Category Archives: Accessories

Greens & Golds this season

The sun may still be shining and we may still all be donning our summer florals and looking forward to a fabulous bank holiday weekend next week, however, in the fashion world, the seasonal switch took place this week. Summer sale rails were removed from shops and next season’s lines were brought in. Muted hues and autumnal floral prints are in. The 70s are back with wide brimmed hats and bell bottom jeans. Maxi skirts feature hugely as well as asymmetrical hemlines on shorter skirts and dresses. The 50’s influence we’ve seen over the summer remains with gorgeous evening dresses that cinch in at the waist and a full skirt that really flatters feminine curves. Shoes wise, think 70’s platforms or 50’s style thick heels. For warmth go fur (or faux fur if you has morals) and wool lined leather coats. When it comes to accessories, tassels are in, again it’s the 70’s influence playing a part here. But, what about the bling?

No matter what the season or the latest trends there is always room for a bit of bling, and to be honest I think every girl feels better in her outfit if she has something sparkly adorning it. So, what colours to go for? With the muted hues of beige, grey and brown featuring heavily this season alongside strong autumnal colours, reds, oranges, browns and greens. I think there are two key colours to invest in when it comes to jewellery this season. Green and gold. The green will look fabulous with all autumnal shades as well as muted hues, and the gold will lift the muted hues and bring warmth to autumnal reds and browns. So go on…treat yourselves!

Jealous Much?Fashion Trends & Styles - Polyvore

If it’s good enough for a Princess…

A lot of people don’t advocate the use of tights all year round. In fact, in staying abreast of the other fashion blogs out there I have even come across an article debating whether opaque tights can be worn in the summer time at all. I think however, there is a time and a place for tights in every season, especially with the British summertime’s erratic behaviour; they can often get you out of a (excuse the pun) tight spot. How many times have you woken up in the morning expecting it to be a really warm day and then buy lunchtime you’re freezing? All hail footless tights! Perfect for those more like spring time, summer days. Another bonus of course is that the need to shave, wax, epilate, exfoliate, buff, fake tan, and whatever else the beauty magasines would have us believe is a mandatory part of our morning regime to ensure perfect summer pins, is totally removed. One pair of tights can save a lot of time and money and effort.

Only a few days ago whilst we were all enjoying the heat wave in the UK, I saw a girl in Victoria Park wearing barely black see through tights with cute little denim cut off shorts. A look I will definitely be emulating.

In the evenings, when it starts to cool down, I think there is definitely a permanent place for tights in every girl’s summer wardrobe. And why not be slightly adventurous; these awesome Henry Holland for Pretty Polly Suspender tights can be bought from Mytights.com for only £12. The cute Betty Boop style looks brilliant on feminine curves and the fact they are not opaque all the way to the top makes them suitable for summer wear.

As seen on the likes of Lily Allen and Frankie from The Saturdays, and also Princess Eugenie! One has to say, well, if it’s good enough for a Princess…

Children summer shoes

Children do grow out of shoes quickly, don’t they? One thing that you can be sure of is that your little girl will need new shoes this summer, as her feet will have grown since last year. There are plenty of great styles around to please any litle girl, and at prices to suit any budget. You don’t need to buy many pairs though, as a few styles will keep her going during the warmer weather.

One of the best styles of summer footwear is the sandal. There are a few tips to bear in mind when you are looking for a pair. The first thing is that they need to be secure. Children love running around, so make sure that the sandals have good strong straps to keep them in place.

Boys sandals with adjustable straps will mean that your son can be comfortable as well, and a smart pair will do for dressier occasions.Crocs might not be the prettiest of shoes, but they are certainly practical. They’ll keep the feet cool, and are especially good for playing with water. If your kids love playing with water, then crocs are perfect, as they won’t get damaged if they get damp. Flip flops can also be useful for paddling in the sea, but bear in mind that these are not so well suited for running around, as the chances of tripping over are very high! Another great summer brand of children shoes is Startrite.

The other style of shoe that is useful is the trainer or canvas shoes. These are better for less messy situations, and also more versatile, as you will get more use out of them. Canvas shoes are cheap, so no worries about them getting worn or dirty, but it’s worth spending a little more on trainers and buying a pair that allow the feet to breathe. So, you can see that just a few pairs of shoes are all your daughter’s feet need for summer!

Join the Hat revival

If there’s one item I’d like to see come back into fashion, it’s the hat. Remember the old black and white films, when no-one was properly dressed without a hat? I love hats, and wear them all year round. When it’s chilly in winter, I wear them to keep warm, and in the warmer weather I need to protect my head from the sun. They also look good and add a stylish touch to any outfit. Think you don’t suit hats? Think again. Take a browse around the ladies wear shops and try on lots of different styles. You’ll be sure to find something that suits you – maybe a type of hat that you never thought was ‘you’.

Now that summer is here, I’m on the lookout for a trendy yet practical hat to keep cool and help keep the sun off my face. In fact I’d recommend that everyone wears a hat when out in the sun. There is such a vast range of styles available, and you’re sure to find something to suit. So when you pack your case for your holidays, don’t forget to include a hat. A wide-brimmed straw or cotton style will be perfect for the heat, and there are many hats that are designed to fold up, so that they won’t get squashed in your case or bag.

When winter comes round, I love getting out my collection of headwear. There is even more choice than in the summer. I have wool caps, berets in different colours, a floppy 70s vintage hat, a fedora, and fake fur. I’m always on the lookout for more styles and particularly love rooting round vintage stores, where you can be sure of finding something different (who wants to look like everyone else!). So why not join me in the hat revival?

Spring and Summer 2010 Fashion Tips

Spring is definitely on it’s way so to celebrate this week I’ve put together my must haves for the new season that will suit most body shapes and sizes. We’re all familiar with the feeling of seeing a new trend, falling in love with it, rushing out to try it on… only to discover it’s the most unflattering and awful trend for your shape no matter how you wear it! Here’s our spring-inspiration for 2010!

Polka polka!

Spring Clothing

This season I’m not even going to mention the word ‘mini shorts’. They look set to make some big appearances this year, but problem is they’re incredibly difficult to pull off for anyone over the age of 15. One trend I am keen to here that should be hanging around is the structured jacket and denim jacket which are flattering for just about everyone and an ideal way to update your spring look with one staple piece.

Patterns and prints are also set to be a big favourite this spring and summer – our tip for a pattern that suits pretty much everyone? Polka Dot! Whether you wear them big and bold in contrasting colours or small and petite in pretty pastels, there’s a polka dot design that’s perfect for you. Outfits with small polka dots on a structured dress or skirt are great for the office, while big bold prints are fabulous for a retro vintage look on a casual summer dress. The bonus? The bold print means your new denim jacket or boyfriend blazer will look great over the top! Wear with flat ballet pumps for daywear and add a pair of heels for evening wear and you’ve got a foolproof summer look.

Accessories

The simplest way to freshen your look for Spring – Summer 2010 is of course by updating your accessories. Oversize bags are still the style for 2010, so if you haven’t got a great size carry all, it’s time to invest.  The great thing about bags however is that if you buy a quality one that you love that goes with everything, you don’t need to buy them too often.

If you’re trying to save this season, opt of bold accessories from high street stores with reasonable prices, such as this amazing bangle at plus size fashion retailer Elvi, or these fabulous earrings from Topshop.com:

A good pair of tights will do wonders!

Tights, we’ve all worn them. Whatever your preference, feminine coloured ones, feminine fabrics, quirky designs, a little lace or even some traditional hold-up we have all worn them.  Perhaps pairing them with ballerina flats, wedge sandals, or strappy heel?

Here are the best tips and tricks on how to get the best out of your tights:

1. High heels

It is a well known fact that legs look miles longer when wearing a fabulous pair of heels. Well maybe not miles but by wearing high heels, your gorgeous pins appear longer and leaner, not to mention show off those stunning pair of tights!

2. Colour choice


If you’re wearing bright tights, pair them with plainer colours up top. Nevertheless, you don’t necessarily have to wear only black, grey or brown on the top half. On the contrary you can certainly still wear more than one colour, but try keeping it neutral is essential.

3. Be aware of skirts with a split

Pure maximum exposure is not necessarily the best way to draw attention to your awesome tights. What is more, if you live in a cold climate it is essential to go for a higher denier fabric. Also when wearing skirts, take into consideration the location and length of a split, nothing is worse than unknowingly revelling a little too much!

4. Wearing boots

Boots can look absolutely fabulous with a great pair of tights, not to mention are ideal if you are not quite ready to bare all!

5. Wear denim

For pure ease, denim is just so easy to put with just about any kind of tights, from sheer and nude, to stunning, bright and sexy. Our verdict: denim with tights rock!

6. Blander makeup

Some people feel the need to match their makeup with their bold colour tights. This is a BIG no-no, it just looks too over done.  Have the confidence and be happy with having a single focus of your outfit, your fantastic tights!

The classical look

A classic shirt can only mean one thing – worn with a tie. A polo shirt is but a glorified sweater, very attractive to see but a different garment entirely. A long sleeve with cuffs and turn back collar is definitely what a classic shirt needs to be. The colour is of course very important, blue and white proving the most popular – pink would probably not be considered sophisticated if trying to impress.

Short sleeves are a no, no for elegant they are not. They may be more comfortable to wear, especially in the summer time, but most certainly could not be worn to an important interview or meeting or any important social occasion.

There is something about a well turned out man, which usually means a suit, which also entails the wearing of a classic shirt as part of the ensemble or the whole effect is ruined. The best dressed man would most certainly have to include classic shirts as a very important part of his wardrobe.