The Camel Coat

Hey, Happy Easter!

I thought I’d show you my current favourite item…the camel coat. Ultra smart, classic and inevitably stylish. With crombie styles, waterfall designs and boyfriend fits, the high street is no stranger to the staple, from Zara to Topshop, there are endless styles

If you desire that sophisticated shape, opt the lengthy longline. I purchased my wool and cashmere coat from a charity shop, I admire the long slouchy fit, over-sized sleeves and slits in the back.

If you are looking for a more modern approach, purchase a medium length with a fitted shape. You can go for belted coats to cinch the coat together or leave the coat open and flowing. My nude coloured coat came with a belt, it adds versatility. I tie the belt to collaborate the look or tie a bow at the back if I want my outfit showing.

If you are inspired by masculine shapes then invest in a size up or too. This will create an exaggerated silhouette. Larger sizes always last, too!

There is something about having a neutral palette, it is a minimal hue which expresses elegance. If you want to display that spring/summer look, wear pretty pastels from ballet pink to sky blues. They are so wearable with pretty much everything in your wardrobe. From casual items like jeans paired with Adidas Stan Smith’s to formal dresses, throw on this beauty and you are always guaranteed to showcase style.

I am wearing my H&M black full sleeve top tucked into my new TK Maxx Lydia Rose Bright pale grey tulle tutu midi skirt. The earthy beige compliments the light dusty grey. My black handbag is also from H&M.

There is a different type of camel coat for everyone.

 

Fashion faves

A/W has got to be one of my favourite seasons. Fresh autumnal air, crisp atmosphere, comfortable and stylish fashion. I have a couple of fave items that I am totally in love with that are perfect for every gal’s closet.

Sequins. Glitter. Embellishment.

Three things I adore, and look beautiful season after season. Whether you are adding some sassy sparkle to your outfit or have delicate details, you will stand out. Great for evenings out or parties- bold looks can create that glam look. It’s getting close to party season, so it’s a great idea to have that one piece in your wardrobe that you can reach for the occasion and sparkle at the same time. Whenever I wear something with glitz I always want to dance. I love how the light catches each detailed sequin and glimmers, especially gold colours. Dazzle with radiance. Dancing is necessary!

Tailoring

This is a massive trend that will craft a timeless well-put together outfit. You can stay co-ordinated or separate garments to freshen up the look. Everyone’s embracing the art of tailoring. You can go for smart casual which adapts the ensemble to everyday wear. You can wear tapered trousers with a plain white tee or a slouchy top tucked in, combined with trainers. I’m seeing Adidas’ Stan Smiths, perfect for hitting the streets. Remember that fashion can be functional and practical as well as super stylish.

If you want to create that classy businessy look then go for a well-fitted blazer that shows off your figure. So entrepreneurial. What’s great about this look is that you can really play with print and colours. You could wear a block or patterned tee or shirt underneath. The combinations are truly never-ending. Opt for skinny trousers for a suited feel or why not try trouser culottes- perfect for showing off footwear. You can go for ladylike court shoes or go for a mannish spin by wearing penny loafers, Doc’s or slip on skater shoes. A tailored attire can add the perfect amount of professionalism yet maintaining that nonchalant elegance that is oh so desirable.

Texture up

Okay so you’ve got your shine and got your smart…You now need texture in your life. This is a plus on the stroke-ability side and there is something about adding a contrasting material to an outfit that amps it up completely. Faux fur and feathers are a great winter update. As the temperatures drop, why not add a fluffy jumper? You’ll feel like a walking teddy bear and can battle the outdoor environments (or hibernate indoors).

Sleeves

Angel sleeves. Bell sleeves. Ruffle sleeves. They come in all different shapes- like flares for arms. Add a little 70’s to your style. I am obsessed with an elongated size or flowy shape. I think it really enhances an outfit, adding femininity and extra beauty. When you wear a dress or blouse in the design, you can’t help but raise your arms. So…Accessorize those arms!

Layering

The fashion domain in autumn winter would not be complete without lots of layering. Optimum comfort and maximum warmth, love it! On the practical side, you won’t freeze. On the fashionable side, you can combine garments in jazzy combos and wear that lovely winter coat. Funnel necks and turtle necks can be teamed with outerwear and shirts can be placed potently under dresses. Re-look at your wardrobe and re-think some fab ways to wear your items. You can match up new combinations that you never thought were possible. Style up in a completely original way.

Add some seasonal buys to your wardrobe, stand out in style!

Recent purchases- H&M boho blouse and kimono

Hey fashionistas! In recent days, I went shopping. Oh, how I love shopping. Scrutinizing the rails for garments that stand out to you, absorbing and being a part of the latest trends and browsing for inspiration. Mannequins showcase the up-to-the-minute pieces that are hitting the shops and are great visual representations of how to style clothes together in an updated and trendy way. With shopping, you don’t always have to purchase, you can get so many exciting ideas. From observing street-wear looks to window shopping, there are always ideas.

Currently, I’ve been loving H&M. I bought a boho-chic blouse with lace up details. I’ve been seeing them everywhere at the moment, with poet sleeves or exaggerated bell sleeves. My H&M buy feels so angelic to wear from the over-sized floating nature. I love the minor details on the arms and also how I can tie a cute bow at the top. I’m teaming my blouse with some Zara tapered trousers. I am a massive fan of monochrome, keeping my palette classically simple. Plus to keep with the lacey feel, I added an adorable lace choker with pink rose and pearl drop beads.

Day attire

I also added to my basket a black kimono from H&M. I am always waving my arms in this! The airy material fits loosely and looks amazing over multiple tops and dresses. My latest addition to my kimono collection is diverse, being sheer. They are such a fantastic staple, whether its day or evening. Over a bikini, dress, jeans- the options are ever-lasting.

Evening attire

This kimono has been paired with an electric blue shimmering Topshop square neck top. Cropped or long, these tops are shining in the style department. The glittery effect is dazzling and luminous- perfect for nights out in town. I added a H&M black skater skirt, tucking in the top, for a layered look.

Create your personal wardrobe. Create yourself.

A/W Dresses

I have picked some dresses which will look great as the seasons change. The autumnal influence is upon fashion, clothes are getting darker and edgier.

1) Topshop, Lace Bodycon Tunic, £36  2) River Island, Red V Neck Bandeau Pencil Dress, £50  3) H&M, Glittery Tiered Dress, £25  4) Karma Clothing, Red Tartan Plaid Striped Contrast Collar Back Zip Dress, £6  5) Hollister, Hollister + Lucy Hale Romper, £42  6) Dressing Room, Paul & Joe Sister, Robette Cotton Mix Shirt Dress Navy, £180  7) Society Of Chic, Black Mesh Dress, £54.82  8) Bohoo.com, Ella Strap Detail Dress With Dip Hem Maxi, £20

The Slip Dress

This has to be one of my favourite dress styles. The classic way the material slips on a silhouette oozes subtle elegance. The nightwear as outwear trend is sexy and understated. Some compare the slip to the nightie from the design and lace detailing. I adore the look, its super easy to wear and can be teamed with tops underneath.

The Pencil Dress

Channel your business look. Show you work and play hard with the pencil dress. The classic shape extends to the perfect length and looks fabulous with heels for that long leg look. I’ve seen crop tops and dresses with the V-Neck shaped design. It expresses profound sophistication- work or party.

The Tiered Dress

Every girl wants a dress that provides flattery and comfort, right? The tiered dress is sleek and its cascading layers emphasize femininity. And with every colour you can choose the right dress which suits you, neutral or printed.

The Contrast Collar Dress

I love love love this trend. I have a lace ensemble which has been worn over and over again. Contrasting collars are bang on trend- on shirts, tops, dresses…Tartan, monochrome or printed are super A/W. The shift dress looks amazing with ankle boots. 

Romper 

Okay, this isn’t exactly a dress but how cute is this romper?! Rompers can be rocked at festivals, day wear and also evening wear. I love the spin on the Hollister garment from the burgundy hue and gorgeous florals.

Shirt Dress

Similar to the contrast collar dress. The shirt dress is simple, casual and cool. The collar and long sleeves gives the appearance of a shirt. The A-line design highlights the figure.  

Mesh Dress

Mesh is the coolest of cool material and gives a grungy take on clothing. It has the look of fishnet tights and can be teamed with crop/tank tops underneath. The style is not just for sporty luxe, the netted fabric can be worn over dresses or as a jumper.The style reminds me of New Zealand singer Lorde!

Maxi Dress

The maxi dress is a dress that will always gain you style points. It’s not just a summer piece and in a darker shade can be worn in the colder months..Black, burgundy, dark green.The fashion twist is the varied length, some have high-low designs other are a random cut. 

Look ahead into the new season, be A/W ready. 

Bomber Jackets

Bomber Jackets… the coolest of cool jacket espesh in the 80’s. The iconic bomber or flight jacket was originally for pilots, dating back to World War 1. Now its been translated into every day style.They look effortlessly awesome over summer dresses, paired with jeans or teamed with sports luxe. The outwear will always be on the fashion radar from its simplicity and low-key style. There’s every style, neutrals, classic black, punchy prints- you name it gal! Some even have contrasting sleeves or elbow pads for that unique twist. I’ve seen floral or tropical prints which really showcase summer. The materials are so diverse- cotton, satin, PVC the more quirky ones are super shiny with metallic hues. How unusual and stylish is that River Island jacket? The oriental spin on the jacket with the embroidered dragons is astonishingly unique and bold. And I am oh so tempted to try saving up for Sandro’s absolutely gorgeous tonal green velvet bomber. I spotted the beauty at Selfridges and the rare colour is so A/W and is so necessary in my life.

My top picks:

1) River Island, Red Embroidered Bomber Jacket £20

2) H&M, Patterned Bomber Jacket £24.99

3) Topshop, Textured Scuba Bomber Jacket £68

4) Etsy, Vintage Military Camo Jacket £24.78

5) ASOS, ASOS Bomber Jacket with Zip £22

6) Urban Outfitters, Vintage Renewal Harrington Jacket in Black £55

The go-to jacket can be grunge, sporty or laid-back. Adapt the jacket to your style.

Look of the day

The power of mix and match! I love styling garments and changing up looks. I am wearing an off the shoulder black crop top with a gorgeous H&M kimono. Kimono’s have got to be one of my favourite summer pieces as they are as-light-as-air and transform any outfit. And they really do flow in the summer wind. They surely jazz up any outfit with an oriental spin! They come in a kaleidoscopic variation of colours… I went for black! I adore the red details. My slinky skater skirt was a purchase from USC and I love the shape of it as it defines any figure.

Yep, I’m wearing my fave River Island necklace again! Its luscious sheen is simply lovely. It adds statement glam to a crop top. I’m also wearing a holographic chunky ring. I love to accessorize so I added a black angel wing bracelet which I love. I’m also wearing a holographic chunky ring. I love to accessorize so I added a black angel wing bracelet which I love. Shoes are from New Look. I plaited my hair and unraveled it to create curly curls. I kept my hair simple for this look, with a flick of liquid eyeliner and curl of the lashes.

Experiment with your personal style!

Dotty about polka-dot

Polka-dots are a classic print trend and will always be up to date in fashion’s eyes. It is so timeless and elegant. The sweet spotted dots look eloquent in summer dresses and are perfectly feminine micro or large. They can look casual which fits with the carefree summer feeling or be shown off in evening attire. And don’t worry you won’t look like a Dalmatian. They have a versatile look, either retro classiness and chicness or sexy/laid back sailor-girl. Pair with trousers and create a chilled look or add heels and look dressed up. This season I have spotted the dot on mesh materials like body suits or dresses and bikinis.

I la la LOVE Taylor Swift’s style its so ladylike and sophisticated. She has lots of the fabulous print in her wardrobe and really suits it! She has paired this cute above-the-knee dress with vintage brown brogues to complete her adorable look. They have this classic style which will never fade.

Dare to wear the dot, if you don’t feel brave enough- try out accessories: belts or hair wraps/scarves. Let your pattern do the talking and roll on summer! 

Biker Jackets

Meet biker jackets, the coolest of cool. The timeless jackets come in variation of colours from pretty pastels to traditional dynamic black. There’s even been athletic versions with sport luxe. They are super easy to wear and give that rock chic look. Team with a pair of skinnies for a nonchalant look. They are durable and can be worn in all seasons and will always be bang on trend. So its really a necessity in every girls wardrobe.

Lightly hued jackets teamed with flowy dresses or girly garments provides a great contrast between femininity and masculinity. Chalky colours are so dainty and are perfect for summer. I’m loving pinks, they have been a major trend in outwear. They have this delicate fashionable look that is just so sugary sweet. Choose your colour, they are the ideal go-to jacket. Look at Hayley Williams (the amazing singer from Paramore) pastel multicoloured leather jacket in her “Still into you” music video. Pastel perfection.

1- Fringed Leather Jacket by Kate Moss- for Topshop, £190

2- Pink Embossed Leather Jacket- River Island, £180

3- Black Double Zip Padded Sleeve Biker Jacket- New Look, £40

4- Vila PU Biker Jacket- House Of Fraser, £42

5- Biker Jacket- H&M, £30

6- Pink Faux Leather Biker Jacket- Miss Selfridge, £52

7- Diana New Womens Faux Leather Biker Gold Or Metal Button Zip Crop Ladies Jacket Coat- Amazon, £35

8- Betty Barclay Faux Suede Biker Jacket Blue- John Lewis, £160

Jackets can be cropped, with fringing, embellished… you name it. Choose a biker jacket that matches your look whether its a cute jacket which goes with the pleasant weather outside or a rocky urban jacket for a grungy edge, wear it and be yourself. Live fashion in the fast lane.

Dynamic florals

Fashion is for ever blooming this time with a darker mood. The floral trend has taken a twist since summer, garments are in darker shades and less vibrant tones. Some of the flower pattern is gothic others are glamorously embellished. Luscious roses are my favourite as they create a fairy-tale spin, reminiscent of the delicate garden.

My picks from the highly-affordable highstreet:

Loving this H&M jersey top (matching skirt sold seperately). The deep pinks reflect refreshing romance. For £9.99 it can be teamed with endless garments. The 3/4 length sleeves draws in your waist, oh so feminine.

Just look at this pins & Needles oversized sweatshirt £40, exclusive to Urban Outfitters. The retro inspired print is a relaxed material which shows a new side to florals with a washed out look.

This is the perfect dress ever, don’t you love it! This Kimchi Blue Stella garment is also from Urban Outfitters, £38. The colour is sharp marine and indigo colour, the complimentary hues are uplifting  against the dominant black.

Florca Floral Pleated Skirt from Missguided is a zipped pleated and detailed design of the graphic bold bloom at £19.99. Everyone should have one item floral- such a stylish motif!

Add a fresh appeal to your closet, when your fingers run through the clothes touch textured petals… or your floral clothing. To add a touch of rock to the soft floral look just throw an a leather jacket and you can’t go wrong! Embrace your lady-ness or edgy-ness.

Wear-able and share-able A/W 13 fashion!

Okay I am so enthusiastic about fall, a seasonal transition means we will soon be wearing new A/W 13 pieces. There are some key pieces to be inspired and for you to re-create. Ooh and don’t forget to add a knit beanie!

1) The Over-sized/Crombie coat

This throw on boyfriend coat creates such a laid-back vibe but is totally on trend in outwear.  My advice is try on various coats, some look better on than off. Experiment, the longer coats with masculine tailoring are rapidly becoming popular. Play around with textures, you could go classy and purchase faux fur. Or if that is too eye-catching purchase a faux fur peter pan collar, I bought one last year and it transforms your coat! Colour is a form of captivation, you could go for a brave shade. But keep in mind that you intend for your clothes to match. Such as wearing a neon yellow coat would be memorable but would it really match that dress you bought?

2) Leather

Yes, that’s right. You can get out leather for autumn. It dramatizes any look, whether you have a tight sexy skirt or a classic jacket it will be out soon. Leather does not have to be full-on, you can buy cute skirts or tee’s with leather on the collar or cuffs. Choose according to your liking. Grunge looks can be replicated using rock leather look.

3) A/W Shoes

Shoes. You can bring back your Dr Martens and jeepers creepers. Think chunky composition and dark tones such as black and charcoal grey for that grungy/gothic look. And match with your outfit. These shoes are made of steel (not literally), tough for any event. The chelsea boot follows the tomboy trend, by blending masculine and feminine together it creates the perfect amount of easygoing style. Cut-out boots can be used to show flesh or add layers with frilly socks or tights, effortlessly quirky. Ankle boots are emerging in the shoe trend. Choose your heel. Choose your style.

4) Garments

Clothes-wise you can also bring back your peplum and khaki green military green garments for day-to-day wear. You could be inspired by folk fashion, adding some urban prints on top. Skirts, dresses, tops you name it. Green is going to BIG this season army coloured or emerald intensities. Get your green on. The comeback of turtle-necks are emerging as well of the use of exaggerated shoulders. Pink will be seen in the new season’s fashion palette. Sugary or neutral shades.

My staple piece would be jeans. Streamlined jeans or slouchy boyfriend jeans are ideal for fall because they are weather appropriate. Oversized is not only relaxed but comfortable.

You need a practical bag: leather satchels or rucksacks fit the autumnal season.

Remember to layer, re-style and have fun. A few extra garments can keep you warmer and also create dimension, even a whole different look on your outfit if you choose other prints. Okay I am not saying get your bulkiest ski coat out yet, but use your own twist. Look in your wardrobe, and try and use as many  autumnal elements as you can. Remember you can follow the trend, but you can also set the trend.