Lust List: Pastels

This lust list has unintentionally adopted a pastel hue but it is pretty so I aren't complaining. 

The chartreuse coloured shirt from Topshop has already made its way to my wardrobe as I couldn't resist something so bright.  Worn with my faithful joni jeans and sleeves rolled up,it is a lovely little outfit.

 I am all for a good white tee as they are a staple piece. Love the slogan too. 

Ahh these lilac shorts, Topshop, are keeping me up at night, they aren't in stock in my size and I know I could style these in lots of ways. Want, want, want. They could be worn on holiday, with a clean cut tee, styled up a black top and heels or even transfer over to colder months with tights and a leather jacket. Such a versatile piece to justify the slightly steeper price tag. I am now on the hunt for these or something similar. 

Another Topshop item on my list, peach silk cami, can be layered with either my white or black blazer. So pretty for this time of year and only £18. 

Final thing is this white wrap front dress, I know I wont actually ever buy this but it can still be admired from afar. I have read such bad reviews on this and the red verison on Topshop's website- mainly concerning how the wrap feature- which is what makes it special, gapes quite a lot. Now, being a fuller bust myself I stand no chance in pulling this off. 

I have been doing some work experience these past two weeks and I had such a fun time but lord, it has tired me out. I've now found myself my first 'post-uni' job and I'm contracted until Xmas so I will have a steady time schedule and even better, a steady income so I hope to really work on my blog as I have thoroughly caught the blogging bug- I read them everyday and have a million and one unfinished drafts so if you do like to read, please stick around! 

Happy Summer, so glad we are finally having some proper weather. 

Rachel xo

The statement necklace

A statement necklace is a fast and fun way to spruce up our outfits. So as summer is making its way slowly but surely, we hopefully won't be reaching for our scarves and jackets quite as often, leaving our 'look' a little undone, adding a necklace can really bring it all together and gives focus on your outfit. The high-street is the perfect place to nab a necklace with an array of colours and materials, you can chose the right one for you and the look you're going for. I have picked out a few that really caught my eye. 

The long necklace is from Topshop and I think this is a lovely piece as a longer chain can really elongate your body. The crystal pendant is beautiful and I am quite the fan of the mixing of metals,silver and the copper bronze. 

The emerald necklace is ASOS, a real statement piece. 

The bunting effect necklace is ASOS, such a simple design but so pretty. 

The orange jewelled bib necklace from ASOS is a gorgeous colour, orange has been quite popular in the past months and this is a great way to add some colour to your outfit if you can sometimes shy away from colour. 

The tortoise pendant with a turquoise stone is the epitomy of summer, the bold colour would love beautiful against a plain white tee and the tortoise makes you think of the beach. This Ted Baker piece is available on ASOS. It is on a short chain and a dainty design that adds the perfect pop of colour. 

The chunky gem embellished necklace is from River Island and has a gun-metal chain. 

The gold caps collar neckalace from Topshop can be reminiscent  of Mr T but I assure you is very wearable. 

The white leather necklace with a plaited chain is a great summer piece. It has bolts and gem emballishment which really toughens up a look, we won't all be swishing our dresses around now, will we. 

And finally, the neon yellow bib necklace with stone emballishement is a really detailed piece from ASOS that looks very glamourous but is still fun because of the colour. 

I think all these necklaces can and should be worn day and night, they add such detail to an outfit. You can chuck on your trusty jeans and a fresh t-shirt, simply adding a statement necklace really pulls the outfit together and no-one would ever know how little effort has gone into getting ready that morning. Even pulling your hair up, as it just might be needing a wash, really lets the necklace shine and show off. 

A definite favourite accesory of mine, everyone should have a 'go-to' necklace to add some pazazz to your look. 

Rachel xo

Skirts

Clockwise from top left Zara// Missguided// Kenzo// Zara// Topshop// ASOS// Zara. 

Lately I have been doing a little skirt flirting and there are an array of styles to pick from. I am usually a dress or jeans girl and my wardobe is definitely lacking in the skirts department.

You can not go wrong with a maxi skirt and this semi sheer number from Topshop is gorgeous. Perfect colour for Summer and this is a transitional piece that can be layered with a black chunky knit and boots as the months go on. Listen to me talking about A/W when our S/S has only just kicked in.

My absolute lust item is the Kenzo blue wrap skirt, the shape and structure of this skirt is flattering and could be styled for a day or evening look. Unfortunately it is out of my price range but a girl can dream. 

I have my eye on the green skirt form ZARA, I don't typically 'do' green but I think this would a good pop of colour to my wardrobe . Lime green is on trend currently so this darker hue would be a good compromise for myself. 


Rachel xo

White

It is safe to say that Spring has finally sprung. Now things are really lightening up, so can our wardrobes. A pop of bright white will emphasise those tans we'll be working on in the coming months and so I picked a few pieces for inspiration to a little white-washing this season. 
This look can be worn head to toe for a real style statement and it isn't as difficult as it sounds. 

Top left: Topshop dress// The asymmetric length is a gorgeous detail of this dress that really makes it look sharp and stylish. 

Top centre: Topshop organza tee// The sheer panel and ribbed texture add a little something more to dress up this classic white tee. 

Top right: Topshop dress// This dress is leather look and the simple cut is beautiful. 

Bottom left: Zara bag// This bag comes in an array of colours and is only £22.99. The perfect size for your day to day handbag duties. Snap one up now! 

Bottom centre: Topshop vest// Wear this crop top with high-waited jeans or a skirt. The mess panels really dress this up. 

Bottom right: ASOS Skirt// This skirt is linen which a light material perfect for warmer weather. I love that is a wrap skirt, too. 

Hope you have seen something you like on here to try on the bright white look yourself but if all else fails, and you know you're the type of person who will spill anything and everything down yourself, remember, you can't go wrong with a crisp white tee. Very affordable and it is always on trend. 

I'm off to buy the skirt and I'm also tempted by a lot of the white heels I've seen around, Kurt Geiger so some beauts but I'll have a shop around. 

Rachel xo 

Summer Shorts

Every year it rolls around, prompting women across Britain to take take those extra minutes shaving, applying a little self-tan and maybe taking the stairs at work for a little leg difinition. Ladies, Spring/ Summer is on it's way - albeit 5 minutes fashionably late, and so comes with it the appearence of shorts on our high-street to perfect our pins. 
Here is a pick of some of the best I've seen so far.

1. These embroided shorts from ZARA are amazing. You can dress them up for cocktails in the lighter evenings we're having or dress down with a simple tee. Simple but beatiful. More of an investment though at £59.99. 

2. City shorts have come back around as tailoring has become more and more popular and found in most shops currently. This pair from River Island are on trend with their tile jacquard print and with the matching blazer available, it is a stylish nod to the power suit. Suit up, look sharp. 

3. The 'skort' from ZARA is so lovely versatile as it looks like a skirt from the front but they are actually shorts. I have something similar from last year's collection but in grey. They are also available in black if, like me, you live by the motto 'I'll stop wearing black when they invent a darker colour'. 

4. These lime lovelies are from H&M and only £17. The colour and texture are so interesting and would really bring an interesting element to you outfit. Team with a loose white shirt, sunglasses and you're good to go. 

5. These shorts from  ASOS are stunning. They're high waisted and have a scalloped trim. I could definitely see this at a festival with the folk inspired print, although perhaps they are too gorgeous to grub up. 

6. What Summer would be complete without a fantastic pair of denim shorts? A staple piece in any wardrobe. This pair from Topshop are high waisted which are really flattering for any figure and a stretchy denim which makes them more comfortable. 

Will you be sporting shorts this Spring/ Summer? 

Rachel xo

Wedding Belles Part 2

One post just isn't enough to indulge in all the beautiful dresses on offer for Wedding season. 

1. ZARA Beautiful and delicate print. 
2. Topshop Cobalt blue is on trend and the soft pleating and dipped hem really add a little elegance. 
3. ZARA Love the shape of this dress and the soft floral pattern makes it really beautiful, without the floral, it would be a white dress and if there's one thign we all know, do NOT wear white to a wedding. 
4. Topshop Orange is bang on trend this season and this dress does not disappoint. Quite a structured dress in a soft fabric. I saw this dress at the weekend and it is stunning. 
5. ASOS The sweetheart neckline is a lovely detail and the colour is striking whilst the soft lace embalishment balances this lovely dress. 

Such lovely dresses and I now need a dozen wedding invites, stat!

Wedding Belles Part 1

 

I have been a bit MIA this last week on my blog, I was taking some much needed R&R back home with my family for a short and sweet Easter break. During my visit, my Mum, big sister and myself went Wedding shopping, my sister is getting married next year and seeing as I aren't often home we thought we'd best use our time together to sort of the most important part of the day, The Dress. It was a lovely day and I think she may have found 'The One'. Whilst in what can only be described as dress heaven, I got thinking about what everyone else will wear for the Big Day. I know I'll be wearing my Bridesmaids dress so I took it upon myself to scour the internet to find some wedding appropriate attire that I would wear if I weren't Head Bridesmaid. 

1. ASOS. Just enough 'sweet and romantic' without looking like you're a Flower Girl. 

2. ASOS A personal favourite of mine. Almost wish I wasn't a part of the Bridal party so I could justify making a cheeky purchase.

3. Topshop Beautiful colour and fabric. Understated elegance with the sleeve length, too. 

4. ASOS A bit different for a wedding but I love monochrome. 

5. Topshop This is a Kate Middleton lookalike, if it's good enough for her..

6. Topshop The same style as no.4 but in blue/purple. 

I have chosen a few more dresses which I'll post in a following post.

'A-Z' A is for Animal Print

For my little A-Z series of all things beauty and style related and I am starting, naturally, with 'A' for Animal Print. Love it or hate it, it is always available on the high street and can be done quite well, too. Dependent on how much leopard love you have, there are plenty of ways to incoporate it into your wardrobe. 

The sunglasses are from Zara and I personally love them, a subtleway to wear leopard print and sunglasses mean sun shining, nice weather out.. What is not to love? 

The scarf is also from Zara, it is not your typical animal print with the yellow and blue colours but it is lovely and bright which could really spruce up your outfit. 

The iPhone case is only £8 from River Island. 

Nail Rock wraps, another affordable and quick way to add a little something to an outfit. 

Red and blue animal print dress, ASOS. Absolutely love this dress, it is not obviosuly animal print but the shape and colours look lovely. I would wear this for the day and evening. Dress it down with a leather jacket and boots or slap a bit of tan on your legs, your best nude heels and clutch bag and you're ready for a nightout. 

The knickers are from Topshop, they are a high brief which maybe isn't practical day to day (VPL) but they look beautiful and I like that they arent the typical brown and black leopard print. Very glamorous. 

The shift dress, ASOS is a perfect day dress, you could wear it with black tights and a jacket. 

Found this snap of me wearing a Topshop wrap dress in leopard print, I like it as it's a bit different as it's grey toned.

This is a fovourite scarf of mine, from Warehouse, I bought it when I was a Fresher and it is huge, literally wrap myself in it when I'm cold, love it and it is my 'go-to' scarf. 

Yes, so that is my love for a little bit of animal print declared. It can be done without looking like Kat Slater. 

Rachel xo

Bolsa

A new handbag is a great way of updating your look quickly and affordably whilst putting a spring in your step when you're carrying your new arm candy around. The high street has come up trumps with their selection of styles just recently and I picked a few of my favourites and wanting to sing their praises- not literally. 

1. This peach delight is from ASOS   and it is a perfect little clutch for Spring and the front pocket very loosely reminds me of the Mulberry Willow bag, front pockets are in ladies! 

2.   The Zara studded bowling bag  is a bit pricey and not Spring looking at all but when is new black bag enough black bags? Never. The studded detail is an alternative to the Alexander Wang Rocco bag that was a style staple for a long time. Again, note the front pocket. It's a trend I tell ya. 

3. The YSL rip off  clutch is from Ebay  and I mainly like this for the colour, it is described as Dark Beige and I see it as a taupey grey, I love this tone of colour all year round and the simple design is beautiful and you could wear it everyday. 

4. Who doesn't love a bit of animal print? This clutch is another great find off of ASOS.  Perhaps more of an evening bag or if you had somewhere to dress up for in the day but still a lovely bag I would be happy to clutch onto as I went about my day. 

5. I have seen a lot of these neon box bags around recently and ZARA didn't disappoint with their own one. I really want this bag as it is just so cool and I don't have anything like it. The box bag has a zip pouch within it so your things wont clack around in the plastic box, but you could remove it too if you wanted your phone and lippy to be seen, which looks cool too. Want, want, want. 

6. This bag by Pieces but found on ASOS is, for lack of a better word, perfect. The size is suitable to lug around all your things at once, the shape is the popular 'bucket' that Zara did so well last year and I love the colour, nice and neutral grey but it has the ombré effect, which can be a little bit too 'done' but I like it on this bag. 

Do you like any of these bags or spotted one yourself? 

Rachel xo