Fashion
31 March 2014
Fantastical Florals
It's the recurring fashion trend that has us falling weak at the knees every Spring/ Summer season, floral patterns in bright, bold colours that was found on catwalks everywhere and has now been whittled down to some of the best high street stores. From Zara to Topshop and H&M to New Look they will soon be filling up with this seasons best prints - but don't forget to look online as some of the best products will never actually arrive in store. My search had me lusting after pretty much everything I came across - but I have managed to narrow it down to a few staple items - that's not to say I'll be dismissing the overflowing wish list I have on almost every single high street website.
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| Wide Leg Trousers // Topshop // £42 // Patterned Kimono // H&M // £29.99 |
The kimono will be a suitcase staple or backpack buy for any of the fashion conscious among us - this one from H&M would look great teamed with white denim short shorts and sandals or flung over a crisp white dress and wellies at a festival.
In my opinion the Zara website is probably one of the best at the moment - as someone who lives an hour car ride away from her local store, thank God for the internet. This dress instantly grabbed my attention and not because of the normal colour pop we always see every summer but more the subtle pastels and dropped - then dropped some more - hemline. Having sleeves is also a little unusual, but great for our outrageous English weather that can (more often than not) be incredibly unpredictable.
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| Dress // £39.99 // Plimsolls // £25.99 // Both Zara |
The daps are AMAZING and ready to accompany any casual outfit, you can put them with absolutely anything you already have in your summer wardrobe - a plain pastel dress or denim shorts and top with chuky jewellery galore.
Anyone who knows me knows I love a good festival...or two...or three. This headband from ASOS is the perfect accompaniment to any festival outfit (blog post on that subject coming very soon FYI). Fun, flirty and inventive, although maybe a little on the pricey side you will stand out from the boring crowd and fit right in with festival fashion types - I WILL be Alexa Chung someday. ASOS have a whole array of different designs, take a look on their site as there's a sale happening right now...and payday treats are necessary.
A statement necklace is enough to make any outfit stand out and although this one may be a little pricey you certainly get a whole lot of bling for your money. The pastel tones are perfect for the summer months and although this necklace isn't actually available in store and onsite yet I have a feeling when it hits it's not going to be available for long. *Adds to wish list*
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| Rock 'n Rose Headband // ASOS // £38 |
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| Necklace // River Island on ASOS // £45 // Sheer Top // New Look // £17.99 |
A floral fashion blog post isn't complete without a sheer, colourful top and this one from New Look is an online exclusive and an absolute bargain. At under £20 you get the bold colour trend, the floral print trend and the dipped hem trend - basically a three for the price of one top. I can't wait to get mine and put it with white denim jeans, sandals and maybe even that statement necklace if I really want to treat myself...
The high street will already be jam packed with some beauties like these so what are you waiting for? Go floral crazy!
Music: Best of the Month
30 March 2014
Metronomy Love Letters
I thought I would bring something a little different to my blog today, I will be posting one album/ song/ EP/ shop/ website a month as my new Best of the Month post - it sometimes might not be anything new from that month but something I have been listening to once again or have visited and have rekindled a love for. This month, however it IS a new album that I will be sharing with you - it was pretty close between this LP and Bombay Bicycle Club's new one 'So Long See You Tomorrow' that I had reviewed in february, but Metronomy's 'Love Letters' just pipped it to the post, pun very much intended there.
Filled with a completely different sound for the band, it shows off some serious 60s vibes while hitting the 80s synth they're already known for on the head. The lead vocals are accompanied by heroic harmonies and retro 'shop-doop-doop-ah's' fill the not at all awkward silences. A favourite song of mine is its title track (get ready for some Motown) and Joseph Mount has spoken out that nobody writes love letters anymore, the song is for us to romanticise and fantasise.
This is the third (and best?) album from the British band and with all the success it's brought them I am seriously hoping - fingers and toes crossed - they will be hitting Bestival festival this year. Ticket purchased.
Fashion
27 March 2014
Spring Denim
It's one of my favourite fabrics of all and easily the most versatile out there. Year after year the high street is packing itself with denim and it's not hard to see why. An everlasting trend that has gone through some serious changes throughout its everlasting timeline. Back in the 90s we were wearing it 'double denim' style or super baggy with chains galore but it was mainly the 60s and 70s it thrived - being seen as the new, exciting fabric - flared trousers looked fab with a psychedelia top and fro didn't it? The 1980's gave us a tight, high waisted boot cut jean nearly always teamed with a badass leather jacket and now here we are reworking it again.
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| Denim Skirt // One Teaspoon // Available at ASOS |
This one caught my eye when I was just browsing (promise) ASOS the other day, One Teaspoon is a brand I had never heard of before so I took a look at their website. Based primarily in Australia the brand sees itself as Fantastically Rebellious // Sex-infused // Old School // Rock & Roll // Glamour - oh and they have a whole section on there just for denim, what's not to love? This skirt is oozing the whole brand, the distressed quality and rough stitching gives it a one-off piece look, the patches add a bit of fun to your derrière and who doesn't want that?
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| Mom Jeans // New Look |
Never thought I'd see the day when I would be looking through my mum's wardrobe trying to find an on trend fashion piece. The mom trouser style is something that has been around for a couple of years now however it is only recently that we have seen it hit the high street. Normally a jean type you would find in your local charity shop or vintage store, places like New Look - where this pair is from - Topshop and River Island have started to take note of this trend and you'll find it everywhere.
It's a much needed break from squeezing your way into those stuck-to-your-skin skinny jeans, the fit is loose but still flatters the leg. If you, like me, have a smaller bum then make sure you find a really good fitting pair for you - nobody likes a saggy looking bum. Larger bum? You're generally safe with this trend, go for a high waist fit and it will accentuate your asset a lot more.
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| Dress, Top and Skirt // Topshop |
Something a little different from the normal denim that we always see, Topshop have come up trumps with these three statement pieces from their summer collection. With the key summer trend of nautical in there but adding a twist to it, I have no doubt that a lot of girls are going to be wearing these this summer.
Another trend it shows off is the off shoulder sleeves, everywhere's done it with the crop top but this refreshing take works perfectly with this dress but don't forget it is predominantly a denim fabric so you're not going to have a whole lot of give there.
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| Oversized Denim Jacket // Zara |
I hope that if you didn't really think much of denim before you do now and will add a little to your wardrobe.
Fashion
20 March 2014
5 DAYS A WEEK
Hey look, over there, in the sky - the sun has well and truly got its hat on and I've ransacked my ever expanding wardrobe for some outfit ideas to get you from winter woe to summer siren. Ain't alliteration grand? I even decided to throw a couple of office to drinks outfit ideas in for all you hard office sloggers out there. A lot of bloggers tend to write about the pretty new dresses that are on the market every spring/ summer season and they, of course, are very pretty and lovely but I wanted to talk more about how creative you can get with two pieces. More is always better right? and the high street and online is bursting at the seams with a whole bunch of summer goodies.
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| top primark // shorts vintage levi // sunglasses asos // hat vintage |
Nautical but Nice
Every year the nautical trend comes back and every year it's blue and white, but Primark have shifted and put a different twist on it. Black and white is not your conventional summer look but this cropped version really will look great with anything you team it with under the sunshine. And at only £5 what's not to love? The shorts are something I have become obsessed with - as you continue reading you'll start to see that - these Levi purple beauties were just £15 from Asos Marketplace (a great place to pass the time away FYI). The hat I found at a local vintage fair I went to and the sunglasses have lasted me for two summers already and never go out of trend, thank you Asos.
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| top h&m // bag charity shop // skirt george at asda // necklace matalan |
Ladylike Chic
This is one of my office to drinks outfits, the a-line skirt and buttoned up shirt will keep you out of wardrobe trouble with the boss and the skirt is the right length to not be considered too risqué. The small satchel, which I found at the bottom of a heaving pile in one of my local charity stores (for just a £1), is always a trend staple. The skirt was on sale at George clothing in Asda and is such a pretty colour and amazing texture, the wrap around style was huge in winter and has carried on right through to the new season. The necklace adds that simple touch that this outfit needs, the skirt is patterned enough that you don't need a lot of accessories.
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| top h&m // shorts vintage levi // necklace primark |
Short & Sheer Luck
Oh look it's another pair of Levi cut offs, told you I loved them. Super comfy and huge for any season it's silly not to get online or down to your local vintage store and snap up a pair of these beauties. Be careful where you shop though, mine were all £15 each because I shopped around - some people are definitely trying to take you for a ride with the 'vintage' tag. This top has been with me since last summer, from H&M it was of course an absolute bargain and I tend to wear it with a black tube top to a) add contrast and b) keep some dignity. This triangle statement necklace is from this season's Primark collection - the contrasting gold and black is enough to make anyone give you a second glance.
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| top asos // printer trousers topshop // bag asos |
Appliquéd Sophistication
My second work to drinks outfit comes in the form of some super slinky Topshop trousers, if you're not quite ready to get those pale legs out from their winter coat just yet then just tease with a flash of ankle in these straight legged ankle grazers. The top is from Asos and actually has tassels at the bottom of it but for this look I wanted to keep it professional and so tucking it in will keep the slim elongated silhouette I'm after. The bag, also from Asos, is again a staple satchel bag which has been brought bang up to date in a gorgeous pastel purple shade. The print of the trouser and sheer blouse is enough for any one person so no accessorising necessary with this look.
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| top new look // short shorts bambi&manson // sunglasses river island // necklace new look |
Beach Babe
Last but by no means least is look number five, and probably my favourite of them all. For me, it is the perfect summer look - great for a day at the beach or if you're just popping to the shops it screams effortless cool. The shorts are from online brand and one of my favourite places to browse Bambi & Manson, they have also just shot their spring/ summer lookbook so get ready for some updated styles coming soon! The aviator glasses are from high street favourite River Island and necklace and crochet crop top both come from New Look.
All these outfits have me hoping the sun keeps its hat on…please.
Social Media
19 March 2014 London, UK
...and why it's so important
I've been looking at jobs recently and my key skills and experience seem to be leaning me toward a career in communications and social media. Already inept at blogging on this clever contraption, using the app I can even blog easily on the go fine tuning the smaller details later on my laptop, I wanted to look further into why online is now so important to businesses, graduates (like myself) and every other human on the planet. I've come up with FIVE main principles why it works so well.
1. Engagement
You can reach people you would have never reached before. Mainly a young audience but they're the most useful ones - they will like, share, retweet, show friends, repin and repost your blog/ article/ feature and their friends will do the same (if they like it enough that is) you'll see the traffic on your page go through the roof - especially if you start using hashtags - and get comments galore even inspiring people at the same time.
2. Up To The Minute
Monthly magazines are thought out months in advance, news changes so people's interest will be different, they now use social media as a great way to keep their avid readers in the loop. Vogue.co.uk in particular has a great website that allows them to engage with their consumer giving the reader more up to date information than they would find in the magazine. That's exactly what any 'average joe' can do - it's certainly what I do, as soon as there is a particular news story I am interested in I will be straight on social media tweeting, blogging and pinning.
3. Brand Identity
Online is one of the easiest ways to get your brand's voice heard, as I have already mentioned the social media audience is normally a lot younger and they're not necessarily interested in reading pages and pages of a REAL magazine (that would be insane, right?) they want everything they need right there and then. If you are launching a new brand or revitalising an old one social media is the best tool to get yourself across. Consumers have become nosier and they want to know more about you and your job is to let them know who you are and what you stand for, it needs to be accepted.
4. Cheap As Chips
While increasing customer satisfaction in your company it will not cost you a fortune. If done right it will keep costs down while increasing your revenue at the same time - sounds a bit technical doesn't it? But it doesn't have to be. In simple terms a lot of the social media channels are free, it is only LinkedIn Premium I pay for as it's more of a professional community, but even the basic package there is free when you first begin. What's not to love?
5. Trust
You are feeding your consumer's information, it is vital that all this information is correct and the timing is right. Social Media savvy youngsters are more likely to trust a business than the 65+ generation, they understand it more and have a connection with what they are reading. Get your information right and you'll be reaping the benefits straight away.
If you are looking into a career in social media or just take a keen interest in it you should abide by these five easy steps. Happy tweeting, pinning, liking and sharing!
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| photo credit: www.becsouthernsydney.com |
I've been looking at jobs recently and my key skills and experience seem to be leaning me toward a career in communications and social media. Already inept at blogging on this clever contraption, using the app I can even blog easily on the go fine tuning the smaller details later on my laptop, I wanted to look further into why online is now so important to businesses, graduates (like myself) and every other human on the planet. I've come up with FIVE main principles why it works so well.
1. Engagement
You can reach people you would have never reached before. Mainly a young audience but they're the most useful ones - they will like, share, retweet, show friends, repin and repost your blog/ article/ feature and their friends will do the same (if they like it enough that is) you'll see the traffic on your page go through the roof - especially if you start using hashtags - and get comments galore even inspiring people at the same time.
2. Up To The Minute
Monthly magazines are thought out months in advance, news changes so people's interest will be different, they now use social media as a great way to keep their avid readers in the loop. Vogue.co.uk in particular has a great website that allows them to engage with their consumer giving the reader more up to date information than they would find in the magazine. That's exactly what any 'average joe' can do - it's certainly what I do, as soon as there is a particular news story I am interested in I will be straight on social media tweeting, blogging and pinning.
3. Brand Identity
Online is one of the easiest ways to get your brand's voice heard, as I have already mentioned the social media audience is normally a lot younger and they're not necessarily interested in reading pages and pages of a REAL magazine (that would be insane, right?) they want everything they need right there and then. If you are launching a new brand or revitalising an old one social media is the best tool to get yourself across. Consumers have become nosier and they want to know more about you and your job is to let them know who you are and what you stand for, it needs to be accepted.
4. Cheap As Chips
While increasing customer satisfaction in your company it will not cost you a fortune. If done right it will keep costs down while increasing your revenue at the same time - sounds a bit technical doesn't it? But it doesn't have to be. In simple terms a lot of the social media channels are free, it is only LinkedIn Premium I pay for as it's more of a professional community, but even the basic package there is free when you first begin. What's not to love?
5. Trust
You are feeding your consumer's information, it is vital that all this information is correct and the timing is right. Social Media savvy youngsters are more likely to trust a business than the 65+ generation, they understand it more and have a connection with what they are reading. Get your information right and you'll be reaping the benefits straight away.
If you are looking into a career in social media or just take a keen interest in it you should abide by these five easy steps. Happy tweeting, pinning, liking and sharing!
Music: Gig Review
12 March 2014
Haim @ O2 Academy Brixton
Falling and If I Could Change Your Mind got avid fans - including myself - singing along and the tempo stayed up there right until the end. Their three-way harmonies were on point and the sisters welcoming demeanour of the girls was a huge hit to the mainly female audience. This was especially obvious when Este Haim started to recall a story a lot of the audience could relate to. It started as all great stories do "So I was in New York…" and told the tale of texting a guy on her new iPhone saying she needed a nap. She took the nap and checked the phone when she awoke two hours later. No text. She checked what she sent, turns out autocorrect was on form that day changed 'a nap' to 'anal.' No reply from said boy. But that's not the end…oh no…fast forward one and half years later when Haim release debut LP Days are Gone with huge success and she gets a text from said guy, "Sorry just got this."Sound familiar girls?
And as if you couldn't love the girls even more they decided to switch things up with Este on lead and Danielle hitting the drums to perform their radio 1 live lounge cover of Beyoncé's XO. Continuing with songs from their debut album their long locks were being thrashed around the stage in a rock n roll chic manner when we come to the end of their short, snappy and ever so sassy set with fan favourite The Wire. The whole atmosphere was electric from start to finish and it was clear the girls loved being in our capital "HELLO LONDON" was shouted various times to make sure we're all still there.
All photos by me.
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