Tuesday 29 May 2012

Peplum Dresses

LFW saw designers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen re-introducing the peplum for SS12.

For people with a slender frame like myself, the peplum has the ability to enhance curves and add shape to slim figures. The high street has some lovely skirts and shirts on offer but given that I am in need of one for a party this weekend, I wanted to focus on dresses...

Dorothy Perkins, £39.50
Boohoo, £20
Zara, £25.99
Miss Selfridge, £42.00


 
Glamorousuk.com, £31.99

Tuesday 22 May 2012

Elegant for Summer in Trousers

Finally it looks like the summer is here and in true Brit fashion I spent most of my evening bringing out the old summer clothes and putting away the wooly jumpers. I am hoping the sunshine is here to stay but I fear I may have got a bit carried away.

My most recent obsession for SS12 are trousers and the high street is full of silk joggers, cigarette pants and chinos in beautiful prints. I cannot wait to wear my own with a pair of killer wedges.

Topshop Boutique, £80
I have always loved paisley prints and the 'pyjama pants' look is one of my absolute faves this season. These silk joggers are definitely on the wishlist.

Asos, £35
Floral prints are always a safe bet for the summer and these pretty ankle grazers are an ideal investment.

Mango, £34.99
Love the animal print and as seen here, to make legs appear elongated and slender wear with heeled sandals.
Topshop Premium, £75
Ombre prints are everywhere and this subtle blend from grey to white looks gorgeous in my second choice of silken 'pyjama pants'.

Zara, £39.99
I love this preppy look with the pleated front, and the pastel shade of apricot is perfect for SS12.

Friday 18 May 2012

Studded Loafers

The grunge-chic look is very much in and thanks to Christian Louboutin the studded loafer has become the most sought-after shoe on the market.

If you want the real deal, it is going to set you back £765 (Net-A-Porter) but for those of us who prefer the high street equivalents look no further....


From left to right, top to bottom:
nelly.com, £51.95
romwe.com, £55.57
Sam Edelman for Asos, £140
Topshop, £28
Missguided, £23.99

Thursday 17 May 2012

CJG shoes for Topshop

As some of you may already know, today was the launch of the CJG shoe collection for Topshop. As daughter of the Arcadia and Topshop tycoon Phillip Green, it seemed almost inevitable that Chloe Jade Green would eventually make her way into the world of fashion.

The shoes are categorised by seriously high heels and a Jade green sole to reflect her middle name. Prices range from £115-£175 which I deem to be relatively purse friendly for a stand out pair of heels.

I was very impressed by Chloe's designs which include studded heels, embellished wedges and metallics. SO if you aren't fazed by the threat of a broken ankle, have a look at some of my favourites:

Mischa wedges, £130.
Soft pastel colours for summer <3.
Studback peeptoe heels, £115.
I am a little bit obsessed with studs at the moment so these are the personal fave.
Lady Mama shoe boots, £175.
At the higher end of the CJG price range but may just be worth it for the gorge jewelled wedge.
Peeptoe court shoes, £115.
Love these sparkly bottle green numbers, perfect with a little black dress.

Wednesday 16 May 2012

Cat Eye sunnies

Audrey Hepburn glamourised the look in Breakfast at Tiffany's and in true fashion cycle, the Cat Eye look has made a comeback for SS12.

As a lover of vintage, I was extremely excited when the 50s inspired shades hit the catwalks. With designers such as Christian Dior and Prada accessorizing their models with the feline sunnies, I was quick to add a pair (or two) to my ever-growing sunglasses collection.

Here's what the high street have to offer...

Topshop. £16
Asos, £12
Topshop, £16
Topshop, £18
very.co.uk, £17

Tuesday 15 May 2012

Statement Collars

Plane Jane collars are out and studded, embellished, contrasted and layered alternatives are making bold statements for Spring 2012. It is time to let the collar shine-literally! I am in love with some of the works of art currently roaming the high street......

Romwe, £16.21
Missguided, £25.99

  
Urban Outfitters, £40

Olive Clothing, £39.00

Topshop, £32.00


Daydream

When I have a chance I love to raid charity shops and vintage markets. Over the years I have picked up some classic pieces and this oversized jacket is one of them. It cost me all of about £4 but is one of my wardrobe's finest-fully lined with beautiful detail on the gold buttons. The downside to charity shopping is that most of the clothes tend to be in larger sizes and if you're a smaller size like myself it can be hard to find items that fit...but it is nothing a rolled up sleeve won't solve!

Animal prints are timeless and, call it Pat Butcher, but I am a massive fan of leopard print. I purchased this shirt from Frank and Doll and although it was fairly expensive I wear it all the time. I accessorized the look with pearls and brown Chelsea boots.




Photography: Ellen Lai
Jacket: vintage
Leopard print shirt: Mink Pink (Frank and Doll)
Watch: Michael Kors

Monday 14 May 2012

Louis Vuitton S/S12 equivalents


The Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 12 campaign is beautiful. I love the range of pastel colours mixed with the cut-out floral designs, makes me think of being in a sweet shop! The pointy shoes add a touch of elegance BUT the bold, crochet collars are my fave aspect.

Although the weather is typically English at the moment, we may eventually see a ray of sunshine and when this does happen I will be dying to get hold of some similar pieces. I have been scanning the internet for some more bank friendly items and I was very impressed with what H and M had to offer........

H and M: £29.99
I am loving the white scalloped collar against the pale yellow. Whether tucked into a fitted pencil skirt or worn with jeans, this elegant shirt is very Louis V!


H and M: £29.99
Knee-length skirts and very on trend at the moment and this pastel turquoise shade is perfect for SS12. I am also a lover of the pleats.

H and M: £14.99


 Blazers are one of my wardrobe staples. A fitted jacket can really smarten up an outfit and this candy pink is perfect for the warm summer evenings ahead.



Sunday 13 May 2012

Gold Buttons

Collar Necklace: Primark
Gold Casio: Argos
Cream Cardigan: Vintage
Gold Buckle Pumps: Topshop
I love the emblem on this cream cardy and I chose a range of gold accessories to bring out the detailed buttons. My watch is a retro men's Casio and it is sold in loads of shops including Urban Outfitters and American Apparel BUT it is about half the price in Argos which is where I got mine. There is absolutely no difference so don't pay more than you need to!

Fave Accessories


Watch: Michael Kors
Scarf: Asos (old)
Bird ring: Primark
Earrings: My Mum's
Photography: Ellen Lai
 I am an accessory lover and my wardrobe is full of old scarves and bags that I never use anymore. I love this two tone Michael Kors with a mother of pearl dial and the statement ring is another bargain I found in Primark.

The scarf is an ancient Asos number which I bought when it was first launched. I am a big fan of the bow trend and the vintage looking paisley print is just my thing.

I Heart Fur Collars

 
Photography: Ellen Lai
Fur collar: River Island (originally a snood which I cut in half and sewed up!)
Jumper: Vintage
Brogues: Primark
I am a huge fur lover (faux of course) and go through phases of adding fur collars to my outfits, usually over blazers or jumpers. I found these little brown brogues in Primark sometime last year and although they only cost me about £15 they look really expensive and have seen me through the winter!

Timeless Houndstooth


Blazer: (V. old) Dorothy Perkins
Gold buckle pumps: Topshop
Photography: Ellen Lai

Some prints never go out of fashion and Houndstooth is one of them. I came across this little gem in a charity shop and love the contrast of the gold with the black and white.

Winter Blues

Blazer and shirt: vintage
Necklace: Accessorize
Shorts: Levis
Belt: Topshop
Photography: Ellen Lai

I love statement necklaces, they can really transform a plain outfit and I think this silver ball one from Accessorize does the job well.