#stylepost - Margaret Howell Spring Fever

I can guarantee that I'm not the only Spring devotee currently on the hunt for that perfect Breton striped jumper and those shorts that, without any effort whatsoever from the sleepy headed girl wearing them, can pull an outfit together like your day depends on it.

Already having trouble saving, I'd convinced myself that I don't need to be spending a fortune on new clothes this Spring and the money adding up in my bank account will be worth it... that was until I took a nosy into the backlogs of  some Margaret Howell advertisements and realised that I was oh so wrong.

A Surrey-born, British clothes designer, Howell's key pieces usually involve  beloved trench-coats, duffle coats, shirts and lace up gym pumps. Although I usually prefer a little more clean cut, straight edge kind of style, I can't help but gaze lovingly at some of Howell's pieces wishing I had a tennis game to watch (where my outfit might seem a little more appropriate than on the streets on Cordoba).

A girl can dream

I've found a few bits and pieces from the high street that are very Howell-esque and hopefully won't dissolve your entire years savings...

  

  

           

Left Reiss Link Skirt (135 euros)

Right Zara Long Sleeved Striped Top (29 euros)

 

Left Mango Dress (25.99 euros)

Right Whistles Shona Stripe Jersey Dress (£95.00)

#stylepost - Primavera = Little Dragon + Margaret Howell + Madewell

A 3-day week in Spain thanks to Puente & Carnival.

A road-trip to Lisbon in 48 hours.

Payday is well and truly on the horizon.

Spring is almost/kind of/finally here.

4 reasons that make this pointless post a little less pointless.

Hello Primavera, jackets, bright colours and sangria.

Goodbye dark mornings, big scarves and Saturday afternoons spent indoors.

Madewell

Margaret Howell

Paul & Joe

Zac Posen

#stylepost - Whistles Shoes & Accessories SS14

I've always been a big fan of Whistles. 

( I was an even bigger fan during the Manchester Outlet years but I'm slowly coming to terms with that loss)

The prices can be quite high-end and not something you'd spend on a weekly/monthly basis but their quality is 'failsafe' and they do iconic dresses like the French do Petit Fours.

They come up with guaranteed timeless pieces season after season, the fabrics are always luxury quality and, although they are trend led, they never stray too far away from our beloved British style.

After a nosy at their recent 'Brand Day' it seems that this season they've put a lot of love into their shoes and accessories range... it's screaming Sandro with a play on fabrics and it's doubled my 'to buy' list.

Just picture a cross between Hanneli Mustaparta's wardrobe, a flamboyant flamingo and a dash of J.W. Anderson.

Maya Gladiator Footbed (£225) hurry up Summer!!

(above photos taken from Whistle's Instagram account)

Bridgitte Round Heavy Sunglasses (£60)

Faye Mirrored Sunglasses Black (£60)

Fedora Felt Hat (£55)

Rivington Clutch (£115)

Limited Eva Tote (£325)

#stylepost - Metallics & Coloured Leather Spring '14

I think that I'm a little late on the metallic bandwagon but better late than never eh?

I always saw it as a Christmas trend, something to sparkle in front of the fairy lights, but now I'm finding it hard to say goodbye. As it's still only January I'm still sticking within the Winter guidelines (minus the boozy Christmas parties) but I know, as Spring will soon dawn on us, I need to find a new way of wearing metallics...

It's fair to say that during January/February my days are spent lounging in a pair of Topshop jeans (that's after prising my pyjamas off of myself) and after having seen Versace's SS14 spread in DAZED digital I'm now definite that my jeans aren't going to budge. Even better, Versace are also repping pastel leathers this Spring/Summer.

I couldn't think of anything easier than throwing on a t-shirt and leather jacket, especially with some of H&M and Zara's versatile, key pieces.  

If you're looking for a cheaper option after the party season then keep your outfit simple and opt for metallic eyes or nails. Team with jeans and a thick knit jumper or even reuse your party blazer and a white tee... keep your hair loose or shove the top half straight up with a crocodile clip for a fresher look.

Zara pastel coloured faux leather zip jacket (£69.99) - Actually in love with this jacket

Zara sequinned t-shirt (£39.99)

H&M belt with metal decoration (£12.99)

H&M Metallic T-shirt Silver/Bronze (£14.99)

#stylepost - Drop It Like It's Hot VBSS14

Victoria Beckham's recent drop waist dress has been called many things over the past few weeks...

Voluminous. A billowy tent. A cloud.

Although some might not agree, for me the SS14 dress is simple, flattering and effortless and being honest, over the past few months I've become a little tired of the almost 'predictable' trend of high waisted skirts/crop top combo. Us ladies look great in them but sadly we don't all have abs to kill and the flair to pull off a barely there, luminous top.. no? That's why the influx of fresh pastels and flowing layers has kicked my Autumn off to a good start.

It's just a shame the price doesn't match this. 

If £1,500 isn't too steep for your price range then by all means head over to Net-A-Porter and grab us all one but if your pay packet is a little more modest then these ASOS alternatives are our new best friends.

Victoria Beckham SS14 NYFW

ASOS Smock Dress With Dropped Waist (£48.99)

ASOS Shift Dress With Drop Waist (£31.50)

ASOS Drop Waist Dress In Acid Wash (£15.00)

ASOS Sundress In Spot And Stripe With Drop Waist (£19.00)

Orla Kiely Drop Waist Dress in Silk Crepe (£179.00)

Mango Smock Dress (£45.00)