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

Trend Alert: The Shirt Dress

And breathe....... It's been a very busy, stress-filled few months and I've finally managed to get back to the blogging. It's a new year which means new trends, and if like me, you are bored of the sales and just want the best of the new season goodies - keep on reading! 

With my placement coming up in London I've been looking for some practical, but still fashionable, clothes that I can pack in my suitcase (or suitcases...) and the shirt dress definitely fits the bill. 

With appearances in the likes of Altuzarra and Charlotte Ronson's Spring 2015 collections (see below), it's set to be a style staple for Spring.

(Taken from charlotteronson.com)

(Taken from altuzarra.com)

So what does the high street have to offer? 

One of my favourite picks is from Missguided, with the paisley-type pattern being a perfect transition into Spring/Summer and can be easily worn with tights or leather look trousers/leggings then bare legs when it gets a bit warmer. You can also see some more of my high street highlights below!

Shirt Dress//Missguided
Leather jacket//River Island
Boots//Primark
Bowler Hat//Forever 21

Left to right: River Island, Boohoo, New Look, Monki and Daisy Street.

p.s. Take a look at my pinterest for more inspiration on this trend!

New Year, New Trends.

It's still Winter, and unfortunately it's still cold, but to cheer myself up I am already looking towards the Spring trends of 2014. Since I'm a student and I have a slight shopping addiction (major understatement) I try to make smart purchases which I know I can style in different ways or can fit in with various trends around at the moment. In this post I thought it would be cool to show you my latest purchases and why I think they will be perfect for the emerging 2014 trends! 

Bomber Jackets & Florals

Bowler Hat - Forever 21
Jacket - Mango
Mom Jeans - Pretty Little Thing
Crop Top - Asos
Necklace - River Island
Brogues - New Look

As I'm too lazy to face the boxing day sales I usually just have a quick scan of the shops online, one of my purchases being this lovely bomber jacket from Mango. Luckily I noticed that bomber jackets are emerging as a trend for Spring 2014, as the perfect light jacket when it hopefully begins to get a bit warmer. The pattern also fits in with the bold floral trend appearing this season!

Long Skirts & Sheer 

Top - Topshop
Skirt - Boohoo
Shoes - Fashion Union
Bag - Bershka
Necklace - River Island

One of my favourite looks that I've seen recently is the use of sheer, which is basically see-through areas of fabric on tops, skirts and so on. I actually purchased this top before Christmas but I've gradually seen this similar idea popping up in various shops and I love it! The shape of this top is also interesting as 'shift blouses' are going to be big this season where the sleeves tend to be slightly longer and almost like a boxy shape. I've worn this with a long skirt as this is again an emerging look for Spring - this is more of a maxi skirt with a split because it's the only type I can get off with being so short - but the long skirt trend tends to be more pleated skirts.

For more information and images of Spring trends you can visit my pinterest page through the link below!

http://www.pinterest.com/julsb94/trends-2014/

Julia

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