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. 

Going Bananas Over Zeadora

Recently I've been lucky enough to receive my gorgeous STEPHANIE clutch from Zeadora, a brand that came to my attention via instagram for their simplistic designs and beautiful marbled texture bags. 

The first collection was named after the founder Lisa's Grandmother, Zea Theodora, and were all entitled after her favourite songs that she used to play on the piano. I feel that brands that have these extremely personal touches seem to have an extra drive and liveliness behind them, which is most definitely the case for the Zeadora boxes! The second collection, which my STEPHANIE clutch is part of, became more vibrant and bold in their designs, but just as luxurious as the originals, whilst appealing to a wider audience. 

Each clutch comes with their own duster bag (as all good bags do), and two changeable gold and/or silver straps, depending on your choice of design. Mine currently dons the heavier and thicker chain, for a more casual day-to-day look, but I know that I will definitely be using the thinner one come my Summer holiday to Mexico, for a stylish evening look. 

I have to say aside from their STEPHANIE clutch, which I am undoubtedly in love with, I have also had my eye on the wonderful ROMY. Fingers crossed, I might be able to get my hands on this one after payday or as a treat for my Birthday! 

Here's a little peak at the whole collection. Thanks so much to Lisa and the Zeadora team for my bag, a timeless piece that I can strut my stuff in whether it's for a meal, day out, evening or occasion. 

SS17 Style Update

It's finally here, the season that everyone has been anticipating since September's Fashion Weeks...SS17! And as we've swiftly passed the 20th of March, the official date for Spring, we are now striding into the months that will bring us longer days and warmer months HOORAAAAH! To celebrate I've created this SS17 Style Update of trends that I will be channeling this season...

Bows, Bows, Bows
Here's a trend that has definitely taken over my wardrobe. Sweet little decorative bows, an intricate or large details that give your outfit a little extra va va voom. This is one that can be worn at the workplace, weekends and in the evenings! The following are just two examples of this trend currently in my wardrobe.


Slingbacks
Everybody's wearing them, your boss, your mates, that super-cool stylish lady on the tube. Unfortunately, not me... YET. Payday has arrived and I'm pretty sure I'll be treating myself to the following, a complete gem from Next.

Ruffles and Frills 
Another trend I just can't seem to get enough of, perfect for giving your outfit either a little or big statement. I've covered this one before in my Statement Sleeves post, but it's still on my list. My favourite Ruffled item has to be this little H&M number.

Slippers
Perfect for work and paired with some fishnet socks, slippers are a comfortable alternative this Spring, and as I can't resist a bit of metallic here are my top pick from ASOS. 

Statement Earrings
This one has really excited me. I've delved into my old jewellery box and dug out the old hoops! Here are some new statement earrings I picked up from H&M, a perfect addition to a simple and classic outfit. You could even add a pair to your work outfit for dinner and drinks to change your whole ensemble's vibe. 

Shakets

All I am going to do with this trend is leave you with this gorgeous Patched Camo from Mango... enough said.

Statement Sleeves

I'm not sure whether you guys have noticed, but statement sleeves are a big deal at the moment, and definitely a trend that I've jumped on board with! I can't help it, I do love a simple top that has a certain flair which makes it unique. I love this trend so much that I think I'm going to have to force myself to stop buying statement sleeve tops. Hopefully this trend isn't a fad that's going to go out of fashion soon, as I've invested a bit too much money in it. 

I've recently started my new job as a Junior Product Stylist for Net-a-Porter, and since getting the role have treated myself to a bit of retail therapy. Here are a few of my statement sleeves that I'm loving at the moment...

My simple ribbed top from H&M with ruffled sleeves.

My oldest statement sleeve purchase from December. A black jumper from Warehouse with sheer oversized and frilled sleeves. 

A cute little gingham number from ASOS.

Probably the most casual of the bunch, a grey jumper with shirt sleeves from Next.

And last but not least, this grey sweater with flute sleeves from Marks & Specers - it's super soft, I could wear it every day! 

How To Style A Pair of Joggers

AW16 and SS17 have seen the rise of the tracksuit, whether it be an apres chic zip-up jacket or a well-loved pair of striped joggers, they are back and better than ever. The issue with trends like these are that they are all fine and well until you try styling them in an outfit yourself. It's particularly tricky to get the right balance of relaxed-casual and stylish. Typically, you'll still have some friends saying 'you're wearing trackies?!', but hey, it's all in the confidence, and let's be honest everyone's wearing them at the moment. Bloggers and vloggers have united over their tracksuit love. I had a go at styling my very own pair of H&M joggers with satin stripes...

I paired my set of joggers with a long-sleeve ruffled rib top to balance out the look with a few feminine features. Subtle details that draw you away from the key piece (the joggers), and add an extra element. 

Here you can see the ruffled hems, drawstring waist-line and my gorgeous Wolf & Badger ring.

I topped it off with my pair of Puma Heritage Basket Classics Trainers, which are my ultimate go-to of the moment.

I hope this has helped you out with how to style your very own pair of joggers! 

K. x

Mr Porter's Social Media & Marketing Writer Charlie Robertson Shares Her AW Must-Haves, Style Influencers, and What To Watch Out For In SS17

I'm lucky enough to have a complete star of a sister who is a Social Media & Marketing Writer for the amazing Mr Porter. She has always been a big style influence on me, so I thought it suit to share with you her style guru tips and tricks for AW and what she's looking forward to in SS17... 

It’s happened again. Winter crept on us. One minute we’re last-minute shopping for bikinis, telling ourselves that next year will be different and we won’t leave it till the day before we fly (year, right) and the next, we’re buying winter coats on our lunch breaks because, well – you get the picture.

I’m unorganised. Always have been and most probably always will be. So for me, what I wear on any given day depends largely on how motivated I’m feeling in the morning when I get up. Will I wear makeup today? Should I make an effort with my hair? Can I wear a dungaree to the office three days in a row or will they notice? These sort of questions. However, unlike a lot of people, I love winter wardrobes. In the summer I tend to live in the same pair of ripped BDG jeans and white &otherstories T-shirt (it’s okay to be basic, right?), but in winter, that’s when my cupboard full of jumpers can come out to play.

Below I’ve listed some of my must-haves (ehem, that means Christmas list in case my boyfriend happens to be reading this and needs any subtle hints...) for the season and my style influences (brace yourselves) and finally, what I’m looking forward to for next season. Enjoy!

THE BOOTS

It seems like everyone under sun owns a pair of black over-the-knee boots these days – so this season I’m opting for brown. A little more boho and a lot more unusual, I can’t wait to get my hands on a pair of these.

THE DREAM

Stuart Weitzman, Midland suede over-the-knee boots

THE REALITY

Missguided, nude faux suede flat over the knee boots

THE COAT

You can pretend you don’t need a new winter coat – and you may even believe yourself for a little while – but as soon as you start to see everyone in their oversized vogue-worthy floor-sweeping coats, you’re going to want one yourself. Here’s what I’m after.

THE DREAM

The Row, Lanja belted double-faced coat

THE REALITY

New Look, Grey Belted Longline Coat 

THE ROLLNECK JUMPER

The ultimate winter essential – I’m already on my way to buying my second one of the season. It’s like a scarf and jumper all rolled into one, how can you not want one?

THE DREAM

Thomas Maier, Cable-knit wool-blend and scuba-jersey turtleneck sweater

THE REALITY

H&M, Knitted Polo-neck Jumper 

THE SLIP DRESS

I know what you’re thinking. It’s winter, why am I wearing a slip dress. But throwing on a slip dress over a long sleeve polo-neck is a great option if you’re heading straight out after work (or just want to lend a more feminine feel to looks).

THE DREAM

Ganni, Satin maxi dress

THE REALITY 

Zara, Checked Slip Dress 

STYLE INFLUENCES

Here are a few of my favourite Instagram accounts that I follow for style inspiration.

@bethanymarieco

@weworewhat

@jordanrisa

@happilygrey

@liketoknow.it

SS17

What I’m looking forward to...

SPORTSWEAR

Being able to wear trainers year-round will just never get old. That and the fact you don’t have to think too hard about what you’re wearing in the morning means that this trend is always top of my list.

80s

Oversized and flamboyant, the 80s were all about being bold – which is why I can’t wait to embrace this trend. I plan on ransacking my parents’ wardrobe in search of shoulder-pads, retro jumpers and brighter than bright colours.

DECONSTRUCTED SHIRTING

This one’s always a yes from me. Palmer and Harding are always on point with this, but Zara always do great copies at high-street prices. Deconstructed shirts are a great way to jazz up your work wardrobe.

RUFFLES/TULLE

Okay, so maybe I wont be parading around in a pink tulle dress, Carrie Bradshaw style, but Chloe’s whimsical collections never fail to inspire me. It might not be my typical style, but I always love trying new things!

Hope you have enjoyed this guest feature. Follow Charlie on Instagram @suchacharlie 

Love, 

K.

NEW: Brand of The Week

Hey guys! Welcome to my new weekly series 'Brand of The Week'. Each week I'll be sharing some products from a new found love, whether it be fashion, beauty, jewellery, homeware or food. I decided to start this up as I've recently found soooooo many beautiful, weird and wonderful things, and I can't just keep them all to myself! 

So here it goes. My first ever brand of the week is...

A Weathered Penny

I can't get over their simple, elegant AND affordable jewellery! And if that's not enough to convince you, they have just launched a new platform called Beneath AWP, which gives online shoppers the opportunity to read up on the latest news in fashion, style tips, exclusive offers and behind the scenes of their company. 

Here are just a select few of their gorgeous pieces... 

They also do the cutest mini range about! look... 

I hope you guys have enjoyed the first of my 'Brand Of the Week' series, and you've fallen in love with A Weathered Penny as much as I have! 

K.