MIX & MATCH 

I'm starting to think versatility should be my middle name. I've only gone and done it again, found the perfect party pieces for day and night and more importantly for everyday after that. I am of course talking about the co-ord; 2 pieces, 100 ways! Because yes by all means wear the pieces together but then think about all the other ways you could wear them as seperates. 

Striped Velvet Top  Zara  £19.99

Striped Velvet Trousers  Zara  £19.99

Stiletto Heel Stretch Ankle Boots  Marks & Spencer  £39.50

I picked my co-ord up in Zara, which I must say is one of the best places to go for co-ords every season. This season in particular though they are killing it and all for such amazing prices. Both my top and my trousers were each just under £20.00 so when you think about how many ways yo could wear each piece, your definitely be getting your moneys worth. One thing to watch out on with the trousers, they come up really long. I decided to take mine up a little so I can wear with flats during the day as well as heels.

For all the Christmas parties coming up I'll be going all out with both pieces, my heeled sock boots and a statement earring. But for day the trousers work so well with a sweatshirt and flats. I can wear so many of my knitted jumpers with them, my slogan tees, you name it, I'll be wearing it with theses fabulous velvet trousers. And the top of course can be tucked in to a leather skirt for another evening look, or even worn with ripped jeans for a glam daytime look. 

90s Metal Round Sunglasses  ASOS  £12.00

Faux Fur Jacket  H&M  £49.99 (instore £24.99)

Sweatshirt (old)  similar here

Striped Velvet Trousers  Zara  £19.99

Boots (old)  similar here

Surely now I've talked you into the co-ord you'll want to know what else is available on the high street. Well of course I've done the hard work for you and picked my favourites. 

Buttoned Printed Shirt  Mango  £49.99

High Waist Printed Trousers  Mango  £49.99

I absolutely adore the colours on this Mango one, and because of all the gorgeous colours within the print there is so many options of things to style with each piece.

Flowing Top  Zara  £12.99

Loose Cropped Trousers  Zara  £15.99

T-Shirt with Bow  Zara  £17.99

Striped Trousers  Zara  £17.99

The silver set (above) from Zara is definitely another one I would have gone for, the price for both pieces is just amazing. And these are pieces that will see you right through to Spring and beyond. Chuck some jewels at it for New Years eve, then to take it over to the casual side with a white tee and trainers. 

Striped Satin Blouse  Mango  £29.99

Satin Stripe Trousers  Mango  £49.99

Check Top with Frill Detail  Vila @ ASOS  £35.00

 Check Trousers with Peplum Detail  Vila @ ASOS  £35.00

Tartan Check Structured Top  Pretty Little Thing @ ASOS  £18.00

Tartan Mix Check Flare Trousers  Pretty Little Thing @ ASOS  £22.00

If checks are your thing, and before you ask; yes they most certainly are my thing, then both of these will be right up your street. All you have to do now is decide on frills or flares? For me the flares have the edge at the moment what with the 70's revival going on in fashion land. 

Black Glitter Boucle Cropped Jacket  Cameo Rose @ New Look  £29.99

Black Glitter Boucle Mini Skirt  Cameo Rose @ New Look  £19.99

Now here is one you could wear from office to party with no need for awkward toilet changes. 

So don't forget to treat yourself this Christmas!! You deserve it and when your new items are this versatile, there's no need to feel guilty. 

Style Inspo

images pinterest

Kelly Louise

xx

SOFT TOUCH - VELVET EDIT 2017

Cold winter days call for one thing; soft velvet on the skin, around your legs, draped across shoulders, oh if I could only wear it head to toe. But then again saying that thanks to the amazing offerings of our beloved high street you can pretty much dress yourself in all over velvet and without breaking the bank. We all deserve a little present to ourselves this time of year so why not make it soft to the touch and a feast for the eyes. 

90's Round Metal Sunglasses  ASOS  £12.00

Earrings  Mango  £6.99  similar here  

Dinosaur Sweatshirt  Zara  £25.99

Velvet Pleated A-Line Midi Skirt  Marks & Spencers  £35.00

Boots (old)  Zara  similar here

I was lucky enough to bag myself one of these bad boys! The M&S velvet midi skirt of dreams that is. I say lucky because last year they sold out, this year they are selling just as fast and why because the are so very versatile, such gorgeous fabric and so comfortable to wear. This one comes in 3 other colours but I'm pretty sure the black is the hot ticket. I've styled mine for day with streetstyle vibes in my sweatshirt and chunky biker boots. Over the festive period I will be most certainly dressing it up with heels and lace, chucking on a Christmas jumper and wearing with oversized knits.

Knotted Velvet Dress  Zara  £29.99

This dress is my first pick for you because I myself have it, I love it and got lots of amazing comments on it. Unfortunately the night in question ran away a little quickly and no pictures were taken (well none I want to share with the public anyway). I wore it with heeled sock boots and statement earrings. Just one word of warning, it is slightly see through so I wore a little mini skirt underneath and pinned the v-neck together a little to save my dignity. Super impressed for just less than thirty-quid though. 

Devore Velvet Mini Dress  Zara  £69.99

Print Velvet Midi Dress  Topshop  £49.00

Burnout Velvet Bodysuit  Topshop  £45.00  (in-store only)

As the party season is now upon us the shops are full of fabulous dresses of course, but if you're not a dress kinda gal then this bodysuit is a perfect alternative. Wear with jeans and a jacket for daytime or for night time style with black trousers and killer heels.  

Bonded Velvet Blazer  Topshop  £75.00

Velvet Flared Trousers  Zara  £29.99

MOTO Bonded Velvet Denim Skirt  Topshop  £42.00

Velvet Bead Bag  Mango  £49.99

A great way to dip your toe into a trend without jumping in head first is to go for accessories and this bag from Mango is my absolute favourite on offer. The bead detaling is just amazing and the slouch style means you could easily use it during the day with your jeans, tee and blazer. Then as night falls take it all the way to the ball with a maxi dress and heels. 

Pleated Velvet Kimono Maxi Dress  ASOS  £55.00

And of course if said ball is where you're heading then this is sure to turn heads and an amazing price too. Style with silver accessories for a young, modern take on evening wear. 

Crushed Velvet Dress  H&M  £39.99

Dark Red Stud Velvet Backless Loafers  River Island  £35.00

Velour Jacket Dress  H&M  £34.99

Velvet Hairband with Pearl Beads  Zara  £15.99

Velvet Straight Neck Jumpsuit  Urban Outfitters  £49.99

Mid Pink Velvet T-Shirt  New Look  £12.99

Velour Hooded Top  H&M  £24.99

Velvet Devore Mini Dress  New Look  £39.99

I think I'm going to HAVE to get myself this devore mini dress, I just love the style, the pattern, the colour, yep it has my name written all over it! And of course for my days off the hoody is a must because you can never have too many of those, right!? 

Treat yourself to something a little special this christmas, just make sure it's velvet of course. 

Style Inspo

Kelly-Louise

xx

PUFF IT UP

So you want to be toasty warm this winter?? 

.....Hell yesss

You want to stand out from the crowd?? 

....Always

You want to be on trend and strutting the streets like a true fashionista??

....Well obviously

If you answered just like me to the questions above then you most certainly need to 'Puff it Up' this season. By far the warmest coat I own, and honestly just like leaving the house with my duvet wrapped round me. As if that wasn't reason enough though, it's on trend, super easy to wear and affordable on all budgets. 

90s Round Metal Sunglasses  ASOS  £12.00

Padded Jacket  H&M Kids  £29.99

Printed Dress with Bow  Zara  £25.99

Boots  Zara (old)  similar here

Padded Jacket  H&M (kids)  £29.99

I love to shop for the best value and always look in the kids departments to see what's on offer. Every now and again this pays off and the reward is some change in my pocket and the latest trends hanging in my wardrobe. I picked up my puffer in H&M Kids and took the largest size 14y+, I usually take a 10/12 in coats in the womens section. I love the fact this one has a detachable hood and is not too long in the body. But the price was by far the best bit about it!

If you don't fancy shopping the kids section though then there are some fab options available right across the high street.

Padded Jacket  Monki @ ASOS  £65.00

Chicago Bulls Puffer Jacket  UNK @ Topshop  £70.00 

Hooded Puffer Coat  Zara  £79.99

Knitwear and puffers go hand in hand for when the temperatures drop. It's up to you on whether to stay safe with plain creams and greys or pack a punch with stripes and patterns. Pair with jeans and boots for an easy casual everyday look. 

Fashion Padded Coat  Warehouse  £66.50 (was £95.00)

Cocoon Jacket  Superdry  £94.99

Another way to dress the puffer down is to wear with sweatshirts and trousers. Add interest with your accessories and stay comfy in trainers. If like me you're still braving dresses and getting your legs out try the puffer coat thrown over a mini or midi dress. I loved mixing and matching the puffer with my cute red ditsy print dress and biker boots to balance the look out.

Red Cropped Puffer Jacket  New Look  £44.99

This one from New Look would be perfect dressed up with all black and killer heels. Keep the rest of your look simple but sassy. I'd stay away from frills and ruffles but a super cool and sleek LBD is most certainly going to work. Another way to dress the puffer up is to add some vinyl. Pair with patent leather and black accessories for a cool day to evening look.

Style Inspo

Please do not be afraid to stand out my friends! Don't let the vibrancy scare you off, there are of course other colours available, red just happens to be my favourite at the moment and did I mention it's the colour of the season! You really can chuck a puffer on over anything and everything, so go get yourself a piece of the action and please share your pics on Instagram with #lookoflou  

Kelly-Lou

xx

KNIT TO YOUR KNEES

If you've visited my blog before you'll know I like to show how fashion can be for everyone, no matter your age, size, or shape. And more importantly I like to think I show how to make your wardrobe work that little bit harder and ensure each piece is versatile enough to deal with our fast paced lives.

Bakerboy Hat  New Look (old)  similar here

Sunglasses  ASOS  £12.99

Jacket  Next (old)  similar here

Jumper Dress  TkMaxx (old)  similar here

Boots  Zara (old) similar here

So welcome please the jumper dress; the perfect piece to take you through autumn in to winter, dress it up, dress it down, you'll surprise even yourself with this one. Because believe me there is more than one way to wear it, but still look fabulous at all times and of course stay super cosy always. My jumper dress (above) is from last year and I picked it up from TkMaxx for a bit of a bargain I think. But just for you I've linked some alternatives below. Because a grey knit really is the best thing since sliced bread. You can wear it with colours, throw some patterns at it or keep it simple and smart with black accessories. 

Oversized Sweater Dress  Zara  £39.99

Knitted Wool-Blend Dress  H&M  £34.99

Ribbed Grunge Funnel Neck Jumper Dress  Topshop  £39.00

Knitted Wool-Blend Dress  H&M  £59.99

Greuy Cable Knit Asymmetric Jumper Dress  River Island  £45.00

So style Tip No.1 for the jumper dress; you don't have to wear it as a dress. Because I know not everyone loves getting their legs out, especially when the weather is less than ideal. I fell in love with this knit from Next (below) and would love to have been brave enough to wear it on its own. I decided to go for the next best thing though and wear it layered with a mini skirt. This trick means you still have your legs out but don't have to worry about showing off a little too much. I also had this layered with a vest so this jumper became more of an outerwear piece for me. 

90's Metal Round Sunglasses in Gold  ASOS  £12.00

Gold Tone Twist Earrings  Next  £8.00

Red Statement Spliced Sweater  Next  £30.00

Cherry True Bucket Bag  Topshop  out of stock  similar here  

Faux Leather Skirt  Zara  old  similar here

Black Suede Western Ankle Boots  New Look  £34.99

If you like the look with the skirt but aren't so keen on the mini then try a midi length skirt. This look could be dressed up with heels or worn with trainers for a casual look. My rule when playing around with hemlines though is to stick to just 2 lengths. Therefore with a longline knit and midi skirt, my advice would be to got for a jacket/coat the same length as the jumper. 

Turtleneck Dress  &Other Stories  £69.00

High Neck Oversized Jumper Dress  Vero Moda @ ASOS  £45.00

Relaxed Jumper Dress in Stripe  Daisy Street @ ASOS  £27.99

Colour Block Jumper Dress  PrettyLittleThing @ ASOS  £25.00

Contrast Trim Midi Jumper Dress  Noisy May @ New Look  £26.00

Knitted Polo-Neck Dress  H&M  £34.99

Of course any of these jumper dresses could also be worn with trousers or jeans. I love playing with textures and styling a long line jumper with leather trousers (pleather on my budget), or for an easy everyday look just throw over some jeans. I love the bright colours available o the high street at the moment, perfect for cheering up a grey wintery day. Red *hint hint* is the colour of the season so that's where my heart lies at the moment. 

Cable Knit Sweater  Zara  £49.99

Knitted Dress with Slouchy V Neck and Tipping  ASOS  £32.00

Long Sleeve Knit Dress  Zara  £19.99

Turtleneck Side Slit Pocket Cable Knit Sweater Dress  Romwe  £20.30

A cream knit will prove just as versatile as a grey knit, it just means you have to be a little bit careful around those sticky fingers. Personally it's not really my daughter I have to worry about its more me and my inability not to spill/drop things. I'm really keen on the knit above though so might just have to brave it this time. I will style it with ripped jeans and boots come winter. For now while we're still just about clinging on to blue skies the skirt underneath is definitely my go to. 

Jumper Dress with Ruffle Detail  Vero Moda @ ASOS  £35.00

Cable Knit Dress  Zara  £39.99

Roll Neck Sweater with Textured Pockets  Zara  £49.99

Long Boucle Knit Sweater  Stradivarius  £29.99

Hopefully I've shown how a jumper dress really can be for everyone. For this trend bigger really is better & more is always more. So when it comes to knitwear this season take it oversized and down to your knees. Layer accordingly and surprise yourself at just how many ways one jumper can be worn. 

Style Inspo

(images pinterest)

Kelly Lou

xx