My Outfit of the Week #5

I have been wanting to photograph this jumper for months, but resisted until the weather gets into a real Autumn mode. I love all the cut out styles that are around at the moment, it just adds that immediate edge to an outfit. I found this jumper in the French Connection sale at the very beginning of summer but at over £50  my unemployed budget would never allow it. My mum also pointed out to me that it was not the most practical jumper with so many cut outs.

I wanted to prove her otherwise.

Luckily a month later I spotted the jumper again but this time with even more money off. Don't you just love it when that happens? I always believe in fate with clothes. Some pieces are just meant to be!

Here I have kept it simple with a fringed necklace from Lipsy and some trousers from Zara. I wish my camera was slightly better so you can see how amazing these trousers are! I call them my 'alternative' disco pants as they suck me in and keep the great silhouette that the disco pant covets. I am also wearing my new lipstick from Topshop which is the perfect bright pink (Brighton Rock).

Sorry for the quick post, but I will be back soon with lots of snazzy photos from my new camera (finally). Let me know what you think of this jumper and whether, like me, you can't get enough of cut outs!

Quality over Quanity: New In the High Street

Currently I am going through a lot of changes and experiencing so much that fashion is almost taking a back seat. For those who are not regular readers of my blog, a quick sum up. I have recently moved to Cardiff and started my dream post grad course of Magazine Journalism at the University. Alongside getting to grips with a new course and living in a new city I just have not had the time to shop! Which is completely insane seeing as I live so close to one of the greatest high streets I have ever seen, including a HUGE Topshop FYI. But, before I tackle the shops this weekend I thought I would do some research into what I should be investing my money in this season. I am bored of buying things in the sales which I wear once and throw away. Although I love a bargain I seemed to have lost sight of quality over quantity. Anyway, here is what I need to be buying on the high street:

Both Topshop: Jumper £42 and Skirt £36

For a while now I have been lusting after the matching suits that are filling the high street stores. Warehouse currently do an amazing concoction of jacquard printed outfits that would look amazing in the office but also as a transitional outfit into the evening. However I have never treated myself as my head has always asked, "when on earth would you wear that?" After all, I am not in the office just yet. Hence my excitement over seeing this two piece from Topshop as I believe it offers a more casual nod to the look. I love the fact it is a jumper and skirt which would look amazing together but work equally as well as separates. This is the sort of thing I would never normally buy, but really should. It is the perfect on trend outfit that could be worn many ways!


Zara jewel shoe: £99.99

Okay. Yes. This shoe is £100, and I am a student who cannot afford a Nandos at the moment, but, bear with me. I never spend a fortune on shoes, my mum has always told me to buy leather ones as they are the only ones that last but because I am such a heavy footed walker (attractive) I seem to ruin those as well  However when I spotted these on Zara online I just thought, wow, what a statement. Everywhere from Primark to Mango there are studded shoes on the high street but never ones that quite look like these. I could dress them up or down and they would make even a t-shirt and jean combo look stylish. Can you tell I am trying to convince my bank balance that this is a great buy?

Urban Outfitters Bomber Jacket £95

Urban Outfitters cross skirt £28

Urban Outfitters leggings £28

Urban has some amazing items that are currently new in stock! I was spoiled for choice searching this site and will definitely make it my first stop this weekend. I have been looking for a bomber for ages, but wanted one that would suit the colder months. This one is perfect, but the price tag is slightly high. Maybe I should start playing the lottery? This skirt also caught my eye as I do not own many and I love the on trend cross print. Finally these lavish leggings will jazz up my over-sized t-shirts or under dresses.

River Island t-shirt dress £32

There is so much in River Island at the moment, it really is one of their best seasons. I have managed to get two great dresses in there recently which will work for day or night (outfit post soon) with the student discount that is in Company Magazine. It is only £1 this month and a discount in River Island is so rare so quickly go grab your own copy before October hits. This t-shirt dress is basically what I always try and buy when I go shopping but never do. I think my reasoning is £30 is a lot of money for a plain grey dress but I always forget that I really need more day dresses. I wish my wardrobe was just dresses really as then wouldn't getting ready in the morning be so much easier?

So these are my favorite high street pieces that are in store at the moment, what do you think? Have you decided to change your shopping habits?

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) 

Delilah in Topshop for FNO: Get the Look!

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Currently grey and neon are my favourite colour combination. So, when I saw this picture of Delilah performing at Topshop in Oxford Circus for Fashion Night Out, I was compelled to blog. I love the neon lace peplum skirt teamed with the casual top. Kudos for adding some statement jewellery to the look too! Here is how to get this style:

Peplum neon skirt: £40, open shoulder top £14 *currently out of stock online, bra necklace £30, skull and spike bracelet set £12.50

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.

New Month New You

With September looming I cannot think of a better excuse to go shopping and get your next season wardrobe sorted. I used to be a lover of Spring, with the warm air bringing the chance to wear flimsy dresses but also a cool breeze ensuring you always wore a jacket. Now Autumn is seducing me, and I cannot wait to start wearing jumpers and leather, lots of leather.

Here are the top key pieces from the high street for next season and how I would style them for day and night:

Night Outfit:

From left: Top from Topshop £14, Necklace from New Look £12.99, Trousers from Topshop £70, Bomber Jacket from Zara £39.99 and Shoes from Office £45

I love these sequin trousers from Topshop, I think they are a great alternative from the disco pant and this colour will  be the 'must-have' of the season. Embracing the berry shades will be a essential. I really like this simple top too as it will look great with all the statement necklaces currently on the high street like this New Look one. The store is currently doing a promotion of buy one get one free so you can stock up on some beautiful necklaces to jazz up your outfits. To finish the look I have added this bomber jacket, a wonderful addition to your wardrobe that you can dress up or down. Finally I could not resist these toe capped heels which are a great height and prevent the outfit looking too gothic.

Day Outfit:

From Left: Dress from Urban Outfitters £50, Trousers from River Island £20, Trainer from Miss Selfridge £45, Jacket from Topshop £30and Necklace (£29.99) & Bracelet (£14.99) from Mango. 

In all the magazines layering appears to be a key trend for next season. I even saw some dresses over trousers, which I normally would never consider but can see it working with this dress from Urban. I like how it is asymmetrical so that you would only get a hint of these fabulous tartan trousers. I love all the boucle jackets on the high street so this Topshop one is a definite buy. I added some of these high tops purely for comfort and the fact I like mixing up casual pieces. This jewellery from Mango is so luxurious, and definitely worth a purchase.

What do you think everyone? What are you buying ready for September?

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?!

Dungarees? How to Style this late Summer Trend

Although in my title I have hinted that this is a late trend this summer it has actually been on the minds of celebs since May 2012. It however has only been brought to my attention through Rita Ora. Yesterday she performed at the V Festival wearing a pair of bright red dungarees.

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Since she became popular this year I have always envied her ability to throw together various garments and look effortless cool. My style is much more co-ordinated and however much I try I never feel comfortable clashing prints or colour. But I was a bit stumped by this outfit. Did she really need to add those Timberland boots?

But I didn't hate the dungarees. In fact with the whole one strap look it did actually look okay. I have had only one previous experience with this trend, aged about thirteen and swore never to go there again.

Rita may have taken the plunge yesterday but through some research I discovered that this summer many other celebs have been donning their 'rees.

Alexa Chung and Rachel Bilson

Here Alexa has kept the look simple by just adding some statement accessories, I especially love the cute ties on her shoes. Rachel Bilson looks equally as casual as she teams her baggy dungarees with a simple white t-shirt. Unfortunately I think this looks a little sloppy compared with her normal chic outfits.

If you still remained unconvinced by this trend, take some advice from Rihanna. She pulls of the look by adding a graphic t-shirt and rolling down the straps so that it only hints to the trend rather than embracing it completely.

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Here are my top picks for how to get this look on the high street at a great price:

Make a statement like Rita in these 'rees. From left: New Look sale £11 and Republic £35

Keep it cute in this dress like Alexa from River Island sale at £15 

Or choose the boyfriend fit like RiRi and Rachel. From left: Urban Outfitters £38 and Topshop £38

Has this changed your mind about this trend? Will you embrace it now? Please comment below :)

My Outfit of the Week #1

Here I am wearing: A necklace by Topshop, dip dye tank top from Label Lab in House of Fraser , trousers by United Colours of Benetton and wedged trainers from TKMAXX. 

I've decided, as of today, that every Friday I will post the latest outfit which I have purchased. I am trying not to make this blog just pictures of what I wear as let's be honest, I am not model and my standard camera is just not cutting it.

But I know everyone loves to see a bit of personal style so every Friday you will get just that! Today I have opted for a really casual look as my day consists of mooching about the house and then meeting up with my friends for a Lord of the Rings marathon. I just realised how incredibly geeky that sounds. Well, at least I look stylish whilst I'm watching my favourite Hobbit..

This is one of my best bargain outfits as I managed to get these trousers for a mere £5 instead of £49.95! They are incredibly comfy and would look great with a blouse too for a night out. I love the silver stripe down the side as it hints to the sports luxe trend that is still about for Autumn. This top was a bit of an impulse buy at £15 in the sale but I could not resist the dip dye effect. I also knew it would brighten up these trousers nicely. I wanted to keep the sporty theme running (ahem excuse the pun) so added some wedge trainers. The Topshop necklace adds a quirky edge and hopefully prevents the look from becoming too 'at the gym'. 

What do you think? 

The Disco Pant & Me

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A few weeks ago I finally caved. I recently purchased a pair of the black Disco Pant dupe by Glamorous but had to send them back due to an indecent hole. However because of their fantastic service (I was refunded the whole amount including postage, something which never happens with online sites), I decided to give them another try. If you are a regular reader of my blog you will know I have been lusting after a pair of the original Disco Pants from American Apparel ever since I spotted them on one of my favourite bloggers: http://www.littlebirdfashion.com/

When they arrived in the post I was so excited. This time I had opted for the navy which I immediately preferred as the colour was so striking. I also decided to go a size up...hopefully this would prevent any more holes. They were a better fit as they fit well around my waist but did not feel uncomfortable. The moment I put them on I felt confident and was ready for a night on the town.

Here are my pants! I teamed them with a silk blouse from Warehouse, grey wedges from Clarks and stud bag from Topshop. I decided to keep accessories to minimal with just some silver cross earrings from Miss Selfridge. 

I cannot rave about this trousers enough. They are priced at £29.99 so are a steal compared to the price tag on the Apparel ones. I normally strictly only feature high street products on this blog but could not resist writing about this find. The only difference is they are slightly thinner than the originals but I didn't notice much difference between the dupes and the American Apparel pants. ( I had to do some research into this trend so made sure I tried on the originals in the store before repurchasing these dupes).

I had such a fun night wearing them as you can tell from the below picture. Much to the amusement of my friends however I did manage to gain another unsightly hole by the end of the night... I would not let this put you off though. I believe Glamorous would not have intended them to be worn by someone pretending to be on the Olympic gymnastic team... Plus, after a quick stitch they are ready to be worn once more.

Let me know if you have purchased a pair of disco pants, whether they are the real deal or not! Have you seen a great high street copy?

Tricky Trend: Satin Lace PJ Shorts

T-shirt  and lace shorts from Urban Outfitters, bag from Topshop, flower flip flops from Office and necklace from Dorothy Perkins 

I woke up this morning and thought, today I'm going to wear those lace shorts I brought in the sale but thought I would never wear. Suddenly I was inspired to tackle this tricky trend. We all know that the pyjama pant has been all over the high street and looks greats with a loose vest and blazer. A trouser that looks incredibly chic. But these shorts were slightly trickier to style. I only decided to buy them because they were Urban and a steal at £9 (could you have resisted?). They were also incredibly comfy and I had visions of adding some thick tights and a top for a cheeky night out.

But today I've simply worn my favourite t-shirt and added accessories to try and prevent the outfit looking like it's bedtime. What do you think? Have I managed to pull off this look?

The High Street supports London 2012

Olympic fever. I cannot remember a more exciting week, with every day containing a reminder of how lucky we are to be British. I am not ashamed to admit that I have to fight back proud tears as another of our magnificent athletes takes to the podium. I have been incredibly lucky to have already attended two Olympic events, and tomorrow I will see my third. London has a vibrant energy with so many friendly faces and respect for our visitors. I never want this sporting event to end.

Everyone is involved in this once in a lifetime event including the high street. They have created a selection of patriotic items so that you can support Team GB in style. Here are my picks from these top three shops.

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What have you been wearing to cheer on Team GB? Have you managed to purchase an item like these from the high street? Please comment below!