Baby, It’s Cold Outside – The Parka Edition
December 4, 2012 § Leave a comment
Last week I produce a scarf edit dedicated to how cold it is outside. Well it only got worse in the last few days and I decided it’s time to talk warmer garments – let’s talk winter parkas. Last season I purchased a light parka for those chilly spring evening (actually thanks to horrific few months that we in London call summer, I ended up wearing it much more than planned). And since now I need a parka update to suit the cold, and also thanks to the suggestion of blog’s frequent reader Daria M, who was also lost for choice over her winter outerwear, I searched for hours to bring you the best parkas from both top designer brands and high street favourites. Also notice the colours: you can go for the classic khaki colour as in the first set of chosen parkas, or you can opt for less obvious versions of the second set that include blue, grey and even printed multicoloured one. The only criteria that stays common with all the choices below (click on the name of your favourite to be redirected to the website for better look and purchase) is the warmth, because, well, baby, it’s cold outside! 
1. Burberry Brit Raccoon-Trimmed Cotton-Blend Parka, £850
2. Weekend by Maxmara Solista Coat, £500
3. Topshop Luxe Nylon Parka, £98
4. ASOS Oversized Hooded Parka, £80
5. Army Fur Fur Trim Cotton Gabardine Parka, £1041
6. Selected Oversized Army Parka, £173
7. Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply Ethnic Print Coat, £311
8. River Island Black Double Layer Parka, £100
9. Project Singleseason, £753
10. Burberry Brit, £839
11. Army by Yves Salomon Coyote Hooded Parka, £1242
12. Sam. Campus Wool Coat, £587
Autumn Staple: Biker Boots
August 14, 2012 § Leave a comment
With the last days of summer fast approaching it is time to start getting ready for new season and welcome Autumn/Winter 2012 fashion. In the first post dedicated to autumn wardrobe overhaul I have decided to concentrate on staple and classic item of my own wardrobe (and millions of other wardrobes around the globe for that matter) – biker boots. Living in London, with its mono-season weather I can get away with wearing biker boots practically every day, but it is autumn in particular when I simply don’t leave the house without a pair of them on. They are cool, comfy and city-friendly, which is more or less the only requirements I have for my footwear. Below I picked out my favourites that will suit every wallet with a price ranging from £30 to £650, enjoy!
- Frye Biker Boot, £177, available at farfetch.com – if you like them neat and uncluttered, this boot is for you
- Ash Titan Antique Studded Ankle Boots, £279 – from the brand that makes some of the most classic biker boots on high street
- Fiorentini and Baker Elis Eternity Studded Biker Boot, £295, available at net-a-porter.com – slouchy top for misfit look
- Via Roma XV. S.Mortiz Biker Boot, £146, available at farfetch.com – with tired looking cotton panel those boots have a nicely worn-in look
- Asos America Biker Boot, £55 – perfect choice for those on the budget
- Topshop Davidson Biker Wellies, £30 – for a rainy day
- Jimmy Choo Rabbit Lined Leather Biker Boots, £650, available at net-a-porter.com – the investment piece made to last and thanks to the fury lining will be in use both autumn and winter
- Ash Trash Antique Studded Leather Boots, £309 – the tall version of the previously shown Ash boot and it comes in brown, for those bored of black
- River Island Lace Up Biker Boots, £75 – just in case buckles are not enough
The Studded Dress Syndrome
April 1, 2012 § 1 Comment
It started of with Versace Spring Summer 12 fashion show – tightly fitted gold studded dresses paraded up and down the catwalk. And when Donatella emerged at the end of the show wearing one of those herself fashion world knew this would be a new must have. The first to be caught up in the spread of the micro trend were celebrities – Katy Perry and Nicole Kidman showed off their sex appeal in white creations. But Versace influence on the trend was not over: when collaborating with H&M a much more affordable range of studded figure hugging items emerged and even more people signed up to the trend.
And now those that did not get their hands on Versace or Versace for H&M studded pieces have been given another chance: River Island created a more affordable range of dresses inspired by original Versace designs. I’m in!
- Black Studded Dress, £30
- White Studded Dress, £50
- White Studded Dress, £30
- Black Studded Dress, £50
Dressing Up Denim Shorts
March 15, 2012 § Leave a comment
I wish it was warmer outside. I am already feeling the spring vibe and can’t wait to wear my favourite warm season piece of clothing – denim shorts. Last summer when I was exploring West Coast of US denim shorts in all shapes and colours were the only ‘bottoms’ option in my suitcase, the fact I did not once regret. And now even thinking of wearing all those garments mentally transports me back to my American adventure. So for emotional boost of getting through the not-so-warm-or-sunny London days I compiled a few outfits with my beloved denim short. 
The one above is urban spring chic with metallic accessories (courtesy of Topshop). It is essentially summery but the colour palette suggest I remember it is still London in mid-March:
Oversized Lightweight Parka, £68
Metallic Vintage Rucksack, £38
Pilot Sporty Curved Wedges, £85
Spike Stretch Hair Band, £10
All Over Skull Bralet, £12
Moto High Wasted Kristen Hotpants, £32
Total: £ 245 of Topshop goodies
This second outfit on the other hand shows that denim shorts don’t have to be just for casual weather – with right accessories they become very lady-like! Vertical stripes are slimming, shirts with collar tips are currently very trendy and these pointy studded courts are to die for. All items are from one of my high street favourites River Island:
White Diamante Trimmed Shirt, £28
Silver Tone Twisted Diamante Hairband, £8
Light Pink Bow Hinge Skinny Belt, £15
Blue Striped High Waster Shorts, £25
Pink Colourblock Bowler Bag, £40
Light Pink Stud and Spike Point Court, £55
Total: £171 for this feminine denim ensemble
So if you are not feeling the weather and need something to lift you up, why not compile an outfit for yourself? Fashion satisfaction is guaranteed and you won’t spend a penny!
Saint Valentine’s Day Outfits
February 12, 2012 § Leave a comment
Here we are again – 14th of February is fast approaching and if you haven’t yet figured out what to wear for that special date night below are a few ideas to suit very different budgets (just add sexy lingerie and you are sorted). Enjoy, love birds!
Matthew Williamson Feather and Crystal Embellished Lace Dress, £3895
Chanel Vintage Logo Bracelet, £790 (from farfetch.com)
Jimmy Choo Tema Satin and Suede Sandals, £795
Alexander McQueen Britannia Skull Crystal Studded Suede Box, £1495
Herve Leger Embellished Bandage Crop Top, was £870 now £305
Poleci Lace Trimmed Skirt, was £275 now £110
Elizabeth and James Metallic Pumps, was £310 now £155
Tom Binns Silver Ring, was £290 now £116
Herve Leger Leather Minaudiere Clutch, was £495 now £198
Topshop Sleeveless Lace Dress, £48
New Look Pastel Across Body Bag, £12.99
River Island Pink Peep Toe Courts, £60
Forever 21 Teardrop Earrings, £4.90
River Island Flower Stretch Bracelet, £10
Spring/Summer 12 Trend Alert: Scarf Print
February 5, 2012 § 1 Comment
Ever since the Spring/Summer 12 catwalk for D&G it was obvious that scarf print will become a major trend for the season. It was not just a few pieces in any collection, it was the domineering theme of the last ever D&G collection before it gets absorbed into Dolce and Gabbana (making it a super brand). The Italian duo put a lot of work in to makes sure the line goes out with a bang: vibrant, sexy, very youthful and trend-setting, this is exactly how we will remember D&G.
Yet scarf print is not new, Versace and Etro are two brands that most closely have been associated with it for years, but thanks to D&G the print is back and it’s big, migrating it out of my grandma’s closet and to the wish lists of all fashionistas. Below are the classics-gone-youthful from Versace and Etro, the pricey way to go about this hot trend. 
- Versace Scarf Print Silk Satin Mini Dress, £465
- Versace Barocco Silk Printed Shirt, £745
- Etro Printed Skirt, £320
- Etro Silk Dress, £810
- Versace Venetian Print Silk Shirt, £745
- Etro Paisley Cardigan, £550
But as always I am a firm believer that you don’t have to break the bank to get on board with the latest trend. High street has already caught up with the designers and produced a wide range of scarf print pieces – below is my selection. And if you dare, do mix the prints and colours up in the outfit – clashing is so in! 
- River Island Blue Scarf Print Bomber Jacket, £40
- River Island Pink Scarf Print Playsuit, £18
- River Island Orange Raised Front Maxi Skirt, £45
- Topshop Moto Baroque Hotpants, £34
- Topshop Scarf Print Shirt, £40
- Topshop Scarf Priny Leggings, £20
- Zara Printed Blouse With Scarf, £29.99
- Miso Scarf Print Bralet, £15
- Zara Printed Blazer With Scarf, £59.99
Biggest S/S 12 Trend: Pastels
January 18, 2012 § 4 Comments
It is very rare that one overpowering trend emerges for the season, but this time despite fragmented trends like flower and parsley prints, sport de luxe and metallics, pastels are quickly gaining popularity. Also, surprisingly this trend matches the season well – it is not about being edgy or standing out but feeling spring and blending in with the natural colouring of the season.
It is hard to think of one designer collection that hasn’t featured pastel pieces this season – the catwalk was filled with them: from Louis Vuitton to Miu Miu, from Moschino to Oscar de la Renta, from Lanvin to DKNY. Two of my favourite campaigns this season play around with the trend too – Mulberry ice cream and candy on Brighton Pier and good-enough-to-eat pastels of Louis Vuitton (pictured above).
And since the new season just kicked in, it is absolutely the right time to discuss the most wanted pieces that have to be added to My Fashion Wish List for this particular trend. Above is my designer selection – think ice cream, candy floss and bubble gum!
- Mulberry Pebbed Beige Glossy Goat Bayswater £795
- Alice Cicolini Earrings and Ring each £1400
- Anya Hindmarch Valorie Glitter-finish Leather Clutch £350
- Mulberry Candy Pink Jersey Melange Printed Badge T-shirt £90
- Miu Miu Bow Embellished Bikini £145
- Dion Lee Plisse Stretch Jersey and Silk Crepe Dress £787
- Louis Vuitton Tuileries Sandals in Silk £600
- Miu Miu Top Handle Bag in Pink £825
- MiH Paris Mid-rise Cropped Jeans £155
But it is not all about designer creations – high street is rapidly absorbing the trend and coming up with great items. Here is the selection of my favourite pastels from high street so you can join in on the trend for below £140.
- Zatchel Colour Block Leather Satchel £122
- Topshop High Wasted Chinos £38
- Kandee Space Sherbet Boots £105
- Topshop Pastel Geo Tunic £20
- ASOS Pack of 50 Pastel Gummies £8
- Topshop Textured Knitted Grunge Jumper £36
- KG by Kurt Geiger Esme Shoes £140
- River Island Aqua Dress Belted Skater Dress £35
- American Apparel Large Carry-all Leather Pouch in Soft Pink, Lavender and Lemon each £48
Here you go – now you are ready to be the most fashionable self and welcome spring in style. It is just around the corner, I promise!
Christmas Jumpers
December 21, 2011 § 1 Comment
Christmas jumper used to be an embarrassing present from your grandma – that will make it into your wardrobe out of your love for grandma rather than for purpose of someday wearing it. But this year they are certainly on fashion radar and is a MUST this Christmas season. If you are still without a Christmas Jumper – don’t threat! I picked my favourite Christmas jumpers to suit all budgets – so you can do a last minute shop before a big day! Plus they are perfect as presents – and with big designer names they will no longer be at the back of the receiver’s wardrobe.
1. Moschino Penguin Intarsia Wool Sweater £810, at Net-a-porter.com
2. Knitted Raindeer Jumper £50, at Topshop
3. Paul & Joe Sister Navy Aspen Bobble Sweater £137, was £196 at Mywardrobe.com
4. Jumper With Neon Hedgehog Design £35, at ASOS
5. Only Crop Pattern Jumper £31.99, at New Look
6. Free People Knitted Jumper, was £110 now £65, at ASOS
7. Grey Fairsle Jumper Dress £45, at River Island
8. Stella McCartney Polar Bear Intarsia Wool and Alpaca-Blend Sweater £670, at Net-a-porter.com
9. Markus Lupfer Wreath Sequined Merino Wool Sweater £295, at Net-a-porter.com
Not Your Usual Skinny Jeans
November 29, 2011 § 2 Comments
It is cold outside and I bet many of you ditched the skirts and resort to your favourite skinnies on daily basis. But I’m here to remind you that wearing jeans should not be mundane and boring – especially not this season!
Topshop is leading the fashion pack of high street retailers by spoiling you for choice: not only are there different colours to choose from, Topshop has been playing with textures hence you can get oh-so-fabulous wet look jeans or even a shiny coated ones!
Here is my top three pairs of jeans by Moto at Topshop you have to add to your wardrobe to spice up your winter (pictured above):
1. Moto Wet Look Coated Skinny Jeans in Burgundy, £40
2. Moto Gem Studded Skinny Jeans in Ecru, £70
3. Moto Coated Leigh Skinny Jeans in Pink, £50 (worn by Amelia Lily on Saturday’s X Factor – love that girl and love matching jeans to hair colour)
Let’s not fall into wearing mundane clothes! ‘Break the mold!’ (As the VO5 adverts state, about hair styling products in their case, but applicable here nevertheless, I hope).
But if you are not ready to step out in colour (I am not judging, maybe next winter?) here is some advise on your more conventionally coloured skinnies. For indigo/black/grey jeans from high street have a look around River Island. I have never been a big fan of their denim collections until recently, but now my wardrobe is filled with multiple colour version of the same style – it just fits right!
Welcome to the Zoo
November 24, 2011 § Leave a comment
Furry animal hats and hoods are everywhere. It is hard to pin point the inspiration for the animal shaped headgear, but nevertheless those pieces of furry cuteness are the way forward this winter. Started by US brand Spirit Hoods who claim you are transformed when you put it on, the hoods have been adopted by a whole range of celebrities – Justin Bieber, Kesha, Jessie J and Pink to name a few.
While you can grab yourself an original Spirit Hood, you can also go for (more wearable in my opinion) versions, which I absolutely love, as shown on the pictures above:
1. ASOS Faux Fur Bunny Ear Hat, £25
2. River Island Black Faux Fur Hat, £18
3. Sauce Mickey Ears Hat, £40
Bring out the inner animal in you!
MY FASHION WISH LIST 