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 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..

Hackney Weekend Festival Fashion

So this weekend I was extremely lucky as I attended Radio 1's Hackney Weekend on Saturday, where I danced to the likes of Nero, Maccabees and of course of the incredible Jay Z. It was such an amazing day and I kept my eye out for all the festival fashion! Denim shorts were the usual staple, but dip hem dresses and skirts made a new entry as ladies teamed them with their wellies. Florence and the Machine rocked this trend on the Sunday when she wore this beautiful dress below: 

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I also saw so many people in disco pants by American Apparel- I was incredibly envious as they looked as amazing as what the reviews say! They have risen even higher on my wish list now..One lady that I thought would have definitely donned some of these beautiful pants was Jessie J, as she always seems to be in them these days. For this gig however she wore some quirky black and white leggings and orange crop top. Not one of my favourite looks from this singer but glad to see the blunt fringe bob is back!

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My favourite outfit of the weekend though, which some may think is surprising, was from Rihanna. She wore a graphic t-shirt, tiny shorts, fish net cycling shorts and lots of gold bling. This may not sound like a fashionistas favourite attire, but I loved the fact she wore something fun and actually quite wearable for a festival. She did not wear sky high heels, and although most of us could never wear shorts THAT tiny, her outfit provided us all with a little inspiration for the coming festivals. I love the fact that it looked like she had put on what she felt comfortable in, even if it might not have been a favourite outfit for the fashion critics! I also need some of those sunglasses for future festivals! 

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A fellow cycling shorts lover was myself, as I decided to layer some H&M lace ones over tights. I added a bold print dress from Wallis, parka from New Look, rucksack from Urban Outfitters and chunky gold necklace from Dorothy Perkins. Not forgetting my Primark essentials, some sunglasses and white pumps that I customised with some studs. 

Mama knows best.

Wallis dress 

As I sat in a room more familiar than my own, I once again realized how much my mum has influenced my style. To get to the bare bones of this blog, I must say that without my upbringing I might not have felt the urge to write about fashion. But with every year of my life the passion grew, and that was because of one woman. My mum. It may be a cliché, but I am not someone to hide one when its true.

Today, as a common  ritual between my mum and I, she is showcasing her latest finds. I haven't seen her in a few weeks and her wardrobe holds some real high street gems. The thing with my mum is that she does not dress too young, or too old. She doesn't dress dowdy or as a slave to the trends. She knows her shape and what colours suit her, something which has been invaluable advice growing up as I know which colours drain my complexion. But enough about me, here is the woman that taught me everything I know about fashion:

How do you decide what to buy in the high street? 


I always dress to disguise my shape, trying always to achieve a slimmer line. I wear loose cardigans mixed with longer tops that may balance out some skinny jeans. I also make sure that if I wear a dress it has to be a shift and cut in proportion.

Range of t-shirts from right, Mango, Next, Warehouse, Peruna 

What colours do you wear once you have found the perfect shape? 


I normally choose bright colours, even in the winter, and especially white in the summer as it brightens my face and suits my complexion. As I have green eyes and brown hair I also choose some autumn tones as they always suit me.

Which are your favourite high street shops?


It is always important to discover which shops make clothes that suit you. For example, I always go to Zara for tops, but choose Wallis for trousers. I also normally find my jumpers online, especially on a brand called Wrap, as they do great deals for good quality cashmere knitwear. I would say overall, Zara is my favourite.

What is your inspiration for your style? 


I read lots of magazines to find out what the trends are and which stores are adopting them. I don't like wearing a whole outfit from the same shop so always shop around. You have to mix and match and hunt around, that is what matters.

Do you always wear the trends?

I do like wearing the trends but try and wear them my own way! I used to make my own clothes, but now it is quite difficult to get fabric, so I do think I have quite an individual style because of that.

Handmade tartan jacket by my mum!

What do you think of the idea of wearing 'vintage'? 


I was brought up not to wear other people's clothes, so I don't really like the idea. When I have visited a vintage store it is mostly hand-made stuff anyway, so very expensive for what you are buying.

Finally, describe your style in three words?


Young at heart!

So, as my mum shuts her wardrobe for another day, I know it is my turn. Like mother, like daughter, I had been shopping too.

How to...Sale Shop

(I did this video quickly a few months ago for a job application, hence the cheesy introduction..)

I love a bargain. My wardrobe is filled with amazing sale finds, just look at my outfit in this video for an example. I grabbed the last pair of leather shorts in a River Island sale a couple of years ago, and have worn them to death. They were a steal at £30. My jumper too was only £20 in the Wallis sale and I love the Chanel inspired design. As I spend a lot of my time sale shopping I thought I would comprise a little list of tips that I have accumulated throughout the years to sit alongside this video: