Day Time Exploring
Dressing up for Dinner Time
September Style Diary: Cruise Edition [Amsterdam & The Fjords]
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Tag: dress
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!
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!
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!
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?
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!
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.
According to Vogue…
….we should look to Meryl Streep in the 70’s for AW wardrobe inspiration.
What do you think?
Dolce & Gabbana say so…
Dolce & Gabbana says: 
The Classic White Shirt
Why we agree:
Who knew this staple wardrobe item could look so good with embellished red hotpants? Granted, it isn’t an everyday look but I’m looking forward to taking the white shirt away from the office!
How to wear:
Okay, so we won’t all be wearing the white shirt in such an extravagant way, but how about taking a tip from Gucci ( sorry, not sorry about the constant Gucci name drop) and wearing this classic piece with an A-line leather mini? I’ve recently bought a burnt orange patent leather look skirt from Primark and I can’t wait to pair it with a crisp white shirt, black tights and over the knee boots or even simple black flats.
Dolce & Gabbana says:
Embellished Jeans
Why we agree:
Could this look a little garish to the untrained eye? Of course, but who really cares when you’ve got jewels all over your jeans? Plus, I love that you could actually make this even more unique with a little DIY, I like this video for inspiration.
How to wear:
Once embellished your jeans can take you from day to night! Keep the rest of the pieces simple though, not everything will work with such a bold pair of jeans!
Dolce & Gabbana says:
Red Roses everywhere
Why we agree:
I’m not sure why you wouldn’t want to wear fresh roses in you hair everyday, but these lovely floral decorations (in hair, on shoes and embroidered onto dresses) add a bold dimension to a pretty, feminine look. Did I mention it reminds me of the Mediterranean sun?
How to wear:
Firstly, put them in your hair! Secondly, embrace the oversized rose print and then if you’re feeling really brave, use them to embellish your accessories.. but not all together though, I think that might be a little too much…
Dolce & Gabbana Says:
[Almost] Flat Shoes
Why we agree:
Heels always look really glamorous, but let’s face it we all love a good flat shoe because they’re pretty and nearly always comfortable. And look! The D&G versions are still glamorous with all the embellishments and the cute Mary Jane style strap! Now I just need to find a more affordable dupe..
How to wear:
The show was for SS15, but I think they’re a great substitute over the AW period for when it is a little too warm to wear boots. Do as D&G have and wear with loose fit jeans and mini dresses (add tights for the cooler weather
Dreaming of Gucci…
Autumn is on its way and I am officially ready to begin transitioning my wardrobe.
There are many designer shows that influence me when I transition my wardrobe in between seasons, and for AW I am taking much inspiration from the 60’s edge at Gucci. Often I study shows during fashion week and I see pieces I like across the board, but it is only a few shows that will truly inspire me in their entirety, and Gucci was one of those this season.
This isn’t the first time that I am writing about the Gucci AW14-15 show, and the closer Autumn gets the more I find myself dreaming of all things Gucci…and how I can get the look at a more affordable price tag.
I find the whole 60’s vibe so endearing.
I desperately want to be a 60’s Gucci girl, with my A line leather mini skirts , knee high boots and fluffy [faux] shearling coats, and yes I want all of these in every colour.
I’m currently on the lookout for AW pieces that can give me that Gucci girl edge, so stay tuned for a ‘get the look’ Gucci post soon!
x
A Belated OOTD!
This is an outfit worn not long ago and I just haven’t had chance to post until now!
I absolutely loved the idea of combining a plain, loose tee with a full, knee length skirt for ages-this pink gingham piece is actually from Primark (yes, I found it discounted on Ebay..). Actually, come to think of it, everything I’m wearing here is from my Primark, jewels and all!
Couture AW14/15: Elie Saab
I don’t think there will ever be an Elie Saab collection that I won’t be entirely captivated by, whether it be Couture or Ready-to-Wear. Every single show is full of beautiful, intricate detailing, and it is refreshing to see that the designer focuses on what he does best every season, rather than being too trend focussed.
Their AW14/15 Couture show may be arguably everything you’d expect from Elie Saab, but it nevertheless impresses me every single time. The show was obviously full of fairytale inspired gowns that consisted of light, sheer materials, silk and tulle, the majority of which was beautifully encrusted with pearls and crystals and somewhat inspired by the mystery of the ocean (seen in the lace black gowns and pearl encrusted deep blue dresses) and even an enchanted forest (in one instance a moss green was offset against colourful crystals and pearls). Whilst keeping to his usual pretty, romantic roots the designer used a rainbow of colours in his tone-on-tone approach to his underlays and embellishments to create a soft, natural and feminine collection.
And of course, the latest show cannot be spoken about without the mention of the beautiful finale wedding gown, although so many of the white, silver and cream gowns displayed were enough for any bride-to-be- or any woman for that matter- to swoon over!
You can view the full pictures from the show here or watch it in full here !
Outfit of the Day: A Celine Inspired Look!
Dress: River Island (£22)
Over-sized Denim Jacket: Ebay (£9.99), originally Topshop (£40)
I love the fit of this dress from River Island, its kind of like an over sized T-shirt dress, but with a bit more of a body con fit, and I especially love that it is an amazing dupe of the Celine brush stroke print! I teamed it with bare legs and my Celine inspired slip on skater shoes, but I it looks just as good with tights (I tucked some in my handbag just in case it rained, which it did.) The dress is so versatile, I wore it casually today for a shopping trip, but it could be dressed up so easily with a pair of strappy sandals! The jacket is a bargain buy from Ebay, I’ve done a lot of purchasing on there lately (as well as on Vinted) and I’ll hopefully have a blog up soon of what I got my hands on!
Out in the Sunshine: Outfit of the day
This is how I made the most of today’s sunshine:
Grey Acid Wash Dress- Urban Outfitters
Black Fringed Kaftan- eBay (originally New Look)
Black and Gold Necklace-New Look
Black skater shoes- Internationale (closing down sale, only £1!!)
I’ve been living in these slip on skater shoes, a trend I was keen to jump on, so when I saw these for only one pound I knew I’d found a bargain, and they’re SO comfy!! I would have preferred leather Croc effect ones, but at £1 these will do me just fine! I’ve been trying my hardest to find bargains for the few items I want this season, and making the most of the Spring/Summer items I’ve already got! I’ve really wanted a kaftan too, so I’ll probably buy another colour at some point 🙂
