11.12.11- Sunday Style Spotlight #10: Liv Tyler

Since the age of about 11 (when I became obsessed with all things Lord of the Rings!), I've really admired Liv Tyler's style. Her attitude to fashion is relaxed, classic and easy-going, capturing an attitude which is quintessentially New York. As someone who is a little bit on the tall side, I also look to Liv (who is 5' 10") for inspiration- I love the way she returns to trusty staple items and never picks up a trend just for the sake of it. She's perfected the accessible wardrobe- cute patterned dresses teamed with beautifully cut blazers, understated accessories and timeless designer pieces all combine to create a series of signature looks which are effortlessly stylish:

This look is cool and uncomplicated, featuring items which are really versatile and classic. This beautiful pansy print dress from Warehouse is a dead ringer for the Thakoon design which Liv wore to the New York premiere of her film Super, and it's a piece that would look amazing dressed up or down. This blazer from River Island has a really luxe feel thanks to the leather effect lapels, and I think it's a staple item which you could wear again and again. These limited edition heels from New Look are stunning, and co-ordinate perfectly with the oversized clutch bag from Miss Selfridge- I love the gold accents. Finally, there are few things more classic than a pop of red lipstick, and this shade from Topshop is a brilliantly bold finishing touch.

What do you think of Liv Tyler's style? And who is your fashion icon?

(Image credit: Look, Google Images, Miss Selfridge, Warehouse, New Look, Topshop and River Island.)

07.11.2011- Monday Must-haves

This week's Must-haves post is uncharacteristically co-ordinated, but, as we head deeper into winter, I'm finding myself being drawn to darker colours and pieces I know I'll be able to rely upon as the weather worsens:

As soon as I saw this dress, it rocketed straight to the top of my shopping list. I adore this style of clothing- relaxed, comfortable and classically stylish. I've picked up a few pieces from Vaudeville and Burlesque at Urban Outfitters before and have been really impressed with the quality and fit, and the versatility of this smock dress means that it works out as quite affordable (and much less of a guilty splurge!) if we look at it on a cost-per-wear basis. This horse print top from H&M is charming- I adore the photo print, and it's perfect for teaming with a pair of jeans and a chunky cardigan for the winter. I've also been drawn to hats quite a lot over the last few weeks, which has resulted in some mixed fortunes. Embarrassingly enough, I seem to possess an abnormally large head, which means as a rule I normally have to buy hats from the menswear section. Bad times. However, this hat from Miss Selfridge could be the one to break the curse- I just love how simple it is and it would be perfect for the colder weather. This ring from Whistles is so cute, and instantly reminded me of Christmas- I'm thinking of buying it just to remind me that I must start my present buying sooner rather than later! These River Island boots are also ideal for negotiating puddles/snow/soggy leaves, and look to be the perfect halfway house between the ultra-trendy Chelsea style and a more traditional design. Finally, this gorgeous black blouse from Monki is the perfect take on florals for the chillier months, and is another really versatile find.

What do you think of my picks for this week? And have you picked up any winter essentials yet?

(Image credit: Urban Outfitters, H&M, Miss Selfridge, Whistles, River Island and Monki.)

30.10.2011- Sunday Style Spotlight #7: Elizabeth Olsen

I've been a fan of Elizabeth Olsen's style for a little while now, and she's been steadily making a sartorial impact at events and premieres over the last few months. This week she attended a screening of her film Martha Marcy May Marlene at the London Film Festival, gracing the red carpet in sparkling Chanel Couture and cementing her status as an up-and-coming style icon:

I love Elizabeth's style as it's really simple and sophisticated. Unlike Mary-Kate's penchant for vintage and Ashley's attraction to all things minimalist, Elizabeth seems to prefer looks which are feminine, classic and youthful. I adore the dress by The Row (who else?) which she wore to the Cannes Film Festival back in May, and, as we saw at the SS12 presentations, this 20s inspired look is set to be big news for next season. Throw in some statement accessories and a touch of sparkle and you're well on your way to emulating Elizabeth's sophisticated elegance.

Are you a fan of Elizabeth Olsen's style?

(Image credit: Look, Google Images, Warehouse, ASOS, Oasis, River Island and very.co.uk.)

17.10.2011- Monday Must-haves

This week's Must-haves is a bit of an odd, uncoordinated selection, but I've seen so many lovely pieces over the last week that this seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to gather everything in one place to form a sort of 'wishful thinking' shopping list:

I've had my eye on this jumper from River Island for ages, but was reluctant to spend a whopping £38 on it. When I saw today that it had been reduced in the sale, I added it straight to this post. I love the burnt red colour and think it would be a welcome addition to my wardrobe now that the colder weather is well and truly upon us! I fell in love with this New Look blouse as soon as I saw it- a floral print and peter pan collar? I'm sold. I adore the colour of these jazz shoes from Office, and after buying a gold pair a few years back I know that they'd be really comfy (as old as that sentence makes me sound!) Monki is a label I've read a lot about recently, and, after receiving a catalogue in the post last week I had a quick browse of their website- needless to say I had to restrain myself from adding everything in sight to my basket! I love this dress as it is so simple and the deep blue colour is gorgeous- it would also look amazing dressed up with this embellished collar from Miss Selfridge. Finally, after buying a beautiful deep berry lip marker from Topshop last winter, I was hoping they'd add to their range with some new colours- and suffice it to say they've come up trumps again with this new addition to their make up collection. Now I just need to win the lottery...

What do you think of my picks for this week? And what have you bought recently?

(Image credit: River Island, Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Monki, Office and New Look.)

16.10.2011- Sunday Style Spotlight #6: Florence Welch

Less than a fortnight after emerging from a giant seashell to sing at the Chanel SS12 presentation, Florence Welch is gracing the cover of every magazine from NME to Interview as she promotes her new album, Ceremonials, which is released next month. Since the release of her debut album, Lungs in 2009, Florence has not only become one of the most recognisable voices on the radio, but has also worked with a succession of designers including Givenchy, Valentino and Gucci to cement her status as a style icon:

From floor sweeping couture gowns for red carpet appearances and performances, to a laid back street style which incorporates lots of quirky little touches, Florence's signature looks are always beautifully co-ordinated. Embellishment, lace and metallics are all key players here, as are vintage accessories and statement jewellery. I love Florence's look predominantly because she's such a style chameleon- from ethereal dresses created by the best design houses in the world to a simple plaid shirt accessorised with a ribbon neck tie, she takes a fun, fearless approach to fashion which works so well and compliments her music beautifully.

What do you think of Florence Welch's style? Are you a fan?

(Image credit: Look, New Look, River Island, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins, Accessorize, Topshop and Rokit.)

10.10.2011- Monday Must-haves

Another week has flown by, and I hope you all had lovely weekends. It seems like I say the same thing every Monday, but I really can't believe how quickly the weeks are flying by...before we know it Christmas will be upon us! With this in mind, this week's Monday Must-haves features some suitably festive items...

As soon as I saw these shoes from very.co.uk, I fell in love with them! They really remind me of a Miu Miu pair, but at £38 are a fraction of the price. The chunky heel is the perfect antidote to falling over and looking like a wally, which, if you're anything like me, you'll be very thankful for (especially at a Christmas/New Year party!) This Pins & Needles Blouse from Urban Outfitters really caught my eye as I love the colour, and I think it'd be perfect for layering as the weather turns chillier. Although some might say featuring two blouses with a bow detail in one post is overkill, after I spied this New Look top on Sarah's blog, I couldn't resist including it...it's so cute and I love the scalloped edges on the collar and cuffs. The sudden change in weather over the last week has also made me realise that I need to stock up on jumpers, and this vibrant pink number from River Island would be a beautiful bright addition to my wardrobe over the winter. I adore this vintage tea dress from Rokit- the floral print is stunning, the style is so flattering and the peter-pan collar is perfectly on trend, plus you know it's the kind of piece that would never really date. Finally, these earrings from H&M are amazing value for £3.99 (there's something a little Mulberry about them too, don't you think?), and I've been after a ring similar to this one from Accessorize for ages- an early Christmas to myself present perhaps?

Have you bought anything over the last week? And what do you think of my choices?

(Image credit: Rokit, New Look, H&M, very.co.uk, Urban Outfitters, River Island and Accessorize.)

02.10.2011- My entry for the Westfield Style Notes blogging competition

After posting the other day about Westfield Guest Blogger competition, I thought I'd try my luck and enter! I've tried something a bit different with my entry (in an attempt to combine my love of cake and fashion!), so here goes:

Recipe for AW11 Style Success

You will need:
access to a Westfield shopping centre,
a supportive best friend/parent/significant other who can be relied upon for honest opinions, coffee breaks when required and carrier bag hauling,
a comfortable pair of shoes,
and an injection of the top trends from AW11 to taste.

Method:

Velvet Dress with Silk Collar, £230, Jaegar

1) Head directly to your nearest Westfield, where you'll find an irresistible mixture of the U.K's most delicious retailers, from All Saints to Zara and everything in between.

Midi Skirt, £30, River Island

2) Take your inspiration from the seasons top trends- whether it be 70s shapes with a distinctly vintage vibe, Mad Men-esque midi skirts, 1960s shift dresses in an array of colours or an splash of polka dot as seen on the catwalks of Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney.

3) Add the crucial ingredient- a good winter coat. This product needs to have a good shelf life, as it's an essential part of any winter wardrobe. Faux fur, oversized and military styles are all recommended, or alternatively incorporate a vibrant colour to brighten your mood as the sunshine fades.

4) Season your outfit with some staple winter boots. A classic riding style, sumptuous suede pair or a versatile Chelsea design are among the essentials to select from.

5) Marinate with a generous helping of this season's key colours: brilliant burgundy, fabulous fawn and radiant russet. Mix in a dash of emerald, amethyst and sapphire for jewel inspired dressing, and add a drop of mustard yellow for an added vibrant kick.

6) To sweeten, add this season's essential details, whether they be peter pan collars a-plenty, beautiful bows or lashings of lace. Alternatively, spice things up with some leather in a nod to the fetish trend, but allow to blend subtly into your look.

Leather Bag, £69.99, H&M

Double Breasted Coat, £79.99,

 Zara

7) Sprinkle with a dusting of failsafe winter warmers- woolly socks, patterned scarves and hats are all a must as temperatures tumble.

8) To decorate, add statement accessories such as hold-everything handbags and body sculpting belts. Garnish with a classy cocktail ring for an added touch of eye-catching sparkle.

9) Serve daily throughout the winter months and enjoy.


That's it! Thanks for reading.


(Image credit: Jaegar, River Island, Zara and H&M.)

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.)

01.08.2011- Monday Must-haves

Pinch punch! Can you believe it's August already? I hope you're having a lovely start to the month (isn't the weather fantastic?!), mine has been rather eventful so far, with a horrible journey home thanks to a burst water main- cue chaos at every train station between London and the south coast, emergency replacement bus kerfuffle and me nearly exploding when barricaded onto said bus by a mountain of suitcases! Anyway, I'm home now and here with some Monday Must-haves to cheer myself up:

I fell in love with these Dune pumps as soon as I saw them- they are just too cute and the pastel pink colour is adorable. If you're a regular reader then you'll know I'm obsessed with floral prints, so couldn't resist including this dress from Miss Selfridge- the black background makes it perfect for the transition between seasons. I've admired this beautiful perfume bottle from Urban Outfitters from afar for ages, and, now that it's been reduced in the sale, it would be rude not to snap it up as a mini-vase for my bedroom. I spied this metallic shopper from Zara in store last week and it's already rocketed up my wish list- it's such a classic shape and colour that I don't think it would ever date (and as an added bonus it's big enough to fit all of my junk handbag essentials in!) This bracelet caught my eye as I think it's quite unusual and I've been meaning to pick up some new pieces like it for a while. Finally, although it might seem like I'm tempting fate by including an umbrella, I couldn't resist the print- it may also come in very handy should any water mains decide to explode/implode/cause general mayhem in the future!

How has your Monday been? And what do you make of my picks for this week?

(Image credit: Topshop, Miss Selfridge, John Lewis, Urban Outfitters, River Island and Zara.)

25.07.2011- Monday Must-haves

Typical. The moment I come up with a knitwear themed post, we experience what feels like a mini-heatwave. I suppose it just serves me right for being uber-organised, eh? Anyway, this week's must-haves post features some of the gorgeous jumpers which are already making their way into the shops in preparation for winter:

A few years ago I bought some gorgeous jumpers which are now either a) too big for me or b) too small for me (having been shrunk in the wash). Whenever it's freezing cold in the winter, I go to reach for a cosy jumper only to discover pretty poor selection, some of which would even look small on Thumbelina! I've adored this River Island jumper for ages, and think it's a really versatile piece- it would look great with jeans or over a cute tea dress. I love the vibrant colours of these knits from Oasis, so refreshing to see something for winter that's not black or grey! This adorable pink number from Rokit has just shot straight to the top of my wishlist, it's a stunning colour and incorporates a big trend for the coming season- the collar. You can't go wrong with an oversize cardigan from Topshop, and I adore the chunky buttons on this mohair version. And whilst this embroidered jumper from Monsoon is a touch on the expensive side, I think it would look fabulous teamed with a blood red pleated midi skirt (dare I utter the phrase Christmas party outfit?!)

I'm off to evaluate my knitwear collection make space for some more clothes in my wardrobe.

Do you think it's too early to be looking at winter clothes in July? And what are your thoughts on my picks for this week?

(Image credit: River Island, Oasis, Rokit, Topshop and Monsoon.)

27.06.2011- Monday Must-haves

Happy Monday! I hope you all had lovely weekends and made the most of the glorious weather, it's boiling at the moment but looks set to bucket it down later on (typical!) Here's another selection of Monday Must-haves to kick off the week:

I saw this gold tee in Dorothy Perkins a while back and have been umming and aahing over it ever since. It does remind me of the sequinned tee from last week's mega-expensive post, and I think it would look great teamed with some skinny jeans. I've seen a lot of people out and about wearing maxi skirts, and this black one from New Look would be really versatile for the summer. I'm still trying to track down the perfect maxi skirt (most of the ones I've tried on have been ridiculously unflattering on me), so this one looks like a contender. I'm in love with these patent River Island loafers, and think that they're the perfect transitional pair of shoes- they'd look great with thick tights and a cute tea dress for the winter. I've also been trying to track down the perfect Breton top for what feel like ages (again, everyone I've tried on to date has made my upper body resemble a rectangle), but this People Tree version may just be the one. Made with Fairtrade organically grown cotton, it's also really great value for an ethically created product. I love this vintage black and white floral top from Rokit, and have been lusting after the satchel since it arrived at work a few weeks ago, I think I might just have to treat myself (although my collapsing wardrobe would beg to differ!)

What do you think of my picks for this week? Did you buy anything nice over the weekend?

(Image credit: People Tree, Rokit, River Island, New Look and Dorothy Perkins.)

13.06.2011- Monday Must-haves

Hello all! Hope you all had fantastic weekends (despite the ever-changing weather!) and are enjoying the new week so far. Here are my Monday Must-haves for this week:

Quite an unexpectedly Topshop heavy post this week, but some beautiful pieces have recently debuted online and I couldn't resist including them. I've probably owned a series of cream blouses with lace detailing since I was about 15 (including a beautiful one from Miss Selfridge which I recently parted company with as it was too big!), but this one from Topshop has well and truly cemented itself on my 'future purchases' list. I couldn't resist including the socks after seeing them in store last week, as they instantly reminded me of the old style school socks I used to wear (although I'm not advocating nostalgia as an excuse to splurge!) I've also been after a pair of tan ankle boots since last winter, and these are perfect- I love the buckle detailing.

After seeing this skirt in New Look last week it was instantly added to my shopping list, as I love the colour and the paperbag waist is really flattering- also rather reminiscent of the Mulberry SS11 collection which can't be a bad thing! The headscarf is a little whimsical inclusion as I've seen some lovely ones about recently and I think they're perfect for summer, especially if you're off somewhere exotic on holiday. And no, I can't quite believe that I've included a jumper in a post being written in the middle of June either, but the buttermilk shade of this Miss Selfridge number is divine, and you all know I'm obsessive about anything embellished.

Finally, a make-up must-have in the form of Chanel's Rogue Coco lipstick in a beautiful shade called 'Boy' (if you've seen Coco Before Chanel you'll recognise the significance), which I spied whilst perusing the beauty counters with my best friend (and self-confessed make-up addict) Sarah last week, and fell even more in love with after seeing this oh so cute ad campaign:

What do you think of my picks for this week? And have you bought Chanel's Rouge Coco Shine lipstick? If so, what did you think?

(Image credit: Topshop, Miss Selfridge, New Look, River Island and Debenhams. Video credit: Youtube.)

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.)