Stripe Trend: Take Two!

Vertical stripes - they're slimming, they elongate your legs and they're on-trend. What more could a 5ft 3 fashion lover ask for? Well actually, maybe a washing machine that doesn't shrink your trousers.

Stripes were a key pattern spotted on the Spring/Summer 2015 catwalks from the likes of Uma Wang and Balmain, inspiring me to give the trend a go. After hours of searching online I found a pair of chic, sleek trousers from Topshop and I thought it was a match made in heaven, but it wasn't meant to be when they shrunk in the wash (Read more here). Even worse, when I went to buy a new pair they were all sold out! (heartbroken </3). Not one to be defeated, I found an alternative pair from Forever 21. 

Pairing with a minimal white polo neck and classic tailored blazer will avoid clashes with the bold, nautical print allowing them to be the main focus of the outfit. Changing from a pair of flats for work into these simple black heeled sandals, carries the look seamlessly from day to night.

White polo neck//Asos
Blazer//Boohoo
Trousers//Forever21
Shoes//Forever21
Bag//Autograph at M&S

The Bargain Blossom Blazer

As much as I hate to say it, Summer is coming to an end (cry) and as a result the shops are filled with sales as they launch their new Autumn/Winter collections. However, it does mean that you can pick up a few bargains which is always a good thing!

 

 

 

 

Blazer//Zara
Cami Top//New Look
Skirt//Missguided
Clutch//Accessorize
Shoes//Oh My Love

I picked up this lovely Zara blazer in their Summer sale and I love it! The delicate pattern is perfect for wearing with jeans or dressing up for cocktails. Being a skint student, when I buy items I like to know that I will get good use out of them. So for example, even though it will be getting colder, florals can still be brought through into the next season. Also, zip detailing was used frequently in dresses, skirts and jackets by the likes of Christian Dior and Jean Paul Gautier - so again the zips on the sides of the blazer can carry through into Autumn/Winter.

 

Hope everyone is enjoying what's left of their Summer!

 

 

Think Pink

"You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take."

Sorry for the cheesy quote, but recently I decided that it was time to put myself out there and find a new job that actually relates to what I want to do in the future. Luckily, it paid off and I am now a visual stylist/visual merchandiser at M&S - loving it so far! 

Along with the new job I also got a new discount card, which I think my mum was more excited about than me. However, I was actually really surprised at how much of the clothes I ended up lusting after - my first purchase being a beautiful white long line blazer! 

Blazer//M&S
Top//Topshop
Jeans//Zara
Shoes//My1stWish
Clutch//Boohoo
Necklace//New Look

Lately my wardrobe has been full of this powder pink, which along with white, is one of my favourite colours for the Summer. It's also good for enhancing a tan... always a plus. Being only 5ft 2 I love these chunky heels from My 1st Wish who offer a range of shoes at a reasonable price - definitely worth a look! Even though this blazer was a little expensive I felt it was worth it for the tailored fit and it also goes with a lot of different outfits so I feel like I'm getting my moneys worth!

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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