How-To: Look Hot in Culottes

1. M&S... Is that you? This fine knit cropped sweater from the SS14 collection at M&S is undoubtedly one of their standout fashion-forward staples of the season. At £35, this tres chic transitional gem hits stores in December. Shop their knockout knits here.

2. Five Gold Rings? Just one shall suffice! This antique-look ring from ASOS certainly belies it's £15 price-tag. Dotted with clear glass stones, this delicately elegant ring is a worthwhile midweek treat. (And while ASOS have 20% for students it would be rude not to buy everything.)

3. Join the J-Crew! This month saw American label J Crew's arrival in London, and what better excuse to pop this very versatile crystal necklace on your Christmas list. What better to luxe up your obligatory Christmas knit? At £98 it is the ideal sumptuous stocking-filler. 

4. Cool Kid Culottes. We all know that culottes are a huge trend for SS14, but it goes without saying that you ought to approach this skirt/short hybrid with caution. If you get the right pair, however, contemporary culottes can actually look pretty, well, hot. In floaty crepe, this M&S interpretation is sure to fly off the shelves when it hits stores next year (£45). Style as you would a midi-skirt and make sure you are never without a slick cigarette heel.  

5. Belle of Belgravia. The Kurt Geiger London B Series has been a real hit with the editorial elite, but my personal pick have to be the slick, simple Belgravia sandals. This season they are available in glossy nude, burgundy and black, and for SS14 they have been pimped up by punchy prints. And B-fore I forget (sorry) the B Series is still going strong for Spring, with Kurt Geiger London debuting the B Handbags, each one decorated with the signature golden tubes. The timeless nude style is £240 and worth every penny.

Holiday Wardrobe: Little Black Playsuit

While I am a more than prone to a little black dress (or eight, at last count), this Max & Co playsuit is the one little black number that has truly stood the test of time.

In silky smooth crepe de chine, this simple draped black playsuit is universally flattering.  It falls to the mid-thigh, ideal for work or evening, and the loose fit is perfect for skimming over the odd food baby.

I picked up this style in Siena a couple of years ago, and am still wearing it regularly. It is wonderfully versatile and very well made. You can find a similar black playsuit here, and this cross back Missguided one is a slightly sexier take.

This holiday outfit was my option for dinner at Calistoga's Jole restaurant. Jole was the one restaurant I was particularly looking forward to, having been told to expect a menu similar to Nu in Girona (the best restaurant I have been to in a good while- find out more here). Unfortunately I was disappointed.

In fairness the food was well suited to me, given the smaller portion sizes, but my family were not overly impressed.

Given that I can't remember what I ordered, and that I didn't even attempt to instagram it, suggests that the meal was pretty forgettable.

For this so-so dinner I wore the playsuit with my favourite Zara two-tone heels (these Kurt Geiger ones are just as gorgeous- in either nude or white), an & Other Stories cuff and carried my Mulberry mini Alexa- the perfect size for evenings. 

What's Up Stud?

Mmm it's going to be a scorcher this weekend, so I have spent the majority of today trawling the internet looking for all sorts of ludicrously scimpy outfits that I can wear while i'm still young and fun and all that stuff.

It's my new way of convincing myself that it's okay to spend nearly £200 on one Zara spree... After all, girls, this is the best we are going to look, so may as well make the most of it.

While thinking of a nice little post to do today, I had a little browse on Zoe Karssen's website and found a rather apt sweater (here) "Live Fast Cause It Won't Last", which I feel pretty much sums up my warblings. Beside the sweater was this killer tee and I decided to do a post featuring this Suicide Blonde tee with some sexy punky accessories.

If I could afford this outfit (which I can't... just so you know!) I would most certainly be slinging it in my suitcase for my upcoming trip to New York where I shall be visiting the Punk: Chaos to Couture exhibition at The Met. How chic... How apt!

Hope you like and hope you are all enjoying the sun!

1. New York designer Joomi Lim is pretty much an obsession of mine at the moment, and this London Calling necklace with pearls and mixed metals is just the thing to jazz up this sexy slouchy t-shirt. I adore pieces that marry silver, gold and gunmetal together seamlessly, and this necklace 100% does that. I am such a statement necklace freak, but this one needs to be mine.

2. When I first spotted this Suicide Blonde varsity tee by Zoe Karssen I was a little bit smitten. It's such a relaxed, cool and fresh tee with a gorgeously flattering neckline. It is around €60, but it is worth it for Zoe Karssen tees are such great quality- so fine and soft.

3. I recently did an interview with Katie Canvin, the lovely co-founder of the glorious Austique boutiques in London, and she tipped me off about this amazing jewellery designer she found in NYC. Jacqui Aiche do the most gorgeously delicate body jewellery including this bracelet ring chain, which will hopefully be coming to Austique very soon. Stay tuned London ladies, or keep checking their website if you're no local.

4. Rebecca Minkoff handbags are another NYC staple, and this iconic MAC clutch in basic black with gleaming golden hardware is a great investment. These handbags are such gorgeous quality, and what I really love about them is that not everyone has one. You can grab this gorgeous number at Atelier-To-Go. If you don't, I will, so get them before they all go. 

5. Boticca jewellery is my one-stop-online-shop for quirky, beautiful jewellery at reasonably accessible pricepoints. These shark tooth bangles from UK based designer Beau & Arrow are just edgy enough to add a little punky punch to this über cool look. 

6. This Zara white "skort" is not to everyone's liking, but I love the directional origami-esque front, perfect for smartening up a casual tee. They also come in black and make for a great wardrobe staple with a little fashion-forward touch.

7. Last but not least, the most beautiful shoes I have ever seen... Well, this season at least. These Balenciaga motorcycle wedges are available at Matches for a cool £600 but they are so, so, so, so divine. Is it possible to be attracted to a shoe? 

Dreaming of Delilah

When Whistles announced that they would be showing at London Fashion Week, they certainly cemented there position at the very top end of affordable luxury fashion.

When they announced that they would be selling personalised, monogrammed clutch bags from their gorgeous Dover Street store, I was smitten.

For some unknown reason i'm a real sucker for anything personalised. I don't doubt that this comes from a childhood without any "personalised" items. After all, Edinburgh Zoo didn't do penguin magnets with Shona on them, and when my sisters got lovely personalised mugs, I got "To a Darling Daughter" because Shona is just not a name apparently. I'm not bitter- not bitter at all.

Well, thank you Whistles for bringing me a seriously stylish way to add a personal touch to my accessories collection- this beats a hairband hands down.

The best part is that this all feels rather high-end and luxurious, but it is not about to break the bank. At £95 for an initialled Delilah clutch (a simple but infinitely stylish zip-top pouch) this is a touch of class that won't devastate my student budget!

I am toying with treating myself to the sugary pink version, as modelled by Olivia Palermo, but if you are a rather more serious sort, you can also get the Delilah in black with aqua monogramming.

Unfortunately this service is not advertised on the Whistles website, but check it out here nonetheless and follow them on Twitter for regular updates @thisiswhistles

The Glorious notonthehighstreet.com GIVEAWAY!

Ooh, don't I spoil you!

Today i'm launching my latest giveaway in collaboration with notonthehighstreet.com, the online boutique that offers everything from kooky wall prints through to gourmet gin and bespoke biscuits!

I absolutely adore notonthehighstreet.com for their expansive product selection and they really are the solution to ANY gift-buying issues.

I find the best way to sum notonthehighstreet.com up is to simply state that the store is full of wonderful things I didn't know I needed, until I saw them on the site. 

And now I need them all, perhaps even more than I need new shoes.

The lovely team at notonthehighstreet.com have offered me a £50 gift card to give away to one of you lovely lot.

To enter, all you  have to do is...

1) COMMENT BELOW WITH YOUR NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS

2) FOLLOW @SWfashion_ ON TWITTER, LIKE SW FASHION ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW ON BLOGLOVIN'

If you're wondering where that gift card could go, here are a few ideas...

1. The very definition of adorable, this pillowcase is just £12.50

2. My cute little friends bought me this mini chest of drawers for my 19th birthday and I just love it- you can even have it personalised.

3. The store is full of uplifting, kooky artwork that is sure to bring even the simplest of rooms to life. I adore this timeless print for £49.

4. If it were up to me, i'd purchase one of these personalised bangles. I've been looking for a subtle way to pay tribute to someone loved and lost and I feel that one of these bangles, embossed with a 'C', would be a beautiful way to do so.  

5. With an abundance of delightful stationary, NOTHS is great for organised sorts like myself. I love this wee notebook...

6. The Biscuiteers are a huge hit in London at present, and their personalised, hand-decorated biscuits are now available on NOTHS. This personal tin of high tea inspired biccies is a great way to treat yourself or a loved one.

7. All together now: aaaw. I love these sweet little bottles complete with candy-stripe straws in a colour of your choosing. Cocktails are about to get a whole lot cuter...

8. I love sausage dogs: fact. This print is just so very sweet for £28 

9. I love this print every bit as much as I love gin (£18).

10. Make baking and cocktail shaking a rather more stylish art with these drink and cake toppers inspired by Alice in Wonderland- great for parties.

11. I adore these biscuit shaped cushions! I need one in every style, please- they are only £22 here!

12. Champagne is always the answer, the question is irrelevant.

Best of luck to you all- I will select a winner at random on April 20th.

Don't forget to share this post with your friends/readers (on Facebook or Twitter, or both ! )

Reiss SS13: Fashion Blogger Picks

As a fashion blogger with the fantastic guys at Handpicked Media, I was invited along to the lovely REISS S/S13 press day, where the team were showing off the most delectable pieces from the womenswear, menswear and 1971 ranges. You may or may not have seen my original blog post about the collection (which you can read here), but I thought i'd just show you this lovely video which popped up on my Twitter feed (shameless plug: follow @SWfashion_ if you like) last week.

The video sees me in some pretty brilliant fashion blogging company including Navaz from Disney Roller Girl, Anna from South Molton St Style, Isabelle from Isabelle OC and Carina from Carina 100 as we all explain our favourite pieces from the collections. 

I just thought i'd share it with you, alongside some of my top picks from the upcoming SS13 collection at Reiss. I have only picked a few pieces from the ever-elegant mainline collection, but do stay tuned for some yummy picks from their rather cool 1971 line. 

In addition, I must apologise for how many times I say the word "beautiful" in this clip, but do be kind for I had very little time to prepare. Plus, I am the first to admit that I do indeed have a face for the radio and therefore the camera is NOT my friend. 

I doubt i'll be debuting SW Fashion TV any time soon, to put it gently.

Do let me know what you think ladies and gents! 

1. First up we have this gorgeous little dress, which is actually available to buy now for £159. I love the pretty monochromatic print that is a little bit geometric but still feminine and very pretty. This dress would just be perfect for work paired with my new pointy studded flats and a gorgeous handbag. It would also look rather fabulous paired with a certain pair of hot pink cage sandals...

2. This cute little belt is available to buy online now for a very reasonable £39. It is just a gorgeous neutral belt for spring time, working with every colour from juicy watermelon through to marshmallow pink. Buy it here and wear with a slick white shift and bold shoes.

3. These shoes are just beautiful. I used to have a strange aversion to all things barbie pink, but this season that has all changed, for I am beginning to appreciate the sophisticated side of pink, and these shoes have that down to a fine art. Reminiscent of the iconic YSL cage boots of 2009, these hot pink shoes in suede and patent leather really do make a statement. I won't tell anyone their not designer if you don't!

4. This vibrant coral mini handbag with gold hardware is almost good enough to eat! It feels oh-so summery with this bright fruit punch shade, which particularly comes alive when paired with glossy gold. I really am smitten with this handbag, it is such a delightful colour and the styling is clean and simple. I'd wear it with white, for you can't go wrong with a little bright and white.

5. This dress is so feminine in a contemporary way, which I really do love. A little white dress is a wardrobe staple, so it'd be mad not to treat myself to this one. It reminds me of a little white bubble dress I had when I was around fifteen years old, only this is far more sophisticated with sheer frills and straps and a flattering slouchy shape.

6. Last but not least we have some cute little sandals. I must admit that this hot coral shade just has me longing for poolside bubbly and summer sunshine, but I shall have to come back down to earth and face the fact that London is cold. BOO. When it does come round to buying sandals, though, these are certainly contenders. 

Urban Outfitters SS13

This cutesy floral bikini is a great buy for the tummy-conscious among us, but also for those who love to dress with a slightly retro vibe. This little two-piece is pin-up perfection!

Nothing works better with a tan than some gorgeous turquoise jewellery, and these bracelets are perfect for breathing life into a floaty white maxi or for clashing with some seriously bold tribal prints. 

This hat is so not me, but I can imagine it looking amazing on girls who are, well, ever so slightly cooler than me. This knitted beanie is dotted with jumbo crystals for a really bold and alternative look. 

I fell a little bit in love with this embellished marl tee. Paired with a gorgeously textured creamy jacket, this slouchy tee is brought to life with pretty pewter and pearl embroidery. I would love this tucked in to a white thigh-split pencil skirt and some pointed metallic courts. Yum. 

Gotta love a bit of a glitz, This little waistcoat, adorned with metallic beads and a variety of crystals is a really opulent piece that will work beautifully slung over a t-shirt and maxi skirt come warmer months. Embellished sandals are, of course, a must. 

I love, love, love this little tee. It is so Balenciaga-esque and would look totally amazing tucked into a tight leather mini skirt with a colour-pop envelope clutch and some seriously killer jewellery. 

The looks on the mannequins were really rather eclectic, as is the UO style, but I did fall for some of the individual pieces. That aqua tube skirt is just divine. 

Distressed denim is always pretty cool, but for S/S13 it looks like this trend is going to be massive. These ripped BDG boyfriend skinnies were one of my favourite pieces at the press day. I would pair with a simple tight white vest, a sharp tailored jacket and some really sexy shoes for a look that is a little Emmanuelle Alt and a little 90s grunge. Fit. 

I am a sucker for a really lovely t-shirt, and Urban Outfitters always come up trumps. This Truly Madly Deeply tee is super soft and that paisley-esque white print gives it a really fresh, summery feel. It's just calling to be matched with white skinnies, a golden tan and some brown gladiators. 

I am really one for statement necklaces so I just adore this April May jersey top with bold bead detailing at the neckline. This detail really lifts this simple charcoal sleeveless tank top to new heights and is the perfect piece to work for day or night. For a really cool look try with a white leather miniskirt. 

I love a really unique tapestry print for SS13 and these embroidered shorts by Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply are just calling to be worn on someones "Gap Yah" with a tight white tee and flip flops. Totes. 

A P C, easy as 1 2 3.
I adore this patterned cream knit by this kooky Parisian label. The knit is ultra light and the pretty love-hearts give it a kitsch but cool vibe. 

Y'all know i'm crazy for a bit'a'bling, and these cool collars are high up on my lust list for SS13. I particularly love that they combine silver and gold. Pair with a white lace shift and let the necklace do the talking. 

And last but not least is my one and only, the IRO t-shirt that I fall in love with every time I see it. I just want it sooo much. It has a sexy, softly scooped neckline, it is the silkiest jersey imaginable and it is just the right shape to half tuck into white skinny jeans with a black tux slung over the shoulders. All I need now is that Céline bag... Santa... You got that?

Sneak Peek: S/S13 At Reiss

REISS is undoubtedly one of my favourite high-end high street brands and I was lucky enough to be invited along to the Handpicked Media Blogger preview of the S/S13 collection, oh, and what a treat it was!

The press day took place at the REISS HQ and was showing off the very first glimpse of the pieces to come from the esteemed British brand, which has become a household name since the Duchess of Cambridge wore a number of pieces, including the sell-out Shola dress.

I must admit, though, that REISS is sadly a little out my price range, but it really is the perfect place to look if you want something a bit special, or are looking for some really killer staple pieces- trust me, their jackets are a real treat!

For SS13, though, REISS have kind of split their collections off in two. I'm sure you're all aware of the 1971 collection (check out their inspiration Tumblr here), which is a slightly younger, casual look with a more directional stance. The 1971 collection has a slightly lower pricepoint, but the quality is certainly not compromised (mint leather jacket: a case in point!) 

The 1971 collection is full of versatile pieces inspired by nonchalant West-Coast cool, airy, sporty pieces that can be dressed up or down with edgy details like clashing prints and beachy motifs. I felt it had echoes of Isabel Marant which is always a huge selling point in my book!

The mainline collection was slightly more sophisticated, but still highly trend led. My favourite pieces had to be the beautiful white pieces. White really is going to be huge for SS13, and what I loved about the REISS take on this trend was the array of beautiful textures, from a snake-textured dress to a soft edge-to-edge jacket with a feminine peplum waist (my favourite!) 

Anyway, I won't ramble on- I'm sure you can make up your own mind about the collection from my images above!

PS

Just because I love ya, I thought i'd let you know about a little competition REISS are running to win your wishlist! Check out the T's and C's here. 

all items from the REISS SS13 collection, all images my own, if you would like to use any images feel free to ask.

Weekend Temptation: Studded Flats

Want Some More Three Floor?

Arm Candy: Fiorelli and Modalu Event

The Modalu Pippa in Fuschia, Emerald and Shark and the adorable Mocca pouch/clutch in Fuschia

The spacious Fiorelli Sebastian

The Fiorelli Valentine 

The Modalu Pippa in nude croc

The Fiorelli Cecilia

Gorgeous Fiorelli iPad cases

The Modalu Tyler in Shark and mini Tyler in Nude

Last night saw the Handpicked Media and TLG Brands blogger event unveiling the latest handbags from Fiorelli, Modalu and Nica. The event offered some lovely refreshments and a great opportunity for some blog networking in the decadent Charlotte Street Hotel, but let us not forget the heavenly handbags.

You could be forgiven for overlooking brands like Fiorelli, but in recent years they have seen quite a revamp and the AW12/13 collections for Fiorelli and Modalu are more than a little bit gorgeous. Modalu are offering some stunning bags for next season including the Pippa and the Henley, both of which nod to Prada but at a more accessible price point (the delectable Pippa is £195). The bags are high quality so certainly worth an investment, and not everyone will have the same one which is always a plus! The Modalu collection is a celebration of quintessential British style and is timeless with a twist. The versatile Pippa bag- inspired by P.Middy- is a gorgeous shape, with three zips for practicality. It is available in autumnal shades of dove grey and tan, but also in gemstone shades of fuschia and jade. The jade Pippa was certainly my favourite bag on display- it looks very high end without breaking the bank.

Fiorelli has always been a rather expansive brand and they have thus decided to split the brand up into Fiorelli Established, Fiorelli London and Fiorelli. Firstly, Fiorelli Established is classic and timeless- think substantial but slick bowler bags, boxy totes and simple hobo shapes. The colour palette is perfect for AW- navy, teal and taupe shades are prevalent but pops of coral keep it fresh and on trend.

Fiorelli London is the fun, youthful brand featuring zingy neons and grafitti-esque prints. OTT glitter and python iPad and perforated fluoro zip clutches crop up for AW12/13- not really to my taste, but certainly great for someone who loves to stand out.

Finally, we have the Fiorelli brand itself. For AW12 it's all about texture. Think woven leather, python, leopard and patent. The colours in this range are delectable- glossy sapphire, emerald and pops of tomato red- a perfect way to liven up last Winter's coat. I also adored the tablet cases in sapphire python and leopard print- just gorgeous! Another fabulous thing about the Fiorelli collection is the size of the bags- I have never seen so many stylish weekender bags in one place. My pick from the Fiorelli collection, though, has to be the glossy rich blue bowling bag- the perfect investment piece.

Certainly a few collections to look forward to ladies!