Friday, 24 January 2014

OOTD: EMERALD OMBRE






  




This outfit is based upon a very cool and subtle color palette- perhaps a reflection of the overcast, dull weather . I created quite a mash-up of textures, colors and print. The key piece in the outfit is the stunning emerald colored mohair-style jumper. The pictures don't do it justice- it is very bold and the colors are rich (dark forest green into a bright emerald, almost turquoise shade). I paired this monochrome floral 3/4 length dress with the jumper thrown over the top, belted around the waist to create definition and break up the feel of solidarity that the outfit gives off. As per usual, to smarten up the look- a white collared shirt underneath, with a statement necklace. 

The necklace is by +H&M and I had been lusting over it for a while, it definitely gives any outfit that elegant and striking edge with its iridescent tones, giant facets and spikes adding a punchy feel. I wanted to go for a demure look but approached from an unusual angle. I dressed the skirt, necklace, jumper and collar look down by simply adding a denim jacket (always does the trick) and some wedged trainers. I have to state my appreciation for these beauteous wedges by Zara. I wouldn't usually go for such a light color shoe in winter but they feature strips of black suede as well as beige and cream leather, finished off with dazzling gold panels- what more could one want from a casual shoe?

Ombre Jumper- +H&M 
White Shirt- +H&M 
Statement Necklace- +H&M 
Belt- +H&M 
Dress (worn as skirt)- Primark
Trainer Wedges- Zara 
Denim Jacket- Vintage Ralph Lauren

~



Thursday, 16 January 2014

OOTD: EARTHY TONES








The focal point of this outfit is this unusual printed dress from monki.co.uk- I was drawn to the piece instantly because of the warm autumnal colors as well as the very abstract print. The print features a mixture of fruits, leaves and body parts as well as the heads of horses...so bizarre yet so intriguing! It was a curious purchase, and perhaps different to something I would normally go for but I think Weird and Wonderful is the correct term. In winter I'm constantly layering my outfits so under the dress I wore a pale peach blouse- it also brought out the neutral tones in the print. Jewelry wise I went extremely simple with my usual gold hoops and a very ethnic-looking Buddha necklace- (which was gifted to me from a market in France)  the jade stone matched the leaves in the dress and completed the rustic and organic sense to the outfit entirely.  

Over the top (because the dress is made of a thinner fabric) I wore my sheepskin-style coat from Topshop. It was priced at the upper end of high-street prices, but understandably- It is incredibly thick and is also lined with a grey cotton fabric, which actually makes it hard to wear thicker jumpers etc. but is obviously very, very warm. 

On my nails I'm wearing Downtown Red by Maybelline - Color Show Collection. This polish is averagely priced for a drug store product and I was actually rather surprised after my first time using it. The color (a stunning deep, winter red) is highly pigmented and the perfect consistency- it only need about 2 coats for the perfect coverage. It lasts longer than your ordinary polish- well over a few weeks- and I would highly recommend  the product- it also leaves a smooth glossy finish.


Printed Dress- www.monki.co.uk
Belt- +H&M 
Pastel Peach Shirt- +H&M 
Boots- +River Island 
Coat- +Topshop 
Lips- Hazard by +Topshop 
Nails- Downtown Red +Maybelline UK 


Tuesday, 14 January 2014

OOTD: 90'S KID


 







I am so ridiculously excited to share my Outfit Of The Day today! It contains most of my favorite elements of fashion; bright colors, bold prints and DUNGAREES! As soon as I paired the dungarees with the sweater, it immediately reminded me of the 90's...something charming and lively that I would have worn as a child. I was slightly apprehensive about the dungarees because of the over-sized fit, but they are the most comfortable piece in my entire wardrobe and best of all they can be worn throughout all seasons; in winter with chunky knits and boots and in spring with a crop top and sandals or sneakers. I chose the boots because the jumper has hints of purples and oranges and they accentuated the dazzling holographic finish on the boots. To complete the 90's look- a beanie, some fierce gold jewelry with some Elton-John inspired sunglasses. Thrown over the top, again one of the best purchases in my wardrobe- the checkered coat. I mixed up textures, patterns and colors because...why not...it's 90's inspired. 

Dungarees- +ASOS 
Checkered Coat- +River Island 
Quilted Aztec Print Crop Sweater- www.Sheinside.com 
Beanie and Eearrings- Primark
Gold Chain Necklace- +Topshop 
Holographic Boots- +boohoo.com 
Eastpak Floral Backpack- www.office.co.uk
Round Sunglasses- from a festival



Sunday, 12 January 2014

THE VELVET SMOCK: 4 WAYS

I have created a series of looks featuring this red velvet smock dress from boohoo.com. Its so classic and versatile it can be styled with so many things, I have put together just a few of the many possibilities.  I also thought I'd mention that +boohoo.com  have a huge range of smock dresses (patterened, plain, velvet etc.), so if the red isn't to your taste then definitely have a look on their site- They're very in-expensive and have a wide selection of (on-trend) dresses and anything else you could need to get you through the season.  

~LOOK 1: SIMPLE~

 This first look  is very plain, I have added various silver accessories just to give the outfit a bit more depth and interest as well as a black fedora hat to contrast the very girly style of the dress. I find that this style of dress- the smock- is very comfortable and free and is great for those days where you just want to throw something on and rush out the door. To give it a more structured look, because at times the loose-fit can be unflattering, add a simple belt around the waist which will add definition to the shape of the dress. I have kept the accessories and shoes the same throughout, for a sense of continuity, although there are probably a thousand combinations of shoes and accessories that will compliment the dress.




Velvet Smock- +boohoo.com  (direct link-  http://www.boohoo.com/sale/verity-velvet-smock-dress/invt/azz40737 )
Black  Studded Fedora Hat- +H&M 
Silver Baroque Necklace- +H&M 
Tribal Earrings- +Urban Outfitters 
Patent Boots - +River Island 
Lips- Dior 999


~LOOK 2: COLLARED~ 

The second look is probably my favorite because it is so elegant and looks so put-together. I have paired the dress with a very simple cream blouse and although the colors look great together- even a printed shirt would look lovely. The great thing about this dress is that the creative possibilities are endless and it is so wearable because each time it is worn, it can be made to look like a completely different outfit. 



White Collared Shirt- Primark

~LOOK 3: CASUAL~

The third look features the same white blouse, this time paired with a knitted black jumper. In this outfit the dress doubles up as a skirt, and i have belted the waist to create definition and contrast. Similarly to LOOK 2, the possibilities of jumpers or sweatshirts thrown over the top are endless, I think that neutral- tones (black, white, cream, beige and grey) compliment the richness of the red velvet perfectly.  



Black Knitted Crop Jumper- +H&M 
Black Belt- +H&M 

~LOOK 4: LAYERED~ 

This is another of the looks which I really love, I wanted to push the creative boundaries! Over the smock dress I placed a thick tartan scarf, on top of which I tied a belt. The scarf adds volume to the entire outfit, and for winter is so warm. I feel like it screams Sarah Jessica Parker from SATC. The way the reds from the scarf and the dress contrast slightly adds a different dimension as well as the thickness of the scarf against the delicate velvet of the dress. 



Tartan Scarf- +boohoo.com  

~


Thursday, 9 January 2014

TREND EXPOSED: HOLOGRAPHIC


CHRISTOPHER KANE SPRING/SUMMER 2014



















































The holographic trend is one which has been bubbling on the surface for a while now, but we must brace ourselves for this glittering trend is about to cast its very own garishly dazzling rainbow over the fashion world for spring and summer. I'm a fan- I won't lie. I've always loved iridescent colors and I'm so glad to see so many designers embrace the holographic beauty this upcoming season. Christopher Kane, being one of many, has encapsulated the trend in a very chic way in his SS '14 Collection using many neutral tones mixed with holographic pieces and accessories. Both the peep toe and court shoe have incorporated the shimmering colors in a very classic and dignified way. Succeeding in making the holographic print dainty but not too audacious is not an easy feat... Christopher Kane we salute you!

I've seen numerous high street brands attempt the trend, but not until I found this incredible pair of boots (on  http://www.boohoo.com/) that I knew I had found the perfect holographic piece for my wardrobe...






Boots- Boohoo.com 
http://www.boohoo.com/new-in-footwear/izzy-holographic-elastic-insert-pull-on-boot/invt/azz36276

What i love about these boots (apart from their amazing color) is the way they can be worn casual and dressy, also they are relatively comfortable and an affordable way of nailing the holographic trend. There is a more detailed version of the boots with buckles and other hardware but i thought I'd go for the more classic, simple and wearable option...and I can't wait to style these babies up! 

JONATHAN SAUNDERS S/S 2014

Another master of all things holographic has to be Jonathan Saunders, where again, the iridescent colors have been used in a tasteful way to create a bold and diverse collection. 

~


HIGH-END HOLOGRAPHIC: 

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1. ~LANVIN holographic leather sneakers- £430 @ www.net-a-porter.com ~ ( A more casual way of incorporating the trend in to one's wardrobe and the running-style sneaker is also bang on trend.)~



2. ~Marc By Marc Jacobs holographic leather purse- £55 @ www.bagheeraboutique.com  ~


3. ~Jimmy Choo Anouk holographic leather pumps- £475 @ www.net-a-porter.com ~

4. ~ Karl Lagerfeld Watches KL1012 round holographic stainless steel and leather watch- £185 @ www.selfridges.com ~ (I think that this is a relatively good price considering its a Karl Lagerfeld piece, on trend and edgy)~



5. ~Tory Burch Robin adjustable cross-body bag- £345 @ www.selfridges.com (This is probably the most stunning iridescent bag ...or bag for that matter, that Iv'e ever seen. I adore the colours, the style, the gold hardware- beautiful!) ~


~
HIGH-STREET HOLOGRAPHIC: 



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1. ASOS Snake Holographic Leather Cut Out Mini Dress- (was £ 150) now £70 @ +ASOS  www.asos.com (For those who want high-end quality at highstreet price)~

                                                  2.  ~Bank hologram satchel- £25 @ www.bankfashion.co.uk ~

3. ~River Island holographic lace up flatforms - £26 @ +River Island www.riverisland.co.uk

4.~ Topshop Nails in Blue Jeans- £6 +Topshop www.topshop.co.uk (Topshop have the biggest range of metallic, shiny, hologram, iridescent colors- definitely check them out)~
5. ~ Shellys London hologram lace up shoes- (were £60) now £25 @ www.bankfashion.co.uk~