Flaring Up

1. Wishbone necklace by Astrid & Miyu – £29.00 here
2. Gold initial rings by Astrid & Miyu – £39.00 here
3. Sophie Hulme Bordeaux cross-body bag – £425.00 here
4. Topshop Premium Prowl boots – £120.00 here
5. Topshop cropped shirt – £36.00 here
6. Miss Selfridge skinny flared jeans – £38.00 here

I'm a denim devotee. Monday to Sunday, season to season, I rarely stray from my skinny jean rotation: Moto Leighs one day, Hollister Ryans the next (don't judge - they are actually not as bad as the so-called "models" would have you think) and then back to my go-to Abercrombie & Fitch pair. The sartorial equivalent of a big ole' bowl of mac'n'cheese, skinnies are my comfort, despite being nigh-on impossible to remove in a remotely elegant, or sexy, manner. Just do the skinny shimmy or shake 'em off if you're feeling Swift-y.

Back to the matter at hand: denim. This season is all about the stuff– be it Alexa Chung for AG's delectable white dungaree dress or Victoria Victoria Beckham's chic flared mini, the workaday fabric is back on the sartorial agenda for SS15, and it's looking rather foxy. Inspired by the changing demands of their ready-to-wear clientele, designers took note, debuting an array of dressed-up denim pieces. Stella McCartney ticked off two trends in one, whipping hers into utilitarian overalls, while Burberry Prorsum took the perennial jean jacket up a notch or two with exquisite tailoring and tactile trimmings. The catwalk has spoken: it's time to take your denim in a new direction.

Introducing Otiumberg.

Image from Otiumberg

Daytime jewellery ought to be understated but precious, with a nod to your own personal style. I have a few key, everyday pieces that I feel naked without, but I am constantly on the lookout for beautiful, unusual pieces to add to my collection. Sure, it's nice to buy something cheap and cheerful, but if you fancy something special then look no further than Otiumberg.

Otiumberg is a new London-based e-boutique boasting an expertly tailored selection of accessories from cool new designers from all across the globe. Covering everything from candy-coloured rings by Sabrina Dehoff through to Sunday Somewhere's modern sunglasses, Otiumberg's edit is ideal for young chic-ettes looking for pieces with a certain je ne sais quoi.

Last Chance to Get Personal

 

Alex Monroe  is my go-to for delicate, beautifully crafted jewellery that will work for any occasion. The latest addition to the Alex Monroe collection is the idiosyncratic Enchanted Twig Alphabet Necklace in 18ct gold. At £375, these dainty, elegant necklaces are future classics. You can shop these here, or if you're in London this weekend pop along to the Alex Monroe sample sale which you can find out about here. 

Come Christmas, everybody wants something a little bit special. 

When I begin to think about Christmas shopping, my imagination really does run wild. I have so many great ideas for gifts, but sadly my student budget restricts my delusions of gifting grandeur.

However, to quote my darling Mum, "it's the thought that counts". A thoughtful gift, such as a photo album chock-a-block full of memories, can be every bit as adorable as a pair of Manolo Blahnik BBs... Well, not quite that adorable. Let's not be daft now. 

So if you're look for something special and thoughtful that won't break the bank, then look no further than the latest influx of personalised pieces to delight your darlings on Christmas day.

From ID tag bracelets through to jewel tone suede slippers, there is something for every giftee, no matter how fussy he/she may be. (PS boys yours is to follow so hold your horses.)

With a cool 19 days until you lay out your miniature mince piece for Santa's sustenance (yes, that IS your cue to panic), it is time to get personal and place your orders. 

Here is my edit.

Hearts of Glass

1. Initial pendant with pearl charm, key charm and diamond encrusted heart.
2. Peace and Luck pendant featuring a golden turtle, a pearl charm, a diamond encrusted cross, an emerald and a peace symbol. 

Let's get personal.

When it comes to fine jewellery, individuality is key. We never want something that "everyone" has- we want something special and unique, something we can treasure forever.

I suppose this is why I have always been such a fan of personalisation. From clutch bags to bangles, personalisation is a huge trend at present, but no one does it quite like Loquet London.  

If, like me, you are a regular reader of The Sunday Times Style, you may have read Laura Weir's  recent article about Laura Bailey and Sheherazade Goldsmith's intriguing new venture. 

Launched just a few months ago, Loquet London was originally inspired by a gift Goldsmith received from her son- a transparent heart filled with flowers, purchased at Winter Wonderland. This sweet gesture sparked a stroke of genius between Bailey and Goldsmith, and Loquet London was born. 

With such heartwarming beginnings, it is little wonder that Loquet jewellery is quite so charming. You can cherry-pick from a plethora of trinkets to fill your glass locket, making your necklace an embodiment of your personality and experience. 

The website allows you to craft your own virtual pendant, experimenting with a variety of charms from initials to birthstones and diamond encrusted peace symbols. Each locket tells a story about the wearer, making these pendants such a thoughtful, loving gift. 

Have a little play around here. Let your imagination run wild. 

3. XOXO pendant featuring diamond encrusted kisses and hugs, a dainty pearl charm and interlocking gold hearts.
4. Vitality pendant featuring a teardrop aquamarine, a diamond encrusted butterfly and interlocking gold hearts. 

Watch This Space

Image from this lovely Tumblr

I never used to be one for watches... Until they got cool, that is. 

AW13 sees a whole host of exciting new fashion watches to lust after from the punchy to the punky. 

Here's my edit:

I have always been a little bit obsessed with leopard print, so when I laid eyes on the Larsson and Jennings Vogue Leopard watch I was smitten. In bang-on-trend ponyskin, these limited edition animal print timepieces from the cult Swedish watch brand are sure to make a statement without going over the top. Choose between zebra, leopard and crimson dalmatian and hear them roar. They retail for around £180 and you can shop them here. 

You can always count on Kate Spade New York to brighten up your Winter wardrobe, and the KSNY AW13 collection is abundant in confectionary and colour. While you may not be drawn to the donut-faced watch (though I oddly love it), this apple green style is a great shade to wear with Autumnal shades. The classic, slim studded style is pretty but punchy.

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed my new wrist candy by Daniel Wellington. In brown croc-effect genuine leather with a minimal rose gold face, the watch is masculine but still elegant (a hard balance to find) while remaining wholly versatile. It works well for any occasion and has such a classic aesthetic. If your style is slightly more preppy, then i'm sure you'll love the striped styles. You can browse the watches here. 

Finally we come to the coolest watch I have seen in a while- this new style by The Kooples which is coming soon for AW13. In an elegant wraparound style complete with simple gold studs and a textured strap, this one is definitely a keeper. Stay tuned to The Kooples website to get your hands on one of these cool pieces.

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: 

Hidden Treasures and Simple Pleasures: Albertine

When I left high school a couple of years ago, I remember toying with the idea of going travelling. So many fellow leavers had it atop their agenda, and I always wandered whether I was being foolish in missing out. Nevertheless when London came knocking, a city with such promise for an aspiring fashion journalist, I decided to put to bed any distant dreams of exotic travels in favour of cosmopolitan career pursuits. Though I do not regret my decision one bit, as I approach my third year in London I have begun to wonder what will come next.

I suppose one should never say never to exploring pastures new and I certainly hope that there is opportunity for me to travel while I am still young. I would hate to live my life between two cities, rarely exploring anything outside my comfort zone.

Just a few years back I did not appreciate or even understand how anybody could fall so madly in love with travelling, but I have come to realise that it all boils down to the inevitable discovery of hidden treasures and simple pleasures. 

This week, the boutique travel company Tuscany Now contacted SW Fashion regarding a new competition based around such hidden treasures. Although the competition requires just one spot, I felt that this could make for a nice continual feature. On my travels to date- however limited- I have found some fantastic places that I long to visit again, and there is no one I would rather share these with than you.

In keeping with this month's Holiday Wardrobe posts, I felt it apt for me to share a little boutique gem from my brief time in New York city. 

For Manhattan locals, I am sure that the darling boutiques around the West Village and Nolita are daily haunts rather than hidden treasures. However, for visitors to the grand city it is all too easy to get overwhelmed by the shopping options and end up missing out on the best of the city.

In one of the charming streets just off Greenwich Avenue sits Albertine, an inconspicuous treasure trove of all things girly. Blink and you'll miss it, the clear glass facade is every bit as discreet as the inviting pieces in the window display. 

Albertine was born from the vision of Kyung Lee back in 2003. Lee sought to create an elegant womenswear boutique offering smaller brands exposure, and allowing the sartorially savvy shoppers of the West Village to discover new local and international designers. 

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. 

Hoppy Easter Monday!

I think i'm addicted to Pinterest- and this image is another of Pinterest's very finest. Wickle bunny foo foo. You can find the original image here if you feel like spending your Monday oooh-ing and aaah-ing  

Happy Easter Monday you gorgeous lot. 

I hope that, like me, you shall spend this morning nursing a chocolate hangover while watching trashy TV... That's what Bank Holiday's are for, you know.

I just thought i'd share with you some lovely Easter treats to keep that chirpy Spring smile on your face! 

First up, I found this adorable (and easy) recipe on Pinterest for Bunny Tails! All you need to do to make PIZZAZZERIE's sweet treats (original recipe here) is whip up a tub of softened Philly, add a teaspoon of Almond Extract- or coconut for a tropical touch- and then add 4-5 "cups" of icing sugar- one by one- to create a thick dough. Once you've got the perfect consistency- think truffles!- roll the mixture into 1 inch balls and roll in desiccated coconut.

Yummy scrummy, as Mary Berry would say. 

If the very thought of more food is making you a little queasy, go for these sweet scented candles from the lovely Yankee. 

Chocolate Bunnies smells, as the name subtly suggests, like creamy milk chocolate bunnies- the very essence of Easter (£19.99 here).

If you've overdone the chocolate this weekend- i'll put my hands up to that one- then opt for the pretty in pink Bunny Cake candle which is a divine marriage of coconut, citrus and vanilla- gimme, gimme, gimme! It's currently out of stock, but keep checking back here to buy it for £19.99. 

1. The glorious Sitting Bunny pendant is available here for £120
2. The Sitting Bunny earrings are an adorable update on the simple gold stud. Buy here for £108
3. My favourite is this Sitting Bunny ring in gold which you can buy here for £180

For something rather more indulgent, put a Spring in your step with these divine little bunny pieces by Alex Monroe.

I've long been a fan of Alex Monroe's dainty fine jewellery and I only wish I could afford to treat myself to these gorgeous golden trinkets!

The bunny pendants, earrings and rings are the perfect Easter Monday treat, if you ask me. How very adorable is the twig ring with diamond detail?

1. Speckle me pink with SCARCE (here £14.50)
2. Speckle me blue with FRAGILE (here £14.50)
3. Speckle me purple with SPECKLE (here £14.50)

Last but not least- a little Easter sweetness for your fingertips from ILLAMASQUA.

Cadbury's sweet pastel Mini Eggs are an Easter tradition and I could (and would) happily eat bag after bag of these tasty morsels!

If you're equally enthusiastic about good old Mini Eggs, you'll be pleased to see these Speckled polishes. They look amazing on (i've had a look at a number of beauty blogs) and i'm particularly fond of the duck-egg blue shade.

Shiny Pretty Things: MAWI S/S 2013

MAWI Princess Necklace £530

MAWI Princess Necklace £610

MAWI Bracelet in Blue (also available in pink) £500

MAWI Pretty in Punk Necklace £570

MAWI Pretty in Punk Necklace £485

MAWI Pretty in Punk necklace £540

MAWI Neon Rocks collar in Pewter and Yellow (also in yellow gold and orange) £405

Happy Good Friday all ! The fact that it's Easter already scares me an awful lot, but I shall console myself by gazing at these wonderful new season pieces from MAWI jewellery. Ooh- aren't they just splendid?!

All pieces will be available from April, both online at www.mawi.co.uk and at the MAWI flagship boutique in Shoreditch at 11 Calvert Avenue, Shoreditch, E2 7JP. If you like you can give them a ring on 02070339853, just so as to know exactly when you can get your hands on these beautiful pieces.

Beautiful seems a bit of an understatement actually, dazzling feels far more apt. Worn with even the simplest of sweaters or dresses, these statement pieces will do all the talking, and all the hard work for you.

Directional pieces with a contemporary injection of femininity, this Spring/Summer MAWI has introduced three new covetable collections which nod to antique opulence while still retaining MAWI's spiky signatures.

PRETTY IN PUNK juxtaposes 'granny-chic' pearls with pewter spikes and gleaming gems for a punk-inspired punch that certainly draws on the designer's affinity with the eclectic streets of East London.

NEON ROCKS is antique jewellery on acid. Inspired by intricate antique brooches, this collection boasts timeless motifs in the most unexpected colour palette of neon brights, gleaming metals and acid pastels.

My favourite collection, though, goes by the name of PRINCESS. Growing up I simply always had to be the princess when playing dress-up, so it is little wonder that this devilishly pretty collection tickles my fancy. With enchanting softer shades of lemon, rose and aquamarine, this collection features majestic pieces dripping in iridescent acrylic stones. With strikingly complex design, these fanciful investment pieces offer a touch of ethereal grandeur.

Well, I don't know about you, but i'm going to start saving right about now!

Details, Darling: H&M High Summer

Earlier this week I was lucky enough to go along to the gorgeous H&M High Summer Shoes and Accessories press day and, let me tell you, you guys are in for a treat!

From gorgeous white courts with directional platform heels through to gloriously twinkling statement necklaces and luxe leather cuffs, there are a lot of luscious pieces I just can't wait to get my hands on.

Let me know what you think!

Some of these pieces are already in stores now, so check out the current ranges of shoes and accessories at H&M here.

FutureFab

Today I have submitted my LCF project for the term- yay! Future based, I felt it all too apt to post this lovely Topshop Unique dress which just exudes a space age sex appeal. Who knew there was such a thing?

1. I know it's not a handcuff... But it really looks like one... This Zara "Bracelet" clutch is a fabulous update on the classic black pouch clutch with a directional silver frame and silver cuff detailing. It would look so great with this organza panelled dress.

2. I adore these Zara peep-toe ankle strap pumps. In glossy mirror metallic silver, these sandals are futuristic and comfortable and look so high end.

3. My favourite dress on the Topshop site at the moment, this Topshop Unique dress with sheer organza panelling is fresh and modern and looks wonderful with silver accents.

4. For a luxe touch, add this MAWI pewter honeycomb cuff with bold gem detailing.

5. Midi rings are back in a big way and these £6.50 rings from Topshop are a cheap and cheerful way to tap into the trend.

6. In terms of beauty, take a look at my LFW beauty post for some inspiration and slick back your hair with some glossy gel like this one from Catwalk by TIGI. 

Hey, Hot Stuff

So it's bloody freezing again... Just when I thought I was okay to go out in ballet pumps, to dance into spring in my balletic maxiskirts and cycle around London with flowers in my hair, the temperature plummets below zero and I once again forget what my hands feel like.

(Maybe i've not quite braved the maxis and hippy cycling, but I have worn ballet pumps, okay?)

Anyway, I thought that i'd try and keep my spirits up by posting this bold and exciting little dream outfit of mine, boasting the most sunny colours imaginable. I'll take that Sophie Hulme handbag and these J Brand jeans now, please.

1. A perfect coral pout will never go amiss during spring, and I love this shade by MAC. I picked this up in a MAC goodie bag but passed it onto a friend as coral lippy doesn't tend to suit me, but this Vegas Volt lipstick is a great shade for warmer skintones, not pasty Scottish birds like me.

2. Aaah The Kooples, someone tear me away! This little lace trim camisole from the new collection at The Kooples is top of my new season wishlist, purely for it is so very versatile. Perfect with little denim shorts or with distressed skinny jeans, this is a little gem right here (£65) 

3. When we first shot these jeans at Atelier-To-Go, I think I fell a little bit in love. Dishevelled denim at it's most stylish, these J Brand 620 Skinnies in Revenge are the most wonderfully soft blend and they fit a dream. J Brand skinnies are a modern classic... If only I could justify treating myself!

4. You probably all know that i'm a statement jewellery obsessive, and this necklace from Jolita has been on my radar for a little while now. It is coming soon, but will retail at £480. Featuring a rainbow of  acid bright matte gems in a bold collar style, this necklace marries together all these warm shades for a lively look that exudes modern style.

5. I have been loving Sophie Hulme handbags for a good while now, and this orange number is certainly a new favourite. Around the £400 mark, these handbags aren't ludicrously expensive, but they are beautifully made and totally timeless. This soft apricot shade is bang on trend for spring and also looks rather delicious with this particular outfit.

6. "Aw, Topshop have so many nice wooden shoes at the moment"

These words perplexed my flatmates a little bit earlier this evening, but they'll know what I mean if they take a look at this post. The wooden wedges in at Topshop for Spring at just gorgeous, and I am particularly drawn to these clompy but cool wedges in a soft sandy suede. The perfect neutral to balance the bold shades in the rest of this outfit.

7. Last but not least, make like Rosie Huntington Whiteley in a crisp red jacket, like this little number from The Kooples. In a corally red, this slick tailored jacket is a great buy and will see you through season upon season... Okay, maybe not, but it will look fit this season. Try with a cute creamy lace dress for a modern look. 

LFW AW13: Shiny Pretty Things

Apologies that my bog posts are have been few and far between of late, I have been so busy. Like insanely busy. I have totally forgotten that I am actually still at uni, and I don't doubt for even one second that my grade this term is going to have to go down the toilet... Go easy on me, tutors, i've been working super duper hard.

I am so exhausted that I literally sleep every time I sit down for more than half an hour. Gotta love a snooze on the central line.

Of course, it is LFW at present, and I have not only been busy with shows for my blog, but I have also been offered some lovely treats by Handpicked Media, who put a number of us bloggers up in a stunning suite of the One Aldwych hotel. I have also been busy with work at Atelier-To-Go, who held an exciting pop-up event in Abimarvel's Apartment.

Let's just say, it's been a busy few days.

As i have been such a dire blogger and haven't posted thus far, I thought I would condense all my LFW observations into a number of categories, and first up is the aptly titled Shiny Pretty Things, full of glistening jewellery from a number of Fashion Week presentations and exhibitions. Enjoy!