Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts

Monday, 29 June 2015

My New Handbag Love

Happy Monday, everyone!

Today's post is all about a new addition into my handbag collection. Now, I am a self-confessed handbag addict. When I see a beautiful handbag on display in a store, I get the same excitement as many of us do when we see our dinner being brought to us in a restaurant and this particular handbag was no exception...

About a year ago, I was out shopping with my Dad's girlfriend and whilst she was trying on dresses in Karen Millen I was perusing the handbag and shoe display and spotted this beauty. A gorgeous tan leather medium sized messenger bag with large gold square studs around the edges. I'd never owned a tan handbag before, and now that I'm thinking about it I don't think I've ever bought myself a real leather bag. I picked it up and modelled it with eyes full of lust followed by a heart full of sadness as I laid it back down, knowing I couldn't and wouldn't bring myself to lay down a whopping £185 for it.



Fast forward about 4 months and I was in a Karen Millen outlet shop near where I live and spotted the exact same bag up on the shelf for £90!! I can't remember exact details but I'm pretty sure I let out a little squeal and skipped over to it. Again, I modelled the bag and argued with myself about how even with 50% off, I couldn't spend that much money. Let me give you some context, at the time I was a 3rd year student who was buying products for my practical dissertation and travel tickets. So I put the bag back and walked away.

Back to present day about 5 months later and I was walking idly around the same Karen Millen outlet again and yep, you've guessed it. There it was. It was knocked down further to £60 because it didn't have the long strap. However, my Dad's girlfriend had a similar bag and said I could have her strap as she never used it. Score!

Now onto the actual bag itself, as I have mentioned it is real leather. As I've gotten older and have been earning my own money, I have really learnt that quality completely trumps quantity when it comes to handbags and shoes. I also really love the pale gold hardware on the bag as it gives it an edge compared to other plain tan messenger bags. The lining is lovely too, it is a understated and classy leopard print and I think makes the bag a bit more exciting visually as linings can often be very plain. In terms of pockets, it has the usual zip pocket, phone holder and another miscellaneous pocket next to it for an oyster card or keys maybe. On the reverse of the bag, there is a flat pocket with a magnetic closure. I really like this for popping my phone, iPod or my train tickets in here for quick access.




As it has been about a year since I first saw this bag at full retail price, I don't believe it is available to buy anymore but if you live near a Karen Millen outlet, you may see one floating about. I have also seen a few of these bags and other variants on eBay too. 

I hope you enjoyed this little review of my first quality handbag purchase. I really love it and I find it is perfect for the summer. However I do believe my love affair with handbags is now going to become a tad more expensive (though this one was a complete bargain!) but all the more beautiful. 

See you on Friday!




Sunday, 18 January 2015

The Golden Globe 2015 Red Carpet Round-Up

Last Sunday night, I perched myself on my sofa rather comfortably ready to watch all the celebrities step onto the Golden Globes red carpet in their Jimmy Choo's and equally beautiful gowns, prepare to swoon.

With a rather large penchant for high fashion (my kind of art if you ask me), I love seeing how celebrities can take their chosen designers creations that are already breathtaking in themselves and bring them to life. The Golden Globes are also in the midst of Californian winter and its always interesting to see what colours are showcased as well as the typical darker colours. Canary yellow and red were popular choices this year to name a few and here are five of my favourite looks.


Who? Rosamund Pike
Wearing? Vera Wang
Thoughts? Kudos to this lady for wearing a dress this revealing a mere 5 weeks after giving birth. Seriously. If I had a hat to take off, I would! Albeit a very brave choice, I don't think it was the right choice for her. I'm not keen on how the top fits. I do wonder if it would look better if the straps were slightly more halter neck style. Nevertheless, her hair and make up was beautiful, I'm just not keen on the dress choice.



Who? Allison Williams 
Wearing? Custom-made Armani Privé
Thoughts? Everything about this dress I love. The colour, the frills, the fit. The fact that is was custom made for her is enough to make me go 'oooh how glamourous'. Allison looks very old Hollywood and I'm all about this look. It really is timeless.


Who? Lupita Nyong'o
Wearing? Giambattista Valli Haute Couture
Thoughts? Lupita was a knock-out in 2014. Since the film 12 Year's A Slave hit theatres and she stepped on many a red carpet, she quickly became one hell of a fashionista. Her arrival to the Golden Globes in 2015 was no different. She looks incredibly beautiful in this dress; the colour suits her so well, its young but still chic. Definitely one of my favourite looks of the entire evening.


Who? Kate Hudson
Wearing? Versace
Thoughts? *Jaw drops* Dang girl, Kate Hudson is white hot in this dress (pun always intended). The diamanté embellishment along the ribcage and plunging neckline are one hell of a risk but she definitely pulls it off. Her body looks fantastic; such an excellent choice!


Who? Jessica Chastain
Wearing? Atelier Versace
Thoughts? Hands down, my absolute favourite look from the night. I'm recently a Jessica Chastain convert, and it may be due to the fact that she's a redhead like me. I find myself turning to her for make-up and fashion inspiration quite a lot nowadays. At the Golden Globes, she oozed sex appeal and I've got to be honest, when I first saw her in this dress I did think "Damn, she is looking... perky". I also really like the colour of this dress. On TV it could be mistaken for black but when she walked, the true colour really showed and it complements her skin tone and hair colour so well. 

Did you watch the Golden Globes? Who was your favourite look from the evening?

Thank you for reading! 



Thursday, 17 July 2014

Throw Back Thursday: Prom Edition!

It's prom season and I've seen so many pictures of girls (and guys!) all dressed up to the nines for a glamorous night with all of their friends. It's lovely to see all the different gowns that girls wear for the night; sparkly, sequinned, lace, corseted, long, short, you name it, I've seen it! 

My Year 11 prom was 5 years ago now. FIVE YEARS! I can't believe it was that long ago, I remember the whole day getting ready with my Mum like it was yesterday. She had freshly bleached my hair (I was platinum blonde many moons ago), applied my fake tan in the garden, took me to the Body Shop to get my make-up done, done my hair for me, helped me into my dress that we chose and lent me some of her jewellery to add some extra bling! 

Even though I had two other proms after my Year 11 one, this was by far my most favourite look. I guess Mum's really do have that touch. I would definitely recommend keeping make-up very natural and bronzed. Your dress is probably a statement enough so let that do the talking!

I've trawled my Facebook and found this photo of me all those years ago. The more I look at this dress the more I want to go to my Mum's and dig it out and wear it again (if it still fits, that is!) I had an absolutely wonderful night with all my friends, taking lots of photos and if you have had your prom or it is coming up, I hope you have a wonderful time!

Thank you for reading and I hope you found it fun to go down memory lane with me.

Sunday, 13 July 2014

Get The Look: Kim Kardashian's Airport Chic

Hi, my name is Paris and yes, I am a fan of Kim Kardashian. 

Image from Daily Mail Online
I await the comments berating me for liking her but that's okay, I know she is not everyone's cup of tea. I wouldn't say I admire Kim, but I definitely look to her for style and make-up advice. I love a good contour and I think she (most of the time) dresses very suitably for her body shape. I do not by no means have a rear like her, but I have curves too and we are a similar height. That makes me sound like I've met her... I haven't, though I'd like to!

I have loved watching her style evolve over the years of watching Keeping Up With The Kardashians and seeing her splashed across internet sites. Though I do not have her wealth; nor access to fabulous designers such as Roberto Cavalli, I can definitely take some inspiration and incorporate into my wardrobe at a fraction of the price.

Kim has recently been snapped waltzing through LAX in a very casual but still very chic and put together ensemble. I really like this outfit for everyday and when thrown with some heels and a whack of hairspray, it can also double as a great evening dinner outfit. 

Partly because I don't even want to devote brain cells to work out how much this outfit may have cost, I have found some high-street and online pieces that can recreate this relaxed chic look. By clicking on the image, you can go straight to the product webpage for more information.


Black Satin Feel Bomber Jacket from missguided.com - £24.99
Starting from the top down, I have found a few different bomber jackets. For an almost identical option to Kim's, I have found this plain black satin feel jacket available for £24.99 from missguided.com (right). This piece is very versatile and can be paired with any outfit and is a great transitional piece to take you from Summer to Autumn! 

Onto the simplest part of this outfit; the white tee. I haven't included any dupes for this as almost everyone has a white tee and/or they are widely available in Primark if you are really in a pinch. My only piece of advice would be to make sure it is not see through especially with a tight tee; bra outlines are not classy! If you are conscious of wearing a tight tee, go for an oversized one! Versatile, see?



Grey Ripped Jeans available from ASOS.com - £21
Now for the jeans, I have found this pair available from ASOS and currently in the sale for £21 down from £30... I love a good bargain. These aren't an exact copy as they aren't as washed out on the fronts of the legs and they also have ripped knees. However, this is a trend that Kim has been seen wearing recently. 


Shoes, shoes shoes! Kim loves her heels but the heels I have found are a little more snazzy than Kim's but I really love these and again like the jacket, they are very versatile. They are available from River Island for £50. Try not to be put off by the price as nude heels are such a staple item in any woman's wardrobe, I can assure you that they will go with any outfit. They are also a great alternative to black heels in the summer when you've got a tan!

And there you have it! A replica of Kim's airport chic for a fraction of the price with some key pieces that you can mix and match with your entire wardrobe to create a variety of cute outfits!






Friday, 20 June 2014

Summer Fashion Haul | New YouTube Video!

Summer is OFFICIALLY here! Celebrate by watching my new YouTube video where I show you some of my favourite summer-staple pieces that I have bought in the last few weeks!

Click this picture to go straight to the video!



Or click here


Please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to my channel (it's free and I'd really really appreciate it!)

Tell me what your summer finds have been this year!

Thank you for reading!


Wednesday, 14 August 2013

A/W 2013 Fashion Trends: Monochrome!

Hello again everyone!

I'm back today with another fashion trend for this coming season. Now, this particular trend has seen the test of time and can be worn by everyone.

So what is this amazing, timeless fashion trend, I hear you say? Well, it is 'Monochrome'.

I have picked out a few pieces from the high street and online that you can try to work this trend!

The golden rule (one of many) is that every woman should have a LBD (little black dress, in case you didn't know) in their wardrobe. So, why not branch out into an LMD? If you are quick on my little pun there, you'll know that means Little Monochrome Dress.

I love this dress from ASOS.com as it is very form fitting and has a flattering neckline. This dress would be great for nights out with your friends, you'll definitely get the right kind of attention in this. It's currently in the sale right now and is a bargain at £20!

ASOS.com, £20

For a more casual look, I've chosen this playsuit that also features a lovely monochrome pattern. Playsuits are so comfortable to wear as you don't have to worry about any awkward up lifts of the skirt from the wind; yes we've all had one of these moments!

ASOS.com,  £35

This can be paired with some black ankle boots and a cute boho-style drawstring bag. The print I find, is also very flattering on the body as it's not too large that it smothers your frame.

I've also picked out a camisole that features this trend and can be easily paired with some black jeans, smart skinny trousers or even a midi-bodycon skirt.

River Island, £15
I love the print of this blouse as it is has a taste of aztec which was very popular last season. These camisole tops are also very flattering as they draw the attention to the shoulders and bust but the loose fit also conceals the stomach; if you have tummy hang-ups. If you have a boyish frame, this top will also suit you as the loose fabric and busy print gives you added curves!

Moving onto accessories, I have chosen these classic black ankle strap heels. These type of shoes have been incredibly popular in the last season and look set to stay into the colder months.

ASOS.com, £42

One piece of advice that I would give with wearing these type of shoes is to make sure your feet are well manicured and moisturised. As there isn't a lot of coverage, the colder weather could dry your feet out and cause unsightly dry skin on your heels. 


So there you have it! I hope you have enjoyed reading this post and have gotten an idea about what you can incorporate into your wardrobe this season. Monochrome is such an easy but stylish trend to wear, so don't be afraid of it!

Thank you for reading and I'll see you in my next post!




Friday, 9 August 2013

A/W 2013 Fashion Trends: Androgyny!

Hello everyone :)

I am writing this post about Autumn and Winter fashion and hold on, it's August. What?! Where did our summer go? Fashion is so crazy sometimes, I can't believe that shops are now stocking winter clothes. I've just whipped out my bikini!

Without further ado, let's get into this! I have been doing a bit of research on the ol' tinternet about what kind of trends we'll be seeing in the shops very imminently if not already. Just remember that you don't have to buy a whole new wardrobe, you can pick and choose which trends you like because let's face it, we're not gonna love everything we see.

ANDROGYNY

First up, it's all about androgyny. Nab your boyfriends or brother's tailored jackets and add you're own feminine twist on them. Razor-sharp tailored suits, skirts and blazers are key this season. However, this doesn't mean you don't still look like a woman. If like me, you're a bit unsure of how to pull of this look, then ease yourself gently into it. Why not pair a cute, clean-cut blazer with a cute dress? That way you still maintain your femininity but you're still on trend!


Here are a few pieces I have found from the internet that can help you achieve this look! (P.S. I've made sure that all these pieces are kept on a budget. I understand that there's no point in me telling you about things if I wouldn't or couldn't afford to buy them myself!)


River Island, £50


I fell in love with this River Island blazer! It has the clean cut lines but is still girly with the hot pink colour and the jacquard print! Love, love, love this!

Missguided.com, £29.99


This is a gorgeous fitted blazer which is suitable for the workplace over a smart dress or even for dinner over a cute skater dress. For an incredible price, I like the fit on this as it brings in the waist and flatters over the hips.

River Island, £22


I think this hat is SO cute and can finish off any outfit and give it that boy-ish twist. Add it with a skater dress and some boots and a bag for that boy-girl look :) Even paired with a blazer will look great!


Mango, £16.99

Collars aren't just for the men in the office. Us ladies can rock a collar. I love this embellished sleeveless blouse from Mango, it's still got that masculine feel but the beading and cute pussy-bow just makes it that bit more girly.

ASOS.com, £30

I really love these trousers. You can pair them with a shirt like the model or with a cami and blazer if you don't want the all over masculine look!


So there you are, the first insight into what this season has in store for us! I will be posting every 3 days a new fashion and beauty trend for you to make sure you are up to date and know how to shop for your Autumn/Winter wardrobe!


Thank you for reading and see you in my next post! All the links for these products are down below!

Paris x

LINKS FOR PIECES MENTIONED:

Pink River Island Blazer: http://www.riverisland.com/women/coats--jackets/blazers/Pink-jacquard-unfastened-blazer-643250

Missguided Black Blazer: http://www.missguided.co.uk/catalog/product/view/id/73694/s/starla-leather-trim-blazer/category/589/

River Island Hat: http://www.riverisland.com/women/accessories/hats/Dark-red-bright-trim-fedora-hat-642599

Mango Blouse: http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Mango+Embellished+collar+blouse/178563528,default,pd.html?cm_mmc=ShopStyle-_-Women-_-Tops-_-Embellished+collar+blouse&_$ja=tsid%3a45090%7ckw%3aShopStyle+UK%7ccgn%3a79682&awinDCS=3100_1375888631_7860e4a7081e14c743a5a43138701458%7c%7c0%7c%7c0%7c%7c0%7c%7c751464624&awc=3100_1375888631_7860e4a7081e14c743a5a43138701458&cm_mmc=AWIN-_-Deeplink-_-NULL-_-NULL&istCompanyId=17910aed-1bae-4362-9580-b523eb87a91e&istItemId=imrqpqmx&istBid=t

ASOS trousers: http://www.asos.com/ASOS-Petite/ASOS-PETITE-High-Waist-Evening-Trousers/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3181781&SearchQuery=womens%20trousers&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Black


Saturday, 3 August 2013

July Favourites! New YouTube Video!

Helloooo :D

So with August upon us, it's time for my July Favourites! I just uploaded the video to my beauty channel where I chat about my favourite make-up, skincare, fashion and music picks from July.




I hope you enjoy it and like the video, subscribe to see more of my ramblings :)

Paris x

Friday, 9 November 2012

October Favourites!

I know it's a little late but here is my monthly favourites post with all the lovely products I've discovered throughout October and have been loving!

First up is fragrance. I have two staple fragrances that I've been wearing for a while now and this particular one is a fairly new addition to my life but I really like it. Flowerbomb by Vixtor and Rolf has been very popular since it's release and I take have a whiff when it first launched but I wasn't really in the market for a new perfume but I still loved it. My Dad went away to Australia on business earlier this year and brought me back a few goodies including this little gem! I love this perfume so much, I wear it nearly every day without fail (to the point where it's starting to run out and I'm trying to ration it until Christmas when hopefully I will get a new perfume). I'm rubbish at describing scents because different people interpret in different ways, but to me, it smells like a really sweet smelling flower.

I ran out of my Wake Me Up foundation by Rimmel so it was time to invest in a new one. I do like the Wake Me Up foundation but I found that it made my face too glowy and shiny very quickly (I was dabbing my face with mattifying papers pretty much as soon as I put it on). Therefore, I needed a foundation that wasn't as heavy. I found this in Bourjois' 123 Perfect foundation. I got the shade 52 Vanilla because as winter is drawing in, I'm getting natually paler. This doesn't have the best coverage in the world but thats because the formula isn't as thick. To be honest, I actually quite like that quality because it means it's safely buildable and I've grown to like lighter coverage foundations as I really don't like the 'cakey' finish that thicker foundations give me.  This foundation is also not too oily which is a plus!

The day came where my Yves Saint Laurent Shocking mascara ran out and I needed to buy a cheaper one. I'd seen on some of missglamorazzi's YouTube videos that she's been loving the Maybelline The Falsies Volume Express Flared mascara, so I thought I'd give it a whirl. I'm so glad I did, it is so amazing! If you spend a lot of time on your lashes like me to make sure they are suitably seperated and defined, this is the mascara for you! It's makes it easier for you to make your eyelashes thicker and longer. For a highstreet mascara, it's probably one of the best on the market. Love, love, love.

As the winter is here and the cold weather sets in, this can really take a toll on my lips. I usually suffer from chapped lips quite a bit (I'm awful with keeping them hydrated). So I thought I'd try the original Carmex lip balm which is available in Superdrug and Boots. I really like it, it's got an interesting scent to it, almost a mix of mint and honey. When I have it on, it does feel like it's helping hydrate my lips and I'm always sure to put some on in bed too so that it absorbs whilst I'm asleep.

As well as my lips being dry with the cold snaps, my body often has dry patches which need a little extra TLC. This is particularly with my elbows, upper arms and my shins. I love Body Shop products and I have some body butters still that I've been using to help. My favourite at the moment is the mango flavoured one which smells AMAZING. It really does help to hydrate my skin, especially when I've got out of the shower, my rooms a bit chilly and my skin starts to dry out.

With winter comes new colour trends. Oxblood or burgundy is a new colour trend this season and I love it! I have bought so much burgundy and wine coloured things recently. I bought Barry M's nail varnish in Raspberry and it's so lovely, just the perfect colour for this season!

My final favourite of October is not beauty or fashion related...

I have fallen hook, line and sinker for the 50 Shades trilogy. I know I'm a little late on the band wagon but it just took me a little while to get the books and start reading them. Once I'd started, I couldn't stop. Some nights I would be in bed, barely being able to keep my eyes open just to finish the chapter I was reading. The general opinion of the series is that it is basically female porn. Whilst there are a lot of sexual references, there is an equal amount of romance to it and you actually understand the characters on a deeply emotional level. I would recommend it to anyone! P.s. the 3rd book is definitely the best one!



So there you have it! I hope you have enjoyed reading this and possibly given you some ideas of what to try this next month :)


XO


Tuesday, 23 October 2012

Winter is HERE!

Hello again :)

I'm super excited for this Autumn and Winter season! I love all the hats, gloves, scarves, coats, boots, wellies, candles, cinnamon, mulled wine, Christmas, New Year etc etc etc! One of my favourite winter musts is a warm woolly hat! Beanies are a great accessory to have in the colder climate (especially here in the UK) and they're also a saver if you're having a bad hair day!

My friend recently bought this cupcake bobble hat which I LOVE! It's so cute! It's from ASOS and was £12 :) Who wouldn't want a pink cupcake on their head?! Here is the link for the hat if you want to have a look: http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Cupcake-Pom-Beanie/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2251688&cid=6449&sh=0&pge=5&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Cream





Image 1 of ASOS Cupcake Pom Beanie
ASOS Cupcake Pom Beanie


What do you think of the hat? What's your favourite winter accessory?

XO

Monday, 22 October 2012

Nails of the Week!

Sorry that it's a bit late; had a bit of an issue with my iPhone and was also very busy with university work...

Nevertheless, here are my nails of the week. I'm really loving this colour for Autumn/Winter. I'm wearing Barry M's nail paint in the colour 'Raspberry'. It's like a dark burgundy red and I love I ! Burgundy red is also a staple this season so it is bang on trend!

Here is a picture :)


















What are your favourite nail colours for Autumn/Winter?

XO

Friday, 19 October 2012

Anya Hindmarch; A Knock-Off?!

I love Anya Hindmarch handbags and purses, especially the studded purses. However, I am a poor student and I don't think I could justify spending around £275 on a purse or even begin to imagine trying to persuade my parents for one. So I was surfing the internet and came across this little beauty...


Horse Print Clutch Bag
Blue Horse Print Clutch Bag from Matalan, £8

This blue clutch bag from Matalan combines the Anya Hindmarch studded purses with the evening clutch bags. It has gold horse print studs across the front of it with a blue tassle on the zip. It retails for £8 which is about a saving of £267! Bargain if there ever was one!

Here is a picture of a Anya Hindmarch purse to show the similarity between them.


Studded Heart Medium Joss                                    - Coal
Studded Heart Medium Joss - Velvet Calf in Coal - £225

Thursday, 11 October 2012

A/W 2012 Fashion Trends #5 TARTAN!

Here I am with another fashion trend post! I have chosen tartan, which I have noticed is everywhere this season! I find tartan a really fun print that mostly everyone can wear. I've had a look around the internet and hunted down some of my favourite items that showcase the tartan print!


I really like this shirt from missguided.com, the combination of the classic print with the studs give it an edge and make it look really interesting. What I also noticed is that the studs remind me of a cross design which have been very popular recently. This would look great with a leather skirt like in the picture but also tucked into jeans, a skater skirt or even some denim shorts. It comes in 2 other colours but this is my favourite!


Image from www.missguided.com

Next up is this skirt from ASOS. Firstly, I love how they have styled it with the simple white tee and the grey cardigan, it gives it a school girl theme which is really cute! However, you could wear this in a ton of different ways. Maybe with a thin knit cream or black jumper? My friend actually ordered this and in the flesh, it's quite thick, almost like a woolen material which would be ideal for the cold weather. I tried it on and although her's was a bigger size to what I would get, I felt like it made me look a little wide. This is probably due to the material. I must admit, it does look quite different in person than in the picture, but that is always the way with ASOS.


Image 1 of ASOS Skater Skirt in Tartan
Image from www.asos.com

I think I have fallen in love with these shoes! It's like a studded tartan slipper dream! They are from ASOS as well and they're just so cute, they'd go great with any outfit to spruce it up a little this Autumn/Winter. Many of my shoes are quite boring and mostly black so these could be a good new edition! I think they are in the sale too or at least around the £25 mark. However, if you're looking for something a little more durable because I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for, especially with shoes. Either way, I thought these were fun and a cute way to liven up an outfit every now and then. 

Image 1 of London Rebel Studded Slipper
Image from www.asos.com

I found these shorts from River Island and I thought they were really cute! You could pair this with a collared black sheer blouse (with or without sleeves; totally up to you!) with black tights and cute black pumps or studded flats. Also if you could find one, a tartan hair bow would look SO cute because you're matching the tartan in cute but subtle ways! These retail at £25 - which I think is really reasonable!


Image from www.riverisland.com

So there you have it, there are loads more examples of tartan out there for you but these were just a few that I picked. Tell me what you think and if you're loving the tartan trend this Autumn/Winter.

XO

Saturday, 14 July 2012

A/W 2012 Fashion Trends! #4 MAXI

Maxi's are great for summer in the form of dresses and skirts, but they have really progressed into the winter months and it's become so much simpler to pair them with the right accessories to make them easier to wear. Upon surfing the internet for some maxi's for winter, I found some real treasures!

I found this gorgeous floral print maxi dress from River Island that costs a very respectable £40. I actually think this dress could be worn all year round. The print is so pretty and girly that it could be paired with some black pumps, a matching leather jacket and possibly a chunky knit scarf to soften the look a little more. This would create an outfit that has the edginess of the leather but the softness of the print and scarf which will make it feminine. For the summer, this dress would look perfect with maybe a light beige blazer or leather jacket with gold flip flops and some cute gold jewellery and accessories. One word of advice would be, do not wear this dress if there is rain in the forecast. This is because the dress may be a bit long and the bottom hem may get ruined by the dirty rain water on the pavement.


Image from www.riverisland.com

For an everyday look, I found this cute dark purple maxi skirt, also from River Island for £25. I love the aubergine colour because it's perfect for autumn and winter as it's not too dark or drab but not too bright that it looks out of season and better suited for summer. Having said that, I believe you could wear this in summer too, which is a bonus! To make this into a cute outfit, you could pair this with a simple white tank top, beige leather jacket, Oasis beige leather pumps in my previous post and gold accessories. Alternatively, black would look just as good if the weather isn't that great.


Image from www.riverisland.com

I've also seen a style of pairing maxi skirts with military boots. I am not a particular fan of this combination but it's a definitely a viable option for you if you want to wear a maxi skirt but keep your feet warm :)
From Missguided.com, I found this really cute wine coloured long sleeve, maxi dress with a slit along the leg. This would be cute outfit for a special occasion. You could put on a gold skinny belt around the waist to hide the seam and matching jewellery. I like the nude platform heels with the dress too. 

The dress also comes in black and would look good with a gold metal plated belt (there are plenty from ASOS) and matching jewellery and you'll have an outfit that hosts an eclectic mix of femininity with the slit and body con silhouette and grunge with the belt and jewellery.

Both these dresses from www.missguided.com retail at £17.99 which is a bargain in my eyes.

   
   Image from www.missguided.com
Image from www.missguided.com


I hope this post helps you in putting together outfits with a maxi dress or skirt! They are perfect too for autumn and winter, not just summer! 

xoxo

Friday, 13 July 2012

A/W 2012 Fashion Trends! #3 LEATHER!

The classic leather jacket to the edgy leather look leggings can give the rock chic look to any outfit and there's an eclectic range out there for us to choose from. Simple!

I'm constantly on the search for the perfect leather jacket (I haven't found it yet!) but there are so many out there in all different styles to choose from. If you have the money and want to invest, a real leather jacket would be ideal, preferably in black simply because it will go with every outfit! However, there are faux leather versions available too!


Image 1 of Muubaa Sheepskin Bronson Jacket
Image from www.asos.com

Starting off with the most expensive piece I've found. This leather and sheepskin jacket from a brand called Muubaa, sold on ASOS.com really caught my eye because it's different. I like the draping and the large lapels. I really like that the sheepskin lining is inside the entire jacket, not just the lapels. However, for £225, I would expect them too! I like the sleeves, they are a much better alternative to the fabric elasticated ones you see on a lot of other leather jackets. I'm not a fan of those because they cut off my hands and really cling to my wrists, which I find very uncomfortable. For extra warmth, I think you could throw on a chunky knit scarf over the top along with the sheepskin lapels which could make the look very comfy! Pair with some simple jeans and you've got a lovely casual outfit whilst keeping warm at the same time.

The only thing that would put me off is the price. It originally retailed at £430 so you're making a saving of (if my maths is correct) £205! This makes the jacket an investment piece. I personally wouldn't buy it because I do not have the money and even if I did, I would feel very hesitant to lay down this kind of money.


Image 1 of ASOS Laser Cut Leather Jacket
Image from www.asos.com


Image 3 of ASOS Laser Cut Leather Jacket
Image from www.asos.com

Here is a slightly more affordable leather jacket, also from ASOS in their collection. It retails at a discounted price of £67.50 from £135. What is different about this jacket is a couple of things. Firstly, there are no lapels, very different to the previous jacket. This jacket also has little pockets on the side; which could be quite useful but I don't think I could fit my keys or iPhone in them. One particular difference of this jacket is the texture. It features a laser cut design (shown in the close-up on the right) which I really like because it adds some femininity to the piece. I like the structured shoulders and three-quarter length sleeves which just smarten up the piece.

I like the outfit that the model is wearing with the jacket. It shows a good contrast between leather and a girly, baby pink, floaty top and jeans. This outfit would be perfect for going out for dinner; simply pair with some heels, or even travelling; throw on some brogues or even Converse for the comfort factor.

Moving onto bottoms. I remember when I was younger, my mum bought me some leather trousers (I vaguely recall she had some too; maybe she wanted to match!) and when I think back, I do wonder "How did I not sweat in those?". I wouldn't buy leather trousers now, simply because I know it would take a fair few hours just to get them on! Also, the sweat factor isn't appealing to me!

Recently seeing these 'leather look' leggings, I thought this could be a great compromise because they'll be thinner and easier to walk in. You can find these type of leggings EVERYWHERE! Topshop, River Island, ASOS, Missguided, New Look, H&M, Primark etc etc etc! One piece of advice would be, be prepared to pay a little more for these just because you want them to last a long while and when it comes to washing them, you don't want the leather to crack. Having said that, I would've thought most of these leggings would have to hand washed, which makes more sense.


Image from www.riverisland.com

I found this pair from River Island that retail for £18 which is very reasonable. These are very simple and are a great alternative to plain fabric leggings. I do like the wider waistband at the top, I guess it could work as a tummy shrinker possibly, which is always a bonus for me because I don't particularly want to wear magic knickers all the time! :)

For the same price, you could get these 'Ultra Wet Look Leggings' from ASOS. They are very shiny and I do like them. However, for some reason, they make me think of the brightly coloured 80's inspired leggings you see in fancy dress shops. All I can say is thank god they don't come in these kind of colours!



Image 4 of ASOS Ultra Wet Look Leggings
Image from www.asos.com


Sexy Liquid Fuchsia <em>Wet Look</em> Metallic Club <em>Leggings</em> L
Image from Google Images
You really would stand out in those, wouldn't you? ;)

Moving onto shoes and accessories! As the colder weather approaches, you'll put away your flip flops and dig out your boots. I found these Ted Baker 'Bronko Leather' flat boots from ASOS but I think they also retail on the actual Ted Baker website too. 


Image 1 of Ted Baker Bronko Leather Flat Boot
Image from www.asos.com


These boots are very simple but I like the gold buckle on the ankle. I think it makes the boot look more Western; almost riding boot? I like the length of these and they would look perfect with any outfit, as well as keeping your feet warm.

For a more glamourous shoe, I found these leather heels from Ravel on ASOS. They're called Geraldine and they have a laser cut detailing on the front with a slingback strap and peeptoe. They come in a variety of colours which also vary in price. These ones are £50 from RRP £80. 


Image 1 of Ravel Leather Geraldine Heeled Sandal
Image from www.asos.com


I think you could pair these with some denim jeans, a floaty top and jacket for a cute evening outfit. You could also pair it with a pencil skirt and blouse. I like the zip detail at the front, which makes the shoe more edgy because of the femininity of the laser cut. 

If you're looking for a more everyday casual shoe, I found these flat pumps from Oasis on ASOS. Again, like the Ted Baker boots, I believe these are sold on the main Oasis website too. These retail for £38 and they feature a beige snakeskin print with a gold toe cap. I think the snakeskin gives the shoe an edge and the toe cap is just a nice finish. 


Image 1 of Oasis Snake Toecap Ballet Flats
Image from www.asos.com

Image 2 of Oasis Snake Toecap Ballet Flats
Image from www.asos.com


These could be paired with some basic leggings or jeans and a top and if you can find one, a light coloured leather jacket or even a black jacket (leather or not) would work nicely too! Another piece of advice; be careful not to scuff the toe cap. I wonder how durable the material is as it may be prone to scuffing which would spoil the shoe. I think general care for these shoes would be enough to make sure they last and you get your money's worth. 

Okay, I must admit. I LOVE this belt. I'm very tempted to buy it for myself! I love the modern metal plating on the most part of the belt with the traditional buckle at the front. This would make a simple black outfit really stand out. I imagine this would look good with dark jeans too! It reminds me of a Moschino belt that I so badly want need in my life, which unfortunately costs £209 :( Maybe a Christmas present? I don't think so, somehow. This belt retails for an ever so slightly cheaper £18 (BARGAIN). I think it is perfect for this season because the metal plating and traditional buckle is quite masculine and androgyny is very on trend this season too! 

Image 1 of ASOS Leather Skinny Link Detail Waist Belt
Image from www.asos.com

Image from Google Images.
I need this in my life!


Now handbags. Like most girls, I am OBSESSED with handbags. I feel the need to have one in every colour, of every kind! Clutch, Tote, Shopper etc etc! 

I found this bag, again on ASOS, by a brand called Amused by Ameko. It reminds me of the Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C. Clutches. Everything about this bag, I love. I like the ornate laser cut detailing on the fold over part which adds some femininity to the bag, but was mans this up is the little skull cut out in the middle. This adds an edge to the bag. It has two straps; an over the shoulder and a grab handle. It retails at a pricey £125... So maybe could be a Christmas or birthday present? I love the lining too; it features a floral skull design. I like it when bags have lining that is tailored to the exterior just because it makes the bag look more expensive and better quality. All in all, this bag is a delightful mix of grunge and girly.



Image 1 of Amused Exclusive to Asos Cutwork Grab Bag
Image from www.asos.com


Image 2 of Amused Exclusive to Asos Cutwork Grab Bag
Image from www.asos.com



So, I hope I have given you some ideas about how to wear leather this season! I chose to pick a range of expensive and affordable pieces in case you have a birthday coming up and would like some ideas on presents that family or friends could get for you whilst also being on trend!

What do you think of leather? How do you like to wear it best; clothing or accessories?

xoxo