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. 

Jumpsuited and Booted

1. Watch at River Island on ASOS £20
2. Gorgeous studded collar by Zara £19.95
3. Flame Alexa Handbag (so, so, so painfully beautiful) £2500
4. Leopard and stud heels £49.99
5. Black and White Tailored Jumpsuit with sexy slit back from Topshop £60

Yes, it's official, basically every necklace on the blog is from Zara, but they are sooo pretty and such good value!

Anyhow, onwards we go, and I just had to share with you all my latest purchase- this incredibly chic and versatile jumpsuit from Topshop. It fits like an absolute dream, is so comfortable and you can dress it up or down (which is my catchphrase, by the way)

It is the perfect blank canvas for seriously killer accessories like the ones I have featured in this edit- ie this delicious Mulberry handbag and these vicious Zara heels that are just the right side of tacky... Gotta love a bit of leopard print.

Baby, You're A Firework

1. Necklace by ASOS £40
2.Tinsel tassel dress by Topshop £60
3. Black Earrings by River Island £12
4. Tailored black jacket at The Kooples £340
5. Gem clutch at Accessorize £45
6. AH-mazing Topshop wedges at £65

Okay, i'm a magpie, and therefore these Topshop wedges may- just may- have set my little heart all a-flutter.

So, while tomorrow night may be bonfire night, set a few sparks flying yourself by shimmying into this little tinsel dress. Sparkly accessories are an absolute must. 

Far safer than a Catherine wheel as well! 

Fashion Week Fantasy #1

1. Zara Handbag £49.99
2. Ashish Topshop T-Shirt £40
3. River Island Pencil Skirt £22
4. ASOS Rings £8
5. Louise Gray Topshop Nail Polish in Junk Yard £6.50
6. Zara Belt £19.99
7. Zara Heels £39.99

* HIGH PITCHED SQUEAL *

London Fashion Week is so totes around the corner. Just over 15 days until the fashion crowd descend on Somerset House and a number of other fashion-fabulous venues to view next season's most delightful collections!

This is the first of a few posts I shall be doing with outfits that I wish I could afford to splurge on for fashion week. I realise that they are all high street, but I am a poor student and can not afford to splash the cash on an entire new wardrobe just for fashion week. Though I certainly wish I could do so. 

My first look is a kooky take on a classically sexy look as often sported by the impossibly hot Carine Roitfeld. Adding this Ashish Topshop t-shirt and these vivid purple heels (in a shade very close to Atelier-To-Go's signature colour!) gives this simple look a modern edge and the bold accessories keep it fresh for the ever eccentric London Fashion Week!

I adore this Zara handbag as well, it is the perfect size to fit your camera, your iPad, your notebook and that all-important lippy for those impromptu street-style snaps!

What is your perfect fashion week look?

Pin It!

This week, as my deadlines are ALMOST out the way, I decided to turn my hand to Pinterest (bare with- i'm not exactly accomplished just yet!)

I'm not sure what direction to take my Pinterest in just yet, so at the moment it is a bit of a muddle, but i've done a lovely little moodboard using pieces from the new M&S Limited Collection (follow M&S on Pinterest HERE)

I decided i'd cherry pick a selection from their own board and put together a gorgeous summer look. I chose a dress and styled it to look elegant but still a little edgy. The pretty apricot dress is versatile- a chiffon shift with asymmetric detail- which I decided to play down with nude and gold accessories, with a splash of aqua for a cheerful summer touch.  I feel the look is perfect for a summer wedding, an event that is always tricky to dress for.

Pair with a golden tan, loose sunkissed waves and a pretty printed clutch bag to add another dimension to the look. 

A little Olivia Palermo, a little Kate Middleton and all from your local M&S!