'LEOPARD IS A NEUTRAL'

Who can resist a bit of leopard print? Well, clearly not me! I've had this gorgeous skirt from Zara since last year and I think it is probably my most worn item of clothing. It has an elasticated waist meaning it's super comfortable and a pleated design which flatters all shapes and sizes and also gives the fabric some movement. I've dressed it up, I've dressed it down. Added tights, and styled with sandals, this print is an all year winner and always packs a punch. 

To cope with the less than ideal weather right now I styled mine at the weekend with some bright colours and braved it with no tights. I wanted to prove with this look that fashion can be comfortable and casual as well as being on trend, affordable and yet still (hopefully) stylish and cool. As much as leopard works so well with neutrals and can be left to do all the talking, you can also chuck some colour/pattern at it and let the print itself become the neutral. The key to my outfit is the yellow that connects the t-shirt and the jumper, but is also not a million shades away from the colours on the skirt. 

Metal Round Sunglasses  ASOS  £12.00

Oversized Sweater  Zara  (sold out)  similar here  

Amour Rainbow Print T-Shirt  Miss Selfridge  £16.00

Medium Sized Loveless Duffle Bag  MCQ by Alexander McQueen  £355.00

Skirt  Zara  (old)  see below

Boots  H&M  (old)  similar here

In my opinion everyone should own a leopard print skirt and clearly you all agree because so many people wanted to know where mine was from. Unfortunately as it is old season it is no longer available, unless you go for a scroll on eBay of course. But I was sure there must be current season versions available because as much as leopard is always in fashion, right now it's most certainly having a 'moment'. 

So I had my mission, I searched and you'll be pleased to know I did indeed find the goods......

Midi Skirt with Split In Leopard  Daisy Street @ ASOS  £16.99

Animal Print Midi Skirt  Zara  £29.99

Pleated Skirt  H&M  £34.99

Long Leopard Print Skirt  Y.A.S @ ASOS  £48.00

Megan Woven Leopard Print Pleated Skater Skirt  Boohoo  £18.00

This one from Boohoo is probably the most like mine with the pleated design. It also has an elasticated waist and would be super comfortable so easy to wear day and night. And for less than £20, how can you say no??

Box Pleated Leopard Maxi Skirt  SheIn  £12.25

This is the cheapest of all the options and is obviously that little bit longer, I think this would work just as well though and would look fabulous in the summer with sandals and camisole tops. 

An easy way to style a leopard print skirt is with slogan tees or band t-shirts, chuck a hoodie over the top and you're good to go. But you could always break with tradition and go with a pattern clash. Style with a bright floral blouse and match your accessories to the colours within the pattern. Don't ever be afraid to step out the box, remember if YOU like it, then YOU can pull it off!

Street Style

Kelly Lou

xx

SUITS YOU

When you want to make an impact but also want to spend your money wisely....Suit it up! I do love a co-ord and this season its all about the simple 2 piece; blazer and bottoms. But my pick of the high street is anything but simple, think patterns, stripes and colour and stand yourself out from the crowd.

Small Pointy Cat Eye Sunglasses  ASOS  £14.00

Blue Multi Stripe Blazer  New Look  £19.99

Slogan T-Shirt  New Look  £7.99

Blue Stripe Slim Leg Trousers  New Look  £19.99

Rose Chunky Sole Trainers  Boohoo  £22.00

I picked my co-ord suit up in New Look and for a very reasonable price I must add. I had a 20% off discount code for my birthday (top tip - sign up and you too will receive the same). The fabric of both pieces is a soft light weight fabric with stretch in it which means I can wear it with ease all day. I love the fact there's lots of colours to pick out with accessories and tops. I've styled it up here with me new favourite trainers, a slogan tee and some sassy sunglasses. Hopefully proving that practical dressing doesn't have to be boring. To take both pieces out after dark a simple cami top and some killer heels is all you'll need. 

Blue Multi Stripe Blazer  New Look  £19.99

Blue Stripe Slim Leg Trousers  New Look  £19.99

The good thing about a co-ord is that you can also wear each piece seperately and create so many different looks. I'll be wearing the blazer with dresses and jeans, and the trousers with all my knits for now and t-shirts come summer. 

But what else is out there.......

Jacquard Blazer  Zara  £69.99

Jacquard Trousers  Zara  £29.99

Jungle Print Blazer  Zara  £49.99

Jungle Print Trousers  Zara  £29.99

I love the prints on both of these suits and can confirm they are just as dreamy in real life. I think the green (on the right) would be perfect for a wedding guest and would love to see it styled with a bright pink top. 

Checked Blazer  Stradivarius  £29.99

Checked Trousers with Side Stripe  Stradivarius  £19.99

Checked Double Breasted Coat  Zara  £89.99

Checked Linen Trousers  Zara  £39.99

Check Print Tailored Blazer  Monki @ ASOS  £40.00

Check Print Skirt  Monki @ ASOS  £25.00

Grey check is the ultimate classic and can be mixed up with colours, prints and patterns to add some personality to your look. 

Blazer with Contrasting Topstitching  Zara  £69.99

Trousers with Contrasting Topstitching  Zara  £39.99

Contrasting top-stitch is big news right now so this suit is my pick for sure. I love the flare on the trousers which could be dressed up with heels or dressed down with trainers. The blazer would be an instant update to any wardrobe and add some sass to all your basics. 

Double Breasted Blazer  Bershka  £29.99

Tailored Trousers with Darts  Bershka  £19.99

Pink Check Stripe Blazer  River Island  £65.00

Pink Check Stripe Ring Tie Belt Culottes River Island  £42.00

Soft Blazer in Green Stripe  ASOS  £45.00

Tailored Stripe Track Pant  ASOS  £32.00

Cameo Rose Green Blazer  New Look  £17.99

Cameo Rose Green Culottes  New Look  £15.99

Double Breasted Checked Jacket  Topshop  £69.00

Checked Pelmet Skirt  Topshop  £36.00

If colour is your thing, then just like me you have a big decision to make! At the moment I'm swaying towards pink but equally love the green. Don't be afraid to mix things up though, right now the runways are bursting with colour clashing and rainbow brights. The most important thing to remember when styling a look is to always add some personality. If you like it, wear it and stand tall. It will always work if you believe in it. 

Pink Double Breasted Style Blazer  River Island  £68.00

Pink Paperbag Waist Wide Leg Trousers  River Island  £46.00

Double Breasted Corduroy Blazer  Zara  £79.99

Corduroy Culottes  Zara  £39.99

I do hope I've tempted you on this one. A good suit will serve you well for years to come and always give you fashionista status on the streets.

Street Style

Kelly Lou

xx

DRESS SENSE

With the weather doing its own thing right now and the shops screaming Spring, we all need a little something to tide us over between the seasons. Dresses are perfect for this transitional period and can be dressed up or down to suit all occasions. I thought I'd do the hard work for you and then because I love you, went one step further (thank me later) and got all my picks in for under £20!! 

Polka Dot Dress  Zara  £17.99

My dress is Zara, which in my opinion is on fire this season with its 'special prices' section. This polka dot easy wear dress came in at just £17.99, has such amazing versatility and will see me right through to Summer. I've gone casual here with trainers of the 90's variety and a very cheap alternative to those Balenciagas' I must say. Not everyone's cup of tea but I love them so that's good enough for me. A blazer is an easy way to smarten up any outfit without making it impractical for day to day duties. You could also add some lippy, silver booties and take this dress out after dark. Or for now just add tights and layer up with knitwear. 

Sunglasses  Primark  similar here

Blazer (old)  H&M  similar here

Polka Dot Dress  Zara  £17.99

Rose Chunky Sole Trainers  Boohoo  £25.00

So what else is out there and how can you make it work for you.....

Transparent Mini Tote Bag  Zara  £29.99

Printed High Neck Dress  Zara  £9.99

Slim Cat Eye Sunglasses  Zara  £15.99

Leather Slingback Shoes  Zara  £49.99

Dress it up, dress it down is what I said and that is exactly what I have given you. Don't be afraid of bright prints and colours, especially when the cut is as simple and as flattering as this one. You could chuck on trousers or tights underneath. Swap the heels for boots or even trainers. Picking out the colours with your accessories is a fun way to show off some personality and make the look your own and it's less than a tenner so no excuses on this one really!

Mohair & Wool Oversized Cardigan  &Other Stories  £89.00

Animal Print Dress  Zara  £19.99

Casio Gold Digital Watch  ASOS  £40.00

High Rise Skinny Jeans  Zara  £25.99

Nike Air Max 95 LX  &Other Stories  £145.00

This outfit is definitely my favourite and I'm currently working out how I can have it all here in my wardrobe by tomorrow or sooner. The cardigan and trainers are a perfect combo for any outfit, but I do particularly love a blush pink against a leopard print to soften it for daytime. A leopard dress is a must for everyone and will see you through year after year. I've styled it here with jeans which means you can still be wearing your dresses long before summer arrives.

 Shirt Dress with Stand Up Collar  Stradivarius  £19.99

Resin Flower Hoop Earrings  Topshop  £14.50

Rosemary Patent Mid Heeled Boots  ASOS  £35.00

If you didn't know by now, urrrm where have you been?!....polka dots are big news this season! This shirt dress in black and white has it covered and will instantly become your new best friend. It could be worn open with a cami and jeans, with tights and boots as a dress or mixed and matched with patterns and colours. In the summer just roll the sleeves up and pick up a basket bag. 

Check Dress with Frills  Zara  £15.99

Wrap Neckline Dress  Mango  £19.99

Patterned Dress  H&M  £12.99

Hopefully I've proved here that you don't have to spend much money to achieve ultimate versatility with your clothes. No matter what the weather, you can shop the new season trends, be able to wear the same day and still be reinventing them months later. What are you waiting for ??!!

Street Style 

Kelly Lou

xx

MINI CHECKS

Mini Checks are go! If you have followed me on instagram for a while you will know that I am a slight mini skirt addict. I love how versatile they can be from season to season and how easy it is to dress them up and down. My new favourite when it comes to the mini is a colourful check print and it seems the high street is with me on this. So I thought I'd do the hard work for you and share my favourites with some outfit inspo and street style all thrown in too.

Checked Frill Waist Mini Skirt  Topshop  £25.00

I picked my skirt up in Topshop and was really impressed firstly with the price but the thing that sealed the deal was the light weight fabric. As we're slowly but surely heaing into Spring I didn't want any more heavy or dark fabrics. This one should easily see me through the last of the tight weather and into warmer temperatures with slogan tees and trainers. For now the tights are still very much necessary unfortunately so to balance out the colours I went with a black beret on top. The pop of yellow brings the look to life and the red bag draws on the colors within the pattern of the skirt. 

Hannah Felt Beret  Boohoo  £8.00  

Sunglasses  'Vintage'  similar here

Top  (old)  Zara  similar here

Checked Frill Waist Mini Skirt  Topshop  £25.00

Bag  (old)  Topshop  similar here

Tights  Marks & Spencer  £9.50

Boots  (old)  H&M  similar here

Now for you to find your favourite check....

Tweed Skirt with Buttons  Stradivarius  £19.99

Skirt with Bow  Zara  £19.99

Mini Skirt In Check  Daisy Street @ ASOS  £19.99

Tartan Check Pelmet Skirt  Topshop  £36.00

I adore this tartan style check from Topshop, so much so I may have to add it to my collection. I would love to see it styled with a bright orange knit to contrast with the purple. Equally it could be dressed up with a crisp white shirt and heels for ultimate Clueless vibes. 

Checked A-Line Mini Skirt  Marks & Spencer  £35.00

Dionne Check Skirt  Nasty Gal  £18.00

Large Checked Pelmet Skirt  Miss Selfridge  £25.00

If you're not as confident with mixing and matching colours a black and white check would be perfect to dress up with everything bright and bold or stay chic in monochrome and let the print do all the talking.

Checked Wrap Skirt  Urban Outfitters  £39.00

Pleated Skirt  H&M  £17.99

Double Breasted Mini Skirt in Check with Buttons  ASOS  £30.00

Zipper Up Pocket Plaid Skirt  SheIn  £11.54

You don't have to stick with just a check; add buttons, zips and wraps for a modern take on the trend. And if you're still not sure 'check' out (see what I did there) below my outfit ideas for how to style all the way from casual weekend days to office chic.

Embroidered 'Amore' Sweat Top  Topshop  £28.00

Checked Button Zip Mini  Topshop  £32.00

Curved Hem Cropped Jumper  Topshop  £25.00

Grey and Yellow Check Jersey Mini Skirt  New Look  £12.99

Patterned Blouse  H&M  £17.99

Navy Check Pelmet Skirt  Warehouse  £36.00

Don't be afraid of the mini; the higher it sits on your waist the more flattering it will be. If you're not hot on your legs - you should be!....own what you have and walk with confidence. But for now a pair of tights will cover a multitude of sins, I'm talking about those days where you don't have the time or energy to shave your legs of course. Come on ladies a good check is the perfect print to get colourful with and show off your personality. 

Street Style

images pinterest

Kelly Lou

xx