Diary of a Fashion Fanatic

g3 magazine

07:50

Now, I know some of you will be very much stuck in your ways when you buy magazines, returning loyally to the big glossies like Vogue and Elle or Company and Cosmo. Thats why I want to set you a challenge, to go out and buy a magazine you've never heard of before. We were recently set this challenge in a seminar at university, so off I went to WH Smiths to see what I could find. I ended up choosing g3 magazine, branded as a magazine for 'the not so straight woman'. Started in 2001, it is a glossy lesbian and bisexual publication, full of film, events, fashion, music, reviews and much more.The interview with coverstar Pink was also a really nice feature; I liked that they hadnt gone for someone random or only relevant to the gay community. It has also just had a huge overhaul and redesign, so it looks super stylish and enticing. Obviously everything has a gay slant, but I found it to be a really easy interesting read, perfect for when you fancy something a bit different. Overall I was really impressed with the quality of the magazine and the way it was put together, and I will definitely be looking out for it again next month.

Bad to the Bone

11:57

With halloween fast approaching, this post seems particularly appropriate. If you havent already come across some skeletal prints on the high street, no doubt you will do very soon. Most popularly on tights and leggings, these pieces are a fun easy way to add a bit of personality to your outfit, giving some spooky flare to a simple LBD or basic tee. As well as these beauties for your bottom half, I particularly love this skeleton print bodycon dress from Topshop. With the fitted style and long sleeves this is a perfect transitional piece to ease you into the colder weather, especially layered up with opaque tights and a leather jacket. Add elements of your own style through experimental accessories, such as coloured tights, creepers, ankle boots or a bobble hat. However you dress it up, this skeletal selection is sure to keep you on trend.

Topshop - £25

Tee and Cake @ Topshop - £25

Pretty Peplums

11:44

I'm sure none of you have missed the crazy influx of peplums that have taken over the high street as we approach autumn, but one thing that has come as a surprise to me is the incredible variety of styles and textures that have accompanied this figure flattering shape. From leather to lace, aran knit to cool cotton summer styles, there is a peplum offering for all occasions and eventualities just waiting to take its place proudly in your wardrobe. Here are a few of my favourites to tempt you into exploring further.

Asos - £38

This dogtooth printed peplum is perfect for approaching autumn in a chic, effortlessly English way. Inkeeping with the heritage trend that is going to be massive this season, wear with a leather pencil skirt and accessorise with plenty of oxblood, fur and vintage gold additions. Less secretary, more sexy vintage siren.

Topshop - £28

This bonded lace overlay top is the perfect example of simple peplum perfection - easy to dress up or down but always perfectly polished. Wear with skinny cigarette pants and a cropped leather jacket for casual chic or dress up with a form fitting pencil skirt and seamed back tights for a splash of old Hollywood glam.

Topshop - £18

Peplums are also well suited to casual daytime dressing, just as this Topshop jersey number shows. The structured shape ensures a gorgeous fit - essential for pulling off a peplum. The thickness of the jersey also ensures excellent drape when worn. Oxblood, plum and burgundy tones are going to be key this autumn/winter, so get your hands on this bargain beauty and get ahead of the trend.

Missguided - £21.99

This bandeau top is a fresh alternative to all of the sleeveless peplums, and adds a little something different to your overall look. Available in blue, nude and black too, this affordable option would look amazing with skinny leather trousers or cigarette pants and simple wedge chelsea boots; adding a statement necklace would also be a great way to gain bonus individuality points.

Whistles

05:39

Whilst browsing the new in section on ASOS this morning I came across some gorgeous new pieces from Whistles, and on further inspection there is a whole host of key investment garments that would be gorgeous additions to any stylish autumn/winter wardrobe. Whistles focus on beautiful cuts, premium fabrics and cuting edge design, creating timeless pieces with a fashion forward twist. Although the pieces are obviously pretty pricey, timeless classics like these would last a lifetime, and could be whipped out season after season. So, if you have some spare cash you feel like splurging on some chic new clothes, here are my top picks from their ASOS range.

Marlon Quilted Leather Jacket - £249

Antelope Sweater - £125

Evelyn Coat - £195

Sophie Bramble Jumper - £95

Charlie Roll Up Skinny Jeans - £80

Coat Fever

10:16

Coming towards the end of Summer can mean only one thing for the high street - an influx of coats. Hooded, cropped, fur or leather, there is an option to suit every style whilst keeping you snug on vile English winter days. However, there is a newcomer to the coat world that appears to have won over the hearts of buyers and designers in almost every high street brand, from Zara to Primark and River Island. Have you guessed it yet?

I am of course talking about parkas with leather sleeves. Military style khaki parkas have been dragged through the decades and brought bang up to date for 2012 with the addition of slick black leather sleeves - the perfect way of making khaki cool. The first one I became aware of was at Zara, but I have since spotted hundreds of varieties and predict many more will appear. Although cheaper options are always tempting, when it comes to quality and fit it is always worth spending a little more especially with coats. It will last you longer and keep you warmer, so you'll be thanking me in the end! Here are just a few to get you inspired.

Primark - £25

River Island - £55

Sticking with the leather sleeves theme, why not mix it up a bit and go for a leather sleeved denim jacket? Denim and leather are always a surefire cool combo, so this trend works perfectly. Dressed up or down this is sure to become an autumn staple in your wardrobe.

Missguided - £29.99

LBD Love

11:57

£31.99

As we all know, the perfect LBD is essential to every girls wardrobe. So when this little beauty caught my eye on the missguided website I just had to share it with you. Black, studded, cut out and effortlessly chic - whats not to love? As we approach the autumn season with Christmas just around the corner (I know, I cant quite believe I just said that either) party dresses and especially LBD's will be hitting the high street and flying off the rails, and are always worth investing in. Opt for timeless shapes and details that will last you for ages, or varieties that can be dressed down with a leather jacket, opaques and ankle boots.

Cowboy Cool

09:31

I have a new fashion must have this year, and it has come as a surprise to me whilst proving increasingly popular with the fash pack. Resurfacing from the depths of our wardrobes and consciouness, I am of course talking about cowboy boots. I have had a bit of a love affair with cowboy boots for a while now, but have always managed to talk myself out of buying them for fear of looking far too much like Woody from Toy Story. This year however, things are about to change. I suddenly cant understand why I ever talked myself out of buying them, as they seem like such a versatile, wearable wardrobe must have - perfect for giving an edgy grunge slant to summer dresses and shorts and then walking hand in hand with you into autumn.

Studded, leather, suede, patterned and even statement colour block varieties, there is a whole host of beautiful boots available on the high street now, one to suit every possible want and need.I prefer ankle boots personally, but if knee highs are your thing then go right ahead. Here are some of the ones I'm lusting after.