Archive | August, 2011

Modern prep

31 Aug

Mixing bright colours with a relaxed attitude stops preppy being stuffy. It’s a cute and sunny look that still adds some polish to casual dressing. Coloured blazers, chunky knits, satchels and cuffed trousers all make a perfect preppy ensemble and don’t be afraid to add some elbow patches.

from atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com

Topshop high waisted green chinos £20

Topshop Orange Belt £14

from musingsinfeminity.tumblr.com

Cambridge satchel fluoro £140

from waynetippetts.com

ASOS Aran Sweater $64US

Leather skirts

26 Aug

A ladylike full skirt flatters almost every body. They can be hard to wear if you’re concerned about looking a little too prim and proper but a leather version gives this feminine favourite a hard and youthful edge. Pair it with a sweet knitted sweater to really make the most of the textures. There are plenty of non-leather options for budget and those who would prefer it.

(This skirt below is made from genuine Napa leather and custom made to your own measurements).

Custom made real leather skirt $79 from makeyourownjeans.com

from alltheprettybirds.blogspot.com

from garypeppervintage.blogspot.com

from popcultureafternoon.blogspot.com

from no-5.tumblr.com

Also find them here: H&M $34.95
River Island £75

Slipper time

23 Aug

So long as images of Hugh Hefner in his silk dressing gown get out of your head, slipper style loafers in luxe velvet, unexpected colours, embellishments and studs are the new ballet flat. Edgy enough to still get comments from bemused looking old ladies but comfy enough to wear all day, everyday.

Melter (left $129) and Madee (right $119) by Steve Madden

Left from http://letrixacuteangle.tumblr.com and right from http://theblondesalad.com

Topshop slipper loafers £50

Sam Edelman Adena Loafer $149.95

from bitchitssunday.tumblr.com

Chevron

22 Aug

Not just for the living room rug or awesome bedroom curtains, chevron (or zigzag as I always knew it) is a trend that shows no real signs of slowing down in it’s popularity. Less common is it’s application to fashion, though for no good reason, chevron are stripes – only better.

ZigZag Bag by Hansel from Basel $32

from atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com

from LEEOLIVEIRA.com

Chevron knit by Adam $177

At The Peak Skirt from Francesca's Collections $36

from Atlantic-Pacific.blogspot.com

Studded tan:DIY

20 Aug

A well fitting camel trench, jacket or coat is one of those items that never goes out of style. Always featured on lists of investment pieces to take you through from age 24 to 84, the camel coat is undeniably chic. Sometimes though even a classic enjoys a twist. Studded jackets in timeless camel and tan are just genius, bringing an unexpected edge to that grown-up favourite.

Unless you’re in the budget for some Burberry, a studded tan jacket is a bit hard to come by on a low budget. However, a tan jacket and some studs (separately) are very affordable. Here in NZ, Kmart has ladies trenches for $35 or go thrifting for your preferred style. Studs are available at all sorts of places (for example here) depending on what size and shape you prefer.

The main thing is to give yourself plenty of time to make sure you are putting the studs in evenly and use a reference picture to help you with placement. When buying your studs check that they are those with a pronged back that you simply push through the fabric and close.

from streettonic.blogspot.com

from They all hate us

Everyday sparkle

19 Aug

Sequins are best worn during the day, they’re unexpected and glamourous, they outshine everything else. To pull it off, don’t go head to toe sparkles but combine with opposite but equally luxe fabrics such as velvet, understated leather, fine denim or silk.

from Daily Cup of Couture

Zara silver blazer £79.99

Moschino Cheap & Chic Sequined shorts £95.92

from A Lucky Fifth

Topshop sequin striped top $80

Kind of precious

18 Aug

Rocks big enough to take an eye out and edgier than a young punk could ever even dream of being, raw, unpolished crystal makes for some serious eye candy. Mix it up with stackable bands in golds and oxidized silver.

from From Me to You

Crystal and wood rings by Nga Waiata

Abbey Lee Kershaw from Knight Cat

from Madame Julietta

Stacking Rings by Gazit Jewelry $35

Rose Quartz Ring from ASOS £15

Aztec

17 Aug

A love of all things geometric, bright and patterned overrides bad memories of Peruvian ponchos. Aztec designs are not for the light hearted (or those who play the panpipes) but put together with solid brights and modern accessories they really make for some contemporary, eclectic, bohemian awesome.

from waynetippetts.com

from Emerson Made

Ikat leggings from ASOS £20

from Style by Kling

Cardigan from Miss Selfridge £45