Zara Lookbook Love

I have recently been trying to avoid Zara altogether as I am on a serious budget before I move down to London! However, I could not resist having a little peek at their latest Lookbook.  So far, I am loving what I am seeing of their Autumn/Winter collection. I am a big fan of the military style, studs, and mix of leather and wool. Now if only I could afford the hefty price tag which inevitably comes with these luxury items...

Sorry mum...Tattoo inspiration

I really want a tattoo to commemorate the end of my final year at university! However, I am really not sure what I want. Therefore, I've been going through various Tumblr pages in the hope to find something which might inspire me. In the meantime, I have picked a few of my favourite tattoos and made them into a collage. As you can see, I prefer smaller and more subtle tattoos over big ones (although I must admit: there is something quite sexy about men with tattoo sleeves - unfortunately I'd be pretty scared to take them home to meet my parents!).  I will let you know once I have had mine done...watch this space! 

My Third Year.

Firstly, I cannot believe it is June already! And secondly, I am also turning 21 this month, which is crazy, considering that I started blogging 3 years ago when I was just 18 years old (oh…those were the days!). It is safe to say that my third year at university has been the most enjoyable but also the most difficult year of my life. A lot of rapid changes have occurred in the space of 9 months. I have both lost and gained a best friend, and have had a lot of growing up to do. But similarly, I have met so many new people this year and have made quite a few amazing friends. My three years at university are now drawing to a close, and I can honestly say that moving countries has been the best decision I have ever made. You learn so much about yourself (your good, and inevitably, bad habits) and I do believe that I have made friends for life. There's no comparison between the person I am today and the somewhat shy and perhaps a little bit too blunt girl who moved into halls 3 years ago. Even though I am quite sad that this part of my life is coming to an end, I am excited about starting a new chapter. If goes everything goes right, I will be doing an MA in Magazine Journalism at City University this September. London, here I come!  

Tune of the Day: R U Mine?

For those of you who haven't yet heard their latest song R U Mine? (if this is true - what have you been doing?!), make sure to watch the video above. Trust me, it will get into your head. I wish this song could be the theme tune to my life, as it is pretty rock 'n roll (the song, not my life - unfortunately my life as a third year student doesn't involve that much rock 'n roll, or any of the other elements for that matter). Oh, and Alex Turner is looking pretty fine. So there you go, enough reasons to press play.

So what is this obsession with unhealthy looking models?

Maybe I'm just pointing this out because I'm having a really bad day and therefore instantly become a lot more critical of my surroundings, or maybe it's because my degree has finally turned my into a cynic. But as I was going through Marni for H&M's PR material, I couldn't help but notice how unhealthy (and unhappy!) the model looks. 

Aymeline Valade's skin has a grey tone to it, her arms are stick-thin and her face looks gaunt. H&M have declared before that they sustain a certain advertising policy in which they strongly distance themselves from alcohol and drug abuse, and they also claim that they do not work with models who are significantly underweight. However, this picture has made me question their policies. Quite frankly, I just do not see the appeal in using models who look like they are about to collapse - someone please get her a sandwich! Surely more women would be tempted to buy the clothes if they look amazing on healthy-looking models who are not a size zero? Or am I just the only one thinking this? I believe that young girls should not have to strive to become this unhealthy and unrealistic image. 

And if there are any boys out there reading this - I cannot imagine that this is what they want their ideal woman to look like? What do you think?

Girl Crush: Zooey Deschanel

My male friends will not stop talking about her. My female friends won't either. I think it's time we all made a confession: we are officially obsessed with Zooey Deschanel. New Girl is proving to be a real hit, as she plays a quirky yet adorable girl who moves in with three male flatmates. Besides the fact that I personally think she resembles a more natural looking Katy Perry (they could practically be sisters, am I right?), I also love her for her amazing style. 

Effortlessly stylish and always incredibly feminine, Zooey can usually be found wearing dresses or skirts with lots of lace detailing (a girl after my own heart!). You will never find her in a promiscuous outfit - she is all about class. I think many girls could  certainly take a leaf out of her book; less is most definitely not more! 

How to be inspired by Zooey's style...

I love these polka dot heeled sandals - I can just imagine Zooey wearing them with a simple yet feminine dress. These beauties from ASOS are only 35 pounds and the chunky heel will provide some extra comfort.

Another item which I can definitely imagine Zooey wearing is this lace strappy dress from good old Topshop. The soft lemon colour is right on trend and I love the crochet detailing. A real spring must-have! 

....with a bit of a twist!

Finally, as Zooey's style is so overtly feminine, it could all become a little bit too sweet! Therefore, why not add in this pyramid stud belt from Miss Selfridge to create a little bit of an 'edge'?

Who else has a massive girl crush on Zooey? Are you inspired by her style?

Inspiration of the Day: Fishtail Braid

...someone please do my hair?

Dear Santa...

If money wasn't an issue, I know exactly what I'd ask for Christmas...A Balmain dress. You just have to love the detailing, sequins and its overall festive feeling. A girl has got to dream, right?

What's on your ultimate Christmas list? Please leave a comment, and do not forget to follow! :)

My Latest Fashion Buy: MANGO Playsuit

So after going into town today, I decided to walk into the (quite) recently opened MANGO in Cardiff! Even though I absolutely love the brand, it always reminded me a bit of Zara, and was expecting a messy jumble sale (which is normally the state of any particular Zara at the end of a busy day). I couldn't be more wrong. The layout of the shop was incredibly clean-cut and professional, and had a high-fashion feel to it. And then I saw something which I had been looking for for absolute ages: a khaki coloured playsuit. It fitted perfectly, and was exactly what I wanted for my big trip to Istanbul in two weeks time! I am planning on wearing it with some golden bangles, a big chunky necklace and my tan heels. Now, I already have had some comments about the fact that we are currently entering Autumn/Winter, but I simply could not refuse. And who knows, I might be able to wear it with a blazer, some ankle boots and chunky tights?! After all, most of my winter wardrobe consists of my summer wardrobe with an added piece of knitwear!

What do you think of this khaki coloured playsuit? A great fashion buy or not?

Elle Fanning for Marc Jacobs A/W 2011

Marc Jacobs sure does love the Fanning sisters. Dakota Fanning was the face of the label back in 2006, and now her little sister, Elle, is representing their Autumn/Winter collection. I do love Marc Jacob's recognizable style  for all of their adverts; finally, an advert that looks like it has hardly been touched or overworked via the use of Photoshop. The only thing that does worry me is the fact that Elle is only thirteen years old! I am not sure that she is therefore the right person to represent womenswear. But all of the criticism aside, I think the advert itself looks stunning (and I am loving the dress too!). 

What do you think of the advert? And do you think that Elle is too young to represent a womenswear line?

Preview Topshop's A/W 2011 Collection

 

New pictures have emerged of the Topshop Autumn/Winter collection, and I have to say: it looks A-MA-ZING! I love the combination of the over-the-knee socks, feminine dresses and the faux fur coats. Also, as there is so much to choose from, you can be sure that there is something in there for everyone. Apparently the prices have gone up a little bit, as there are more embellished and leather pieces. But, so far it definitely looks worth it! Personally, my favourite look has to be the cream lace dress (that is possibly one of my main weaknesses: I need to have anything with lace), with the faux-fur jacket and brown buckle brogues. Although, suprisingly I love the combination of the sheer red dress with the leopard print tights. 

All images are property of Topshop

What do you think of their new collection? What is your favourite look? Please leave a comment, and do not forget to follow!

Some of my favourite festival pieces

With Glastonbury coming up, I have been incredibly busy trying to put together the perfect festival wardrobe! Last year was ridiculously sunny, but unfortunately I have a feeling that this year, this might not be the case. Therefore, wellies and waterproofs are definitely in order! Anyways, I have picked out a few of my own favourite pieces that will ensure a fashionable festival experience! Enjoy.

1. Green Parka, Zara, £59.99

I love this parka, and it would look great when worn with some cut-off shorts and a pair of wellies! 

2. Studded denim shorts, Bitching and Junkfood, £70

These studded denim shorts have a great rock vibe about them, and definitely have the 'wow' factor! Wear with a simple t-shirt to make sure that the main focus stays on the shorts (which is just the way it should be).

3. Fringed vest top, H&M, £12.99

Fringes are one of the key trends for this year's festival season, so why not invest in this cream coloured fringed vest top? At only £ 12.99 it is an absolute bargain. 

4. Mint coloured sunnies, ASOS, £10

I love these round  mint coloured sunnies, as they are quite different but incredibly cool. Who says Ray Bans are the only way to go?

5. Waterproof Yellow Mac, Topshop, £45

Inevitably, as it is only England, it will probably rain at some point or another. But not to worry! This bright yellow mac will keep you dry and warm, and your friends will probably not lose you either!

6. Double belt Trilby Hat, River Island, £16.99

Finally, a straw trilby hat is a necessity for any festival. This River Island one has a slight edge to it because of the two studded belts that have been added around the top. 

What do you think of my choices? And are you going to any festivals this year (or will I be seeing you at Glastonbury)? Please leave a comment, and don't forget to follow. 

Adele covers ELLE magazine

Picture owned by Cocoperez.com

Yay! I was particularly excited to see the latest issue of ELLE magazine, as the lovely Adele is 'one of the chosen ones' to grace its covers. In honour of the ELLE music issue, three exciting covers have been shot, with Gwen Stefani and Robyn posing alongside her. But, as I am currently obsessed with her music (her album has been on the number one spot for over ten weeks now), I do have to show my support for the talented Brit and admit that this is indeed my favourite cover! Even though Gwen Stefani and Robyn are both stunning women, I love the classic feel of Adele's cover. Plus, (especially for a cover shoot) you just have to love the big hair, and her editorial pictures are just as stunning. In honour of another talented British artist I have also decided to post Florence Welch's photo- she makes me want to dye my hair red (well, almost). Enjoy!

What do you think of her cover? Which one is your favourite? Please leave a message, and do not forget to follow. :)

Style Spy: Rachel Bilson

Image from: cocoperez.com

Once again, Rachel Bilson has given me another reason to see her as my favourite style icon! Lately she has been spotted wearing this wonderful outfit, which consisted of a Vanessa Bruno coral cropped jacket over a pale pink dress, and was combined with nude Maison Martin Margiela sandals. Personally I believe that the chunky necklace is the main  item which brings the whole outfit together, and I have spotted a lovely look-a-like in Urban Outfitters recently (for probably a tenth of the cost)! I am definitely impressed by Rachel Bilson's summer wardrobe so far, and I will be keeping a close eye on her future outfits, as she will probably end up being my muse for the summer! 

But more importantly: What do you think of her outfit? Yay or Nay?