NEON MAXI

Another look from a day at Dunham Massey. Quite different to the last! I am not usually a fan of neon clothing as it can often look quite tacky unless it is for a purpose, like a neon party. But for me this little green cami is just enough to brighten things up without looking like a complete highlighter - a subtle gesture towards the neon trend. I bought it for my girly holiday in Zante last year, where it served its purpose in the sweltering heat on a night out under the club lights. Pairing it with this gorgeous floral maxi skirt tones it down, whilst bringing out the bright greens and blue in the print. The skirt was also a purchase from last year and is one of my favourite summer pieces to wear as its so light in this floaty chiffon material. The maxi skirt is the number one annual summer staple - its a classic holiday necessity that every girl needs in their wardrobe! It keeps you cool on hot days and is something easy to throw on when unsure on what to wear. As this particular skirt holds a rainbow of colour, its simple to style up with most colour crop tops, camis and jackets - you can't really go wrong! As well as jewellery used in my previous post, I also accessorised with a bejewelled headpiece I borrowed from my sister - who is also a sparkle addict/magpie.

Neon cami and maxi skirt - Topshop

Silver tribal necklace and sandals - Primark

Silver heart A necklace - Tiffany

Gem headpiece - on loan from my sister

Again, I'm wearing flats! I'm surprising myself more and more at the moment - but there are so many amazing styles of flat summer shoes in the shops lately - whether that be flip flips or sandals there's so many to choose from! Although I haven't quite got my head around the jelly shoe comeback, that's not really my thing..

Can't wait to wear this look on holiday and experiment with other colour options with this skirt. 

FESTIVAL FEVER

NEW LOCATION, NEW LOOK.. 

Yesterday my sister and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful summer's day and have a picnic at a local park. This was also the perfect opportunity for a shoot, for which my sister was a fabulous photographer! So this weeks posts will feature three outfits put together and shot at Dunham Massey, starting with today's look; a floral festival number. Shooting on location was something new and exciting, which means I am definitely going to move around a lot more for my posts in future to keep you entertained - there's only so many places in my garden that could be used!

My new kimono was out once again, this time in a more casual, festival style that could have easily been worn to Wireless festival this weekend if I had attended! You might notice that my hair is slightly wavy in these shots - I plaited my hair the night before to give it some volume with my headpiece; the classic messy festival hair but a little bit cleaner and manufactured! The fields and long grass were ideal for this kind of look - I blended in with my floral headpiece and flowy fabrics (more will be featured later in the week) billowing in the breeze as I skipped around, unleashing my inner child. It was such a fun day! I also went for the exaggerated necklace vibe, obviously in combination with my usual rings - I wanted to create an eclectic look which was jewellery heavy but easy to wear. My hunter wellies finally got more of an exciting outing that wasn't just for a muddy walk!

Kimono - TKMAXX

Shorts and cream necklace - Topshop

Silver tribal necklace and floral headpiece - Primark

Silver A heart necklace - Tiffany

Lilac crop top - Missguided

Aubergine wellies - Hunter

The festival trend is definitely one to get a lot of fun out of - I really enjoyed having fun with the whole ensemble. But it helps that the sun was out to light up the day!

EVENING...KIMONO

So I finally got my hands on the kimono I've been searching for. I was beginning to think that one which met all my super specific requirements didn't actually exist. I hunted high and low for a reasonably priced piece, finally finding this beauty - £20 from T.K.Maxx! I wasn't supposed to be shopping on the day I got it, but as usual I couldn't resist a short wander through the shops. It was sitting in plain view, at the front of a display, calling my name. There was only one available in a medium, however it just could not be missed - I had to have it!

As this kimono is a cream/white piece in a chiffon material it will work with tonnes of outfits. I also wanted something that could be worn both day and night - for both festival and glamourous evening. This post shows a potential evening option. I've styled it up with my bejewelled necklace, along with my pieces of glittery gorgeousness; my versace sandals. After a short experimental session with my wardrobe, I found that my kimono will work with more refined colours, like this monochrome look, but will also be perfect for a festival ensemble. {Coming soon!!}

Kimono - TKMAXX

White cropped top and necklace - Topshop

Black tailored shorts - ASOS

Glittered heels - Versus Versace

Black clutch - New Look 

Bracelet & Ring - boutique purchases

*Some pictures are taken with my phone as my camera had temporarily run out of battery - excuse the slight difference in quality*

I am a new found lover of a kimono - its just such a fun item to have! You can float around like a little hippie fairy with not a care in the world. AND with the massive variety of colours, patterns, materials and styles available in the shops at the moment you really can't go wrong! My favourites at the moment for summer tropical and festival looks are definitely Oh My Love London, H&M, Missguided and obviously world favourites like Miss Selfridge and Topshop... all the sales are on right now so do have a browse! 

Also.. welcome my cat Tabatha, making a small appearance... *waves*

The saying is definitely true; good things come to those who wait! 

BRIMMING WITH STYLE

The Serpentine Summer Party 2014

Something a little different for this post; moving the spotlight away from me and my wardrobe for once!

The Serpentine Gallery in London opened its doors on the 2nd July to a whole host of key individuals from the fashion, music and film industries. The annual party is well known for its initiation of popular summer trends by those who attend, with this year not disappointing. Stars emerged in the glorious sunshine, sporting looks of ultimate luxury and mingling with industry professionals such as Arcadia giant Phillip Green and his daughter Chloe, along with mega fashion moguls Suzy Menkes and Hilary Alexander. Musical entertainment was of the happy kind, with Pharrell Williams performing, as usual wearing one of his large brimmed hats, for which he is now notorious. Here are my favourite looks from the evening:  

Image: asos.co.uk

Image: Elle.co.uk

The ladies buddy up for this shot, featuring Cara Delevigne in a simple black floor length Mulberry gown and Alexa Chung in a black strapless embroidered Erdem number. They stand beside Keira Knightley here in her stunning Chanel Resort 2015 gown, emblazoned with this technicolour 3D floral print.

Image: Elle.co.uk

I absolutely adore this ruby red Prabal Gurung co-ord worn by Gemma Arterton. The subtle detailing adds just enough interest to the material and her matching strappy heels are enough to make Dorothy jealous!

Image: asos.co.uk

Suki Waterhouse attended the event on the arm swanky beau Bradley Cooper, keeping up that effortless glamour: a picture of perfection! Her flowing Burberry Prorsum gown in a gorgeous rose blush colour is something I would definitely wear if it weren't for the student budget..

Lily Allen continues her party streak after a weekend at Glastonbury, wearing this black backless Stella McCartney wrap dress with strappy fringe detailing revealing a little too much of her behind. Despite this, she really is rocking the new do! Oh the possibilities of coordination with that colour! 

Dreaming of designer labels...

GOT THE JUMPSUIT JIST?

The weather definitely determines whether I have outfit inspiration. Whilst it was overcast but quite humid yesterday, I decided to style a look which works when the weather doesn't know what its doing. Say hello to my black jumpsuit! The jumpsuit is the easiest item to wear in a wardrobe, as its one piece which only needs a few subtle accessories and you're ready to go. It can also work for both day and night - just remember if you're drinking you'll need a buddy to unzip you in a number like this! As mine is black and in a sheer, chiffon-y material, I dressed it down with my floral headpiece and cropped denim jacket. Easy enough? I also went for a simple side bag, another vintage I found in my wardrobe, from Tula. It was unembellished when I first had it, however I added some sparkle to make it a little more individual.

Black Jumpsuit and silver rings - River Island

Denim Jacket and rabbit ring - Topshop

Floral Headpiece and jewellery - Primark

Black Heels - New Look

Handbag - vintage Tula

Its difficult to see with the jacket covering it, but this jumpsuit also has a sheer panel in the chest area. I usually leave this area visible but I was going with a relaxed look with festival accents through the exaggerated jewellery and floral headpiece. You can see the panel in the images without the jacket. 

The sun has come out today so tomorrow's outfit post will return to pastels and colour - summer appropriate!