Supersized Silhouettes

This year’s A/W Catwalk went bigger ever! Whether it was Oversized Knits, Baggy Trousers,or your ‘Boyfriend’s’ Suit Jacket, Fashion went up a size (yet the models remained the same)

Large fashion can be daunting especially if you are short or maybe a little curvy, but fear not its all about sizing it the right way so you’re not drowning in garments.

Baggy Trousers is a huge fear of mine as I live in skinny and straight fit but this year is about venturing out of your comfort zone and experimenting with shapes.  Nobody wants to look like MC Hammer so its all about feminising them and adding your own twist.  Teaming them up with a tight crop and fitted blazer can add a whole new look to and a cute feminine twist and at the same time keeping up with the  female suit which is also occurring on this years catwalk.

Oversized Knits is a personal favourite of mine. They look casual and cosy and at the same time are bang on trend. I love to team up my baggy sweaters with large necklaces and skinny trousers/jeans. Dark coloured sweaters however can make you look a bit  unkempt so maybe opt for a cute pastel coloured one to stay cute and comfortable.

Last but at no means least is the full skirt. I love everything about 50s fashion and to see the full skirts on the catwalk was a great excuse to let out my inner 50s girl. Full skirts that cinch you in at the waste are super flattering especially if you carry your weight in the middle. If you want to go full on 50s team it up with a cute peter pan collar shirt or you can be bang on trend and team it up with a baggy cropped knit.

You can do it go big or go home!

My Favourite designers: Yves Saint Laurent

Hellooo,

I am starting a new segment on my blog which will cover all my favourite designers and a bit about them. I am
starting with the world renowned Yves Saint Laurent who unfortunately passed just 5 years ago.

Born in Oran, Algeria Yves Saint Laurent always wanted to be a designer. Age seventeen he studied at Chambre syndicale la haute couture in Paris. He was spotted by Christian Dior and asked to work at the house. In 1957 Dior had chosen Saint Laurent to succeed him as a designer. One year later Dior passed away leaving the twenty one year old as head designer at Dior. 

In1958 Saint Laurent designed the trapeze dress (a full- shouldered dress with

 a semi-fitted bodice and short, flared skirt). Two years later he created the

 youth oriented collection which featured a shorter version of the hobble skirt

 (originally created by Poiret ) . 

In the 60s Saint Laurent brought black leather jackets, turtleneck sweaters and fur trimmed hems. Modern street design was shown in Haute Couture collections.

 Due to Dior being outraged by these venturesome garments they stopped protecting him and he was called up to serve in the Algerian War. This resulted in Saint Laurent suffering from chronic depression and was sent to a psychiatric hospital. Saint Laurent’s

 partner Pierre Berge got him discharged and they started up their own house

 as Marc Bohan had taken over as head designer at Dior. 

His first collection in

 1962 debuted the Pea Jacket ( heavy, double breasted hip length), and

 women’s smocks ( loose, knee length dress).

In 1965 he began to incorporate

 art when he created the Mondrian dresses. In 1966 he created the smoking

 Jacket ( long sleeved, short Jacket decorated with buttons)  for women. This

 was a significant movement in fashion as it introduced the androgynous

 look. 

In 1968, now living in Marrakech and experimenting with drugs such as

 LSD, he was the first designer to introduce promiscuity to the catwalk with see-

 through blouses.This was also the year of the classic Safari Jacket ( breast,

 shell and hand pockets, belted and reached just below the hips)  . In

 addition to this Saint Laurent met model Betty Catroux who becomes his muse and

 best friend.

The 70s brought the trouser suit and blazer. This began his

 Menswear collection. He also brought his 40s inspired collection that was

 inspired by Warhol’s ‘Drag Queens’. This brought outrage among press. 

Yves Saint Laurent was one of the most important designers of the 20th Century.

 Saint Laurent was a leader.

Stay Sweet 

K x

Vintage Icons

This post is dedicated to some of the most iconic people in Fashion from the past few decades. I will be following this post with more modern day icons shortly. Enjoy!

Patti Smith

Patricia Lee Smith, better known as Patti smith is an American singer/songwriter,poet and visual artist, who played a huge part in the movement of the punk rock era with her debut album Horses (1975).

As you can see from the album cover Patti rocked the androgynous look in fashion. This was not just through clothing but bone structure and figure, as it was very manly. 

Modern day Icons such as Alexa Chung have brought this unconventional style back in fashion and highstreet stores such as Topshop have also jumped on the bandwagon by having an 'Androgynous' section on their website.

Eddie Sedgwick

Edith Minturn Sedgwick, known as Edie was an american actress and model. She is best known for being one of Post modern artist/ Director Andy warhol's superstars.In 1965 Sedgwick became known as 'The Girl Of The Year' after being in several of Warhol's films in the 60s.Additionally Vogue magazine named her a 'Youthquaker'

Twiggy

Lesley Lawson more widely known as 'Twiggy'is one of the women that has done the Brits proud in the fashion industry. Twiggy is the definition of the 'swinging sixties'. The nickname 'Twiggy' was given to her due to her thin build. Twiggy is another person to pull of the androgynous look with her iconic short hair cut, however was more feminine than Patti due to her long eyelashes. Twiggy was named 'The Face of 1966' by The Daily express. She was also named woman of the year and by 1967 had modelled in France, Japan and the USA, not to mention being on the cover of Vogue and The Tatler.

Audrey Hepburn

The things I would do to look like Audrey Hepburn, timeless beauty! Hepburn as most people know was a british actress. She was a fashion icon amongst money during Hollywood's Golden Age. Hepburn is known from classics such as;

My Fair Lady

 Breakfast at Tiffany's

 Funny Face

  

By far my favourite fashion icon of the past.

There are many more and this post could go on forever but it wont. Stay tuned for more modern icons coming soon.

K x

Club Dos and don't

Hello,

As you know I turned 18 in March and went out almost every weekend  for about 5 weeks. I have curbed it now though as I cant afford it and it is just not good for your body to go out all the time. ANYWAY when you do go out here is my top tips.

• Wear Comfortable shoes.

This is the most important thing! Your night will be 10x better if you're comfortable. When you're drunk you are obviously a lot more wobbly as well so if you are wearing 10 inch stilettos there is a high chance you will end up hurting your ankle or falling over. I wear flats almost all the time I go out now, or if I feel like wearing heels I go for the wedges route. Here is some good places to get stylish flats and wedges.

1. Topshop £20
2. Topshop £15 (on sale)
3. Office £35 (On Sale)
4. Newlook £24.99
5. Newlook £14.99
6. Newlook £24.99

• Bring a coat/Jacket

So many people walk to clubs freezing, or stand in the que freezing, there is no reason to do that. Just bring a coat/Jacket and put it in the cloakroom! It is only £1.80 in my local club which is cheaper than a drink anyway. There are some really nice jackets out right now:

All three of theese are from river island

1. £50
2. £65
3. £60

Primark also have some really nice jackets at the moment and for a lot cheaper, so check them out.

• Be Equipped

First of all you need a bag that isn't too big or small. It would also be good to have a strap aswell, so if you want a clutch try and get one with an attachable strap. This is so you have your hands free to dance or hold your drink.

1. £18 River Island
2. £28 Dorothy Perkins
3. £14.99 Newlook

Next is what you should carry in your bag:

Tissues- incase there is no loo roll! ShopJeen $2

Plasters- Incase you get a blister, or have a drunken injury. $5 ShopJeen

Hand Sanatiser- Incase the sinks are crowded from girls touching up their makeup. $6 ShopJeen

Cash- Bring out enough cash for drinks and travel and don't bring your bank card. Seriously you will thank me for this. We all do it, get drunk and think it will be an excellent idea to spend all our money. This is not a great idea and it means the morning after not only are you hungover you also have a very poor looking bank statement. 

That is the essentials covered I may do another post shortly on good outfits for clubbing and where to get them.

Stay Cool

K x

Where Have You Been!? March Edition

We're almost up to date! March was an amazing month for me. So much happened and has actually helped me evaluate life for good and bad reasons, but I think this is the month that shaped me most in my whole life an has helped me decide what to do with the rest of my life.

SO here it is -

From left to right

1. I wore tracksuit bottoms to college! & had a driving lesson
2. My hair looked really good for once
3. I wore a dalmatian onsie
4. Bus Bant
5. I turned 18
6. I went for a punk rock look
7. Mum decorated the dinning room with balloons and badges
8. I got Swarovski jewellery & an 18 champagne glass
9. I went out in Fareham for the first time and wore the Kate Moss Lipstick 
10. No idea haaa
11. Work!
12. Drew a snail
13. rekindled love for bright lips! & Plaits!
14. Went for lunch in London with dad & brother
15. pony tailssss
16. Layering necklaces is my new thangg
17. Went clubbing in Southampton
18. Went out for belated birthday celebrations
19. Fake eyelashes & tan for birthday celebrations
20. Day after birthday celebration.. fell down stairs in club, bruises to prove it.
21. mixed barry M with models own, recommend!
22. Still orange from spray tan!
23. Had my first boost of the year, sooo good!
24. Had my driving test, failed :(
25. Love for Mama K
26. Work with hang over :( 
27. Went to the gym
28. Felt ill, Alcohol caught up with me :(
29. Cheeky Easter treat
30. Belated present from the bro

SO in evaluation of my month, anyone that isn't 18 yet don't get me wrong it is good and you get a lot more freedom and can go out. However it is expensive and after a while alcohol gets too much you get ill you regret things when really i could have been at home blogging. But everyone has a crazy stage and that was mine. 

Now I have to focus on my college work and blogging and saving money. I need to get into uni so knuckling down is on the agenda! I have to re take my driving test also and pass this time.

I will be uploading more posts now hopefully, such as..

• empties video or post
• what to wear clubbing and what not to wear
• revision help
• managing finances
• about me
• how to cheer yourself up

and many more! Keep checking for updates

K xo

SS13 Preview- Plain Chequerd

A lot of people predicted the return of checkerd garments this spring/ summer and you were right they are coming and better than ever! Checkered clothing is such a stement and just ooze sophistication and confidence. 'Check'  out what desingers have shown on this years run way. (see what I did there)

It is no surprise the Louis Vuitton has yet again amazed us all with his cute yet sophisticated checked garments, one of my favourites is the crop top and max skirt combo, of course you would have to be model thin to wear this, but a girl can dream right? Have a look on the website here, which may I add is a brilliant website.

Next up Marc Jacobs strikes again with a checkered swim suit from Marc by Marc Jacobs. We want to be following the trends even when lounging by the pool and with this swim suit you would be the envy of all te girls and the desire of all the guys. I cant actually see it online but i spotted it in Vogue so have a look.

My Final piece I am mentioning is a large checkered dress by Chanel, shown at Paris Fashion Week. This is simple yet makes such a statement! The puffed out sleeves with the sinched in waist is the perfect combo.

High Street Fix

Romwe

River Island

SS13 Preview - Floral Fantasy

Hello..

I don't know about you, but I am so excited about SS13 not just for the fashion which may I say is
B-E-A-utiful, I also have lots of exciting plans which means lots more blog posts! I'm going to IOW festival so will be making some festival essential posts and I am going on holiday to Turkey so will be doing what to pack on your summer hols, exciting stuff!

I will be doing a series of posts giving you an insight into what to expect this SS13 there is amazing things occurring in the fashion world and where better to get your information than right here? Are you ready??


I absolutely adore floral garments and they are popular almost every year for SS! Whether you're going to a festival, wedding or the beach florals are perfect for all ocassions! There are some outstanding items on the runway this year from the likes of Moschino, Holly Fulton and Oscar De La Renta.

For your highstreet fix on floral check out

Topshop

This Topshop Ombre dress is stunning and the sheer material keeps you covered up if you are in a hot country yet still keeps you cool. Also ombre style is staying with us through SS13 so you will be bang on trend.

Romwe

When I found this dress it was love at first sight. This beautiful ocean blue dress is so eye catching and looks like a piece of art! This would look great with some frilly ankle socks and some brouges.

Asos

Who said suits have to be masculine? This floral patterned suit from Asos adds a feminine twist in addition to the fitted blazer and skinny fit trousers, sophisticated and stylish! Also suits are making an appearance in SS13 so will have a blog about them soon, watch this space.

So there you have it, your floral fix! Look out for my next SS13 fix 'plain chequerd

K xo' 

More Lee Standford!

Hello!

It's been a while, I know, *slaps wrist*, but I have been a busy bee recently! I got a job! Praise the lord! I can finally fund my fashion obsession and pay for my car insurance and get my baby on the road (once I pass my test). I am the new employee at Coast to Coast Portsmouth. It's an American Diner with the most amazing food. Check it out here.

So, onto my actual post, and yes I am going to go on about Lee Stanford AGAIN! If you haven't seen my previous post about Lee Standford and ombre care, read it here. Boots still have a 3 for 2 offer, so instead of just buying the double blow hair mousse that I originally intended to purchase, I ended up buying two other products : Lee Stafford Sun Kissed Lightening Spray and the Lee Stafford Poker Straight Dehumidifier Spray.

The double blow mouse is really good if you have naturally curly or wavy hair. It defines each curl and is not sticky like many other mousses. For extra volume, after you have scrunched it through your freshly washed hair and blow dried, preferably with a hairdryer with a diffuser attachment, scrunch some more into the roots and blow dry again. Due to the non-sticky texture, you can apply it to dry hair and the extra root lift gives your hair that extra wild edge.

I am still on the fence about 'The Sun Kissed Lightening Spray'. You spray it onto the blonde in your hair after washed, whether that is highlights, ombre or all over, and brush it through. It is said to remove brassy tones within 2-3 uses but I haven't seen a dramatic change - or maybe only slightly. I will continue to use it though, and keep you posted. One more thing I noticed, is the smell. It smells like citron cleaning products, and is very strong. I personally am not a fan but if you just put another hair product on top, eg  mousse or salt spray then it masks the odour.

Finally 'Poker Straight Dehumidifier Spray'. It is perfect if you're one of those people who straightens your hair and it stays straight for five minutes, then starts to frizz. It keeps your hair perfectly straight and silky for a whole day! It is also good if you live in a hot country or are going away for the summer, as it also protects against frizz that is caused by heat. 

Go on and head down to you're nearest boots and give yourself a mid month treat. If you feeling extra naughty why don't you just order them now online here

Stay Fresh

K x

What to wear this party season!

IT'S CHRISTMASSSSS (in 21 days)

The lead up to Christmas is always exciting, office parties, meals out, light turning ons, Christmas eve...and then there is post Christmas parties, like boxing day, and new years eve. With all these parties you need to know how to look stunning at every one of them, and hopefully I can help you with that!

There are four things you need to follow when choosing your party outfits this season.

1. Black & Gold
2. Baroque
3. Glitter
4. Metallic

These are the four major styles of party outfits this year and I'm going to tell you lovely people where to get your party fix!

Black & Gold
When I see black and gold written down I immediately think of the Sam Sparrow song.. so listen to that here while you read this. This is similar to the baroque trend as a lot of their garments are predominantly black and gold. Here are the best places to pick up your black & gold fix:
Motel Rocks
Miss Guided
Boo Hoo
Romwe
Miss Selfridge
Topshop
Lipsy


Baroque

Baroque style began round about the 1600s and has decided to make a huge come back this year. Lace and collars are key to the baroque trend, along with high waisted garments and full sleeves. Another key aspect of the baroque trend is textures which is one of my favourite things to do in autumn and winter. In summer I like to experiment with prints and bright colours which is also a part of baroque fashion, however, in Autumn/winter i prefer to experiment with prints such as velvet, leather, wool. Here up some of the best websites to buy baroque fashion.

ASOS- Outfits and Looks
River Island
Romwe
Miss Selfridge
Topshop

Glitter
Glitter of course is always essential for party outfits, but this year is a glitter overload! Make up and fashion wise there is glitter everywhere! Here are some of the best glitter make up brands:
Barry M - Nail polishes
Bourjois- Eye Shadow pick up in boots or superdrug, there seems to be more choice in store than online.
Urban Decay- Naked Pallet

Here are some websites for glitter fashion:
Motel Rocks
There is the most gorgeous dress at ASOS at the moment on sale for only 19.50! It is beautiful get it here
Miss Guided
Boo Hoo
Romwe
Lipsy

Metalic
I love this new metallic trend, however, I have yet to buy a metallic garment. I saw the most amazing skirt in french connection a few weeks a go and am still in love with it, but it is over £100 I need to be rich!! If you are lucky enough to be able to afford it you can get it here. Barry M are also doing some gorgeous metallic nail polishes. Other Great place to pick up the metallic trend include:
Miss Guided
Topshop
lipsy
River Island

Party responsibly!

K x

Lee Stanford- Hair Products

Hello!

Those of you that do not know I have ombre hair. Ombre hair means light at the ends and gradually getting darker towards your roots. I have had ombre hair for about 3 months ish so as was expected it began to fade and get a more brassy tones.

 I decided to buy a shampoo and conditioner for beached blond hair. I had previously heard about Lee Stanford's bleach blond shampoo and conditioner but i thought £7 for a bottle of shampoo is quite a lot. However when I went to boots, they had 3 Lee Stanford products for £15 which basically meant if i got the shampoo and conditioner I could get something free, like all people the thought of getting something free is worth spending money on the other things.

I picked up the Lee Stanford Salt Spray as my third thing and it is amazing! I have naturally curly hair but when i straighten it, it looks really flat and doesn't really do much for me so i thought I would try the salt spray to get a more natural wavy look. It is soo nice, and it smells gorgeous! I have actually found myself swishing my hair just so I can get a waft of the spray. One fault to the spray is that it does make my hair really knotty. This isn't an issue as long as you wash it out the next morning.

I have noticed a dramatic change in the blond part of my hair since buying it so i recommend anyone with the slightest bit of blond in their hair goes and buy them. It says to use the shampoo only once a week but i use it twice but i guess it is up to you. They have a  3 for 2 offer on all professional hair products at the moment so that is basically the same as my deal, so why not treat yourself to a pre Christmas treat.

K x

UCA & UNI

Heyyy,

So, as many people my age will know it has been the UCAS deadline this week! Everyone hoping to go to uni will have bigged themselves up in their personal statement, filled in their information and clicked send. You will currently be nervously waiting your offers.

As you may or not be aware I want to be a fashion journalist and so will be studying that at university. I went to an open day at UCA (universtiy of creative arts) on Wednesday and fell in love. My campus is based it Epsom and it is fairly new so all the buildings are really nice. Being a creative arts university it has that really cool edgy creative feel to it.

I also checked out the Halls which are 2 mins from my lectures so I will be able to role out of bed and into a lecture which is a plus side. They are also really nice and clean and the students seem to really enjoy the uni.

Also with it being a very fashiony uni, (yes fashiony is a word.. now) everyone at the open day was dressed really well. However I was noticing that everyone was sort of wearing the same sort of thing including myself. It seemed to be all about leather and khaki, which obviously follows the military trend which is very AW12. I personally am loving teaming up my leather leggings with a baggy camo jacket, so thumbs up to the trend.

I am really looking forward to starting university just need to hope I charmed them with my personal statement and get the grades to back me up!

Good Luck to everyone who has applied for unis

Love

K xo

Money Saving Fashion

So half term is over (sad face) which means back to college. Usually if I have had time of college I return with lots of new clothes and spend far too much money. However I don't have a job right now and need to run my car so need to ease up on my shopping for a while.

I know that right now it is hard to get a job for a lot of young people wanting part time work so I am going to tell you how to make outfits out of things you already have or spending as little money as possible.

My first thing is collar tips. My accessory staple. Regal rose have some gorgeous ones here however they are rather expensive I have bought a few pairs off eBay for less than £2 that are so nice! Just type collar tips into the search bit if you want the same as me go here and here. They make your shirts look completely different and can for example turn a girly floral shirt into an edgy vintage piece.

My second outfit mash up is dresses. Don't think that now it's autumn/winter your dresses have to wait until next summer to come out. I wear dresses all year! There are so many ways to change up dresses such as Tights & leggings patterned tights and leggings can bring an outfit to life and don't think you can't wear patterns together because you can. Everyone should have their own style and just mix it up a bit. Also wooly tights are a winter must have! My favourite places to get tights are

Motel Rocks

House Of Holland

My Tights 

Top Shop

But I'm sure you already have tights so you don't have to spend money.

Another way to change up your dresses is layering. I have spoken about this in a previous post. Jumpers on top of dresses can make a whole new look as they look like skirts and just give a different look. You could also wear a long sleeved top underneath a dress to give it a more winter/ autumnal look.

My third money saving outfit is swapping/borrowing. I am constantly 'borrowing' my grandad and nan's knit wear. It's vintage stuff for free! Just ask your grandparents, aunts and parents if they have any clothing that they don't want anymore or that you can borrow.  Swapping is brilliant I know a lot of youtubers do swaps where they have a budget and buy clothes for each other and send them. This is a great idea, if you have money. 

A free way to swap would be to sort out your wardrobe and get your friends to as we'll because there is no way you need to keep everything in there. I am awful at getting rid of clothes even if is too small I just say I'll slim into it but you just need to think practically. Ask yourself "am I going to where this?" "Where?" And "when?" And " with what" If you can't answer one of thee questions get rid. If you get all your friends to do this as well you can then swap your unwanted clothing with theirs so you have new outfits. 

Finally Accssesories are your friends! Just add jewellery, hats, belts and jackets to outfits to give them a new look.

Good places for accsesories are;

Regal Rose

Rokit

Vintage Shops

Love Hearts & Crosses

Dolly Bow Bow

There are so many more ways to re vamp your wardrobe, yet I don't want to write a short book on here as this has turned out to be a rather long post! If you have any questions either comment tweet or email me  Love K xo

Kate Nash & The Tuts Gig

Hellooo, 

 I'd like to start with a huge apology for my lack of blog posts. I was heavy with cold and just wasn't feeling like writing about beauty when I looked like crap. Additionally I have been crazy busy with college work, personal statement, and just life! But I'm back now and will try and blog at least twice a week. 

So my dad lives in London which means I am often up doing various things, usually spending money I shouldn't. I went up Thursday and went to a relatively small pub in Dalston, East London to see Kate Nash. 

The band before Kate were called 'THe Tuts' they are unreal! I'm not too sure what genre you would put them in, maybe sort of punky? Well you can make your own mind up and listen to them Here. The band consists of three girls; 

 Nadia Javed (lead vocals & guitar) 

Beverly Ishmael (drums & percission)

and Harriet Doveton (bass guitar and backing vocals) 

They have just released their first EP which is so good so buy that here. Also follow them on twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and email them at thetuts@hotmail.co.uk 

Their style is also really cool. They dressed quite girly in dresses and sparkles yet added edge with their trainers, guitars and personalised denim jackets. 

So on to Kate Nash, her old stuff is quite pop/indie like her most famous 'foundations' listen here. However she has now changed her look and music quite a bit. She is like 'THe Tucs' rather punky and her look is sort of punky/scene. She wore a figure hugging red mini dress that had a black long sleeved mesh material at the top. Her hair was half up with blonde/ white underneath. She was also wearing a tiara which gave her a 'scene' look.

Her new music is good but as I said is very different so if you're a fan of her old music this might not be your cup of tea but I like both her new and old stuff. Check out one her new songs from the gig 'Free My Pussy'.

Again apologies for being slightly MIA but I'm back now so please follow me on twitter, Instagram and tumblr and contact me through my twitter or email  

 Stay Cool

 K xo