Prints in Monochrome

Monochrome is set to be huge for SS13 and unless you have been in hibernation, you will have noticed the shop windows teeming with bold black and white prints. Shirts, pencil skirts and body con dresses-the high street has plenty to offer the on-trend shopper IDEAS.

I often dress on the premise that if you go minimal by day and edgy by night, you'll be onto a winner. This Primark skirt was an obvious choice as when it comes to updating my wardrobe, I like to mix on-trend pieces with classic prints that never go out of fashion: think stripes and polka dots. Although black and white is perfect for creating a polished daytime look, I like to inject a bit of colour and vibrancy into my outfit when it comes to an evening out. To finish off the look I added a statement necklace and an oversized clutch.

Biker Jacket: Zara, Collar Necklace: Asos similar here, Pencil Skirt: Primark, Platform Boots: ebay similar here

 

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

Holey Jumper

I bought this jumper from Asos by River Island last week when I saw it had gone down in price. I have been looking for a style like this for a while so that I can wear different coloured vest tops underneath to show through.

Statement necklaces are still my very favourite way to glam up an outfit. I have an ever-growing collection of embellished collars and this beaut, jewelled number was a steal from Primark; always worth a look in for cheap jewellery. My arm candy is a spiked cuff from H and M **Alternative here** which I am wearing in place of my beloved Michael Kors watch.

Although the lighting isn't great (my work hours don't permit daylight photographs!) my jeans are oxblood, still the 'in' colour for AW12, from the Topshop super soft/super skinny range which I love. My satchel is from Amazon and the jacket in the last picture is my Zara contrast leather/fabric biker.

Jumper: River Island from Asos, Jacket: Zara, RayBans: eyewearbrands.com, Necklace: Primark, Spiked Cuff: H and M, Oxblood Jeans: Topshop, Patent Loafers: Urban Outfitters

Little Black Dress

Every girl needs a little black dress in her wardrobe. For a Saturday night out I teamed this black and white number with a statement necklace and red clutch to inject a bit of colour into the outfit. I love 50s style and always think there is something very elegant about wearing monochrome shades with bright red accessories, nails and lips.

On my feet I wore lace-up mock Jeffrey Campbell boots in suede with ankle socks. By the end of the night my feet were in agony!

Dress: H and M (old), Necklace: Primark, Watch: Michael Kors, Clutch bag: Vintage, Shoes: Amazon, Socks: H and M