LET'S GET TROPICAL

I got such a great response to my very leafy shirt the other day that I thought I would have a look on the high street and see what else is about. So we're talking greenery, palm trees and leaves all over everything. I love this trend for the beginning of summer to introduce a bit of colour and most importantly a bit of fun into my wardrobe, which is exactly what fashion is all about! Check out my picks below and let me know what you think. 

Here's how I was styling my shirt (last years H&M). I stuck with the fun element with my tasseled bag, added sliders (Next - see previous post), and my trusty straw hat (see previous post). I decided to wear it with a white tee underneath and tie it up rather than going with the buttoned up look. Try this with your shirts for a fresh look on a basic outfit. 

(from left to right-top to bottom)

1. Palm Print Cross-Back Slip Dress  Topshop  £32.00

2. Palm Print Jumpsuit  Topshop  £39.00

3. Skater Dress in Jacquard Leaf Print with Trim Detail  ASOS  £17.00 (was £48.00)

4. Dress in Palm Print with Open Back  Sika @ ASOS  £30.00 (was £150.00)

5. Playsuit  H&M  £29.99

I love the simplicity of the slip dress here from Topshop. For full inspo on how to dress up your slip dress for all occasions check out my post from a few weeks ago. My tip on this one would be to stick a classic white tee underneath, and go for chunky black sandals. I have the jumpsuit on my wish list and really regret I didn't pick up last years version that had a white background with a palm leaf print. The sale dresses from ASOS are such great bargains, with a saving of £120.00 on one of them, you can't really say no to that! I would love to see the Sika dress (bottom-left) with bright heels for a night out and the ASOS Collection dress (top-right) with trainers for casual look. 

1. Cropped Bralet Top In All Over Tropical Leaf Print  Religion @ ASOS  £35.00

2. Palm Print iPhone 5 Case  Skinnydip @ Topshop  £12.00

3. Printed Dress / Floral Trousers  Zara  £29.99 / £29.99

4. Palm Tree Embroidered Clutch  Star Mela @ ASOS  £60.00

5. Sleeveless Dress  H&M  £17.99 (was £29.99)

If you'd prefer accessories then check these ones out. The embroidered clutch bag available from ASOS would be fab for on holiday with an all white outfit to show off your tan. The 2-piece set from Zara you can buy as separates or together. I personally love them together but if you wanted to you could style the trousers with a basic cami and the dress would look fab with some yellow mules (see Zara website). If you like the leafy trend but don't think green is your colour then you could try blue with these options here from H&M and ASOS. For a smart dress the discounted price on this sleeveless one is fab and means you could go all out on your accessories. 

1. Midi Cami Dress In Mono Palm Print  ASOS  £28.00

2. Cotton Modal-Blend T-Shirt  Mango  £15.99

3. Fitted Dress  H&M  £29.99

4. Textured Cotton Scarf  Zara  £17.99

You can't go wrong with a midi slip dress and this one is another perfect version of how versatile slip dresses can be. This one could be dressed up with black barely there heels or worn with black sliders with a leather back pack for extra fashion points this summer. The t-shirt from Mango is a great way to bring a little bit of the trend into your wardrobe without going all out, I love styling black and white graphic tees with bold skirts or trousers. This one would also look great paired with the scarf from Zara, espadrilles and some oversized sunglasses to finish the look off. If it's an occasion you are shopping for then try this fitted dress from H&M, I would go with coordinating blue heels or if you really want to stand out you could mix it up with red heels. 

1. Shirt in Placement Palm Print  Glamorous @ ASOS  £22.00 (was £34.50)

2. Palm Print Flip Flops  Slydes @ Lipsy  £18.00

3. Palm Print Bardot Top  Topshop  £26.00

4. Backpack in Fern Leaf Print  Mi-Pac @ ASOS  £29.99

5. White Tropical Print Button Front Tie Front Top  New Look  £17.99

If like me you're always on the hunt for a fun but functional Nappy Bag then check this one out from Mi-Pac, perfect for the summer and all the adventures it may bring. The red patterned shirt (top-left) is selling out on ASOS so get over there quick if you like it. This one could be worn exactly how I styled me green version up. For those of you lucky enough to be off on holiday, the flip flops from Slydes are perfect for getting you to and from the beach and still maintaining fashion stakes. If you read my last post on the off-the-shoulder trend you'll know I'm a big fan and these ones are both going on my wishlist for the summer. I think the New Look off-the-shoulder top would look great with denim shorts and tan sandals. For the Topshop version in red I would stick with black denim and think it would look great with a short denim skirt and chunky heeled sandals. 

So if you want to introduce a little bit of the tropical into your wardrobe get yourselves kitted out in my picks and take the summer wherever you go. For now, enjoy the long weekend and fingers crossed the sun sticks around!

xx

A SHOULDER THING

Off the shoulder detailing or Bardot necklines are everywhere right now and if you haven't got yourself a piece of the action yet then now is the time. It's the perfect way to update your summer wardrobe, whether its stripes, floral or just an everyday basic you're after have a look below at my picks from the high street. 

(from left to right-top to bottom)

1. Retro Floral Smock Bardot Blouse  Topshop  £28.00

2. Black Gingham Check Bardot Neck Top  New Look  £14.99

3. Red Floral Print Bardot Neck Gypsy Top  New Look  £9.99

4. Off-The-Shoulder Blouse  H&M  £14.99

5. Off-The-Shoulder Blouse  H&M £20.99

Of course it's not quite payday, so these blouses are perfect for a last minute spend before the end of the month. I love the £9.99 red floral top from New Look, I think it would look perfect styled with a denim skirt, lace up sandals and a straw hat for the sunny days ahead. The patterned blouse from H&M (bottom-left) can be paired with co-ord shorts or if you would rather a dress in this print head over to the website for a better look. I think my favourite here is the bardot blouse form Topshop, I love the colourful print and would pair this under a denim dungaree dress with a bright handbag for a fun daytime look. If you fancy a bit of gingham then the top here (top-centre) is a definite must have at such a good price it would be rude not too really.  

1. Yellow Ruffle Trim Tie Strap Cold Shoulder Top  New Look  £15.99

2. Blue Denim Frill Crochet Trim Bardot Neck top  New Look  £17.99

3. Pure Cotton Broderie Cold Shoulder Bardot Top  Marks & Spencer  £29.50

4. Off-The Shoulder Structured Bardot Top  Topshop  £32.00

5. Off-The-Shoulder Top  Zara  £19.99

If you're after something a little more basic that you can dress up with a pair of patterned trousers or a skirt then try one of these. The Denim top from New Look (top-right) will go with everything and could easily be dressed up with some bright coloured high heels with a matching necklace. I've seen some amazing yellow cage heels in Zara that would work with a matching necklace or bag to create this look. I myself have a light blue off the shoulder top that I got in H&M, it was only £7.99 and has been so popular so if you missed out on that one then try this one from Zara (bottom-right). I'm hoping to wear mine when the sun comes back out with some striped trousers and my tan sandals. The white broderie anglaise top from Marks & Spencer is a classic and will never let you down. It's another one you could dress up or down. You could even style it up with a shacket and khaki trousers for an edgier look as well as making it girly with some light pink culottes. The yellow top from New Look is a great one to start with if you find the off-the-shoulder trend a difficult one to wear. The shoulder straps and the soft fabric will mean it will fit a lot easier and won't ride up. Perfect if like me you spend your day picking up and running around after a toddler. For days when you aren't playing mummy the Topshop bardot top is really great quality and comes in a variety of colours so head over to the website to choose yours. 

1. Floral Off-The-Shoulder Top  Forever 21  £15.00

2. Black Stripe Bardot Neck Tunic Dress  New Look  £14.99

3. Off-The-Shoulder Mini Dress  Forever 21  £23.00

4. Stripe Bardot Playsuit  Topshop  £50.00

5. Off-The-Shoulder Midi Dress with Button Through  Lost Ink @ ASOS  £42.00

6. Lauren Stripe Off-The-Shoulder Swing Top  Boohoo  £12.00

It is most definitely the year of stripes and these pieces right here are perfect to give you all the fashion points you need for summer events. I really love the Topshop playsuit and think this is another piece you could smarten up for an event or dress it down with sandals for a weekday. For an event I would dress it up with red heels but it would also work just as well with bright blue or yellow. To really stand out mix and match your colours with your shoes, clutch and necklace. The blue button through dress available from ASOS is a beautiful option for a city break with some simple tan sandals. We all know I personally have a thing for stripes and I couldn't resist the striped dress from New Look. It has been so popular that when I saw one left in my local store in my size I couldn't not get it. Check out below how I'm styling it up for a daytime look. The yellow dress from Forever 21 is another perfect summer dress with tan sliders for a simple yet chic look. If you want to get your denim shorts out then go with the floral top, also from Forever 21. 

Dress  New Look  £14.99

Choker  New Look  £3.99

Sandals  Next  £16.00

1. Off-The-Shoulder Sundress In Stripe with Sheering Detail  ASOS  £28.00

2. Denim Off-The-Shoulder Dress  Zara  £29.99

3. Off-The-Shoulder Dress with Flute Sleeves  Reclaimed Vintage @ ASOS  £40.00

4. Printed Ruffle and Tiered Off-The-Shoulder Maxi Dress  ASOS  £65.00

5. Printed Off-The-Shoulder Dress  Zara  £39.99

6. Petite Blue Stripe Bardot Neck Midi Dress  New Look  £24.99

I couldn't believe the price of the first dress here (top-left), the sheering detail across it makes it look much more expensive than it actually is and it has gone straight on my wishlist for next month. I love the relaxed feeling of the stripes on both that one and the one from New Look (bottom-right). Although this one is only available in petite at the moment, I think if like me you are between the sizes of 8-12 and not blessed with a petite frame, then my advice is to just size up one size. The floral print dresses here I would be styling up for occasions and would go with nude heels and pick out the colours for the rest of your accessories. I think the maxi from ASOS would be perfect for weddings this summer and would make a great smart/casual look afterwards with lace up sandals and flowers in your hair. The denim dress from Zara I got last year in the sale, mine is just slightly different on the off-the-shoulder detailing. I got mine for an amazing £12.00 in the end of season sales and this almost identical one is still a great price at £29.99. I have worn mine to death as it is such an easy throw on for a weekday look. It is very comfortable, loose fitting and actually stays off the shoulder. Check out below how I have been wearing mine with my lace up sandals (see previous post). 

Dress  (old Zara)

Sandals  Next

So girls todays top tip..Get your shoulders out! This is just my little pick of the high street. If you don't fancy one of these get yourself down to the shops and see what you can find. You won't regret it and might even surprise yourself at what you can pull off. Remember 'life's too short for boring clothes', this is what's trending right now so be a part of it.

xx

NEW PURCHASES 20.05.16

Last week I left with you the thought of the shacket (shirt/jacket hybrid), of course I didn't want to disappoint so I may have fulfilled my promise on that one. I may have also been doing a bit of sale shopping and thanks to the sun, sort of coming out, I may have bagged some sandals. Check out all my new buys below and let me know what you think. 

Shacket  H&M L.O.G.G  £24.99

After finding a shacket on Topshop that had of course sold out, I went on the hunt for a replica. It didn't take me long to find one in H&M in the L.O.G.G Range. I love this range for everyday basics, the quality is fab and the prices aren't bad either. I picked this one up for just £24.99 which I thought was pretty good and I'm sure I have already got it down to a good cost per wear. I've worn it with nearly all my outfits this week both as a jacket and tied around my waist for when it has warmed up a little bit. It's so versatile and can be worn with shorts, dresses, jeans, the list is endless. I especially love it with a basic look of washed black denim jeans, a white tee and sandals with some fresh accessories for SS16 (look out for this look coming soon on my instagram). I would even chuck it over a smarter outfit though to dress it down for an everyday look. Here's one of the looks I wore with it this week...

Hat  (see previous post)  Marks & Spencers  

Top  Zara  

Shacket  H&M

Jeans  Topshop

Sandals (see previous post)  Next

Sandals  Next  £16.00

I seem to be getting all my sandals this year in Next, but I must say in my experience they are super quality and always comfortable. My other favourite place for sandals has to be Zara so look out for me picking some up in the there as well over the summer. These sliders though are clear favourites right now. Like the shacket I have also been wearing these with everything I can since I got them, it helps that they are just so comfortable and easy to throw on. They aren't as easy to run in though so I'll be keeping the toddler in the puchchair when wearing these. If black isn't your colour then have a look on Next online because they also come in a metallic colour, tan and a two-tone white and navy. I would size up half a size in these as I said with my other Next sandals this year, they come up slightly small on the sole and a little tight around my foot in my usual size, but the fact they do half sizes means it is easy to find the perfect fit. Here's what I've been styling them with this week...

Hat (see previous post) F&F  

Shirt (old)  H&M  

Tee  New Look

Jeans  Zara

Sandals  Next

Shacket  H&M

Tee (see previous post)  Marks & Spencer

Sandals  Next

Blouse  Miss Selfridge  (was £35.00) now £15.00

I've been after a boho shirt for a while now after stupidly returning a Zara one last year (reason unknown). Don't you just hate it when that happens and you're forever plagued with regret! This is why when I saw this one I couldn't say no, especially as it was in the sale section for just £15.00. I think to make myself feel better that's actually cheaper than last years Zara shirt causing all the stress. I've seen so many people wearing this style shirt recently with all different looks so I know it will be an easy piece to style up with everything from my dungarees, denim skirt,and denim shorts. I can smarten it up with black jeans and shoes or could even chuck it over a bikini if I was actually going on holiday this year. Because this one is in the sale it is almost sold out online so worth taking a look in your local Miss Selfridge. If you do, pick up a copy of this weeks Look Magazine because there is a 20% off coupon in there for use online or in store. If you still can't find one then have a look on Boohoo, they have a very similar version for £18.00 called the Madison Embroidered Woven Top. 

Make sure you check out my instagram for daily outfit posts to see how I'm styling up all these new pieces but for now Happy Weekend peeps!! Fingers crossed for better weather next week. And just so you know I'm putting myself another shopping ban until after payday, so wish me luck....

xx

SUMMER CHAINS

So we've had a glimse of summer and the toes are coming out people!! This means I've started thinking about sandals and what I will be investing in this summer. For this I decided to go back to the SS16 catwalks and take a little look to remind myself of what caught my eye all those months ago.

Louis Vuitton        Burberry

Alexander Wang

The bold, industrial look of these really got me thinking when I first saw them. There is something very masculine about this style and I feel it is saying something about the modern woman. By choosing such a look we are putting our foot down (literally) and warning people we will not be quiet, we will not be pretty little ladies, no, we will be strong independent women and pity anyone who gets in our way. Apologies if that seems a little strong for a sandal but I think everything we wear and, or choose not to wear in fact is saying something about us and giving people an insight into our personalities. So if these designer versions take your fancy but you don't have the budget to match take a look below at what I found available on the highstreet.

(from left to right-top to bottom)

1. Flying Multi Chain Sandals  Topshop  £52.00

2. Flat Studded Sandals  Zara  £39.99

3. Flat Sandals with Chain Detail  Zara  £29.99

4. Sandal  H&M  £24.99

5. Forefront Chunky Flat Sandals  ASOS  £35.00

As you can see here you don't have to go as chunky as those seen on the catwalk, although I love how similar the pair from ASOS (bottom-right) are to the Louis Vuitton pair. The Zara chain detail sandals though (centre-left) are a much subtler way of getting your message across. I would love to see all these sandals styled with black outfits and you could even juxtaposition the heavy sandals with a softer look up top. I think a black lace slip would work well with these, this would allow you to be bold but still hold on to a little bit of femininity, and the fact you have chosen to do this is putting all the control in your hands. I would always add a heavy jacket, like a leather biker or a bomber if your going to for a simple slip dress to balance the look out.  

1. Minny Chain-Detail Leather Sandals  KG by Kurt Geiger  £99.00

2. Milan Snake-Effect Flatform Sandals  Office  £30.00

3. Zora Leather Sandals  Pedro Garcia @ Selfridges  £275.00

4. Nu Pied Fringed Sandals  Saint Laurent  @ Selfridges  £470.00

5. Athossita 30 Studded Leather Sandals  Christian Louboutin @ Net-A-Porter  £795.00

If budget is on your side then check some of these more pricey options out. I love the fringed Saint Laurent pair (bottom-left) and I think I would be styling these up with an edgy festival look with denim shorts and a graphic tee. The Kurt Geiger pair (top-left) have a slightly beachy feel with the espadrille style base on them. I would love to see these dressed up with a floaty black dress and a large straw hat.  The Pedro Garcia pair (center-left) I think would work best with a monochrome look with a black and white printed dress and a bold necklace to balance the look out. 

1. Leather Sandals  H&M  £29.99

2. Eyelet Block Heel Mules  Next  £34.00

3. Maisy Black Gladiator Flat Sandals  KG by Kurt Geiger  £79.00

4. Flower Studded Sandal  Topshop  £49.00

5. Two Band Sandals  Next  £16.00

If you're not a fan of the heavy soled sandal and want something slightly softer but still giving a nod to the catwalk then have a look at these. The gladiator sandal stays in style year after year so if you invest in a good pair now you won't regret it. The two here are both excellent options with a lace up style that has also been seen all over the catwalks. I would style these with a laid back casual look of shorts and a shirt with a black straw hat (see previous post for hats). I love the mules from Next and have had them on my wishlist since first setting eyes on them. I would style them with girlfriend jeans and a smart black top for an everyday smart look. The pair I actually went for is the sliders from Next (bottom-right). At only £16.00 they are the comfiest pair of sandals I have honestly ever worn. They don't necessarily completely capture the essence of those seen on the catwalk but they do have the chunky black bands to give your look some weight. If you like this style but don't fancy black go have a look as they come in a few different colours too.  

So it's up to you how loud you want your feet to shout and how much you want to scare the men in your path, I promise I'll leave the feminism at the door next time! Just remember what ever it is you are wearing you are saying something and that my friends is the power of fashion. 

xx

NEW HATS 13.05.16

If you read my blog regularly you'll remember me saying last week that I wanted to be good this week and not go buying more things until I had at least worn all my new summer bits I'd been hoarding for so long. I was however on the look out for a straw hat! Well I am pleased to say I have been good'ish, I've started wearing my summer bits and I have purchased a straw hat. Although when I say hat, what I actually mean is hat's, 2 infact, but both for entirely different reasons. I may have also picked up a t-shirt, but only because it is a Stella McCartney tribute and for just £12.50, how could I not? 

Straw Hat  Marks & Spencer  £15.00

So my first hat is exactly what I was looking for in my search for the perfect summer hat. I was after something I could wear with everything, comfortable and good quality. For just £15.00 this one ticks all the boxes. I picked it up in Marks & Spencers and I went for the 

S-M, to be honest I've never really paid much attention to the size of my head before but I think It's about average so I'm guessing it comes up true to size. I wore this one today with my outfit of denim skirt, white shirt and lace up sandals (see last weeks post) I love how it just finishes off my whole look. I'm sure this one will be seen many times throughout the summer!

Straw Hat  Tesco  £10.00  

Scarf  Marks & Spencers  £15.00

This one I picked up in the supermarket, F&F have got some great bits in at the moment to be honest and as soon as I saw this I thought of the Zara one that is double the price. This one is a good fit and will go with all the outfits the first hat won't so win win situation if you ask me. With my outfit this week I decided to add last weeks new buy, my scarf (see lasts weeks post), to mix it up a little bit and put my stamp on it. I loved it with this and will definitely be doing this again! This hat is a slightly different shape to the first hat as well, it is a lot more round and doesn't fit to the head as tight. I don't mind this and like that they are both very different and I can wear them with different looks. The first hat would be a lot easier to dress up with a smarter outfit where as this has got festival written all over it. 

T-Shirt  Marks & Spencers  £12.50

Stella McCartney

My new top I just couldn't leave behind, this really is me being good because believe me there are so many things I have had to walk away from this week. This is a cropped tee from Marks & Spencers, Limited Edition collection and was a great price at just £12.50. The fabric is a fab copy of the Stella McCartney fabric we all fell in love with and have also seen being done in Warehouse this season. M&S have got a whole range in this print from trousers to dresses which come in both black and white. I'll be wearing my tee with jeans and sliders for the summer and most probably going back for the dress at some point too. 

Because I've been so good this week I've been thinking about what I'm after next and have quickly talked myself into a shacket. I know the suns out and it's warming up but we all know what the great British summer is typically like and I think a shacket would be perfect to see me through the next few months. It is of course a cross between a shirt and a jacket so is a lightweight fabric and really easy to wear. I'm looking for one in a khaki colour that I can wear with everything and with everything else I can tie it round my waist for those just in case days. So far I've seen the perfect one in Topshop but sod's law, it's sold out so my hunt continues. I'll let you know how I get on, but for now have a fab weekend and enjoy the sun!

xx

MOROCCAN VIBES

Because the weather took a slight turn in the right direction of summer last week I started to think about my summer wardrobe and a style I love every year is the Moroccan trend. Now I'm not talking full on Moroccan vibes but I am talking, embroidery, pom-poms, tassels and an eastern influence. If you fancy introducing some spice into your wardrobes check out my pick of the high street and let me know what you think.

(from left to right-top to bottom)

1. Crinkled Strappy Top  H&M  £19.99

2. Large Embroidered Scarf - Design 7  SayWhatYouC  £55.00

3. V-Neck Top with Tassels / Tasseled Shorts  H&M  £24.99 / £29.99

4. Jasmine Tie Leg Espadrille Sandals  ASOS  £16.00

5. Straw Shopper  H&M  £24.99

If tassels don't say Moroccan then I don't know what does. I love this straw bag from H&M and think it would be big enough for all my mummy baggage that I have to carry around on a daily basis. It would also make a great beach bag with a kimono thrown over your bikini. I have these espadrille sandals on my wish list for the summer and think they would be so comfortable as you can do them up as tight as you need them. I would wear these with wide leg jeans and the H&M top (top-left) which I also have on my wishlist. The detailing on this is fab for such a great price and I am sure I have seen a dress version as well, if the top doesn't take you fancy. The top and short set also from H&M is exactly what this trend is all about but at the same time bringing it right up to date by being all in black. You could wear this as a set and as separates, making them well worth the money. I would be really tempted to style the look with the scarf from SayWhatYouC, an online boutique I found this year and can't stop going back for more. Their quality is amazing, as is their customer service. This scarf comes in so many other colours, there will most definitely be one perfect for everyone.  

1. Festival Jacket with Mirror Embroidery  ASOS Premium  £60.00
2. Lace Kimono with Tassels in Longline  Band of Gypsies @ ASOS  £65.00
3. Embroidered Bag  Special Edition Zara  £29.99
4. Jacquard Scarf  Zara  £25.99
5. Moroccan Tile Print Pom Pom Pyjama Playsuit  ASOS  £28.00

The Special Edition Zara bag (top-right) is so fab and I quite frankly have to have it! I don't really 'need' it and so can't justify it right now but give me a week or 2 and it will be mine. The detail on it with the mirrored embroidery and tassels is exactly what this trend is all about and would be a great way to introduce it into an everyday outfit. The Jacket from ASOS is making me want to go to a festival. But as I have said before I love pieces that shout festival but that you can actually wear down the park with the little ones and this is definitely one of those pieces. Pair it with the scarf from Zara to really go all out, with skinny jeans, a white tee and espadrilles to finish the look off. The playsuit I have chosen because it is such an easy throw on piece that is sensible enough for mummy days in the sun as well as nights out with some wedges. The amazing kimono from ASOS is a definite attention stealer, so much so that I would keep the rest of the look simple for everyday wear. It looks great with all black underneath and some boots to give the look some edge. I'm sure I have something like this in my wardrobe to be honest, so keep your eye out for something similar popping up on my Instagram. 

1. Strapless Romy Dress  Faithless @ ASOS  £94.00

2. Wooden Necklace  Special Edition Zara  £22.99

3. Mini Sundress in Mixed Print with Tab Side Detail  ASOS  £25.00

4. Fringed Flat Leather Sandals  Zara  £49.99

5. Short Embroidered Jacket  Zara  £39.99

It's when I do blogs like this that I wish I had one of those money trees in the back garden. I really do love all of these pieces, especially the embroidered jacket from Zara. I love the colours and the laid back fabric. It looks fab (as styled) with all white and would look just as good with all black. I would also be tempted to go for a yellow tee with denim shorts to really make the look pop. The sandals from Zara are real leather so slightly more pricey but I have a few pairs of Zara sandals and all have lasted really well. These ones would look amazing with light denim and a bright blue or red handbag. The necklace from Zara is another Special Edition so if you like it don't wait too long. With this one you could add it to a patterned dress, like those above from ASOS and go for a tan coloured sandal. Or you could keep your look simple and go for all white and let the necklace do all the talking.  

1. Embroidery Clutch  Mango  £29.99

2. Raffia Hat  Zara  £19.99

3. Geometric Print Jacket  Mango  £69.99

4. Straw Bag  Mango  £39.99

5. Hand Embroidered Kaftan  Zara  £79.99

I have been on the hunt for a straw hat this week, which I have now got and will let you all in on later this week. This hat though is making me think maybe I should have gone for Raffia instead This is a slightly more of a relaxed material than straw and you can see this in the finished article with the vibes this one is giving off. It is so simple, yet ticks all the boxes and would go with almost everything, it would just be hard to dress it up as it has such a relaxed feel to it. The Cactus bag from Mango is going to be a sell out and I have seen it everywhere recently. It is another one that is perfect sized for all your must have everyday bits and pieces and this one also has the advantage of a shoulder strap, don't delay on this one! The jacket from Mango is a great piece for this weeks weather with all the rain we seem to be getting. It is light enough to stop you getting too hot but save you from the showers. I would love to see this one with a relaxed wide leg trouser and simple loose vest top. Check out last weeks post on Wide leg trousers for some inspiration. Finally here the kaftan from Zara is another statement piece and is hand made so will have super quality. This is something you could chuck on over so many things and will come out year after year. 

1. Leather Slip-On Sandals  H&M  £29.99

2. Earrings with Tassels  H&M  £6.99

3. Clutch Bag-1  SayWhatYouC  £29.00

4. Embroidered Cotton T-Shirt  Mango  £17.99

5. Lace Up Espadrilles  Zara  £29.99

I would love to see these pieces styled together, with a choice of shoes depending on the feel you are going for. I would choose the slip-ons for a relaxed look with denim shorts when the weather warms up a little bit. And for a smarter look I would go with the metallic espadrilles with some light pink wide leg trousers (see last weeks post). The t-shirt and the earrings are from different shops but I think they go absolutely perfectly together and adding the bag from SayWhatYouC would definitely give you those extra fashion points. As with the scarf from the same company, this clutch bag comes in many different colour variations so well worth a look on their website. 

1. Aztec Fringe Sandal  New Look @ ASOS  £24.99

2. Embroidered Neckline Dress  Zara  £29.99

3. Embellished Tassel Bag  Pull&Bear @ ASOS  £29.99

4. Tile Print Tassel Trim Kimono  Vila @ ASOS £35.00

5. Jersey Peg Trousers In Mono Tile Print  ASOS  £22.00

These are some more pieces I would love to see styled together. The dress from Zara would look great with the Sandals from New Look to introduce a bit of fun and give the dress more of a casual feel. These sandals would also look fab with the co-ord 2 piece from H&M (see above). I love the bag from Pull & Bear and think this could be styled with so many colours to pick out it's detail. I would be tempted to go for a black outfit with bright blue sandals as well as with a red dress and black sandals. The kimono is another easy throw on to give instant style to an otherwise boring outfit. This can be done now with jeans and a top and in the summer with a slip dress. The trousers are a jersey material so would be so, so comfortable and would see you all through out the summer. I would style these with different coloured cami tops, black lace up sandals and the bag from Pull&Bear. 

So there is my take on the Moroccan trend with what is available on the high street right now. Hopefully I've talked you into at least one piece. If you want to stay simple, my advice would be to go for a kimono. They are so easy to chuck on over things and can be dressed up or down. They also flatter every body shape and are easily worn as maternity items too. 

Here's to hoping the sun visits us again very soon, happy shopping!

xx