Dr Martens

Call me old fashioned, but I like my Dr Martens to be Dr Martens. You know, the brand that's known for its punk-influenced sturdy durable boot, favoured by those of a slightly alternative persuasion. I can see the logic behind pairing with Mancunian model Agyness Deyn - she's the 'alternative' model, with her androgynous short blonde crop and her penchant for edgy street style. However, it seems that her latest Spring Summer 2013 collection is just all sorts of wrong.



Chunky sandals with bows seems to be the overriding theme this collection and while it may suit a Ganguro girl in one of those 'kawaii' Japanese magazines, in reality it just looks unattractive and unappealing. It reminds me of those little shoes you wear when you're about 3 years old, which look cute purely because your feet are tiny. However, wearing these monstrosities as a fully grown woman is bizarre and I doubt even someone as attractive as Deyn could even pull it off.. Stick to the classics at Dr Marten. This sort of experimentation baffles my brain.

Staple work uniform

I've been a bit lazy of late. Early cold mornings have left me reaching for my 'work uniform' - my staples that I turn to when I can't be bothered to make a considered decision regarding my outfit. I work in PR so while I have to look smart, especially for client meetings, there is some leeway and I can go in looking less 'corporate' than many other people working in the City.

Over the past few weeks, I've noticed that my 'uniform' tends to consist of a jumper (slightly baggy usually, I am a fan of the men's jumpers for their loose and more relaxed fit), a skirt (pencil when I feel more formal and A-Line but above the knee when I feel slightly less so), thick black tights and loafers. Top this off with a long black coat and a pashmina and that pretty much sums up the outfit I've been wearing for the last month or so. Rather uninspired, I know, but chic and practical... plus surely a nod to the minimalist trend that is pretty popular at the moment. So, clearly, I am not being lazy; I am actually being very on trend ;)

Model of the moment

It's great seeing ethnic diversity in the modelling world. Although there are a growing number of models of different ethnicities, there is still a very narrow beauty ideal in the modelling world. If you don't believe this, just look at this ridiculous story where they used an over-bronzed Caucasian model to pose for an 'African Queen' editorial' (available to read, or gawp at, here: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2013/02/critics-pan-french-mags-african-queen-spread-with-darkened-white-model/).

My favourite model at the moment is the gorgeous Sui He, a 23 year old girl from China. She was the fist Asian model to open a Ralph Lauren runway show and the second model of Chinese descent to appear in the famous Victoria Secrets show. She's also the face of one of my favourite makeup brands, Shiseido.

I love her bone structure and her versatility in her editorials, which can range from ethereal to edgy and I'm always excited to see her next campaigns. There definitely needs to be a greater variety of faces in the modelling world to widen the stupidly narrow perception of beauty the media has contributed to creating. Baby steps...

Spring lust list

I can feel the weather getting milder... just. Which makes me start thinking about spring and being able to go walk outside without a thick woollen coat and boots. So this is my chance to make my list of things I like/ fancy/ want/ would get if I were a lot richer!



1. I've been drooling over this Miu Miu tote for a while now. It's in a great blush colour, which is really fashionable at the moment and surprisingly versatile, and will inject a bit of fun and playfulness into any outfit and is available to buy on the Net-a-Porter website. It costs £1100 so that would basically mean not eating for a few months...

2. I have been really getting into neon accessories, like this fluorescent statement necklace. It instantly lifts something basic like a grey t-shirt and adds a bit of effortless style.

3. I love big rings. Always have, always will. So when I saw this beaut on Asos which contains Swarovski crystal elements for only £15 in the sale, I knew I had to have it. If I could, I would wear a ring on every finger like some crazy lady.

4. With Mother's Day coming up, I was a little bit stuck as to what to buy my mum. Flowers and chocolates just seemed a little boring and old so I thought a box set of the best Audrey Hepburn films would be a good choice. It will make for some nice evenings lazing about on the sofa with a hot chocolate, marvelling at Audrey's gorgeous outfits and style :)

5. Mid-heeled block shoes. I loved these before they became the 'in' shoe as I can NOT walk in heels (I tend to waddle instead). So these are the perfect, classy compromise.

6. Floral hair accessories are gorgeous and great for the spring/ summer seasons. This one pictures is available in Accessorize and adds a fun element to every outfit.

7. Geo prints. On anything and everything.

8. Spring coats - lighter and more stylish than winter coats. This is a gorgeous one from one of my favourite stores - Cos. It's minimalist with a tie waist which will flatter anyone's figure plus it's in a gorgeous beige/ stone colour which goes with EVERYTHING. On my wish list for sure.

Stella's spring florals

I am really loving Stella McCartney's Spring/ Summer collection, which is available to buy on the Net-a-Porter website. Full of bright yet simple pieces and pinky red hues, this collection looks fresh, crisp and very inviting. My personal favourite is the Neon floral print jacquard skirt suit which could be teamed together or worn as striking separates.



Gorgeous additions to refresh your work wardrobe although I'll perhaps have to go for a cheaper version... counting the pennies and all that.