The Kitten Heel

I am really feeling the kitten heel - subtle and elegant, they add an ounce of femininity to even the most androgynous outfits. To the right is a pair of my mum's vintage LK Bennett kitten heels. Classically chic and elegant but the backless design makes them bloody hard to walk in. Oh well, they're so pretty that you forget about the pain. I'm thinking pastel coloured ones for demure summer walks about London...

Love for Block Heels

A key trend that's been spotted on the catwalks since last year is the gorgeous block heel. Not only does it give you the much-desired height but it is a far comfier and more casual alternative to the stiletto. I am a huge fan of this style - it looks incredibly high fashion and you can get away with wearing block heels during the day or at night. The blue and green platform sandals above are from ASOS at a relatively hefty £95. They are such a statement piece and I love that block feels have that luxury fashion feel but still maintain a bit of playfulness in contrast to the overtly sexy stiletto.

I think the block heel is a good way to break yourself into wearing heels. I, a complete pumps lover, have always wanted to wear more high heels but due to my being rather unusually tall for an asian, have always opted against this. I have, however, decided to take baby steps and overcome my fear and bought these gorgeous Carvela block heel sling- backs which were on sale and a bargain at only £39.

Doing grown up elegance best

Jaeger are the epitome of a 'grown up' brand. While, I love their elegant cuts and chic designs, being labelled grown up can sometimes be a polite way of saying 'boring.' But, according to their recent LFW catwalk show, their spring/ summer collection is full of gorgeous pieces, true to their classic brand but with a sharp modern twist.

I adore this silk black tipped jacket. It's boxy shape would make a lovely contrast to a floaty dress and the shimmery blue colour adds a bit of a playfulness to it. Plus, I LOVE the black tipping and the lapel - I'm a sucker for tuxedo jackets.

never without inspiration

Recently, I've been looking to the past for inspiration in making fashion decisions. There's such a wealth of fashion history out there and there's so much to play around with...

I'm a huge fan of Art Deco designs and I was browsing on the Pasttimes website (yes, many people think it's just for grannies but hey, I have an old soul) and there are some absolutely gorgeous pieces that are completely inspired by this period, with their geometric shapes and strong motifs at pretty reasonable prices.




I have been lusting after these 'emerald' earrings which also have a matching necklace and ring. I absolutely adore statement jewellery; it never fails to brighten up a dull outfit or add a quirky touch to a classic look.

When looking through history for fashion inspiration, there's no way you can ignore the fashion of the sixties. And top on my wish list is this beautiful tapestry bag which has a retro, mod feel to it - reminscent of the swinging sixties. Apparently, during the sixties, young people actually used to cut up a Union Jack flag and sew it into a bag like the one below... makes me wish I was that resourceful...



I was feeling a little uninspired lately but researching old fashion trends has proved to be the thing I just needed - time to mix up my wardobe a little methinks.

E-shopping mania...

Over these last few years, e-shopping has become hugely popular... it seems now we no longer feel the need to go literally shopping, when we can get that same andrenaline rush virtually. Who hasn't put off work or studying to sneak a peek on the Asos website, only to go on a huge shopping spree without even getting up off the sofa?!

So, what does this actually mean for the future of shopping? Are actual shops losing a huge percentage of their trade to online sites, where less staff are employed and there are lower costs all round e.g. no electricity, shop fittings, maintenance. And what does this mean for the ever-increasing shopping savvy customer?

I, for one, think that whilst internet shopping will continue to grow in bounds and leaps, the role of the shop is still going to be a huge asset to our economy. I love the escapism of shopping, when the shops don't have that horribly hectic atmosphere but you can quite calmly view the different collections at your leisure. For me, I love to feel the textures and different fabrics of clothes I like - part of the fun is the trying on process, especially when you try on clothes you know you'll never be able to afford - it's all part of the 'dress up'. Even if you're feeling particularly down, a good shop is always hugely beneficial to your spirits, especially when punctuated with lovely coffee and cake breaks where you can sit and ponder all the items you're lusting after. I try and plan at least one of these truly self-indulgent days at least once every two months (obviously depending on the funds!) but it's something I always look forward to and I don't think that high from clicking 'Add to basket' will ever be able to overtake that, however nice it is to wake up in the morning with a nice fat parcel from net-a-porter!!

While we're on the subject of e-shopping, these are a few of either my coveted pieces that I got while surfing the old interweb...


These are Lipsy highwaisted shorts which I got from the sale at Asos for fifteen quid. They were an unusual find, seeing as I'm averse to Lipsy usually - just think that most of their items are tacky and sold at ridiculously extortionate prices but these shorts are cute and I wear them with tights and high ankle boots.


My beautiful Helene Berman coat which I got again, on sale, from Asos which is now becoming my second favourite website (after google). It's faux fur collar gives it a vintage ladylike feel and it looks gorgeous with a hat, wooly tights and t-bar shoes. However, the faux fur collar has been molting slightly - that's one of the problems about buying online. It can sometimes make you incredibly lazy when deciding on what to buy and you can never really get a true feel for the quality of the item. Either way, I'm obviously addicted!

Best contemporary british fashion!

I compiled this teeny collage with the aim of encapsulating why I love British fashion. Everything's always a bit quirky and offbeat (annoying words I know) but it's so refreshing in comparison with the stereotypical 'perfect' look. In my opinion, perfection is overrated. I prefer looking slightly scruffy than utterly groomed - maybe it's just me but I end up feeling like a bit of a fraud...

I especially love Jameela Jamil's sexy-not-smutty look - the trilby hat and the rocky boots make the look a lot less 'little girl' and more 'strong woman'.

Kate Moss has always been a style icon and I can seriously not imagine her EVER looking uncool. The cheekbones and legs probably help to make everything she wears cool. I remember going through a phase of wanting to wear hotpants, waistcoat and a trilby hat, after seeing Moss in that very ensemble; however, I have since realised what looks good on a supermodel doesn't necessarily look good on the average person a la me. Damn those models...

I think Sophie Ellis Bextor is really underrated in the fashion world. I've seen her wearing beautiful pieces a lot of the time and she's really not afraid to take risks which I love. I also LOVE her porcelain complexion, which she often complements with bright eyeshadow and lipstick - a refreshing change from the numerous oompa loompas in the media at the moment.

Talking of porcelain beauties, Florence Welch epitomises the quirky, slightly eccentric rock chick with a beautifully unique look. I love the way she layers her clothes in the collage and I'm a sucker for leopard skin coats!! I'm a bit sad but I actually can't wait for winter just to get the coats and opaque tights out...

I'm not into it-girls at all (don't even get me started on how utterly USELESS they are) but I thought I'd add in Daisy Lowe seeing as she's quite a big fashion inspiration at the moment with her sexy mixed with rock and roll look. In my opinion, I prefer Alexa whose limby body lends itself well to pretty much any type of clothing and she always takes risks. I especially love her long socks in the picture; the sixties look never goes out of fashion...

Wardrobe favourites

Seeing as I'm going through a horrible spell of being broke (when aren't I?), I thought I'd start looking at the clothes and accessories I own that I love and hopefully, this will reignite a greater appreciation of them.

I don't really like the culture of disposable fashion although I'll be the first to admit that I do sometimes buy clothes from places like Primark. In an attempt to make myself feel slightly better, I regularly clear out clothes that I just haven't worn in the last few months or that I decided to buy impulsively - which believe me, is a lot! Since my internship at Cancer Research UK, where I had to analyse methods to generate stock acquisition, I have become far more aware of being a responsible and ethical shopper so I am trying my very best to buy clothes that 1) I will definitely wear and don't just look good on the mannequin and 2) that are worth their price i.e. nowadays, I'd rather save my pennies to buy something that I know is going to be an investment instead of the latest fad.

Anyway, enough of my ramblings. Here's an insight into a few coveted pieces from my wardrobe round about now...

I love this cream lace blouse from New Look. I think it was something like £20. There are loads of lace garments on the high street at the moment but I think the combination of lace with the exaggerated, highly dramatic shoulders makes this piece stand out and actually appear a lot more expensive than it is. It's great with a jersey skirt or jeans for the daytime or teamed with a sophisticated pencil skirt, it makes a great evening look. (Please ignore my awful camera skills; I have a lot to learn. Also that weird big dark thing on my right arm is my tattoo, not just a weird birthmark...)


If I had to describe the look I'm into right now, it would probably be something like 'rebellious youthful sophistication'. That doesn't help much I know. For a visual representation, this picture ought to give you some sort of idea.

Kind of sophisticated elegance mixed with naughty schoolgirl...
The velvet blazer is oldschool Jaeger and is a coveted possession of mine - it automatically makes an outfut look smarter and edgier. The pleated skirt is from Karen Millen - an excellent perk of being a former KM shopgirl and I'm wearing the same New Look blouse as mentioned earlier.

Right now, I'm reaaally loving stiletto wedges although they are pretty tricky to wear. I'm deluding myself into thinking I just haven't had enough practice so far... I got these ones from Dune; they were a tad expensive at £100 but the suede is so lovely plus I had been eyeing them for a while... plus they're an investment buy!! (an excuse I use a LOT)


Finally, a lovely versatile dress. It's made from a sort of wool fabric which I love because it's highly flattering and really soft to touch. It's from French Connection and was originally £65 but it's half price in the sale and is a birthday gift to me from my sister. I LOVE the exaggerated shoulders (again, the shoulders are a major theme - mainly because I have the shoulders of a rower despite the fact I hate pretty much all sports) and the gold zips give the dress a funky edgy feel. This is a great work dress - you can get away with wearing it during the day and the night, it's great value for money!! My only tiny quibble is that due to the fact it is very slim fitting on the bottom half because of its body con style, any tiny bulge is pretty visible which is a bit of a bummer...but maybe that's an incentive to stay away from the junk food??

Another picture:

Something that I ALWAYS end up wearing is my oversized slightly crazy grannyish cardigan from Topshop. I bagged it in the sale for £9 - I think it's original price was something like £35 - and it is one of my favourite items. I honestly think there's nothing better than a dress, an oversized cardigan and heels (a la Jameela Jamil).


And last but not least, my vintage leather bag - I had been lusting for a leather bag for ages before I found this one. I bought it from a lovely leather stall in Paddington Station for around a tenner. I've tied my favourite neck scarf (£1 in a sale from Warehouse) around it in the picture which I use so very much. The picture does not do both items justice, purely because I am shite with cameras, but vintage leather bags = gorgeous.


Hope you enjoyed!!x