Tuesday 29 October 2013

Harrods, London - It's all about the Fur!


Fur Fashion for Fall

Fall is one of the best times of the year wooly knitwear, fluffy jumpers and fur overall's can finally come out of the closet! As the days get colder and the nights draw in, I'm always looking to wear something that will keep me equally warm and stylish. For me, there's only one exceptionally stylish winter warmer...FUR! 

The Christmas lights are up outside...and it's all about the fur inside!


High end fashion brands love bringing fur on to the catwalk almost ever fall season. And on my recent trip to Harrods I realised to what extent fur is making the headlines! Here are snaps of some of my favourite fur designs I came across. Although designer, the fiery fur designs are incredibly unique from one another and thats what sets fur apart - no garment is simply the same!

FENDI


Fendi is one of the most popular designers distinguished for creating gorgeous fur based coats, scarves and gilets. One of the most popular animal fur's used is Mink, since its fur is incredibly soft and lustrous. Harrods was filled with a lot of Fendi fur, and it was impossible to capture everything! However, I've picked two particular over-coats that caught my attention. Take a look!


I'm drawn to capturing pictures of fashionable items that stand out from the obvious, and this aesthetically pleasing dyed-fur coat in a range of beautiful hues is what sets this Fendi coat apart. The striped pattern in diagonal shades of honey dipped yellows, camel and red are a perfect combination of colours for the fall.


I've seen many similar coats to this across high-street retail stores including Topshop, however, the natural fur design in a one block coffee shade, and its soft feel appeal is what drew me to capturing a 'real' fur Fendi coat. It's glossy, but not bristly and all hairs fall evenly despite the letting out cutting design. It is indeed a treat for the eyes!

Ralph Lauren



The moment you walk into Ralph Lauren's awe inspiring boutique, you are automatically drawn to the magnificence and grandeur of fashion! However, amongst the quintessential ball gowns and sophisticated midi dresses nestled the most gorgeous faux fur garments! 




Snoods and scarves are indeed a must have this winter - so why not take a look at these! Although artificial, they still have the same warming effect and sensual appeal. I love both of these in black, because they can be worn with absolutely anything! 


If you're looking for some fur gilet inspiration then turn to Ralph Lauren's understated mahogany brown and dip dyed black gilet. Indeed, Ralph Lauren's designer fur garments will come for a dearer price, but their are an abundance of faux fur overlays available across high-street stores - equally affordable and chic!

Harrods

Harrods too have welcomed fur this season, and their faux pas fur luxury coats are making many heads turn! I saw almost three to four customers purchase faux fur delights by the Harrods brand, which tells me there is something about purchasing Harrods very own cape coats this season!



Whatever the shade, these are two winter warming faux fur coats that will do justice to the weather. They feel lustrously soft and the glossy appeal evokes sheer elegance. In comparison to many naturally sourced fur garments, faux fur does feel a lot more comfortable and lightweight! They are beautifully crafted and are sure to last beyond Christmas.

Which fur products are you looking to get your hands on this season? Do share comments! 

Monday 28 October 2013

Three Style Statements perfect for Halloween!

High Street Fashion makes for the perfect Halloween Costumes: Dress in Style!


With just a couple of days left until trick or treating, I've put together three potential costume looks you can wear for this years Halloween party! You don't necessarily have to rely on hiring a costume, especially when high street retail stores are filled with an abundance of trendy and fashionable items - perfect for the night! Halloween should not just be about 'dressing up', but increasingly about 'dressing up' in a fashionable statement. Take a look at the three Halloween style statements below.

Daring Dracula

1. MANGO: CREPÉ BLAZER IN RED - £37.00

2. WHITE TRICK OR TREAT HALLOWEEN TANK TOP - £7.99

3.TOPSHOP: PETITE LEATHER LOOK TROUSERS - £40.00

4. TOPSHOP NAIL POLISH IN BLACK AND RED - £6.82 (each)

5. ASOS: LUPO CHAUSSONS MOTIF HALLOWEEN - £32

6. TOPMAN: FREAKY FANGS - £5.00

7. TOPSHOP: LIPSTICK IN COLOUR TRIGGER - £9.89

8. ASOS: BAT CLUTCH BAG - £20.00

The Daring Dracula look is constructed together taking inspiration from the black and red colour palette - the perfect combination for this Halloween. Whether or not you prefer to go that extra length with wearing the fangs, you can still pull off the lady Dracula look in style and sophistication!  Tainted the nails in both red and black will also work effectively to bring out the Dracula look - bloody and bold!

TOP THREE PICKS: 1. ASOS BAT CLUTCH BAG, 2. MANGO CREPÉ BLAZER IN RED, 3. TOPSHOP PETITE LEATHER LOOK TROUSERS.


Wicked Witch

1. TOPSHOP: PH REACTIVE LIP TINT IN JEWEL - £11.00

2. MISS SELFRIDGE: EYLURE TRIPLE LASHES - £8.04

3. PULL AND BEAR: FAKE LEATHER DRESS WITH FULL SKIRT - £30.00

4. TOPSHOP: GRUNGE CUT OUT WESTERN BELT - £20.00

5. ASOS: LONDON REBEL STUDDED HEELED BOOTS - £44.00

6. TOPSHOP: PREMIUM CRYSTAL SPIKE EARRINGS - £43.00

7. TOPSHOP: VINYL LONG LEATHER GLOVES - £32.00

8. CLAIRE'S: LARGE BLACK CROOKED WITCH'S HAT - £16.00

Dressing up as the Wicked Witch is a Halloween favourite, but what makes this particular outfit stand out in its orange and black hues is the attention to detail given to the spiked heels and crystal spike earrings. Perhaps an outfit perfect for the modern witch to dress up in - this outfit is equally chic as it is creatively gaudy! I do think the witch's hat is a must have to bring the wild and wicked look together!

TOP THREE PICKS: 1. ASOS LONDON  REBEL STUDDED HEELED BOOTS, 2. PULL AND BEAR FAKE LEATHER DRESS WITH FULL SKIRT, 3. TOPSHOP PREMIUM CRYSTAL SPIKE EARRINGS.


Cruella de Vil

1. TOPSHOP: FEATHER MIX CAPE - £90.00

2. TOPSHOP: TEXTURED MIDI BODYCON DRESS IN BLACK - £36.00

3. RIVER ISLAND: BLACK LEOPARD PRINT TRIANGLE DROP EARRINGS - £8.00

4. ASOS: NAIL ENVELOPE CLUTCH BAG WITH GOLD TRIM - £22.00

5. TOPSHOP: LIPS IN WICKED - £9.89

6. NEW LOOK: BLACK FISH NET TIGHTS - £19.00

7. TOPSHOP: NAILS IN DARE DEVIL - £6.00

8. CLAIRE'S: GHOULISH WHITE FACE POWDER - £4.50

9. TOPSHOP: SADIE LAZERCUT PEEP TOE HEELS - £99.00 

Saving my favourite till last is the most sensual and desirable Cruella de Vil outfit for this Halloween! Taking inspiration from the 101/102 Dalmatians movies, I think Cruella's sense of dress is perfect for this time of year. Unleash the inner devil from within and strut this Halloween in style with this sensational outfit! 'Sensual' is the new 'scary' and every woman wanting to work the all new sensual look should get their hands on these items! I chose to add the ghoulish white face powder to give the outfit a greater theatrical look. What do you think?

MY TOP THREE PICKS: 1. TOPSHOP TEXTURED MIDI BODYCON DRESS IN BLACK, 2. TOPSHOP SADIE LAZERCUT PEEP TOE HEELS, 3. ASOS NAIL ENVELOPE CLUTCH BAG WITH GOLD TRIM. 

So if you're looking for the perfect Halloween costume do turn to high-street fashion because you will ultimately be wanting to dress in style too! If you have any Halloween costume ideas to share, please feel free to share pics or ideas! 

Sunday 27 October 2013

Playful Polka Dots! The hottest finds and my favourite!


Playful Polka Dots!

Polka dots have remained and will remain a style statement for years to come! Since the 1960's, polka dots have ruled the fashion world with their bold, whimsical and flirtatious design, and till date we are surrounded with spotted splendour across high-street stores! It's one of the cutest fashion trends to have existed and given the variety of styles polka dots can be found in, I think every woman should own at least one spotted garment! Given the time of the year, I've chosen to display polka dot wear in shades of black and white, take a look at where you can get your hands on the hottest polka dots garments from:

1. FOREVER 21: TEXTURED POLKA DOT LEGGINGS - £7.91

2. NEW LOOK: MANDI BLACK POLKA DOT CONTRAST MESH SWEETHEART TOP - £18.00

3. FOREVER 21: POLKA DOT BOW HAIR CLIPS - £1.11

4. FOREVER 21: POLKA DOT MESH HAIR CLIP - £1.73

5. H&M: POLKA DOT JERSEY TOP - £7.99


ME AND MY FAVOURITE POLKA DOT BUY FROM H&M

Although it's pretty similar to the polka dot mesh top from New Look (shown above), this H&M top is one of my favourite polka dot buys. I love the detail around the sweetheart neckline - the mesh effect looks gorgeous on the skin!


The detail on the sleeves also show off the polka dot design in a minimalistic fashion. I like the way in which the polka dots are not extensively shown across the top, and are in particular reserved for the sweetheart neckline and sleeves - classy and very dainty!

If there happens to be any other polka dot accessories or garments that are up for grabs do let me know! I'm always on the look out for a special polka dot find to add to my collection! For now, however, I'm in love with this black polka dot top by H&M - perfect with a pair of skinny jeans or a classic skater skirt! 

Friday 25 October 2013

Celebrity Trendsetters - GET THE LOOK

Celebrity fall trends are making rounds and two particular stars have caught my eyes with what they are wearing! I'm all for getting inspiration from celebrities, and despite not being a great Reese Witherspoon or Selena Gomez fan, I love their sense of fashion.

Both Witherspoon and Gomez are of course draped in designer garments, however, here's how you can achieve a similar looks from the high street. Go get the look, and do check out the trendsetter items up for grabs too! 

Reese Witherspoon Fall Look


TOPSHOP: SLOUCH V NECK MOHAIR JUMPER BY BOUTIQUE - £55

ZARA: NAVY SUEDE SHOPPER BAG - £80

TOPSHOP: ANDIE FAUX LEATHER SKATER SKIRT - £47

ASOS: FAITH CLAYPOLE SHOE BOOTS - £59


Ankle boots are a must this winter, and they can be paired with absolutely anything! From skater skirts to skinny jeans, they are perfect for the fall. I absolutely love this outfit and ASOS' wooly navy jumper is also a fabulous buy this season. Navy, alongside burgundy, are the most adored colours for the season - which is why I think this Witherspoon inspired outfit is perfect!


Selena Gomez

MISS SELFRIDGE: VELVET HIGH NECK CROP - £23

H&M PENCIL SKIRT - £20

AMERICAN APPAREL: VELVET SCRUNCHIE - £8

H&M: COURT SHOES - £25

H&M: GOLD CLUTCH BAG - £15


Ever since Selena has made her appearance on the David Letterman Show, her sense of style and unusual hair up-do has indeed been the talk of the town. I personally love what she's wearing - a great combination of sophistication and elegance. Taking inspiration from her, I've gone for a navy blue velvet crop. The high neck design is what makes this crop top so sensual and completing the look with a beautiful gold clutch by H&M would add that extra bit of colour to the classy look. 

What do you think of these ladies and what they are wearing? Will you be wearing a similar outfit this fall? 

Thursday 24 October 2013

MOST WANTED COUTURE ITEMS: Avenue 32


There's those times when I'm simply browsing the web and end up on Avenue 32! And seriously, I'm not even complaining - it's every shopaholics heaven, including mine. When you're looking for something extra special and extra luxurious this is the website to feast your eyes on!

Although its a fairly new venture (founded in 2011), Avenue 32 is running down the street of success for over the last 2 years, giving us fashion enthusiasts a portal in which we can allocate all our favourite designers and purchase their garments online! 

But here's the thing...as much as I love what they are doing, I can't afford any of these luxury designer products right now!!! However, living up to my 'wishful thinking' that I have an unlimited spending budget I've listed below my most wanted couture items! 

What do you think of these...would you wear them (without bearing in mind the price!). Check them out at www.avenue32.com 

Avenue 32 Love!


1. CARVEN CAMEL WOOL COAT - £1,440.00

2. PREEN BY THORNTON BREGAZZI: BLACK LEATHER PANEL TROUSERS - £920.00

3. GILES BLACK GRAFFITI PRINT PENCIL DRESS - £755.00

4. ANNDRA NEEN WEB CHOKER - £505.00

5. BIONDA CASTANA BLACK LACE UP ROISIN BOOTS - £585.00

6. ZARA SIMON GOLD NEW YORK RING - £2,300.00


Ok...so it's fair to say that owning luxury does not come cheap! But admiring these items was enough for me to blog about! 

* The Carven Camel coat evokes sheer elegance and given its length and my height, it is a coat I would love to purchase! I'm also on the look out for a navy coat, so if anyone has any in mind let me know!

* We all know there's a difference between faux pas leather trousers and 'leather' pants. These above are true leather and the added detail of the zips is what makes me want them! 

* I'm on the search for a dress similar to Giles Graffiti dress! I love the bold red stripe, which gives this dress that unique edge and individuality. The hip design is definitely my style.

* This gorgeous and minimally striking web choker would make the perfect accessory with a midi dress or casual outfit needing an extra lift! 

* Someone please let me know where I can find similar lace up boots at an affordable price! These sensual boots were one of the first items I scouted out on the site and I am in love with them since! 

* My love for NYC is what provoked me to add this designer ring to my 'most wanted wish list'. NYC - the city of dreams - adorned on your fingers! I hope to be wearing something like this in the future! 


This Fall, Avenue 32 is also all about plaid knits and skirts too! I'm still searching for the most appropriate plaid garment for me, but why not browse the site for some luxurious inspiration? 

After all, we can all have a hot couture wish list! 

Wednesday 23 October 2013

Scented Passion: My three favourite perfumes!

" A woman who doesn't wear perfume has no future." - Coco Chanel 

Every time I walk into a perfume shop I fall in love with a new scent and it's impossible to walk away from purchasing a musky, sweet, zesty or fruity perfume that exudes sensuality and luxury to an all new level! 

Living in London means I have the best of the best perfume boutiques at almost every corner, but that doesn't necessarily mean I have to 'love' every single scent I'm surrounded by! In all honesty, I take a whiff of at least five different perfumes and pick my favourite! So here are my three current favourite's that I love wearing throughout the day to the evening. I don't  tend to mix them up because I think that just leaves you smelling confused! Take a look...


1. MISS DIOR CHERIE 30ml - £65.50 

2. PACO RABANNE LADY MILLION 30ml - £30.00

3. VALENTINA BY VALENTINO 50ml - £55.00 




*MISS DIOR CHERIE - FLORAL ROMANCE*


Undeniably one of the most romantically divine scents, Miss Dior Cherie is an absolute scented treat! It does have quite a floral undertone, which is what I love about it. I don't tend to go for perfumes that are overpowering and Dior's Cherie can be adorned day or night because of it's soft and warm floral subtlety. I also love the cute bottle finished off with a chic bow-tie. Makes the perfect accessory for my dressing table!

* PACO RABANNE LADY MILLION - SEDUCTIVE MIDNIGHT*


This is one of the scents that I had heard so many other ladies talk about and wanted to experiment myself! Little did I know that I'd end up falling in love with it. I call Lady Million the perfect 'pick me up' scent that makes you feel truly alive! I wouldn't wear Lady Million in the day because it can come across rather strong. But it's sweet and seductive undertone is what makes it perfect for a glam night out! 

* VALENTINA BY VALENTINO - BLOSSOMING BEAUTY*


And thirdly, Valentina is a beautiful scent that I can wear both day and night too! The classy bottle adorned with flowers exudes femininity and the soft, dreamy-like scent evokes sheer elegance and sophistication. Similar to Miss Dior's Cherie, it does have a floral base, but does come across a lot more sweeter and blossoming. It's a must have for any working woman!

If you're looking for the perfect perfume, then do try out these three. All unique from one another but equally sensual and alluring. If I do happen to come across any other fab finds, I will sure post on here to let you know! Remember ladies, smelling great goes a long way!

Pre Halloween: Get the Gothic Look!

The idea is to create a pre-Halloween style statement that you can put together with a range of clothing items! The look I have gone for is inspired by gothic fashion, and while it's not overtly 'gothic', it's classic black and gaudy look is what gives it that quirky gothic edge - perfect for Halloween. 

Casual Halloween!

Of course you're going to go that extra length with your hair, makeup and costume on the eve of trick-or-treating or other horror activities planned, but with an array of Halloween inspired garments surrounding us, it becomes 'essential' to get your Halloween groove on just that tad bit in advance!

1. TOPSHOP: KNITTED PUMPKIN FACE JUMPER - £47

2. RIVER ISLAND: MID WASH TAYLOR SKINNY JEANS - £40

3. ASOS: HANGING SPIKE WAIST BELT - £5

4. ALDO: GLANCY HEELED BOOTS - 50

5. BARRY M: HALLOWEEN NAIL POLISH IN BLACK - £3

6. ASOS: FAMOUS BEANIE - £6

The knitted jumper is perfect given the time of the year and pairing it with those classic ASOS ankle boots, embellished with studs really adds to the gothic style statement. The waist belt, however, is by far on the most fiery and stylish belts I have come across on ASOS! It's perfect for Halloween as the spikes give the 'blood-dripping' effect. Then...just drape your nails in a jet-black colour by Barry M, and you're gothic-complete!

Monday 21 October 2013

LOOKBOOK: Sophisticated Midi


Midi Monday


Midi dresses. Elegant, sophisticated and so chic...my week has definitely kick started  with a stylish wonder! I love Midi dresses come rain or shine and I think they are 'must have' in any woman's wardrobe! Here are the top three picks that I am currently obsessed with. 

Whether it's a plain-jane look or an authentic printed design...midi's are the perfect dress style for any woman looking to create the sophisticated look!

1. HOUSE OF FRASER: THERAPY VELVET COWL DRAPE BACK MIDI DRESS - £38

2. TOPSHOP: TEXTURED MIDI BODYCON DRESS - £36

3. VERO MODA: ROSE PRINT BODYCON MIDI DRESS: £22

WHAT I'M WEARING...

H&M: DARK GREEN MIDI DRESS - £22

OASIS METAL EAGLE ELASTICATED BELT - £3

NEW LOOK NUDE COURT HEELS - £25





Minimalistic in design, this H&M midi dress works with absolutely anything, from court shoes to ankle boots in the winter! I'm currently fixated on these nude patent court shoes because I think they work so well with the dark green and look fabulous on the feet in the day for work or for an evening meal. 



I know it's not the best snap I've captured of the belt, but it was definitely worth the purchase at only £3.00!! One of the best items up for grabs in the sale and an accessory belt that is great to wear to bring any look together! 

TOP PICK: 

My fixations on midi dresses doesn't end there! I'm very much interested in purchasing  the velvet dress at House of Fraser (as seen above). After all, velvets the talk of the town this fall!

Saturday 19 October 2013

Fall: Get the structured look!


Structured Statement

The fall season is one of the best times of the year to spend your money's worth on cranberry/wine/burgundy shaded garments! Such a rich and luxurious colour to adorn this season, but it's important to not over do it.

The structured statement is all about clean lines. No layering and no poofs, just simple definition and style that is equally as expressive as it is fashionable. The great thing about creating a structural statement is that you don't have to drape yourself in one bold colour, and can in fact work with the cranberry palette in a minimal fashion, yet will still have the ability to create a bold statement. 

1. TOPSHOP: NAVY BLUE SEAMED PANEL TUNIC - £44

2. TOPSHOP: PUPPYTOOTH CIGARETTE TROUSERS - £49

3. ZARA: POINTED FAUX PATENT LEATHER COURT SHOE - £31

4. TOPSHOP: RIBBON TWIST COLLAR NECKPIECE - £22

5. ZARA: STRUCTURED SHOPPER POCKET HANDBAG - £105 

Both the bag and court shoes are two of my fav items at Zara right now! I can appreciate the handbag is a little on the pricier side, but it's the simplistic designs and clean lines that make this handbag a worthy of purchase - I simply can't resist! The neckpiece really brings the whole outfit together too. It's not incredibly detailed, and that's why it works perfectly with the structured look.

Go get the look from both #Zara and #Topshop this fall 2013!

Friday 18 October 2013

Autumn Lips: Top Picks!


Autumn Lips

Whenever it gets a little chillier, I'm all for adding a splash of colour to my lips to add that extra bit of warmth to my overall look! Here's the top picks for the season...


From left to right: 

MAX FACTOR ELIXIR LIPSTICK IN COLOUR CHILLI - £5.99 

MAYBELLINE NEW YORK COLORSENSATIIONAL IN COLOUR MIDNIGHT PLUM - £7.19

BARE MINERALS LIPCOLOR IN COLOUR BERRY GLACE - £14.00

MAC COSMETICS LIPSTICK IN COLOUR SATIN RED - £15.00


The four shades equally share a warm/pinkish undertone, which is exactly what I like about this autumn palette! 

  • Max Factor's Chilli lip colour, is super moisturising on the lips. It's got a really gorgeous cranberry baked undertone, which really lifts the lips.
  • Maybelline's Midnight Plum appears a lot darker on the lips then it appears on the swatch...see my pic below. This one is by far one of the best shades to carry. 
  • Bare Mineral Berry Glace is not conventionally on the darker side, but it does taint the lips with a sensual deep pink hue. It's perfect for the daytime.
  • MAC's Satin Red is a classic that no autumn beauty cupboard can do without! Red lips carry with them a quintessential sexy look and definitely makes a style statement wherever I go!

MY CURRENT FAV'S ON ME:

MAC RED SATIN

MAYBELLINE MIDNIGHT PLUM

Let me know what you guys think! Any other fav fall lip colours to add to the list?!