#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)

#stylepost - Marant for H&M Sneak Peek

So I'm still having trouble, 2 months in advance, deciding if I'm actually going to risk going in-store or just taking my chances online when the Isabel Marant 2013 collection for H&M finally lands. To add to this dilemma, yesterday Stylist magazine made my wait even more difficult when it posted a preview of the collection online reminding me just why I'm so excited.

From classic Parisian-chic chunky knits (£79.99) to a bomber jacket to die for (£79.99), it looks like Marant has done us proud by sticking to her trademark bohemian style with her signature rock and roll twist. It's got tassels, prints and that perfect combination of maroon and royal blue that we've all been waiting for.  

Even the leather pants (£179.99) are tempting, although I'm not too sure that my thighs would agree...

Peasant blouse (£59.99)

Chunky knit cardigan (£79.99)

Leather pants (£179.99)

Bomber jacket (£79.99)

Top (£59.99)

Top (£59.99)

Leather / Suede boots (£149.99)

Twist dress (£69.99)

Earrings (£14.99)

Belt (£29.99)

Plain Tee (£24.99)

Jeans (£29.99)

#updatepost - Back in business

After a long break over the Summer I've finally got the time to sit down and get back to blogging!

A new move from the North of Spain to the sunny South, Cordoba to be exact. A city with beautiful streets, beautiful patios and even more beautiful people. Due to the 40 degree heat I've unfortunately had to ditch my favourite layers, coats and throws for now but it does mean that I can take advantage of the lighter clothes the ever so popular Spanish tiendas Zara & Mango have to offer.

So far, I haven't got to venture out much in terms of monuments and places of interest, sadly because back to teaching in September means a long wait between paydays but worry not... payday is just around the corner.

Catch up with my other photos via @amieelhamby

#stylepost - Tee total

Band, cropped, over-sized...

With street style in full swing, it’s hard to focus on just one trend. From the recent up rise in sports trainers, seen on models throughout fashion week, to next seasons lean towards mink... coats, scarves and even skirts. It’s getting harder and harder to find equilibrium between casual and dressed up and what makes you stand out from the crowds in New York, Paris and London, might make you stand out for a completely different reason in smaller cities and towns across England and Europe. 

For some lucky people, wearing what you want, when you want is a piece of cake no matter what city you’re in, thanks to confidence and flair. For others (like me), we need a common ground of casual, almost always, in order to feel comfortable and confident which is why the return of the tee is our saviour.

Erin Wasson

(Ph. Caroline's Mode)

Daria Werbowy

Behati Prinsloo in Rag & Bone

#stylepost - Layered minis

This year brings the return of the mini.

Huge in street style, the mini has stuck with the monochrome look using plenty of blacks, greys and whites. Zara’s white layered mini (currently £25) works well with a thick knit jumper or pair it with a plain tee and loose hair, shown by Liu Wen, to give a minimal effort, casual look.

Less is more. 

Liu Wen wearing an asymmetric layered grey skirt

Zara white skirt £25

Sabrina Meijer @afterDRK Zara black skirt £29.99

#stylepost - Hanneli Mustaparta

Alexa Chung, Olivia Palermo, Miroslava Duma. Every fashion week has one.

Each season I spend hours perusing over Google images and blogs alike admiring the many outfits, accessories and looks worn by our style icons and this year I’ve done this more than ever.

I couldn’t count the number of times that I’ve searched ‘Hanneli Mustaparta’, whether it be for her hair, shoes or outfit all together. The photographer/blogger-turned- model has been on the fashion scene for a while now, sporting brunette shoulder-length hair, strong cheekbones and immaculate skin and now Calvin Klein has coined her as their Social Media Curator for 2013.

From crop tops to printed flares, thick knit jumpers to Acne leather and A-line dresses to all-white combos. She’s got it.

#foodpost - Feel good food

The rule for December is to eat what we want, when we want and enjoy every second of it.

The rule for January is to eat what we want, when we want and feel guilty about every second of it.

We all go through it.

Every year my New Year’s resolution is the same. Eat better. I don’t think I could tell you one year that I have actually eaten better and this year has been no different. I’ve had enough of post winter blues pulling their way through January and February and it’s time to stop. With March on its way I think my diet needs a little less vino, crusty bread and truffles and a little more fresh food and water.

I need to start taking advantage of Spanish food, and not only for the chorizo and bravas, but for the grilled fish & seafood and chickpea & spinach salads on every corner.

It’s time to make a change.

Roasted cauliflower & chickpeas with harissa 

Roasted Cabbage Slaw with Hazelnuts & Lemon

Honey-Lime Chicken Skewers

Tomato & Basil Bruschetta with Parmesan

Stuffed Aubergine

All recipes and photos can be found on my Pinterest along with their original owners.