Gossip Girl top ten fashion moments

Yesterday the final ever episode of 'Gossip Girl' was aired in America, and shows in the UK on Wednesday. I've watched the show for years even though at times it has been the most shallow, unrealistic show with some very self-centred, could-be-deemed-sociopath characters.One thing you can't deny about the show though, is the amazing style of the characters, particularly Serena and Blair. So, to celebrate the final episode I've complied my top ten Gossip Girl looks, in no particular order.

1.Serena by the fountain
This is perhaps the prettiest dress ever created. Lace, beaded detail, a train and a waist highlighting sash make this a dream. Simple accessories are key.

2.The stages of Jenny
Ah, Jenny Humphery. Fresh faced  innocent turned wannabe mean girl turned goth turned even meaner mean girl. You get the picture. And with the transformation of Jenny came the transformation of Jenny's style. This rock  'n' roll look is a personal favourite-particularly the severe, choppy haircut.

3.The most liberal uniform policy
Knee high boots, thigh high socks and stilettos were not part of my uniform policy I can tell you (believe me I once got sent home for wearing ankle boots-IN SIXTH FORM!!). The Constance Billard girls took full liberty when when it came to their choices like this laid back look.

4. Wedding Belles
Princess Blair has a ring to it. The day when Manhattan royalty became sort of real royalty was a fashionable affair. The runaway bride wore this dream dress, perfectly offsetting the drama of the dress with beachy waves and a flawless complexion.

5. Scene stealer
Wow. This dress is a work of art. The cut is perfect for Blake's statuesque frame and the attention to detail is nothing less than amazing.

6. The Parisian wardrobe
Blair and Serena's French fashion love affair was a delightful feast for eyes. As the girls ate macaroons and hopped on vespers with French boys just as delicious as those macaroons, they were adorned in the best of the best of French fashion.

7. Prim and proper
Blair Waldorf was nothing if not an impeccable dresser. Channelling classic looks, the accessories top of B's fabulous look, and her youthful glow prevents the dress from looking outdated on her.

8.Chuck, the dapper chap
One thing Gossip Girl brought us every week was Chuck's brooding face and colourful style. Because we all know that every man should have a little more Chuck in their wardrobe.

9.Wrapped up
A defining moment of Serena's style was her love of coats. One of my favourites is this red and black checkered coat, perfect with suede boots.

10. Constance prep
The trend that sparked many wannabes, little J included, to don brightly coloured tights, cute flats, designer handbags and, of course, the signature headband was originally created by Queen B, and boy, does she do it better than the rest. 


Are you sad about the show finishing? Who was your favourite style icon of the show?


NG <3

It's the most wonderful time of the year

Oh yes, that's right. I'm going to use every Christmas song known to man for the titles of my December blog posts and drive you all insane. Just kidding, I think. The Christmas holidays have officially started for me as today I was 'driving home for Christmas' (see what I did there?). I'm so glad to be back but I got a few outfit shots before leaving campus.

Did you know it's national Christmas jumper day? Me neither but I suppose this jumper will do nicely albeit with no sign of Santa or Rudolph. Oh, and seeing as every other day seems to be the national day of something, I hereby declare tomorrow the national day of tinsel, have fun folks!

I'm wearing a New Look jumper and skirt, Rocketdog boots and Primark tights, scarf and gloves.

I've just opened a new Lookbook.nu account, you can find me here.

Have a fabulous weekend!


NG <3

Good enough to eat

Wowzas. Feeling like you need a sweet treat in the run up the Christmas but don't care too much for the calories? Check out these beauties from Charlotte Olympia;

These festive delights will set you back a cool £595; whilst they may not be the most versatile piece they're just too cute not to love!


NG <3

Lincoln

Firstly apologies for the scarcity of posts this weekend, I've been away from Uni and didn't take my laptop. I was visiting a friend at Lincoln and coincided the visit with going to the Lincoln Christmas market, a tradition I have every year with family. It is by far one of the best Christmas markets I have been to, so traditional and festive. On Friday I had a crazy night out in Lincoln and this is what I wore; sorry about the lack of quality pics.

I'm wearing a New Look vest and necklace, Primark skirt (only a tenner!), belt, bracelet and headband, River Island clutch, H&M earrings. 

You've probably seen the clutch a ridiculous amount of times on the blog!

Only one week to go until Uni ends for Christmas-on full countdown now.

Hope you had a great, festive weekend.


NG <3

A day in York

York is such a beautiful, historically rich City in my home county Yorkshire. If you have never been to York before I strongly urge you to go; it's particularly magical on the approach to Christmas, if not bitterly cold.

I visited York this weekend for a spot of Christmas shopping and, quite frankly, a bit of boozing and dining! My York highlights? Rosie Muggles is my dream shop, all dazzling dresses, costume jewellery and cute little trinkets. Guy Fawkes Inn is an amazing old fashioned British pub, a great experience, especially for overseas visitors. We dined at Cafe Rouge, a chain that delivers a unique French atmosphere whilst serving classics such a beef bourginon, onion soup etc.

I found this ornate copy of my favourite novel, Oscar Wilde's 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', in a York bookstore. Christmas wishlist? I think so.

York aside, it was a perfect weekend to be home from Uni-Christmas decorating!!
I instagrammed this pic of the Christmas tree (follow me @tashagr94); sorry it's not of better quality, I'm back at Uni now so didn't get a chance to take one on my camera.

I always find our Christmas tree so unique as my mum buys a few unique, handmade baubles from a Swedish stall at a Christmas market every year. Slowly, the collection has gradually built up so now our Christmas tree holds many happy memories. Said market is this coming weekend so doubt there will be a few new additions!


Enjoy the week.

NG <3

Denim Daze

Grrrr, red eye, my nemesis. Anyway enough of scary eyes (check out my baby to the right!). I am a recent addition to the denim shirt appreciation society-until I got one I didn't realise just how versatile and wearable they are. I could easily mix one up every day for a week! I'm back home again this weekend for my boyfriend's annual match fishing presentation and a Christmas trip to York (more details to come) and this is the outfit I wore to the presentation.

I'm wearing New Look jacket, shirt, skirt, boots, necklace, Topshop bangle and Primark tights. So yeah, I'm having a bit of a New Look frenzy at the moment!

Hope you are all having a fantastic weekend!


NG <3

Louis Vuitton's street style

Move over Cara. Make way Madonna. Street style stars are the new supermodels. Well Marc Jacobs believes this casting three street style regulars in the new Louis Vuitton promotional video 'small is big'.

Watch the campaign here.

The video, starring Elin King, Miroslava Duma and Hanneli Mustaparta, captures the romantic, playful charm of Paris. In my eyes the video is similar to the Miss Dior advert directed by Sofia Coppola a few years ago, yet less whimsical and more modern and bold as the stylish trio gallivant around Paris. What do you think to the advert? Is using street style stars the right direction for the iconic brand?

Image courtesy of Louis Vuitton

I do apologise for my lack of posts the latter end of last week/ the weekend. Truthfully I did have a fabulous post lined up about a fashion society tea party I was planning to attend on Saturday but at last minute it got postponed (thank you rain!). Hope you had a great weekend!


NG <3

Berry nice

Kiss kiss. Christmas is fast approaching and the mistletoe is beckoning. Regardless of time of year and social expectations, I believe you should always take care of your lips. The saying goes 'the eyes have it all' but lips also deserve to be treated. So apply, blot and pout (not literally speaking of course). Lets see what Boots have released for you beauties this Winter.

17 cosmetics have a new lip stain out which is similar to Rimmel's '1000 kisses lips stain', you can read my Rimmel review here. But does 17' 'Berry crush lip stain' measure up to Rimmel's efforts? Read on, dear readers, read on....

I was in a rush when I bought it so I didn't test out the colour on my hand before, rather daftly I know, so I pretty much was swayed by the packaging colour. I was expecting a soft, candyfloss pale pink but I got a rich, fuchsia colour. At first I was a little off put but on second thoughts I actually liked the colour and it made a nice change to a red lip on a night out.

The same as the Rimmel lip tint, the application is simple; draw the colour on with stain stick and then a quick slick of the moisturisiser stick to lock in the colour and add a subtle hint of shine. I found when wearing this product the moisturiser had to be reapplied often but the colour was long lasting, suprisingly so.

Verdict-Make sure you test the product first, but this is a great inexpensive product, at £4.99, £1 cheaper than the Rimmel version. I can't recommend this enough, the colour is extensively long lasting, vivid and who doesn't love a fuschia lip?


I'm so sorry I haven't had time to reply to your lovely comments this week! I'm on the case.


NG <3

Just throw on a blazer

This is increasingly becoming my mantra at the minute; if in doubt put a blazer over the top and it will all be fine. 

I'm wearing a H&M blazer, New Look vest, necklace and shoes (I actually live in that shop at the moment), Zara skirt and Primark tights.


Have a great (if thats ever possible) Monday!


NG <3

All that glitters

 Ah, Christmas. Not long now readers till the magical world of Yuletide, complete with novelty jumpers, the last few mince pies that are never touched and Radio Times.
With Christmas comes sparkle. And sparkle is dangerous territory. Avoid looking less tinsel and more taste maker this Christmas season by choosing the right amount, whatever budget that may be;

Purse Friendly;

1. Skirt, £26, Matalan. Add some colour to your sequins with this pink, silver and black skirt- how very Missoni. Wear with: a simple black strapless top and high heeled ankle boots-it's all about the skirt taking centre stage.
2. Ballet pumps, £11.99, New Look. These flats are adorable, I will always be a sucker for pumps with bows. Wear with: leggings and a long, oversized, salmon jumper. Throw on a scarf for extra warmth-Primark do some great ones.
3. Nail polish in 'Junk Yard', £6.50, Louise Gray for Topshop. The blue hue and glitter combination are great for adding some Christmas glitter in a subtle, yet colourful way. Wear with: anything!
4. Dress, £25, Boohoo.com. If your looking for value for money you can look very smug when all eyes are on you wearing this. LBD, check. Peplum, check. Sequins, duh? Wear with: what else other than a pair of glamorous heels-keep them simple though. Some dazzling, charcoal earrings are the only jewellery needed for this fabulous dress.
5.Clutch bag, £25, Kardashian Collection at Dorothy Perkins. The Kardashians. Love them or not, this clutch is a dazzler. I love the gold detail. Wear with: I'd style it with a cream blazer, black vest and a skater skirt. It's your call though, this clutch is so versatile. If you're planning on wearing sequins with this clutch keep it to footwear.
6. Dazzle dust, shade 11-black, £4.59, Barry M. I used this recently for Halloween, such a great product. Wear with: pale pink lips. This is the one for ultra dramatic smoky eyes.
7. Brooch, £15, River Island. How cute is this? It's already on my Christmas list. Wear with: personally, I would add this to a velvet clutch or bag. Alternatively, add it to any outfit for that extra sparkle.
8. Top, £19.99, New Look. Laidback luxe. Great for adding glamour to an everyday piece. Wear with: skinny jeans, dark brown Chelsea boots and a cream, wool jacket. The perfect early morning lecture look.
9. Heels, £14.99, New Look. Va va voom. The chunky heel adds a practical touch. I like. Very much. Wear with: up the glamour in a sequined blazer, simple top and black cigarette pants. Oh wouldn't that look lovely with aforementioned Kardashian clutch?

Lady of luxe;

1. Heels, £100, Ted Baker. I want these shoes. Satin ruffles, the perfect shade of blue and a timeless shape, thank you Mr Baker. Wear with: black slim fit jeans, and a preppy-chic, cream chiffon blouse. I would also style my hair in a loose top knot.
2. Blazer, £35.99, Missguided.co.uk. Number one on my current wishlist is a sequined blazer. Wear with: layer over your night out look for added sophistication or over a casual look for daytime chic.
3. Sugarbomb blush, £23.50, Benefit. This is by far my favourite blusher. It highlights the apples of your cheeks-and adds shimmer. Wear with: In terms of make up this is a wonder product-day or night it's a winner. Anything goes (within reason, of course).
4. Lip gloss, £7.69, Bourjois. The gloss has a hint of glimmer to make lips look luscious. Wear with: a matte smoky eye to contrast the pale shine of the gloss.
5. Cardigan, £119, Zara. The wow piece. The cardigan-simple. Zara's cardigan-a lesson in transitional day to night dressing. Or, if you prefer, perfection. Wear with: this is a truly multi-functional piece. Wear with a blouse, pencil skirt and kitten heels for a smart outfit, or pair with sequined heels and high waisted black shorts.
6. Clutch bag, £95, French Connection. Pure genius, if you ask me. This clutch ensures that all eyes are on you. Wear with: my choice would be a white peplum dress and gold, metallic heels. This is such a unique piece, so reflect the aesthetic of the bag and make it your own.
7. Heels, £155, Karen Millen. Black and gold were a match made in sequin heaven. The contrasting heel, a slim ankle strap and peep toe detail make this Karen Millen shoe stand out. Wear with: A black skater dress and gold sequin clutch.
8. Clutch bag, £35, Miss KG by Kurt Geiger. Box clutches. They sound so wrong, and are so, so right. Wear with: anything. I can imagine a jet black nail polish adding a punky punch to this clutch.
9. Skirt, £45, Topshop. I haven't been out of skater dresses and skirts this year. So flattering and feminine, the skater skirt gets a Christmas makeover. Wear with: a black blazer, white top. Swap between heels and ballet pumps depending on day and night.

Overdraft central;

1. Dress, £249, Markus Lupfer. I've got a lot of love for Lupfer at the moment. If anyone can masterfully incorporate sequins into an LBD it's him. Wear with: I think the picture says it all.
2. Brogues, £425, Maison Martin Margiela. Brogues get glam. I've never considered wearing brogues to a night club but just saving them for casual wouldn't do these babies justice.
3. Illusion D'ombre eyeshadow, £23, Chanel. If designer clothes are unobtainable, what about designer make-up? Grab your own little piece of Chanel. Wear with: this is a great shadow for creating a chocolate smoky eye. Try a sweep of bronzer to define cheeks and a slick of peach lipstick. Ooh la la.
4. Skirt, £335, DKNY. If I could afford (yeah right) a designer piece it would be this beauty. The gathered detail adds extra charm and takes this skirt to another level. Not that the sequins don't help either. Wear with: The skirt's hue is the real show stopper here so keep the rest minimal. Definitely no more sequins. A simple black tee and flats or low heels would make a great daytime look.
5. Top, £310, Suno NY. I love the detail of this top-the polka dots are sequined. It looks very cosy and warm too. Who says fashion isn't practical? Wear with: Simple black trousers and heels or a black miniskirt. Perfect for Spring too, just add a grey, wool coat for Winter days.
6. Trousers, £410, Moschino Cheap and Chic. You know you shouldn't. But then again you should...Hard to master, but worth it. Wear with: the styling is tricky with this one. Keep it very simple. mono-colour shoes, minimal jewellery. You get the picture. Plan the outfit around the trousers and no other way.
7. Jasmin Noir L'exir, £69,  Bvlgari. Seduction in a scent. Wear with: attitude.
8. Dress, £680, Sass and Bide. A work of art and nothing less. Sass and Bide create a beautiful piece by crossing art deco design with 80's neon prints. Wear with: hot pink peep toe heels.
9. Bag, £615, Dolce and Gabbana. My word, I've been searching for you for years. Practicality included, the strap brings the bag in to a whole new sphere of functions. Wear with: I'm thinking a navy cable knit jumper over a shirt, grey skater skirt and sneakers. Campus cool D&G style.


Have a sparkly weekend.


NG <3

Nailed it

The crackle effect has become somewhat a phenomenon in the beauty world and the first time I used Rimmel Crack your colour Crazy top coat in 010 black graffiti I had high expectations. I've loved Rimmel nail polish before and the bottle is decorated with a zebra pattern so this was the effect I expected from the polish.

I first used it over a glittery gold Floozie nail polish (I don't know the name of the shade-it was from a Christmas gift set). I was quite disappointed to say the least. I did put a little too much on by accident at first so my nail went completely black. Too little though and no effect was there. The black blended more so with the gold rather than creating a top coat, even though I had left it a good half an hour between coats, creating a metallic black, which was good but not the desired effect.

I used the product again over the top of Topshop nails Ice crush (a clear glitter polish). The second time I used this I did prefer it to my previous use. As I had already applied the product I knew how much to use. However, the effect was not that of a zebra, it did create a crackle affect but it wasn't the most consistent product on nails as while one would have a great crackle, another would look mainly black with a few cracks in it. One advantage was that for a dark colour it did come off easily.

Verdict-Rimmel, I love you and your products but this is not the best one for me. My application was far from great I'll admit but this product was not what I expected. I will probably use it again (although I will be very careful with application. I'd stay stick to the Barry M crackle effect polish-I payed £4 for the Rimmel one but I'd rather pay a few quid more for the Barry M one.


NG <3

Friends Reunited

Tonight I'm enjoying the calm after the storm. Well, I use the term storm to be cliche, as it usually has very negative connotations, and last night was in no way negative. I'm back home from Uni this weekend for my A-level presentation evening which took place last night, basically a night where everyone comes home and goes out and drinks. A lot. Talking to people I haven't seen since August was so much fun, but as you'd imagine there was probably a little too much catch up to do for one night-what an excuse for getting away and visiting friends at their Universities-particularly Leeds. So good for shopping!

I'm wearing Boohoo jacket, Dorothy Perkins top and necklace, New Look jeans, Primark belt, River Island clutch and H&M earrings.

 Hope you are all having a fabulous weekend.


NG <3

Sunset

Cayo Guillermo, Cuba


NG <3

Lace on lace

There is something so romantic and enticing about lace. I will forever be a fan. And it has infinite powers. Lace can create a vintage facade. Lace can create a very sophisticated sexy. Lace can transform you into an English rose. Today I went for double lace, the casual way. The word 'double' when referring to textures and materials can have nauseating consequences-think double denim done badly. But rather than going OTT I opted to keep it just on top layering a lace waistcoat atop a lace, embellished top.

Of course, when running round campus in November much more is needed than a waistcoat to keep the goosebumps away so enter the trusty wool Winter coat and boots.

I'm wearing a Zara coat, Barratt's boots, Boohoo top and shopper, New Look jeans, Primark belt and H&M necklace. Oh, how I do love the British high street.

It's only Tuesday and it's already been a busy week, full of essays, assignments, reading, and not to mention my first poetry piece that I'm reading on Thursday! I'm not much of a verse writer so let's see how it goes. Fingers crossed it'll be more Armitage than 'keep at arm's length'.

Hope you're all having a great week-how did you guys celebrate Bonfire night? I spent it learning to ballroom dance whilst gazing out the window at fireworks, not the most seasonal of celebrations, I'm sure you'll agree. Stay wrapped up and warm!


NG <3

Cameron

The Elle UK December 2012 cover has just been released today, featuring Cameron Diaz looking charming in Chanel. Call me a little crazy, but I always look forward to the December editions of magazines, there's always more sparkle, glitz, and Fair isle knits.And who doesn't love a chat with a Hollywood heavyweight in a traditional British pub? I hope steak pie and Guinness are included.

Welcome to November. It's going to be a very, very stylish month.

NG <3

Oil me up

I have never tried a hair oil treatment before. So, naturally as any fashion/beauty blogger would do, I oiled myself up, well my hair anyway. My product of choice was 'V05 give me moisture hot oil'.

The application is simple: hold the capsule under the shower or in the bath to heat it up, then apply to hair for a minute before washing off and partaking in the usual shampoo/conditioner routine. Post-treatment, pre-shampoo, my hair was noticeably smooth. The oil replenishes dry and damaged hair-which, no thanks straighteners+Winter winds my hair did need. After I had styled my hair I didn't see a big difference, however, but healthy hair needs moisture so I assumed the product had worked to repair my hair as it was a little smoother. However,seeing pictures of before and after the treatment the difference in shine, gloss and just general healthiness is noticeable!

Before (left) and after (right):

Verdict-The weekly treatment takes minimal effort, which is always a plus in my eyes. A great product for adding oomph and shine to hair. The capsules are great ideas as they allow just the right amount of product to be applied so oily, greasy hair wasn't a major problem. Remember though, when it comes to hair oils I am a novice!

Have you used this product? How does it compare to other hair oils?


The top five hair tracks I swear by:

1. Leave conditioner on whenever possible. I try to leave it on for about two minutes before washing it off-leaves hair so soft.
2. Salt spray! Whether you want to add some oomph to poker straight hair, or perfect your bedhead look. It doesn't have to be expensive, beauty shop's own brands are great. I use Superdrug's version. Beach hair in winter? Check!
3. When you have a day off, a lazy day if possible avoid the straighteners give your hair a well deserved rest!
4. Once a week treat your hair to a hair mask, there are plenty of treatments to choose, whether you want repair, hydration, nourishment, protection. Sit back in the bath and grab a magazine and a glass of wine for the ultimate relaxation.
5.  Finally, eat well. Vitamins and nutrients are key to healthy hair, as is drinking plenty of water.

What are your hair commandments?

 NG <3

Chanel pearls of wisdom

Coco Chanel. Innovator. Tastemaker. Icon. Genius. I could go on and on.

"Fashion fades, only style remains the same"

"In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different"

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous"

"There are people who have money and people who are rich"

"The most courageous act is to think for yourself. Aloud"

 As always, keep stylish.


NG <3

Braving the cold

This time of year I'm much more accustomed to wrapping up in a knitted scarf and wool coat, but wearing a cable knit jumper to go to a club is a step to far on the practical scale-so much so that it becomes very, very impractical (trust me, I recently wore a woolly beanie on a 'Where's Wally' themed night out in a club-not good!). So I opted to wear leather leggings for a night out, especially as I still haven't fully shaken freshers flu. But seriously, as if you need an excuse to wear leather.

I'm wearing Miss Selfridge top and leggings, River Island clutch, New Look wedges, and Primark bracelets.

This weekend winter I'm saying:

Keep it colourful

Go on, brighten up those dark nights. 

As always, Have a great weekend.


NG <3

 

The stage is set

If I had not known that Joe Wright was the director of 'Anna Karenina', I would have guessed it would have been a Baz Luhrmann film. Theatricality, drama, intensity-well the setting is a theatre after all. And that is what distinguished 2012's version apart from the rest of the adaptations, the theatre setting. It is so important to give a novel much loved by many people a people an unique twist, and I think Wright has achieved this. It does seem an odd concept at first, but then again no odder than Seth Macfarlane's Ted, but it worked perfectly. And the cast had a little something to do with this.

Aaron Johnson played a cool, cold Vronsky, one that I did not have much affinity to at all-Wright's intentions, I suppose. I have to say his youth brought a lot to the love story-a little more convincing than Sean Bean's Vronsky it has to be said. It was amusing to see Jude Law taking a different role to what we are used to. No longer the rom-com hero, he played Alexei Karenin- a man of high position, middle-aged and balding (seriously). I've never really considered Law to be a great actor but I was pleasantly surprised by his performance, as he created a detached, and at the same time, sympathetic character. Finally, Keira Knightley, was, well as Keira Knightley is in her speciality period drama, striking, engaging and as Karenina slightly naive.

Lenin is not as prominent as he is in the novel, taking a backseat to Anna's story. But then again it is inevitable to fit 864 pages into 2 hours without editing parts of the narrative out. It would have been pleasant for Kitty and Lenin's romance to be explored more deeply, and certain elements are missing. The main theme of the book is Lenin's struggle to find the meaning of life, and disappointingly, this seemed a very minuscule detail of the film, compared to the intense theatricality of Karenina and Vronsky's affair. Watching the film independently to the novel, I would not have identified Lenin'sstory to be a major theme of the novel, and I believe this is where the film is lacking.

Every cloud has a silver lining though, and that comes in the form of the lavish costume design. Jacqueline Durran says of the costumes;

"He (Wright) told me that he didn’t really want to make it historically accurate, costume wise: he wanted to stylise it. The way he wanted to stylise it was to concentrate on the silhouette of each character and to take an 1870s silhouette, but simplify the surface details so that it really had the architectural simplicity of 50s couture. What I had to do immediately was look at the 1870s shape then strip away all the surface detail and just be left with that pure shape."

 So, while not historically correct the costumes were ornate, magnificent, dreamy and to be quite frank, pretty darn spectacular. Think rich, deep colours, expensive (faux) furs, satin of the highest quality,and you're in the sumptuous design world of Wright's Anna Karenina. One costume is even featured in the Hollywood costume exhibit, as pictured below.

The verdict? Highly enjoyable, I recommend you watch, the best Anna Karenina adaption I have seen. Not a masterpiece though-crucial parts are missing, I completely understand the constraints involved, but I do think it would have been refreshing to see Lenin more. I would say watch out for an Oscar nomination within the costume and set design categories!


What did you think to Anna Karenina? Are you planning on seeing the film?


For more film news please check out URN where I will regularly be offering my thoughts on the world of film, every Friday 6-7pm GMT.



NG <3

Freshers

Firstly, my most sincere apologies. It has been a long time since I last posted, but I've been so busy lately as it has been my first fortnight of university! Between lectures, societies, sports and, what every fresher does best, partying, there has been little free time to blog. On the eve of the beginning of my third week though, I set some time aside to post which I promise will be a regular occurrence now I'm finally settling down to a routine and (partial) normality. I just wanted to share a few snaps with you guys from freshers week!!

 And my new room! Note-curtains belong to hall, definitely not my choice!!

Stay stylish!!

NG <3

London Fashion Week S/S 2013

London calling. It's been a marvellous Summer for Blighty's glorious capital, Olympics and all. However, this week, in London, it was time to focus on next Summer, more specifically what you will be wearing next Summer-London fashion week. The second city to host  fashion week, London has a legacy in exciting, vibrant designs with creativity to boot. So, readers, I give you my top 5 LFW S/S 2013 collections.....

Matthew Williamson

 Emerald, sky blue, vivid orange, fuchsia, dusky pink-an explosion of colour. With this collection Williamson dictates that the future is bright, well next season anyway. I quite literally struggled to pick seven outfits for the picture! The signature Williamson girl, playful, vibrant, vivacious, and worldly is still in the collection but the glamorous bohemian vibe has had a restoration, incorporating graphic, digital prints and structured blazers to the aesthetic. Embellishment has never looked so sophisticated yet fun!

Holly Fulton

 

I have followed Holly Fulton since I first saw her exquisite, art deco jewellery designs in Elle a few years ago. Now Ms Fulton has her very own stand alone show, and the girl wearing this collection certainly is looking at the world through rose-tinted spectacles. Post show Fulton said 'I went to LA for the first time earlier this year and I was really struck by the saccharine optimism that permeates the place'. Think Fulton's take on the American dream, coloured in pastels, adorned in rose prints, and, naturally, the art deco touch that Fulton is oh so good at.

Mary Kantrantzou

Expectations were high, and a clean canvas of white, breezy and loose designs has allowed Katranzou to put her stamp (quite literally) on her S/S 2013 collection. Graphic prints, trapeze dresses, a new take on the maxi, Mary Kantranzou is going global. The question isn't are you daring enough to wear a printed trouser suit. The question is are you daring to wear a printed trouser suit minus shirt? (Luckily Jason Wu has some great ones to choose from).

Temperley London

Temperley London made me want to be a tad more ladylike. 'Return to elegance' took note from the 50's. Full skirts, embroidery, pastel blue and wide brimmed hats may seem a little to frivolous, but boy is it fun. Except the label is clever. Ladylike designs get a modern update with Chiffon panelling, and sheer blouses add a touch of sexy to the dainty girl. Go on, you know you want to be a good girl.


Giles

It's time to get mythical with Giles. Pegasus goes playful on power suits. Not your kind of thing? Try a plain blouse with the printed skirt or black cigarette pants with the tailored jacked. Who thought Greek mythology could be so versatile for the office?
 Note: Very Marc Jacobs, 60's style collared top and well, um, forgotten trousers. Maybe not one for the street, but feel free to stomp to the beach Giles style.


What was your favourite collection?

London did not disappoint. Next up, Milan. I can already smell the luxury leather in the air.
So, until next time, buona giornata!


NG <3

Goodbye Summer

In a way, I'm kind of willing Summer away. I know, it should be a crime, I spend days and days planning summer, the heat, the parties, the wardrobe, and most of all moaning when we don't get the heat I anticipated. But then Autumn comes, and it's not actually that bad. Once you look past the falling temperatures, shorter days and lack of flip-flops, you see an enchanting, glorious world of shearling, mulled wine, leather boots and Halloween! I thought I'd better get my wear out of Summer's wardrobe before I say goodbye to kaftans and hello to jumpers, until I go forth into the magical land previously mentioned.

 

 
River Island skirt, New Look boots, necklace and vest top, Primark denim waistcoat.

What are you most looking forward to about Autumn?


NG <3