Diary of a Fashion Fanatic: 2013

Zadig & Voltaire @ ASOS

07:00

I do LOVE a good watch. As I am not a particularly big jewellery fan, aside from my steadfast collection of rings and 2 bracelets that I wear daily, a watch to me is an object of lust unlike any other jewellery item. There is something so chic and clean about watches; a simple and practical accessory at heart but one that has been transformed by the designer world into something that can make or break an outfit. Well, for me anyway.

Having long been someone who pays far too much attention to watches, I was very impressed when I came across these super cute Zadig & Voltaire watches on ASOS. Priced between £160-190, these are a relatively affordable way to inject some serious cool factor into your current arm candy collection.

Once You Go Black...

10:20

Nothing can ever replace black as my colour of choice from season to season, year to year. And yet, there is one area of my wardrobe that my desire for darkness has never reached - my lipstick collection. My make up bag is full of black eyeliners, eye-shadows and mascaras, but I have never considered the colour for lips. I happened upon this realisation when hunting for a black lipstick to add the finishing touch to my Halloween outfit, and suddenly discovered that all the major make up brands have a black lipstick in their collection. Mac, Illamasqua, Lime Crime and even high street brands like Barry M have all produced a lipstick for this dark gap in the market. So maybe we should all be giving it a go? After all, we lust after the deepest darkest shades of red and purple. Maybe the old saying is true, once you go black....

Miss Pom Pom

12:38

As some of you will know, I have spent a large portion of the year interning at gorgeous Brixton based knitwear brand Lowie. As it was my 21st birthday last month, I was treated to a Lowie circular scarf (that I have already worn to death) and this super cute pom beanie from Lowie's sister brand Miss Pom Pom. With it's chunky hand-knit style and neon graphic print, this is the perfect way to brighten up my day-to-day black outfits, and even better for keeping snug as the cold, grey days appear. Super cute AND practical - the ultimate winter hat!

Check out their other awesome knitted accessories at www.misspompom.com. I'm already lusting after the matching mittens!

A Few Weeks in Photos

08:30

Here are a few photos to show you all what I've been up to in the last couple of weeks, in case you were wondering!

Top from L-R - I met gorgeous little Milo! - I dyed my hair turquoise, Fluff approves - Had an AMAZING weekend at Boomtown (not my photo) - Girly nails - Milo had a hard day at the office - Arcadia at Boomtown

As If By Magic...

15:18

Due to the vaguely uninteresting nature of my social life, my Saturday evening has been spent at a computer, eating monster munch and drinking tea. It was during the first part of this trifecta of laziness that I inadvertently found myself browsing a series of shopping websites - no surprises there. And then, as if by magic, a wishlist of AW13 capsule wardrobe pieces suddenly appeared in a photoshop document. However did that happen?

All of the pieces are from high street giants such as New Look, Topshop, River Island and ASOS, making them all affordable and therefore even more tempting. Highlights are definitely the gorgeous studded ankle boots, biker style grey knit and classic Joni super-highwaisted jeans. When do we get our student loan again?

Scoop

03:57

On Tuesday this week I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to attend Scoop, a boutique womenswear tradeshow full of amazing brand

s and designers. Split across two London locations, Scoop now showcases more than 400 exhibitors - representing the best of contemporary womenswear, accessories, jewellery and lifestyle products.

One of my favourites from the Phillips Gallery location were Hamburg based Azizi, described by designer Soraya Azizi as fashion that "embodies an approach that emphasises femininity and personality without going over the top."

Although the standard of the collections was so high, I did manage to pick a few favourite brands. Gorgeous three-dimensional jewellery from St. Erasmus, timeless-yet-fun bags and accessories from super cute Kate Sheridan, funky espadrilles from London based F-Troupe and of course the gorgeous new range from Lowie were my stand out pieces.

One things for sure, SS14 is going to be one seriously stylish season.

Top 5 - Trainers

05:30

I have to say I'm not really a trainer girl, but there are some days when a trusty pair of vans or converse are the perfect antidote to endless miles in dodgy ballet pumps or killer heels. Plus, the trainer field has come on in leaps and bound since the dodgy New Balance offerings that just about got you through PE lessons. Here are my Top 5 favourite trainers available at the moment.

Clockwise - Jimmy Choo £425, ASOS £20, Converse £50, Vans £45, Fred Perry £45

The selection process for this edition of Top 5 was very much influenced by the gorgeous weather we are currently having. I'm picturing high waisted denim shorts, a simple grey t-shirt and some super stylish summer sneakers. I feel like I could have done a Top 5 post just for Vans, as there are so many pairs that I would love to own - particularly red, grey and tie dye. The nautical style of the Fred Perry trainers is so chic and timeless, and high-top white converse are endlessly wearable, a total wardrobe must have. The ASOS flatform floral offerings are a fun way to inject some pattern into a simple outfit, and for £20 are a real bargain. On the opposite end of the bargain scale are these gorgeous Jimmy Choo wedges..A girl can dream, can't she?

Top 5 - Clutch Bags

08:10

Next up in my 'Top 5' series - clutch bags! Everyone knows that a solid collection of clutch bags is a wardrobe necessity; perfect for those occasions where you don't need to be lugging everything and the kitchen sink round with you. If you need some clutch inspiration to start your collection, here are my current fab 5!

Top L-R - ASOS £30, Topshop £38, Whistles £55

Bottom L-R - River Island £30, Missguided - £17.99

These 5 cover a whole host of clutch eventualities - timeless black to soft grey leather, chic pearl box to super summery colour pop raffia combos. Now, the hardest part is choosing just one!

Say Cheese pt 2!

05:00

Here is the second instalment of my photo series showing you everything I've been up to over the past month or so. Going to try and make this type of post a more regular occurrence, as I need to start getting in to the habit of taking more photos - especially with festivals etc fast approaching!

Top from L-R - Went to see Despicable Me 2 (amazing!) - Best pitcher in Weatherspoons - Girls night out - Clashing in the Lowie shop - Yummy cider after a busy week - Rag enjoying the sunshine

Say Cheese!

05:00

Seeing as it's the weekend, I thought I would do a few photo based posts to show you all what I've watching/eating/drinking and doing over the past month or so. Here is the first set!

From Top, L-R - My gorgeous bunny boy - Cava nights with my Mama - The BEST vodka jellies ever - Amazing rooftop view over London - Wagamama! - David Bowie in Brixton

Check back tomorrow for another set of pictures. Happy Saturday!

Top 5 - Rings

07:53

Over the next week or so I'm going to do a series of 'Top 5' posts - picking my current top 5 favourite pieces in everything from bags to bras and denim to dresses. First up, one of my ultimate jewellery must-haves .... Rings.

Top L-R - Me & Zena £14, ASOS Limited Edition £11, Ottoman Hands - £39
Bottom L-R - Zoe & Morgan £77, Kukee £3.50

I know that the Boho Stack Rings from Kukee are a little bit cheeky as technically there is 5 rings in that set alone, but they'e all so cute and wearable I couldn't possibly leave them out! The Ottoman Hands single stone ring is so stunningly beautiful I was shocked to find out it was only £39, such a bargain. The Zoe & Morgan love ring is top of my wishlist right now though, so super cute and wearable - it would fit in perfectly with my current day-to-day rings!

Which of these little beauties is your favourite?

Check back to see what 'Top 5' I will be posting next!

Turkish Delights

12:55

I am lucky enough to be interning at Lowie, a super cute ethical clothing brand based in London. Being surrounded by their amazing pieces every week is too much for a girl to bear without treating herself every now and then, so I decided it was about time I invested in some of their trademark Turkish socks.

These socks were the first item the company sold way back in 2002, and they are still a firm favourite with Lowie-loving fashionistas to this day. All of the socks are totally unique and feature varying patterns and colours, hand-knitted by ladies in Turkey.

Aside from being the ultimate snug bed sock, these amazing knitted beauties are the best boot sock I have ever found. No longer will I have to wear 3 pairs of socks to make my Dr. Martens comfortable - Lowie has it covered. Treat yourself to one pair and you will soon be addicted.

www.ilovelowie.com

Birthday Boy!

09:18

It's my bunny boys birthday! My fluffy little bunny is 1 year old today, so I thought I would take a break from the fashion focused posts and get some bunny love in! Here are a few of my favourite pictures from the last year.

Time for some presents!

Wishlist - River Island

08:45

I always find River Island to be pretty hit-and-miss in the style stakes, but I have been really impressed by their recent collections. Stand out pieces include this amazing folk style cotton top with gorgeous bright embroidery and super cute pom-poms, as well as wardrobe staples like this chic take on a white shirt - both of which work perfectly with their high waisted jeans or leather look trousers. They're also excellent value for money, with the detailed pom-pom top costing a wallet friendly £25 - perfect for freshening up your wardrobe.

Essie Summer Style

09:48

The Resort 2013 collection from Essie is full of super sweet shades just waiting to tempt you this summer season. With cute names such as (L-R) Come Here!, In the Cab-ana, First Timer and Under Where? these summer essentials are perfect for adding a touch of colour to any summer wardrobe - or for bringing a touch of sunshine to these not-so-sunny spring days. Get creative with ombre effects and contrasting nail art or go for solid pops of colour, ensuring you look summer ready from top to toe.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

06:24

Film reviews are not something I do very often, however yesterday I had a day of such polar opposite film experiences I just had to tell you all about it.

On the one hand, I wanted to write about a film that I really enjoy - The Rum Diary. I love the music, I love the cars, and I love the power couple that is Johnny Depp and Amber Heard (supposedly the film where their relationship began off screen). Set in the 60's in Puerto Rico, the film follows Depp as he joins the San Juan Star newspaper and falls head first into the lure of the Puerto Rican lifestyle. Sun, sea and sand is everywhere, along with a whole lot of rum - and did I mention Amber Heard? What's not to like?

On the other hand, I also watched To Rome With Love. A film in which there is absolutely nothing to love. The storyline, or lack of storyline, is abysmal, supposedly following the lives of 4 sets of strangers in Rome. The only thing this film did achieve is to severely drop Ellen Page and Jesse Eisenberg in my estimations, with the only vaguely amusing thing being Penelope Cruz as a prostitue. A whole lot of cheesy Italian background music did nothing to help the situation. The end result was nearly 2 hours of my life I will never get back - take my advice, dont waste your time.

Dare to Bare

09:00

If you haven't yet experienced the world of Make Up Academy, drag yourself to the nearest Superdrug ASAP. You're missing out. Make Up Academy have collections of incredibly affordable and high quality make up - from nail polish and bronzers to eye shadow trios and highlighters, everything you could possibly wish for. It is a make up lovers dream! I have invested in a lot of their products recently; making the most of a 50% off offer they had running not too long ago. £30 worth of make up for £15, how could you possibly say no?

Anyway, back to the point of this post. One of the many products that I fell in love with was this lipstick, called Bare. It is such a versatile everyday nude shade, and has such a gorgeous silky texture which lasts for hours. It smells amazing too! Always a plus in my opinion. I will no doubt be filling you in on many more of my MUA favourites in the coming weeks, but for now - get yourself to the high street or visit their website and start stocking up. You can thank me later.

www.muastore.co.uk

All Eyes on Heather

11:28

Actress Heather Graham wowed onlookers at the London premiere of The Hangover: Part 3 on Wednesday night in this gorgeous fitted dress. The black Max Azria gown was clingy in all the right places, before billowing out into a timelessly sexy fishtail train. Stealing attention away from a cast including Bradley Cooper is never an easy feat, but Ms.Graham made it look effortlessly easy - perhaps in part due to a rather daring plunging neckline. Well, if you have a figure like that at the age of 43, I think flaunting it is perfectly acceptable behaviour. She may play a stripper in the films, but there was nothing tacky about this stunning red carpet choice.

Bikini Baby

10:00

I'm aware that after my sunnies post, I'm starting to look a little bit like a Topshop addict. This is not the case, I assure you, but they just do summer goodies oh-so-well.

I FINALLY have a holiday booked this year, so have a legitimate reason to start ogling summer dresses and, of course, bikinis. A high-waisted bikini has been on my wishlist since last summer, but unfortunately I didn't find one I loved last year. This year however, I have already found the perfect bikini. Ta-da! Here she is....

£30

I am in love with it. Isn't she perfect? Simple, timeless stripes are always a summer staple, and paired with the high-waisted style this bikini has a vintage retro edge that I just cant help but love.

However, due to my constant bad luck with regards to buying bikinis (they always sell out/dont have my size/not in the right colour etc etc) I decided it would be a good plan to come up with some back-up bikinis just in case. In case you hadn't already guessed, these are also all from Topshop.

£32

£30

Summer Sunnies

08:30

Supposedly, summer is on it's way. Not that we have much evidence of this currently. But, with optimistic thoughts, it's time to start investing in key summer pieces and be prepared for when the glorious summer sun decides to grace us with it's presence. One of my favourite summer buys is always sunglasses. They are the perfect way to jazz up any outfit, and are also excellent at hiding away a tired/hungover/make-up-free face - how can you not love them?

To start my collection each year I always stock up on a few pairs of Primark aviators and wayfarers, because they're my ultimate summer staple year after year (and I always end up losing them or sitting on them). Then, I hunt out a couple of special pairs that are worth splurging a bit more cash on, and the ones that I try my hardest not to put down or squash. Here are some of my favourites from Topshop this season.

£16

£18

£16

£20

What's your favourite style of sunnies?

Handbag Lust

11:00

So there I was, casually scrolling through ASOS as I do most days and BAM! I was struck down with a case of handbag lust. I am a handbag girl, constantly drawn to beautiful bags as if I have an built-in radar that constantly seeks out gorgeousness. This Whistles bag certainly falls into the gorgeousness category.

Made from soft, tan 100% leather, the Lexington Leather Doctors Bag has twin handles and an adjustable shoulder strap, with a flap front and twist lock closure. (I'm a sucker for a good twist lock/clasp mechanism!) At £295 it is an expensive handbag, but this sort of quality and timeless style does not come cheap. Rest assured, this bag will stick by you for years and years - never failing to make you look perfectly put together.

Kraving Kukee

10:30

As some of you will know from one of my previous posts, I am a big fan of online jewellery store Kukee. I found their site randomly towards the end of last year, and have since fallen completely head over heels for their gorgeous and really affordable pieces. I so far have a collection of their amazing rings, as I'm a bit of a ring addict, but am looking to expand my Kukee range with some new purchases to kick start my summer jewellery wardrobe. Here are some of my favourite pieces on their site at the moment, and the pieces that are firmly on my wishlist!

Gemstone Rings - £2.50
Acrylic Druzy Ring - £2.50

Colourful Druzy Style Necklace - £6

Arrow Head Necklace - £2

Multi-spike bracelet - £3.50

Summer Bead Bracelet - £3.50

Check them out!

http://www.kukee.co.uk/

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Diary of a Fashion Fanatic