Saturday, 2 January 2016

I Lost Money In The Sales...

Christmas was great, right? We all ate ourselves into a coma, wore pyjamas for consecutive days and played board games like our lives depended on it. All in all - we survived. But, how are we supposed to survive the 'Boxing day' and January sales that are projectile vomiting into our eyes. Ok, so that was a gross image but there really is no other way to describe the surge of panic I feel when I see 'SALE' signs strewn everywhere. It's no secret that I love clothes. I didn't start a blog called , 'I Blog The Fashion' to talk about my mainstream love of fluffy dogs and all things that sparkle. With these things in mind, it's a no brainer that the High Street sales send me into a near breakdown.

We all get some Christmas dollar from our families, even if it's a fiver from Grandma. We'd probably all be lying if we denied that money wasn't one of our favourite gifts. But, when there are sales, my money is having a tantrum, being stashed into my purse. 'LET ME OUT AND SPEND ME YOU CRAZY WOMAN' it not-so-subtly screams. I don't like being threatened, so, chances are, through no other option - I will spend my Christmas stash. What will I spend it on? Clothes obviously and they will undoubtedly all be from the 'sale' sections online.

The whole concept of a sale is very tempting. You get products for a reduced price. Who doesn't love saving money? Yet, the thing that we all fail to recognise (or choose to ignore) is that usually the sale items are the items that the store hasn't managed to sell during the season. Therefore, we are buying clothes that nobody wants. BUT - because it's reduced - it doesn't matter. We've bagged ourselves a bargain!

On the one hand, I really don't care that I'm buying fashion 'leftovers'. The items I buy in the sale are investment pieces that I plan to love and treasure. I would rather foster my clothes than leave them neglected in some randomly placed warehouse. In fact, I probably deserve a Nobel Prize for all the clothes that I have faithfully adopted over the years.

But, conclusively, I am losing my money. I am buying things that are a 'bargain'. The clothes I am buying are realistically the price they should be in the first place. 'OH MY GOSH, A TOP FOR £20 REDUCED FROM £50!!' - 'That's going straight in my basket!'. The worst part is, I am being brainwashed and I'm totally aware of it.

Sure, there will be the occasional, absolute bargain that is so unbelievable I can barely breathe. Just a few moments ago I was trembling in my seat because I managed to snap up a pair of VANS Disney Princess trainers. I mean, aside from anything, anything with a Disney Princess stamped on is an investment - but half price in the sale? Wow, no wonder I couldn't contain my excitement.

I will always find an excuse for buying a collective haul in the sales. The sales are there to make you feel extra special about your purchases. They make you feel sensible and they make you feel like you are truly investing your money in something for less. Which, you are. You are effectively spending less on each item but splurging more on the collective amount of items you buy. Because I am saving money, I always make room for 'extra' items that I don't actually need. I suppose you could call them 'leisurely spends'. But, it's these 'leisurely' annual spends that partly make the post-Christmas depression bearable. To be honest, even if there weren't sales, I would probably be scouring sites like ASOS to find the 'perfect' something that I don't need. The fact that it's over half price in the sale makes me feel that bit more special.

Dear sales - you are both my BFFL and my worst enemy, but for that I love you.

♥

What have you bought in the 'Boxing day' sales or have you managed to resist? (If you've resisted, comment below and give me your holy grail tips and tricks - I am bowing down to you. May you be fruitful and multiply as you pity shopaholic spenders like me.)

Why You Can't Borrow My Clothes

Warning: The post contains enhanced opinions, brutal honesty with some light-hearted humour. Thanks for reading this warning, it is now over - enjoy :)

I don't like sharing. I'm sorry if this makes me mean, unkind or inhuman but my stuff is my stuff - mitts off. To be brutally honest, I don't like you even gawping at my things - I get somewhat territorial. Like a lioness around her cubs, my things (especially my clothes) are my babies. I don't like potential threats. I suppose I don't really know when all this started, but I'd like to get something straight - You can't borrow my clothes.

I am all for kindness. I consider it a wondrous quality that is so unique to find in a person. I almost shed a tear when someone smiles back at me - please be my friend, kind soul. I would like to think that I have a kind heart. But, nevertheless, you still can't borrow my clothes - here's why:-

1. To begin, I select my clothes with precision, like an animal hunting its pray. I will not share my successful hunt. It's a survival technique - what's mine is mine and what's yours is yours. If you like my clothes, I will accept the compliment. Thanks, that's so sweet. I will, however, deny the advances you make post compliment when you attempt to steal the clothing for your own. I chose that piece of material, I have bonded with it - please, do not barge in and try and steal the thunder.

2. Secondly, my clothes are a piece of me. Personally, I think it's a bit weird if you want to wear something that I've worn. Are you a 'wannabe'? Please don't steal my vibe. I have put thought into my clothes, please do not attempt to replicate my constructed image (even if it was borrowed from the ASOS site).

3. My clothes are chosen based on the mood I was feeling that day. You can't just stride into my wardrobe, uninvited and decide you want to destroy the mood aura I have created for my items.

4. Also, chances are you will ruin whatever you want to borrow anyway. I will notice any speck of fluff that you manage to contribute to the surface. Plus, it's gross that your body would be encased in my clothes. That's way too intimate - can we just take it slow? In addition, what if you really take it too far and decide to ketchup stain my white linens just to mark your 'territory'? Please, I'm not taking those chances.

5. What if you destroy the memories that my clothes and I have? You are a relationship threat. You could dominate their existence. You can't become their new 'mummy' - I just can't allow it.

6. I'd get jealous. What if you took my clothes to some exotic place? I want my clothes to have equal opportunities - I can't have you gallivanting off to the Bahamas leaving the rest behind!

7. I always need my clothes on 'stand by' in case of emergencies. I cannot cope with the separation anxiety that I experience when one of my children is away from the home. I'm too young for this - it's not what I signed up for.

8. I really can't take the risk that you'd look better than me in my clothes. It would result in complete melancholy on my behalf. I'd end up hauling my clothes off to charity because I can't deal with the image comparisons. When I look at my clothes I want them to remind me of me - not you - capiche?

9. My clothes might as well be made of 9K gold - they mean that much to me. Do you really want to be dealing with that level of responsibility?

10. Finally, you did not purchase them. I pay good money for my clothes. I skip meals so I can afford a new pair of white, sparkly socks. So don't splash in the muddy puddles - it's insulting and it cost me my dinner.

So, save your breath, I'm sorry but you simply cannot borrow my clothes.

Toodle Pip!

♥

I Wear Boys Clothes and I'm a Girl

It always baffles me that with all the progression in gender 'accepting', more shops and brands haven't adapted a 'gender fluid' clothing range. By that I simply mean, clothes that aren't targeted to either boys or girls but embrace the two. I know that some stores have changed the 'segregation' of the genders by not labelling the 'women' and 'men' sections and have merged the gender departments. I suppose there are pros and cons of this. Pros are that it's a step in the direction of change and is challenging the men/women segregation found within fashion. But the cons are that for 'girly girls' and 'masculine men' - finding clothes becomes a little bit harder.

I'd think that my style is a combination of 'tomboy' and 'ultra girly girl'. Some days I want to wear my tiara, others days I want to wear my armour. I dress depending on my mood. Recently, I have been opting for the 'tomboy' look. I am loving the relaxed fluidity that the clothes have compared to the restricting, tight women's clothes I've been wearing for the past couple of months.

The hardest part with putting my new style vibe into action was the fact that I simply could not find the clothes I wanted within the women's section. When I was looking for a baggy, oversized t-shirt, all I found were skimpy, barely-there pieces of fabric - also known as 'the crop top'. Um, hello, it's Winter and I don't want to flaunt my Christmas food baby.

Therefore, determined and on a mission to find my tees - I waltzed into the men's section. Firstly, guys, what's with the shady side-eyes you're giving me when I'm rifling through 'your' clothes? Surely by now you've worked out why your girlfriend is stealing your clothes - they're comfier :).

So, ignoring those disdainful glances from the men, I carried on stealing their clothes. I found out a few things about menswear. To begin - generally the prices are lower. This seems neither fair nor does it make any sense to me. Men are paid more in most professions yet you're charging them less for their clothes? Ok - I see where I stand...

Secondly, there was more selection of t-shirts. I didn't see a crop top in sight and it made me excited. Plus there was less competition. Usually when you're shopping in the women's section you get a bit of competition - 'honey, that's my dress, back off' - looks that can kill.

So, that's why I wear boys clothes and I'm a girl. I don't care. The price is slashed and I'm looking 'fash'.

♥

clothes: top & shirt - TK MAXX, Jeans - ASOS, Shoes - Topshop

Have you seen my new 'Winter Style Lookbook' video?

Boohoo Fashion Resolutions / Braving the co-ord

-- I'M WEARING--

Boohoo Co-ord* / Adidas Stan Smith Trainers & Boohoo necklaces*

We all make New Year's resolutions - whether they're unpublished or announced for all to hear, we've made them. To be honest, we either purposefully forget them come 1st January (because let's face it, they were a little too ambitious in the first place) or we try hard to maintain them and stay proud for months after. I am hoping that my resolutions will remain intact throughout 2016. This year I made a general '2016 Bucket List' - they were my resolutions compiled with things I want to do. However, it wasn't until I got an e-mail from Boohoo about fashion resolutions that I thought to myself - 'why have I never made one before?'.

Most of us focus our resolutions on diet changes, productive qualities and motivational habits. But why do we forget about fashion and beauty resolutions? Maybe you have been making fashion resolutions ever since you donned an ugly blouse and vowed never to touch something so hideous again, but I for one have never made any - until now! :)

I like to think that I am quite adventurous when it comes to fashion. I own clothes that shine with colours that people would run away from. I pair weirdly shaped garments to create angles and shapes you never thought possible. The point is, although I love wearing jeans and a sweatshirt daily, I try to be adventurous and in general - I am not scared of any fashion 'item'.

However, the 'co-ord' is something that I have never experimented with. Usually I like to mix up my outfit with contrasting pieces on the top and the bottom half of my body. The co-ord does what the title says, 'co-ordinates' - meaning 'matchy matchy'. So, my New Year's Fashion Resolution is to stock my wardrobe up with 'co-ords'. I don't know why I haven't ever purchased a co-ord. I mean, the idea is ingenious. You have an outfit all wrapped up in one and you know it's going to look fabulous.

2016 - I'm braving the co-ord and I think it looks pretty great (I hope you do too).

What are your fashion resolutions?

♥

This outfit was featured in my 'Winter Style Lookbook' on my new YouTube channel! Give it a click if you fancy!!

Post in collaboration with boohoo.com.

So, I am having a lot of fun creating new videos for my new YouTube channel. Here's my latest video - 'Winter Style Lookbook'. Hope you enjoy! A brand new blog post will also be posted tomorrow - watch this space!

-- Outfit 1 --

Boohoo Co-ord* :
http://www.boohoo.com/restofworld/new...

Boohoo necklaces*:
http://www.boohoo.com/restofworld/nec...

http://www.boohoo.com/restofworld/nec...

http://www.boohoo.com/restofworld/nec...

Adidas Stan Smith Trainers:
http://www.adidas.co.uk/stan-smith-sh...

Topshop Jacket (old)

-- Outfit 2 --

ASOS Jeans (old)

Shirt (menswear) TK MAXX:
http://www.tkmaxx.com/men/casual-shir...

Top (menswear) TK MAXX:
http://www.tkmaxx.com/men/t-shirts+po...

Topshop Trainers (old)

-- Outfit 3 --

Forever21 Mickey Mouse Top:
http://www.forever21.com/Product/Prod...

UNIF Vago Hoodie:
http://www.revolveclothing.com/unif-v...

Reebok Silver Trainers:
http://www.reebok.co.uk/reebok-x-face...

Ripped jeans (from ASOS - old)

-- Outfit 4 --

Jacket (Zara - found in charity shop)

Vivienne Westwood Jeans (old)

Adolescent T-shirt, ASOS:
http://www.asos.com/search/adolescent...

Lacoste Trainers, ASOS:
http://www.asos.com/lacoste/lacoste-l...

♥

NYE Party Outfit Ideas

Now that the seasonal stress is over, the next thing on everyone's mind is - 'what am I going to wear for New Year's Eve?!'. If you prefer a quiet night in, you'll already know you'll be wearing your Christmas PJ's whilst curled up on the sofa. For the rest of us (who are definitely secretly envious of you) - we remain clueless as to what we are going wear. If only I could depart wearing my new Olaf pyjamas paired with heels. Unfortunately, social protocol means that pyjamas would be highly inadvisable - after all, we want to keep our friends as we enter into the New Year. So, here are some 'fashionable' ideas that I've rustled up. There is just enough time to snap up something from the sales and add some new additions into our New Year wardrobe!

Outfit 1

Topshop Cut-Out Side Crop Top £16

Miss Selfridge Silver Textured Clutch Bag £12

(sale)

Miss Selfridge Cara Black Jewel Sandals £17

(sale)

River Island Metallic Silver Foil Pencil Skirt £10

(sale)

Outfit 2

River Island Black Longline Fringed Tank Top £15

(sale)

Topshop Combination High Heels by KG Kurt Geiger £120

Miss Selfridge Black Disco Hard Case Clutch £10

(sale)

Topshop Faux Leather Skinny Trousers £12

(sale)

Outfit 3

River Island Pink Chevron Top £25

Miss Selfridge Gold Geo Case Clutch £12

(sale)

Miss Selfridge Greta Nude Metal Heel Courts £20

(sale)

Topshop Herringbone Scalloped Mini £26

Outfit 4

River Island Silver Ruched Bardot Crop Top £12

(sale)

River Island Pink Leather-Look Studded Mini Skirt £17

(sale)

River Island Light Pink Envelope Clutch Handbag £15

Topshop High Heel Sandals by Carvela £120

Sorry if there weren't a lot of outfit ideas here. I have to confess, I had to stop myself from continuing with my search because I'd rather not be poor. Unfortunately, I seem to be unable to not fall in love with every item of clothing I see - hence, making this blog post a work of torture that was self-inflicted. Enjoy your parties - I've decided it's Olaf pyjamas after all, they're underrated.

Toodle Pip and have a good one.

♥

This Elf Shopped Online This Year...

To clarify, I have been one of 'Santa's little helpers' for a few years now. I'm not going to deny it - when the season is in full swing, so is the stress hormone. There are many Elves like me rushing around at this time of year. Some get their jobs done far sooner than December - these Elves have my utmost admiration; my Elf hat goes off to you, my friend. However, the majority of us are a little bit unorganised, leaving all festivities and planning until the month of December. There's a part of me that thinks Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without the mad 'pressie' dash. Where's the fun in a super organised, structured Christmas? Christmas is supposed to have its 'moments' - just like life. But when it's Christmas, everything will be okay in the end - even if you end up with burnt turkey (what are processed turkey slices for, eh?). That being said, this Christmas Elf wanted a fairly relaxing Christmas, but there was nothing worse than the thought of joining the 'Christmas crowds' in a shopping centre. I thought that I'd take a leaf out of mother's book this year when I decided to do all my Christmas shopping online. Was it less stressful? Absolutely not.

There are pros and cons to every experience and there are definitely pros and cons in the development of technology. It is absolutely top notch that we can stay connected all the time with friends. It's also absolutely fabulous that we can spy on people who are miles away with their constant feeds of pictures and tweets. It's also too good to be true that you can shop thousands of products all while sitting on your derrière. No longer do we have to be brave and face the crowds of Christmas past. Goodbye are the days where we're forced to stare at fleeced shelves post Christmas dash. We can say farewell to the gym work out that we didn't sign up for because F.Y.I, hauling heavy shopping bags from shop to shop is certainly harder than it looks. And yes, we can also avoid the surging panic we feel when we hand over swarms of cash and then find our purses to be empty - we can just click and forget. Yes, there is no denying that by avoiding these factors the experience would be more enjoyable. Hence, shopping online becomes more of an appealing method for purchasing gifts. In fact, when it comes to Christmas shopping, it almost feels a little too easy. I was tracking down my presents in seconds as I typed at lightening speed into the google search bar, clicked on the item, added it to my basket, proceeded and BAM - purchase was complete. I almost felt enlightened. A few days later, 'Knock, knock' - 'who's there?' Why it was Santa Claus of course (a.k.a - Postman Pat).

But obviously, there's a spanner in the works to be found with the whole process. Shopping online made me feel a bit deflated. Christmas shopping is supposed to be a 3D experience. I want to see the shops decked out with tinsel, baubles and it's a bonus if the store has a tree. The sightings of frantic shoppers remind me I'm not alone. I want us to all dash together around the store. I want the ''Hunger Games' are about to begin'' moment as we dive for the last Christmas box set in sync. I want to hear Christmas songs on a loop, irritating me while also bringing music to my ears. I want to wait in the queue, glance down and savour the moments of admiration at the fantastic gifts I've just selected as they beam in my basket. There isn't so much as a Christmas jingle after making a Christmas purchase online. Instead, I just have a headache from the glare of the screen and find myself in recovery after being assaulted by a massive 'THANK YOU FOR YOUR ORDER' message once again. Shopping online didn't give me any festive experience - I just got to know my postman very well.

Shopping for Christmas gifts online was also very overwhelming. Pop-ups of 'the world's greatest socks' flashed in my face and I felt like I needed to buy them. Temptations were high and before I knew it, I'd signed up to buy a litter of tigers from Africa. I also battled with delivery charges - they made me question my whole purchase. £4.99 for standard delivery? I felt like I may as well have bought the delivery vans. Sure, I have saved some time in my day by doing my shopping online in one way. I haven't had to hunt the shops head to toe for the products I wanted. I also haven't needed to even tie my shoe lace and move any muscles other than my hands (only manoeuvring around the keyboard, mouse and my snack bowl). However, I completely forgot about all the days that I would need to hideaway in my house waiting for the postman to deliver my vast amount of orders.

If I was lucky, an email would send me a chirpy message telling me exactly when my package would arrive. The majority, however, were elusive and liked to keep me on my toes. Would I be able to shower or would the delivery man decide that it was an apt time to deliver the goods? I was living in suspense and I can tell you now, the whole experience put me a little on edge. I was the creepy girl who never got dressed. I peeped though my blinds spying on any potential vans that might host the man that would deliver my much anticipated parcels. The 'small talk' involved was also painful - 'Delivering many parcels today?' I'd sing - obviously, it was his occupation. A memorable chat was when one of them thought I was ill - can a girl not wear her polar bear dressing gown with no makeup without being questioned?!

I can safely say that I am happy that all parcels have arrived. While I'm not best pleased that one was lost along the way and will be a belated Christmas gift, on the whole, my online shopping was successful. However, what I didn't realise was that I missed the 'real life' Christmas shopping experience. I like playing 'dodge 'em' with the other customers as we weave around each other grabbing gifts from the shelves. I also miss being handed my purchased items in a Christmassy bag and a 'Merry Christmas' wish from the employees. But what I missed the most were the Christmas decked shops - I really could've done with seeing a Christmas light this year.... Hey ho - an Elf has got to live and learn, right? All I know is that if I see another cardboard box addressed to me - next time, it better be from Santa and not from my credit card.

♥

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

UNIF FROST JUMPER / TOPSHOP JEANS / ADIDAS SUPERSTAR TRAINERS

I have been living every day in my UNIF Frost Jumper ever since I managed to steal it from their website. Unfortunately the jumper is super hard to get your hands on, selling out practically instantly as soon as it's restocked. It's no wonder this jumper is such a hit though - it is literally a rainbow of happiness. Whenever I wear this jumper I always get compliments and often a smile. It quite literally spreads happiness. So, seeing as you are what you wear - I'm a rainbow for today and I'm totally fine with that.

♥

Cosy Winter Outfit Ideas

Let's be honest, our main priority in the Winter season is being warm - not necessarily fashionable. Realistically these crop tops are a joke..a bare stomach flaunt during weather warnings of snow and torrential rain? No thanks. I think I made that mistake once and let me tell you, frost bite is real and Jack Frost isn't a myth. So, grab a cup of hot chocolate, crank the heating up and scroll through outfit ideas that will keep you nice and warm this Winter!

Warning: You may just want to hide your credit card. Choose one of the following options to avoid impulsive purchasing;

1. Stuff your purse in the freezer - FREEZE THAT CARD OF MAGIC MONEY!

2. Sit on your credit card - Chances are you've already taken your purse out of the freezer, I told you the temptation was real. Now, sit on your cold purse! This will either tempt you into buying warmer trousers or remind you that you are about to commit a shopaholic crime.

3. Ask Santa - putting one of the items on your Christmas list will make you consider whether or not the item you want to buy is really worth the splurge.

I'm all out of tips - good luck! :)

(If you are going to purchase - as always, all items are linked to the high street site. Click on the item number to be redirected! Linking up items takes years and I am in no way sponsored or paid to feature the clothes - laborious work for no reward other than pleasing you! Hopefully that qualifies for being on the 'nice' list this Christmas?)

1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/

There's nothing more satisfying than a combination of a grey colour palette mixed with accents of black. I love the simplicity of this warm and cosy outfit. My favourite piece has got to be the coat - which reminds me of clouds (fluffy, grey and white!), weird I know...

1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/

A little bit mix and match, but these colours combine both warmth and frost. I adore the silver, metallic boots and think they add a bit of interest and statement to the outfit. I also love the fringing on the bag - adding movement into your outfit!

1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/

Again, I couldn't resist opting for the timeless grey and black colour combo here. I am obsessed with the (fake) fur collar on the coat! I also added leather trousers to toughen up the soft texture of the outfit. A super chunky knitted scarf would also add some extra warmth to this outfit!

1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/

I am totally in love with these Topshop boots. I love with every part of my being the metallic heel effect - perfect for Christmas and New Year with its happy, sparkly radiance! Perhaps my feelings for these boots are a little O.T.T but turning my attention to the jumper - I am equally as excited. I love the contrasting fur detailing to the front panels of the top. To add extra detailing to the outfit, I picked the Military style coat to add some leather texture and structure to this casual-smart outfit. With some complimentary clashes of colour, I think this outfit is interesting and has some to-die-for pieces in the mix!

1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/

An outfit of layering and wrapping up warm! I have opted for the grey colour palette again here, but have added a combination of textures to spice up the outfit a little bit! I love the sequinned polo neck top that would go under the fringed poncho, peeking through it with it's dazzling personality! I also love the combo of the cigarette pant and the suede boots that are practical and a winter wardrobe staple.

Hair Crushes of 2015

all photos from Pinterest

Hailey Baldwin

(top left)

The fact that Hailey Baldwin is my age and looks so incredibly I-N-S-A-N-E, is a little bit unfair. I have been seriously obsessing over her latest hair look - lapping up those bangs. I think the return of the 'bangs' or the fringe in 2015 was super positive and when my hair grows a little longer, I fully intend to try it out myself. The look is risky because you have to take into consideration facial structure and the maintenance of the pesky fringe. However, I am ready to return to my roots and introduce the fringe back to my face in 2016. I owe it to Hailey for encouraging me with her Instagram posts and showing me that the fringe isn't something you should always keep in the past..wish me luck!

Jessica Woodley

(bottom left)

Some of you might not be aware of who Jessica Woodley is, so let me tell you. Jess is a well known 'Made in Chelsea' reality star - well known for not only her personality on the show but also her to-die-for-style. I know this is another mid-length cut with 'bangs' but I cannot get enough of this look. Jess's hair has definitely been one of my major hair crushes of 2015. She pulls off this look with effortless ease. Jess has a blunter finish to her bangs compared to Hailey or Kendall, but nevertheless this look is uh-mazing.

Kendall Jenner

(center - but y'all already know K Jenner)

Can we all just take a moment to appreciate Kendall Jenner's temporary but oh so awesome new look here. Kendall needs no introduction - a member of the 'Kardashian' clan, her name is known to almost every household on the planet. More than just a Kardashian, Kendall has made a name for herself in the fashion industry and is a super successful model in her own right. When I'm not obsessing over Kendall's catwalk looks, I am definitely stalking her own personal style. I am in LOVE with this look of Kendall's and I have to say I think it is one of my favourites of all time. I love the slightly long bangs and the longer side pieces that finish the fringe off nicely down the sides of her face - creating a mini frame to those fierce eyes of hers.

Lily Rose Depp

(top right)

I am certainly not brave enough to have this super short bob that Lily Rose Depp has here, but my appreciation for her daring look falls off the scale. Lily Rose Depp is gorgeous - can we expect anything less from a descendant of Johnny Depp himself? Blessed with those genes, Lily can pull off this short bob with class, sophistication and high fashion infused energy. Lily's style is amazing and is a definite style crush head to toe.

Emma Stone

(bottom right)

Emma Stone's red tresses make me really happy - team redheads. Emma dyes her hair frequently, sometimes venturing into blonde territory. However, I think this is one of my favourite looks, not only on her, but of 2015. I love the bob and the side swept fringe combined with the warmth of red. Currently trying to grow out my own hair for it to return to its natural red state, I get inspired by women like Emma who pull off the colour so well!

A Few Inspirational Fashion Books...

I've read a lot of fashion books - ranging from ones consisting mainly of editorial, arty images from memoirs and information books the size of the Bible. Choosing favourites is tricky because I have quite a range of books to choose from. However, I've plucked out a few of my staple fashion books for this post. I have chosen books that I think are incredibly inspirational and beautiful as they creep down the timeline of some of fashion's most memorable names. Written as either memoirs (Grace Coddington and Diane Von Furstenburg) or as biographical extensions to the tales of designers Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen - these books will be loved by any fashion addict.

Grace / A Memoir / Grace Coddington

amazon £22.50

Being a massive fan of Vogue's Grace Coddington helps when reading her memoir, however, it is completely non-essential. Whether you're a beginner reader in the fashion book sector or not - you will love Grace's story. Truthful and detailed, Grace's book remains one of my favourites as she recalls her journey into the fashion industry. Her illustrations also add a cute, decorative and inescapable artistic touch to the book.

Vivienne Westwood / Vivienne Westwood & Ian Kelly

amazon £16.75 (hardcover)

I wrote a blog post about Vivienne Westwood's personal memoir by Ian Kelly when I first read it. My views on the book have certainly not changed - it's just as fabulous and inspirational. Vivienne is empowering. The book details Vivienne's climb to the pinnacle of success. (Read more here)

Vogue On / Alexander McQueen / Chloe Fox

amazon £13.79

The pages of this book are alive. Filled with beautiful shots that begin to capture the vivacious energy of Alexander McQueen's designs. An interesting read paired with stunning photography - this book is a concise yet detailed, easy read for any fan of McQueen. If you are yet to be acquainted with Alexander McQueen, I highly suggest you begin your journey of discovering his work within the pages of this book.

The Woman I Wanted To Be / Diane Von Furstenburg

amazon £16.59 (hardcover)

Renowned for her creation of the infamous wrap dress, Diane Von Furstenberg's memoir unravels more of the story behind the wrap dress and of the woman who created it. A truly honest account of personal and professional life, Diane created a book that was hard to dislike. I love this book - I think Diane Von Furstenberg is a woman of strength, drive and a contagious passion for success, happiness and love.

NB: Like always, unless stated otherwise, I am not being paid to write opinions and review products. I have purchased all the books featured in this post myself.

5 Sport Casual Outfit Ideas

One of my all-time favourite things to wear at the moment is a casual, sporty-esque outfit. Just to clarify, my sporty attire does suggest that I am involved in some form of sport endeavour - I am not. (Unless walking to the fridge counts?). I know I'm not alone with my adoration for this trend, you only have to have an Instagram account to know that the world has gone crazy for trainers and comfy attire. It's no wonder that this trend has really besotted us all - the outfits are fashionable, comfortable and so urban chic. I've put together a few sport casual outfit ideas together to stock up our Autumn wardrobes with our favourite trend!