Dolly Mixture

Looks like Autumn/Winter is going to be rather sweet, ladies. I know my previous post was suitably sugary, but I felt I would attempt to perk up this sunny Monday with some lipstick pink pieces. 

1. Only recently did I realise how wonderful Net-A-Porter's online bookstore is. With everything from Rizzoli's Big Book of Chic through to this charming Camilla Morton fairytale book, this is a great stop for Christmas presents for those fashionable sorts who really do have everything. 

2. BaubleBar jewellery is a huge hit across the pond, and a regular fixture in Instagram's many #armparties. Sadly BaubleBar does not appear to ship to the UK, but we can still ogle at this beautiful costume jewellery. I love this candy pink bangle with glossy buckle detail. 

3. If you are on the hunt for a beautiful colourful coat that taps into this season's hottest colour trend, then look no further. This aptly named Dolly coat, coming soon to ASOS, is trend-led but wonderfully feminine and wearable. With a curved hem and collar, this candied coat really is all sweetness and light. It will be online next month for £85. 

4. Rebel rebel at heart? Spice up a saccharine sweet dress with this expletive ring by Jacquie Aiche at Austique. The New York jewellery designer is another Pinterest/Instagram favourite of mine, and these naughty but nice rings are sure to spark a few conversations. If anyone is appalled, tell them it clearly says "luck" and that they have a filthy mind. 

5. Ciaté polishes are always on the money, and this hot pink Raspberry Collins shade is the perfect way to nod to next season. From their latest Suncatcher collection, and named after an equally yummy cocktail, I love this candied shade on toes worn with fierce sandals like these. It's a cool £9 here. 

6. Prada Candy is my current fragrance of choice, for it smells like a sweet shop. Can't really get much better than that- it's good enough to eat and that 1960s inspired packaging is equally delicious. 

7. A sign of my maturity if ever there was one, I have now grown to love liquorice allsorts. Once repelled by the bitterness of liquorice, I now am more than partial to a coconut roll or ten. Thankfully, Mrs Kibbles offer these sweets individually, so we don't have to bother with the rest. Additionally, how on trend are these sweeties? Unlikely style icon, much. Buy 'em here. 

8. I do love a little bit of underwear-as-outerwear, and this neon pink triangle lace style by Topshop is made to be seen. Try under a sheer silk shirt, buttoned to the top. 

At First Blush

1. Fluffy Topshop Sweater here
2. Lola Rose Boutique ring from AW13 collection, £59, shop here
3. Zara Studio coat £179 here
4. Smythson notebook here
5. Topshop Limited Edition dress here

You don't need me to tell you that the colour of the season is powder pink. A million miles away from Summery sweetness, the Autumn/Winter collections, both high end and high street, propose a sophisticated take on the girlish hue. 

Be it Zara's ankle-length masculine coat in sugared almond or MGSM's rosy interpretation of the urban sweatshirt, there is something to suit every style. 

Take your cue from the wonderful Simone Rocha, who brought a new dimension to candied pinks with her fall collection. Balancing feminine princess coats and sculpted shift dresses with contemporary bed-head and mannish brogues, Simone's directional collection is arguably one of the most successful of the season. 

Steer clear of any Barbie comparisons by pairing oyster pink with red (see here) or teaming pastel hues with varying shades of grey. Add glossy metallic accents, such as the Zara brogues below, and some Hoxton Blush earrings by Bijoux Bazaar for a fresh look. 

For a blushing beauty update, look out for the latest limited edition fragrance by Jo Malone. Peony & Blush Suede, launching September 2nd, is a complex full floral with sparkling apple top notes and a unique suede base. Inspired by Cecil Beaton and the intricacies of haute couture, the scent is suitably refined, working in perfect harmony with this season's sweet colour story. 

1. MSGM floral sweater here
2. Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede cologne launching September
3. Topshop Pink Sunglasses here
4. Topshop pale pink satchel here
5. Bijoux Bazaar Hoxton Blush earrings £12 here
6. Zara metallic brogues £49.99 here

BEST OF THE REST: 

Le Flamboyance

Happy Sunny Sunday, all!

On a day like today, there is nothing more appropriate than some seriously pretty sandals, a floaty little sundress and copious amounts of ice-cream/frappuccinos/frozen-yogurt/Pimms (delete as appropriate).

If you are regular reader of my blog (hi Mum), then you will know that I am something of a girly girl with a penchant for all things glossy, pretty and cutesy. So, I am sure you can all imagine my elation on spotting these sweet Sophia Webster sandals on Never Underdressed.

I have been swooning over the bold, kitsch designs by Sophia Webster for a few seasons now, and these sandals (at Net-A-Porter) really embody the fun spirit of London's latest fashion force. 

With yellow and pink polka-dots on the cylindrical heel and cartoon flamingos kissing at the clear perspex peep-toes, these adorable shoes are like Mr Blobby meets Barbie, in the coolest way possible. 

Granted, they are not exactly a throwaway purchase at £315, but how could you ever be in a bad mood when wearing shoes that are so very jolly?

PS

FUN FACT TIME. A group of flamingos is called a flamboyance... Such divas. 

PPS

If this has whet your Sophia Webster appetite, check out these bad boys... More fabulous than a flamboyance. 

Good Enough To Eat

1. Rose pink push up  bra with silk - £17.50 here
2. Rose pink Brazilian knickers with lace trim - £9.50 here
3. Pistachio green silk push up with lace trim - £17.50 here
4. Pistachio green Brazilian knickers with silk- £9.50 here

Happy sweet Saturday all !

Following a little discussion with my super sweet chum Harriet (check out her website Discover + Escape here for some luxury lifestyle inspiration... If you feel like treating yourself) this morning, I thought I should share with you the finest underwear out there just now, from Marks and Spencer no less.

Popping along to the High Summer press day a few weeks ago (post here) I was blown away by the utter gorgeousness of a number of pieces, but being such a ridiculous girly girl I was drawn to the scrumptious silken lingerie from Limited Collection.

Though I am personally waiting with baited breath to buy the mint and cream version of the sets featured above (hopefully in store soon- somebody put some aside for little old me), these pretty pastel versions are a lovely Springtime treat to make your weekend that little bit special.

The minute I laid eyes on the pistachio offering I was reminded of those gilded Ladurée boxes containing artfully crafted, feather light macaroons in a rainbow of sorbet shades. This sweet set also brought to mind the beautiful Ladurée cafes that are dotted around London offering rosy teas and the finest Champagne cocktail money can buy- The Laduree (rose syrup topped up with rosé champagne.)

The shape is universally flattering and sure to make you feel that little bit prettier for any occasion. Nothing feels nicer than wearing lovely lingerie, and these adorable Limited Collection pieces are certainly topping my wishlist this season.

Jewels du Jour: John & Pearl

I am one of those people who will NEVER have enough jewellery. Despite having two jewellery stands, one of these (a gift from my lovely flatmates) and two vintage jewellery boxes, I still have statement necklaces hanging from doorknobs and bejewelled bangles stacked atop various notebooks.

Every time I "pop" into Topshop, H&M or Zara, my magpie gaze is drawn towards the current assortment of shiny pretty things and I tend to leave £20-£50 lighter. I am simply the sort to dream in Mawi, Shourouk and Dannijo... Oh, and Gosling, always Gosling.

Today as I did the press day rounds (with French Connection, ASOS and IPR posts coming very soon) I was truly blown away by the calibre of the jewellery on offer. Starting with show-stopping pieces at ASOS, emblazoned with gems and accented with shards of flouro perspex, and ending with some glittering investment pieces by Shourouk for Swarovski, today I was certainly in my element.

While i'm all for the bigger brands, I am always looking for exciting new jewellery designers to share, and i've got a good'un here.

I first noticed John & Pearl in the Ledbury Road boutique Wolf & Badger, and have since seen these poppy pieces stocked in a number of elite London boutiques, including the ever-lovely Austique. 

Launched in 2012 by designer Julie Hannay, John & Pearl's first collection "PIGMENT" certainly packs the punch that a debut should do, and I must admit that I am well and truly smitten with the entire collection. Unique, energetic and trend-led, John & Pearl comes in at a lower price-point than most designer jewellery labels, with all pieces sitting around the £100 mark. 

The debut collection, which is all available online here, is truly gorgeous. Offering fresh fluoro shades from violet through to aqua and cerise, the statement jewellery is crafted from tightly woven grosgrain and satin ribbon and glossy chain hardware. With a feminine but bold aesthetic, this is jewellery that adds a trend-led edge to an outfit without being over the top or even remotely garish. 

Standouts for me include the collar necklace marrying silver and gold, which is always a hit for me and the multicoloured spike necklaces which would look incredible with simple neutral pieces for a really fun take on the brights trend for the season ahead. 

I am confident you'll agree that this jewellery is bright, beautiful and worth every penny.  

1. A real favourite of mine, I actually first spotted this one at the phenomenal Urban Outfitters store in Marble Arch at the Beat magazine launch party. This Coco necklace would work with everything from simple blouses through to little dresses, and is available here for £99.

2. Beautifully bold, this mint version of the Lulu necklace is just delightful and would add a pop of colour to any look. It takes two meticulous hours to weave this necklace, and I love the futuristic look. It is £195 here.

3. I love this eye-catching Alyssa mint cuff with gold accenting, which is also available in a number of other colours and metals. The mint is gorgeous with the gold, but I adore the rose shade too. It is £99 here. 

1. The Fifi necklace is such a great price at £82, and this passion pink shade with gold accents would look just glorious with a tan. You can purchase it here.

2. These Lola earrings are just gorgeous to add a pop of colour to a simple halter neck white dress, like this delightful L'Agence number from Atelier-To-Go. These are £99 here and also come in white.

3. This lemon and pewter Alyssa cuff is a little bit more unique, but I love the combination of the light yellow with darker, edgier metal. It is £99 here. 

1. Another lovely piece, this Polly necklace combines a gold plated chain with wisteria blue grosgrain ribbon and white ribbon accenting. Bang on for the marine trend this season, I would wear with my statement monochrome floral jacket (the one i'm wearing here, if you're wondering) and super skinny J Brand white jeans (these are a firm favourite!) This one is £149, available here.

2. This Fifi necklace in mint and gold is just lovely. It is also £82 and is available here.

3. Interwoven with grosgrain ribbon and dotted with golden studs, this Susi bracelet comes in an assortment of colours and look amazing layered up with lots of other bold, punchy bracelets to add an acidic attitude to a simple neutral look. It is a great price also at £69 here. 

Pastel Sophistication

1. This Princess necklace by Mawi is a dream.
2. I love this Whistles creamy handbag - so chic.
3. This £10 Accessorize ring really does belie it's wonderful price tag.
4. I LOVE Zara's shoes at the moment and very nearly bought these block heel rose gold courts today.
5. It's nearly sold out online, but this pretty pink cami from Topshop is a steal at £18- a great summer essential.
6. The minute I tried these palazzo pants on, I fell in love. I can't quite bring myself to spend on a pair of white chiffon trousers that are so elegantly floor-sweeping... For they'll get filthy in NO time at all. But a girl can dream... And these are dreamy. 

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