M&S Autumn/Winter 2013

Good old Marks & Spencers, eh? While I will put my hands up and admit that I would happily live on Marks & Spencers ready meals and yummy lunches for the rest of my existence, this is supposed to be a fashion blog (in theory...) so I shall write about my other favourite F word here instead. 

I always get rather excited going to the M&S press days, especially since the last one was so gorgeous (see my post here) and their collection for AW13 certainly did not disappoint. 

With new Style Director, Belinda Earl, at the helm of the ultimate heritage Brit brand, M&S have really gone that one step further on the fashion front with a select few trend stories and some wonderfully crafted pieces which champion great British manufacturing, a focus for which M&S was once celebrated. 

The press day took place at the glorious One Marylebone, a spacious and stylish location which just exudes exclusivity. From the monochromatic banners outside the building through to the devilishly handsome waiters stood by the door a selection of suitably tempting tipples (don't mind if I do...), this felt like a thoroughly stylish affair from the offing. 

While M&S may not be an obvious choice for high fashion piece, sometimes it is good to look beyond the Zara/Topshop comfort zone and try something a little different. As far as quality, style and cut go, M&S is always a good bet...  

With a tailored edit of trends, this collection covers all bases from forties frivolity through to punchy punk and languid luxury. With killer coats, embellished dresses and grungy knitwear, there is a little something for every taste.

The accessories on display in the first room of the press day really were top drawer. Between you and I, if you were to tell me that the above earrings were actually by Shourouk, i'm almost certain I would believe you you.

All ready and raring for the party season, these dazzling earrings, bracelets and necklaces are sure to liven up an ailing jewellery drawer.

With jewellery covering all bases from punky bracelet stacks (or Arm Parties) through to statement emerald green collars, it really is all about the sparkle for M&S for AW13. They certainly know to appeal to my internal magpie...

If there is one standout fixture of the collection, though, it has to be leather. From stretch-back leather leggings in black and Oxblood, through to leather trimmed tuxes and cuffs, M&S have certainly got their leathers on for AW13.

With a slightly more "fashiony" (technical term) aesthetic, the punk inspired collection offered up an eclectic and so-wrong-it's-right clash of studs, leopard, tartan and lace.

Finding a gorgeous handbag on the high street that A) isn't from Zara and B) hasn't already been snapped up by all your friends is no mean feat, unless you know where to look.

I have long been a fan of M&S handbags, and I love this monochrome splatter clutch in on-trend ponyskin. It looks particularly chic with the marine boxy tote with golden detailing.

Suddenly that Céline isn't looking so appealing... Oh, who am I kidding. 

Androgyny is one of those trends that never seems to go away. It lies dormant for a few seasons with little resurgences here and there, before taking centre shade every now and again with some form of natty update.

M&S have launched a new initiative which goes back to the core values of the brand. The Best of British campaign offers some stylish and well-made tailored pieces which are all inspired by British heritage and, of course, are all made on these fine shores. 

This grey tweedy suit with pink pocket square perfect toes the line between dapper and darling. 

Sheer leopard print? Trust me on this one: it's so much better than it sounds. This strokeable tee blouse was in the punk section but I would be inclined to wear with white skinny jeans and lots of golden jewellery. It is sexy but still elegant with velvety leopard spots and a boxy tee style.  

The most "me" thing at the press day = this update on the classic creamy shirt. I adore the folksy, Babushka aesthetic that is kicking around for Winter, and i'll be more than a little bit tempted to snap up this number when it hits stores later this year. Paired with my favourite black skinny jeans and some towering wedges, this is a look that means business. This is potentially my favourite piece from the collection. 

Yes. I am predictable. What of it?

Very Christian Dior, this woolen fit and flare coat is so fabulously 1940s that it could almost pass for vintage. It is ladylike but foxy with a nipped in waist and full feminine skirt. 

Much more to my tastes on the coat front, though, is this cream cocoon style in wool. Cosy but still simple enough to remain versatile, this coat transcends trends for a worthwhile investment that is worth every last penny.

Keep your eyes peeled on the M&S site and in store, as the collection is in stores from July.

Stay tuned for a little lingerie-themed post from the press day and please do let me know what you think of the collection- it's always so nice to hear from you!

Let's Go Atelier-To-Go!

I can only apologise for the poor Instagram-quality shots- my DSLR didn't quite work with my dress. You can check out Atelier-To-Go on Instagram & Twitter at @ATELIER_TO_GO and see more shots from the party on my own personal account at @shonawallace (Instagram) or @SWfashion_ (Twitter) 

It really was a lovely, glamourous party at the Sanderson Hotel, as sponsored by Chambord 

That fashion lot sure know how to throw a party, and ATELIER-TO-GO's official launch this Thursday was very much  a case in point.

With the great and good of the fashion press in attendance, including the wonderful Atelier-To-Go contributors Stacey Duguid and Natalie Hartley, our official launch really was a terribly stylish affair.

We sipped Atelier Martinis, sweet with lychee and Chambord, and nibbled on scrumptious burger sliders and lobster and mango skewers while mingling around iPads showcasing the wonderful new Atelier site.

With some seriously well-dressed sorts, the stars of the show had to be our gorgeous models lounging around in infinitely glamourous gowns from L'Agence and Halston Heritage.

The lead-up to the Atelier-To-Go launch was extremely hectic, so I must apologise for a lack of posts these past few days, but I think that this amazing launch was more than worth it.

I wore this Topshop Petite ivory dress, which got a few lovely compliments over the course of the evening, with my new Zara jade shoes and some H&M jewellery. I then played dress-up with the irresistible Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC clutch in purple, which was showcased at the party, with a number of guests popping it on their wishlist.

My recently cropped hair was styled with Ojon hairspray, which smells divine, and a touch of my trusty MoroccanOil while my soft Spring tan (ahem- glow?) was down to the Elemental Herbology Sun Kiss body moisturiser which I would highly recommend for just a subtle touch of buildable sunshine. 

It was so lovely to catch up with a number of Atelier-To-Go's favourite bloggers and really relax with the team- I am so proud to be a part of Atelier-To-Go and I certainly think it was worth all the hard work. 

You simply must check out the new look Atelier-To-Go site here and if you like please feel free to follow us on Twitter, Instagram and like us on Facebook. 

PS

If you were at the event, I will already have shown you my little name-check in the latest Fashion Feature, but if you were lucky enough to escape my over-enthusiastic chatter, then please do have a look at my Spring Style picks here. 

Couture Kisses

Raf Simons' couture at Christian Dior 2013

It seems all rather fitting that the dreamy Haute Couture collections should fall in the bleak month of January. The ultimate in escapism, Haute Couture is the very definition of fashion as an art form. Meticulous embellishments, luxurious fabrics and artful crafting, each and every piece that makes its way down a couture catwalk is the result of blood, sweat and tears, but is always devastatingly beautiful and captivating. Fantastical at the very least.

I have spent my birthday today (yay!) swooning over these divine gowns from Chanel and Dior, waiting with baited breath for each couture collection that appears on Vogue.com. 

Couture dresses are so magical that they tempt me to track down a Russian business man and marry him with the sole intention of building up a walk-in wardrobe of haute hotness straight from the Paris ateliers. 

I do hope you ain't sayin' i'm a goldigga. 

Stunning images from the Christian Dior Haute Couture show in Paris (images from Catwalking)

The Dior collection was truly breathtaking. The meticulous work of Raf Simons (my favourite man, ever, with the possible exceptions of Eddie Redmayne and Ryan Gosling), this collection is uplifting with shades of yellow and pistachio, but ultimately timeless with nods to heritage touches from the House of Dior. Tres tres chic monsieur.

Fantastical pieces at the Chanel Haute Couture show in Paris (images from Catwalking)

While I was not exactly impressed with the Chanel RTW, the couture has won me back. A fashion fairytale with a touch of the macabre, Karl Lagerfeld's slightly sinister femininity is truly bewitching. The finale dress, as modelled by Cara Delevingne, is a particularly magical masterpiece. Kaiser Karl strikes again. 

Spring 2013: My Top Five

Firstly I want to apologise that my posts have been pretty seldom of late- I have only just got back to London and things have been rather hectic.

While the majority of stores are still full of sales tat (for, lets face it, the good stuff has gone), there are a few spring pieces filtering into stores and they are filling me with anticipation for the warmer months... I do wish that they would hurry up, though, the thought of more snowfall over London sends shivers down my spine.

Despite being unable to venture out the house without a minimum of five layers, I am striving to breathe a little sunshine into my look as soon as possible. To kick things off, I have started making a list of the pieces i'm absolutely dying to add to my wardrobe for the new season, and the designer shows that have inspired me most. So, I just thought i'd share with you my top five SS13 collections that I shall be channelling at every available opportunity. 

Well, as soon as I regain the feeling in my hands, that is. I can only imagine how many of my potential fashion week looks will be ruined by my mittens. 

With his final collection for Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquiere pulled out every last stop and his show was the finest of the season in my view. With statement monochrome flamenco skirts seductively split to the thigh and paired with boxy crop tops, the aesthetic was modern and exciting, while still remaining wearable. Shades of lemon yellow and powder blue were infiltrated into the largely monochromatic collection for a refreshing sophistication, while the sharp tailoring and unique prints maintained the directional quality that makes Balenciaga such an influential fashion house today. Just next month all eyes will be on Alexander Wang as he makes his debut at the Parisian house, but I shall still be swooning over these sleeveless blazers and adopting this bold mini-skirt and pastel top combo at any opportunity.
  

It's no secret that geometric prints are absolutely HUGE for 2013, but this collection by Aquilano Rimondi has confirmed what we all already knew deep down: geometric prints are miles cooler than the ditsy florals we continually wear in summer. All change? Yes please! The Italian design duo Aquilano Rimondi put on quite a show in Milan with these wonderfully sculptural dresses in jewel tones offset with bold black and white. With harlequin prints, origami-esque folds and flattering shapes, these little dresses are high fashion but still wholly wearable... Not to mention a gazillion times cooler than that silly old LBD. I shall be channelling this look by saving up for something from Paper London- one of the hottest boutique brands du jour. 

SS13 was all about controversy, but let us push that all to one side and appreciated the total, devastating gorgeousness that is Raf Simons' debut at Christian Dior. While the house of Dior may have had something of a rocky ride since the demise of Galliano, with Simons at the helm it looks like things are certainly looking up for the Parisian powerhouse. The collection is, clearly, superlative. Not too pretty, not too avant-garde and not too stuffy, this is Dior re-imagined by one of the industry's most talented young creatives, and it's good. In particular I have fallen for the pieces that seamlessly marry black and navy and this bold coral dress that really does set my heart all a-flutter.

From Raf Simons' modern interpretation of classicism at Dior we turn to the elegant re-imagining of grunge as executed at Dries Van Noten. From checked shirts to fragile slip dresses, this entire collection exudes the vulnerability and nonchalance that had a generation of teens gripped to the turbulent romance of Kurt and Courtney. Every little detail was bang-on, from the rootsy, choppy blunt bobs through to the dark sunglasses. There was not even a hint of novelty to this collection, which was a huge success among the fashion editors, unsurprisingly. It all sounds so wrong, but looks so right. I love the silken take on the iconic plaid shirt, especially when paired with a dark floral skirt and pointed printed pumps. This blend of elegant luxury and gritty grunge feels extremely fresh. 

If you thought Victoria Beckham had not earned her place on the fashion week schedule, then please do think again, for her SS13 collection is just divine. A core collection of beautifully made and tailored pieces, each and every garment is cut to flatter the female silhouette and does so with such finesse. The minimalistic attributes of this collection are immediately apparent with those trademark slick shapes and a particularly bold colour palette of nude, vibrant orange, black and white. The clinical aesthetic was given new life in a flirtation with sports-luxe, but the overall effect was simply alluring.

ALL IMAGES FROM CATWALKING

If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them!

All Images from Catwalking

From L - R : Zoe Jordan S/S13, Helmut Lang S/S13, Victoria by Victoria Beckham S/S 13, Elie Saab S/S13, Oscar De La Renta S/S13, Ashley Isham S/S13

The January Blues, that is!

I have always thought myself immune from the January Blues, primarily because my birthday falls in just a couple of weeks. However, this year I felt what can only be described as post party depression, somewhat akin to what I had after Zante... Surely there is some sort of charity for this? (I jest)

I'm sure i'm not alone in feeling this, but I think i've got a cure: a new SS13 inspired wardrobe.

Post sales-chaos, why not treat yourself to a couple of lovely pieces in the most covetable shades of the coming season: marines fit for a mermaid. 

How very apt- if you can't beat the January Blues, join 'em with some cool, crisp pieces that look ever so chic.

1. This gorgeous dusty blue coat is a steal at Reiss- reduced to just £73

2. These Kenneth Jay Lane earrings are so unbelievably glamourous- and a perfect way to marry marine shades together £240

3. These suede navy ankle boots from Whistles are my new favourite pair- such a gorgeous colour and such a wearable shape. Work these in s/s13 with super-skinny grey denim and a crisp white shirt.

4. This dress from The Outnet by Aminika Wilmont is a great buy at £212.50 - so Peter Pilotto and extremely flattering and sexy.

5. Ooh this Acne sweater from the Net-A-Porter sale (£96) is a gorgeous hit of aquamarine- amazing with skinny white jeans.

6. This Nelly ring is a fabulous £6.95 yet looks deceptively YSL (or SLP? Doesn't sounds right...) A gorgeous cocktail ring for the new season.

7. If you love me, you'll buy me a Celine handbag... It really is a simple as that. I currently have my eye on a slate blue Luggage hold-all at £2050... I can but dream.

8. This Dannijo necklace from Kabiri is a pretty grecian statement piece to pair with a little navy dress for a new season lift. Or try with a light grey Zoe Karssen tee (check the Harvey Nicks sale) for a really cool look.

9. I can't believe these gorgeous cobalt heels are just £60 from Topshop - they look seriously high end. I would love to rock these with a little printed minidress for swinging spring look with a modern touch.

10. Behold, yet another ridiculously fabulous Mulberry. This time the mini-Alexa has made an entrance in this sultry, dusty slate blue with silver hardware. So cool that it's hot! 

Crazy for Cara

All images found through THIS Pinterest board- where you can find the original source of each image. 

Now there's a phrase we haven't heard for a while: the 'it' girl. 

She used to be everywhere, more often than not taking the form of a Tatler-ready socialite, longing to sink her claws into Prince Harry. Of course, the 'it' girl had a limited shelf life, partying as much as humanly possible and spending ludicrous amounts of money before collapsing in a self-pitying heap as the gossip magazines fixated their gaze on someone prettier, someone younger, someone 'it'-er.

However, one really must question this term, for I fear it has become misinterpreted. In gossip magazines, for example, the term 'it' girl used to be thrown around to describe everyone from Big Brother rejects through to girls famous solely for their bedroom antics and posing in their scanties. 

I feel it should mean something more, for it could be the perfect term to describe the select few women who have gone beyond successful in their field, who have gone beyond famous, who have gone beyond iconic. Women with what is widely known as the x factor or, in fashion, the 'it' factor.

I can count such women on one hand. Undoubtedly, Edie Sedgwick is one, Kate Moss an other, and 2012 has brought us a new, exemplary addition to the list of genuine 'it' girls- a little Miss Cara Delevingne.

Don't know if you've heard the name?

Now, we shant pretend for one second that Cara Delevingne is just your average girl. There is no denying that the divine Delevingne sisters are from a rather well-to-do family, spending their teenage years partying with the elite while us mere mortals were getting tiddly on WKD dancing to Cascada and other such Europop. She has had a rather more privileged upbringing, but that has very little significance in the grand scheme of Cara's unfathomable success. 

Of course, there is another little advantage on Cara's part: the looks. She certainly has all the essentials for a top model du jour- the stature, the enviably endless legs, the wide innocent eyes and the sultry pouty lips. She has the big hair, the razor-sharp cheekbones, and, most importantly the worlds most incredible unruly eyebrows. In essence: she has the face that launched a thousand hate-tweets from One Direction fans when Harry Styles fell under her spell.

Oh, and at just twenty years of age Cara has already fronted campaigns for Chanel, Zara and Burberry, her most recent being a fabulously 90s DKNY campaign shot by Patrick Demarchelier (check it here). She has strutted her flawless stuff for Oscar de la Renta, Jason Wu and Stella McCartney and was recently ranked 25th on Models.com's top 50 Fashion models. Oh, and she has also walked for Victoria's Secret, an accolade that a select few catwalk models can boast.

Still, in this day and age, fashion models really are ten-a-penny. There are so many stunning young women who the fashion industry have grown to adore, but there is no denying that Cara has something more. With over 265,000 followers on Twitter, Miss Delevingne is a part of a new breed of supermodels. This lovely English girl is so much more than a coat-hanger who just so happens to look incredible in everything from trench coats to frothy couture, Cara is a personality in herself and also has bucket-loads of likeability. After all, what other model has fans (The Delevingner's) setting up a number of dedicated Twitter accounts, including Cara's Boobs, Cara's Chin and Cara's Thigh-Gap? It's safe to say that this little lady, who can count Rita Ora and Georgia May Jagger among her chums, is the face of 2012, and it looks like 2013 is certain to make Cara's star shine that little bit brighter.

Though a fabulously successful model in her own right, a little flick through the latest edition of Style.Com Print reveals that no one is more surprised by this rapid rise to recognition than the girl herself. She is charmingly unfazed by her success, and is not content with conquering the fashion industry, setting her sights on Hollywood. With a little cameo in Anna Karenina, it is little surprise that Cara is destined for so much more than catwalks and cover-shoots. 

  Alas, we are all are smitten, for Cara puts the fun back in fashion. Crossed-eyes and warped pouts are not often commonplace backstage, but as soon as Miss Delevingne is in the house, it's silly faces and smiles all round. At last, a fashionable figure who does not take herself stupidly seriously- a breath of fresh air. (Take a look at her Tumblr account, a case in point.)

So she's beautiful, she has a relaxed style which saw her take fifth place in Grazia's Best Dressed List of 2012, she is successful, funny, friendly and a huge hit in fashion circles. With all this in consideration, we really should give in to jealousy and despise this lucky devil, but we certainly do not. Why, most of us love her, and a number of tweets have confirmed that, indeed, we sort of want to be her.

How so? Well, Cara is terribly chic, but she's also ALMOST normal. She just seems like a girl having the time of her life, spending Christmas in her tiger print onesie, eating the odd McDonalds, and this is what we have grown to love about her. She's ever so slightly goofy, aptly described by Ruby Warrington as a beautiful gollum, but she's also ridiculously cool. 

Roll on 2013, Cara's big year, I don't doubt, and long live Miss Delevingne's unique brand of fashionable fun.

Sale Buys: Saint

1. Equipment Blouse from Net-A-Porter NOW £132
2. Camel Coat from The Kooples NOW £210
3. Black Blazer from The Kooples NOW £238
4. Black Pumps with gold detail at ASOS NOW £15
5. Mimi Holliday Bisou Bisou lingerie set at Harrods NOW £27.95 (bra) £19.95 (thong) 6. Mulberry Hetty Shoulder Clutch  NOW £357
7. Cream and Black Satin Jumpsuit from Mason by Michelle Mason at Net-A-Porter NOW £246
8. Tan Ankle Boots by Zara NOW £39.99

As far as i'm concerned, the sales are always a mixed bag. An array of ever so slightly tatty pieces, rubbing shoulders with some true gems.

It's easy to get carried away in the sales but if you really consider each purchase, it shouldn't be all too stressful for either you, or your bank balance.

If i'm honest, I find that there are two types of sale shopper: the saint, and the sinner. 

Although the name suggests that the saint is the good shopper and the sinner the bad, this is not necessarily the case. 

The saint is the sensible shopper, the one who buys pieces with longevity, classic items that are unlikely to date. I fall into this category- I know what I like, and I stick to that when it comes to sale shopping.

The sinner is the one who simply can't resist indulging in pretty, opulent pieces. Shimmering little dresses, beautiful luxurious lingerie and party shoes that pack a punch. They aren't going to spend more, but they are all about treating themselves. 

Here are my saintly picks from the lovely jubbly sales- the timeless picks that will see you through season by season.

1. Wild little Zara leopard print slippers NOW £39.99
2. Cindy peplum dress by Boutique at Jaeger NOW £99
3. Mon Cheri t-shirt at River Island NOW £7
4. Sandro Shift dress at Net-A-Porter (high up on my list!) NOW £100
5. JW Anderson for Topshop v-neck sweater NOW £25
6. Kurt Geiger Heels NOW £109
7. By Malene Birger White Tux at My-Wardrobe NOW £171

Disguise Mince Pie Thighs!

If you can't overindulge at Christmas, when can you?

I must put my hands up and say that I have actually not eaten many mince pies this year- two mini ones to be precise- but I do feel like I am about to gain a stone in Christmas weight... I mainly blame the Champagne cocktails and mum's irresistible Christmas cake and trifle.

Christmas is a very tricky time for those who are struggling with weight, but i'm trying my best to cope! However, if worst comes to worst, I will just gain that almost inevitable seasonal weight and then have to detox- green tea in one hand, gym pass in the other.

In the mean time, though, I bring you some lovely wintry outfits that conceal a multitude of festive foodie sins. 

Nothing beats an oversized jumper with some slim fit jeans and a brilliant pair of ankle boots... It's universally flattering and makes you look every bit as slim as you are in your summertime prime.

It's not time to detox, yet, so let's enjoy the party season while we can.

Pass me the Elderflower Edinburgh gin!

1. Dark Wash Jeggings from Abercrombie and Fitch- the ultimate jeans. I'll have a pair in every colour, please? (£68)
2. This Jack Wills jumper (£69.50) is so wonderfully snug and, when worn oversized and slouchy, this is the perfect way to hide a less-than-washboard stomach (who, moi?)
3. The best way to spend Boxing Day? Hidden away under lots of layers watching Love Actually and eating Quality Streets. This super soft faux-fur gilet from Topshop is super toasty and rather forgiving (£55)
4. Let's talk diversion tactics! This studded leopard print bowling bag from Zara (£49.99) is at the top of my post-Christmas wishlist, and with rather good reason. Such a bold, stylish bag will distract from the pre-detox pounds.
5. MUST. STAY. ALWAY. FROM. THE. KOOPLES. SALE. Please, someone, stop me from buying these tidy little ankle boots. They are reduced to £185 in the sale.  

1. These slouchy ripped boyfriend jeans from Moto at Topshop (the Lacey jeans- £40) are ultra forgiving and the perfect way to disguise mince pie thighs! I'll take a couple of pairs...
2. Slip on a cosy cardigan (River Island, £40) and cocoon yourself in the knowledge that you've got a good few months before bikini season...
* shudder *
3. Where have all the good men gone?.. Need a post Christmas hero that isn't of the Cadbury's variety, well you aren't alone. Send out a message loud and clear with this ultra cool beaded t-shirt from Markus Lupfer (£140)
4. These are biker boots and then some. Balance out the soft pieces with these edgy studded Zara boots (£129)
5. Got a few spare Christmas pennies going?.. Indulge in some new season Mulberry like this glossy Cecily tote (£1100) which adds a polished finish to any outfit... It would also act as a marvellous diversion from my Champagne-enduced bloat (yes, i'm pretty much Bridget Jones)

1. Another sale hit from The Kooples, I adore this slick Oxblood woolen cape. It will certainly hide a multitude of sins! £220.50 on sale- i'll be keeping my eyes peeled for further reductions.
2. Nothing beats a simple cream knit, i'd buy this one several sizes too big. It's £35 from Miss Selfridge.
3. My favourite high street jeans are the super-skinny stretchy Leigh jeans from Topshop. This simple dark denim pair is super slimming and just £38.
3. Ooh la la, did someone say Mulberry? Well, they were wrong. This warm tan handbag with gleaming gold hardware is a snip at £70 from ASOS. Yum.
5. Ankle boots are my one true love, and these new season burgundy buckle boots from Office are a new favourite of mine. The stacked heel lengthens legs while the cut out detail makes them a great partner to flirty minis come spring! (£85)
6. Alex Monroe jewellery is the cutest, and this fox charm bracelet is delicate and sure to attract many an admiring glance. (£135)

1. Alas, yet another pair of killer skinny jeans, this time from Hollister. These have a perfect stretch and the dark wash is slimming. I find they make my bum look a million times better as well, at £40 they are certainly cheaper than a trip to Harley Street!
2. This cutesy Wildfox sweater, embroidered with "I'll Keep You Warm" in shimmery bronze sequins will cover you up without looking even remotely boring. I absolutely love this sweater (£150)
3. I have two faux-fur scarves from Zara that I wear religiously, primarily because they are super cosy and also very forgiving when i'm feeling a little less than body confident. Though my lovely fur stoles have sold out, this cool snood from Topshop is silky soft and a lovely toffee hue (£25)
4. Another day, another ankle boot. These buckled Topshop black booties have a chunky heel which balances out slightly shapely legs. (£110)
5. Et Voila! You could balloon up ten dress sizes and it still wouldn't matter with a Celine Luggage Mini on your arm. I don't even know how much this Cream Python offering is- I don't doubt that it is too much for me to even comprehend- but I love it, and always shall.  

Dapper Darlings

1. Slick Black Jacket from The Kooples £340
2. Chain and Bead Clutch from Zara £49.99
3. Sequin Skinny Trousers from Reiss £99
4. Céline tee from Farfetch- currently sold out, but if you're desperate, check THIS out.
5. Stunning chain detail heels from Zara £69.99

I know that the party season is not the easiest time when it comes to fashion- so many parties/events, such little time ! It's a hard life, isn't it?

Anyway, I thought i'd put together a few little posts about some killer evening looks with a little bit of a difference. First up, we have something for the more sophisticated sort.

If you're bored of the old LBD, then a two piece suit could be just the thing for you.

1. Blazer from River Island £40
2. Glitter Heels from Topshop £50
3. Grey Wide Leg Trousers from Reiss £125
4. Cocktail Ring from Accessorize £12
5. Embellished Clutch bag from Topshop £70
6. Delicate embellished top from Miss Selfridge £45

 It doesn't need to be a black tux with a classic white blouse, though, this season ever brand from The Kooples through to River Island have come up with a more party-ready take on this classic look.

Whether you decide to add a touch of glamour with sequinned trousers, or keep it understated with a muted dove grey palette, the suit is always a sexy alternative to a little dress!

1. Multi-Row Cross Pendants from River Island £12
2. Topshop Bralet £32
3. Metallic Bronze Blazer from The Kooples £350
4. Matching Bronze Shorts from The Kooples £150
5. Black Velvet Wedges by Kurt Geiger £220
6. Lovely Stud Detail Clutch by Missguided £22.99

Add a few sparkly accessories and sophisticated shoes to add a feminine touch to a sharp tailored suit. And if you really can't bare to cover up head-to-toe, then try a short suit.

The Kooples have such wonderful tailoring season by season, and for the party season they really have pulled out all the stops with this metallic shorts suit- a real favourite with fashion bloggers and celebrities alike.   

1. Tweed Blazer from Topshop £68
2. Young Hearts Run Free t-shirt by Wildfox £70
3. Tweed Trousers from Topshop £40
4. Gorgeous grey pouch bag from Whistles £55 (great price)
5. Beautiful Violet Heels from Zara £39.99
6. Collar Necklace by Dannijo $445
7. Revlon Nails in Plum Seduction (at Boots) £6.99

Finally, to stop a simple grey or black suit veering into office territory, keep it bright and bold with colour pop accessories and kitsch touches, like a cute Wildfox tee or Markus Lupfer knit.

Ultimately, a suit is smart, clean and sure to make you stand out from the hoards of girls in cutaway body-con dresses. 

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.