Maison Labiche at Urban Outfitters

Forget 'it' handbags, 'it' t-shirts are where it's at. Unisex and undeniably cool, a slick t-shirt can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Thanks to Ashish's über chic "Trés Fatiguè" tee (I treated myself to a shameless copy over on Etsy) and ACNE's covetable MUSIC tee for AW13, clean but cool t-shirts are the smart shopper's staple this season.

If you are looking for something a little more unique, then check out Maison Labiche which is now available exclusively at Urban Outfitters. 

Stocked in the renowned Colette boutique in Paris, Maison Labiche tees and sweaters are a huge hit across the channel, and are sure to be every bit as popular over here.

Though you will find Maison Labiche in the menswear department at UO, the pieces can easily be worn by both boys and girls. There is a style for everyone, each with a distinctly Parisian charm.

With styles in white, grey and midnight blue, the reasonably priced tops feature stitched monochromatic motifs and script embroidery. The pieces are understated but effortlessly cool, with everything from Kurt Cobain to Clash covers.

 Billie Jean tee here £55
LA tee here £55

1. My personal favourite is the Kurt Cobain tee which you can buy here.
2. Be still my beating heart! How adorable is the mini Pashli in subtle but statement red?
3. BEHOLD: my first AW13 purchase! I like to think that this little kilt is more Buzzcocks than Braveheart.
4. To finish off this punky look, simply add these covetable investment boots by ASH. Buy 'em here. 

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. 

Urban Outfitters SS13

This cutesy floral bikini is a great buy for the tummy-conscious among us, but also for those who love to dress with a slightly retro vibe. This little two-piece is pin-up perfection!

Nothing works better with a tan than some gorgeous turquoise jewellery, and these bracelets are perfect for breathing life into a floaty white maxi or for clashing with some seriously bold tribal prints. 

This hat is so not me, but I can imagine it looking amazing on girls who are, well, ever so slightly cooler than me. This knitted beanie is dotted with jumbo crystals for a really bold and alternative look. 

I fell a little bit in love with this embellished marl tee. Paired with a gorgeously textured creamy jacket, this slouchy tee is brought to life with pretty pewter and pearl embroidery. I would love this tucked in to a white thigh-split pencil skirt and some pointed metallic courts. Yum. 

Gotta love a bit of a glitz, This little waistcoat, adorned with metallic beads and a variety of crystals is a really opulent piece that will work beautifully slung over a t-shirt and maxi skirt come warmer months. Embellished sandals are, of course, a must. 

I love, love, love this little tee. It is so Balenciaga-esque and would look totally amazing tucked into a tight leather mini skirt with a colour-pop envelope clutch and some seriously killer jewellery. 

The looks on the mannequins were really rather eclectic, as is the UO style, but I did fall for some of the individual pieces. That aqua tube skirt is just divine. 

Distressed denim is always pretty cool, but for S/S13 it looks like this trend is going to be massive. These ripped BDG boyfriend skinnies were one of my favourite pieces at the press day. I would pair with a simple tight white vest, a sharp tailored jacket and some really sexy shoes for a look that is a little Emmanuelle Alt and a little 90s grunge. Fit. 

I am a sucker for a really lovely t-shirt, and Urban Outfitters always come up trumps. This Truly Madly Deeply tee is super soft and that paisley-esque white print gives it a really fresh, summery feel. It's just calling to be matched with white skinnies, a golden tan and some brown gladiators. 

I am really one for statement necklaces so I just adore this April May jersey top with bold bead detailing at the neckline. This detail really lifts this simple charcoal sleeveless tank top to new heights and is the perfect piece to work for day or night. For a really cool look try with a white leather miniskirt. 

I love a really unique tapestry print for SS13 and these embroidered shorts by Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply are just calling to be worn on someones "Gap Yah" with a tight white tee and flip flops. Totes. 

A P C, easy as 1 2 3.
I adore this patterned cream knit by this kooky Parisian label. The knit is ultra light and the pretty love-hearts give it a kitsch but cool vibe. 

Y'all know i'm crazy for a bit'a'bling, and these cool collars are high up on my lust list for SS13. I particularly love that they combine silver and gold. Pair with a white lace shift and let the necklace do the talking. 

And last but not least is my one and only, the IRO t-shirt that I fall in love with every time I see it. I just want it sooo much. It has a sexy, softly scooped neckline, it is the silkiest jersey imaginable and it is just the right shape to half tuck into white skinny jeans with a black tux slung over the shoulders. All I need now is that Céline bag... Santa... You got that?

Secret Santa Saviours #1

All tins $7.99 here

Another of my Christmas posts this year is going to be to help all you girls and boys struggling with that ever difficult secret santa! 

I will be picking out an array of quirky little gifts that won't break the bank and will definitely put you in everyone's good books!

First up, i've got these coin tins by American store Blue Q. Unfortunately, the majority are only available in their online store (here), but some can be found in Urban Outfitters for £10. 

They are just the cutest little presents to brighten up someones day, and who doesn't need a place to put those spare pennies? 

We are all saving up for a unicorn after all...

Sunday Smilers!

1. Feminist Ryan Gosling £8.99
2. Never Have I Ever £6.99
3. BOO book £8.99
4. Understand Rap £7.99
5. Listography Notepad £11.99

I'm unnaturally happy today... I've only had one coffee as well.

Well, it is Sunday after all!

Not sharing my uncharacteristic cheer? Simply forget that it's the dreaded Monday tomorrow and tuck into an indulgent roast or sink into a candlelit bath with the latest issue of Vogue and a glass of fizz. Today is YOUR day, alright?

If you still can't get a smile on your face, then check out one of these lovely little books from Urban Outfitters- the perfect kooky addition to any home. 

I almost bought the Feminism by Ryan Gosling one... Next time, UO.

PS 

It is 20% for students so wanna get your skates on, eh?

Sunday Smiles

Urban Outfitters £10

Cheering me up today are these little Urban Outfitters piggy-banks!

I think I must get my hands on this "I'm Saving Up To Go To Rehab" number. 

Which is your favourite?

City Slickers: Barcelona

1. Susana Monaco at The Outnet £90 this cut-out tee dress is a wardrobe staple
2. Topshop £12 add interest with this beaded cuff
3. Urban Outfitters £28 contrast your jewellery with this leopard watch
4. Zara £39.99 a gorgeous bag for a city break complete with studs and tassels
5. Mango £69.99 jewel encrusted sandals add a touch of luxury to simple look

This summer I am jetting off to Barcelona, so today's City Slicker's guide is rather relevant. I've only ever been to Barcelona once before, but it is a beautiful and lively city.

Yes, we may have had our bag stolen, but it was still a lovely holiday and i'm very much looking forward to returning! As far as restaurants go, i'm not hugely clued up, but we are hoping to visit Koy Shunka- a Japanese restaurant- and a number of tapas bars to gorge on Paella and croquettas. I will be sure to post some salivating snaps after my wee break!

Unfortunately, we did not manage to book into Tickets tapas bar but if you are keen to feast on some world-class tapas i'd suggest calling up 6 months in advance. If you can be bothered. 

As far as styling goes, Barcelona is all about simple and comfortable style. This relaxed jersey dress needs little more than a few sit-ups and a deep tan (see my tanning pick here) but add a bit of sophisticated glamour with cool sandals and a gorgeous handbag.

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!