I'm Wearing... Zara Cropped Palazzo Pants, Top With Knotted Back & Birkenstocks

It's been a while - I've been super busy recently so apologies for the lack of posts! Now the weather has brightened up I have finally made the transition from black to white. It was hard at first, but Zara made it slightly easier. I was looking for a pair of light coloured culottes similar to these Proenza Schouler Pleated Crepe Culottes so I was very very happy when I came across these Zara Cropped Palazzo Pants - They are so comfortable and flowy and I love the pleated design on the front. I paired the culottes with a cropped top with knotted back (also from Zara). Not usually a fan of backless clothing but I really like the shape of this top, it just falls and clings at the right places. 

I'm also wearing a pair of all black leather Birkenstocks, which I found on eBay and my Céline Trapeze.

Are you a fan of the all white look? 

Spring/Summer 2014 Jacket Trend: The Bomber Jacket

Still looking for that versatile summer jacket that will see you through this season without compromising your style? Look no further - the bomber jacket is this season's must have and there are plenty of styles and cuts to choose from. From classic styles as seen at Acne Studios, to a cropped fit, as seen at Damir Domar. Sports Luxe, heavy embellishment, sheer details and floral embroidery were all seen at the SS14 shows. 

On the high-street, Zara (as usual) offer minimal light-wear designs in whites and earthy tones and if you are looking for a more traditional style, ASOS sell a variety of Schott NYC Bombers which definitely tick the Sports Luxe and casual boxes.

Have you found the perfect jacket for spring/summer?  

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

This Zara Studio Dress With Pockets is the latest addition to my 'spring' wardrobe. I love the fit and laser-cut detail. It's also a light neoprene fabric, so it holds shape without being too boxy. This one will definitely be making a few appearances this summer!

May Trend Report

May consists of; crisp white shirts, pastel blue, laser-cut details, statement belts, smooth leather and minimal shapes, more slides, cK, all-white sneakers, simple silver jewellery. 

(J.W.Anderson Draped Striped Stretch-Jersey Top, Zara Studio Zip Dress, Nomia Midi Pleated Skirt, Whistles Maddy Double Band Poolslide, COS Rounded Leather Bag, 3.1 Phillip Lim Laser-Cut Crepe Shorts, Calvin Klein Underwear, 3.1 Phillip Lim Black Wednesday Flap Shoulder Bag, Acne studios Manon Belt, Acne Studios Corinne Silver Bracelet, Feit Handsewn Leather Low Sneakers) 

I'm Wearing... Adidas Originals Superstar II

Another Sunday outfit of mine consisting of loose-fitted trousers, a fine-knit top, a masculine coat and my new Adidas Originals Superstar II sneakers. Nostalgia in the form of a pair of shoes - I had a pair of these Superstars about 10 years ago when I thought I was really cool and attempted to start my dream as a Hip Hop backup dancer in a group called 'Street Angels'. Safe to say I won't be two steppin' in these shelltoes...

Trousers, Top and Coat - All Zara (Getting a bit predictable, right?)

April Trend Report

Slowly retuning to the comfort zone of a neutral palette - This month is about; Sport Luxe, Ribbed details, Culottes (firm place in recent monthly reports), Bermuda Shorts, Mules, Bulky Velcro Flats, Fine jewellery with the odd pearl, ASOS Dust Coat in all colours (can't go wrong with black though) & Geometric shaped bags. 

I'm hoping April will also consist of lots of sunshine and minimal rain - my camera is slowly gathering dust and my target of posting three times a week is very much becoming a pipe dream.

Three Spring/Summer 2014 Trends You Need To Try

SANDAL WITH STRAP.

Chic-o-pedic meets the 'ugly shoe' meets the T-bar meets femininity. There are just too many good sandals this year. Here are a few of my favourite sandals with straps.

(Zara Leather Bio Sandal With Thin Straps, Acne Studios Women's Milo Rubber Sandals, Isabel Marant Edris Butterfly Suede and Leather T-Bar Sandals, Celine Black Suede Kidskin Ghillie Sandal, Zara Leather Bio Sandal With Studs)

THE CROPPED TOP. 

The cropped top is a trend that never goes out-of-fashion. To carry off this trend tastefully, try a mid-cropped fit paired with a high-wasted skirt (as seen at Jil Sander) or a pair of loose fitting trousers. Here are my top picks, from tailored leathers to sport luxe.

(Rag & Bone Daytona Cropped Leather Halterneck Top, Jil Sander Cropped Basketweave Cotton Top, Zara Studio Top With Straps, Mango Cropped Top, Calvin Klein Collection Lenard Cropped Ribbed Wool-Blend Jersey Top, McQ Alexander McQueen Cropped Cotton-Blend Faille Top, Zara Studio Cropped Top) 

CULOTTES.

Wide leg culottes or Bermuda Shorts are the go-to trousers for  Spring/Summer 2014. From Leather to pleated crepe, this cropped length and loose fit is perfect for the summer heat.

(Yang Li Leather Culottes, Proenza Schouler Pleated Crepe Culottes, J.W. Anderson Crepe Wide-Leg Culottes, Victoria Beckham Cropped Wool Wide-Leg pants)

I'm Wearing... Mango Cropped Tuxedo Blazer and Mango Capri Palazzo Trousers

These Mango Capri Palazzo Trousers are a perfect example of the 'new-length' Culottes/Bermuda Short trend that is everywhere for Spring/Summer 2014. They are a great wardrobe staple which can be dressed up or down - Here I have paired them with this Mango Cropped Tuxedo Blazer and Zara Combination Silk Camisole. 

Spring/Summer 2014 Shoe Edit: The Mule

Step forward this Spring in a pair of mules. The backless mule has been re-invented this season; from block heel to stiletto, architectural shapes to the basic minimal form and from embellishments to smooth leather. 

Are you a fan of this season's must-have shoe?

I'm Wearing... Zara Combined Leather Sweatshirt & Zara Studio Straight Leg Trousers

The ultimate casual outfit has to be a sweatshirt, pair of loose-fitting trousers and birkenstocks. May not be the most flattering of outfits but oh so comfortable. 

(Zara Combined Leather sweatshirt, Zara Studio Straight Leg Trousers, Birkenstocks, H&M Multiple Rings)

March Trend Report

March consists of; exposed zips, slouched vs. structured, all white superstars, wide leg trousers, round sunglasses, multiple plain rings, pastel leathers & tied crops. 

(Zara Leather Overcoat With Pockets, Zara Studio Top With Cut-out Details, Rick Owens Crepe Playsuit, MPF - MariaFrancescaPepe Set of 5 Plain Rings, Whistles Cube Rings, Zara Clutch With Zips, Kara Bag, 1205 Cropped Seersucker Stretch-Wool Wide-Leg Pants, Adidas Superstars II, Zara Rubber Sunglasses) 

Céline A/W 2014/15 PFW

It's that time again, fashion week - And although I was planning on posting highlights of NYFW, LFW, MFW & PFW all in one mammoth trend report, I had to stop and post my review on Céline A/W 2014/15 show which took place in Paris today (and the fact that I am slightly obsessed with Philo's vision). 

Continuing down the route of femininity, which we saw in the Spring/Summer 14 collection, Phoebe Philo showcased a combination of knee-length flowing skirts (which revealed a contrasting colour when flapping down the runway), gingham, ribbed knit fitted dresses, dispersed embellishment, sheer details and even a 70s revival of matching knitted tunics over flared trousers. 

Oversized coats were present - large lapels, buttons slightly askew, full skirted, slouched shoulders, tied belts and plenty of textures (including frayed seams and ostrich feathers) and a palette that you would expect from Céline. Mink, mushroom, mud, ivory, toffee, navy, black and even a mustard hand-muff replaced a bag on the arm of a model.   

Footwear was on point. DMs inspired boots with contrasting stitching and a front zip (Ease is always important) and patent open-toe wedges - And if that's not enough, there was even a matching classic box bag!  

Once again, Pheobe Philo has managed to create a collection that is unpredictable yet works so well.

What did you think of the Céline A/W 2014/15 collection?

I'm Wearing... Zara Studio Masculine Coat

The latest addition to my forever-growing collection of coats is this Zara Masculine Studio Coat. Long silhouette, masculine details and oversized fit - I picked this coat up for less than half the price, how could I resist? 

I teamed this blue coat with an all black outfit (Zara High wasted leggings, Studio sheer top and Basic wedge boots). 

February Trend Report

February consists of; Structured funnel-necks, lace delicates, buckle belts on everything, metal bracelets, flashes of yellow, mules, geometrical handbags & Culottes.  

Ok, so I may have been optimistic whilst collating pieces for this month's Trend Report/Wish List, as it has been less than 12 hours since I saw snow falling outside - But, there are so many Spring/Summer pieces I couldn't help sharing with you!

(J.W. Anderson Funnel-neck crepe top, Fleur Of England Triangle Bra, Zara Neoprene Dress, Celine Cage Plate Cuff in Enamel Brass , Fendi Mini Be Baguette Bag, Chloe Embellished Neoprene Slides, Zara Skinny Trousers With Belt, Celine Geometrical Handbag (One Handle) in calfskin, Zara Leather High Heel Mules, Adam Lippes Leather Culottes) 

I'm Wearing... Zara Pleated Midi Skirt

One of the key trends for Spring/Summer 2014 are pleats, so I thought I'd give it a go with this Zara Pleated Midi Skirt. Versatile and effortless, this pleated skirt will add texture to a basic outfit. Worn with a pair of Birkenstocks, Zara Crop T-Shirt and H&M rings -casual with a touch of femininity. 

Spring/Summer 2014 Trend Report; Pleats, Sheer Details & The Art Of Fashion

 Pleats are in this season and may even be the skirt of Spring/Summer 2014. Metallics, chiffons, silk and sheers, this modern take on the 'librarian skirt' is easy-to-wear and the light-weight fluidity makes it perfect for those tropical summer days. 

(Proenza Schouler Color Block Skirt, Christopher Kane Pleated Midi Skirt, J.W. Anderson Pleated Denim Skirt, Zara Asymmetric Two-Tone Pleated Skirt)

 

Another trend for Spring/Summer 2014 is the 'Sheer' Trend. Anything sheer will work; tops, shirts, details, skirts. However, this trend comes with a caution - Too much sheer is a no-go and one must be careful not to over-expose. A great way to wear the sheer trend (whilst protecting your modesty) is to layer different lengths or choosing pieces with sheer panels.

(Avelon Primal Shirt, Joseph Alex Silk-Voile And Crepe Top, Dion Lee Zip-Trimmed Silk-Georgette Pencil Skirt, Zara Striped Poplin Organza Top) 

'The Art Of Fashion' trend had a huge presence at the Spring/Summer 2014 fashion shows, with the likes of Chanel, Celine and Prada showcasing their creative and bold designs (Click here to read my review of the Celine SS14 show). This trend is not for everyone and could easily turn into a fashion disaster if not worn right. I'm looking forward to seeing how the high-street interpret this trend - Zara already have a few pieces available.

(EACH X OTHER Red and Black Hand Painted Leather Jacket, Cedric Charlier Printed Georgette Dress,Zara Printed Asymmetric Skirt, Cedric Charlier Printed Stretch-Cotton Sweatshirt)

I'm Wearing... Zara Studio Double Buckle Trousers & GAP Wool Car Coat

I had been on the search for an oversized camel coat for a while when I came across this GAP Wool Car Coat last week. The shape is masculine without being too boxy and the colour makes a change from the usual black attire I wear day to day. I teamed this coat with a pair of Zara Studio Double Buckle Trousers and Kate Bosworth for Topshop Leather T-shirt. I love these double buckle trousers, kind of reminds me of the Celine Spring 2014 RTW collection! 

Spring/Summer 2014 Shoe Edit - Slides

An undeniable trend for Spring/Summer 2014 is the slide. Whether it is the classic Birkenstock or a pair of Nike Benassi Slides; slides are next season's big thing (again). Last year we saw the fur-lined Birkenstock-style sandal from Celine (which subsequently drove thousands of fashion bloggers to run out and purchase a pair of Birks at a fraction of the price) but this year it's all about earthy tones, blacks, minimal lines, masculine styles, bulky shapes, velcro and single/double/cross bands.

Marni have a huge collection of 'Pool shoes' which include different leathers, PVC, metallics, embellishments, tassels, the list goes on... On the high-street, Zara have a basic black slide which will go with just about anything and online Senso have a wide range of footwear to choose from. 

Will you be buying a pair of slides this Spring/Summer? Or will you leave this trend by the pool-side?

(From Top to Bottom: Senso 'Iggy' Black Grained Kid, Robert Clergerie 'Calibal' Sandal, Marni Runway Fussbett in PVC and Calfskin, Givenchy Mens Sandals, Givenchy Leather and Vinyl Sandal, Marni Fussbett in Light, Lux Pony, Zara Sandals With Straps, Ann Demeulemeester Soft Leather, Isabel Marant Holden Leather Slides, Senso Ida V Black Pony, Senso Ida I White Printed Croc, Celine Double Band Sandal in Patent Calfskin Beige)

January Trend Report

Here we are, January 2014. This month is about Ankle-length silhouettes, high-wasted buckles, anything leather, earth-tones and gold, navy and black, loose-fit tailoring, Saint Laurent's Lulu bag and minimalistic necklaces.

(Haider Ackermann Women's Bradford Coat in Olive, Whistles Zip Neck Chunky Knit, Givenchy White Stretch-Cady Blazer, Brooke Gregson 14-Karat Rose Gold Necklace, Haider Ackermann Lux Leather Boots, Larsson & Jennings Gold Chain Metal Watch, Saint Laurent Lulu Small Leather Shoulder Bag, Zara Frilly Faux Leather Skirt, Whistles Limited Margaux Crossover Shoe, Zara Studio Double Buckle Trousers)    

Hope everyone had a great New Year! My 'New Year's Resolution' is to continue sharing my interest in fashion & styling and post on a more-regular basis!

Thank you to everyone who took time to read my blog in 2013 - Much appreciated.