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: 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? 

Great Lengths

I've gone to great lengths to find a maxi dress that would actually suit me and not make me look shorter (trust me it's very difficult) and finally I have found one which I am in love with. 

Personally at my height of 5 ft 2, I find it more flattering to have a split in the maxi dress which gives a flash of leg and prevents you from looking shorter. Or in a similar way, I have chosen a deep V-neck and a high waist which creates the same balance and illusion of having longer legs! 

Maxi Dress//Oh My Love
Clutch//Accessorize
Shoes//River Island

This particular maxi dress is from 'Oh My love', a favourite brand of mine, complete with a pretty feminine pattern and interesting back - perfect for my holiday to Tenerife! The shoes are another favourite, again they are a bit different with tie up laces which I think adds to the feminine look. 

Overall this has quickly become one of most loved items in my wardrobe and I hope it proves that even if you are not so lucky with your height you can still wear floor length maxi's!

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!

Topshop Temptation

So... the credit card is being used and abused once again. Recently I've been trying to stay away from the shops/online shopping in an attempt to save but all the Summer clothes are just too tempting! A prime example is this bodycon dress from topshop - amazing print, cut out sections and a perfect fit - what more could I ask for?

I've styled this in a way which is a bit more casual as I think the hat and the shoes/socks compliment the summery pattern but I will probably be dressing this up with heels too!

Bowler Hat - Forever 21
Dress - Topshop
Socks - Miss Selfridge
Shoes - Daisy Street

As usual I buy things on impulse and not when I actually need it so someone please give me a good excuse to wear this! 

All White Everything

As much as I love bright and vibrant colours for Summer, my favourite hue at the moment has to be white. But not just white, all white everything! A key trend for Summer ('white on white') welcomes the layering of white coloured items, which I am loving at the moment. Even though I've not really tried the layering effect in this post, adding a blazer or outer layers would work perfectly with the textured crochet dress!

Dress - H&M
Flower headband - ebay
Shoes - Daisy Street
Necklace - Fossil

My latest obsession for Summer is the crochet pattern and while searching for the perfect item I came across this cute, girly dress in H&M. This is perfect for Summer, festivals and most importantly emphasizing a tan! For me, crochet is the perfect festival fabric and especially in the aftermath of Coachella I think it will be a popular look in the next few months. Personally, I love the intricate detailing which can add a touch of texture to any outift. 

Crazy For Co-ordinates

As we edge closer and closer towards Summer the shops are starting to fill up with sunshine essentials including my obsession at the moment - coordinates!! 

In the lead up to Summer I've been hunting down my perfect set of coordinates but I often find that it's quite expensive for both the top and the bottom. However, when recently browsing through missguided I saw this perfect matching set coupled with a reasonable price tag. 

Sunglasses -Asos
Top & skirt - Missguided
Shoes - River Island
Clutch - Boohoo

So with the top and skirt priced at only £9.99 each this ended up being a bit of a bargain buy outfit. The Boohoo clutch bag being a steal at only £8, the choker an eBay buy for just over £2 and the sunglasses in the sale at only £4.50! 

I am loving the return of the choker at the moment and eBay is definitely the way to go for this type of item! The shoes were a little more expensive but I love the tie around laces that just make them a little more feminine and interesting. 

Definitely one of favourite looks at the moment. More co-ordinate appreciation coming up in my blog posts later this week!