CiCi Jewels is also a fashion contributor for yourstyleforecast.com. Below are the posts which have appeared on the website.
So, What’s Your Hair Secret?
As girls, we all want to have that head of hair that is the envy of all our friends. You know, the type of hair that you could take a picture & suddenly your on pinterest! Well, I have hair envy of a lot of people. I even have a pinterest board showcasing all those whose mane I am jealous of. A few years ago, I decided that I should take more of an interest in the products that I put in my hair & pick up some techniques of various styles that I could try out. This has gone really well for me so far. A big factor for me has been what products I use when washing my hair. I have become what you may refer to as a hair snob. But the way I see it, why would I spend all this money colouring my hair in a salon to then go home & use cheap products which won’t retain the colour/shade/freshness? The point is you shouldn’t. I now listen to my hair stylists recommendation regarding products that are sold in the hairdressers, and this is when I discovered some secrets to really great looking hair!
My routine has changed slightly also. Currently I am using Goldwell’s Kerasilk Shampoo & Conditioner,this mainly due to the fact that I have just had a Kerasilk treatment done in my hair. This treatment, which I won’t go into too much detail about in this post but it is a keratin treatment which gives you smooth, silky hair for five months! Now I only had it done last week, but so far I am extremely pleased with the results.
After I have washed my hair, the next phase for me is hair oil. I have started using John Frieda Frizz Ease Oil Elixir just before I dry my hair. I apply it just at the ends of my hair & not at the root. This is mainly to avoid my hair becoming greasy between washes. The next step is done by introducing my favourite hair brand at the minute, KMS California. Now, it is important to note at this point that this brand is a salon exclusive brand but if you are interested in trying the products you can find your nearest KMS Californiasalon through their website. I use their ADD Volume Spray just before I dry my hair and honestly it is the best volume spray I have used in years. It really does give the boost that my hair needs.
Once my hair dries, comes the time when decisions needs to be made. My hair is neither straight or curly naturally, so I have to decide if I want it straight or curly. Either way, I spray KMS California 2-in-1 Styling & Finishing Spray. The absolute beauty of this product is that it acts as a heat protector & once styled, a hair spray. It really is one of the best products I have found in years! At first, like everything else, I was skeptical to believe that it would work. But it did, amazingly! My hair stays in place all day & that refers to the volume also.
I’ve done it. I’ve shared my hair secrets with you. So what are yours?
The Writing’s On My Tee
Casual styling has shifted in so many forms over the past number of seasons. We have gone from smart styling during the day to understated at its best. I have always considered my style to be much more of a smart nature, well much more so in comparison to my friends. But lately, as street style is the main component of style inspiration, the shift of dressing up to dressing down has become apparent. Ripped denims have never been more loved and sourcing the perfect boyfriend fit t-shirt is a weekly occurrence (Topshop have the best options!). But one particular style statement has not only won over wardrobes, but it has gone on to become a new fashion way of living; The Logo Tee.
This trend originated, I suppose, with the white “Céline” t-shirt, with style devotes mixing it up every way we know how; with leather denims/skirts, ripped jeans, black high waisted skinnies, maxi skirts, shorts, you name it we’ve tried it. The point is, it’s here to stay so you may as well invest now if you haven’t done so already. My personal opinion on this one is that I love it! It’s such an easy option but can be worn so many different ways that the true test these days is how many “looks” can you get out of your slogan tee.
I tend to speak a lot (especially of late) about the importance of good basic styling, investing in your basic t-shirts, denims etc. can save you a lot of time, effort and money in the long run and can see you through many years. Well, this is another staple top to add to the collection. You only have to look at Instagram to realise the full extent that the slogan tee has on the styling world. I recently came across some really nice logo tees in Primark for only a couple of pounds, a great option for those of you who don’t want to whole heartily commit to the trend.
Have you invested in a real deal designer slogan tee? Or perhaps a really good fake? Let us know!
Denim: The Eternal Trend
We now live in a fashion dominated world. Every three months we are expected to update our wardrobes, re-invent our style and “freshen” our image. Social media has made it so accessible for us to express our individual styling techniques through Instagram, Pinterest & Tumblr. The influence of street style is now where most of us gain inspiration for a new look or aspect to a trend, which may not have sprung to our own minds. Well, this is a personal approach! But we all have that safe option, you know, that one item of clothing that never lets us down, never fails to fit the exact mood/look/approach we are looking for in that given moment, and usually that is your favourite pair of jeans.
What fascinates me is the style evolution of denim; from dirty overhauls to style statements. We were first introduced to the styles of basic fit, bootleg and sporting a mid waist, but today we have high-waisted, skinny, boyfriend, flare, ripped, a modern approach to the classic bootcut, black skinnies, blue skinnies, the options are extensive! We are now in an age where denim can be an edgy approach to basic styling.
But with every season the trends do come and we are programmed to adhere to them, ever so slightly. The reboot of the 90’s era this SS14 showcases the revival of the “Vintage Mom” look. From a personal perspective, I love this look but it does not love me. From an early age we are told “dress in what makes you comfortable”; this translates to what we feel good in. Tying in with our own body shapes, we will always accentuate our best assets and shy away from our insecurities. Skinny jeans are my best friend because I much prefer my legs to my upper body. It works for me! On the plus side, I don’t think this trend will die away any time soon. Denim is the one aspect of fashion that allows us to not focus so strictly on trends, and that’s refreshing in a way.
If we were to have a gander at the denim trends storming the runways and high street, it would paint a patch work broad sheet. Topshop, an all time favourite for many of us fashion hunters, has introduced the “Unique Patch Work Denim” look for this season. This look examines the variety of ways that we can alter-ate denim without trying too hard. Many modern versions of denim styling look at range of colour and items which expand farther than just bottoms, shirts, denim chiffon and jackets. Denim-on-denim was deemed a fashion faux-pas a few years ago but is now seen a uber trendy look for modern times. This is the same with white denim, it went from risque to ultimate chic. My personal opion of white denim has also changed drastically. I now feel confident about purchasing something which I previously would have snubbed at. Again, I feel this contributes to the evolution of denim.
Tamara Mellon In Her Jimmy Shoes
During the past four years in college, I have studied business, and throughout this time I have read countless case studies based on entrepreneurial success stories and aim at giving an accurate insight into the business world. Many of these articles give you a sense of momentary inspiration, that “get-up-and- go” and “never-give-up!” approach to achieving your goals. A strong business concept along with strategic planning and financial aid is also deemed the perfect combination.
On the other hand, throughout the past four years I have also had my social passions; reading (mainly fashion publications and blogs), social media platforms (I am a border line junkie!) and my friends. As I went though college and the further I progressed in my studies, the more I would focus my attention on areas of the business world that I actually wanted to be associated with and one that I could dedicate wholly to for the next forty/fifty years of my life. This was not a very long list but there was always an obvious answer that out shun the rest every time; the business of fashion. Some say it is a big expectation to assume that you can “just get” a job in fashion, be it as a journalist, designer, model etc, but we are thought at a young age that if hard work and determination will get you far, so this contradicts the earlier statement no? I have known that I want to get into fashion PR for a long time but it takes time to prepare yourself mentally for your industry (a strong backbone is essential so I am told) and this memoir by Tamara Mellon was the perfect wake up call for leaving college to brace me for this transition.
This book is based on the rise and demise of the co-founder of the Jimmy Choo enterprise, Tamara Mellon. As a London socialite, Tamara surrounded herself with well known names in even better known hot spots and with an extremely wealthy bank account. It seems that this will be just another happy ending but what we are faced with in this memoir is an in-depth account of how harsh this beautiful industry can be and how even those closest to you have the potential to stab you in the back for what you have.
As bloggers, journalists, students etc dreaming of a career path which involves designer dealings and expensive couture, I highly recommend this read. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not turned off my career but it has made me aware of every decision I make. I would say that I am now more of a strategic planner and plan to be in all my future business endeavours, which is something that we can all plan to do a little better. A great read not only from a business fashion concept but also an insight into how socialites really do live and the scandals that come along the way. I was gripped from the beginning and couldn’t put it down.
If you give it a read, let me know what your take on it is.
Zara: Safe Haven For All Fashion Needs
Over the past number of years I have shopped in a number of different high street shops, River Island being my primary fashion hot spot. In more recent times I have widened my shopping route to now include H&M, Vero Moda, Warehouse and Missguided. I have also spoken about my new found obsession with the beauty of minimal styling which has brought me to my latest topic of interest, Zara .
When I had bought items from the store in the past it never really blew me away or left my with any lasting impressions to return immediately, but when I think about it no shop has really done this anyway. I suppose this is mainly due to the fact that I didn’t really know what I was looking for or what I wanted, but now that I have started to narrow my focus I now have a deeper appreciation for this one particular brand which offer that effortless chic basics which are essential for any season. Zara SS14 has gone on to become my haven for all my fashion needs.
Classic tailoring requires a great finish on garments which can see you through one season to the next, and sometimes this means you are paying a higher price than you would initially want to spend to begin with. So this “wiser spending” activity which I have tried to incorporate into my fashion fore-mind has led to me to a few places where the price tags are nothing short of scary/ridiculous. When I ventured into Zara, not only was I delighted with the price of the clothes but also relieved that the brand offered higher quality items than most other retailers. The Zara Basics range hit my minimal urge right at the core and I haven’t really left the shop ever since. This post is dedicated to a few of my favourite pieces from the new range for SS14 which are not only bang on seasonal trends, cotton candy pinks to monochrome madness, but will carry through AW and SS15 due to transitional colour choices.
Crop tops seemed to resurrect last season and are going nowhere in a hurry, thankfully I am a huge fan of high-waisted skirts which team quite well. The above crop available from Zara now is priced at 9.49 Euro and works perfectly with the PVC high waisted skirt which can be found in most retailers at the minute. The block heel sandal heel is also a classic styling touch which is timeless and elegant. This particular shoe is available for 44 Euro.
Finishing off any look can only be done with the right bag. Right now I am obsessed with black tote bags. I enjoy the structure because it gives a professional and smart approach to my style. Zara does not fall down here either. Throughout winter black was my “go-to” colour for handbags but I fell in love with this white satchel with gold finishing, and priced at 73 Euro, its pricey but will see you through to October. What is your colour for SS14?
What ever your style, look or trend obsessions, the one texture that we can’t avoid is leather and we shouldn’t avoid it either. Quiet frankly, I am obsessed with it at the moment, shoes, skirts, shirts, bags, I’ll have them all all. If you love minimal styling, like me, I urge you to go to the Zara website and have a look for yourself if you haven’t already. It will be the best decision you make today.
Last September, when I was reading an issue of Vogue, I came across a shoot featuring Cara Delevingne (well what magazine isn’t she in?), pastel pink was the primary theme of the shoot. Five months later and it seems the candy tones are finally hitting our high streets. I have to admit, these are shades that I initially thought I would have no interest in, but the more that I look at the options of items around me, the more I am convinced of the rising trend.
Now this next statement is a bit of a personal shock, so here it goes: I really want a pastel pink coat! I don’t know if it is the beauty of Cara Delevingne modelling the item in the fashion spread in Vogue or that I have been slowly brainwashed by the pop shades over the previous few months. But either way, I am slightly hooked/determined to find this coat (within my budget, obviously).
The harsh winter months are almost behind us so it is only appropriate to welcome some bright, welcoming colours into your life, AKA your spring wardrobe. In my mind I have already substituted how I will replace the above featured coat. This is a back up plan in case I cannot find it, but I will inject pastel into my life through bags and shoes, like every other girl! My favourite bag with this trend at the moment is the one below which I stumbled upon on Pinterest. When I came across this bag the only information that I could find on it was that it was available on Nasty Gal, which I couldn’t find it on it! (If anyone has any information on how where this bag is really from or a link to buy I would really appreciate it.)
This pastel trend is also available in other forms, such as mint green (which is another beautiful shade to incorporate into your spring over haul), baby blues and sherbit lemon. I’m sure we will see plenty more sugar inspired fashion shoots featured in our favourite monthly reads, ie Marie Claire and Elle.
If I come across any of interest I will make sure to tweet links, so make sure you are following the YSF account (@yrstyleforecast).
I always think of January as a detox month. 31 days to cleanse everyday bad habits, and more importantly introduce some fantastic new rules to live by. The number one rule to start the new fashion season is to invest in new footwear, just because you can! Brighter and longer days are on the way as well as the newest designer footwear collections. This year I just can’t get enough of the Louis Vuitton SS14 collection which offers feathers, blue velvet and a touch of class to see you through the extensive wait for summer.
Personally, when it comes to footwear in spring I always opt for wedges and open toe options. My favorite wedge from the latest LV collection is the tan leather strap option which could co-ordinate effortlessly with any of the up-coming trends, eg minimal basic colours which you can read about by clicking on the featured article below. The court shoe also made a triumphant return to the spotlight last season and seems set on continuing its reign well into 2014. Louis Vuitton showcases the classic black option as well as bolder styles in the form of feather print satin and crocodile design.
So London Fashion Week takes place next month, and with this comes the realm of the future styles we will lust after. What prints to wear and which shape should our dresses be? This collection from the legendary Vuitton has certainly set the fashion bar high for 2014 so it certainly will be interesting to see.
What is your favourite look from the collection?
New Year, New You. 2014 is all about investment pieces. As a personal resolution, I have made a pack with my credit card that I will be wiser when it comes to buying clothes. This includes choosing classic colours; black, white, grey, beige, you get the idea. I like to refer to these as clean colours. Not only will the options of outfits that will fit well together be endless but I also think it will brighten my wardrobe, particularly coming into the spring & summer seasons.
For years I have praised the high street for bang on trend selections and amazing value but when it comes down to it, the clothes just don’t go the distance. This has made me question the way I purchase clothes. Now I think spending that little more on my clothes will allow me to enjoy them longer. Also, clean colours are never not in fashion!
I like to think of this as a kind of detox for my wardrobe. For years, I have experimented with clashing colours, bold prints and exotic textures. The more mature me has decided to strip back a little and focus on the beautiful simplicity of well tailored garments, along with high quality designs. I started this last week and spent 50 Euro on a white shirt. A very plain white shirt! The old me would have called this madness but it is so beautifully crafted and hangs so well that I am delighted with my purchase. The best part is that it goes with absolutely everything I already own.
A few other resolutions that I made this year include taking more photos. I honestly feel like I don’t do this enough and hopefully, if I actually see this one through, I can share more of my fashion moments with you on twitter and instagram. I have lots of exciting plans for 2014 which I can’t wait to share with you guys soon.
Happy New Year and have a great 2014!
Following up on how winter florals are a big hit this season, I have decided to help you with how to wear the print. No matter what your personal look is, be it girly, grunge or preppy, we can all have this print in our lives. The three areas I will focus on are Wild Flower, The Dark Romantic and Romantic Story.
Wild Flower
I have based this look on those of you who enjoy dresses, embellished blazers and who are not afraid to wear a head-to-toe- print ensemble. In other words, this would be the “girly” look. What I enjoy most about this look is the addition of the flower head-piece. It is very appropriate and completes the look brilliantly. Soft waves and a nude lip give a delicate vibe, which I think is the best way to style these dresses. I didn’t put any shoe options in the collage above but I would say nude is the best option, as you don’t want the attention to stray away from the dress; as it is the statement piece.
The Dark Romantic
This look is based on the girl who frequently represents the grunge/rock style; this the updated version. I would say the type of person who is going to wear this adaptation of the trend is not going to be afraid to play it safe and printed trousers are a perfect example of this years risqué fashion staple. Flower headpieces are acceptable in this style look also but I would opt with a darker colour, such as the dark rose option in the above collage. The black rose trousers teamed with a grunge black print t-shirt are the perfect pairing. I would add a sequin blazer to give that little extra festive edge for this time of the year. In contrast to the previous look a statement lip is preferable here.
Romantic Story
This is the third and final look and we will finish with Romantic Story. This look is based on the BoHo look, which I am a big fan of. The best way to represent this look is to whip out your high-waisted denim shorts and add a fedora,, along with your printed shirt. Black boots look great with this style and luckily for us are available in most good high street stores at the moment. The one thing that I often find difficult when completing my outfit is what coat to pair it with. For this option fur is a winner, particularly a fur fillet if you happen to have one. This is a great look for Christmas!
I have a little bit of all of the looks above so I may just copy them all over the next few weeks. Keep an eye on Instagram for pictures!
The past few seasons have been highly strung with bright floral. They can literally be seen everywhere; t-shirts, bags, phone covers and head pieces. So it was only a matter of time before the trend underwent a makeover, introducing “The Dark Romantic”.
This twist endeavours the traditional pattern with a grunge introduction in the form of darker shades such as brown, black and deep red. This will be sure to delight all those who do not welcome the particularly “girly” approach to their wardrobe. One reason that I have warmed to this new updated print is that is embodies the essence of autumn, which is personally my favourite time of the year.
Usually, I have noticed that coming up to this Christmas period, women tend to opt for the sparkle/glitter effect when it comes to party outfits and I am guilty of this myself but this year I am going to change this. I am putting together a lovely guide to “must have” pieces which are all “The Dark Romantic” themed, which I will share with you lovely people next week. I have told you guys before that I love the printed trouser trend which was in full force last summer, so this carries that trend with a darker edge.
My advice to complete this look is to add a statement lip (my favourite is MAC “Media”) and a fedora hat to create a boho chic feel. Another vibe that I am incorporating into my wardrobe is the two piece floral effect, the matching top and pants combo. Right now I am still on the lookout for the perfect print to invest in but I will be sure to include it in next weeks post.
I’d love to know if any of you guys have experimented in this dark grunge look and be sure to share some pictures with me if you have.
Oasis is a leading UK high street brand who pride themselves on “creating confidence in women”, and for their first ever style ambassador they have chosen Miss Mollie King from “The Saturdays”. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the group, it is made up of five girls (British and Irish) who have become one of the biggest girl groups to come out of the UK in recent years. But it is Mollie King who has the media light consistently, as a result of continuous flawless sense of style. The girl really never gets it wrong! So you would wonder why a fashion brand hasn’t snapped her up sooner.
Her style is described as “classic and preppy” with a mix between “girly and classic tailoring” depending on what mood she is in. She is quickly becoming the new fashion “IT” girl on the rise. Oasis are known for their excellent quality of clothing and when I buy anything there I see it as an investment, as I will genuinely wear it for years. Timeless classics! This collection with Mollie King as style ambassador is no different. Below are a few of the pieces from the collection.
My favourite looks from this collection are the black jumpsuit for 88Euro and the black quilted skirt which is priced at 100Euro.
Now it has not stated whether the singer has had any designing input in the collection but I am going to assume that she hasn’t. But the point I am going to make is does it really matter? Mollie King is a very stylish lady and girls around the world want to look and dress like her. Therefore, believe that if they buy this collection they too will be viewed as fashionable. This seems to be a reoccurring trend for high street brands in recent years, using a well-known face to front a promotional campaign/new collection.
- Rihanna for River Island
- Beyonce/Lana Del Ray for H&M
- Kate Moss for Topshop
I worked for River Island for a a number of years and noted how much money the company pumped into promoting/branding the collection through new specially designed hangers, specific carrier bags and extra security in shops to prevent theft. I have read many articles debating how much influence the singer actually had in the collection but my question is this: Does it make the brand more appealing if it is fronted by a celebrity?
So it is that time of the year again: colder days, shorter evenings, longer trousers and warmer coffees, the invasion of winter. Like all seasons, I need a statement staple to add to my wardrobe collection and this AW13 will see the introduction/revival of the classic fur coat. Now I understand that this topic will cause controversy amongst many animal activist groups but they better cover their eyes and ears because fur is making a comeback! And being a lover of all bohemian-related pieces, I really think this can compliment the free spirited fashionista in me.
I enjoy creating a look that resembles a global traveller and most of what I write about will reflect this in one way or another, particularly with accessories (they are my thing!). So my next big investment is going to be a fur coat! Just to be clear, my bank balance does not allow for the cost of a designer fur coat so my purchase will not be real fur and hopefully that will stand for something!
When I adopt a new piece or trend, I tend to start small before truly investing in the whole look, so this would be called “testing the waters” if you will. Last year I bought a fur snood scarf from River Island and it went with all of my clothes, bags, coats, shoes, literally everything. Just in-case you are unfamiliar with a snood scarf, it is essentially a long scarf that is tubular. I think it mainly depends on the type of style that you have at the minute which will determine how you can involve a trend into your wardrobe at a natural progression, and I am already a lover of a winter neck piece so this seemed to be an ideal starting point. Although this was the only piece of fur that I purchased during the last AW season, I have already began my search for more. Looking online is a great way to expand your options of where you can shop rather than being limited to stores that are in your area. My favourite online stores include ASOS.com, boohoo.com, missguided.eu and thankfully these places have already started stocking up with new fur lines. So far, my favourite is the Merle Faux Fur Cape from missguided.eu , and this piece is black which can be placed over any colour to add either an edgier feel to the look or can glam up a casual t-shirt and jeans combo. I know this piece is black, and I have always thought of myself as being a risk taker when it comes to style but sometimes going back to the basics is a good thing.
So as NYFW continues, this means that over the next few weeks all the latest styles and trends for the coming season are going to be “revealed”. Sometimes as good as a trend is (and sometimes they are amazing), it is best to wear what you want to and be comfortable in that, and this time around it is fur for me. I will be looking forward to catching up with you again after Fashion Week.
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