29 February 2016

Stripes

The trusty Breton top is one of the most favoured staples to wear especially during the summer months and it's our number one choice when we're looking for something striped, but the options are endless with stripes so why stop at a top? Today I'm showing you all things stripes, whether it's verticle, horizontal, diagonal, big or small, it's a must have in your wardrobe.

When it comes to stripes on clothes I've always played it safe, stripes are huge this season and there's no better time than now to try something new. 

Image from Pinterest

A top is the easiest way to update your wardrobe as it will go with just about any bottom, try something colourful to pair with jeans, this will instantly lift the outfit. (All images from Pinterest)



Statement outwear always works no matter what season, especially over a simple outfit. I would balance out striped bottoms with plain colours on top. But if you're feeling brave mix it up like we saw on the SS16 catwalks.



Head to toe in stripes always look good if done well, and remember there's always layering, layer a dress or jumpsuit with a jacket or jumper.



No matter how you wear stripes it's always a winner in your wardrobe and there is always one that will suit you.

This skirt from Topshop is great if you don't like loud prints, gorgeous rust colour with monochrome stripes. Pair with a white t-shirt for summer.

Topshop £55

Loving this dress by ASOS, I would wear with trainers during the day or sandals in the summer but looks lovely dressed up with heels too as per photo.

ASOS £28

This shirt is perfect for Spring, the different shades of pink works so well, I would pair this with denim or a leather skirt for an evening look. Would also look good with plain trousers and heels. 


Hope you've liked some of my picks, there is actually loads of stripes on the high street at the moment so you will be spoilt for choice. Happy shopping!

24 February 2016

Converse

Image from Google

The Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars trainer is the most iconic trainer I know. Regardless of the design not changing much, it is still popular than ever nearly 100 years on. I purchased my first pair over 10 years ago now, which I still keep despite having replaced it with the same pair a few years back.

Since Converse sponsored Charles 'Chuck' Taylor, a basketball player, the footwear has been worn by sports players, musicians, celebrities, fashionistas and kids of all ages. It is a definite streetwear staple.

Although the company brings out many designs and colours, you can't go wrong with the classic white or black Chuck Taylors, it will always remain timeless and goes with just about anything from smart trousers to dresses. It is the most versatile pair of trainers I know.

During LFW, Immy Waterhouse and Laura Whitmore were both spotted with Converses as to the usual shoes worn on these occasions. (images from justjared and dailymail)



I have put together my favourite street styles from Pinterest just to show you how versatile it is.

Wear it with dresses:



Trousers:



Jeans:



A few of my looks below:




Black converses are next on the list for me, not too sure if I want the high tops or low tops yet. If I decide on a coloured pair, I personally like the Maroon colour way, what's your favourite?

Black Canvas £44.99
White Canvas £44.99



19 February 2016

Neckerchief

Neckerchiefs for me are used mainly on my hair, especially around summer. Although I like the look of it around the neck, surprisingly I have never worn it that way, but never say never and I am always willing to try new things. Neckerchiefs will go with most outfits and make a simple top stand out.

All images from Pinterest

Why not pair a bandana with a dress to toughen up the look. I don't think I can pull this off but does work well.

Image from Pinterest

Fashionistas were spotted this year during NYFW wearing the neckerchief and Amiee Songs from Song of Style was one them styling this look. Below were a couple of her looks I loved, check out her page for her other outfits and details.

Image from www.songofstyle.com

Image from www.songofstyle.com

Although a nice wooly scarf would probably keep you warmer right now on what feels like a never-ending Winter, try the look on mild days or over a jumper. I'm not sure I can pull off most of the street style looks shown, but worth trying out and experimenting. You don't have to spend too much money for this look, you can get cheap scarves/neckerchiefs from places like Camden market, Shoreditch or even charity shops, I actually purchased mine years back for £1 each from Camden market.

Topshop neckerchiefs priced from £5.


The good thing about this accessory is that it has multiple uses, wear it as a headband, tie it around your bag or even on your wrist. Whichever option you choose you can't go wrong.





13 February 2016

White Shirt with a twist

Spring/Summer16 saw some of the essential wardrobe staples on the catwalk. Not only did we see stripes, we saw the basic white t-shirt, tailored trousers and blazers popping up among many of the designer collections. But it was the white shirt that stuck out, except it wasn't your typical classic white shirt, it came with a twist.

Top Left to Right: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Zac Posen, Topshop Unique, Tome
Bottom Left to Right: Monse, Delpozo, Kate Spade New York, Monse
All images from www.vogue.com

The white shirts were reformed with bell sleeves, tie details, ruffles and frills, making it popular than ever for the coming season. Our trusty simple button-down shirts will never let us down as it's timeless and versatile, but it's time to try something new!

Left to Right: Zara 19.99, H&M £29.99, Topshop £38.00

If you can't part from your standard white shirts, try buying something similar to the above, all classic white shirts, but the sleeves make all the difference making it stand out compared to your usual white shirt.

Topshop £45

If you want a bit more interest to your shirt, try frills, ruffles or an off the shoulder style similar to the Marks and Spencer blouse from my previous post on SS16 Trends.

If your budget stretches you to high-end, J.W Anderson will be launching a six-piece capsule shirting line on February 17th, exclusively to Net-a-Porter. The line is designed in classic white and blue pinstripes, offering a contemporary twist to the classic wardrobe staples, which will be perfect for this coming season. Sarah Rutson, Vice President of Global buying at Net-a-Porter said: "The shirt is a fundamental backbone of most women's wardrobe"(Source: Vogue), and I must admit, it doesn't matter if it's a classic white or printed shirt, shirts are essential in my wardrobe.

Image from Vogue

If you're feeling a bit adventurous try styling your shirt yourself in different ways, I came across a blog called Afterdark, and the girls managed to dress a classic oversized shirt in 5 ways, impressive! What will your twist be to your white shirt?

Inspiration below from Pinterest.










11 February 2016

Japanese Beauty Products

Being renowned for many things such as technology, food and cars, Japan is also widely known for beauty products. Companies such as ShiseidoShu Uemura and my favourite SKII are all from Japan and internationally used among many. Most beauty trends come from the far East and it was Shu Uemura that put cleansing oils on the map by introducing the first oil cleanser to Japan in 1967, it is now a cult favourite with many.

In my twenties, I was obsessed with SKII products, especially their facial treatment essence. This is the ultimate 'staple in Japan', it contains 90% of Pitera, a miracle ingredient that is meant to transform your skin to make it 'crystal clear'. Their mask is amazing too where it left my face glowing and fully moisturised, but their products don't come cheap, a 75ml bottle is around £70 and a pack of 6 masks is £60. To be honest, I don't remember spending that much, I think I started off with a starter pack then must have bought one facial essence and was gifted one from Japan by my brother.

When I found out my brother was off to Japan again, there was only one thing on my mind, ok maybe a few things, but the one product that was taking the beauty world by storm was the 'Cure Natural Aqua Gel'. Apparently this is Japans best-selling skincare product where one bottle sells every 12 seconds. The product is gentle and made from natural plant extracts from aloe vera, rosemary and ginkgo. It has no artificial colours or preservatives, it's fragrance-free and contains 'approximately 91%' of water, plus it was half the price in Japan so I asked for two, praying that this was THE product for me.

After reading all the reviews and everyone raving on about this product I had high expectations, and I must admit it lived up to my expectation, it's amazing!! It's the best exfoliator I have used, leaves my skin feeling super clean and smooth. Most exfoliators can be harsh to the skin and usually requires scrubbing beads, but this one is so gentle on the skin you don't even need to apply pressure to it. After a few seconds, the product works it's magic and removes unwanted dead skin cells. Can also be applied to other parts of the body like neck and elbows etc.

Another favourite in Japan is the deep cleansing oil by DCH, according to the brand's website one is sold every 10 seconds worldwide, definitely need to try this being a fan of oil cleansers. It contains antioxidant ingredients like rosemary and olive oil plus it's rich in vitamins. Price wise it's not too bad, plus it's on discount at the moment on their website.

Japanese products seem to use a lot of natural ingredients and beauty definitely seems a lot simpler there. 'The theory is that women shouldn't put anything on their skin what will poison them if they were to eat it', I guess that's something to think about. Read more Japanese beauty secrets on www.blowltd.com.

(Source: www.toyojapan.net intothegloss.com www.sk-ii.co.uk www.dhcuk.co.uk)


Cure Natural Aqua Gel
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

6 February 2016

SS16 Trends

Although I look forward to new trends, I also find it overwhelming seeing more than a few trends at one time. Having worked in store and fashion head office, we usually kept to four main trends making it easier to follow. The catwalk, however, is full of many and magazines always seem to have one trend different from the others. For anyone thinking trends are too much to comprehend, I've highlighted the main ones below.

Stripes
Spring/Summer runways were awash with stripes, from the likes of Jonathan Saunders, Missoni and Prada to name a few. Colours were definitely the key to this trend but monochrome was popular too, try bright bold stripes or colour clashing.

Top row: Missoni
Middle row: left and middle Prada, right Stella McCartney

Bottom row: left Jonathan Saunders, middle and right Christian Dior
All images from www.vogue.com

Tommy Hilfiger also used stripes, however, it was more subtle and wearable for everyday looks. You can't go wrong with a classic Breton top but if you're not a fan, try stripes on accessories.


Romantic/Femininity
This trend is all about femininity, think the 1870's/Victorian or the little house on the prairie style clothes. Ladylike dresses and tops with lace details, floral prints or frills and ruffles is essential for this trend. Initially, I wasn't keen on the trend as I tend to dress less girly, but have slowly started to love the ruffles and delicate fabrics. This is one trend to try for wedding season for sure. (Below left: Simone Rocha, right: Alexander McQueen)


90's
The 90's was one of my favourite decades, not sure how I feel about it coming back but loving the laid back casual looks. Think sportswear, slips dresses, big jackets, trainers and crop tops for this trend. Try wearing sporty cropped tops under dungarees or wearing a bomber jacket over a slip dress. (Left: ChloƩ, Right: Alexander Wang)


Silver/shiny/Sequins
Mix metallics and sparkle with your everyday wardrobe, whether it's silver shoes or sequins make sure you're adding some shine. Try pairing a sparkly top over jeans or silver shoes with a casual outfit. I'm liking the sound of metallic shoes and accessories, not sure I'm ready for anything else. (Left: Isabel Marant, Right: Marc Jacobs)


Other Trends within trends:
Off the shoulder, slip dresses, slipper shoes, graphic prints, denim, monochrome and geek chic are just a few others that have popped up during the SS16 shows.

Most of the trends this season are wearable and easy to blend into your everyday outfits. I would invest in stripes, silver and something from the romantic feminine trend, it's worth spending money on some of the pieces that will last you season after season.

Some things from the High Street:

Top left to right: New look shirt £19.99, Adidas top £26, & Other Stories Trainers £95
Botton left to right: Mango top £39.99, Topshop skirt £55, Warehouse dress £50


Showing off your shoulders were big last Spring/Summer and although I didn't buy an off the shoulder top or dress, I may look into buying one this summer. To be honest, I haven't worn one in years, but fashion has a way of repeating itself and I may as well try it again. This one is from Marks and Spencers, it's priced at £39.50 but have seen cheaper alternatives if you don't fancy spending too much, a great holiday piece too. I'm loving a few things in M&S at the moment, fell in love with the below pieces, but haven't seen them online yet, one to watch out for.



Well, I for one can't wait until Spring, what spring buys have you made?
Happy shopping and thanks for reading as always.