CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

The beginning of November never really seems the right time to start thinking about Christmas but as Christmas adverts have been released and decorations have gone up in shops, I decided that it wasn't too premature to make a Christmas List.
Due to my complete lack of organisation skills I also need to start planning this early in order to get everything sorted in time. I never usually know what to ask for at Christmas but this year I have hundreds of ideas; these are the ones that are at the top of my list.

1. I'm usually partial to bright colours when it comes to bikinis, but this LBB has crept into my consciousness. I really love the cut on it; it looks very flattering (although maybe that's just on the 6'0' model...). It's an awful lot more than I would want to pay for a bikini, hence why it's on my wish list.   Bikini, £305 by Lisa Marie Fernandez at Net-A-Porter
2. Chanel & Gilly Hicks (worlds apart, I know) are my two go-to perfumes but I recently was introduced this new concoction by Carven. There aren't many perfumes that I like, but this one I love and I might have to make my the third go-to fragrace.  Le Parfum £38 by Carven at Selfridges
3. This skirt looks so perfect for the Christmas party season; I have a few embellished pieces from Topshop in my wardrobe already and they are always my favourites for nights out. I can picture wearing this on Christmas Day paired with an oversized white sweater; only problem being that there won't be too much stretch in it for all that turkey and Christmas pudding! Skirt, £65 by Topshop 
4. This would be the fourth MK watch in my collection (you can never have to many bags, shoes OR watches, right?) and I love it because it's more delicate that the others which are chronographs. There are so many colour straps but I was having a girly moment and I decided pink would be the best choice.  Runway Watch, £106 by Michael Kors, at neimanmarcus.com 
5. As a self confessed bag-fiend I can't quite believe that I haven't bought a new bag since MAY. I'm getting bored of all the bags I have in black and I need one that's a little brighter and smaller for the evenings. This red number from Zara (number one stop for bags) looks like it would do just the trick. Messenger Bag, £39.99 by Zara 
6. These headphones are a fashion-blogger sensation at the moment. I'm hoping for the price that they would sound nice as well as looking nice, and let's be honest, they look nice. Single handedly, my brother has broken every pair of headphones that I've owned for the last five years, so if these beauties materialise in my life I am promising myself that no one will touch them but me! Taylor Headphones, £169 by Frends at mywardrobe.com
7. Despite the fact that girls can never have too many shoes, I never seem to have enough shoes. I have heels galore, but currently I only have one pair of brogues and one pair of boots and these are intended to get me the whole way through the Winter rain, snow and wind! Ambitious, I know. These loafers from Zara are so nice, and although not too warm, I'm hoping they would be lovely on those non-rain filled Winter days and beyond.  Loafers, £50 by Zara 
8. Topshop roll out the best in partywear at this time of year with my personal favourites being the embellished dresses and high heels. They've been producing some lovely playsuits recently and this one looks like it would be perfect for a night out or a Christmas party. I love the cut of the neckline, plus it's a steal at just £36! Playsuit, £36 by Topshop 
9. Okay, so admittedly I do have enough heels but how am I supposed to forget about these? My Mum has already placed these in the 'doorway scraper' category. Unhelpfully this counts for any heels that push me over 6'0, which is anything above 3 inches! But I'm willing to be head and shoulders above my friends if it means I get to wear these beauties! Plus, they're a bargain at £55! Satin Bow Sandals, £55 by Topshop
10. Samantha Wills is a jewellery designer who has been on my radar for quite a while now. Her pieces are so simple and yet elegant and all are beautifully crafted and presented in their own wooden boxes. Again the prices are a little pushy, but as a gift they're perfect. I couldn't decide which colour was my favourite, so I thought "just choose both".  Bardot Rings, £99 each by Samantha Wills
11. I've been avoiding getting a new iPod for far too long. My old iPod has served me well but but hold broke about three years ago and now the buttons have decided to give up on me too. Running without music isn't fun so I need a replacement ASAP. As I have an iPad I don't need an iPod to play games on; I prefer the look of this iPod anyway. Hoping I can get my name engraved on it like my old iPod too! iPod Nano 7th Generation, £129 by Apple

INTERVIEW

Hello lovely readers! Sorry for my absence but things have been hectic lately. I've finally finished uni and moved home (mixture of 'yay' and 'boo' here) which means that the horrible time has come: I have to find a job. But I'm excited to start the next chapter, especially if I get a job I like. Anyone looking for a newbie fashion merchandiser/marketer/social media/pr person, I'm here and free!

My friends from uni are also job hunting and one had an interview panic: What To Wear?! I haven't been to an interview in quite a while having always had a summer job at the same place, but it got me to thinking what I would wear. I refuse to go to a job interview wearing a black trouser suit. It has to be formal of course, but I think colours are positive signs in interviews. And as I'm applying for fashion-y jobs it's important to show you have some style!

So this is what I came up with as my ideal interview outfit (job depending of course). The earrings and bag add a little colour, whilst the white blazer would mean I was wearing the key part of my outfits - lots and lots of white. I saw this top on Opening Ceremony's Moda Operandi trunk sale and I love the detail on it. What would you wear to an interview?

Blazer by Chloé, Top by Opening Ceremony, Skirt by Topshop, Earrings & Rings by Zara, PS11 by Proenza Schouler, Pumps by Valentino.

Callie by loeswhite featuring shell jewelry

Saturday Slumber

1. Cross Print Blouse by Topshop Unique 2. Metallic Jacquard Shorts by Topshop 3. Silk Joggers by Topshop Boutique 4. Space Dye Beanie by Topshop 5. Studded Messenger Bag by Zara 6. Studded Court Shoes by Zara 7. Cashmere Jumper Dress by Vionnet 8. Twin Romance Ring by Samantha Wills 9. Leaher Skirt by Carven 

Finally after 15 days in a row of getting up early, I got to lie in bed and chill out this morning. Technically it's still early, but it's not 7am. 
I made a Christmas List the other day. In July. I know. But then I decided it would just be another one of my many wish lists + an iPad 2. So here's a weekend wish list to send me on my way. 
Topshop Unique dropped at the end of last week, and to be honest with you, this blouse was the only piece I really liked. The items from the runway that I had my eye on haven't dropped yet (or won't). This blouse was cool though, and very versatile. Boutique also have these silk joggers, of which I already have the short version which I love. These may have to be a buy. Zara's accessories are on fire at the moment ( like always) with these studded courts and messenger bag. Also I've fallen in love with Samantha Wills's jewellery, which will be a big part of my Christmas list. Her jewellery is really eye catching and feminine and there are easy transition pieces from day to night wear. 
Have a good weekend x

Monochrome

Topshop Blazer, Stella McCartney Lace Skirt, Splendid Jersey Tank, 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Messenger Bag,  Zara Sling Back Sandals, Topshop Laser Cut Collar, Topshop Crochet Side Shorts

I'm always a sucker for black and white statement/staple pieces. You can't really go wrong with a classic black or white blazer, a black court shoe, a white t-shirt etc. We even saw a resurgence of the white shoe (a notoriously hard look to nail) on the catwalks of Alexander Wang and Jil Sander for SS12. We all know that those Alexander Wang Joan Pumps were high on the cool-girls hit list.
So here's my black and white wishlist for the coming months. I already own this Topshop blazer in blush pink, but the white one looks somehow sleeker and crisper. Stella McCartney's skirt and Topshop's Shorts would be plain bar the lace detailing which makes them stand out to me. Phillip Lim's white messenger bag is good for essentials, Splendid's tank is essential, and Topshop's geo cut collar is a perfect accessory. 
Oh, and those Zara pumps? They're going to be the next big thing; I'm just waiting for the deluge of bloggers wearing them. 

Alexa

Spotted this Alexander Wang Cargo Jacket on FarFetch and figured it's perfect for  nailing some laid-back yet super stylish street style. Yeahhh, you didn't know I knew about alliteration did you? Pair it with Topshop's metallic tube skirt, and Zara's hottest new accessories.

Jacket by Alexander Wang, Shirt by Givenchy, Necklace by Givenchy, Tube Skirt by Topshop, Heels by Zara, Clutch by Zara.

Topshop Sale Buy

Topshop Dress, Topshop Clutch, Michael Kors Watch, Topshop Ring, Zara Shoes
Look, a sale buy! I managed to nab this dress in the Topshop sale; I nearly bought it months ago but dragged myself away. Lo and behold, it went from down to £20 in the sale (from £45), and you can't really ignore a bargain like that. Well you might be able to, but I can't. Also, I would've provided links to the Topshop items, but their website didn't want to show me the goods. 
What did you guys manage to get in the sales? x

Unconventional Summer

Denim Shirt by Topshop, Sequinned Shorts by Topshop, Embellished Collar Peplum Top by Topshop, Clutch by Chloè, PVC Pashli Tote by 3.1 Phillip Lim, Dress by Chloè, Necklace by Etro, Ankle Boots by 3.1 Phillip Lim

Everything's gone on sale, except for the one I'm waiting for; Zara. The Topshop sale has been especially good, as was the Net-A-Porter clearout. And my number one dress go-to, French Connection, has had brilliant markdowns as always.

But my wish list for the week is consisting of the new in. As here in London the summer is shaping up to be not so summery, it feels pointless to make another summer wishlist, and so I've made a list of things that I want to wear right now. Topshop are having a real peplum moment and my favourite is this embellished collar piece. Plus, all of a sudden my jewellery radar is alive, and I'm in love with this Etro necklace.

Oh and following my white-on-white Resort post, look out for an all white wish list. Ciao. 

Zara June Lookbook

Bank Account Assault Day

Today was student loan day, or as I like to call it, bank account assault day. This is the day where you're supposed to save and budget so you don't have to eat only pasta or have cold water for the rest of the term, but instead you just buy whatever the hell you want. I also got paid from work today, making this double bank account assault day.

So the first thing I did? Made a wish list of course, of all the pretty things I would like to buy. I'm on a low after returning from New York, so some retail therapy will boost me up again, right? Also I figured that all this together still comes to less than the Alexander Wang shoes I was a crazy inch from buying.

Topshop Gilet (which has already sold out after two days, bleugh), Topshop Jeans, Asos Brogues, Topshop Shell Top, Zara Messenger Bag, Asos Sandals, Stella & Dot. Bracelets, Etsy Shorts, Asos Milan Shoes.

Brunch

So I'm heading off to NYC next week and I'm really determined to have brunch whilst I'm there, just to feel like a cheesy American and try french toast. According to NY Eater, the above places are the top brunch spots in the city. Gotta admit, I wanna go to the bottom left one, just for that brick wall. Small things hey.

So what do we wear to brunch, I hear you ask. Well, these are the three options I came up with. Weather permitting these outfits would work. And hopefully it will permit and the sun will be cooperative.


Topshop Basic Neppy Tee, J Brand Distressed Jeans, ASOS Macaroon Shoes, 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Tote.

First up, the plain white t/denim combo. Never fails.
If your pennies stretch a long way, get a James Perse or T by Alexander Wang tee. Just so much better. Pair with distressed jeans so you don't look too polished. Not that I ever do. Brogues in white because we're all sick of tan. Pashli tote. Just because.


Topshop Pork Pie Hat, Melissa Odabash Striped Jersey Mini Dress, Zara Plaited Messenger Bag, ASOS Flossy T-Bar Sandals.

Second, the breton stripe/tan combo. See, we're loving a combo right here.
Wear the hat, just to make a point, plus it livens the outfit up a little. Melissa Odabash's striped mini dress is perfect, plus it's a dress so we don't have to wear jeans for once. And nothing goes with a breton stripe better than tan, so accessorise with said tan. Zara is the go to for these bags, and ASOS just so happen to have some pretty sandals in.


Topshop Plain Grill Jumper, T by Alexander Wang Jeans, ASOS Milan Shoes, Mulberry Oversized Satchel.

I don't know what combo this is...white jumper/black jean combo? Doesn't really work. Oh well. This one would be good for a slightly chillier day.
After seeing so many jumpers in the past month, and acknowledging that we're in the awkward weather phase between spring and summer, I got to thinking that this jumper would be a good option to just wear alone on colder days. Not completely alone, just without a jacket. Black jeans, oversized satchel and tan laser cut shoes to complete the look.

Happy Brunch! x

Sunshine Colour

So it would appear that I have recently developed a slight penchant for yellow. When I say slight I mean obsessive and when I say yellow, I don't mean those lemon shades that the pastel trend is shovelling on us. No. I mean the canary yellow, neon bright, glow in the dark, hurts your eyes to look at, nauseating kind of yellow. As seen above.

See, point example explain. Just like we did in school.

This all started about two weeks ago when I stumbled (literally, it was 9am and I was barely functioning) across a tweed jacket in just such an electric hue. It was tweed (tick) and it had zippers at the waist, meaning you could unzip it and have it flapping around like it was real Helmut Lang (tick tick). It was also from Zara (massive high street friendly tick) meaning it won't cost £500+ like all the other yellow zipped Helmut Lang style jackets you're likely to come across. So that's a happy dance due right there.

Also, if you're anything like me, pairing this with black and having the effect of looking like a giant bumble bee will actually be a plus. If anyone asks, just tell them 'No, it's not fancy dress'. Buzzz.

Just incase anyone was wondering, or happened to share my addiction to the brightest colour in the spectrum...

Shoes Zara, Top Helmut Lang, Dress Topshop, Dress Giambastitta Valli, Shoes Charlotte Olympia, Bag Stella McCartney, Rainmac Mulberry, Pouch Victoria Beckham, Blazer Zara and Skirt Giambastitta Valli.

Miss Highlighter

Dress: Topshop / Sandals: Zara / Clutch: Jimmy Choo

Anyone fancy an Acid Yellow night out? Thought you did.

Saw this dress up on Topshop this morning and it got me to thinking how I'm always drawn to clothes/accessories that other people find grim. Honestly, I actually have the thought process 'That's ugly, I love it'.

Exhibit 1: Highlighter Yellow.

Skating over the fact that Acne did highlighter colours for Fall and they were well received (ipso facto, they're not so radical right now), I would willingly wear this colour at any time of year, regardless if it was on trend or not. It's just so eye-poppingly-disgustingly-bright that you can't ignore it; it might not love you but let's face it, you love it.

So let's just go overboard and do it head to toe. Yellow that is. I for one bet you would catch some eyes (and gag reflexes) in this ensemble.

Zara's April Showers

Zara's April Lookbook. I want to look this clean and crisp all the time.

Midnight Magic

Acne is one of my favourite labels, especially after Spring 2012 when colour blocking hit their runway in force. I love the way the fabrics are constructed in their pieces, and how easily they can be styled into different looks. So I was trawling through Net-A-Porter's New In page for today and came across this black silk Acne dress that looked like such a good day-to-night piece and could be a staple in any woman's wardrobe. Then I saw their beige suede biker jacket, and I now have it in my head that I need a jacket like this. Also they had this beautifully simple leather shoulder bag, perfect for those days when you don't need to carry much.

Next, I have always been an advocate of Topshop and I love it deep down in my heart, but at the current moment it has really fallen out of favour with me due to some problems with stock and quality of items I've been after. However, saying this, I did let out an 'ahh' when I saw this blue metallic skirt on their webbysite this morning. It looks so pretty for Spring, and is adding to their growing pastel collection.

I'm head over heels in love with Zara at the moment; there's a pair of printed trousers in there that I literally can't get out of my head. Also these black suede court shoe, and python trim city bag are high on my wish list. I would've bought the shoes but Zara really seem to have a problem with stocking sizes above 4, and I'm a giant 7. Not compatible. I did fall over the bag as well but I can't buy anymore bags. So I told my mother in my nicest voice that I would very much like it for my birthday.

In addition to this I want another copy of Elle's February issue because I want to cut it up and stick all the Spring editorials on my wall; there's about 14 pages of Chanel's gymnastic campaign at the start of the magazine, and despite my dislike of Saskia I really still love the images. Also this silver pendant is really cute and I need more jewellery as I never wear it. I got a sample of Clinique mascara (Boots have a mascara trade offer on at the moment, where you give in an old mascara and get a new Clinique sample), and it's great but the tube is small so it won't last long and I'd really like a proper one for when it does. Also, aren't those Marc Jacobs headphones just the cutest?

Loes x

P.S. Happy Birthday to my Grandaddy who is 85 today, and my cousin Nicola who turns 30! The birthday cake was beautiful.