Trend of the Month: All White Everything!

It's a bit of a late one, but here is my August Trend of the Month!

The colour that I never dare to wear. It's the white season. Even though white is an all rounder colour, I've recently noticed that there is a current hype or all white outfits. From the red carpet to Instagram, celebrities and bloggers are daring to wear all white everything! It's a colour which is quite safe and goes with anything, just like my favourite colour.. Black. 

I have never really been interested in wearing the colour white, however I think that may be just because I don't trust myself wearing white. But the outfits you can create with the colour white are just stunning and quite classy. 

Let's just look back at New York Fashion Week - Spring/Summer 2014:

White was a major theme within designers such as 3.1 Phillip Lim, Michael Kors and Victoria Beckham:

3.1 Phillip Lim - expressing whites through simple tailored garments.

Michael Kors - Going to the beach with the whites, it's so Hamptons.

Victoria Beckham - Keeping it classy and feminine with her white pieces.

So to keep with my beliefs, let's have a look at what high street or online retailers are splashing out whites!

At the moment; missguided happen to have a trend page dedicated to everything white. Even though it may not be an official trend, it's one of those that will be coming back and forth within fashion because as I've said before, it's one of those easy trends. 

To explore missguided.com's white collection, click here. But first, I've decided to share with you my favourite pieces out of all the white:

From left: Dress - £19.99, Top - £14.99, Boots - £29.99

I chose the dress because I'm a big fan of mesh, and the racer top style turns this
bodycon midi dress into something casual yet classy, which I love!
The t-shirt is just something so simple but perfect for any occasion, both day and evening.
And then the boots; the cleated heel/platform, the cut outs - it's just my favourite things
about shoes, in one shoe. I'm a sucker for boots and anything chunky. Here we have it!

And even though I am against all the prices in this store, Topshop do provide beautiful clothes which are to die for, however will always be out of my price range during my student life.

From left: Slogan Tee - £18.00, White Oversized Shirt - £30.00,
White Pleated Sports Skirt - £38.00.

Let's not even discuss the prices of these items, but from browsing through the whites
they have online - I've come to decision that these 3 pieces are my favourite.
I'm always loving any slogan tee, 'same chic, different day' - such a diva saying on
a plain white tee; perfect fashion student top I think! I've always wanted an oversized white
shirt, and this one is just perfect, however the price is not so perfect! Then skirts are one
of my weaknesses, I have many and keep on buying more; I love pleats and with the
sporty waistband - could easily create a preppy sports luxe look with this.

Another Trend of the Month is complete, and apologies for how late it is! I've just been super busy this summer. I hope you all have enjoyed your summer! Bring on Autumn/Winter, and I promise there will be many more blog posts from me, and this time more often as well!

Monochrome

Tibi, Spring/Summer 2014

Apologies, I've been slacking once again with the blog but just been so busy! Hope everybody's been having a good summer so far anyway.

I have been quite lucky once again to bag another bargain (my top). My friend bought this amazing paneled top from Topshop for £30, but didn't like it so sold it to me for just £10 - that's what I call bagging a bargain with mates rates! At first I was debating whether or not to buy it because it's white and I hardly ever wear white as I just don't trust myself, but as always, I couldn't resist a bargain opportunity. 

I'm in love with the top but it's one of those tricky ones which don't match many things. So I've had to keep it simple and pair it with my favourite high waisted black jeans, which are another bargain from Primark that look exactly the same as the Topshop jeans by the way! I'm usually one for colours and prints but the outfit was just calling out to stay monochrome; so I played it safe and finished off the outfit with my black leather wedges and my mum's old Louis Vuitton backpack (which I must say is the cutest thing ever!). I'm living in backpacks at the moment because as I've said before, the best things to have during this season; then who doesn't wear chokers these days - perfect accessory for any style.

The whole sheer panel look has become huge this Spring/Summer season, after designers such as Alexander Wang, Phillip Lim, Lacoste and most importantly, the main inspiration for my top - Tibi (shown above) brought out this trend at their Spring/Summer 2014 shows. A little bit of skin exposure has come in strong as a trend, from sheer exposure, to net exposure - people are just out there showing off their bodies, however keeping it hidden at the same time so they don't commit any faux par's. Is it a trend for you? I think it all depends on how you feel about yourself, the confidence you have in yourself.. I'm not a very confident person but when it comes to fashion and styling my outfits, I just love experimentation and wearing what I like, which yes is a good mindset to have but everybody does need rules, however I believe that everybody should make your own though. Look at clothes in a way of helping boost your confidence, and be daring with different styles, have fun and play around! 

Panelled White Top - Topshop, High Waist Black Jeans - Primark, Black Boot
Wedges - £5 shop, Louis Vuitton Back Pack - Mum's Old Wardrobe, Choker - eBay.

Charity Shop Haul

One thing I love about Buckinghamshire, are the bargains you can find in charity shops. I was so happy with the bargains I found the other day in Chesham, that I couldn't resist sharing with everybody. Being a student in a big overdraft, I can't really afford anything over £10 at the moment, so tragic! But I haven't given up because of places like Charity shops and eBay, two favourites. Just cause you can't afford the usual Topshop, River Island etc, doesn't mean you can't still look good, believe in the bargains available to us!

So here is my second haul post of my Charity Shop goodies:

Optical Illusion Top, £2.25 - Sue Ryder Charity Shop
Originally from Topshop, how can I say no to £2.25!?
I fell for the optical illusion print, which I'll simply team
with some black jeans. A top like this is just made for
a cute, simple outfit as this will be the statement piece
of an outfit.

Floral Sheer Dress, £3 - Sue Ryder Charity Shop
This comes in the top 3 of this haul, because it
makes such a nice oversized look due to the fact of
it being size 22. It's a lightweight dress to simply wear
over a black cami dress/top and boots or even on holiday
over a bikini. Also fits nicely in the boho look I'm
trying out this summer, perfect lazy boho dress.

Navy Tribal Print Linen Trousers, £2.50
- Cancer Research Charity Shop
I've been longing to find trousers like this,
and so lucky to find them at a bargain price!
These are a size too big but I will style it with
a belt so it creates that cinched waist look. 

White Embroidered T-shirt, £3 - Shaw Trust Charity Shop
Alike the trousers, I've been longing to find a top
like this because it's a perfect top to go with all the
bootcut trousers I found in my mum's old box of clothes.
It's another oversized buy, being a size 12, the elastic on
the neck isn't too tight therefore I can wear it off the shoulder.
It is just an ideal top in a boho girl's wardrobe which can go
with everything, from flare trousers to maxi skirts etc.

Black and White Sleeveless Blouse, £3.95 - Cancer
Research Charity Shop
Another simple black and white top, originally from
Zara. I chose this for my mum for work but I am
definitely going to steal, again just pair it with
some black jeans, or any colour jeans because black
and white goes with anything! Adds a little smart look
to an outfit.

White Long Sleeved Sheer Blouse, £2 - Cancer Research Charity Shop
One of my top 3 favourites, again oversized but I love that you could wear
this as a top as well as a sheer cardigan. The detailing on the bust and sleeves
won me over, another piece to add to my new boho wardrobe. Also another
that will be joining me on holiday to wear as a cover up. The price of this
blouse is just such a steal, so happy with this find!

Trend of the Month - Choking on Fashion

Yet another childhood fashion has come around and become a part of Spring/Summer 2014. I think it's another love or hate trend but being me, I love it though but really because I love almost everything. So, chokers.. what are you guys thinking? Yay or Nay? It really depends how you think to style it or which ones you choose, there is such a variety available. From the classic, very popular elastic childhood ones, to ribbon chokers and bead ones too. This trend is so retro but it can work with quite a few styles, wearing very mixed styles myself, I have experimented this and my loom bead plus ribbon/chain choker do match different fashion senses. Only got two at the moment but many more are to come into my jewellery box! And yes, there will be blog posts featuring these soon, and probably multiple times as I'm living in them at the moment.

My chokers:

Loom bead choker handmade by my little sister.

Rose charm ribbon/chain choker - £5, eBay.

This trend has been around since last year and the year before etc, however, the more retro versions have made a comeback this year, and the youth of today are really making the most of this comeback trend. Feeling nostalgic about our childhood.

Where can we find them? Well, now they are becoming more and more popular, they are starting to become available in so many stores but if you want to bag the bargain ones, check out markets and my favourite, eBay. However, if you want to find them easy, I recommend Urban Outfitters, Topshop, ASOS or make your own! Chokers are so easy to make, so why not make your perfect ones from the comfort of your own home!?

Below, I put together a collage to show that there is such a variety available, and these 6 chokers are only from two retailers. If you have a search around, I'm sure the right choker will be found for your style. The styles I'd match with the chokers below, starting from top left: Sun & Moon - Boho Chic, Portrait - Vintage, Tattoo Elastic and Daisy - Any style, Tribal Print - Urban or Retro. But as I said, it depends how you work these different chokers, as I always say, experiment and have fun with all these nostalgic trends!

Top 2 images - ASOS, Bottom 2 images - Topshop

Trend of the Month - Print it Out!

This is a bit of an obvious one for Spring/Summer '14.. But PRINTS!

Printed clothes, shoes, hats, bags etc etc! I have always been known to be quite out there with the prints, but this can be a good and bad thing as not many of my clothes go together cause it's like an overload of prints however keeps my wardrobe a little exciting. Anyway... Spring/Summer '14 this year is all about injecting some creativity and fun into your wardrobe! S/S '14 runways has brought us a huge range of new prints coming in trend for this season, and fortunately enough, retailers have recognised this trend and are all on it, expressing different styles.

Missguided are a strong contender of prints, have a look at all the fabulous prints HERE!

It's time to experiment again, go all matching or if you're daring enough, mix up the prints and go against the 'no clashing' rule! Again, it's another trend that can be worn chilled out or crazily, match the prints to your personal style. Prints are just a no brainer for this season, and even if you call yourself a 'plain Jane', don't be afraid to try out some subtle prints, to just accessorize your 'plain' outfits. 

So after browsing around, I have chosen my top 3 prints for Spring/Summer '14.. obviously everybody will have different but here are mine:

1) Florals (obvious one but there are never-ending types of floral print and every year, there's always a new one out, to not be obvious, don't go for the obvious! SIMPLES. P.S - tropical florals are very in this season)

PRETTYLITTLETHING, check it out here!
Just a bit of 70's inspo, along with rose print and neon colours -
my top 3 from PLT's floral collection - all good prices too
 (you know me with my fussiness of clothing prices and bargains)

2) Tribal (always a winner for me)

RIVER ISLAND, have a look here!
Who can go wrong with African tribal print, River Island always
wins it when it comes to prints.. a tad pricey but aren't these bits cute?

3) Paisley (I am a boho chic fan, therefore, paisley is just a weakness for me when it comes to prints)

BOOHOO, browse around the bargains here!
so so many bargains available on boohoo.com! Too much choice of prints
and bargain buys, I recommend here for budget holiday shopping.

Experimenting is key to styling, in my opinion.. You have to give everything a chance and have fun with what you wear. I know some may not be as daring or confident as others, but you won't get anywhere if you don't try. This season, trends from vintage eras and even what we thought were trends when we were younger are all making a comeback, so I think this is the prime time to be as daring as you want to be with trends you were loving at the age of 14! From jelly shoes, to bucket hats to co-ordinates to sliders and more! Fashion is weird but not everybody has taken grasp of that, maybe this season it's time.. 

Trend of the Month - 'Matchy Matchy'

For something different on my blog, I'm going to post my own 'Trend of the Month' features which in the title will consist of me expressing a current or upcoming trend which have stood out and caught my eye monthly!

For my first post, for April; I have chosen to look into the Co-ordinates trend of Spring/Summer 2014 (which I think will stay for next season too!).

So, 'Matchy Matchy' seems to be the new thing to do this season! I have seen this on runway shows, everywhere in retail stores such as Topshop, River Island and Primark, even on the red carpet.. and celebrities can be so influential on trends which is probably one of the reasons matching sets and co-ordinates have hit the fashion world by storm. Another influential platform of the fashion industry are the bloggers of today, blogging has become one of the strongest and effective ways of self-promotion or brand promotion therefore can create a buzz about trends or anything really! Even though some people may think it's tacky or dated, this is where I love it because it's like a challenge, to prove these people wrong - fashion is all about challenges of trends etc, anything can be cute if it's done right.

It's such a simple trend however like any piece of clothing, must remember that flatters you the most but won't have a problem of options because co-ordinates vary from block colours, or prints and patterns which is a little more daring but what's the harm in trying it out!? Getting ready has become 10x easier, and diva fits are no more due to this trend, there will be no excuse of taking hours choosing an outfit because here, two separates become one. Just choose your print/colour, only thinking needed.

MOTEL ROCKS, take a look here!

MISSGUIDED, take a look here!

Many different styles of co-ordinates are out there to experiment whether it is looking sharp and sauve in a tailored set, or comfortable and casual in a jersey set etc, this trend is here for you to wear it how you like and have fun with an overload of trends or popping out of the crowd in a block colour. Get on this co-ordinates trend this season, it's a big one!

Beyonce, Fearne Cotton, Ariana Grande and Rita Ora rocking this co-ord trend! All taken different takes on their set.
Beyonce looking fierce and sexy, Fearne Cotton looking stylishly smart in her tailored set, Ariana Grande going all
pretty with her hot pink set at an awards show then Rita Ora bringing back the retro print and style with her co-ord!

Bloggers obsessed with this trend, especially thatpommiegirl's Sarah Hashcroft - she's been showing her way of styling
her favourite pastel and print co-ords, whether it is for the day or evening/casual or dressed up, then shewearsfashion's Kavita Donkersley expressing her classy urban style with that cute palm tree co-ord and last but not least, cravegreenvelvet's girl Charlotte looking edgy and clashing two trends, in her metallic leopard print co-ord.
Again, all looking different and putting their own take on this fabulous trend!

It's still cold outside..

Another Sunny Sunday, but it wasn't the temperature I expected it to be! Me and my boyfriend decided to go for a nice picnic at the local park by the Uni and explore, we got our food etc, hoping that being sat in the sun would be warm, but we were wrong. IT WAS FREEZING, and I dressed for the sunshine! Oh well, we still had a little cute picnic, didn't last long but still nice to spend time in the day with the boyf (and also got some blog photos woo!). We were also meant to go exploring now we have a charger for my camera but it was far too cold, just got photos for the blog instead. I am so happy that I am able to use my camera, it's been too long!

Anyway, I wanted to go for quite a simple Spring look.. and what better to do that than with a cute playsuit - which I must mention I haven't worn in years, and yes I struggle a bit to fit into it but oh well! Playsuits have always been and always will be a Spring/Summer staple item in your wardrobe, you just can't go wrong; you can wear them everywhere and anywhere, they come in all sorts of styles for the day or evening. I teamed my playsuit with my black sheer cut out blouse, a Levi's vintage denim jacket and simple flat black boots (which I also haven't worn in years!) - I thought I suited the weather, but guess not.. thank's England for your unpredictable weather. 

This outfit is definitely one of those 'Oh I forgot about that' kind of outfits, being a poor student (not for long though!), I haven't been able to go shopping at all and been recycling my wardrobe which I'm not a fan of doing, I just want new clothes everyday.. who doesn't!? Anyway back to topic, I think this outfit includes 3 staples for a Spring/Summer Wardrobe: denim jacket - doesn't matter if it's vintage or not, it's a perfect jacket for the not so cold and not so warm weather, playsuit - where it anywhere; from festivals, to a day out in the town to holidays, to nights out everywhere! such an easy item to create outfits around, then last but not least, classic aviators - how can you go wrong with aviators!? yeah they're not super cute like cat eye sunnies or cool shaped sunglasses but they are the essential pair of sunglasses and go with every style of outfit!

Denim Jacket - Vintage from Camden, Cut out Black Blouse - Select, Bandeau - Primark,
Bow Print Playsuit - H&M,  Gold Chain - H&M, Cut Out Boots - Primark.