S/S 2016 Trends: Off Shoulder LBD

Has anyone else bought way too many summer clothes but barely worn any of them? Good, I'm not alone! With temperatures soaring this past weekend I made sure to take my latest acquisitions out for a spin and guess what, right about now Off Shoulder items take up 80% of my wardrobe. Needless to say, I've become quite obsessed with the trend and have bought way too many different tops and dresses which I have yet to wear, such as this gorgeous little black dress from none other than Matalan, which you may know I love.

S/S 2016 Trends: Khaki Cropped & Flared Jumpsuit

With my summer holidays finally just a few weeks away, I've been putting together a list of everything I wish to take and needless to say it's basically my entire wardrobe. I ridiculously over-pack every time so in the attempt to cut down the amount of clothes I take and bring back intact and unworn, I have been trying to find pieces that are easy to throw on as well as lightweight to endure the 30+ degrees heat of Algarve at the end of the month. Enter this gorgeous Satin Wide Leg Cropped Jumpsuit from the newest Abbey Clancy's Picks for Matalan.

My Ultimate Summer Nail Polish Shade: Essie Fifth Avenue

You know you have a problem when people ask why you are repeatedly sporting the same nail colour. It's not a secret that I love Essie polishes and until I discovered L'Oreal polishes which I talked about here, Essie was the one and only brand I ever bought so you can imagine I have quite the collection. But there is one I shade I always go back and today I want to dedicate this entire (albeit short) post to it. 

S/S 2016 Trends: Chanel Two-Tone Inspired Sling-Backs

I've talked about owning a Chanel bag on the blog before (read here) and according to a new study from Baghunter, an authentic bag currently makes a better investment than real state. We all know how expensive they are, but what people don't realise is that their value has increased more than 70% since 2010, and is set to continue on this up rise. Considering getting on the house ladder in London is extremely difficult don't mind if I do get me a new bag! Now I have the perfect excuse, am I right?! And whilst I am at it, I might as well get me a pair of Chanel Sling-Backs because have you seen how popular they've been this summer?

S/S 2016 Trends: Pom Poms Are Everywhere!

I love anything in white, black and grey but you will agree with me that summer has to have a bit of colour and this year I have really been trying to embrace more shades in my outfits and it is so much more fun. Which is why there is one particular trend I (alongside major fashion bloggers) am loving and that is the pom pom trend. It is very unlikely that you have not seen this all over social media and if you haven't, where have you been?! The pom pom trend has taken Instagram by a storm and it is permeating everything from accessories to footwear!

Summer Capsule Wardrobe: 5 Tops You Need To Own

With summer season in full swing and in spite of temperatures being mediocre for this time of year, I've been working hard to get my everyday wardrobe in order and updated for summer. And what best way to be doing that than by adding pretty yet effortless tops to the repertoire. If you are looking for an effortless capsule collection that keeps you covered for all occasions, whether we are talking about evening outings or casual day-wear, these are the simply must-have tops for the season. Remember, trends come and go, and whilst my wardrobe also currently contains a lot of off-shoulder and cold-shoulder pieces, these are the truly essential tops. Having one of each in your wardrobe is guaranteed to make outfit matching a whole lot easier, so what's not to love? Keep on reading to find out more.

WHITE T-SHIRT

S/S 2016 Trends: Ruffles & Frills

Proven to have been hugely popular during spring, Ruffles & Frills are the perfect amount of romance to any outfit and one of this year's prettiest summer trends. Seen on the SS16 shows of Mary Katrantzou, Miu Miu, Givenchy and many other designers I love, not only were they hot on the catwalk romantic ruffles are too a hit with the A-list on and off the red carpet. Whether it's a casual frill or full-on frou frou, ruffles is a crucial trend this season and also one of the simplest to style. Keep on reading...

S/S 2016 Trends: Americana Style

Happy 4th of July to all of my American readers and friends! Whilst you get the day off we get to have longer shifts at work due to zero coverage from our US counterpart (the joys of working in finance haha), but other than that enjoy your day!

From The Office To The Beach: 5 Must Have Bags For Summer

Ah, bags. I'm known to have a thing or two for bags and whenever I purchase a new one my dad always questions me whether I actually need it, the answer of course is yes, I do! With today being the first day of summer (what a washout, eh?!) and the recent weather improvement-ish, I find myself taking out my more colourful bags and wearing a different one every day of the week. Despite being a bag hoarder and proud of it, I know there are only a few essential styles that can easily get us through summer in style and on trend, and these are the ones I wanna be talking about today.

BEACH BAG

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S/S 2016 Trends: Nautical Stripes

Sun, sand, sea and repeat. That is exactly how I want to be spending my summer holiday but until then, summer in the city it is. And what's hotter than nautical fashion for an urban summer? It makes me feel like I'm under the sun (despite actually being under the grey clouds) and definitely is one of my favourite feel-good summer trends. I've talked endlessly about stripes here on the blog these past few weeks, so when MandM Direct got in touch wanting me to join their "Blogger's Pick" project I was of course more than happy to participate. The trend I picked, out of the many this season has to offer, I hear you ask is: STRIPES (again I know but #sorrynotsorry)!

Summer 2016 Beauty Trends: Summer Never Looked So Bright

With bikini, summer dresses and short shorts season upon us, it's time to match our sun-kissed complexion with the latest trends in the make-up world. Summer beauty 2016 is all about being bold with rich colours; go big or go home am I right? I feel like the trends this season have been massively influenced by past eras; the 80's and 90's, and things we may have been afraid of wearing a year ago are now totally acceptable. Think metallic eyes and bright lips. This sunny season don't be afraid to play with colour and step out of your comfort zone. It's easy and fun! 

The Beach Is Calling: Summer Holiday Wishlist

Despite the recent rise of temperatures, beach going is much too far from the London reality. To keep sane my advice is: take at LEAST one sunny holiday per year (preferably in Spain or anywhere hotter), because if you depend on the British summer...well you ain't getting one. With this is mind and amid holiday plans I have found myself adding more and more items to my ever growing summer wishlist on Pinterest. There are too many cute trends for this season and must have pieces that I am dying to get my hands on.

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S/S 2016 Trends: How To Wear Maxis This Summer

The maxi dress is a summer staple and is undoubtedly the season's most effortless piece. Which is why when JD Williams asked me to share my summer style tips, I instantly knew I wanted to do something around maxis because the maxi style is coming back with a bang this summer. This season, the trend has been given a few updates, making it an even more versatile seasonal piece. Try the oversized style, the luxurious textures clashes and minimal 90s styles, or even a more boho and feminine approach. There is something for everyone whatever the occasion may be. And, if you find yourself wondering whether you actually can pull one off, take a look at my mum and tell me she doesn't look smashing!

S/S 2016 Trends: Bomber Jacket & Adidas Superstars

 I always tell myself not to get overly excited about summer, because summer in London is pretty non-existent isn't it?! Spring has been a wash out and I can count on one hand the days I've been able to leave the house without a second layer of clothing. When it is chilly out I find myself constantly reaching for my trusty bomber as I am loving how trendy they are.

S/S 2016 Trends: The Hottest Hairstyles for This Season

Summer is around the corner and I don't know about you but the warmer months ahead make me want to experiment with a lot of things, hairstyles included. Having long and a lot of hair is tricky and if I leave it down more than often I become a hot, sweaty mess. A simple ponytail does the trick but it also is pretty boring, so in the attempt to wear my hair in different ways this summer I chose 3 of the hottest hairstyles for this season after a good scroll on Instagram for some inspiration. Not only are these incredible simple to create, they are the fresh styles that will get us through every summer occasion and I'm talking that weekend BBQ, musical festivals, al fresco dinner date and even weddings!

PONY-BRAID

S/S 2016 Trends: Stripes T-Shirt Dress & All-White Sneakers

I am back with STRIPES and I know what you're thinking, yes I've been wearing them non-stop ever since spring showed up! I've talked about this trend here, here and here so I won't go much into detail but all I will say is that stripes pretty much go with anything in my wardrobe at the moment; they're easy, versatile and timeless! Stripes look seriously stylish in a casual midi dress and that's the look I chose for today. 

S/S 2016 Trends: Gingham

Gingham is coming in hot this season, and it has been crowned the cool girl's print. Despite being usually associated with a youthful vibe, this warm-weather style has most certainly grown up for spring. Designers like Victoria Beckham, Wes Gordon and Marni, to name a few, all showcased pieces in this print on the runway in a multitude of fabrics, colours and clothing options, and it is currently proving to be increasingly popular. What is gingham though, I hear you asking me. Gingham is usually a lightweight fabric, checked in white and a bold colour. It is really very similar to plaid, and being a huge fan of plaid myself, I am loving this latest trend. 

S/S 2016 Trends: '70s Boho-Chic Inspired

The romantic era of the '70s fashion was all about rocking feminine paisleys and ethnic inspired prints, mixing delicate detailing and the bohemian styling for a free spirited look. Back then, fashion was linked to freedom, mixing a crazy amount of colours and miss and matching different styles with each other (which is a perfect tip today to maximise your clothes’ wear). This era marked the presence of a huge number of unlike styles; hippies, punks, bohemian chic, you name it. As freedom was the main concept for fashion, this period is characterised by its open-mindedness and boundless creativity due to the lack of any style rules and ideals. Uniqueness and a distinctive vision of style and inspiration were huge, even if it meant leading to a little craziness when putting outfits together. 

Pretty In Pink: 5 Pink Lipsticks for Spring

Spring sure took its time but it's officially skirt weather in the UK! Speaking of spring, when seasons change I'm all up for a make-up bag update and rotating products that work better for the warmer months ahead. This S/S16 is all about the fresh-faced complexion, natural-looking and radiant make-up look, who doesn't love that? Apart from the obvious liquid highlighter for that spring glow, I wanted a few lip shades that screamed "ready for spring" and I found 5 pink lipsticks that needed to make their way to my make-up bag! Nothing says "spring-ready" more perfectly than a gorgeous pinky shade on the lips; pink is perfectly girly and fun, they brighten up your look as well as your mood so to match the beautiful blossoms out there why not go with a gorgeous pink shade?

S/S 2016 Trends: The Hottest Shoes for This Season (Part 2)

Who's going shopping this Bank Holiday? I am! I've decided to ignore the fact that spring is sucking so badly at the moment and focus instead on building a capsule wardrobe by adding a few summer staples as well as trendy pieces. Speaking of spring/summer trends, Part 1 of S/S 2016 Trends: The Hottest Shoes for This Season was so popular I've decided to come back and do Part 2 because I only covered a few of the many trends already marking presence this season and I really wanted to show you a few more! Plus, it's payday today (best day of the month ever, am I right?!) and I'm kinda wanting one of each- goodbye healthy bank balance, hello "poor for the rest of the month" status. Let's go!

OXFORDS