Outfit pick N mix

Time to feast your eyes on some lovely outfit choices that I have found around the interwebs. Enjoy this calorie free fashion candy....

Images from...

Style Sightings

Lookbook

Facehunter

Elle UK

iD

Fashionologie

Japanese Streets

RID

Loving this week....

Halloween...

I know that I am supposed to be a grown up but I love an excuse to act like a big kid. I loooove Halloween, and will always dress up given the opportunity! I am therefore quite happy that I have 2 occasions on which I can dress up in work this week! On Thursday I get to dress up as Billie Holiday and on Sat I get to wear full Día de los Muertos regalia! 

Image sources 1 & 2

 Getting an extra hour in bed at the weekend...

It is a bit of a downer that the nights are drawing in but I like to look on the bright side whenever I can. The clocks go back this weekend so we get an extra hour in bed! Don't forget to put them back!

 £24.98 - Stylish Life

Stripping Gypsy...

I am currently reading a great book about the life of Burlesque star & actress Gypsy Rose Lee - Stripping Gypsy  by Noralee Frankel. I enjoy reading biographies and this one has been a great read so far, giving a great insight into the life of someone who spent most of her adult life creating a persona. If you are aware of Gypsy, or even have never heard of her I recommend it as a good read. The book shows that there was more to her than the story presented in the musical Gypsy. 

Image Source

 Stripping Gypsy available from Amazon - £11.69

Emiko-o...

I stumbled across this great etsy site this week, it's too cute! Emiko-o sells recon jewellery made from a variety of things. I am totally loving the lego jewellery that is there at  the moment!

LEGO BRACELET £29.24

LEGO NECKLACE £29.24

Celia Birtwell Notebooks...

I love Celia Birtwell (I have a vanity case and a waterproof coat designed by her) and I also have a fondness for stationary...ok I have an addiction...epecially for cute notebooks!

Both notebooks £8.95

Notebooks available at the Celia Birtwell Site

Caped crusaders

dunanananananananana bat maaaannnn...

Sorry, had to get that out of my system. Remember when you were little and you used to fasten the top button of your coat and wear it as a cape? (Or was that just me?!) Well, you may have been a fashionista in the making, because capes are big news this AW. Whilst it may seem a bit daunting at first, the cape is actually quite a workable item.
One of my favourite things about AW dressing is getting to wear layers, and the cape is a great layer piece. They are around in many guises so have a look around for the one that best suits you. If you are a little apprehensive of this trend try draping your coat over your shoulders (as seen on the likes of Chloe AW catwalk).

Make like Sherlock and wear a cape this season...

Image sources - 1, 2, 3, 4

Bag yourself a bargain this weekend...

Here is a selection of offers you can enjoy this weekend if you don't want to go out in the cold! What could be better than shopping from the comfort of your own home?!

20% off Dresses @ The Vestry, ends SUNDAY

WAS £36.99  NOW £29.59

 Lambswool knits from £14.99 @ Uniqlo - online only, limited time

20% off Selected Women's Wear @ Tesco

Was £18, now £14.40

Up to 70% off Dresses & Tops @ River Island

WAS £29.99, NOW £15

25% Off bags & purses @ New Look

WAS £16, NOW £12

Wishful Thinking...

LEOPARD PRINT FULL SLEEVE DRESS - £25, AX PARIS

 VINTAGE STAMP NECKLACE - £15, ALIBU CREATIONS

INSTANT NAIL EFFECTS - £3.95, BARRY M

WINTER MEADOW CLUTCH BAG - £45, CATH KIDSTON 

'HOLLYWOOD' SLIP - £59, WHAT KATY DID 

LAID ON LACE JUMPER - £40, OASIS

ZIPPED BOWLING BAG - £69.99, ZARA 

BLUE PLAID VINTAGE CAPE - £75,  LOVE MISS DAISY

LITTLE ACORN NECKLACE - £10.50, JI JI KIKI

PURPLE MID HEEL SHOES - £47.99, PAVERS

Paris Fashion Week Part 5 - Best of the Rest

YVES SAINT LAURENT SS11

The YSL collection had a classic feel to it, and evoked the history of the brand. Everything was beautifully tailored and flattering. Everything had a beautiful feminine vibe to it, but in a very mature way. The models looked like proper 'grown up' women that I used to look at in magazines as a child and be in awe. The detailing on the pieces was subtle but effective in updating the classic styles.

STELLA MCCARTNEY SS11

I love that Stella McCartney manages to always give us classic shapes and wearablilty but whilst always feeling fresh. The soft and ladylike denim dresses will no doubt produce some high street copies, as well as the jackets and blazers. The collection managed to have a tomboy charm whilst still holding elements of pure femininity.

Image Sources - Telegraph Fashion, Elle UK

Paris Fashion Week Part 4 - Balmain

BALMAIN SS11

Balmain has always appealed to my inner rock chick and this collection did not let me down. I know that some people didn't like this collection (I have read some negative reviews online) but to me, I like to embrace my inner Joan Jett! I also found that after looking at collection after collection of the glamour of the 70s inspired pieces, I personally enjoyed seeing the punk side of the late 70s making an appearance. (Awaits comments telling me I'm wrong!)

KUKOO FAIRS 2

On Sunday, my friend Nicki & I held our second fashion fair. We had some exciting new stalls as well as some brilliant stalls who joined us for the first fair. All of the people involved are women who run their own independent businesses, and they all sell amazing products. Please check them out!

VILLANOVA PATISSERIE - fabulously delicious cakes and treats

 SHAMELESS ORIGINALS - off the peg & made to measure clothing

ALL ABOUT EVE -ladies vintage clothing, repro 50s underwear and handmade jewellery

LEIGH JENNINGS - handmade cards, textile artwork, handmade vintage cake stands, vintage cushions & bunting

VINTAGE & RETRO GEMS - handmade jewellery

VIVIENNE ROSE - handmade jewellery, accessories & fascinators

SNOOKY OOKUMS - ladies vintage clothing

GEEK - ladies & mens vintage clothing

HANNAH DICKIE (currently Hannah doesn't have a site but her cards will be available @ Geek soon) - handmade cards & vintage fabric button badges

LEMON FLIRT -  handmade & upcycled jewellery

AW Accessory Alphabet - part 2

D IS FOR DRESS IT UP...

Whilst AW is traditionally a dark affair, the designers have thrown out the rule book and decided that we need some colour and extravagance to get us through the colder months.  The more flamboyant, the better with many designers going for an anything goes attitude. So tap into your inner child and raid that dressing up box...

 

1. £16 - Accessorize

2. $129 - Spirit Hoods 

3. £12.50 - Topshop 

4. £22 - ASOS 

5. £30 - Tallulah Tu 

E IS FOR ELBOW LENGTH GLOVES...


Lady-like trends are big news this season, and this has obviously had an impact on accessories. Nothing says ladylike sophistication more than an elegant glove and this season long gloves have made a comeback in a big way. Work them with some of your transferable pieces from SS with short sleeves with ease by adding a pair. During the day, scrunch for a more casual look.

1. £12 - Debenhams

2. £12 - F&F @ Tesco 

3. £5 - Peacocks 

4. £35 - Warehouse 

5. £7.99 - TK Maxx 

F IS FOR (FAUX) FUR...

Fur is big news this AW, however I am personally against wearing real fur. There is a lot of great imitation/faux fur out there this season. If you don't fancy a full faux fur coat, then accessories is definitely the way to go to wear the trend. One piece makes enough of a statement...

 

1. £30 - Oasis

2. £18 - Miss Selfridge 

3. £7.99 - New Look

4. £36.99 - Miss Guided

5. £16 - Accessorize

Paris Fashion Week Part 1 - Hermes

HERMES SS11

 Jean Paul Gaultier has never been one to shy away from the drama and the Hermes show had just that. Beautifully crafted leather pieces gave a sexy edge without revealing too much. The leather pieces were mixed with gorgeous tailored trousers and jackets. It had the feel of a new kind of power dressing, the muse of the collection is definitely a woman in charge.

Image sources WWD and Marie Claire

AW Accessory Alphabet - part 1

This is the first in a series of blog posts focusing on my pick of accessory trends for the AW season. I love how tweaks to your rotation of accessories can really make an outfit. It is also a great affordable way to update your wardrobe for the new season...

A IS FOR ANKLE SOCKS... 

No longer just for school girls, the ankle sock has had a grown up revival. Wear with bear legs or layer over a pair of contrasting tights when the cold sets in. Make sure that the socks you choose compliment the outfit, the easiest way to work the trend is with neutral colours (you want to avoid the day glo socks of my youth in the 80s/90s!). The sock trend is great news if you have invested in the heeled hiker boot this season, as it will add an extra bit of comfort (yes comfort and fashion, who'd have thought it?!) If you fancy being a little bit more adventurous, there are a lot of lace ankle socks out there, so you can tap into two AW trends at once.

 1. £5 - ASOS

2. £2 - Dorothy Perkins

3. £7.99 - Jonathan Aston @ Tights Please

4. £2.99 - New Look

5. £7.50 - Tabio

B IS FOR BOOTS...

Boots are always a great AW staple but this season they come in so many varieties and styles that we are spoiled for choice! Whatever your style, this season there will be a boot to suit! Personally, I am loving ankle boots, a style of boot I haven't gone for for a while so it is a nice change. I decided to invest in a flat pair and a heeled pair so have have my bases covered. It's also a great time for me to dig out my lace up biker's from a previous season.

1. £100 - Aldo

2. £65 - Topshop

3. £29 - South @ Very

4. £75 - AWear

5. £30 - Linzi Shoes

C IS FOR CLASSIC BAGS... 

Grown up handbags have made a comeback, saying goodbye to bags splashed in logos this season. Structure is key, with smart styles in simple and beautiful colours. The simplicity of this season's bags however have not rendered them any less lustworthy!

 1. £33 - Wallis

2. £42 - Urban Outfitters

3. £39.99 - River Island

4. £30 - Fiorelli

5. £29 - Love Thy Bag

Outfit pick N mix

I love to get fashion inspiration from everywhere and anywhere, I love taking different elements of things that I see and use them in my own way. I like to share my fashion inspiration with you all whenever I can, which is basically what the Outfit Pick N mix posts are about. Whether it is a celebrity look or from the amazing street style sights out there, there is so much fashion going on, all the time and all over the world!

IMAGES FROM

MIGUEL SANTANA.NET

FACE HUNTER

LOOKBOOK

 CHICTOPIA

TOKYO FASHION.COM

TELEGRAPH FASHION

Milan Fashion Week, Part 5 - Jil Sander

JIL SANDER SS11

Jil Sander has always been a brand that invokes the minimalist trends. So it was pleasing to see that whilst a lot of labels have drifted into minimalist territory for SS11, Jil Sander has managed to pull a great collection out of the bag whilst retaining their own identity.  The collection was bright, beautful and structured.

Images from Telegraph Fashion, Elle Uk

Loving this week....

My new boots...

 I am such a fussy pain in the bum when it comes to boots (my other half will testify to this!) there is always something that I'm not quite sure bout. But I set myself the task of getting two reasonably priced pairs of ankle boots, one flat, and one mid heeled. And I actually managed to do it!

I got a great flat pair from Dorothy Perkins for £25 in an online flash sale (usually £35) and a heeled pair from New Look for £25 (with an extra 20% courtesy of OH's student discount!) - I couldn't find the New Look ones online (had a look for you). I got them in the Liverpool store.

Image from Dorothy Perkins site

 

Paije being back on Xfactor...

Me and the other half were really gutted when Paije didn't get through on Xfactor and were hoping that he would be one of the 'wild card' acts...I mean listen to this... How did he not get picked???!!!






We were both happy that it was the case that he was brought back. (I was not so happy with his Fresh Prince styling on Sat or with Louis calling him a 'cuddly Luther Vandross' WTF?!)

Calevera @ LUSH

I am sure that there are probably very few of you that read this that haven't heard of Lush. (FYI if you haven't you can visit their website here) I love their Christmas products so I was really happy when I found out about their Halloween products this year, which are all based on the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead. Lush had released a new bath ballistic, shower jelly and soap to honour the occasion. My favourite is the new bath ballistic Calevera  - it has a great citrus kick to it as it contains Lime oils and it also has gorgeous marigold petals compressed into the ballistic. Surprisingly despite being a citrus based ballistic it is very kind to the skin and makes you smell good enough to eat!
They are available for a limited time only so if you fancy one, you will have to be quick! (£2.95 at Lush)

Images Lush & My own

Strictly Come Dancing...

Yes dear readers, I am a sad individual with no life who watches both Xfactor and Strictly. I used to have dance lessons when I was a kid and my love of dancing has stayed with me into adult hood (although the only dancing I do now is when I get to go out to clubs!). I have been a strictly fan since the beginning and I am not ashamed to admit it.

 I have already begun to pick out my favourites and 'the ones to watch' and in a few weeks time I know I will be totally immersed in the glamour and the glitter (I will also be getting all hyper because it makes me think of Christmas!)

THIS YEAR'S STRICTLY LINE-UP

Image source

One of my most favourite things about strictly is the fantabulous Claudia Winkleman and her behind the scenes show it takes two- I have a proper girl crush on her. She is just so funny and genuine (and has bloody amazing shoes as well!). LOVE her to bits!

Image source

Jeeves & Wooster...

This will probably seem  a bit of a strange one but I am loving (well re-loving) Jeeves & Wooster this week. I have been reading some PG Woodhouse and I have been desperate to re-watch the series starring Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie. I have luckily managed to find some episodes on the sky+ box but I would love to watch them all from start to finish and have a bally good time!

image source

Late Night Vintage in Liverpool

Liverpool is a great place for fashion lovers. Whatever your style or price range you can always find what you are looking for. There are some great fairs that take place each month, which are great places if you are looking for something a bit different. There is a lot of them going on and I try to keep up! I received an email this week about a late night vintage shopping experience organised by Pillbox Vintage

It sounds really good, and I love the idea of late night shopping as I often have to miss out on some good fairs if I am working or have other plans. If you are in the Merseyside area, check it out!

AW Haulage...

The other day I had to sort out my wardrobe - it was time to pack away my summer togs and put them away for next year. (I had already had a sort out to get rid of stuff a few months earlier). I don't have a big wardrobe so I usually put things away that I know I won't be wearing for a while.

This kind of felt like I was saying goodbye to summer, which was a bit sad. But it gave me a chance to take stock of what I had and what I needed (and wanted lol) for my AW wardrobe. So I had a look through my magazines and online and made my AW wish list. I managed to get some good bargains that I could incorporate into my existing wardrobe.

So here is my AW haul thus far...

It would have been rude not to have bought stuff from my own fashion fair. So this is what I picked up at KUKOO in September -

SKIRT - GEEK VINTAGE

NECKLACE AND BRACELET - VINTAGE & RETRO GEMS

Obviously with doing the blog, I like to try and keep up with things and I follow a lot of fashion brands and companies on twitter. It is a great way to try and keep up with what is going on. Via twitter I found out about a Dorothy Perkins flash sale (an online sale that lasts for a very limited time) and got £10 off a great pair of flat boots for the winter! 

BOOTS - £25 (USUALLY £35), DOROTHY PERKINS

I have also managed to get some great finds from my two local supermarkets (which If you have a route around can be a good place to pick up some basics) - my Tesco sale buys can be found here

DRESS - £8 (IN SALE) AND PUMPS - £6, GEORGE AT ASDA

My other half has recently started university so we decided to go out for the day and abuse his NUS discount. When we got into the city centre, we found out a lot of the shops are doing extra student discount for a limited period! Bliss!

MILITARY CARDIGAN - £14.99 H&M

OVERSIZED JERSEY - £9.99 H&M

SHEER SHIRT - £7.99 H&M

ANKLE BOOTS - £25

CARPET BAG - £24.99 (OH GOT ME THIS AS A PRESENT)

SHORTS - £21.99

ALL NEW LOOK

(I GOT 20% OFF THE ABOVE PRICES WITH STUDENT DISCOUNT)

OVERSIZED VEST - £22.99 

SOCKS - £3.99

REPUBLIC

(I GOT AN EXTRA 20% WITH STUDENT DISCOUNT)