SWEET VELVET

I'm baaaack, well for now at least! We have the keys to our new house and have been working hard on getting it all redecorated, ready to move in to. This includes a complete new kitchen and bathroom though so of course all is not running smoothly and we're behind schedule. But this does mean I've found a little bit of time to get back on here. Whilst getting lost in home decor, I have also been trying my best to stay up to date with all the new season collections and one thing that has really caught my eye is velvet. If your not already switched on to it then get yourself ready because it's about to be huge and is one of the biggest fall trends for this year. Designers such as Prada, Valentino, Emilio Pucci and Lanvin were all over it and its now hitting the high street. 

Lanvin Pre-Fall 2016   Emilio Pucci Fall 2016   Chloe Resort 2017

(Images via Pinterest)

If anything is going to get you excited about winter coming then it's the fashions that may come with it. But velvet doesn't have to be put on hold until the temperatures drop, I love the styling above for summer days, showing how versatile velvet can be for both dressing up and down. 

Velvet Dress, Mink  Zara  £19.99

T-Shirt Bra  Lindex  £29.99

Stassi Knotted Sandal  Miss Selfridge  £45.00

First off let me show you what I've been buying. This dress caught my eye as I was browsing the new collection Zara pieces. I love the crushed velvet style which I think adds depth to it and would really flatter all body shapes and sizes. It also comes in a yellow which has a real Emilio Pucci feel to it and would look great styled with a slightly sports luxe vibe. I bought this one to wear on a night out and will be wearing it with my Mango lace up mid-heels (no longer available-see similar above). I went for a size M in the dress because I wanted it be nice and loose and a slightly longer length. This does mean though that it comes up quite low on the neck line so a pretty lace bra will sort that out for me. When the weather changes I will be layering it up with a white tee, trainers and a biker jacket. 

1. Crushed Velvet Shift Dress  Mango @ ASOS  £49.99

2. Velvet Dress  Mango  £19.99

3. T-Shirt Smock Dress in Velvet  Glamorous @ ASOS  £23.00

Velvet Top  Zara  £15.99

MOTO Bleach Ripped Mom Jeans  Topshop  £42.00

Heel Ankle Boot  Mango  £35.99

If dresses aren't your thing then how about a cute velvet top to wear with your ripped jeans. This double layered top from Zara is available in this gorgeous pink colour as well as in black. With the black you could go with a goth glam vibe and pair it with a tulle skirt, strappy heels and smokey eyes, perfect for a night out. I love the pink though and would be styling it with a grey sweatshirt underneath for a super casual day look. 

1. Frilled Velvet Top  Zara  £19.99

2. Velvet Top  Zara  £15.99

3. Velvet Bodysuit  Zara  £12.99

4. Black Lace Trim Velvet Crop Top  New Look  £14.99

Wrap Midi Skirt in Velvet  ASOS  £38.00

Velvet Baseball Cap  ASOS  £10.00

Pink Crushed Velvet Point Heeled Ankle Boots  Daisy Street  £32.99

I love, love, love this skirt from ASOS! I adore the colour and would love to toughen it up a bit with some black accessories. The wrap style would flatter all figures if worn around the smallest part of your waist and it could definitely be dressed up with heels or down with biker boots. This one is on the top of my wishlist so watch the space. If you're still not feeling the trend completely then you could always go with accessories to ease you in. The baseball cap may not be for everyone but this is another trend about to come back in a big way. I really like these boots and think they would look fab with a silk shirt, and stepped hem jeans. 

Short Velvet Jacket  Zara  £25.99

Velvet Kaftan  Mango  £69.99   Velvet Trousers  Mango  £49.99

Velvet Blazer  Mango  £44.99 (was £89.99)

Velvet Trousers  Mango  £34.99 (was £69.99)

I'm going to say this blazer currently in the Mango sale is my top pick for Autumn/Winter. It could be worn so many different ways and would come back out the wardrobe year after year. I'm thinking a band tee and ripped denim for everyday wear and for a smarter look with an all black outfit and mid heeled boots. It's an absolute steal in the sale at the moment too so don't miss out on this one!

Hopefully I've tempted you to get your hands on some velvet. As you can see from above the best places to go at the moment are Zara and Mango but I promise you another few months and it will be everywhere. If I've inspired you and you feel like sharing then please upload your look to instagram and use the hashtag #lookoflou

For now lets make the most of the summer while we still have it and please keep your fingers crossed for me, that my move in date doesn't get moved AGAIN!! 

xx