How To Wear: Tailoring

Cigarette Trousers - Topshop
Shirt - New Look
Necklace - New Look
Shoes - Boohoo
Blazer - H&M

Since I've been back at University for a while now, I thought it was probably time to get out of the lazy student routine and attempt to get myself organised with coursework - the fun begins. For one of my presentations we were asked to dress in a way which was smart but casual, and like a typical fashion student, I instantly thought of what I was going to wear rather than the coursework itself. 

Recently when searching through a Topshop online sale (couldn't resist) I found these amazing cigarette trousers reduced to only £20 and thought they would be perfect to wear for my presentation. So with these trousers as my base, I've built an outfit around them which hopefully gives that 'smart yet casual' look. 

I've tried to create an androgynous look here by keeping it tailored with the cigarette trousers and shirt, but adding a feminine touch with the floral pattern. Adding barely there heels keeps it smart but again gives that feminine touch. Keeping it simple with a gold necklace avoids overpowering the bold pattern and strong tailoring. Finally, a tailored blazer finishes off the look for those chilly Scottish winds.

Hope you guys like it!

Julia

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How To Wear: Tartan

Top, Skirt and Rucksack - Asos
Patent Shoes - River Island
Gold Chain - River Island
Leather Jacket - River Island 

As you have probably all noticed Tartan is a key trend this Autumn/Winter. The brightly coloured checks have gained pride of place in my wardrobe as I am in love with anything tartan, plaid or checked - maybe a slight bit of patriotism involved here. 

I first fell in love with this skirt on Asos due to the mix of colours with the different reds, navy and sublte hints of white and yellow. I teamed this with a plain high-neck, long sleeved white top as I didn't want to draw too much attention away from my bold skirt! I also embraced the slight St. Trinian's look I had going on, adding a cute rose cut-out rucksack. The punk/90's grunge trend is another one of my favourites around at the moment - the leather jacket, chain and patent shoes signifying this and bringing the outfit together. 

Hope you guys like this look. Would be interested to see how everyone else is wearing their tartan items - feel free to comment as always!

Julia

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How To Wear: Oriental

Today I'm pretty excited because I'm going to be starting a new ten post project as part of my coursework for University. In our Fashion Communication module we were asked to start our own blog, which luckily, I had already done! However, we are being marked based on a series of ten posts so I have decided to begin a special theme which will feature different items, trends, clothing and how I would wear them - starting now!

Jumper - Zara
Maxi Skirt - Boohoo
Gold Chain - River Island
Chelsea Boots - Fashion Union
Gold Ring - Primark

Recently I purchased this beautiful jumper from Zara which I am obsessed with! I was first drawn by the pattern and the blend of colours which I think has a subtle oriental feel to it. As Zara are the masters of fast fashion, they are of course up-to-date with the latest trends - the blossoming oriental trend is no exception. 

Personally, I love how the feminine floral pattern has been clashed with the more harsh capitals of the slogan "Off Duty". To mimic this, I have paired it with a long maxi skirt, continuing the feminine theme, but toughened it up with the gold chain, side split and chelsea boots. 

For further inspiration on how to create an oriental-inspired look, visit my pinterest board which can be viewed by clicking here. 

How would you wear the oriental trend?

Feel free to comment...

Julia

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Hidden Gems

What was once seen as a home for bric-a-brac, jumble and unwanted clutter, usually visited by the older generations, has now become a treasure chest full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered by the fashion savvy youth. With the rise in popularity of vintage and retro fashion, the charity shops are experiencing the benefits as more people are changing their views and getting involved in the charity shop craze. 

During my first year studying Fashion Management we were asked to create an outfit using charity shop finds with a budget of only £10. This opened my eyes to the treasures of the charity shops and I was shocked to discover that a fashionable outfit could be easily created. 

The shirt we used in the outfit above was found in the Charity Shop Shelter in Aberdeen. I love this shirt because it has a vintage feel to it but I feel like it has a lot more personality than anything you can buy in a standard retail store! 

Recently I began volunteering in one of the Sue Ryder charity shops in Aberdeen where I was asked to dress the front window (picture above). The shirt above I took from their 'Vintage Section' and teamed it with a plaid skirt. The added details of the belt, scarf and old broach add some quirkiness to the outfit! I also love the clutch bag which was actually from Vero Moda - Bargain!

Tips for finding hidden gems...

1. Don't be afraid to get stuck in and have a rake. Charity shops are not like retail stores where everything is neatly presented for your convenience! If you're going to find something interesting you need to be prepared to search for it. 

2. Don't give up! You might not find something on your first trip but new things are donated all the time so keep returning and you will have more chance of finding something you like. 

3. It's all about the styling - you might see an item which at first you aren't sure about but with some clever styling you can bring a vintage item into the 21st century. 

Hopefully this will have convinced you to change your perception on the charity shop and maybe even take a quick look the next time you walk past!

Julia

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Braid it up!

The plait/braid has always been a classic hairstyle, creating a neat, knotted, effortless look! As far as I can remember the plait was a favourite of my childhood hairstyles - every school photo featuring the perfectly plaited look. More recently, it has gone from gracing the school playgrounds to becoming a serious fashion trend. After months of skipping hair cuts, I have finally managed to grow my hair long enough to attempt this style and I have definitely fallen in love with this quick, easy and effortless look!

The best way to attempt this style is to follow a tutorial/video which takes you through step by step. It took me a couple of practises as it can be a bit more tricky than a classic plait! These youtube tutorials below are very helpful so I would recommend taking a look...

• LuxyHair Tutorial (click here)
• Imogen Foxy Locks Tutorial (click here)

Photo 1

After mastering the fishtail braid I got a little more adventurous creating a new hairstyle inspired by another YouTube tutorial. This plait creates the effect of  a cage around your ponytail which I thought was a bit different and eye-catching. I first started off with a basic ponytail, covering the hair band by rapping a piece of my hair around it (as seen in photo 1).  

A tutorial on how to create this look can be found here...

• Lilith Moon tutorial (click here)

Braids can be a bit tricky but keep practising and you can create something cool and interesting. Have fun! 

If you tried any of the above or have any other styles for me to try then feel free to comment below!

Julia

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Pretty Little Playsuit

“Reinvent new combinations of what you already own. Improvise. Become more creative. Not because you have to, but because you want to. Evolution is the secret for the next step.” 

- Karl Lagerfeld



Recently I came across this interesting quote from designer, artist and photographer Karl Lagerfeld. This has been my inspiration for my latest blog post as I think it almost provides a solution for a problem faced by all women (or men) - constantly feeling we need to buy a new outfit instead of making the most of what we already have. Before you splash your cash on a brand new outfit why not work with an item you already have, mixing different items for different day/nightime looks?

To illustrate this I have created different looks with a new playsuit which I purchased from Oh My Love, (a brand previously mentioned in my blog) available from Topshop and their own independent website (click here).

Faux Fur Jacket - H&M
Floral Playsuit - Oh My Love
Belt - New Look
Necklace - New Look
Shoes - Oh My Love
 



Firstly, what I love about playsuits is that they are so versatile. They can be worn as a comfy outfit through the day but also dressed up to wear for a night out!

This first outfit I would wear as a night look as the faux fur jacket and heels allow it to look more sophisticated and dressed up for a night out.

Leather Jacket - River Island
Gold Chain Necklace - River Island
Belt - Asos
Shoes - Fashion Union
Frilly Socks - Topshop

This alternative has more of an edgy/punk feel with a leather jacket rather than the more sophisticated faux fur. By adding different accessories such as a gold chain and a cross belt, it creates a completely different look along with the chunkier boots and frilly socks - but using the exact same playsuit. 

Boyfriend Blazer - New Look
Necklace - Primark
Boots - Primark
Belt - New Look
Bag - New Look 

This third option is more of a daytime look - adding a boyfriend blazer allows the outfit to appear more causal, along with the boots which are more comfortable for wearing through the day. A satchel bag is more relaxed for through the day as opposed to a clutch bag which could be worn with one of the previous looks. 

So that's three different looks all based on one playsuit but styled differently! Maybe before you consider buying something new you can mix and match items you already have...

Julia 

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