Prints, please!

I've definitely started warming to prints. They're a great way to add a little bit of colour into your wardrobe if your wardrobe tends to resemble that of Wednesday Addams'. They're also an easy way to look on trend and are completely wearable, unlike some of the outrageous stuff you sometimes see on the catwalk.

I think there are different prints out there that are flattering to every body shape that exists. The general rule: smaller prints for those with a little more to love and larger prints for those who want to create the illusion of curves. Now, the fashion is clashing prints and I've spotted various Londoners bravely rocking this look, with maybe a floral top and a stripy trouser.

My favourite prints at the moment: Oriental prints which are very 'of the moment' but seeing as I'm of an Asian persuasion, I'm pretty wary about trying these out, for fear I'll end up looking like a waitress at a Chinese restaurant or something. So for me, I would stick with digital prints.

The other day I went out with a friend to a blues bar in Camden and decided to trial the print trend. I went for a slightly muted version, with a plain black chiffon shirt to balance out the neon prints of the skirt.



This skirt is from Topshop and was £34. I really like it although it's VERY mini and I must say, I did actually wear it with opaque black tights on the night. I really like the A Line design of the skirt - it's a bit different and is unusual for a mini which lately has been mainly body con (which I am sick of) or skater style. I like the way the background print is black and white which makes the neon floral motif stand out even more. I wore some plain black leather sandals with this to let the skirt do the talking :)

Topshop also sell a matching top for about £28 and I tried the top and skirt on together. I was surprised to see that I actually really liked going the whole hog and putting the two pieces together made for a fun and playful look. Might have to venture back and get the top in the near future...

It's oh so cold...

Even though it's nearing the end of February, the English weather is being typically schizophrenic. Earlier this week, it seemed as though spring was near but then it suddenly became bitterly cold and started snowing. Dressing for such changeable weather is a talent of many Brits possess because they have no other choice! I, for one, have learnt the hard way that you should always carry an umbrella in your handbag just in case and it's become something of a ritual to look up the weather forecast on the internet just before I head out anywhere.



Anyway, in such cold weather, I wore this outfit the other day to see some friends in London, consisting of an ASOS Faux Fur black coat with a dark red collar which was in the sale (an absolute bargain), my beloved faux leather pleated Warehouse mini skirt, an old navy Uniqlo jumper, ribbed tights ( a must to combat freezing legs) and my Karen Millen burgundy tote to give a pop of colour. While I am drawn to dark colours, I love to lift an outfit with a colourful accessory - this time it's my bag but it could be anything, a neon scarf or some print shoes.

I also have to profess my love for brightly coloured nails which stems back since I was about 5 years old and decided to paint my nails bright yellow for a whole summer.

Here I'm wearing Rimmel London's orange glittery 'Shirley Temple' nail varnish which brightens up the dull winter days and never fails to cheer an otherwise drab outfit up. It is prone to peeling so you'll need to apply a base and top coat for longlasting wear.

Full-length mirror

Finally, after years of not having one, I have bought myself a full length mirror. Unwilling to part with my hard-earned pennies for something too expensive, I found a bargain one from Argos at only £9.99. I have wanted a full length mirror for so long now; instead, I have had to judge my outfits through the limited view of a bathroom mirror which doesn't always give you the view you desire - especially if you want to see how your shoes impact an outfit! Viewing the top and bottom half of an outfit can sometimes suffice but getting an overall view really helps you understand your personal style as a whole and what suits you more generally. Excited to organise some new outfits and see what works and doesn't... will be posting my findings soon :)

LFW

It's a few days into London Fashion Week although I seem to have avoided seeing teeny fashionistas stumbling nonchalantly on the cobbled streets as I am in my little bubble of an office in Liverpool Street, the area of London seemingly unaffected by the fashion frivolities. However, I have been keeping abreast of all the LFW highlights and the various trends that are in style at the moment. I especially enjoyed the Orla Kiely's presentation, which showcased waifish models sitting at typewriters, in nostalgic knits and twee separates. Peter Pan collars, A-line mini skirts and cute cardigans was a nice contrast to Rihanna's controversial collection with River Island which, let's face it, was never going to be demure. I loved the 50's/ 60's influence with the models exhibiting beehive hairdos and feline eyeliner flicks - it all added to the whimsical, retro ambience!

Although I would love to be able to splash out on the Orla Kiely range, it's not exactly within my price range (one day...) but there are a number of equally whimsical accessories on the highstreet such as these accessories from Hobbs, which are both currently in the sale!

The teacup earrings were originally £29 but have been reduced to £8 and the gorgeous bow brooch is a bargain at £13

February lust list

From top left:

Fox bag from Temporary Secretary

Apocalips lip glosses from Rimmel (I want the one in nude for everyday wear)

Urban Decay eyeshadow primer

Check shirts!

Black flatform/ wedge sandal from Dune

Stephen Fry's autobiography, The Fry Chronicles

Hobbs tan leather brogues - on sale!

Cat eye sunglasses with pearl detail from ASOS

Any rose gold jewellery with spikes/ studs...

Fashion obsession: ankle boots

I have gone through a countless number of black ankle boots but I can't seem to kick the habit. These are my latest. Chunky heeled Chelsea-style ankle boots from New Look.

It's clearly been a productive day at work...