5 of the best: Summer Sandals

1 // The Neon One // The toes don't come out too often, so when they do, and they're tanned, why not throw on some neon to really set them off! The bright the better!


2 // The Blingy One // A golden strap given this one a bit of a Grecian feel, perfect for Summer. But not half as much as...


3 // The Grecian One // These are too cute to resist! They may be a bit on the pricey side, but they're too adorable to ignore! Although be careful if wearing during the Olympics, or in Greece, as people might think you've gone a bit overboard on the theme and mistake you for a torch bearer or something...


4 // The Animals One // Everyone needs a bit of an animal trim, and this subtle bow is great for a more neutral pair of sandals.


5 // The Tribal One // The orange and turquoise on these are perfect for a more tribal look. They're a bit chunkier than the others and make a bit of a statement, but are cute none the less.

What sandals will you be wearing this summer?

Summer Trend Guide: Ombre

Another update in the Summer Trend Guide.

And this time it's Ombre.

I love how you can go all out with this and wear a maxi or a blazer, but you could also keep it more subtle with Topshop's skinny jeans.

Do you own any dip dyed or ombre items?

Spring Summer Trend Guide Part 3: Rockabilly

Another Summer Trend Report and today it's the turn of Rockabily, or American Vintage.

This trend was particularly prevalent at the Prada, Mui Mui, and Marc Jacob shows, with fun, quirky prints doing the rounds, along with heavy styling with a clear influence from the 1950s era, with cat eye sunglasses, scarves tied around the neck and skirts which fall no higher than the knee.

I'm particuarly in love with these prints, and Motel's lipstick print top is a must!

Whilst bearing the midriff is something I, let alone the rest of the world, am not quite ready for, teaming a shorter length top or a bra top with a high waisted skirt seems like the perfect way to inject some 1950s fun into your spring/summer wardrobe.

Would you wear any of these items?

Wednesday Wants

 

A few things have been catching my eye lately and I thought I'd share.

I saw this cute book clutch bag on ASOS and couldn't resist! I saw a few celebrities holding similar ones and thought it was cute a nice idea, I'm thrilled ASOS have made a similar one.

Spring is slowly but surely arriving so I thought this blue blazer from topshop and floral trousers from H&M would make perfect additions to a Spring wardrobe, I'm really looking forward to wearing some bright colours again after a winter of blacks and blues!

Revlon Lip Butters have been getting a lot of attention recently. I've decided Pink Truffle is the shade for me, but I'm having real difficulty finding these in any shops, but I'll percieveer and get hold of it eventually I'm sure!

And lastely these Wedge High Tops and Navy Shirt Dress from River Island. I think the dress will be good for when I can't really get away with jeans and trainers at work, and I've already done a post about how much I like hidden wedge high tops, and I think I might just have to purchase this pair if I see them in store. I can't wait to try them on!

What's been catching your eye this week?

Spring Summer Trend Guide Part 2: Darling Buds of May

In the second installment of my Summer Trend Guide I've turned the spotlight onto florals.

Florals have been pretty much in fashion for both Summer and Winter for a long while now, but each season they return with a bit of an update.

Head to Toe Print

This year bold prints were everywhere, worn head to toe and not always matching. You can get think look at ASOS where they have plenty of seperates for you to wear together or seperately, and are perfect for Summer workwear.

Boxier Shapes

Florals were also worn in much boxier shapes, with the pattern appearing just around the edges or in certain spots, for example in the New Look vest I have above taking inspiration from Sportsmax. Alternatively there is the Topshop playsuit, which bears more than a passing resemblance to outfit the Chloe models are wearing in the photo above, which have neutral whites paired with more of an oriential type of floral design, and limited to just key areas of the outfit, at the hem of trousers or the sleeve of a blouse.

Floral Maxis

Whilst light weight, colourful, floral, flowing dresses did appear, for example at Adam and available at Miss Selfridge, the general trend was for florals with a rougher edge, as I've already mentioned, with shorter length trousers, blouses and blazers with all over prints.

How will you be giving your florals an update for 2012?

Spring Summer Trend Guide Part 1: Dapper Flapper

As the dreggs of the Christmas sales have finally made their way out of the shops to make way for the shiney new Spring/Summer clothes, we at last get to see the trends from the cat walk be translated into affordable clothes we can wear!

In part one of my Spring Summer Trend Guide I've chosen the 1920s inspired looks which were seen on the cat walks of Gucci, Etro and Roberto Cavalli.

I love the glamour of this look, no doubt inspired by popular TV programmes at the moment including Boardwalk Empire and Downton Abbey. It might not involve feather boas and those long cigarette holders, but pleated midi length skirts, the odd bit of fringing, drop waist dresses, a looser silouette, and heavy embellishment are fairly prominent in the shops, so there's no excuse not to look to the 1920s for some Summer inspiration!

In terms of make up, heavy lipsticks, victory rolls and those tucked under curly up dos will suit this look perfectly, just make sure you don't go overboard and look like you're going to a fancy dress party!

Which element of the flapper look can you see yourself wearing this Summer?

 

1. Wallis Pink 1923 Embellished Dress £45 | 2. Accessorize Crystal Cascading Rose Bridal Alice Band £28 | 3. Topshop Bow Front Cloche £25 | 4. Topshop Cream Embellished Cami £36 | 5. TopshopMetallic Pleated Midi Skirt £36 | 6. Dorothy Perkins Black Flapper Style Dress £35 | 7. Office Karen's Peach Metallic £62 | 8. River Island Gold Tone Chain Chandelier Earrings £10 | 9. ASOS Shell Clutch £26

Pumped Up Kicks

Okay, tell me if I'm being crazy here, but I've spied a few people wearing hi-tops with a very subtle concealed wedge, and I think I love them!

Isabel Marant is possibly responsible for this micro trend after her Bekket sneakers have been on the lips (and feet) of anyome who's anyone on the fashion scene.

Celebrity fans of this trend include Miranda Kerr, Beyonce, Anne Hathaway and Alicia Keys.

That black pair are just calling out for me and they look incredibly comfortable, perfect for a relaxed day.

The Isabel Marant beauties are £430 unfortunately at Harvey Nicks. BUT, a brand called Ash have a near identical pair for £139  over at ASOS. Still too expensive, but I have definately fallen head over heels (pun entirely intended) with these shoes!

Topshop and New Look I expect to see something similar in your stores very soon!

 

Grey New York City Sweatshirt- River Island | MOTO Baxter Jeans- Topshop | Casio Classic Blue Watch- ASOS | Cable Knit Beanie- Forever21

How would you style a pair of wedge hi tops?

1 Dress: 5 Ways

I've got to admit I'm a sucker for a dress which can be worn multiple ways, to work, to a bar, to the shops, if it works hard it's a wardrobe must have! Topshop's basics often tick that box, including their Lace Flippy Tunic, for just £32 it'll take you to any occasion, and can be dressed up or down.

Here's my suggestions for five different ways to style this dress, which is your favourite?

Kurt Geiger Dragon Shoes £210 | Miss Selfridge Diamante Hand Chain £12.50 | Lipsy Crinkle Biker Jacket £70 | Marc B The Knightbridge Bag £42

 

Dune Metallic Mirror Court Shoe £43 | New Look Vintage Box Clutch £12.99 | Oasis Gavin Contrast Jacket £15 | House of Fraser Velvet Bow Tie £45 | MAC Viva Glam Lipstick i £13.50

Kurt Geiger Agnes Black Court Shoes £69 | Karen Millen Metallic Jewel Bag £140 | Wallis Berry Short Faux Fur Jacket £60 | Accessorize Retro Enamel Fan Earrings £5 | Love Label Spot Sheer Socks £10

Missguided Deina Suede Platform Lace Up Shoe Boot £40.99 | Peacocks Vintage Satchel £12 | USC Vila Jonna Belt £7 | Topshop Triangle Pendant £8.50 | Topshop Curved Felt Pork Pie Hat £25 | Bobbi Brown Long-Wear gel eyeliner £16.50

 Miss Selfridge Sciliy Pink Platform Heel £50 |  ASOS Leopard Ball Clip Frame Purse £18 | Miss Selfridge Metallic Faux Leather Biker Jacket £30 | Accessorize Flat Stud Alice Band £3.50

How would you wear this dress?

Coveting for Christmas

1. Luella's Guide to English Style | 2. Warehouse Faux Snake Phone Cover | 3. Couture Couture by Juicy Couture Solid Perfume Bracelet | 4. Warehouse Premium Leather Stud Cuff | 5. Warehouse Faux Fur Slipper Boot | 6. Forever21 Plaid Trapper Hat | 7. Miss Selfridge Oat Slipper Socks | 8. Miss Selfridge Cosmos Printed Legging | 9. Accessorize Poison Arrow Ring | 10. Kurt Geiger Elliot Red Court Shoe | 11. Barry M Lip Paint Set | 12. Benefit Bright and Badder

With Christas a mere 22 days away, I thought it'd be the perfect opportunity to share those things I am secretly coveting for Christmas.

What's on your wish list for this year?