Wild Cats!

This Autumn designers have gone wild with an array of animal print ensembles, namely leopard print among others. I must admit, at first I was sceptical as to how people would take to yet another fashion revival, or as I liked to call it at the time 'rehash'. However I am pleased to say I like what the designers have come up with! Much less 90's retro and more safari chic... Here are a few of my season favourites, designer and high street:



1. Carvela platforms - £110
2. Yves Saint Laurent scarf - £640
3. Christian Louboutin heels - £595
4. Miss Selfridge parka - £45
5. Christian Louboutin - £2,495
6. Jimmy Choo boots - £850
7. Topshop bag - £30
8. D & G print dress - £280

Warning: Don't wear all at once in order to avoid looking like a jungle junkie!

'Blake-ing' a Statement

Blake Lively was looking her usual uber-fashionable self, whilst on set filming for Gossip Girl season 4. Now even if you're not a fan of the show (but really, how could you not be?!) you have to admit that this outfit is totally 'relaxed-summer' chic:



The Knit Jumper I came across is from Debenhams, and at £10.20 is an absolute steal. I still haven't decided whether it is the exact one Blake is wearing, but either way it's lovely!


The jeans I found are from Topshop.. you can never go wrong with a pair trusty white skinny jeans.

Are you excited to see the return of Gossip Girl this summer?

Autumn Opinions

I realise I haven't posted properly in a while, for which I apologise! From now on I promise to return to writing my regular (and rather opinionated) blog posts.

Unfortunately I must start by making somewhat of a whiny point. But hey ho let's get the negatives out the way first... Well as you may or just as likely may not know, one of my fashion pet hates is the Kitten Heel! In my opinion these shoes are little more than flats making a laughable attempt at being, well, less flat. The essence of heeled shoes are to make us feel elegant and towering, and to make others think that our legs go on forever. Well that's hardly going to happen walking around in a pair of half inch kitten heels is it?!

So imagine my horror whilst flicking through key trends for Autumn, to find that these dastardly shoes are set to infiltrate shops once again! I say bring back power shoes, five inch towering heels, none of this modest woman rubbish! Runway fashion (I.M.O.) isn't supposed to be wearable or practical, instead something that is different and creates a spectacle. That's the joy of runway!

To conclude my point, incase you hadn't already guessed, the kitten heel is definitely a fashion revival I won't be participating in.



On a lighter note, one trend I am completely on-board for Autumn is the great outdoors/countryside fashion theme. Hiking boots (heeled of course!), parkas, shearling jackets, tweed, chunky knit etc. are all staple pieces this season. Wrapping up warm has never been so stylish!


DKNY AW10/11

Also, I'd like to share with you my shoe crush of the week. These are a gorgeous pair of lace boots from Topshop boutique. The detailing is just incredible, and the colour is very pretty and feminine.

Kathy Bags!

Kathy Van Zeeland in my mind is practically a god! Not only has she created a range of high quality and stylish hand bags, but she has done so at prices that are actually realistic. Haven't heard of these yet... well just where have you been?! Here is a quick peak at these loovely bags!











Okay I realise these may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I'm a fan anyway!

What's your thoughts.. love or loathe them?

Flying High

This Autumn the staple piece I'm loving is the new on-trend aviator jacket. Warm and cosy yet with and edgy and stylish feel, what more could you want?!!

Designers went all out in their AW10/11 collections, coming up with copius variations on these old-school flying jackets. I actually can't wait for the high street to start selling some of these goodies! But while we wait, have a gander at just a few of the designer offerings:

Burberry Prorsum:







Acne:

Blogger Awards

I would like to thank Mia from Mia's Little Corner for this lovely blog award. It really means a lot!


The rules:
1.describe where you think you’ll be in 10 years
2.pass the fun along to other 5 bloggers

My answer:
It may sound a little clishe, but it has always been my dream in life to work at a fashion magazine as a journalist. Anna Wintour is my ultimate inspiration, I mean, working at the same magazine as editor-in-chief for 20 years... now that's something special! Not to mention that magazine being Vogue, which is truly phenominal. So in 10 years it would be the most perfect thing in the world if I could achieve even a fraction of what this lady has in fashion (However I can always dream!)


I would now like to pass this award to the following bloggers:

This is in no particular order (ha, I feel like Dermot O Leary from X-Factor saying that!)


1. Michelle Elaine from FVNCY
2. Eda from Candyfloss Curls, Cupcakes and Couture ♥
3. pearlslaceandruffles from Pearls, lace and ruffles ; a fatshion blog.
4. Silvia Couture from Silvia Couture
5. Vicki from Magpie Girl


Well done guys, I ADORE all of your blogs!

I love for getting new blog readers, it's great visiting different fashion blogs and hearing what people have to say, and who knows... maybe it will be yours that I award next time!

Style Queen ♥

Shoe Crush

Yes, another shoe post... but I just couldn't resist. I absolutely have to share with you the most b-e-a-utiful pair of heels I have ever laid eyes on to date! I spotted them whilst out shopping yesterday, and being Kurt Geiger's it was only to be expected that I had an automatic weakness for them anyway. Though however gorgeous or luxurious they may be I just couldn't justify buying them. - Especially considering their price (£170 to be exact) combined with the simple fact I would only wear them a few times at the most, then quickly decide they were far too precious to spoil by walking in them (which ironically is what shoes are for, but hey ho!).

I think I've kept you waiting long enough, so here are the beauts I'm ranting about (these photos don't really do them justice I must admit):








Love.

Designer Spotlight: Julian J Smith

Before September not many people had heard of the name Julian J Smith, however that's no longer the case after the launch of his debut SS10 collection at London Fashion Week. Since then the young designer has gone from strength to strength in the fashion world, gaining acclaim and recognition from the top moguls in the industry.

Before Smith began his solo designing career, he had perviously worked under the likes of: Jonathan Saunders, Roland Mouret and Erdem. Therefore providing him with an excellent platform to progress in his own designing campaign. Despite this solid foundation from which to build upon, Julian J Smith has surpassed the expectations of many, and excelled way beyond anyone could have envisaged at such an early stage of his career.

Back in February Smith returned for another dose of LFW, this time to showcase his Autumn/Winter 10-11 collection. Again his designs were well recieved, and his sophistated yet young and vibrant style was also noticed. His inspiration comes from the Pop Art movement which was prevalent throughout the 1960's, and is evident through Smith's mixing of acidic colours with neutral tones. I personally love the way he has no fear in experimenting with his designs, perhaps where others may shy away. For instance, his flair for clashing different fabrics and textures to create an almost abstract effect is truly refreshing. Throughout his work exquisite detailing and intricacy remains constant, making pieces expressive yet wearable.

After just two fantastic collections, Julian J Smith certainly looks set to continue making waves in the fashion industry.

SS10:













AW10/11:

Flower Power

So today is the big day... England v Germany. I'm not normally a huge football fan, but the spirit and sheer energy of the World Cup has converted me a little bit! However, the incessant drones of those awful vuvuzelas are enough to drive anyone mad! - Give me couture and catwalks any day of the week.

Anyway, back to normality and this season has seen more diverse and expressive trends than ever before, one in particular being bright floral prints. Dolce and Gabbana featured this trend back in their S/S10 show, and despite already looking ahead to A/W collections, summer is not over by any means. So make the most of the sun and try a dose of flower power!

I'm really liking pieces that mix bright shades with occasional neutral tones, creating depth and enhancing detail. Here's a few snaps of a floral collage piece I put together, showing just how influential the D&G show really was.

Clogs - A Matter of Opinion

Okay, I know I'm a little late with this, but it seems 'clog mania' has totally taken off. Designers have created more interpretations on the old-school clog than you can shake a stick at; all of which by now have been adapted further for the high street.

Though I can't help but think, are they really that nice... or will the trend pass just as quickly as a sunny spell in England? (Although saying that, there has been an unusual amount of nice weather going on lately. It won't last.) Yes, for this very reason I have resisted the temptation to purchase a single pair of clogs so far this summer. However after a little shopping spree yesterday, I am very close to breaking this vow. These are the clogs in question:



Hmm... To buy or not to buy - that is the question. What do you think; are clogs cool or do they need to be left well away in yesteryear?

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Got that festival feeling?

Lately I've been finding myself in complete and utter adoration of festival fashion. Fear not, you don't need to go plodging through muddy fields this summer, in order to give a nod to the trend. I for one am not intending on going to any music festivals, but that's not about to stop me dressing as if I am!

This season its all about mixing and matching different textures, and combining smooth edges with hard lines. For fantastic festival style, staple pieces include: denim, checks, lace and floral prints.

This morning I got a bit snap-happy, and as a result here's me in my festival outfit:







Outfit includes:
Floral top, £19.99 at River Island
Lace shorts, £19.99 at River Island
Jersey sleeved denim jacket, Tosphop
Shoes, £24 at New Look (click)

Not forgetting a loose up-do to complete the look, staying true to festival style:

I am Lusting After:

These gorgeous Alexander McQueen military shoe boots...







...But even in the sale, at £389 alas they're still over my budget. However, I happened to stumble accross these lace-up boots from Miss Selfridge, and they're quite similar to the A.M. pair (which cheered me up slightly!). Then I saw their price was £50, and it cheered me up even more!







Needless to say I will be buying a pair of these! Love.