Holiday Hot List

So I've just got back from Mexico, a week of beautiful tropical weather. We experienced blue skies, sandy beaches, cool pools, as well as tropical rainstorms and trekking through the rainforest in well... rain. Now I'm back I thought I'd share my holiday hot list. One of the best parts about the lead up to a holiday is that you have an excuse to get in some sneaky shopping because let's be honest you can't wear everything you wore on last summer's vacay, even if nobody else remembers, you will. Run round the shops and take in the summer vibes, a new summer wardrobe gives you a feeling like no other! 

I've put together a holiday checklist, of all the items, whether fashion, beauty, or accessories, that I think every girl needs in her suitcase this summer. 

1. A Selection of Sunglasses

From top to bottom: Marks and Spencer, Rokit Vintage, Matalan.

2. SUNCREAM

Did not burn once with these! a bit more on the expensive side for suncream but they are VERY water resistant and you shouldn't have to re-apply (although I did because I have very pale skin).

 3. Beach Bag 

A beauty from Primark

4. Beauty Essential: Hydrate + Refresh Spray

I've already sung my praises about this product for a while, but this is great for cooling yourself down when you get all hot and bothered. 

5. Sliders

My Zara Basic (bitch) sliders. I'm in love.

6. Beauty Essential: Mini Toiletries 

Always great as you can ditch them before packing for the plane home.

7. A Super-Cute Sports Bra (I had the best yoga session on the Sky Bar overlooking the beach)

This one was a purchase from GAP, it's super-comfortable and stretchy, great for yoga! 

8. A Good Read (A suggestion from Sheerluxe)

So I'm currently half way through this but can honestly say it's a great read. It's an assortment of short stories from different women's perspectives. Not light-hearted, but a very good read! 

9. Kaftan 

This little number was a purchase from H&M. There are so many kaftans on the market right now, but some people are charging far too much for them. This one is a perfect throw-over for at the beach or by the pool. 

GRAZIA x Tu LFW Pop Up

Hey guys! Yesterday I stumbled upon a great Pop Up from GRAZIA and Tu clothing (yes as in Sainsbury's), but don't click that red X just yet! Lured in by the GRAZIA name, I walked around to check out what it was all about. This Pop Up was and still is situated in Soho to celebrate LFW and to showcase Tu Clothing's new AW collection. Let's just say I was beyond surprised by this showcase, the clothes were beautiful, with items rivaling the likes of Zara, H&M, New Look, Topshop and even Urban Outfitters. Their collection is full of gorgeous frocks and garments that celebrate the epitome of fall clothing with a beautiful range of autumnal shades.

Here are a few of the items that I will be considering purchasing myself over the next few weeks, because a girl can never have too many clothes, especially in autumn and winter when it's all about the layers! 

Tan Corduroy Skirt

Black Printed Jumpsuit

Navy Corduroy Dungaree Dress

Red Vintage Frill Insert Button Up Shirt

Blue Denim Pinafore

Love,
K.

Indy Work Experience

After my first week interning for the fashion desk at The Independent I thought I'd share how my experience has been so far ...

1- Before beginning my experience I was asked to sign a contract of consent which allowed me to refuse any tasks, and also said there may be times where I may not have any jobs to do. 

2- My first day was wonderful! The team which I was working with were very welcoming and eased me into my tasks as I was using a number of programmes which were new to me. 

3- Although I was not paid for this experience it has been worth the forty minute daily commutes into London!

4- I previously considered myself to have a reasonable amount of knowledge about the fashion industry, but have learnt a number of new things through article research and working alongside the team.

5- I have held real responsibility in tasks such as contacting brands PRs for specific duties such as requesting samples, as well as creating schedules for press release dates. 

6- I also assisted a menswear shoot in which I helped with a number of tasks. 

My first week has been great and I hope my second is just as good!

Thanks for reading!

K.

Faux Fur Fashion

Faux Fur has undoubtedly made a comeback this season, with thousands of fashion junkies trying to get their hands on a fur keyring, clutch or winter coat. But why has everyone all of a sudden gone faux crazy? That's easy to answer...Shrimps! No not the little prawn creature you pop into your chow mien, Shrimps, a small label that sells brightly coloured faux fur products that dominated the Autumn/Winter fashion weeks, even though they themselves did not host their own show. These coats were everywhere, and have got highstreet shops going fur mad. All of the biggest celebs seemed to be modelling these vibrant furry coats and bags, and have the papers going absolutely mad over Hannah Weiland and Shrimps. I am a massive supporter of this trend and am dying to get my hands on as much faux fur as I possibly can. These accessories have given life to the winter period, stomping on our old khaki trench and saying 'hey, why does winter have to be all about the dark sludgy colours?'. This look is essentially the Autumn/Winter version of last Summers Avant Garde all black look. 

If you haven't already seen some of these luscious products, here's a few snaps... 

Being a student I know that as much as it pains me, I can't afford any items from the Shrimps range, but being the bargain hunter I am have searched for a few places that a selling their own version of these crazy must-haves. 

These two are personal favourites of mine from MakeItFancyLondon. All their items can be seen on their Instagram account - @CHLOWEBB01

These are Asos own, just two of their many products online

And last but not least, this furry keyring is just £12.50 from spoiledbrat.co.uk !

Check out our S&K Insta account for more pictures of our fave faux fur items.

K.

London Fashion Week 2014

So as you know, over the summer I spent 3 months working as a web intern for House of Holland, and my god what an experience it was! This was my first time interning in the world of fashion and unless you've done it yourself, you definitely have no idea what is in store for you. Blood, sweat and tears is a saying that comes to mind. All the hard worked paid off in the end! I was lucky enough to be able to watch the SS15 show at London Fashion week!
Here are a few of the pics that I managed to take ... 

I learnt loads and had a blast along the way, making friendships with people i'm certain I will stay in touch with for years to come. 

And yes, when I left I got a few goodies from the stock room .. take a look - 

K. 

Socks and Sandals: Do's and Don'ts

So after much deliberation I have come to the conclusion that yes, socks and sandals are now acceptable in day to day fashion. BUT, there are still many rules that you must follow for it to be fashion forward thinking rather than old grandpa chic.

1- These sandals must be either, A- Sliders or B- Dollys

2- These can't be any plain jane socks. These socks can either be sports wear, those that accompany your typical Nike/Addidas sliders, crazy design socks e.g those with chips or cosmos covering them, frilly socks- yes those socks you used to wear when you were 5 are back in fashion and even I, a 19 year old girl have been wearing them, and it's acceptable ! I tend to pair these pastel frilly socks with my white dolly sandals, but can often be paired with plain coloured trainers.

3- Please DO NOT WEAR SOCKS WITH FLIP FLOPS, this is definitely not a good look. Whilst commuting into London every day for my internship there was one lady who continued to ignore this rule and without fail wore socks with flip flops every day. Hats off to her in that she honestly didn't care, but it was not a favourite outfit choice of mine.

4- Wear your socks sandals look with confidence. One thing that nobody can deny is that when you look confident in an outfit, others accept and appreciate your fashion choice a lot more than if they have seen a shy person who is questioning their outfit choice.

K.

The Glamour Of Italian Fashion

If you read my previous post on 'Wedding Dresses 1774-2014', you'll know that I was sent out to research exhibitions at the V&A for my fashion internship. I was lucky enough to be sent to the amazing 'The Glamour Of Italian Fashion. I had such an amazing day, walking round the beautiful museum and viewing some of the most stunning fashion in the industry.

The exhibition observes the development of Italian fashion from World War II through to the present day. It displays a long line up of designers from Sorelle Fontana and Giovanni Battista Giorgini to Giorgio Armani and Moschino. When walking around you really begin to appreciate the great quality of italian fashion, although this is seen as a typical cliche, it is one thing that particularly stands out.

The exhibit was set out into 5 rooms, each in chronological order of time period. The first from 1774, this displayed women’s wartime day suits. The government used this fashion to help them through the hard time and construct a sense of nationhood. 

The second showing the garments made after the war, the 'Return to luxury', specifically showing beautiful and colourful ball gowns.

 The third focused on the 1950s and 60s. It showed the influence from Hollywood, lots of glitz and glam, and displayed actors and actresses outfits from the period, such as Audrey Hepburn’s gown from ‘Love in the Afternoon’. 

The fourth room was the 'now', exhibiting modern designers and some of their current seasonal garments. 

And finally, the fifth room, 'The Future'. This room projected video interviews with known names of Italian fashion, discussing what they believe makes Italian fashion unique and what is in store for the future.

The  exhibition makes you appreciate the influence of Italian fashion worldwide and the beauty and quality of their garments.

K. 

TMI tag

1: What are you wearing?
S - Miss Selfridge jeans and a Warehouse T-Shirt, nothing too exciting for a lazy Sunday
K - What I wore to work today. My ripped River Island jeans, a white blouse and my mango sunset Roshe Runs

2: Ever been in love?
S - Yes.
K - Yeah

3: Ever had a terrible breakup?
S - Yes definitely a few of those under my belt.
K- When I was 13 I got broken up with via email! That was pretty embarrassing

4: How tall are you?
S -5'8
K- 5'7

5: How much do you weigh?
K- Lets be honest, even if we answered this we would lie!
S- Have to agree with K on this one!

6: Any tattoos?
S- Yes I have 4 at at the moment; a wolf on my ribs, Norwegian writing on my hip and and owl and a christmas tree on my ankles. 
K- Not yet, maybe one day

7: Any piercings?
S- I think at last count I had 10.
K- yeah, currently on 5

8: OTP?
S- I dont really know what this means but if its people you think should be together (I think thats what it is) then I would have to go with.... Me and Joe Dempsie!!
K- So my dream couple was Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, but thats kinda happened now sooooo Ryan Gosling and Natalie Portman.

9: Favorite show?
S- Im a game of thrones gal, but I will always love Secret Diary of a Call Girl.
K- This is so hard! I also love Game of Thrones, Sex And The City and Modern Family.
  10: Favorite bands?
S- I adore Bastille with all of my heart!
K- Currently listening to a lot of Chvrches and MS MR

11: Something you miss? 
S- Living on my own, i've had to move back home recently and i'm missing my independence.
K- My Friends from Uni

12: Favorite song?
S- Weird one but I have always loved Apres Moi by Eartha Kitt.
K- Currently Ed Sheeran's Thinking Out Loud, but this often changes on a daily basis.

13: How old are you?
S- 19
K- 19

14: Zodiac sign?
S- Sagittarius 
K- Gemini

15: Quality you look for in a partner?
S- I look for (probably because I need it more than I like it) someone who will be assertive and won't let me walk all over them.
K- Someone who shares my sense of humour and also has similar interests.

16: Favorite Quote?
S- Make the decision to be who you want to be - My Grandmother (and probably someone else first)
K- I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will - Charlotte Bronte

17: Favorite actor?
S- Stephen Fry or Jim Sturgess 
K- Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson

18: Favorite color?
S- I love Red but I also love muted neon greens 
K- Either a duck egg blue or bright orange

19: Loud music or soft?
S- Mostly loud.
K- Entirely depends on my mood

20: Where do you go when you’re sad?
S- I tend to drive when i'm sad... although mostly to Brighton if I can. 
K- I don't really have a specific place where I go.

21: How long does it take you to shower?
S- On average 20 mins if i'm rushing.
K- Usually around 15 minutes

22: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
S- I wake up about an hour and a half before work to get ready without being too stressed.
K- 45 minutes if it's just work, up to an hour if I'm off out for the day.

23: Ever been in a physical fight?
S- Yes, but looking back on it, it was kind of pathetic fighting.
K- No , but is it weird that I kinda want to be?

24: Turn on?
S- A guy who is ambitious and wears suits..... and has tattoos.
K- A guy that isn't afraid to dance, i'm definitely one for having a boogie on a night out

25: Turn off?
S- I agree with K here but also someone too soppy, i'm not into that at all.
K- A guy that eats too little, I don't want him ordering the salad whilst I'm having a steak

26: The reason I started blogging?
S- I love reading blogs and I started thinking 'that would be a great blog post' about twice a day so I thought I probably should!
K- Been wanting to for ages and thought why not do it with my best friend.

27: Fears?
S- I'm terrified of cows. I also hate them. 
K- I'm pretty scared of Snakes 

28: Last thing that made you cry?
S- Blackfish the documentary - watch it!
K- Sheer tiredness

29: Last time you said you loved someone?
S- To my friend Kimi just now on the phone.
K- To My boyfriend 

30: Meaning behind your Blog Name?
S- I feel like this is quite self-explanatory. Its our initials.  
K- ^

31: Last book you read?
S- Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr (amazing by the way).
K- Wuthering Heights

32: The book you’re currently reading?
S- Magician by Raymond E. Feist (you may have noticed i'm partial to a bit of fantasy).
K- Woman In Black, I loved the stage show and was told the book was even better.

33: Last show you watched?
S- Hannibal 
K- American Horror Story

34: Last person you talked to?
S- My grandparents.
K- My Dad 

35: The relationship between you and the person you last texted?
S- It was actually a really old friend who I haven't spoken to in a while.
K- My sister 

36: Favorite food?
S- Probably sweet potato. Or any carb.
K- hmmmm Tzatsiki 

37: Place you want to visit?
S- New York, but I think I'm going soon!
K- Thailand

38: Last place you were?
S- Work in Wimbledon.
K- My Kitchen

39: Do you have a crush?
S- No, nothing exciting like that going on.
K- My boyfriend if that counts.

40: Last time you kissed someone?
S- I'm not really sure what kind of kiss this question is referring to but non-romantically it was probably my little cousin who came over for a visit.
K- Saying goodbye to my dad with a kiss on the cheek

41: Last time you were insulted?
S- Im thinking this is a good thing but I actually cant remember!
K- I'm not entirely sure , although I joke with my friends all the time.

42: Favorite flavor of sweet?
S- I love rhubarb and custards, but not the boiled kind.
K- Drumsticks

43: What instruments do you play??
S- I sing! But no instruments unless you count my rusty recorder skills.
K- I used to play the drums... not very well I must add

44: Favorite piece of jewellery?
S- My ring which I got for my 16th birthday and has not come off since, I don't think it actually does come off anymore. 
K- My Pandora earrings which I got for my birthday

45: Last sport you played?
S- Wow, probably years ago when I was still doing PE, I have a gym at my house so not really a sport kind of gal.
K- I threw a Rugby ball around on Sunday, does that count?

46: Last song you sang?
S- Daydreamer by Adele 
K- Somewhere Over The Rainbow 

47: Favorite chat up line?
S- Something genuine.
K- I'm not the best one with chat up lines

48: Have you ever used it?
S- Hmm well this doesn't really apply to my boring answer.
K- Agreed

49: Last time you hung out with anyone?
S- My friend lives with me so all the time really.
K- Last night I went with S to an exhibition then to the pub

50: Who should answer these questions next?
S- Anyone and Everyone! But a special shout out to Emilie at Someone in the Corner.