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



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



Yeaahh Boiii...

I can't get enough of all of the seriously cool Boy London products that seem to be creeping up everywhere at the moment! Whether its Rihanna hiding away from the paps in a BOY cap or the stunning Rita Ora clashing her eagle printed leggings with an embellished blazer, the product range seems to be a must-have for any individual with that sensational urban street style.

Head to toe in Boy London, RiRi's ahead of the trend...

Everyone's crushing on Rita Ora at the moment - check out
her Boy London tee!

A vision in white, Jessie J loves the monochrome palette...

Proving you can twist your Boy London tee by adding
smart tailoring...

With a recognisable eagle emblem that has been circling the underground fashion scene since the 1970's punk faze, Boy London went from being featured in a small-time boutique on the infamous Kings Road to an iconic label that represents London, freedom and pure anarchy!

An emphasis is placed on key silhouettes and shapes amongst a monochromatic colour palette, allowing the graphic BOY LONDON lettering to take centre stage. Heavily influenced by punk rock, the brand began to appeal to a broader subject range with celebs such as Madonna and Boy George getting in on the revolutionary label's fashion antics back in the day!

Boy London Graphic Tee
£35

Emblem Sweat Top
£55

Black Logo Leggings
£40

White Logo Leggings
£40

BOY Cap
£35

Shop Online:
www.selfridges.com/Boy-London
www.leavetheboyalone.com/

All images sourced externally
I do not own any of the images

Ibiza Style: Who Likes Short Shorts...?

After an amazing two weeks away from my working life in London, I am now officially back and raring to get going on my blog again. I admit, I have been abandoning my blog posts of late, but after a much needed R&R session I am fully motivated and inspired...

This weeks posts will see a major focus around Ibiza! After just returning from a holiday in one of the party capitals, I am all about sun, sea, sand and of course STYLE! The biggest trend I witnessed out there (sometimes for the good, sometimes for the bad!) where girls in short shorts - and I mean SHORT shorts. I think I saw more bums than Bacardi breezers out there. So where can you get yours from? See my hot high street picks and advice on how to style them!



Not exactly one of the most popular trends seen in Ibiza this summer, but the girls sporting the grungey look where totally rocking it! These dip-dye shorts from Topshop are great paired with a graphic tee or cut-up vest...

Dip Dye Shorts
Topshop
£38

 Try this rock idol Led Zeppelin tee; turn up the sleeves and tie the front for a relaxed, beach side look.

Led Zeppelin Tee
By and Finally
£22

What better excuse to experiment with the season's hottest prints than when your away on holiday? Tropical prints decorated the Ibiza bay and these short shorts from Matalan certainly do not disappoint!

Tropical Shorts
£16
Matalan

 Think 1950's Grease style and team your printed shorts with a vintage-inspired denim tank top like this one from Warehouse...

Denim Top
Warehouse
£25

Tans to be envied by Essex citizens where everywhere in Ibiza (41 degree heat could be to blame..?) and so for once pastel tones where a must to accentuate your gorgeous glow! How cute are these crochet shorts from Miss Selfridge? 

Crochet Shorts
Miss Selfridge
£32

Take influence from the seasons 'texture mix' trend and team with this cut-out top from Warehouse in mink!

Cut-Out Top
Warehouse
£35

 Classic denim cut-offs where any girls Ibiza wardrobe staple! Don't forget to tick these features from your short shorts check list: distressed denim, low rise and bum skimming!

Short Shorts
River Island
£25

Cover up on route to buy your ice cream in this slinky kimono from River Island for a jaw-dropping £10! Thanks River Island summer sale!

Kimono
River Island
£10

 The ultimate summer key piece is the bralet  - don't go to Ibiza without it!

Bralet
River Island
£12

Happy Holiday Shopping

xoxo

All images taken from brand websites

Shop online at:

www.topshop.com

www.matalan.co.uk

www.warehouse.co.uk

www.missselfridge.com

www.riverisland.com

Pay Day High Street Picks...

Finally Pay Day has arrived and what better way to celebrate than with a good shopping spree! (I mean, come on, we all thoroughly deserve it...) For those who follow me on Twitter, you will know I am on the countdown to Ibiza at the end of June so this months wages will (or should!) be spent on holiday must-haves. Hunting the high street this week, I seem to be drawn to anything black, white and a little bit grungey! Whether I'm simply rebelling against the glorious weather or releasing my inner rock chick ready for the month's festivals (Hackney Weekend and Lovebox anyone?!) here are my Pay Day Picks; prepare for a dark one!

With the Queen's Jubilee this weekend the shops are full of British-inspired pieces! But forget the Spice Girl Union Jack dress - I'm all for a bit of controversy! That's why I LOVE this tee from www.punkrockshop.co.uk repeating the classic Sex Pistols "God Save the Queen" record cover!

Tee
www.punkrockshop.co.uk
£15.99

I have still yet to find a bikini for Ibiza! I'm not one for spending £30 plus on just the top and paying for the bottoms separately (WHY does the high street do this?!) but when George at Asda does one so cute and cheap, who am I to say no!? It's officially added to the Ibiza shopping list!

Bikini Top
George at Asda
£2.50

Bikini Bottoms
George at Asda
£2.50

I had never really heard of Miss Guided until Lara Lain from Look magazine introduced me to the brand via Twitter! (Follow her here) I saw her wearing a similar pair of trousers to a fashion event and just HAD to know where they were from! Cool, eh? I'll be teaming mine with a rock n roll tee! Peace!

Peace Print Leggings
www.missguided.co.uk
£9.99

Following on with the rock/grunge trend I seem to be channelling (summer, who?!) I need this tee from H&M in my life! Sporting the logos of one of the greatest rock albums ever - need I say any more?

Graphic Tee
H&M
£9.99

Animal print is slowly becoming a bit of an obsession for me at the moment no thanks to Warehouse and their iconic printed pieces! I like how this dress has a lovely feminine shape which is still sexy with an edge. I'll be adding red lips when I wear mine...

Animal Print Halter Dress
Warehouse
£40

And just to prove I'm not all dark and dingy for the summer season, I've added this lush kimono from River Island with a lovely bright floral print! Perfect for a pre-lunch cover up for Ibiza, right? Add it to your summer wishlist now! I just have...

Print Kimono
River Island
£35

Happy Pay Day Shopping

xoxo

All images taken from brand websites

Shop Online at:

www.punkrockshop.co.uk

www.direct.asda.com

www.missguided.co.uk

www.hm.com

www.warehouse.co.uk

www.riverisland.com