SPRING SHOES

I love Spring because there's this new found energy amongst people. There's always that one day right at the start of Spring where the weather is beautifully sunny and mild and everyone starts to remember Summer; people optimistically where shorts (even though it's only about 12 degrees) and eat ice cream. In the depths of winter when it's dark at three o'clock and everything seems so dull and bleak, it's hard to imagine you were down Brighton beach only a few months ago, sipping on a Bulmers and spending your wages on the Pier. Then all of a sudden, hello Spring! Everyone comes alive and the prospect of Summer seems real and closer than ever! 

Spring is just around the corner, and one thing I'm loving is Spring shoes - beautiful new collections of heeled sandals and chunky pastel coloured boots.

Zara  £79.99

 Zara £39.99

 ASOS £42.00

ASOS £45.00

Shellys London £50.00

 New Look £19.99

Nike £16.00

ASOS £20.00

Carvela £100.00

ASOS £40.00

Kurt Geiger £55.00

 The White Pepper £90.00

 The White Pepper £58.00

Whistles £135.00

Whistles £135.00

 Topshop £55.00

Topshop £60.00

Topshop £62.00

Topshop £58.00

Slogan Sweaters and Sporty Chic

I'm loving two SS14 trends at the moment, firstly all things pastel and secondly, logos, slogans and vintage sporty wear. Check out these amazing looks!

ASOS Marketplace - Nordic Poetry Boutique

ASOS Marketplace - Wild Palms Boutique

ASOS Marketplace - Island Fever Boutique

ASOS Exclusive

When searching for vintage pieces like this, places like ASOS Marketplace and eBay are a GOLDMINE! You won't find authentic one-off pieces in High Street/online fashion stores because they are not being mass produced anymore. The people you see wearing old-school Adidas for example, will have found them in charity shops or have probably done what I did with the Tommy Hilfiger oversized sweater dress above - spent hours searching online until you track one down! Etsy is also a good resource! Obviously there are pieces which are still being produced - the exclusive to ASOS Ellesse jumper above is beautiful and online NOW! xox

TOPSHOP UNIQUE @ the Tate Modern

I don't know about you, but thanks to Topshop Unique, I'm already looking towards AW14. As I sat, coffee in one hand, notebook in the other, I was desperately excited - and I was right to be. Topshop Unique's SS14 collection was a breathtaking display which wowed the audience in Regent's Park Topshop Show Space. Five months later in the Tate Modern's Turbine Hall, we watched with bated breath as Topshop revealed a stunning array of chiffon skirts, sheer layers, refreshing pastel lemons and the all important outerwear - a fabulous collection of oversized coats, furry two-tone patchwork and yes, the metallic puffa jacket. 

As the show started, I almost felt like I was back in primary school (minus the lace under skirts and knee high boots). Navy blues and deep greys dominated the catwalk with cute pinafore dresses and chiffon skirts combined with cable knits, simple shorts and grey midi skirts. The autumnal colours clashed with flashes of electric blue layers and prints. Fur seems likely to be big in AW as it featured in much of the collection - gillets combined with belts, collars and that infamous patchwork coat which took centre stage in the finale.

Things started to heat up with the introduction of warm caramel colours, brown leathers and even a snake skin print. Jourdan Dunn looked impeccable in a peacock embellished coat, the print appearing again in a simple statement black bandeau dress and a timeless crisp white shirt later in the show.

Caramel transformed into Crème Brûlée when a refreshing display of creamy lemon pastels hit the catwalk, with fur lined ankle boots and lace, both of which appear to be signature features of the Topshop Unique AW14 collection.

The vast display of coats took centre stage and were diverse in shape, size and print. Oversized puffa jackets (including the stunning floor length black number and the head turning metallic), long fuzzy belted coats and an extensive collection of oversized furs and simple box cut jackets.

The final pieces of the collection were elegant and timeless; black layered skirts and evening dresses, combined with the sheer fabrics and chiffon skirts which were extensive throughout the collection. The opaque bodies paired with long layered midi's and black trousers appeared effortlessly beautiful and were two of my firm favourites throughout. The only issue? I want them all and you will too! Lets get saving!

Whilst we look towards SS14, we can say with confidence that when September eventually rolls around and the sun sets, we still have a little light to hold onto - the Topshop Unique collection, which has again proved to be world class. But for now lets get excited about Summer 2014 and all those pieces we were so desperate to get our hands on back in September!

xox

Another post about The White Pepper!

Okay, so I know I've already made a post praising The White Pepper and basically proclaiming it my favourite brand on this planet, but another one is so necessary right now because I've just looked through their New In section and my, OH MY, I could have cried, for two reasons. The first because it is the most beautiful collection of pastels, prints and knits (if you don't believe me, look below) and secondly because I can't purchase anything till payday. Boooo. Where's my student loan when I need it? Hm.

What makes your favourite fashion brand? When there is not a single item in their collection that you dislike. I cannot imagine how anyone could dislike this style - beautiful, elegant and utterly timeless.

This twin set is my absolute favourite and top of my post pay day shopping list!

The new knit collection is to die for! Amazing.