SS15 Summer Style: Weddings, the Races & Occasion Dresses under £75!

As it’s coming  up to the end of July, it’s safe to say that we’re well in to the British summer season, and with the warm sunshine comes the BBQs, parties and days out in the heat. More importantly, though, is that we find our schedules full with extra special occasions to look forward to – be it a wedding, a day at the races or even your graduation.

Whilst I’m sure you’ve already been having lots of fun this summer, there’s definitely still lots of it left – especially now that school is officially out until September! So dust off that fascinator and remember where you left that invitation, as it’s time to start shopping for the best occasion dress on the high street!

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Closet Almari Jacquard Dress, £62

AX Paris Striped Midi Dress, £35

Miss Selfridge Bandeau Pencil Dress, £45

Warehouse Lace Overlay Dress, £65

River Island Jacquard Midi Dress, £38

Coast Lori Issy Dress, £39

AX Paris Metallic Skater Dress, £20

Boohoo Slinky Cowl Neck Dress, £20

Closet Lilac Curve Seam Dress, £48

Oasis Embroidered Midi Dress, £35

TFNC Floral Skater Dress, £48

Coast Sadie Pleated Dress, £69

Oasis Crepe 2 in 1 Dress, £20

TFNC Teardrop Shift Dress, £75

Oasis Lace Insert Pencil Dress, £20

Atterley Road Pleat Front Dress, £65

Warehouse Structured Shift Dress, £25

Warehouse Strappy Maxi, £50

New Look Coral Strappy Maxi Dress, £17.99

River Island Coral Bardot Bodycon Dress, £55

Miss Selfridge Floral Tea Dress, £35

Oasis Drape Crepe Shift, £52

Topshop Deep V Midi Dress, £42

Topshop Plunge Neck Satin Dress, £58

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As you might have noticed, I didn’t actually include any black dresses, and that’s because I’m going to curate my own collection of the high street’s hottest LBDs and feature my edit on the blog very soon! I’ve also been inspired by fresh, bright colours this season too – and that’s saying something coming from a bona fide ‘all black everything’ addict.

I recently wore a bright mint midi dress to a wedding, which was decorated with tonal grey flowers in a thick, textured material – it was totally out of my comfort zone but I really liked the dress (ASOS, FYI), so I definitely think it’s worth investing in a pretty piece for this summer season. (Go on, you deserve a treat!)

Which of the dresses is your favourite? I’m absolutely obsessed with the red, plunge neck midi dress by Topshop – at £42, that dress is a true high street steal! I can genuinely see myself purchasing this very soon for an upcoming engagement party I’m going to be attending. I’d love to hear which is your favourite though. And what fun events do you have coming up? Let me know in the comments below!

The Archive Collection by Topshop – Vintage/Retro Capsule Wardrobe

It’s definitely an exciting moment when Topshop launch a new collection. A perennial high street hero, Topshop influences the way we all dress and designer collaborations with everyone from Kate Moss to Kendall and Kylie Jenner have more than the majority of us waiting eagerly to see what they’ll debut. Their most recent collection, titled ‘Archive‘, is a little different though, as it has allowed Topshop to look back on their own statement style and deliver a new collection that is entirely theirs. As Topshop have put it themselves, Archive is

‘Following in the pioneering spirit of our much-loved designer collaborations, we delved into our own vast history to rediscover the pieces and campaigns that first-established Topshop as a key player in British fashion.’

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Introducing Archive, a limited edition collection of pieces inspired by decades of irreverently cool Topshop style. A love letter to British fashion, classic seventies smock dresses return for lazy summer days and rebel-rock icons like the disco jean and the vinyl mini skirt are reborn for a new generation. Inspired by the way the TOPSHOP girl effortlessly blends influences across the decades to define her own look, it isn’t about being too referential, it’s about reinterpreting fashion history in a modern way.

’80s Power Shoulder Blazer, £70

’80s Taffeta Prom Dress, £68

Space-Dye Flower Midi Skirt, £40

Debbie Denim Pencil Skirt, £38

Courtney Sheer Dress, £68

Debbie Zip Front Denim Dress, £45

Magic Carpet Jumper, £50

Tiered Floral Print Maxi Dress, £62

Polka Dot Shorts, £38

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A mix of high-waisted denim skirts and flared jeans, sheer tea dresses and thick knits are interspersed with the perfect, high school 80s prom dresses and power shoulder blazers. This collection really is one for the girls who love to incorporate a few retro-inspired, vintage pieces into their contemporary wardrobes. I can imagine ASOS’s Megan Ellaby rocking a piece or two from this collection.

What do you think of it though? If you’re interested, you should shop fast, as with any limited edition Topshop capsule collection, this is selling out fast! I personally love the floral maxi dress, as it’s perfect for wearing to a festival this year, or on a day trip to Brighton. I think the Debbie denim – notably the high-waisted jeans – are super easy-to-wear and feature a gorgeous, vintage stitch embellishment, whilst the polka dot co-ord is both cute and flattering. Do you have a favourite piece of this collection? Let me know in the comments below!

My Current Summer 2015 Skincare Favourites

Skincare is the buzzword of the moment and if we’re not buying into the latest Micellar water, CC cream or anti-acne lotion, we’re considering a vampire facial, courtesy of Kim Kardashian. I used to be a little more frugal in regards to my skincare routine and it was, at best, limited to a Clarins 3-step system of cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Recently, I’ve become obsessed with skincare and beauty products, and that’s partly due to the changes I’ve noticed in my skin: At 18, I had clear, normal but dehydrated skin. Now, at 23, I have a combination, dehydrated skin type which is both sensitive and prone to breakouts. As you can see, my skincare regimen needed adapting quickly.

I’ve built up quite the collection of skincare products, and although it’s probably beneficial to stick to a simple system, I do try to mix up the products I use every now and then – partly because some just aren’t working. Throughout my skincare journey, I’ve come across a few products that I think are definitely worth the hype. I hope you enjoy the edit.

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Laidbare ‘For Richer For Porer’ Pore Minimiser Facial Masque

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Lancome Bi-Facil Non-Oily Instant Cleanser

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +

Nuxe Creme Prodigieuse Anti-Fatigue Moisturizing Cream

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil

Sanctuary Deep Cleanse Facial Matte Perfecting Hydra Lotion

Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2-in-1 Wash and Mask

Johnson’s Makeup Be Gone Pampering Wipes

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1. Laidbare ‘For Richer For Porer’ Pore Minimising Facial Masque, £6.99: this 50ml masque is filled with organic ingredients, such as Rose Flower Water and Japanese Seaweed Extracts – it also contains a hint of liquorice which forms the base of this product’s scent. This mask is light in consistency and contains little grains which help to drag impurities out of the skin. You’ll notice that it doesn’t set like a clay mask, though, but it does leave the skin feeling ridiculously soft and supple.
2. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, £4.99: now a cult favourite, this cleansing water is perfect for effectively breaking down makeup and cleaning your skin, without having to drag a wipe over your face. I do find this product to leave the skin feeling a little greasy, so I only use it to remove my makeup.
3. Lancome Bi-Facil Non-Oily Instant Cleanser for Sensitive Eyes, £21.50: I used to be guilty of using make-up wipes for makeup removal, but I quickly became conscious of the damage I was doing to my delicate eye area. I’ve since switched to this cleanser as it doesn’t inflame my sensitive eye area and I have yet to find anything better – this product breaks down stubborn eye makeup in seconds.
4. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo[+], £15.50: the most recent purchase of mine, this cult beauty favourite is renowned for reducing the appearance of pores, marks and acne blemishes. I have definitely started noticing an improvement in my skin (and I’ve only been using this product for a week), but it’s definitely one of those that can make the skin worse before it gets better!
5. Nuxe Creme Prodigieuse Anti-Fatigue Moisturizing Cream, £21.00: designed with the iconic Nuxe scent, this thick and creamy moisturizer is a luxurious beauty buy. This product leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated and is great used overnight or under makeup.
6. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Usage Dry Oil, £28.00: combining Macadamia oil, Hazelnut, Almonds and St. John’s Wort to name but a few ingredients, this dry oil is a cult hero for nourishing and repairing skin and hair. This product is elegant and luxurious and is perfect for treating split ends and the T-Zone. If you’re going to buy one thing, buy this!
7. Sanctuary Deep Cleanse Facial Matte Perfecting Hydra Lotion, £13.50: this amazing product has become my new BFF, doubling as my morning moisturizer and makeup primer. It leaves the skin feeling fresh with tighter pores and free of grease, providing the perfect base for your makeup – this genuinely helps to lock down my foundation all day as well!
8. Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2-in-1 Wash and Mask, £3.69: a high street hero, this cheap and cheerful dual-purpose product is great for quickly washing your face or applying a 5-minute mask. I like that this mask dries like a clay and is easy to use, and it leaves my skin feeling super-clean and refined.
9. Johnson’s Makeup Be Gone Pampering Wipes, £3.05: as aforementioned, I used to swear by makeup wipes before I could be bothered to use cleansers and I’ve tried pretty much all of them. Whilst I use proper skincare products now, I sometimes use a makeup wipe too and these are just incredible. They’re super hydrated wipes that really break down makeup on the skin whilst smelling so luxurious, making these wipes my travel essential.

After writing this blog, I’m definitely now going to go off and apply a face mask and treat my skin to some deserved Sunday pampering! What did you think of my edit? I hope you found this interesting and have taken away a little bit of beauty inspiration. Have you tried any of these products before? Let me know in the comments below!