you get up to in September?

(Image credit: Sarah Farrell, please do not reproduce without permission. Images edited using Picnik.)

03.10.2011- Monday Must-haves: Breast Cancer Care Special Edition

Can you believe it's October already? The year has absolutely flown by! This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it seems fitting to dedicate Monday Must-haves this week to the lovely selection of special items which you can buy and show your support for Breast Cancer Care.

Each of these special pink products has been specially created for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and a percentage of the proceeds from every item sold is donated to Breast Cancer Care. The donation varies from item to item, so it's worth checking the website to see the whole range of products. I love the Le Creuset Strawberry Tea collection, and think the Morphy Richards kettle compliments the set perfectly. This lace top from Warehouse is a beautiful colour, and the Dorothy Perkins wristband is a great way to show your support for the campaign (wearing your support on your sleeve if you like!) Crabtree & Evelyn have also created this lovely bright pink printed tote bag, and this pendant from QVC adds the perfect touch of glamour to an outfit especially if, like me, you are a hazard in high heel and can't wear the real things! 

You can view the whole range of products at the Breast Cancer Care website. Stylist have also created a special 'Style List' themed around the campaign, so be sure to have a look at some of the other lovely items you can buy throughout October to show your support.

Will you be buying anything to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

(Image credit: Breast Cancer Care and Stylist.)

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.)

18.09.2011- Sunday Style Spotlight #4: Clémence Poésy

Clémence Poésy has long been on one my fashion favourites. With her effortless approach to red carpet dressing, Clémence has developed a signature style which is laid back and understated, but at the same time classically elegant and oh so French. I've always thought that French women have all the luck when it comes to nailing the 'Oh, I just threw this old thing on!' look- they somehow manage to look amazing in clothes which your average human would look ridiculous in. But, after looking at Clémence's style, I think I've cracked the Parisienne formula- she usually goes for black and navy outfits which are deceptively simple, but which often incorporate quirky details, whether it be a ribbon around the waist or a peter pan collar, and she always keeps accessories to a minimum:

If, unlike Clémence, you don't have a free pass to outfit upon outfit from Chanel, then her look is fairly easily to replicate on the high street. Cute swing dresses with collar details are absolutely everywhere this season, and sticking to a classic colour palette will help to replicate some of that effortless Parisienne magic. Less really is more in this case, so keep accessories co-ordinated, and incorporate a bit of monochrome to nod to classic Chanel. Perfect!

What do you think of Clémence Poésy's style? Are you a fan?

(Image credit: Look, Vogue, Zimbio, Google Images, Accessorize, Oasis, Warehouse, New Look, Rokit and ASOS.)

28.08.2011- Sunday Style Spotlight #2: Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee Steinfeld is one cool kid. Oscar nominated for her performance as Mattie Ross in True Grit, recently revealed as the new face of Miu Miu's AW11 ad campaign and LOVE magazine cover star. And, as if that wasn't enough, Hailee has also developed a signature style, showcasing an understated elegance on the red carpet, and even designing her own gown for the Oscars. The thing I love about Hailee's approach to style is how classic it is- simple dresses, sleek hair and makeup and co-ordinated accessories all play a part in creating the effortlessly ladylike look which she's honed over the last year or so:

Miu Miu has become a firm favourite for Hailee on the red carpet (talk about perk of the job!), and the swallow print dress from their AW11 presentation has become one of the most covetable items for the coming season. At a fraction of the price, this gorgeous red version from Warehouse is perfect for channelling some of Hailee's demure style. Embellishments, detailed collars and feminine colours are also key, as is that beautiful smile! I can't wait to see how Hailee's style develops as her career progresses- she's soon set to star in a new adaptation of Romeo and Juliet which I think will be amazing. Watch this space!

What do you think of Hailee's style? Are you a fan? And what do you think of her collaboration with Miu Miu?

(Image credit: Vogue, Look, Warehouse, Topshop, Miss Selfridge and French Connection.)

15.08.2011- Monday Must-haves

Happy Monday everyone! Hope you all had a lovely weekend. Here we are again at the start of another week, so once again I've put together my wishlist. To be honest, I'm in a bit of a style rut at the moment, but I put that down to the time of the year- jeans are becoming my 'go to' option in this ever changing climate of ours! Nevertheless, I've picked out a few pieces I've got my eye on:

A few months ago I picked up the blue version of this Topshop dress after hunting high and low for it- it's now fast become a favourite in my wardrobe and is really versatile. When I saw the pink version online last week, I was very tempted to order it but I think it's one of those pieces you need to see in store before buying. Every winter I'm always tempted by a new coat and over the last few years have accumulated a fair few. This camel number from Oasis is already a firm favourite; I love the cut, colour and the cute fur collar. Another few pieces from Topshop in the form of this lovely sequin tee (I love the contrast between the blue and gold) and these boots, which I love but am fairly sure would make my feet look even more enormous than they already are (I'm a UK 8!) This jumper from Warehouse is also really versatile and I can see it lasting from the start of autumn right through the winter, and the touch of sparkle is adorable. I'm also really tempted to invest in a denim shirt after seeing Michelle's post on how they can be styled, and these earrings from Urban Outfitters were too cute to resist.

Before signing off, I just want to say something about the terrible riots, looting and arson which hit the UK last week. Croydon is my local town and it was heartbreaking to see places that I know and love destroyed, and my thoughts are with everyone who has been affected. I realise it might seem a bit frivolous posting about shopping when there are far bigger things going on right now, but I'm a great believer in the 'Keep Calm and Carry On' mentality, so thought it best to post as normal. Just thought it couldn't go unacknowledged, and again massive love to anyone who has been affected ♥.

(Image credit: Topshop, Warehouse, Urban Outfitters, New Look and Oasis.)

18.07.2011- Monday Must-haves

After a little break, 'Monday Must-haves' is back with a rather autumnal feel (which seems oddly appropriate given the awful weather!)

I stumbled across these loafers from Tesco whilst having a browse on their website over the weekend, and was amazed at how much of a bargain they are! They're a perfect caramel colour for the autumn, and I adore the patent effect. And for £14 you can't really go wrong can you?! I love this blouse from Miss Selfridge, and the ankle boots are a must-have for any winter wardrobe, especially if (and not wishing to tempt fate at all!) we have a repeat of last year's horrible snow. I've been after some stag earrings for ages (which I put down to a childhood obsession with The Animals of Farthing Wood!)- these beauties from New Look are lovely and such good value at under £3. The Topshop website has also steadily been updated over the last week with some pieces from their AW11 collection, and this beret caught my eye as it's so cute and very reminiscent of a Chanel-esque elegance. Finally, I included this scarf from Warehouse as I love the vibrant colours and it's a much more affordable alternative to some similar styles from the Mulberry SS11 range.

Have you bought anything recently? And is there anything you've seen recently which you're currently coveting?

(Image credit: Tesco, Miss Selfridge, Topshop, Warehouse and New Look.)

06.06.2011- Monday Must-haves

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you've all had a lovely day (if indeed Mondays can ever be lovely!) Even if you haven't had that great a day, I've got some lovely Monday Must-haves to cheer you up:

I love the brightly patterned tee, created by Cacharel for Uniqlo from a selection of special vintage edition prints, as it's perfect for injecting a bit of summertime brightness into even the most rain-soaked of wardrobes (typical British summer eh? One week of sunshine then bucket loads of rain!) The shoulder bag from Zara is divine, and could easily pass for something ten times more expensive. I adore the colour of the Warehouse blouse, and it would be great dressed up with smart trousers or a skirt, or styled casually with jeans. I chose the loafers as they co-ordinate perfectly with the bag (well, if it's good enough for the Queen!), and the trousers are really versatile. Finally, the nail varnish is a beautiful summery shade of coral, a failsafe even if the weather lets you down!

What do you think of my picks for this week? Have you bought anything you love recently?

(Image credit: Uniqlo, Zara, Miss Selfridge, Warehouse and Topshop.)

02.08.2010- Heading for the Fall...

It's only the second of August, but already some of the Autumn/Winter collections are hitting the high street. As usual, the British Summer weather isn't really up to much, and I'm already anticipating what I'll be buying to see me through the autumn and into winter. With that in mind, here's my list of top five must have pieces for your Autumn/Winter 2010 wardrobe:

The Burberry Prorsum show, where Christopher Bailey showcased a flock of shearling jackets, is surely the show that has launched a thousand high street copies. I've already seen a few good imitations online and on the high street, and the Topshop flying jacket, despite its hefty price tag, sold out in a flash online. I'm loving the look of the Warehouse aviator jackets, and the ASOS version has a really authentic feel to it, with functional zips a plenty.

Trousers are having something of a resurgence at present. Whether they be hareem, high waisted, chinos or peg leg, there are plenty of styles to choose from. Either stick to the neutral tones seen at Chloé, the sophisticated blacks á la Celine or, if you're feeling bold plump for a pair in a bright colour or with a printed design.

What better way to spend a winter's evening than curled up with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate whilst snuggled up in a chunky knit. From a practical perspective, if our winter is anywhere near as cold this year as it was last, I'll be investing in many a wooly jumper to keep the cold at bay! Whether worn with jeans, trousers, a midi-skirt or over a dress, a chunky knit is an extremely versatile way to see you warmly through until the spring.

The dress. A wardrobe staple that never goes out of fashion. This season's dress shapes paid homage to the 1950's (think the costume department of Mad Men), and baroque styles made a reappearance, as seen at Alexander McQueen, Mulberry and Balmain. Go for embellishment, beaded details and bold hues for a welcome escape from the winter blues.

The Mulberry Alexa, a sell out when it was first launched, has set the trend for Autumn/Winter's must have bag- the satchel. Whether you plump for a vintage bag, are lucky enough to be able to afford a Mulberry original, or pick up yours from the many available on the high street, the satchel is the key accessory for the coming season.

What do you think? What pieces will you be looking to pick up on the high street for Autumn/Winter?

(Image credit: style.com, TOPSHOP, WAREHOUSE, Rokit, mulberry, instyle.co.uk, ASOS, riverisland.com, Oasis and frenchconnection.com.)