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..

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!

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?

Ashish for Topshop: Olympic Fashion

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With the opening ceremony for the Olympics in London tomorrow, it seemed fitting to illustrate how the high street is embracing this momentous occasion. The designer Ashish has embraced the sporting fever by releasing a mini capsule collection for Topshop. Their relationship has lasted for eight collections so far, Ashish always producing tongue in cheek designs in bold graphics. Who could forget the doughnut sweatshirt in the last collection?


This time Ashish has used common sporting phrases and mixed these with common Althetic colours. The mixed flag jogging bottoms would look great with a plain tee and wedged trainers as you cheer on team GB. What do you think about the collection? Would you splurge on one of these items to look fashionable at the Olympics? 

Marks and Spencer in Fashion Crisis?

My complete Marks and Spencer outfit at £43 (shoes, bag, necklace not inc)

Recently I have been hearing with great sadness that Marks and Spencer's has been struggling in the current economic climate. It has been reported that they have had a 6.8% fall in sales of general merchandise, the worst they have had in three years. This illustrates that the British store, which has been around for 128 years could be in jeopardy. 

When I heard this news I was admittedly confused. The brand have, in my eyes, only been improving. With their ranges like Limited Collection and Autograph they now appeal to the younger adult, and their basics are still fantastic quality. But unfortunately my opinion appears to be the minority. Kate Bostock, who has been the head of clothing for Marks and Spencer's for the past eight years has reportedly had to step down due to these low figures.

 I can only say I am baffled. Marks and Spencer's never falters with quality, their prices are still completely competitive against the other high street stores and they do create stylish garments. But something must have changed. Maybe their attempts at re-branding, with fancy adverts and celebrity models, have not been quite as effective as they, and indeed I, first thought. 

Marks and Spencer's do not try to be Topshop, or Urban or even Zara. But this does not mean that if you like these shops you should rule out M&S. Recently I checked out their sale and found this gorgeous pink blazer for £20. These on-trend silky pyjama pants were also in the sale at £20 and there was this pale pink tank at £4. That is under £50 for an outfit I know I will wear again and again because of the high quality of the fabrics and great fit. 

Hopefully this outfit will inspire you to take a look inside M&S again and see what they have to offer. Please let me know on what you think of this topic. What can Marks and Spencer's do to compete with the other high street retailers? 

I love this pink blazer because it is so versatile, perfect for summer days&nights: £20

These trousers are a great fit, hiding my tummy and accentuating my waist: £20

I accessorised by adding this Topshop chain necklace (old) and Clarks stud sandals (old)

Get TOWIE style on the High Street: Billi Mucklow

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In celebration of hit TV show 'The Only Way is Essex' returning to our screens tomorrow at 10pm, here is how to steal one of our favourite Essex girl's style. Billi Mucklow was pictured wearing this very pink number at Now Magazine's 'Smart Girls Fake It' party. I have chosen to copy this look as it is refreshing to see one of the girls wearing something that is a bit of risk and not another body-con. Although it might not be to everyone's taste, I love the mix of textures and nude shoes. The only thing I would have changed is the bag. This stud one from River Island would have made the look more edgy. 

From left: Topshop £20, River Island £20 and Topshop (sale) £10

I managed to get this look for a mere £50! Once again the high street never fails if you are inspired by a celebrity look. What do you think of this outfit? Would you choose designer or my high street pick?