Columbo Goes Gingham: Spring Trench

Hey,

I sit typing this up on a gloomy Easter Sunday. While I'm far from glum about sitting on my arse eating ALL the chocolate, I'd held out a little more hope for a sun-soaked Bank Holiday weekend.

The weather recently has been difficult to predict - one minute it's glorious sun and the next, a torrential downpour. Well, that's just Manchester for you, generally.

Traversing the constant dilemma of 'what to wear', one item of clothing has been my saviour - the classic trench.

I decided some weeks ago that I needed some kind of light jacket; semi-smart, easy to wear and goes with everything. I settled on a trench coat and, resisting my usual safety blanket of black, I opted for this classic stone coloured mac from Next.

I think it might be my best purchase of the year so far!

Sunglasses - Moschino

Trench coat - Next

Cross-front body - ASOS

Deconstructed gingham midi skirt - ASOS

Boots - Vagabond

I'm also really loving this gingham skirt from ASOS, it's ideal for the transition from spring into summer. I'm considering getting it in the new red version too!

This post is a great example of the ever-changing weather. I didn't know whether to keep my jacket on, take it off, remove my sunglasses... at least my new trench is light enough not be be a nuisance when the sun comes out.

What's been your favourite buy of the season?

MyBag Spring/Summer'16 Preview

Hey,

So it's officially Spring - and while everyone gushes over the pieces of clothing they plan on adding to their new season wardrobes, my thoughts haven't turned from getting my hands on a new piece of arm candy after attending MyBag's SS16 Spring Preview recently!

I've always been a firm believer in the idea that it's the accessories that make an outfit and MyBag certainly deliver the goods in that department; not just curating an enviable selection of handbag brands (would you believe it) but also offering a beautiful range of sunglasses, watches, scarves and more.

Being a big fan of the online retailer already, I was definitely giddy to see what MyBag had on offer for the Spring/Summer'16 season.

Their showcase was held at one of my favourite Manchester haunts, Artisan - a casual but classy restaurant filled with interesting design detail. Did I mention the most amazing cocktails, too?

On to the bags!

Photo credit: Garry Finch

Photo credit: Garry Finch

It's difficult to pick out a favourite range! Lulu Guinness has long been a favourite accessory brand of mine (I'm lucky enough to own an LG clutch already) and the new pieces on show from MyBag didn't disappoint with lots of lilac and quirky details. I can't begin to tell you how incredible the lipstick clutch is, there's even a little mirror inside the lid!

I loved the new range from Ted Baker, especially the drawstring bucket style and teeny shoulder bags that would be perfect for the summer's festivals. The large totes from Karl Lagerfeld scream 'fashion' and are certainly eye-catching enough to satisfy the boldest fashionistas. 

However the bags from Grafea were top of my list. Made in beautfiul leather in traditional, minimal shapes but with fun details like metallic finishes, multi-coloured fringe and fur pompoms - I was in love! I particularly adored the baby rucksack in lilac, perfect for spring. I'm soon to become a bonafide commuter a and am on the hunt for a great backpack and Grafea's have definitely caught my eye.

 

We were lucky enough to come away with an amazing goody bag filled with products from the likes of Real Techniques make up brushes, Vita Liberata tan and Wet Brush Pro.

Though I was completely blown away by this gorgeous personalised luggage tag from The Cambridge Satchel Company. I can't wait to take it on my travels!

Which bag trends are you loving for spring?

Pretty Spring Things

Hello!

I thought I'd put together a little post with some lovely new bits I've acquired recently. Spring is 'in with the new' (I definitely need to have a sort out for the 'old with the old' bit!) and it's nice to have a change up. In this post I talk about a beautiful new lingerie set (always a nice pick-me-up) and some cute house things.

Elle Macpherson Intimates Set at Bras & Honey

Recently I've been loving this gorgeous Elle Macpherson Intimates set from Bras & Honey*. Bras & Honey are an online lingerie and swimwear retailer who are known for specialising in larger cup sizes - though they cater for pretty much anybody!

They stock a great range of brands like Freya, Curvy Kate and of course - Elle Macpherson Intimates.

Elle Macpherson Dune Sunflower Longline Bra and Brief - Bras & Honey*

I chose this beautiful 'Dune Sunflower' lace set. I was taken with the bra as I love longline styles; I really like the contrast of the black satin with the delicate lace cups.

This set features pretty black lace in a repeat sunflower pattern, layered over a camel coloured backing. It's a really classic and wearable combination.

I was really impressed with Bras & Honey's customer service. My usual bra size was out of stock, however after chatting to one of the girls at B&H, I followed her suggestion of going up a cup size and it fits perfectly! She told me that Elle Macpherson styles, like many Australian brands, come up slightly small.

Flamingo Gifts

Flamingo Gifts is an amazing destination for quirky presents and gorgeous things for the home. Flamingo Gifts are probably best known for their jar candles in a diverse range of scents and the cute flamingo motif on the front.

They however have much more than candles! The website is split into some great gift guide sections; whether it's for your mum, friend, boyfriend or grandma - there's a selection of perfect gifts!

Here's what I chose.

Paddy the Fox cushion - Flamingo Gifts*

Flamingo Raspberry & Salted Caramel Candle - Flamingo Gifts*

Ted Baker Purple Brogue Notebook - Flamingo Gifts*

I'm so pleased with these things! The fox cushion caught my eye first (naturally) and it now has pride of place in the middle of my sofa. This particular one is out of stock at the moment but they have two more versions in different colours and prints.

I just had to try one of the flamingo candles. They have so many scents, it was really difficult to choose one. I chose the raspberry & salted caramel for the colouring as well as the flavour and I'm really impressed with it. The scent is really sweet and stays in the room for ages after the candle has gone out. I can't wait to try more of these.

The notebook is a great example of the brands that Flamingo Gifts stock. They have a huge range of Ted Baker stuff - from laptop sleeves to manicure kits. I've wanted to get an extra nice notebook for ages to write down ideas for my blog and plan posts; this is perfect and really beautiful for spring with the floral prints inside.


What new things are you coveting this spring?

McArthur Glen Accessories Challenge: Part Two

Hello!

So, in my previous post I wrote about my trip to Cheshire Oaks designer outlet as part of McArthur Glen's spring accessories style challenge. I was tasked with finding two accessories under £250 which I could style up in different ways for the spring season.

Well here it is; the big reveal. I am so in love with the accessories I chose!

Lulu Guinness 50:50 Lips Hug and Hold Clutch*

Prada Poeme Sunglasses @ David Clulow Eyewear*

Before my trip to Cheshire Oaks, my heart was set on getting a bag from Lulu Guinness. I've wanted one of her acrylic lips box clutches for ages, though the one I got in the end changed my mind! It's an oversized clutch in patent leather and I love the classic design and neutral colours - with the signature Lulu Guinness lips motif, of course.

I wasn't planning on buying sunglasses but after trying on these amazing Prada shades, I couldn't think about anything else for the rest of the shopping trip!

I was so impressed that I was able to buy both of these designer accessories for less than £250. The Lulu Guinness clutch has an RRP of £195 but was just £78 in the outlet shop. The sunglasses retail at £250 and are available current season everywhere, including Selfridges - they were £143 which I think is a really great discount.

I've snapped five different looks with these accessories, below.

Look One: All Black Errthang

Longline black coat - Boohoo

High neck ribbed crop top - In The Style

Midi skirt - Banana Republic*

I feel like this look is a bit Kim K! This isn't really a trend; it's no secret that I love black and this is just a really simple but chic outfit that I'm totally comfortable in.

Look Two: Suede and Floral

Black suede fringed jacket - vintage, from Amsterdam

Floral cut-out dress - Forever 21

Suede-look thigh high boots - Public Desire

Something a bit more boho! I don't really do girly so if I'm wearing something like this floral dress, I'd normally throw a big jacket over it. This fringed suede jacket of dreams is a recent buy from my trip to Amsterdam. I picked it up in a really cool vintage shop for only about £18. I could have bought so much in there but had to think about my hand luggage space...

Look Three: Sports Luxe

Longline blazer - Monki

Cropped Ellesse tee - Bank Fashion

Jeans - Primark

Trainers - Adidas (Stan Smiths)

I wear this Monki blazer all the time; it has to be one of the best things I've ever bought. It instantly smartens up any outfit and is great to wear as a light coat for the spring. I picked this bright Ellesse top in the Bank closing down sale recently for just £10. I used to wear Ellesse clothes all the time when I was younger so the brand has a bit of retro nostalgia for me.

Look Four: Evening Out

Leopard jacket - vintage via charity shop

Velvet high neck crop top - River Island

Earrings - Susan Caplan @ ASOS

Gold collar necklace - Primark

Gold chain belt - Blitz Vintage

Riding pants - American Apparel

Heels - Vivienne Westwood X Melissa

This is the sort of thing I'd wear on a date night with Chris. This vintage leopard print jacket is another one of my all-time favourites - I picked it up for around £3 from a charity shop back home! I'm also wearing my new Vivienne Westwood shoes which I got in the January sales; I was praying that they'd be comfortable but sadly not, great restaurant shoes though.

Look Five: Glam Grunge

Leather jacket - vintage via Mum

Chokers - eBay (tattoo) and ASOS (tartan heart)

Checked shirt - vintage via Reading Fest

Ribbed crop top - Topshop

Moons and stars leather belt - vintage via charity shop

Ripped jeans - Ragged Priest
Boots -Vagabond

It had stopped raining by the time I got around to my fifth and final outfit (typical Manchester!), so I decided to venture outside for photos. This was my favourite outfit of the five so I was glad to get some good shots of it. My style (at least on the weekends) is quite grunge-y but I really like how my shiny new accessories glam this look up a little.

What do you think of the accessories I chose and which is your favourite look?

Marks & Spencer Bring Fashion Week to Manchester

Hello!

Another season has gone by with me not attending London Fashion Week! Every time it comes around, I pledge to go and then something always crops up and scuppers my plans. There's always September...

Luckily, Marks & Spencer chose Manchester as the only non-capital location to host their exclusive Spring/Summer'15 catwalk show, which was held to mark their involvement as an official sponsor of LFW.

Sitting front row with some of my fave girls by the purpose-built runway at the Market Street store, we got a glimpse of the brand's key new season looks which if not already available, will be hitting stores very soon!

Frow-ing with Chyaz (and her lovely sister) and Anna

The show was opened with a speech from Belinda Earl, M&S' Style Director. We were also shown a short film before the catwalk show which was produced with footage from London Fashion Week and outlined some of the season's top trends and how M&S had interpreted them for their own collections.

I loved the looks that were sent down the runway - as someone who doesn't really shop in M&S for clothes, I was surprised by how on-trend and wearable the pieces actually were!

There were some great monochrome looks which were really clean and minimalist; lots of floral prints and bold spring shades like coral and bright blue, plus plenty of seventies-inspired pieces with plenty of suede and denim. The 70s trend is undoubtedly one of the biggest of the season and one of my personal favourites too.

What spring trends are you loving right now?

Branded Lab Spring/Summer'15 Showcase: Get Branded

Hello!

I recently went along to PR agency, Branded Lab's Spring/Summer showcase - 'Get Branded'.

Branded Lab look after some great high street fashion brands and as I'm not so familiar with some of the labels they represent, I was really excited to see their SS15 collections and get to know them better.

The brand showcase was held in Manchester's amazing Rosylee tearooms - one of my favourite places which has recently been transformed into more of a restaurant; I haven't been in for a while so it was great to see the changes to their menus and decor.

Clutch bags from KoKo Couture

Pieces from South Avenue

Bejewelled Coord by KoKo Couture

Pick 'n' Mix!

South Avenue Coord and NaaNaa paisley playsuit

Alex and I looking at the ranges and being papped by photographer Sophie Lobban

Rosylee provided the perfect atmosphere for a fashion event - the inside is so sophisticated yet still maintains that Northern Quarter quirkiness. It has a real vintage feel to it and lots of pretty touches like interesting light fittings and plants around the venue.

While being treated to delicious, classic spring cocktails and the most incredible mini desserts (not ashamed to say that I tried all of them!), it was great to catch up with some of my favourite bloggers as well as meet some new faces.

On to the collections! I was really impressed with the brands on display which included British-made leather bags by Harriet Sanders, Jailbird Jeans, Ruby Prom, NaaNaa and South Avenue. The latter two brands were behind my favourite pieces of the evening which I've photographed above: the dreamy pastel pink Clueless-inspired check coord two-piece set and the cool boho-style red paisley playsuit.

Thanks to Branded Lab for a great evening and for a fabulous goody bag which included products from Lipcote, Elf and Avon - as well as a huge bag of sweets from their amazing pick and mix stand!

Have you seen anything you'd love to wear this spring from these brands?