High Street Heroes: June

Hello June! 

The weather is FINALLY warming up and I am on the hunt for my summer wardrobe. 

I have been up and down the high street looking for the perfect components for my capsule wardrobe. I am continuing on my quest to find all thing disco-centric, and the stores on the high haven't disappointed me this month. 

High Street Heroes: May

It's May! 

I can smell summer; it's so close and that makes me extremely happy! 

When I'm happy, that makes me want to go shopping and shopping is perfect for this month's high street heroes!

I have been searching high and low for the best the high street has to offer and now I am ready to show you. HOORAY!  

Like I have mentioned a few times already, the 70s are back in a big way. 

Topshop, River Island and the ilk are all over this trend like disco on fever.

All Topshop

All River Island

#WantItWednesday (01/04/15)

From Topshop

It's getting warmer and therefore I am actively thinking about sandals, lighter dresses and thinner cardigans.

Because we all need warm thoughts right? These shoes from Topshop are the first on my list! 

Metallics make everything feel summery. Pair with an oversized cardigan and a paper-thin dress with a collar. A winning combination!
These are sandals are perfect for the Easter weekend activities like supervising egg hunts, languid bank holiday brunches and general spring merriment.

High Street Heroes: March

Hello Spring! the days are getting longer, the weather is slowly picking up and my mood is improving on a daily basis. This can only mean one thing... I am beginning to step out in style. So I thought as this was a special occasion and I have resolved to wear my beloved Supergas a maximum of twice a week, this month's High Street Heroes are all about the shoes. Heels, flats, platforms and everything in-between!. 

For the perennially casual these espadrilles from River Island  are a win/win in the shoe game. These scream for bare legs, or loose jeans and look so comfortable. I love the snake skin too; you can pattern clash, go wild with your brights or keep it clean and neutral with a plethora of white, beige and taupes, nothing would look out of place with these. 

I would pair these with an oversized, crisp button down (collar popped) a pair of light washed boyfriend jeans and a lot of bangles. (Headscarf optional)

These makes me want to think warm thoughts and be in the park right now. 

Get the look below:

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.

High Street Heroes: January

It's been a while but I thought I would trawl through the high street aimlessly so you don't have too!

With the weather being as crappy as it has been of late, I have spent most of my time trawling through coats, hats, gloves and scarves (amongst other things!)

#WantItWednesday 07/01/15

It's cold, miserable and windy as hell. That can only mean we are in the throws one of the most depressing months of the year. Boo to January, failed resolutions, failed diets and of course, the ever present hangover of Christmas in the form of your overdraft being firmly in the red, a still niggling headache from all that champagne, red wine and baileys. I often want to hide, but life and work obviously gets in the way.

#WantItWednesday (31/12/14)

Christmas is over. The mince pies and mulled wine have been consumed (en masse), you've turkey soup, sandwiches and pasta is still ahead. 

The presents have been opened, cherished or in some cases returned for credit at the sales and you are still unsure of exactly what day it really is.

High Street Heroes: September

Another month, another round of my picks of high street staples so you don't have to do all the heavy lifting.

I have had all the time in the world over the last few weeks to thoroughly search the high streets, Westfield's and everywhere in-between to show you my favourites this month from the leaders of the pack. 

Topshop

Who says rompers aren't for the autumn?! Wear these with my favourite 150 denier tights and a shirt and you'll be 'A-OK' for autumn.

Zara

Because the weather is drawing in cover ups are needed and necessary. This Blazer is a wonderful addition to your wardrobe (as if you needed another excuse).

It's wonderfully casual and looks great with a pair of light skinny jeans an oversized t shirt. 

Next

I've already said, I'm a big fan of a good jumper, this one from next is perfect for late summer layering.

This would look great with a pair of skinny khakis and a pair of plimsolls. 

Autumnal Perfection!

Pretty Autumn Pastels 

I can't not write about my picks for the month and not discuss the onslaught of pastels for the AW14 season. Everyone has a good selection, including Primark! 

Here's a pick of my favourites!

       BooHoo Jumper                                                     Topshop Trench                          River Island Bowler

So those are my favourites on the high street for now. I will if course spend the next few weeks 'researching' just so you don't have to! 

Until next time! 

Get all these looks here

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! 

#WantItWednesday (11/06/14)

You can't have not noticed. 

Matching two pieces and suits are back with a bloody vengeance. 

Gone are the days of matching two pieces being associated with fusty secretaries from the fifties 

(pre- Mad Men Obviously!)

'Co-Ords' are cool, fashionable and ridiculously on trend. 

They are EVERYWHERE and then some. Short suits, Camisoles and matching skirts, sport luxe suits, trouser suits and more. 

Bright patterns and bright colours work best. There is no point in doing this if you aren't going to go big. 

I have picked my top five:

5. This striped Bermuda short perfection can be found at Whistles. 

Get the delectable Crop Top here & the Bermuda Shorts here

4. If florals are your thing, this modern, Grecian inspired lemon set from Topshop is the one for you. Get the Bralet here & the Pencil Skirt here

3. Who doesn't love sequins?! This modern short suit from Acne is opulent, modern perfection at its best. The Jacket & Shorts are an excellent combination. 

2. I am a recent convert to the botanical print; this co-ord set from Zara have been instrumental in changing my mind.

These are perfect for summer and make you feel like you need a Margarita in hand while wearing it. Get the tunic here & the trousers here

1. I am a big fan of bold florals; this suit is just perfect. It's bright, exciting and full of humour. Zara, have once again triumphed with this flirty and fun co-ord set. I want to wear this for the rest of summer. 

Get the Jacket here & the shorts here

My undoubted number one is the longline floral masterpiece from ASOS (top image)

The floral pattern is dusky enough to take you from high summer to early autumn. Perfect for weddings, BBQs general frivolity and even, if paired with my oh so worn (but still chic) converse could be a relaxed look for work or brunch, with a crisp white mandarin collared shirt (oversized is always better). 

Get the trousers here & the jacket here

I'm getting my fill of Co-Ords in every form possible! 

I would suggest you do the same!

#WantItWednesday (21/05/14)

I have been surrounded by family this week. 

That can only mean one thing. I have  had a big family event. That can only mean one thing. I needed a big family party dress. 

It was particularly difficult because a) most of my family are incredibly conservative. So my rocking up in my preferred Mary Katranzou crop and wool mini and b) most of my family think I'm weird enough as it is. 

So I had to find something that I felt comfortable and fashion forward in and also would not get my Great-Uncle giving me the most disapproving of looks as I sashayed across the dance floor of my grandmother's 90th birthday. 

So what could I wear that would fit? I found the answer in this Beautiful silk shirt dress. This was the answer to all of my prayers! 

This is fun, chic as hell and is safe enough to wear in front of the fussiest relatives. The best part this looks extra amazing with a pair if jeans or a pair of kick-ass sandals. Topshop have found the answer to all of my prayers! It's a shame they don't come in a myriad of colours, I would have bought them all. 

I get to have my cake and eat it too! WIN! 

Get this piece of actual confection here. 

Details of all looks can be found here

"Two Wrongs Can Make a Riot": 2014 Wedding Season Picks

It's cold and rainy outside. That however is not stopping the on coming juggernaut that is 'The Wedding Season'. 

The ever pressing spring/Summer battle of what to wear on those long, often drunken weekends of celebrating the joyous nuptials of dear friends and family. I panic EVERY time. 

So I thought I would trawl through the best styles and outfits; fit for any possible occasion. To help you wade through 'The Wedding Season' without breaking a sweat. 

The first look is an easy & stylish fix if you are really in a sartorial bind. Lifted from the Man Repeller but on a slightly more affordable budget. I suggest accessorising with big, chunky jewellery to make this look more formal than a birthday lunch or dinner.

A maxi skirt and a plain shirt can work wonders. I am a particular fan of this look as you can kick off your heels towards the end of the night and still look as elegant as ever. Contrasting heels work well with this as you would occasionally flash your interesting shoes as you kick back at the reception table while shamelessly flirting with the male guests.

This works best with both a sleeveless shirt or an over sized button up, both are formal, yet relaxed (unbuttoned) enough to make you not look like you have just hopped out of bed and into the church.

The next look is an established, all round and well received wedding choice. The shift dress. It is always goes down well with the older guests who will always judge the Bride & Groom's choice of friends. This look allays their fears that their pride and joy is not fraternising with someone (relatively) unwholesome, without making you feel frumpy or dressed like your grandmother.

Go all out with this, Beehive, Cat's eye eye-liner, pale & slightly glossed lips. You will look great in the photos (if you are in any) and will make you look like a timeless beauty when you kick back and start doing 'The Twist' (You can't have a wedding WITHOUT that song!)

The final look is a little more Avant Garde for a traditional wedding but will work just as well if you are going to a rather modern urban wedding. It is sometimes said wearing white to a wedding is a bit of a no-no (out of politeness, I would consult with the bride) however I think this look is far too amazing to leave for yet another cocktail party.

If you want to look as sexy as hell to pull the attention of that grooms-man you've your eye on this will certainly do the trick & you'll feel as chic as aforementioned hell.

The humour of this wonderful (and well received) clutch from Anya Hindmarch will tone down the vampish-ness without you having to do without the red matte lipstick that this is begging for.

This look is not for the feint at heart and you will be noticed, for good and for bad (there are just too many rules for weddings - they should just be fun!) but if you are confident to go for it; this is the outfit that will outshine all others.

Pair beauty regime down for this look; the dress does enough of the talking for you. But a red lip is an absolute must. 

So there you have it. I hope you enjoy this 'Wedding Season' and hope you've the best time celebrating it. I know I will!

Just as an aside, I have found the best pieces of modern confetti 

(because, CONFETTI!)

Enjoy!

      Horse-Shoe News Print Confetti       Diamond Cut Confetti                Vintage Map Confetti

                                      Pipii                               Modern Confetti                                             Etsy

     
     

All Looks can be found here.

Kate Moss For Topshop

I, just like you have now seen all the pictures from the hotly anticipated launch, witnessed the queues and the flashbulbs as I trundled home from work. I am a fan of Kate Moss, but not of her latest collection. 

I had hoped that this new, higher end range sold at Topshop & Net-a-Porter would make me giddy with excitement and would make me want to spend the entirety of my rent and then some purchasing its delectable offerings but alas, it has left me a little cold. 

The collection, the first since 2010 is very Kate Moss, but not the Ms Moss I wanted to see. There is a lot of fringing and extra embellishments that Joe Bloggs (however fashion literate they claim to be) just cannot pull off. I have taken particular offence to the Diamante Velvet Top; It is clunky and boring; it all feels a little dated.  

I understand and can comprehend that Kate’s style and therefore collection is meant to be timeless however, her aesthetic has evolved from the ‘Glastonbury Glamour’ that this collection heavily relies on. It feels as if we have not left 2010 and I am still drifting through the sartorial sludge of my early twenties. 

The Pyjama collection is the most recent trend found in the range but even that feels a little contrived and out of place. (That being said, this is my favourite piece and I will purchase this as soon as I have finished typing) Some fabric choices are very trend led, however I suspect this has just been an effort to tie this in with the (in my opinion) far superior boutique collection and the patterned fabrics seen there rather than to create a cohesive capsule collection of it's own. 

It all seems very out of place within the current climes of SS14. 

Maybe I had hoped for too much, I had placed too much faith in the original magic of the collection & wanted it the replicate that excitement. Maybe I have just outgrown it, either way, my rent money is completely safe this month. That makes me want to cry. 

See the whole collection here.

Casual Chic #6

Styling a pair of Converse

T-Shirt, Topshop

Skirt, Kenzo

Converse

Bag, Sophie Hulme

Belt, Fendi

#WantItWednesday (26/03/14)

I am a lover of handbags, but not in the way you would expect. I appreciate them, I always covet the latest satchel and cross body bag going. My bag purchases however are few and far between. 

Why? Because I shove my whole life, the kitchen sink and my ubiquitous emergency flats into my handbag so I NEVER change it. It needs to be sturdy, look effortlessly chic and go with the entirety of my wardrobe. I am often laughed at because I am known to lug my giant bag everywhere with me, even on nights out. 

I buy once a year, if that. I'm am currently lugging my ever so easy and effortless Longchamp around with me. And this is the bag I want next. 

Willow Tote, Mulberry

The Mulberry Willow is roomy, functional and utterly breathtaking on your arm.

It even (if you are so inclined) has an inbuilt emergency shoe holder!

(the pouch in the front) 

Not only is this a beautiful bag, it can carry everything you need and more and make you look effortlessly chic while doing it. 

Want! Want, Want on a Wednesday!

Untitled #11

T-Shirt Warehouse

Jacket, Coggles

Skirt, Topshop

Belt, Linea Pelle

Casual Chic #2 (03/02/14)

                                                            Casual Chic #2 (03/02/14)

Sweater, topshop.com

Coat, net-a-porter.com 

Jeans, $470 - theoutnet.com 

Heels, giuseppezanottidesign.com 

Clutch, brooksbrothers.com

Watch, asos.com

 Scarf, $585 - harrods.com

Sunglasses, intermixonline.com 

Gloves, amazon.com