5 WAYS TO WEAR... A CIRCLE SKIRT

My shopping trip to the Topshop sales called for something new and completely different. Whilst browsing the rails I came across an item I had always wanted to try but had never had the guts to go for it. Well this time I went for it - I bought this full cream quilted circle skirt. I was determined to make it work and I have now compiled 5 potential looks. It was also a chance to take advantage of the massive array of accessories in both mine and my mum's wardrobe... handbag heaven! Take a look and see what you think.

 This post shows my take on a classic 1940's look, with a few modern twists to bring it into the present day. The circle skirt is such a dramatic shape it's likely to draw attention when I wear it in public for the first time - it's definitely for those looking to make a statement! It's a popular trend, but before I tried it on I had thought it might not suit my size and body shape - oh how I was wrong! I felt sensational wearing it, almost reminiscent of something SJP would wear whilst painting the town red in NYC. You just want to twirl around and wait for Big to come and sweep you off your feet. 

LOOK 1.. Lady Dior

This is definitely my favourite ensemble of the collection. I tried to match the femininity and sophistication synonymous with Dior and the Lady Dior handbag model. This monochrome look would be perfect for afternoon tea in the sunshine, but I would even feel comfortable wearing it for a leisurely shopping trip - preferably in Paris! The black accents really accentuate the skirt as it can stand out and speak for itself. 

Black lace top - Miss Selfridge

Quilted circle skirt and sunglasses - Topshop

Necklace - Primark

Handbag - Dior (MUM)

Heels - Steve Madden

LOOK 2...Bright white

From black to white (with a little pink) - maintaining the cropped top look, this time I went for something lighter and simpler, focusing on accessories - all pink as usual. I re-found these shoes I got a while ago - they're so comfy and easy to walk in! A look ideal for a lunch with friends or family - if you're brave enough it could be worn anywhere!

Top and rings - Topshop

Necklace - Miss Selfridge

Shoes - Lipsy

Bracelet - Thomas Sabo

Handbag - Zara

LOOK 3... Cocktail glam

As worn in a previous post, (read it here if you missed it!), this bejewelled cami makes a reappearance - this time with the back detailing featured! The cami moves the skirt to an evening look, with my gold accessories adding a little bit of classic glamour. Subtle details are key here, as simplicity is what makes it work. 

Top and necklace - Miss Selfridge

Circle Skirt - Topshop

Handbag/clutch - River Island

Shoes - Steve Madden 

 LOOK 4... Blue basics

This look is what I was particularly referring to when I mentioned modern twists to a classic look, as by pairing the skirt with this low cut powder blue bralet it changes the overall silhouette, whilst also making it a little sexier. It would be great for a date night, adding a jacket for when the night draws in. 

Powder blue bralet - Missguided

Circle skirt - Topshop

Necklace - Forever21

Handbag - Louis Vuitton (MUM)

Shoes - River Island

LOOK 5... Think pink

I went a little pastel crazy with this final look, injecting different textures and vibrancy. This is achieved by my lovely candy colour vintage handbag and layered jewellery. As the bag is quite small, it would only be appropriate for drinks or a meal, unless you pack light! Of course, my cleated pink wedges create a playful factor, as where stilettos are elegant, this look is less serious. The colour scheme is especially summery - so if you felt like ditching the classic shorts-cami combo on a summer holiday for a day out, this is an option! (Obviously with a bigger handbag)

Baby Pink turtle neck, circle skirt, rings and pastel colour necklaces - Topshop

Pink wedges - Kurt Geiger

Handbag - Vintage

This post definitely proves that if you want to trying something new but you're unsure how it's going to look, just try it on! You might be surprised with the results. Will you dare?


*Special thanks to mum for having the most beautifully appropriate bags for the looks!*

MIDDAY MONOCHROME

I actually shot this look a few weeks ago, with the intention of wearing it for a night out last week, however because of unforeseen circumstances I didn't actually go out. So here it is anyway!! A monochrome summer look. I apologise for the vampire-like glow to my skin, this was a relatively last minute shoot and I didn't have time to apply the tan. Another couple of items from my current favourite high street shop, Miss Selfridge. I had seen these white floral embossed shorts online and I immediately knew that it would be one of those rare occasions when you know something will suit you without even trying it on. I went into store anyway to double check, but my suspicions were correct and I adore them. They are extremely light and airy and could be styled with every colour in the rainbow. So many possibilities! The shopaholic within me was also unleashed when my eyes locked onto the sale rails, bursting with potential bargains. I picked up this fabulous simple black cami for only £10 plus student discount, which made it even better! This cami hides a sexy secret, as it has a line of gems connecting the straps to the top itself. I somehow forgot to shoot this detail, however it will be featured in a post coming soon.

Black cami & white embossed shorts - Miss Selfridge

Tribal print handbag - David Tlale

Heels - New Look

Choker - vintage (mother's collection)

Rings - Topshop

My handbag more than deserves a special mention.. this one is pretty special. This tribal monochrome feature in my look is by South African designer David Tlale, a relatively new designer who now shows his beautiful collections at New York Fashion Week each season, a symbol of his country's fashion talent, now transcending onto the catwalks of the world. A similar printed bag was used on his AW13 catwalk, (see info from a previous post here), which only makes me treasure it even more. 

The shoes have obviously already been featured before, I could have also easily worn my favourite patent Steve Maddens with this outfit - or even a statement pair in a bold colour - a very versatile look. I also experimented with a choker - but my version of this trend included some vintage sparkle, using a pearl flower printed one from my mum's collection. Go mum! 

A new post is on its way pretty soon, I have been shopping a little too often recently which only means more outfits to style!

MY INSTAWEEK

Massive apologies for a complete lack in posts this week, however I have spent the last few days on a girly trip to Anglesey with friends so I didn't have time to update my blog. Updates were on my Instagram (see the link in my sidebar) as to my whereabouts and my daily outfits. My looks were considerably toned down and relaxed compared to my usual style; heels weren't really appropriate footwear for the beach or the zoo, so it wasn't a very glamourous affair. Surprise surprise, I was wearing flats!! (insert shocked face) If you didn't manage to catch this, here are a few images: My instaweek...

Two outfits from my trip. I'm pretty obsessed with pastels at the moment, if it wasn't obvious! My playsuit from Forever 21 above is so easy to throw on and wear to wander around in the sunshine. Luckily I managed not to drop any ice cream on it! I was wary styling wise, as due to the material and print, it could have resembled pyjamas. On our second day we went to the Welsh mountain zoo, so taking precautions we layered up. This is where I wore my Missguided tasselled top underneath a thin knit jumper from Topshop - I recently rediscovered my lilac jeans which I bought last year - they're so comfy and light enough for summer weather with a slight breeze!

Picture 1:

Lilac playsuit: Forever21

Blue Cardigan: Jane Norman (many MANY years ago) 

Necklace: Dorothy perkins

Sunglasses: River Island

Handbag: Zara

Picture 2: 

Blue Jumper and Lilac Jeans: Topshop

Tassled cami: Missguided

Necklace: Forever21

Yesterday I visited a local parade/fair (shameless selfies I know) - it was easier to wear flip flops to this event as once again heels weren't necessary. Going with the current festival vibe, I wore a floral pastel blue top, along with a floral head piece and uncomplicated jewellery to accessorise, keeping it simple. It was a lovely day so no layers were needed!

Blue floral top: Oasis

White skirt: Topshop

Necklace: Tiffany&Co

Headband: Accessorize 

SKATERS AND SPARKLES...

Without further ado: Today's outfit post! With the consistently warm weather and the sun managing to stay out, family barbecue season is reignited. I wanted to get back into my glamorous normality. This is slightly difficult for me today as the hay fever is raging so I'm feeling a little under the weather/puffy. But no matter - the show must go on! 

Through no fault of my own, my outfit posts so far have not included my favourite skirt shape: the skater skirt. I have a range of these skirts in many colours for different occasions - they're particularly flattering for my body shape and the flared a-line creates that girly playful look that I often aim to achieve. American Apparel seem to be the pros at offering them in a variety of colours, materials and long lasting quality - I have so far purchased both the blue and lilac denim - today's post features the latter!  The pastel colour works well with the gems in my new Miss Selfridge purchase - this white embellished shell top - the magpie within me was automatically attracted when I saw it in store; it just had to be added to my bejewelled collection! This top is also available with Pink gems (link here), however I chose the baby blue version as there are so many styling possibilities with this colour. My pink strappy heels and handbag have reappeared - its only realistic to wear them again and again - they deserve to be shown off!

White embellished shell top: Miss Selfridge

Lilac skater skirt: American Apparel

Pink Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana

Pink Handbag: Zara

Necklace and Earrings: Dorothy Perkins

Ring: Topshop

Hopefully this hay fever will go away soon, so I can feel myself again!