River Island: We Love High Tops...

They're an accessory that almost any girl from the age of fourteen ditched in favour of girly pumps or glamorous heels, but in a major fashion turn around (and possibly thanks to the hot urban celebs who are taking over the style stakes) the trainer has seemingly reappeared in our very own shoe collections.

But these aren't just any trainers: these are known as 'hightops'; the urban-street chic way to grunge down any outfit. Made popular recently by the sensational Rita Ora whose hits such as RIP and How We Do have had us tapping our sneaker-envied feet, the high-top is the only footwear to be seen in this season. And thanks to River Island, there is bound to be a pair that can be tailored to your fashion needs. So why not make like Rita Ora and ditch the heels for something a little comfier this season?

The High Top Hottie

Not afraid to channel the sport-chic look, you're already on top of this emerging trend. You're ditching your high heels for high tops already, being the envy of your friends on a night out whilst they hobble home and you dance until dawn. You're teaming them from day to night, whether its with a casual jumpsuit or with a fitted party dress. Why not try River Island's White and Silver High Tops, £40? They're practical for day time leisure yet have an added element of glam with the silver outline for the evening.

The Converse Coward

Does the thought of wearing trainers haunt you right back to your childhood days? Are you sat there wondering how something so boyish can be made feminine again? Well take a look at Rita Ora who rocked the red carpet for the launch of the Xfactor a few weeks ago wearing both a designer dress
and her faithful high tops! She even dared to tone down her Donna Karen number with golden trainers at the We Save the Music event. Grab something similar from River Island now such as the Beige Velcro Wedge High Tops, £50.

The Sneaker Speculator

Looking to Rita Ora for inspiration, you're now totally ready to experiment with this footwear trend. You'll more than likely be using them as a comfy alternate on your commute to and from work as you rush for the train or walk to the office. Ms Ora teams hers perfectly with a fitted pencil skirt and then a tailored suit as she attends important business meetings. Still managing to look chic, her look can be easily influencing yours thanks to these Black Wedge High Tops £45 from River Island.

So are you a high top convert yet? With many styles from just £40, River Island is the place to get your Ora-influenced look. Comfort, style and practicality; what more could a girl need from her footwear?

Shop the collection online at www.riverisland.com

You can also read this article online via www.theupcoming.co.uk

All product images taken from www.riverisland.com
All Rita Ora images sourced externally. None of the images used belong to myself.

Look for Less: Rita Ora

River Island have majorly updated their fashion game this season and with a collaboration with Rihanna coming up for SS13 have seemingly already begun to invest in some grittier pieces when it comes to their stylish collection for AW12.

Think camouflage jackets and shirts embellished with studs, distressed denim and a variety of printed textures in sequin, leather and PU. And with celebrities who channel that ultimate urban girl vibe (think Rihanna, Jessie J etc) the brand is growing from strength to strength both with its already strong customer base and within the fashion press too.

In keeping with this, how can you get that celebrity style accreditation? Taking inspiration from Rita Ora's amazing dress sense, I've created four 'looks for less' using the pieces from River Island's current AW12 collection. I'm currently lusting over their collection of high tops in a variety colours!

Casual Ora

Festival Ora

Grungey Ora

Evening Ora

 

Shop online at www.riverisland.com

Happy Shopping

xoxo

 

 

All product images taken from www.riverisland.com

 

All Rita Ora images externally sourced

 

No images belong to me



Made in Chelsea Stars Love Warehouse...

Forget the complicated love triangles, the staged 'entertaining' scenes and the views of upper class Chelsea because this season it's simply about the fashion. Brushing aside the likes of Dolce and Gabanna and Stella McCartney, the cast have been seen gallivanting around Kensington in our high street favourite Warehouse.

Experimenting with pieces from the current AW12 collection, we've seen  Made in Chelsea personalities Millie Mackintosh and Amber Atherton battle it out in a floral fashion-off . A favourite with the fashion press and featured in both Elle and Vogue magazine, the stunning blossom printed two piece can be worn as a sophisticated take on the staple suit or as stylish separates.

Amber Atherton looking chic in the full suit available from Warehouse

Jacket £70
Trousers £50

Keeping the prints separate, Millie Mackintosh loves her Warehouse trousers

Trousers £50

Continuing to show support for the British High Street, Amber shows that style can be affordable in the Warehouse cream biker coat she wore to a dinner party to showcase her latest jewellery collection.

Amber Atherton wearing Warehouse

Cream Biker Coat £95

Shop Online at www.warehouse.co.uk

 

Happy Shopping

xoxo

 

 



Celebrity images courtesey of Warehouse Press Team
Product images taken from www.warehouse.co.uk and www.asos.com

Fearne Cotton for Very.co.uk this AW12...

Fearne Cotton has completely stepped up her fashion game since her children's television presenting days; gone are the tie-dye over sized tops and the low rise baggy jeans (Google it!) and in their place we have an eclectic mix of designer, vintage and high street must-haves that give us all fashion envy!

Stud Collar and Velvet Cuff Dress
Very.co.uk
£59

So it's not surprising that the team behind the online social department store Very.co.uk have collaborated with Fearne on yet another fashion forward collection for AW12. Combining all aspects of her unique style, expect to see inspiration running right through all of the fashion decades.

Feather Peplum Dress
Very.co.uk
£65

High-necked baby doll dresses are scattered with feather emblems a la Antoni and Alison, maxi dresses turn to the dark side in gorgeous swept fabrics inspired by Givenchy and Alexander Wang and wool-knit capes take centre stage with an 80's navajo twist.

Wool Cape
Very.co.uk
£39

Amazing range, right? Well this week you're in luck as the lovely team at Very.couk are giving you the chance to win one of Fearne's sensational pieces every day for 7 days.

Sheer Sleeve Maxi Dress
Very.co.uk
£89

Interested? Well all you have to do is visit www.facebook.com/VeryUK and watch the very (get it?!) special hang-out with Fearne video and answer the multiple choice question at the end - it really is that simple and you could then be in with a chance of winning a cool Cotton number!

So what are you waiting for? Get your fashion fingertips ready and log on.... All images taken from www.very.co.uk Shop Online at www.very.co.uk Facebook www.facebook.com/VeryUK/app_385519708183758 Twitter @verynetwork

High Street Picks...

Whether you got paid just before the Bank Holiday weekend (lucky you!) or your due your earnings this week, it's the perfect excuse to check out my picks of the AW12 drops on the high street! From vintage inspired tapestry through to quirky footwear, you're going to be spoilt for choice. I heart the British high street - temptation in every store!

Tapestry Dress
Warehouse
£65

 How adorable is this Tapestry Dress from Warehouse? Truly inspired by cute 50's vintage dresses, this would look perfect with tan ankle boots and mini satchel handbag.

Peplum Top
Warehouse
£40

An update on the season's ultimate shape 'the peplum', Warehouse update theirs for the new season by adding some key studs and embellishment at a flattering position on the hips.

The Who Tee
Forever 21
£12.75

After a truly awesome performance at this year's London Olympics Closing Party, The Who are slowly but surely appearing on cropped tees and jersey tops across the high street. Snap this one up for just £12.75 from Forever21 to get in on the action early!

Drummer Boy Trainers
Topshop
£75

 Following on from the Olympic trend are these amazing Drummer Boy athletic sneaker wedges from Topshop. I could see these on the likes of Rihanna or Rita Ora - adding a boyish twist to an LBD or funking up a staple blazer and jeans combo...

Cross Tee
Label Lab, House of Fraser
£25

 Whilst crosses and other religious icons continue to decorate our high street stores, House of Fraser's sub brand Label Lab have decided to paint their Autumn collection in the cult trend too. Wear with converse and distressed denim to complete the look.

The Vaccines Tee
Miss Selfridge
£12

 I am obsessed with The Vaccines at the moment so imagine my delight when I came across this ultra cool tee from Miss Selfridge with the band's new album cover. Perfect to team with a leather jacket - rock out!

Faux Leather Jacket
H&M
£29.99

Leather jackets are a must-have wardrobe staple, but with genuine leather ones being so expensive (although very worth it!) I've been in search of a faux one that still replicates the same look. H&M have an amazing collection and I especially love the colour of this jacket for just £29.99 (also available in black). Try it with some grey animal printed jeans like me!

What are you buying from the high street this month?

Happy Shopping

xoxo

All images taken from official product websites.

Shop Online at:

www.warehouse.co.uk

www.forever21.com

www.topshop.com

www.houseoffraser.co.uk

www.missselfridge.com

www.hm.com



Animal on the loose - blame River Island!

There's an animal on the loose and causing a scene on the UK high street - and I'm not referring to the lion that's reportedly roaming around in Essex today! Instead, I'm talking about fashion; fashion that's being influenced by all things animalistic. And what better way to indulge in your wild side (and take inspiration through Twitter's number one trending topic!) by updating your style with a little bit of "RRAAWWRR" ; don't worry that was me, not the Essex lion....

River Island are renowned for their edgy take on British fashion and, failing to disappoint yet again, have an abundance of fierce product to enable you to take a walk on the wild side. Here are my top high street picks to feed your inner lioness:

Printed Shirt
River Island
£35

Animal Wedges
River Island
£35

High-Low Hem Maxi Skirt
River Island
£35

Animal Snug
River Island
£32

Printed Sweat Top
River Island
£25

Body
River Island
£20

Patterned Tights
River Island
£8

Leopard Print Gloves
River Island
£8

 

Happy Shopping

xoxo

 

 

All images taken from www.riverisland.com

 

Shop Online at www.riverisland.com

High Street Buys of the Week...

This month I was on a high street mission to transform my wardrobe from a summer catastrophe (let's face it, 2012 was not the year for the sun!) and bring it forward ready for AW12! With style blogs and monthly glossies (hello September issue!) adorning their pages with snug knit jumpers and chunky knee high boots, I set off in search of studs, graphic tees and some much needed animal print to totally transform my style for the upcoming season...

But then the sun decided to make an appearance and made my monthly fashion purchases a complete waste of money (well almost...!) So whilst these beauties may be hanging in my closet unworn, I still can't wait for the opportunity to wear them. Bring on those Autumn months!

From left to right:

Warehouse Studded Leggings:
Warehouse are totally rocking anything studded or embellished for AW12 and an early drop of product is yet to disappoint! I just had to have these black leggings with a grungey twist. A graphic tee will channel the glam rock trend that's taking over the high street right now. www.warehouse.co.uk

H&M Grey Animal Print Jeans:
I dug these out from the summer sale at H&M as they make for a fab take on the usual skinny jean for the upcoming season. I'll be teaming them with killer metallic heels and an over sized white boyfriend shirt - let the printed jeans do the talking!
www.hm.com

Warehouse Embellished Blouse:
See what I mean about this brand and embellishment? A gorgeous blouse with billowing fabric in crisp white makes for an edgy yet feminine top. Grab your black skinny denim and your good to go!
 www.warehouse.co.uk

Forever21 Marilyn Monroe Graphic Tee:
 Forever21 is my guilty high street pleasure! On trend, quirky pieces at reasonable and affordable prices! I couldn't resist this over sized Marilyn top with a silk front. A monochrome palette enables you to team this with almost anything...
 www.forever21.com


Forever21 Cross Jumper:
My first jumper of the season officially purchased! Crosses and semi-religious emblems are everywhere right now and are quickly becoming a cult trend in the fashion world. I'll be wearing  mine with a maxi skirt and biker boots for that ultimate grunge-chic style.
www.forever21.com

Vintage Sex Pistols Crop Tee:
 I attended Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair this month (first Saturday of every month at Spitalfields Market!) and had to have this top in my life. Whether its the album cover for 'God Save the Queen' that makes such a controversial statement or the rebel against all things patriotic right now, I officially heart this top.
www.judysvintagefair.co.uk

H&M Rolling Stones Tee:
Another sale purchase from H&M; who doesn't love a good rummage for a bargain, anyway?! www.hm.com

Twinne Skull Print Tee:
Another t-shirt added to the collection comes from upcoming t shirt brand Twinne where real art is printed onto quality cotton tees. I love this skull image by talented artist Sebastiano Guerriero. www.twinne.com

What are your high street purchase this month?

Happy Shopping

xoxo



This Week's Obsession:The Ragged Priest

Have you seen the amazing The Ragged Priest collection embellishing the lower ground floor of Topshop in Oxford Circus? It's a range heavily featuring the ultimate grunge-girl ethos: studs, distressed denim, leather and shredded knits. Spotted on style-savvy celebs such as Rihanna and Jessie J, this new cult brand has recently turned the punk era of yesteryear into a new-age phenomenon!

So grab your reworked vintage leather emblazoned with metallic stones and throw it over your tie-dye maxi dress, because this season is all about perfecting the rebellious rock chick!

Leather Jacket
The Ragged Priest
£375

Tie-Dye Maxi Dress
The Ragged Priest
£50

Denim Jacket
The Ragged Priest
£250

Shredded Knit Jumper
The Ragged Priest
£40

Happy Shopping

xoxo

All images taken from www.theraggedpriest.com

Shop Online at

www.theraggedpriest.com

www.topshop.com



Sparkle this Christmas 2012 with Warehouse...

So the sun has made yet another appearance to our seemingly non-existent summer. But is anyone else feeling a tad Autumnal yet? With high street shops brimming in tonal hues that echo the coolness of a late fall afternoon, I'm officially rebelling against the sun! And with the Warehouse Christmas 2012 Press Event held last week, my mind is in Winter overdrive - bring on those chilly months!

I know what some of you may be thinking: "Christmas? In July?!" But by the time you get to the end of this post, I guarantee you will be in the festive mood too, thanks to the ever glamorous upcoming Warehouse collection. It's all about those classic wardrobe pieces such as the tailored blazer, the LBD, the structured blouse and the evening clutch - everything to turn your style from chic to sleek; all in the name of Christmas 2012. But these aren't just your usual staple Warehouse pieces. Instead, they're adorned in crystals, embellished with studs and decorated in sequins. Get your Christmas wish list at the ready:

Introducing the stunning Warehouse Christmas 2012 Collection...

The Blouse

"The shirt continues to shine as the season's must-have item and is always worn buttoned up."

Warehouse Press Team



Blouse with stud embellished collar tips

Silk blouse with sequin detailing

Chiffon blouse with stud adornment

Pretty lace collar detail

The Evening Cover-Up

"Over sized tux jackets are the perfect option for girls who like to take style tips from the boys. Studs run riot across leather jackets."

Warehouse Press Team

Gold stud leather jacket

Foil-effect jacquard blazer

The Dress

"The LBD reign lives on - an everlasting statement with a powerful impact. Drop waist details and chiffon layered high-low hemlines take centre stage."

Warehouse Press Team

The dress statement

Cut-About midi-dress

Fitted jacquard dress in violet

Statement studded dress

The Accessories

"Hues of camel, cream and navy create a luxurious combination...slouchy leather bags are the accessory we all need now."

Warehouse Press Team

Animal print pumps

Studded pumps

Lion amulet belt

Panther amulet feature clutch

Bejewelled statement necklace

The upcoming accessory collection

The Details

"Pretty pleats are cut-through with contrasting details that add a touch of the unexpected...moulded shapes are a fresh take on body-con dressing in paisley jacquard with crystal embellishment..."

Warehouse Press Team

Crystal detailing

Studded decoration

Embellished collars

Cut-about backs

Are you on the countdown to the Christmas season yet?

Happy Pre-Season Shopping

xoxo

All images taken at the Warehouse Christmas 2012 Press Event

All quotes taken from the Warehouse Christmas 2012 Look Book

Shop Online at www.warehouse.co.uk