Purple Reign

So recently all I can think about is changing the colour of my hair. I've been blonde for about two & a half years now, so I think it's time to freshen things up a bit! I'm usually one to keep things safe when it comes to my hair but pastel purple hair has been done so well on other people that this perfection has transformed my safe thinking into bravery. That fear that I think everyone gets just before they dye their hair a new colour is very much present right now, but I really think I'll regret it if I don't do it now. 

At the minute my hair is ash blonde, it was much lighter & brighter but about two months ago I darkened it. I'm now thinking that this was a mistake as the purple would have taken much better to my hair. Oh well!My skin colouring is also quiet pale which I think works really well with this style. I may even ditch the fake tan altogether... maybe!

Below is how my hair looks at the moment! 

Have you dyed your hair recently?? If so, what colour?? Let me know what you think of this colour?? 

Love C X 

SS14: Sporty Luxe

For the third edition of trend alerts for the blog I have decided to take a look at an ensemble of outfits that doesn't necessarily scream "CiCi Jewels", but it's all in the name of research. If you read this blog regularly I'm sure by now you have established that my style is quiet the opposite of anything sports related. For the past few months I have somewhat struggled to understand the growing interest in baseball jerseys, jogger silk shorts and the comeback of Air Max with a perfectly elegant outfit, but who am I to judge? But like everything else I have learned to take certain aspects of the trend and put my own signature taste on it. For example, these days I now reach for my runners more than my black ankle heel boots which is something that I would have never considered before, think high street loafers more than Air Max. I suppose comfort has it's perks.

The one thing that we are thought throughout the countless magazines that we have read growing up is "dress for your body shape". This trend alone would contradict everything that I have believed in, personally. As a girl who is not of a model physique so I find that this look can be hard to work without looking like a sack, which seems to happen to me anyway. I've seen this look so effortless on girls who are naturally really thin and it looks great but my confidence lacks when trying it. Thankfully it seems the look has evolved a little form the old school tracksuit pants and baggy sweaters (slightly). The boxy crop top is perfect for those who do not want to whole heartily commit to this trend. Team with a high waisted PVC skirt and denier tights and you have yourself  a perfect outfit which ticks the sports luxe trend. On the other hand, if you are insecure about your upper body parts I recommend experimenting with the jogger trousers and fitted tee, another winning look for the coming season. 

In terms of make up for this look it is all stripped back, minimal and effortless, another thing that I don't know if I feel comfortable being that recently found my love for deep eye shadows again, particularly brown and gold tones. Eyeliner is also a friend of mine so I think keeping in line with this look would translate to cutting back on that which I wouldn't be able to fully commit to. I am a big fan of the luxe trousers which River Island have 100% nailed, if you haven't managed to have a look yet you can do so here. My favorite is the hot pink pair which probably wouldn't go with anything in my wardrobe but who cares! It's an excuse to go shopping. 

Love C X 

SS14: Going Graphic

In the second installment in my SS14 Trend Forecaster I am looking at the (in my opinion) most exciting look for the coming season: Art Attack. This look sees bolder, brighter and vibrant prints which are a representation of  graphic artwork at it's best. The first time I spoke about my love for this reviving look was it was first presented to us at London Fashion Week  last September and in particular the HOH collection, if you missed the post you can read about it here. Since then I have been very excited for the variation of styles and colours that can be used with the graphic theme, and now its finally time to break it out. 

I know recently I have talked excessively about my growing love for great quality Basics, and while I still stand by my earlier statements, sometimes it's essential to break out of the traditional styling and welcome a little contemporary. These bold graphics are not introduced by half, behold rich, vibrant textures in all forms such as shirts, skirts and my personal favorite of them all, trousers. During the January sales I spotted a pair of printed trousers in River Island, mainly a kaleidoscope print with pinks, creams and a hint of green. They were an absolute bargain at 20 Euro down from fifty and will definitely be making a debut over the coming weeks. 

The best way that I will wear this trend will be to mix it in with plainer basics. If you are going with a crazy graphic top match it with black skinny jeans or vice verse. Matching print combos are a great look aswell but I would more keep this for an event, a night out or dinner, not necessarily for day time practicality. 

Blue shades are also something that I have taken a keen interest in, if you missed the Blue Blood post you can read it here. Keeping this in mind I am going to look for some prints with a blue over lay to brighten up my wardrobe which is definitely needed in this terrible weather. This trend sends me to a warmer, sunnier climate which is something that is needed, especially at this time of the year. 

Love C X 

SS14 Trends: Green with Envy

Every season there is a colour that dominates the catwalk, magazines and the high street. Over the next few posts I am going to talk you through these trends and how we can style each one to suit yourself.  This  time around it comes in the form of green. Brighter tones always show their sunny selves at the beginning of spring, primarily beginning with Fashion Week and progressively more so in the following weeks. SS14 forecasts include sorbet pastels, sophisticated sportswear and  monochrome madness but with traditional summer floral prints taking a tropical makeover we are seeing green everywhere.

What I enjoy most about this fresh approach to summer brightness is that is an upgrade from SS13 trends which were more bohemian (which I loved) but this approach brings pristine to our style in a way that "Gypset" didn't. Now, I wouldn't go throwing away our maxi skirts just yet but there are many ways to incorporate the "green" way of living without doing a style-over. Khaki green has been a prominent feature in summer style for the past number of years, but the difference this time is the exciting prints, think monochrome with green replacing black. Personally I think this colour will better suit blondes and my favorite way to incorporate this into my look is with a casual jumper. It is simple but yet allows you to stand out from the crowd. 

The great thing about opting for green for the coming season is that it translates right across the trend board, from fruity flora's to art graphics to smart tailoring. So if you tend to change your mind a lot about what "your style" is you still don't have to pigeon hole your self just yet. Investing in key pieces such as one good quality jumper, a tote bag or "barely-there" sandals in green could assist you through all your various looks this spring/summer. 

For the adventurous souls who wish to attempt this trend though the form of make up my advise is to be very careful. Obviously, the best form of experimentation is on the eyes. Taupe eye shadow best suit blondes with brown hair but brunettes could easily incorporate dark green in their normal smoky eye mix, it's all about the shading! For those of you who don't tend to go OTT on the eyes can always have the subtle approach in the form of a liner pencil.  Rimmel have s great range of shadow and pencil liners for you to discover the one that best suits your skin tone. 

Love C X