Prairie Life SS16

I thought I'd do another pick of SS16. This time I'm looking at Prairie style, all the way from the wild west, cow girl chic has never been so hot. We're talking full on fringing, gingham checks and snake print accesories. Floral maxi dresses with ruffles, pretty blouses all tied together with a whole lot of denim. Take a look below at my pick of the high street.

Flared jeans; H&M £29.99 Blouse: Topshop £39.00  Belt: River Island £22.00

Sandals: ASOS £32.00  Blouse: Warehouse £39.00

So when it comes to jeans my pick for the Prairie trend is a classic flare. These ones (above) are from H&M and are fab. I've had them for a while now but haven't worn them too much, I have a feeling this trend is going to get me in them again though. I love the detailing on the Topshop blouse with the floral pattern overlaying the gingham and to be honest anything with a ruffle will always get a thumbs up from me so this is on my wishlist. When it comes to accessories, snake print is a fab choice and these chunky heels from ASOS will work with so many outfits come the summer or you could add some lacy socks for now to keep your feet pretty for Spring. The belt is a definite must have for this season. I have a single buckle one in the same style from New Look but this double buckled beauty from River Island I think will look amazing over maxi dresses and worn with denim skirts. 

Folk top: Next £38.00  Dress: ASOS £60.00  Fringe Backpack: ASOS £35.00

Gingham skirt: Topshop £35.00  Fringe Sandals: ASOS £38.00

Fringing is an important aspect of this trend so for an easy hit of this try the backpack (above) from ASOS. It's an amazing price at only £38.00 and also comes in a rusty red colour. The shoes also from ASOS will look fab with jeans or if you want to fully attack the trend pair them with the skirt (above) and a fitted denim shirt. The dress above is ASOS premium and would look great right now worn with flared jeans and wedges. I love the colour combination and us mums are more than keen on an a-line dress to hide our mum tums! The folk top from Next would be a good pick if you're not completely sold on the trend but give it a go by wearing it with dark wash jeans and keep your accessories brown/tan leather. 

Maxi dress: Glamorous £39.00  Skirt: Topshop £36.00  Blouse: ASOS £38.00

Gingham Shirt: Glamorous £28.00  Clutch: Zara £49.99

We all have a denim skirt but not neccesarily one with all the confidence of this one from Topshop. The length is very on trend right now with the split making it modern and super stylish. With all the volume in the skirt you'll want to keep you're top half more fitted, an easy way to do this is to simply make sure you tuck your shirt in, roll the sleeves up and buckle up with a belt. The belt will draw attention to the smallest part of your waist and the split on the skirt will give a peekabo effect to your legs. A maxi dress is a perfect transitional piece and will see you all through the seasons. I would style this one (above) with chunky black boots and a leather jacket for now, I would also stick a belt round it again at the smallest part of your waist to give you a little bit of shape. The clutch above is one of my favourite pieces, I love the colour and the detail is perfect for this trend but would also work with an all black outfit for a night out. 

Maxi dress: Pimkie £41.99  Necklace: The 2Bandits @ ASOS £64.00  Jacket: Millie Mackintosh £45.00

Denim top: ASOS £35.00  Boots : Boohoo £35.00

Jewellery is an easy way to get a hit of this trend and as with the clutch from Zara (see above) by sticking with turquoise embellishment you can't wrong. I've seen this all over the high street from chokers, bracelets, to bags and belts. The necklace (above) is from The 2Bandits and is available from ASOS. They are a fab brand and have a good selection of jewellery with options of silver plated, gold plated and sterling silver. I would definitely suggest a look if your a fan of turquoise stones and chunky jewellery as all their pieces will be exactly what you're looking for. The boots above are from Boohoo and have Cow girl written all over them without having to go for an actual cowboy boot which I for one am not a fan of. The Millie Mackintosh jacket is more of an investment piece but doesn't have to be limited only to this trend. I would though love to see it worn over the maxi dress (above). The denim smock top also from ASOS is another piece on my wishlist. I would keep it simple with black jeans and go with the Boohoo boots for another nod to the trend.

Hopefully there's something here to get everyone running for the Wild wild west. Let me know what you think ladies!

xx

NEW SEASON DENIM

Lets talk denim! The catwalk went crazy for it and the high street have done us proud making the hottest looks affordable for us mere mortals. Gone are the days where denim meant a boring pair of jeans, it has gone supercharged for SS16 with embroidery, patch work and ruffles. I have put together my pick of the highstreet as well as my designer lust list.

Below is where is it all started on the runways, Alexander McQueen went for full on embroidery and I have to say this my favourite denim look. The detail and the tailoring on the jacket is just out of this world. The Off-White show saw frayed edges on big impact maxi skirts perfectly paired with white tees to balance the look. Stella McCartney went for a darker wash denim with stitch detailing and simple lines. Fendi also went with a darker denim and had a fab 2 piece. I'm after a cropped jacket just like the one shown below. I think it would be a perfect throw on over a smart outfit for all day style and is not your usual denim jacket. Finally Saint Laurent had the ultimate patchwork oversized jacket. I love how it was styled over a lace dress, I thought the different textures really worked against each other, with the lace giving the denim a slightly softer edge. (all images below)

Off-White     Alexander McQueen     Each x Other

                                                  Stella McCartney      Saint Laurent              Fendi

If you're not quite ready for full on denim you can still stick with a pair of jeans, but try a pair with a bit of a difference. Gap is a lot of peoples go to place for denim, they do so many different fits, styles and sizes and I think cater for all age groups. The pair of jeans below are a relaxed, vintage style girlfriend fit with embroidery added to them. The colours are kept muted so this is a great place to start with the Alexander McQueen style. These jeans would be such an easy wear, worn with plain tees or a loose fit shirt. The patchwork pair from Marks & Spencer go for a different look but could be worn in the same way. They have a cinched in waist at the back and I would go with these at the moment with a tucked in black roll neck and patent black boots. The boots (below) are another way to try the denim trend without having to go all out. You could wear these boots dressed up or down and they would look great with a double denim look if you did want to turn heads. 

Boots: River Island £90.00  Jeans: Marks & Spencer £45.00

Jeans: Gap £54.95

Culottes: Zara £19.99  Shirt: Goldie @ Topshop £38.00  Denim Jacket: Topshop Boutique £55.00

Denim Jacket: Glamorous @ ASOS £44.00  Shirt: Zara £29.99 

I can't get enough of embroidered denim so this denim jacket available from ASOS I think is fab and looks great styled here with the red. I would also style it with the same wash jeans and keep the colours muted with a light blue tee and trainers. Or you could definitely throw it over a black dress for a glam night out. The Topshop Boutique denim jacket (above) would also work with similar outfits and could be worn throughout Spring and Summer. Every wardrobe needs a denim shirt and I have found a couple of options here that will work year after year. An oversized shirt is a fab buy and is great for days you don't have time to think about your outfit too much. This one from Zara could be worn with black now for when the weathers not too bright and could be worn in the summer as a jacket over a summers dress. I personally love this wash of denim paired with yellow! The Topshop shirt is a little bit different and could be tucked into a leather skirt or worn with some relaxed jeans and the gold glove shoe (see previous post). Culottes are not going anywhere anytime soon so investing in a denim pair is highly recommended. This pair are a fab buy at only £19.99 and are on my wish list. 

Slip on trainers; H&M £29.99  Dungarees: H&M £39.99  Jumpsuit: ASOS £48.00

2 Piece: Topshop £90.00  Sliders: Topshop £46.00

My favourite colour to pair with denim as boring as it sounds is white. I think the most classic way to wear a fab pair of jeans is with a good quality white tee, you cant go wrong with that. Another way to go for white is with your shoes, the (above) pair of slip on trainers from H&M are going to be huge and are a slight tribute to Calvin Kleins SS16 collection. The leather sliders from Topshop may be a little too summery for just now but I would say if you like them buy them now, I have a feeling they are going to be a sell out. They also come in black but I really love the freshness of the white and can imagine these with midi skirts and denim shorts and a tan in the summer. The dungarees (above) is on my wishlist for next month. My most worn item of clothing of last year must have been my black dungarees, also from H&M, they wash well, go with everything and are great for days running around with a toddler. So I've been thinking it's time I get myself another pair, I have wanted some for a while and have been looking for some with a slightly different shape to my black pair. This one is an ankle grazer length with a kick flare shape to it so perfect for SS16 and will look great worn over stripes or for colder days over a chunky knit. The denim jumpsuit is another one that's great as a mum uniform but doesn't have to scream, look at me, I got no sleep last night and I have yoghurt in my hair. Its durable and easy to dress up or down and is straight off the catwalk this season.

Dress: Glamorous @ ASOS £33.00  Ruffle dress: Lost Ink @ ASOS £40.00  Skirt: ASOS £28.00

Ruffle Skirt: ASOS £28.00  Denim Dress: Topshop £40.00   Dress: House of Holland @ ASOS £230.00

Denim skirts and dresses come in every season and can be worn in so many different ways. As this season is all about something a bit different I have chosen some options here that have elements of the catwalk but you'll have no problem doing the school run in them.  Another embroidered option first, I love this dress and especially love the loose cut of it and the fact it has long sleeves. It could be worn now with tights and snake print boots and with sandals in the summer. The ruffle dress and the Topshop tie dress could also be great transitional pieces and as these are more classic denim you can pull them out year after year. I would use both of them as jackets as well as dresses and wear them over a pretty dusty pink outfit or with all black or nude for a more dressy look with heels. The House of Holland dress is straight off the catwalk and although a little pricey it is pretty amazing. I love the frayed edges and detailing on the chest. The length is perfect for everyday wear and I would love to style it with those H&M slip on trainers for a really laid back look (see above). 

Creatures of Comfort Outfit  Denim dress: MM6 by Maison Margiela £415.00  Shirt: Stella McCartney £420.00

Shoes: Saint Laurent £390.00

Here's my lust list, all a little out of my price range but a girl can dream. I love the Creatures of Comfort outfit, I especially like the cut of the jeans. Crop jeans are huge right now and the flare is even bigger. I think I'll go with the Zara pair for now, not the same but definitely similar in their style. The Topshop 2 piece (see above) is also a close comparison to this look, both with the pinstripe throughout. The denim dress I love because of the shape, an A-line dress you can hide underneath is a must for any season and this one from MM6 by Maison Margiela is the perfect length and has just enough detail with the collar and zip detail on the oversized pocket. The shirt by Stella McCartney is just fab for Spring with its floral embroidery and I'm still having a love affair with yellow so love this shirts fresh feel. The Saint Laurent shoes are a classic court shoe with a difference and could be worn with so much, maybe not quite enough for me to justify the price but gorgeous all the same. 

So if your in the shops this weekend, my advice, go for denim, from head to toe or just a little, but make sure its just a little bit different and get ready to turn heads. Let me know what you think. 

xx

THE NEW BASICS

It dawned on me recently how much I rely on the basic items in my wardrobe. My ripped jeans, my white shirt, my trainers, all items I couldn't live without. So with this in mind I thought I'd do a quick post on all the items I think every girl should own as well as some new updated versions fresh for SS16. 

(left to right, top to bottom)

1. Shirt: Boden £59.50  

2. Moto Rip Hayden Jeans: Topshop £42.00

3. Trench Coat: Topshop £85.00

4. Sweatshirt: ASOS £25.00

5. Caper lace up Trainers: Topshop £26.00

I really couldn't live without my ripped jeans. They are a staple piece of my wardrobe and are such an easy throw on piece with both smart and casual tops. I find a good pair will look perfect with a sheer blouse and a pair of heels for a meal out as well as looking great with trainers and a simple sweatshirt. If you're looking for a new pair of jeans at the moment, head over to Topshop who not only have an amazing range all available in different colours, fits and lengths. But at the moment they also have a campaign which means you can visit there website and find your perfect pair with their fit guide. I definitely recommend giving it a go. 

I do love a sweatshirt, recently I have been teaming mine with everything from skirts to patterned trousers. The one I have found (above) from ASOS is a really cute piece with the added embroidered heart. I have also picked the trench coat which as we are coming in to spring now, will be a fail safe item that you will never believe you could have once lived without. I have had mine for a few years now and was a H&M buy. A good one will wash well and it comes back into fashion every year without fail so is an amazing investment piece. As is the striped shirt, I cant believe I don't have one of these. I have it on my wishlist and will be investing in one very soon. The one (above) from Boden is a real star by as their quality is amazing and the boyfriend fit is so flattering. I will be pairing mine with my ripped jeans and some red shoes, for casual go for flats and for a slightly more dressed up look a pair of heels will look fab. Lastly, everyone needs a good pair of trainers. Whether its converses or a pair of Stan Smiths that you prefer, everyone should have a pair in their wardrobe. Especially now as trainers really can be worn with anything. These ones from Topshop are such a good price and as they are black won't get too dirty whilst running around after the children. 

Topshop

The trench coat from Topshop also comes in this fab red colour (above), if you like to steal the show this is perfect. Wear it with basic outfits and trainers for an easy day time look and with an all black outfit if you want to take it out at night. Its also a fab Valentines buy at the moment!

(left to right, top to bottom)

1. Slip on loafers: Office £22.40

2. Bardot shirt: Marks & Spencer £29.50

3. Striped top: Zara £25.99  

4. Grey Trousers: Mango £

5. Clutch Bag: Topshop £22.00

If you want to add some new season basics into your wardrobe, all fresh for SS16, this is what I will be going for. The shirt from Marks and Spencer is amazing. It has a bardot neckline and comes in this fresh blue colour with the added detail of the buttons down the front and the ties on the sleeves. I will definitely be purchasing this one. It will look fab with black culottes and slip on loafers. The loafers (above) are a must buy as they are in the sale at the moment for a really good price. I have a feeling this shoe will be around all Spring and Summer as Gucci for one have gone crazy over them. If you can't get hold of these ones, I know there are a great pair in Zara and Next also have some available in black and tan. The bag (above) is another Topshop piece and as I like to update my black clutch every few seasons this is a perfect price and with its nod to the Chloe bag it has a simplistic gorgeousness to it. It also comes in different colours if your after one for a particular outfit.

I need to get myself some smart grey trousers. I really want some good fitting ones that I can dress up or down. These Mango ones (above) look like exactly what I'm after and will look great with a white tee, leather jacket and slip on loafers or trainers. Finally breton stripes, a must for every wardrobe. You can use a simple striped top as a layering piece or a good breton knit will be a year in year out piece. I do love these pieces from Zara (above)(only top available at the moment) as an outfit, and they will work as easy on there own as they do worn together and will be great in the summer with sandals and a denim jacket. Right now you could add a red neck scarf and stick with high waisted tapered jeans for a really fresh look for Spring. 

So if there's any pieces here you don't have, my advice... is go buy! You won't regret it and will be surprised how often you pull them out your wardrobe and mix and match them with each other. 

Let me know what you think!

xx

BOMBER JACKETS SS16

The Bomber Jacket is the must have cover up the season and was seen all over the catwalks at the SS16 shows. They are versatile, easy wearers that can be thrown on over anything to give a basic outfit a nod to high fashion. I have chosen my favourites from the highstreet and also had a look at the runways to see where the trend all started.  

                                                    Marc Jacobs      Tommy Hilfiger            Fendi

Gucci 

Here's my pick from the Runways, my personal favourites were those on offer from Gucci but I personally loved their entire collection so I feel I may be a little biased on that one. For them it was all about bright colours and floral patterns with soft silk fabrics and the iconic stripes added to the band of the jackets. Marc Jacobs went a little more classic with a simpler padded jacket and added pins and patches. They went for a preppy vibe on the outfit with bright colours and check patterns. Tommy Hilfiger stayed with Gucci's silky feel fabric and kept the colours fresh. I love the one shown above, in my opinion this is exactly what Spring is about with the light blue colour against the bright yellow and red. They kept there fabrics light and silky again whereas Fendi went with a leather look which would work well for transitional style at the moment and has a much darker edge to it. 

So here's my pick of the highstreet...

If you like to stand out and want to go for a bold printed version like me then take a look below at what I have found. I can't decide between the Zara ones and the H&M one (top row). I'm really not great at making decisions, especially when it comes to clothes. My first decision to make is whether to go for an oversized, looser jacket or a more fitted one. As you can see from the catwalk images (above) Marc Jacobs went for the oversized version and I feel this really works to give a juxtaposition on the preppy style of the outfit underneath. An oversized jacket would also work well teamed with skinny or straight fitted trousers/jeans and would give this kind of look some extra shape and interest. Whereas if you go with a more fitted, cropped bomber jacket you can easily wear it with skirts and dresses like the looks shown (above) by Gucci and Tommy Hilfiger, without losing your shape. In fact its a really easy way to give yourself a waistline if you wear your skirt on the same line as the bottom of the jacket. Also try this with highwaisted culottes or trousers.

Zara   H&M   Zara

Marks & Spencer   New Look

After trawling the internet I was really disappointed I couldn't find a patterned jacket in brighter colours. It seems this is where the highstreet have tamed the trend. The different prints on the H&M version I do really love though and the fabric of this one is really soft and slightly padded. I am normally a size 8 in H&M but with this one I would go for a size 6, as even this was oversized on me. The Marks & Spencer jacket above is a really light silky fabric and at the moment would definitely need an extra cover up on top for extra warmth. 

Zara   H&M

Topshop    Marks & Spencer    Topshop

If its a plain silky look bomber jacket you're after they're are lots of colours to choose from. The classic is the dark khaki colour and this is available all over the highstreet. This one from Zara (above) is the one that I have and is a really great quality. I haven't worn it much yet but I think now its starting to look a little bit more like spring outside I may bring it out and style it up. By going for a plainer jacket you can go basic with your outfit with jeans and plain tees or add in some floral patterns if you want to soften the look. The light pink colour (above) I think would work really well with ripped jeans and heeled sandals for a girly look. Or worn over an all black outfit with skinny ankle length jeans and chunky heeled boots would have some of the edge shown on the Fendi runway. The black jacket from Marks & Spencer is the best one to go for if you're not sure on the trend but want to give it a go, the black will go with everything and the textured fabric means it can be worn with heavier fabrics or lighter fabrics underneath and will always give a balance. It has also just gone to sale, so no reason not too really!

Zara

This Zara one could be straight off the Marc Jacobs runway with its added pins and patches. I tried it on the other day and although not for me I do really like the fun aspect to it. It would work really well at the moment over straight fit ripped jeans, a red knit and converses and to take it right through to the summer I would say bring out the yellow with tees or trainers (see previous post). To be honest the more I look at it now,the more I like it so watch the space. I may change my mind on it if I can't make a decision on a floral version. 

So if you haven't already got one my advice for SS16 would be; buy a bomber jacket! It will honestly not let you down and will become this years star throw on.

Let me know what you think,

xx