Schoolgirl Chic

Back to school, boys and girls! Uni kicks off again next week, so I thought I'd post a little student-y style post (featured on The Guardian Students here)

Dressing for your university debut is no mean feat. For the first time in your educational journey you do not have the ease or reassurance of a uniform. No gingham dresses or boxy blazers to soften the blow: this time, the ball is in your court. 

My first day of university came during an Indian Summer in London. The temperatures were soaring and there was no place at London College of Fashion for my winter woollies. I decided to keep it simple in pairing my favourite cream silk shirt with black leather shorts, practical patent ballet flats and a big tan handbag with my MacBook Pro crammed in. The outfit was smart but classic, a tried-and-tested look that I felt I could truly be myself in. 

This season my back-to-uni look also features the ubiquitous cream blouse, this time paired with a dark checked mini skirt and lashings of metallics. The finishing touch is my expandable handbag, the perfect size for all my study essentials. 

The way we dress plays an intrinsic role in making those all-important first impressions, so bear this in mind when putting together your first-day ensemble. There is a lot to consider, but ultimately you should aim for an outfit that stays true to your own personal style. 

My blouse is Urban Outfitters (similar style here), my mini is by Zara (sold out but check similar styles below), my bag is a medium black Pashli (try here), my necklace is by J Crew (love this one but this J Crew style is slightly more affordable) and my shoes are also Zara (here)

SIMILAR STYLES

Holiday Wardrobe: Big Yellow Taxi

From West to East, our final US stop was the city of dreams- New York.

I must say that I did not know what to expect from the ultimate metropolis. I had heard mixed opinions: some loved it, some hated it, and I had no clue into which category I would fall. However, as we flew across the city, taking in the iconic scenery, my mind was pretty much made up. And now I get why everyone wears those t-shirts... I, in fact, also love NY.

We were very lucky to stay in the luxurious Gramercy Park hotel in Manhattan, just across from the private gardens of the same name. The hotel was darkly decadent, dripping in chandeliers and oozing old-time luxury.

Our first day was spent doing all manner of tourist-y activities, including a trip to the Punk exhibition at The Met, which I would highly recommend. With everything from risqué t-shirts from SEX on The Kings Road through to delicious Balmain RTW and dangerous Givenchy Couture, the Met's Punk curation plays on the interrelation between punk and couture- namely the DIY spirit which ties the two together.

We then took a trip down Madison Avenue to the flagship Kate Spade store, which was a girly paradise complete with oodles of glittering pumps, colourful enamel jewellery and kitschy popcorn clutches.

For lunch we made our way across the road to Barneys, intending to dine at the celebrated spot for "Ladies Who Lunch": Fred's. With a half hour wait and some rather weary feet, we decided to retreat downstairs to their interactive lunch stop Genes at CO-OP.

I. Loved. It.

Genes is a little glass enclave in the corner of the contemporary designer department. Futuristic and suitably fashionable, the cafe features one long dark table made up of full-screen touch tablets, from which you can order and surf the web. Tweet while you eat? Don't mind if I do!

My order of the day was a green juice, an iced double espresso and a hearty raw superfood salad- dressing on the side, of course: ideal fuel for an afternoon spent milling around Tiffanys and SAKS. 

WHAT I WORE:

Sugar Kane

1. Whistles Grey Sweater
2. Topshop bow front pleated shorts
3. J Crew drop statement necklace
4. River Island barely-there sandals in red
5. AH-MAZING Personalised clutch by HarLex, available at Boticca

Autumnal colour stories are rarely exciting. Safety-zone shades of grey, navy and camel reign supreme, while only the eccentric dare to dabble in jewel tones. No matter how many times we are told of the versatility of a colour-pop coat, we tend to stick to what we know and love. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, as they say.

However, for Autumn/Winter 2013, leading designers have taken it upon themselves to experiment with unusual colours and textures. Be it mustard silk or maroon velvet, sky blue checks or plum satin: the fall collections are certainly tales of the unexpected, in both colour and form.

Refreshing as ever, young London designers Eudon Choi and Simone Rocha have each elevated candy pink to new heights in heavy polo-necks and woolen cocoon coats. Though pastels are often reserved for Spring, these direction new pieces are contemporary enough to work alongside a sophisticated Winter wardrobe.

The trick for wearing pastel pink this season is to contrast it boldly with cherry red. Once a firm fashion no-no, fiery red now feels wonderfully fresh when paired with powder pink.

To channel the look now, try these cute as a button shorts from Topshop paired with neutral accessories, a statement necklace and tomato red stilettos from River Island.

This look is less sugar cane, more Sugar Kane*.

* a stomping Sonic Youth track: "And I know, there's something down there sugar soul, back to the cross a twisted lane, there's something down there Sugar Kane"

What a day for a Bright Wedding

From tasteful tea parties through to sun drenched days at the beach, Summer throws up all sorts of delights particularly in a sartorial sense.

However, as far as occasionwear goes, things aren't always as simple as throwing on a silky slip dress and chunky wooden wedges, and this certainly will not suffice for a sunny day wedding.

The trickiest of Summertime soirees by a country mile, choosing a suitable outfit as a wedding guest is never easy. The best way to go about it, though, is to find a dazzling but demure dress that you can really personalise with accessories to make it your own. 

Opt for a subtle neutral shade that will carry you through the wedding season and an elegant and ethereal style that will befit the occasion.

Then really go to town on the accessories... I like this unexpected flash of neon.

1. I am a statement necklace fiend and this new one from Freedom at Topshop has just made it on to my must-have list for Summer. Paired with this blush shade it certainly provides a punchy pop of colour. It is £30 here. 

2. This wrap dress from Topshop is available in a selection of washed pastel shades and makes for a fabulous Summer party staple. An elegant length with a balletic swishy skirt and flattering pleat detail at the waist- this dress is fantastic for showing off your figure while still leaving plenty to the imagination. The best part? It is only £65 here. 

3. Accessorize have really crept up my high street radar of late. With directional perspex clutches, Shourouk-esque fluoro jewellery and trinkety treasures, it is little wonder that Accessorize have got me questioning my infatuation with the one and only Zara *. This vibrant coral lace detail box clutch is a punchy alternative to the classic neutrals and metallics that are often common place at weddings. It is limited edition so do get your skates on ladies- it is £35 here.  

4. Finding striking shoes on the high street is not always easy, but these vivid lime heels from River Island are striking to say the very least. A slick sandal complete with pretty laser cut detailing, I love the juxtaposition between this ethereal dress and the fierce fluoro heels. They are £65 here. 

5. Topshop nail polishes are always the most deliciously tempting colours and this zingy Venus Fly Trap number is just divine for Summer.  A snip at £5 here, it'd be rude not to, non?

6. Something a little brighter, this glorious neon Bottle Service shade from Essie is sure to put a smile on your face. 

7. Yet another sweetie, this Nails Inc limited edition Summer shade is as yummy as the ice cream sundae on the glossy bottletop. Chelsea Physic Garden is a pastel blue that is sure to compliment sun-kissed Summer skin.

8. You are probably wondering why I featured three nail polishes, but I promise I've not completely lost my marbles. When I spotted these Topshop nail art brushes (£10 for the set here), I knew I had to share them with you guys. Nail art can look so amazing, particularly in these juicy Summer shades. If you need some inspiration, check out my post here or Mara Hoffman's little competition here. 

* I still love you Zara... I think we need some time apart. It's not you, it's me... And my bank balance.