Get SS17-ready with these 3 new-season trends | Fashion & Style

As the high street sets its sights on spring, you’ll begin to notice the influx of catwalk-inspired pieces hitting your favourite retail destinations: blouson sleeves, laced-up knits, pyjama-style silky separates and oversized shirts. Dramatic cuts and over-the-top shapes are mixed in with light layers; tulle and silk skirts and dresses are offset with see-through tees and structured shirts.

With feminine florals in light fabrics, power-play co-ords or dynamic pieces in ruffles, feathers and tulle to choose from, there’s something for everyone this seaon. But with so much choice, I’ve narrowed down the spring/summer offering to my favourite three trends. Here’s how I’m updating my wardrobe for the new season. Images courtesy of Marie Claire.

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BRAZEN BRALETTES

I was so excited last September when designers took the underwear as outerwear trend to a new level, and I absolutely love the dramatic layering that our favourite fashion houses channelled. Bralettes are the perfect feminine antidote to an otherwise brash outfit: layered over structured shirts with skirts or trousers makes for a fresh take on your traditional 9-5 staples. My favourite bralette is this sequin crop top from Zara, which I’d layer over a white shirt with suit pants and sliders.

STATEMENT SLEEVES

I’m a huge fan of officewear, and I’ll definitely be updating my working wardrobe with shirts, sweaters, blazers and jackets which sport some seriously statement sleeves. From oversized, blouson sleeves to embellished styles with embroidery and dramatic cuts, there’s a new-season style you’ll sure to love. I’m going to opt for this poplin frill shirt from Topshop, and I’ll pair it with jeans, boots and a chunky knit.

THINK PINK

If Givenchy and Chanel are doing it, you can be sure your favourite high street retailer will be too: pink is everywhere this season, and it’s not going anywhere fast. Opt for a slick showcase of the statement shade on a shirt or jacket, or clash the colour by mixing and matches various shades in one ensemble. I love these velvet court shoes from River Island.

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I’m really impressed with Topshop’s new-season collection this time around, as I haven’t been particularly besotted with their range for a while now. Zara continues to champion fashion-forward style on the high street and other Inditex brands (Mango, Massimo Dutti) also lead the way. If you’re on a budget, definitely head to New Look – their buying team has put a lot into their new spring/summer offering and I think the store has seriously upped its game on recent years.

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Going for Gold: Jewellery and Accessories from Ted Baker | Style

I’ve always been enamoured with the opulent metallic shade of gold, and it seems as though Ted Baker – one of my favourite British premium high street brands – is having a similar love-affair with the colour, adding intricate embellishment to their autumn/winter collection and amping up their range of accessories sporting the shade.

Recently, I was gifted a beautiful piece of jewellery from the Ted Baker collection, and I’ve also equipped my iPhone with a colour co-ordinating case. I’m totally in love with both accessories, so I thought I absolutely had to share both with you – hopefully you’ll love them too.

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I’ve just turned 25, and one of my presents was a collection of nail polishes and lipsticks from Ted Baker. I’ve never actually used the brand’s make-up before (it’s produced by KMI, if you’re wondering), but I was really impressed with the quality of the products.

The collection features six nail polishes and six lipsticks, all in corresponding shades. The duo I’m loving when wearing an outfit with gold accessories is this nude polish with nude lipstick.

If I’m going out for the evening, though, I’ll almost definitely update the look with a bright red lipstick. I adore this orange-toned red, and the matte finish lasts all night. On an aside: don’t you just love the rose gold accents on this pretty packaging?

If you’re a sucker for a pretty phone case, why haven’t you checked out the Ted Baker range yet? Available at proporta.co.uk (the home of Ted Baker’s official tech accessories partner), there’s a whole host of pretty book-style folios and soft-feel back shells to choose from, all in Ted’s signature prints. The AW16 collection has just landed, but I’m loving this transcendental rose gold folio for my iPhone 6.

As if this case wasn’t cute enough already, it opens to reveal a hidden interior mirror which is perfect for on-the-go pampering. I’m obsessed.

As the newest addition to my Ted Baker accessories collection (I must admit, there’s more), this beautiful ballerina pendant has to be my favourite. I was gifted this piece of jewellery last week and I absolutely adore it. I honestly can’t explain how beautiful it is; I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a piece of modern costume jewellery which is so elaborate and intricate.

The beautiful pendant features a crystal-embellished bodice, gold-plated finish with gold chain, pearl head feature and a ribbon-tied tutu. You’ll notice Ted’s meticulous attention-to-detail when you spot the tiny crystals in the ballerina’s ballet shoes and Ted Baker branding to the back. Retailing for £79, you can opt for the nude/rose gold or black/gold version at John Lewis.

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You can shop all of Ted Baker‘s pretty accessories on their website, as well as at several concession stores including House of Fraser and John Lewis, and I urge you to check out their tech accessories at Proporta.

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Greenwich MMXV Luxury Leather Accessories for iPhone | Style

As a huge advocate of real leather accessories with an undeniable penchant for luxury purses and pretty phone cases, I was quite excited when I heard about new designer, Greenwich. Based in Brighton but drawing their heritage from the South London borough, the self-professed ‘non-brand’ is quintessentially British, using our maritime history as their inspiration for product names.

I’ve come to learn that each piece in the Greenwich collection is meticulously hand-crafted from the leather which is used to upholster Bentley vehicles, which might divulge that products in this range are a little on the expensive side. At £90, the real leather wallet (‘Shamrock’), is actually quite reasonably priced (I’ve had Michael Kors and Kate Spade wallets which are more expensive, but where the leather used isn’t nearly as good quality, or it’s not even real leather in the first place). The folio case will set you back £80, though, so it really does depend on how much you value your iPhone looking luxe.

As pictured below, I have the Greenwich CHRONO Folio Case for iPhone 6* and the Greenwich SHAMROCK Purse*, both in the shade Linen. Items are available in a selection of premium shades, including Beluga (black), Fireglow (autumnal red) and Portofine (blue), among others. The colour names are definitely unusual, but not just thought up at random; instead, they’re based on the leather shades available for your Bentley. (Which I guess is great, if you plan to match your new purse with your car – I mean, who doesn’t have a Bentley, right?)

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Each of the pieces feel unbelievably tactile in the hand, and you can instantly tell that the leather is out-of-this-world quality. Right down to the hand-stitching around the exterior to the finer details which make up each item, Greenwich clearly pay very close attention to their design and product quality.

I absolutely love both of the items from Greenwich, however it’s the leather purse which has me sold. The wallet opens to reveal the usual coin pockets and card slots, but there’s an interior device slot which can hold a variety of smartphones, including my iPhone 6. It’s the perfect size for holding all of your important cards, cash but also your phone, and I often use this as an alternative to carrying around my backpack. (I’m currently using a leather/suede mix slouchy backback from Warehouse, which has now sold out I believe.)

Like Kate Spade and Aspinal of London – who are similarly priced – Greenwich accessories might be something you choose when you’re looking for a real treat. What’s great though, is that the fine leather construction of these items will definitely outlive its cost. I can’t even begin to explain how beautiful the packaging is too (think carefully-designed, luxury black box with a map print around the product, wax stamp seal of approval and lots of extra goodies included – yes, really). If not for you, I urge you to check their website out around gifting times. I bought my boyfriend one of their iPhone 6S cases and he absolutely adores it.

What do you think of the Greenwich collection? If there’s any other small British brands you think I should know about, please let me know in the comments below! I love championing infant British designers, so definitely share the love.

Step into Spring in New Season Shoes | Fashion & Style

As a self-confessed shoe obsessive, I’ll admit that one of my favourite things about the transition between seasons is an excuse to buy new shoes; be it ‘barely there’ heels or a pair of pointed flats for the office, I love to regularly update my collection with new staple styles. Choosing the best additions for your wardrobe can be tricky though, especially if you’re working with a budget that’s more Zara than (Giuseppe) Zanotti — I know I am.

Just to make it more difficult, SS16 is bringing more variety to the high street than ever, with updated classics in spring-time shades and new styles that scream ‘straight off the catwalk’ — all in pretty palette of luxurious neutrals, classic monochromatic tones and even electric brights. From chunky mid-heel sling-backs to retro suede moccasins and super-strappy, detailed sandals, spring’s selection of footwear boasts choice, and offers up something for even the fussiest footwear fanatic.

If you’re more than a little overwhelmed by the summery selection of shoes, here’s my curated collection of the best new shoes you can buy right now (and there’s a selection in every shade).

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Topshop DELILAH Tie-up Sandals, £29

River Island Lace-Up Ghillie Heels, £45

Miss Selfridge SLOANE Multi Strap Sandal, £65

New Look White Woven Strap Midi Heels, £22.99

River Island White Strappy Open-Toe Shoes, £35

Topshop NICHE Two-Part Sandals, £48

River Island Soft-Tie Sandals, £40

Topshop HICCUP Weave Sandal, £26

Topshop RARA Braided Sandals, £56

Topshop RAM Striped Sandals, £59

Aldo OLANI Metallic Mules, £70

Topshop NINO Suede Mules, £59

Dune GLOWE Espadrilles, £70

River Island Denim Studded Sandals, £50

Warehouse Tie-Up Flat Mule, £39

River Island Chiffon Tie Sandals, £65

River Island Espadrilles, £24

New Look Leather Beaded Sandals, £24.99

Dune LAUNCH Platform Sandals, £45

River Island Platform Heels, £50

Aldo Premezzo Heels, £60

H&M Coral Fringed Heels, £29.99

River Island Lace-Up Block Heels, £30

Topshop DELILAH Tie Sandals, £29

River Island Caged Sandals, £48

Topshop GIDDY Curve Court Shoes, £59

Topshop Kave Loafers, £56

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If spring/summer’s new styles tell us anything, it’s that straps, laces and intricate tie-up details are here to stay. Adorning the likes of sandals, heels and flats, there’s a strappy shoe for everybody. I personally love the sexy, feminine edge that the subtle details add to your overall look, and I think high street shoes are really starting to compete with their catwalk competition.

I’ve curated this collection of footwear for you in every colour, to prove that there’s a pretty pair of new shoes for you in whichever shade you need. I’m always a fan of black but I’m planning on adding a few additions to my wardrobe, in the form of some red ghillie heels and a pastel-toned flats — a few pairs of neutral-toned gladiator sandals wouldn’t go a miss, either.

What do you think of the shoes I’ve chosen and which shades are your favourite for the transitional spring-to-summer season? Have you found a prettier pair? Let me know in the comments below.

A Little Kate Spade New York Accessories Haul | Fashion & Style

Ever since I discovered Kate Spade New York a few years ago, I’ve been a little bit besotted with the brand’s colourful handbags and playful purses. From the trend-led capsule collections to transcendental staple, signature styles, there’s more than a few accessories topping my lust list. I was only introduced to the designer when bloggers such as Fleur De Force and Tanya Burr brought in to the brand, showcasing their new handbag or purse, and I knew that I had to invest in a couple of pieces for myself.

Lucky enough to visit New York City twice in the last two years, I might’ve indulged in a little bit of retail therapy whilst across the pond. When I first visited the big apple in 2014, I spent too much time in Sephora to think handbags, however my boyfriend brought me back a Kate Spade tech wallet for that year’s Christmas present after a work trip. (Needless to say, I was more than a little excited. Over-the-moon doesn’t quite cut it.) Last year, I visited New York again for Thanksgiving, and I happily dragged my boyfriend to Macy’s that evening for the Black Friday sale. Whilst he wasn’t too impressed, I queued for hours to purchase the most beautiful wallet I’ve ever come across — my brand new Kate Spade. And just because I’m one for over-indulging, I went to Bloomingdale’s the next day and treated myself to a pair of earrings.

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I like to think that I’m a bit of a bargain-hunter and I managed to pick up the Kate Spade Britton Place Lacey Wallet in the sale for just $120 from $175. This worked out as £82 and I paid using my British debit card at around 0.66 GBP/$, which I thought was reasonable for a designer purse. Of course, I had saved up all year to go shopping in New York before Christmas, so I allowed myself the treat. I paid full price for the Kate Spade Rise and Shine Stud Earrings and at $38, they worked out at around £25, which I think is incredible value. Unfortunately, the wallet is no longer available, but you can still shop the earrings at Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom (and likely other stores).

I just love Kate Spade and I hope you like what I bought as much as I do. Do you like the wallet or are the stripes a little too much for you? Do you own anything from Kate Spade, or is there another designer you think I should look at? Let me know in the comments below!