20.12.2011- Festive Dress Guide Part Four: The Little Black Dress

The final edition of my Festive Dress Guide focuses on that classic wardrobe staple- The Little Black Dress. A versatile item which is a failsafe year in year out, and which is perfect if you're still stuck for outfit inspiration:

I spied this dress from Zara online a few weeks ago, and was amazed by the £25.99 price tag- the lace sleeves and collar detail make it look so much more expensive, don't you think? This 60s inspired flared design from French Connection is a real classic, and the empire line cut is a really flattering option (especially if, like me, you're prone to overindulging!) This polka dot number from Topshop could be a double for a Stella McCartney design, and I love the bow tie on the neckline. True Decadence's take on the flapper style is another standout design, and with the 20s set to be big style news for next season, it's the perfect frock to invest in if you want to stay ahead of the crowd. And last, but by no means least, this stunning design by Claudie Pierlot is my dream LBD- I adore the embroidered collar and the oversized shape captures an understated elegance which I just love.

Have you got your festive outfits planned? And have you enjoyed this feature?

(Image credit: Zara, French Connection, Topshop, Oasis and Urban Outfitters.)

18.12.2011- Sunday Style Spotlight #11: Keira Knightley

I've posted before about my love of Keira Knightley's style, and I think she's one of a select few modern film stars who embodies a really vintage inspired elegance on the red carpet. As the face of Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle fragrance, she can take her pick from Karl Lagerfeld's creations, but the thing I really admire about Keira is her support for upcoming British designers- she wore Erdem back in 2007 and sported a stunning Mary Katrantzou dress at the Venice Film Festival earlier this year. Her street style is relaxed, cool and comfortable, and her model-like proportions are perfect for showcasing stunning couture pieces on the red carpet:

This look was inspired by the autumnal Erdem printed dress which Keira wore to the Olivier awards in 2010, and by a look she put together back in 2008. I love the floral pattern on this blouse from Miss Selfridge, and the black bow detail ensures it co-ordinates perfectly with this Topshop skirt. These boots from Zara really remind me of the Isabel Marant Dickers, and I think they toughen the outfit up perfectly. This satchel from ASOS also matches the blouse beautifully, and the gold buckles make it look like a designer piece. Finally, this ring from Cheap Frills is the perfect statement accessory to finish the look off.

What do you think of Keira Knightley's style? Are you a fan?

(Image credit: Look, ASOS, Miss Selfridge, Topshop, Cheap Frills and Zara.)

14.12.11- What I Wore Today #5

These posts have been a little bit neglected of late, but with it getting dark so early at the moment it's proving tricky to take any photos which don't make me look like a long lost relative of the Addams family- put it this way, flash is not my friend! Anyway, I managed to catch my outfit for today on camera first thing this morning, before I headed out to meet Sarah for lunch and a spot of last-minute Christmas shopping (apologies in advance for the bad quality pictures!)

 Jumper- Zara

Blouse (worn underneath)- Sister Jane at ASOS

Jeans- Topshop

I got this jumper from Zara and blouse by Sister Jane as birthday presents- you might remember I featured them in a Monday Must-haves post a few weeks ago. I was a bit cautious about the jumper at first, but after much deliberation (and advice on washing it from Mumma!) I popped it on my birthday list. I'm so glad I did as it's lovely and really comfortable. I'm also really happy I got this blouse from ASOS (purchased using one of their 20% off codes) as it's proving to be quite a versatile addition to my wardrobe- I can't wait to wear it in the warmer weather!

How are you finding dressing for the cold?

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

27.11.2011- Sunday Style Spotlight #9: Kirsten Dunst

Kirsten Dunst has long been a fashion inspiration of mine. I've loved watching her films (Marie Antoinette is one of my all-time favourites), and, after randomly bumping into her in the shoe department of Selfridges a few years ago, I've been an avid follower of her style. Whilst I'm yet to catch her performance in Melancholia, it was great to see Kirsten on the red carpet again during the promotion of the film over the summer, wearing stunning dresses by Chanel, Chloé and Rodarte. If I had to summarise her look in one word, I'd probably choose romantic- pretty details, classic shapes and a touch of whimsy all come together to create a much-coveted signature style:

My interpretation of Kirsten's style is all about taking classic pieces and adding to them- this shirt from Miss Selfridge is a perfect wardrobe staple with an added element of sparkle thanks to the embellished collar. The same goes for the Oasis skirt- the lace overlay captures the sense of romance which makes Kirsten's look so recognisable. The embellished touches on this Topshop dress evoke a couture feel at a fraction of the price, and I think these shoes from Zara could be mistaken for a Miu Miu pair. Finally, these earrings from Whistles are both simple and cute, capturing the essence of Kirsten's approach to fashion.

What do you think of Kirsten Dunst's style?

(Image credit: Look, Miss Selfridge, Whistles, Oasis, Topshop, and Zara.)

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.)

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.)

04.09.2011- Sunday Style Spotlight #3: Diane Kruger

Diane Kruger has got to be one of the most consistently stylish stars on the red carpet at the moment. She was one of my favourites from the MET gala earlier in the year, and as a former model, Diane certainly knows a thing or two about fashion. As well as being unveiled as the face of Calvin Klein's Beauty last year, she is also a friend of Karl Lagerfeld and a regular front row fixture at fashion week. I love Diane's style because it's so feminine, elegant and polished, but at the same time she's not afraid to take a risk here and there, regularly experimenting with shape and colour on the red carpet:

To replicate Diane's signature style, think embellished dresses (after all, who doesn't love a bit of sparkle?) mixed up with quirky accessories such as bows and these adorable two-tone brogues. Take further inspiration from her flawless hair and make-up and you're there!

Are you a fan of Diane Kruger's style? What are your favourite of her red carpet looks?

(Image credit: Look, Vogue, Topshop, Monsoon, H&M and Zara.)

29.08.2011- (Bank Holiday) Monday Must-haves

Hello lovelies! Hope you've all had a lovely, relaxing Bank Holiday Monday. My productive morning slid into a very lazy afternoon, as I fell asleep watching The Incredibles (how rock and roll of me!)...but if you can't indulge in a mid-afternoon nap at the Bank Holiday than when can you? Luckily, I'm now wide awake and here with my must-haves for this week:

This week's 'Must-haves' is a bit of a dress fest, but as autumn fast approaches I'm going to be stocking up on versatile styles which I can team with tights, boots and woolly jumpers to keep the cold at bay! This swing dress from ASOS is at the top of my 'winter dresses' list, I love the shape and the lace detailing, plus the turn-down collar is oh-so trendy. I saw this leopard print drop-waisted dress in Zara at the weekend, and instantly fell in love with the colours...perfectly autumnal. As a rule I'm not a big fan of leopard print (I always think there's a fine line between looking stylish and channelling the first lady of leopard, HRH Bet Lynch) but I love that this print isn't too gaudy. I also picked this failsafe floral number from New Look, as I think it would look perfect with a chunky knit and is a definite keeper for the summer months too. I was really drawn to the muted colours of this top from Oasis, and love the cut too. I fell in love with this ring from Whistles after spying it on Vicky's blog a while ago, and am including it here as a reminder to myself to buy it soon...simply too cute. Finally, I got a little bit too excited when Topshop dropped their new season make-up online last week, as I'm a massive fan of their lipsticks (they have amazing staying power). This baby pink shade is perfect, and I've been after a similar colour for ages (can you tell I'm trying to justify adding to my rapidly expanding collection?!)

What bits and pieces have you got your eye on at the moment? And what do you think of my picks for this week?

(Image credit: ASOS, Oasis, Topshop, Zara, New Look and Whistles.)

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.)

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.)

08.01.2010- ZARA's Headband Collection.

Before the snow covered the whole of the U.K in a blanket of chaos, I had intended to go shopping this week to spend my birthday money and wages. However, as it has done for much of the last month, the weather completely ruined my plans and for the last three days I've been stuck indoors. Had I managed to get out this week, I would have been on the hunt for hair accessories from Zara's Headband Collection, which launched late last year. Here are some of my favourites:

 

 

 

The full collection can be viewed at zara.com.

I am willing the snow to disappear soon, but with the lowest temperature here being recorded at -22 degrees in the Scottish Highlands last night, I'm not holding out much hope that it will! 

(Image credit: zara.com.)