Blooming Beautiful: Wedding Wonders

Okay, clever clogs, this post is just a couple of days late... The Chelsea Flower Show took place this weekend with a flurry of fabulous flora engulfing Chelsea. From scrumptious afternoon teas with a floral flair through to champagne pop-ups beside the Saatchi gallery - the atmosphere in Chelsea was absolutely electric, and all these pretty pop-ups proved all-too tempting, as i'm sure you can imagine.

I personally adore Chelsea... The real Chelsea, not that Made in Chelsea lark. The Kings Road has so much to offer and all the surrounding pockets of moneyed marvels. I love the Bluebird, I love the glamourous boutiques and I just adore the vibe of the area, from Sloane Square to Walton Street.

If ever you are stuck for things to do on a Sunny Sunday in London, take a trip to Chelsea and just have a wander- you won't leave disappointed. At the moment, for example, there is the most compelling Hermés exhibition on at the marvellous Saatchi gallery. I went on Saturday with the lovely Kate (check out her enviably chic blog here) but we went at peak time so hardly got a chance to look around... Guess that means we'll have to go back? What a chore (!)

Anyway, I digress, for this post is all about occasionwear, this time inspired by the beautiful blooms at the RHS Chelsea flower show. The perfect feminine look for Summer weddings, I love this Zimmermann dress paired with the painterly floral jacket and futuristic clean accents. I feel that this look balances elegance with trend-led touches for a punchy but wholly versatile look.

1) I adore the simplistic design of Whistles handbags and clutches, and the Rivington clutch is a contemporary classic- without the price-tag that usually comes with such an accolade! In this sweet vanilla shade, this spacious pouch with golden accents is a relaxed clutch that will work for day or evening. It is £75 here. 

2) I have been obsessed with Australian boutique brand Zimmermann for a fair few seasons now, with both their RTW and swim collections boasting a sexy but subtle femininity. Atelier-To-Go have tailor picked a selection of simple SS13 dresses from the brand, which you can shop here, but my favourite has to be this raspberry ruched number, also available at Austique (on the Kings Road). This dazzling Dazed dress is flirtatious and romantic but still fashion-forward with flattering ruching and the most glorious movement in the skirt. It is £375 here.

3) Kate Spade is my go-to shop for gloriously girly gifts. I accidentally stumbled upon the store Westfield a few months ago and I can't stop popping in since- there are SO many kitsch and cute things that I never need, but always want. A New York label, I can't wait to pop in this July when I head across the pond. If you have a little time to kill then do check out their Fathom for Kate Spade city guides here- they are awesome. Anyway, this golden bow bracelet is high up on my must-have list, and has been for a few seasons. You can shop it here.

4) Floral scents are a Summer essential, and this new one from Jo Malone smells every bit as pretty as it looks. The Osmanthus Blossom scent is light but sophisticated, a complex floral that balances sweet blossom notes with a touch of the exotic. With tones of peach and apricot, artfully balanced with white florals this is a dreamy daytime scent. You can treat yourself here, where the cologne is £76 for 100ml or £38 from 30ml. 

5) Essie, Essie, Essie... The things you do to me. This balletic pink nail polish- Muchi Muchi- is such a staple shade and will work all throughout Summer. 

6) I really must stop buying jackets, but this one is next on my agenda. A fabulous floral print that marries together shades of coral, magenta, aqua and lime, this flattering cropped blazer certainly belies it's £69.99 price-tag. Ideal for jazzing up a dress for a wedding, this jacket will work with everything from icy whites through to on-trend neons. You can shop the jacket at Zara here.

7) I may, just may, have purchased these ASOS shoes with the 20% student discount. Well, a girl's gotta treat herself. These white caged sandals instantly reminded me of the Alexander Wang ones I have been obsessed with since I first laid eyes on the SS13 collection, and I simply had to have these. The nude sandals just got shunnned: it's all about bright white. They are £42, but if you are quick you can still grab them with 20% off with Unidays!

Beach Me, Baby

An image from the ZIMMERMANN Swim SS13 campaign- see more envy-inducing shots here

Aah, if I were a rich girl.

There are so many things I want to do with my life. At the moment, my big dream is to travel to Australia to work with Vogue Australia... I did say it was a BIG dream, but you have to aim high. If I am truly honest, though, any Australian fashion company would do the trick. Australia is the one place in the world I truly long to visit but I just can't seem to find the time to go or, rather, I simply lack the organisation/motivation to just book this trip of a lifetime. 

I'm working on it, I promise. 

It just so happens, to add salt to the wound, that Australia has joined the ranks of Sweden and Denmark and become one of the most exciting countries in the fashion industry. This is particularly true of the affordable luxury market with a number of boutique labels emerging straight from the heart of Oz, specialising in decadent resortwear and the most incredible swimwear. 

Back in London, and back down to earth, today I witnessed what is perhaps the first sunshine of 2013, and I immediately started daydreaming of swimming pools, summer and icy cool champagne. 

Incidentally, also found myself navigating the ZIMMERMANN website simply lusting after their RTW and, of course, their divine swimwear. 

ZIMMERMANN is one of the hottest labels in Australia, and they are making waves over here with stockists including Austique. Their trademark look is feminine but sexy, swimwear and dresses that are designed to look amazing on, without sacrificing any sensual style or modernity.

Check out their website here, as they are now shipping worldwide, but I warn you: it's a little tricky to resist...  

While the price point does reach rather far beyond my fashion student budget, I can but dream, for these little bikinis are certainly dreamy. 

1. First up, this little coral bikini is a surefire summer hit. With frill detail on the cups, this bikini is feminine in the most glamourous way possible, and the colour is sure to sparkle with a softly sunkissed skin. The Brightside Bikini retails at $245, available here.

2. Nothing makes poolside posing quite like perfectly manicured nails, and the Leighton Denny Spring 2013 'Riviera' collection offers the most delectable shades for spring ranging from this sugary Promenade Pink through to yummy pistachio green. They are available from March 1st and shall retail at £11.

3. It's not all about bikinis, as the self-conscious among us will know all too well! I personally have had far too many occasions where I have splurged on bikinis, only to revert to my faithful black and white swimming cossie. One pieces, however, need not be stuffy, and this ruched halter number is just lovely. In a watercolour floral print, this flirty number is perfect for summertime frolicking.  The Locket one piece retails at $260 available here.

4 + 5. Alongside sexy little sets, Zimmermann also offer a selection of swim separates. My favourite is undoubtedly this zingy marigold pair. I love the frill detailing on the bra and that plunge neckline is just delightful. The top retails for $115 here and the matching bottoms are $60 here. While the colour is rather bright, doesn't it just put a smile on your face?

6. Another sweet shade from the Leighton Denny 'Riviera' collection , this peachy number is just gorgeous with softly blooming prints.

7. Speaking of softly blooming prints, how perfect is this flirty bikini? In the same print as the aforementioned Locket one piece, this fabulous frill bikini with a plunge neck and underwiring is a fabulous way to flaunt your flat tummy this coming summer. I'll take one bikini, and one flat tummy, please. The Locket frill bikini is available here at $210.

8. Not only do Zimmermann make the most lovely swimwear, they also offer effortlessly chic RTW and beach cover-ups. This lacy playsuit is my favourite piece for the new season. How elegant is this for a poolside cover-up? Ethereal and beautifully crafted, this long-sleeved playsuit would look particularly scrumptious worn over the periwinkle blue bikini. The Zoe Chiffon playsuit retails for $375 here.

9. Complete with glamourous gold detailing, this Locket bikini in periwinkle is another favourite of mine. I just can't comprehend how delightful this would look with a rich tan. In a flattering cupped style, this icy colour is seriously on trend this season. It retails for $230 here.