OOTD: Under the Sea

Oh I do love the Zara sale! A few weeks ago I picked up another of their amazing tulip dresses, this time in the fish print. The aqueous theme somehow seemed appropriate with the sudden downpours of rain as evidenced below...

Dress: Zara (on sale for £17.99), Clutch (shown below): Ted Baker, Shoes: Melissa (£85 here)

 

I may be a little too old to wear jelly shoes, but these were love at first step. Aesthetically they are not my favourite wedges, but they are oh so comfortable as they literally mould to your feet while supporting and cushioning.

Have you ever tried any of Melissa's designs? What do you think of jelly shoes? xxx

Work It Out: Blue Leopard

Another day, another purchase in the Reiss sale - this time a pair of royal blue cigarette pants.

 Shirt: Zara, Trousers: Reiss, Shoes: Gucci

The shape of this trouser is a little awkward to wear, but a good pair of heels generally helps. I love the high waisted fit and the vibrant, yet classic deep blue!

Work It Out: Suited

Although I am not usually the suited and booted type some days at work require a suit. Whether it is a business trip, an important meeting, or just one day you need to impress the boss a well cut suit can really give you confidence. Even if you don't work in a formal environment everyone needs a suit in their wardrobe... you never know when you will need it!

There are few places that can make a feminine, stylish suit that is fashionable. Most suits I try on make me feel far from confident as the child inside me scowls at the fact I'm wearing such 'grown up clothes', while my inner fashionista frowns at their frumpiness. Up till now I have purchased tailoring from Zara as well as a few bits from the ever conservative Austin Reed. However, I recently invested in a new suit in the Ted Baker sale and am exquisitely happy with it!

Suit: Ted Baker Prince of Wales (On sale here), Cami: Zara.

 

The jacket of this suit is cut so well that it fits snugly, but very comfortably. The lining is a gorgeous floral pattern and super silky (as shown on the back of the waistcoat below). These little details add a luxe feel while making it easy to wear with a cami or a shirt ensuring you can keep cool, even in the most stressful boardroom ;). There's nothing worse than a suit with a horrible, synthetic lining that makes you feel all flustered and hot!

 

All too often I find that I have to go up a size in jackets (I wear a 2 in TB) as they are too tight around the bust, yet too loose at the waist hiding any shape under an unflattering box cut. Ted Baker tailor their suits with the female body in mind, so that your shape is exaggerated, but modestly so. The button detailing on the skirt also adds some interest and makes it unique. This particular suit has matching trousers, which I am currently eyeing up, plus a waistcoat and a simple dress.


Do you often wear suits for work? Which are your favourite brands? Have you purchased any tailoring from Ted Baker? xxx

OOTD: Signa Pleats

Ah Reiss! You never fail to tempt me with your sales! This season Reiss don't have as many work  dresses as I would have liked in their amazing sale... it just feels like I have seen it all before. However, some of their separates are absolutely gorgeous. I picked up this dramatic, pleated skirt one lunchtime and I think it is a great find, especially for under £50! I love the detailing Reiss always put into their clothes. Ultimately among all the shops on the high street I think they verge the closest to designer, but fortunately without the associated price tag.

Leather Jacket: All Saint's (£350 here), Camisole: Zara, Skirt: Reiss (on sale for £48 here), Shoes: Zara, Bag: Mulberry Cookie, Sunglasses: Prada.

You may be weary of pleated skirts, but this one really is rather special. The colour is deep and sumptuous (not comparable to the nudes, pale pinks and minks or even neons on the high street). The skirt is double layered to provide coverage and weight. Plus while the front panel is plain, the slit underneath is at the front taking away all the bulk that many maxis add and really streamlining it as you walk. I also love the corset style pewter buttons and the mini welt pockets on the back. Once again this keeps it trim at the waist and is so much more flattering than having folds of fabric on your hips!

It looks pretty good warn backwards too! 

I had seen this skirt on the Reiss website before, but completely overlooked it as I am not a fan of the styling (skirt worn a size too big with grey jumper?). If you have a chance I highly recommend that you check the Reiss sale out, they have some great quality, effortlessly stylish pieces that would slot in to any wardrobe! xxx

Prohibition in the 1920s

Last weekend I stepped back in time to the roaring 20s at one of Prohibition's secret parties. Though the dates of these are not top secret the venues are hidden and only disclosed to ticket holders. If you haven't heard of this before, then do check their website out here. With flowing vintage cocktails served in tea cups, live bands, silent movies, casino and even a burlesque show this was definitely a fun and unusual way to spend a Saturday evening. It was fabulous!

You all know that I love to dress up and when given a theme I can never go less than all the way! Luckily, I already had this little flapper outfit hidden away in my wardrobe. The dress is a Massimo Dutti number that I have had since I was 16 (does that count as vintage?). My style has changed so much since then and I even surprised myself that I have kept it all these years. The dropped waist style is perhaps the least flattering shape of all for my figure as it highlights the widest part of the hourglass and the length shortens my legs. To accesorize I wore my Chanel pearls and various feather pieces including a broach that I made into a headpiece, a feather clutch from ASOS and green feather detailed shoes from New Look.

Even the bf grew a 2 day moustache for the occasion so I made sure we both looked perfectly 20s. I tonged my hair with the Babyliss Wave Envy (check out my review here) to add texture. I then painstakingly pinned it around the nape and folded it under my shorter layers to create a faux bob, which I am proud to say lasted through many a dip on the dance floor! 

For makeup I used lots of powder to create flawless, matte and pale skin. I then contoured the cheeks to narrow my face shape. On the eyes I used a mixture of pigments - collection 2000 teal all over,  shimmery golden green in the centre of the eyelid, matte brown to blend and create a more rounded eye shape. I also made my brows thinner and darker to create the classic strong, slimline pencil brow of the 1920s. I then added two pairs of lashes (top and bottom) to make my eyes look larger and alter their shape. I used the new Katy Perry Cool Kitty lashes (£5.95 here) on the top as they are perfectly full and not too long.

I then finished off with a strong lip, making sure to define the cupids bow. This is my slightly more modern and wearable take on flapper makeup!

Have you ever been to a 1920s themed party? What is your favourite decade? Are you tempted to attend the next Prohibition event? I believe it will be held on Saturday the 8th of September! xxx

OOTD: Peplum Tropics

Printed trousers is a trend that I have admired over the last few months, but have not been brave enough to attempt. Even though I am tall my thighs are definitely an area I struggle with and usually try to conceal by wearing darker colours and skirts or dresses rather than trousers. However, after seeing these trousers on a host of celebs and fashionistas I decided that I would put my insecurities aside and see if I could work the trend for my shape. I chose a large, colourful print and purchased a size up to ensure that the fit would be looser giving the appearance of a 'straight' rather than 'slim' cut.
I also paired the trousers with a plain flared peplum top to balance out the narrow fit.

 Top: Zara (£29.99 here), Trousers: Zara (£39.99 here), Belt: Reiss, Shoes: LA Boutique, Sunglasses: Prada.

Other printed trousers I have had my eye on are:

ASOS Crop Trousers In Floral Print

£40.00

 

Warehouse Eastern Tropic Trouser

£38.00

 

ASOS Skinny Trousers in Floral Print

£35.00

 

Sportmax floral print cigarette trouser

£287

 Are you a fan of printed trousers? What do you think of this tropical version? xxx

OOTD: Wag

I am fully aware that this outfit is a little footballer's wives... but it was hard to resist pairing huge sunnies with a bright dress and nude heels on a gorgeous summer day.

 Dress: Closet at Dorothy Perkins, Shoes: DP (£29.50 here), Sunglasses: Prada.

As I was home alone this weekend I didn't have my usual 'photographer' to take photos, so excuse the weird poses caught by the self timer. I haven't featured a jumping shot in a while ;).

Is this peplum frill dress and nude heels combo too wag-tastic? Are you a fan of peplum detailing? xxx

OOTD: Marylin

With sunny spells being few and far between I try to make the most of them. Though after visiting the St Tropez Spraycation on Friday night I didn't need any excuses to show off my tan!

 Top: H&M, Skirt: Oasis (on sale for £22 here), Belt: Zara (£17.99 here), Shoes: All Saints, Sunglasses: Prada.

I love wearing white for the summer. Not quite at the level of Kimberly from MIC (if you watch it you will probably have noticed that she wears white/ cream for 90% of the show). White can be a little tricky to wear. Most of the white pieces I own usually require tactical underwear or a slip. What I love about this skirt is the thick fabric, which not only holds the shape well, but also stops it from being see through and makes it gust proof!

I hope you all had a lovely weekend! Will you be wearing white this summer? xxx

OOTD: Wallis

Last week while browsing the stores in One New Change after an event I spotted a dress in the window of Wallis and immediately purchased it. I don't think I have ever even been into Wallis before, but now looking at their website I think I have been really missing out! They have a great selection of dresses in a variety of fun patterns and flattering shapes, many of which remind me of DP.

Dress: Wallis (£40 here), Belt: Ted Baker.

Are you a fan of Wallis? Have you purchased anything there recently? xxx

Work It Out: Mint Accent

I can never resist ASOS so while picking up a few bits for the bf's bday I decided to slip a few sale items into the basket for myself.

 Dress: ASOS Midi Pencil with Colour Block Cowl (On sale from £45 to £20 here).

Although this dress has completely the wrong proportions for me (far too large in the hips and small in the chest) I absolutely love the style. The classic, cool toned grey is made modern and perky with a pop of mint around the collar. The midi length also makes it perfect for work. Not bad for £20!

OOTD: Fantasy Peplum

I do love a bit of peplum, so much so that I decided to double up on the trend. I have been eyeing up this Chanel-esque blazer in Zara for quite a while and am surprised by how well the shape fits with one of Zara's classic cream frill waisted tops. 

To toughen the look up and add some contrast I paired the super girlie top with my favourite black disco pants and some patent leather ankle boots.

 Fantasy blazer - Zara (£89.99 here), Peplum top - Zara (£29.99 here), Disco Pants - American Apparel (£70 here), Boots - Dorothy Perkins.

Are you a fan of the peplum shape? What do you wear yours with? I am yet to try it with a pencil skirt, but I am sure a 'work it out' post will follow when I finally do! xxx

OOTD: Azure

This gorgeous dress from Oasis combines a ridiculous number of trends, while being so easy to wear.

It's gorgeous bright blue colour, sheer, pleated maxi skirt with two thigh high splits and draped back make it an absolute Summer must have!

Dress: Oasis (£70 here), Belt: Reiss, Bag: Mulberry, Bracelets: Oasis, Glasses: Fiorelli,            Sandals: Primark.

There are so many gorgeous dresses in Oasis this season I am constantly tempted! Have you purchased any new summer dresses recently? xxx

OOTD: Crochet

This weekend was absolutely beautiful, so the bf and I took full advantage of the stunning weather - walks around the park, frozen yoghurt, seafood and crepes in the sunshine. We couldn't ask for anything more!

Dress: Topshop (£40 here), Belt: Reiss, Bag: Mulberry, Flip Flops: Ted Baker (£35 here), Sunglasses: Fiorelli (similar £15 here).

I bought this dress a few months ago, but this weekend was the first time I have had a chance to show it off. It's such an easy shirt dress to wear and perfect for the hot weather with it's deep cut out back and floaty skirt. Though the top is pretty much see through I decided to pair it with a coral strapless bra to add a bit of colour contrast to the mint belt and handbag.

Do you have any new purchases hiding in your wardrobe waiting for the sun? What pieces will you be investing in this season? I hope you all had a fabulous weekend and are surviving this incredible heat wave! xxx