Sunday 26 October 2014

Alexander Wang x H&M: My Picks

Ever since I heard the news of this high street x designer collaboration, I have been waiting (not so patiently) to see the full collection and it's finally been revealed! Although the collection won't be available to buy until November 6th, we can now all take a peek at it and write our shopping lists in preparation. 
The collection is very sports-luxe (obviously) and I've chosen my favourite pieces, some that I really hope to buy, so I thought I'd share them with you all. Let me know what your favourite is in the comments!


Dress, £49.99
Bralet, £24.99
Cropped sweat, £34.99
Dress, £79.99
Dress, £59.99

Leather trousers, £179.99
Boots, £149.99
I really love the dresses in this collection, they are so unique and detailed. I also really like the cropped sweatshirt, an Autumn essential with an affordable designer twist!
Will you be buying any of the collection? Leave me a comment!

Thursday 23 October 2014

3 Ways to Wear It: The Oversize Knit

So this post was meant to go up last weekend, but after having some technical issues with Blogger, I gave up and now I've finally got some time to re-do it. So apologies to those of you who saw my Instagram and expected this post at the weekend. 

The oversize knit has become a AW14 staple and a firm favourite of mine. After being paraded down the catwalk at shows such as Celine, Michael Kors, Stella McCartney and The Row, oversize knitwear has taken over the high street and my wardrobe! If you are still searching for your new hero piece ('hero' because it nails both style AND comfort), look no further than Zara. 
I've styled my Zara knit here three different ways to show you how versatile these gigantic knits can really be, and to give you all a little extra inspiration. 
I took these pictures really quickly last week in the small gap between rain showers, so I didn't have time to do make-up, but I will give a brief explanation of the sort of look I'd go for.

1. With leggings and mannish loafers. (both New Look)
I'm really in love with this season's sixties trend, so I've hinted at here with the dogtooth leggings and loafers but I've added my big jumper as opposed to the tighter thinner sixties polo neck. This outfit is really casual, perfect for running errands. I've kept my hair in a messy bun and I'd probably wear minimal make-up, just a bit of mascara and a pinky-nude lip.


2. With a mini skirt and knee-high boots. (Skirt, Topshop. Boots, New Look.)
One of this season's biggest trends is wearing knee-high boots with a mini skirt, and for some reason it really works! I definitely thought of those infamous Pretty Woman boots when I started seeing this trend everywhere, but I have to admit now I'm a fan. I think the oversized top takes the look away from Pretty Woman! I think all this look needs in terms of make-up is some winged liner and a pale gloss on the lips, I'd leave the skirt to add that pop of colour.

3. With joggers and heels. (Joggers, H&M. Booties, Missguided.)
Another slightly difficult trend this AW is the jogger trouser. How do you style them without looking like you're off to the gym? Well I'd definitely always add a bit of a heel and you really do have to pick the right pair of joggers. H&M have a really good selection of joggers that look more front row at a show rather than front row at a cardio class. This look is soo relaxed and comfy, so I'd definitely keep my hair and make-up more 'done up'. I'd go for a sleeker, neater bun with a bronze smoky eye and a dark red lip.

How are you wearing the oversize knit? Which look is your favourite? Leave me a comment!

Wednesday 15 October 2014

Autumn Lipsticks for All Budgets

I always blab on about how Autumn is my favourite season, and it really is! But I'm pretty sure it doesn't usually rain this much! I have soo many outfit posts I want to do, but I always miss out on those ten minute windows where it's not actually raining. So instead of the outfit posts, I thought I'd focus instead on autumn lippy. Being a student, it's hard to find a balance when it comes to what I spend money on. Yes, I really want that YSL lipstick at £25, but the Topshop one will do just fine at £9. With this in mind, I thought I'd go through a few of my favourite shades I've noticed over the past few weeks that can fit into any budget. 

Charlottle Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Birkin Brown, Selfridges, £23.
This is the perfect Autumnal shade, with that nice mix of red and brown that will complement any skintone. Also, I think this colour is very versatile, it could definitely be worn in the daytime or at night. 

MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Sin, Debenhams, £15.50.
I actually have this lipstick and I love it, it's the perfect dark red for Autumn. I would recommend getting the lip liner in Burgundy too because the matte texture of the lipstick mean it's a little hard to apply.

L'oreal Colour Riche Collection Privee Red in Blake, Superdrug, £6.99. 
I know some people find really dark lipstick intimidating, but this red isn't as dark as Sin above. It's a nice texture and pretty purse friendly!

Topshop lipstick in Armour, Topshop, £9.
This shade is quite obviously very different from the others I've chosen but I think the metallic finish is great for a night out this Autumn. There are also 2 other metallic shades so you can find the perfect one for you, this is my fave. The colour is a really pretty rose gold and it's really long lasting. 

Seventeen Lasting Fix Lipstick in New Black, Boots, £4.29.
New Black is a dark plummy purple, a really deep shade. I would recommend using  a base liner in the same shade however as it doesn't apply too well, can't argue with the price though. 

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Jilted, Selfridges, £15.
This plummy colour is brighter and lighter than New Black and it also has a bit of a sheen to it. It would look great for a night out. 

Tom Ford Lipstick in Deep Mink, Harrods, £37. 
I really liked all the Tom Ford Autumn range, but it's literally sold out everywhere! This colour isn't specifically from the Autumn range but I do think it's a good colour for Autumn. I'm a fan of brown lipsticks, I think they can look great in the daytime as an alternative to a pinky nude. 

What is your favourite lipstick shade for Autumn? Leave me a comment!

Friday 10 October 2014

Top 5: Roll Neck Knits

As it gets colder outside, my outfit choices become comfier and snugglier to make sure I'm warm whilst out at uni. This doesn't sound like the most stylish option, but this season roll neck (or polo neck, whatever you want to call them!) knits are so on trend right now you can still look fashionable even when it's freezing outside. 
I've picked five of my favourite roll neck knits that show how versatile they can be. Check back soon for a 'Three Ways to Wear it' post on how to style my number one, the oversized Zara jumper. 

1. Oversized Polo Neck Sweater, Zara, £35.99.
This is my favourite of all the knitwear I've bought so far this season, it's just the right oversized fit and it's such good quality to say it's so cheap. Also, it's so much thicker than it looks on the screen.

2. Turtle neck dress by Marques'Almeida, Topshop, £80.
I don't know about anyone else but I feel like this designer collab with Topshop is more affordable than the previous ones? This dress is the perfect way to add a bright pop of colour to your Autumn wardrobe whilst still keeping warm. I think it will look just as good with tights and chunky ankle boots as it does here with heels.

3.Cashmere roll neck, ASOS WHITE, £95.
I love the colour of this jumper and as its a fine knit, it will be the perfect layering piece.

4. Charlene Roll Neck Cropped Jumper, Missguided, £19.99.
I think everybody needs a staple black knit come Winter: it will go with everything. A fail safe outfit choice, and since this Missguided one is only 19.99, there are no excuses!

5. Calvin Klein Jeans Roll Neck Jumper, via ASOS, £115.
I know what you are thinking, pricey for a jumper! But... A. it's Calvin Klein and B. Take a look at ASOS Personal Stylist Isabella's instagram (@asos_isabella) and you will be sold. I've been lusting after this since she posted her first #OOTD wearing it. Sooo cosy!

Do you have a roll neck knit yet? I'd love to see how you've styled it! Which of my picks is your favourite? Leave me a comment!

Tuesday 7 October 2014

Fashion Month Round-Up: My SS15 Catwalk Favourites

I really could go on and on about all the collections and looks I loved from each Fashion Week this month, for fear of missing out on mentioning a fabulous collection, but I feel that may get a little monotonous. I could also sort through each show to find the most wearable pieces but - dreaming and lusting aside - I cannot really afford any of the clothes shown throughout September so the wearability of a collection isn't the first quality I look for. When these trends and looks filter down to the high-street, then we'll talk.

For me, Fashion Month is about simple unadulterated appreciation of beautiful design. I have a real passion for clothes and dressing. To some this may seem vain or just a waste of time, but to me it's something I hope to base my whole future career on. I've picked out a handful of collections from across each Fashion Week that stood out to me, this list is by no means exhaustive and I've probably forgotten some of my favourites! 

Marchesa



Florals for Spring may seem clichéd, but floral on floral mixed with lots of ruffles is not.

Isabel Marant



I know I said wearability wasn't my priority, but I could happily wear this collection every single day!

Alberta Ferretti



If you want to feel like a wood nymph next Spring, Alberta Ferretti has you covered.

Bottega Veneta



Possibly my absolute favourite of them all, possibly... It's so hard to pick! I think this collection could be something Zara may interpret well... Hmm.

Roksanda



Roksanda is just a feast of colour, I love it! It makes me happy just to look at this collection. Also, I am definitely crushing over Roksanda Ilincic's personal style!

Topshop Unique



Laidback cool. The Topshop Unique show epitomised everything every girl wishes to achieve.

Chloe



The Chloe show was distinctly French. Parisian chic is always a look to aspire to.

Fendi



The Fendi show really made me sad that I don't have a bigger budget...

What were some of your favourite shows from Fashion Month? Any key trends you loved? Leave me a comment!

I'm sorry I haven't been posting as much lately, I just started back at uni and I'm trying to work blogging into my timetable. I'll be back posting more regularly soon!