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.

Printed Trousers

Love these daisy print trousers with ombre effect at the top <3. Photography Ellen Lai.

Trousers: H and M: £30

Sunglasses: Asos, £12

Heels: Next, £42

Mustard maxi

Bring back the sun so I can wear my fave summer maxi skirt!

Vest top: Topshop (old)

Maxi skirt: Primark (£12)

Bag: Topshop (old)

Chanel style boucle jackets

Out with the ill fitting blazers, and in with the cropped and tailored boucle jackets. Years on the original offerings from Coco Chanel are scarce and only available in the vintage variety but if like me you'll settle for high street there are plenty of styles to chose from...

Lipsy for Next, £50

A classic black and white checkered style. I love this Lipsy piece and you may have seen it worn by a handful of celebrities.

Mango, £69.99

A biker style with the option of matching tweed shorts.

Mango, £69.99

  This pale yellow is perfect for a S/S look, finished off with a frayed trimming.

Asos, £60

 Pretty in pink with a patterned finish.

Heeled strap sandals

Asos, £25

Colour blocking is still in.

Mango, £74.99

 The silver offering of Mango's fetish sandals.

Zara, £39.99

My personal fave of the bunch. Love the chunky metallic heel.

Ankle strapped sandals are huge. Whether with a chunky or stiletto heel they scream summer chic.

Summer Glam

Hat: H and M, £8

Beach dress: Primark (old)

Sandals: Asos, £18

Bag: H and M, £10

 

 

 

 

An oversized hat and sunnies are the perfect way to complete the summer glam look. If anyone dares to call you vain just explain the functionalities......! This H and M hat was actually the perfect weapon against the sun when trying to read my book on hol. In terms of sunglasses, I am currently a fan of the cat's eyes trend and have a post with some ideas: Cat's eyes post.

High street stalk: Jackets

My online shopping has recently taken a back seat as I have been saving for various holidays but a few pieces have caught my eye:

H and M: £29.99

I love this mock suede biker jacket in camel. I am so fussy when it comes to bikers and have lost count of the amount of times I have purchased one I thought was perfect, only to return it the next day. Picturing this over a little dress at a festival with ankle boots.

H and M: £29.99

Another offering from H and M that I am slightly obsessing over. I love cropped jackets at the moment, they are very versatile in that they complete the smart/casual look perfectly with jeans and wedges or can be worn with tapered trousers for work.

Topshop: £48

The army/combat look is huge at the moment. I don't think the above picture does this jacket justice but I have tried it on in store and it looks gorge. It is lightweight enough that it can be worn in summer and I love khaki at the moment. I have a fur trim parka that I purchased from a vintage shop last year so I am pleased to see some additions on the high street this year!

Finally....the perfect Pyjama Shirt!

It just so happens that my workplace is round the corner from a shopping centre and woefully, I have to pass a H and M, Topshop and Next to get to the train station. As you can imagine this can be lethal when trying to save money but on the plus side I have the chance to regularly update my wardrobe! Here is one of my favourite summer purchases so far....

Pyjama style shirt; H and M £29.99

I LOVE the pyjama fashion that is in for this season. The silky shirts and shorts that are around are not only elegant but loose fitting and so comfortable! When the Marni for H and M collection came out in March of this year, there was a beautiful pyjama style shirt and shorts set that I was itching to get my hands on but sadly I was left disappointed after the range sold out in a matter of hours. If you don't know what I am talking about see for yourself: Marni pyjama set.

Strolling into H and M on Friday, hidden away on a crowded rail I came across this copy-cat light pink shirt with gold trimming. I fell in love with it and after promising myself I wouldn't buy anymore summer clothes...it was mine! I had been looking around for a shirt like this for a while and although I resisted the matching shorts the shirt is part of a set.

I don't think the above picture does it justice so here is how I wore it over the weekend.....

Shorts: Topshop, £30

                      Shoes: New Look, £30

                      Necklace: H and M, £8

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.

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