WINTER COATS

With pumpkin spiced lattes hitting every Starbucks I knew it was time for the annual winter coat hunt. After reluctantly packing away my denim jackets and floral kimonos, I give you my top 7 coats for every possible wintery occasion.

(From left to right)

The Camel One- Zara £89.99

Is EVERYWHERE and yet I wouldn’t mind blending into the crowd if it meant I got to wear this coat. The neutral shade of beige looks effortlessly smart, much needed for that 9am lecture when you’re pretending you understand every word.

The Minimalist One- Mango £54.99

A throwback to the minimalist 90’s, you can’t go wrong with a simple white cocoon coat. The clean cut and collarless neckline takes things back to basics and makes an excellent canvas for many essential tartan scarfs.

The Teddy One- Topshop £79.00

The phrase all fur coat no kickers comes to mind in the sense that I can confidently say this coat will take over your entire outfit and there probably is no point in wearing anything else. But I think we can all agree that when you’re toes are near to turning blue; this oversized coat will be a stylish lifesaver.

The Checked One- Lavish Alice £60.00

For years my Mother has banned me from buying patterned coats for fear that I’ll hate it within a week or it’ll match only about 4 outfits I own. Finally, I stumbled across a checked duster coat with a simple design to curb my patterned needs whilst keeping my Mother happy with its versatility. No doubt it’ll come in handy as I try and avoid looking like an Eskimo sipping mulled wine in the local bar.

The Fur One- Topshop £68.00

Finally, a coat that looks incredibly warm and I can still flash my ankles. At wintertime I always feel obliged to wear the biggest coat possible, which, like everyone, causes me to neglect the outfit choices I wear underneath the mound of fur. Yes I probably will wear the same jumper/jeans combo for 2 months. This fur bomber is the answer to my prayers/whinges about nobody being able to appreciate how cool my new leopard patterned tights are. All hail.

The Draped One- H&M £39.99

This coat would go with anything and it would go with nothing, god forbid you distract away from the draped lapels. Ideal for the endless Christmas parties in the next coming months. 

The Sensible One- Warehouse £65.00

Let’s be serious now. The rain has started and won’t end till next June, and that’s if we’re lucky. We forget we live in dreary wet England and not Lapland. Instead of preparing for the snow, you need to worry about the rain and there is nothing better than an old-fashioned mustard rain mac to avoid the dreaded soggy jumper.

KITSCH CLUTCH

High-street:

Whitepepper ASOS excusive Eye Clutch- £42

Skinnydip London Crunch Clutch- £35

Deena & Ozzy for Urban Outfitters Metallic Lip Pouch- £14

New Look Fur Foldover Clutch- £17.99

Deena & Ozzy Speech Bubble Pouch- £7

Designer:

Charlotte Olympia Eye Want You Clutch- £1295

Anya Hindmarch Daz Georgina Clutch- £595

Lulu Guinness Neon Lips Clutch- £245

Moschino Barbie Collection Logo-detail Envelope Clutch- £320

Sophia Webster I Don’t Speech Bubble Leather Clutch- £340

When Steps- Tragedy comes on the radio, you find yourself stuck between either throwing yourself at the power button or throwing yourself into that old school disco dance routine. That is Kitsch. It’s garish, it’s tacky and quite frankly, it’s amazing.  

The kitsch trend prides itself on nostalgia and ostentatious drama, as if someone has dragged the past into the present with a pritt-stick and sequins in hand. The trend has exploded onto the catwalk and now the high street has jumped on the excessively glitzed-up bandwagon, offering us all the glamorously trashy accessories we could ask for at a fraction of the price. The loud and creative clutch designs are everywhere from New Look to Chanel, making sure we step out the door looking far from boring.

Fashion has become fun, a competition of who can be the most out-of-place, the most outlandish and the most flamboyant. I’m sure the 8-year-old girl inside us all is screaming out for the ever-so-kitsch Moschino Barbie collection, not so different from the spectacularly garish treats you’d expect in 90’s party bag, along with some sherbet straws and candy coloured yoyo of course.

BEARING ALL WITH PERSPEX

Kendal Jenner's rather exposed walk down the Marc Jacobs runway quite literally epitomises fashion of the 21st century. Nothing is private. As our outfits become a little more risqué, a little more revealing, so do our accessories. For those who say the window to the soul are the eyes they are wrong, its the contents of a woman's handbag. Be prepared to bear all with the arrival the perspex clutch, the incredibly minimalist nothing-to-hide fashion statement of the year. Personally, I'd pair these clutches with a neutral outfit, keeping with the subtle nature of the bag whilst making sure I kept the contents to the standard of a show room. I'm sure no one wants to see old grotty vaseline tubs, a staple for nearly all my handbags.

90'S MINIMALISM REVIVAL- How to be a REAL basic bitch with Rag & Bone

Cigarette in hand, nipples exposed and ears throbbing with the pro-drug culture Trance club classics. 90's minimalism in full swing and centre of it all none other than herion-chic queen Kate Moss. Everyone remembers when Moss famously hit the 90's clubbing scene in a braless silver Liza Bruce Spaghetti Strap Dress  right? A spectacular middle finger to the try-hards, the fashion conscious wannabes and well within the grunge ideology of the era. Hair pulled back, black knickers on show, stroke of mascara and topped off with a see-through dress. A truly effortless ensemble. Minimalism (or mnmlsm for the avid fans) is a concept which flourished in 90s fashion with a surge of neutral shifts, clean cut basics and straight-edged classics. All hail Calvin Klein's slip dresses such as the  '97 clueless mini dress, Jil Sander's '96 simple monochrome pieces and Helmut Lang's sharp tailoring, pioneers for all those out and proud basic bitches. 

Quite literally as simple as black and white, Neville and Wainwright sent their S/S '14 monochrome models down the runway and with a quick pout and a fearless nod, Rag & Bone elegantly revived 90s minimalism. Complete with trademark slouched boyfriend trousers, traditional military tailoring and newly adopted feminine cuts in the form of those old familiar slip dresses.

Platini Pant // Rosa Top // Kershaw Top  // Darted Pascal Blazer // Molly Dress // Oda Top // Mckenzie Dress

If you have a spare few hundred lying around Rag & Bone is your one way ticket to achieving those minimalist vibes and becoming a REAL basic bitch. Above are a few I have picked out myself for when I win the lottery... An amalgamation of simplicity and boldness, this trend presents an atmosphere of unintentional maturity, as if you just effortlessly stumbled upon adulthood. In the words of Ludwig Miles van der Rohe, without a doubt, 'Less is more'.

In the spirit of basic bitches, I leave you on this note:

H&M LOOSE FITTING TROUSERS

These formal esque-jogger pants are perfect for a dress down Sunday, especially for someone you wouldn't catch in a pair of nike sweat pants even if the other option was public nudity. Possibly a slight exaggeration... but I just stress enough my distain for tracksuit bottoms of any sort, no pretentious Jack Wills sweats for me thank you. 

Although, in contrast to the norm of duvet drowning and TV catch ups, I generally spend my Sundays shopping so these trousers are ideal to channel those chilled Sunday vibes. A much needed comfort during the obligatory coffee break but not so much that you appear to have just rolled out of bed. 

Paired with a crop top and a boyfriend coat, there is no way you could be mistaken for a sweat pant enthusiast.

GEOMETRIC FLORALS

The fusion of a simplistic geometric pattern and delicate turquoise floral is truly a design worthy of the digital age. There is just something high-tech about this look that screams 'so 2014'. A spin on the spring floral craze, this is one for standing out from the crowd and at only £25.99 it is top of my wish list.

Move over daisy printed t-shirts, you're so 2010.

Workin' that Workout // Topshop x Adidas Originals

     Orange Runner Shorts // Tracksuit Top // White Tee // Blue Runner Shorts // Print Sweatshirt

The holey leggings have had a good run, but I think its time I saw the back of them. I've never really got the whole gym chic thing. At the end of the day, theres no avoiding looking like you've spent the past two years of your life hiding in the sauna. It's not pretty. This was until the release of the Topshop x Adidas Originals collection and I thought- why not? Those empowering graffiti-esque prints and pastel colours have lead me to remember my place as a fashion blogger, and surely this shouldn't be constrained by the sweaty threat of the gym? No more faded New Look legging's, no more boyfriend's hand-me-down Fred Perry tee. I tend to leave my self-esteem at the door when I enter the gym and I know many feel the same way. Its an intimidating place, especially as a newbie lacking body confidence and stood next to a muscular god. For me, I know without a doubt this collection would give me that extra shove through the door, who said the treadmill couldn't be a catwalk? 

Top motivation songs I've played countless times: 

Can't get more empowering than Destiny's Child, but Cyril Hahn definitely brings this classic into the now.

And closely followed by:



Seriously owe my commitment to the gym to you guys.

Monochrome in a Petticoat S/S '14

Pull & Bear: Neoprene Lace Pattern Top // Topshop: Croc High Neck Cami // Matalan: Collarless Oversized Boucle Coat // River Island; White Block Heel Cleated Sole Sandals // Topshop: Wrap Front Bralet // New Look: Pink Check Notch Mini Skirt // NARS: Lara Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment // Primark: Palm Tree Printed Skirt // Topshop: Zip Front Denim Backpack // Topshop: Patent Leather Flippy Skirt by Boutique

For too long now we've been burying our breasts under excessive layers of knitted jumpers and tartan scarfs; frantically hiding our milky legs from the harsh cold under several pairs of thermals (and lest we forget the ugly wellies). S/S '14 is all about embracing our femininity and our old 90's friend, pastel pink leads the way. That's right, monochrome's gone all soft on us, forget black and white, it's so, well... 1960's.

If I'm honest I'm one of those people who as the saying goes will 'stop wearing black when they find a darker colour', but I just adore the straight-edged but ultra-girly vibes from this style. By itself, pink is just too much, the injection of white in this trend grounds it at a point of maturity- where you don't look like you're a 10 year old who hit puberty prematurely.

Pull & Bear- Neoprene Lace Pattern Top

Neoprene, something you don't tend to wear unless you're a deep sea driver, however, the fabric has been trending recently across both the high street and designers. Though better suited to A/W for its thermal abilities, its a big hit for spring... maybe apply a bit deodorant before you head out the door? The cutaway detail, high neck line and cropped length are why I love this top. It's simple, but structured. It's also lace patterned which is always a spring favourite. Check out Zara for simple styles.

Topshop: Croc High Neck Cami 

After watching clips from the Paris S/S '14 Fashion Week, it's decided, I definitely need more metallics in my life. Rochas' silver pleated dress was a beauty, but I didn't even need to look at the price tag to know it was out of my ever decreasing price range. This Topshop cami is definitely the next best thing (sort of), the animal print texture gives it that extra something to the metallic glint. If you love this trend as much as I do, Whistles is definitely worth checking out for some key pieces (and more specifically the Daisy Foil Skirt I'd be typing this blog in if it wasn't for the £125 price tag).

Matalan: Collarless Oversized Boucle Coat 

If they aren't already, everyone and their uncle will be wearing the pink pastel boyfriend coat by next week- a statement piece for S/S. I've seen a tonne of variations but Matalan, somewhere I don't tend to stumble upon, are selling it for the low low price (seriously) of £40. I tend to steer away from trend specific coats (opting for more timeless and interchangeable pieces such as the leather jacket), the prices tend to be too high for something that will be 'so last year' by tomorrow. But £40 I can work with.

River Island; White Block Heel Cleated Sole Sandals

What many might think resemble orthopaedic/nursing shoes, I think resemble next pay day's first buy (after I find a new job obviously...). Chunky is in, big time, and I plan on permanently adopting the inch taller look this summer.  

Topshop: Wrap Front Bralet

I'll let you in on a not-so-secret secret- I am a sucker for a bralet. If I had the confidence I'd wear one every time I nipped to the shop for some milk, but they are just too revealing. I suggest pairing this top with a kimono or even a boyfriend coat to avoid looking like you're desperate for some sun or you've forgot to put your t-shirt on this morning. 

New Look: Pink Check Notch Mini Skirt

I am swooning over this Clueless-esque checked skirt, for £17.99 I'm practically clearing a space in my wardrobe as I type. You don't need me to tell you the 90's has made a comeback and this skirt is the perfect addition to your collection. 

NARS: Lara Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment 

My No.1 accessory to any outfit is a good lipstick and NARS have hit the mark with a lipstick to suit any pastel look. What's even better is the mango butter hydrates your lips, ideal for any poor winter chapped mouths out there. 

Note: Make sure you take a minute to watch the NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil Short Film described as 'evocative' and 'unique', so at least I know I'm not the only one laughing. Yet I still can't help but wish I had Frivolous Velvet Gloss in my hands right now... Something's working. 

Primark: Palm Tree Printed Skirt 

You heard it here first: The high street are obsessing over palm tree print this S/S. If you can't bring the tropical weather to Britain, you might as well wear it. 

Topshop: Zip Front Denim Backpack

You can't go wrong with a backpack, well... unless you end up looking like a school child, again. This mini white backpack has an air of sophistication, and paired with those matching sandals make a perfect combo. Do handbags even exist anymore? I've been the hunt for a cheap mini white leather backpack but I've had no luck, this Topshop alternative is definitely something different and hey, better to have white denim on your bag then on your jeans (White Denim Jeans = Hideous). 

Topshop: Patent Leather Flippy Skirt by Boutique

This PVC look skirt well and truly belongs to those space age looks of the 60's but without a doubt has a (2nd?) home here in the 2014. This pastel take on the generally black style gives the dominatrix look a sweet girly edge and I don't know about you but soaking up the (limited) rays in a pitch black plastic/leather skirt does not appeal.

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xox

Milan Fashion Week A/W '14 Stand Outs

Milan Fashion Week A/W '14 by caitlinpenalunajames on Polyvore

Dolce & Gabbana Backstage A/W '14 / Gucci Autumn/Winter 2014-15 Ready-To-Wear / Gucci Autumn/Winter 2014-15 Ready-To-Wear / Moschino AW14, Milan Fashion Week / Inspirasi Kuliner di Busana Moschino / Milan Fashion Week Review Backstage Gallery Gucci / Jeremy Scott’s First Moschino Runway Show Hits Milan With Fast Food...

With one foot in front of the other, Milan effortlessly brought style to the third stop of Fashion week.  The A/W ‘14 collections that graced our screens and magazines had me wishing it were September already.  Day 1 and Gucci’s Frida Giannini dominated the catwalk with pastels reviving that old familiar 90’s trend Versace adored. Although the actual outfits themselves looked like they’ve been thieved from Twiggy’s 60’s wardrobe, as the models adorned parma violet fur coats, belted trench coats, embellished shift dresses and knee high boots labeled as boyish romanticism.

 A collection (and a love/hate relationship) I won’t be forgetting anytime soon is Moschino’s ‘Fast Food Fast Fashion’ inspired range designed by Jeremy Scott. McDonald’s is practically a million miles away from the size 6/8 models that showcase each new design, yet the trademark red and yellow brand was a hit at Milan with models wearing boxy cardigan-style tailored suits and oversized knits. Scott carried on this kitsch theme unveiling his Spongebob Squarepants coordinates and Hershey wrapper gowns. Don't get me wrong, these designs are incredible, but you won't catch me down my local dressed to the nines in a Budweiser inspired cloaked dress. The line ended with Lindsey Wixson in what appeared to be a wedding dress printed with nutrition facts, a spectacularly mad, obscure and fitting ending to Scott’s debut which I found myself loving for exactly those reasons.

Like something you’d find within the forested wonderland of Snow White or amongst the ruins of Ann Radcliffe’s A Sicilian Romance, Dolce and Gabbana presented a scene of fairytale magic. They elegantly showcased their medieval raised waists flared gowns, brocade jackets and shift dresses patterned with dramatic florals, sequins, jewels and imaginative embellishments of woodland creatures. Very similar to the earthy parkas, mossy green toned shifts and rose garland necklaces sported by Alberta Ferretti and the contrasting printed animal motifs of Au Jour Le Jour.  It seems Mother Nature is this year’s style icon for A/W.