Round the Block

During the winter months I am rarely seen without a heeled ankle boot. From where I am sitting I can see eight pairs of black, almond-toe leather ankle boots, and that is but a sample of my expansive  collection. I have, however, reached a seasonal turning point: it's hot, hot, hot in London, and there really is no place for boots when it is above 20ºc. Also, nothing looks more confused than a sunshine yellow chiffon dress with black Chelsea boots.

I love ankle boots as they are versatile, practical and flattering. Heels are simultaneously powerful and feminine, but they must always be comfortable, for no one wants throbbing feet by lunchtime.

Behold, my spring/summer 2014 solution: the block heeled sandal. When in Barcelona for a friend's 21st earlier this year, I visited the ZARA mothership and treated myself to these tan leather strappies. Often ZARA shoes can cut feet up, but these are crafted from soft leather, making them comfy enough for everyday wear. The tan shade is totally versatile, not as harsh as black but not too girlish like nude.

My next purchase will be a black version. Though I am dreaming of the Whistles Gia style, I think I may opt for these H&M leather strappies with gold buckle detailing. Wear with structured midi skirts for an elegant city chic look.

1. ZARA tan buckled sandals in leather, £79.99 here

2. H&M imitation leather sandals with statement buckle, £24.99 here

3. H&M leather sandals with glossy heel, also available in nude with tortoiseshell heel, £39.99 here

4. Whistles Gia leather sandals in white, also in black and silver, £185 here

BEST OF THE REST

She Could've Been a Killer

1. My Bowie obsession is probably a little unhealthy. Just ask my poor flatmates who were recently subject to my choruses of "THIS IS GROUND CONTROL TO MAJOR TOM" while cleaning the kitchen on a hungover Sunday morning. I feel that the time has come for me to bite the bullet and invest in this fabulous Ziggy Stardust sweater by my beloved Maje. Maje-or Tom would certainly approve. It is £130 here.

2. & Other Stories nail polishes are pretty as a picture, and this Melton Sunset shade is next on my must-have list. Red hot with just a touch of sunset orange, the matte shade will add a pop of Summer vibrance to polished tips and toes. It is just £5 here.

3. I have been seeking a great bargain foundation for a while now, and I think I have found my one true love- Revlon Photoready. The coverage is buildable, covering imperfections without caking. It promises to give the illusion of flawless skin in photographs, so what could be better for those impromptu Somerset House style snaps? It is £12.99 at Boots. My tip is to layer with the liquid PhotoReady concealer- also Revlon- and finish with a dusting of Bourjois Healthy Mix powder.

4. I have finally invested in a backpack, but sadly it is nowhere near as stylish as this fabulous VERITY style by Whistles. I spotted this at the press day and have been dreaming of it since. The buttery white leather is crisp, clean and classic, while the size is just right for fashion week essentials.  At £275 it is an investment piece, but at least you can't contest it's practicality? Mum would be proud. Shop VERITY here.

5. Orelia's delicate jewellery, stocked in Topshop, is my go-to for trinkety little pieces to decorate my wrists and fingertips. These mixed metal midi-rings are great for drawing attention to perfectly manicured hands- they also make for great girly gifts. They are £10 here. 

6. Another Whistles hit, this golden bolt cuff adds a little gloss to the look. It is £35 here and is a contender for my next pay-day purchase. The bolt = very Aladdin Sane.

7. Picking a favourite piece in Zara at the moment is not easy. They seem to up their game every season, and SS14 is no exception. Zara is, and always shall be, my happy place (sorry Cafe Nero- you're a close second). If I were to choose just one ensemble to add to my wardrobe, it would probably be this leather trimmed tweedy mini with matching biker jacket. It's so Alexander Wang at Balenciaga, particularly when paired with a sheer white blouse and a little midriff peekaboo. Be a devil and treat yourself here - the skirt is £39.99.

8. Last but not least, kick up your look with these buckled peep-toe ankle boots, also from Zara. They are chunky and clunky but still suitably sexy. In a word? Strutworthy. They are £99.99 here, but they will work with any look across the seasons.

This season I have made the informed decision to fully boycott London Fashion Week. With my dissertation due in a matter of weeks, it made great sense for me to shun all LFW frivolities, instead opting for quinoa gingerbread men, GIRLS boxsets and a little bit of at-home Pilates. Did someone say C-H-I-C?

So while the fashion pack are gallivanting around London toting their Meli Melos, fueled by Marlboros, Manolos and Instagram-Hashtag-Hype (#LFWtimelinebitchez/ #donthatemecuzyouaintme), I am seeking out other modes of procrastination. My current pick? Twitter gem @Daily_Kale.

I  have a wealth of LFW shows to catch up on for AW14 - I hear Whistles was a knockout?- but I, like the rest of the population, am still in SS14 mode. With my first Spring holiday booked, I am spending every waking moment daydreaming of backlessness, crop-tops, printed two-pieces and sugar sweet pointed pumps.

I digress.

Above is what I would be wearing if I could be tempted away from the British Library. And on that note, ladies, best not wear leather minis to the British Library- I've never had so many shocked glances in my life.

Sale Savvy: His & Hers

 

Sometimes all that can alleviate the inevitable post-Christmas depression is a mammoth online shopping spree... Particularly when armed with Charbonnel et Walker truffles and leftover champagne. 

That said, we can all be guilty of senseless sale shopping...

"50% off you say?! Ripped zebra jeans? Yes! Perspex neon clutch? Yes! Pink fur coat? Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!"

It is easy to get carried away when you see those hefty designer price-tags whittled down to the £100/£200 mark, but there are a few rules one must remember when it comes to sale shopping:

1. If you wouldn't buy it full price, don't buy it on sale.

2. NEVER buy a size down/up. 

3. Remember the three-year rule. Will you still be wearing this piece in three years time? No? Step away from the cashpoint missy/mr!

To reiterate, I know it's all too tempting- heck, while compiling this post I spent £400 on The Kooples website (the title of my upcoming memoir shall be SW Fashion: From Blogging to Bankruptcy pre-order on Amazon now)- but it is also easy to find some great pieces that will last a lifetime.

Ladies and gentlemen, here are some of my favourite sensible sale buys of the season. Enjoy! 

 

1. This Zimmermann dress is the perfect LBD to add to your party dress collection. The delicate broderie anglaise fabric is slightly summery, but the backless detailing makes it a sexy party season staple. Did somebody say New Years Eve? It is on sale at Net-A-Porter for £237 here. 

2. Luxurious lingerie is best to buy on sale, and my favourite brand this year is Myla. Last year I was obsessed with Mimi Holliday, but this December I have fallen for Myla's subtly sensual styles. This Layla bra in champagne pink with black lace is far too beautiful to keep under-wraps. Complete with rose gold fittings and ornate lace, the Layla bra is available here for £67. Sadly they have run out of my size (and I have got WAY too much lingerie already) but had I been quicker I would have paired this with my new satin camisole from ASOS (here).

3. Reduced from £120 to £36 (!!!!!), this Devon bra by Myla is another dazzler. It is great for A and B cups in particular, and the full set is sure to go down a storm come Valentines Day. I may, just may, purchase this as an early birthday treat.

4. Lingerie to one side, Myla are also renowned for their decadent nightwear in high quality silk, satin and eyelash lace. Their sultry lace kimonos of black and ivory (ideal for honeymooners) are reduced from £1000 to £500 this season, and their satiny slips, babydolls and pyjama sets are also on sale. This black Angelica babydoll is the ultimate nightdress for the contemporary glamour puss, reduced to just £87 here.

5. Beauty Bay is a great place to look for slash-priced beauty staples, and these Essie polishes can be found on sale here, alongside some other great seasonal hues. Pictured are Spaghetti Strap, a light peony pink (£7.82 here) and Cabi au Lait, a sheer ballet pink (£6.38 here). Beauty Bay also have free delivery at the moment for guilt-free post-Christmas spending. 

6. Selfridges have a lot of great scents on sale following the festive period, and these jam-jar natural scents by Honore Des Pres are great to stock up on for gifts. Originally £53, each scent is now £19.50. My personal favourite is the Sexy Angel scent which is fruity with a touch of spice and a sugared almond base. You can shop them here.

7. A little sparkle goes a long way, so add oodles of glamour to any evening look with these Tom Binns earrings at Net-A-Porter, reduced to £99 here. I won't tell anyone they aren't antique if you don't. 

8. While compiling this post, I may have been led astray by The Kooples sale. The Kooples is always my first port of call for sale bargains as I find the pieces are classic and timeless and great quality. This silk blouse in muted blush pink is sure to work hard in your wardrobe, and is the perfect piece to wear slightly undone to show off your new Myla lingerie. It is now reduced to £99 here.

9. Saint Laurent Paris court shoes under £300? Need I say more? These are just £280 at Matches and come in crimson too. A great pair of court shoes will last you a lifetime, and this slick pointed style are sure to delight for work or play.

 

1. I know it doesn't seem like the most sensible sales purchase, but this silk Carven camisole in zebra print will look amazing for SS14, tapping into the Wanderlust trend for all things wild (roar). Wear with a split front pencil skirt such as this ridiculously bargain-ous ASOS style (£11 = lunch at Pret or split front skirt?) and classic courts (I can only assume you've bought the Saint Laurent ones already?) for a sophisticated look with just a nod to the trend. It is reduced to £204 here. 

2. If you like to smell as delicious as you look (such a charmer), then you will doubtless be familiar with the popular Laura Mercier Eau Gourmande collection. With delectable scents of Créme Brulée, Tarte au Citron, Toasted Chestnut and Almond Coconut, these miniature candles are great to dot around the house or to keep on standby for future presents. Reduced from £42, these Laura Mercier candles are available at Space NK for £21 here.

3. The key to a good little black dress is to keep it relaxed and nonchalant, and who could do that better than Maje? A brand synonymous with Parisian chic, this ultra-flattering dress is effortlessly elegant. With a draped silk satin top and a crepe layered skirt, this dress is just calling for a little Isabel Marant boucle jacket and some killer heeled ankle boots. Party season perfection à la Emmanuelle Alt. Maje dress, £162 at Net-A-Porter here.

4. One of my favourite gifts this year was my Rosie for Autograph dusky pink silk pyjamas. They feel so luxurious and elegant, and are the ultimate lounge-wear. Come Summer, though, a short alternative is a must, and these ones at Avenue 32 should do just nicely. The vibrant raspberry shade will really pop with a tan, and the quality is superlative. Raspberry Silk Pyjamas at Avenue 32 by Alöe £98 here.

5. In terms of value, I think Phillip Lim handbags are a great investment. I bought my Pashli this Summer and I have already seen the price go up, so it is always a good idea to get a bargain while you can. This shoulder bag is wonderfully discreet and simple, making it a safe and smart sale buy. 3.1 Phillip Lim Scout Shoulder bag at Avenue 32 £351 here. 

6. Jewellery is usually a bit of a silly sales buy, but this Dogeared charm bracelet is an exception. Granted, it is hardly even reduced, but this gold-plate bracelet is great to keep for a special present such as an impromptu 21st or promotion. Dogeared Lucky Star bracelet exclusively at ASOS reduced to £40.50 here.

7. My first (of many!) sale purchases this year were the Kurt Geiger London Belgravia sandals in nude. For something punchier, opt for the Isabella's in vibrant coral. The shade will be a knockout with a Summer tan and sunset brights are big for SS14. At £49, surely it would be rude not to? Kurt Geiger Isabella reduced to £49 here.

 

1. Richard Nicoll's menswear line has always been slick but understated, and a lot of his trend-led wardrobe staples can be found in the fantastic Matches Fashion sale. These light grey chinos are a great weekend alternative to denim, and also come in rich french navy. They will also transition well into Summer. Richard Nicoll trousers at Matches here. 

2. If you don't have a really fabulous dinner jacket yet, head to The Kooples for a great selection of classic jackets with seasonal reductions. I featured this slim fit navy jacket in one of my menswear pages as it has such a sharp cut. It will work just as well with relaxed Chinos and a simple tee as it would with the matching pants and a buttoned up shirt with a leather collar. Navy Blazer at The Kooples reduced to £294 here.

3. Givenchy is one of the coolest brands of the moment in menswear, so add a little edge to your working wardrobe with these gold wing cufflinks, also available in silver. Givenchy Wing Cufflinks now £105 here. Psst! Ladies, these make for a great gift.

4. This woolen jacket, also by Richard Nicoll, is a contemporary weekend essential. In a biker style, this deep petrol blue jacket is effortlessly stylish and will add a little edge to even the most simple ensemble. The quality is fantastic, and this jacket is sure to impress your other half come date night. Richard Nicoll Wool Melton Biker Jacket reduced to £444 here. 

5. The ruckack is back in a big way, and this leather style from Zara is a particularly stylish offering. Zara brown leather rucksack £39.99 here.

6. Never neglect the shoes- they can make or break an outfit. In the Winter sales it is always a great idea to pick up some classic Chelsea boots, such as these battered brown ankle boots from The Kooples. Kurt Geiger also have some strong offerings, as do Sandro at Selfridges. The Kooples battered brown biker/chelsea boots reduced to £198 here.

7. A favourite of slick city boys, Reiss never fail to impress with their inventive menswear collections and dapper detailing. Often it is quite difficult to distinguish between higher-end brands and Reiss, for the quality is often on a par, and this grey cashmere sweater is a great example. Reiss cashmere sweater in dove grey reduced to £119 here.

8. If you're after something a little more exciting than plain grey, look no further than this printed jacquard sweater. Come Spring, this one shall be available in pale grey with lemon print, so this neutral style is bang-on. Reiss jaguar sweater reduced to £65 here.  

1. A great pair of slim-fit jeans is a worthwhile investment, and this season's best value label is BLK DNM. Only a few sizes remain of this wash, but stay tuned to Matches for new lines and other brands such as J Brand and ACNE. BLK DNM Jeans at Matches reduced to £82 here.  

2. Unleash your wild side with these casual ponyskin flats by Kurt Geiger. They are a little outlandish, yes, but worn with simple jeans and a great teddy jacket they are sure to liven up your look a treat. They also come in patent navy croc. Leopard Print Plimsolls at Kurt Geiger here.

3. A good t-shirt should be light, soft and slightly loose-fitting, and James Perse t-shirts are arguably among the best for men and women. This dark grey tee with black trim is a smart style that will work well under a leather jacket. Grey James Perse t-shirt at Matches here.

4. T-shirts are great to buy on sale, and this navy one with leather pocket detailing is great value for a souped-up staple. Navy t-shirt with leather pocket reduced to £48 at The Kooples here. 

5. The varsity jacket has been on the up for a few seasons now, so now is a great time to invest in a neutral style to add a little modernity to a casual look. I love this one by Reiss 1971, which is reduced to £109 here.

6. Worn well, a statement sneaker can give any look a fashion-forward twist. These Sandro Interstellar high-tops feature a tonal, Alexander Wang-esque graffiti print on the side, and will look fantastic with black denim and an embroidered varsity jacket. Sandro Interstellar High-Top Sneakers at Selfridges here.

7. For something a little more conservative, these black leather sneakers are great for casual weekend wear. They are smart but still comfortable, and the high-top style feels distinctly modern. Sandro Cha Vision High-Top Sneakers at Selfridges here. 

SALE PICKS: HIM

 SALE PICKS: HER

How-To: Look Hot in Culottes

1. M&S... Is that you? This fine knit cropped sweater from the SS14 collection at M&S is undoubtedly one of their standout fashion-forward staples of the season. At £35, this tres chic transitional gem hits stores in December. Shop their knockout knits here.

2. Five Gold Rings? Just one shall suffice! This antique-look ring from ASOS certainly belies it's £15 price-tag. Dotted with clear glass stones, this delicately elegant ring is a worthwhile midweek treat. (And while ASOS have 20% for students it would be rude not to buy everything.)

3. Join the J-Crew! This month saw American label J Crew's arrival in London, and what better excuse to pop this very versatile crystal necklace on your Christmas list. What better to luxe up your obligatory Christmas knit? At £98 it is the ideal sumptuous stocking-filler. 

4. Cool Kid Culottes. We all know that culottes are a huge trend for SS14, but it goes without saying that you ought to approach this skirt/short hybrid with caution. If you get the right pair, however, contemporary culottes can actually look pretty, well, hot. In floaty crepe, this M&S interpretation is sure to fly off the shelves when it hits stores next year (£45). Style as you would a midi-skirt and make sure you are never without a slick cigarette heel.  

5. Belle of Belgravia. The Kurt Geiger London B Series has been a real hit with the editorial elite, but my personal pick have to be the slick, simple Belgravia sandals. This season they are available in glossy nude, burgundy and black, and for SS14 they have been pimped up by punchy prints. And B-fore I forget (sorry) the B Series is still going strong for Spring, with Kurt Geiger London debuting the B Handbags, each one decorated with the signature golden tubes. The timeless nude style is £240 and worth every penny.

London Fashion Week SS14: Trend Summary

I don't know if you've noticed, but this season I have been pretty quiet on the Fashion Week front. However, if you are feeling a need to swot up on the SS14 trends, check out my LFW summary over on SUITCASE magazine and The Huffington Post.

I wrote these on behalf of Serena Guen, editor and founder of SUITCASE magazine. SUITCASE magazine, if you didn't know, is everything that is right with magazines at the moment. It is stylish, slick, approachable and directional- just like its cool-kid readers. You can buy an issue here or you can check out the online content here.

I hope you like my LFW Summary, and any comments are more than welcome!