The Bomber Jacket: Embroidery vs. Graphic Stripes

Bomber Jacket//Zara
Dress//Zara
T-shirt//River Island
Shoes//River Island

If you're sick of bomber jackets taking over high-street stores you're not in for much luck for Autumn/Winter, as the trend is well and truly sticking around. Personally, I am obsessed with collecting bomber jackets - it's kind of a problem - and this is the latest addition to my wardrobe. Although, I do agree it becomes repetitive seeing the same (or similar) items across various high-street stores so I tend to purchase versions that are a bit different. What I like about this Zara version is the juxtaposition of beautiful floral embroidery with harsh, graphic lines and by combining this with a contrasting striped dress it creates a quirkier look!

So what's in store for A/W 16? Very much like the example above, the catwalks showed signs of mixing femininity with more masculine urban/military looks. Also, with the rise of the puffer jacket, quilted bomber jackets will start to come through. But if you don't fancy forking out money for a new version, take a leaf out of Balenciaga's book and zip down your bomber jacket to create a cool off-the-shoulder neckline. 

Denim Delight

You're scrolling through Asos; something catches your eye; you're about to add it to your basket, and boom, it's sold out. I know that feeling of disappointment oh too well (speaking like a true online shopping addict). 

This time, I was in luck, as this denim dress came back into stock and better yet it was in the sale - bonus! 

It may seem a bit obvious but denim is a key trend for Spring, from Burberry to Stella McCartney, designers were determined to put their own spin on our most-loved fabric. Work the trend in a simple, denim tunic teamed with a nautical polo neck for modern seventies vibes. 

Contrasting striped socks add a touch of character with a silky bomber jacket for those chilly London mornings. Complete the seventies revival with a floppy hat and suede tassel shoes, and of course, a bargain bag from the M&S sale! 

Denim Dress//Asos
Striped Polo Neck//Asos
Navy Bomber Jacket//Monki
Socks//Topshop
Shoes//Primark
Hat//H&M
Bag//M&S

Trend Alert: Stripes

So what's my favourite trend at the moment? The stripe. I am absolutely obsessed with the stripe trend, particularly the vertical stripe - they're simple, slimming and perfect for making your legs look longer (which I desperately need).  

With the focus now on Spring, the stripe is set to define the approaching season. From the traditional nautical stripe to bright and bold rainbow stripes, this pattern is truly taking over the catwalks. 

(Taken from Marni.com)

Taken from Emilio Pucci)

(Taken from 3.1 Phillip Lim)

As always, the high street has not disappointed with an array of streamlined stripes to choose from. One of my favourite items are these vertically striped trousers from Topshop - I instantly fell in love. I feel these subtly striped trousers are a perfect way to ease into the trend if the bold rainbow colours are a bit too scary at first. I also managed to pick up this beautiful silky bomber jacket from Monki which went perfectly with the navy and white stripes. 

In terms of colour trends, the classic black and white/monochrome combo is being overshadowed by its younger, trendier sister - blue and white. So why not hit two birds (or two trends) with one stone? 

Nautical Notion

I've been meaning to blog about this particular item for a while but I've never found the time until now, so here it is...my favourite dress at the moment! 

Day Look
Dress - Topshop
Shoes & Bag- River Island
Jacket - Zara

Night Look
Dress - Topshop
Clutch - Accessorize
Shoes - Asos

While I was in London in February I visited the Topshop flagship store and considering it is a 90,000 square foot store filled with clothes there was no way I was leaving empty handed! This was one of my purchases, an A-line striped dress from the petite section which has quickly become one of my favourite dresses in my wardrobe. The reason for this is that I love the fit and shape of the dress but also the feel of the satin fabric and how it can easily be worn either dressed up or down.

About a month later I spotted a picture of Beyonce wearing the same dress while out in London. Being a massive fan of Beyonce I was excited just to own a piece of clothing that she has worn or has in her wardrobe but it also shows that even celebs are fans of the high street. At £70 I think this dress is definitely worth the money, but unfortunately it sold out really quickly online so I'm glad I purchased it when I did, even if I did come back from London spending way more than I had planned...