Nail Update: Bronzed Berry
It's officially Spring, which means everyones cracking out the pretty pastel nail polishes, apart from me. Of course I'm still opting for dark wintery colours. It's in my soul. Just kidding, I've actually had nude and pale pink on the last couple of weeks and only went for this shade because it's new. Have I mentioned how much I love TK Maxx? Probably, I'm a sucker for a bargain. But I always go in on the hunt for cheap Nails Inc and got these two (along with another colour) in a set of three for £15 (I think it was 15!). The base colour is a really deep berry shade called Sloane Mews and it's super thick and glossy without having a top coat on. The gold/bronze glitter is called Belgrave Square and I think it's such a nice alternative to the usual silver glitter you see everywhere!
Loves. Emma.
Too much?
If I'm being totally honest, these are the first outfit photos that I've been really happy with in aaages. Maybe it's because it was a better time of day with the sun or because I wasn't freezing and desperate to get inside for hot chocolate, but whatever it is, I want it to continue. It's also one of my favourite outfits lately so I guess that helps? I went through a phase of loving leopard print about 5 years ago, then fell totally out of love with it, but I think it's coming back y'know. It's a classic print for any statement piece and I love my statement pieces so it only makes sense!
When I decorated my room and got all new storage last year I was ecstatic because the wardrobe I got was much bigger in size. Now, however, that doesn't seem like it's the case because I've been very spendy lately and my wardrobe is just bursting at the seams. As are each of my drawers. And my coat rail. And my shoe storage. Get where this is going?
I know I take after my mum for this because her wardrobe is exactly the same, in fact, my dad only has half of a wardrobe because she's taken over his. But is it really a problem? My mum was told by her sister only last month that it's ridiculous and she's a shopoholic with a serious problem (hence I am the same) but really, I think that's just dramatics. If someone likes to spend their money on clothes, let them? So what if they have 5 leather jackets and 4 denim jackets that are all starkingly similar, it's not harming anyone. Fair enough, if you're spending money you don't have or neglecting more important things such as food, health, etc., but we're not. There are much worse things to spend your money on, just be grateful I like clothes and not drugs tbh. I hate judging people for what makes them happy.
I got this cape in the River Island sale and it is honestly the softest thing that I have ever felt. It's so cosy I want to live in it and never take it off. I thought the shades tied in well with the cream top and ankle socks, and who else is loving kick flares at the moment? I was going to buy myself some but when I was looking through my wardrobe and found some full length flares that had shrunk in the wash and are too short, I decided to just chop the bottom off and voila! I don't think they look half bad if I do say so myself.
Wearing: Cape, River Island (sale) - Jeans, Dorothy Perkins (customised) - Shoes, Office
Loves. Emma.
New Age Dungas
Along with patterned shirts (which I feel like I've talked about far too much lately!), another of my recent obsession is dungarees/jumpsuits/playsuits. Basically all-in-ones that are easy to throw on but still look stylish. This isn't so much of a new obsession though, I've been slowly growing a dungaree collection since early last year, maybe before then even? They're so versatile and easy to style up or down and just make a nice change from ordinary jeans/trousers!
I picked up this pair from Zara last month and they're the bomb tbh. I'm really enjoying the culotte trend at the moment so they fit perfectly, plus, the monochrome pattern is deal. (For me and my love of all things monochrome anyway). They're super stretchy and really flattering to wear, although my mum did say "I thought they were supposed to more cropped than that? But I guess they are on someone of normal height". She's such a flatterer! So I guess if you are of average (or greater) height then they'll show off more ankle/calf flesh than on me!
Wearing: Jumpsuit, Zara - Jacket, Vintage - Tee, ASOS - Loafers, Ralph Lauren
Fan of a jumpsuit or dungarees?
Loves. Emma.
Copper, copper, copper
I've been in a bit of a blogging rut lately, not knowing what direction I want to take my blog in. I know, I know, it's mine to just post whatever I want, but I want it to have a focus so people can know what to expect, and I've come to the conclusion that that focus should be style and interiors. I've dabbled in all kinds of posts really, and I will probably still continue to, but I just like things to be structured really. Plus, I've always loved interiors (and once considered going into interior design as a career) so I don't know why I haven't blogged more about it before.
You can't be a blogger unless you love copper, right? It's like a law or something, I'm sure of it. Everyone's on the hype and because I'm such a basic, I, of course, am too. It's just so pretty and makes for a nice change from gold or silver!
I picked up two different sets of fairy lights from Primark last week and look how cute they are! One sets copper shades on a clear cable and the other is clear crystals on a copper cable. They're just a great way to decorate your bedframe/shelves/anywhere you want, and they make everything look pretty when they're lit up on an evening. Great mood lighting.
Also from Primark, I picked up some copper hangers which are actually pretty rubbish for hanging clothes, like most wire hangers. Everything just slides off? But when browsing pinterest I got the idea of using a clothes hanger for sunglasses and thought the copper ones would be ideal for this. I think they look super cute and it definitely means I wear them more without them being hidden away in my wardrobe!
I went to Dunelm with my mum a couple of weeks ago, saw this copper basket, but managed to resist because I didn't know what I'd put in it or where it would go. But then I couldn't stop thinking about it, ended up going back to get it and picked up this over-the-door hanger too! Dunelm have such good stuff in at the moment! The basket comes in 3 sizes and I went for the middle which makes for a great magazine holder (plus some birchbox bags)! The door hanger has black crystals on each hook, which look pretty, but make it difficult to fit some coats on, I think they must have small hooks.
Are you a lover or a hater of the copper trend? Or just indifferent?
Loves. Emma.
instagram - twitter - tumblr - pinterest
Personal Style
A few years back (well, maybe even last year!) I would never have worn this outfit or anything remotely similar. I've always liked to be a little bit 'different' in my outfit choices but at the same time always played it safe and tried not to stand out too much. But my style has really evolved a lot over the past couple of years, the last 12 months in particular and it's really down to a lot of different things. After going through the classic 'finding myself' phase (god I hate myself just writing this, but it's true, yay for shitty relationships!) I started to get more experimental, first with my hair and then more so through fashion, and now I've really begun to find my own sense of style. I constantly find myself looking for inspiration, whether it's in magazines, from other bloggers or on online shops (the just arrived sections are a great place to start) it never really ends. And I think that's how finding your own sense of style is, y'know? It's constantly evolving as you get older and things around you change, but that's what I like. Nothing stays the same for too long.
I can't actually remember where inspirations came for my recent obsession with patterned shirts but this was one of my first, and a nice little bargain from depop! It's originally a bohoo shirt, but the pink label tells me that it's fairly old. That's when you know you love a shop isn't it? When you recognise the different age labels. I just like the unique style of patterns that contrast on this and the way it's a shirt without being a button-up!
Now that I think about it, this whole outfit is made up of bargains tbh! I picked up these corduroy jeans in the Boxing Day sales (feels like a lifetime ago!). They're from Next, I place I very rarely go in unless I'm with my mum, which on this ocassion I was. I spotted them and thought they'd just be something a bit different to try. They're super soft too which everyone wants don't they?
I remember a while back reading an article on Elle/Vogue/Cosmopolitan/somewhere like that online saying that white boots were going to be a big trend this season and I just thought 'ooh I could get on board with this'. 99% of my footwear is black boots so I like to look for some that are a little different. These are from New Look, again they were in the sale, and only cost something like 8 quid! Amazing.
Where do you find inspiration for your style?
Loves. Emma.
High Street Lingerie
I've never really been one for 'fancy' lingerie, until recently that is. My mum has always told me to wear a matching set everyday and that's really the only thing I've ever considered until the back end of last year. Following more bloggers and instagrams has 'opened my horizons' (lol) and I found myself lusting after the likes of Bluebella and For Love and Lemons. But alas, no matter how stunning the pieces are, I can not justify the prices and instead have turned to high street stores which I ordinarily shop at.
Talking about lingerie and sharing it online is always a bit of a weird one, isn't it? How much is too much and all that, but at the end of the day, most of us wear it and if you're sharing it on your own platform, it's your personal choice to share whatever you want really. If you want to share full body shots in your underwear then I just think it's amazing that people have that kind of confidence tbh. I, however, don't and have instead gone for some more subtle shots which I was comfortable with!
This first piece is actually the only all-in-one that I own. I picked it up from H&M in the sale just as a kind of experimental purchase more than anything. It fits surprisingly well for a non-lingerie specialised store! (Well, all of these pieces do otherwise I wouldn't be talking about them...) It's one of those pieces that you put on and suddenly have levels of confidence you never knew you had, and it would look amazing under a sheer top. The lacing detail on this is so intricate and pretty, and I love the effect of the triple straps!
Also from H&M I got a matching set with a halterneck top. This is a style I actually went on a hunt for because it's so different from anything that I'm used to! I wore this for the first time actually on New Years Eve with a loose fitting white shirt over the top and I really loved the contrast of the two together. I think it makes a great statement piece to spice up a simple outfit.
This set I've not actually worn yet, oops. It's such a more 'elite' set and when I saw it it reminded me so much of the For Love and Lemons style that I just had to get it straight away. It was kind of an impulse buy but I think I will get round to wearing it when I find the right time! I thought it might be a little much (for me, personally) to show this on, but it was from River Island and is such good quality. I think the floral applique is just so pretty! It's also available in several other colours too, so definitely worth checking out!
My last two pieces are both from New Look and actually the first two that I picked up. Seeing as I've been wearing a lot of shirts and blouses lately I wanted a bralette with the 'extra strap' (I don't really know what to call it?). for the effect to show through a few undone buttons and this was the perfect choice. The way this fits is so good, it's super comfy and it doesn't actually look or feel too revealing. Definitely my most worn piece!
I was a little disappointed in this last piece (not enough to not include it or stop wearing it though) as it offers very little support! It looks great, and I love how pretty all of the lace is underneath the band and just all over really, but it has no support at all at the sides so I find myself constantly having to rearrange. TMI? soz. THis is the issue with talking about bra's isn't it, you never know other peoples boundaries and what they might deem too much. Oh well.
Any recommendations on where to buy similar pieces?
Loves. Emma.
S/S16 Beauty Trends
I'm nowhere near as experimental with beauty looks as I am with fashion. My hair gets as adventurous as dutch braids every few months and my makeup only ever changes from a subtle everyday look to a bold lip and vice versa. I can't hack winged liner or a smokey eye, that is a true art level I am nowhere near. But simple trends I can do, so here's a few!
Simply Up
Balenciaga, Oscar de la Renta S/S16
Customised ponytails and easy up-dos were everywhere on the S/S16 catwalks and are the most basic style which literally everyone can copy. I don't get how this is really considered a trend since most of us have worn basic up-dos since pre-school, but whatever. If it's good enough for Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta (amongst so many others) then it's certainly good enough for me.
Red Alert
Celine, Topshop Unique S/S16
My favefavefave beauty look ever is a red lip. As I've said, I'm basically no good with eye makeup past simple liner and mascara, so I use lipstick to transform my look and red (particularly coral-toned red, shout out to MAC lady danger!) is my go-to. Pretty sure this was highlighted as a trend last season, but it's definitely a look that I'm always on board with.
Twisty Braids
Celine, Valentino S/S16
2013/14 I spent so long learning and perfecting my dutch/french/fishtail/milkmaid (practically every style you can think of) braid skills and now is my time to shine. I mean, braids have been everywhere for a few years now hence my learning, but it's always good to see it on the catwalk and know the styles will continue. Also, simple twists as well as classic braids are looking amazing.
Bang Bang
Christopher Kane, Vera Wang S/S16
For the majority of my life I had a full fringe and now that I don't, they're everywhere! Kinda glad tbh. Although I do love this trend, it's not one I'll be following because it just doesn't suit my face shape all too well. Plus, I don't want to follow all the trends and be a clone. My friend did recently buy a clip-in fringe though (lol) and it looks so good. Copy the trends without the commitment!
Pop of flash
Giambattista Valli, Prada S/S16
Who doesn't love a splash of metallic makeup every once in a while? I mean, not ideal for everyday in the office but great for festival looks in particular and just general summerness. It might not seem the easiest to copy and definitely needs confidence to carry it off, but tone it down a bit from some of the catwalk looks and voila.
What are your favourite beauty trends for the season?
Loves. Emma.
S/S16 Fashion Trends
I'm not strictly someone who likes to follow the trends to a tee, but I do like to keep up with what's what and I love looking at different shows and seeing how designers showcase trends differently! Honestly, when I started doing this post I thought I was going to go on forever, there's so many good trends! But alas, I managed to cut it down to my top 5.
Underwear as Outerwear
Celine, Givenchy S/S16
I don't mean wearing your pants or bra over your clothes (but if that's what you're into then go ahead!) it's more wearing pretty silky dresses that resemble bedroom neglige. Ooh la la. Celine and Givenchy are just two of the looks that I found amazing, and since I've been really getting into different lingerie styles lately this is definitely a trend I'm a fan of. Very feminine and girly, very unlike me, but yeah!
Sequins, Silver, Sparkle
Lanvin, Phillip Plein S/S16
So this is a combination of two different trends really - silver apparel and embellishment. It's very outerspace/alien meets mermaid style and I'm all on board for both of those. Lanvin and Phillip Plein showcased these trend immensely, but Tom Ford and Isabel Marant were stellar too! I like how this is a very customisable trend and can fit practically any style.
#FreeTheShoulders
Boss, Sonia Rykiel S/S16
I did a post on off-the-shoulder tops back in the summer of last year and it seems they're set to be a big trend again this year. This is a style I'm always on baord with whether it's a top trend or not. I get self conscious about showing my upper arms, so off-the-shoulders allow me to feel summery with being too uncomfortable. Win win.
Blue Blue Blue
Alexander McQueen, Fendi S/S16
Byeee black skinny jeans, you've been a true pal. But it's time for the rise of blue denim and different cut jeans, too! I'm particularly loving denim boiler suits, dresses and boyfriend jeans. Oh and flares, obvs. Such a look! Double denim is not a look to be taken lightly though, we can't all pull it off as well and Alexander McQueen and Fendi models can. Sigh.
On The Streets
Diesel Black & Gold, Rag and Bone S/S16
Trainers, baseball caps, hooded sweatshirts, bombers, basically all the comfy clothes for cba days are on trend! How convenient for when you're feeling lazy. Diesel Black Gold and Rag & Bone showcase this look super well but also (I know it was A/W16 but shh!) Rihannas Puma collab! Incredible.
What are your top trends for Spring/Summer this year?
Loves. Emma.
