Minted

Ooh, hello there sunshine, how we have missed you !

Today is the hottest day of the year thus far, so I thought i'd present to you a look based on the hottest colour of the season: aquamarine.

Or coolest, if you are being pernickety. 

Mint green is always a favourite of mine come the warmer months. It is a soft, pretty shade that works with all colours. I find it truly comes alive when paired with crisp white pieces and the softest golden tan.

For SS13, though, I am loving mint styled in a more directional, futuristic way as demonstrated above in a gorgeous spring-ready look that just exudes editorial cool. 

This is street-style snapper stuff, if you ask me.

1. These earrings from Whistles are a fabulous, space-age interpretation of classic costume jewellery. Such shapes are often associated with a certain Miss Butcher in Eastenders, but this new season version from Whistles (seriously hot at the moment) is a million miles away from Albert Square. In smoky pewter black, these slick earrings work wonderfully with this cool look. 

2. Here ye, here ye, I have a new obsession: Sophie Hulme handbags. Since laying my eyes on the marine clutch at the Atelier-To-Go blogger event at The Apartment during London Fashion Week, I have been a little bit smitten with these luxurious handbags. This simple black one with graphic hardware detail is a great investment for the new season, and it is such good value! You can buy them in Harvey Nichols among other stockists.

3. Ooh hello. I've been after this butter-soft icy leather jacket by Reiss 1971 since their press day and I am still doing all the chasing. I am seriously beginning to begrudge the fact that i'm just a poor little student, for I could give this jacket such a lovely home. I would take it everywhere... It would have such a good time (particularly with my new bone skinny jeans from Topshop - ice cream chic!)

4. Every time I get a little statement jewellery craving (which happens once a day, by the way) I head straight to the American e-boutique Bauble Bar. While I am not entirely sure whether they ship over here, I can but dream, and their collar necklaces make for the perfect addition to any outfit post. I adore this mint green offering interwoven with aqua suede and studded with punchy jade opaque crystals.

5. Another blog post, another item from The Kooples! This sculptural white miniskirt from my favourite Parisian label is a total summer must have. With an origami-esque fold at the front, this tapered white pelmet skirt has a distinctly futuristic look which would work wonderfully with a printed top and killer sandals.

6. Speaking of killer sandals, if you want a pair you should probably check out Australian shoe brand Senso. I found them, again, through Atelier-To-Go and I am absolutely in awe of their slick, contemporary designs. The SS12 collection is gorgeous, I particularly adore these SASHA II metallic marine sandals with a perspex heel and minimal strap detailing.

7. I'm not usually a fan of python print, but for this Proenza Schouler jersey top new in at Harvey Nichols, I shall make an exception. I adore this long sleeved, soft jersey top from the New York design duo, and doesn't it just look ssssssublime with the mint green?

LFW Dream Wardrobe #2

Another day closer to LFW, another day spent trawling the online stores dreaming of clothing and accessories that I can't actually afford. That is my life it seems, and as the LFW invites start to come in, I have been left with a maddening panic of OMIGOD-WHAT-AM-I-GOING-TO-WEAR-ALL-MY-CLOTHES-ARE-UGLY.

Today I let my gaze fall on this divine blue skirt from Whistles. It's just beautiful for Fashion Week flirtation, particularly with these killer Kurt Geiger ankle boots.

1. A silk t-shirt really is a bit of a contemporary classic, and those lovely folk at REISS have done this classic silk front tee in a number of summery shades for those of us who like to spend that little bit extra on timeless classics. This clean blue shade is bang on for SS13, but will also work just as well now with some skinny black leathers.

2. This accordion pleat 'Carrie' skirt from Whistles has become something of an icon ever since the fashion crowd went Carrie Crazy back when the first candy pink offering hit the stores. I love the muted, unusual petrol blue shade of this skirt which softly whispers summertime sweetness, while still maintaining just enough edge to work in the chillier months.

3. With such an understated and demure ensemble, the accessories really have to bring a little something extra to the picture, and this chain detail collar from Zara shall do just that. I love Zara's purse-friendly collections of bold, statement jewellery and this one is a slightly cleaner take on a collar necklace.

4. Excuse me while I compose myself. Following a big discussion with a friend at ATELIER-TO-GO HQ this morning about the demise of the Céline handbag (could this be another case of death by WAG?!) and the surge of other luxury brands in the handbag market, I felt it high time to reacquaint myself with Proenza Schouler. Then I found this navy offering and fell in love. The rest, they say, is history... Or bankruptcy, perhaps, for this little treasure costs a cool £1365.

5. Marry in the gloss of the necklace with this pack of three chunky ASOS chain bracelets in gold, brass and pewter. I am really into clashing metals at the moment (I know- fashion faux pas!) and this little set is a great way to ease in. Who wants to be boring and matchy-matchy all the time anyway?

6. Ankle boots are my favourite shoes, and this cream pair by Kurt Geiger London are my new season favourites. They would look incredible with the muted marine shades of this look, and I don't doubt for one second that these sweetly titled SODA boots are the perfect summer style.

LFW Dream Wardrobe #1

It's just a few days until London Fashion Week, so naturally i'm spending all my money and buying lots of silly bits and pieces that I don't need but want... Lots.

1. This Reiss lounge suit in the most divine shade of off-white is a demure look for taking you from day to evening. With a slick boat neck and elegant 3/4 sleeves, this is flattering and stylish and all it needs is a little spicing up with some killer accessories.

2. Leopard Print. Zara. Handbag. I'm sold. This new season leopard print number is a gorgeous little bag to add a touch of wild charm to your LFW look.

3. This raspberry ripple polish from Essie is a rich shade that complements every look. It even has a tasty name: Extoric Liras.

4. I love this bejewelled ASOS belt which as a distinct MAWI charm to it, but it is just £20. This would look yummy paired with this lovely slouchy jumpsuit.

5. My latest indulgence? These studded Zara kitten heels. YES. THEY ARE KITTEN HEELS OKAY. I feel awful to have bought kitten heels, a lifelong advocate of "go high or go home", but I really like these. They kind of remind me of the Valentino Rockstuds, and could that ever be a bad thing?! They are perfect for adding a little edge to soft cream pieces.

6. These River Island cuffs will add a futuristic look to any outfit, and I love the clean simplicity. They are only £8 each, so it's more than okay to buy both for that extra fashion-edge.

Get those flashbulbs flashing you fashion lot!

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. 

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.

Acid Yellow? Easy Peasy!

This 'Three Floor' dress is a gorgeous, fashion forward piece to invest in (£68 here). The cut looks very Victoria by Victoria Beckham-esque and the neoprene fabric is very flattering, the best part, however, is the gorgeous zingy colour- perfect for this unseasonably warm weather! 

It isn't the easiest colour to work, but I have shown four ways that you could style it, and hopefully one will suit you!

First up, we have the elegant take on the dress. Worn with a beautifully cut creamy blazer by Reiss, statement pewter jewellery by Mawi and Zoe & Morgan, slick luxurious heels by Kurt Geiger and a bargain clutch from Zara, the dress is pared down and sophisticated. Perfect for summer drinks or even work (if you work somewhere glamourous that is...)

Next we have the more youthful approach. Worn with converse, kooky sunglasses, amazing kitsch nail wraps and a nipped in denim jacket, the look is a fun take on the pretty dress. The AMAZING earrings (available online here) just finish it off perfectly. 

If you want to look seriously on trend, but not OTT, then pairing the neon dress with gorgeous snakeskin and enviable Zara heels is the way to go! Again, we have a beautiful piece of jewellery by Bauble Bar (buy here- I love it all!) to add a little bit of interest to the simple neckline, and neutral snake accessories and neutral nails to pare it down without looking boring.

Finally, you could go all out and channel ADR with a mixture of vivid neon shades! This little Moto biker is amazing and flattering and looks great with these accessories. The Kurt Geiger bracelets are beautiful and not at all garish, and look really cute with the novelty gummy bear ring (buy it here- so sweet!) and these layered pendants (find them online here- I love!). The Missguided boots that i'm in love with just finish the look off perfectly- prepare to be street style snapped!

Hope you like!