EDITORIAL

I've been meaning to post this amazing piece of styling from The Sunday Times style magazine for some weeks now.

Miu Miu, clashing prints and luxurious textures - enough said!

P.S. Happy New Year's Eve and a big big thank you to all who have visited, read and commented on my blog this year, I am super grateful to every single one of you. Love Faye

All in the name of fashion

 Jeans | H&M. Boots | Topshop. Shirt | Vintage. Jumper | Primark.

 

Since I purchased this (what I think are an) amazing pair of over the knee boots last year I've been trying  to lower the cost per wear ratio drastically. This has been somewhat difficult, I've owned them over a year and have worn them possibly 9 times. You ask why? Well, they are a bloody pain in the arse, due to my unusually skinny ankles and calves they constantly fall down. 

I should have known better, before I purchased them I read about this on the reviews but ignored my instinct and went ahead anyway.  Since then I have been pulling them up everywhere which includes a week in Paris, shopping trips and nights out. If you see me wearing these you will no doubt have seen me bending down to pull them up!

This story does have a happy ending, however I am very embarrassed to admit this but I've succumbed to using extra strong double sided tape to hold them up. 

Although I love this quick fix it has confined me to wearing them with jeans (see above) and with tights and skirts. I'm not sure double sided tape on bare legs would make for a comfortable wear. 

I know I should probably just get rid of them but I just can't seem to do it - I love them and always will.

Moral of this story - I will do anything in the name of fashion - but don't we all, last Friday night I wore a beautiful pair of red shoes that made my toes numb for three days!!

Hopefully you will continue to see these boots on the blog as I gradually lower the cost per wear but remember it's only due to that amazing double sided sticky tape! 

P.S Happy Christmas, currently making my way through all the chocolate, cheese and red wine!!!

Beanies

Since it's December and the weather has started to get a little colder, (albeit not cold enough for December in my eyes) I thought I'd talk beanies.  I'm currently wearing - The Fur Pom Pom Beanie (similar one here), The Ski Beanie (here) and The Black Beanie - AKA burglar Bill's Beanie (similar here). 

My favourite has always been the pom pom beanie mainly because it suits my face shape the best and its pretty dam cosy too, but I'm also loving this Planks beanie which is perfect for the slopes at this time of year. The black one I love but I'm not sure it does me justice, it is however great for that 90's grunge look and I have to say trying these on in the house was pretty hysterical as I seem to have the smallest head known to man!

Knitwear and Loafers

Jumper and Shoes | Topshop. Jeans (old) | New Look. 

I've been pretty much living in this ensemble at the moment, winter has finally set in here up north (we were even greeted with snow this morning) and its all about Layers. 

Minus the ripped jeans this outfit keeps me pretty toasty and as for flats they have become a season must have and provide much more comfort than my favourite heels. However that has taken time - don't you just love how new shoes put your feet through hell. As for the jumper - which I'm sure will be making many more blog posts appearances, is just delightful for those not sure what to wear days. Not that you can tell in these photo's but it's in my favourite colour of the moment - NAVY BLUE. 

The Trans-seasonal Dress Code

By trans-seasonal, I mean it’s too warm for our bulky winter coats, but too cold to wonder the streets bare sleeved and I’m faced with this what to wear dilemma every Monday morning (at least until the frost sets in.)

My daily commute consist of a 35 minute bus journey, 20 minute – standing train ride (I almost never get a seat, think faced squashed against the train doors) and a 20 minute jaunt across the city centre. By this point I arrive at the office a flustered, sweaty mess. In four months I somehow haven’t mastered how to arrive the fresh faced employee I wish to be. 

That’s when it accrued to me I need a fool proof trans-seasonal dress code suitable for the office and my hectic commute. I’ve been so excited for autumn to arrive I’ve donned think tights, chunky knits and cosy scarves way too early.

I need an array of layers that are commute appropriate, i.e. easily taken off when squashed up against a stranger’s armpit whilst on the train. Also outfit planning the night before stops that 7am wardrobe battle. We’ve all been there, right? 

So here’s my list of must have pieces for perfect trans-seasonal dressing. 

Mules/Loafer (The flat is a must have this autumn) – much more foot coverage than sandals, but less than knee high boots.

Cotton Shirt – Light, comfortable and sleeves can be easily rolled up or down. (Try a men’s shirt from Gap or Topman)

Turtle Neck Sweater – Not a full on chunky knit but a thin ensemble does provide some warmth on those cooler autumn mornings. Dorothy Perkins have a great selection this season. 

Culottes – Worn bare legged with an ankle boot or add an ankle sock with those flats you love. 

Luxury T-Shirt – Plain or stripped the t-shirt is a must have during any season. I love Zara’s collection and there organic cotton V-neck tee starts at £12.99. 

A-line skirt – Easy to throw on and comfortable for the 9-5, plus they give that nod to the 60’s/70’s trend. Both Zara and Topshop offer these in an array of textures and prints.

Image Source - Zara 

Are Navy, Green and Oxblood the only colours we need for autumn?

Jumper (here) and Boots (here) | Topshop. Skirt (here) | Zara 

Are navy blue, bottle green and oxblood red the only autumnal colours we need this season? 

Autumn has arrived and we have finally said goodbye to our summer wardrobes and pulled out our autumn favourites. Whatever colours they may be, a flick through this mornings Sunday Times Style and a trawl around the high street yesterday show these three colours are going to get your style on point for Autumn Winter 2015.  

No matter what your style is, darker colours and a multitude of textures are something we turn to when the days grow shorter, nights turn longer and the weather feels colder. 

Yesterdays jaunt showed the great British high street has endless offerings this season - see robe style, floor length wool coats at Topshop and Primark. Leather, suede and denim skirts at New look and H&M and bohemian floral printed dresses at Zara. 

For on trend and on price stylish pieces hit Primark and Dorothy Perkins. 

Happy Autumn Folks

It's all about street style

 

Fashion month is officially over so I figured what better way to celebrate then taking a look back at what the fashion glitterati wore to the shows.

An eclectic mix of style could only be found in London.

Hill and Friends

  

Image Source | Business of Fashion 

 

We all know the authentically British label Mulberry, over the last decade Mulberry has brought us some of the most stylish bags to date. That was all down to Emma Hill aka the women who reinvented Mulberry and made the brand what it is today. 

Last weekend at LFW Emma launched her hotly anticipated handbag collection named 'Hill and Friends' and it did not disappoint. 

The classic mulberry aesthetic she created is seen within the collection but with an element of fun. 

By fun I mean lots of bright colours - hot pink to be precise, bold prints and a post mans lock displaying a winking smiley face to finish. 

These together complement the classic shape and style perfectly.

The launch looked amazing and was held at Claridges. It included super cute mini ponies, pink iced biscuits and hotel bell boys draped in the Hill and Friends collection. 

The most amazing hand bag collection launch to date I would say!

Getting creative, or at least trying

Shirt | Urban Outfitters (boyfriends). Jeans (here), Shoes (similar here) & Bag (similar here) | Topshop 

I say getting creative what I mean is putting on a shirt backwards, but hey I'm always trying to differentiate the way I style up my/the boyfriends wardrobe staples. This is definitely different but I have to say I love it!

This weekend I also tried this look with a cotton striped shirt and skinny jeans which probably worked better due to the softer fabric but I just love a denim on denim ensemble. The look is finished off with these beautiful Topshop snake print platforms that give it that added (hot trend of the season) 70's vibe. 

Something New

Image Source | Instagram
Mansur Gavriel SS16

This fashion season so far has been about discovering new designer talent. Yes we all love the classics Chloe, Burberry, Chanel. But I don't think you can beat finding something new! 

Today it's all about shoes shoes shoes! A few days ago whilst scrolling through my Instagram feed I saw the most incredible pair of blue suede mules. I instantly double clicked the image and carried on getting my lunchtime Instagram fix. A few days later with those shoes still on my mind I knew I had to find them. About an hour later (after scrolling through the feed of all those I follow) I found them!! 

It turns out there by handbag designer Mansur Gavriel - a designer I've never heard of until now, but one I hope to hear more about in the future. 

His designs are simple but unique. The bold colour and strong structure will give any outfit a modern twist. His designs are all about colour and shape - he has truly let the shoe speak for its self. 

I feel a high street replica coming our way next SS, or at least I hope so!

Straight off the runway

Image Source | Instagram

It's that time of year again when the fashion elite pack in to this seasons must see shows and take a peak into what Spring Summer 2016 has to offer. This seems strange considering its SS15 and I'm currently wearing sunglasses and sandals on a very busy (warm) train commute home. But we all know fashion is always one step ahead of us - or should I say 12 months. 

I'm not always particular to the SS collections (I'm a true lover of winter at heart) but it's only day two of New York Fashion Week and a whole bunch of designers have grabbed my attention, in particular bcbgmaxazria.

I loved the multicoloured, oversized, layered knits, especially the pink marl knitted vest - perfect for layering over a bikini in summer and layered over a knitted jumper or dress in winter.  

The guys at WGSN gave the collection the title of 'Venice beach vibes' and they couldn't be more right. 

Fashion season has only just begun and I can't wait to see what else it has in store for us. Keep posted!!!

The shirt dress

Dress (here) and Sandals (here) | Topshop

First of all I must appologise for my lack of posts recently (and lack of tan in the above photo's), I say recently its been over a month!! I think a full time job (placement), the gym and having my own place has literally taken over my life. But tho shalt promise from today to blog more often. I have all the content or at least post title's wrote down in my little note book, but don't seem to get the chance to actually finish them. 

Anyway back to today's agenda - THE SHIRT DRESS!! 

Since purchasing this somewhat brightly coloured shirt dress a few weeks ago I haven't been able to remove it from my body. There's something about a one piece that makes life feel much more easier. 

No mess, no fuss dressing is officially my new fashion moto! Or at least till I get my life in order! 

Alice Archer an eye for detail

Design Inspiration - Alice looks to the brush strokes of Henri Fantin - Latour's flower paintings.

I love finding new, up and coming designers to love and the most recent addition to my ever growing list of designer talent is Alice Archer. Discovered whilst flicking through my monthly copy of Elle uk - Alice has an eye for detail when creating the most intricate and beautiful embroidery designs.
Alice says ' I really like creating labour intensive things' , labour intensive being the operative word as each embroidery stitch takes two days to programme into her computer.
Archer states her inspiration is taken from 19th century paintings and her design approach is that of a forensic one.

For me her designs are unique, intricate and beautiful to look at, my favourite piece has to be the denim jacket with the embroidered floral motif. It's not something you see everyday and that's what makes Alice one of London's most talked about young designers.