Tart up Tartan

This season the Tartan print has come back for an ultra-cosy yet chic look that can easily be worn for that formal and casual basis.  I love tartan coats (or known also as 'checked'); they look very fashionable and can be worn easily making an instant style statement – think chunky oversized coats that can add instant colour and a class whilst keeping you snug.  The tartan print can be safely worn by all ages, a versatile and timeless print that is somewhat evergreen...

1. Checked Coat £129 from Zara | 2. Navy Coat and Red Tartan Check Boyfriend Coat £64.99 from New Look| 3. Black Checked Biker Sleeve 2 in 1 Coat £85 from River Island | 4. Per Una Checked Belted Coat with Wool £99 from Marks and Spencer | 5. Collarless Check Wool Jacket £85 from Topshop | 6. Checked Coat £149 from Zara


...ArA...

2013 Autumn/Winter Wardobe Must-Haves

Now that September is well and truly (well nearly) over I thought it would be a great time to write a post of some basic essential seasonal must haves which London Fashion Week had been raving about. What I love about autumn is this transitional period you can still wear (and get away with) some great summer items such as floral shirts but instead of paring them with a skirt opt for a layered look with dark jeans and trusty ankle boots.

What I adore about autumn 2013 is the military gothic yet sharp tailored vibe; team up tartan prints with textured dusty pinks for an ultimate modern clash. Androgynous tailoring is dominating autumn/winter 2013 which is perfect for those classic timeless looks which are very effortless and simple to achieve; taking a look from office to evening chic. Just because it is getting a lot darker outside does not mean that your autumn wardrobe has to be all dark and gloom, you can still introduce some colour with clashing strong prints with textured layered jumper (for those that are daring enough animal print is still hot on trend this season)! It is all about switching and incorporating a few autumn essentials such as the ones below which are key this season…

1# Pink Coat

Pink coats were dominating the glossy fashion magazines at the moment; I love the classic long length and the very feminine pale pink colour of this Zara piece. A similar one that was very popular in M&S sold out online for a bargain price of £85 (if you were lucky enough to get your hands on one)!

Masculine Studio Overcoat £179 from Zara

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2# Tartan

The Tartan print is everywhere, a very easy way to wear tartan print trousers is by balancing it with a plain crisp shirt for that effortless chic look oozing sophistication. These red tartan trousers are ankle length which are perfect for this transitional period. Team it up with a leather jacket for an edgier affair.

Plaid Slim Fit Trousers £44.99 from Mango

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3# Long-line Jackets/Blazers

Long-line jackets and blazers are all around on the high street and come in a variety of different lengths and colours. I love this burgundy baggy number from Zara, perfect for Autumn and layering with jumpers for those windy Autumn days.

Jacket with contrasting lapel £79.99 from Zara

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 #4 Leather

Leather is running strongly all the way through to Winter 2013 and is great for toughening up a pretty outfit. Great for smart and casual wear this skirt can easily be dressed up or down whatever the weather. Think of clashing this skirt with a wholly jumper and ankle boots for a day out.

Faux Leather Pleat Midi Skirt £28 from Miss Selfridge

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Bo-ho to the darker days, but do not let it stop you from looking stylish!

...ArA...

Put the “Point” in Everyday Flats

...Commodum...

I always have a pair (well more than one pair) in my collection of sturdy trusty flat shoes that never fail to disappoint. I have even been known to carry a spare pair in one of my enormous handbags when towering about in one of my higher heels (my feet always thank me for it later). With the sunnier weather I personally do not like to sweat around in high heels (leave that to the gym, the sweating that is); especially when you are on your feet for more than a few hours - keep it comfortable and practical.

I like to team up my flats up with some light washed acid jeans for that laid back summer ensemble, to keep it clean and easy going. I am currently loving the range of “pointy” flat shoes that can be seen everywhere on the high street, slightly smart yet casual - I love the slight attitude that these shoes scream with that pointy front, great for everyday wear when you may want to leave the stilettos behind for better days. 

Some of my seasons favourites…

1.

June Pointed Ballet Flats £35 from Asos

These pretty cut out  scallop detailed flats have cute pin buckle and strap detailing that give it that extra girly touch. Cut out in style they are right on trend. I love the strong coral/pink colour it is perfect for the sunnier days and will brighten up any outfit.

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2.

Faux Suede Loafers £19.90 from Forever21

These bad boys add a fierce roar to any casual look with the lion motif, team them up with a baggy pop art t-shirt to add that instant 90's punk vibe. As they are faux suede they are perfect for being worn this time of the year (hopefuly the lack of supposed rain will not wear them out too quickly)!

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3.

Leather Loafers £34.99 from H&M

Another season friendly pair with the nude/beige undertones, these beauties are at a very steal price considering the quality of the leather. The faux snakeskin top detailing make these pair more expensive than they look. Overall very simple yet stunning.

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4.

Pointed Slipper £49.99 from Zara

Wow. Where do I begin with these blue eyed beauties? The bold Aztec style print screams attention; they are perfect for bringing a simple outfit to the centre court. I would easily team these up to add an instant style statement to one of my simple jersey maxi dresses, without looking as though I am trying too hard. 

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5.

Aldo Bozena Toecap Pointed Ballet Flats £45 from Asos

AH another one of my favourites, for those of you who love the toecap contrast trend then these are both comfortable and stylish without hopping around in agony in sky high heels all day. These can easily be worn to the office, being both smart and wearable. 

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6.

Glitter Slipper £39.99 from Zara

Check those sparkles, these flat slippers can rival those of the taller kind -  glittery and sparkly they certainly do not lack in personality. Again, very smart looking but can easily look great with some blue jeans and a fitted blazer. Who said flat shoes cannot do glam? These pair certainly do.

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Do you own a staple pair of flats?

...ArA...

Pastel Princess

I have been talking a lot about pastels lately, it is a revival trend that always comes back every spring and summer from far back as I can remember, and it is by far my favourite trend! It is always a safe bet to wear and is guaranteed to make you look uber girly and princess-like. I love the fact that it incorporates all my favourite colours into one season. In terms of pastel colours think about those clique light candy colours (or old-fashioned ice-cream colours) that are so vintage and timeless – from minty greens, creamy beige to light hues of lavender, a touch of dusty pinks and light corals and even lighter powder blues; this very fun and easy to wear colour palette compliments every skin tone and is perfect to wear this time of year. Think of teaming these pastels with acid skinny jeans, perfect to get that sharp colour contrast and looks effortlessly very now.

A very easy and affordable way to get some pastels in your wardrobe is by investing in a good fitted pastel spring blazer, think of the more “safer” pastel colours for this, such as a dusty pink that you can easily work with every spring.  There are various blazer styles around, depending on how you prefer to wear them, or how you like your blazer fitted. Opt for a more fitted cropped style which is very spring or if you prefer to layer your look then opt for the classic boyfriend style blazer that can easily be adapted to fit around the weather changes.

Take a look at my favourite high street pastel pieces...

Bags / Clutches:

1. Boxy Leather Messenger Bag £60 from Topshop | 2. Shell Pink Cut Out Clutch £12.99 from New Look

1. This beautiful very light and faint mint leather bag is absolutely gorgeous, so simple yet so girly – its double gold fastening and zip details makes it perfect to stash away those bits and bobs that always leaves you rummaging around!

 2. A pastel pink clutch that has an intricate cut out detail in the shape of flowers at the top part of the clutch and gold detailing around the edge making it appear more expensive that £12.99, a great clutch for those spring/summer Friday evenings!

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Blazers:

3. Satin Laples Double-Breasted Blazer in Beige £34.99 from Mango | 4. Lace Studded Biker £75 from Warehouse

3.I absolutely LOVE this blazer since seeing it on the Mango Summer 2013 campaign. It looks very vogue-uesque with padded shoulders and gold button detailing on the cuffs and main body, it would go so perfectly with a fitted shirt. It is also available in other colours, but for me my favourite has to be the beige which fits into the pastel colour palette well.

4. Another stunning high street gem, (that I again absolutely LOVE) this beautiful biker jacket from Warehouse is so understated yet certainly makes a statement with its lined floral lace detailing; the three quarter length is perfect for spring and oozes elegance and is so feminine - yet it still has a dollop of edge making it very current (with my favourite stud detailing) on the lapel. I cannot make up my mind whether I love this jacket or the Mango Double-Breasted Blazer (no 3) more.

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Jewellery:

5. White Spring Pearl Necklace £8.99 from New Look | 6. Jewel Chandelier Earring £15 from Asos

5. It is in the name, this bib style beaded necklace is delicate with dots of light coral/peach and pretty pearls and shimmers of grey/silver crystals that will look stunning on pastel dress or shirt.

6. These pretty chandelier earrings have the perfect nudey-peachy-coral pastel hint that would look perfect on a summer evening with beach inspired waves in your hair. Being Indian I can tell that these earrings are very Indian inspired as I have  similar pairs in my collection;  Asos’ new jewellery arrivals have a lot of Indian inspired pieces that seem to be making a new trend (see here, here and here).

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Shoes:

7. Studded Sandal £39.99 from Zara | 8. Converse All Star Seasonal Mint Ox Trainers £45 from Asos

7. Another great high street example of a Valentino inspired shoe, these studded nudey/cream sandals are guaranteed to add a bit of edge and glam to any spring outfit.

8. For those relaxed days or mile-high fuelled shopping trips these comfy Converse’s are guaranteed to leave your feet feeling comfortable all day when walking in heels feels like chore. These iconic trainers have a quirky twist with its coloured spring pastel mint green which will leave you still feeling every inch of pretty and girly!  

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Dress / Skirt:

9. Pink Applique Waist Dress £60 from River Island | 10. Claudia Skirt £55 from Oasis

9. A very chick and Victorian style sleeveless dress which has an intricate lace/crochet detailing around the waist that nips in, overall very simple yet elegant, this dress can easily be teamed up with an understated blazer.

10. This powder blue/sky blue midi skirt is perfect to compliment any spring wardrobe  conservative and so sheek it would can easily be styled with nude capped heels or some barely there sandals to give it a bit of seasonal glam. I love anything lace, so for me with that alone I had to feature it!

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I simply cannot get enough of pastels!

Happy St. Georges Day!

...ArA...

Monochrome Trend Spring/Summer 2013

"Black and white always looks modern, whatever modern means" - Karl Lagerfield

A trend that is dominating a lot of the high street is no other than the Monochrome trend which is chick, simple and classic! Maybe because of the lack of spring weather or sun I have been living in a lot of black and white colours, just as well that it is on trend. A common misconception about this trend is that it is purely just black and white, even though this is partially true the excitement of surviving the Aztec world-doom-prophecy in 2012 (please note the sarcasm) meant that a lot of designers have seemed to regained an interest in Aztec/tribal prints which are fuelling a lot of edge into this Monochrome look; there are a lot of monochrome prints that you can filter into this trend to add that extra definition of style if you want to be more adventurous.

If you are a girl like me who loves to dabble into those wearable investment pieces then this trend is definitely for you (we all love a bit of regeneration from those splurge moments a couple of months later when the account balance is not so happy with you). If you would rather avoid loud neon colours or you are not overly taken by those spring pastels then you can definitely work with this trend to create your own signature Monochrome look by being inspired by different textures and materials.

What I love about the Monochrome trend that it can be very easy to achieve - anyone can master it by using simple black and white colours to incorporate a neat clean and extremely elegant look. Any age or body shape can embrace this trend and wear it out for dinner with friends or for that last minute business meeting…the smart yet understated look of the Monochrome trend oozes style and sophistication without being too *POW* in your face. It is most likely will compliment your existing wardrobe, you will probably have that staple classic white/black blouse/skirt lying around in that bottomless wardrobe (it is time to re-dust that old black skater skirt from 2011 and re-use it)!

There are a lot of good pieces out on the high street, I have tried to create an edgier take on the Monochrome trend, take a look at the night-time to daytime look to give you all some inspiration…

Night-time Monochrome

Black and White Stripe Panel Midi Dress - £28 from River Island | Silver Tone Gem Stone Skull Drop Earrings - £8.00 from River Island | Strappy Sandals - £49.99 from Zara

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Daytime Monochrome

Black Vertical Stripe Longline Vest - £10 from River Island | Necklace – £9.99 from H&M |

Black Sheer Mesh Biker Jacket - £30 from River Island | Wet Look Leggings - £18 from Topshop | Attack Leather Gladiator Ankle Boots - £65 from Asos | Black Metal Plate Geometric Black Pack - £40 from River Island

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Any monochrome-ers out there?

...ArA...

#2 Spring Essential: Fashion Forward High Heels

...Tempus Vernum...

There are a lot of alternative killer heel looks dominating 2013; from tall tan gladiator sandals (think bold gladiator goddess) to futuristic style platforms (think contemporary astronaut meets sports luxe diva) to see-through PVC edgy heels. No matter how short or tall you are (even for 5ft 9 me) invest in a good pair of spring heels, they will instantly update your look and will make you feel uber confident. 

Added to this mix there a lot of fun and quirky revivals this season with diverse fastenings (the 80’s style stiletto has made a comeback with strong metallic detailing, and different clasp styles like T-bar to classic angle straps). The classic sturdy wedges makes a strong comeback too, for those of us who need that extra support and are not ready to embrace those extra thin high heels!

What I particularly love about this season is there a lot of different textures and prints (from understated graphic prints to statement suede animal prints to peep toe colour blocks) that can really transform an outfit, this season sassy footwear is actually in my opinion the key accessory needed to give that added *pow* to your look, whether keeping it low key or dressing it up.

Take a look at my five on trend wearable favourites from the high street…

1.

These multi-coloured suede high heels are right on top of my wish list, stunning yet simple. The metallic bronze finish and a thin stiletto gold heel are a classy take on the futuristic trend. Grab them from Asos for £75

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2.

I would purchase every single Zara shoe if I could, Zara never seems to disappoint me. These studded sandals are so on trend with multi-strap fastening and graphic monochrome trend (you can see the inspiration taken from designers such as Valentino, which is strongly inspiring the  high street at the moment) they can be purchased for £59.99 from Zara

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3.

These peach coloured leather sandals are so on trend with a simple buckle fastening (barely there sandals were seen all over London fashion week), team them up with pastel colours for that bright spring look, get them from Mango for £79.99

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4.

For those of you who still want to be very now yet are reluctant to take the plunge, these suede beige (very wearable) courts are for you! The gold cap toe is very in trend and is ideal for spring office-wear or can be teamed up for any daytime combo, (again notice the thin stiletto heel making a comeback). These can be obtained from Oasis for £45

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5.

Another shoe from Asos! I am currently loving Asos shoes, they have quite a diverse range of new spring shoes which to me rival those of Zara. These nude wedges incorporate a futuristic metal t-bar detailing and a contrast peep toe (all in one shoe)! I love these as they are very wearable, wedges are a good option if you want to remain comfortable yet still desire that height. These are at a bargain steal price at £40 from Asos

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Which shoe is your favourite?

…ArA…

J’adore: Valentino Accessories

"I know what women want. They want to be beautiful." - Garavani Valentino 

Studs. Studs. Studs. Valentino by far has to be one of my favourite designers, who thought that edgy/punky studs could look so sleek and elegant? No other than the designers behind Valentino. I particularly love their accessories range; the shoes/bags/clutches are always designed with that signature studded/metal embellishment here or there, making a very current statement on some otherwise classic looking shoes.

I LOVE their autograph Valentino Rockstud shoes (I want them all)! Valentino always seems to twist this classic by interpreting it differently each season, such as by changing the colour palate, adding pops of neon colour or using different textures/prints to constantly reinvent the Valentino Rockstud without reinventing the entire wheel/concept. Zara in my opinion has definitely been inspired by Valentino designs; their studded sling backs dominated autumn 2012, they have studded sandals for spring 2013 which make an affordable high street alternative to the real thing.

One day soon I shall own a pair of Valentino shoes, until then check out these beautiful pieces that I am dreaming of…

1. £950 from Valentino | 2. £590 from Net-A-Porter | 3. £725 from Valentino  | 4. £600 from Valentino | 5. £625 from Valentino | 6. £1,335 from Net-A-Porter

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Have a nice day!

...ArA...

#1 Spring Essential: The Tweed Biker Jacket

...Tempus Vernum...

Spring is in the air! (despite the current lack of sunny spells...where art thou spring weather)?!  With the run up to Easter I thought I would make a mini-series of my essential spring-wardrobe-must-haves, all in time to embrace the warmer weather (I hope, despite it currently raining outside)!

A spring jacket is a key investment piece that should be the basic in any girls’ wardrobe; especially at the moment with this transitional weather all in the run up to summer (not to mention the constant worry of English rain).

There are lots of different prints dominating spring jackets at the moment, from tweed to tribal prints. The tweed print has made a comeback with a modern twist (think edgy biker meets Coco Channel) and is still running strong in 2013. Neon colours are dominating the high street and so are tribal/Aztec style prints, although I feel the Tweed Biker Jacket is an investable trend that can take you into autumn 2013 (always thinking ahead); therefore will be more friendlier (*ahem* justifiable) to your purses.

The key things that I look for in a good jacket are the finer things like detail rather than where I purchase the jacket from, look for vintage button embellishments to golden/silvery stylish fastenings…look for pieces that can be styled up or down whatever the occasion. I have rummaged through the high street and have selected five of my favourite spring jackets that I feel are very now! Take a look and be inspired...

1.

This funky lime/neon-ish number (oh so on trend with sports luxe craze) can be picked up from River Island for £70 – it is oversized too so can be ideal for layering on those colder spring mornings, bright and cheerful just like spring!

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2.

Even though this is not tweed I found this tribal biker piece a safe buy, with its leather lining collars and arms it is still very wearable and quite understated yet still edgy, a transitional piece that can be used for those overcast weather moments, it can be obtained from Zara for £99 

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3.

I LOVE this beige tweed, you can see the classic Chanel inspiration oozing through it, its gold zip detailing at the front and cuffs will just glisten under the spring sun! Team it up with big black sunglasses whatever you outfit to add instant glamour. Grab it from Warehouse for £65 

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 4.

This classic cut black biker jacket is right on trend with its zip detailing and tweed print, team it up effortlessly with the monochrome look, buy it from H&M for £34.99 

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5.

This collarless tweed jacket is perfect for that high neck lace top which will elongate your neck or team it up with a silk scarf  to instantly look sheek in spring (very Grace Kelly). This is currently reduced by 50% in Mango for £29.99 (bargain)!

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Have you got your perfect Spring Jacket ready?

..ArA…