In the light

Jacket and Skirt | H&M. Top | Topshop. Trainers | Nike

Sometimes you have those days when you choose and outfit and in your head you think it looks great but in reality it turns out rather different. So I'm sure you've clicked on to the fact that I'm not 100 percent sure on this outfit. The black and white photos however have turned out rather great so I thought I'd share them with you. 

Happy Monday...

Countryside

Top and Shoes | Topshop. Jeans | New Look. Sunglasses | Claire's Accessories 

It's official, I'm addicted to the Topshop App! It happened whilst searching for this top. 

Festival season is in full swing so I thought it was time that I got into the spirit myself. I'm not officially attending a festival this year but who said you can't don festival inspired apparel for a trip to Sainsbury's? This is where the top comes in. White - check, embroidery - check, frilly sleeves - check. With all boxes ticked I headed off (camera and boyfriend in tow) to my nearest country lane, although I'm not sure the heels would survive at a festival *note to self swap for trusty hunters.

Stripes

Dress | Topshop. Shoes | Superga. Jacket | H&M. Bag | Vintage 

I'm sure you have already noticed by now that I'm an avid lover of stripes and there's nothing better than finding the dress you were eying up a while ago now in the Topshop sale! Recently I've decided dresses are my sartorial savior. I am however partial to the more boyish unflattering styles than fitted girly numbers. You would think by the age of 26 I would have found what suits my figure but I'm still learning. You know the drill, trying on 12 items in the changing room and none of them looking right, however with this striping number my look has finally changed. YAY!

HAPPY SALE SHOPPING EVERYONE 

P.S here's some of my online sale favourites...

Topshop

ASOS

Zara

Superga Love

 Shoes | Superga 

So I finally got my hands on a pair of Superga's and I have to say they are even better than I imagined. Such a simple yet stylish shoe, something like this could have only been designed in Italy. There's something about Italian style, relaxed and comfortable but effortlessly cool and I'm pretty sure they would look even better perched on the back of a Vespa.

Open-minded

 Image Source | mvkasu.tumblr.com

I'm usually pretty open-minded when it comes to emerging fashion trends but I have to say the socks and sliders trend has got me............got me screaming nooooo!!
However this may be down to one not following all trends, AKA I'm no innovator of fashion - at least not in the dramatic fashion sense.  I love shocking fashion..... neon's, metallic s and embellished goods but there's just something about sliders and Nike sports socks (yes they now even sell them in Topshop and they weren't there for athletic reasons) that makes me cringe. I may say this, but it is a personal view and I do understand it's 'each to their own', but I will definitely not be donning my Birkenstock's and ankles highs any time in the future. I've avoided many fashion trends in the past and I'm sure their will be many more. That's what I love about fashion there's something out there for everybody!!

Man Repeller x Superga Volume II

 

Image Source | Man Repeller

I've been harping on for a while about getting myself a pair of Superga's, if you don't believe me ask my boyfriend. Being a student on a budget I have searched eBay for many hours but with little success, so it looks like I'll be running excitedly down to my nearest footwear store (student discount in hand) when pay day arrives. But until that day favourite blogger Leandra Medine AKA Man Repeller has collaborated with Superga and created some unique sneakers.

The Man Repeller x Superga Volume II collection is in keeping with the classic 2750 Superga shoe but with a twist, the twist being beautiful satin fabrics in bright colours with matching shoes laces. As well as the classic shoe theirs a mule style thrown in, perfectly on trend for the summer season. It was totally love at first sight!

Being a rather indecisive individual its taken me a while to decide what colour I should get my Superga's in but after much thought I've decided on......white. Yes I would love a pair of the above (my birthday is only 2 months away, if a girl hints you never know) but for now white is perfect. Perfect for the summer months and guaranteed to match any outfit, I am one excited girly right now.

The Trench

 Trench | H&M. Shirt | Zara. Jeans and Boots | Topshop. Bag | Kurt Geiger.

Although the sun is actually shinning as I write this post, it has been playing hide and seek recently (all I can say is my trusty umbrella has been used far too much). This gave me the idea to finally purchase that much needed trench coat. It seems bloggers and fashion lovers everywhere have been loving the trench too. Firstly I thought black was the right colour but then I figured navy would look better and who said navy and black don't work. Now I'll look forward to styling it up with many sartorial items for the next few months (I know summer is supposed to be upon us but this is England remember). 

Amongst the Greens and Blues

Dress and Shoes | Topshop Sunglasses | Claire's Accessories

 

This weekend we were greeted with some beautiful sunshine.....yey. It was definitely time to leave the long sleeves and tights behind and embrace the warmer weather. My favourite summer dress made it's way from the depths of my wardrobe, t-shirt style check, denim check, blue check, stripes check, it really does meet all the criteria of the perfect dress.  

Topshop have designed some more great denim t-shirt dresses, great for this Spring|Summer season take a peak here.

Casual Friday

 

Denim Shirt | Vintage. Jeans | New Look. Shoes | River Island

I'm afraid I've never worked in an office environment and never appreciated casual Fridays, (unless non uniform at school counts) but I can imagine this is something one might wear on a day very close to the weekend. Cool, comfortable and casual.....slip on a pair of heels and you've done desk to the bar with just a hop, skip and a jump.

  Anyway double denim seems to be my go-to-outfit at the moment, this couldn't be more classic(for me anyway), skinny jeans, denim shirt (boyfriends) and patent loafers. 

The blog posts have become rather sparse recently, this may continue for the next couple of weeks due to looming uni deadlines *sobs quietly in the corner. I've certainly ready to say au revoir for a few months.

Follow the printed road...

Dress | Zara.  Bag | Kurt Geiger.  Mules | Topshop Unique

 I've always been a lover of print and florals being my print of choice. This blue floral fabric tunic had me at hello!

 A shirt/tunic dress is something I've being trying to hunt down for a while but until now they have been rather non existent. The only place one was ever going to find them was obviously Zara, known for their fast fashion (from design to store in a matter of weeks.) It was instantly purchased and the rest is history. No doubt it will become a Spring/Summer wardrobe (and blog) staple, I 'll defiantly be mixing it up with lots of layers (its still a little chilly for bare legs) as usual , jeans and jumpers etc... 

My next fashion step is to try out this 'Sport Chic' trend I keep reading so much about, mixing glamour with sporty pieces. Here's to hoping I can pull it off! 

*frantically pulls out high heels and sweater-shirt. 

Downtown

 Jeans, Shoes and T-Shirt | Topshop. Jacket |Levi's. Bag | Warehouse

Happy Monday!

These skinnys have become a blog outfit post staple so I carried out a little DIY on them (something I've been meaning to do for a while.) They feel transformed-from neat to edgy with only a few scissor snips. Such a simple trick to keep up with this season's hottest trend. The trusty Levi's jacket was pulled from the depths of my wardrobe seeing as though we were graced with a spot of beautiful sunshine. Finally I finished off the look with the shoe of the moment (or so it seems) 'the mule'.

The black and white photographs capture the outfit and the day so well.

All talks of M&S

Image Source | theguardian.com

Is an advertising campaign featuring familiar faces for women of all ages the way forward for M&S?

Marks and Spencer have recently launched their new Leading Ladies campaign and theirs some new faces including Rita Ora, Annie Lennox and Emma Thomson to name a few. Yes I said Rita Ora! Someone you wouldn't normally associate with M&S. She's rather hot property at the moment but I wouldn't say shes brand appropriate, however it could have a positive impact on the retail brand. Their target audience is women aged 30 and over, so I'm guessing Ora could bring M&S that much needed younger customer. All these ladies are successful within their own right and could be empowering to young women around the UK.

"Our spring/summer campaign is a celebration of style and accomplishment," said Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne, M&S executive director of marketing and business development. "These dynamic leading ladies represent the unique and diverse women of a modern Britain. They are united in their extraordinary achievements but confident in their differences. Marks & Spencer is a democratic brand that is relevant to women of all ages and strands of life; it is therefore natural for M&S to celebrate women in this way. M&S is extremely proud to have convened such an extraordinary group of exceptional women; this campaign is the embodiment of true British style, quality, diversity and success." (vogue.co.uk, 2014)

M&S do have a lot to offer a younger consumer, including great Limited Edition and Autograph collections plus the Rosie Huntington Whitley underwear range. 

I myself happen to like M&S (mainly for the Limited Edition collections), but in recent years the collections have become disappointing. But after a recent visit to the Leeds store I saw what could be their best collection yet. The S|S 14 collection showed beautiful silhouettes in bright colours and prints, accessorized with statement shoes and  jewellery.

My sister recently purchased the most beautiful handbag from the Autograph collection. It's a simple yet classic piece but with added details. It has beautiful black leather and a strap that can be lengthened and shortened depending on what style you are keeping that day.  I loved it so much I had to take a few photographs with my camera. 

P.S The lovely Rachel Khoo from The Little Paris Kitchen also stars in the Leading Ladies campaign. Rachel cooks for diners in her tiny Parisian apartment, take a peak at what could be the cutest cooking programme ever here.

In a tortoise shell

Sunglasses | Claire's Accessories 

As sunglasses go tortoise shell seems like the best way forward. I've owned one too many pairs of sunglasses which have evidently been broken or lost. Their departure has been either under my foot or from my head whilst dancing excitedly at Leeds Fest. Anyway less of the tangent chat, these are most definitely going to stay safe in a hard case. It took a while to find the right pair,  I knew I wanted tortoise shell, less harsh on the pale skin tone.....but what shape? Square, round? After much consideration a decision was made. After all I knew they would go with most wardrobe items (something I always have in mind when purchasing any sartorial item) and the rest is history.

Say it with DENIM

 

Image source | thesartorialist.com

I am a little disappointed to say the least with this weather we have been having. For goodness sake its March and snow hasn't graced my path yet! *sighs loudly. Yes some may be be loving the warmer Winter weather we have been having, but I love nothing more than getting wrapped up and going for a windy walk and feeling the freezing cold air on my skin.

This may be to do with the fact that my wardrobe consists of mainly Winter clothing, I own so many hats and scarfs I've lost count and I'm so pale I need a spray tan before going on Holiday. 

Anyway less of my cynicism.

One of my all time favourite Trends is back this S|S14 (although I'm not really sure it ever left), with ultra cool, dare I say jealous style, DENIM!!!

I already own a few pieces, that will be reappearing this Summer so keep posted for them.

I spent the last two hours of my evening trying to find more amazing denim pieces that I just have to have. My favourites have to be the Camo Jeans, T-Shirt dress and A-Line skirt. There's something totally cool about denim, dressed up or down. I love wearing my Skinny's with a hoody and heels, or a simple tee and trainers work so well too.

I've always loved Denim on Denim (this can be visible on my Instagram feed!) and this season its huge. Last Summer saw me donning a denim dress over jeans weekly, at last this Summer I may not look like something from a 90's movie after all

Enjoy. 

 Images left to right: ASOS Denim Jacquard Skirt £35, Cheap Monday Denim Dress at ASOS £60, Topshop MOTO Denim T-Shirt £32, Topshop MOTO Denim Mom Shorts £35, The White Pepper Denim T-Shirt Dress £58, Topshop MOTO Denim Quilted Long-line Jacket £65, ASOS Denim A-Line Skirt £20, Topshop MOTO Denim Jacket £48, Hilfiger Camo Skinny Jeans at ASOS £60

Image source | topshop.com | asos.com 

Shape, Texture and Print

Image Source |  www.whistles.co.uk

Whistles SS14 Look Book 

 Whistles, known for its clean lines, classic shapes and one off inspirational pieces is a brand I have always loved. 

When I was given the opportunity to create a 'mini range' for a university assignment I had to choose Whistles. Whilst researching my chosen brand I found these amazing SS14 Look Book pictures and had to share them with you. 

These designs are true to the Whistles brand. Three words come to mind, shape, texture and print. 

Pastel colours are seen throughout the look book with clean lines, luxurious fabrics, unique prints and feminine silhouettes. I love the 90's vibe the collection gives off, especially the camisole dresses and metallic backpacks. 

I'm about to say something I never thought I would say (due to the fact that I love Winter so much) but I'm so excited for summer!