Berry Red and Florals

I've always found red a difficult colour to wear, and until only recently, tended to stay quite well away from it. Quite frankly, it just scared me a little weeny tiny bit. However, lately I've been changing up my wardrobe , somewhat maturing it, and, as a result, the colour red is beginning to make an appearance. I'm opting for darker shades - a lot like this berry complexion - as they suit my pale skin much more than brighter and lighter tones.

Call me totally late, but I've only just started to really love the midi-skirt too. Oh yes, it's all wardrobe change over here! They're comfortable and practical (for work too) and with this one at only £5 from Boohoo, how could I resist? Being on the short side of short, it means that I can wear midis as high waisted when they sit on the knee - result! I bagged this Missguided crop top in the midseason sales and you can read about that haul here. I just love the bold flowers and the intricacy of their shapes' detailing as well as the cute pompoms adding so much fun to the outfit.

If you like this outfit, please double tap the photo on my instagram, (the link is here) in order to vote for me in Stylist Magazine's style competition!

How do you style the colour red?

Berry Red Midi-Skirt - Boohoo

Floral Crop Top - Missguided

Kimono - Boohoo

Caged Sandals - New Look

SS15 Trend: So Much Denim

Denim was a serious contender for the dominator of SS15 shows as models sauntered down the runway draped in it from head to toe. From the daring double denim at Fendi and Chloe to the classic all-in-ones at Gucci and Christophe Lemair, designers have been cutting up all shapes and styles for the spring/summer trend. The trend covers garments for any occasion, varying from the comfort of the casual boiler suit to the elegance and sophistication of the shift dress. Ripped at the knees, patchworked, quilted, faded, pleated or frayed, the trend is so diverse with what seems like infinite amounts of denim combos - who knew denim could be so versatile?

L-R: Christophe Lemair, Chloe, Stella McCartney, Gucci, Fendi

Shop The Trend

Denim Dip Hem T-Shirt - New Look
Acid Wash Dress - New Look
Cross Front Crop Top - Boohoo
Cold Shoulder Chambray Shirt - Boohoo
Pinafore Dress - Tophop
Raw Hem T-Shirt - Topshop

Denim on the highstreet appears to echo that of the runway, varying completely in so many different shapes and styles. Alternatively to other SS15 trends, this one in particular focuses solely on the fabric that is used, meaning that individual gaments can be mixed and matched with other trends for the SS season, coinciding and harmonising with the likes of bralets and cold shoulders. Denim is moving away from the typical jeans-only, becoming so much more versatile and adventurous.

Abstract Printed Trousers

I'll be honest, I really wasn't sure about the whole printed, slightly loose 'n' baggy trouser hype that landed this season. I assumed they'd swamp my more petite figure, making me look even shorter than normal, and I totally was just not feeling brave enough for a full length of bottom boldness. However, as the weeks passed and I spied more and more people unconditionally pulling them off, my temptation to at least try on a pair began to grow. When I spotted this pair in Primark for a mere £7, I just could not resist. And that is the moment I realised my first judgements on these kinda beautiful trousers were completely and utterly, absolutely, wrong.

  

I opted for this monochromatic pair, being not quite courageous enough for the business of full colour, allowing the abstract print to take centre stage. I have a love for all things abstract and I love the fun and quirky factor of this loud print.

I decided to team these trousers with my crochet aztec tee. The thinking behind this being that, despite the clashing of the two prints, the all-white shade caused the aztec print to appear a whole lot more subtly as it blended with the white of the trousers, resulting in not so much of a battle for attention between the prints of the trousers and the tee - the trousers obviously being the victor.

 So, all in all, I could not be happier with these printed trousers, They're so uber comfortable and their light feel permits them a perfect summer staple when there's still that lingering cool breeze in the air. Also, a big thumbs up to the pet cat and rabbit who could not help but have a little nose whilst we took these photos!

Trousers - Primark

Aztec Crochet Tee - New Look (old)

Sandals - New Look (old)

Have you bought a pair of printed trousers yet?

DIY: How to Make a Tassel

Tassels are making a huge appearance for the current season and you can read my verdict on the trend here. They're such a fun way to add a cute finish or a dramatic outcome to any garment and they're super easy to make too. Follow these simple steps to making your own tassels, suitable to enhance any piece of clothing or accessory.

You Will Need:

Two pieces of card

Wool

Scissors

Step 1) Cut off a length of wool and sandwich it between to the two pieces of card. Place it towards the top as illustrated above.

Step 2) First ensure that your pieces of card are the lengths that you require your tassel to be. Begin to wrap the wool around the length of the two pieces of card, across the opposite way from the strand of wool sandwiched between the two pieces. It may help to slit the top of the card with a pair of scissors in order to hold the first bit of the wool you are wrapping in place. Ensure not to wrap the wool too tightly as thinner card tends to curl, meaning that your tassel will be of odd lengths.

Step 3) When you have wrapped the wool around the card a substantial amount of times, the layers of wool will feel squishy when pressed down. Take the two ends of the strand of wool sandwiched between the card and bring them around so that they trap the wrapped wool between them as shown above. Tie this in a knot several times in order to secure.

Step 4) Now take the opposite end of the wrapped wool and cut down the centre of the loops of wool in order to separate the strands, allowing them to spring free. To help get the lengths even, place the scissors between the two pieces of card and cut along it.

Step 5) Remove the tassel from the card. Cut off another strand of wool and tie it close to the top of the tassel. This gives the tassel an interesting shape as it emphasizes the volume of the tassel.

Wrapping multiple wools at the same time gives a much more colourful, striking and intriguing effect!

How did making your tassel go?

Collection: Elie Saab AW15

A fairy tale garden where delicate flowers are folding under the early Autumn's bright moonlight. A palace lawn embedded with dainty petals and nonchalant leaves. A sparkly trail flicks around this source of Elie Saab's influence for his AW15 couture collection and the wand of Cinderella's fairy godmother now belongs to The Great Designer himself as he creates his latest princess gowns.

Sparkling pieces of intricate lace flowers glisten in the light resting on top of sheer fabrics which swish in Disney Ice Queen style as the models walk the runway. Dramatic V-necks and fishtail skirts emphasize femininity whilst flowing sleeves add airs of elegance and grace.

Beautiful pigments of pastel pinks and blues appeared in the collection, the soft shades casting a subtle glow amongst the gorgeous floral embroidery. Blocks of embroidery enhanced bodices whilst fur accessories added ultimate sophistication and slim belts emphasized the feminine silhouette.

Next came the deeper, darker tones of blues and purples, creating a much more intense and dramatic effect on the collection. Flowing capes emphasize gracefulness whilst puffed cap sleeves depict the epitome of a fairy princess dress.

Completing Saab's collection were much bolder floral prints, printed on much heavier fabrics of a black tone. Completely contrasting with the light lace that opened the show, these appeared darker, more suited for the villain of the fairy tale as the fuller skirts and more pointed angles that were brought alongside these dark garments appeared so much more fierce and powerful.

What are your thoughts on Elie Saab's AW15 Couture collection?

Primark Summer Haul

What on earth is going on in the UK at the moment? Not that I'm complaining mind, this weather is beaut-i-ful! Last month I picked up a few summery bits in Primark and I'm so glad I did! Primark have so many lovely things in store at the moment for the summer season and at such good value for money, its doesn't quite break the bank either!

Printed Camis -£4

Bold colours and enticing prints, patterned cami tops are great for pairing with skinny jeans and denim shorts, adding a rich and exciting flare to any outfit. They're longline, loose fit encourages a feeling of comfort for the wearer and they're perfect for layering with a variety of jackets and cardigans too. I love how the monochrome colour scheme of the above allows the main focus to be held on the radomly distributed small and intricate geometric shapes.

The pale colours of this cami harmonise with the soft shapes of the flowers creating a delicate print. I love the boldness of the flowers, as they unfold and take complete control of the pattern

Waterfall Jacket - £17

I think I'm slightly obsessed with long jackets at the moment. I blame the duster coat - that's how it all started. Anyway, I loved the delicacy of the waterfall feature, creating an elegant and soft movement to the jacket. It's pure white shade keeps the jacket looking lightweight - absolutely perfect for summer evenings!

Abstract Printed Trousers - £7

I've actually been debating the whole printed trousers thing for some time now. I was worried their very loose fit would swamp my short legs so wanted to try something quite subtle - not too bright. So when I saw these for just £7 I could not resist! I love how the monochrome black and white subtly detracts from the bold abstract print, and, with having to roll down the waistband, they're a good fit too!

Knitted Crochet Hem Top - £6

I absolutely love small and delicate details on tops at the moment so there was no doubting that I wouldn't fall completely head over heels for this beautiful crochet hem. It completely transforms the otherwise plain top, making it so much more interesting and exciting.

Duffle Bag- £8

A casual black bag will go with anything and everything, perfect for day-time outings or something to fit lunch and a drink in for work. I've never really followed the whole oversized bag trend, so this reasonable and efficient size was exactly what I was looking for. The strap is of a good length too, allowing the bag to hang nicely from the shoulder.

Have you purchased from Primark lately?

June Favourites

Where did June go? The past month has gone so quickly and I feel as though if I blink, it'll be August already! And just how are we already half way through the year? It's simply ridiculous. Though I do feel as though June has been another successful month. As one of the babies of the year, I finally turned 18 (yippee), I finished college for good, ending on my A level English Language exam and saw my A Level Textiles and Photography work up in my first exhibition. Now, enough of my rambling and on with last months favourites!

Cold Shoulder Tee - New Look

I'm totally head over heels for the cold shoulder trend this summer as it just adds an element of interest and excitement to a garment. In particular, I've been wearing this tile print tee a lot, whilst loving the intricate detailing of the print. You can see how I styled this tee here.

Longline Blazer - New Look (old)

I can remember nabbing this blazer in the New Look sale last year and do not regret it one bit! It's 3/4 length sleeves yet reasonably thick jersey made it perfect for the cooler weather we had at the beginning of the month whilst also keeping it a casual staple piece of clothing. Although the colour pops brightly, I've surprisingly found that it goes with a lot of prints ad colour too!

Toms - Schuh

If you've read my previous posts, you can probably guess that I've turned into a complete sucker for Toms lately. They're currently my favourite ever shoe and, honestly, I think I'm a tiny bit obsessed. So I was over the moon when my brother gave me this pale pink pair for my birthday this month. They're so so comfy, cute and practical and also perfect for beach days too.

Alexander McQueen by Claire Willcox - Amazon

Since visiting the Savage beauty exhibition at the V&A back in March, my love and admiration for McQueen's designs have grown infinitely. I was so pleased to receive this for my birthday also and am thoroughly enjoying reading the fashion commentators examinations of the designers work as well as the stunning images of the work itself.

 Max Factor Colour Corrector - Superdrug

Out of both the highlighter and the redness corrector which I have tried of the three Max Factor CC sticks, this 'corrects redness' stick is definitely my favourite. At first, I made the naive mistake of using it as a concealer so was undoubtedly unimpressed. However, after reading some reviews, I learnt that this certainly is not a concealer, merely a corrector to even out the skin colour and to be worn underneath foundation. Upon learning this, I could not be happier with it.

What were you loving last month?