High Street Edit: Spring/Summer 2012

So I received my acceptance for London Fashion Week which I found extremely exciting as this will be the first time I have attended. The next month will mostly now consist of me stressing over what I'm going to wear each day while I'm down in London.
I thought I would take a look at what the High Street has to offer for Spring/Summer - also I am going to focus solely on those that have shops on the high street and not just online stores. I will mainly be wearing high street or vintage at Fashion Week, as I don't really have the money or the contacts for any designer threads.

Pale pastels are all over the high street which I love. I think all pastels looks can look so good if they are done right. This suit from Topshop would look perfect in Spring paired with some chunky heels - you can dress this up or down. Also the pieces also work separately with other pieces. Pair this up with a clutch bag and you have the perfect look.

Clashing prints are not something for for the faint hearted - but this look can be so effective. These floral trousers from Warehouse offer the perfect way to try out this trend. You don't always need to match it up with a clashing print but this striped blouse does the trick. The lady like court shoe is back with a bang - you can pick these up in so many stores and they can be inexpensive but still look chic. I love a good oversized clutch and this American Apparel one comes in a range of colours and sizes. 

The Lady-like trend is going to be big this Spring/Summer - pair this with neon and you have to trends in one. I love this skirt from River Island - it reminds me of the Christopher Kane lace collection. I really like the how transitional this look is - pairing it with a fine knit will work for when the weather isn't great (which is often in the UK) and when it picks up a sheer shirt will look just as good. To give this a little more edge you can wear some chunky bangles - I liked this cuff from Urban Outfitters. 

In The Spotlight: BENGT Fashion

I am always on the look out for new places to find fresh designers - BENGT Fashion is just that place. I have featured an item from their store before but I thought they deserved the spotlight today. BENGT only feature the very best British and International emerging fashion designers. I admire online boutiques like this who support emerging talent and give them a platform to sell their wares from. It can be a struggle to make anything of yourself in this day and age so a helping hand is always a good thing. They tend to stock more quirky pieces which I much prefer. These designers have been scouted by BENGT at graduate shows or off-schedule shows at London Fashion Week.

When I went to Graduate Fashion Week a couple of years ago I was impressed with the caliber of talent displayed and it cemented the idea that you can find talented fashion designers that come from all walks of life. Although the fashions are designer prices I think if your are looking for an investment piece this would be a great place to spend your money. Who knows you might end up wearing the next big thing.

Fashion In Music: Joan Jett

Going on some of the comments I received on my post about blogging, readers like to get to know the blogger. They like to find out what makes them tick and what inspires them. I decided that I need to let a little more of my personality shine through and what else inspires me. Also I will also endeavor to write more in my posts. It can be hard for a number of reasons but content is the key and it is what keeps people coming back time and time again. On that note I think I'll get on with it. 

Music plays a big part in my life - it has done for as long as I can remember. So I felt it was a huge injustice that this wasn't represented in someway through my blog. On the same vein as the movie post I am going to pick an Artist or Band that has inspired me both through their music and fashion. This month it is the turn of my number one heroine Joan Jett.

If you do not know who she is, I'll give you a quick low down. Joan Jett founded the band The Runaways at the tender age of 16 - they were the first rock group of their kind, being all female. After the band disbanded in 1979 Joan went solo for a while before setting up Blackheart Records and going on to form Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
I love Joan Jett because she embodies such a great message - to never change who you are no matter what people tell you. Her record was rejected by 23 major record labels before it was released and it just proves that with hard work and determination you really can achieve anything. Being a woman in a man's world can be tough but Joan has never let this stand in her way. As for Joan's fashion - it was pretty different to other girls her age. She wanted to look like the male rock stars of her age and always wore her trade mark biker jacket - a woman after my own heart. She made her own band t-shirts and wore tight pants -  completely badass. Who can forget that trademark haircut, which was a fusion of Suzi Quatro and David Bowie's respective haircuts.
I really need to buy myself a new leather jacket this year - so in addition to this post I've added in my top three:

I'll leave you with some music courtesy of The Runaways:

What I Wore: Neon Lace Skirt ASOS

It would seem that neon is edging its way into my wardrobe - one piece at a time. First is was the neon pink satchel and now I received this skirt from ASOS in the post this week. I decided to take a few pictures with it on, in the remaining daylight today. Although the skirt is so bright that it seems to have its own aura around it. I spotted it a while ago but at £40 I thought it was a little too pricey - but then it went down to £20 in the sale so I added to my basket. I teamed it up with my leather detailed shirt from New Look. I will have to have a dig around my wardrobe to find some other things to wear the skirt with. Any ideas? It so so bright and eye-catching I think I'll have to stick to something toned down on the top. 

I am also wearing another sale bargain from Topshop. The eyeball ring was £1.50 - I got 3 other things in the jewellery sale too and it all came to a mere £10. I have an eye (hahaha) for unusual jewellery right now - I'm trying to gather together some stand out pieces to take to fashion week with me. 

Fashion In Flim: Cruel Intentions

I thought as another monthly post I would look at films that have either influenced fashion or have had an influence on me. This month it is the turn of 90's favourite Cruel Intentions. I don't know about you but this has to be one of my favourite films - for both the fashion and the soundtrack.
Although there is romance at the heart of the film it isn't one of those fluffy idiotic chick flicks - I like my films with a bit of bite. I won't ruin it for you in case you haven't seen it (you have to watch it immediately) but I also liked how this film didn't play by the rules and had a less than happy ending. 

Kathryn Merteuil is played by the fabulous Sarah Michelle Gellar and while she will always be Buffy to me, I think her character in this film makes the most interesting fashion choices. She plays uber bitch and step-sister to the lovely Sebastian - played by Ryan Phillippe. These have to be some of her most iconic looks from the film:

But what would Kathryn be wearing now? 

I imagine her in one of her signature all black looks - the bralet from Topshop would be a staple in her wardrobe. The killer shoes would also be an absolute must and I'm sure this crucifix would be a firm favourite - although the real purpose of it was less than savory. Kathryn the seductress lives on in this outfit. 

What were your favourite looks from the film? 

Wax Lyrical: Blogging

I swear I haven't meant to make two posts centered around blogging. It just so happens that I have more time lately to think about my blog and where I want to go with it. Having read some negative things through twitter about discussing blogging instead of actually getting on with it, I was in two minds whether to write this post or not. In the end I thought if people are interested in this topic then they will read on, if not... there are plenty of other posts below that might capture your imagination. 

While at University I actually wrote my Research Project on the rise of fashion bloggers and whether it would marginalise the mainstream fashion media. It is interesting for me to go back and read over it - knowing what I know now. I spent a lot of time researching the phenomenon that was Tavi from Style Rookie - many journalists at the time seemed to be annoyed at her attendance at fashion week and why she was relevant. The BBC have actually recently interviewed Tavi which brings the whole debate up to date. Now as bloggers we provide our Google Analytics as part of the registration process for fashion week- just like a magazine has to provide their credentials. Although I do think the view of bloggers can be a bit of the mark. For example the latest issue of UK Vogue features a editorial based on fashion bloggers. The editorial is way over exaggerated as I don't know any blogger personally who could afford a luxury hotel and any designer item they could wish for. 

It seems that big brands understand the power of the blogger and what they can do for them in the online market. There has been a number of high profile brand x blogger collaborations which have proved successful. The problem with this though is that it seems to be an endless cycle of the same bloggers working with these brands - it might be nice to see them go out on a limb and invest in someone different. 

Now I have more time to put into my blog and have the money to invest in it I am actually seeing an increase in traffic etc. It is true hard work does pay off - at the back of my mind though I do remember why I started this blog, I wanted to be a writer of course. Sometimes I don't think I write enough on here, as it tends to be picture led posts that actually catch peoples attention. What do you think? What posts catch your eye? Other bloggers have got me thinking about what content actually works well. Hayley posted a readers survey which I thought was a brilliant idea. I know a lot of people give the advice - 'only write for yourself' but that just doesn't fly with me. I want to know people are reading, adding me to their blog lists and most importantly coming back time and time again. I still smile every time I get a new comment and I take the time to comment on others blogs. 

What blogs keep you interested and why? 

Inspiration: Fellow Fashion Bloggers

I'm not really one for celebrity style, it tends to be quite safe in my opinion (this excludes Lady GaGa of course - who I love) - I find that the most stylish people I've met or seen are other bloggers. I find so many new labels because of reading other blogs which I like because it expands my horizons a little more everytime I discover something new.

I don't really mind what type of blog it is. There seems to be much debate on how many other bloggers come from extremely privileged backgrounds and have a lifestyle which is unattainable. But isn't that why we read Vogue and magazines like it? To look at those things which we cannot afford. For me looking at a blog like that is just like looking in a magazine. On the other hand I read many blogs where the person in question mainly shops on the high street or in vintage stores. I think as long as you enjoy the content, read away. 

I started reading blogs before I ever started writing one. There are some that have always been my firm favourites and some I only just discovered last week. So I thought I would take a selection of pictures from my favourite ladies and share them with you. You never know you might find one to add to your reading list. 

First Image: Nicola Claire, Le-Happy, Lulutrixabelle and VIPXO




Second Image:  Susie Bubble, Michelle from Kingdom of Style,  Christeric, Dark Vice and Foxyman



Opinion Slave, Violet E, Fashion Pirate and Velvet Codeine.

Lust List featuring Own The Runway

Todays Lust List is all about prints. I love a good print - they make up a good portion of my wardrobe. The skirt from River Island channels the lady-like trend for Spring/Summer - it also has a bit of a Versace vibe about it, don't you think? Own The Runway.com is a new website to me but I found a couple of pieces which I wouldn't mind adding to my wardrobe. What do you think to these items I picked out? I really like the wedges - I want to wear more heels for work but many of my heels tend to be fairly high and chunky. Wedges are a great way to add height without fearing for your life while your out and about. I have a fair bit of walking to do on my journey to and from work, so these would be the perfect compromise.I have seen a fair amount of snakeskin prints around but haven't actually added any to my collection yet. I think (like leopard print) you could go really wrong with this so maybe this shirt could be the first in my tentative steps towards a good snakeskin print?  

Purchase of the Week: The Cambridge Satchel Company

Having had a long Twitter conversation with Michelle from Kingdom of Style about this bag, I decided not to buy the ones on sale from The Cambridge Satchel Company - they all had faults which I could tell would annoy me if I ended up purchasing one. So imagine my utter delight when I went into Urban Outfitters to check out their sale and found this little beauty for the wonderful sum of £40. Now I do have a confession to make. There were three left on the shelf - two of which were marked in a fairly noticeable way. The last one wasn't marked but did have a hold ticket on for someone. I thought it must of been put back without them noticing the ticket - so I took the tag off and took it to the till. Will I get bad fashion karma? Here is the very bag pictured with a few other things. The purse was a present, but I believe it was from Zara. Lookin' to Rock Rita by Benefit is one of my most used perfumes - it smells so summery, spraying this on is great to cheer you up in the depths of winter. The ring is from Topshop and helps me channel my inner witch. The necklace is from H&M - I really like how simple this piece is. The lipgloss featured is from E.L.F cosmetics - I love these as they smell really minty and moisturise your lips. I picked up the new issue of Vogue yesterday which came with this collections guide for Spring Summer 2012. Have you guys picked up the new issue? 

Label Focus: Shop With Asian Stereotypes

I have officially completed my first week at my new job -  have to say I'm really enjoying it so far and I am really looking forward to getting stuck into my new role. 

I have been thinking about clearing my wardrobe out again now we are into a new year. I usually stick to three piles. One to keep, one for charity and one for Ebay. I always like to purge my wardrobe at points of transition and I think new year and new job are a perfect opportunity. 

I don't know about you guys but at Christmas and New Year I love watching box sets - at the moment I have been powering my way through Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Me and my boyfriend have been laughing at some of the questionable nineties outfits (although some of it I would actually wear) and I also love how Buffy calls her stake Mr Pointy.
Twitter has been a great resource for me when finding new unique online stores. Yesterday I was added by online store Shop With Asian Stereotypes. Imagine my delight when I found that this store sold a wooden stake necklace that Buffy would be proud of. 

How to Style: American Apparel Disco Pants

My lovely friend Elizabeth asked me if I ever did any styling advice posts  - I never have but I thought it would be a good idea to start it as a monthly thing. There are certain pieces that many of us can find difficult to style - it always helps me to see how other people have created an outfit. 

So Elizabeth has just bought herself some American Apparel Disco Pants and because she knew I already had a pair she asked me if I would do a post about how to style them. I wear mine to death so I had a fair few looks I thought she could try out - I had to take these pictures after work, so no natural light I'm afraid. 

Look One




The pants are extremely high waisted - the black ones I have remind of the ones Sandy wears in Grease. With this in mind they don't leave an awful lot to the imagination. For the less confident of you out there who still want to rock these trousers, don't despair. A long shirt looks great over these trousers - the good thing about this outfit is how stylish it looks without trying too hard. These pants look great with heels if the occasion calls for them. 

Look Two

Now I highly doubt (without loosing a little christmas weight) that I would wear this out and about but I wanted to added it in as an option. There are many cropped jumpers around at the moment - whether it just about reaches the waistband or you show a slight slither of skin - I paired this with my creepers. I think the pants would also look good with a velvet crop top too.

Look Three

For the ultimate grunge look I teamed this with a band t-shirt and tied a check shirt around my waist - another sneaky way to cover my bum. This makes for a great day time look if you are thinking the disco pants are meant to stay in the disco - I thought these would look good with my spiked loafers. 

A Fashionable Spring

Now Christmas and New Year are out of the way, I am looking forward to Fashion Week. I decided to have a play around with Photoshop and put some outfits together which I think would be perfect to rock at Fashion Week. Are any of my fellow bloggers going to be in London in February? I'd like to finally meet some of you I am only currently 'internet friends' with - let me know if your going to be around.
These outfits all fit into different price brackets - I secretly wish I did have the money to buy the outfit in the bottom image. A girl can dream. Putting the price differences aside - which outfit would you prefer to wear? I'm planning on buying the House of Holland dress - what do you guys think? 

Affordable: £146.50

Middle Ground: £220.99

Mega Bucks: £2155

I start my new job today - wish me luck! I'm sure you'll all be hearing about it in due course. 

Product Review: Instyler

I was very kindly sent the Instyler to try out. I love trying different things with my hair but I'm not actually very good at doing inventive things myself - so having the tools to do it for me really help. 

After reading the instructions and watching the tutorials I had a go at it myself and was pleasantly surprised as it was really easy to use.  You can actually use the Instyler to both straighten and curl your hair - so whatever you fancy doing the Instyler can lend a hand. 

I decided to try out its curling capabilities - you simply wrap your hair around the barrel and hold together and wait while the barrel spins. I held this for around 10 seconds and let go. 

One tip I would give everyone is to be careful of the barrel, as it gets extremely hot and it can be easy to touch it without realising. The Instyler does come with a heat protector to fit yourself to protect you from burning your fingers - I found this made it more difficult to wrap your hair around the barrel so I have been using it without. This was the finished result: