NYE Knockout

1. Whistles Rivington Pouch, £85.00 here
2. River Island 70s chiffon jumpsuit, £60.00 here
3. Jimmy Choo Andie sunglasses, £279.00 here
4. Tom Ford Lips & Boys lipstick in Austin, £27.00 here
5. River Island tassel earrings, £10.00, sold out in black, but available in red here
6. New Look black textured faux fur jacket, £49.00 here
7. Topshop dreamy chain-embellished sandals, £68.00 here

Nobody wants a normcore NYE outfit. Nobody I know, at least. NYE is all about pulling out all the stops, looking flawless and drinking way too much Champagne/Prosecco/Cava/ English sparkling (delete as appropriate). Start as you mean to continue, they say.

This year, the best bet is to take your cue from Studio 54. Jumpsuits slit to the navel, backless lamé halternecks and a hella lot of sequins – whatever your plans, the dress code has to be pure, unadulterated glamour. We're talking Hot Stuff, baby, and River Island's daring, peek-a-boo chiffon jumpsuit is just the ticket.

Go all-out on the styling front with Topshop's too-fabulous-for-words sandals – decked out with chains to shimmer as you shimmy – New Look's fluffy evening jacket and Jimmy Choo's divine Andie sunglasses – trust me, the minute you try them on you'll be smitten.

Finish with a touch of Tom Ford Lips & Boys lipstick. This shade, Austin, is the perfect rose-tinted neutral to offset a sapphire smokey eye, plus it's perfectly proportioned to pop in your Whistles leopard-print clutch.

Now all that's left to do is shake your groove thang.

Introducing the Bike-sea Boot

There are countless reasons why I am so fond of fashion. Within the top fifty, though, is the fashion folks' penchant for inventing bonkers new words to be used in a sartorial context. I say inventing, but usually these words are simple hybrids- the been-and-gone Jegging is a prime example, as is the ultra cosy Coatigan. 

"I love your top Shona!"

"Oh, you mean my blirt?"

As of yet, nobody has penned the Chic-tionary- to be frank, ain't nobody got time for that. But if you keep your finger on the pulse in reading your dailies, weeklies and monthlies, you should be well on your way to fluency in fashion.

This season I have decided to coin my own term so as to describe my chosen boot style. Behold, readers, the mighty Bike-sea.

At the AW13 press days I fell massively for all the biker boots on display- universally chunky and subtly punky.

However, when I began browsing the stores in pursuit of an everyday style, I felt a touch intimidated by these badass bikers. I like to think my style is quite feminine and elegant. Biker boots are not. If I were a boot I'd be the safe and simple Chelsea boot, not a Doc Marten. 

Also, lest we forget, biker boots are far from flattering. They are all well and good if you are Freja Beha Erichsen, but if you have even a slight curve to your leg, you must be wary. 

The Bike-sea boot is a reassuring alternative. Cut to the ankle, the Bike-sea features a chunky, practical sole alongside classic biker detailing. It is stompy and contemporary, but still forgiving, falling just on the right side of edgy. 

My pick is the Kurt Geiger Saturn, which is currently topping my new-season shopping list. Short enough to work with dresses but substantial enough to see me through Scottish snow, these are ticking all the boxes. 

Here are the best of the rest. 

1. Carvela by Kurt Geiger SATURN Boots - £160 here

2. Jimmy Choo YOUTH Boots at Net-A-Porter - £595 here

3. River Island Gold Detail Biker Boots - £45 here

4. Zara Cut-Out Bikers - £89.99 here

SHOP SIMILAR: 

Oh Boy! Eudon Choi for River Island

Nothing strikes fear into the heart of my bank account quite like the news of a designer/high street collaboration. 

Designer pieces on ze cheap? Yes please, I'll have some of that. 

While I am all for the big-name brands, one high street brand which does wonderful things for emerging British designers is River Island. With their Design Forum project, the iconic high street chain aims to nurture young design talent, allowing them to break into the mainstream with an accessible capsule collection on sale nationwide.

For AW13, River Island have scored serious fashion points in cherry-picking Eudon Choi as their latest guest designer. 

One of London's leading young creatives, Korean-born Eudon is best known for his artfully crafted coats and expertly themed RTW collections. For Autumn/Winter his show was a resounding hit with the fashion crowd; his Russian-inspired collection both wearable and feminine, while remaining suitably directional.

Style.com images- Eudon Choi AW (see more here)

With a background in menswear design, Eudon Choi brings together masculine tailoring with elegant detailing and forgiving cuts. And it really is little wonder that his covetable coats have been a particular hit with the sartorially savvy.

Precise and luxurious; I am keen to see how Eudon Choi's distinctive aesthetic will translate into a high street collection. River Island today revealed that the range will focus on Eudon Choi's design principles, fusing them with the wearability so valued by the River Island customer. 

But will the magic be lost? I much doubt it, but we shall have to wait until September to make a judgment on that. 

Style.com images- Eudon Choi AW (see more here)

What a day for a Bright Wedding

From tasteful tea parties through to sun drenched days at the beach, Summer throws up all sorts of delights particularly in a sartorial sense.

However, as far as occasionwear goes, things aren't always as simple as throwing on a silky slip dress and chunky wooden wedges, and this certainly will not suffice for a sunny day wedding.

The trickiest of Summertime soirees by a country mile, choosing a suitable outfit as a wedding guest is never easy. The best way to go about it, though, is to find a dazzling but demure dress that you can really personalise with accessories to make it your own. 

Opt for a subtle neutral shade that will carry you through the wedding season and an elegant and ethereal style that will befit the occasion.

Then really go to town on the accessories... I like this unexpected flash of neon.

1. I am a statement necklace fiend and this new one from Freedom at Topshop has just made it on to my must-have list for Summer. Paired with this blush shade it certainly provides a punchy pop of colour. It is £30 here. 

2. This wrap dress from Topshop is available in a selection of washed pastel shades and makes for a fabulous Summer party staple. An elegant length with a balletic swishy skirt and flattering pleat detail at the waist- this dress is fantastic for showing off your figure while still leaving plenty to the imagination. The best part? It is only £65 here. 

3. Accessorize have really crept up my high street radar of late. With directional perspex clutches, Shourouk-esque fluoro jewellery and trinkety treasures, it is little wonder that Accessorize have got me questioning my infatuation with the one and only Zara *. This vibrant coral lace detail box clutch is a punchy alternative to the classic neutrals and metallics that are often common place at weddings. It is limited edition so do get your skates on ladies- it is £35 here.  

4. Finding striking shoes on the high street is not always easy, but these vivid lime heels from River Island are striking to say the very least. A slick sandal complete with pretty laser cut detailing, I love the juxtaposition between this ethereal dress and the fierce fluoro heels. They are £65 here. 

5. Topshop nail polishes are always the most deliciously tempting colours and this zingy Venus Fly Trap number is just divine for Summer.  A snip at £5 here, it'd be rude not to, non?

6. Something a little brighter, this glorious neon Bottle Service shade from Essie is sure to put a smile on your face. 

7. Yet another sweetie, this Nails Inc limited edition Summer shade is as yummy as the ice cream sundae on the glossy bottletop. Chelsea Physic Garden is a pastel blue that is sure to compliment sun-kissed Summer skin.

8. You are probably wondering why I featured three nail polishes, but I promise I've not completely lost my marbles. When I spotted these Topshop nail art brushes (£10 for the set here), I knew I had to share them with you guys. Nail art can look so amazing, particularly in these juicy Summer shades. If you need some inspiration, check out my post here or Mara Hoffman's little competition here. 

* I still love you Zara... I think we need some time apart. It's not you, it's me... And my bank balance.

Dungarees, Darling

Granted, they are not to everyone's taste, but dungarees really are back in fashion.

Hey, 90s, i've missed you!

While there are some really hot overalls around ranging from simple boyfriend vintage washes at Mango through to mini denim dunga-dresses (yup- let's coin that phrase) at Urban Outfitters (I love!) and smart black pinafores at Zara, but my favourites have to be the chic all-black dungarees, particularly these ones from River Island.

I first spotted these in The Sunday Times Style a few weeks ago, as worn by a member of their ridiculously stylish staff, and I kind of fell in love and felt this overwhelming urge to shun my shopping ban (i'm not allowing myself to buy any more clothes until i've returned to a healthy weight) and buy, buy, buy.

I have a pretty exciting placement coming up next term, and I really do think that this natty little ensemble would go down a treat. Bright, bold and flattering: what more could you ask for?

1. I've been obsessed with Sophie Hulme handbags since the Atelier-To-Go dress up event during London Fashion Week, where we had this bright blue number from London boutique Austique. I have been lusting after these wonderfully stylish and simple handbags for a good while now and this bright orange one is certainly a favourite for S/S13. Tangerine is arguably the hottest hue of the season and this uplifting bag offer just a touch of citrus sweetness to every look. The best thing about Sophie Hulme bags is their accessible price-point and this beauty is just £410.

2. Finding truly wonderful, unique shoes that don't break the bank is no mean feat, but Kat Maconie heels have been at the top of my lust-list for a few seasons now (check out my post on them a while back, here). For S/S13, there are some strikingly modern block-heel styles available online, but my favourites have to be these silk printed Abigal t-bar platform heels which are just £230. In an artful print marrying shades of lemon, orange and hot pink, these are certainly a worthwhile investment. While, sadly, they are sold out, it is certainly worth getting in contact with their customer services to see if more shall be coming back in stock.

3. Monica Vinader jewellery is always so simple and elegant. For Spring, I love this jade green version of their classic Mini Siren pendant. The pendant is just £65 and, for this look, I would wear with a long navel-grazing chain for a cool, understated style that is still undeniably modern and luxurious.

4. We recently shot some gorgeous Zoe Karssen tees at Atelier-To-Go (have a wee browse here) and I am so glad we've picked up this amazing little tee brand. I managed to snap up a Oh La La tee in the Harvey Nichols sale in Edinburgh for just £35, and the quality of these cool tees is truly unrivalled. A long-sleeved white tee is a basic that I really cannot live without, and this Zoe Karssen version is universally flattering with a subtle scoop neck and a-line fit. It really is the ideal tee to pair with smart dungarees.

5. Though stackable rings have been at the forefront of fashion recently, I am far more drawn to simple, futuristic bands like this Maison Martin Margiela set. A set of four glossy gold-plated rings, these are striking worn all on one hand. A contemporary touch of avant-garde class.

 6. And now, my lovelies, for the pièce de résistance: these truly cool dungarees from River Island. At £40 these tailored overalls are a really worthwhile purchase, especially as they can be dressed up or down. Paired with a simple white-tee they offer an updated 1990s aesthetic that is more than a little bit sexy but they also look amazing with printed blouses and statement necklaces. I would certainly keep it simple, though, and let some killer accessories do all the talking.

Let me know what you think- even the most simple of comments can make my day ! 

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!

Gift Guide: The Good Time Girl

Leaving it to the last minute? So are the majority of us, don't worry.

Christmas has come upon us all rather suddenly, hasn't it? And now you may be ready to join the majority of the United Kingdom in trawling the high streets hunting for "ANYTHING" to buy for friends/family etc.

If you're still stuck, check out this year's gift guides on the blog including : 

* The Sweet Tooth

* The Gym Bunny 

* The Goth Girl

* The Glitter Girl

* The Cosy Cutie

* The Romantic

And, last but not least, the Good Time Girl!

Who? The Good Time Girl is the life and soul of the party, the girl who everyone counts on to light up a room, the girl who never says no to a night out and the girl who knows that life is for living! 

What does she love? She loves to have fun, first and foremost!

Where does she shop? Topshop for party dresses, Nails Inc for fabulous nail art, Urban Outfitters for fun bits and bobs and Dannijo for sparkling jewellery. 

1. This little embellished romper from Topshop is a cool £200, but it is the ideal gift for the belle of the ball.
2. I love Wildfox tees for Christmas presents, and this Young Hearts Run Free tee is £68
3. I adore this little sparkly 'Glitterball' iPad case from Kate Spade- so sweet and fun ! $80
4. Girls With Class Don't Need A Glass- this hip flask is great for any good time girl. £12 at Urban Outfitters or 2 for £15
5. Time does indeed fly when you're having fun, so do something thoughtful this Christmas and give her this Urban Outfitters photo album, full of pictures from the time of your life- £18, exclusive online.
6. Speaking of fun, how gorgeous is this bottle of Absolut Unique Edition vodka? The perfect gift, each one of these pop-art bottles is different, and what crazy girl doesn't love some crisp, clean Absolut vodka? £21.50 from Harvey Nichols and Selfridges
7. I think that Philosophy bath shower gels make for the best presents- and this Senorita Margarita hit is a bit of a cult classic. It smells zingy, fresh and fun, £14.
8. I love Nails Inc polishes, and I think that their Couture service is just fabulous for a quirky Christmas gift. You can get it done in a few stores, or order online, and choose a pretty topper, your favourite colour and personalise the label to suit the giftee. I opted for this zingy neon coral topped with a gold sparkly lid, this combination would set you back £20.
9. This hot pink postmans lock organiser from Mulberry is simply a gorgeous present, and any lady would be lucky to have it! £295 from Mulberry stores. 
10. These fabulously sparkly crystal drop earrings from River Island are the perfect accompaniment to any show-stopping little sequin dress, £10.
11. This stuff smells just divine! This Bliss 'Berry Bubbly' set of Raspberry Champagne bubble bath and body butter smells fruity and sweet and is the perfect pre or post party pampering routine, £29.
12. I absolutely love this stunning cuff by Dannijo. You can buy it as a set with several cool bracelets in what The Man Repeller Leandra Medine calls the Wanderlust Arm Party for $595, or you can stick to this bold but sophisticated Smyson cuff at $420.
13. Last but not least, keep chilly hands at bay with these fun Hi 5 mittens from Kate Spade- I love them ! $47.00 on sale.

SW Fashion Giveaway

A Box of Treats for one lovely reader!

If you've been following this blog for a while (and you're not my mum) then you'll know that it's not like me to do a giveaway... But i'm feeling all lovely and Christmassy so thought i'd put together a little box of goodies for one of you guys to win!

Rather than just one pretty little thing, I thought i'd put together a big box of gifts to fill you with festive cheer including a pendant and cocktail ring by Chelsea Doll, a River Island laptop case, a classic Nails Inc gift set, an adorable pill case by US brand Miamica and some sweet treats!

To enter, all you have to do is:
* follow the blog via G+ and on twitter
*  pop your email address in the comment box below

A winner will be chosen at random towards the end of December ! 

Gift Guide 2012: The Cosy Cutie

Hello there ladies and gents, feeling festive yet? If not... Look away, for this post is about to get as festive as Buble's Christmas album (which has been on loop since the 1st of November)...

Following my initial Goth Girl gift guide, this one is for a slightly girlier girl, less about edge, more about choccies and woolies!

Who? She's the easy going girl, whatever you buy her, she'll love it. She's the one who ooh's and aah's at all the latest festive knits, and she loves nothing more than curling up in her pyjamas, hot choc in hand and a bit of Gosling ont telly. 

What does she love? She loves everything about Christmas, to be honest. She is a family girl, and is always smiling and chirpy. She loves gingerbread men, cool fair isle sweaters and everything that is a little bit kitsch. She is also rather partial to a few cheeky eggnog lattes in Starbucks. She is a cosy cutie pie, at the end of the day.

Where does she shop? Everywhere, really, she is not particularly fussy, but she loves Urban Outfitters around Christmas time, and Jack Wills' jammies are her absolute vice. She is crazy for cosy winter warmers and knows that Christmas is the best time to indulge, be that in delectable chocolates from Hotel Chocolat or super sweet marzipan body souffle.

Oh, but, what do I buy her?!...

1. Brrr-illiant hat by Markus Lupfer at Whistles £55
2. Fair Isle leggings from Jack Wills £29.50
3. Gorgeous little mittens by Jack Wills £24.50
4. HILARIOUS Feminist Ryan Gosling book at Urban Outfitters £8.99
5. Incredible "Woodzip" Candle by Popup Paris at Harvey Nichols (literally smells like an open fire!)
6. Little choccy gingerbread men from Hotel Chocolat £6.50
7. The Cookbook collection by Philosophy (the most incredible smelling minis ever!) $30
8. Love sweater at Miss Selfridge £39
9. Cosy fair isle slippers at Accessorize £20
10. Limited edition Christmas sweater by Isabel Marant at Net-A-Porter £350
11. Delectable chocolate honeycomb treats from Artisan du Chocolat £19.95
12. Super soft cream fur snood from River Island £30
13. Smoothie Star body cream from Soap and Glory (it literally smells like marzipan- yum!) £10.50

The Prettiest Dresses Are Worn To Be Taken Off...

1. Fur Slouchy Clutch at River Island £55

2. INCREDIBLE Fuschia lace dress at Three Floor Fashion £98 (buy, buy, buuuuuy!)

3. Balenciaga-style studded cuff at Chelsea Doll £11

4. Spike Earrings at Topshop £8.99

5. Incredible studded Zara heels at £79.99

The internet is full of all sorts of wisdom isn't it? Todays blog post nabbed it's title from a little phrase I saw on Facebook this morning and fell in love with.

And this dress by Three Floor Fashion is very much a case in point.

I have been crazy about Three Floor since I spotted their dresses in The Evening Standard (see my initial post here) and there new collection is their strongest yet, in my view.

This hot pink lace dress is just so beautiful and totally belies it's £98 price tag. It is unique, stunning and wonderfully made. I won't tell them it's not McQueen if you don't. Pair with black accessories to tone down the pretty pink lace and add an almost sinister edge. 

Tempted by Tempest...

William Tempest's fabulous sketches for the designs

Snippets from the collection:
1. Sequin Shirt Dress £100
2. Sequin Flapper Dress £150
3. Sequin Crop Top £65
4. Cut-Out Shoe Boots £100

1. William Tempest at River Island Flapper Dress £150
2. River Island Limited Edition Pale Pink T-Bar Heels £55
3. River Island Pearl and Diamante Head Piece (as seen here) £20

You all know that i'm a sucker for a fabulous collaboration so imagine my excitement when I laid eyes on the William Tempest designs for high street favourite River Island.

The fabulous William Tempest, an alumni of LCF, has designed this capsule collection for the exciting River Island design forum and it is truly beautiful- pieces that were made for the party season!

Drawing inspiration from art deco and ancient Egypt, the collection is full of decadent embellished pieces ready to grace any party girl's wardrobe.

My pick has to be this flapper dress that i've styled up above! I think it is truly stunning and certainly does not befit the £150 price tag- it looks far more expensive than that.

I think for Halloween I may go as a flapper girl... Just to give me an excuse to buy it!

The collection is in stores this month from selected River Island shops and online!

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?

Oh! You Pretty Things...

River Island Hairband £20

River Island: Three LBDs, Three Trends

1. Topshop £18.50
2. River Island Dress £55
3. NARS Lipstick in Scarlet Empress £17.50
4. Topshop Clutch £38
5. Zara Boots £89.99

1. ASOS Earrings £15
2. Topshop Heels £65
3. River Island Dress £60
4. Topshop Lipstick in Rio Rio £8
5. Accessorize Clutch £45

1. ASOS Clutch £18

2. River Island Ring £4

3. River Island Dress £120

4. Topshop Earrings £150

5. Kurt Geiger £170

Christmas Came Early: River Island

Chelsea Chic

by Shona Wallace, @SWfashion_

I never once thought that I would be citing a reality TV star as a style icon, but that was before I realised how much of a style crush I had developed for Millie Mackintosh. While Made in Chelsea is certainly a guilty pleasure of mine, I no longer watch it solely for the dramas, I'm also a little bit infatuated with Millie's wardrobe.

An enviable blend of chic French labels like Maje and Sandro (my favourites!) topped off with luxurious accessories and glossy hair, Millie's look is polished elegance balanced with a youthful edge. She dresses the way I would if I were rich... And pretty... And not so lazy. 

Her outfit at last night's Look awards is a case in point, showing just how to work brights this season. I love, love, love the look! She tweeted today that she was wearing Australian designer Rachel Gilbert with Jimmy Choo wedges (mmm, so lush!), and her papaya leather jacket is by the amazing Parisian brand Carven. I adore her style- she is the perfect example of how to wear a trend without looking a fashion victim.

Steal Millie's style at: Net-a-Porter; Topshop; Missguided; River Island

Lemon Lovelies

by Shona Wallace, @SWfashion_

I can hardly resist sorbet shades this season, and this Topshop skirt really is the ultimate. Pretty pleats, a sweet lemon shade and a lovely drop hem. It's feminine, cheery and flattering- it will brighten up any day!

Pair with these gorgeous bright accessories for an on trend look which will certainly put a spring in your step! 

Daily Detox #4