LFW/MFW: Hair Edit

Ok, so I know Fashion month is mainly about the clothes but recently I have been obsessing over my hair - trying new hairstyles, getting it dyed for the first time in my life (better late than never right?) and just generally wanting to jazz it up a bit - with LFW/MFW being the perfect inspiration. 

You probably know as well as I do that those early mornings can be a real struggle when it comes to actually making an effort with your hair. Most of the time I just feel like rolling out of bed and turning up to work with my hair well... looking like I just got out of bed and went to work. So, I'm sure you'll all be pleased to know that at LFW Holly Fulton brought back the bed head in a fresh way sending models down the runway with their hair jujjed (how do you spell that?!) up at the back. Shortly after, Alexa Chung posted an instagram photo showing off her new bed head look - if it's good enough for Alexa, it's good enough for me!

After many attempts I've finally managed to master my french braid pigtails and I'm kind of looking for a new challenge. When I saw these graphic pigtails sported by the models at Marni, I instantly fell in love. Sometimes, when I wear my hair in pigtails/plaits I feel I look a tad childish but I like how this achieves a sleek, grown up look and is relatively easy to replicate!

What were your favourite looks from the London and Milan fashion weeks? 

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

Clashing Textures

Whoever said you appreciate the weekends more when working full time - yes, you were right. I try to make the most of every weekend I have in London since I'm only here for three months and this weekend was no different. After a trip to Choccywoccydoodah, and an embarrassing fall down the stairs landing in one of their cakes (don't ask), we stopped for some quick photos in this cute cobbled street.

Dungarees//Missguided
Shirt//New Look
Bomber Jacket//Mango
Boots//Primark
Necklace//New Look

Cords may remind you of an old-fashioned fabric mainly worn by the older generation - sorry Grandad - but I love how these cord dungarees from Missguided take a fresh spin on the fabric, paired with a floral quilted bomber jacket to create the perfect clash of textures and balanced by a crisp white shirt. 

LFW: Street Style

During my internship here in  London, I was given the opportunity to visit Somerset House during London Fashion Week and take some street style photos. At first this was very daunting as I'm not the most experienced photographer and after years of catching up with London Fashion Week through online sources, it was surreal actually being able to be there in real life. 

However, I managed, even with my camera playing up, to capture some of my favourite moments straight from the cobbles of Somerset House. And so, I would encourage anyone who is wary about capturing street style to go for it, as I had no experience whatsoever and even when my camera couldn't achieve the classic blurred background effect, with a little bit of Photoshop tutorials I think I might have just pulled it off! 

Culottes are back with a vengeance and have quickly become a must-have silhouette! Accessorise classic black culottes with studded accessories and fringing details to keep the look on trend for this season. 

Teaming less structured culottes with heels helps to elongate the legs while adding a tailored blazer balances out the look. The casual graphic print sweatshirt paired with a crisp white shirt creates a chic day to night look!

Forget '50 Shades of Grey', we're talking multiple shades of blue! On the streets of London Fashion Week we saw the classic black and white couple being replaced by a younger, fresher look - blue and white. 

I love the combination of colours and textures worn by Phoebe Lettice (former Made In Chelsea character) with harsh metallic balanced by soft, faux fur. 

This bold combination of primary hues reflects the colour trends for Spring, with colour-blocking and brave clashing combo's taking over this season. 

Model Charlotte De Carle, goes for an adrogynous look contrasting a feminine blouse with a boxy dress and tailored blazer. The striped monochrome socks and casual snapback achieve that on-trend sporty feel. 

Tailored layers and minimalist grey hues complete with a structured hat creates a cool, edgy look. This is one of my favourite looks - I've developed a love for minimalism and a classic black, white and grey colour palette! 

Seventies vibes were lingering at LFW, with bold patterns and a touch of suede creating the perfect retro look!

As a major Made In Chelsea fan (not even embarrassed to admit it), I was excited to capture Rosie in a beautiful Ralph Lauren embroidered dress. I love how she's paired it with knee-high boots and a clashing textured bag!

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!

Sporting Spirit

Crop Top - Zara
Trousers - Topshop
Shoes - Asos (Kurt Geiger)
Necklace - River Island
Bag - Asos

Another week, another impulse purchase... this time it was a crop top from Zara that caught my eye. It kind of reminded me of a basketball top, which I love, and with the sporty trend continuing in to Spring/Summer I thought I would give it a try.

Being a shopping addict, once I had the top I had to go buy other items to make an outfit and thought these floral joggers would be perfect. These have quickly become a favourite of mine because they're super comfy and I still feel like people aren't judging me for being a fashion student and throwing on joggers to uni... 

The shoes are actually a bit of high street inspiration as I've seen this style of shoes everywhere at the moment. They have multiple different versions on Asos in different patterns and I've also spotted this pair in Topshop (£10 cheaper than I paid from Asos - so annoying!). But anyway, they are really comfy and I will definitely get some use out of these as we move into Spring/Summer. 

Lastly, before I go, if anyone else is loving the sports trend you might be excited to hear about the Topshop and Adidas Originals collaboration which is soon to be launched in stores on 20th March! The 20 piece collection is said to be feminine but still wearable for both fashion and performance. I've seen a few sneak peeks on the Topshop and Adidas Instagram and Elle have also mentioned it in their latest edition where you can see a few more pictures. Personally, I think it looks amazing and hopefully I won't be disappointed!

Elle
April 2014

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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