My Outfit of the Week #4



River Island dress (offer £20), H&M necklace (BOGOF £7.99), stud belt River Island (free with skirt), Argos white watch



This week technology appears to be my enemy. Not only has my laptop decided to breakdown, but when I use the computers at University they seem to want to reject my every word. Take this blog post for example, why does the computer suddenly not  have my default font? So I have to type it up in word first and then find my usual font. I just cannot bear inconsistency. Can you tell I am a perfectionist yet? I always find technological disasters happen all at once. Almost like a domino effect. The moment one buckles they all follow.

But, I did manage to take some pictures of a dress I brought last week. I have been meaning to do a post about this dress the moment I brought it but, as you can see, technology has other ideas. I went shopping looking for the perfect dogtooth print to update my wardrobe and in my mind I thought of some trousers. However when I saw this dress in River Island I could not resist. There was a special offer too so I managed to snatch it for £20. I have already worn it numerous times, dressing it up for night or down for day. In these pictures I have accessorised with a statement monochrome necklace from H&M and stud belt. I kept the colours simple this time but I have also worn it with neon accents, which works particularly well.

River Island is having a fabulous season this Autumn/Winter. I have found so many pieces that have fast become my favourites in my wardrobe. I recommend anyone to head over there now if you want something to really make an impact on your style. Plus, they are doing a range of student events at the moment. With an extra 20% off you really need no excuse!

 

Head to www.riverisland.com now!



Sheer: Inspired by Topshop Unique S/S 2013 for Autumn 2012

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Ever since last Friday I have been glued to the twitter feed on my phone. I have moved into my new flat in Cardiff and won't have proper internet until mid October, an obvious nightmare for a blogger, so I might be a bit AWOL until then. However I have managed to throw this post together, but apologies for the picture quality, I had to compress the pictures and it has not done the picture any favours (note to self never do this again). Anyway, back to last Friday. Of course the reason for my latest Twitter addiction is London Fashion Week.One of the shows to really catch my eye was Topshop Unique. As I am a high street fashion addict I always await this show with pride. I think it is fabulous a high street retailer can make the catwalk. 

For spring 2013 Topshop Unique embraced the 'sheer' trend and I loved it! By sheer luck (excuse the pun) I found this gorgeous black panelled top in H&M in the sale (£10). I thought it hinted to next seasons trend perfectly and would be a great update for my wardrobe.

I wore it last night and thought I better take a few pictures as I never do a 'night out' outfit post. I teamed this sheer top with a neon bandeau top which co-odinated with my new neon H&M necklace (£6.99), a faux leather skirt from Wallis and simple black wedges from New Look. I really loved this outfit especially the dipped hem at the back with different sheer panels. 

What do you think? Have I managed to pull of this look, inspired by Topshop Unique? Please let me know your thoughts!

The New Bags: Rucksack VS Satchel

I was recently in Topshop, a palace of treasures on Oxford Street, when I stumbled upon the bag collection. I say stumbled, the minute you enter the store you are surrounded by them. The smell of leather and plastic beautifully merged. I noticed that Topshop had really endorsed two particular bag styles, ones so old school they were chic. Reintroducing the rucksack and satchel, the perfect bags to cram all your stuff into! But which do you pick? Here are some of great examples from the high street:

From top left: Topshop £36, Marks and Spencer £39.50, Accessorize £45, River Island £35, Urban Outfitters sale £20, H&M £14.99

My Outfit of the Week #3

Yesterday I went to Radio 2's 'festival in a day' in Hyde Park and this is what I wore. I decided to really have fun with my outfit, a sort of celebration of all the festival fashion I had witnessed this summer. I always feel quite shy wearing hats, but yesterday I did not think twice. I absolutely love this trilby from H&M, it fits me perfectly so it always makes me think it was created just for me! I also wore my favourite Disco Pants from Glamorous, if you want a pair I have seen them stocked in House of Fraser, so you can even get them on the high street! This Topshop t-shirt is also one of my favourites as although I brought it last year it is still very much on trend. Finally my old faithful denim cut-off jacket from Miss Selfridge is perfect for festivals as it keeps me cool but adds a little extra warmth. Oh! How could I nearly forget my bum bag, which I borrowed off my dad but somehow has stayed in my hands. It is my festival essential as you can dance freely but still have all your possessions handy.

Here I wear: Miss Selfridge jacket, Topshop t-shirt, Glamorous disco pants and bum bag!

The whole day was fabulous. I have never been to a festival with such a nice atmosphere, everyone was so friendly and I loved the way you could bring your own picnic. It was like a giant garden party! Not to mention all the talented acts that entertained us all day. My personal highlights was Rebecca Ferguson who looked stunning in a gold dress and nude killer heels. Jessie J also smashed it and got everyone dancing from teenagers to fifty somethings. It was the perfect end to the summer. 

Me and two of my best friends enjoying the sun and music!  (photo courtesy of Alex Flegg) 

The Perfect Jacket for Autumn '12

My favourite jacket bought last season from Zara, which will be worn once more in Spring 2013

For me, I am neither a handbag or shoe kind of girl. I never get giddy over a new pair of shoes, in fact trying to find a pair of shoes that fit is always such a hassle I choose just not to look at my feet. (That explains why I rarely show my feet in outfit posts then..). Don't get me wrong I do get excited when I have a new bag to stuff all my junk into, but then I think I love it all a little too much. All too soon the straps break and I am left with a sorry state of leather.

Jackets however, never let me down. I still have hanging in my wardrobe a velvet jacket from Topshop my mum bought me about seven years ago. It was one of my first 'fashion' buys and although it is a tight squeeze I always feel great when I put it on. I just remember the excitement in my stomach as my mum said she would treat me and feeling so grown up when I wore it that Christmas.

A jacket can transform an outfit, making jeans and t-shirt suddenly a statement. In the same way as I will always champion costume jewellery, it is the finishing touch.

This season in particular has got me very excited about my favourite layer as there is so much choice. Do I want a new parka? Maybe a bomber? Or even the lavishly embellished one? Luckily the high street has some great options. Here is a simple guide of what to wear this season following your favourite trends from last season.

A bomber or a slouch jacket is perfect, from left: River Island £80, Zara £19.99 and Topshop £55

Muted shades are still in, from left: River Island £60, H&M £39.99 and Warehouse now £40

Keep the peplum shape or stay feminine with a bouclé jacket, from left: Topshop £45, Mango £59.99 and Miss Selfridge £30

The military parka is all over the high street or opt for a bright berry, the colour of the season. From left: River Island £55, H&M £29.99 and Topshop £58

My boyfriend bought me the River Island leather mix parka before he left to go travelling. Whenever I wear it I am instantly comforted whilst he is away. I suppose every jacket tells a story.

How to Style a Football Shirt with High Street Fashion

This was, without a smudge of doubt, my hardest challenge. Football shirts are just a shapeless mass. How on earth was I going to make this semi-cool and fashion forward? On Saturday I am going to see my team (!) for the first time. I have supported Aston Villa since I was about nine, I think in an attempt to look cool in front of my older brother. Even though they hardly ever win (sorry guys) I have never wavered my support. But on Saturday I will be damned if I cant show my support and look nice. So after much thought all week I finally attempted to style the shirt. 

Here I am wearing: H&M dungarees sale £10, Aston Villa football shirt Ebay £5.00, necklace Topshop sale £4, shoes Topshop sale £12, socks M&S

After my post about dungarees (see here) I realised I needed to get myself a pair! By complete luck I found these in H&M for a mere £10 in the sale, hanging on the rail alone. I absolutely love it when that happens; when the high street offers exactly what you need. They are slightly large but luckily it does not matter with dungarees as you can wear them baggy. 

I had tried a denim skirt with the football shirt but it just looked too much, and I did not want to go for the safe option and just add jeans. Dungarees were the perfect alternative. At first I thought a statement necklace would make the shirt look better but soon realised I just looked OTT. I loved my new shoes with white socks though so decided to keep them in the look. Here is my final attempt: 

H&M dungarees, Topshop shoes, M&S socks as before but added a Zara padded jacket sale £29.99 and Forever 21 necklace (old)

By adding a jacket and taking away the statement necklace I am finally happy with the styling. I like how the jacket hides a bit of the dungarees so it is a bit more subtle and ties in nicely with my white socks. This Forever 21 necklace is perfect for adding fun to my outfit and does not distract completely from the shirt. Even though the shoes do clash, I surprisingly still love them as I think it brightens up the outfit.

What do you think? Have I managed to style a football shirt?!

Jewellery Reload through H&M

Since the sales hit a few months ago I have been waiting for my favourite custom jewellery to drop to ridiculous prices. Remember when Topshop used to drop their necklaces to £1 and make it buy one get one free!? Unfortunately those times have changed and nowadays you are lucky to pick up something for under a fiver.

For my style accessories are key. When I don't have time to throw an outfit together with great precision I find a statement necklace can make all the difference. Today I rifled through H&M and found these two beauties waiting for me. They were buy one get one free (my favourite kind of offer) so at £7.99 for both I was pretty chuffed.

My camera has gone AWOL, so Instagram has saved me! 

This perspex necklace as been something I have debated buying for a few weeks now. I know what you are thinking, what drove me to purchase something that looks like a tacky pub golf visor? But I think its quirky and will totally make the most uninteresting outfit, well, interesting.

Have you purchased some statement accessories recently? Please let me know if you have found any bargains too!

The London Olympics: What I wore

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of watching Team GB at Earls Court. It was for the women's Volleyball and I had an amazing day, witnessing an atmosphere unlike any other. There was music, cheerleaders and a continuous Mexican wave. Before the match I managed to buy a huge union jack scarf from Next that was great for waving in support. At £14 it was a bargain too!

My Next scarf and great flag too at £14

Here I am wearing a River Island jacket and camisole, Oasis Jeans and Office brogues. 

On Friday I jumped on the tube to Stratford and entered the Olympic park. For miles all I could see were swarms for people as they milled between the different venues. The architectural was incredible, the atmosphere spectacular. This time I would be seeing Men's hockey but unfortunately our session would not contain team GB. This did nothing to prevent me wearing patriotic colours however! Before we left for the park I managed to take these quick photos with my tripod.

This is an old denim waistcoat that I customised with some studs to update it, from Miss Selfridge. I am also wearing a Wallis necklace that I recently brought in the sale at £2

Here I teamed one of my best bargains (pleated H&M skirt at £3) with a French Connection striped top and a hint of red in my nail varnish.

Men's Hockey with Belgium vs South Korea

Tomorrow, I am at the Excel to watch the Boxing. I better start planning my outfit now..

Hat Trick: What I've been Buying X3

H&M wool hat £9.99

I have never had a 'thing' about hats. In fact before last week they always made me feel self conscious, as if I was trying too hard to make a fashion statement and then failing miserably. Some people can pull off a hat so well. Growing up I was always jealous of how easily Daisy Lowe could pull on a trilby and look effortlessly cool. 

So, whilst up in Birmingham visiting my boyfriend, I surprisingly decided to hunt for the perfect hat in the Bullring. It started off as innocently trying to find a summer hat, something to keep me cool whilst I watched the Olympics. I soon discovered that the floppy hat, that was all over the high street at discounted prices as the season ends, was just not me. Whilst the other cowboy style straw hats made me burst out laughing the second I tried it on.

But then I found this wool hat and it was the perfect fit. When I returned home to find the new issue of Elle had been delivered, I was delighted to see that hats were on trend for the new season. This will surely be a great investment!

Revlon Balm Stain in Rendezvous from Boots at introductory price of £5.99 

I also brought this new lipstick as I was bored with my usual red. The orange is a great colour as it is not so 'look at me' with its subtle stain. It also goes great with my skin tone. (Struggling with this review slightly- such a rookie with beauty!) 

Forever 21 sunglasses at £4.90 

Lastly are these sunglasses. These were an impulse buy as I do have quite a few pairs but I loved the shape of these and the brown tortoise frames. These will be a great replacement at festivals etc when I don't want to ruin my Ray Bans..

What have you been buying this week? Will you be embracing the hat trend next season?

A fashion sing-off: Rihanna for River Island and Lana del Rey for H&M

This week has been one of big high street announcements as two of the biggest brands in the UK have released news of collaborations that will surely hit the high notes amongst the British public.

In the spring of 2012 we will be able to wear a clothes designed by the good girl gone bad, Rihanna. She commented on 'wanting to design a collection for some time. River Island is the perfect partner for me to collaborate with and working with a British, family run business also really appealed to me. I find London really inspiring and River Island loves to have fun with clothes. I'm looking forward to working with them and creating something really special.' 


That something special is for the public to only imagine. If it were this summer I could definitely see some cute crop tops and tiny denim shorts- but maybe that is too obvious a choice for the pop queen? 


River Island are clearly delighted with acquiring this star, as they try to catch up with the likes of Topshop who have had incredible success with various collaborations. They explained how coupled with Rihanna's style icon status and her fashion experience she will create a range that will be popular with her fans.

Rihanna models River

Never a shop to be outdone, H&M quickly released pictures of their very own pop starlet modelling their clothes. Lana Del Rey, my personal favourite newcomer this year (who cannot love that album), will be the model for the Autumn/Winter 2012/13 campaign and star in a commercial for the high street store. 

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H&M wanted the look to be all about a soft feminine silhouette, with lots of curves and lush fabrics. This sounds like the perfect fashion combination for the modern woman! I am already in love with this jumper, which Lana models beautifully. H&M were right, she was 'the perfect choice'. 

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The Graduate Girl

Possibly the most uncomfortable outfit I have ever worn, the cap and gown will never make the catwalk. Here I am with my gorgeous boyfriend who wears Ted Baker. 

How did 12 days go so fast? I cannot believe my last post was such a long time ago. But please forgive me, as I have been uber busy trying out too many different jobs, then finally donning my cap and gown for my graduation (!). I have seen that lots of bloggers have done Instragram posts of their week so as I have been trying to take more pictures to illustrate my current chaos! 


Graduation was probably my hardest fashion challenge as there were so many factors to consider. I needed something that was quite long to contain my dignity as I did not fancy showing the audience my underwear. Then it needed to be a colour that actually went with the gown-I went navy as it is my favourite colour and complemented my University colours of claret and silver. I opted for a nude blazer too, but slightly regretted this as it would have probably looked better in silver. However it looked nice with my ankle cuff shoes from River Island so it did not bother me too much. I kept the look pretty simple with only some pearls to add a small touch as the gown is so fussy and heavy anyway! 


I saw some really beautiful outfits by some of the other graduates. My favourite being a yellow prom puff dress a la Carrie Brandshaw which one graduate chose, she told me later it was especially made for the occasion! The peplum was also a popular choice and I think Zara wins the high street graduate prize as many outfits had undoubtedly been brought in their store! It was a memorable day and for any other fellow graduates out there, congratulations! 

Mum & Me: She wears Coast dress and Minuet shrug, I wear Urban Outfitters lace dress, Warehouse jacket and belt

My gorgeous disco pants by Glamorous, but they had a rip in them so I had to send them back :(. Top by River Island, kimono by Zara and heart necklace by Miss Selfridge

This was the outfit I wore to travel in; skirt by Warehouse, top by Topshop, fringed waistcoat by H&M 

Basically bored in the car to Swansea so I admired my nude nails and St Tropez spray tan by Champneys after reading this months Company magazine.

After 3 amazing years, I will never forget this place. 

So, that is a small snapshot of my past week. Now its back to the wonderful world of the high street and everything it has to offer. 

High Street Looks #1

This week, for the first time, I decided to take a picture every day of my outfit choice. The pictures are not the best quality, so bear with me, but hopefully you will get an idea of how I mix the high street into my style. This blog will primarily still have fashion news but, to add a more personal touch, I have opted to see what the reaction is to this sort of post! Please add your comments and tell me if you hate or love my outfit!

merging print

Shirt: Topshop, Sweatshirt: Topshop, Jeans: Marks and Spencer, Bag: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Topshop

studs and things

Jacket: Miss Selfridge (studs added for customisation), Dress: Asos, Shoes: Clarks

 strawberry picking

Fringed waistcoat: H&M, Vest: Topshop, Trousers: Cheap Monday @Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Schuh, Bag: Urban Outfitters, Headband: Miss Selfridge, Sunglasses: Primark

fifty shades of grey

T-shirt: Urban Outfitters, Jumper: Topshop, Jeans: Vero Moda, Shoes & Bag: Topshop

a rainy day

Raincoat: Limited Collection @Marksandspencers, T-shirt, bag and shoes: Topshop, Jeans: Marks and Spencers

Jacket: River Island, Blouse: Miss Selfridge, Skirt: H&M, Necklace: Primark, Shoes: Marks and Spencers

hired or fired?