Clear thinking

I can see clearly now the rain has gone...

Well the rain may still be lingering in the true British summer fashion, but my penchant for perspex and see-through accessories is sticking. 

Take, for instance, the crystal-heeled Chanel boots from AW12/13, or the Marc by Marc Jacobs PVC cross-body bag. At first glance, you see nothing untoward or particularly striking. But then, after a double take or two, you can see just how clever the craftsmanship has led the eye to see how the finer details have been finished perfectly- whether it's the stitching, hardware or the sculpting of a heel.

Although a perspex heel has never been seen as particularly chic or possessing any kind of positive connotations (think Red Light District), Chanel managed to prove them wrong and  re-imagine the potential of see-through materials. Totally modern, totally cool. 

Charlotte Olympia's perspex clutch sold out in mere minutes at one store in Dallas, and the Hermes Birkin has been toted by the elite few in the fashion world. If that doesn't whet your taste buds, I don't know what will. 

All that can be said is that now, as designers and fashion houses are beginning to experiment with innovative and sustainable materials, it's time to rethink the possibilities of your sartorial recipe. It's not that cashmere doesn't still hold true as a staple piece... you just have to pair it with some faux leather, rubber, and maybe even some PVC.

So let's forget how quickly the rain came along and banished the heat wave, and try to see clearly now even though it's pouring. 

Photo credits: Michele Silvestro; La mode oui c'est moi

Pass on punk

Madonna at the Met Ball, May 2013

As far as my involvement in the punk trend goes, it only stretches as far as my checked bathrobe. I have never been one for punk trends, so I was not overjoyed at the prospect of an autumn-winter season filled with studs, mohawks, rips and fishnets. Again.

Although it was a big part of the new urban scene in London, and therefore plays a role in our heritage, as far as I am concerned it should be left in the history books along with bonnets and long johns.

Having said that, I do think that the August cover of British Vogue is very appealing, and I have already mentioned the lovely checkered outerwear of the Celine AW13 collection here. So although I will personally be passing on the punk and gearing more towards pink (as a personal preference), I think it can be done tastefully and in a way which emulates one's own personal style, and not that of a past generation.

Photo credit: Vogue.co.uk

Wardrobe woes

Having returned back home from my brief stint at University, it appears that the contents of my wardrobe have more than doubled... yet the capacity has remained the same.

Over the last three years I have done a whole heap of closet editing- donating my old clothes to charities and friends- but it only seems to have made a small dent in the mountain of dresses, tops, shorts and skirts which has swollen to a ridiculous number, fuelled by my shopping antics at University (I blame student discount allowances and Topshop lock-ins).

So I may have to call our local handyman to come and find a solution to my storage needs, perhaps more shelving... and to say a few prayers.

Here is just one of my wardrobes, so you can gain a feeling of the severity of the situation in which I find myself. Wish me luck!

Photo credit: Goody Two-Choos

Ladies no longer waiting

As baby mania sweeps not just this country but the world, and the first few days of Baby Cambridge are shared with us all, I thought it was very fitting that both Mum and Dad emerged wearing baby blue.

So show your support for the new parents and Prince, and wear something blue tomorrow. For all those looking to emulate Catherine's style, see some fabulous suggestions below.

Congratulations to the new family.

Uttam Boutique at House of Fraser- £50

ASOS Smock Dress at asos.com - £50

Photo credit: Vogue.co.uk

Meet Mr. Nichols

Uh oh... it looks like I was let loose in Harvey Nichols again.

Whenever I visit my friends and family in Bristol, I always make sure to visit my second boyfriend, a certain someone who goes by the name of Harvey Nichols.

This particular visit, however, was unusually quiet which I really enjoyed as it gave me the opportunity to get to know the girls who were working on womenswear and beauty that day. It's very easy to walk into a department store and keep very much to yourself, particularly when (like me) you prefer to shop alone. There are moments, though, when you just need a bit of girly support and the occasional ego boost: and for this, Harvey Nichols is the place to be.

Although I personally believe it is not as well stocked as Selfridges and Harrods, with the odd piece priced at a higher premium, the service I have received over the past 4 years has been unrivalled. They make the time to speak to you as a person (not a number) and get to know you beyond your waist and shoe size- where you are treated like one of their friends rather than a customer. This, I believe, is what makes a shopping trip enjoyable, and reminds me that online shopping isn't always more fun.

On this occasion, I spent the majority of my time in womenswear, trialling new brands and experimenting with my new favourite: Finders Keepers. Think Australian cool, but with realistic sizing where everything you pull from the shop floor fits...

Although I went in with a certain dress in mind, I came out with something completely different- post to follow- and boy, was it worth it.

So, don't neglect your local department store, no matter how convenient internet shopping may be. You never know who you may meet, or what you may find in amongst the expansive rails of clothing.

Warning: May contain nuts

I have a secret of the nutty kind...

The footwear addict that I have become means that I am forever spending my precious shoe-wearing time battling with the removal of stickers on the soles. Even once I have finally managed to get rid of all the paper, there is still the sticky glue which collects fluff, dust and all manner of grossness from the carpet, creating an ever-so-attractive rectangular shaped fuzz coating on the bottom of my new favourite shoes.

So, to make my life easier and to save my soles, I turn to the kitchen cupboards and seek solace in a jar of peanut butter. No, before you ask, I don't mean comfort eating (that's another story)- I mean using peanut butter as a glue residue remover.

Any peanut butter will do: crunchy, smooth, Skippy, organic, full fat, low fat, Tesco, Kraft... take your pick (although I wouldn't recommend the specialised protein building as for some reason the consistency isn't quite up to par). Just smear the peanut over the desired area, leave for 2-3 minutes, then remove with kitchen roll or a dry cloth. Et voilà! Sticky-free soles.

Pass it on.

Photo credit: nydailynews.com

Polished work

I have caught wind of a fantastic piece of kit which I just had to share as it will make all you nail polish addicts out there squeal with delight, and sigh with relief.

Carolyn.K London has introduced their new 'Polish Pod', a half-moon shaped bottle holder which enables you to paint one-handed without fear of the polish which threatens to spilleth over. When, like me, you have reached the last dregs of your favourite colour (and particularly the frequented base and top coats), tipping the bottle whilst picking up just the right amount of polish on the brush and painting, all at once, is a bit too finnicky.

Anything which makes my life easier and my nail painting faster is fine by me and, at only £9.99, I will definitely be adding this nifty little trick to my cosmetics tool kit.

Find out more here.

Photo credit: Carolyn.K London

La Vie en Rose

It seems as though pink is a steadfast option for injecting a touch of colour to your usual repertoire, as it has resurfaced on the runway (yet again) for AW13/14.

MOSCHINO C&C AW13/14

Last spotted for the Spring 2012 collections, pink is a feminine statement which justifies a season of indulging in your ladylike side, sending you into girly overdrive. Although there was more of an emphasis on neon brights before, this autumn is more about a softer, rosier hue which echoes the oversized silhouettes and rounded cocoon shoulders of today's modern glamour.

J.JS LEE AW13/14

My favourite picks are found in the likes of Nina Ricci, Dior, Topshop Unique and the fabulousness that is Roksanda Ilincic. If there is one look I will be buying into, it will be blush; a flatters-all-skintones-can't-live-without trend which not only has staying power in the fashion stakes, but is also a clear winner in the quest for a timeless wardrobe.

Photo/Video credits: London Fashion Week; Roksanda Ilincic

Spots versus stripes

There is an old saying that you are either a Gucci girl or a Prada fan- never both. This grew out of the rivalry between the two fashion giants, but whether this still holds true today is debatable. Although I would consider myself (without a shadow of doubt) to be firmly in the Prada camp, I have always been more challenged by making a decision between the other dispute- spots or stripes?

CELINE AW13/14

FENDI AW13/14

ROLAND MOURET AW13/14

MOSCHINO PRE FALL 2013

As it turns out, I may just make like Miu Miu in their AW13/14 collection and wear both at once. You're a long time dead, after all.

Photo Credits: dazed digital; Vogue; MSN; The Life of Raina; furinsider.com 

Sneaker peek

The round up of the Autumn/Winter 2013 collections is now taking place and, with many pick 'n' mix trends on the go, it seems that this winter we will be wrapping up in everything from peach to punk.

It was evident this season that trainers will be a big thing come autumn, with 12 shows opting for sneakers over stilettos. Excellent news for us mere mortals, but not so much for the Victoria Beckham's of this world.

I myself only own two pairs: one for the gym, and one pair of Ash plum-coloured wedge trainers. Needless to say, I will be stocking up on more pairs to work the trend the Max Mara way: cool, collected, and camel.

All this news comes at a very good time, with Harvey Nichols hosting a one day pop-up sneaker event in their London store in association with Fresh Laces, where you have the chance to snap up some rare and limited edition kicks. Find out more here.

Photo credits: http://glitter-x-couture.blogspot.co.uk; 

White is alright

It wasn't that long ago when white shoes had the reputation of a one pence piece: low value, dirties quickly and is considered highly un-chic to carry on one's person. The only time you would be seen dead in white heels would be for fancy dress purposes, or risk ending up on the worst dressed lists of Heat magazine.

But, as is often the case with certain fashions, the white shoe is making a comeback, and all thanks to the blogosphere.

The new generation of trend-setters have gone viral, and it is now easier than ever before to see what people are wearing on the other side of the world, therefore mixing your style and finding inspiration from all corners of the globe. It doesn't matter if you live in Stafford or Sussex- you CAN dress like a Californian, if you choose. Such bloggers have given me a new found faith in the white shoe and, often spotted in them during summer months, street chic and fashion week, are able to carry off this previously dirtied trend with aplomb.

So, if I want to feel like I am on a sunny coast somewhere, or even just wanting to hold on to the British summer that little bit longer come August, I will be dressing my feet in these beauties from Zara: simple, to the point, and highly desirable. Plus, they will set off my summer tan spectacularly.

Meet you at the checkout.

Photo credit: f-2013.blogspot.com

Turquoise sea and YSL rocks

Having just returned from my travels abroad, I am feeling a twinge of nostalgia for the expanse of crystal clear, turqouise seas of the Mediterranean. I've noticed that since my feet have landed on home ground, I have been wearing a LOT of blue... well, they do call it the holiday blues, after all.

 

My go-to piece for a shining pick-me-up is my turqouise Saint Laurent "Arty" ring. Worn alongside my No7 nail polish in "Minty Fresh", I feel transported back to the waters I was swimming in only last week. Not to mention it is an utterly gorgeous piece of jewellery.  
So, whether you have travelled to the coasts of Thailand or Cornwall this year, match your holiday snaps to your outfit- you'll be surprised how long that holiday feeling lasts.

Photo credit: Goody Two-Choos

Holding aces

In December last year Vogue held their annual Online Fashion Week, where limited edition pieces went up for sale, events were planned, special discounts available and prizes up for grabs.

I entered just about every competition there was going, including the MiH entry for a free pair of custom made jeans, never believing it would be possible to ever win anything. It wasn't until that one email from MiH landed in my inbox, however, that I thought such things were impossible.

I am now the very proud, very lucky, owner of the best-selling "Phoebe" jeans.

Up until this year, I have been a devout follower of the skinny jean, wearing nothing but a skinny leg every day. It seems, however, that times are changing and the new denim to be seen in is the ever-so-comfortable-it-shouldn't-be-allowed boyfriend cut with super high turn ups. Excellent timing, MiH.

 

 

Today, I casually hit the Vogue Today app on my homepage, scrolled down to the Buy of the Day tab and- do my eyes deceive me?- there they are. The "Phoebe" jeans. If this were a game of poker, I believe this would be a Royal Vogue Flush.

Photo credits: Goody Two-Choos

In-flight beauty on Two-Choos Airlines

Clarins has been a firm favourite of mine for many years and I have used their skincare range religiously since the age of 14, with their special formulations caring and soothing my skin which is sensitive, combination, prone to oiliness and redness all rolled into one messy, nightmarish concoction. Thank you, genes.

So, although I have always cared about what I use on my skin, I have sometimes slipped in my rigorous routine, and can be found guilty of sunbathing without SPF, sleeping in my make-up, and not drinking enough water. 

This summer, however, I want to kick-start my skincare regime and it all starts with my holiday in the sun where, instead of baking myself to a crisp in the pursuit of a tan (I don't know why I'm kidding myself, really. I don't tan, but just go an ever-seductive shade of pink then back to white), I will slather myself in La Roche-Posay sunblock which will tackle my two demons: oily skin and sunburn. 

My inspiration came from the lovely Lisa Eldridge, who has the most helpful and informative video on in-flight beauty. It opened my eyes to the powers of aeroplane air conditioning on dehydrating the skin, something I never considered before with my oily/combination type: I thought I was immune to drying out! It seems, however, that with the powers of modern technology and recycling the air at 40,000ft, nobody is safe from artificial cabin air.

To combat this and start my holiday health-kick the right way, my in-flight beauty bag contains the following essentials: 

• Clarins Cleansing Milk with gentian
• Clarins Toning Lotion with Iris
• Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque
• Clarins HydraQuench Lotion
• Chanel Ultra Correction Line Repair eye cream
• Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector
• Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream
• Vaseline Original lip balm
• Chanel Eau Fraiche EDT  

Watch Lisa Eldridge in action to see her easy to follow regime.

Photo/Video credits: HDWallpapersarena.com; Lisa Eldridge

What to wear: Non-interview interviews

Since finishing my final year at University, my mind has been rather pre-occupied with job hunting. I have found lots of advice and help with what to wear to formal interviews but it wasn't until yesterday when a friend was asked to 'pop in' to 'put a face to the name' that I realised just how little styling advice there is for those increasingly common non-interview interviews, particularly as the majority of job applications are now carried out online.

It obviously depends on the job/position/time of year/how much information is given away in that brief conversation, but I believe that these 'getting to know you' meetings are just as much of an interview as a formal one would be, but more about personality and competencies than a direct application set-up.

With that in mind, it is important to let a little personality show through, whether it is in the socks, jewellery or colours you wear. You want to look fresh, creative, and like you have stepped through the door in a classy 'oh this? I always dress this chic' way. Below, I have put together a couple of looks that work both for these non-interviews as well as in the office, once you get those job offers flooding through.

Of course, the same rules apply with having your hemline longer than your fingertips with your arms down by your side, and always dress for the job you want, not just the one you have. Even if you are the hardest working person in the office, if you dress shabbily, you will be treated that way. Finally, always wear closed-toe shoes. They don't have to be high, but nobody needs to see your bare toes while they are trying to focus on the job at hand. It's not professional, no matter how much you spent on that Shellac pedicure.





Trousers: Asos
Shoes: Zara
Blouse: Reiss
Necklace: Topshop
Clutch: Marni

Dress: Reiss
Jacket: Reiss
Shoes: LK Bennett
Bag: DVF

Review: OPI nail polish

If there's one thing I love more than chocolate as a quick fix for feeling blue, it's nail polish. I don't know how those clever nail technicians at O.P.I do it, but their "Cajun Shrimp" really knows how to make a girl feel like a little ray of sunshine. Come to think of it, every colour is pretty darn good.

I have been an O.P.I convert for about 6 months now, and so I thought that it was about time I gave an overall review on this particular brand, particularly as I have extensively tried and tested most brands from No7 through to Ciaté, Nails Inc and beyond...

Price...
At £11.50 per pot, it's not the cheapest brand out there, especially when competing against other salon brands such as Jessica and Mavala. Having said that, you get 15ml in each pot which is roughly enough to last a lifetime, as they don't get tacky or gloopy, and the colour doesn't separate in the pot. This marks not only good quality, but good value for money.

Colour...
I have never known a brand to have so many shades of red. Or pink. Or purple. Or any colour, for that matter. This means that no matter what shade your skin is, there will always be one to suit you. The downside to all this choice is that it takes a million years to inspect each colour when deciding what you fancy today, and you are under the threat of ending up with seven shades of red.

Staying power...
Two weeks ago I had an O.P.I manicure and pedicure. Although I have changed my finger colour (many times) since then, my toes have remained untouched. And the colour? Intact. Perfect. Not a single scratch. Now, I know what you are thinking- it's all in the Top Coat, right? Wrong. No top coat was used in the mani pedi, only the O.P.I Rapidry spray, which helps to set the colour in seconds. So that's another tick in the box. Particularly when you compare this with other brands (sorry, No7) which fail to last to the end of the second day without getting a nick in the corners.

Overall satisfaction...
If only it weren't for the price! Just £1.50 cheaper and I would be ranking this as the king of all nail polish land. I can see where the price tag comes from, though, as the secret is in their technology and quality. Luckily, the special sets are available which are generally cheaper when buying multiple colours. I would give O.P.I a solid 4.99999/5 stars.

Colour pictured "Cajun Shrimp", Sandals from A Piedi.
Photo credit: Goody Two-Choos

Look a little CLOSER

"What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that's gone forever, impossible to reproduce."

- karl lagerfeld

My favourite summer 'read' (if that is the correct term) is Scott 'The Sartorialist' Schuman's collective works on individual style, based on his personal blog and his photography which is shown in both the V&A, London as well as the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography.

I have always been an avid people-watcher, and this book allows for the unsolicited people watching from the streets of Istanbul to Montauk, the young and old, girl and boy, from the comfort of your own home (or departure lounge if, like me, you are planning on taking it with you on your travels). It is a pure delight just to flick through the pages and see the people of the world, in their own skins, looking genuinely and sincerely beautiful. No fuss, no muss.

So here are a few of my favourites because they are so stunning, and if you love style, it is an inspiring book. Penguin books, £20.

Photo credits: all via TheSartorialist.com

Give yourself a lift

High heels are often reserved for the boardroom or the night time spin around the dancefloor, and very rarely see the light of day outside these such occasions.

Whether this is out of convenience or lack of bravery, it means that wearing heels to the supermarket for the weekly shop is often out of the question- but why?

Wearing heels does more than just make you look good, you feel taller, more empowered and you are always in a better mood the higher you are (emotionally and physically). So, I have assigned myself a new challenge. I will bring my heels out of hibernation, ignore the puzzled looks of fellow shoppers, and use Sainsbury's frozen aisle as my own mini catwalk. But I won't be stopping there.

I want to use heels as a way to put the fun back into everyday life, and by pairing simple pumps with outfits such as white jeans and a blue denim oversized shirt (this is the real challenge: tackling double denim AND heels by daylight), I will pull myself out of the monotonous everyday routine of jeans, t-shirt and flats.

You only live once, so you may as well give yourself a little lift while you do it. Enjoy the everyday, but don't forget to enjoy it in fabulous shoes.

Photo credit: The Sartorialist

Technology gets style hAPPy

Could this be the best iPhone App, ever? It certainly gets a lot of use on my phone, that's for sure.

Cloth is a device which allows you to personally organise your wardrobe through applying tags, noting where and when you wore it (to avoid dreaded fashion repeat offences), and the category it is placed into (holiday, work, event, everyday etc). Incredibly, it allows you to link to the local weather so you can see which clothes would work for you today. Did I mention that I love technology?

Although I use it purely for organisational and headache-free-fashion purposes, you can also use it as a tool to blog your daily outfits with other fash-heads alike, and join their worldwide following for inspiration and to cure your nosiness needs.

I first discovered this when I read up on it's great reviews, and never looked back. It is an organisational tool comparable to that of Cher 'Clueless' Horowitz's wardrobe manager software, designed to make our lives, and clothes, that little bit less stressful and a little bit more enjoyable.

There are loads of different apps available, so if you don't own an iPhone or iPod touch, then don't fret. It's about time that techy-types started to support our shopping needs.

Photo credits: clothapp.com; fashionista.com