Arm Candy: Cuff Bracelets

If you don't have a handsome male on your arm don't fret; I am here to propose the next best thing. Whether you do your shopping in designer boutiques or on the high street, unquestionably statement jewellery is having its day. Alongside collar necklaces and chunky rings, arm cuffs are the perfect way to transform a mundane outfit into a fashion statement. Having scanned the web, my personal favourite comes with a hefty price tag - I love Alexander Mcqueen's trademark skull print - but the high street also has some purse friendly beauties. For ways to wear your cuff see one of my earlier posts HERE.

L-R/Top-Bottom: Alexander Mcqueen at Selfridges £155, Asos £18, Ted Baker at Asos, Asos £15, Romwe.com £9.39, New Look £4.99.

An Evening in Camoflage

Still being a fan of the camo trend OLDER POST, I thought it was time I dug out my army jacket. Although I love the current feminine fashions when it comes to evening attire - think sequin bralets and pencil skirts - here I have opted for a more edgy look.

Mixing trends can result in a fashion mismatch with the appearance of trying too hard and in short, disaster. However, in keeping it simple I think (hope!) this goth meets military look works well.

Midi styles are still bang on trend and this high-neck dress was a Missguided purchase. Teaming it with my lace-up platform boots and a spiked necklace, the final touch was a slick of red lipstick.

Camo jacket: Amazon, Dress: Missguided, Necklace: Primark, Watch: Michael Kors, Boots: ebay

Wardrobe Staple: Disco Pants in Grey

When an evening out rears its head, the first thing I reach for are my disco pants. Being figure hugging yet forgiving, stylish yet ultra comfortable and of course very versatile- they have become one of my wardrobe staples.

Although I paid out £74 for my black American Apparel originals EXAMPLES, judging by the regular email updates I receive from my favourite online retailers, cheaper equivalents are still everywhere and will ease the guilt of the post-Christmas expenditure.

The grey pair I am wearing here cost me under £10 from Amazon. I wanted another colour to add to my wardrobe and having decided I wasn't brave enough for the bright red or blue variety, grey seemed a safer bet. You can wear them with a simple t-shirt and blazer-as seen, a tucked in shirt or a crop top/bralet and neutral colours go with everything. The only drawback of the bargain buys is that they tend not to have the back pockets and front button but for the price I think it is a sacrifice worth making. Check out Missguided HERE or Topshop HERE to get your own.

Blazer: Primark, Collar Necklace: ASOS, Ring: Wallis, Disco Pants: Amazon, Ankle Socks: Topshop, Boots: Missguided

December Highlights Part 2: When in Cambridge...

In the past, New Year's Eve has consisted of an assortment of failed plans culminating in something predictably average. Last year I found myself stranded in London post-fireworks and spent the majority of the night sandwiched in a crowd of the drunk and disorderly. The year before proved equally as disappointing when a house party turned sour and was swiftly evacuated. SO as December approached, planning something a little tamer was the obvious choice.

An overnight stay in Cambridge complete with a three course dinner and a bottle of wine proved to be the best new year I have had in a while. AND in keeping with the theme of English heritage, I had the perfect excuse to wear my favourite floppy hat and Barbour coat. Here are a couple of my outifts.

Boucle Jacket: Next, Shirt: Vintage, Necklace: H and M

Coat: Barbour, Hat: Zara, Dress: Topshop, Bag: H and M, Chelsea Boots: Asos

December Highlights Part 1

Having neglected my blog throughout December, I have decided to go through a few of my highlights and write (the abridged version) of what has kept me busy.

Aside from devouring the compulsory Christmas cake and oversized roast dinner, I did manage to find some time to do something productive. I do however use the term 'productive' loosely-it was arguably an unnecessary excuse to shop-but I felt my bedroom needed a bit of sprucing up.

A spontaneous trip to Ikea led to the purchase of a new duvet cover, a throw and a large print of the lovely Audrey Hepburn. Although I have only recently decorated, I wanted to give my room a more classic look with a hint of vintage-think Cath Kidston floral prints. Here is a preview!

Cambridge Satchels: One for the Wishlist

 

The Cambridge Satchel has been dubbed the 'Brit it-bag' and it's not hard to see why ARTICLE. Thanks to lesser known designer Julie Deane and her measly £600 budget, the uniform satchel has been reinvented with a twist on the traditional tan and black shades.

The bags have become a real fashion success story, with individuality and quirkiness forming the basis of their appeal. Unlike staple holdalls and shoppers, Deane's bags exude personality and in the mundane AW seasons inject a much needed splash of colour to monochrome outfits.

Neon varieties were huge for SS12 with fluorescent green, pink and orange being the favourite accessory of many-a-fashionista (envision Alexa Chung and Elle Fanning). For AW12, I have my eye on the new range of metallics and have swiftly made the addition to my Christmas list!

Satchels start from around £94 and along with their own website HERE, retail in Harrods, Harvey Nichols and ASOS HERE to name but a few.

Shaggy Cardy

Kate Moss and Michael Kors love them LINK and with the search for the ‘perfect’ winter coat as unproductive as ever, I have found a happy medium.

Digressing slightly, I am a massive fan of faux fur coats. In the winter they are the only thing that keep me warm and I love the glamorous, vintage appeal they encompass. Think Audrey Hepburn circa 1950s; nothing looks more elegant on a crisp winter morning than an oversized fur coat, a delicate pair of pearl earrings and a bold, red lipstick.

However, if you want something a bit lighter for the mild autumn days, a shaggy cardigan is the next best thing. I bought this Mink Pink number from Urban Outfitters last year and although I do not wear it very often, it can be a glam touch over a day dress or serve as an extra layer for a night out SIMILAR HERE.

Shaggy Cardigan: Mink Pink, Shirt: Vintage, Necklace: Urban Outfitters, Leggins: Topshop, Boots: Missguided.com