Brand New Discoveries

Nico Cut Out Mid Dress/ Cross Flower Blouse/ Candy Stripe Top/ Candy Stripe Skirt

Wien Stripe Trousers/ Text Trousers/ White Lyon LS Top/ Lingo Bracelet/ Fine Blouse

Gold Dolce Lace Crown/ Silver Octavia Stud Ring/ Gabrielle Vintage Baroque Cross Earring/ Pixie Lott Lauren Rhinestone Choker Necklace

Brand new discoveries

I am an addict. 

I am an addict, switch off Mozilla and shut down the app, I'm officially hooked; psychologically dependant and completely and utterly (hopelessly, even) infatuated with the mystical world of e-commerce. My ASOS addiction (the first step's acceptance, right?) began, as many of you may be aware, a long time ago; with expansive wish-lists and lusty musings plaguing StyleJam ever since. Facing this realisation I decided it was time for change, for a refreshing incision of variety; despite not promising to actually give up my favourite fashion site anytime soon. Above I have compiled 3 collages of my favourite/ most longed after products from some new brands I have discovered; 'Sister Jane', 'Weekday' and 'Rock N Rose'. I know what you're thinking. I cannot fake ignorance. Any avid ASOS shopper, like myself, only has to quickly glance at the above three to realise that these brands are in actual fact available on ASOS themselves. Call me a cheater but I promise, swear to God even, that initially upon my discovering them, these brands were not available through ASOS. Firstly there's Sister Jane, a cutesy (yet undoubtedly eccentric), vintage inspired brand, selling some killer co-ords; their 60's style 'Nico Cut-Out Midi Dress' is particular favourite. Then there's Weekday; think an amalgamation between COS and Monki, with a modest price tag (excluding its Cheap Monday stock- duh!) Despite being stocked on ASOS, their website is well worth a check, with extensive jersey staples and effortless silhouettes. Although when it comes to jewellery I'm usually minimalistic (watch, studs, studs, watch etc...) Rock N Rose's crucifix earrings have been a natural exception to the rule, whilst their selection of lace crowns had me reminiscing over Dolce and Gabbana's opulent (and highly memorable) AW13 collection.

Upon writing this post I did face some inner turmoil regarding the inclusion of Marks & Spencer; ok, ok, I know, no I am not alien to one of the largest brands known to man (and to OAPS...) It's use here, was not ever to be considered as a new brand, but perhaps as a face-lifted, and somewhat revitalised old one. Ever since the unforgettable pink coat phenomena of year god-knows-what, M&S has had a refreshed position in High Street fashion; becoming increasingly, more and more popular with younger audiences and boasting a greater selection of on trend pieces. My mind was quickly altered however once I began to properly consider the store's position as a brand. Has Marks and Spencer's been reinvented? The answer: no, but unmistakably a change has occurred, and suddenly the shop commonly associated with our grandmas, is finding its garments in our wardrobes too. Its values and morals as a company remain completely (almost) identical to those of 5 years ago, yet more urban. The question is this, are we just becoming more and more (contradictory to the renewal of skateboards and 90s throwbacks) mature in our fashion decisions?

See you soon (I promise) for a typical, generic and highly expected post on fashion week,

Till then, 

Can you Can you Forgive me

Shift Dress in Organza- Asos Salon/ Silk Shirt with Organza Hem- COS/ Organza Blouse- Asos/ Sheer Organza Panel Dress- Eleven Paris/ Organza Sequin Oversize Dress- Asos Salon

  
Can You Can You Forgive Me
So it's done, it's happened. Just pack my bags and send me straight to Lucifer for I have sinned; a prime example of the tempted, perhaps a mere victim, conforming to the horrors of referring to a song lyric on social media. Though it's not all bad, after all using PJ Harvey to excuse my prolonged absence from the blogging scene is as about good as it gets. The past two months have consisted of what appeared to be, at the time, a never ending series of exams, art work, biscuit eating etc. ( to an extent whereby if I pass McVitie's deserve a Thank You card!) The consequence of the extensive chocolate consuming, an action supposedly synonymous with not failing exams (praying), sees that I may be perhaps forced into delaying any possible outfit posts for the next few weeks whilst I drag myself and my thighs to the gym. Recently, despite previous distaste, I've found myself developing a love for organza; a fabric unmistakably everywhere this season. It appears to be following two main paths, the first a lady like Asos Salon sort of route, where it's used as an overlay etc. and the second, a modern grunge approach- think Phoebe Lettice and slogan tees. Either way, I'm hooked...and penniless. No change there I guess (gerrit?!)
Till the next time,

 

Tales of Old

Longline Blazer- Asos/ Neoprene Biker Jacket- Pippa Lynn/ Oversized Poplin Shirt- Zara/ Printed Dress- Zara/ Cotton Midi Dress- & Other Stories/ Culottes- Topshop/ Sandals with Buckle- Zara

Spring has sprung

Oh, who am I kidding?! I could lie to you and pretend I'm currently sitting outside, amongst the blossom, reciting Wordsworth, but I'm not; I'm in the dark, sulking at an army of bare trees, wrapped in thermals and pondering, as I have been for days, the notion that staring at my history textbook will somehow constitute effective revision (-it's got to that stage in the year again.) No, no, I refuse to believe it, Equinox or not (impressive accidental rhyme for you there...) it certainly cannot be spring...right? With this, the favourite of my seasons (no, I'm serious), comes the annual and highly anticipated horror of transitional dressing; a feat when you struggle to appropriately clothe yourself on a daily basis. This month's Wishlist (notice the sudden incision of colour- singular) mainly consists of hopeful/ faded desires with the doubtful expectation that it will become suddenly socially acceptable to venture outdoors, in the rain, in culottes or linen. I must mention that since compiling this list and publishing this post, I've actually purchased two of the 'necessities' shown above; perhaps the first ever example of a successful Wishlist. The Zara Printed Dress felt like a justified alternative over the jersey basics I so desperately require (I mean £25.99 TRF bargain, c'mon) and the ASOS Longline Blazer, or 'dressing gown' as branded by few brutal friends, is already a much loved survivor of an onslaught with some white oil paint -classic.

Hurrah for 'Spring',

Hope you've missed me, 

*currently googling for credible dances to make my trees blossom. help.

Wishful Thinking

Front Zip Shirt- COS/ Leather Moccasins with Chains- Zara/ Printed Mermaid Skirt- Zara/ Gold Plated 'Fly Away' Mini Drop Earrings- Asos & Wear That There/ Premium Shamen Mix Print Mini Dress- Asos/ Peplum Hem Pencil Skirt- Asos/ Premium Sheer Stripe Crop Jumper- Asos/ Block-Coloured Shirt Dress- COS/ Leather Pephem Skirt- Asos/ Gold Plated 'Today Tomorrow Whenever' Bracelet- Asos & Wear That There/ Premium Top with Buckle Detail- Asos

 It's reached that devastatingly crucial part of the year (if we're in it enough to call it that) where I, and hopefully I not alone, have fritted any finance the long-gone festivities may have brought. As a direct consequence I've had to resort to extreme window shopping, and, despite the temptation to rebel, face the realisation that my bank balance and this seasons 'must haves', will not be seeing eye to eye anytime soon. Despair aside, and after refraining myself from beginning this week's post with the greeting 'Yo Bitchez', I decided to compile a relatively short (if you'd only seen the extent of the initial...) wishlist. Any avid and weekly reader may have noticed the stark difference between this list and my previous; there's no such thing as too much picmonkey experimentation! Regardless of my resounding love for 'Arabella style bling' I've found myself quite recently, becoming increasingly infatuated with minimalistic jewellery. Unsurprisingly (I'm sure you're all well aware of my Asos obsession by now) I've found myself in what I can only describe as a 'I want, I need, I must have' sort out state with Asos' and Wear That There's jewellery collaboration (pure genius if you ask me.) Pardoning the unforgiving £65 price tag, the 'Today Tomorrow Whenever' bracelet has particularly caught my attention; apparently my recent possession of a watch has transformed my previous dislike for wrist accessories. I have also noticed that this wishlist features something else that differentiates it from the rest- colour. It appears that with 2014, my love for all things monochrome has begun to fade, leaving me with a somewhat eclectic mix of fabric desires. Hurrah.

Till next time,

Ps: I'm almost ashamed by the amount of Asos featured in this post (I should be their chief advertiser I swear): I may even have to make a resolution to go cold turkey for a while.

365

Happy New Year! I honestly cannot believe it's a new year and I still haven't even wished you all a Merry Christmas yet! Despite every single shop on the face of the earth advertising NYE dresses, I managed to resist and spent the night in, cloaked in a onesie and drinking Prosecco out the bottle. I'm currently wrestling with, or whatever pitiful amount I have left, of my Christmas money- I didn't even attempt to save it again this year. I face the same ultimatum, however, I do whenever I have spare change; do I purchase something practical, something that will be wearable with a top or a pair of heels I already possess, or do I buy something which goes with not one single item in my wardrobe? I usually opt for the latter and leave the house, clothes resembling Bridget Jones on a bad day (not that I could ever condemn the fictional character...) Amongst my sale shopping I'm trying to predict the upcoming trends of 2014, snakeskin and gingham are a good bet, but I wouldn't hold me to anything. Since an outfit post is completely out the question for the next week or so, apparently I resemble more of a Christmas pudding than a human being this precise moment, I thought I'd leave you all with a collage of festivities and gifts.

Festive Edit

As I write this I am facing a stark reality; Christmas is in 7, yes 7 , days and I would be lying to you if I told you I was, like usual, organised this year. With the tree still absent from the household and not a single Christmas present purchased or planned, it's safe to say I'm panicking. Festive anxiety aside, I have been eyeing up this year's Christmas jumpers (apparently I'm still the only one without one.) The biggest question, however, is it too late to buy one after Christmas?  Is it 'fashion suicide' and/or the essence of all things frugal to be caught wearing one following the festive season? For the moment I don't think I can justify joining the 'clan' whilst my already pitiful bank balance screams the names of all my necessary gift recipients- Christmas is about giving after all...

Regardless, I've compiled an edit of my favourites (you know just in case anyone's feeling generous) so, knock yourself out.

Fairisle Jumper- Fred Perry/  Chelsea Girl Cracker Jumper- River Island

Vintage Renewal Sequin Bells Jumper- UO/ Christmas Snowflake Cardigan- Dusty & Dylan

Abbingdon Crew- Jack Wills/ Jacquard Sweater- Zara/ Kemplay Crew- Jack Wills

Ugly Sweatshirt- Zazzle/ My Bells Jumper- River Island

Merry Christmas ya filthy animals

*Ps: I couldn't help but notice the controversially increasing number of rude/ inappropriate Christmas Jumpers this year- I am a fan.

Fight or Flight?

'Fashion has dictated feathers high in the pecking order for autumn, but can plumage translate from catwalk to high street?'- The Telegraph

Ok, so it may not be the most practical of fashion trends, or the most washing machine friendly to say the least, but I for one cannot think of anything more glamorous than the noble bird feather. I have, over the past few weeks, found myself somewhat reluctant to invest in the trend, allowing all, or what little sensibleness I have, dictate my wardrobe. So I ask, when did fashion, and I mean our fashion, our domesticated day- to-day life fashion, get so boring? That's the thing about feathers, they're impractical. They're in your face, appealing to all aspects of romanticism. Loud and extrovert, they epitomise fun fashion. Maybe feathers aren't something you venture to your local Asda in and they're certainly not weather friendly- but they're dangerous, it's a trend screaming out to our inner SJPs, our inner Cher's from 'Clueless.' This time, with Santa's cooperation, I'm just going to do it. So what will you do? Will you fight, or will you flight?

  .High Street Edit.

Marabou Feather Bag- Topshop/ Ruffle Feather Sandals- Topshop

Suede Sandals- & Other Stories/ Tseri Feather Trim Dress- LK Bennett

Thanks for reading,

 * Thought I'd finish with a few snaps from Lumiere at the weekend-

Fashionably Late?

'I'm fashionably late', is that a legit enough excuse this time?- the phrase 'Better late than never' also springs to mind. Okkkk, so it's been a month, 4 weeks, 28 days (there was some extremly complicated arithmetic going on there) and there has been, relatively, quite a lot of stuff going on. For one, I was 17 on the 16th; here, I may as well also warn you all that I will be receiving my first driving lesson this Saturday. In addition to my lessons this year, amongst other things, I received the Michael Agwunobi 'Celine up the Bitches' tee I've been lusting after for ages. This year definitely surpassed the prior, perhaps due to GBBO fever, baked good wise; I'd be lying if I said my Topshop Leigh's zipped up as easily as usual right now. The past few months have been a little bit strange, and it may be the 17 year old wisdom talking, but I'm fairly sure that this is all happening far too fast. I mean, I can't even remember the conventions of blogging. Do I thank you now, or later...? To say I'm glad its half term would be an understatement and I intend to spend the following week sleeping, consuming an offensive amount of ice cream and pretending to work. In amidst of these plans I will, as is expected of one's self after such an occasion, be spending all of my birthday money, on things which could not necessarily be considered essential or practical. Here's list of few things I'm contemplating purchasing, let me know what you think: 

Drape Neck Top- Asos/ Knitted Pullover- & Other Stories

Faux Fur Pullover- & Other Stories/ Wide Turtle Neck Jersey- Zara

Roshe Run Suede- Nike/ Textured Pleat Midi Skirt- Topshop

17th Birthday Celebrations

See you all soon, I promise

Waking the Dead

Leather Kilt- Asos/ Silk Top- &OtherStories/ Black Ankle Boots- Zara/  River Hi Vamp Sandals- Topshop/ Sneakers- Zara/ Angora Jumper- Asos/ Printed Dress- Zara/ Salt & Pepper Longline Coat- Asos/ Sqaure- Cut Shirt- COS

With the summer rapidly dwindling away and sixth-form vast approaching it has suddenly occurred to me that in just over a week I'm, for the rest of my existence, going to have to find something to wear, every day, in the chaotic haven that is my wardrobe. Panicking at this I've decided that a shopping trip is an important 'back to school' necessity. As an, you may call it, avid shopper, I've learned that I cannot be trusted shopping spontaneously. For me, a shopping trip requires, like the rest of my life, strict organisation and restrictions. Dazzled by all that sparkles, far too many times have I left a shop, in which I most likely entered for a pair of jeans or a jumper, and returned with a cocktail dress and a pair of stilettos; if anyone's planning a black tie event I'm your gal! Faced with the realisation that I cannot turn up to school wearing a floor length gown and a pair of KGs I've been (attempting to anyway) planning to purchase sensible and versatile items for next year; this can be seen reflected in my most recent wish-list (excluding the Topshop Vamp Sandals!)

Hide and Seek

Camo Printed Sweater- Whistles/ Printed Dress- Zara

Terrazo Printed Structured Dress- Whistles/ Camo Shirt- Asos/  Terrazo Printed Box Pleat Skirt- Whistles

It is a rare occasion indeed when I have to chew, swallow and digest my own words. Last Hitlist’ I commented on the increasing unpopularity of military colours, particularly khaki. I was wrong. This AW13 camo is making its comeback. This time however something is different; long gone are the days of the familiar and somewhat common jungle jackets, camouflage has gone ladylike and boy do I love it. This winter it’s all about camo ladylike dresses, pencil skirts or even kilts (if you’re asos anyway.) It seems that this time however it’s not just Khaki which is popular, with colour ways such as black/white, burgundy/navy, burnt orange/forest green etc. ruling the high-street, particularly through the likes of work-wear favourites, Zara and Whistles. 

Checkmate

From Louis Vuitton's structural and ladylike approach to the trend to Asos' punk revival style kilt, checks (including plaid) are the pattern of choice for this summer. Be it large or small, geometric or horizontal, Jacobs or Ebay, the trend can be injected into the wardrobe of anyone of any age with the use of a mere silk scarf or pencil skirt. I myself have challenged the trend by purchasing a Vuitton-esque Zara jacket (see below) and digging out a tartan skirt from a lifetime ago. Today, after shamelessly visiting the cinema to watch 'Monster's University' where coincidentally I was taught the life lesson of being fearless, I visited Topshop and was exposed to the trend full frontally with an array of leggings and tops cloaked in the pattern; following this I decided to Google the term 'check.'  The word check is apparently derived from a Persian word meaning 'king,' and this, alongside my newly found enthusiasm brought about by Pixar's film, has made me feel that as subtle as checks can be, this trend should be worn boldly, gallantly and confidently. Marni here I come.

  My top high street picks for challenging the trend:

Midi Kilt- Asos/ Check Print Skirt- Zara

Check Crop Top- TheShirtGirl/ Checkered Jacquard Blazer- Zara

Wide Leg Trousers- Asos/ Monochrome Check Print Shirt- Topshop

June Wishlist

As I sit here and write this I am accompanied by a 'to do' list as long as my arm. Last week, I'm not sure if I mentioned this or not, I ventured, for the very first time, into the workplace at Nigel Cabourn Headquarters for a week of work experience. I spent the first few days, which by now feel like a world away, plagued with sweaty palms, butterflies etc. (you know how it is) However, since then and since becoming comfortable there I've enjoyed it hugely; so much so that I'm going for an extra week this week too. Long gone are the regular and familiar school time playground breaks and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't shattered by the end of each working day. I'm planning to put together a post containing work experience outfits, but I'm afraid you'll all have to wait a little longer for that (and for the long awaited, and long discussed, blog makeover) For the time being I thought I'd entertain you all with, and pass the time prior to MIC, with my June wishlist.

Lapel Fur Collar Coat- ROMWE

Oversize Peplum- Asos

Perspex Clutch- Fashiondac

Orange City Bag- Zara

S Alpha Ring- Daisy London

Melange Jersey Sweatshirt- COS

Shell Top- Asos

The Hitlist's return

 I cannot tell you enough how glad ecstatic I am that summer is finally here! The beginning of summer and the end of exams, ohmagawd someone pinch me, can only mean one thing; more blog posts! I won't gabble on explaining and apologising to you all for my lack of weekly posts; I'm getting bored of it myself. I thought I'd kick-start the summer, although as I write this it's raining outside, with a hitlist (and yes I have made it a single word...)

I've missed you- I promise,