Introducing the Bike-sea Boot

There are countless reasons why I am so fond of fashion. Within the top fifty, though, is the fashion folks' penchant for inventing bonkers new words to be used in a sartorial context. I say inventing, but usually these words are simple hybrids- the been-and-gone Jegging is a prime example, as is the ultra cosy Coatigan. 

"I love your top Shona!"

"Oh, you mean my blirt?"

As of yet, nobody has penned the Chic-tionary- to be frank, ain't nobody got time for that. But if you keep your finger on the pulse in reading your dailies, weeklies and monthlies, you should be well on your way to fluency in fashion.

This season I have decided to coin my own term so as to describe my chosen boot style. Behold, readers, the mighty Bike-sea.

At the AW13 press days I fell massively for all the biker boots on display- universally chunky and subtly punky.

However, when I began browsing the stores in pursuit of an everyday style, I felt a touch intimidated by these badass bikers. I like to think my style is quite feminine and elegant. Biker boots are not. If I were a boot I'd be the safe and simple Chelsea boot, not a Doc Marten. 

Also, lest we forget, biker boots are far from flattering. They are all well and good if you are Freja Beha Erichsen, but if you have even a slight curve to your leg, you must be wary. 

The Bike-sea boot is a reassuring alternative. Cut to the ankle, the Bike-sea features a chunky, practical sole alongside classic biker detailing. It is stompy and contemporary, but still forgiving, falling just on the right side of edgy. 

My pick is the Kurt Geiger Saturn, which is currently topping my new-season shopping list. Short enough to work with dresses but substantial enough to see me through Scottish snow, these are ticking all the boxes. 

Here are the best of the rest. 

1. Carvela by Kurt Geiger SATURN Boots - £160 here

2. Jimmy Choo YOUTH Boots at Net-A-Porter - £595 here

3. River Island Gold Detail Biker Boots - £45 here

4. Zara Cut-Out Bikers - £89.99 here

SHOP SIMILAR: 

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.

Reiss SS13: Fashion Blogger Picks

As a fashion blogger with the fantastic guys at Handpicked Media, I was invited along to the lovely REISS S/S13 press day, where the team were showing off the most delectable pieces from the womenswear, menswear and 1971 ranges. You may or may not have seen my original blog post about the collection (which you can read here), but I thought i'd just show you this lovely video which popped up on my Twitter feed (shameless plug: follow @SWfashion_ if you like) last week.

The video sees me in some pretty brilliant fashion blogging company including Navaz from Disney Roller Girl, Anna from South Molton St Style, Isabelle from Isabelle OC and Carina from Carina 100 as we all explain our favourite pieces from the collections. 

I just thought i'd share it with you, alongside some of my top picks from the upcoming SS13 collection at Reiss. I have only picked a few pieces from the ever-elegant mainline collection, but do stay tuned for some yummy picks from their rather cool 1971 line. 

In addition, I must apologise for how many times I say the word "beautiful" in this clip, but do be kind for I had very little time to prepare. Plus, I am the first to admit that I do indeed have a face for the radio and therefore the camera is NOT my friend. 

I doubt i'll be debuting SW Fashion TV any time soon, to put it gently.

Do let me know what you think ladies and gents! 

1. First up we have this gorgeous little dress, which is actually available to buy now for £159. I love the pretty monochromatic print that is a little bit geometric but still feminine and very pretty. This dress would just be perfect for work paired with my new pointy studded flats and a gorgeous handbag. It would also look rather fabulous paired with a certain pair of hot pink cage sandals...

2. This cute little belt is available to buy online now for a very reasonable £39. It is just a gorgeous neutral belt for spring time, working with every colour from juicy watermelon through to marshmallow pink. Buy it here and wear with a slick white shift and bold shoes.

3. These shoes are just beautiful. I used to have a strange aversion to all things barbie pink, but this season that has all changed, for I am beginning to appreciate the sophisticated side of pink, and these shoes have that down to a fine art. Reminiscent of the iconic YSL cage boots of 2009, these hot pink shoes in suede and patent leather really do make a statement. I won't tell anyone their not designer if you don't!

4. This vibrant coral mini handbag with gold hardware is almost good enough to eat! It feels oh-so summery with this bright fruit punch shade, which particularly comes alive when paired with glossy gold. I really am smitten with this handbag, it is such a delightful colour and the styling is clean and simple. I'd wear it with white, for you can't go wrong with a little bright and white.

5. This dress is so feminine in a contemporary way, which I really do love. A little white dress is a wardrobe staple, so it'd be mad not to treat myself to this one. It reminds me of a little white bubble dress I had when I was around fifteen years old, only this is far more sophisticated with sheer frills and straps and a flattering slouchy shape.

6. Last but not least we have some cute little sandals. I must admit that this hot coral shade just has me longing for poolside bubbly and summer sunshine, but I shall have to come back down to earth and face the fact that London is cold. BOO. When it does come round to buying sandals, though, these are certainly contenders. 

Oh! You Pretty Things...

River Island Hairband £20

Tuesday Bluesday

This weekend was a beautiful one. My mother came down for a few days of sunshine, champagne and shopping (cliche, moi?) and I had a lovely time! Then the weather decided to have a hissy fit and now the stupid rain has started and seems unlikely to cease. I will not divulge what I am currently wearing as I am mortified to be at LCF... Wearing a chavvy monstrosity. Apologies, I am a disgrace.

To lift my mood I thought i'd hit the Liberty website to lust after things that I can't afford- depressing but so pretty! I fell in love with this Hermione de Paula scarf at the weekend- all swirly florals with arty pink flamingo detailing and I also think a wardrobe is incomplete without a McQueen scarf and this one (a tearjerking £355) is my favourite to date- who knew skulls could be so pretty? I love it!

What's more, loyalty card holders and those who picked up the Sunday Times Style will also be entitled to £30 off on a spend over £150! £325 doesn't seem so bad does it? Surely that's justified! 

Sssshoe Time

Thank god for my iPad! I downloaded a few magazines to read, one of which was the new issue of Harpers (starring Victoria Beckham looking phenomenal- see here) and I noticed a pair of gorgeous Kurt Geiger heels (£220) that I fell in love with. I also had a little bit of deja vu.

These shoes are just cropping up everywhere! From the versatile but fashionable snakeskin to the metal spike heels and ladylike pointed toe, these have all the markings of an 'it' shoe, and they are affordable! Well, more so than Louis Vuitton!

Buy yours here- I love them!

Flower Power

by Shona Wallace, @SWfashion_

While returning a pair of faulty boots to Office (heartbroken as I really did love these studded booties- so much so I posted about them!), I spotted these Ferragamo-esque wedges winking at me from the display. While I have always had a bit of a silly soft spot for an impractical wedge, never have I been drawn to a rainbow striped pair.

These 'Wonderstuff' wedges are, however, the cheeriest shoes I have seen in a long time. How could anything get you down with these on your feet?!

Wear with denim and a blouse for a pared down look, or try with a simple colour block dress for a bold look that certainly packs a punch! 

Even the name is bringing a smile to my face!

Chirpy Two Shoes!

by Shona Wallace, @SWfashion_

These Missguided  boots are just so sweet. More than a little bit Jeffrey Campbell inspired, these are a snip of the price and come in such sweet colours.

The yellow is a personal favourite, perfect teamed with denim or muted tones, but I am more than a little bit in love with the others as well! If only I could take one in every colour!

These should definitely lift your mood at the end of this dreary grey Monday! 

Kolett boots available here.

Fenton= New Obsession

by Shona Wallace, @SWfashion_

This weeks' Grazia featured a gorgeous piece by Fenton (available at Liberty), and I just fell head over heels in love. I am obsessed with statement jewellery, and this stuff is every bit as gorgeous as my favourite brands like Mawi. I adore the pastels shades and would do anything to own one of the pieces! Definitely one to watch.

The chunky necklaces would be perfect with a nude shorts suit and bright heels for a fabulous evening look, or to lift a crisp white shirt and skinny jeans for day. 

Find more about the label here!