DON'T BE A STRANGER TO THE STRIPE

So today I am in deed wearing a stripey trouser. I am though feeling slightly guilty about the whole situation in that I almost completely forgot I had them. It dawned on me the other day as I was standing in the queue in Zara (standard) with another pair in my hands, that I actually already had a very similar pair at home! Slightly embarrassing but it did of course save me some money. 

So if you haven't jumped on board with this trend yet...why not ?? I'm going to say a good striped trouser will become your newest wardrobe staple and will see you right through Spring and into Summer. I've done the hard work for you and picked my favourite available on the high street. 

My Look

Basic T-shirt  Zara  £5.99

Trousers  Marks & Spencer  (old)

Shoes  H&M  (old)

My stripes are last years from Marks & Spencers (see below for this years version). They're high-waisted with a paper bag waist and tapered to the leg. A key thing when buying striped trousers is to always go for a vertical stripe. This will make your legs look longer and thinner. Another good tip if you're not completely body confident is to go for a paper bag waist like these ones. This type of fit acts like a waist cincher and pulls you in at your smallest point, flattering all body types. 

Jacket  H&M  (old)

Another trick to take the striped trouser to the next level is to add a statement jacket and heels. Stripes really do go with everything, don't be afraid to mix and match with other stripes, patterns and accessories. Have a look at my pick of the high street starting with those most similar to mine. 

Black Stripe Tie Waist Trousers  New Look  £24.99

Linen Rich Striped Tapered Leg Trousers  Marks & Spencers  £27.50

Loose-fitting Paperbag Trousers  Stradivarius  £25.99

Striped Belted Peg Trousers  Topshop  £39.00

Striped Cotton Trousers  Mango  £35.99

Striped Trousers  Zara  £25.99

Cotton Rich Striped Straight Leg Trousers  Marks & Spencers  £39.50

Peg Trousers with Oversized Bow in Stripe  ASOS  £28.00

Cropped Stripe Trousers  Topshop £39.00

I love the colours of these ones with the white accents and think they would be the most versatile when it comes to seeing you through the summer. 

Trousers with Belt  Zara  £25.99

This is the pair I nearly walked out of Zara with. They are super comfortable in a really light weight fabric. I found they came up a little big and would have sized down. 

Stripe Wide Trousers  Topshop  £49.00 (currently out of stock)

Striped Tapered Leg Trousers  Marks & Spencers  £45.00

To make a real impact these black and white striped trousers are perfect. Dress them down with trainers and a graphic tee. For night time glamour add some bright pink to really make a statement. 

Surely you're convinced now? There really is a pair out there for everyone and I promise you won't regret it. My top style advice is to always think versatility. And I gurantee a well fitting pair of stripey trousers will not let you down here. But if you're still not sure check out some style inspo below. 

(photos pinterest)

Kelly Lou

xx

DRESS UP, DRESS DOWN 

Who else is looking forward to the Bank Holiday weekend?!! As well as eating my body weight in chocolate and drinking a few too many vinos, I'm also off to a 50th birthday party on Saturday night. Which means I was in need of a new outfit, although when I say I need I really mean 'want'. I was after something I could wear with heels and glam up a bit but that would also work for daytime casual with trainers. This is where the blue dress comes in, and not surprisingly I found mine in Zara. 

Sky Blue Dress  Zara  £25.99

The key here to making your dress work from day in to night is a casual fabric with added details to take it up a notch. This one from Zara caught my eye because of the added belt with silver disc detailing on it. The circular trend has been hot for a while now on bags and clothes alike and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. I also really love the ties on the sleeves which mean you can puff the sleeves up as big and as bold as you want. Not bad at all for less than £30.00. 

My Look

For night time glam I will be adding black accessories and mixing and matching gold and silver accents. It could also work with nude heels and a brightly coloured bag though to mix things up a bit. 

For day time just add trusty converses and a bucket bag for ultimate casual chic. If this one isn't your style though, I've found a couple of alternatives that will work just as well...

Stripe Frill Bardot Dress  Topshop  £38.00 

Striped Shirt Dress  &Other Stories  £65.00 

Blue Stripe Print Cold Shoulder Shirt Dress  River Island  £40.00

Frill Front Shift Dress  Fashion Union @ ASOS  £28.00

Crossbody Bag with Stud Detail  Zara  £29.99

Silver-Toned Leather Mules  Zara  £59.99 

Soft Dumpling Shopper Bag  French Connection  £50.00

Striped Dress with Ruffled Sleeves  Zara  £29.99

Black Ball Hi Shoes  Vans  £50.00

Style Inspo...

(photos pinterest)

Check out my instagram to see me putting my dress to the test this weekend. Let's all cross our fingers for some sun and above all else remember; body weight in chocolate is the aim of the game! Enjoy my lovelies,

Kelly Lou

xx

POWER TO THE RED TROUSER

I've written on here before about how red is my power colour. No one can ignore a bright red, and that is exactly why you should be wearing it because no one was born to fade into the background. Now there's no science to it and it may just be me, but when I wear red I find my inner Beyonce awakens (if you will). It actually makes me feel a little more like someone who has all their shit together and like I can take on the world - not a common feeling for me. Like I said though nothing proven here, just a little trick I use sometimes when I'm in need of a boost. (For anyone wondering; red being my power colour / pink is my happy colour)...I never said I was normal!! 

This time I'm talking RED trousers; wide, cropped, flared you name it there's a pair out there for you. Do not be afraid though, yes they are bright and in your face but a red trouser is also surprisingly versatile and can easily be dressed up, down and all around. 

Sailor Pant in Iron Oxide  Jesse Kamm @ Need Supply Co.  £316.09

These ones, as seen in image (above) are a little out of my price range. But having said that, they are blooming fabulous and give a perfect balance between smart/casual. I love the effortless cut on them and the soft canvas material is perfect for summer. So if they are even slightly within your price range, sooo worth it! They also come in a host of other colours if red isn't your thing, follow the link to have a little look. 

ropped Trousers  Zara  £19.99

This is the pair I will be rocking this season. I love the culotte style; perfect for as the weather warms up and the tie detail around the waist adds a little interest. They're an absolute bargain at just £19.99. They are quite a thin material and I also found they came up quite big so took an XS (usually size 8/10), but for under £20 you really can't complain and I can't wait to start wearing them...

T-Shirt with Contrasting Checks  Zara  £15.99

Cropped Trousers  Zara  £19.99

Metallised Brogues with Jute Soles  Stradivarius  £35.99

Red Slim Leg Cropped Trousers  New Look   £24.99

Cropped Straight-Cut Trousers  Zara  £39.99

For a smarter look these Zara skinny fit trousers are perfect, and for true fashionista status pick up the coordinating blazer!....Tailored Jacket with Buttons  

Mensy Peg Trousers  Topshop  £39.00

Woven Peg Trousers with OBI Tie  ASOS  £25.00

Wide Trousers  Bershka  £19.99

Red Self Tie Wide Leg Trousers  New Look  £24.99

How to wear your red trouser;

• Pair with gingham for a fresh look this season
• Add easy stripes and trainers for a casual everyday look
• A blue and white striped shirt could be worn with trainers or smart shoes for ultimate versatility
• Wear with a graphic tee/band tee and add a little leopard print  
• Stay simple withe plain white tees for day or go black for a smarter look with heels after dark
• If you want to mix things up style with a pink top and neutral accessories

Cotton Crop Trousers  Mango  £19.99

Frill Zip Palazzo Trousers  Topshop  £42.00

Assymetric Flare Trousers  Zara  £39.99

If you really want to go all out with the red trouser then how about adding a bit of real fit and flare. I've tried and tested the Topshop pair a few times and was going to go for them until I found the Zara pair (for half the price). These ones though are a nicer and slightly thicker fabric with a really nice fit to them around the waist and bum as they sit above the hips. Size down one size though as I found they came up a little big. 

If that hasn't made your mind up, check out some style inspo below....

(images pinterest)

Kelly Lou

xx