I'm Wearing... Zara Cowl Neck Rib-Knit Sweater & Nike Benassi Slides

So I finally gave in and bought a pair of Nike Benassi Slides. Seeing Freja Beha Erichsen wearing a pair inthis editorial for Vogue UK definitely confirmed my need for them and I can safely say they will be added to my growing collection of ugly flats - I blame Celine! This Cross Flat Sandal is beautiful and I'm hoping that the high-street will be stocking similar styles this Spring.

I am also wearing a Zara Cowl Neck Rib-Knit Sweater and Zara Jeans (naturally). Got a new lens for my camera, hence all the detail shots and 'crazy' angles. 

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year! 

Three Trends You Need To Try This Season: The Slip-On Sneaker, The 'Teddy Bear' Coat & The Slip Dress

Autumn/Winter's answer to the Birkenstock. The Slip-on sneaker is comfortable, easy and wearable with just about anything. Celine's Slip-on sneaker (inspired by the original Vans footwear) became popular amongst fashion bloggers this year and has since sparked an increase of slip-ons being sold everywhere. Even Vans Classic Checkerboard Trainers (which I haven't worn since 2005) are returning to the scene and can be seen on various streetstyle blogs. With an endless choice of leathers, skins, colours and patterns, you are guaranteed to find a sneaker which will carry you through into the new year! Whistles Lena Slip-On Trainer has to be one of my favourites and comes in a dusty pink or a black and white patterned calf hair - perfect!

The 'Teddy Bear' Coat trend has taken off with the likes of Carine Roitfeld and Kim K wearing Max Mara's Carrara Coat - which has now become one of this Season's Must-have items. Topshop and Zara are selling similar coats but with an affordable price tag - However, you cannot beat the over-sized fit, large masculine lapels and subtle cocoon shape (not to mention a soft mix of alpaca and mohair) of Max Mara's now iconic coat.  

One of my favourite trends this season is the slip dress (or lingerie-style dress). The combination of the spaghetti strap, lace trim and silky material makes this dress a sexy yet understated piece that can be dressed up or down! I personally love the slip dress layered over knitwear to give a grungey take on the trend. Click Here to see how I wore this trend (yes, it's a dress folded into a top) contrasting a delicate lace trim with a heavy oversized coat. The slip dress was all over Louis Vuitton's A/W 2013 show and Zara have a wide range of lingerie-style dresses on offer here.

Which is your favourite?

Inspiration #2

I'm terrible when it comes to posting inspiration posts however I needed to share a few of my favourite editorials at the moment. Freja Beha Erichsen by Cass Bird for Vogue UK January 2014 & Edie Campbell photographed by Karim Sadli and styled by Joe McKenna for Vogue Paris November 2013. Both effortlessly styled.

Debating on whether to buy a pair of Nike slides for next year? Hmmm...

I'm Wearing... Zara Skirt With Belt

I recently wrote a post on some of this season's key trends, with the fluted skirt being one of them - so I went out and bought this Skirt With Belt from Zara. Being 5'3 I have to be careful when buying knee-length or midi skirts as I don't want to be swamped in fabric. But, I found this skirt to be both flattering in length and shape. The fabric is similar to a light neoprene-y/scuba material which means it holds the fluted shape well, even in the blustering winds!

I teamed this fluted skirt with ASOS Premium Textured Crop Top to create a Celine inspired outfit - feminine yet minimal.

Once again I would like to apologise for the lack of posts at the moment, the combination of being in a full-time job and living in a country that rarely gets a spot of sunshine has limited me - I'm hoping to post more regularly in the next couple of weeks though...

So, fluted skirt anyone? 

December Trend Report

December consists of navy, masculine trousers, woollen turtlenecks, pony-hair and leather fringe bags, taupe/stone/ecru boots, white silk, floating earrings, black neoprene and desaturated plaid/tartan. 

Moving slowly away from my comfort zone of black on black - Navy and greys are becoming staple colours in my wardrobe this season!

Whistles Anjelica Zip Back Boot is high on my list, not to mention that they are almost identical to the highly sought-after Céline boot. 

Also, does anyone know where I can buy a floating earring like Sophie Bille Brahe's 18-Karat gold diamond earring but costing a little less than £3,750.. like maybe under a tenner? I'm holding out for H&M or Zara to stock one in the near future!

Hoping to post up some outfit posts this month - to make up for the lack of posts last month...     

Autumn/Winter 2013 Beauty Edit - Derek Lam

I'm not one to experiment with make-up or write about beauty products, however I want to share one of my favourite looks for Autumn/Winter 2013.

Tom Pecheux, creative director of Estee Lauder, created a sexy yet understated look for Derek Lam's A/W 2013 show in New York earlier this year. The face is natural and fresh, eyelashes and brows kept untouched however the main focus is the lip. A deep wine hue (Estee Lauder Pure Colour Lip Lacquer in Electric Wine to be precise) is applied then dabbed and blended with a finger. Dark, velvety red, purple and brown hues are popular at this time of year and can really spruce up your winter look.

For the eyes, Pecheux created a ray of light effect in the centre of each eye lid using shades of sterling plum, steel lilac, and smoked chrome eyeshadow (depending on skin complexion). I used Estee lauder's Pure Colour Gelee EyeShadow in Cyber Silver to copy this look and once again used my finger to apply and to prevent flaking or harsh lines.

This look is a great way to wear the wine lip trend without looking over-the-top as the rest of the make-up is subtle and effortless!

Would you wear a wine lip? What's your favourite beauty look of the season?

Three Key Trends For Autumn/Winter 2013

The Midi Skirt has been huge all year, and there is a floaty twist when it 
comes to the midi this season. If the full skirt is too adventurous for you, the fluted midi skirt is a great alternative as it's very flattering and wearable. This trend was seen at Céline and Carolina Herrera and similar styles can be found at Zara and Topshop. I especially like the heavier wool fabrics as seen at Céline - try Zara's High Waist Skirt for this look (and extra warmth!)

It goes without saying that checks/tartan/plaid is everywhere this season. I'm on the fence when it comes to checked garments, however, I have grown to like the more muted hues of this trend. Stella McCartney springs to mind for the ultimate checked coat this season and Topshop's Pale Check V Front Coat and Zara's Checked Coat follow closely behind with their interpretations of this trend. 

One of my growing favourites has to be the over-knee boot. Obviously Stuart Weitzman leads with the timeless 50-50 collection which averages around £400 a pair. Kurt Geiger (Vanessa Boot shown above) offer a wide range of over-knee boots which are more affordable without compromising that much needed extra inches of leather. The over-knee boot in suede is a great way to wear this trend if you want a softer, more casual look - Love the 50-50 Over Knee Boot in black suede.

Would you wear any of these key trends?

For the perfect party dresses and accessories go the House of Fraser Party Shop!

I'm Wearing... MANGO Texture Wool-Blend Oversize Coat

It feels as if we have skipped Autumn and gone straight into Winter here in the UK. This Mango Texture wool-blend oversize coat is keeping me warm and snug without making me look like I am wearing a giant tent (it's also an affordable £44.99). Oversized Coats are one of the key trends this season with the likes of Max Mara, Celine and Stella McCartney. I love both the texture of this wool-blend coat and how the over-size shape does not drown my frame. 

I teamed this Mango coat with a Zara lingerie-style top and side-stripe joggers - really like the contrast between the heavy fabric of the coat and the delicate lace detail of the top.

Are you a fan of the oversize coat trend?

November Trend Report

Once again my choices for the monthly trend report are not very adventurous in the colour department, however I am still a strong believer of texture over colour! This month I will be channeling pinstripes, turtlenecks (Click Here for a few style steals), Leather jackets, smart trousers and totes, layers and silver detailing (Love those Pamela Love earrings.) 

(Stella McCartney Pinstripe Wool Turtleneck Sweater, Acne Form Boucle split-Front Midi Skirt, Theory Dalayan Leather Biker Jacket, Pamela Love Five Spike Stud Earrings, Zara Funnel Neck Striped Sweater, Jil Sander Leather Bowling Bag, Valentino Small leather Lock Should Bag, Mango Crepe Flowy Trousers, Fendi Pumps)

Would you choose any of my November picks? What trends will you be channeling this month? 

Style Steals - The Double-Breasted Coat, The Pinstripe and The Turtleneck

The Double-breasted coat is a classic coat and probably one of the most popular styles worn decade after decade. Sophisticated yet casual, the D-B Coat can be worn for any occasion and is definitely a wardrobe staple. In particular, the colour grey has stood out for me this season, as seen on Alexa Chung and Miranda Kerr. My Style Steal has to be ZARA's Double Breasted Wool Coat for a bargain £29.99, comes in four different colours; Grey Marl, Black, Navy blue & Moss Green (Already placed my order!). Another style pick is this Isabel Marant for H&M coat, a more masculine shape, which costs £99 (hits selected stores and online on 14/11).

Pinstripe suits and jumpers were all over Stella McCartney's A/W catwalk and has since flooded onto the racks of all high-street stores. Zara and Mango have provided us with some high-end inspired items which won't burn a hole in your pocket. I love Mango's Pinstripe Wool Cotton-Blend Sweater (a choice of Blue or Grey) which costs £39.99. My Style Steal will have to be this pinstripe blazer from H&M for £29.99! Even better, they are selling a matching pencil skirt for.. £14.99 - Hurry!

A personal favourite is the turtleneck; Versatile, practical and flattering. The turtleneck was seen at A/W FW shows including Celine and Mulberry - Everywhere is selling them. Click here to see me wearing this trend in a previous post. These tops are great for layering, try wearing a lace lingerie style dress over the top for a chic and romantic look! Vanessa Bruno's grey silk/alpaca mix turtleneck comes in at £242, but my Style Steal has to be ZARA's Turtle Neck Sweater which will only set you back £9.99. 

Have you found any Style Steals this season? Please share!

I'm Wearing... Zara Studio Dress With Zips

Please can someone recommend somewhere else for me to shop other than Zara? I trail through websites in search for clothing which is affordable yet on-trend and well-made, however I always find myself returning to my one reliable source that is Zara. It may sound as if I am complaining or dissatisfied but this is definitely not the case as I have fallen for this Zara Studio Dress With Zips - I'm just in the search for some new brands! 

I'm not usually one to a. wear dresses and b. show a lot of skin but this minimalistic cut with silver details has my approval. I teamed this piece with a Zara Navy blazer and a pair of Zara pointy slingbacks - might as well go all out!

I'd love to know your 'reliable source' of clothing, whether it's a high-street store or one particular brand?

Boot Trend Report A/W 2013/14

Round toe, block heeled leather ankle boots in shades of grey, blue, taupe and black are big this season, thanks to the likes of Céline and Jil Sander. Zara have been quick off the mark to stock some affordable alternatives which resemble these simple yet chic designs. My personal favourites are the Jil Sander Chunky-Heel Boot and the Zara Blue High Heel Ankle Boot. The minimalistic shape of these boots make them easily wearable with just about anything, they are definitely what I call 'an investment boot'.

           
'Kiss the boot of shiny, shiny leather', I can't help but hear Venus In Furs everytime I see a pair of patent leather boots. They are definitely a wardrobe-must that will carry you through those rainy autumn mornings and icy winter evenings. From chelsea flats to a sophisticated high-heeled boot, the choices are endless. I have been eyeing up these Jil Sander Leather Ankle Boots for a while now but with a hefty price-tag of £630 I am going to have to settle for an inspired version from Zara - not too bad for under £100!

What style of boot will you be investing in this A/W? 

I'm Wearing... Zara High Collar Studio Top

Apologies for the lack of photos recently, the weather in England this week has been wet and miserable. I managed to run outside between showers to take a few shots of my new Zara High Collar Studio Top which is conveniently warm with a high neck. Really liking the whole neoprene look at the moment and navy is a great alternative to black this season. 

I teamed this navy top with Zara black silk joggers and black ankle boots. 

Will you be wearing navy this Autumn/Winter?

A/W 2013 Coat Trend Report

Investing in a high-quality and classic coat is essential for my Winter wardrobe, especially in Britain when a coat needs to carry you through most seasons. This year I have taken a liking to the 'Neutral' trend; ecru, stone, beige, white and even pastel pink. I am also a fan of masculine shapes and large lapels, a timeless look.

I have gathered some of my favourite coats ranging from high street to high-end brands.(Obviously I managed to fit in some pieces from Céline yet again!)

L-R: Neil Barrett Felt Peacoat, Zara Masculine Studio Overcoat, Stella McCartney Oversized Two-tone Wool-blend Felt Coat, COS Wool Mohair Coat, Zara Double Breasted Coat, Céline Wool Silk Fil Coupe Coat, Céline Vanilla Washed Double Face Cashmere Coat

What coat will you be sporting this season?

This post was submitted for IFB Project #116: Coat of Many Colors

October Trend Report

October consists of; patent leather, high neck cropped tops, cut-out boots, clean lines, a pony skin cap and loafers, lace and straps, Ryan Storer, oversized coats and of course the Celine classic box bag. 

Doing my daily Zara checks this morning and was surprised to see myself being lured in by this season's TRF collection. I usually bypass TRF and go straight to Zara Woman (more chic less street) however I found these open ankle boots for £49.99 - the Wang effect without breaking the bank!

I know this Month's picks are lacking a splash of colour however I find texture and combining materials much more satisfying, either that or Louis Vuitton's SS14 show has subconsciously drawn me towards everything black... (Au revoir Marc)

(Whistles Patent Leather Top and Skirt, Helmut Lang Meta Long Open Coat, Zara Studio High Collar Top, Neil Barrett Pony Hair Cap, 3.1 Phillip Lim Quin Loafers, Carven Pencil Skirt, Celine Classic Box Bag, Zara TRF Open Ankle Boot, Zara Studio Mesh Dress)

TREND REPORT: CÉLINE SS14 RTW

After 5 years of minimalistic shapes and safe palettes, Phoebe philo has reinvented Céline once again by injecting bold colour and movement into it's SS14 RTW collection. 'Power to Women' Philo has described the new collection as and there is definitely a celebratory vibe in the choice of colours and fabrics. Wide brush strokes of contrasting shades of reds, yellows, greens, blues and black (reminiscent of abstract expressionist artwork) stood out to me, as did the chiffon pleated skirts and dresses (expect to see the highstreet flooded with copycat inspired pieces next year). 

Footwear ranged from 'Birkenstock-esque' sandals with gladiator straps lacing up the leg to leather sling-backs with buckles and perspex heels. Bags were a combination of leather and suede with structured metal handles and flowing tassels - not as refined as the infamous classic box bag (which is still on my wish-list).

Phoebe has definitely caught the attention of the fashion world with her loud and change-in-direction designs, however I have to admit, I am a fan of her minimalistic and some-what reserved collections; but then again, I shy away from colour! 

What are your reactions to the much anticipated Céline collection? 

I'm Wearing... Zara Combination Patchwork Jeans

Here I am dressed head to toe in Zara along with my trusty Celine Trapeze and MK watch. These Zara combination jeans are not the most flattering pair I have ever worn however I love the patchwork effect (almost reminiscent of that Isabel Marant patchwork shirt) and they are so soft and comfortable.

Fashion Means Business

Street Style is always inspiring. Even if a look isn't to your personal taste, there is always an aspect that you can take away with you; whether it is a garment, accessory, hairstyle or even a location. Seeing how an individual mixes and matches colour, print, material and shape to their look immediately grabs my attention. I could scroll and click through pages of Street Style inspiration for hours on end. 

For IFB Project #113: Street Style Inspiration I have collated photos of some of my favourite suit trends (I particularly love the white on white - timeless).

Image sources: Nobody Knows Marc, Vogue, Le 21eme, Street Peeper