Coordinate with Co-Ords!

For a long while, matching separates have been deemed a no no (yes I'm looking at you and that double denim episode Britney and Justin), but now there's a whole host of gorgeous matching prints on everything from crops to shorts, trousers and skirts that can really look good together. Co-ords can pretty much work for any season, but it's Summer where many retailers are whipping out the perfect outfits for a casual day out, all the way through to a sophisticated work or evening outfit. What also makes the co-ord so amazing is the tenacity to mix and match a garment with another plainer separate, creating multiple outfits and still being on trend! So if buying 2 separates for one outfit might seem quite expensive, buying 1 and mixing with existing wardrobe pieces is a great option to take.

Everywhere you look at the moment there seems to be co-ord after co-ord, so here are some of my favourites I've put together from Miss Guided and Fashion Union!

MISS GUIDED
----------

1. Tartan Boxy Crop Top- £17.99, Tartan A-Line Skirt- £19.99
2. Daisy Check Shorts- £19.99, Blazer Currently Unavailable
3. Daisy Print Crop Top- £14.99, Floaty Daisy Print Shorts- £14.99
4. Peach Dogtooth Crop Top- £19.99, Skirt Currently Unavailable

FASHION UNION
-----------

1. Floral Multi Crop Top- £16, Floral Multi Shorts- £15
2. Stripe Tweed Jacket- £22.40, Stripe Tweed Shorts- £10
3. Print Top Blue- £15, Print Shorts Blue- £16

New Look Summer 2014

It seems like a literal lifetime ago when I used to be so excited to go into New Look, thinking that their 915 range was like something hot off of a London Fashion Week catwalk. Those were the days (in our dreams girls!) 

The company have always been a staple of sorts for many fashion followers and like their competitors on the high street, they've grown into their own niche market. I've always believed that New Look's prices have been reasonably fair over the years but shopping for clothes also has a lot to do with quality and aesthetics too, something that had actually led me away elsewhere for a period of time. 

Despite being slightly disappointed for a while with the quality of some of their pieces and 'samey' looking garments, this Summer the company have definitely gone back into my good books. There are some lovely on trend pieces both in store and online at the moment, and I've put some of my favourites together below. I'm looking forward to getting some nice pieces for my wardrobe this Summer!



Black Neon Floral Print Kimono- £19.99
White Caged Chunky Block Heel Sandal- £24.99
Blue Ditsy Floral Print Playsuit- £19.99
Pink Ankle Strap Block Heel Sandals- £14.99
Pink Frill Cable Knit Socks- £2.99
Blue Floral Print Shorts- £14.99
Pink Gingham Check Crop Top- £7.99
White Sleeve Floral Print Shell Top- £17.99
Mint Green Lace Pencil Skirt- £24.99
White Floral Jacquard T-Shirt- £19.99
White Chunky Cross Heel Strap Heels- £27.99

Long Time No See!

I have finally finished uni for Summer! Aside from getting my Semester B project grade back and beginning research for my dreaded dissertation, I can finally plan some exciting things and get back to blogging on here for the next 4 months. It feels crazy that it's that amount of time I have spare before all the even harder work begins. It's even crazier that because I did my Foundation Degree as well as a BA too, I would have graduated from education this year alongside most of my friends!  Anyway now that I'm back after a little hiatus, it's back to making sure I blog here more often! 

So after remembering what my password was for this site, I thought I'd let you all know what I've been buying in my absence and what I'm lusting after for Summer...

Most of my student loan goes on a large amount of materials I need for my course, one of the slight downsides of being a creative arts student. But I've still been able to buy a few pieces here and there recently!

Asda Home Riviera Floral Duvet Set- 

It's so hard to find a double duvet for my room where I don't have to spend an absolute fortune on. I've been scouring George's home catalogue after recently picking one up and I have to say I'm so impressed with the kinds of products they are selling as of late. I love that a supermarket is working with up and coming interior designers, it's even inspired my own work in terms of where I hope to be designing for commercial businesses after graduation. I can't dare say to my tutors that Asda has inspired me as it would be completely frowned upon! Anyway I snapped up this lovely floral one for just £12 and it even has a reverse polka dot pattern. Bargain!

Asda Planter Pots-

I also picked up these handy and cute pastel coloured planter pots. At £3 I couldn't resist and thought they would look nice in my room for storage. They are quite compact and sit really well on shelving or desks. The colour is bang on trend for this time of the year and I think they look much nicer for interior storage instead of being left outside in the garden! I have so many things in my room which could be stored and tidied away, a great addition to any room!

Topshop Knitted Lace Hem Crop Jumper-

I went to Oxford Street with some of my friends after fabric shopping in Shepherds Bush and picked up this cute jumper for £34! It doesn't actually look very cropped on me but it looks lovely teamed with a pencil skirt. They also do the jumper in Petite and in a coral and pastel baby blue colour, though this one appealed to me more due to its contrast of the navy and white. I haven't made any garments in a while now since I graduated from my fashion degree but buying this has encouraged me this Summer to buy some crochet lace and make a few tops like this myself. With a sewing machine anyone can do it and it saves so much money!

Pandora Triple Daisy Flower Ring-

Since receiving a Pandora ring for my 21st from two of my friends, I have become in love with some of the things in Pandora. It's nice to be able to invest in something so nice that can be kept forever, so I was so overwhelmed when my mum treated me to this daisy ring. I'm obsessed with anything daisy printed at the moment so it will definitely go with any outfit I wear. 

New Look Blue Floral T-Shirt-

My mum also bought me this New Look top which is absolutely beautiful and is the exact copy of a similar Topshop one but for half the price at £12.99! I definitely need to return a favour as soon as possible!

Topshop Small Leaf Metal Necklace- £12.50
Filofax Blossom Organiser- £23
New Look Black Neon Floral Print Crepe Kimono- £19.99
Topshop Nation Two Part Chunky Sandals- £40
ASOS Daisy Chain Watch- £18
Sam Smith- In The Lonely Hour
dotcomgiftshop La Petite Rose Flask And Cup- £12.95
Bank Fashion Ribbon Floral Print Jumpsuit- £25

Spring Fling!

Spring is approaching, even though most days it doesn't look promising! I'm hoping all this rain means Summer will be lovely but this is the UK I'm talking about so let's not hold out for much.

I love Spring and as a textiles student, I'm currently looking at a mass of floral prints for my conceptual project, collaborating my German and Scottish family heritage (through looking at folkloric motifs) and the Garden of Eden. Florals galore! The floral trend is a recycled one used practically every season for fashion and interiors, currently being scouted out in the large masses of magazines I buy every month week. The intentions of my tutors over the years probably thinking I am obsessed with florals are too definitely correct.

Below I've put together some of my favourite pieces from current fashion and interior retailers...

L-R:
Swing Dress With Floral Applique & Embroidery (£44)
Skater Dress With Floral Embroidery (£65)
Skater Dress With Floral Embroidery (£75)
Reclaimed 60s Vintage Print Shift Dress (£35)

L-R:
Duvet Set (£19.99)
Plate (£3.99, how cute!)
Daisy Skirt (£9.99)
Cushion (£12.99)
Curtains (£24.99)

L-R:
Sunburst Print (£10)
Rosie Cushion (£35)
Wildflower Print (£10)
Olivia Cushion (£45)
Sew Lovely Cushion (£35)
Tulip Cushion (£45)

L-R:
Nica Alicia Satchel (£49)
Jones and Jones @ Topshop Floral Organza Dress (£60)
Floral Print Jumpsuit, River Island (£30)
Floral Laser Cut Purse, River Island (£17)
Floral Boxy T-Shirt, New Look (£14.99)

Springin' Up

Wow, so this is my first post of 2014! Uni seems to control my life 24/7, doing a pretty much 100% practical course certainly wipes most of my energy out by the end of the days- that or the daunting fact I’m now 21! What a special birthday made amazing by my lovely family and friends. So many surprise gifts including my new Macbook thanks to my beautiful mama!! I’ve always wanted one for uni and the like and I’m so excited to use it loads! 

There's so many things happening this year that I'm excited about, including the scouring of many holiday brochures in prep for a girly holiday me and my pals are planning. There's also my driving lessons to start that I WILL COMPLETE by September, finally seeing JT in the flesh at his concert and a possible uni study trip to Romania to work on a recycled fashion project! There's not really much more I could write before boring you all but 2014 is shaping up to be fabulous! 

But back to now, here's what i'm loving and lusting after this month...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cath Kidston Macbook Case- Cath Kidston has become somewhat a little part of my life, every time I walk into one of her stores I have to stop myself from overbuying. Right now I'm loving this little Mac case which continues my love of everything floral!

Topshop Margate Double Buckle Geek Shoes- We can never have too many shoes, especially a cute pair of Topshop ones! They've been designing and selling a lot of T-Bar style shoes for the last 6 months and they are perfect for all seasons, plus they are very similar to my first ever pair of shoes!


Miss Guided Demi Daisy Skate Shirt Dress- I'm loving this floral daisy dress from Miss Guided and they are in fact selling a lot of lovely floral dresses right now, which are maybe not so perfect for the current weather we're having. My annual wardrobe Spring clean is in order soon though so it will be nice to put some new florals in!

Zara Mini City Bag- I seem to change my handbag a lot and I currently own a really nice one from H&M. However I really like this one too and as I'm going to hopefully undertake a few placements this year, I might treat myself to a stylish accessory!

Beyonce CD- Well Bey went and surprised us all with a new album didn't she? There's a couple of songs I really like from the record and it comes as an alternative for missing out on tickets to her tour. 

Next Photo Screen- I absolutely love this idea, at £99 it is expensive but what a lovely way to display photos! It's definitely something I would love to utilise in my room as a divider.

ASOS SS14 Preview

It's hard to believe ASOS was founded nearly 14 years ago, yet I still remember the years leading up to my teens and thinking it was the most amazing thing to come out of fashion at the time. Back in the day ASOS were known simply by "As Seen On Screen", though fast forward nearly a decade and they are leading the way in young British fashion, taking influence from us their audience, culture, music and travel. And with over 21 million visitors a month it's no wonder they're the UK's largest independent online fashion retailer, plus gaining a cool revenue of £750m this year!

Last month the retailer had their Spring Summer 2014 press day... and I. am. in. LOVE. ASOS are truly playing with their strengths in contemporary fashion and they are going in such an interesting direction. The pastels remain, the florals remain and I've chosen some of my favourites below. 

Credit to Milk Teef and Fashion For Lunch for the pics.

Ugh. How beautiful, love the scallops and the colourway. Even if I buy this just to try it on and send back to get a refund, I just feel it will be amazing to wear.

The florals are back! Well they never go away really do they, but whatever this is applied to it's extremely intricate and gorgeous!

More florals! Love the contrasting colours going on here, looks like a lot of sheer fabrics and repeated forms will be used for SS14.

Sandals, sunnies and a pastel clutch- perfect for the beach if you're going abroad. Though the British weather might surprise us!

I spy an iridescent clutch bag and some cute colour coordinated outfits! A-Line swing skirts perfect for a Spring/Summer picnic.

I think my favourite Topshop frilly socks have a new rival...

Winter Bits and Bobs!

Ok I lied, uni is overtaking my life and I broke the promise to blog every week! But I'm forcing myself to stick to time plans even if I have countless samples, sketchbook work + a Christmas craft fair to organise and make for. Which I'm very excited about with Christmas literally just around the corner! My knitwear is officially out nearly every day and I'm making DIY lace and brown paper gift tags as we speak. I love getting crafty at this time of year as Christmas decor is all about re-using things again and again, plus things like gift tags take a minute to make!

Below I've put together some of my current favourites from this year's winter ranges...

Dunelm Mill & Kirstie Allsopp for Tesco:

Dunelm are doing a beautiful Nordic inspired range at the moment, with cosy throws, lanterns, fairy lights, etc. at the forefront-
Throw: £6.99, Floral Storage Box: £3.99, Floral Lights: £3.49, Tea Light Holder: £4.99, Heart Box: £4.99, Canvas: £14.99

Kirstie Allsopp (my part craft idol) has produced a range for Tesco and I absolutely fell in love with the patterns when I saw the collection-
Note Cards: £8, Box File: £10, Photo Album: £12

Fashion Union:

Biker Coat: £50, Cropped Fluffy Jumper: £25, Check Coat: £60, Floral Tartan Dress: £24, Rabbit Jumper: £18, Snood: £9, Velvet Skirt: £16, Chelsea Boots: £25

Topshop:

Tartan Skirt: £32, Cable Knit Jumper: £46, Nails in Moondance: £6, Lips in Beguiled: £8, Rabbit Jumper: £45, Pom Pom Scarf: £16, Pinafore: £15, Fur Clutch: £30, Shorts: £34, Fur Jacket: £68, Boots: £190 

Cath Kidston:

Cup and Saucers: £30, Fabric Bundle: £25, Floral Bag: £50, Mac: £30, Scrapbook: £12, Lamp: £48, iPhone Case: £24.95

LONDON FASHION WEEK SEPTEMBER 2013

Held twice annually in February (Autumn/Winter shows) and September (Spring/Summer), London Fashion Week is one of the big four fashion weeks alongside New York, Paris and Milan. The event which turns 30 next year is organised by the British Fashion Council and plays a major part of the reported £21 billion the UK fashion industry is worth. Fashion itself is Britain’s second biggest employer and the largest of all creative industries, responsible for over 800,000 jobs.

During LFW there are approximately 60 on schedule catwalk shows and below I've put together the best looks from some of my favourite collections which have recently graced the runway.

Sicilian Adventure Inspiration//Luxurious Fabrications- Jacquard and Tulle //Detailed Textures//Sculptural Shapes//Block Colourways- Fuchsia and Magenta//Traditional Gowns//Floral//Laser Cuts

1970s and Art Deco Influence//Opulence//Colourways- Coral, Denim Blue and Lavender Hues//Intricate Patterns//Fabrication Contrasts//Digital Print//Rendered Cut Outs

Pastel Colourway//Fabrication- Lace, Satin, Waterproof Transparent//Polka Dot and Striped Patterning//Floral and Ruffled Embellished Accessories//Straight Cuts//Loose Bodice Shapings//A Gorgeous Finale!!

Inspired By Art Deco, Miami and Architectural Interiors//Bursts Of Acid Colours, Sugary Pastels and Whites//Printed Florals//Tailored Trousers and Abstract Cut Cocktail Dresses//Fabrication- Organza, Chiffon, Silk, Foil, Rubber

Inspired By 'A Trip To Mexico City'//Ode To Romeo + Juliet '96//Fabrication- Denim, Lace Layering, Metallic Silks//Florals, Checks and Leopard Prints//Mini Dresses//Trenches//Two Pieces

Inspired By Kaleidoscopic Prints and A 'Youthful Girl's Bedroom'//An 'Explosion' Of Floral Colour Bursts//Over-Layering Of Patchwork Imagery//Contemporary Presentation Show//Silk Fabrications//Key Looks- Skater Skirts, Bomber Jackets, Cigarette Cropped Trousers

Simplistic Elegance//Mismatched Prints//Clean White and Navy Colourway With Bursts Of Candy Yellow//Intricate Beading and Applique Blooms//Re-Invention Of The 'New Look'//Ancient Tuscan Printed Catwalk Set

There were many more highlights across the whole week supporting emerging and established designers. Continuing its height as the global fashion capital, London is certainly pushing the boundaries in opportunity through branding and marketing. Innovative means of showcasing collections this year are evident from Burberry's collaboration with Apple and the iPhone 5s to Henry Holland taking to the UK roads with a clothing retail ice cream van, selling exclusive items. 

It definitely seems that London are shaping up for us to have our slice of fashion week more readily available. Burberry are a key example to the future of fashion not just in London but globally. 14 iPhone 5s' captured the SS14 collection, live streaming the action to millions globally in just minutes. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest- you name it, it's covered.

Summer Lovin'

Here are some of my current loves and lusts for Summer! I'll be reviewing A/W 13 preview collections very soon, so watch out!

♥♥♥

Holographic Nails In Moondance- £6, MOTO Pink Crochet Hotpants- £35, Spotty Casual Crop Top- £29, Rachel Dress by Jones and Jones- £65, Martie T-Bar Geek Shoes- £32, Nano T-Bar Clog Sandals- £45, Dip Dye Crochet Cami- £32, Edge Paint Satchel- £28

Black Floral Mini Dress- £25, Black Suede Cross Front Wedge Shoe- £28, Navy Pinafore Playsuit- £10, Tan Buckle Cross Wedge Shoe- £32, Multi Florence Floral Headband- £3

 Print Top- £9.99,  Jacquard Skirt- £12.99, Denim Waistcoat With Crochet Back- £9.99, Oriental Print Jumpsuit- £19.99, Embroidered Dress- £19.99, Fantasy Twist Jersey With Open Back- £12.99, Oriental Print Trousers- £15.99, Jacquard Linen Dress With Full Skirt- £15.99

Pleated Floral Print Dress- £18.75, Floral Print Wedge Sandals- £24.75, Cat Graphic Cropped Tee- £12, Lace Trim High-Low Dress- £19.75, High-Low Georgette Dress- £24.75

• • 
    
  • 
    

Primark AW13 Collection

Primark, Primark, Primark. I applaud you. Never have I been so amazed by the success of a budget fashion chain like them this year so far. After recently teaming up with ASOS, the online retailer reported a huge surge in sales after beginning the partnership with the company. 

Now I know that the words "Primani" and "sweatshop" in the same sentence are seen to argue the reflection on the production quality of clothing made for the thousands of fashion forward individuals that shop at Primark. The dissertation I recently wrote is based on a very similar topic where I considered the argument of urban and rural China and why certain areas are bound by eco and ethical concern. It's a topic as a consumer and fashion student that I feel very strongly about and it always brings debate when talking about Primark especially. To those that shun the company though for the standards that production workers endure, I feel that we should take note and look at other high street stores and how their products are also produced. Primark aren't the only ones and as a budget chain, they seem to receive the hardest criticism.

Despite the name they may have made for themselves in terms of production, the company continue to provide many of us with their thrifty fashion forward clothing and accessories at budget prices and this continues with their Autumn/Winter 2013 collection. The latest collection is formed around the grunge look- a continuation of the 90s Nirvana style currently being seen left, right and centre in Spring/Summer collections from designers such as Phillip Lim and Dries Van Noten. 

Priced between £6-£30, it's certainly a collection that will fulfill the demands of any clothing budget. Here are my favourites from the collection: 

Uber cute pinafore dress! This could be worn all year round and I could see it being worn with....

This pastel knitted jumper! The colour combination works so well and teamed with woolly tights it could provide such a lovely winter outfit.

SHOES SHOES SHOES. Can never have too many! I'm loving the black and cream strapped flats at the bottom left & right.

MORE SHOES! These move away from the grunge look that the main collection targets but they would go with any outfit and are perfect for any season.

Pastel tones have been the lovechild of my summer thus far and these pieces send me Topshop Unique vibes seen in their own AW collection. I love!

Front view of the coat above left. Look at that collar and the fit looks absolutely amazing. This may just have to be my new Winter coat!

Tartan- a pattern notorious for its part in grunge inspired clothing. 

These Paisley trousers (£16) are seriously cool. Forever 21 are also currently selling a similar pair slightly cheaper than Primark but I think this whole outfit works extremely well together.

This contrast top would also work well with the denim pinafore dress and is a striking addition to the collection.

What do you think about Primark's upcoming collection? I think it's fantastic value for money for any budget and there are some key pieces which can be recycled into other seasons.