& Other Stories

              

In a few weeks I am going to London for a few days and I have been doing a bit of research on different places that I want to visit while I'm there. I always try and visit as many different clothing stores as possible, particularly ones that are not around me usually. There has been lots of hype about & Other Stories recently largely due to their collaboration with H&M (another favorite of mine), so I have been glued to their website and I am hooked. Below are my must-haves which I am hoping to pick up while in London. 

               

Leather Trousers £245 

                

Square Frame Sunglasses £45

Brass Bangle Set £12 

Black leather trousers are  always a winner for me being both classic but trendy, and working with both a casual and smart style. Last year I bought a similar pair in River Island for 60 Euro but they have since began to loose their shape so it's that time to stock up on another pair and these could not fit the bill any more. 

              

Pocket Detail Jersey Dress £45 

               

Suede Platforms £69

I'm obsessed with anything grey at the minute, especially when it comes to knit wear and tops. I have scoured the internet for the perfect grey knit, that mix between wool and cotton that gives a soft, rich texture to the garment. I am still on the hunt. Once I saw this grey jersey dress on the website I instantly clicked into it, now I don't know yet if this is due to me being aware of the fact that I love grey or that I really love the dress but I'm sure we will find out when I finally try it on. Overall, my first impressions of &Other Stories is that the quality of the products looks amazing and the stock isn't too pricey where we can't afford! My next step is to go and buy these pieces and fall in love with the brand even more. If any of you have any advice on which &Other Stories shop is the best one to visit in the Central London area please let me know. 

                 

Double Compartment Handbag £145 

All about products are available from here. 

Love C X 

Sweet Velvetine

There is something about this time of year that always makes me want to wear velvet, particularly burgundy velvet. I always have this image in my head of a specific dress; skater skirt, sleeves to the elbow, scoop neck, very simple. But yet I have not found it anywhere. This time I am determined that I am going to find it! 

Velvet is also appearing more and more frequently in high street shops in the form of mostly crop tops and skater skirts. Personally I am not a big fan of crop tops, but the later I love and will definitely pick them up in black and burgundy. I'm picturing a lace top teamed with a dark rose lip to give an overall Gothic feel for the Christmas. 

The biggest shake up in the reviving trend is the breakthrough of velvet boots. These can be bought in virtually any fashion outlet at the minute. My favourite (Christmas wish list!) are from River Island for 65Euro, and will go with everything, therefore completely worth the money. Urban Outfitters is another brand which have lots of velvet options in at the minute. To mic things up a little I've been spotting this Navy Overall Skirt which although is way more than I would pay for a skirt at $110 (roughly 81Euro), I just think that there is something quite special about it and I haven't seen anything like it on the high street. Is it worth the money??

 One of the most influential style sources of our generation, Vogue, has suggested that those who are not entirely comfortable sporting a velvet outfit (sometimes it can be quite unflattering) could subtly embrace the look with the aid of a velvet fedora/jewellery/bag. It doesn't have to be an in your face statement. Vogue recommend investing in the "Rabbit Felt and Velvet Hat" by Maison Michel for $950, which is ridiculous! Pop down to H&M and pick up a brilliant replica for £12.99.

Back in September I wrote a post called Turkish Delight and I spoke about my love for a particular bohemian lifestyle that resembled Turkish and Moroccan markets.I also think this post has something similar to offer in that velvet co-ordinates this style effectively. If you need any more encouraging on the effects refer back to the previous post (link above). 

Love C X 

November Loves .....

Chiffon Blouse, H&M, 18 Euro

Levi Acid Ripped Denims, Etsy, 34 Euro

Kookie Black Heel Platform, SPY LOVE BUY, 31 Euro

Double Triangle Necklace, Accessory Foundry, 27 Euro

Eastern Delight Rings, ASOS.com, 20 Euro

Floppy Brim Fedora, Rag & Bone, 130 Euro

BlissfulCASE Galaxy Pink Cover, Boticca, 22 Euro

60's Collection Lennon Glasses, 80's Purple, 6.69 Euro 

Heart of Flames Nail Polish, Etsy, 6.69 Euro 

Love C X 

October Loves .....

Fur Gillet; H&M 39.95 Euro

Denim Dungarees; H&M 29.95 Euro

Silk Viscose Top; H&M 24.95

                                                Candy Strip Cape; Warehouse 39 Euro 

Leather Zip Skirt; Warehouse 54 Euro 

Tan suede Chelsea Boots; New Look 65 Euro 

Black Aztec Cuff Lace up Boots; New Look 60 Euro 

These are all the little pieces that I am loving this month! 

Love C X 

Hang on to your hat ....

So for those of you who saw my post yesterday on waving goodbye to out summer attire, I feel not all may be lost. Over the night I carried out some research on various styles that I could try out this coming winter and it seems that hats (yes the fedoras and bowlers) are a perfect accessory for the winter months also. This is also a perfect time as most high street shops are in the middle or end of summer sale so these may be going cheaply. 

I have a few bowler hats in my wardrobe which will be not be put away any time soon, so my main purchase has to be a few new fedoras. I am aware that at this time of the year it is usually a rare delivery into shops but one must be hopeful. Iv had a bit of a gander online and have come across a few from the beloved high street!! 

Black Fedora, River Island, E25.00

Black Fedora, H&M, E19.95 

Pink Fedora, River Island, E25.00 

Bowler hats are also a great accessory for keeping your head warm in the winter. They are also a great option for those who do not like how big the fedora can feel on your head. These are some that I recommend investing in espaecially to add a pop of colour to your winter woolies. 

Blue Bowler, River Island, E22

Pink Bowler, River Island, E22 

And of course I cant forget the classic winter woolly hat, the beanie. I am hunting the streets for a really thick grey hat,as I find a grey hat will go with most of my clothes. This hat here from New Look seems like it could be a runner!! 

Grey Woollen Hat, New Look, £4.99 

Black Stud hat, Missguided.com 

Winter is all about wrapping up ladies, but also about standing out from the crowd which can be done perfectly with anyone of these stylish statements. 

Love C X 

Fringe, Florals and Fedora's

So here we are again, Summer, and this can only mean one thing... festival fever. Over the past number of weeks social media has allowed us all to view the onstage antics of the artists bracing the stage. And while the music is a factor in enjoying these events, I think for the ladies its all about the dressing up!

The signature style for all festival revellers, and has been for a significant number of years now has been the high waisted cut off denim shorts with printed tees. this look has become particularly very popular by artists such as Rihanna  and Katy Perry at Coachella. But this year the style stakes have been upped with the new addition of the reviving trends of fringe and fedoras. As a lover of the 70's era I welcome this trend with open arms. Not only has it welcomed the hippiness back into the festival scene but it allows for Boho Chic to to have the epic comeback that it has always deserved. While browsing through  vogue.co.uk last week I spotted these lovely ladies and couldn't help but admire there attire. 

These three girls have all embraced this seasons trendiest outfits effortlessly. My favourite is definitely girl number one who decided that fringe and fedoras were a must, and went with the edginess of black, and biker boots instead of traditional wellies. 

I hope to make Electric Picnic in Stradbally in September so I am starting to pick out my outfits for the weekend now (fail to prepare, prepare to fail!). My favourite high street shops to hit when the Summer is here is H&M, River Island and the forever faithful Pennys/Primark. As festival tickets can be expensive it is important to be able to look well on a budget, especially as the mud can take over and destroy the clothes so remember that when forking out top money. As mcuh as a love going into a shop, trying something on and physically bringing it home with me, lately I have been converted to online shopping and boohoo.com is fantastic for great bargains and fast delivery. There is one particular fedora on the site in black which I feel is a staple piece for all Summer occasions and not just festivals. And priced at only 20euro it really is an investment. 

I shall keep you all updated as to what will end up in bag for Electric Picnic but in the mean time unleash your inner hippy and brake out your fringe! 

Love Cx