September Style Diary: Cruise Edition [Amsterdam & The Fjords]

Day Time Exploring

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               *Amsterdam Strolling*                                                                                                          [Patent Heeled Ankle Boots- H&M] [Black Jeans- Primark] [Roll Neck Sleeveless Tee- Peacocks]    [Leather Bomber Jacket- Topshop]

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                    *A Day At Sea*                                                                                         [Grey Vest- Primark] [Patterned Trousers- Bought in Budapest] [Necklace- Gift from India]
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                 *Tvindefossen*                                                                   [Cosy Roll Neck Jumper & Black Jeans, both from Primark]

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                  *Eidfjord Dam*                                                                                           [Leather Bomber Jacket- Topshop] [Black Jeans- Primark] [Jumper- Select Fashion] [Trainers- Nike]
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               *A view of Bergen from Mt Fløyen*                                                                                                                 [Suede Dress- Primark] [Wool Coat- Warehouse]

Dressing up for Dinner Time

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             *Formal Night on the Ship*                                                                                   [Earrings- Peacocks] [Dress- Miss Selfridge]

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*Another Shot of my dress from above*                                                                                                                                                     Two dresses in one- The inner part of this dress was tight fitting, covered by gorgeous mesh and embroidered detailing- you can see this part blowing in the wind behind me (it was very windy on the top deck).                                                                          [Shoes- New Look]
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            *Dressing Up Blue Jeans*                                                                        [Leather Bomber- Topshop] [Striped Shirt- Zara] [Blue Jeans- Primark] [Sandals- New Look]

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                   *Formal Night #2*                                                                                          [Dress- Phase 8]

How to wear: The Safari Inspired Trend

Usually my trend reports are inspired by high end designer collections that I have spied in catwalk shows, but this blog post has actually been inspired by the SS15 collection I have been eyeing at Warehouse!

So, what can you exactly expect to see from this trend?

Colours to look out for:
Ranging from beige and khaki green  for that traditional safari vibe to vibrant oranges and greens in the form of bold prints, this trend really does have a colour spectrum for everyone!

Pampas Leaf Cocoon Dress

It’s all in the details:

Fringing and tassels are seen adorning sandals, handbags and even dresses and kimonos whilst even loose cotton shorts are seen with cute little pom poms attached to the hem!
Even the fabrics echo cool safari vibes- thick fabric shopper bags are embroidered with bright ethnic prints, and as part of their holiday shop collection Warehouse have an amazing range of loose fitting cotton dresses, shorts and even wide leg trousers!

TILE PRINT SHORTS

Styles to grab now:

A part from a few mentioned above, I am absolutely loving the gypsy dress- off the shoulder, with an air of both cool and casual in light cotton materials screams safari, or at least for most of us a nice sunny holiday abroad. But let’s be honest, I’ll be wearing mine everywhere- I love dresses that can double as day and night attire.. (I will just have to wait until pay day). If you don’t fancy a dress though, why not get yourself an off the shoulder, boho style tee instead? And not forgetting the fringed kimono and poncho that have returned for another season!

Fringed Gypsy Dress


The prints:

We’ve seen how amazing just the plain brights and neutrals can look, but if you aren’t afraid of a little print then this trend is the perfect way to update your wardrobe. Think oversized African Florals for the more bold efforts, or for a more subtle approach why not try paisley or Aztec?

African Floral Midi Dress

Don’t forget to accessorize: 

I’ve mentioned the beautifully embroidered selection of fabric handbags, but what about jewellery? I accept that maybe it isn’t the most practical for a real safari trek- but we are probably just playing pretend when we try out this trend. So when on the hunt for some new jewellery this Summer, why not think about layering a few necklaces together? Or if you want something a bit louder, why not try something new with chunkier ethnic bracelets, even fabric bracelets are a great alternative!

MULTI WRAP BRACELET

Catwalk Inspired Dresses: Phase Eight

     

From head to toe lace, appliqué detail and heavy embellishment, we see an array of classic, intricately detailed gowns hitting runways across the globe every season. Such creations, by the likes of Alberta Ferretti, D&G and Elie Saab, to name but a few, have managed to inspire fashion around the world, regardless of the fact that they are not necessarily ground breaking, but rather breathtakingly beautiful instead.

It is, however, difficult to find such intricately detailed dresses on the high street, because, let’s face it, it will probably always remain a dream for most of us to own any of the dresses we see gracing the runways.

But, it seems we needn’t worry any more, because over the last few months I have taken a shine to British brand Phase Eight’. Every time I pass their designs I note their likeness to high end designers in excitement, from Dolce & Gabbana’s Rose print to whimsical florals at Alberta Ferretti, let alone their signature ‘tapework’ and lace detail that stands them a part from most High Street brands for their high quality occasion wear and a brilliant attention to detail.

Below are a few of my favourite pieces from their collection, which can be found online here or here, though I would recommend visiting them in store (or at Debenhams) to see the full effects of such gorgeous detailing.

This dress reminds me a lot of the ethereal feel at the AW Alberta Ferretti show
Women's Red Paige Tapework Full Length Dress
The classic red, lace gown, reminiscent of one stunning dress showcased during the AW14/15 Tadashi Shoji show.
  Shimmering Tapework embroidery is a signature style at Phase Eight.
Whimsical florals, reminiscent of the designs at Alberta Ferretti.

Quirky Accessories from the High Street!

We’ve seen so many high end designers creating unique, quirky pieces this season, but now we can easily follow the trend without spending hundreds!

Take Away I Phone Case, Paperchase- £6
Lips Cross Body Bag (also available in blue), H! by Henry Holland at Debenhams- £20
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Cat Face I Phone Case,H! by Henry Holland at Debenhams- £8
Accessorize, Cara Camera Across Body Bag-£25
Accessorize, Shell Bag-£35
Accessorize, Lemon Across Body Bag– £22

Catwalk Dupes

There have been some real gems on the catwalks this season, but like most of us I only look to high end designers for inspiration due to the huge price tag that comes with them. Sometimes, though, we get lucky and the high street will release amazing, and affordable, interpretations of what we have seen on the catwalks.

 

Top Ten AW Must Haves!

1. The Pink Coat

Ever sincthat gorgeous pink coat swished down the runways of Celine I have been dreaming of getting one of my own! But at Celine prices I think I’ll be sticking to a high street version, and believe me there are plenty to choose from!


Here’s one of my faves by Red Herring at Debenhams:
pinkcoat

2)The Tartan Scarf

After volunteering at the Scottish Fashion Awards I was enthralled by the amount of Tartan that I saw everywhere and it all looked so glamorous, and where better to start than by glamming up such a staple AW piece? But the question is, do you choose green or red?

Here are some great options from Boohoo:

Lucy Tartan Tassle Trim Woven ScarfLivvy Tartan Scarf

3) Chunky Jewels

Whether it be in the form of earrings or necklaces I love this trend because it is so glamorous and can dress up any outfit, even if it’s a plain white tee or an LBD! These are statement pieces but this doesn’t mean you can’t create a multi-coloured selection! Enjoy and wear them everyday for any occassion!

Here are my top picks from ASOS:

Image 1 of ASOS Fever EarringsJohnny Loves Rosie Sunburst CollarImage 1 of ASOS Vintage Look Jewel EarringsImage 1 of ASOS Premium Night Garden Necklace

4)The Colourful Fur Gilet

Faux fur is massive this season, especially when presented in bright colours and patterns, but it doesn’t always have to be in the form of big fur coats. As well as a big furry coat (every girl should have one) a pretty furry gilet should also make its way into your collection. Of course it doesn’t have to be brightly coloured, but I personally love the edge a coloured furry vest adds to an outfit. Still not sold? Then take a look at the gorgeous olive green pick from Topshop below.

Photo 1 of Boxy Fur Gilet

5)Velvet Leggings

Velvet is a great texture this season and looks especially great in the form of leggings, especially in deep wine shades! The great part is that such deep red tones are always a perfect winter colour and will go with most colours and velvet can be mixed with all kinds of textures; leathers, furs, you name it! And for such a gorgeous, versatile item they are actually very affordable, especially at Boohoo (available in lots of colours so stock up now, girls!).

Erica Crushed Velvet High Waisted Disco Pants

6) Chunky Chelsea Boots

These have been around a while now but they still look amazing and really transform a pair of jeans, leggings or even a dress! Obviously get yourself  a plain black pair but you should also consider going for a different colour too (think deep greens and reds or even greys, as seen at the Celine show). See below for a great pair from Kurt Geiger (Also available in black, too!)

shannon, red by KG Kurt Geiger

7) The Skort

From the front? Looks like a mini skirt. From the Back? Looks like a cute pair of shorts. What else is there to say other than it looks great! Available in so many different patterns and colours you have plenty to choose from, but I personally love this emerald green pair from Topshop because they will brighten up any outfit!

Photo 1 of Green Luxe Satin Wrap Skort

8)Midi Rings

These are a really cute take on wearing rings because they are so dainty and pretty compared to the standard big chunky jeweled rings we are used to seeing! I see them as very girly, feminine approach to wearing jewelry.Why not buy a pack of these rings from ASOS and experiment with wearing a few at a time?

ASOS Mixed Band Midi Ring Pack

9)Fuzzy Jumpers

Great for everyday wear, fuzzy jumpers go with absolutely everything! Mixing them with other textures is a great idea, especially with a leather mini or velvet leggings! I love this hot pink one from Topshop.

Photo 1 of Knitted Brushed Funnel Jumper

10)The Heart Print Blouse

Hearts are the new polka dots, and we have the Burberry Prorsum show to thank after that blouse they sent down the runway!

But at those prices let’s stick to cheaper versions, like this great one from Boohoo! And don’t forget it doesn’t have to be a blouse, you can also incorporate this trend into jumpers, cardigans and even tights!

Layla Heart Print Blouse With PU Collar

It’s time to wrap up warm!

Okay, so yesterday I went out wrapped up quite warmly in my jumper and my leather bomber jacket and I was still cold! So it is safe to say that yes, Autumn (and soon Winter) is upon us and we need to start wrapping up a little bit warmer, which is why this blog is going to be dedicated to the best gloves, scarves and hats that I could find.

Gloves

The Christmas Ones:   The Furry Ones:    The Printed Ones:        The Pink Ones:

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ASOS                               ASOS                          Debenhams                     River Island

Hats

The Slogan One:   The Embellished One:      The Earmuffs:               The Furry Headband:

 Black (Black) Black Faux Fur Head Band  | 288382201 | New Look

Nastygal                 River Island                             ASOS                              New Look

Scarves:

The Floral One:   The Furry One:     The Wooly One:     The Tartan One:

Lux Twist Fur Snood

Zara                             Topshop                        Lipsy                           Boohoo