Festival Blues

One of my favourite things about festivals is the array of cool and funky outfits you see people wearing. I went to the Pasifika festival in Auckland last weekend and it felt so good to be back in the chilled boho-hippie atmosphere. I’ll be sad to miss the festivals in the UK whilst I’m away, but for now, I’ll leave you with my must-haves for festival attire!

A floral dress

Ditsy florals are too cute at a festival and bring an instant summer vibe.

A denim jacket/shirt

Denim is the perfect way to cover up when chilly but still look stylish. A must-have wardrobe essential.

Military boots/Docs

If you’re lucky enough to be getting sun and no rain at your festival, shy away from wellies and rock a pair of biker boots just as Pixie has here!

A bright parka

Unfortunately, the above situation is not a common one (particularly at a UK festival!) so you’re well advised to invest in a raincoat. My advice: the brighter and funkier the better! The above isn’t cheap (Ted Baker-£169) but quality quality quality.

Feathers or flowers

Update your hairstyle with a flower garland, a scarf/bandana or a feather hairpiece. Boho at its best.

Dungarees or denim shorts

Take one or two pairs and various vest tops and t-shirts and you’re good to go. It doesn’t matter if these get covered in mud, unlike something nicer such as a patterned playsuit.

Trilby

Still my favourite. I managed to find this floppy hat at the festival. What a freebie. Not easy to hold onto though-everyone will want your hat. The epitome of boho chic though.

Anything with a fringe

Literally anything. I have this cream crochet waistcoat with fringe detail but another good way of adding this style to your outfit is the fringe detail on your satchel. It’s very common on vest tops now too.

A rucksack

You never know when the weather will change, festivals charge a ridiculous amount for food and water: basically a rucksack is essential. I’m in love with this daisy-print one from Accessorize-£35.

Fancy Dress

Love it or hate it, it will happen. Embrace it.

Doing denim jackets right

It’s the most sought-after piece for SS’14: stylish and so useful. The perfect cover-up for when the sun isn’t at its best.

1. Lyla Mid Wash Denim Jacket – Boohoo – £30

– I’ve always been a lover of darker denim and feel it doesn’t get enough credit. The hint of acid wash keeps it updated and on-trend.

2. Vintage Renewal Branded Denim Jacket – Urban Outfitters – £55

– Again, I’m a big fan of Urban Outfitter’s ‘vintage renewal’ section; it’s all one size and has been made from vintage denim sourced by UO’s team. I love the big boxy look of this jacket.

3. Authentic Denim Trucker Jacket in Moonshine – Levi – £80

-My Levi jacket is my most prized possession and has been since I was given it….six years ago. Before that, it belonged to my sister. It’s extra spending but completely worth it as a Levi will see you through your best days and the quality won’t let you down.

4. Laverna Acid Wash Boyfriend Denim Jacket – Missguided – £29.99

-Acid wash, this time in light blue. This is the perfect jacket to wear day-to-night, as it will look funky over a summer dress and add some edge to clubwear, without detracting from your outfit.

5. Moto Floral Western Jacket – Moto – £45

-Floral denim jackets are the epitome of summer; it’s almost rude not to get one. Topshop also have matching shorts and a skirt if you want to jump on the co-ords trend as well.

6. Reboot Denim Trucker Jacket – Diesel – £250

-Before you have a heart attack at the price, Diesel is a high-quality brand, so it depends how much you deem worthy to spend on your staple items. Failing that, wait for the sales or for a friend/relative to visit the States. Denim will always be around, so there’s no rush for this beauty.

7. Blue Denim Jacket – H&M – £24.99

-For those who stay away from acid wash and vintage and just want a simple denim jacket for this season and all of the ones that will follow.

N.B. This post came as a request from a friend but if anyone is looking for a particular item but doesn’t know where to look or wants other styles to compare with, message/follow/comment and I will happily go hunting for you 🙂

The NEEDS of the sales

I’ve heard from quite a few people that they haven’t found much in the current sale so here I am to sift out the best bargains and bring them to your attention!

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Glamorous: Black PU Paperbag Waist Shorts: £10

-Glamorous have at least half of their sale at £10 so it really is worth checking it out and with 20% discount for students (even on top of sale price!) it would just be rude not to! Pair these shorts with a fitted shirt and statement necklace or casual vest top and heels for an ultra luxe look.

Urban Outfitters: ‘Pins and Needles’ Velvet Floral Crop Top and Hotpants: £10 each

-I am really loving making separates at the moment and the obvious benefit is that you get three outfit options for £20. Normally I prefer either the top of the shorts to be a little less tight, especially with a curvy figure, so I basically am imploring my skinny minny or more body-confident friends to buy this adorable little set. Black tights and creepers and you’re good to go!

Dahlia: Melissa Eyelet White Dress: £25

-For those of you who don’t know, Dahlia is a small fashion boutique on Carnaby Street in London, founded by two sisters who capture quirkiness and delicacy in their designs. I personally find that finding the right white dress is a mission but I instantly fell in love with this one. Don a pair of tan brogues and this cropped denim jacket!

Dahlia: Valencia Oversized Cropped Denim Shirt: £20

Whistles: Alison Red Mesh Insert Dress: £40

-Whistles have up to 70% off in the sale so if you enjoy the finer things in life, head to the website now. They have a good selection of cigarette trousers and cashmere cowl-neck jumpers. I particularly like this fitted fire-red shift dress as it oozes chic and would shape any body type beautifully. A perfect ‘office to drinks’dress; nude or black courts for the day and fierce jewellery and shoe boots for the evening.

Ted Baker: Heidiy Water Bottle Print Jeans: £55

-Considering Topshop’s jeans are £40, £55 doesn’t seem too pricey, especially when it’s Ted Baker! These jeans have such an interesting and unique print/pattern and are perfect for welcoming SS’14. Grunge up with a cosy knit and boots until this miserable weather finally decides to leave us and crack out a chiffon white shirt and nude heels or flats when the sunshine comes. Ted Baker’s AW’13 is all between 30% and 50% reduced so if you had your eye on something earlier this year; now’s the time.

ASOS: Astronomy Studded Leather Ankle Boots: £32.50

-I love studs and buckles and these boots remind me of the Alvin boots Topshop had last year that sold out quickly. The detail on this boot and the stacked heel make them versatile for a casual outfit in the day or with a cute dress in a bar.

River Island: Blue Mixed Print Scuba Jacket: £25

-This jacket is insane. I love the oriental feel and brightness of the colours. River Island previously had a pair of harem pants in this exact pattern which I adored too. A pair of jeans will be elevated immediately by the bold look of this blazer and it can also be a fun way to do smart.

Miss Selfridge: Cross and Diamond Chain: £15

-Statement necklaces are notoriously expensive but are excellent for transforming an overworn top or elevating a plain one. Miss Selfridge have this gorgeous one which used to be £50 so I would snap it up quickly at this price. I love the vintage feel and delicate but grunge aspect of Miss Selfridge’s clothes and accessories and this necklace is no exception. Wear it with a high-low skirt, military boots, layered vests and a leather jacket in the day or use it to create a detailed difference over a plain top or dress for a striking evening look.

Enjoy sale shopping xx

Grunge up a girly dress!

I am a girly girl. I love my pretty dresses with their lace, skater skirts and candy colours. But every now and then it feels good to be a bit different; to break your mould of puff sleeves and kitsch motifs.

Now I am not suggesting in any way that to add a bit of a grungy look to your outfit means you have to invest in some metal jewellery and heavy eye make up. Not at all. All I mean is to try ‘toughening’ up your outfit. Use your dress as your base; pretty, innocent and relatively simple. Then, instead of pairing it with a pair of delicate pumps or heels, throw a pair of boots on. It will give your outfit some definite edge. Lose the cardi over your shoulders; alternate to a hard-wearing jacket, such as a leather, camo or even a denim!

Here is an outfit I am wearing today and as you can see I’ve got my really girly dress; a white high-lo hemmed lace dress from Topshop, which I normally wear with nude T-bar pumps, and paired it with my bright red patent Dr. Martens! I love it. Not only are my feet kept warm and dry in the cold, wet weather, but I’ve transformed my pretty lacy dress into an staple for a subtly edgy outfit. Today I have chosen to wear a camo/army jacket from Urban Outfitters with this outfit. To make it more unique to my own style, I have sewn metallic studs on the lapels and collar lining, as well as stitching on some army-themed badges to the sleeves.

Enjoy 🙂