#WantItWednesday (24/06/15)

From Monki

I have been searching high and low for a lovely relaxed, summer skirt and I think I have found it in this gorgeous skirt from Monki. 

This lightweight, striped denim skirt is perfect for the longer evenings spent outside. This works well with an oversized button down or a Tshirt, even one of my favourite Fisherman Jumpers from American Apparel for when the nights draw in. 

I think my summer prayers have been answered with this little beauty. This is fun, relaxed and delightfully vintage for the summer. 

#WantItWednesday (15/04/15)

From Urban Outfitters 

It is actually warm enough to leave your coat at home... This makes me happier than I care to admit. 

It is an absolute joy to me that spring has FINALLY sprung properly and I am going to celebrate with these beauties from Urban Outfitters. 

It's time for your toes to get a much needed dose of Vitamin D and these are a great addition to a casual wardrobe. 

High Street Heroes: February

So February is here. Your Valentine's presents have either wilted, been eaten or are proudly adorning your body. Lent is just around the corner (I am going to give up Haribo again. It is going to be HARD) and you are contemplating new items for your transitional winter/early spring wardrobe. I am here for you, to guide you through the murky waters (or driving wind) of the high street.

#WantItWednesday (20/08/14)

I am feeling sad. I'm sad because summer is definitely over and I know I have to start wearing jackets and extra layers . My umbrella is beginning to disintegrate under the strain of rain of biblical proportions and constant battles with the wind; who I might add is winning the war against me not falling over in the street. 

Very little gets me out of this morose funk, one such event is evenings spent (well, more an entire day) with friends in front of a cosy pub fireplace with warming wine and hearty fare; Another one that is far less questionable during the working week are jumpers.  

I love a jumper. I am partial to a pullover. I swoon over a sweater.  Many of you who know me are aware that my drawers and wardrobes full to bursting with woolly wonders. 

So it's only right, on this miserable Wednesday that I cheer myself up (and you) with my favourite selection of sweet sweaters to make the transition from summer to autumn that little bit nicer. 

Jumpers are amazing because they are versatile, they can be quirky and in the early autumn can add warmth and comfort a cardigan just cannot achieve. I think a good jumper is like being hugged all day long and that's just too good to pass up!

During the first autumnal months your breezy summer dresses and skirts can be layered with tights (the higher the denier, the closer to heaven) and your trusty jumper. 

When the cold sets in replace the tights with sturdy wool cigarette trousers, a crisp shirt (Mandarin collars are an especially chic touch) and a warming pea coat. It'll make you feel like you've stepped out of the detective agency of your film Noir fantasies (add a striking red lip if you really want to go for it.) rather than stepping out of your office with the wind and rain whipping your hair out of shape. 

When it comes to jumpers, I've three categories that tend to never fail me:

Utility jumpers, these can be worn all day, all night can easily be dressed up or down and would look amazing if you were moving house or moving from pub to pub on a lazy, lazy Sunday. 

Emotional jumpers, these are for days when you want to pretend it's still summer, or want to make yourself (and others) chuckle. These are eye catching and attention grabbing that will do your talking for you. 

Comfort jumpers, jumpers you'll want to spend the rest of your life in and then some. 

I have picked some of my favourites from all categories to up your jumper game and make autumn feel a little less daunting. 

Utility Jumpers

I cannot and will not start this without talking about my favourite jumpers of all time. The American Apparel Fisherman Jumper. Some have become utility, some have become comfort (older ones especially). I love these because they are simple enough to go with anything and everything, are warm and these are the best basic jumpers on the market (believe me, I looked everywhere) 

These come in a multitude of colours, perfect for any mood or outfit. to be honest if I could wear this through summer I would. To date, I have about five, but I will always buy more, because why the hell not?!

My favourite colour, that I buy in bulk are the Navy and the Vintage Grey, these go with everything. Jeans, light or dark, ditzy floral patterns and bold botanical prints make you feel casual. Pair it with a collared shirt and a pair of peg leg trousers and your fine for any type of meeting. You'd be a fool to not get in on this game. 

Emotional Jumpers

When you think about quirky jumpers my first and only thought is of one genius man. Markus Lupfer.

 Having cultivated the label for four years, he is the reason so many jumpers are embellished with slogans that can only make you smile. 

I love the relaxed shape and the humour that all of his jumpers imparts, you can be as professional as you like with a mandarin collar shirt or tunic underneath, but you will make yourself (and others) smile, which is exactly what everyone needs in this miserable weather!

You can get this jumper from here

Comfort Jumpers

When I think of comfort jumpers (when not thinking about my trusty fisherman jumper) I often think of jumpers I have acquired for free (of course) over the course of my life. My favourite of these are the trusted cricket whites; that are warm, slouchy and just like a hug. 

They, because of their colour again go with most things but aside from cricket, should only be used for casual purposes. (Shops, Brunch, Lunch, etc.)

Mine is my Dad's old jumper, so I can't show you where to get it. John Lewis (Of course) has an excellent selection of cricket jumpers that will soon become your comforting favourite.

Well I certainly feel a bit better, I hope you do too. I'm ready for you wind and rain (no, I'm not at all)

High Street Heroes: July

Who doesn't love the high street?! If you say you don't you are clearly lying. I can often be found in blissful abandon amongst the aisles of Topshop. I am not the only one, I bump into too many friends in Topshop Oxford Circus to suggest I am alone in this endeavour. 

My bank account and SENSE (actual voice of my mother there) dictate that for most of us, at least 3/4 of our beloved wardrobe is decorated with the spoils of the high street. So you may as well embrace it. 

We spend an insane amount of money on the high street and online (guilty and guilty) and I've yet to find either of the Westfield's empty at any time of the day or night. It's only right that I spend a little bit of time blogging about it as much as I talk about it. 

So I thought it would be in everyone's interests if I picked my best on the high street for this month:

Topshop

I have already spoken about how much this store means to most people of our generation. You are definitely lying if you say you haven't at least one thing from one of their many collections hanging in your wardrobe. I have often spoken about the delights of the store and I am not about to stop now. Topshop have the knack of reacting quickly to trends. Many of the colour palettes and silhouettes seen at the AW14 fashion weeks quietly and quickly found themselves on the shelves of the store that doesn't need much of a reason for us to form an orderly queue.   

New in this month are these wonderfully smart Pink peg leg trousers. I am a fan of a pair peg leg trousers. I tend to wear mine with plimsolls and an oversized t-shirt. If the weather is a little intermittent I will throw on an oversized Kimono. If you needed to smarten them up (maybe for a work meeting, etc.) An oversized Shirt and a pair of loafers or slippers will do the trick. It doesn't hurt either that these are chicest shade of pink. Pink and straight-laced sensible trousers should always have an element of fun; and these have that in spades! Get them here

American Apparel

American Apparel is just for basics. The best Jumpers, The easiest to wear sleeveless shirts that will go with everything. Plain and simple. I go there for most of my sweatshirts and  signature Fisherman jumpers. At the moment I am in love their leather pochette is so useful and is deceptively large. 

It carries my phone, large purse (it makes me feel like a grown up), my make up bag and my Moleskine Diary with ease and without looking bulky. A new summer staple 

Get it here

Zara

Zara are the fast fashion provider on the high street. A few years ago this store took me by surprise. I walked in and have stayed ever since. The clothes are just beautiful. Wonderfully cut I often find their collections are the most like the coveted collections of Celine and Balenciaga that I wish I could adorn my wardrobe with. This skirt is wonderfully simple and chic. Like the Peg leg trousers this would go wonderfully with a plain t shirt, plimsolls and a lightweight cardigan. A bit like a luxe sport-kit from your school days, you know it makes sense!

Get it here

New Look 

I often forget about New Look and whenever I go in, I am always happily surprised. They are the dark horse on the high street and I love them for it. I have a bought a lot from them in the last few months and I end up bringing them out more often than I thought I would. 

They are reliable and excellent for fast fashion.

I have already spoken of my love for co-ords and this burgundy graphic floral set is no exception. Short suits are needed in this sweltering heat and these look amazing with a pair of plimsolls (can you tell I have a lot of plimsolls?) a crisp white shirt, a top knot and bare legs. A winning combination. 

Get the Kimono Jacket here and the flared shorts here 

So happy trawling. I've gone through my best picks on the high street, you may agree or disagree. One thing is for certain. We'll all have a lot of fun looking! 

Bring on August!