Thursday 30 June 2011

today i'm wearing...




Jacket from Dorothy Perkins; tee from Topshop; jeans from Topshop; boots from Topshop; bag from Topshop; necklace from ASOS Revive; ring from Gogo Philip at Topshop; nail varnish is Barry M nail paint in 301 Block Orange.


Really liking my new collar necklace ("today i bought" post to come soon). Love how it adds a little bit of edge to a simple look. And it seems as though other people are loving it too, because it's sold out already!

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Wednesday 29 June 2011

today i'm wearing...




Sleeveless trench from Primark; shirt from Topshop; top from Topshop Boutique; jeans from Topshop; bag from Topshop; shoes from Next; rings from Topshop.

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Tuesday 28 June 2011

today i'm wearing...



Jacket from Topshop; tee from Whistles; jeans from Topshop; shoes from Primark; bracelet from ASOS; earrings from ASOS; nail varnish is Topshop nails in Zenith.

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Monday 27 June 2011

today i'm wearing...



Leather jacket from Topshop; top from Ann-Sofie Back for Topshop; top (underneath) from H&M; shorts from H&M Fashion Against Aids; shoes from Topshop; bag from Topshop; bracelet from ASOS; nail varnish is Topshop nails in Zenith.


It's so hot today I didn't even need to wear my jacket once, but I felt it merited a picture anyway. The weather looks like it'll be back to lukewarm tomorrow, so I decided to make the most of it today and brave bare legs. Everything looks better without tights, after all.

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Sunday 26 June 2011

today i bought...


I'm not very good with high street/designer collaborations; I invariably love them, but fail to invest in them. The problem is my brain seems to take issue with high street items that cost more than normal high street items. I just can never bring myself to shell out £50 for a top from Topshop, even if it is a designer top from Topshop, because I know a non-designer one would be more like £25. Silly, really, and I can't count the number of times I've kicked myself for missing out (how much do I regret not snapping up any Christopher Kane for Topshop?!) However today I came a little closer to resolving my dilemma, thanks to the sales. Now I must confess I've been very disappointed with the summer sales in general; the fact that Topshop's is rubbish hurts all the more because I am such an ardent Topshop lover. Still, while I found absolutely zilch in their online sale, I did pick up this gem in store. I wrote about Swedish designer Ann-Sofie Back's collection for Topshop when it came out back in January, but once again felt the prices were just a little high. So imagine my joy to discover that this lovely top had been reduced from £40 to £25. Knowing that it's been on my wish list for some time makes me confident it will prove a wise purchase, and it is very beautiful in real life, too. Long, soft, loose and sheer (so much so that it will require a top underneath for work), it will be perfect for heady summer days like today. If we ever get any of those again...

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today i'm channelling... kate bosworth


Click here to see Kate Bosworth's look




Wow it's hot today, isn't it? So what could be better than a fabulous summery look to channel on this rare mini heatwave of ours? Step forward Kate Bosworth, purveyor of cool Californian style and owner of enviably tanned legs, rocking a simple but perfectly executed look at the LA film festival last week. Because dressing stylishly in the heat can be very challenging for the best of us. After all, the fewer clothes you're wearing, the more fashionable each piece has to be. When you're kitted out in a jumper, jacket, scarf and boots, it's relatively easy. But when you only have a simple dress and shoes to work with, looking stylish can prove a mite trickier. However, Miss Bosworth shows us that dressing for summer needn't be a headache. Her golden rules are as follows: pick a dress that's eye-catching but still understated; nude shoes and accessories are perfect with a tan; keep hair and make-up very, very simple. Follow this simple but crucial fashion formula and dressing in the heat will be no sweat (sorry). Above I've picked some high street alternatives to Kate's flawless look, and I hope they inspire you to sail through the summer in style. Just don't forget the SPF!

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Saturday 25 June 2011

today i want... asos revive gold collar

I've been searching for a collar necklace ever since I first saw Elin Kling's collection for H&M back in February, which included a fabulous rose gold version. At first I wasn't so sure about it, but the more I saw Elin adding it to her amazing off-duty outfits, the more impressed I was at this statement piece of jewellery's ability to add a little bit of edge to every ensemble, while at the same time looking completely effortless (see her wearing it here). I have been scouring the high street ever since for a lookalike. So imagine my joy to be browsing ASOS' new arrivals today and come across this beauty. Yes, £30 is rather a lot for a necklace, but I know from experience that pieces like this don't come along often. I can't wait to team it with a simple white shirt and leather shorts for the perfect summer look.



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today i'd love to wear...



Topshop washed jersey zip thru skirt, £10 (reduced from £22); Zara two-zip clutch bag, £15.99 (reduced from £29.99); Luella heart wayfarer sunglasses, £45 (reduced from £150) at ASOS; Whistles Riley hairy crop jumper, £55 (reduced from £90) at ASOS; Topshop angular pointed shoe boots, £45 (reduced from £95)

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Friday 24 June 2011

today i'm wearing...




Leather jacket from River Island; mesh top from Zara; top (underneath) from H&M; shorts from River Island; shoes from Topshop; bag from Topshop; tights from M&S; bracelets from ASOS; nail varnish is Barry M nail paint in 134 Yellow.


Lovely evening with equally lovely friends in London town tonight. Drinks in Southwark and a delicious chimichanga at Las Iguanas on the South Bank.

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Thursday 23 June 2011

today i'm wearing...



Jumper from Miss Selfridge; top (underneath) from Topshop Boutique; trousers from Topshop; shoes from Primark; bag from Miss Selfridge; watch from ASOS; bracelet from ASOS.


I still can't believe what a bargain these shoes were. £4 and so beautiful. Primark can be a depressing place to shop, but finding gems like these makes it all worth it.

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Wednesday 22 June 2011

today i'm wearing...





Leather jacket from Topshop; top from Topshop; trousers from M&S; shoes from Zara; watch from ASOS; bracelet is old; ring from Gogo Philip at Topshop; lipstick is Topshop lips in Infrared.


I completely love this orange lipstick. I remember always reading in magazines that people with pale skin should go for bluish reds rather than orangey ones, but I have to disagree with that: the way this colour pops against my skin tone is super flattering. Although it would look great with a tan too!

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Tuesday 21 June 2011

today i'm wearing...



Leather jacket from Topshop; tee from Whistles; jeans from Topshop; shoes from Next; watch from ASOS; bracelet from ASOS.


Sorry if I look a bit rubbish today; I'm currently suffering from a monster cold. Still, got to Strepsil up and soldier on!

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Monday 20 June 2011

today i'm wearing...




Leather jacket from Topshop; top from Topshop (borrowed from my sister); jeans from Topshop; boots from Topshop; cuffs from H&M; nail varnish is Barry M nail paint in 134 Yellow.

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Sunday 19 June 2011

today i'm inspired by... 3.1 phillip lim resort 2012

I've always been a big fan of Phillip Lim's designs, and his Resort 2012 collection is no different. What I love about these clothes is that they are simple, classy and understated, while at the same time utterly, utterly chic. They epitomise that completely effortless New York brand of cool, managing to strike the perfect balance between dressed up and dressed down. Below I've selected some of my favourite of his Resort looks (see the whole collection here), and I would happily wear any of these outfits tomorrow. They are a breath of fresh air among some of the try-hard trends around this summer (clashing brights, 70s, busy prints) and show us that what we should actually be aiming for is clean, sleek and minimalist, with a hefty dose of urban cool. (Oh, and if you need any more inspiration, check out Elin Kling looking amazing in 3.1 Phillip Lim at the CFDAs here).





Pictures: Style.com

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today i'd love to wear...

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Saturday 18 June 2011

today i bought...


Ever since I saw these lovely Topshop jeans on Elin Kling's blog a few days ago, I really quite wanted them for myself. Unfortunately they've all but sold out online, but happily they still had a few pairs in my local shop. I would never usually have gone for striped jeans but there's just something about these Isabel Marant-esque beauties that I love.


Also picked up this gorgeous pair of matching cuffs in H&M. I love the idea of wearing one on each wrist; somehow it seems more modern than just one. And at £6.99 for the pair they won't be breaking the bank. Which is just as well, because the money guilt got to me a bit this week and unfortunately the Zara bomber jacket had to be returned. But who knows, maybe we'll meet again in the sales...

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today i'm wearing...


Shirt from Topshop; jeans from Topshop; boots from Topshop; bag from Topshop; watch from ASOS; bracelet from ASOS; ring from ASOS; sunglasses from Topshop.


Just a simple outfit today for some shopping and a coffee with an old friend. I'll show you what I bought soon...

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Friday 17 June 2011

today i'm wearing...




Jacket from Dorothy Perkins; top bought in New York; trousers from Topshop; shoes from Topshop; bracelet from ASOS; nail varnish is Barry M nail paint in 292 Navy.


Cold and miserable today. The faux leather trousers have come back out.

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today i want... topshop glitter boots

You probably know by now that I've got a bit of a soft spot for metallics. There's no easier way to add interest and edge to your look than with a shiny silver bag, a gold painted knit or some butter-soft pewter leather. And for quite some time now I've been really rather wanting a pair of metallic boots. There's something brilliant about the way a simple monochrome outfit can be jazzed up with a flash of silver shoe, as expertly demonstrated by Caroline Blomst's amazing Giuseppe Zanotti boots (FYI, this might be my favourite ever of her outfits) and Columbine Smille's gorgeous Rupert Sandersons. But I can't count the number of times I've searched for 'silver boots' on ShopStyle and come up blank. It seems that unless you're willing to shell out the big bucks, metallic footwear is off the menu. Until now, that is. The other day Caroline Blomst posted a preview of Topshop's upcoming footwear for autumn on her blog, and what should be among them but these fantastic glitter boots? Now I love the black ones, but those silver guys have my name all over them. Sadly I've no idea when they'll be arriving in stores (autumn can mean anything from July-October in fashion terms) or how much they cost, but I know I'll be keeping an eagle eye out, and will let you know as soon as I see them.



Picture: Carolinesmode.com


*UPDATE 16TH JULY* The black ones have now arrived online and cost £80. Find them here. Will let you know when the silver ones land!

*UPDATE 21ST JULY* The silver ones arrived online this morning but had completely sold out within 3 hours! Item code is 32A03ASLV if you want to find them instore. I'll update if they are restocked online!

*UPDATE 29TH JULY* They came back in stock this morning but once again disappeared very quickly!

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Thursday 16 June 2011

today i'm wearing...




Leather jacket from Topshop; top from Topshop; trousers from Topshop; shoes from Topshop; bag from Topshop; bracelet from ASOS; lipstick is Mac Viva Glam Gaga.


These lovely Topshop shoes are fast becoming my go-to black heels. Not only are they beautiful and go with everything, but they're also deceptively comfortable. Love them.

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Wednesday 15 June 2011

today i love... basics

2. Jeans

So welcome to the second post on the essential items I think every woman's wardrobe should contain (sorry that it took me two weeks instead of one!) Anyway this week it's jeans: that Holy Grail of fashion items. Ill-fitting jeans are one of the most perennial of fashion crimes: the rest of your outfit can be as hot as you like but put on a pair of saggy, unflattering jeans and you will be a world away from stylish. Get it right, however, and jeans can be a figure-enhancing basis for countless outfits. And in my opinion you really only need to learn a few simple rules and soon you'll be smug in the knowledge that all of your jeans will fit well and look great.

Firstly, and most crucially: they should be very tight when you buy them. Not so tight that they don't pull up over your hips, or that you can't breathe when the button's undone. But if they feel pretty snug, and you can only just do up the top button, then they're probably a perfect fit. The reason for this is that jeans (especially cheap high street ones) stretch. Like so many others, in the past I've fallen into the trap of buying jeans that are a perfect fit in the changing room, only for them to stretch and sag after just one wear. You can wash them as many times as you like after that, but a couple of hours into every wear you'll be hoiking them up every two minutes, trust me. Of course there is such a thing as too tight, and I have previously bought jeans so tight that they gave me a stomach ache (luckily I was able to return them). All I can say is, make sure they're quite a stretchy style. My all-time favourite jeans are Topshop's Jamie style, mainly for this reason. They're so stretchy and comfortable that even when you buy them super-tight they won't restrict your movement, and they'll stretch a nice amount but won't sag. Honestly I can't recommend them enough. Do make sure you go down a size from what you usually are in Topshop trousers, though. The Jamie jeans are also lovely and skinny, which brings me on to my second rule...

They should be super-skinny. Now this might seem like an overly narrow view, given that magazines declared them to be so over a couple of years ago, and all sorts of styles parade their way down the catwalk each season. But have you honestly ever seen a fashionable woman wear any other style? Skinny jeans are simply the most flattering and the most versatile. Bootcuts look horribly mumsy, boyfriend jeans are just ugly, and nobody other than Claudia Schiffer has ever looked good in flares. I have some jeans that are skinnier than others, and I invariably prefer the super-skinny ones (that's the Jamie style again...) I remember when they first came into vogue in the mid-00s and everyone was very sceptical (in fact I recall worriedly asking my friend in the changing room whether I looked like an emo). But they have steadfastly remained stylish ever since and for good reason.

Thirdly, you should have a pair in black and one in every wash of blue. Black jeans are probably the most versatile and smart-looking (though they do have an annoying tendency to fade), but indigo are also essential. Plus I love my faded mid-blue jeans, which have been so well-worn that they've developed a rather nice hole in the knee. I am a fan of little details to add interest to your standard skinnies, too, like the hole in the knee or the side zips on my lovely high-waisted pair. Once you've got a few good pairs of no-nonsense jeans, it's as well to invest in some statement ones, too; leather details, zips, metallics and panelling are all good in my book. Where colours other than blue or black are concerned, I'm not generally a fan, but of course that's up to you. And I did recently make an exception for my cropped red jeans; they just won't be quite as versatile as your basic blues.

So now that you know which fit, style and colour you're going for, all that remains is to check out my picks of the best jeans around and get shopping. As long as you find a nice stretchy style with a snug fit, there's absolutely no need to splash out on jeans (especially as they will probably need replacing at some stage), so look no further than the great British high street.

Plus don't forget to check back next week for another basics post.




5. Warehouse coated biker jean, £20 (reduced from £45)
6. H&M &Denim jeans, £9.99

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today i'm wearing...




Leather jacket from Topshop; navy jumper from Topshop; top (underneath) from Topshop Boutique; jeans from Topshop; boots from Topshop; bracelet from ASOS; rings from Topshop; nail varnish is Barry M nail paint in 292 Navy.

Bit obsessed with my new ankle boots. Not sure they could be any more perfect.

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Tuesday 14 June 2011

today i'm wearing...




Leather jacket from River Island; tee from Whistles; jeans from Topshop; shoes from Primark; watch from ASOS; bracelet from ASOS; nail varnish is Barry M nail paint in 292 Navy.

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