Graphic and Kaleidoscopic

1. I love browsing Atelier-To-Go for the most exciting luxury labels and the freshest edit of the moment, and their latest drop from Rebecca Minkoff is worth a peek. This bright yellow Markey oversized clutch has been a huge hit at the office, and I have certainly got my eye on it. High quality leather with edgy zip detailing, this punchy piece is a unique and practical pop of colour for the season ahead. You can purchase it here for £243.

2. I am always on the look out for exciting jewellery labels to satisfy my sparkle cravings, and Joomi Lim jewellery is my new favourite. Available in Liberty and online here, New York label Joomi Lim's jewellery marries twinkling Swarovski crystals with futuristic neon accents and slightly punky detailing. This  delightful necklace from the Let Them Eat Cake collection would be the perfect way to pep up a simple outfit or add a touch of gloss to your failsafe black dress. Follow them on twitter @JoomiLim 

3. I am a sucker for Essie nail polishes and their Spring 2013 collection is yummy to say the least. Check out the stunning shades here for some Summer sun inspiration. My pick has to be the fresh marine shade, charmingly titled Avenue Maintain, which is an uplifting sunny day treat- a pretty Parisian blue. You can shop them here for £9.95.

4. Zara's shoes really are bang on this season and I was pretty much spoilt for choice when putting together this collage. These cobalt strappies are simple, minimal and elegant but still punchy enough to make an impact. They are a great heel height as well for daytime, while the open sandal style is ideal for the warmer months. Check them out here.

5. Oops i've been rather naughty and have spent yet MORE money. This week I treated myself to not one, not two but three silky spaghetti strap camisoles from Topshop. I wear creamy camis all the time so it would have been rude not to treat myself to this infinitely versatile style from good old Toppers- a snip at just £18 here. I love these slouchy tops worn with a really pretty bra (Marks & Spencer have some delicious macaroon shade lingerie coming in this season- sneak peek here but post will follow), super skinny jeans and heels- perfect for a relaxed first date. 

6. When I laid eyes on this Clover Canyon skirt I was torn. It's so bold, so statement and so NOT me, but the more I see it the more I love it and I am now a little bit obsessed. It doesn't look it, but this neoprene skirt is ultra flattering, clinging softly to the hips for a sexy but fun aesthetic with a futuristic and flamboyant floral. A totally reasonable £175 here, this sculpting skirt is a hypnotic Summer hit.I love Californian label Clover Canyon, one of British Vogue's labels to watch, and we have such a delicious collection at Atelier-To-Go here. 

Easy Breezy Spring Dressing

Okay so this dress is so not one i'd usually go for, but the minute I saw it, I kind of fell for it and thought i'd share it with ya... Along with some killer accessories, of course.

1. Dogeared necklaces, bracelets and trinkets are some of the cutest around and really do make wonderful gifts. This little Key to Happiness pendant, available from ASOS for £56, is a gold-dipped delight that is sure to put a smile on your face, whatever the weather.

2. Aah Mulberry, you simply MUST stop. I've been fawning over this new Willow tote style for months now, and this crisp white edition is just what my summer wardrobe needs. In leather with ostrich detailing and golden hardware, this bag just exudes luxurious Spring elegance. A spacious tote with a zip-off clutch bag, what more could you ask for? It almost makes the £2000 price tag feel like a steal (!!). Shop the white Willow and other equally divine shades here. 

3. A simple shirt dress always requires a pair of cool, chunky heels and these Kurt Geiger London sandals are just the ticket to add an edge to this Chambray shift. They are £140 here. 

4. Stacked rings are an easy way to add a little individuality to a look, and these Monica Vinader rings are a little bit bohemian providing this dress with a hefty dose of West-Coast everyday glamour. This on trend pastel green shade is just delightful. It is £65 here.

5. Keeping things lovely and tonal, this Monica Vinader stack ring (also £65 here) comes in this delightful shade of deep denim blue- the perfect partner to a Chambray shift. 

6. This light Chambray shift by Joie is my latest obsession. It is so delightfully simple, yet so stylish and is perfect to dress up for the office or down for lounging by the poolside. With an optional belt (which i'd need to nip in at the waist!), this dress is an easy-breezy Springtime hit. You can buy it for £149.81 on Shopbop here.

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

Sweet Shoes: Kat Maconie SS13

As worn by GIRLS star Allison Williams on the cover of Company magazine earlier this month, these neon shoes are a firm favourite of mine from the Kat Maconie collection this season. They'd be just dreamy with a little white dress and a bold necklace like this one from H&M (such a steal!) 

I have long been a fan of Kat Maconie shoes since spotting these bold beauties at the London Fashion Week showrooms a few seasons back (see my age-old post here). 

Sculptural, modern and striking, Kat Maconie shoes are the sort that can make even the simplest of outfits, and the best part is that the are reasonably affordable. 

Manolo, who? It's all about Maconie, ladies.

Following studies at London College of Fashion (where all the best fash-gals and boys go, just so ya know), Kat launched her statement shoe label back in 2009 and I really do think it is going from strength to strength.

I am very sad to say that I do not, as of yet, own a pair, but i'm hoping I can treat myself soon as the Spring/Summer collection is my favourite yet.

With a fierce but feminine aesthetic, these powerful shoes are injected with a lively splash of colour and print, inspired by the Brazilian Carnival. Classic styles and shapes are given a modern hit for evening with block heels and gleaming metal trims, while peep-toe wedges and mid-heel mary-janes allow for contemporary but cool everyday footwear.

The styles look a little futuristic while still maintaining an air of 1960s simplicity, making them the perfect partners to the romantic minimalism trend for Spring. Standouts for me include the neon Abigail as featured above and the nude Pearl: envy-inducing heels that shan't break the bank. 

The metallic flat is an essential this season and I adore this MAGGIE style in gold (£185, here). With a contrasting black trim, this block heel Mary-Jane is modern and fun. Pair with a monochrome shift and a stunning collar necklace for a chic little look. 

A popular style from the new collection, the ABIGAIL printed t-bars are unfortunately out of stock. I'd suggest checking back here regularly for a new drop! They are just £230 and would look amazing with everything from bold pink shifts through to a simple monochrome jumpsuit.

Simple dove grey courts with a striking update, these VALERIE shoes (£210) are the perfect pair to replace your staple nude courts. 

Another favourite of mine, these flattering gold and nude PEARL shoes are versatile but modern and sure to attract many a compliment! (£230 here) 

As worn by the lovely Allison Williams on the cover of COMPANY magazine, these neon snake ABIGAIL heels are another new season hit. I'd wear with a simple white shift. Unfortunately these are out of stock online but keep checking back here for updates (£230)

Growing up, I was never able to find ANYTHING with my name on it. Whether I was looking for a little fridge magnet at the zoo or sweet little hairband, nobody catered for the Shonas of this world, and it was rather heartbreaking. Thank heavens, then, for these dove grey SHONA wedges, then. All is forgiven. (£180)

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 ! 

Plastic Fantastic

Ready to get plastic fantastic?

Say so long to that good old black/silver/bright clutch for the future, my friends, is crystal clear.

While these little boxy clutches are hardly practical, and not great for us messy sorts, these clutches are infinitely versatile and ideal for those with plenty to show off.

Just enough room for a striking purse, a slick iPhone case and some stylish make-up. Simple as that: you're good to go.

I particularly love the Charlotte Olympia offering (of course I do: it's ridiculously expensive and unattainable) but I feel that the other options are every bit as lovely.

1. This Zara number is a snip at £19.99 and a great way to add a flash of fluoro fun to your look. I'd wear with a simple white shift or separates from Reiss for a cool, modern look.

2. This Mettle clutch, 100% eco-friendly, is one of the more stylish clutches I found on the internet. Crafted from recycled lucite with a brushed gold clasp, this is an elegant take on the trend.  Though i'm not sure where you can buy in the UK, it does make for rather lovely eye-candy in the meantime. If you are lucky enough to be based in Australia, you can check it out here.

3. The ultimate, this Charlotte Olympia Pandora Classic has already sold out online. With three inserts in leopard print, taupe and black, this boxy perspex clutch features a gorgeously sweet spider clasp for a luxe investment buy (tis a whopping £595 here)

4. Another sold-out little number, this Nasty Gal clear clutch is just fabulously sexy. Their product shot is also the perfect example of what a clear clutch is for: showing off! Get this on your wishlist now, you can shop it here.

5. During London Fashion Week, I spotted blogger Monica Beatrice from The Elgin Avenue carrying this lovely clutch. When she told me it was from Accessorize I simply had to keep it in mind for a post, and this is it's moment to shine. In on-trend polka dots, this clutch features a taupe inner pocket for a neutral but contemporary little clutch. Plus, it's a snip at £29 here.

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.

A Spring Fling

1. Everybody say HEY to the bag of my dreams. This Prada tote in clay grey leather has overtaken the navy Céline in the dreamy bag stakes... It is just such a beautiful neutral, a lovely alternative to black or tan, and is just divine. I want it so much but I can't seem to find that spare £1290, did anyone see where I left it?

2. This lemon yellow cropped sweater from Topshop is a SS13 must have. While the colour may not be for everyone, it was a huge hit at the Balenciaga SS13 show (see my new season references here) and looks gorgeous with a geometric black and white print. Wear this chunky sweater (£30) now with a long skirt and boots, and channel with a flirty mini come spring... If it ever arrives, of course.

3. This Accessorize necklace is such a lovely way to instantly update your look. The turquoise shade will lift neutral pieces to new heights, but it is also a great colour to make other brights sing- especially this zesty yellow. Shades of marine are going to be a huge hit for spring, so this is a great way to get ahead without feeling like you've splurged. It also has an alluring Elizabeth Taylor vibe which certainly belies it's £15 price-tag.

4. Any excuse for a new accessory, eh? Ever since my friend Nicole pointed me in the direction of the Kate Spade store in Westfield, I have been smitten with this bow-detail iPhone case. It is around £30 but is such a lovely way to treat yourself on pay day, not to mention a great way to lift your spirits in this horrible, horrible snow.

5. I am in love with these new season Kurt Geiger ELLA shoes. While white shoes may have horrible connotations of fake tan, Malibu and bleached hair (and no that is NOT a description of my Friday night look), in recent years they have been given a sartorial update and have become a beacon of modern elegance. Just ask Sarah Harris, the incredible fashion features writer at British Vogue, who wrote a great piece a few issues back about why white stilettos were her new season must have. If the Vogue girls are doing it, why shant we? White shoes are actually rather chic and lend a contemporary and fresh edge to everything from simple skinnies to little black dresses. These block heel shoes from Kurt Geiger (at £195) are just the ticket and I really rather fancy a pair.

6. My latest purchase is this flirty little miniskirt from Topshop, which I initially bought as a piece for work, but have unfortunately been very short of opportunities in which to brave the opaques. I am dotty for this miniskirt (£22) which looks fun worn with a little white crop top (channelling Balenciaga the very best I can) or with a crisp white shirt tucked in. It also looks playful and modern when paired with bold brights like this sherbet sweet sweater.

7. This is a classic nude polish from Nails Inc which has a soft caramel tone to it. Basil Street (£11) is a warm and elegant shade which goes with everything yet looks particularly delicious when paired with zingy aqua.

8. In time for last summer, I featured these fabulous nude and neon nails by Nails Inc, and I felt that they would look particularly fab with this look, as a way of marrying in the cyan blue. Simply paint the base of your in the afore mentioned Basil Street (two coats), then leave to dry before applying a french manicure sticker to the nail and painting the tip in this refreshing Pool Party shade from Topshop. Simple and quirky nail art that is sure to put a smile on your face.

Spring 2013: My Top Five

Firstly I want to apologise that my posts have been pretty seldom of late- I have only just got back to London and things have been rather hectic.

While the majority of stores are still full of sales tat (for, lets face it, the good stuff has gone), there are a few spring pieces filtering into stores and they are filling me with anticipation for the warmer months... I do wish that they would hurry up, though, the thought of more snowfall over London sends shivers down my spine.

Despite being unable to venture out the house without a minimum of five layers, I am striving to breathe a little sunshine into my look as soon as possible. To kick things off, I have started making a list of the pieces i'm absolutely dying to add to my wardrobe for the new season, and the designer shows that have inspired me most. So, I just thought i'd share with you my top five SS13 collections that I shall be channelling at every available opportunity. 

Well, as soon as I regain the feeling in my hands, that is. I can only imagine how many of my potential fashion week looks will be ruined by my mittens. 

With his final collection for Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquiere pulled out every last stop and his show was the finest of the season in my view. With statement monochrome flamenco skirts seductively split to the thigh and paired with boxy crop tops, the aesthetic was modern and exciting, while still remaining wearable. Shades of lemon yellow and powder blue were infiltrated into the largely monochromatic collection for a refreshing sophistication, while the sharp tailoring and unique prints maintained the directional quality that makes Balenciaga such an influential fashion house today. Just next month all eyes will be on Alexander Wang as he makes his debut at the Parisian house, but I shall still be swooning over these sleeveless blazers and adopting this bold mini-skirt and pastel top combo at any opportunity.
  

It's no secret that geometric prints are absolutely HUGE for 2013, but this collection by Aquilano Rimondi has confirmed what we all already knew deep down: geometric prints are miles cooler than the ditsy florals we continually wear in summer. All change? Yes please! The Italian design duo Aquilano Rimondi put on quite a show in Milan with these wonderfully sculptural dresses in jewel tones offset with bold black and white. With harlequin prints, origami-esque folds and flattering shapes, these little dresses are high fashion but still wholly wearable... Not to mention a gazillion times cooler than that silly old LBD. I shall be channelling this look by saving up for something from Paper London- one of the hottest boutique brands du jour. 

SS13 was all about controversy, but let us push that all to one side and appreciated the total, devastating gorgeousness that is Raf Simons' debut at Christian Dior. While the house of Dior may have had something of a rocky ride since the demise of Galliano, with Simons at the helm it looks like things are certainly looking up for the Parisian powerhouse. The collection is, clearly, superlative. Not too pretty, not too avant-garde and not too stuffy, this is Dior re-imagined by one of the industry's most talented young creatives, and it's good. In particular I have fallen for the pieces that seamlessly marry black and navy and this bold coral dress that really does set my heart all a-flutter.

From Raf Simons' modern interpretation of classicism at Dior we turn to the elegant re-imagining of grunge as executed at Dries Van Noten. From checked shirts to fragile slip dresses, this entire collection exudes the vulnerability and nonchalance that had a generation of teens gripped to the turbulent romance of Kurt and Courtney. Every little detail was bang-on, from the rootsy, choppy blunt bobs through to the dark sunglasses. There was not even a hint of novelty to this collection, which was a huge success among the fashion editors, unsurprisingly. It all sounds so wrong, but looks so right. I love the silken take on the iconic plaid shirt, especially when paired with a dark floral skirt and pointed printed pumps. This blend of elegant luxury and gritty grunge feels extremely fresh. 

If you thought Victoria Beckham had not earned her place on the fashion week schedule, then please do think again, for her SS13 collection is just divine. A core collection of beautifully made and tailored pieces, each and every garment is cut to flatter the female silhouette and does so with such finesse. The minimalistic attributes of this collection are immediately apparent with those trademark slick shapes and a particularly bold colour palette of nude, vibrant orange, black and white. The clinical aesthetic was given new life in a flirtation with sports-luxe, but the overall effect was simply alluring.

ALL IMAGES FROM CATWALKING

Newly Neutral

1. I love this chunky, zesty Topshop knit (£36)

2. These Whistles grey suede ankle boots are my new favourite bootie- perfect for summertime (£150)

3. This Mawi collar with yellow detail is a bit of an investment piece at £475, but I would if I could!

4. This sunny grey and yellow mini dress from T by Alexander Wang is a fantastic buy from The Outnet at just £65... Go, go, go!

5. This Zoe Karssen t-shirt from Harvey Nichols (£30 in the sale if you act fast) is my new favourite buy- I love it for the gym but it's also great teamed with zingy brights.

6. Another blog post, another lovely blazer from The Kooples- I wonder whether there is a single product from this store that I haven't blogged about?... (£118 on sale)

7. This pistachio green iPad case from the new collection at Mulberry is absolutely adorable- such a pretty spring hit.

8. Ooh... Sparkly! I adore these Dannijo earrings from Browns, the perfect twinkly addition to a colour lemon and granite colour combo (£348)

9. This 3.1 Phillip Lim yellow leather satchel is a total steal in the Avenue 32 sale, reduced to £250. Who needs a boring tan handbag?

10. This Miamica jewellery travel case is just too sweet- I had to feature it! If you're a USA-dweller you can order these little boxes for just $5. 

If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them!

All Images from Catwalking

From L - R : Zoe Jordan S/S13, Helmut Lang S/S13, Victoria by Victoria Beckham S/S 13, Elie Saab S/S13, Oscar De La Renta S/S13, Ashley Isham S/S13

The January Blues, that is!

I have always thought myself immune from the January Blues, primarily because my birthday falls in just a couple of weeks. However, this year I felt what can only be described as post party depression, somewhat akin to what I had after Zante... Surely there is some sort of charity for this? (I jest)

I'm sure i'm not alone in feeling this, but I think i've got a cure: a new SS13 inspired wardrobe.

Post sales-chaos, why not treat yourself to a couple of lovely pieces in the most covetable shades of the coming season: marines fit for a mermaid. 

How very apt- if you can't beat the January Blues, join 'em with some cool, crisp pieces that look ever so chic.

1. This gorgeous dusty blue coat is a steal at Reiss- reduced to just £73

2. These Kenneth Jay Lane earrings are so unbelievably glamourous- and a perfect way to marry marine shades together £240

3. These suede navy ankle boots from Whistles are my new favourite pair- such a gorgeous colour and such a wearable shape. Work these in s/s13 with super-skinny grey denim and a crisp white shirt.

4. This dress from The Outnet by Aminika Wilmont is a great buy at £212.50 - so Peter Pilotto and extremely flattering and sexy.

5. Ooh this Acne sweater from the Net-A-Porter sale (£96) is a gorgeous hit of aquamarine- amazing with skinny white jeans.

6. This Nelly ring is a fabulous £6.95 yet looks deceptively YSL (or SLP? Doesn't sounds right...) A gorgeous cocktail ring for the new season.

7. If you love me, you'll buy me a Celine handbag... It really is a simple as that. I currently have my eye on a slate blue Luggage hold-all at £2050... I can but dream.

8. This Dannijo necklace from Kabiri is a pretty grecian statement piece to pair with a little navy dress for a new season lift. Or try with a light grey Zoe Karssen tee (check the Harvey Nicks sale) for a really cool look.

9. I can't believe these gorgeous cobalt heels are just £60 from Topshop - they look seriously high end. I would love to rock these with a little printed minidress for swinging spring look with a modern touch.

10. Behold, yet another ridiculously fabulous Mulberry. This time the mini-Alexa has made an entrance in this sultry, dusty slate blue with silver hardware. So cool that it's hot!