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.

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)!

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: 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: '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. 

S/S 2016 Trends: Paperbag Waist & Lace Ups

According to Elle magazine, one of the 2016 spring fashion trends we can expect to start seeing more of this season is the PAPERBAG WAIST, in trousers and skirts. High-waisted pants have been around since last fall and whilst they are perfectly feminine and flirty, they can be sometimes hard to wear especially if you're anything like me and are trying to mask the middle part of your body. Which is why the paperbag is the fashion trend that solves this problem because instead of accentuating your waist, you can actually look up to two sizes smaller and who doesn't want that?! Trousers with this type of waist clinch the waist in, offering volume on the top and bottom whilst adding instant detail and making the simple top-and-pants look a little more especial.

5 Tips For Transitioning Your Wardrobe Into Spring

If you're anything like me, you are dying to ditch your well-worn winter coat and move on to lighter clothing options. I know I talk about the weather a lot, but what can I say, I am a hands down summer lover and if the sun is out I am instantly happy. But as I've learned, in Europe sun doesn't necessarily mean warmth and spring is much colder than I would expect. It's officially spring in the UK and I gotta say, so far so good (let's hope 2016 is a lot warmer than last year)! With spring knocking on our doors, it's time we leave the dark hues behind and bring out more colour in our outfits. Swapping my usual all-black getup for a brighter and lighter spring-appropriate palette is what I love the most about spring. But if you are not looking to splurge on a whole new wardrobe I've got a few tips for you to get ready for the seasonal change without the need of a closet overhaul, using pieces you already have and layering them up. That's right,the key is: layers, layers, layers!

LAYER-UP

S/S 2015 Trends: Marsala Pantone Colour of the Year 2015

2015 marks the year of the Marsala trend. The colour geniuses at Pantone officially named this rich, earthy, red wine shade colour of the year and we are bound to see a lot more of it come autumn. The colour makes a stylish yet not too over the top statement when worn on its own or as an accent to many other colours, as seen on the runway 2015 shows. Whether you pair it with golden yellows, rich greens or striking blues, Marsala is a compelling shade that exudes confidence and sensuality.

If you aren't quite ready to take the plunge and dive into a head to toe Marsala look, start small and opt for accessories, make-up or one item of clothing instead. Mix it colours you love for the ultimate trendy look of the year. Here's my take on this (and a few other trends too)!

Marsala Cami: Primark // Denim Jacket: Matalan // Floral Skirt: Matalan

Gladiator Wedges: New Look // Bag: Primark // Sunglasses: Primark

Necklace: Amazon // Lipstick: Urban Decay Rapture

Mix this colour movement with styles that are trending, like I opted for gladiator wedges, floral and denim, for a look that is fashion forward aka à la mode. Marsala looks hot with floral and animal prints, neutrals, denim and leather; the combinations are endless and truly prove how versatile Marsala can be! It beautifully suits all skin tones and you do not want to miss out on sporting this gorgeous shade that is taking the fashion and beauty scene by storm!

What do you think of my look? Excited to wear more Marsala items this fall?

Thanks for reading beauties!

xoxo

S/S 2015 Trends: Off Shoulder & Fringes

The Off-the-Shoulder is amongst my favourite trends for this summer, even though "summer" has vanished away from the UK and it feels like the beginning of Autumn already. Thankfully, a summer holiday on my calendar is quickly approaching and a style I'm going with is baring those shoulders, after all this season it’s all about getting rid of your sleeves. 

Off-the-shoulder is a mix of sexy, glam, with a pinch of sweetness. Greatly inspired by the Eighties (which at the time was actually inspired by the Fifties) and very Disney princess like, this neckline makes an strong comeback in a slightly different version. Leaving aside the ladylike style it was previously known for, it now focuses on exposing more skin with a very low neckline, making it a flawless sexy summer style. When worn with a good strapless bra, a quick buffing of bronzer on the décolletage, as well as the right accessories, you will be ready in no time for that summer evening outing or simply a beach-side day. Here’s my take on the trend.

Off-The-Shoulder Dress: Asos - Fringed Shoulder Bag: Primark
Platform Wedges: Renata Mello - Layered Necklace: Happiness Boutique*

Happiness Boutique has kindly sent me this beautiful rose gold necklace. Check out their huge range of accessories here; they offer free shipping as well as a customer reward program! Of course I couldn't not add it to this look, I mean how cute does the key and the heart look together. Oh, and what’s better than one trend? That’s right, 3 in one look. You will remember when I spoke here about the layered necklace craze we are having, and apart from the off-the-shoulder, fringe is yet another trend that makes a comeback from a different decade; the Seventies this time. Funny how everything is coming back! Paired this super cute fringed bag (which was only £8 compared to the one I originally wanted, see here) with a few modern items to offset any potential rodeo vibes and I love the end result. What do you think?

What trends are you wearing this summer? Let me know below! 

Thanks for reading and have a nice weekend ahead beauties!

xoxo

*Item sent by the brand.  All opinions are my own (disclaimer here).

S/S 2015 Trends: Printed Maxi

Printed Maxis define summer and are shaping up to be a summer must have in every woman's closet. They elongate our figure, which is exactly what we want (especially if we are still working on our perfect summer body), they cover our worst bits (maybe those extremely pale legs due to the lack of sun) and best of all, they make us look stylish and casual.

When styled right, maxis take on a delicate yet elegant vibe that’s beautiful for summer, both day and night. However, with the great variety of prints and styles, a few tips are worth remembering to make sure we're wearing maxi dresses in the most flattering, stylish way possible.

For my petite beauties, you should choose a dress which is snug around the waist and you cannot go wrong with pairing it with pumps or wedges for that extra height. Small prints are your best friend and a V neck is something you should be going for as it shows more skin and, as a result of the two you will look taller!

On the other hand, for my plus size beautiful ladies, bigger prints are the way to go and darker colours will of course make you look leaner too. Oh, and make sure you go for wider straps; spaghetti straps can make your upper body look bigger, throwing off the balance that the maxi should bring to your figure.

With the above in mind, other tips for all of us include defining the waist with a belt to avoid looking boxy. And in the shoe department, open toe sandals and espadrille wedges can look great, so leave your boots and closed flats behind and opt for something airy and summery instead! Like this:

Maxi Dress: Matalan - Sandals: New Look
Bag: Michael Kors - Headband: Primark - Bangles: Accessorize
Photos by: Boyfriend

However you choose to embark on this maxi trend, have fun with the prints and make sure you feel nothing less than gorgeous in it. Accessorising correctly is also the key here; the dress I chose is mainly black and the print is minimalist but with the right accessories you can take your outfit to the next level of chic. With the wide splits down the sides, the dress felt sexy and flattering, exactly what I was going for. An outfit that screams boho chic is always a winner for me, and this left me feeling beautiful and trendy. Cannot wait to wear this dress around the city some more, if the sun ever decides to make an appearance again, and at the beach on my upcoming summer holiday.

What do you think of maxi dresses, yay or nay? Let me know below!

See you beauties soon!

xoxo